A Magical Princess

Chapter 39

Shikaku stared at the rapidly approaching gates with apprehension, Inoichi and Chouza silent shadows beside him. Silent, because they were tired of him snapping at every little thing that they said. Their mission had gone on longer than it was supposed to, thanks to long winded, stubborn diplomats, and only Inoichi's fast thinking and Chouza's cheerful demeanor had kept Shikaku from causing an international incident.

"Shikaku, what the hell happened?" Inoichi had finally yelled at him on the sixth day of their mission. "Either you tell me, or I swear Chouza will hold you down and I will pull the information from your head."

Shikaku had sulked for about five minutes before finally giving in and telling them about his fight with Hari. "She'll never forgive me," he'd said a little more pathetically than he'd intended at the end of it, unable to look up at their expressions. "You should have seen her face - god." He'd rubbed his hands over his hair roughly.

"I imagine she was pretty devastated." To Shikaku's surprise it was laid back Chouza who said that in a voice heavy with disapproval.

Inoichi sighed. "I can't believe you told her you were working late. Why didn't you just tell her the truth?"

"I was a little distracted with my suicidal childhood friend," Shikaku snapped, then flopped back to lay on the bed he'd been sitting on.

"I panicked, alright? I'm not in love with Michi, but she's still a good friend who went through something awful."

"So you cuddled her?" Chouza asked in disbelief.

Shikaku winced. "I know, alright? I was honestly just comforting her. God, she was telling me details about her -" he cut himself off. "Just trust me, there was nothing remotely sexual or romantic about that moment."

Inoichi hummed. "Well, you screwed up, but Hari's a kind person, and she's pretty selfless. Once she finally lets you within twenty feet of her person so you can explain I'm sure she'll forgive you." Silence, and then a snicker. Shikaku sat up and glared at Inoichi.

"In what world is this remotely funny?"

Inoichi shook his head and flapped a hand at him. "It's not, not really. I guess it's just strange to see you acting like an angsty teenager. Over a princess. A magical princess."

Shikaku had groaned when Chouza joined in with his own chuckles, knowing the rest of their mission was going to be unbearable. His prediction was correct, both because of his temper and his friends' teasing.

He wondered if Hari would willingly talk to him yet. The plan with the shadows had failed, but he'd come up with a few other options for cornering his slippery wife. No wonder she wasn't worried about a kidnapping.

All thoughts of his upcoming conversation with Hari were put on hold when they reported in to Tsunade. Inoichi and Chouza had both put hands on his shoulders when she delivered the news. Shikamaru was captured, with no way out. Not even Gaara of the desert could get to him. Shikaku was a shinobi, so instead of dropping to his knees in despair he squared his shoulders and looked his Hokage in the eye. "Permission to retrieve my son."

Tsunade closed her eyes and swore. "Dammit, Shikaku, you know I can't let you do that. All that will accomplish is to get both of you captured. I've called in a favor to Iron, and they're sending over some samurai -" she was cut off when her door burst open in a flurry of shouts.

Shikaku spun around, a kunai already in his hand, before jerking to a stop. Standing in front of him, shoulders heaving, blood running down his shirtless torso and shaking in exhaustion and probably blood loss was his son. Shikaku took a few stuttering steps forward and caught him as he fell.