Into the Fire

Chapter One Hundred One

It took another half hour before all the participants were finally assembled and the rehearsal could begin. Unfortunately, what should have been a quick ten minute walk-through rapidly turned into an hour long session of delays, disputes and false starts.

“This is why you have a rehearsal 'shi-kun.” Kurenai whispered comfortingly, “You want everything tomorrow to go perfectly.”

“I thought we settled all these things though.” the copy-nin pouted, “I know I told Ibiki to deal with Gai and his love song . . . and I personally nixed the slide show, so why are we still going around about it.”

“We aren't.” Ibiki declared, “I just had a talk with Gai . . . apparently the threat of losing the best man's position has him more willing to do things your way.”

“You threatened him?” the silver-haired nin gasped.

“I told him he had you nearly in tears.” the interrogator teased, “I'm surprised he didn't kill himself on the spot.”

“You are so cruel . . . I do love you 'biki.” Kakashi replied gratefully, “I didn't have the vaguest idea how to stop him.”

“Everyone back in position.” Kurenai called, “Let's try this again.”

Eventually after much wrangling all the details were finally worked out and the wedding party headed off to join their friends for the rehearsal dinner. “Finally.” Raidou exclaimed when the group was seated, “We were about ready to send out a search party.”

“Is everything alright with sempai?” Itachi whispered to Kisame when he sat down.

“He's fine.” the swordsman rumbled, “Just a bit of nerves . . . it just took a while to get the details of the ceremony straightened out.”

“I would like to propose a toast.” an already inebriated Jiraiya proclaimed, standing and lifting his saucer while he waited for silence. “K'kashi, I know I've been a lousy uncle, but I just wanted to say I'm glad you've found someone who makes you happy. I know your mother and father would be very proud of you right now.” The sannin flopped back down onto the cushions, tossing back his saucer and pouring another, “Morino, you be nice to him or I'll have to kick your ass.”

“You have had enough of this.” Kurenai declared as she neatly plucked the sake bottle from the white maned sage's hands, “Next thing you know you'll be dancing on the table.”

“I'm just warming up for the stag party.” Jiraiya protested, “It's tradition.”

“Tradition my ass.” the kunoichi gritted out, “It's an excuse to raise hell . . . mess this up for them old man and I'll hunt you down and roast your ass.”

“I have a toast.” Raidou offered, “Kakashi and Ibiki . . .I hope you find as much happiness as Gaara and I have. To many wonderful years together.”

“Kanpai.” the guests all chorused as they drank.

“Enough already.” the copy-nin grumbled, “Can we just eat please?”

“Sweetheart, they're just happy for us.” the interrogator whispered in his ear.

“But . . . it's ridiculous.” the silver-haired man whispered back, “We know they approve or they wouldn't be here . . . it's just embarrassing.”

“I know you don't like compliments 'kashi, but our friends are happy for us. Here, have a nice piece of squid.” the scarred man insisted as he popped a morsel into his intended's mouth.

“Oh how sweet.” Kurenai gushed, “You two are adorable together.”

“Hey Kurenai,” Kakashi ventured in an attempt to switch the focus away from himself, “where are the babies?”

“I hired a genin to babysit.” she explained, “I didn't want them to interrupt anything.”

“That won't do at all.” a horrified copy-nin exclaimed, “We need to go get them.”

“I'm sure it's fine 'shi-kun.” the kunoichi soothed, “It's just for a few hours.”

“But they're with a stranger.” the silver-haired man fretted, “Bull will kill me if anything happens to them . . . we need to make sure they're alright.” He flashed through the signs and disappeared, jaw dropping at the disaster that met his eyes when he arrived at Asuma and Kurenai's house. Both twins were screaming at the top of their lungs while a frazzled young girl frantically tried to figure out what was wrong.

“There, there.” Kakashi soothed as he scooped them out of their cribs and held them close, “I've got you.” both infants immediately calming when they sensed his familiar chakra. “Do you have any idea what you're doing?” the imposing figure asked the terrified genin.

The young girl fell to her knees, quaking in fear at the menacing chakra crackling around the infamous jounin. “I've taken care of babies before,” she squeaked, “just not two at once.”

“Hmmph.” the copy-nin snorted, “That's obvious. Why don't you just go before you make things worse.”

“But Sarutobi-san . . .” the teenager began.

“Will hear from me about this.” Kakashi threatened, “Now go.” The panicked girl grabbed her things and fled as the jounin carefully packed a bag and bundled the twins into their stroller before making the signs to transport them back to the restaurant.

“'shi-kun . . .” Kurenai hissed in exasperation, “they were fine.”

“They were crying hysterically and your so-called babysitter was panicking.” the silver-haired man shot back, “I couldn't just leave them there like that . . . could I princess?” he cooed to his attentive goddaughter.

“'kashi, sweetheart, it really is Kurenai's choice.” Ibiki ventured, “She needs to find someone besides you who can watch them.”

“Why?” the copy-nin asked anxiously, “I love taking care of them.”

“Well, among other reasons, we're going to be gone for the next two weeks . . . someone will have to babysit while Asuma and Kurenai are working.” the interrogator reasoned.

“We can't go.” the younger man whispered sadly, “I didn't think . . . they need me.”

“I need you.” the scarred nin insisted, “Who's more important?”

“You are.” Kakashi said instantly, “I'm sorry . . . I guess I over-reacted.”

“You were just worried about your precious people . . . that's one of the things I love about you sweetheart . . . but I want to take you away and spend some time alone together.” Ibiki explained, “Maybe Bull could stay with the twins to keep an eye on them. He'd let you know right away if something was wrong.”

“That's a good idea.” the copy-nin decided, “Is that alright with you Kurenai?”

“That would be lovely 'shi-kun.” the dark-haired woman agreed, “I wouldn't worry at all with Bull there too.”

“Then it's settled.” the interrogator declared, “Let's eat.”

Before long everyone was eating and chatting, while the copy-nin picked at his food nervously and fussed over the twins, more than ready for the overly social situation to be over with. Finally the last of the dishes were cleared away and people began to gather their things to leave.

“Lover Of My Eternal Rival,” Gai boomed excitedly as he clamped a heavy hand on the interrogator's shoulder, “It Is Time For The Youthful Tradition Known As Your Bachelor Party.”

“I really think I'd rather just go home and crash.” Ibiki answered honestly, “Tomorrow is a big day.”

“You can't go home with Kakashi.” Kurenai pointed out, “It's bad luck . . . you'll just have to wait until tomorrow to see him.”

“But . . .” the interrogator tried to protest, only to find himself flanked by Jiraiya and Gai.

“No buts.” the sannin declared, “This is your last night of freedom, you need to enjoy it.”

“Freedom is highly overrated.” the scarred man mumbled as he leaned over and kissed his fiance. “See you tomorrow sweetheart.” he husked, “Sleep well.”

“But . . . I don't like this.” the copy-nin pouted, “I don't want you to sleep somewhere else.”

“Too bad 'shi-kun.” Kurenai insisted, “Now come on, let's get you home, you need your beauty sleep.”

The silver-haired jounin continued to protest, but the kunoichi ignored his complaints, tucking the babies into the stroller and linking her arm through his. “All set.” she declared, “Let's go.”

The lovers locked eyes as they were hustled off in opposite directions. “Love you.” Kakashi mouthed as he was tugged toward the door, finally losing sight of the interrogator as the was dragged off by Gai and Jiraiya as a small part of his mind wondered if he'd ever see his tall lover again.