Into the Fire

Chapter One Hundred Eight

The two weeks passed quicker than either man expected and all too soon it was time to get back to their everyday lives. “We could just stay here.” Kakashi suggested over breakfast, “I could definitely get used to this.”

“It wouldn't be as special if we stayed here all the time.” Ibiki replied thoughtfully, “Besides, what about the shop . . . and the twins, I'm sure Kurenai is going crazy without your help.”

“I miss them too.” the copy-nin admitted, “I just hate to see this end.”

“Nothing is ending sweetheart.” the interrogator assured him, “We'll come back . . . I promise. This is our home too, you know.”

“I'm just going to miss you.” the silver haired nin blurted out, “It's nice spending the day together.”

“I'm going to miss that, too.” the scarred man concurred, “Given a choice between my duties and you, I'll pick you every time.”

“Aren't you sweet . . . I'm awfully glad you're my husband.” Kakashi purred, “What are you doing for lunch?”

“Why?” came the wary response.

“Don't you trust me?” the younger man teased, “I want to take you somewhere.”

“Of course I trust you.” Ibiki bristled, “It's just that I'm sure I have a lot to catch up on.”

“You need to eat.” the copy-nin insisted, “I'll pick you up at one.”

“Yes dear.” the interrogator mumbled around his mouthful of toast, “I'll make sure I'm free.”

“So, where are the pictures you promised Kurenai?” Kakashi continued mischievously, “She's going to want to see them right away.”

“Damn . . . I knew I was forgetting something.” the tall man swore as he rushed around in search of the camera he'd packed. “Quick, smile.” he urged as he snapped a shot of his husband lounging at the breakfast table.

“Better hurry.” the silver-haired man teased, “You've got two weeks to make up for.”

“Fine.” Ibiki snapped, scooping the smiling jounin up and rushing outside, stripping his husband of the light yukata he was wearing before dumping him unceremoniously into the furo. “Smile.” he gritted out again as he snapped away, making sure to get the impressive background in the shot.

“Your turn.” the silver-haired man chuckled as he pulled himself out, grabbed the camera and swept the interrogator's feet out from under him . . . clicking off a rapid series of frames as the stoic man hit the water and came up sputtering.

“Not fair 'kashi.” he groused as he pulled his dripping form out of the tub, “I took your clothes off first.”

“But that would have ruined the surprise.” came the sassy retort, “The look on your face was priceless.”

“Wonderful.” the scarred man replied drily, “Now . . . what else would she want to see?”

Less than an hour later the couple finished cleaning up the last of the mess and gathered their things to head home, draining and covering the furo in preparation for their next visit. “Are you ready sweetheart?” Ibiki rumbled as he pulled the slender jounin into his arms.

“These past two weeks have been perfect.” Kakashi whispered, “Thank you for a wonderful honeymoon.”

“No, thank you for marrying me.” the tall man countered, “You are the one thing this place has always been lacking. I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself . . . I was afraid it would get a bit boring for you.”

“You're all the excitement I need.” the copy-nin declared fiercely, “Now let's go home and start the rest of our life together.”

An hour later the torture master strolled into his office, face once more set in its usual impassive lines as he caught up on everything that had happened while he was away. “I'll be in the Hokage's office.” he told his aide when he finished catching up and headed upstairs, “If my husband gets here before I get back, send him on up, please.”

“Of course boss.” the young man replied with a smile, “By the way, congratulations on your marriage.”

“Thank you.” Ibiki beamed, “Why weren't you at the wedding?”

“Someone had to hold down the fort.” the ANBU replied with a shrug, “Security for all the visiting kage's had us stretched a bit thin.”

“I'm sorry you missed it . . . it was a wonderful day.” the interrogator answered sincerely, “I appreciate your taking care of things around here so I could get away.”

“You haven't taken time off in years,” his aide retorted, “I was just happy to see there was something that could convince you to get out of here.”

“I think you should get used to it.” the scarred man decided, “I want to make the most of the time we have.”

“I'm glad to hear that.” came the pleased reply, “Now get going . . . you wouldn't want to keep Umino-sama waiting.”

Ibiki headed upstairs, knocking once before throwing the doors open and striding into Iruka's office. “Hey guys, we're back.” he called, “What have I missed?”

“Finally.” Genma exclaimed as he pulled the tall man into a tight embrace, “I thought you'd never come home.”

“How was your honeymoon?” Iruka added as he joined them.

“Perfect . . . just perfect.” the interrogator answered with a smile, “No interruptions, no hassles, just the two of us . . . I wish it didn't have to end.”

“Well I, for one, am glad it did.” Genma retorted brattily, “I need your help if I'm ever going to be ready for our wedding .”

“You have six months.” the scarred man griped, “Don't be a baby . . . we pulled ours together in two weeks.”

“You mean Kurenai pulled it together.” the Hokage corrected him.

“So get her to help you.” Ibiki rationalized, “She'll love doing it . . . 'kashi can put in a good word for you.”

“I want us to do it ourselves.” the Rokudaime insisted stubbornly, “Gen isn't as enthusiastic, I'm afraid.”

“Cake tasting, invitations, colors for gods sake.” the senbon sucker complained, “I don't care about any of it.”

“You don't care about our wedding?” Iruka asked drily, crossing his arms and arching an eyebrow in disbelief.

“I didn't mean it like that Ru.” his lover was swift to explain, “I want to marry you more than anything . . . but I don't care about the details.”

“You need to learn to appreciate the finer things in life Gen.” the former teacher insisted, “I know it's a lot . . . but a state wedding has to be formal.”

“You're planning it together . . . right?” the interrogator asked warily.

“Of course.” the Hokage retorted, “Unless my neanderthal of a fiance bails out on me.”

“He won't.” Ibiki replied confidently, “He'd do anything that lets him spend time with you . . . right Genma?”

“Duh.” the honey-haired man snarked, “I just wish it was something more interesting.”

“Speaking of interesting,” the former teacher interjected, “Where did you go on your honeymoon anyway?”

“We went to my cabin . . . it's miles from everyone and everything.” the scarred man explained, “Just perfect for spending some quality time alone together.”

Just then Kakashi stuck his head though the door, “Have you seen my husband?” he asked with a smirk.

“Get in here.” the interrogator growled, pulling the lithe jounin close for a lingering kiss. “Is it lunchtime already?”

“Yup.” the copy-nin replied laconically, “Are you ready or should I come back later?”

“We're talking about the plans for Genma and Iruka's wedding.” the scarred man explained, “But you're right, we should probably get going.”

“We should all get together some night this week.” the Hokage suggested, “I, for one, want to see the pictures you took.”

“How about Thursday?” Kakashi suggested, “Come over to our place . . . I'll cook.” he hastened to add when both men hesitated.

“That sounds wonderful.” the honey-haired man agreed, “Seven o'clock?”

“We'll see you then.” the interrogator confirmed. “Come on you.” he teased as he wrapped an arm around his husband's waist, “You had something you wanted to show me.”

The newlyweds strolled along comfortably, hand in hand, until they reached a familiar storefront. “Why are we here?” Ibiki asked uncertainly.

“I think it's high time I got my own tattoo . . .” Kakashi declared, “unless you don't want me to, that is?”

The interrogator's eyes went wide with shock, “I think that would be hot.” he admitted, “As long as it's your choice.”

“You are most definitely my choice.” the silver-haired man husked, “Now come on, I want to take care of this before we eat.”