Fanning the Flames

I know it's been a while since i updated. I've just been snowed under with too many projects I'm afraid ;) I have a new piece that I just finished for an erotica anthology, and four novels in various stages of completion. So, please, believe me when i way I haven't forgotten, just fallen a little behind. I promise I will keep updating this until we reach a satisfyingly happy conclusion ;)

Chapter Forty-Four

“So Rival, Now What Do We Do?”

Kakashi wondered if it was possible to die of admiration. Gai had been at his side, like a large misshapen shadow, all afternoon. No matter what the copy-nin did, the taijutsu master praised him in loud, reverent tones. He didn't know if his head had ever hurt this badly.

Of course, the other side of the equation was the reason for Gai's ridiculous behavior. He could almost ignore his so-called rival's antics in his rapt fascination with the tiny version of himself currently residing in his arms.

“Now we sit quietly so Obito can sleep,” Kakashi whispered brusquely. “Otherwise you'll just have to go home.”

“I Can Be Quiet,” Gai assured him in an overly loud stage whisper. “I Would Not Wish To Deprive Your Son Of His Well Deserved Sleep. He Can Not Grow To The Fullness Of Manhood Without Sufficient Rest.”

“'shi-kun, are you here?” Kurenai called from the front room.

“Thank Kami.” The copy-nin eagerly went to greet his friend, anxious for less loudly annoying company. “How are my favorite godchildren,” he cooed, scooping them out of their mother's arms to smother them in kisses. “I have someone I want you to meet.”

He juggled the twins deftly until one was lazily leaning against each shoulder, then headed into the nursery. The trio leaned over the crib and Kakashi made a shushing gesture. “This is my son, your cousin Obito. When he gets a bit older you guys will be able to play together. Don't worry princess,” he hastened to reassure Ko, “there will be a little girl for you to play with too.”

Kurenai leaned against the wall and watched her friend with the children. She desperately wanted things to work out for him. He'd certainly earned a little happiness. It was then she noticed Gai for the first time. The kunoichi was afraid she might need to swallow her tongue to quell the giggles welling up at the sight of a dewy-eyed, worshipful, green beast. “So, Gai,” she managed between chuckles, “what brings you here?”

“I Have Been Admiring The Hip And Cool Way My Eternal Rival Cares For His Son. When I Would Have Foundered And Done The Wrong Thing, He Showed Patience And Tenacity, Not Giving Up Until Obito Was Comforted. I Intend To Study Kakashi's Every Move So That I, Too, Can Show Such Care And Concern For Another.”

“I see,” Kurenai said with a smirk. “Are you planning on lots of children, Gai?”

“Well, Unlike My Rival, I Have No Intention Of Having A Baby. There Are Several Joyful Flowers Of Youthful Maidenhood I Have My Eye On. One Of Them Will Surely Make Strong Sons With My Manly Seed.”

The copy-nin's eyes nearly bugged out of his head, and he stuffed his fist in his mouth to contain the sharp bark of laughter threatening to well up. “How's dating working out for you, Gai?” He struggled to keep a straight face, locking eyes with the green-clad jounin, knowing he wouldn't back down from anything posed as a challenge.

“I Admit, My Initial Efforts Did Not Meet With Great Success. But I Am Undaunted. I Now Have The Resolve To Redouble My Efforts In The Hope Of One Day Having What You Do.” Gai's loud proclamation was accompanied by a glittering smile and an enthusiastic thumbs up . . . the combination of which caused all three children to burst into tears.

“You idiot,” the kunoichi hissed, smacking the tall jounin hard in the center of the chest. “Now they're all screaming. You're right, you don't have it in you to care for children.”

“Relax Kurenai.” The copy-nin already had the twins calm and was humming to Obito as he gently rubbed his feet, soon the tiny infant was burbling happily.

“How do you do that?” It irked her no end that Kakashi could calm her children down faster than she could.

“I just know what they want. Don't I princess?” the fierce jounin rubbed his nose on the little girl's stomach and she broke out in a wreath of smiles.

Ko fixed her godfather with a solemn eye. “Gadda,” she proclaimed as she poked her wet fist into his cheek. “Gadda go Bu.”

“Bull isn't here right now, sweetheart. Do you want me to call him?”

“Gadda go Bu,” she repeated insistently.

“No Bu Gadda, No Ko,” her brother joined in.

“It's alright, I don't mind.” The copy-nin bit his thumb and swiped it across the floor before making the signs. Both twins crowed in delight when their favorite babysitter appeared. “Bu, Bu,” Ko chanted excitedly while her brother scolded her.

“Bad Ko, Bu biz, yes Gadda?”

“He's never too busy to spend time with you,” Kakashi assured them. “You guys go play. Keep an eye out Bull.”

“Of course Boss. How's the pup settling in?”

“He's not a pup, he's my son . . . and he's settling in just fine, thank you.”

“Once Again I Am In Awe Of Your Parenting Skills Rival!” Gai's earsplitting proclamation had Obito wrinkling his face in displeasure. “How Do You Learn Their Code? Is There A Scroll I Must Study?”

“What are you babbling about?” The copy-nin dropped heavily into a rocking chair next to the crib, rubbing his hand soothingly over his stomach in a repetitive circle and elevating his feet.

“Is There A Manual To Learn The Language They Use?” the taijutsu master pressed.

“Of course not. You listen to them.” Kakashi gave his friend an appraising look. “What do you think they were saying?”

“Gadda Go Bu. I Assumed She Needed A Bathroom.”

“I'm Gadda, idiot. Gadda means Godfather. Bu is Bull. Biz is busy and no is well, no is just no. They learn that one all by themselves.” The copy-nin scratched the back of his head and shrugged. “It all makes sense when you spend a lot of time with them. Each child has their own language shortcuts, there's no universal code you can learn.”

“Then I Fear I May Never Measure Up,” Gai declared sadly, lip quivering as he prepared to let loose an onslaught of waterfall tears.

“Start crying again and you're out of here. I've had about all I can take for one day.” Kakashi shut his eyes, hand never stopping its comforting motion on the prominent bulge of his abdomen.

“Fasinating as all this is, I need groceries.” Kurenai neatly derailed the taijutsu master's next comment. “Did you make me a list, 'shi-kun?”

“Here you go. I really need formula. I only have enough for a day or two,” he murmured. “And fresh stuff, of course. Just get what's convenient. I'll send a genin for the rest in a day or two.”

“I Would Be Honored To Do Your Shopping For You, Kakashi.” Gai's booming offer had both jounin turning to stare at him.

“You want to run my errands? This is getting kind of creepy, Gai. Maybe you should go now.” The copy-nin looked the green-clad jounin over carefully, even lifting the eye patch to study him with the sharingan.

“You Do Not Need To Study Me So Distrustfully. We Have Been Comrades And Rivals For Many Years. Surely You Know I Mean You No Harm.”

“I didn't think Iruka intended to harm me either, and yet he stole my son.” Kakashi stared pensively off into the distance, several tense minutes passing before he continued. “I can't read people as well right now as I usually do. That puts me at a disadvantage. I've also seen horrific acts committed in the name of love. Forgive me for not putting myself or my child at risk.”

“I Only Wanted To Help Since Ibiki Is Not Here For You. Just Like I Helped Him When You Were Away,” gai hastened to explain. “If My Presence Bothers You I Will Leave. May I Come And Visit You Two Tomorrow?”

“Why?” the copy-nin asked, shutting his eyes and massaging his temples.

I Wish To Learn From You Rival. I Am Always In Awe Of Your Skills.”

“Do not show up before nine am.”

“Until Tomorrow Rival.” Gai leaned in and awkwardly embraced the seated jounin, recoiling slightly when the swell of Kakashi's pregnancy brushed against his own flatly muscled abdomen.

“What was all that about?” Bull and the twins reappeared as soon as Gai was gone.

“Gai wants to learn how to take care of a baby. For when he gets married.”

“He's getting married?” Kurenai's startled yelp had Kakashi and Bull whipping around to face her.

“He has several 'Youthful Flowers Of Maidenhood' in mind,” the copy-nin elaborated. “Alas, thus far none of them has returned his affections. You know Gai though, he's never been one to give up.”

“I am so glad I'm already married,” Kurenai blurted as a vision of living with the green-clad man almost toppled her. “I wish him well.”

“Everyone deserves love, Kurenai.” The copy-nin's reproachful tone had her regretting her words. “Gai is a talented shinobi and a kind and caring comrade. I'm sure he'll make the right woman an excellent husband. I'm just glad I'm not a woman.”