Into the Fire

Chapter Ninety-Nine

Gaara and Raidou slipped through the gates unnoticed and made their way to the tower. “Honey, I'm home.” the scarred tokubetsu called when he stuck his head through the door of the Hokage's office.

“Rai, you're here.” the senbon sucker squealed in delight, “Gods I've missed you. How's married life treating you?”

“It's wonderful.” Raidou replied sincerely as he pulled his husband close, “Gaara is everything I could ever have hoped for. I'm so happy Kakashi and Ibiki invited us, it's great coming home for a visit like this.”

“I'm very happy for them.” Genma replied seriously, “I admit I was against it at first . . .”

“Why?” Gaara asked suspiciously, “Kakashi deserves this happiness more than anyone . . . or is there something we should know? Is Morino-san mistreating him?”

“Oh no . . . no, nothing like that. I was just worried that he'd leave Ibiki again and break his heart.” the honey-haired man explained, “But Hatake and I had a long talk and I realized I was wrong.”

“Am I the reason you doubted him?” the Kazekage asked curiously, “I misunderstood what he was offering . . . he made it very clear he always intended to return to Morino-san.”

“But he left in the first place.” Genma retorted, “I needed to be sure he wouldn't do it again.”

“I don't think you can judge him Gen.” Raidou broke in, “Neither you nor I can possibly imagine what his life has been like. Gaara's talked some about what he went through . . . and that was a drop in the bucket compared to what Hatake's had to deal with. I think it's amazing that he can trust anyone enough to have any sort of relationship.”

“I'm not disagreeing with you, I just . . . I was the one who found Ibiki, when Kakashi had his breakdown. I thought he was dead, Rai, he deserves better than that.” Genma replied stubbornly, “It took me a while to get past it . . . but we're good now.”

“Why did you change your mind?” Gaara wanted to know.

“They love each other . . . I couldn't stand in the way of that. Wouldn't do any good anyway.” the senbon sucker admitted, “Besides, Gai is Hatake's best man, that alone is worth showing up for.”

“Ten bucks says he wears spandex.” Raidou called happily.

“I can't take your money Rai, much as I'd like to.” his best friend declared, “Kurenai's planning the wedding, there's no way he'll get spandex past her.”

“Where is Hatake-san?” Gaara wanted to know, “I'd like to let him know we're here.”

“He opened a bookstore, you should be able to find him there . . . probably on diaper duty though so be aware.” Iruka added as he appeared behind his long time lover, “It's good to see you both, I hope your journey was pleasant?”

“Very nice Hokage-sama.” the Kazekage replied formally, “But when did Kakashi have a child?”

“They aren't his . . . he's godfather to Asuma and Kurenai's twins. Since they're both still on active duty he does a lot of babysitting.” the former teacher explained, “He's remarkably good with them.”

Kakashi might have argued with that assessment of his skill. Kiyoshi had suddenly changed his pattern, instead of his usually placid, sleepy indifference he was caught up in a fierce crying jag, face red and fists clenched as his frantic godfather searched for the source of his distress. Eventually he resorted to using his sharingan to examine the squalling infant, and was both relieved and disappointed when he could find nothing wrong with the little boy.

“Maybe I should give it a try sempai.” Itachi's smooth tenor interrupted the copy-nin's efforts to soothe the crying child, “He knows you're upset.”

“Itachi,” the silver-haired man cried, “you came!” He quickly moved to embrace the slighter man, shifting Kiyoshi so he wouldn't get squashed.

“What's your name little man?” the solemn Otokage cooed as he plucked the baby from the copy-nin's arms.

“That's Kiyoshi, the sleeping beauty in the stroller is Ko . . . they're Asuma and Kurenai's.” Kakashi explained, “I take care of the twins when they're both on duty.”

“Indeed,” Itachi replied drily as he bounced a now quiet and raptly attentive Kiyoshi in his arms, “because your skills are so well suited to babysitting.”

“I'm their godfather.” the copy-nin explained with a smile, “I enjoy doing it . . . well, most of the time.” he demurred, “Still, I wouldn't give it up for anything.”

“It's nice to see you happy sempai.” the Otokage decided, “You deserve it.”

“So . . . how have you been?” Kakashi asked worriedly, “How are your headaches?”

“I had a bad spell a few weeks ago, but it's better now.” the dark-haired man answered softly, “Kisame was worried, he almost sent for you . . . but it's better now.”

“While you're here you should get the medics to take a look at you, maybe there's something they can do to help.” the jounin suggested. “Speaking of Kisame, where is he?”

“Off somewhere with your husband-to-be doing wedding stuff.” Itachi answered airily, “After all, he's rather late for fittings and such.”

“We had Ibiki stand in for him so it should be close.” Kakashi explained, “I'm so happy you both came.”

“We couldn't miss your wedding sempai. You and Morino-san deserve all the happiness you can get.” the Otokage assured him, “Besides, it's time I came back home and faced the music.”

“Don't be ridiculous 'tachi.” the copy-nin replied with a laugh, “Iruka would never let you be punished for what you did.”

“I doubt the council will be as forgiving.” the last Uchiha retorted drily, “Still, my position as Otokage should make them think twice about attempting to enforce any judgment.”

“In all seriousness 'tachi, you don't need to worry.” the silver-haired man assured him, “I talked to all the council members long before I asked you to come, I wouldn't risk your life over something so trivial.”

“I hardly think marriage is trivial, sempai.” the dark-haired nin chided, “Are you sure you want to do this? You don't have to . . . you can always come back with us.”

“That's a generous offer Itachi, and I appreciate it more than you know, but I do want to do this.” the copy-nin hastened to explain, “I wasn't sure at first . . . but now I know it's what I want.”

“As long as you're sure.” the Uchiha said seriously, “You're always welcome to come stay with us.”

“Well, we'll certainly come for a visit . . . but my home is with Ibiki.” Kakashi smiled dreamily as he bundled the twins back into their pram, “Let's drop these sweeties back home and go find our saner halves 'tachi, I think it's time for some celebrating.”

Halfway to Kurenai's the pair was stopped by Jiraiya and Gai. “My Eternal Rival, I Know You Have Much On Your Mind Right Now But The Wise Jiraiya And Myself Were Just Discussing Your Pre-Nuptial Festivities.”

“He means your bachelor party brat.” the white-maned sage broke in, “Would you rather do it tomorrow night or after the rehearsal dinner?”

“What exactly is a bachelor party?” the copy-nin asked anxiously.

“It's a celebration of your last night of freedom.” the sannin explained, “You know, drink, go to the strip club . . . all the things you can't do when you're married.”

“I don't think so.” Kakashi decided, “Thanks anyway.”

“But Rival, It Is Tradition.” the taijutsu master wailed, “To Skip It May Bring You Bad Luck.”

“I'm just going to have to chance it Gai.” the jounin said soothingly, patting the distraught man's shoulder in an attempt to comfort him, “I really, really, am not interested.”

“But . . . it isn't a wedding without a bachelor party.” Jiraiya whined.

“Tell you what old man,” the copy-nin offered, “check with Ibiki . . . maybe he needs a last night of freedom. For myself, I'm more than ready to put it behind me.”

“Aren't you at all concerned about your fiance going out with those two?” Itachi asked curiously.

“Ibiki tattooed my name on his ass to convince me to say yes . . . he isn't going anywhere.” Kakashi replied confidently, “Come on, let's get these two dropped off before they wake up and need something. We have a lot of catching up to do.”