Warlord

A/N Sorry for the delay, the holidays are messing with my schedule a bit . . . I should be back on track in a couple of days!! Happy Holidays and thanks for reading!!


Chapter Twenty-Five

“Kakashi, sit down.” Kurenai fussed as soon as he arrived, “You look terrible, when’s the last time you slept?”

“Night before last,” he replied wearily, “and I won’t be getting any for a few days. Price of the job, I suppose.”

“Well, at least sit down and have something to eat while you and Asuma talk. You can fill me in on Iruka’s condition.” The petite woman skillfully maneuvered the tall man into a chair and was busy ladling out some stew and cutting some slices of bread while he slowly recounted everything that had happened since he left with Asuma the night before.

“He pushed me away, Kurenai.” the warlord said mournfully, dropping his head and staring intently at his bowl, “He’s scared of me . . . I don’t know how to help him, especially if he won’t let me get close.”

“Why don’t you let me go talk to him . . . you and Asuma make your plans and I’ll hopefully have good news when I get back.” She grabbed her cloak and headed toward the door. “Asuma, hurry up,” she called, “Kakashi’s waiting.” She turned back to the warlord one last time and said soberly “Don’t go easy on them Kakashi, what they did is unforgivable.” Before he could reply she was gone.

When Kurenai arrived at the medical tent she was shocked at the turmoil she found. Genma was trying to keep Raidou in bed, while the general was convinced he needed to go join Kakashi and Asuma. One of the guards had died, while the other was in critical condition, the antidote not working as well as it had on Raidou.

Iruka lay very still in the bed next to the general. Kurenai gracefully sat in the chair Kakashi had so recently vacated and stroked his hair back from his face. “Excuse me,” she called to a passing medic, “could you update me on his condition?”

He stopped and glanced briefly at the scribe before pulling a syringe from his pocket and giving him an injection. “That will bring him around in a few minutes. You don’t look very threatening . . . you may have better luck than the commander did.” With that he turned to check another patient, leaving Kurenai to watch and wait.

Several minutes later Iruka groaned and stretched. “Hello Iruka.” Kurenai said softly, “How are you feeling?”

The scribe motioned for something to drink, and after a few sips of water was able to reply. “Kurenai, you shouldn’t be here . . . it could be dangerous for the baby.” he exclaimed, “I’ll come and see you when I’m better.”

“Don’t be silly,” she countered smoothly, “I’ve never seen Kakashi in such a state, I had to check on you myself.” At the mention of the warlord’s name Iruka shivered. “What’s the matter Iruka?” Kurenai asked quietly.

“It’s Kakashi . . . he’s . . . I’m . . .” Iruka started to cry, he didn’t know how to explain what he was feeling, he cared for the warlord . . . but he didn’t trust him. Right now he didn’t trust anyone. Except for Kurenai, she was obviously not a threat. He haltingly tried to justify his train of thought before he was interrupted.

“It doesn’t matter why, what matters is that you’re comfortable. You can come stay with me for a while . . . Asuma can bunk with Kakashi.” Kurenai decided with a nod.

“Oh no,” the scribe demurred, “The general shouldn’t have to move out of his own house. I’ll just get a room in town.”

“Nonsense.” the petite woman replied, “I’d much rather spend time with you right now anyway . . . frankly he’s been getting on my nerves more and more as I get closer to delivery. This will do us all a lot of good.” She looked him over critically, “You can help me get ready for the party on Saturday . . . and you can see Kakashi there, where people are around. How does that sound?”

“I really don’t want to inconvenience you.” Iruka said slowly.

“It’s no inconvenience, I want you to come.” Kurenai said with a wide smile, “So, it’s settled. I’ll pick you up here tomorrow morning.”

“I can walk to your tent.” the scribe said with a laugh, “I’ll see you in the morning.” With that Kurenai smiled widely and turned to leave, hurrying back home as fast as her condition would allow.

“Asuma,” she yelled as soon as she arrived, “Asuma, grab your stuff, you’re staying with Kakashi for a few days.”

“What did I do now?” he asked in a hurt voice, “Whatever it is I’m really sorry and I didn’t mean it . . . I know it must be bad if I can’t even stay on the couch.”

“No honey you’re fine, but Iruka’s going to come stay for a few days . . . and I don’t think he’d be any more comfortable around you than he is around Kakashi.” She hurriedly began to pack a bag as she continued to explain. “He’s confused right now . . . and he’s scared of anyone who looks threatening.” She planted a kiss on her husband’s cheek, “I may know you and Kakashi are just big pussy cats . . . but you’d never know it to look at you. All big and growly, it’s no wonder he’s intimidated.”

“But I don’t want to stay with Kakashi . . . he can’t cook and he doesn’t smell anywhere near as nice as you do.” the general whined.

“I love you too,” Kurenai replied with a smile, “it’s just for a few days . . . and I’ll bring dinner by.”

“Are you sure you’ll be alright by yourself?” Asuma worried.

“I’ll be fine . . . I’m pregnant, not terminal. Besides, I won’t be alone, Iruka will be here. If there are any problems he can get help. It’s very sweet, but you don’t have to worry so much.” Kurenai leaned into the general’s broad chest as he gently stroked her back.

“When’s he coming?” the general whispered as he pulled her as close as he could.

“Not until morning.” she replied lazily, enjoying the feeling of large hands massaging her aching back.

“Then why do I have to leave now?” Asuma exclaimed, pulling back to look his wife in the eye.

“Because poor Kakashi is all alone and upset.” Kurenai replied in much the same tone she would use with a stubborn five year old, “He’s one of your oldest friends, he needs your support now.”

“You need my support too.” the general insisted stubbornly.

“And you’ll be supporting me by doing as I wish.” she ended the argument with a smile, “I’ll see you every day . . . and this way you won’t have to help with the party preparations, or finishing the nursery.”

All of a sudden this was sounding like a pretty good idea. “If you’re sure honey.” the general agreed.

“I think I can survive a few days without you.” Kurenai smiled and gave him a hug and a kiss, “This way you’ll appreciate me more.”

“I could never appreciate you more than I already do.” Asuma said sincerely, and he pulled his wife in for a thorough kiss.

When he finally released her, Kurenai stumbled a bit, fanning herself and muttering, “It’s just a couple of days.”

Smiling widely at the effect he had on his wife, the general grabbed his gear and headed out, whistling as he headed for the warlord’s tent.

“Yo Kakashi.” he called, throwing back the flap.

“Hey Asuma, what brings you by?” the warlord replied distractedly.

“Kurenai says I’m bunking with you til Saturday and Iruka’s staying with her. Says we’re too scary for him.” The general threw himself into a chair and stretched before continuing, “I’m not thrilled with the idea . . . no offense,” he hastened to add, “but I hate to argue with her now.”

Both men fell silent as they pictured a hugely pregnant incredibly angry Kurenai going into labor. “No, no, you wouldn’t want to upset her.” Kakashi quickly agreed, “Stay as long as you like. It’s too quiet without Iruka now anyway.”