The Trick Is Not Minding

Chapter Thirty-Two

Why today of all days, Iruka groaned, I just had to get stuck with desk duty . . . and I swear every shinobi in town waited all week to give me their report, he continued to grumble internally even as he stamped the paper in front of him and thanked its writer for their hard work. “Iruka, what’s wrong?” a soft voice asked.

He raised his eyes to look at the man across the desk. “Oh, Genma.” he said flatly, “It’s just that we’re moving today and I’m stuck here.” he glanced down at the desk and then looked back up, “I feel like I’m not doing my fair share.”

“Where are you moving?” the tokubetsu jounin continued, “If you don’t mind my asking, that is.” he hastened to add when the teacher narrowed dark eyes at him.

“We’re moving into the Hatake clan house,” the chuunin said, being careful to emphasize the we, and his eyes flashed triumphantly as he continued, “and, we’re getting married.”

“Congratulations.” the honey-haired man stammered, but before he could continue the room erupted in a babble of excited questions, all directed at the grinning teacher.

Iruka rubbed his nose and fought back the headache that threatened to erupt. Then, treating the rowdy shinobi like the children they insisted on acting like, he yelled “Quiet!” When blessed silence once again reigned he calmly said “Yes, I’m going to get married . . . to Hatake Kakashi . . . as soon as possible.” he added in a softer tone, a dreamy expression crossing his face, “We’re moving into the Hatake house today . . . yes, I am very happy, and no, I have no intention of changing my mind. Satisfied?” he crossed his arms over his chest and glared at his interrogators.

Before the voices could start up again Genma hesitantly began, “Iruka . . . I’m really sorry if I caused you guys any problems. Why don’t you let me take the rest of your shift and you go help Hatake. I have nowhere I need to be, it’s the least I can do.”

“Thank you Genma. I really appreciate it.” the chuunin said as he quickly gathered his things and stood to leave. “I’ll take a shift for you, just let me know when.” And then he was off, leaving the rising tide of excited voices behind.

As he exited the building he found his arm linked with Kurenai’s, the dark haired kunoichi easily falling in step with him. “Iruka-kun,” she began, “I wanted to talk to you about your engagement.” she hesitated before continuing, “Are you sure you don’t want to settle down with a nice girl and raise a family?” she blurted, “I know some wonderful girls who would really appreciate you.” she finished hopefully.

The teacher patted her arm and drew her over to sit beneath a large pine tree. “Kurenai-chan, I appreciate your concern,” he began “but you need to understand. There’s only one person I’ve ever been attracted to . . . and he actually wants to marry me. I keep pinching myself because I must be dreaming. I’m so happy . . . please try to be happy for me . . . but if you can’t then at least don’t interfere.” he finished as he looked at her with serious eyes.

“Now,” he said standing and extending a hand to help her up, “I’m off to help the man of my dreams move stuff into our new home.” He smiled warmly and continued, “Care to join me?” She linked her arm through his and they headed off towards the Hatake house.

When Kakashi arrived to unlock the house for the movers he was startled to find the Hokage lounging on his front porch, sake bottle in hand. “Ohayo gozaimasu Hokage-sama.” he said with a slight bow. He automatically stood at attention as he continued “What does my Hokage require of me this morning?”

“Relax gaki,” was Tsunade’s reply, “I hear congratulations are in order . . . I brought some sake to celebrate.” She toed off her sandals and followed the jounin inside. “Oohh, nice.” she said as she took in the new decor, “This is really lovely brat.”

“‘ruka has excellent taste.” he replied, “Shall we sit in the garden?” he slid open the door and turned to go fetch some cups as Tsunade continued out into the garden and took a seat by the pond.

He quickly joined her and deftly poured the sake into cups, handing one to the Hokage. “So,” she slyly began “a little birdie told me a certain teacher proposed the other night. I can only assume you said yes . . . so show me the ring and give me some details already.

The copy-nin pulled off his glove to reveal the slim band hidden beneath. “He asked, I said yes,” he drawled lazily, “and I want to do it as soon as possible so he doesn’t change his mind.” he concluded seriously.

“You think too little of yourself brat,” Tsunade replied seriously, “Iruka-sensei is lucky to have you, and I’m sure he knows it, otherwise he wouldn’t have asked. I’ll be happy to marry you two whenever you like.” she continued.

“How about next Saturday then?” a cheery voice broke in.

“‘ruka, what are you doing home?” the jounin asked as he rose to welcome his fiancee. Noticing the woman standing beside him he continued “Ohayo Kurenai-san, how are you today?”

“Kurenai-chan is here to help us move.” Iruka answered brightly, “and I meant what I said,” he continued as he laid a hand on the copy-nin’s face, “let’s get married next Saturday, I’ve waited my whole life for you, I don’t want to wait any more.”

The women watched in fascination as the teacher pulled down Kakashi’s mask and kissed him gently, pulling back to whisper something too soft for them to hear, making pink rise in the copy-nin’s cheeks, before diving back in for a longer, more thorough kiss.

They finally broke apart for air, Iruka adjusting the jounin’s mask before stepping back, their gazes still locked. “Where and what time?” Tsunade’s voice broke the spell that had fallen over them at witnessing such a tender moment.

“Here, next Saturday at noon.” Kakashi replied firmly.

“I’ll be here.” she replied, “But now, I need to get back to work. Congratulations again you two. Iruka-san, could you see me out?”

“Certainly Lady Hokage.” the chuunin replied politely, taking her arm and heading for the door, leaving Kakashi and Kurenai in the garden.

When they reached the door Tsunade turned and addressed the teacher “Iruka-san, you should know . . . I’ve nominated Kakashi to succeed me. He’s going to need you more than ever. You need to be prepared, or you should back away now.”

“I have no intention of ever backing away Hokage-sama. I will support ‘kashi in whatever the village asks of him.”

“I’m very glad to hear that Iruka.” she said as she kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you. I’ll see you next Saturday.” With that she headed off to the hospital for her daily rounds.

“Hatake-sama,” Kurenai began hesitantly.

“Call me Kakashi, Kurenai-san.” the copy-nin said.

“Thank you Kakashi-san.” she replied before continuing, “I wanted to apologize. When I first heard you and Iruka were getting married I thought it was a big mistake . . . I wanted to fix him up with a nice girl so he’d have a normal life. But now that I’ve seen you two together I realize what a huge mistake it was . . . you make him so happy, I wish you nothing but the best.”

“Thank you Kurenai-san,” the jounin replied seriously “I assure you I have every intention of doing my best to keep making him happy.”

Just then Iruka returned, movers in tow, and the three jumped in to direct the placement of boxes, conversation forgotten for the moment.