Warlord

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Kurenai smiled when she felt her husband slide into the bed beside her. Iruka is so smart when it comes to other people, she thought, why can’t he do as much for himself? “What brings you home?” she asked with a smile.

“Missed you.” the general replied as he wrapped his arms around his wife and pulled her as close as her condition would allow. “A little birdie told me you were worried about the campaign. Is that true sweetheart?”

“Well . . . I’ve never stayed behind when you’ve been in the field. I know you could still be hurt if I’m with you, but I’ll worry so much more if I’m not there . . . I won’t know when it’s safe to relax.” she fretted.

“Well,” Asuma started slowly, “Kakashi did ask me if I wanted to stay here and keep an eye on things while he’s in the field. I have to admit I was disappointed at the thought of not going into battle with him, but . . . you and the baby need me too, so I guess the bottom line is you don’t have to worry, I’m not going anywhere.”

“Then who’s going to keep an eye on Kakashi?” Kurenai worried, biting her lower lip, “Iruka’s not going back to him. He’s determined to get a job and stay here.”

“Why would he get a job?” the general asked in confusion, “Now that Toyo’s dead won’t he get his lands and title back? The house should be his too.”

“His cousin is dead? What happened?”

“He was at the center of the conspiracy . . . he was executed this morning along with the other traitors . . . Shinseki and Toyomi, some of the nobles, and that damned pleasure slave.” Asuma told her, “It was unpleasant business . . . but necessary. The men are on liberty until Monday when we move out . . . I mean they move out.” he finished morosely.

“Sweetheart, you want to go with them, don’t you?” Kurenai asked softly.

“I can’t imagine not being there . . . but I want to be here with you too.” he said honestly, “It’s tearing me apart.”

“Then we’ll have to come up with a plan.” she said with a smile. “Maybe we can even help Kakashi and Iruka at the same time.” She thought for a few minutes, tapping her finger against her chin, brow furrowed. “Well,” she started slowly, “it’s obvious that I can’t go anywhere right now. How long do you expect to be in the field?”

“I would guess six months, but it could be as little as three . . . or as long as a year.” Asuma replied, calculating the engagements in his head. “It really depends on Kakashi . . . how aggressive he’s feeling. If Iruka really leaves him we could be out for years.”

“Assume three months before I can travel. Plan A assumes Iruka stays here and Kakashi leaves. In that case I can stay with him and you go with the troops. When I’m recovered the baby and I will join you. Iruka can run things here, that gives the two of them a reason to get together and stay in touch.” She climbed out of bed and began to pace, “With any luck Iruka will come with me when I join you and they’ll get back together.

“Now Plan B,” Kurenai said softly, “is my convincing Iruka to go with Kakashi while you stay here with me. . . it’s my favorite, but I don’t think I’ll have much luck changing Iruka’s mind, he still needs time to sort out everything that’s happened to him.”

“So, what am I supposed to do to further your brilliant plan dear?” the general asked with a smirk.

“Make sure Kakashi comes to the party tomorrow night, I’ll take care of the rest. By the end of the evening we should know which plan to put into effect.”

Just then the scribe reappeared. “Kurenai, General?” he called before entering, “I’m going to get dinner on the table, come out whenever you’re ready.” He headed to the kitchen and began preparing plates and ferrying them to the table.

The couple entered the dining room a few minutes later, the general tenderly supporting his wife with a large arm looped around her waist. Once they were seated Iruka excused himself, saying he needed to pack up the leftovers for Asuma to take to the warlord. He hurried back into the kitchen, leaving the couple their privacy.

“To the plan.” Kurenai toasted as she raised her glass.

“The plan.” Asuma replied as he raised his own glass with a nod. He turned his attention to the meal in front of him, moaning in delight as he sampled the various dishes. “Wow, Hatake’s a lucky guy . . . this is delicious. I’d marry Iruka if I were single.”

Kurenai smiled widely, men are so predictable she thought before turning her attention to her own meal. Plans or no plans, the baby wanted to eat.

A short while later Iruka handed a bundle to the general as he prepared to leave. “Here are the leftovers. There should be enough for Kakashi’s dinner and a snack for both of you later.” he smiled sadly, “I hope he likes it.”

“I’m sure he’d like anything you made.” Asuma said, “It really was delicious.”

“Thank you, you’re very kind.” the scribe replied with a small bow, “I picked it up over the years, it’s always good to learn new skills.”

“Any message for the commander?” the general asked innocently.

“Tell him . . . tell him I hope he sleeps well.” Iruka finally replied. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m rather tired. I’ll see you at the party tomorrow.” with that he excused himself and disappeared.

Kurenai stood on her toes and kissed her husband on the cheek. “He’s wavering.” she whispered happily, “I’m going to go work on him, I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you too.” Asuma replied, giving her a kiss and a squeeze before heading out, whistling a merry tune.

Kurenai headed into the kitchen after the scribe. “Iruka, what’s wrong?” she asked kindly.

“It’s Kakashi . . . he begged me to stay with him. I wanted to, but at the same time I didn’t. I’m scared.” he admitted honestly, tears coming to his eyes, “I don’t think I can take much more. The last couple months have turned my life upside down . . . I don’t even know who I am anymore,”

“I’m sure he’ll give you as much time as you need.” Kurenai responded slowly, “But you need to let him know how you’re feeling. If you keep pushing him away eventually he’ll actually go . . . and I don’t think that’s what you really want.”

“It’s what’s best.” Iruka said firmly, “What I want shouldn’t matter.”

“Oh Iruka,” she replied sadly, “that’s the only thing that should matter. You deserve to be happy. Go after what you want . . . it will work out.”

“I’ll think about it.” the scribe replied with a frown. “Now, let’s get you settled . . . tomorrow’s a big day and the baby needs its rest.” He ushered her into the bedroom and settled her in bed yet again, making sure she had a glass of water and some crackers in case she woke hungry. “Pleasant dreams, I’ll see you in the morning.” he said with a soft smile as he extinguished the lamp and left the room, already turning what she had said over in his mind, looking for a flaw in her logic.