Into the Fire
folder
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
116
Views:
2,216
Reviews:
137
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
116
Views:
2,216
Reviews:
137
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
The following story is a work of fan fiction. The author does not own Naruto or its characters and is not making any money off of this work. Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto-sama.
Chapter Forty-Three
A/N - blue_nightshade . . . thank you for your concern. I'm not overly worried about the ratings. I like knowing people are reading, and I love reviews because they help me make the stories better!
Chapter Forty-Three
Kakashi spent his first night back in Konoha huddled uncomfortably in his childhood bed, arms around his knees, trying to convince himself he’d made the right choice in returning. He’d somehow blindly assumed he’d just move back in with Ibiki . . . obviously he should have thought things through more before leaving Oto. I can just go back, he reassured himself, if this doesn’t get better I’ll just go back . . . but he knew that wasn’t possible. You couldn’t breathe there, he reminded himself, there’s nothing to go back to.
By the time the first glimmer of dawn arrived the copy-nin was showered and dressed, anxious to get out of the too quiet house and into the world. He threw open the door and ambled towards the market, finally addressing his hidden shadow, “You might as well come out Bear, I know you’re there.”
“My apologies, sempai.” the masked figure replied with a bow, “I should have known you’d sense me.”
“Maa, it’s alright . . . I expected to be under guard.” Kakashi replied blandly, “What are my limitations?”
“Excuse me?” the ANBU asked in confusion.
“What’s off limits?” the jounin ventured, “Am I confined to the village in general . . . or are there certain areas I need to stay out of?”
“You’re not under guard sir.” Bear replied deferentially, “I’m supposed to make sure no one bothers you.”
“Suicide watch?” the copy-nin smirked knowingly, suspicion confirmed by the sudden tightening of the ANBU’s muscles.
“Uh, no.” the masked figure stammered, “Why would you be on suicide watch?”
“Why indeed?” Kakashi whispered to himself before setting out once more, veering into the first open stand to try and quell the growls emanating from his very empty belly. Two bowls of plain soba later he sat back and contemplated the rapidly wakening village. This is home, he decided, smiling to himself at the sight.
Eventually he tired of watching and paid his bill, heading into the market proper, intent on stocking his cupboards. He looked up and stopped dead, dropping the piece of fruit in his hand to roll unnoticed across the floor as he stared, riveted, at the scene playing out on the other side of the street.
Ibiki hobbled through the market on his crutches, intent on grabbing something to eat and heading over to the tower to find Genma. He had a sinking feeling he’d blown his encounter with Kakashi the night before and the interrogator was anxious to correct the situation. He was so intent on his goal that he never even saw the bright green blur bearing down on him.
“Ibiki, My Good Friend.” Gai exclaimed with a huge smile, “You Are Exactly The Person I Was Looking For. I Need Your Advice On An Interrogation I Am Conducting.” he continued as he threw an arm around the scarred man’s waist and pulled him into an overly-enthusiastic hug.
“Put me down.” the interrogator growled, angry at being manhandled . . . especially in public.
“But Lover Of My Eternal Rival.” the green beast protested, “It Is My Duty To Help You In Any Way Possible Until My Rival Returns.”
“One, I don’t need help and two, he got back last night.” the scarred man gasped, “Now let go of me.”
“Why Are You Not With Your Beloved?” Gai asked curiously, “Weren’t You Excited To Rekindle The Flames Of Manly Love Together?”
“He only stopped by to pick up his things.” Ibiki explained reluctantly, “He left as soon as I gave him the key.”
“You Should Have Forced Him To Stay And Work Things Out.” the green clad man declared emphatically, “You Will Never Win His Love If You Don’t.”
“Please put me down Gai.” the scarred man pleaded, uncomfortable with the attention they were drawing. “We can go somewhere and talk . . . just not like this.”
“An Excellent Idea My Friend.” the green beast proclaimed as he hoisted the startled interrogator into his arms and set out at full speed for some unknown destination.
That’s why Ibiki wasn’t interested, Kakashi concluded, he’s involved with Gai. He turned the picture of the two of them over in his mind for a while, eventually deciding that his self-proclaimed rival, while overly green, was a strong, loyal and good man . . . and a far better companion for the interrogator than the copy-nin could ever hope to be. It’s for the best, he reluctantly concluded, he’d only get hurt being involved with me. The jounin dragged himself through the rest of the shopping before slowly heading towards his too empty home, wondering what on earth he could do to fill up the next three days.
Iruka looked up from his paperwork when the doors flew open and Ibiki and Gai tumbled in, the interrogator beating the green clad jounin over the head with one of his crutches as he attempted to free his leg from the taijutsu master’s grasp. “Would you let go.” he snarled as he finally, mercifully, yanked himself loose and tottered to his feet in front of an amused Hokage.
“Well good morning to you both.” the Rokudaime said with a grin, “Celebrating Kakashi’s safe return, are you?”
“I was trying,” the scarred man began, heavily stressing the try, “to find Genma, I think I messed up last night and I need his help.”
“I tend to agree with your assessment.” Iruka replied, eyes sparkling dangerously, “Especially since Hatake-san accused me of faking your correspondence with him. What the fuck did you say?” he finally bellowed, both men freezing at the anger in his voice.
“I said his things had been moved to his house and I gave him the key.” Ibiki admitted, “He caught me off guard, I didn’t know what to say . . . besides, he said he was just looking for his stuff.”
“He was looking for an invitation to stay with you, stupid.” the Hokage growled angrily, “Now he thinks you hate him . . . and that everyone will be better off if he doesn’t get involved. I have Bear on suicide watch . . .”
“Kakashi would never kill himself.” the interrogator declared confidently, “He doesn’t want to be like his father . . . besides, he’s shinobi, he won’t die unless you order him to.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” the Rokudaime muttered, “Genma, come give Ibiki a hand . . . Gai, what news do you have for me?”
“I Have Spent The Last Three Days With Jiraiya.” the taijutsu master began, “He Has Yet To Admit the Error Of His Ways . . . Although He Seems To Be Protesting Less And Less.”
“Protesting what?” Ibiki asked with a shudder.
“My Efforts To Help Him Appreciate The Wonders Of Manly Love.” the green beast replied with a frown, “Perhaps You Should Assign A More Feminine Appearing Shinobi, Iruka-San.”
“No, no,” the Rokudaime protested through his chuckles, “I think you’re the perfect man for the assignment.”
Just then Genma poked his head through the apartment door. “Get your ass in here Morino.” he commanded, “We need to figure out how to fix this mess you’ve made.”
“I didn’t do anything.” the usually stoic interrogator whined.
“Exactly.” the senbon sucker agreed, “Now get your ass in here so we can take care of it.” Ibiki awkwardly made his way into the apartment, dropping gratefully onto the couch and burying his face in his hands.
“What’s wrong with me?” the scarred man muttered despairingly, “Why can’t I speak a straight sentence when he’s around?”
“Write him a letter.” Genma suggested, “That way you can be sure to say the right thing. You can tell him how glad you are that he’s back in the village and ask him out on a date.”
“In a letter?” the interrogator asked unbelievingly.
“Do you trust me?” the honey-haired man replied rhetorically.
“Fine . . . what do I say?” Ibiki grunted.
“Have you decided where to take him on your date?” Genma asked innocently.
“I guess out to eat.” the scarred man decided, “That way I have something to do with my hands.”
“And something to stick in your mouth when you say something stupid.” the senbon sucker muttered.
Several hours later Kakashi was startled out of his contemplation by urgent banging on his door. As soon as the door cracked open, Ibiki shoved a scroll into the startled copy-nin’s hands and abruptly disappeared. The jounin wandered back inside, eyeing the scroll distrustfully and checking it carefully for booby-traps before finally unrolling it.
My Dearest Kakashi,
I am so sorry if I upset you last night. I was surprised to see you and I didn’t know how to react. I’d love it if you would agree to have dinner with me tomorrow night, eight o’clock? I’ll pick you up at your house. Please say yes.
Ibiki
Kakashi stared at the words for a long time, trying to uncover the meaning hidden behind the simple phrases, until he eventually decided he would have to take a chance and say yes if he were ever going to figure it out. He made a few hand signs and summoned Pakkun. “Go tell Ibiki I said yes.” the copy-nin commanded as soon as the pug appeared.
“Yes to what?” the nin-ken asked curiously.
“Dinner.” the jounin grunted uncomfortably.
“Like a date?” Pakkun pried.
“No.” Kakashi bristled, “Like dinner, between friends . . . he’s seeing Gai now.”
The look of disbelief the pug sent his way was unmistakable. “If you say so boss.” he rumbled before disappearing abruptly. He returned almost immediately, “Wear civilian clothes.” he rasped before disappearing, leaving the copy-nin alone to contemplate what the next day would bring.
Chapter Forty-Three
Kakashi spent his first night back in Konoha huddled uncomfortably in his childhood bed, arms around his knees, trying to convince himself he’d made the right choice in returning. He’d somehow blindly assumed he’d just move back in with Ibiki . . . obviously he should have thought things through more before leaving Oto. I can just go back, he reassured himself, if this doesn’t get better I’ll just go back . . . but he knew that wasn’t possible. You couldn’t breathe there, he reminded himself, there’s nothing to go back to.
By the time the first glimmer of dawn arrived the copy-nin was showered and dressed, anxious to get out of the too quiet house and into the world. He threw open the door and ambled towards the market, finally addressing his hidden shadow, “You might as well come out Bear, I know you’re there.”
“My apologies, sempai.” the masked figure replied with a bow, “I should have known you’d sense me.”
“Maa, it’s alright . . . I expected to be under guard.” Kakashi replied blandly, “What are my limitations?”
“Excuse me?” the ANBU asked in confusion.
“What’s off limits?” the jounin ventured, “Am I confined to the village in general . . . or are there certain areas I need to stay out of?”
“You’re not under guard sir.” Bear replied deferentially, “I’m supposed to make sure no one bothers you.”
“Suicide watch?” the copy-nin smirked knowingly, suspicion confirmed by the sudden tightening of the ANBU’s muscles.
“Uh, no.” the masked figure stammered, “Why would you be on suicide watch?”
“Why indeed?” Kakashi whispered to himself before setting out once more, veering into the first open stand to try and quell the growls emanating from his very empty belly. Two bowls of plain soba later he sat back and contemplated the rapidly wakening village. This is home, he decided, smiling to himself at the sight.
Eventually he tired of watching and paid his bill, heading into the market proper, intent on stocking his cupboards. He looked up and stopped dead, dropping the piece of fruit in his hand to roll unnoticed across the floor as he stared, riveted, at the scene playing out on the other side of the street.
Ibiki hobbled through the market on his crutches, intent on grabbing something to eat and heading over to the tower to find Genma. He had a sinking feeling he’d blown his encounter with Kakashi the night before and the interrogator was anxious to correct the situation. He was so intent on his goal that he never even saw the bright green blur bearing down on him.
“Ibiki, My Good Friend.” Gai exclaimed with a huge smile, “You Are Exactly The Person I Was Looking For. I Need Your Advice On An Interrogation I Am Conducting.” he continued as he threw an arm around the scarred man’s waist and pulled him into an overly-enthusiastic hug.
“Put me down.” the interrogator growled, angry at being manhandled . . . especially in public.
“But Lover Of My Eternal Rival.” the green beast protested, “It Is My Duty To Help You In Any Way Possible Until My Rival Returns.”
“One, I don’t need help and two, he got back last night.” the scarred man gasped, “Now let go of me.”
“Why Are You Not With Your Beloved?” Gai asked curiously, “Weren’t You Excited To Rekindle The Flames Of Manly Love Together?”
“He only stopped by to pick up his things.” Ibiki explained reluctantly, “He left as soon as I gave him the key.”
“You Should Have Forced Him To Stay And Work Things Out.” the green clad man declared emphatically, “You Will Never Win His Love If You Don’t.”
“Please put me down Gai.” the scarred man pleaded, uncomfortable with the attention they were drawing. “We can go somewhere and talk . . . just not like this.”
“An Excellent Idea My Friend.” the green beast proclaimed as he hoisted the startled interrogator into his arms and set out at full speed for some unknown destination.
That’s why Ibiki wasn’t interested, Kakashi concluded, he’s involved with Gai. He turned the picture of the two of them over in his mind for a while, eventually deciding that his self-proclaimed rival, while overly green, was a strong, loyal and good man . . . and a far better companion for the interrogator than the copy-nin could ever hope to be. It’s for the best, he reluctantly concluded, he’d only get hurt being involved with me. The jounin dragged himself through the rest of the shopping before slowly heading towards his too empty home, wondering what on earth he could do to fill up the next three days.
Iruka looked up from his paperwork when the doors flew open and Ibiki and Gai tumbled in, the interrogator beating the green clad jounin over the head with one of his crutches as he attempted to free his leg from the taijutsu master’s grasp. “Would you let go.” he snarled as he finally, mercifully, yanked himself loose and tottered to his feet in front of an amused Hokage.
“Well good morning to you both.” the Rokudaime said with a grin, “Celebrating Kakashi’s safe return, are you?”
“I was trying,” the scarred man began, heavily stressing the try, “to find Genma, I think I messed up last night and I need his help.”
“I tend to agree with your assessment.” Iruka replied, eyes sparkling dangerously, “Especially since Hatake-san accused me of faking your correspondence with him. What the fuck did you say?” he finally bellowed, both men freezing at the anger in his voice.
“I said his things had been moved to his house and I gave him the key.” Ibiki admitted, “He caught me off guard, I didn’t know what to say . . . besides, he said he was just looking for his stuff.”
“He was looking for an invitation to stay with you, stupid.” the Hokage growled angrily, “Now he thinks you hate him . . . and that everyone will be better off if he doesn’t get involved. I have Bear on suicide watch . . .”
“Kakashi would never kill himself.” the interrogator declared confidently, “He doesn’t want to be like his father . . . besides, he’s shinobi, he won’t die unless you order him to.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” the Rokudaime muttered, “Genma, come give Ibiki a hand . . . Gai, what news do you have for me?”
“I Have Spent The Last Three Days With Jiraiya.” the taijutsu master began, “He Has Yet To Admit the Error Of His Ways . . . Although He Seems To Be Protesting Less And Less.”
“Protesting what?” Ibiki asked with a shudder.
“My Efforts To Help Him Appreciate The Wonders Of Manly Love.” the green beast replied with a frown, “Perhaps You Should Assign A More Feminine Appearing Shinobi, Iruka-San.”
“No, no,” the Rokudaime protested through his chuckles, “I think you’re the perfect man for the assignment.”
Just then Genma poked his head through the apartment door. “Get your ass in here Morino.” he commanded, “We need to figure out how to fix this mess you’ve made.”
“I didn’t do anything.” the usually stoic interrogator whined.
“Exactly.” the senbon sucker agreed, “Now get your ass in here so we can take care of it.” Ibiki awkwardly made his way into the apartment, dropping gratefully onto the couch and burying his face in his hands.
“What’s wrong with me?” the scarred man muttered despairingly, “Why can’t I speak a straight sentence when he’s around?”
“Write him a letter.” Genma suggested, “That way you can be sure to say the right thing. You can tell him how glad you are that he’s back in the village and ask him out on a date.”
“In a letter?” the interrogator asked unbelievingly.
“Do you trust me?” the honey-haired man replied rhetorically.
“Fine . . . what do I say?” Ibiki grunted.
“Have you decided where to take him on your date?” Genma asked innocently.
“I guess out to eat.” the scarred man decided, “That way I have something to do with my hands.”
“And something to stick in your mouth when you say something stupid.” the senbon sucker muttered.
Several hours later Kakashi was startled out of his contemplation by urgent banging on his door. As soon as the door cracked open, Ibiki shoved a scroll into the startled copy-nin’s hands and abruptly disappeared. The jounin wandered back inside, eyeing the scroll distrustfully and checking it carefully for booby-traps before finally unrolling it.
My Dearest Kakashi,
I am so sorry if I upset you last night. I was surprised to see you and I didn’t know how to react. I’d love it if you would agree to have dinner with me tomorrow night, eight o’clock? I’ll pick you up at your house. Please say yes.
Ibiki
Kakashi stared at the words for a long time, trying to uncover the meaning hidden behind the simple phrases, until he eventually decided he would have to take a chance and say yes if he were ever going to figure it out. He made a few hand signs and summoned Pakkun. “Go tell Ibiki I said yes.” the copy-nin commanded as soon as the pug appeared.
“Yes to what?” the nin-ken asked curiously.
“Dinner.” the jounin grunted uncomfortably.
“Like a date?” Pakkun pried.
“No.” Kakashi bristled, “Like dinner, between friends . . . he’s seeing Gai now.”
The look of disbelief the pug sent his way was unmistakable. “If you say so boss.” he rumbled before disappearing abruptly. He returned almost immediately, “Wear civilian clothes.” he rasped before disappearing, leaving the copy-nin alone to contemplate what the next day would bring.