Fanning the Flames

A/N – achillona & msuzumaki, it's wonderful to see you again, I hope you are enjoying the sequel thus far. Nickles, I'm not sure if that's an “oh shit” good or bad (I'm hoping for good). Luvsjazz, sorry, I write it and immediately post it (I don't even use a beta), so I'm afraid I can't just post it all, or I would! As far as your concerns about the foursome . . . it was just going to be a joke, but when I decided to continue this story in a second part I needed to include it, believe me, the 'consequences' of the weekend are pivotal to the entire sequel. Besides, haven't you figured out by now that I never gloss over anything . . . after all, almost everything I write started out with the intent of a one or two shot, they just take on a life of their own in my head and . . .I'm one of those readers that always wanted to know 'then what', so when I write I try not to leave any plot twists unexplored (sorry, I know it makes them WAAAYYYYY too long, I can't help myself though!)


Chapter Four

“He should have been here twenty minutes ago.” Inuzuka Tsume groused, “I told you this was a bad idea . . . I, for one, hate to wait.”

“Sorry I'm late.” the copy-nin declared cheerfully as he maneuvered the stroller through the doorway, “A customer came in just as I was packing up to leave.”

“Don't worry about it Hatake-san.” Hiashi assured him, casting a glare at the Inuzuka matriarch, “We're glad you agreed to meet with us.”

“I can't stay long.” Kakashi declared impatiently, “What did you wish to speak with me about?”

“We have a proposition for you . . . it's been far too long since there was a Hatake on the council of elders,” the Hyuuga began, “we were hoping you would agree to join us.”

“No.” the copy-nin declared instantly, “I'm afraid that will be impossible. Perhaps you should ask my husband.”

“The village would certainly benefit from your guidance.” Nara Shikaku added helpfully, “Surely the security of the leaf is important enough for you to reconsider.”

“I am no longer shinobi.” the silver-haired man explained, “Besides, my history of service is far from stellar . . . certainly there are much more worthy candidates.”

“Don't be ridiculous Hatake.” Asuma argued, “Your injury may have made it too dangerous for you to work in the field, but that doesn't mean you're no longer a ninja. Your strength rivals the sannin, after all, and you possess the sharingan . . . surely you can see how vital your contribution would be.”

“Suna and Oto have gone from being enemies to some of our closest allies due to your influence.” Hiashi added, “Even the Mizukage has sent an envoy to negotiate a treaty. Who else commands that kind of respect?”

“As I said, it is impossible.” the copy-nin whispered, “My husband would be more than honored to represent the Hatake if you so wish. If not, perhaps you should try pressuring my Uncle, Jiraiya has dodged his responsibilities long enough.”

“I see.” Akimichi Chouza snarked nastily, “Too high and mighty to worry about your duty . . . I told you all this was a mistake.”

“You're wrong.” Kakashi snapped, “I just don't want my taint sullying anyone's opinion of the village . . . truly you're much better off without me. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a business to run.”

“Idiot.” Shikaku exclaimed as soon as the door shut behind the copy-nin. He smacked Chouza hard on the back of the head as he continued, “What did he ever do to you?”

“Hatake may be strong, but he's a pervert and a stuck up snob.” the rotund nin argued back, “It's no loss . . . besides, do you really want to deal with his twisted point of view? We don't need a faggot on the council.”

“I guess I should resign then.” Aburame Shibi suddenly declared as he turned to his former teammate, eyes unreadable behind his ever-present sunglasses, “I, too, am in a relationship with another man.”

“As am I.” Hiashi added, moving to stand beside the kikachu user. “Perhaps the council would benefit if I retired as well.”

“You two are . . . together?” Chouza realized with a gulp.

“Indeed.” Shibi declared coldly, “We have found happiness with each other. I, for one, am not willing to give it up, for you or anyone else.”

“I will speak with Lord Hokage upon his return.” Hiashi added implacably, “Obviously he needs to resign as well . . . I wish you all much luck in finding his replacement.”

“Stop already, I didn't mean it like that.” Chouza argued, “My problem is with Hatake-san, not any of you.”

“Perhaps you should discuss it with me, then?” Ibiki broke in, voice like ice as he continued, “I'm terribly sorry to be so late, I was tied up in an interrogation and only just received the summons.”

“Morino-san,” the Akimichi choked, “I didn't know you were coming.”

“It's Hatake now, remember?” the interrogator declared pointedly, “I am interested, however, in your problem with my husband . . . what did he do to you to cause you to hate him so much?”

“He's a spoiled brat who's never had to work for anything.” Chouza snapped angrily, “Everyone tiptoes around him like he's royalty or something . . . he has no respect for authority or the status quo . . . and he's a pervert to boot.”

“I see.” the scarred man replied quietly, “Being used as a whore doesn't count as work, it appears . . . he'd agree with you, you know. 'kashi should hate this place with a passion, instead he's learned to hate himself and bends over backwards to protect it . . . you should try reading his file sometime, you'd be surprised.”

“All I said was he didn't belong on the council . . . after all, he didn't even consider our offer before saying no.” the rotund man explained, “It's insulting.”

“Aa.” Ibiki murmured, “I apologize for any insult, I am sure it was unintentional . . . if you'll excuse me, I believe I need to go speak with my husband.” The interrogator turned on his heel and walked out, teleporting to the bookstore as soon as the door shut behind him.

“Sweetheart, where are you?” he called, reaching out with his chakra to locate the copy-nin. He made his way through the stacks and back to the small private office, heart falling at the sight that met his eyes.

Kakashi curled up even tighter when the familiar chakra brushed over him, desperately trying to rein in his emotions before facing the interrogator. He took a deep shuddering breath, then another, before addressing his worried husband. “What are you doing here?” the copy-nin managed in a voice thick with unshed tears, “I told you I'd see you at dinner.”

“The council summoned me. I heard about your meeting and I wanted to know how you were doing.” Ibiki replied softly, “What's going on 'kashi?”

“I just . . . I don't know.” the silver-haired man admitted reluctantly, “I don't feel like myself. I took my medication . . . but it doesn't seem to be helping.”

“What can I do?” the scarred man asked tenderly, tentatively reaching out to gently stroke the jounin's tense back, gradually inching closer until he could pull the quivering form into his arms. “Is this about what happened this morning? I know Iruka did something to upset you.”

“Not his fault.” Kakashi insisted, “I just got confused . . . I thought he was Sandaime for a moment, it . . . I wanted to fight back, but I couldn't. I'm glad though,” he continued thoughtfully, “I wouldn't want to hurt Iruka, my demons aren't his problem.”

“They are if he triggered them.” Ibiki insisted angrily, “You didn't have to say yes if you were afraid.”

“I know that.” the copy-nin grumbled, “I'm not a child 'biki . . . I wanted to, at least, I thought I did.” he concluded wryly.

“Is that why you left?” the scarred man wondered, “I was really worried about you sweetheart.”

“No.” the jounin muttered, “I went back to bed.”

“So what sent you running?” the interrogator pressed, “If you don't tell me I can't be sure it won't happen again.”

“I saw you . . . with Genma. You both were so happy and carefree. That's what you deserve.” Kakashi explained brokenly, “It's just . . . I don't want to lose you. I guess I was jealous.”

“Oh 'kashi.” the scarred man murmured sadly, “You have nothing to be jealous about. I will never, ever leave you. I don't care how much better you think I can do, you hold my heart. If I lost you I don't think I could go on.”

“That's what you say now.” the copy-nin snapped back, “But you'd change your mind soon enough. I'm easy to forget.”

“No sweetheart, you're not.” his husband soothed, “That's why everyone is always chasing after you.”

“I don't want to talk about this.” Kakashi decided, “Kurenai will be here soon to get the twins and I have work to do. I'll see you at home later.”

“No.” the interrogator insisted, “I won't let you keep pushing me away. We need to get this out in the open. What else is bothering you?”

“Nothing.” the copy-nin insisted stubbornly, “Everything's fine. I just need my medication adjusted or something, I'll go see the doctor tomorrow.”

“That's a good idea . . . but it doesn't get you off the hook. Marriage means we share . . . everything,” the scarred man declared, “good and bad, so stop trying to hide whatever is bothering you. I'm not giving up until you tell me all of it.”

“I'm afraid of what will happen when I suddenly show up with a child.” Kakashi hung his head, silver hair hiding his eyes as he struggled to explain, “I don't know what possessed me to agree . . . no child of mine will ever be accepted here, he'll end up tainted by association.”

“No, he won't.” Ibiki insisted. “The village will welcome him with open arms. He's sure to be strong . . . and it will continue two bloodlines they cherish.”

“What if he isn't strong . . . or doesn't have the sharingan?” the silver-haired man fretted, “Then he'll just be a freak.”

“You're worrying yourself sick over nothing.” the interrogator cooed as he stroked tangled strands away from his beloved's face, “The baby isn't even born yet . . . just relax, there will be plenty of time to worry if need be. Now, is that it? Any more fears lurking in your pretty head?”

“I'm not pretty.” the copy-nin insisted sullenly, “You shouldn't say such things.”

“Grumpy much?” the scarred man chuckled, “I disagree, you'll always be beautiful to me.” He carefully stood, pulling the jounin up and into his arms, “Let's drop the kids off and go home, I think I need to remind you of just how much you mean to me.”