Into the Fire

A/N - Sorry to take so long with this chapter . . . I felt like I was wobbling off track . . . hopefully things will run smoothly to the end now!!


Chapter Sixty-One

“Why are you here Kurenai?” the copy-nin asked sourly, keeping the sheet pulled up to obscure his face from her inquisitive gaze.

“You’re acting like a fool . . . you have a wonderful man who wants to stay with you no matter what, and you’re trying to push him away . . . what the hell is wrong with you?” the kunoichi demanded.

“That should be obvious . . . didn’t you read the medical reports?” Kakashi retorted angrily.

“No, I didn’t.” the dark haired woman replied softly, “It doesn’t matter what happened . . . what matters is that there are people who need you back in Konoha.”

“No one needs me.” the injured man responded darkly, “Bad luck follows me wherever I go.”

“So you’re just giving up then?” Kurenai exclaimed in disbelief, “Why are men such idiots?” she asked the ceiling in despair.

“I’m not an idiot . . . I’m a genius.” the copy-nin retorted snarkily, eyes opening wide in shock when the kunoichi smacked him hard on the side of the head.

“Get over yourself and stop being such a drama queen.” the dark haired woman declared, “You aren’t even out of the hospital, and you already have your entire tragic history all planned out. Good thing you’re a heartless bastard Hatake.” she spat, “You’re so busy playing martyr you can’t even be bothered to see how much you’re hurting everyone around you . . . especially Ibiki.” Kurenai ended softly.

“You don’t understand.” the copy-nin replied brokenly, “I can’t be what he needs . . . not anymore, so sooner or later he’s going to get hurt . . . I thought this would be easier.”

“You’re assuming a lot Kakashi,” the kunoichi cooed soothingly, “and you’re making this harder on everyone . . . including yourself. First of all,” she declared bossily, “you are going to take your pain pills . . . pain gives you a negative outlook on life.”

“But I don’t like being out of control.” Kakashi whined.

“If you think you’re in control now, you’re just fooling yourself.” the dark haired woman responded with a sniff, “Your chakra is all over the place. I’m going to get the doctor to give you your pain medication and you are going to rest. When you wake up I expect to see an attitude adjustment.”

“Yes ma’am.” the copy-nin retorted sarcastically . . . but when she returned with the doctor he didn’t fight the injection. As the kunoichi turned to leave, satisfied that he was cooperating, Kakashi grabbed her hand, muttering, “Thank you Kurenai.”

“You’re welcome.” she whispered, bending to plant a kiss on his forehead before sweeping out of the room. Leaving him to drift off into a blissfully pain-free sleep, bemused grin still plastered on his face.

“He’s sleeping.” Kurenai told the worried group clustered outside the door. “We had a nice talk . . . he promised to be more cooperative.”

“Did you use a genjutsu on him?” Ibiki asked worriedly.

“No, silly.” the kunoichi laughed, “I just knocked some sense into that thick skull of his. Honestly, men can be such babies.”

Everyone else winced, and several men involuntarily grabbed their crotch, all eyes turning to Asuma in sympathy. “I’m glad I don’t like women.” Genma muttered.

“What is wrong with you?” she glowered, glaring at the assembled group until a thick folder was shoved into her hand.

“Maybe you should read the medical reports.” Iruka suggested calmly, “Then you’ll have a better idea of what Kakashi’s facing.”

“Not yet.” she replied, handing the folder back, “I’d rather wait until he’s healed . . . that way I can help him stay positive.”

“And if there’s nothing to be positive about?” Ibiki asked despairingly.

“He’s alive, isn’t he?” the kunoichi retorted, “That’s reason enough. Tell him I’ll come visit tomorrow.”

The healer Itachi had summoned from Iwa arrived early the next morning, and by noon the copy-nin was once again in surgery. Throughout the wait the interrogator sat slumped disconsolately in an uncomfortable chair, barely responding when spoken to, eyes locked on the door separating him from his future as day turned to night and the stars joined him in his vigil. “How is he doing?” he exclaimed when the medic-nin finally emerged, leaping to his feet to tower over the haggard man.

“I’ve finished repairing the internal damage.” the exhausted healer explained patiently, “The external repairs will take longer.”

“What does that mean . . . exactly?” the scarred man asked warily, afraid to hear that Kakashi was injured in a way that was beyond the specialist’s skill.

“The catheter and colostomy bag have been removed . . . the tissue is healed and the nerves and chakra pathways have been rejoined, although they aren’t functioning yet, I’m afraid that takes time and patience. Tomorrow I’ll start work on the external injuries. I’m confident that I will be able to repair the damage . . . but I can’t guarantee a return of sensation, nor do I know whether or not the patient will be able to experience arousal.” The elderly medic frowned expressively, “Unfortunately that is as much mental as physical and after an attack like this . . .” he trailed off uncomfortably, “In any event, that is not my area of expertise. He should, however, be able to leave the hospital in about ten days.”

“Seriously?” Ibiki squeaked, face lighting with glee as he picked the tiny medic up and swung him in a circle, “Thank you, anything you need, anything I can ever do for you . . . I can’t possibly repay you for this.” the usually stoic interrogator babbled, unaware of the tears streaming down his face.

“I’ll see you in the morning.” the doctor affirmed, “Get some sleep.”

The scarred man slipped into the darkened room and settled into his usual chair, squeezing a pale hand affectionately as he whispered encouragingly to the unconscious copy-nin. “You did so well ‘kashi. No more bags, sweetheart . . . and in ten days the doctor says you’ll be good as new.”

Kakashi woke just before dawn, delighted to find he was in considerably less pain . . . and even happier to find the detestable waste collection bags were gone. Maybe Kurenai was right, he thought optimistically, I won’t make any decisions until I’ve finished healing.

“Sweetheart, you’re awake.” Ibiki rumbled happily, grabbing some ice water and propping the copy-nin up so he could drink. “Everything went wonderfully yesterday . . . and later today the healer is going to start on your external injuries. He’s confident he’ll be able to repair all the damage.”

“How long?” the copy-nin queried anxiously, “Did he give you any idea?”

“Home in ten days . . . isn’t that wonderful?” the interrogator replied happily, “Gaara and Raidou are going to postpone their wedding until then so you can attend.”

“They don’t have to do that for me.” Kakashi protested, “Everyone’s traveled so far to get here . . .”

“It’s their decision.” Ibiki assured him, “They really want you to be able to attend . . . you did bring them together, after all. It’s only natural they’d be grateful.”

“I still can’t allow it.” the injured jounin insisted, “It’s ludicrous . . . delaying a state wedding. They’ll have plenty of opportunity to see me afterward.”

“No they won’t.” the scarred man explained, “We’re heading home as soon as I impose Kankuro’s punishment.”

“No.” the copy-nin declared flatly, “No punishment.”

“But ‘kashi, he almost killed you.” the interrogator protested, “That can’t go unpunished.”

“Of course it can.” Kakashi retorted, “Kankuro sees me as a threat to his brother . . . if you thought a foreign nin was a threat to Umino-san what would you do?”

“That’s not the same thing.” Ibiki argued, “He almost killed you.”

“And how many of your ‘guests’ leave under their own power?” the copy-nin inquired wryly. “That’s different . . .” the interrogator continued to protest.

“No, it isn’t.” Kakashi insisted, “Once I’m gone there will be no more threat to Gaara-sama and Kankuro will no longer be a danger.”

“And if he decides to go after Raidou?” Ibiki growled.

“I’m sure Kankuro will think long and hard before attacking the husband of the Kazekage.” the copy-nin mused, “And if not . . . well, I’m sure Gaara will have no problem defending Rai from any attack his brother might wage.”

“So you’re planning on suffering in vain, is that it?” the scarred man asked, puzzled by his logic.

“It won’t be the first time.” Kakashi replied with a snort, “This is better for everyone.”

“Everyone but you.” Ibiki argued, “You deserve retribution.”

“Retribution is highly overrated . . . all I want is peace.” the copy-nin declared wearily, laying back against the pillows and shutting his eyes against the pain.

“It’s time for your medication.” the interrogator realized, “Let me get the nurse.”

“Promise me first.” Kakashi entreated, “No retaliation.”

“I promise.” the scarred man grumbled, “Now can I get the nurse?”

“Thank you.” the silver-haired man breathed, “You won’t regret it.”

“I think I already am.” Ibiki muttered under his breath. “Be right back.” he promised before heading off in search of the nurse, leaving the copy-nin to ponder all the changes this day had brought.