Into the Fire

Chapter One Hundred Thirteen

The day of the Hokage's wedding was upon them before they knew it, and Kakashi was fussing around the house in search of an obi to go with the kimono his husband had picked out for him to wear. “Why is it every time we go anywhere I end up in a kimono?” he asked as he pursed his lips in frustration, digging around in the closet in a fruitless search for the missing strip of cloth.

“Because you are hotness personified in a kimono.” the interrogator growled in a pale ear, taking a moment to trace the kanji of his name with the tip of his tongue before he continued, “You know, they'll be really busy with everything today . . . no one will notice if we're late.”

“You want to sneak in late to the Hokage's wedding so you can get some?” the copy-nin asked, disbelief apparent on his features, “Are you trying to spare me from unpleasant encounters by any chance?”

“No one will bother you today, I swear.” Ibiki assured him, “Gaara and Raidou will be there, and Itachi and Kisame are coming. There's a new Mizukage . . . believe me, after what happened to both his predecessors he has no interest in you whatsoever.”

“I don't know if that's good news or not.” Kakashi grumbled, “The daimyo will be there, won't they?”

“None of the foreign daimyo have been invited . . . just the kages and the council . . . and Iruka and Genma's friends, of course.” the interrogator continued as he pulled the slender man close and stroked a soothing hand up and down the copy-nin's taut back.

“I just don't want to ruin Iruka and Genma's wedding the way I did Gaara and Raidou's.” the silver-haired man murmured, “They've waited an awfully long time for this.”

“You didn't ruin anything sweetheart.” the scarred man cooed, “You need to stop blaming yourself for other people's actions.”

“I was the catalyst, like it or not.” Kakashi declared crossly, “I don't wish to be again.” Any protest the interrogator was going to make was forgotten when someone began pounding on their door.

“I'll get that . . . you need more clothes before I'm letting anyone see you.” the scarred man growled possessively before heading out of the bedroom, leaving his husband to continue his hunt for the elusive obi.

“Kisame, it's great to see you again.” Ibiki exclaimed when he opened the door, pulling the swordsman into a hug. “Where's Itachi?”

“He has been unwell.” the Mist-nin declared with a shrug, “We decided it would be unwise for him to travel.”

“What's wrong with him?” the copy-nin asked sharply as he wandered into the room, still adjusting the knot on his obi, “Why didn't you summon me?”

“His eyes make it difficult for him to travel.” the swordsman explained, “Given everything that's going on . . . he decided it was best to stay behind. He sent a scroll to Umino-sama explaining the situation and asking his forgiveness . . . I hope it will not be thought an insult, especially in light of all the time you spent with us.”

“I will speak with Iruka.” Kakashi declared dismissively, “Now answer my question, why didn't you summon me Kisame?”

“I have the situation well in hand Hatake-san. There is no need for you to get involved.” the Mist nin hissed, “If he wants to see you he'll let you know.”

“What the hell is going on here?” Ibiki barked, “One of you will tell me now.”

“I believe your husband's feelings are hurt because Uchiha-sama doesn't want to see him.” the swordsman growled.

“I see.” the interrogator replied thoughtfully. “Is there something else you needed Kisame?”

“Itachi requests that, as former Otokage, Hatake-san stand in for him during the ceremonies today. He sent the robes for him to wear.” the Mist-nin concluded, brusquely shoving a bag into the scarred man's hands.

“Thank you.” Ibiki whispered, clasping the other man's forearm and pulling him close to whisper, “I'm sorry if 'kashi was rude. I hope there are no hard feelings between us.”

“Of course not Morino-san.” Kisame replied stiffly, “Now, if you'll excuse me.”

“I'll see you later.” the interrogator agreed as he closed the door and wheeled to confront his husband. “Alright sweetheart, it's your turn.”

“My turn for what?” the copy-nin asked airily as he turned to head back into the bedroom, “Hand me those robes, please.”

“You will talk to me Kakashi.” the scarred man demanded, grasping the slighter man by the shoulders and turning the copy-nin around to face him.

“There's nothing to say.” the silver-haired man replied evasively, “I'm just worried about Itachi's health . . . the procedure was very hard on him.”

“And . . .” Ibiki prompted.

“And . . . it's my baby too.” the copy-nin whined, “I'm just worried. Kisame's upset about the whole thing, Itachi's frail . . . what if something happens to him and no one tells me? They could just keep the child and feed me some story about it dying, how would I know the difference?”

“First of all relax, sweetheart.” the scarred man rumbled as he pulled the distraught man into his arms and began to tenderly stroke ragged silver locks, “Itachi went out of his way to do this with you . . . I'm sure he wouldn't try and deceive you. Kisame's nose is out of joint . . . you took too much of Itachi's time and attention and he's worried about being abandoned. That is not the same thing as wanting to raise a child. Believe me, we talked about it, he has zero interest in parenting. Should something happen to Uchiha-sama he will be more than eager to pass the burden on to you.”

“But . . .” Kakashi murmured, “what if he changes his mind? Babies are like that, you don't expect it, but they grow on you.”

“Then we'll work it out. Don't look for problems 'kashi. Now go put your pretty robes on or we're going to be late.” Ibiki ordered with a smile.

“Thank you.” the slighter man whispered as he threw his arms around the interrogator and squeezed tightly, “I am the luckiest man in the world to have you on my side.”

An hour later a visibly nervous copy-nin took his place among the other kages to witness the Rokudaime's wedding. “Hatake-san, what are you doing here?” Gaara exclaimed in delight when the silver-haired man sidled up next to him.

“Itachi wasn't up to making the trip . . . he asked me to stand in for him.” Kakashi explained, “I just hope no one sees it as a slight against Umino-sama.”

“You have as much right to stand here as Uchiha-san does.” the Kazakage countered, “He's only Otokage because you wished it. You need to take a more realistic look at your influence Hatake-san . . . you are almost universally respected, more so than most of the kages. It helps to be a legend in the field, to be sure, but you are also respected for your intellect and sound advice.”

“You flatter me Gaara-sama.” the copy-nin replied deferentially, “After all, I'm not even a ninja anymore . . . merely a humble bookseller.”

“Who is friends with three kages and most of the ruling council of Konoha.” the redhead reminded him. “What's really bothering you Kakashi?”

“I'm just worried about Itachi.” the jounin admitted, “I'm afraid he'll slip away and I won't get a chance to say goodbye.”

“Then you should go and visit him.” the Kazakage urged, “I'm sure he'd love to see you.”

“I don't think I'm exactly welcome at the moment.” Kakashi mumbled, “Kisame doesn't want me there anymore.”

The conversation ended abruptly when a visibly agitated Genma and an overly placid Iruka appeared in front of the witnesses to begin going through the various rituals as a horde of priests chanted blessings. When all the formalities were finally complete the entire room breathed a huge sigh of relief and catcalls and applause rang out when the honey-haired man grabbed his new husband and kissed him thoroughly, eventually breaking apart and steering the dazed Hokage down the aisle and out of the shrine, signaling the guests to follow.

“Ready for the reception sweetheart?” Ibiki murmured in his husband's ear.

“Can I take these robes off now?” the copy-nin grumbled.”

“I am.” Gaara declared, “You might as well. How have you been Ibiki? Is married life to your liking?”

“I am deliriously happy.” the interrogator declared with a broad smaile, “How about you?”

“Raidou and I are doing very well.” the Kazekage answered seriously, “I will never be able to repay you for the gift you gave me when you set us up Hatake-san.”

“You both deserved to be loved . . . I'm glad you were able to find it.” the copy-nin answered simply. “Shall we get going? I hate walking in late and having everyone stare at me.”

“I love it when they stare.” Ibiki whispered in his ear, “Because I know they're all jealous that you're mine and they don't have a chance.”

“I love you too.” Kakashi replied softly, “Let's go celebrate.”