Into the Fire

Chapter Twenty-Eight

“Hey Morino.” the ninken began as soon as he appeared, “I have a scroll for you from the boss.” Pakkun dug in his pack until he located it, quickly passing it over and turning to leave.

“Do you want something to eat or drink?” Ibiki asked absently as he turned the scroll in his hands, hesitant to open it and see exactly what was inside.

“I’d love it, but I have another scroll to deliver. I’ll be back later, boss said to wait for your answer.” the pug grumbled before disappearing abruptly.

The interrogator sat down at the table, rolling the scroll back and forth between his hands as he tried to prepare himself mentally for whatever it might contain. Finally he could stand it no longer, unrolling it slowly before starting to read, picturing the copy-nin bent over the scroll in concentration as his deft hands inscribed the elegant strokes.

My dear Ibiki,

You have no idea how happy I was when Pakkun brought me word you were awaiting my return. I wish I could give you good news and say it would be soon . . . but circumstances here have changed. Tsunade, Kabuto and Shizune are dead, and Orochimaru is dying. He only has a few months to live. Once he passes I promise I will come directly home and I hope you will still be glad to see me.

There are many reasons behind my actions and I don’t have time to go into them all here, suffice it to say that, were I to leave now, Orochimaru would raze the leaf to the ground to get me back. That being said, I would, in any event, refuse to leave him to die alone . . . I have grown to care for him in my time here, we have eased each other’s pain.

I hope to see you on my return.

With all my love always,
Kakashi

He sat down on the couch, put his head in his hands and cried tears of loss and frustration, unable to reconcile the thought of his Kakashi having feelings for the snake summoner. He said there was more to explain, the scarred man told himself, I need to trust him, he isn’t trying to hurt me . . . I don’t think.

Finally throwing up his hands in frustration the interrogator quickly made hand signs and appeared in the Hokage’s office. “Iruka, could I talk to you a minute?” he called as soon as he arrived.

“In here Ibiki.” Genma’s voice called from inside the private quarters, “Come on in.”

“I need your help.” the scarred man began as soon as he opened the door, following the sounds into the spacious kitchen. “Kakashi sent me a scroll, and he wants an answer . . . I have no idea what to say.”

“Can I see what he wrote?” Iruka asked intently, holding out his hand until the scroll was reluctantly passed his way. As soon as he opened it Genma darted behind his back, chin on his lover’s shoulder as he, too, read the very private message. Ibiki felt his cheeks heat as the Hokage and his lover each sent him long, measured looks before rerolling the scroll.

“How do you feel about his decision?” the Rokudaime finally asked, waiting patiently while the interrogator gathered his thoughts.

“I’m not happy about it.” the scarred man admitted, “It hurts to think he’s so close to the snake . . . is he just using me somehow? Not that it would matter,” he continued roughly, “Anything he wants . . . that’s what I’ll give him, I made a promise.”

“Well, if that’s the case then just speak from the heart.” Genma answered unexpectedly, “Tell him you love him and to hurry home to you.”

“I never said I loved him.” Ibiki grumbled irritably.

“Yes you did . . . it’s in every word you say.” Iruka retorted with a sad smile. “Now go write your scroll and get it to Pakkun and hurry back, dinner will be ready in half an hour.”

“You don’t need me intruding on your dinner . . . Genma just got back, I’m sure you two want to spend some time alone.” the scarred man demurred.

“Oh no you don’t Ibiki.” Genma snapped, “There’s no way Ru’s gonna have all the fun around here. Go do what you need to and get your ass back here.”

“Pushy, pushy.” the stoic interrogator muttered as he disappeared, quickly grabbing a blank scroll and scribbling a few brief lines before infusing it with his chakra. Not five minutes later Pakkun was back to collect his letter, refusing refreshment yet again.

“I’d love to . . . but the boss is waiting. He’ll be impatient to know what’s going on. I’m sure he’ll be back in touch. See you when we come home Ibiki.” the pug drawled before disappearing with a faint pop, leaving the interrogator rushing to change for dinner.

Jiraiya sat stone still staring at the scroll in front of him in horror. In it Kakashi had detailed the fate of Tsunade, Dan, Shizune and Kabuto. He sent a brief prayer up for the Hime in the afterlife, he’d miss her raucous presence in his life, even if she did do despicable things at the end. He didn’t know how he felt about the last few sentences.

Orochimaru is dying . . . he has, at most, two months left to live. I will be staying with him, we have become very close during our time together. He would love to see you one last time to try and heal the breech between you. He still loves you, you know. I would also welcome the chance to clear the air between us. You don’t need to come now, but send word so we know if we should be looking for you. And don’t wait too long . . . you wouldn’t want to arrive too late.

The white maned sage sat deep in thought, lost in memories of long ago days when he was still on a team. Before I knew about Sensei, he remembered sadly, before it all turned to shit. Jiraiya dug deep, trying to sort out how he felt about his old teammate . . . and his only living relative. Patching things up with either man was a daunting prospect for the generally easy going sannin, the thought of dealing with both of them at the same time was almost overwhelming.

It’s now or never, he finally decided, pulling the scroll over and quickly penning a response before sealing it and shoving it in his pouch until the copy-nin’s summon returned.

I wonder where Pakkun is right now, Kakashi wondered as he continued to gently comb the tangles from his lover’s long dark hair. “There you go koi.” he declared brightly, “All done.”

“Thank you pretty.” Orochimaru husked, “You take such wonderful care of me.”

“Why wouldn’t I . . . I love you, it gives me pleasure to make you feel special.” the copy-nin replied easily, a wicked smile creeping onto his face, “You could always repay me, you know.” he suggested sultrily, “I can think of a few things I’d enjoy.”

“Oh really?” the snake summoner quipped back, “And what might those be . . . or do I have to guess?”

“I’ll let you know when you’re getting warm.” Kakashi husked as he leaned in and kissed the lithe sannin possessively, reveling, as always, at the way the powerful nin melted in his embrace.

“Itachi should be here in a few days.” Orochimaru ventured when they finally broke for air, “What are you planning to do with him?”

“I really don’t want to discuss this right now.” the copy-nin grumbled as he dove back in for another long, searching kiss.

“I’m serious koishii.” the dark haired man insisted, pulling back to survey his younger lover with haunted eyes. “I know you feel guilty about what happened to Itachi, but I’m not going to let you put yourself in danger. He’s too volatile for you to discuss such things with him.”

“And just how do you think he’ll react when he finds us here, together?” Kakashi responded seriously, “He’s too intelligent not to look for a connection.”

“Fine, then tell him what you will.” Orochimaru snipped through pursed lips.

“What’s really bothering you Oro?” the copy-nin asked knowingly.

“What if he wants this too?” the sannin replied petulantly, “Will you share yourself with him?”

“What would you have me say koi?” the jounin responded as he pulled the snake summoner close and tipped his head to look into his eyes, “Would you have me deny him? Would you deny him?”

“I would keep you all to myself beloved.” Orochimaru said honestly, shutting his eyes and leaning his head on the copy-nin’s broad shoulder, “I have so little time left and I do not wish to share.”

“Then we shall not.” Kakashi declared quietly, “I will not hurt you . . . not knowingly.” he added, guilt crushing his heart as he reminded himself, yet again, that it was his fault the sannin was dying in the first place. This wasn’t what he had envisioned when he switched Kabuto for Genma.

He cuddled the smaller man close, laying soft kisses on the top of his head as he crooned his devotion, smiling when the tension eased from pale shoulders and a dark head finally relaxed against the firm planes of his chest. “I’m sorry.” Orochimaru whispered.

“For what koi?” the copy-nin responded easily.

“For being jealous, for doubting you.” the snake summoner responded instantly, “I didn’t think.”

“It’s fine.” Kakashi soothed, “Just kiss me and tell me you love me.” The sannin instantly leaned forward and kissed the copy-nin tenderly, putting as much emotion as he could into the gesture.

“I will always love you.” Orochimaru whispered, “And I promise never to doubt you again.”