Fanning the Flames

Chapter Fifty-Three

Ibiki trudged back towards his new apartment. Something about the copy-nin's appearance was niggling at the back of his brain, trying to burst free. When it hit him he stopped dead, shutting his eyes as he tried to reorient himself in the world.

The interrogator raced back to the hospital, only slowing when he reached Kakashi's floor. “Why is my name tattooed on your neck?” he demanded. “You had no right to do that.”

“I wasn't expecting you before,” the copy-nin tried to explain. “I didn't realize I needed to hide it.”

“You always need to hide that. It's creepy. Why would you do something like that?”

Kakashi let out a deep sigh. “I know you don't remember, but you really were quite flattered at the time. You got one first, on your . . .” he trailed off as he remembered the fate of that particular patch of inked skin. “In any event, I'll keep it hidden when I'm out and about if it makes you feel better.”

“It does NOT make me feel better,” Ibiki insisted. “I want you to get rid of it altogether.”

“No, I won't do that,” the jounin replied levelly. “I'm sorry it bothers you Morino-san. I'm really, really, sorry you don't remember why it's there. But I'm not going to eliminate something that means so much to me. I've lost what it represents, I'm not losing this too.”

“But you have no right.”

“I have every right,” Kakashi snapped back. “Now, if you'll excuse me. I'm a bit tired, I need to get some rest.”

“No. I'm not just going to walk away and drop this. When are you going to get that removed?” Ibiki pressed as he glowered at the bed-ridden nin.

“Go away,” the copy-nin rasped. “Please just go away. I can't take any more of this right now.”

“I'm not going anywhere.” The interrogator crossed his arms and began tapping his foot. “Do I need to get the Hokage involved? I know that's against regulations.”

“I am not longer an active shinobi. Regulations do not apply.” Kakashi slid down in bed and turned away from the angry torture master, pulling the sheet up to hide his face as he attempted to escape the situation the only way he could.

“Oh that's mature,” Ibiki snarked. “Face me like a man, why don't you.”

“Don't worry. I'll be leaving as soon as I'm released from this damn hospital,” the copy-nin muttered. “I can't wait to get as far away from all this as possible.”

“Going to go shack up with your lover then?” The interrogator continued to press his point, unwilling to let the matter drop. “I don't understand why you're even here. Did you two have some sort of fight? Your son hardly seems old enough for you to be pregnant again.”

“I'm going to explain this to you exactly once, so listen,” Kakashi hissed. “Itachi is not my lover. We used genetic manipulation to have a son and combine our two bloodlines. I did NOT carry that child. During the genetic manipulation process I somehow messed up and left myself able to get pregnant. This child is yours.”

“Liar. I'd know if that was true. I'd feel it,” Ibiki insisted.

“I wish,” came the pained mutter. “However, you've chosen to suppress everything that's happened over the last few years. I don't know why you lost your memory. I know you killed Kisame and his lover Zetsu, but I have no idea why or what they might have said to you before they died.”

“I never even met any Zetsu. Kisame's a missing nin from Mist. You say I fought with him. I'll believe you, I obviously fought with someone. But the rest of what you're trying to convince me of is just too ridiculous. I'd know if we were married. I'd know if I loved you. I'm sorry, but I just don't feel that way.”

“I know,” the copy-nin said thickly. “It's okay, really. I was never good enough for you anyway. But you'll understand why I don't want to stay here and watch you go on with your life.”

“So you're going to run off to stay with your lover, then?” the interrogator asked.

“I already said we're not lovers. Not that it's any of your business, but Itachi is involved with my Uncle Jiraiya. I'm actually thinking of going to Suna. I'm sure Gaara and Raidou would be happy to see us.”

“Next you'll tell me you slept with the Kazekage, too,” Ibiki sneered.

“Yes, but that was before he was married. In fact, I believe I've slept with all the kages . . . except for the new Mizukage, of course. Some would even envy what you had. I've been told I'm quite skilled.” Kakashi kept his eyes down and his hands fisted in the bedding. Even though his husband was aware of his past it still hurt to say it out loud.

“I watched the DVD. The one Ebisu was ranting about.” The interrogator said coldly. “You're a talented whore, I'll give you that. But I would never get involved with someone as well used as you seem to be.”

“Aaa.” The copy-nin gave a pained wince as he fought to maintain his composure. “Well, now that we've established how you feel, I think you should leave. I'll be gone soon and you won't be troubled by me again. Don't bother coming back. It's obvious we have nothing to say to each other.”

Ibiki pressed his lips together in a hard line. “Fine. Good luck with your life, Hatake-san.”

“I hope you'll be happy,” Kakashi whispered as he watched the door close on his shattered dreams.

* ^ * ^ *

“I'm so sorry, Gai-sensei.” Hinata reached out a hand to help the tall jounin up. “I've had a stressful day. I shouldn't have taken it out on you.”

“No Apology Is Necessary, Fair Hinata. I Have Not Had Such A Good Workout In Months. Since My Rival No Longer Spars I Have Found Myself Without A Worthy Opponent. I Would Be Honored If You Would Consent To Spar With Me Again.” Gai capped off his rant with a beaming smile and an enthusiastic thumbs up.

“It would be my pleasure, Gai-sensei.” The shy medic studied her feet and twiddled her thumbs, trying to come up with something else to say.

“Please, Hinata, Just Gai. I'm Not Your Teacher,” the green-clad man admonished. “In Fact, I Was Hoping You Would Join Me For Dinner This Evening. I Find Your Company Very Invigorating. I Would Like To Court You, With Your Permission Of Course.”

“You want to go on a date?” she attempted to clarify.

“If You Agree, Of Course.” Gai took a deep breath and shut his eyes for a moment. “I can be less demonstrative if you prefer,” he said in a perfectly reasonable tone. “I don't have to wear green, either. It's just . . . I really like you Hinata-chan. I'd be honored if you'd give me a chance.”

“Of course I'll go out with you, Gai,” the heiress replied with a brilliant smile. “I like you, too. Why don't you pick me up around eight.

“Thank you Hinata. You won't regret this.” The green beast gave a deep, formal bow before racing off to prepare for his big date.

The medic watched his retreating form, a frown darkening her face. “Let's see if you still feel that way after dealing with my father.”

* ^ * ^ *

Kurenai's mind was a million miles away. She let out a startled shriek when her path towards the copy-nin's room was suddenly derailed as a hand jerked her into an empty room.

“We need to do something about Ibiki,” Itachi said icily. “Senpai is hiding under the blankets and won't come out, even to feed Obito. I don't know what that idiot said to him, but I've never seen him like this. It's like he's completely given up.”

“Well what are you doing out here then?” the kunoichi hissed. “Get your skinny ass in there and cheer him up.”

“I've tried,” the Otokage said peevishly. “Do you think I'd be out here trolling for ideas if I'd gotten any sort of response for my efforts. He won't talk to me. At all.”

“Fine, I'll talk to him.” Kurenai turned to leave, only to have her arm captured yet again.

“Wait. What about Ibiki?” Itachi glared at the wall so hard the kunoichi was surprised it didn't spontaneously combust. “We need to knock some sense into his stubborn ass.”

“Shi-kun says no,” she said bitterly. “Says he deserves the chance to start over without all the drama.”

“He's not starting over though,” the Otokage insisted. “He's just jerking senpai around. If he wants to start fresh he needs to stay away, not keep showing up here.”

“What he needs is to remember his obligations,” Kurenai insisted. “We'll stage an intervention. I'll get Genma and Iruka and some of Kakashi's ANBU supporters together and we'll have a little 'talk' with our chief interrogator. I refuse to let him ruin his husband's life. He thinks he's stubborn . . . he hasn't dealt with me yet.”

They were so engrossed in their conversation they never saw the green-clad jounin slip past them and into the copy-nin's room. “Rival,” Gai boomed. “I Am In Desperate Need Of Some Dating Advice. The Fair Hinata Has Agreed To Accompany Me To Dinner.”

All of Itachi's cajoling might have fallen on deaf ears, but that pronouncement was met with an immediate response. “You have a date?” Kakashi's head peaked out of the nest of blankets. “You, have a date, with a woman?” he said disbelievingly.

“You Don't Need To Sound So Surprised. I May Not Be As Hip And Cool As You, But The Fair Hinata Likes Me As I Am.”

“Liking you and dating you are two very different propositions,” the copy-nin declared. “Where are you taking her?”

“I Thought We Could Go To That New Restaurant By The Gate. Everyone Says It Is Very Good.”

“Let me see where I can get you a reservation,” the copy-nin murmured. “You'll need clothes. I'd take you myself, but I'm not allowed out of this damn room. Kurenai will help you.” He picked up the phone to call the kunoichi, only to put it back down when she walked in. “Speak of the devil,” he said as she leaned in for a kiss. “My friend Gai here needs your expert help. He has a date with Hinata-chan for dinner tonight and he'd like to get some appropriate clothes.”

The copy-nin leaned back and watched as her eyes lit with delight. He remembered all the shopping trips he'd been subjected to. It was fun watching someone else be in the hot seat for a change. “I'll make a reservation and let you know where. What time are you picking her up?”

“Eight O'Clock,” the green beast said almost uncertainly.

“Don't worry, when I get through with you Hinata won't even recognize you,” Kurenai swore.

“I don't think you need to go that far,” Kakashi cautioned. “She likes him already. We don't want to jeopardize that.”

“You worry too much.” The kunoichi brushed off his concerns. “I know Hina-chan better than anyone. I was her jounin-sensei after all. Trust me, she'll love the way you look.”

“If You Say So,” Gai reluctantly agreed. “I Want Her To Be Impressed.”

“I'll leave you a message with the restaurant information,” the copy-nin assured him. “Promise me you'll come by tomorrow and let me know how it goes? I could use some good news.”

“Of Course, Rival. If I Do Not I Will Climb The Hokage Mountain Naked Using Only My Teeth.”

“That won't be necessary,” Kakashi hurried to correct him. “No one wants to see that. Just drop by and keep me company for awhile. I'm sure Obito wants to see his favorite godfather.”

“Godfather?” the green beast gasped. “You Want Me To Be Your Son's Godfather?”

“I can't think of any better godparents than the two of you,” he replied. “If you both are willing, of course.”

“Thank you Shi-kun,” Kurenai whispered as she kissed the jounin's cheek. “I'd be delighted.”

“I'm honored Kakashi,” a suddenly sober Gai answered formally. “I will protect him with my life.”

“I know,” the copy-nin whispered. He shook himself out of his reverie. “You two better get going, you've got a big job ahead of you. Have fun on your date, Gai. Good luck with Hiashi.”
Kakashi let out a peal of laughter at the look that passed across the taijutsu master's face. His good mood persisted even after they pair departed and he hummed cheerily as he pulled out the phone book and began calling restaurants.