Fanning the Flames

Chapter Fifty-Five

“You don't give him enough credit, you know.” Kakashi observed the man next to him out of the corner of his eye. Neji stiffened ever so slightly before turning his head to watch the copy-nin.

“Who?”

“Gai, of course. He could have sent you to me at any time. But he picked today. Do you know why?”

“No,” Neji admitted. “But I have the feeling you're going to tell me.”

“I don't know if I should or not,” Kakashi teased. “What do I get if I tell you?”

“More of your dinner,” the Hyuuga retorted as he snatched the plate of eggplant out of the copy-nin's reach.

“I can still get that you know,” the jounin pointed out.

“Hardly,” Neji snorted, only to drop the plate in shock when a hard hand brushed over his erection. “That was cheating.”

Kakashi leaned in and kissed him mid-protest, exploring the younger man's mouth with relish. “Mmm, you taste nice, Neji.”

The Hyuuga decided not to protest, leaning in to recapture tempting lips. If the man he'd admired since childhood wanted to kiss him he certainly wasn't going to protest. He took his time mapping out the sinful territory of the copy-nin's mouth, but eventually the need for air drove him to pull back.

“I've missed being held like this,” Kakashi whispered. Neji was fairly certain he wasn't supposed to hear the mournful statement, but he had, and he intended on using it to his advantage. He wrapped wiry arms more tightly around the older man, running a tentative hand through soft silvery strands.

“I don't have anywhere I need to be,” Neji murmured. The copy-nin merely rolled his eye and snuggled closer.

“They're on a date,” Kakashi admitted, pulling free of the comforting hold. “Gai and your cousin. I think I'm supposed to be a distraction. If you need to leave though . . . I don't want you to think I kept you here just because he asked me to.”

“I doubt Gai could convince you to kiss me,” Neji snickered. “I'm not worried about what Hinata does. She's a grown woman. I'm very happy to stay right where I am.”

“Are you? Really? Think about it carefully. I've got an infant to care for and I'm pregnant. It's probably best if we don't continue this.”

“No,” the Hyuuga insisted. He lifted serious silver eyes to lock with a single worried grey. “I'm not stupid. If I leave I'll never have this opportunity again. Besides, I can even sweeten the deal.”

“You seem pretty sweet already,” the copy-nin joked.

“Hinata still lives in the compound. I'm sure I could convince her to take care of you there. We have a full emergency clinic set up. The clan prefers to treat itself away from prying eyes. No one could bother you. You'd be free to move around a bit, sit in the garden with the baby.”

“Obito,” Kakashi whispered. “His name is Obito.”

“You and Obito then,” Neji corrected himself with a smile. “You both could use a little sunshine and fresh air. It can't compare with going home, but surely you'd be a bit more comfortable.”

“I couldn't put you out like that,” the copy-nin protested. “Surely the rest of the clan would object.”

“I doubt that. Hinata adores you. My uncle admires you. And I . . . well, I would do almost anything to spend time with you. No one else's opinion matters. Once the baby comes you can move back home. I know you can't like having Obito in the hospital nursery.”

“It's so impersonal,” Kakashi explained. “And they won't let Bull in. He gets nervous.”

“Well, you and your children and your ninken and anyone else you want are more than welcome in my home.” The Hyuuga eyed the older man critically. “I'm sure we can find something more comfortable for you to wear as well. The thought of spending the next few months in a hospital gown would make me shudder.”

“It's better than being home alone. Your offer is tempting, but I really can't impose.”

“You are not imposing.” Neji turned the copy-nin to face him. “I want you there. I'd do almost anything to convince you. I'm lonely. It will be lovely to have other voices around. No strings, of course. You'll have your own room.”

“I'd rather share yours,” Kakashi said frankly. “I've been alone far too often to willingly choose it. I'd love to stay with you, Neji. Thank you for offering.”

“I'll speak with Hinata in the morning then. We'll have you all settled by dinner tomorrow night.”

“That will be nice.” The copy-nin carefully repositioned himself so he was nestled on his side with his head on the younger man's shoulder. “Will you stay until I fall asleep?”

“I'll stay all night if you want,” Neji assured him. “I have no desire to move.”

“Let's see how you feel in the morning when you're all black and blue,” Kakashi said with a sharp bark of self-deprecating laughter. “I'm a bit bony for comfort.”

“You are perfect,” Neji assured him, leaning in to capture those fascinating lips, yet again.

* ^ * ^ *

Ibiki slowed to a halt outside the copy-nin's room. Now that he had his memories back he desperately wanted to apologize, but he had no clue what to say to make things right. On the way over he'd rehearsed a variety of approaches, but all of them fell flat. He'll never forgive me, why should he? the interrogator decided mournfully.

He pulled to a halt with his hand on the knob, straining to hear the whispered conversation taking place inside. Whose voice is that? He pressed his ear to the door and held his breath, visibly fighting with himself not to just burst inside and yank the two men apart. He stood in the shadows, patiently waiting for Kakashi's visitor to leave, but the door never reopened. After silence had reigned for half an hour the interrogator gently eased the door open and peered inside.

His husband was there, true. But he was currently sleeping curled up on the chest of the man regarding him with an insufferably smug smirk. “Finally seeing reason?” Neji asked. “Too bad he's already moved on.”

“What do you mean?” Ibiki demanded.

“Sshhh, keep your voice down,” the Hyuuga chided. “You'll wake him up. He needs his sleep.” He gently petted soft silver strands, dropping his voice to a whisper. “He hasn't been sleeping well. Tomorrow I'm moving him to the Hyuuga compound. Then he'll be able to get out in the fresh air. It will do them both a lot of good. You'll understand if I don't extend an invitation for you to visit. Kakashi's under enough stress.”

“He's my husband,” Ibiki argued. “You have no right.”

“According to Hatake-san your marriage is over,” Neji pointed out. “Therefore you have no rights where he's concerned.”

“I don't remember asking for a divorce,” the interrogator insisted. “We're still married.”

“You threw your wedding ring in the trash and called your husband a whore. I think you ended it fairly effectively.”

“I didn't mean . . . “ Ibiki trailed off. “I never wanted to hurt him.”

“Well, you did,” the Hyuuga sniped. “In fact, you nearly broke his heart. He was ready to leave Konoha permanently. Some of us want to avoid that. I'd appreciate it if you stayed away. He doesn't need any more heartbreak.”

“You're just a child. How can you possibly claim to understand someone like 'kashi? You're just deluding yourself,” the interrogator hissed. “You'll see. He'll come back to me after the baby is born. He'll want his daughter to know her father.”

“Perhaps,” Neji admitted. He pursed his lips and folded his arms across his chest. “Or perhaps he'll prefer to raise her with someone who loves him unreservedly.”

“You don't love him,” Ibiki insisted. “You can't, you haven't know him long enough.”

“I've loved him since I was a child. Now that I'm finally getting a chance I have no intention of messing things up. Unlike you, I know a good thing when I have it. Now, if you don't mind, I think you should go. It's late, and Kakashi needs his rest. Have a nice evening Morino-san.”