Into the Fire

A/N I'm not sure if anyone is still reading this or not . . . if you are thank you! The happy ending is fast approaching!!

Chapter Fifty-Four

Kakashi woke to the scrutiny of intense turquoise eyes. “I have taken care of your issue with the Mizukage.” Gaara announced, “He knows I have taken you as my consort . . . he also knows he isn’t strong enough to win should he be foolish enough to go to battle over it.”

“No.” the copy-nin declared passionately, “I did not agree to that. This is not a permanent arrangement . . . I’m sorry if you misunderstood Kazekage-sama. If that is what you wish . . .” he trailed off, an idea forming in the back of his mind. “I believe I have a possible solution, but I need to send a few scrolls.”

“Then you agree?” the redhead asked blandly.

“No . . . I’m sorry Gaara-san, if you misunderstood. I am otherwise committed.” Kakashi explained.

“I know that.” the Kazekage snapped back, “I told you I took care of it.”

“No . . . that’s not what I meant.” the copy-nin replied softly, “I have someone in Konoha that I intend to go back to, assuming I get this mess cleared up, that is. I care for him very much, the Mizukage is unbelievably old . . . eventually he’ll die and I’ll be able to go home to my lover.” He grasped the redhead’s chin in his hand, turning it to meet his eyes as he continued. “I’m sorry if it hurts you . . . but I never meant to imply this was anything more than a temporary stop for me.”

“You promised to help me find peace.” the Kazekage snarled, “What was the point if you were only going to snatch it away?”

“I meant inner peace.” Kakashi husked brokenly, “I can’t be your peace Gaara-san, no one can. Once you find it then, perhaps, you will find someone to love who can love you in return . . . it just won’t be me. If you wish me to leave . . .”

“No.” the redhead snapped, “Of course I don’t want you to leave. Didn’t I just say I wanted you as my consort? I have no intention of letting you go anywhere.”

“Am I a prisoner then?” the copy-nin inquired sadly, “Will you keep me here by force?”

“Not a prisoner . . . but there is no reason for you to leave.” the Kazekage wheedled, “Stay here with me until you are free of the Mizukage, at least. Then I promise to let you go back to your home.”

“Am I free to send scrolls to Konoha and Oto?” Kakashi asked suspiciously, “You won’t interfere?”

“I will not keep you from communicating with whomever you wish.” Gaara stated with a frown, “I thought this would make you happy.”

“I am sorry beautiful one.” the copy-nin crooned soothingly, “I never meant to hurt you, or to lead you astray. Let’s not argue . . . none of this matters right now.” He carefully took the younger man into his arms, unease abating slightly when the rigid form relaxed into him. Kakashi carefully stroked the redhead’s messy locks as the younger man buried his face in the crook of the jounin’s neck.

“Don’t leave me.” Gaara entreated, “I’ll do whatever you like.”

“I’m not leaving you, not now at any rate.” the copy-nin declared, “I’ll see you happy before I do . . . I promise. Alright?” he queried, tipping his head to peer uncertainly into the Kazekage’s eyes.

“Can we just go back to bed?” the younger man whispered brokenly, “I don’t want to think about this any more.”

“Of course we can.” Kakashi husked erotically, “Let’s see if I can make you forget all the things that trouble you.”

Ibiki arrived in Otogakure shortly after dusk, heading immediately for the Otokage’s office to inquire about Kakashi. When the doors opened he was surprised to be greeted warmly by Uchiha Itachi . . . he had thought the infamous nin a cold-blooded, heartless killer, and despite the copy-nin’s assurances to the contrary, a chill still ran through the interrogator as he faced the man who had brought fear to so many. “Welcome Morino-san.” Itachi’s mellow tenor rang out warmly, “I think I know why you’re here.”

“Where is Hatake-san?” the scarred man asked worriedly, “I received word while in Mist that he was in Suna with the Kazekage.”

“Indeed, he is.” the Otokage replied with a tilt of his head, blind eyes locked on the interrogator knowingly, “I had not expected this.”

“Expected what?” Ibiki rumbled worriedly.

“That you would come for him. My apologies Morino-san . . . I’m afraid I misinterpreted Kakashi-sempai’s remarks, I thought he was done with Konoha for good so I encouraged him to go to Suna . . . I did not want him to languish alone. It is . . . hard for him here.”

“What did you do?” the interrogator growled.

“I brought two lonely men together in hopes they could find solace in each other.” Itachi explained soothingly, “Sempai has earned his peace.”

“Not without me.” the scarred man replied mournfully, “I promised him we would be together again, that I would take care of his problem with the Mizukage.”

“Did you?” Itachi asked pointedly.

“The Mizukage is dead, Kakashi is free to do as he wishes.” Ibiki admitted ruefully, “I just assumed he would wish to come home.”

“Perhaps he will . . . I can send word if you like.” the Otokage replied thoughtfully, “Will you stay and wait for an answer?”

“I thought I would go to Suna.” the interrogator declared stubbornly, “I have no wish to waste time dawdling here.”

“I think that would be . . . unwise.” the dark-haired man declared, “Gaara-san is . . . volatile, he might not react well to your presence. Let me summon Kakashi-sempai . . . he’ll come if I ask, then you can see him and figure out what he wants to do.”

Namiashi Raidou paced the Hokage’s office restlessly. “I don’t know.” Iruka declared with a frown, “Are you sure it’s what you want?”

“I’m willing to give it a try . . . I have nothing to lose.” Raidou replied with an expressive shrug, “It’s not like I’ll be missed.”

“I’ll miss you Rai.” Genma piped up from the shadows, “You’re my best friend.”

“And you’re mine.” the scarred nin retorted, “But that’s not the same and you know it. I’m not a kid anymore . . . and I’m tired of being alone.” he reluctantly admitted.

“I’m sorry Rai.” the honey-haired man admitted in defeat, “I’m just being selfish . . . I want you to be happy.”

“Thanks Gen . . . it means a lot to have your support.” Raidou said with a smile, “So . . . I guess I’ll leave in the morning.”

“I want frequent reports.” Iruka warned, “If I don’t hear from you I’ll assume you need help.”

“I’ll be fine . . . but thank you both for worrying about me. I’m going to miss you guys.” the scarred man declared, pulling the pair into a rough hug before finally taking his leave.

“Are you sure about this Ru?” the senbon sucker asked worriedly.

“I’m sure I trust Hatake-san . . . he wouldn’t have suggested it if he thought Raidou could be hurt.” the Rokudaime finally decided, “I just hope he’ll be happy . . . that’s a lot harder to predict.”

Kakashi paced the Kazekage’s suite restlessly. The message he’d received from Itachi was disturbing, to say the least. He’d never expected Ibiki to come after him. The last thing he wanted was for the interrogator to find out about his time in Suna. “Gaara-san,” he finally ventured, “I have a friend coming from Konoha. He should be here in a few days.”

“That is excellent news.” the redhead decided, “It will be nice for you to see your friend. Maybe it will help you settle in here.”

“Perhaps.” the copy-nin agreed, “In any event, he has agreed to act as permanent ambassador here in Suna so you will have plenty of time to become acquainted.”

“So what is this mystery man’s name?” the Kazekage asked curiously.

“Namiashi Raidou.” Kakashi answered instantly, “He’s an ex-ANBU and a former guard of the Hokage . . . and a good, if lonely, man.”

“The world is a lonely place.” Gaara replied idly, “Isn’t that what you said when we met?”

“Indeed it is.” the copy-nin agreed, “And yet, we find ways to combat that loneliness. I hope . . .” He was cut off as the door banged open and Kankuro strode in and stormed over to the redhead.

“This is getting ridiculous.” he declared loudly, “I’ve stood by idly long enough. You need an heir . . . and you won’t get one from this old man, it’s time for you to face up to your responsibilities and marry a nice woman.”

“Women are of no interest to me.” the Kazekage insisted, “I can not do what you ask.”

“So this . . . scarecrow,” Kankuro sneered, “has ruined women for you forever . . . I told you he was a mistake.”

Kakashi remained carefully off to the side, frowning expressively when Gaara merely turned to the side, muttering “No, that would be father’s doing.”

“Kankuro-san,” the copy-nin began hesitantly, “I’m afraid Gaara-san is correct . . . preferences aren’t something you can turn on and off. If he isn’t interested then he won’t be producing any heirs . . . no matter how many women you throw at him. Perhaps you should explore other options . . . artificial insemination, for example.”

“Perhaps you should butt out.” the Sand sibling snapped back, “This is all your fault. I wish you had never come here. No wonder Konoha didn’t want you, you ruin everything you touch.”