Warlord

Chapter Forty-Nine

“‘kashi, ‘kashi, wake up . . . it’s time for dinner.” Iruka crooned as he stroked the warlord’s hair. “Come on . . . Asuma and Kurenai are waiting for us.”

“Let them wait.” was the warlord’s cold response. “Come to think of it,” he continued after a moment’s pause, “I think I’d rather eat here . . . I’m not in the mood to play nice.” he sulked.

“What’s all this about?” the scribe asked curiously, “You aren’t mad at Asuma because of what I said, are you?”

“No,” he replied shortly, “I’m mad because of what he and Rai did. I don’t think I’m up to being civil to a man who took advantage of my injury to do something like this to me. If we’re all going to stay here then it’s best we steer clear of each other.”

“Then I guess they’ll need to find somewhere else to stay.” Iruka said sadly, “I’ll miss Kurenai and little Aoi . . . but this is your house too, and I won’t have you feeling uncomfortable here. You rest and I’ll bring a tray up for us . . . and I’ll let them know they need to start looking for another place.”

“Are you sure ‘ruka?” the warlord asked hesitantly, “It’s really okay with me if you want them to stay.”

“No, this is best.” the scribe replied firmly, “You are the most important person in my life, this is the least I can do to prove it to you.”

“I never doubted you ‘ruka.” Kakashi replied sincerely, “Please believe me.”

“I know ‘kashi.” the scribe said with a smile, “You’ve always been there for me . . . and now I’m just doing the same thing for you. I’ll be back in a few minutes . . . can you get up or do you need help?”

“I could use a hand.” the warlord admitted reluctantly, “I think I might have overdone it a bit earlier.” he finished sheepishly, looking properly chastised when his lover rolled his eyes at him. “And don’t tell me it wasn’t worth it.” he snapped, “Because I don’t believe you.”

“Oh, it was worth it.” the scribe leered, “In fact, I can’t wait to do it again . . . but first I believe we need to eat and replenish our energy reserves.” With that he headed downstairs, desperately trying to figure out the best way to tell Asuma and Kurenai what was happening.

“Hi guys.” the scribe began as he entered the dining room, “How does it feel to be back general?”

“I missed my girls.” Asuma said simply, “I won’t be leaving them again.”

Kurenai smiled at her husband’s answer. For all the grief she gave him she was devoted to the gruff soldier, and while he always treated her tenderly when they were alone, she was overjoyed when he gave any obvious indication he felt the same, especially in front of someone else.

“I’m going to fix a tray and take it upstairs.” Iruka said hesitantly, “‘kashi’s a little tired from the trip.”

“I’m sure he is.” Asuma teased, “The way he was moaning and groaning . . . although I’m sure you did everything you could to relieve his discomfort.” he waited a moment until a light blush rose in the scribe’s cheeks before continuing, “He certainly was praising you to high heaven a couple hours ago.”

Iruka felt like he was going to combust. Kurenai glanced from the scribe to her husband. The only thing she’d heard coming from upstairs was what sounded like . . . oh my, she thought, and in the carriage, too . . . Iruka you sneaky little devil. She smiled serenely and smacked her husband on the back of the head, causing him to break off his chuckles with a choked gasp. “So Iruka, is there anything special Kakashi needs to eat while he recovers?” she asked, effectively changing the subject, much to the scribe’s relief.

“Clear liquids, easy to digest foods, no red meat or alcohol for at least eight weeks.” Iruka replied, “Could you come in the kitchen and give me a hand?”

“Of course,” she replied, sensing he really wanted the opportunity to speak to her privately. “I’ll be back in a minute dear.” she said sweetly, “Keep an eye on the baby for me.” she continued, thrusting the swaddled infant into his arms and following the scribe into the kitchen.

“I’ll never understand women sweetheart.” Asuma murmured to Aoi as he nuzzled her cheek, “But I love you both anyway.”

“So, what did you want to talk to me about Iruka?” Kurenai asked as soon as they entered the kitchen.

The scribe marveled at her ability to know what he was thinking. “‘kashi isn’t really tired . . . I mean, he is, but that’s not why he didn’t come down. He feels betrayed by Asuma . . . and General Namiashi, and he’s very angry right now.” He paused uncertainly, sighing before he continued, “I hate to do this, but I need you guys to find somewhere else to stay . . . I don’t want ‘kashi to think I’m betraying him too. I’m really sorry about this.” he looked up, tears in his eyes and was surprised to see understanding on Kurenai’s face.

“Of course Iruka, it must be very hard for him knowing we’re here. Don’t feel bad,” she hastened to add when his face fell, “I told my idiot of a husband he should have been honest with Kakashi from the beginning. We’ll be fine . . . besides,” she said with a sly smirk, “judging from the noises you two were making earlier I’m not sure I want to be around when the commander recovers his full strength.”

The scribe blushed crimson, a strangled “Kurenai.” all that could make it out of his traitorous throat.

“Don’t be embarrassed Iruka, what I mean is you’ll want your privacy . . . and we’ll want ours.” she finished slowly, making the decision not to have sex in her friend’s house now that she knew how easily they would be overheard. Asuma’s going to be pissed, she thought, but that will get him inspired to move quickly. “Here you go.” she said, placing the last few items on a tray, “Get back upstairs and calm Kakashi down, I’ll go explain things to Asuma.”

“Thank you Kurenai.” the scribe said sincerely, “I’m going to miss you.”

“And I’ll miss you too Iruka.” she replied, tears coming to her eyes as she realized the finality of what was happening. “I’ll see you in the morning . . . I’ll let the cook know to prepare a tray.” With that she turned and headed back into the dining room, furiously running through scenarios, trying to find the best way to break the news to Asuma.

“What was that all about?” the general asked as he passed the baby back to his wife.

“It’s what I was afraid of . . . Kakashi feels like you betrayed him, and he’s angry. Iruka and I decided it would be best if you and I move out as soon as possible. I don’t think the commander’s going to come downstairs again until we’re gone.” Kurenai said slowly.

“Shit, I need to explain things to him.” Asuma said roughly as he ran a hand through his hair. I need to let Raidou know what’s happening too, he thought, his relationship with Kakashi was already rocky.

“No.” Kurenai said simply, catching her husband’s arm and holding him in place. “He’s not going to listen to you . . . you know him honey, loyalty is very important to Kakashi, always has been. In his mind you’ve been disloyal . . . he won’t trust anything you do or say now.”

Shit, shit, shit, the general thought, this has gone from bad to worse. He shuddered when he realized just how tenuous everything was right now. I just hope this is the right thing to do, he thought grimly, otherwise I’m going to have a lot of explaining to do. He turned silently back to his meal, lost in his thoughts while Kurenai concentrated on feeding Aoi while keeping an eye on her husband without his knowledge.