Into the Fire

Chapter Fifty-Nine

The Otokage and his companion waited patiently in the large reception hall, placidly ignoring the bustle of preparations flitting frenetically around them. “Ah, Kazekage-sama.” Itachi exclaimed, rising to greet his fellow leader, “Congratulations on your impending nuptials. Where is Kakashi-sempai? I want to give him my best wishes as well.”

“Hatake-san is not my intended.” Gaara replied softly, “Allow me to introduce my fiancé, Namiashi Raidou.”

“It has been a long time Namiashi-san.” the Uchiha replied blandly, “You seem happy.”

“I am happy Otokage-sama.” the scarred nin replied deferentially before dropping to his knees and bowing his head. “I owe you an apology Uchiha-san . . . I was one of Sandaime’s personal guards . . . I should have seen what was happening to you. I am sorry for all of your pain.”

“Thank you Raidou . . . you have no idea how much your concern means to me.” Itachi replied with a soft smile, “But you had no knowledge and bear no guilt when it comes to Sarutobi-sama’s actions.” He pulled the burly man up with a smile before continuing smoothly, “So, am I to assume Kakashi-sempai is closeted away somewhere with Morino-san?”

“In a manner of speaking.” the redhead stated cryptically, “If you will follow me I’ll show you to your rooms . . . then I can take you to see Hatake-san.”

A short while later they were strolling across the village, people scattering in front of the pair of kages as they walked along, deep in conversation. “Namiashi-san,” Kisame began hesitantly, “Why are we headed for the hospital?”

“Call me Raidou, please.” the scarred man responded with a smile, face falling as he admitted reluctantly. “Kakashi was attacked ten days ago . . . unfortunately, he won’t be leaving the hospital anytime soon.”

“Attacked?” Itachi asked quizzically, “I’m afraid I’ll need an explanation Gaara . . . I entrusted him to your care.”

“He was ambushed by my brother.” the redhead replied sadly, “Kankuro is in custody awaiting Morino-san’s punishment. I’m afraid Kakashi-san was . . . badly hurt. Perhaps you should read the medical report.” he suggested, unwilling to discuss the injuries suffered by the copy-nin.

“Perhaps I should.” the Uchiha responded frostily, “Then I would like to see him.”

“Ibiki has been with him since he was found.” Raidou ventured tentatively, “Maybe you can get him to take a break . . . he hasn’t left that room in more than a week.”

“Of course he hasn’t.” Kisame declared emphatically, “How can he . . . obviously you can’t protect Kakashi.”

“Let’s talk to Morino-san and Kakashi-sempai before we go jumping to any conclusions.” Itachi suggested, “Gaara isn’t responsible for the sins of his brother . . . if Ibiki is satisfied with his punishment I shall be as well.”

“Nevertheless,” Kisame decided, “I will watch Hatake-san for Morino-san . . . that way he’ll be able to rest.”

Once inside the Uchiha took his time having Kisame read the medical reports to him, even having him go back and repeat certain sections to make sure he understood the ramifications of the damage. “I will see him now.” he announced wistfully, unwilling to witness the depths to which his talented elder had fallen.

“Sempai, why is it every time we see you you’re in some kind of trouble?” the raven-haired man quipped as he approached the bed. “Seriously Kakashi, how are you feeling?” he continued with concern when a pain-filled eye swiveled to meet his.

“I’ve been better.” the copy-nin rasped hoarsely as his eyes searched the Uchiha’s expressionless face for clues to his reaction. “Will you sit and talk with me a bit?”

“I’d love to.” Itachi replied smoothly, pulling a chair close to the bed and angling it so the injured man could see his face.

“Morino-san, why don’t you take a break . . . take a shower, have a bite to eat.” Kisame suggested, throwing an arm over broad shoulders and pulling the interrogator close to whisper conspiratorially, “I will guard Hatake-san with my life . . . you can rest without worry.”

“I’ll be back in twenty minutes.” Ibiki husked dangerously, “Don’t upset him.”

“His welfare is very important to us.” the swordsman assured him, “No one will harm him while I draw breath.”

“Thank you.” the interrogator swore, turning to the bed to whisper sweetly, “I’m going to go get a bite to eat ‘kashi . . . I’ll be back in just a few minutes.”

Once Ibiki had been hustled off by Gaara and Raidou, Kisame shut the door and stood against it, broad form barring entry to any who might attempt it while the Otokage settled back to visit with his friend. “Sempai, are you in pain?” he asked bluntly.

“I don’t like to take pills.” the copy-nin answered stubbornly, “Besides, I’ll have to get used to it sooner or later.”

“The pain will fade, sempai . . . I read your medical report. I know of a surgeon in Iwa who might be able to help . . .” Itachi trailed off helplessly, “What do you need Kakashi?” he finally asked bluntly.

“I need sanctuary ‘tachi.” the copy-nin replied bluntly, “I can’t be what ‘biki needs . . . not anymore. I won’t be going back to Konoha, I can’t face seeing him everyday while having to keep my distance.”

“He won’t accept that, sempai.” the Uchiha snapped back, “He was in Oto for three weeks before coming here, you know. Believe me when I say he won’t rest unless you’re with him.”

“That’s because he doesn’t truly comprehend the situation . . .all I’ve ever been good for is pleasure . . . and now I’m not even fit for that.” the copy-nin croaked bitterly.

“You’re an extremely talented ninja, sempai.” Itachi pointed out.

“Who’s permanently relieved from duty.” Kakashi retorted, “The risks are too high now that I’ve lost a kidney, apparently. I am a man without a purpose . . . a liability.”

“I doubt Morino-san will ever consider you a liability . . . besides, who was it that told me I had value beyond my comprehension.” the Otokage stated calmly, “You are certainly no different. You’re a brilliant man, sempai . . . I’m certain you would be considered an asset in any tactical or strategic planning position, regardless of your fitness for field duty. Service is not all about assassination.”

“The problem still remains . . . pleasure is beyond me now.” the copy-nin insisted stubbornly, “Ibiki deserves more . . . I never was good enough, it’s just more obvious now.”

“Now you’re being ridiculous.” Itachi sniffed, “Honestly sempai, do you even listen to what you’re saying?”

“Do you?” Kakashi shot back angrily, “Do you have any comprehension of what this is like? There’s a huge metal dildo in my ass so it will stay open as it heals . . . or so they tell me, I can’t feel it. My dick looks like someone tried to sew hamburger back together . . . and an hour ago I found out they’re probably going to remove my balls.” he dropped his eyes to his lap and continued grimly, “I’m not a man, I’m a thing.”

“I watched you with Orochimaru before he died.” Kisame rumbled, “You stayed with him long past the time he was able, or willing, to have sex . . . why didn’t you leave him?”

“That was different.” the copy-nin retorted, “I wasn’t with him just for sex.”

“Ibiki isn’t with you for sex either.” the swordsman growled, “He loves you, you idiot . . . he wouldn’t care if you were in pieces, and he’ll chase you if you try to leave.”

“I don’t care.” Kakashi shrieked, “Sooner or later he’ll want more than I can give him . . . and it will kill me to watch him go to someone else for pleasure. He’d come back, I have no doubt . . . but I will not be an obligation. The last thing Ibiki needs is a jailor, no matter how much in love he fancies himself.”

“I’ll ask again . . . would you have let yourself be pushed away?” Kisame pressed.

“That was different . . . Oro needed me.” the copy-nin declared mulishly, “I will be fine on my own.”

“No . . . you won’t.” Itachi insisted tonelessly, “You would survive, I have no doubt . . . but you’d be far from fine, sempai. No one who cares about you will allow that. In any event you have no choice in the matter at the moment . . . it appears you’re confined here until you heal further.”

“Yare, yare.” Kakashi muttered obstinately, “I won’t be an invalid forever.”

“Hopefully you’ll regain your senses by then.” the Otokage murmured, turning his head when the door opened and Ibiki strode in carrying a large tray.

“I brought you some miso soup with eggplant, ‘kashi.” the interrogator explained as he carefully positioned the bed tray and deposited the food. “Please try to eat some of it, I know it’s your favorite.”

“I’m not hungry right now.” the copy-nin mumbled sadly, “Maybe later. It was nice seeing you ‘tachi, Kisame, but right now, I’m a little tired. I’ll talk to you both later.”

“We will be back, sempai.” the Uchiha announced, daring the jounin to try and keep them away . . . but Kakashi merely turned his head and shut his eyes, retreating into his own thoughts and ignoring the three men now exchanging worried glances.

“I’m going to see them out sweetheart, I’ll be right back.” Ibiki assured the copy-nin before stepping outside to address the worried pair.

“You need to keep an eye on him.” Kisame rumbled as soon as the door shut behind them, “He thinks he has nothing to offer and you’d be better off without him.”

“Well then, I’ll just have to convince him otherwise.” the scarred man decided, “He just doesn’t understand how I feel.”

“Just don’t hurt him.” Itachi cautioned, “None of us will allow that.”

“I love him.” Ibiki insisted, “I would never hurt him.”

“More dangerous words have never been spoken.” the Otokage murmured cryptically before bidding the interrogator good night and heading for his rooms to contemplate this turn of events.

“Call me if you need a break.” Kisame added, squeezing a broad shoulder in support before hurrying to catch up with his lover. Ibiki merely watched the pair as they headed down the corridor before squaring his shoulders, plastering a smile he didn’t feel on his face and heading back inside.