Work Text:
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I wanted to say thanks again
Today was fantastic
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it and want to do it again
How about we talk about our next date tomorrow?
I’d love to take you out this weekend
~K
My mom has already called to tell me what a darling she thinks you are
She’s right, you know
Call me after you get out of work?
I’m sure I’ll be home before you will
~*Iruka*~
Sounds like a plan
Sleep well and sweet dreams, dear Iruka
Until tomorrow
~K
I wanted to wish you a good morning while I wait on my coffee
The pack says hello too
One of my clients sent an email and canceled our meeting
Want to have lunch instead?
I’m free from 11:30-1:00
Text me if you can
Have a great day and hope to hear from you soon
~K
I’m guessing you’re busy since I haven’t heard from you
It’s a little after 9:15 and I just got done with my first client
Let me know about lunch soon if you can
I was thinking about South African
A new restaurant opened up about ten minutes from your office
~K
I’m going to swing by your office since I haven’t heard from you
I’m wondering if you might have left your phone at home again
We can decide on where to go when I get there
I am going to try to win you over with South African though
See you soon
~K
Kakashi stepped off the elevator at Iruka’s workplace a little before noon. Not only hadn’t he heard from his boyfriend but Genma hadn’t been answering his phone either. Iruka hadn’t told him about being bogged down by deadlines, but Kakashi knew it was a possibility in his line of work. Checking in with the receptionist, he thanked the elderly woman when he received permission to visit Iruka.
He rounded the corner to the lab Iruka was assigned to only to find it empty. Frowning at the discovery, Kakashi looked around for someone to ask about the art department’s whereabouts but everyone appeared engrossed in one task or another. He headed for Genma’s office and entered when he saw his friend at his desk speaking on the phone. Waiting patiently when he waved him closer, Kakashi sank into a chair and studied his surroundings. The architect in him admired the construction that he could see but determined it was basic. Looking at the subtle bulges in the walls indicating supports behind them, Kakashi snapped to attention when he heard his name.
“What brings you to my humble hellhole?” Genma asked, Kakashi chuckling at his friend’s choice of words.
“Have you seen Iruka? I’ve been trying to get ahold of him all day and he isn’t in the lab,” he responded, “I was hoping he’d have lunch with me.”
“He called in sick this morning,” Genma revealed, “From what I heard he sounded miserable but can’t confirm.”
“He hasn’t answered any of my texts either,” Kakashi said, rising from the chair, “I’m going to head out.”
“Let me know how Iruka is. I’m sure his house is next on your list,” Genma said, giving Kakashi a lopsided smile when his brow lifted, “Am I wrong?”
“Not at all. I’ll let you know how he is when I find out,” Kakashi responded, “Thanks, Genma.”
A man on a mission as he strode toward the elevator, Kakashi wondered what condition he’d find his partner in and why he didn’t reach out to him that morning. He always thought that relationships were a give and take though he hadn’t much experience with the attribute. Wanting to be there for Iruka during the good and bad, Kakashi filed the conversation he needed to have with him for when he got to feeling better.
Uncertainty crept over Kakashi as he continued to knock on the front door of Iruka’s house. He had tried calling when he was at stoplights but they had gone unanswered. No signs of life could be heard from inside and while he didn’t want to be assumed a burglar, Kakashi walked around the perimeter of the house, looking into each window he approached.
His heart panged sympathetically when he looked through a window and saw Iruka’s huddled figure in bed. He could tell that he was shivering and heard his partner coughing through the panes of glass. While he hated disturbing Iruka in his weakened state, Kakashi rapped gently on the window until Iruka lifted his head and looked toward him. He pointed toward the front of the house, wincing when Iruka got out of bed and swayed precariously before shuffling out of the room. Jogging to the front of the house, Kakashi grabbed Iruka before he crumpled to the floor.
“A little coffee stirrer-chewing friend told me that you were under the weather,” Kakashi said, “I didn’t know you were this ill. I’m not yelling at you, but I wish you would have called someone to help. You can barely walk.”
“Mom and Dad are out of state and I didn’t want to bother you at work,” Iruka said, pausing when a choking cough wracked his body, “I’ve been sleeping most of the day anyway. I’m so tired. I’m really worried about you being here and getting sick though. I took a covid test and it was positive.”
“Ok, let’s get you back to bed and we’ll go from there,” Kakashi stated.
Tugging his undershirt over his nose and mouth, he guided Iruka back to bed and pulled the blankets up to rest around his shoulders. He touched his partner’s forehead and winced when he felt the heat radiating from his sweat-dampened skin. Telling Iruka that he’d be right back, Kakashi went into the kitchen to wash his hands and his car to grab a mask. He was making a mental list of everything that Iruka might need as he recalled co-workers that had come down with the virus while walking back to the house.
Iruka was in a light, restless sleep when Kakashi returned to the bedroom. Not wanting to bother him while he was comfortable, Kakashi retreated to the living room and proceeded to cancel the rest of his appointments and meetings for the afternoon. Most were understanding though it was short notice, telling him to contact them when his emergency passed. His supervisor was less than impressed, Kakashi reminding the man that he rarely took personal time and it was important that time around. He knew he begrudgingly granted it and braced himself to work atrocious hours when he returned to the office to appease the man. He cleared the rest of the week but promised to show up should Iruka recover sooner than expected. Apologizing to his boss once more, he thanked him again and placed his phone on the coffee table.
Kakashi avoided most of the surfaces in the house to reduce his chances of coming down with the illness and opened the windows to vent the house out. He didn’t have everything on hand that he thought Iruka could possibly need while the sickness wreaked havoc on his body. Pulling up the app to the grocery store he frequented, he created a delivery order of items that would last the better part of a week. He had nearly completed it when he heard muffled moans from down the hall. Getting to his feet, he ambled toward Iruka’s room and found him lying on his side, his eyes glazed while he tried to focus on him.
“How are you feeling?” Kakashi asked quietly as he crouched next to the bed.
“Awful. This is like the worst flu I’ve ever had,” Iruka replied weakly, coughs interrupting him, “I’m hot for a few minutes and then I’m freezing. I need to change because my pajamas are soaked with sweat.”
“Let me help you,” Kakashi said, frowning at Iruka’s feeble attempt to push his hands away, “What’s wrong?”
“No one besides my doctor and parents have seen me without clothes. I’m too sick to be nervous, but I don’t want things to change between us when I get better if you don’t like what you see,” he confessed.
“Iruka, stop,” Kakashi ordered, holding his hands to still him, “I adore you for what’s in your heart, mind, and soul. The body is just a bonus and I have to say I love what I see of it already. It’s not going to be a dealbreaker. If it makes you feel any better, I can turn around when you change your underwear.”
“Ok,” Iruka whispered though his eyes betrayed the fear he still felt.
Kakashi soothed him as he spoke, apologizing when Iruka whimpered in pain after moving too much. As each article of clothing was peeled away, Kakashi’s heart went out to Iruka for thinking that he’d reject such an ethereal being as him. Though a fevered flush covered his body, Kakashi had never been drawn to a physical form more in his life. Then wasn’t the time, however, Kakashi quashing his interest and concentrating on the task at hand. He was the perfect gentleman as promised, turning his back to Iruka so he could slip into a fresh pair of boxers. Assisting his partner when he called out to him, Kakashi smiled gently as he helped him onto the mattress and eased him back.
“You look exhausted. Do you want to try to get some more sleep?” Kakashi inquired, Iruka nodding wearily, “Text me when you wake up. I don’t want you calling out and working yourself into a coughing fit.”
“Alright,” Iruka said, “Thank you for all of this. I wasn’t looking forward to going it alone.”
“I couldn’t let my darling boyfriend suffer on his own,” Kakashi said, brushing sweaty strands of hair back from Iruka’s forehead, “Get some sleep. I’m going to finish a delivery order. Anything you’d like before I leave?”
“The flavored water I like, raspberry sherbet, and some kind of soup,” Iruka answered, “Anything else you’d think would help would be welcome.”
“Alright. Get some rest.”
Kakashi had placed the order minutes before when he heard an upbeat ringtone from Iruka’s phone echo down the hall. He jogged to his room, plucking the device from the nightstand and looked at the screen. Not wanting to miss the call or wake Iruka, he pressed the answer button and spoke quietly as he headed back to the living room.
“Hey, Naruto,” Kakashi said softly.
“Who is this?” Naruto asked.
“Kakashi. Iruka’s sleeping,” he replied, “He’s sick.”
“Man, that sucks!” Naruto exclaimed, “I was wondering why he was late picking me up from school. We were going to have dinner together. He was bribing me with dinner if I helped him clean out his garage this weekend.”
“I think that’ll be on hold for a little while,” Kakashi said, “Do you need a ride home? He’s fast asleep and I don’t mind picking you up.”
“Nah, I’ll hang out in the gym until my foster mom gets off work,” he stated, “She’ll be done in an hour or so.”
“Let me know if you change your mind,” Kakashi reiterated.
“Will do. Please let Iruka know I hope he feels better soon and I’ll check in with him tomorrow,” Naruto said, “Take care of him, Kakashi. You don’t want to be my worst again.”
“I promise he’ll get the best care,” Kakashi said, thoroughly amused, “I’ll pass the message along too. Have a good evening, Naruto.”
The call with the teen reminded him of one he needed to make. He wasn’t sure how long Iruka would need him and his beloved pets needed to be cared for while he was gone. Only trusting one person with the task, he hoped they’d be receptive and accept reasonable payment. He found the contact information and pressed the screen, counting the rings until it was picked up.
“What?”
“Rough day?” Kakashi asked.
“My brother is being an asshole. He told Mom that I’m going to some school dance and now she wants to take me shopping for a suit.”
“Ouch but it could be worse, Sasuke,” he said, “Did you tell her that Itachi is lying through his teeth and you wouldn’t be caught dead at a school function?”
“Yeah, but you know how well she listens when she thinks her baby boy is being adventurous and socializing,” Sasuke muttered, “Her words, not mine.”
“Seems like you have some explaining to do and perhaps find some blackmail on your brother,” Kakashi stated, “I’ll keep my eyes open for you.”
“This is why you’re the best neighbor in this godforsaken city. Why did you call? You don’t do the friendly chat thing with me,” Sasuke pointed out.
“No, because I know you hate it. Listen, my boyfriend came down with covid and I’m going to be over here for a few days taking care of him,” Kakashi began, “I was hoping you might be able to keep an eye on the pack. Feed them in the morning. Let them out in the backyard when you get home from school and refill their food bowls before you go to bed. You can hang out at the house for the afternoon if you need some time alone. Feel free to eat whatever. Just stay out of the wine and no parties.”
“Yeah, I’ll invite all zero people from school that I can tolerate,” Sasuke said sarcastically, “That does sound nice though. I won’t even charge you since you’re letting me chill at your place and feeding me.”
“I insist. We can do lunch next weekend. We’ll stop by the gaming store so you can pick up the one you’ve been talking about for months,” Kakashi offered.
“That sounds cool. Hey, when did you want me to meet your guy? You brought it up in passing and I didn’t know if you were serious or not,” Sasuke said.
“I was and let’s play it by ear. Not sure how long it’ll take him to recover from being sick,” he said, “He has a Little Brother I’d like you to meet too. Good kid. He’s a few months younger than you. By Little Brother, I mean the organization, not family.”
“Why would I want to do that?”
“You might click with him. Couldn’t hurt to try to make a friend,” Kakashi replied.
“Now you sound like my mother,” Sasuke mumbled.
“Think about it,” Kakashi said, hearing Iruka’s shaky voice calling for him, “I have to get going. You know where the spare key is. Guruko still needs ear drops in his left ear. They’re in the cabinet above the sink. Text me if you need anything or run into any trouble.”
“We’ll be fine. Hope your boyfriend feels better soon,” Sasuke said.
Kakashi hung up after a sincere thanks to his teen neighbor before checking on Iruka. He looked more cognizant than earlier though his flush remained. The restlessness as he squirmed on the bed hinted at his worsening condition, Kakashi wanting to take the malady from him. Sitting on the edge of the bed and taking Iruka’s hand, he hoped his partner saw the smile in his eyes since the lower half of his face was obscured by a mask.
“Feeling yucky?” Kakashi asked, Iruka nodding slowly, “What can I do to help?”
“I don’t know. My joints hurt so much. I can’t sit still but don’t want to move they hurt so badly,” Iruka whined.
“When’s the last time you drank anything?” he inquired, recalling his most recent bout with the flu.
“This morning,” Iruka answered.
“You’re probably getting dehydrated,” Kakashi surmised, standing slowly, “I’ll grab another water bottle and some broth. The grocery order will be here in a few hours. I’ll be back in a few.”
The rest of the day was low-key, Kakashi fetching whatever Iruka asked for. He ran a cool damp cloth over his partner’s sweaty body when the fever peaked, Kakashi soothing him with whispers of comfort until he was cool and dressed in fresh pajamas. Iruka complained about the growing pile of laundry which prompted Kakashi to start a load.
Kakashi plied Iruka with water in hopes of hydrating his body. He was concerned that dehydration had taken hold and they’d be making a trip to the emergency room. Wanting to save his partner from a lengthy and uncomfortable wait, Kakashi urged him to drink as much as possible and praised him each time he handed the water bottle back.
When he wasn’t tending to Iruka, he was wiping down every surface in the house with disinfectant. He didn’t want the risk of falling ill or Iruka’s condition worsening by reinfection. The groceries arrived just as he finished cleaning the living room. He asked the young man bringing them to the porch to leave them there since Iruka was ill and didn’t want to expose him to the virus. Looking out the peephole on the door, Kakashi waited for the man to drive off before bringing the bags inside. Iruka had woke again by the time Kakashi had everything put away. Digging out a few popsicles from the freezer and a bottle of water, Kakashi headed for the bedroom.
“Hey, Sleeping Beauty,” Kakashi said, Iruka smiling faintly, “I’m sure you’re tired of me asking, but how are you feeling?”
“Crappy. I’m resting but every time I wake up I feel worse,” Iruka responded, “I hate the evenings when I’m sick.”
“Yeah, me too. I always feel worse at night and then right when I wake up in the morning,” Kakashi said, Iruka agreeing with him, “I got some of those fruit bars that you like.”
“That sounds fabulous. I’m getting a little tired of drinking water and not in the mood for broth or soup,” Iruka said, thanking him when handed the wrapped dessert, “You’re good at this.”
“I’ve taken care of a few sick people in my time,” he said, “Speaking of sick, I don’t go back to work until Monday unless you’re a lot better before then.”
“Kakashi, that’s not necessary. Mom and Dad will be back on Thursday. I’m sure Mom won’t mind coming over to stay with me if I need it,” Iruka argued, “I can’t keep you away from work or your life for that long.”
“I never take time off and you’re a huge part of my life now,” Kakashi said, “They’ll be fine without me. Nothing I can’t make up. Now I hate to do this, but I’m not going to stay in here long. You need as much rest as you can get and I don’t want to fall ill. You won’t have the energy to take care of me if I’m sick and will have a ton of work to make up so you don’t have the luxury to miss more days.”
“No, I understand. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone,” Iruka said miserably.
“Before I go, Genma said he hopes that you get to feeling better. Naruto said the same thing and he’ll check in with you tomorrow.”
“Oh crap. I was supposed to pick him up this afternoon,” Iruka groaned pitifully.
“His foster mom must have picked him up because he didn’t call me back. I told him to get ahold of me if she couldn’t,” Kakashi divulged, “My neighbor hopes you feel better soon too. I asked him to keep an eye on the pack while I’m away.”
“Is this the one you want to meet Naruto?” he questioned, Kakashi nodding moments later, “Maybe he can help with the garage too. It could be a bonding experience.”
“Sasuke will bitch until he turns blue,” Kakashi said.
“Naruto is going to do his fair share of complaining too,” Iruka said, a slight smile settling on his lips, “Would it hurt your feelings if I eat this and nap again? Talking is really wearing me out.”
“Not at all. Text me if you need anything,” he said, placing his partner’s phone on the nightstand.
Turning and leaving the room, Kakashi washed his hands before scrounging up his own dinner. He settled on chicken salad sandwiches and chips since it was simple. Lounging on the couch, he turned the TV on and started a war series he had been wanting to watch. He was twenty minutes through the first episode when he received a text. Setting his plate on the coffee table, he smiled softly when he read the message.
Thank you so much
It means the world to me that you’re here and wanting to take care of me
I don’t have any experience, but you are the best partner a man could ever ask for
I can’t say it enough
Thank you
~*Iruka*~
You’re very welcome
There’s nowhere else I’d rather be
I want to be here for you whether you’re sick or well
It’s cheesy but true
Get some rest but let me know if you need anything
Sleep well, dear Iruka
~K
The first time I remember being really sick I was six or seven
I was living with my uncle by then
Say the least, he was still trying to get used to a kid being around and didn’t know what he was doing
The neighbor lady was over most of the time
He watched her like a hawk and absorbed everything though
After that, he was an old pro
What about you?
~K
I don’t remember what I had, but I was five and really sick
Worse than I am now
I could barely move
I just cried and my mom held me for hours on end
She sang to me, stroked my hair, and rocked me
It didn’t make me feel better, but I felt loved
I was sick for a little over a week
I still tell her it was her TLC that cured me
~*Iruka*~
That’s adorable
I can picture your mom doing that
She’s such a sweet woman
You’re very lucky to have her as a mother
~K
I really am
I’m getting tired for the billionth time today
I’m going to try to get some sleep
~*Iruka*~
Sleep well, my darling Iruka
Text me if you need anything
~K
Kakashi, are you awake?
~*Iruka*~
Yep, what’s up?
How are you feeling?
It’s almost time for more ibuprofen
~K
I’m breaking fevers left and right
I can’t go back to sleep
I think I slept too much today
Can you help me change again?
I’m drenched
I’m sorry I keep bothering you
~*Iruka*~
No need to apologize
It’s what I’m here for
Hopefully you can go back to sleep soon
Do you need anything?
~K
Possibly some juice and mango cubes
Can you grab the afghan off the couch if you aren’t using it?
I’m really cold
I’ve been up a little over an hour
I didn’t want to wake you
You need rest too
~*Iruka*~
I’ll rest when you rest
I’ll be there in a few minutes
~K
I can hear you moving around
Do you need any help?
I don’t want you overdoing it
~K
I’m good, just using the bathroom
Strawberries and toast sound fantastic
I’m starting to get an appetite again
How are you doing?
~*Iruka*~
I’m alright
I was thinking once you get settled in we can watch a movie
You can set up your laptop and I’ll use the TV
We can FaceTime so we can talk during it
We have to keep the tradition of discussing and critiquing what we watch
~K
I love that idea
Even though you’re in the next room, I miss you
I think this will help
~*Iruka*~
I can always call you and we can talk for hours
Be just like normal ;)
~K
You’ll do most of the talking
My throat still hurts
Maybe we can play a game on our phones or laptops
~*Iruka*~
I know this really great bingo site
~K
Alright, old man lol
I’m heading back to my room
See you in a few minutes
~*Iruka*~
Kakashi stayed with Iruka until Sunday evening, loathing to go home.
They fell into a routine though they were separated most of the time. They spent countless hours watching movies or shows they had talked about in the past. Reading the same books though in different rooms made them feel closer, talking over the phone to chat about what they thought about the chapter they had just read. They video-chatted while having meals, feeling like they were sharing them at the table. Though Kakashi tucked him in every night, they parted by blowing kisses from feet apart.
Iruka’s mother came over for a few hours every day when she was back in town. Kakashi updated her on how Iruka was feeling and the battle he had reaching that point. She felt guilty about not being there when her only child needed her most. He quietly reminded her of the time when Iruka was a child and she comforted him while he was ill, Kohari tearing up when he told her about Iruka recalling it during the worst moments of his current sickness. It seemed to appease her, the remorse she felt slowly evaporating as she helped her son in ways only a mother could.
“Are you sure you’ll be alright alone?” Kakashi asked, trying to mask his hesitation as he stood near the front door.
“I’ll be fine. I can function now. I’m not ready to go back to work but can take care of myself now,” Iruka said.
“I don’t mind staying another day or two if you need it,” he offered.
“I’m ok, Kakashi,” Iruka said with a tender smile, “If I run into trouble, you’ll be the first one I call.”
“You better,” Kakashi said, smiling when he stopped in front of the door and placed his hands on Iruka’s shoulders, “I hate that you got sick but we made some memories that I’ll never forget.”
“Me too. It was unbelievable and so unique,” Iruka agreed, “I never thought anything like that was possible.”
“We’ll have to do it again without being under the weather,” he suggested, grinning when his partner laughed, “I’m going to get going. I know the pack misses me and I want to give Sasuke a chance to vent. His brother is giving him grief again.”
“Uh oh. I’m glad he has you,” Iruka said, “Call me when it calms down? We can come up with a time that the boys can meet.”
“Let’s wait a few before we figure that out,” Kakashi said, taking a few steps forward and pressing his lips onto Iruka’s forehead, “I’ll check in with you in a few hours. Take it easy, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.”
“I will,” Iruka promised, “Kakashi?”
“Yeah?”
“I hope I’m not jumping the gun when I say this, but I love you,” Iruka said, wringing his hands nervously while explaining, “I love that you took the time out of your busy schedule to help me. I love that you listened to me and did what I needed or wanted. I love that you made time fly by and helped me forget how miserable I was feeling. I love that you want to stay here even though I don’t need it anymore. I just love you for it but so much more too.”
“Wow,” Kakashi breathed.
“I rushed it, didn’t I?” he asked fearfully, the color draining from his face, “I’m so sorry. I probably messed all of this up and rushed it. I hope you don’t find me clingy and feeling too much too soon.”
“Iruka, stop,” Kakashi said as he held his hands, squeezing lightly, “I’ve been wanting to tell you the same thing for weeks but it didn’t feel like the right time. Now it does.”
“Really?” Iruka whispered.
“Really,” he said with a soft smile, “I love you, Iruka Umino. I love that you trusted me to help you. I love that you leaned on me when you were vulnerable. I love how considerate you were of my needs even though I told you not to worry about it. I absolutely adore all the little things we did together and hope we keep doing them. We started growing together this week. I want to see where we can go.”
“I’d like that too but slowly,” Iruka said.
“I respect you so much and will do whatever you’re comfortable with,” Kakashi said, “I want to kiss you so badly right now but it’s not very smart.”
“No, it’s not. Raincheck?” Iruka inquired, grinning when he laughed.
“Sure. I have to go,” Kakashi said, “Love you.”
“Love you too,” Iruka echoed.
Pivoting and walking through the front entrance, Kakashi was all smiles as he trotted to his car, thrilled with the next step his and Iruka’s relationship had taken and looking forward to working toward more.