Into the Fire
folder
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
116
Views:
2,273
Reviews:
137
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
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Category:
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
116
Views:
2,273
Reviews:
137
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
The following story is a work of fan fiction. The author does not own Naruto or its characters and is not making any money off of this work. Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto-sama.
Chapter Ninety-Seven
Chapter Ninety-Seven
“I'll put in for my time off today.” Ibiki announced over breakfast, “You'll tell Kurenai we decided on April 10th?”
“I'll tell her.” the copy-nin replied drily, “She may not agree.”
“She couldn't possibly have made any arrangements already.” the interrogator assured him, “We only told her last night.”
“You don't know Kurenai.” Kakashi retorted sullenly, “She probably spent the night waking people up to tell them . . . just you wait and see. I bet by the time you get to the tower everyone knows.”
“Well then get your skinny ass over there and take charge.” the scarred man teased.
“Easy for you to say.” the silver-haired jounin declared grumpily, “I forgot to ask, who's standing up for you . . . Genma?”
“No, he doesn't approve.” came the thin-lipped response, “I think perhaps Kisame. He watched over you for me in Suna, so I could take a break and go eat and shower. He understands how I feel.”
“I imagine he does. I'm sure he'll be honored that you ask him . . . but he won't come unless Itachi does, and I'm not sure he's ready to come back here.” the copy-nin said honestly, “I'll send Akane with a scroll today . . . I'll just tell Kurenai it isn't finalized yet.”
Twenty minutes later Kakashi found himself apologizing to an exhausted appearing Asuma the moment he opened the door. “I am so sorry 'suma . . . I didn't want to tell her.”
“Just get in there and deal with it.” the bearded jounin rasped hoarsely, “I'm going to bed.”
“'shi-san is that you?” the kunoichi called from the kitchen, “Hurry up already, we have a lot of things to take care of.”
“Morning princess.” the jounin cooed as he scooped Ko up out of her highchair and gave her a kiss, “What's that smeared all over your pretty face?”
“That would be her breakfast.” the dark haired woman replied as she wiped a wet cloth over the little girl's face and hands, immediately turning to do the same for her much cleaner brother. “So, ready to get to work?”
“I'm ready to tell you what we want . . . beyond that I'll leave it in your all too capable hands.” Kakashi decided as he bounced his goddaughter on his knee, “I'll just get in your way.”
“No, no 'shi-kun, that won't do at all.” Kurenai insisted, “This is your special day . . . if I make all the decisions it won't mean as much to you.”
“Trust me, I'm sure it will be fine.” the copy-nin assured her, “In any event we settled on the tenth. 'biki wants a simple ceremony, he liked Gaara and Raidou's . . . 'no fussy priests' were his exact words.”
“The tenth . . . I was thinking the 15th, and I don't think a handfasting is legal here.” the dark-haired woman fretted, “You'll need to write vows. Who is Ibiki's best man going to be?”
“Maybe Kisame . . . I need to send a scroll to see if he and 'tachi will come.” Kakashi explained, “If not, I have no idea. Apparently Genma doesn't approve of our marriage.”
he finished, pursing his lips in frustration.
“What do you mean he doesn't approve?” the kunoichi cried, “That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.”
“He's afraid I'll try to kill Ibiki again . . . who knows, maybe he's right.” the copy-nin sighed, “I tried to get out of it, I know I'm a bad bargain . . . but 'biki just wouldn't let it go.”
“Of course he wouldn't,” Kurenai scolded, “he loves you. I swear 'shi-kun, when it comes to relationships you are far from a genius. Can't you see he'd rather be dead than live without you?”
“There's something else you need to know.” the jounin ventured tentatively, “Please, please don't be mad at me . . . normally you'd be top on my list but . . . I think I need to ask Gai to stand up for me, otherwise we'll all drown in a flood of manly tears of disappointment.”
The dark haired woman let out a sparkling peal of laughter, “Of course, 'shi-kun, if that's what you want.”
“No . . . but it's safe.” the copy-nin reluctantly admitted, “I don't want any problems. Now, what did you have in mind?”
Ibiki strolled into the tower, humming idly under his breath. Before he'd gone ten feet he was completely on edge, realizing every eye was riveted on him as he passed. I'm sure you're just being paranoid, the interrogator told himself, 'kashi put the idea in your head. Still, he had never before felt so sure that everyone knew his personal business, and was happily gossiping about it the moment he passed.
The scarred man finally breathed a sigh of relief when he reached the Hokage's office. “Hey Iruka,” he greeted the man behind the desk, “I need to talk to you.”
“Congratulations.” the Rokudaime responded with a grin, “When's the big day?”
“How did you find out?” the interrogator almost whined, “The only person we told was Kurenai . . . and that was just last night at dinner.”
“She called about five minutes after she left you then.” the former teacher chuckled, “She told me to leave the 15th open.”
“The 10th.” the scarred man corrected him, “'kashi and I just decided this morning. Nothing fancy . . . I hope. We really just wanted a few friends, but I guess that idea is down the tubes now.” he muttered, “Anyway, I'm here to request some time off. I'd love to be able to take 'kashi away for a while.”
“Of course you need a honeymoon.” Iruka concurred, “How does two weeks sound?”
“Are you sure you can manage without me for that long?” the interrogator fretted.
“We'll find a way.” the Hokage assured him, “Now, I need you to go make up with Gen, please. He's been moping around the apartment for weeks.”
“He doesn't approve Iruka.” the scarred man explained, “I'm not going to change my mind and neither is Genma . . . we're at an impasse.”
“He wants to change his mind, Ibiki, he really does. It's just . . . Genma's lost so many friends, he can't stand the idea of losing another one . . . especially if he can prevent it.” the Rokudaime explained, “I'm sure you can understand.”
“What I understand is that he insulted the person most precious to me and tried to force us apart.” the interrogator snapped back, “I'm sure you can see why I'm upset with him.”
“Work it out, that's an order shinobi.” the former teacher growled as he pointed toward his quarters, “I'll see you on your way out.”
Kakashi left the Sarutobi house around mid-morning, already exhausted from the frenzy of wedding plans and with strict orders to drag Ibiki to the tailors for a fitting the next day. He intended on heading to the bookstore to see if he could track down a few requests before lunch, but his feet automatically detoured along the way and he soon found himself standing in front of the memorial stone.
“Hey guys, long time no see.” the copy-nin remarked as he squatted in front of the monument, hand reaching out to trace over the familiar kanji, “There's a lot happening in my life. I was in the hospital for awhile . . . I think it helped. I'm getting married.” he admitted with a broad grin, “to Morino Ibiki . . . he says he loves me . . . I just wish I could say it back.” The silver-haired nin stood and shuffled his feet a bit, lost in thought, before continuing, “I wish I knew what love was, I'd like to be able to mean it . . .” Kakashi lapsed into silence, solemnly studying the stone as if waiting for inspiration to strike. Eventually he said his goodbyes, heading back into the village, absently greeting people as he passed without ever noticing the whispers and pointed looks following his progress.
“My Eternal Rival, Aren't You The Very Picture Of Youthfulness Today.” Gai boomed from across the street as he hurried to catch up with the copy-nin, “I Believe It Is Time For A Challenge.”
“Sure Gai, that sounds wonderful.” the jounin retorted with a grin, “I challenge you to be my best man . . . Ibiki and I are getting married.”
“Seriously?” the green-clad man asked.
“Yes, Gai, seriously.” the silver-haired man retorted, “Unless you don't want to, of course.”
“Rival . . . Kakashi . . . I Am Honored That You Would Choose Me.” the taijutsu master proclaimed with a waterfall of tears, “I Swear That I Will Do Everything In My Power To Assure Your Special Day Is Perfect.”
“I never doubted it for a minute.” the copy-nin replied, grinning evilly to himself, “So, as best man I'm expecting you to go assist Kurenai with the wedding plans . . . it's way too much for her to handle on her own, I'm sure she'll love having your help.”
“Yosh, I Will Go Immediately.” Gai decided with a thumbs up, “Thank You Again For Your Trust In Me, I Swear I Will Not Let You Down.”
“It's my pleasure Gai, really.” Kakashi assured him, “Now get going, when I left Kurenai was hard at work . . . you wouldn't want her to finish without you.” Before he'd even completed his sentence the green beast was off, leaving him to continue on his way, smile growing ever larger as he realized how neatly he'd maneuvered the pair into keeping each other occupied. Yup, I'm a genius he decided smugly as he continued on his way, knowing Ibiki, at least, would appreciate the way he had handled the situation.
“I'll put in for my time off today.” Ibiki announced over breakfast, “You'll tell Kurenai we decided on April 10th?”
“I'll tell her.” the copy-nin replied drily, “She may not agree.”
“She couldn't possibly have made any arrangements already.” the interrogator assured him, “We only told her last night.”
“You don't know Kurenai.” Kakashi retorted sullenly, “She probably spent the night waking people up to tell them . . . just you wait and see. I bet by the time you get to the tower everyone knows.”
“Well then get your skinny ass over there and take charge.” the scarred man teased.
“Easy for you to say.” the silver-haired jounin declared grumpily, “I forgot to ask, who's standing up for you . . . Genma?”
“No, he doesn't approve.” came the thin-lipped response, “I think perhaps Kisame. He watched over you for me in Suna, so I could take a break and go eat and shower. He understands how I feel.”
“I imagine he does. I'm sure he'll be honored that you ask him . . . but he won't come unless Itachi does, and I'm not sure he's ready to come back here.” the copy-nin said honestly, “I'll send Akane with a scroll today . . . I'll just tell Kurenai it isn't finalized yet.”
Twenty minutes later Kakashi found himself apologizing to an exhausted appearing Asuma the moment he opened the door. “I am so sorry 'suma . . . I didn't want to tell her.”
“Just get in there and deal with it.” the bearded jounin rasped hoarsely, “I'm going to bed.”
“'shi-san is that you?” the kunoichi called from the kitchen, “Hurry up already, we have a lot of things to take care of.”
“Morning princess.” the jounin cooed as he scooped Ko up out of her highchair and gave her a kiss, “What's that smeared all over your pretty face?”
“That would be her breakfast.” the dark haired woman replied as she wiped a wet cloth over the little girl's face and hands, immediately turning to do the same for her much cleaner brother. “So, ready to get to work?”
“I'm ready to tell you what we want . . . beyond that I'll leave it in your all too capable hands.” Kakashi decided as he bounced his goddaughter on his knee, “I'll just get in your way.”
“No, no 'shi-kun, that won't do at all.” Kurenai insisted, “This is your special day . . . if I make all the decisions it won't mean as much to you.”
“Trust me, I'm sure it will be fine.” the copy-nin assured her, “In any event we settled on the tenth. 'biki wants a simple ceremony, he liked Gaara and Raidou's . . . 'no fussy priests' were his exact words.”
“The tenth . . . I was thinking the 15th, and I don't think a handfasting is legal here.” the dark-haired woman fretted, “You'll need to write vows. Who is Ibiki's best man going to be?”
“Maybe Kisame . . . I need to send a scroll to see if he and 'tachi will come.” Kakashi explained, “If not, I have no idea. Apparently Genma doesn't approve of our marriage.”
he finished, pursing his lips in frustration.
“What do you mean he doesn't approve?” the kunoichi cried, “That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.”
“He's afraid I'll try to kill Ibiki again . . . who knows, maybe he's right.” the copy-nin sighed, “I tried to get out of it, I know I'm a bad bargain . . . but 'biki just wouldn't let it go.”
“Of course he wouldn't,” Kurenai scolded, “he loves you. I swear 'shi-kun, when it comes to relationships you are far from a genius. Can't you see he'd rather be dead than live without you?”
“There's something else you need to know.” the jounin ventured tentatively, “Please, please don't be mad at me . . . normally you'd be top on my list but . . . I think I need to ask Gai to stand up for me, otherwise we'll all drown in a flood of manly tears of disappointment.”
The dark haired woman let out a sparkling peal of laughter, “Of course, 'shi-kun, if that's what you want.”
“No . . . but it's safe.” the copy-nin reluctantly admitted, “I don't want any problems. Now, what did you have in mind?”
Ibiki strolled into the tower, humming idly under his breath. Before he'd gone ten feet he was completely on edge, realizing every eye was riveted on him as he passed. I'm sure you're just being paranoid, the interrogator told himself, 'kashi put the idea in your head. Still, he had never before felt so sure that everyone knew his personal business, and was happily gossiping about it the moment he passed.
The scarred man finally breathed a sigh of relief when he reached the Hokage's office. “Hey Iruka,” he greeted the man behind the desk, “I need to talk to you.”
“Congratulations.” the Rokudaime responded with a grin, “When's the big day?”
“How did you find out?” the interrogator almost whined, “The only person we told was Kurenai . . . and that was just last night at dinner.”
“She called about five minutes after she left you then.” the former teacher chuckled, “She told me to leave the 15th open.”
“The 10th.” the scarred man corrected him, “'kashi and I just decided this morning. Nothing fancy . . . I hope. We really just wanted a few friends, but I guess that idea is down the tubes now.” he muttered, “Anyway, I'm here to request some time off. I'd love to be able to take 'kashi away for a while.”
“Of course you need a honeymoon.” Iruka concurred, “How does two weeks sound?”
“Are you sure you can manage without me for that long?” the interrogator fretted.
“We'll find a way.” the Hokage assured him, “Now, I need you to go make up with Gen, please. He's been moping around the apartment for weeks.”
“He doesn't approve Iruka.” the scarred man explained, “I'm not going to change my mind and neither is Genma . . . we're at an impasse.”
“He wants to change his mind, Ibiki, he really does. It's just . . . Genma's lost so many friends, he can't stand the idea of losing another one . . . especially if he can prevent it.” the Rokudaime explained, “I'm sure you can understand.”
“What I understand is that he insulted the person most precious to me and tried to force us apart.” the interrogator snapped back, “I'm sure you can see why I'm upset with him.”
“Work it out, that's an order shinobi.” the former teacher growled as he pointed toward his quarters, “I'll see you on your way out.”
Kakashi left the Sarutobi house around mid-morning, already exhausted from the frenzy of wedding plans and with strict orders to drag Ibiki to the tailors for a fitting the next day. He intended on heading to the bookstore to see if he could track down a few requests before lunch, but his feet automatically detoured along the way and he soon found himself standing in front of the memorial stone.
“Hey guys, long time no see.” the copy-nin remarked as he squatted in front of the monument, hand reaching out to trace over the familiar kanji, “There's a lot happening in my life. I was in the hospital for awhile . . . I think it helped. I'm getting married.” he admitted with a broad grin, “to Morino Ibiki . . . he says he loves me . . . I just wish I could say it back.” The silver-haired nin stood and shuffled his feet a bit, lost in thought, before continuing, “I wish I knew what love was, I'd like to be able to mean it . . .” Kakashi lapsed into silence, solemnly studying the stone as if waiting for inspiration to strike. Eventually he said his goodbyes, heading back into the village, absently greeting people as he passed without ever noticing the whispers and pointed looks following his progress.
“My Eternal Rival, Aren't You The Very Picture Of Youthfulness Today.” Gai boomed from across the street as he hurried to catch up with the copy-nin, “I Believe It Is Time For A Challenge.”
“Sure Gai, that sounds wonderful.” the jounin retorted with a grin, “I challenge you to be my best man . . . Ibiki and I are getting married.”
“Seriously?” the green-clad man asked.
“Yes, Gai, seriously.” the silver-haired man retorted, “Unless you don't want to, of course.”
“Rival . . . Kakashi . . . I Am Honored That You Would Choose Me.” the taijutsu master proclaimed with a waterfall of tears, “I Swear That I Will Do Everything In My Power To Assure Your Special Day Is Perfect.”
“I never doubted it for a minute.” the copy-nin replied, grinning evilly to himself, “So, as best man I'm expecting you to go assist Kurenai with the wedding plans . . . it's way too much for her to handle on her own, I'm sure she'll love having your help.”
“Yosh, I Will Go Immediately.” Gai decided with a thumbs up, “Thank You Again For Your Trust In Me, I Swear I Will Not Let You Down.”
“It's my pleasure Gai, really.” Kakashi assured him, “Now get going, when I left Kurenai was hard at work . . . you wouldn't want her to finish without you.” Before he'd even completed his sentence the green beast was off, leaving him to continue on his way, smile growing ever larger as he realized how neatly he'd maneuvered the pair into keeping each other occupied. Yup, I'm a genius he decided smugly as he continued on his way, knowing Ibiki, at least, would appreciate the way he had handled the situation.