Into the Fire

Chapter Fourteen

Kakashi emerged from his shower feeling much more like himself. Now, he decided, to get rid of these damn piercings. He easily removed the nipple rings and studied his reflection in dismay. “Guess I’m stuck with the holes.” he muttered morosely before turning a wary eye on his penis.

The copy-nin took a deep breath before starting to remove the first barbell. The little balls were slippery and hard to unscrew. The more he fumbled, the more his body responded. By the time the last bar landed in the sink he was fully erect, silent tears of utter mortification running down his cheeks. I am so sick, Kakashi moaned internally, unwilling to see his response as the inevitable reaction to so much handling, I can’t believe I enjoy this.

He grasped the throbbing length in his left hand, wiping his eyes angrily before attacking the rings through the head. As he tugged at the stubborn rings his mind suddenly bombarded him with an image of Jubo doing the same thing as he removed the cockring the jounin had been wearing. The copy-nin was overwhelmed as the spark of arousal he’d felt built instantly to an engulfing flame and he suddenly came hard, splattering his seed across the mirror.

Kakashi sank to the floor and wept. I wish I were dead, he thought, I’m not fit to be around decent people. Finally he drifted into a restless sleep, tossing and moaning on the hard tile floor as he remembered all the times his body had responded over the years, further proof of how worthless and wrong he was.

Ibiki paced restlessly outside the Hokage’s office. I wonder who they chose, he thought, running the prime candidates through his mind, probably Hiashi, he decided just as the door opened.

“The Hokage will see you now.” Genma announced, standing back to let the interrogator enter.

The robed figure was standing at the far end of the room, staring out the window at the village. “Where is Hatake-san?” the Rokudaime asked tightly.

The scarred man desperately tried to put a face to the voice. I know that voice, who is it, he mused as he answered. “At my house Hokage-sama . . . he was uncertain of his reception and I felt it best to make him comfortable.”

“Then we will talk there.” Iruka said as he turned, noting the shocked look on Ibiki’s face.
“Surprised, Morino-san? The clans decided humanity was more important than strength. I am doing my best to live up to everyone’s expectations. I hope I can have your support.”

“Of course Hokage-sama.” the interrogator responded instantly, “I am yours to command.”

“Fine,” the teacher snorted, “take us to your house then.” He grasped the scarred man’s arm securely as the hand signs were performed and they disappeared.
The pair found themselves in Ibiki’s empty living room. “Wait here, I’ll go find him.” the interrogator requested as he headed toward the back of the house. He peered into the empty study and bedroom before stopping outside the closed bathroom door. Makes sense, he was filthy, the scarred man decided before knocking lightly.

“Hatake-san.” he called, “It’s me, Ibiki. The Hokage is here to talk to you. Could you come out please.”

The large man waited patiently, but no response came. “Hatake-san.” he called again, banging on the door, “Please answer me.” When he still didn’t reply Ibiki’s patience ran out and he easily forced the door open.

The interrogator took in the scene with practiced eyes, noting the pile of cum-spattered metal in the sink and the tear tracks apparent on pale cheeks. “Oh ‘kashi.” he muttered as he tenderly scooped the sleeping man into his arms, “you couldn’t help it.” He walked across the hall to his bedroom, pulling back the covers and laying the lithe form down, tucking the blanket up to the bridge of his nose.

What am I going to do with you, the scarred man wondered as he studied the slumbering copy-nin before kissing the top of his head and heading back out to talk with Iruka.

“He’d fallen asleep in the bathroom.” Ibiki explained, “I put him to bed.”

The Hokage studied his head of ANBU intently. “You like him.” he stated bluntly.

“Of course I like him, why wouldn’t I?” the interrogator countered.

“No, you like like him.” the teacher stated firmly, “As in, you want to have a relationship with him.”

“What I want is of no importance.” Ibiki responded gruffly, “Whatever he wants, I’ll give him . . . it’s the very least I can do.”

“Because?” Iruka prodded gently.

“Because Sandaime used him to get me released from Stone. He was hurt because of me, he’s been hurt so badly, so often and I . . . understand.” the scarred man replied thoughtfully.

“Fine.” the Hokage said shortly, “I will leave his recovery in your hands then. If there is anything you need . . .”

“Kakashi said he was being evicted, do you know if his things were thrown out?” the interrogator countered.

“I believe Asuma took care of it, I will make sure and let you know. You said Kakashi was worried about his reception . . . why?” the teacher queried.

“He believes he should be punished, that his actions endangered the village.” Ibiki explained slowly, “He’s very confused and depressed . . . I think this particular assignment damaged him psychologically in a way the others didn’t, although I don’t know exactly why. He was in terrible shape when I arrived.” the scarred man continued, relating the scene he’d walked in on, “I thought he was dead. He didn’t even recognize me until we were well on our way here.”

“And now?” Iruka asked sharply.

“He seemed better, lucid on the way here. Worried about what would happen to him now that his secret is out, but not desperate.” the interrogator decided, “I thought he’d be alright alone or I would never have left him here.”

“I spoke with Tsunade today,” the teacher began slowly, “between what she said, what Jiraiya told me, and what I’ve managed to glean from papers I’ve uncovered, I believe I have a good idea of what she’s done. This all started when Kakashi’s father was only a teenager and rejected the future Godaime . . . then when he aborted that mission, well, she blames him for her beloved’s death because the war dragged on. It wasn’t hard for her to convince her sensei to take action against Sakumo. Kakashi just had the bad luck to be born his father’s son.” Sad chocolate eyes met shuttered ebony as he continued, “I’m at a loss as to how to punish her . . . Tsume’s out tracking Shizune as we speak, I fear Tsunade may have sent her to Orochimaru for aid.”

“I will have a chat with her tomorrow.” Ibiki said with a grin, “That is, if you wish it Hokage-sama.”

“For now you take care of Kakashi.” Iruka stated firmly, “I need him back at full strength. Jiraiya’s researching the control jutsu so we can remove it. Anko’s more than happy to question the Godaime . . . in fact, you’d be surprised at the people who want a crack at her, Hatake-san’s more popular than he knows.”

“He should have a prettier nurse.” the scarred man said sadly.

“I think you’ll be good for him.” the teacher began softly, “You have much in common . . . and he seems to trust you. Maybe you can help each other.” he finished with a broad smile.

The interrogator pursed his lips, “That’s not likely.” he said shortly, “I’m sure Hatake-san will be happier with someone else now that we’re back in the village.”

“Because?” the Hokage queried wryly.

“He’s beautiful.” Ibiki offered by way of explanation, “Not to mention a genius and the village’s strongest shinobi . . . believe me no one would turn him down. Why in god’s name would he want to stay here?”

“Those are all wonderful qualities.” Iruka said slowly, “And it would be easy for someone to accept them . . . however, you’ve seen Hatake-san at his very worst, yet you didn’t reject him. I imagine he feels safe with you. After what he’s been through that’s more important than something as superficial as good looks. Besides,” he continued, mirth apparent in his voice, “your scars are sexy as hell . . . there’s been a betting pool about you in the mission office for years . . . who, when, where . . .” He trailed off at the stunned look on the interrogator’s face. “What, it never occurred to you that a big ass, strong, silent type with sexy scars and an intimidating personality might do well in a village full of ninja?”

The scarred man made a strange gurgling sound, it almost sounded like the Rokudaime was flirting . . . with him. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again, having no idea whatsoever of what to say.

Iruka noted the look with glee. Idea planted, he thought with a smirk as he rose smoothly. “I’ll leave you to it then.” he almost giggled, “Check in with me tomorrow . . . tell Hatake-san I’d like to see him.” He swiftly made some hand signs and disappeared, leaving the stunned interrogator to stare dumbly after him before finally shaking off his stupor and heading to the bedroom to check on his charge.

Ibiki perched tentatively on the edge of the bed, gingerly running a hand through silky silver strands as he attempted to soothe the restless copy-nin into a deeper sleep. He was startled out of his thoughts when long fingers wrapped around his wrist and a hoarse voice whispered “Stay with me . . .please.”

“If that is what you want.” the scarred man rumbled as he moved to stretch out on the other side of the bed, finally laying down stiffly on the far edge, still fully dressed.

Kakashi let out a snort, “I don’t bite.” he muttered as he scooted over and threw an arm across the interrogator’s broad chest, snuggling into his side before drifting back to sleep. It took Ibiki much longer, but eventually he began to relax, bringing an arm up to wrap around the lithe figure and tangle in soft silvery strands as his breathing slowed and he, too, passed into sleep.