Naruto's been gone for eight months, missing for seven, and declared dead for four when Kakashi feels it. It's faint, barely there, and he thinks there's absolutely no way.
But he feels it. Maybe Kakashi wouldn't have, if he wasn't pack, but he was, IS.
He summons his ninken without realizing it, all of them staring at him as if he's grown a second head, but Kakashi can't stop, can't think, can only act.
"Spread out, head west, I sensed something."
"You're not even on duty," Pakkun grumbles, pawing at his own nose, as if something's bothering it. It's pre-dawn, and the pug looks like he'd much rather be asleep.
"Pakkun, please."
He doesn't think he's ever seen them run quite that fast before. Maybe it had been the look in his eyes, or the desperation in his voice, but he doesn't bother questioning it. He follows hot on their trail, ears prickling, waiting to hear the yip that will point him in the right direction.
It doesn't take long to pick it up.
"Boss, it's-!"
"I know," he hums, voice thick. "I sensed his chakra, I-"
He's alive, he's alive, I knew-
I knew he couldn't be dead. Not him, anyone but him.
He hits his knees, unconcerned with the puddle of blood that will no doubt force him to toss this particular pair of trousers in the trash as soon as possible, and runs his hands over Naruto's frame, searching for open wounds, breaks, sprains, reactions. The longer he searches, the more he finds, what the hell happened, who hurt you?
Kakashi doesn't realize he's crying until something wet falls on the scarred face in his lap, following the curve of his cheek and disappearing into dull blond hair that's caked with blood.
"Damn you," he whispers, watching the shallow rise and fall of Naruto's chest, watching his unresponsive face. "You really scared me, you know. The council decided you were dead and everything." He clears his throat, trying to relieve the lump that's building up, trying to speak without falling apart. "Don't you ever fuckingscare me like that again, do you hear me? I can't- I can't-" His voice breaks, his heart tearing itself to shreds. "No, you know what? From here on out, you're stuck in the village with me. I'm never, ever, ever letting you out of my sight again."
/
Kakashi doesn't know how much time passes while he waits, counting the younger man's breaths and running his fingers through his matted hair. All he knows is that the man he loves is still alive, he's still alive, and Kakashi's not going to let a single thing keep them apart ever again. Not the village, not their friends, and absolutely not his own damned fears.
All the air leaves him when he feels it, the hesitant touch, and his eyes fly open, drowning in an ocean of blue.
"You look… like shit," comes his soft, broken voice, "Kakashi."
Uninterrupted, Kakashi's tears fall, making tracks through the blood and grime on Naruto's face. "Fuck you, I thought you were dead."
Naruto's working hand tightens around Kakashi's forearm. "Ah… Does that-" he coughs, and Kakashi absently wipes at the blood trickling out of the corner of his mouth with his thumb, as if the younger man isn't already covered in his own blood, "-mean you read… my letter?"
In the distance, he can hear several pairs of feet racing toward them, and the sound of his hounds, but Kakashi only has eyes for him. "I read your letter." It bothers him that the blond isn't blinking, but he thinks maybe Naruto's doing his best not to pass out again. "Naruto…"
"Hm?"
"I love you," he whispers. "I love you, so please stay with me."
He doesn't know whether or not to be relieved when Naruto smiles up at him.
/
Kakashi has no idea how Shikamaru manages to keep the whole ordeal quiet, but he doesn't bother questioning it. He's hanging on to his sanity by a thread, watching the hours tick by, waiting to hear anything, any scrap of news from the surgeon working to save his- his…
Should he say his lover? His boyfriend? None of the words that come to his mind really fit, though, so he shoves the thought away. It doesn't really matter what label they apply. Naruto loves him, and he loves Naruto, and that's all that matters now.
When he and the medics returned to the village, they'd taken the ANBU passages straight to the hospital. Shikamaru had already secured a surgeon and locked down the wing they were currently occupying, so Kakashi reluctantly relinquished his grip on the blond and resigned himself to his fate.
"It's not really protocol, but Naruto's a special case, you know? We don't know what happened to him, and we don't know if he's going to be a danger to himself or others, not to mention whether he's still being pursued. It's best if we keep his status a secret for now, don't you think, Hokage-sama?"
To be completely honest, Kakashi knows Shikamaru doesn't think Naruto's going to be a danger to anybody. He knows Shikamaru intends to allow Naruto to recover before they reveal that he's alive and home. Both are very well aware that Naruto's friends, not to mention a majority of the villagers, will be overjoyed to know he's back from the dead. And they will want to see him, and they will pester him about what happened. They don't want that for him.
And Kakashi's grateful, because Shikamaru has also permitted him to bring his work to the recovery room so that he can stay with Naruto until he's released.
But Naruto's still in surgery.
Kakashi had listened to Shikamaru's thinly veiled threats and cleaned himself up before returning to the hospital, has paced the halls, has stamped more mission reports than he can count, has reviewed what feels like hundreds of new treaties (even though he knows there were only twenty-three). He's starting to grow uncomfortably impatient. He'd known the extent of Naruto's injuries, known how badly he'd been hurt, but seriously, why aren't they finished yet?
Breathe. He was awake, he was responsive, he was talking to me.
"Rokudaime-sama."
He pivots, meeting the surgeon's gaze head on.
"He's stable, the nurse is moving him to a recovery room now. His injuries were worse than we first thought, but we managed to avoid permanent damage to anything other than the right arm and, unfortunately, his throat. We believe he underwent multiple traumas to the neck and throat, though we won't be sure how extensive they are until he wakes. A lot of the scarring will remain."
"He was able to speak to me," Kakashi interjects immediately. "He regained consciousness for a short period of time after I found him and spoke a handful of words, but I could tell he'd received heavy damage."
"I'm amazed he could speak at all," the doctor replies just as swiftly. "And when he wakes up, I think it would be best if he avoided speaking at all until we're sure the damage has healed. He won't be back on active duty for the rest of the year, considering the circumstances."
Kakashi can only nod.
"You may go to him, Hokage-sama. Call for somebody immediately if he wakes."
He gathers his things, well aware that it will be a miracle if Naruto even resurfaces before the week is up. He doesn't have high expectations about that, but he supposes, after everything, nothing will surprise him anymore. Not when it comes to Naruto.
/
"You still... look like shit."
The folder slips out of Kakashi's hand and lands with a smack on the small table beside the oddly comfortable chair where he's taken up semi-permanent residency. And then Naruto's words register, Kakashi panics, and a smile finds its way onto Naruto's face.
How can you smile when you must be in so much pain?
"The doctor doesn't want you to talk," he mutters dumbly, scrubbing a hand through his hair. Apparently, Kakashi can still be surprised. The younger man has only been out of surgery for roughly twelve hours.
Naruto doesn't bother hiding his grimace, but he resigns with a nod, giving Kakashi a curious look.
"Ah… You were in surgery for nine hours. You've been in recovery for twelve." He rubs at the back of his neck. "Your right arm is gone again. Somebody tried to rearrange your organs, but they're all in the correct places again. The doctor is concerned that you'll have permanent damage to your throat. And I'm supposed to call somebody the minute you're awake." He stands as he says so, reaching for the call button at the edge of the bed. Naruto's hand wraps around his wrist before he can press it.
'Stay,' he taps out in Morse Code, and Kakashi beats back a wave of tears with all of his willpower.
He hums, stroking Naruto's cheek with his empty hand before dropping a kiss to his bruised temple. "You don't understand. I am never letting you out of my sight."
The tender look he receives when he straightens up plucks at his heartstrings. Naruto doesn't let go of his wrist, and Kakashi knows better than to try and pull away, so he wraps his own hand around Naruto's, running his thumb back and forth over his pulse.
Kakashi can't even begin to imagine the harm inflicted upon Naruto if he looks this bad despite the protective fox who often heals Naruto the moment he receives a blow. How much damage was caused if even the fox, for all of his strength, was unable to heal him? How many repetitive injuries had he sustained if the fox was unable to keep healing him?
I'll kill them.
He meets Naruto's gaze again when he feels the message being tapped out against his wrist, ignoring the two nurses fluttering around their patient in shocked disarray. Really, if they weren't ready to handle the patient, they should have given themselves a moment. It's not like the blond is going anywhere. 'Thinking too hard,' Naruto taps, looking mildly amused.
'I nearly lost you,' he replies, and he knows what Naruto is going to say next, so he counters the 'wouldn't be the first time' before it can be executed. 'I couldn't find you.'
But underneath Naruto's amusement is an understanding that rips Kakashi's strength to shreds. He drops back into the chair, but Naruto still holds on. All Kakashi can do is shift a little closer (not that he has to go far) so that he isn't uncomfortable.
/
The third time Naruto wakes after Kakashi finds him at the edge of Fire Country's border, several of his injuries have closed up enough to scab over. He'd eventually crashed after initially regaining consciousness in the hospital, and then proceeded to sleep for five days. Five days that nearly drove Kakashi up a wall with madness.
He doesn't even realize Naruto's awake until he catches movement out of the corner of his eye. Movement, because the idiot is attempting to sit up.
"What do you think you're doing?!"
Naruto blinks at him owlishly, cheeks flushing red from embarrassment.
Kakashi sags. "Naruto. As much as I would love to tell you you're allowed to take a trip to the restroom on your own, you're hooked up to a catheter for a reason."
The blond rolls his eyes, holding out his hand impatiently. Kakashi acquiesces to his request without a second thought.
'I'm not trying to go anywhere, I was just trying not to get caught.'
"Why?"
'I like watching you work.'
Kakashi hums, absently pressing a kiss to the back of Naruto's hand before he gets up and leaves another against his forehead, propping a spare pillow behind his shoulders so he's not completely reclined, but not sitting up too far, either.
"Is that better?"
Before Kakashi can step back, Naruto has hooked his arm around Kakashi's waist and pulled himself up enough to hug him, pressing his forehead into Kakashi's stomach. And what can he do? He won't pull away, not when he relishes in this closeness, not when it's something Naruto so clearly wants, needs, so the Rokudaime holds him, running his fingers through Naruto's hair, stroking his cheeks, his shoulders, everywhere he can reach.
'Tell me you love me,' is tapped out against his hip.
"I love you," he replies immediately, hoarsely, undeterred by the small hitch in his younger lover's breath. "I love you, so please stay with me."
Naruto nods against his stomach, attempting to pull Kakashi closer. It takes another minute or so before he's able to coax the younger man into leaning back, but he presses a light kiss to his lips for his cooperation. Naruto doesn't even seem to care that he was just kissed through a mask, cheeks flushed, an annoyingly bright smile lifting the corners of his mouth.
And Kakashi loves him.
/
"...allowed you to speak. As your throat and neck healed, it's likely the use of your voicebox has diminished, Uzumaki-san. I'm sorry to say that your chances of ever speaking again are slim."
Kakashi truly doesn't know what to expect after the doctor leaves, so when Naruto turns to him with a small smile, he wonders if the blond has lost his mind. What would a sane person do with the information that they can no longer speak?
'I may not have a voice, but that doesn't mean I can't speak.'
Ah. Kakashi squeezes his hand lightly, eyes tracing Naruto's face, his neck, the thick, pink scars mostly hidden under his t-shirt. "Shikamaru plans on making the announcement today. People are getting pretty angry that I've been away from the public for so long." He sighs. "I don't particularly care, but he says it's time to share you anyway."
'You've had me all to yourself for two months.'
But as Kakashi studies him, he can only say, "That's not nearly enough time." He's starting to suspect that not even forever could be enough time.
'You have me for as long as you want me, Kakashi, but people can't go on thinking I'm dead when I'm not.'
Nor do I want them to. He sighs. "I know. And just so we're clear, I want you forever." He presses a kiss to the back of his hand just before the door slides open and Shikamaru steps inside.
"I summoned our friends here to the hospital," he says, hands in his pockets. "I'm going to tell them first." Kakashi's advisor makes an annoyed face. "None of them know Morse code, so I guess you get to keep Hokage-sama with you for now, but he will have to return to the office soon."
'It's okay, I'm confined to the village for the next four months anyway, so I'll make myself a nuisance in the office.'
Kakashi relays his message without bothering to hide his smile. Why should he pretend he isn't infinitely pleased and relieved? Why should he act like the idea of Naruto driving Shikamaru and himself both up a wall is a bad thing when two months ago they still believed he was dead?
Even Shikamaru gives the blond a fond look. "I'm just glad they finally let you take a shower," he remarks, slipping out of the room before Naruto's pillow can make contact with his back.
'Kakashi.'
He meets Naruto's gaze, concerned. It's rare that Naruto addresses him so plainly, and to do so when he knows his friends can't be far…
'You'll stay with me, right?'
His breath tries to catch in his throat, but Kakashi doesn't let it stop him from replying without hesitation. "I'm here, Naruto. I'm yours, I'm not going to let anything stop me from being at your side." Kakashi's grip tightens around his hand, though the blond doesn't flinch. "Please understand, I thought I lost you. I can't. I can't lose you. Not today, not ever."
This time, it's Naruto who places a light kiss to the back of Kakashi's hand before releasing it, and then spelling out in perfect sign, 'I don't have to communicate in Morse all the time.'
Kakashi doesn't even get the chance to respond to the fact that Naruto has kept this piece of information a secret to keep Kakashi around before the door slides open once again and Sakura steps into the room with a stack of scrolls in her hands, nose buried into the one she has open on top. "Kakashi-sensei, Shikamaru said you were here, and I haven't seen you literally at all in months. I started to wonder if you hadn't up and disappeared. If it wasn't for Shika-"
The scrolls fall. The door slides open again, and a handful of jounin crowd into the room. Kakashi intends to blend into the woodwork and wait it out, but before he can take a single step, a hand snakes out and grasps at his kimono.
The silence goes on forever, until Shikamaru shoves his way to the front of the group and plants himself facing the others from the opposite side of Naruto's bed, arms crossed.
"Two months ago, Hokage-sama sensed a familiar chakra signature all the way from the border between Fire and Rain. He and his ninken were able to locate Naruto and immediately informed me that he had been found in critical condition."
Kakashi hadn't realized his hand was combing through Naruto's hair, but he supposes he's going to be the one speaking for him anyway, so it doesn't really matter if he can't keep his hands to himself. "Naruto is unable to use his voice," he says, to get it out of the way. "Both he and his partner have made a miraculous recovery, but his body just isn't the same as it was before, though he seems to be taking it a lot better than you."
"Naruto-kun! I Am So Very Pleased That You Have Youthfully Returned To Us! Please Forgive Us For Our Shock!"
'Tell him thank you for me, please.' Naruto shoots Kakashi a small smile, and then Lee a much larger one.
"Lee-kun, Naruto would like to thank you. And so would I."
Lee's eyes widen and then he squeals, bouncing forward to pull the two of them into an awkward but not unwelcome embrace. "MAY THE SPRINGTIME OF YOUTH CONTINUE TO BLOOM FOR YOU BOTH! I MUST FIND GAI-SENSEI! I AM VERY HAPPY TO SEE YOU AGAIN, NARUTO-KUN!"
Lee leaps out the window, but his enthusiasm has broken the ice enough for Sakura and Sai both to step forward, firing off questions that Naruto doesn't bother trying to answer, but listens to nonetheless.
"Maa," he finds himself interrupting, "are you trying to give me a headache, Sakura-chan?"
She shakes a fist at him. "You've been here the whole time! Why didn't you tell me? I could have done something to help!"
Kakashi heaves a sigh.
/
Naruto is pleased to see his friends, he really, really is! It's just, it's a lot of excitement, and he's gotten pretty used to the quiet. Kakashi talks to him, of course he does! But Kakashi's voice isn't loud, or sharp, or annoying, and Naruto knows he keeps his tone soft for both of their sakes.
He's already tired, which is annoying, but to be expected after spending three months in captivity and another two cooped up in the hospital to heal.
Not to mention he doesn't have the heart to even attempt to respond to any of them without using Kakashi as a medium.
Naruto tightens his hold on the Hokage's kimono, filling with a new bout of affection for the man. He doesn't think he'll ever tire of Kakashi's voice telling him-telling Naruto-that he loves him.
And sure, he's had to sit through several sessions with a close-mouthed Yamanaka in order to prove that he's not mentally unstable, and is, in fact, fully prepared to be back out in the world, but Kakashi had refused to leave his side even during those.
Personally, Naruto has been through enough traumas that being held for a few months while some violent losers attempt to steal his partner from him is kind of… underwhelming? Come on, he's faced down some crazy dudes! A few guys with ugly faces and even uglier personalities, who don't actually know what they're doing, aren't going to really be able to beat him. Not forever, at least.
And okay, these guys got lucky because they had a bloodline limit, he can admit that. But Naruto escaped, didn't he?
Still, he listens to his friends talk at him, taking a good look at each of them. And he sees things, things that weren't there before. Like Hinata, fingers intertwined with Neji's while they welcome him back. About time. And Ino, tracking Sakura with her eyes whenever the opportunity presents itself. He eyes Kiba and Choji and Shikamaru while a thought bugs him.
I have to tell Iruka before Shikamaru announces anything to the rest of the village!
'Iruka,' he taps against Kakashi's hip, though he nods at Hinata's gentle question about if he's allowed to eat ramen yet.
"Ah," Kakashi answers softly. "I thought the same thing. Shikamaru, have you spoken to Iruka?"
On his other side, Shikamaru simply nods. "I'm kicking everybody out of here in a little bit, and I thought you might like to stretch your legs. You'll have to use a henge so you don't cause an uproar, though, Naruto. I told him I would be sending somebody by and that he should keep his afternoon free."
He nods, a little stiff, and tries to decide if Kakashi would be able to go with him.
"I'm sorry, Naruto, but I really do need him back at the office this afternoon."
Honestly, he's not even surprised that Shikamaru knows what he's thinking without him needing to bring it up.
After everybody finally says their goodbyes for the day, the door slides open one more time and Gaara takes a hesitant step inside. And this time, Naruto practically throws himself out of bed to hug his friend, not even caring that the Kazekage looks positively shocked.
"Ah, Kazekage-sama," Kakashi says, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to fully explain why I was asking you to come. The majority of the village doesn't know, yet."
"Naruto?"
He takes a small step back before Gaara can even attempt to return the hug, signing rapidly even though it's unlikely anybody in the room can keep up. Naruto's relieved. The last time he'd been in Suna, he'd left a letter with Gaara, a letter that was only to be opened if Naruto met his untimely death. He'd meant every word in it, of course, but Gaara's a bigger softy on the inside than even Kakashi, so Naruto had hoped to see him soon.
He doesn't remember ever telling Kakashi, of course, but Kakashi hadn't needed him to, clearly.
"Yes, my siblings are fine. No, I'm not mad at you. I'm grateful and pleased that you're alive and at home. Yes, Sasuke has been staying in Suna for a few months, but he accompanied me back to Konoha and is waiting outside to see why I was summoned."
Shikamaru slouches, looking put upon. "I'll fetch him, Naruto. Hokage-sama, I'll be expecting you by this afternoon, and so help me, if you're late, I will send Gai-sensei after you."
Not two minutes later, while the two Kage in the room continue to make small talk, the door slams open and Naruto is nearly knocked to the ground by the force in which Sasuke slams into him, so it takes him a moment to realize that he's being hugged so hard that his scars are pulled taut. He ignores the discomfort and taps out a greeting in Morse against his friend's spine.
"Are you okay?"
'Yes.'
"Is there somebody I can kill?"
Silent laughter shakes him, but Sasuke only holds on tighter. 'I already did.'
A scoff. "You're no fun." He doesn't let go for another minute or so, but his eyes are suspiciously red when he finally steps back. Naruto pretends he doesn't notice, scratching at his cheek sheepishly.
Gaara leaves Kakashi's side, squeezing Naruto's shoulder lightly. "I will return when things calm back down. Don't disappear again."
'Don't worry,' he signs, shooting the Hokage a smirk, 'I don't think Kakashi is going to let me out of the village for quite a while. If ever.'
"Damn straight," the man adds, though his nose is buried in one of Ero-Sennin's books.
Idiot.
/
Naruto stands on Iruka's doorstep, heart in his ruined throat. What is he supposed to say? He hasn't had to do any of the actual explaining up until now, thank Kami for Kakashi and Shikamaru. And yet, Iruka's the hardest one.
His henge is perfect, as usual, but…
That might work.
He flares his chakra just so. He doesn't bother knocking, because he hears the sudden, panicked scramble inside Iruka's house, the rush to get to the door and fervid dismantling of the locks.
They stare at each other.
'May I come in, Iruka-sensei?' Naruto finally signs, half-tempted to pray.
Iruka's face falls and he steps back. The moment the door shuts, Naruto releases his transformation and finds himself wrapped in one of Iruka's bone-crushing, soul-healing hugs.
"Tell me everything."
So he does. He starts at the beginning, giving Iruka the full story in excruciating detail just as he had for Kakashi when he was finally able to keep his eyes open for more than an hour at a time. They both cry, they both laugh, and Naruto feels lighter than he has since before the whole ordeal by the time he leaves Iruka's that night.
He doesn't return to the hospital, relieved to finally be free of the place. He could go to Hokage Tower if he wanted, but Naruto would much rather find a soft surface and go to sleep.
The blond slips through Kakashi's window soundlessly, despite knowing the Hokage isn't home. It's not late, but he's had a particularly long day, and maybe… maybe Kakashi won't mind if Naruto just… takes a nap on his sofa. Right?
He hums, content with sinking into the cushions and curling himself around one of the throw pillows. He's out before he registers the rest of Kakashi's pack settling around him protectively. He doesn't dream.
/
A part of Kakashi hopes that Naruto will be in his apartment by the time he leaves the office. He's not sure-Naruto and Iruka are close, and it would make sense if his lover stayed the night at the other man's house. Honestly, it's very possible Naruto stopped by his own apartment and went to bed.
But he hopes his blond is in Kakashi's apartment, because at least he'll be with their pack and their pack is safe.
He is not disappointed when he finally gets home. There Naruto is, curled up on the couch with the hounds watching over him. Kakashi can breathe.
You could have gone to the bed, though, Naruto. Instead, you'll make this old man carry you. He tosses his robe over the back of the couch and slips his arms under the younger man's frame, uncomfortable with the amount of weight he's lost because of… the incident.
A gentle sigh escapes his lover's mouth, slim fingers clutching at Kakashi's sleeve.
Naruto...is beautiful.
Kakashi strips him of his layers, leaving him in his shorts and t-shirt, and then drags himself away to get ready for bed before joining the man he loves under the covers, pressing his nose into that soft yellow hair and breathing in the scent of summer rain and clean laundry and sunlight.
"I love you," he whispers against the side of Naruto's head, "so please stay with me."
/
It's far too early in the morning when he wakes up. Fortunately, his hounds don't bother themselves with barking if somebody's knocking on his door. Unfortunately, some people don't know how to stay away during the ungodly hours right before dawn.
Still he doesn't get up, just pulls the soft warmth of his companion closer and-oh. Overwhelmed, a trembling sigh escapes him.
'I love you,' is gently tapped out against his cheek. Shortly followed by, 'I think Bushier Brows-sensei may force his way in whether you like it or not.'
Unfortunately, Naruto is correct, but Kakashi can't bring himself to care. So what if Gai suddenly remembers that he already has a key to Kakashi's apartment? The man is his best friend, and something tells Kakashi that the whole reason he's making a fuss about being let in in the first place is so that nobody's caught off guard.
However, it's far too early, and Kakashi really wouldn't mind going back to sleep sometime soon, so it might be best if they get this over with now. He sighs, pushing himself up with one hand, though not before pulling Naruto back into his arms with a promising kiss.
Gai blinks at him when he yanks the door open and turns away, fist still raised mid-knock. "RIVAL!"
"Gai," he rumbles, already headed back to his bedroom. His front door clicks shut and Gai follows.
Naruto waves at him from the bed, pleased as punch.
"NARUTO-KUN! How Are You Feeling?"
'Much better, and very glad to be out of the hospital,' the blond signs, unbothered when Kakashi drops face-first onto the mattress, one arm draped over his lap.
With Naruto's hand no longer in his sight, Kakashi doesn't know what he might be saying, but he finds he doesn't mind. If it's important enough, Gai will either comment, or Naruto will fill him in later.
"Naruto." This time, Gai's a little further into the room, and his tone belies the fact that he's not putting up a front anymore. "I am truly relieved that you are alive and well. Do not let Kakashi pretend. He was hardly functioning even before the council declared your death."
If Kakashi had the energy, he might have tried to silence his friend. Or, maybe he wouldn't have. He'd had plenty of time to reconsider what he should have done differently, especially when it comes to Naruto. Hiding the fact that he'd nearly torn himself to shreds when he thought Naruto was lost forever is no better than pretending he would be better off if they weren't together. How can he face the man he loves every day if he's not honest about how important Naruto is to him?
"I see," comes Gai's voice again. Kakashi kind of regrets not keeping at least one eye one the blond's hand. "Thank you, Naruto. I'll see myself out."
Kakashi doesn't move until the front door clicks shut, and even then, he only rolls himself further into Naruto's lap. His lover smiles down at him, hand coming to rest against Kakashi's neck.
'I want to wake up with you every day.'
Speechless, he can only nod. It's not even a question. There are no more doubts in his mind-anything Naruto asks for, if it's within his power, Kakashi will give it to him. And if it isn't, he'll figure out who can.
'And I'd really like to kiss you again.'
Oh.
Well, that can absolutely be arranged.
'And you should get some more sleep before Shika demands your return.'
He doesn't whine, but it's a near thing. "Kiss first, then sleep."
Naruto rolls his eyes, smiling all the while, and then leans forward to press an upside down kiss to his mouth. Kakashi only has a moment to decide the blond tastes like toothpaste and sleep, and something distinct that Kakashi doesn't have a word for, before he realizes that his own face is not, in fact, covered.
But the thought leaves just as soon as it barges in. It's just another wall that he doesn't need. Not with Naruto. Not anymore.
/
"Kakashi." The voice scrapes against itself, like the speaker's throat is full of broken glass. But who would be in his lap at this hour-
Naruto…?
'I finished my mission early.' Mission, right. Naruto had been out of the village on a mission. He doesn't go out often. The specialists advised that he stick to light duty, and even Naruto had agreed that maybe it would be best if he kept to courier missions and diplomatic meetings. Still, he's not supposed to be back for another few days at the earliest. Kakashi can't bring himself to care, especially with the man he loves in his lap, saying his name like that-
Kakashi sits up straighter on the sofa, suddenly awake and alert, sliding his arms around his husband's waist. "You-"
'It's not much. I've been practicing. I think the nerves aren't receiving the proper messages from my brain, and the scar tissue prevents it from sounding very good.'
A year. It's been a year since Naruto was found, eight months since they moved in together, and four since their marriage. Kakashi has never been happier than he has been in the last four months. Except for now.
"I never thought I would hear your voice again."
A delicate kiss is placed against his throat, above his pulse. 'It's not the same.'
"I don't care, it's still yours. Still you." He leans back, meeting Naruto's gaze. His husband's eyes shine in the dark room, the only light coming from the bathroom down the hall. Suddenly, his face is a lot closer, foreheads knocking together, and the rest of him is a lot closer, too.
A whisper against his mouth, "I love you," followed by a deep, electrifying kiss. "I'll stay with you."
I love you, so please stay with me.