Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Chapter Five

“Gai, hey Gai.” Genma shouted when he spotted the green clad man farther down the street.

“Why are you calling him over?” Raidou whined, not wanting to deal with the overly exuberant shinobi so early in the day.

“I want to see if he can help Iruka . . . he was Hatake’s friend after all.” the honey-haired man replied confidently.

“Good Morning Genma, Raidou. How Are You This Beautiful Morning?” Gai practically sparkled in the morning light, striking a pose and smiling brilliantly.

“We’re good Gai.” Genma replied, throwing an arm over spandex-clad shoulders, “But our friend Iruka-sensei needs your help.”

“I Will Do Anything In My Power To Help The Honorable Sensei, He Is A Good And Compassionate Man.” Gai began, picking up steam as his speech progressed, “He Is Generously Helping The Husband Of My Rival Cope With The Tragedy . . .”

Genma hastily cut him off in midstream. “That’s where the problem comes in . . . apparently Hatake convinced Iruka to . . .” his speech cut off abruptly when his lover’s hand slammed down over his mouth.

“That’s not for you to tell.” Raidou hissed urgently before taking control of the conversation, “What he means Gai, is that we would appreciate it if you’d spend some time with Iruka if you get a chance. He’s lonely, and playing substitute for Kakashi is hard on him . . . we’re worried.” he finished sincerely.

“I Will Be Honored To Help You. I Was Just Heading To Ibiki’s House . . . Iruka Did Not Show Up At The Academy Today.” the flamboyant man explained, “I Hope He Is Alright.” Gai frowned expressively, making both Genma and Raidou shudder slightly.

“What can we do to help?” Genma asked quickly, wiping the expression off the Green Beast’s face when he saw the senbon sucking shinobi’s concern.

“One Of You Can Take Iruka’s Class For Today.” Gai boomed.

“I’m off.” Raidou said almost joyously, kissing his boyfriend before dashing off toward the academy.

“Why Don’t You Come With Me To Check On Iruka-Sensei?” Gai suggested, propelling Genma along with a heavy hand on his shoulder, “You Can Tell Me Why You’re Really Worried.”

The honey-haired man shifted his senbon nervously from side to side before finally letting out a deep sigh. “Rai’s right, it really isn’t my place to tell . . . but I can say that before he died Hatake convinced Iruka to take care of Ibiki if something happened to him. I think that’s a huge burden to place on someone, especially someone like Iruka.”

“Why Especially Like Iruka?” Gai asked curiously.

“I know he was a prankster when he was a kid . . . but these days Iruka is almost too serious. He’s never dated, has no close friends that I know of . . . it would just be very easy for him to be hurt. He’s a nice guy, he doesn’t deserve that.” Genma explained seriously, “Maybe he’ll open up to you.”

“I Will Do My Best,” Gai began seriously, “Or I Will Break All The Bricks For The New Administration Building With My Head.”

“I don’t think you need to go that far.” Genma said with a laugh, “Just spend some time with him, he needs to know there are people who support him.”

Iruka dashed for the door as soon as the first knock rang out. “Sshhhh,” he whispered, finger to his lips, “Ibiki’s putting . . .” his thought was interrupted by a piercing cry.

“I hope this is urgent.” the interrogator growled as he appeared out of the nursery, a tiny bundle in his arms. “Iruka, she’s hungry again.”

“Did you check her diaper?” the chuunin asked, hands on his hips.

“Uh, no?” came the embarrassed reply.

“Make sure she’s dry and I’ll heat a bottle.” the teacher directed before turning back to the pair at the door, “Are you guys coming in or not?” he asked abruptly, “I have a baby to feed.”

Gai and Genma hesitantly stepped inside. Neither had been through the door while Kakashi was alive, he always cracked the door open and slipped outside to speak with any visitors. Unsure of what to do they followed Iruka into the kitchen, hovering awkwardly in the door while he fixed Katsumi’s bottle.

“Is there something I can do to help you Iruka?” Gai asked softly, “Kakashi was my friend, I’ve already told Ibiki I’d like to help you two out.”

The teacher was almost too shocked by the lack of the taijutsu master’s usual flamboyance to answer. “Uh . . . put some water on to boil.” he finally stammered, turning back to the sink and filling a clean bottle with formula to cover his hesitation.
He plopped the finished bottle into the pan of water and turned to the pair of jounin. “Why are you two here anyway?” the teacher asked, cocking his head to the side and giving Genma a pointed look.

“You didn’t show up at the academy this morning sensei.” Gai replied smoothly, “I came to check on you.”

“Uh . . . why would you care?” Iruka replied, a bright blush lighting his cheeks.

“You might be surprised by how many people care about you sensei.” the taijutsu master answered quietly, studying the dark haired man carefully before continuing, “Raidou took your classes for today, I’ll talk to the Hokage about a substitute for the next few weeks.”

“You don’t have to do that for me.” the chuunin protested, “Really, it’s a huge imposition.”

“No, it’s not.” Gai stated firmly, not a hint of his usual sparkles in sight, “I miss him too . . . you’re doing what I wish I could, thank you.”

Before Iruka had a chance to formulate a reply Ibiki burst into the room with a wailing baby clutched in his arms. “She’s still crying.” the normally stoic man said in a slightly panicked voice, “I changed her, why is she still crying?”

“She’s probably hungry.” the teacher declared with a smile as he reached out and plucked the tiny bundle from the interrogator’s arms and settled it in his own, deftly bringing the bottle to her lips. He smiled down at the tiny girl and began crooning sweetly to her as she ate, never realizing how his actions captivated the other men in the room.

Ibiki watched Iruka feeding his daughter numbly. Every time he saw the chuunin cradling Katsumi he was overwhelmed with visions of how Kakashi would have looked doing the same thing. I miss you sweetheart, he thought as his heart clenched anew. “Is she actually eating?” he asked in surprise, “I just fed her an hour ago.”

“Newborn babies eat a little bit every hour or two.” the chuunin replied distractedly, eyes never leaving Katsumi’s face, “It will be a few months before she even sleeps through the night without waking every couple of hours to eat.”

Genma once again thanked the gods that he was with Raidou and there were no children in his future, he couldn’t do what Ibiki and Iruka were attempting. He studied the teacher carefully, he looked better than he had the night before . . . but only barely. “How are you feeling this morning Iruka?” he asked, concern obvious in his voice, “You look tired.”

“It’s been a busy morning and I didn’t sleep well last night Genma-san.” the chuunin replied, his formality a clear warning to let things drop, “I imagine I’ll be tired a lot over the next few weeks.”

“Ibiki, You Never Told Us Your Child’s Name.” Gai boomed suddenly, breaking the tense atmosphere.

“Hatake Katsumi.” the interrogator replied shortly, “Why are you two here?”

“Iruka didn’t go to work this morning so the academy sent Gai to check on him.” Genma explained, “He ran into Rai and I on our way to breakfast, Rai took Iruka’s classes and I decided to tag along to see if he was okay.”

Gai moved to stand next to the teacher, thoughtful eyes studying the picture he made with Katsumi cradled in his arms and a soft smile on his face. “May I hold her Iruka?” the taijutsu master asked quietly.

“Support her head, that’s right.” the chuunin encouraged as Gai tentatively took the tiny bundle, “There you go, just hold the bottle, she’ll push it out when she’s had enough.”

The green clad man smiled widely as he gazed down at the tiny girl. “Hello Katsumi, your father was my eternal rival and my dear friend. I hope one day we will be friends too.”

Iruka was shocked to see the tender look in Gai’s eyes as he crooned to Katsumi, it was not what he expected from one of Konoha’s elite soldiers. Of course, he concluded, none of this is what I expected. Thank you sempai, he thought, I haven’t had a home or a family in a long time . . . and odd as it may be, this is starting to feel like both.

The years flew by, and before Ibiki knew it his daughter had grown into a solemn two year old, who was currently wielding a rubber kunai with a fierce intensity that reminded him of Kakashi. He chuckled under his breath as she successfully ‘snuck up’ on Bull, yanking back his head to pull the toy kunai across his throat.

“Dead Bull.” the tiny silver haired angel trilled as she pumped a pudgy fist in the air, “I got you.”

“Yes you did.” the massive hound agreed readily, “Very good whelp.”

“‘sumi-chan,” Iruka called from inside the house, “It’s time for your nap.”

“I’m a big girl.” she declared stubbornly, “No more nap.”

“Oh really.” the teacher declared as he stepped outside, “And why do you think that?”

“I caught Bull . . . I’m all grown now.” the little girl declared with a firm nod of her head, “When can I start doing missions Chichi?” she asked Ibiki, catching him completely off guard.

“Not until you finish at the Academy.” Iruka interjected, seeing the panic rising in the scarred man’s eyes at the thought of his little girl out on missions, “You can’t start there until you’re five . . . so it’ll be a few more years.” And you won’t be graduating a year later like your father, not if I have anything to say about it, he silently added.

“Ruka’s mean.” Katsumi complained with a pout, “I don’t need a nap, do I Chichi?”

“Iruka is never mean.” Ibiki countered with a grin, “And you definitely need a nap.” With that he swung the young girl up onto his shoulders as she squealed in glee, trotting into the house to drop her into her bed. He emerged a few minutes later, laying a hand on the teacher’s shoulder and squeezing lightly. “Sorry about that Iruka, she didn’t mean it.” he apologized, “She really does love you.”

“It’s okay Ibiki, it’s confusing for her.” the chuunin replied absently, “I’m not her parent and she knows it . . . she’s almost too smart for her age.”

“She takes after her father.” the interrogator replied cautiously, “In such a hurry to grow up . . . ‘kashi wasn’t good with people either, maybe it’s genetic.”

“That’s a truly scary thought.” Iruka declared with a shudder, “I’m going to head to the market, is there anything in particular you’d like for dinner?”

“I’ll take care of the shopping.” Ibiki said unexpectedly, standing and stretching the kinks out of his back, “I want to go visit the memorial.” He plucked the list out of the teacher’s hand and headed out, leaving the younger man gazing blankly at the garden.

“Iruka.” The teacher jumped at the soft utterance of his name.

“Gai, you startled me.” he said shakily, hand pressed to his chest in shock, “What brings you here? ‘Sumi-chan is taking her nap right now.”

“Actually I came to see you.” was the soft spoken reply, “How are you doing?”

“I’m okay.” the chuunin replied shortly, “The kids are itchy this close to summer vacation they’ll be glad when exams are over.”

“No, how are you doing, not the kids.” the green clad man insisted, “You look tired.”

“I’m okay.” Iruka replied softly, “Thanks for asking.”

“Iruka,” the taijutsu master began nervously, “I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?”

“Huh?” the chuunin replied eloquently, “You mean like a date?”

“I’d like that.” Gai said solemnly as he studied the ground under his feet, “If you’re willing.”

The teacher studied the green clad man critically before replying. “I don’t know why you’d want to go out with me, but alright . . . on one condition.”

“Anything.” Gai replied eagerly.

“No green.” Iruka replied firmly, “I want to see you in something casual.”

“Great, I’ll pick you up at eight tomorrow night.” the taijutsu master confirmed with endearing eagerness before dashing away in search of acceptable attire.

Eight o’clock the next night found Iruka pacing nervously in the lounge while Ibiki and Katsumi watched in amusement. “Relax, Iruka.” the interrogator laughed, “It’s just a date with Gai, not a firing squad, I’m sure you’ll have fun.”

“I’ve never been on a date.” the teacher replied nervously, “Do I look alright?”

“You’ll be fine.” Ibiki soothed, “Won’t he ‘sumi?”

“‘Ruka looks funny.” Katsumi said flatly as she studied him critically, “He doesn’t have his vest and his hair is all floppy.”

“He’s going to dinner with Gai.” her father informed her with a smile, “He wants to look nice for his date.”

“What’s a date?” she queried, head cocking to the side.

“That’s what humans do when they want to mate.” Bull explained solemnly, “They date, get married and have puppies.”

“Not exactly Bull.” Ibiki gasped through his laughter. He finally gained control of himself and was getting ready to correct the hound when he caught a glimpse of Iruka’s mortified expression and collapsed into a fresh round of giggles. Once he eventually slowed down to a gasping halt he wiped the tears from his eyes and attempted to explain.

“Actually sweetheart,” he began after depositing Katsumi securely in his lap, “dating is a way for two people who like each other to get to know each other better. They go somewhere by themselves so they can talk and learn more about each other.”

“And then they get married?” the silver-haired tot pressed.

“Sometimes, if they decide they love each other.” the scarred man continued, “Sometimes people get married first and fall in love after . . . that’s what your father and I did. We got married because we were both lonely, but I fell in love with him right away . . . and I think he grew to love me too.”

“I know he did.” the teacher chimed in, placing a comforting hand on the large man’s shoulder, “He told me so, and he had no reason to lie to me about it. You know Katsumi,” he continued, turning his attention to the serious toddler, “I think the important thing to remember is that people are always more than they seem. If you take the time to get to know them it will always be to your benefit.”

“What if I don’t like them once I get to know them?” she shot back.

“Either way, it’s better to know who you’re dealing with.” Iruka declared, “And I think you’ll find there are more people you like than dislike . . . if you’re willing to give them a chance. Take Gai-sensei for example, if you just look at the surface he seems awfully loud and green but if you take the time to get to know him you’ll see that he’s really very sweet.”

“Sweet eh.” Ibiki smirked, “I won’t wait up for you.”

“Ibiki.” Iruka choked, “It’s just dinner.”

“I remember my first dinner with ‘kashi.” the large man replied with a leer, “I won’t wait up.”

“Well,” the teacher stated primly, “I don’t know what you and Kakashi got up to, but I have school tomorrow.”

“I’m just teasing ‘ruka.” the interrogator chuckled, “I hope you two have a wonderful time.”

Before the chuunin had a chance to reply the bell rang. Katsumi raced to answer it, throwing the door open and calling in a loud voice, “Ruka, your mate’s here!” before turning back to the nervous man at the door “Are you and Ruka getting married tonight Gai-sensei?” she asked sweetly, “Cos I’d like one of the puppies when you do.”

Ibiki tried to maintain his composure, but in the end he succumbed to another round of giggles. Gai was white as a sheet, muttering the word puppies over and over while poor Iruka had gone red as a tomato and was hoping to melt into the floor. “I love puppies.” Bull chimed in, as the teacher’s eyes snapped to him in horror, “Why didn’t you tell us you were having puppies Boss?”

“I’m not having puppies.” he growled, “It’s just dinner, just a simple dinner, not mating or marriage, just dinner.” he ranted, voice getting louder with each word, “You people are all insane.” he finished angrily before stomping over to the still shell-shocked Gai and taking his arm, “Let’s go . . . unless you’ve changed you mind, that is?”

“No,” the taijutsu master said, shaking his head to clear it, “I haven’t changed my mind, don’t be silly.”

Once they were seated in a secluded booth Iruka took time to study the man across the table from him. He had to admit, his date looked a lot different in jeans and a button down shirt. Sometimes more really is less, he mused, Gai really looks sexy in those clothes. Wait a minute did I just think Gai was sexy? He flushed at the forwardness of his thoughts and decided to attempt small talk. “So Gai, you look nice, how is it wearing something other than spandex?” he asked.

“It’s a change, that’s for sure.” the large man replied in a hushed whisper, “I hope my clothes are alright, I really wasn’t sure what to wear. I have to admit, I am a bit short of experience when it comes to dating. I asked Genma for some tips though.” he hastily assured the teacher, “I’m sure it will be fine.”

“I’ve never been on a date.” Iruka admitted reluctantly, “So I won’t know if you make a mistake.”

“Well then,” Gai concluded, “why don’t we just enjoy our dinner and not worry about it. What looks good to you Iruka?”

The meal passed quickly, both men enjoying the food and the company, comfortable enough with each other to share tidbits of food and relaxed conversation along with a good bottle of sake. “So Gai, why this, why me, why now?” Iruka asked once dinner had been cleared and they were waiting for desert.

“I’ve wanted to ask you for a while now.” the jounin admitted, “I was just afraid you’d say no and things would be awkward. I don’t want anything between us that would affect Katsumi.”

“Why would I say no?” the teacher queried, brow wrinkling in thought, “I don’t understand.”

“I’ve never really been sure what your relationship is with Ibiki, I didn’t want to anger either of you. I know people think I’m dense, but I see a lot more than they think.” he replied, face solemn, “There was a time when you looked at him like a lover . . . but you don’t anymore, so I thought I’d take a chance.”

“Oh.” the teacher replied in a small voice, “I didn’t realize . . .” he trailed off for a moment before picking back up with renewed determination, “Ibiki’s never had any interest in me, he still cries himself to sleep most nights.” he took a deep breath, deciding he’d like to get it all off his chest, assuming Gai wanted to listen, that is. “If I tell you something, do you promise not to hate me?” he finally whispered.

“I can’t imagine anything you might say that could cause me to hate you Iruka.” the taijutsu master replied tenderly, “I’m here for you, no matter what.”

In a choking voice the chuunin recounted the events of the night Katsumi was born. “So that’s why Genma was so worried about me that morning.” he finally concluded, eyes fixed firmly on his lap so as not to see the condemnation in the virtuous man’s eyes.

“I’m so sorry Iruka.” Gai said simply, “And I’m doubly grateful you were willing to give me a chance. Kakashi was a genius and my friend, but that was a terribly stupid idea. I’m sorry you were hurt, I’m sure that’s not what he intended.”

“I chose to try it.” the teacher admitted, “I can’t blame that on Kakashi. . . besides, his focus was Ibiki’s happiness.”

“Nevertheless,” the large man pressed, “it put you in a terrible position.” He quickly changed the subject, “Would you like anything else?”

“No, I’m stuffed.” Iruka admitted with a laugh, “You may have to roll me home.”

“I’ll be happy to carry you.” Gai replied gallantly, “It would be my pleasure.”

Before long they were strolling towards Ibiki’s, both loathe for the evening to end. “So, Iruka-sensei,” Gai husked when they reached the door, “I hope you had a nice time. I’d love it if you’d agree to go out with me again.”

“I’d like that.” the teacher replied with a smile, “When?”

“I have a mission tomorrow, I should be back by Saturday . . . how does a Sunday picnic sound?”

“That sounds wonderful.” Iruka replied easily, “Be careful on your mission.” He looked up and realized that Gai had moved so that his face was now only inches away. Before he had a chance to react the taijutsu master wrapped a massive arm around him and pulled him close, bending his head to place a tender kiss on plump lips.

Iruka sighed into the kiss and Gai took the opportunity to sweep his tongue into the chuunin’s mouth, bringing his hand up to tangle in silky chocolate strands as their tongues tangled sweetly. When the kiss finally broke the teacher just stared at his date for what seemed like forever, causing fear to clutch the large man’s heart until his lips were violently reclaimed a moment later.

“Having fun kids?” Ibiki’s wry rumble broke the pair out of their heated lip lock.

“I was just leaving . . . I’ll see you Sunday Iruka.” Gai managed before abruptly teleporting away.

“Gee thanks Dad.” Iruka grumbled sarcastically, “My first kiss and you have to come barging in.”

“Your first kiss?” the interrogator questioned, eyebrows rising.

“Yes.” the teacher groused, “Why so surprised, it’s not like you’ve seen me go out on dates before.”

“I just never thought . . . I’m sorry Iruka, when I asked you to move in here I didn’t think about how badly it would screw up your life. Katsumi’s growing so fast . . . if you want to leave . . .” he left the thought hanging.

“Do you want me to leave?” the chuunin asked very quietly, “I can . . . I just need a few days to find a place to live.”

“No, no.” the scarred man protested, “I don’t want you to go, I don’t know what I’d do without you. It’s just that you deserve a life of your own . . . you’re far too young and too nice to be cooped up here with someone like me.”

“Well then, guess I’m staying.” Iruka quipped as he headed for his room, “Unless, of course, you intend on eavesdropping on all my dates, that is.” he finished with a laugh.

“No, I’ll leave you alone.” Ibiki said with a smile, “I have no desire to see any more of Gai than he normally exposes.”

“Your loss.” was the teasing reply as the teacher disappeared into his room with a toss of his head, leaving Ibiki to contemplate this latest development.

Iruka and Gai, he mused, I never saw that coming. How about you sweetheart? He addressed the copy-nin, what do you think of them as a couple? Yeah, weird . . . but then so were we. With a shrug he headed off to bed, looking forward to seeing how it all played out.