Into the Fire

Chapter One Hundred Fourteen

After the formality of the official ceremony the reception was a breath of fresh air, and Kakashi visibly relaxed when they merged into the crowd without notice. “This is more like it.” the copy-nin declared happily as they watched the celebration from a quiet corner, “A handsome man and a cozy corner to watch the festivities from . . . what more could I want?”

“Oh no you don't.” Raidou chuckled as he sidled up beside the pair, “No hiding away in the dark for you. Come sit with us and catch me up on everything that's been going on for the last six months. It seems like a lifetime since we were here for your wedding.”

“A lot has happened.” Ibiki remarked drily, “My husband has been a busy man.”

“I would expect nothing less.” Raidou concurred, “Come on, sit, eat, talk to me . . . being best man is boring.”

“Try sitting in that box with those heavy robes and that awful hat.” the copy-nin grumbled.

“I do not like the hat either, Hatake-san.” Gaara broke in as they joined him at the head table. “Perhaps we should start a movement to eliminate it. Does Umino-sama like it?”

“I have no idea.” the silver-haired man replied thoughtfully, “I doubt it. My opinion doesn't count though . . . you should ask Itachi what he thinks.”

“He'll agree with you, of course, Hatake-san,” Kisame hissed from behind them, startling the group into silence, “he always does. I am leaving now, do you wish me to take a message?”

“Tell 'tachi I hope he's feeling better. I'll send a scroll soon.” the jounin responded coolly, “Safe travels.”

“Kisame, wait.” Ibiki urged as he put a hand on the swordsman's shoulder, voice dropping in an attempt to keep their conversation private. “I don't want you to leave because of 'kashi . . . he's just worried about the baby. He's afraid you'll try to cut him out of his child's life.”

“Like he cut me out?” the Mist-nin growled, “He can say whatever he likes . . . I don't believe all his fine talk. Just remind him his quarrel's with me, please. If he tries to hurt Uchiha-san to get his revenge I will kill him.”

“I don't understand.” the interrogator replied in a small, almost uncertain, voice. “Revenge for what?”

“I believe you should ask your husband that question Morino-san.” Kisame dissembled, “It is not my place to discuss his past with you.”

“Sweetheart, what is he talking about?” Ibiki asked urgently, mouth compressing into a thin line of frustration when the copy-nin deftly avoided his question, opting instead to shift the topic of conversation.

“We can't sit here.” Kakashi protested, “These seats are for important people.”

“That's why your name is right there.” Raidou teased as he pointed to the small card bearing the couple's names.

“I don't know . . .” the silver-haired man hesitated, “I don't have to make a speech, do I?”

“No, but I do.” Raidou grumbled, “I hate being the center of attention.”

“You should be getting used to it by now.” Gaara retorted, “After all, you attend all those state dinners with me.”

“But the focus is on you.” his husband explained, “I never have to say anything.”

“I'm sure you'll do fine Namiashi-san.” the copy-nin added helpfully, “Just speak from the heart . . . after all, you've known Genma and Iruka since you were children. Who better than you to talk about the love they share?”

“Kakashi look at me.” Ibiki insisted, spinning his husband so they were face to face, “Why do you want to hurt Kisame?”

“I don't.” the copy-nin declared crossly, “It's a figment of his imagination.”

“And why would he imagine such a thing?” the scarred man pressed, anxious to get to the bottom of whatever was going on.

“He's never trusted me . . . the situation we're in right now just makes his paranoia worse. Believe me 'biki, it will all blow over in a few months.” the silver-haired man insisted stubbornly, “I did everything I could to smooth things over and he rejected me at every turn . . . I refuse to waste any more time on it.”

Just then Asuma began tapping his spoon against his glass, attempting to get the crowd's attention. “If everyone could please find their seat . . . I think it's time we get this celebration underway. I'm supposed to give a speech . . . but that's not really my thing.” the bearded man admitted with a shrug, “One thing I do know, I wish my brother Iruka and his new husband every happiness. You better treat him well Shiranui, or I'll have to teach you a lesson.”

“Ha, ha, very funny.” the senbon-sucker muttered, “Even on my wedding day everyone picks on me.”

“My turn I guess.” Raidou piped up, rising somewhat shakily and lifting his glass. “I've known Genma and Iruka since we were all kids. Gen and I've been best friends since we were five, and I can tell you sincerely he's loved Ru since the first time they met. That was almost twenty years ago, and they love each other even more today than they did back then. I'm not going to wish them happiness, because they already have it . . . and I know they'll never lose it.”

“See, that wasn't so hard.” Gaara whispered to his husband as he sat down.

“Easy for you to say.” Raidou shot back with a grin, happy to relax and enjoy the party now that the dreaded speech was behind him.

“Shall we dance?” the copy-nin asked the interrogator seriously, “We haven't danced since our wedding.”

“You seem to have forgotten the fact that I don't dance.” Ibiki replied wryly, “But if you insist . . .”

“I do.” Kakashi smirked.

“Then I would be delighted . . . after all, only a fool would turn down the chance to have you in their arms.” the scarred man murmured lustily, smiling broadly as pink bloomed in pale cheeks. They moved out onto the dance floor, Ibiki smiling broadly as the copy-nin pulled him into his arms and began to guide them around the room, both men losing track of their surroundings as they got lost in contemplation of each other.

“I love you.” the silver-haired man muttered huskily, “Thank you for sticking with me.”

“I love you too.” the interrogator replied sincerely, “And you couldn't get rid of me if you tried.”

“So,” Kakashi prodded, “Are we really going to do this?”

“It's completely up to you sweetheart. I won't complain either way . . . but I refuse to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.” the scarred man retorted, “I don't care if you feel obligated.”

“My life is very different now . . . a year ago I couldn't have imagined things would turn out like this. I'm happy, probably for the first time in my life, and I want to share my good fortune with everyone.” the copy-nin explained, “As much as it shocks me to say this, I think it might be fun.”

“Then why don't you go talk to Genma.” Ibiki suggested as he maneuvered them towards the newlyweds.

“May I cut in?” Kakashi inquired with a bow, sweeping the startled senbon-sucker into his arms and steering them out into the crowd.

“What was that all about?” Iruka asked the interrogator as they shuffled in place, “Is something going on?”

“'kashi just wanted to give your husband our wedding present.” Ibiki explained, “I'm sure he'll fill you in on the details.”

“So, Genma . . . where were you planning on going for your honeymoon?” the copy-nin asked curiously.

“We can't leave . . . Ru needs to stay here.” the honey-haired man grumbled, “ANBU outside the door of our usual quarters . . . some honeymoon, I wanted to make this special.”

“I have a suggestion, if you're interested.” Kakashi ventured, “Why don't you two use our cabin . . . it's totally secluded so you wouldn't have to worry about guards, but it's still in Konoha.”

“You'd do that for us?” the senbon sucker exclaimed in surprise, “What's the catch?”

“No catch . . . although, if you're still interested, Ibiki and I could come up and join you two for a few days.” the silver-haired man continued nervously, “You don't have to say yes.” he assured the dumbstruck tokubetsu, “It's just . . . you seemed so excited about a foursome . . .”

“Hell yes I'm interested.” Genma retorted with a smirk, “You've got yourself a deal Hatake . . . I've gotta go tell Ru, he'll never believe this.”