Fanning the Flames

Chapter Fifteen

“I need an answer Jiji.” Kakashi declared, “My time is limited.”

“What the hell does that mean brat?” the white-maned sannin asked suspiciously, “Did you get your test results?”

“No, nothing like that, but it's time for me to be getting out of here.” the copy-nin hedged, “So, do you want the job, or not?”

“What do you want me to do?” Jiraiya asked with a shrug.

“I need you to stay here and take care of Itachi.” the silver-haired nin replied earnestly. “But you need to commit to it, I won't have him hurt when you decide to run off on some adventure.”

“Maybe I'm confused.” the toad sage muttered, “It sounds like you're talking about something more than just learning the job.”

“'tachi needs someone, and it can't be me.” Kakashi began with obvious hesitation, “He needs a loving companion. Not necessarily sex,” he hastened to explain when it looked like the sannin was preparing to flee, “but someone who cares about him that he can spend time with. Someone who will put him first for a change.”

“What about Kisame?” the white-maned man wondered, “How does he feel about this plan of yours?”

“He isn't good enough for Itachi.” the lanky nin insisted, “The shark's sleeping with someone else and flaunting it in poor 'tachi's face.”

“What, exactly, is your relationship with the Uchiha, brat?” Jiraiya cautiously inquired.

“I feel responsible for all the bad things that have happened to him Jiji.” the copy-nin's sincere reply rocked the white-maned man, “It's because of me 'tachi did what he did.”

“Not that you answered my question, but how is his killing his entire clan somehow your fault?” came the pointed retort, “Sounds like you're thinking a bit too much of yourself Kakashi.”

“Sandaime abused him just like he did me. I was his team leader, he tried to talk to me about what was going on and I didn't listen.” the jounin mumbled unhappily, “I could have prevented all that unhappiness if only I'd pulled my head out of my own self-pity for a few minutes.”

“Oh no you don't.” the sannin snapped, “You will not blame yourself for the Uchiha massacre, sometimes you take this martyr shit too far. I'm asking you again . . . what is going on between the two of you? I know about the child you're having together. That one surprised me a bit I must say, I didn't even know two men could have a baby.”

“We modified an old jutsu we came across.” the copy-nin explained, “It wasn't easy though. I honestly didn't think it would work, but 'tachi was determined. He thinks a child will help make up for the loss of his clan.”

“Why would Konoha care if there's another Uchiha? He'll grow up to be a Sound nin. That makes him a potential enemy, generally we want them weak, not strong.” the white-maned nin mused.

“I am the child's father.” the jounin declared haughtily, “He'll be living with me.”

“And what does Morino have to say about that?” the toad sage practically snickered.

“He agreed.” Kakashi retorted defensively, “He knows how much I love children. Besides, this will keep those old biddies on the council off my back.”

“But how does Ibiki feel about children?” Jiraiya continued inexorably, “I don't recall seeing him fawning over them the way you do. If it were me I'd never want to raise my lover's child with another man.”

The copy-nin worried his bottom lip as he searched for the flaw in the sannin's logic. “You don't think he wants children?” the jounin finally asked, worry clearly apparent on his face.

“I don't know brat.” the clearly exasperated sage snapped, “All I know is there's more to this situation than meets the eye. Let me ask you one more time . . . are you sleeping with the Uchiha or not?”

“Yes.” the silver-haired man reluctantly conceded, “I asked Ibiki first, and he said it was alright.” he hastened to explain, “It's just that . . . 'tachi had never been loved. His only sexual experience was with Sandaime. I though he deserved better than that. I know he seems cold, but he's surprisingly cute and cuddly when he lets his guard down.”

“Uchiha Itachi . . . cuddly?” the sannin squeaked incredulously.

“Maybe if you're lucky you'll see for yourself.” Kakashi continued thoughtfully, “Haven't you wasted enough of your life chasing women? It's not like you ever found one you wanted to settle down with.”

“That's because I don't want to be tied down.” Jiraiya countered, “No ball and chain for me.”

“Well I think it's because deep down you know there's something better out there, someone better. Maybe all those women weren't as satisfying as you thought.” the copy-nin posited.

“What are you suggesting?” the affronted sannin barked, “Do you honestly expect me to sleep with him?”

“What I'm suggesting you stubborn old bastard, is that maybe you should just consider the fact that you could do a lot worse than a talented, powerful man like Itachi. Besides, he's a hell of a lot better looking than the last woman I saw you with.” the jounin declared pointedly, “Just leave yourself open to the possibility, please.”

“Just what are you planning on doing?” The Toad Sage narrowed his eyes and glared at his nephew. “I don't want to end up in the middle of some drama.”

“I'm heading out as soon as you agree.” Kakashi explained, “There's no point in my hanging around here. I'll be back for the baby's birth, of course.” he hastened to add.

“Of course.” the sannin snorted. “Does Itachi know about your grand plan, or are you leaving it up to me to fill him in?”

“I haven't told him I'm leaving yet, but I will.” the jounin replied defensively, “I don't run away from my problems old man.”

“So, he's a problem is he?” came the snappy retort.

“No, I'm the problem.” the copy-nin assured him, “But I'll be out of here soon enough. I take it you answer is yes?”

“Fine brat, if you think it's so important I'll try.” Jiraiya huffed, “Be warned though, if this doesn't work out you'll be hearing about it.”

“I should hope so. I expect regular reports.” Kakashi demanded, “If I don't hear from you I will be checking up to make sure everything's okay.”

Pakkun materialized in the Hatake house, sniffing the air and stretching out his chakra before going in search of Bull.

“I hope this is urgent.” the massive hound rumbled, “I have to get up early tomorrow.”

“We have a situation, I'm calling a meeting of the pack.” the pug rasped, “Well, except for Akiko and Morino, the Boss will kill me if they find out.”

“Find out what?” Bull asked with suspicion, “What are you planning runt?”

“Nothing, just come on please . . . I really don't want to get caught.” Pakkun mumbled worriedly as he glanced from side to side, relaxing minutely when the other summon slowly got to his feet.

They reappeared in the other space that they went to when they weren't needed, Bull briefly touching noses with the rest of the pack before settling down to hear what Pakkun had to say.
“We have a problem.” the small pug stated as he paced back and forth, “The Boss is pregnant.”

“That's impossible.” Tomodachi stated with a sniff and a toss of her head, “He's a boy, boys don't have pups.”

“Did you say the Boss is going to have a baby?” Bull asked incredulously, “We're having pups of our own?” he continued excitedly, picking up steam as the idea sank in. “This is wonderful, I can't wait. We won't have to leave them at night or worry about how they are. I love puppies.” he finally howled with glee.

“Hold your horses big stuff.” Pakkun declared sternly. “In the first place, this is a secret. If the Boss' mate finds out from us he'll kill me. Besides, it's making Kakashi sick. He may not survive this . . . and you know what will happen then.”

“We'll go back permanently.” Uuhei exclaimed in horror, “Who knows what idiot may sign the scroll next time. We need to stop this now.”

“You will not.” Bull growled angrily, “Try and hurt the Boss' whelp and I'll tear your throat out. There's no way he'd stand for that and you know it. What's wrong with him Pakkun?”

“He's been throwing up and his blood pressure's very high.” the pug explained, “He was in the hospital when I caught up with him.”

“If he can't take care of himself, we'll just have to take care of him.” Tomodachi decided, “That way we won't have to worry.”

“I'll go.” Bull argued, “The Boss and I see eye to eye when it comes to babies.”

“Exactly why it should be someone else.” Guruko pointed out, “The Boss' life has to come first. It won't if it's just you two.”

“Well it shouldn't be Pakkun, he's too argumentative.” Akane pointed out, “Sorry Bull, I hate to say this,” the ninken added as she turned to face the monstrous hound, “you can't go either. They expect you to watch the twins. Everyone will know something's up if you suddenly disappear.”

“I'll go.” Tomodachi declared imperiously, fading from sight before any of the others had a chance to argue.