Chapter 60: Chapter 60: A Moment of Respite
The scent of antiseptic and the low hum of activity in the mansion's infirmary were a stark contrast to the bloody chaos Alex had just escaped. His own wounds, thanks to the mid-grade potion and the profound effects of his recent, unexpected encounter, were entirely gone, his body completely restored to peak condition. A lingering, profound weariness, however, still settled deep in his bones – the emotional aftermath of facing a monstrous foe and the crushing grief of recent losses.
He moved effortlessly now, his movements fluid and unburdened by pain. His first act was to check on the two surviving Warriors who had returned, Koji and Haru. He found them in the infirmary, pale but stable, receiving care from Tsunade's diligent medics.
He walked over to them, his heart heavy with the weight of their sacrifice. "Koji," he said, addressing the warrior whose arm was being bandaged, his expression stoic despite the pain. "Haru," he nodded to the other, a deep gash on his leg being cleaned. Both looked up, their eyes reflecting the trauma of battle but unwavering in their loyalty.
"You both fought with incredible bravery," Alex told them, his voice quiet but firm. "You stood your ground against a monster. You ensured our retreat." He paused, a painful lump forming in his throat. "The others... They died as heroes. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten." He knew the profound loss they felt. "You two are commanders now. After you've fully recovered, you will each take command of 140 men from the remaining warriors here in Tonryuu. Your experience... It is invaluable. We will rebuild, stronger."
Koji and Haru nodded, a flicker of renewed purpose in their eyes. The weight of loss was immense, but the trust placed in them by their Lord was a powerful anchor.
Leaving the two new commanders to the care of the medics, Alex then sought out Erza. He found her in her room. Her crimson armor had been removed, and she was now in clean linen. She too was fully recovered, her formidable constitution and Tsunade's meticulous care having erased all trace of her severe wounds. She was now awake, sitting calmly, her Exceed, the chibi white tiger, curled protectively next to her.
"Erza," Alex murmured, a profound sense of relief washing over him at her complete recovery. He sat beside her, gently taking her hand. "You fought valiantly. More than valiantly. I... I don't know what would have happened without you."
"Nor you, Alex," Erza replied, her gaze meeting his, a quiet understanding passing between them. The bond forged in countless battles, deepened by shared loss, now pulsed with a new, quiet strength. "We survived. That is what matters now." He stayed with her for a while, just speaking softly, finding solace in her presence.
Later, Alex sought out Tsunade. He found her in the main infirmary, overseeing other medics. She moved with practiced efficiency, her pregnant belly a gentle curve beneath her tunic, a testament to the life growing within her, a stark contrast to the death they had just faced.
He watched her for a moment, the natural grace and unwavering dedication she possessed. He realized, with a pang of guilt, how little time he had truly spent with her since his return from the Qin campaigns, even with her pregnancy. He had been so consumed by duty, by the system, by the coming war.
He cleared his throat.
Tsunade looked up, her expression tired but firm. "Alex. How are you feeling now? I trust you're completely recovered." Her eyes scanned him, noting his vibrant energy.
"Completely, Tsunade. Thanks to you," he said, his voice softer than usual. He stepped closer, leaning against a nearby table, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. "Though I must admit, your bedside manner needs work. Knocking your Lord off his bed is hardly standard procedure."
Tsunade snorted, a small smile teasing her own lips. "Considering what I walked into, you got off easy, Alexander. What, did you expect a delicate flower after... that?" She nodded subtly towards the door, the memory of his exposed state still fresh. "You're lucky I didn't deck you again for the sheer audacity."
"Ah, but Tsunade," Alex leaned in conspiratorially, "it's your fiery spirit that makes you so captivating. Wouldn't trade it for all the delicate flowers in the world." He winked, playfully.
She rolled her eyes, but a faint blush spread across her cheeks. "Oh, you charmer." She paused, her gaze holding his, a quiet longing in her eyes. The unasked question, the unspoken desire for his time and presence, hung in the air between them, more potent than any direct plea.
"You're absolutely right," Alex admitted, his smile softening. He reached out, gently taking her hand, his thumb stroking her knuckles. "And I truly regret it. I've been a fool, letting all this ambition consume me. But that changes now. I just... I needed to realize what I had, truly." His gaze dropped to her belly, a profound tenderness in his eyes. "And what we're building here."
Tsunade's expression softened completely. She squeezed his hand, her earlier anger fully dissipated. "It's been... hard, Alex," she confessed quietly, her voice barely a whisper. "Watching you walk into danger, then returning like... that."
She shuddered, remembering the sight of him. "But... your honesty. And now... this." She gestured around the infirmary, then back to their clasped hands. "It's a lot to take in."
"I know," he murmured, stepping closer, gently putting his arm around her, careful of her condition. "And I'm here now. For you. For us. For everything." He gently pulled her into a soft, comforting embrace, his chin resting lightly on her shoulder.
Then, his hand moved, gently reaching for her breast. He cupped it, his thumb beginning to knead softly, provocatively. Tsunade gasped "Ahh...".
A soft moan escaping her lips, her body tensing, clearly indicating her breasts were a weak spot. Her eyes widened slightly, a mix of pleasure and a bewildered awareness of their location in the infirmary. Tsunade, "Alex not here, stop."
She was not very happy with Alex's immediate action, given the public setting.
Alex leaned in, his lips finding hers, taking her by surprise. He kissed her deeply, passionately, still kneading her breast, drawing another moan from her. "Nnh~! A-Ahh..." He moved from her lips to her collarbone, giving a playful nip that made her shiver.
His hand continued its work, and he then lowered his head, gently latching onto a nipple, sucking and biting with a tender, yet insistent, hunger.
Tsunade gasped, then moaned louder, her back arching slightly, her eyes fluttering closed. She came heavily, a full release of pent-up stress, exhaustion, and desire washing over her.
Alex pulled back slightly, his own breathing ragged, his erection prominent against her robe. Tsunade, her eyes glazed, noticed it.
With a soft, knowing smile, she reached down, unzipping his pants, and gently took him in her hand.
She began to give him a slow, rhythmic handjob, her touch surprisingly delicate despite her strength, while Alex continued to play with her breasts, his lips tracing patterns on her neck.
Soon after, Alex came, releasing over Tsunade's robe, a shared, intimate moment of release in the midst of their chaos.
Tsunade leaned into him, letting out a soft, contented sigh. "Good," she mumbled into his shoulder. "Because if you do try to run... pregnant or not, I'll still find a way to break your other arm." Her voice was muffled, but the underlying affection was clear.
Alex chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to her brow. "Wouldn't have it any other way." The weight of battle, the grief for his fallen, hadn't vanished, but in this quiet moment, holding Tsunade, a fragile sense of peace settled over him.
They had survived, and now, they had to move forward. Together.