Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Chapter Five

Ibiki looked over at his slumbering husband with a frown. Even from halfway across the yard he could see how thin the other man was. Pakkun had even come to him and asked him to intervene, explaining how worried the pack was about their master. He had soothed the dogs as best he could, but inside he shared their concern. Since the two week break highlighted by their anniversary trip the copy-nin had barely had a day off. The last six months had aged him ten years and the interrogator worried about his health.

“Sweetheart, wake up, it’s time for dinner.” he whispered as he gently shook a bony shoulder.

“Hmmm, what time is it?” Kakashi rasped hoarsely as he slowly stretched, reluctantly pulling himself from the cocoon of sleep and into the real world.

“Almost six.” the interrogator rumbled, “Dinner’s on the table, otherwise I would have let you sleep.”

“I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” the copy-nin replied blithely, “It smells delicious.”

“”kashi don’t say things like that.” Ibiki scolded, arms folded across his chest.

“What, it does smell good, I’m hungry.” Kakashi retorted as he stood and headed towards the house.

“Stop.” the interrogator said flatly, catching a thin wrist in his large hand and pulling the pale man into his arms, “You know what I mean, don’t joke about your death . . . it hurts to think you’d leave me so easily.”

“I’m sorry.” the copy-nin replied sincerely, “I didn’t mean to upset you . . . I didn’t mean anything by it.” he kissed the scar running across his husband’s cheek before heading into the house, leaving the large figure to stare pensively after him.

“So, when’s your next mission.” Ibiki asked as they sat down and began to eat.

“Day after tomorrow I take a team to Mist.” Kakashi replied distractedly, “Should be back in two weeks.”

“Sweetheart, have you ever thought about retiring?” the interrogator asked cautiously, steeling himself for an angry response.

“No.” the copy-nin responded flatly, “Next subject?”

“‘kashi, be reasonable . . . you can’t keep going at this pace. If you retired Tsunade would have to leave you alone.” Ibiki pressed, desperate to get his husband to at least consider the idea.

“I said no.” the pale man gritted out angrily and Ibiki wisely let the subject drop.

“How’s the eggplant?” he asked instead, “I tried a new recipe.”

“It’s delicious.” Kakashi replied with a smile, “And here I thought I’d have to do all the cooking.”

“You’ll always be a better cook than I am . . . but at least I’ve improved.” the interrogator inspected the piece of eggplant currently between his chopsticks critically, “Still, I think this cooked a little too long.” he finished wryly as the piece slowly fell apart and splashed back into the bowl.

“I like it this way, makes it easier to eat.” the copy-nin assured him as he slurped noodles and eggplant straight from the bowl.

After dinner Kakashi went to lay on the couch and read, falling asleep almost instantly. The interrogator covered him with a blanket as he marked his place and set the book aside, brushing ragged bangs off the pale forehead with surprisingly gentle fingers. He headed into the study, flipping back the cloth covering the canvas he was working on and picking up his brush. He studied the picture in front of him carefully, mixing a small amount of paint on his palette before coating his brush. He worked carefully, and referred to the photo often. The picture was a present for their second anniversary, he was painting a picture of the two of them from a frame of the video the copy-nin had surreptitiously taken. “Since you don’t have a sharingan.” he’d quipped as he dropped the disk into Ibiki’s hands.

The scarred man was restless and finally covered the canvas, afraid of ruining his hard work when he was so distracted. Picking up a sketch pad he headed back into the lounge, sitting down across from the sleeping copy-nin and studying him closely before putting pencil to paper and beginning to draw.

He stopped when soft whimpers began to filter through Kakashi’s lips and he finally jerked upright, turning wide horrified eyes on his husband before quickly regaining his composure and displaying his usual shuttered visage.

“Are you alright?” Ibiki asked cautiously, afraid of startling the powerful nin if he was at all disoriented.

“Just a dream.” the copy-nin replied wearily, running a hand through his messy hair with a sigh, “I’m going for a walk, I’ll be back in a bit.” he declared before stretching and ambling out the side door.

The interrogator studied the half finished sketch in his hands, noting yet again how worn his husband looked. That’s it, he decided, while he’s on this mission I’m going to get this resolved. Course chosen, he jutsu’d to his office to write a note to the head of the council, asking for a meeting of the entire group as soon as possible.

Kakashi poked his head through the mission room door, glad to see Iruka sitting behind the desk twiddling a pencil. “Iruka-sensei . . . just the man I was looking for,” he exclaimed in delight, “What time do you get off work?”

“You look terrible Kakashi-sempai.” the chuunin replied bluntly, “You should be home in bed.”

“I’ve had back to back missions for the last six months and I’m heading out again the day after tomorrow.” the copy-nin said tersely, “I’d like to see you today while I have a chance . . . please?”

“Alright, let me straighten up and we can go.” the teacher said anxiously, quickly gathering his papers and stuffing them in his bag, then turning to leave.

“Hey ‘ruka, wait up.” Genma’s voice rang out across the mission room, “Rai and I are going for drinks, you wanna go with . . .” he trailed off when he saw the teacher was standing shoulder to shoulder with an exhausted looking copy-nin. “Never mind.” he continued, “Good to see you Hatake.” he added before heading out the back door.

“They’re at it again.” Genma remarked agitatedly as he and Raidou headed toward their favorite hang out.

“Who’s at what again?” the scarred man asked, confusion plain on his face.

“Iruka and Kakashi . . . they were huddled together when I went back in, they’re up to something, I’m sure of it.” the senbon sucker decided, punching his hand into his fist in frustration. “If I don’t find out what this is all about soon I’m gonna pop.”

“I’ll make sure to keep a mop handy then.” Raidou remarked jovially, “Seriously though Gen, you have to butt out . . . this is way over your head and I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“I appreciate the concern, but I am a jounin you know.” the honey-haired man replied snarkily, “I can take care of myself.”

“I love you dearly, but you are such an idiot sometimes.” Raidou muttered before continuing loudly, “You are a tokubetsu jounin . . . and Hatake could kill you before you even realized he was there. Please just let this go.”

“Alright, alright.” Genma muttered angrily, “Can we please just go drink now?”

“Show me.” Kakashi said tersely when they reached the seclusion of the forest. The chuunin made a few hand signs and waited for the copy-nin’s judgement. “It will do.” the jounin said wearily, “I don’t have time for anything else.”

“Why don’t you have time?” Iruka asked cautiously, “None of the other jounin have been out anywhere near as often as you have. What did you do to piss Tsunade off?”

“I was born my father’s son.” Kakashi replied cryptically, “It’s not important.”

“Of course whether you live or die is important.” the chuunin all but bellowed, “What kind of bullshit are you trying to feed me.”

“I meant her reasons aren’t important sensei.” the copy-nin replied with a crinkle-eyed smile, “And ‘biki gives me plenty of lectures about the importance of staying alive, I don’t need another one from you.”

“Well thank god someone is looking out for you, you seem to be doing a piss poor job of taking care of yourself.” Iruka snorted, “Go home sempai, get some rest and stay safe.”

“Thank you Iruka, good night.” Kakashi replied quietly before jutsuing home, leaving a worried chuunin wondering if he should risk angering the copy-nin and approach Ibiki about the jounin’s health.

Three days after the pale man’s departure Ibiki finally heard from the council. He explained the situation to them bluntly, stressing the worn state the jounin was in and all but accusing Tsunade of trying to kill him. “He’s a man, not a machine.” he finished bluntly, “When he’s gone you won’t see his like again.”

“He’s a weapon.” the Hokage spat back, “My most dangerous one. He exists to protect this village and has no value beyond that.”

“He’s served this village for thirty years, and twenty-five of those have been A and S rank missions. He deserves to retire.” the interrogator countered stubbornly, refusing to back down.

“I’m afraid we couldn’t consider letting him retire . . . even if he were to request it himself.” one of the councilman replied coldly, “Does he even know you’re here?”

“No, he doesn’t.” Ibiki responded angrily, “He’s willing to die for this damned village . . . but I’m not going to let him.”

“Your request is denied.” the councilman retorted, “Now, if there’s nothing else . . .?”

“At least give him some leave, he’s a danger to himself and his team in the shape he’s in now.” the interrogator hissed dangerously.

“If he requests leave we will take it under consideration.” was the callous reply.

“You know he’ll never request leave . . . he hasn’t voluntarily taken time off since he was a genin.” Ibiki roared, “What the hell did he do to turn you all against him.”

“You presume too much.” Tsunade replied coldly, “Hatake is a treasured asset, one we regrettably have much need of in these troubled times.”

Ibiki opened his mouth to retort when Shizune burst into the room. “Lady Tsunade, Morino-san, you need to come with me right away.”

“What’s the matter Shizune?” the Hokage asked as she stood to leave.

“The ANBU party you sent to Mist came back . . . except for Hatake-san. He stayed behind to hold the Mist nin off so the injured could be evacuated.” she explained.

“I’m going to look for him.” Ibiki stated, but he only got two steps before a hand landed on his arm.

“I’m afraid I can’t allow that.” Tsunade said gently, “Come with me and we’ll see what we can find out.”

The head of Torture and Interrogation paced restlessly while the uninjured members of Kakashi’s team related what had happened. They all flinched when Ibiki’s fists clenched and the speaker stuttered to a halt, not wanting to incur the scarred man’s wrath.

“Lady Tsunade.” one of the medics called, “Hatake managed to reach the gate, but he’s badly injured. . .” he never finished because both the Hokage and Ibiki were already gone.

“‘kashi, can you hear me?” the interrogator asked as he gently stroked blood matted hair, “Please hold on.”

Tsunade winced at the tender words, even as she directed healing energy to the worst of the injuries. “He’s stable, let’s move him to the hospital.” she directed, stepping back to let the medics place him on a stretcher. “Walk with me Ibiki.” she commanded as they followed the injured man to the hospital.

“I didn’t want this to happen.” she said softly, “I depend on him too much . . . we all do. He’ll get his leave now, how does three months sound?”

“Thank you Tsunade. I’m not ready to lose him.” the interrogator replied honestly.

“It will only get harder.” she replied sadly as they entered the emergency room, Tsunade following Kakashi into surgery while Ibiki was left to pace the waiting room.

Several hours later an exhausted looking Tsunade reentered the waiting room. “They’re moving him to a room now. I repaired the damage . . . now we just wait and see if he wakes up.”

“Can I see him?” Ibiki rumbled worriedly, “I just need to see he’s alive.”

“Follow me.” the Hokage said crisply as she headed down the corridor, “He needs to stay calm, so keep your emotions to yourself.” she cautioned before opening the door she had stopped in front of. “Be prepared, he looks bad.”

Ibiki’s heart sank when he stepped into the room. The copy-nin was lying completely still and seemed very small and frail. He was connected to various machines through wires and tubing, and a large patch of hair had been shaved from the side of his head.
“Oh sweetheart, what have you done to yourself.” he whispered as he sank into the chair by the side of the bed, thumb idly rubbing the back of a pale hand.

Kakashi woke three days later in a world of hurt. He squinted against the bright lights and tried to lever himself upright, only to be stopped by a large hand in the middle of his chest. “Don’t try that yet sweetheart.” Ibiki’s familiar gravelly voice crooned, “Let me get Tsunade first.”

“Don’t want her . . . want you.” the pale man slurred as he gripped the hand on his chest tightly, “Did they make it back?”

“Yes, your team made it back with no further injuries . . . but if you ever pull such a bone-headed stunt again I’ll kill you myself.” the interrogator sighed heavily before continuing, “I don’t want to lose you ‘kashi.”

“Keeping you safe.” the copy-nin mumbled, “‘s my job.”

“I’m nothing without you.” the interrogator argued fervently, “So keeping yourself safe is protecting me.”

“Sweet.” Kakashi murmured as he drifted back into unconsciousness, resting more peacefully now that he knew his team had made it back.

Ibiki settled back into the hard chair, relieved that his husband had regained consciousness. He frowned as he pondered whether getting attached to someone like Kakashi had been a mistake. Not that I can do anything about it now, he decided wryly. He ran a hand over his head as he considered the changes in his life over the past year and a half. Maybe this will make him consider retirement, he thought hopefully.

Three weeks later the copy-nin was sitting on the edge of his hospital bed waiting for Ibiki to come and take him home. He smiled widely at the thought of having a home and family again after so many years. He desperately wanted to tell the scarred man how he felt . . . but every time he tried the words just froze in his throat. I’m such a coward, he groaned internally as he let his head drop into his hands.

“Are you alright ‘kashi?” came Ibiki’s worried voice from the doorway.

“I’m fine.” he responded weakly, “Just not used to so much excitement. So sailor, want to give a broken down old ninja a lift?” he quipped, eyes twinkling merrily.

“I don’t know . . . I’ve heard ninja are trouble.” Ibiki replied with a scowl, “They’ll steal your heart and leave you empty handed.”

“I promise not to leave you empty handed.” Kakashi replied solemnly, and a shudder ran up Ibiki’s spine at the unreadable look in his husband’s eyes. “‘biki are you alright?” the pale man asked worriedly, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I’m fine sweetheart.” he lied blithely, “I’m just happy to be taking you home.” At least that’s the truth, the interrogator thought, heart breaking at the sight of his strong husband struggling to walk with the aid of a cane. “Here, let me help you.”

“No.” the copy-nin replied stubbornly, “I have a mission in nine weeks, I need to get back in shape.”

“I think you can wait one day.” Ibiki retorted just as stubbornly, “It won’t kill you.”

“It might if I don’t get back to full strength before I leave.” Kakashi yelled, angry at himself for needing to be taken care of.

“If you don’t get back to full strength you’re not going to leave.” Ibiki bellowed back. He opened his mouth to continue when Shizune stuck her head in through the door.

“Gomen nasai, Tsunade-sama says if you don’t shut up and get out of her hospital she’ll give you something to yell about.” the black haired woman said nervously, “She has a bad hangover, I wouldn’t push it.”

“We were just leaving Shizune.” the copy-nin replied tartly, standing and shuffling out of the room under his own power, lips pinched tight against the pain.

As soon as he had gotten Kakashi home and settled comfortably in bed the interrogator headed back to the tower, knowing the copy-nin would sleep for a while after the stress of coming home. He barged into Tsunade’s office, looming over her desk threateningly while he spoke in the coldest, most controlled voice she had ever heard. “I can’t believe you assigned him a mission . . . he only came home from the hospital today. What is wrong with you woman?”

“We both know he’ll recover faster if he has a deadline to meet. Goals are motivational.” the Hokage replied just as coldly.

“He almost died . . . why did you bother saving him if you’re just going to throw him away? If I had known you enjoyed torture this much I would have recruited you years ago.” Ibiki sneered.

“That’s unfair Morino . . . he knows I wouldn’t assign him a mission this far out unless it were urgent . . . you’d know it too if you were thinking with your head instead of your dick.” the Hokage grumbled, hurt visible in her eyes.

“Actually, I’m thinking with my heart Tsunade . . . too bad you don’t have one.” Ibiki countered before storming back to his house.

The rest of Kakashi’s recovery passed all too quickly, and soon he was training daily under his husband’s watchful eye, the scarred man opting to sit and sketch while the copy-nin worked on his stamina.

“You know you could be more motivational.” the pale man remarked conversationally from where he hung upside down from a branch over Ibiki’s head.

“I’m not trying to be motivational.” the interrogator replied with a scowl, rubbing his thumb over the picture he was working on, “I think you need more time.”

“I have my orders.” Kakashi replied shortly, “Once things settle down I promise to take a vacation, okay?”

“No.” Ibiki replied sulkily, “I still don’t want you to go.”

“It’s not that big a deal . . . I’m going to Suna to pick up some scrolls and bring them back, two months tops.” the copy-nin entreated.

“If it’s so easy, why does it have to be you?” the interrogator insisted stubbornly.

“Because Konoha wishes to show its strength . . . that would be me.” the pale man concluded with a wink.

“And after that . . .?” Ibiki wheedled.

“After that I promise not to take any more missions until after our anniversary.” the copy-nin swore with a smile.

“Alright.” the scarred man finally conceded, “I’ll back off. I just worry about you not being at full strength.”

“I’ve been in much worse shape than this and completed harder missions. You worry too much.” Kakashi teased, “You shouldn’t worry so about me.” he added, suddenly serious.

“I love you sweetheart,” the interrogator rumbled, “I can’t help but worry about you.”

Ibiki found himself pinned by too bright mismatched eyes before the copy-nin pulled him into a tight embrace, burying his face in the scarred man’s shoulder. “I’ll be fine . . . I promise to come home from Suna.” he mumbled, “I believe in keeping promises.”

Eight weeks later found Ibiki pacing restlessly back and forth across the small open space in front of his desk, reminding his aide uncomfortably of a tiger in a cage. “When’s Hatake due back?” he finally ventured to ask, albeit from across the room with a hand on a kunai.

“Sometime today.” the interrogator responded curtly, never slowing in his trek.

“Why don’t you head home and wait for him then.” his aide suggested, “I’ll summon you if anything urgent comes up.”

“I’ll be at the gate.” Ibiki responded distractedly, pulling on his coat and striding out of the office, people scurrying out of his way as he passed.

By the time a road worn Kakashi finally appeared, lazily ambling along book in hand, the guards at the gate were ready to scream. Having an agitated torture expert breathing down your neck for hours tended to ruin an otherwise boring day.

“You made it.” Ibiki exclaimed in delight.

“I said I would.” the copy-nin responded quietly, “It’s good to be home.” He leaned in and gently kissed his husband, wrapping a strong arm around broad shoulders and pulling them even tighter together. “Let’s go home.” he whispered huskily and the interrogator was quick to comply, jutsuing them directly into the bedroom and reclaiming Kakashi’s lips in a passionate kiss.

“How are you really sweetheart?” Ibiki queried as he studied the lanky figure. He’s lost weight again, the interrogator decided, he doesn’t take care of himself.

“Dirty, tired . . . otherwise okay. I missed you.” the copy-nin muttered as he dumped his gear in the corner and headed into the bathroom. Ibiki stood in the door, lounging carelessly against the frame as he watched the pale man peel out of his clothes and turn on the water. “Are you coming in . . . or do you just want to watch?” Kakashi quipped tiredly.

“I can never resist an invitation to join you.” the interrogator replied as he quickly stripped and slid in behind his husband, pulling him back to lean against his scarred chest. “Just relax, let me take care of you.” he offered, reaching for the shampoo and beginning to scrub it into silver strands.

“Mmmm, ‘kay.” the copy-nin purred, relaxing completely into the gentle massage as Ibiki carefully scrubbed and rinsed him, leaning him carefully against the wall to rub their soap slick bodies together as he plundered Kakashi’s mouth.

“I have the rest of the month off.” the pale man muttered when the kiss broke, “No missions unless they’re urgent.”

“Good.” Ibiki replied, “I think I’ll keep you naked in bed to make sure.”

“You don’t hear me complaining, do you?” Kakashi quipped wryly, “You know I hate to wait.”

“You are the most impatient person I know.” Ibiki growled as he bit down hard on the pale column of the copy-nin’s neck and worried the flesh, pulling back slightly to appreciate the color rising to the mark. “I’m savoring, okay?” he hissed before biting down on the same spot again, pressing the lithe body hard into the wall as he ground their erections together, enjoying the moans falling from Kakashi’s lips.

“I’m all yours . . . ravish me.” the pale man whispered, causing the interrogator to chuckle darkly.

“Most people would rather die than say those words to me.” Ibiki husked, “Are you sure?”

“Most people don’t know you.” was the whispered response, “I trust you with my life.”

“Then let the ravishing begin.” the interrogator growled as he lifted the lanky figure and headed for the bedroom, tossing him face down on the bed before rummaging in the drawer. “Ah, here we go.” he exclaimed.

“What are you doing?” Kakashi asked impatiently, “Less fiddling, more ravishing please.”

“You’d better say please.” Ibiki growled as he snapped a fur-lined cuff around a thin wrist, winding the chain through the headboard before snapping its mate around the other wrist. With his quarry now pinned in place he roughly spread creamy buttocks, smiling broadly at the way the bound man jumped when something cold and slick bumped against his entrance. “Say please.” Ibiki wheedled with a wicked grin when Kakashi groaned and tried to thrust back onto whatever was teasing his entrance.

“You won’t last long.” the interrogator decided appraisingly, easily flipping his husband so he could snap a cock ring around his already throbbing erection.

“I-bi-ki.” the copy-nin whined as he was flipped back over.

“What beloved?” the scarred man asked reverently, “I only want to prolong your pleasure.”

“Get on with it then.” the bound man growled through clenched teeth, “Or you’ll be the one in handcuffs.”

“Ooohh feisty, I like that.” Ibiki smirked as he slowly slid the large toy he’d been teasing Kakashi’s entrance with through the tight ring of muscle. The pale man gasped at the intrusion, impatiently wiggling in an attempt to take more of the long shaft.

“No.” the interrogator said sharply, pinning the copy-nin’s legs with his own and preventing him from taking control. “I decide what you get and when . . . what you feel and how much . . . you are mine ‘kashi, and I’m going to prove it to you.” With that he pulled the toy all the way out, listening to the pleas and moans falling from the pale man’s lips. Just when Kakashi thought he might go insane Ibiki suddenly thrust the thick shaft hard against his prostate, thumbing the button and sending vibrations dancing through sensitive tissue. He screamed as pleasure rocketed through him, tingling along his nerves like electricity, and he would have come if it weren’t for the constricting cock ring.

“More.” the copy-nin moaned hoarsely, trying in vain to twist out of Ibiki’s restraining hold and take control.

“More of this?” the scarred man whispered, thrusting the vibrator hard against his husband’s prostate as he smirked.

“You, I want you.” Kakashi panted.

“Then we need to change positions.” Ibiki mused, an idea sparking in his mind. He dipped into the bedside drawer one more time before crawling underneath the copy-nin, leaving the lanky man sprawled awkwardly across his chest. The interrogator easily slid into the stretched hole, drawing a soft moan from the pale man as he clutched the large figure tightly.

The scarred man coaxed his husband into a wet, passionate, kiss as he slowly began to move, careful not to graze the copy-nin’s prostate. After two or three slow strokes he stilled, arousing a chorus of pleas and curses. Just when Kakashi could stand it no longer he felt his entrance being stretched further than ever before as a thinner flexible vibrator was slowly worked through the ring and along the length of Ibiki’s shaft until the tip was resting against the pale man’s sweet spot.

“Love you.” the interrogator proclaimed earnestly as he turned the vibrator on and lay back to watch his husband’s face, thrusting up erratically as the vibration sent tingles running through his frame.

“Please ‘biki, I need to come.” the copy-nin wailed. Ibiki could feel the hard length rubbing between them, dripping with precum, and took pity on his husband.

“Alright, but just so you know . . . this is just the beginning.” he husked as he thumbed off the cock ring, watching in awe as Kakashi’s orgasm raced through his body. “Sex incarnate, you should be illegal.” he moaned as he thrust frantically into the quivering passage before roaring incoherently as he reached his peak.

“Are you okay?’ the scarred man whispered as he hastily undid the cuffs and rubbed the thin wrists, searching for any sign of bruising.

“Of course, silly.” the pale man replied with a husky laugh as he curled up on the scarred chest. “I’m glad I’m home.”

Three weeks later Ibiki was putting the finishing touches on his anniversary present when the door bell rang.

“I’ve got it.” the copy-nin yelled, pulling up his mask and ambling over to the door.

“Hatake-sama, the Hokage wishes to see you.” an ANBU he didn’t recognize announced.

“Tell her I’ll be there in five minutes.” Kakashi mumbled before letting the door swing shut and heading back to inform his husband. “The hag wants to see me.” he said shortly before continuing to get ready, “I’ll be back soon.”

Ten minutes later he was back, eyes hard and lips compressed in a thin line. “I have a mission . . . just a couple of days. We’ll be back in plenty of time . . . trust me when I say it’s important and believe that I’ll be back for our anniversary.”

“In a week?” Ibiki asked disbelievingly.

“Less, I swear.” the copy-nin insisted as he finished packing. “I’m sorry, I’ll be home soon.” he swore before kissing his husband tenderly and jutsuing away.