Author's Notes

- This is for Alix:)

- I'm afraid it's a bit sloppy, but my brain is fried XD

- Enjoy ! ... hopefully :)

Story Notes

- This is a companion piece/ sequel for Along the Way: Ch.9- Not the Best of Times... You don't have to read NBT, but this would make a lot more sense if you read that first.

- This occurs two months after Not the Best of Times...

Warnings: SAPSAPSAP ( AS IN, NOT ANGST) , shounen-ai, coarse language...

Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters belong to Masashi Kishimoto. ' The Very Thought of You' is from Natalie Cole.

For Alix and everyone else who was traumatized by my last chapter:) and there is a little sketch of Genma on my LJ, link is on my profile.

Prancing

" Genma's been in the bathroom a long time."

" Maybe he fell in."

The restaurant was overflowing with shinobi and civilians, but mostly shinobi, in various states of inebriation. The majority were just on the border of delightfully tipsy and smashed. Everyone else was simply smashed. Music was loud, but not overbearing, allowing for conversation between the partygoers. The large room was crowded with wooden tables and each one was crowded with smiles and laughter. It was one of the largest rehearsal dinners Konoha had seen in quite some time. And one of the most celebrated.

The room darkened a bit more, leaving only the dim lights above the bar and the bright spots aimed at the small karaoke stage. The current guitar solo faded into the empty hum of a quiet speaker. A hush fell over the audience.

" 'Kashi? " Iruka turned a slightly hazy gaze to his soon-to-be-husband sitting beside him at the festively draped table of honor. " Were you planning anything else?" He continued to finger the platinum ring hanging alongside his dog tags, the metal pieces centered on the caramel colored skin exposed by the open V of his collared button-up. Iruka was immensely happy that he had decided on the crimson short sleeved shirt to go with his dark jeans; the combined body heat of nearly a hundred villagers had made the venue a bit on the stuffy side. Where the hell is Genma? He's been gone for over half an hour.

" No." Kakashi tilted his masked face towards the chuunin, single gray eye completely unaffected by his hours of beer consumption. Iruka was jealous; he'd be using every jutsu known to man the next day to not look hungover at his own wedding. " As far as I know, Tsunade-baaba's toast was the last one for the night. Did someone finally imbibe enough liquid courage to make another toast? Or is Ibiki going to serenade us with another round of ' Unforgettable' ? I still can't believe Anko talked him into that. "

For the past two months the village of Konoha had been in a tizzy. While Iruka healed from his injuries ( the belly wound the only physical scar left, and Kakashi graced it with soothing kisses every night to ease the dolphin's nightmares) and Genma recovered his normal chakra operations ( he continuously escaped his hospital room to sit in Iruka's, Raidou often having to haul him bodily back to his own bed) , their close friends and family had been planning a wedding. Once the dolphin and the senbon sucker had rejoined the ranks ( three weeks for Iruka, four weeks for Genma who didn't practice his chakra exercises) the specifics of the ceremony were handed to Iruka and the responsibility for planning the rehearsal dinner had been given over to Genma.

But the real fun had been between Kakashi and Raidou who had decided to make the Copy Nin's marital vision come true; namely, the rehearsal dinner would contain all the entertaining aspects that would not be included within the actual wedding and reception ceremonies. And Iruka would be none the wiser.

The chuunin had laughed out loud at the sight of Kotetsu and Izumo hanging paper shuriken bigger than their heads when the group arrived at the popular restaurant earlier that evening. When he noticed Ibiki standing around the karaoke machine, he forced the two conspirators into confessing their plans for the evening. Genma had simply led him to the bar and poured a glass of whisky. Iruka had been on cloud nine the rest of the party.

And now, there was apparently another surprise in store for him. Before the dolphin could rack his alcohol fuzzed mind for an answer to the surprising set up, his long time friend stepped up onto the raised platform where their table stood to one side of the bar at the back of the room and took a seat next to him. Iruka turned his questioning glance towards Raidou and took a sip of his favored whiskey. " Rai-chan, do you know anything about this?"

Music floated from the large speakers, filling the space with sonorous notes, the old standard ringing familiar with the room's occupants.

Scar tissue puckered along the older brunette's face, his smile brilliant in the low light. Raidou threw an arm around Iruka's shoulders, his hand grasping Kakashi's shoulder on the other side. " Yes. Yes, I did." He craned his neck back to look at the silver haired man behind Iruka's head. " I tried to talk him out of it."

Talk who outta what? Iruka wondered briefly what his friend was talking about when a wolf whistle split the tense atmosphere and sable eyes focused on the velvet curtain to one side of the stage. " Oh. No."

It was...silky.

It was...frilly.

It was...pink.

It was... " Genma?" The name spilled from Iruka's lips along with a spray of expensive alcohol. He was vaguely aware of Kakashi leaning forward in his chair and lifting his black scarf to uncover his sharingan. Apparently the jounin couldn't accept the tokujo's presence on stage either. Or ,at least, couldn't accept what the tokujo was wearing.

Genma's creamy skin was draped in a rose colored confection of silk and ribbon, his muscular body outlined perfectly under the thin material, including the bulge between his legs. The floor length gown was covered in ruffles all the way to its bottom hem. The handsome face peeked around the red curtain, showing everyone that he still wore his signature hitai-ate, backwards and tied in the front. The lithe body moved fully out from behind the stage drapery, slinking in time to the music.

// The very thought of you and I forget to do... The little ordinary things that everyone ought to do... //

Glossy lips silently mouthed the recorded words, the female vocalist's song oddly fitting supposedly coming from Genma's mouth. The hazel eyes were lightly lined with kohl, just enough to make them stand out in a sultry fashion. Iruka was fairly certain the pink on his friend's cheeks was natural and not rouge. Genma carried a prop mic, caressing the handle with long fingers as his expressive face hovered above it. His nails were painted the exact same shade as his dress.

The audience, seeming to be in the same state of shock, suddenly snapped out of their quiet daze and shook the rafters with applause and shouts of encouragement. Genma nodded between the verses, smiling coyly. He reached the edge of the stage and paused, hand held out elegantly. Gai jumped towards the raised platform and took the proffered hand, helping the special jounin descend onto the main floor. The Green Beast of Konoha received a kiss on the cheek for his chivalry, the onlookers clapping and laughing at Gai's blushing face.

// I'm living in a kind of daydream... I'm happy as a king...//

" He's wearing a pink dress. " Iruka stated, his mind still trying to process what his eyes were seeing. And he looks GOOD in it.

He heard Kakashi's low murmur of approval near his ear. " That he is. I was kinda expecting a more humorous effect, honestly."

" Genma doesn't know how to do anything without making it into something sexual. Even humor. " Raidou was leaning back in his chair, arm still around Iruka's shoulders. " This is the first time I've seen him in it. It's-"

" Clingy. " Iruka finished, mouth slightly agape.

The chuunin watched as the spot light followed Genma as he floated to the closest table and sat on its top, careful of the drinks stationed there. Iruka couldn't suppress his laughter at the gawking expressions of the table's occupants; all former students. Genma leaned back on the elbow of the arm that was holding the microphone, his other hand trailing a finger along Shikamaru's chin, ending with a light tap to the sharp nose.

// And foolish though it may seem... To me that's everything //

The young genius raised an eyebrow and muttered something under his breath. Iruka was fairly certain it was " Troublesome". Neji and Lee were treated in a similar manner, the Hyuuga reacting in much the same way as Shikamaru and Lee adopting his sensei's knightly attitude by taking Genma's hand and placing a kiss on the back. The dolphin snickered as Sakura jerked her boyfriend back to her side, her inhumanly strong embrace keeping Lee in a possessive hold.

// The mere idea of you, the longing here for you..//

Genma pulled the hem of his dress up and kicked one long lean leg into the air. The tokujo was wearing standard issue boots and a black lace garter under the girly frock. Iruka could see a flash of what appeared to be a black thong. " Oh dear kami."

" Raidou, " Kakashi looked behind Iruka's head, the brunette still leaning forward to better see the show. The dolphin could hear the wry amusement in his lover's voice. " , how do you deal with that much enthusiasm for public display? "

" Hahaha, I just make sure he saves the best for me when we get home." Raidou chuckled and his hand moved on Iruka's shoulder, gesturing in some way. " Or the bathroom or behind the bar, you know, where ever's convenient. "

// You'll never know how slow the moments go till I'm near to you...//

Genma slid off the table and into Chouji's lap. The stout chuunin spluttered and held his hands in the air, making sure not to touch the older man in any inappropriate way. Chouji was saved from utter embarrassment by his lovely girlfriend, Hinata. Genma was pushed off of the Akimichi's lap by the pale eyed girl, who smiled teasingly as the tokujo leaned back over Chouji to peck her on the cheek before moving on.

The next table harbored several of the chuunin and jounin who flitted in and out of the missions room. Genma flirted with Aoba and Iwashi. Kotetsu grabbed the tokujo's ass and received a little dance for his efforts. Izumo nearly fell on the floor laughing. More slaps and kisses were exchanged before the man glided away, a finely boned hand sweeping over the shoulders of two more tables' occupants including Raidou's family. His younger brother started hyperventilating at Genma's attention.

// I see your face in every flower...Your eyes in stars above...//

Anko was already sitting in Ibiki's lap keeping Genma from claiming her man. There was a good natured slap fight and the older man turned to Asuma and Kurenai. The cigarette was taken from the bearded man's mouth and Genma almost had it to his lips when the ruby eyed woman flung her arms around his neck. Kurenai was obviously happy that someone had disposed of the tobacco stick. There was laughter throughout the room at the scene. Tenten and Ino cooed over Genma while he did his best to fluster the unflappable Shino.

// It's just the thought of you... The very thought of you, my love. //

The instrumental interlude began to play, freeing Genma's microphone wielding hand for a few moments. Iruka leaned slightly towards Kakashi, resting his head on the strong shoulder. A brown hand ran down the jounin's arm, bare below his t-shirt sleeves, and clasped the pale fingers. Kakashi planted a kiss on the dark crown.

Genma continued to make his rounds of the room, pausing at each table to flirt and play with the guests. He finally reached the table in front of the grooms' table where Naruto and Kiba were huddle among the many creatively wrapped gifts. Iruka had seen a couple of scrolls spread out between them, the two teens seriously discussing some event and drawing up the plans. All Iruka had been able to make out were the words " condoms" , " six dozen", and " cover the front yard". The sensei had decided to uncover their prank later, when he wasn't feeling so cozy.

Kiba immediately jumped from his seat and grabbed Genma around the waist, twirling the older man in a smooth execution of a waltz. He blatantly groped the muscular ass through the gauzy material and winked directly at Raidou as he did so. The Inuzuka had picked up where Genma and Iruka had left off in their crazed youth. Naruto tapped Kiba on the shoulder, cutting in. The tattooed teen released Genma in an elaborate twirl and laughed as the whiskered blonde caught the man and dipped him almost to the ground. Applause and chuckles swept over the room. The tokujo laughed along, grinning from ear to ear as he was swung back into a standing position. Naruto finished with a sloppy kiss on the mouth that caused Genma to swoon and fan himself as he approached the seats of honor.

// The mere idea of you, the longing here for you...//

Raidou played the gentleman and helped his husband onto the dais, lips brushing the offered hand and then pulling the pink shinobi into a loving embrace. Iruka knew the lyrics were now aimed directly at the older scarred brunette.

// You'll never know how slow the moments go till I'm near to you...//

The couple swayed in unison for a moment, before Raidou gave one last kiss and moved to the side. Genma's hand lingered on the broad shoulder, hazel eyes promising all sorts of delights. Then those intense laughing eyes turned on Iruka. The chuunin squawked as his friend walked behind him and ran his hand over his shoulders. Oh crap, his package is on the back of my neck! Iruka knew his face was the color of a ripe tomato.

// I see your face in every flower... Your eyes in stars above...//

Sable orbs rolled to the side where Kakashi was trying to stifle his laughter through his mask. It only grew more difficult when Genma leaned over and trailed one hand up the front of the printed T, full lips tickling the silver hairs near his ear. The jounin started choking on his amusement, hand slapped over his covered mouth as his body shook with restrained mirth. Genma licked the side of Kakashi's face, mask and skin. Kakashi gave up on muffling the guffaws.

Iruka found himself under the tokujo's attention, once again, as Genma slid across the table on his belly. He stopped when he came face to face with the scarred chuunin, honey colored hair swinging with his movements. Iruka smiled into the face of his oldest friend. Genma rolled over onto his back, lifting one leg high and running a hand under the lace garter. His entire body exuded sexuality as he finished the song.

/ It's just the thought of you... The very thought of you, my love //

A flourish of the hand signaled the end of the music and the entire establishment erupted into applause. Genma waved and blew kisses and sat up in order to catch the pair of panties thrown at him.

" You look good in pink." Iruka wiped some tears from his lashes, laughter and emotion getting the better of him. " Like a stick of cotton candy."

" You think I'm hot. I know you do." Genma smirked back and pushed off of the table.

Iruka stood and swallowed the man in a bear hug, hand reaching up to entangle in the straight locks. " You could make manure sexy, Gen-chan. " He kissed the rounded cheek. " I love you, Genma. Thank you, for everything."

" Awwww, don't get all emotional. You'll make me cry, too." The older man squeezed back and returned the kiss.

The chuunin released Genma who promptly fell into Kakashi's lap for gratitude hugs and kisses. Iruka turned away from the spectacle ( judging by everyone's laughter Genma was trying to unmask the jounin) and pulled his other closest friend into a tight embrace. " Love you, Rai. Th-"

" You know we both love you to pieces, 'Ruka-chan, and don't thank us for anything. " The stocky brunette nearly picked Iruka off the floor he was so caught up in the moment. " You've been there for us. Now go rescue your husband-to-be before my husband sucks that black cloth from his face."

Iruka pulled away and pounced on the tokujo mauling Kakashi. Genma pouted, but was quickly placated by his lover brandishing a very expensive bottle of sake. The older couple left the dais and disappeared into some dark corner.

" Well... that was actually pretty good. " Kakashi snickered. His arm found its way around the slightly smaller man and tugged the brunette closer. " And you were right, Genma looks damn good in pink."

" I can't believe he did that. I can't believe you and he and Rai have managed to pull all this off. " Iruka wound his arm with Kakashi's free one, fingers entwining on the jounin's lap. He looked out over the room, picking out joyous faces. This is such a wonderful moment. I'm so lucky to have so many friends and loved ones here to celebrate with me.

" Nothing's too much for you, Beloved. I live to make you happy. " Kakashi twisted in his chair, bringing his nose to touch Iruka's. A pale hand reached up and slowly pulled down his mask, head blocking anyone's view of his face. Moist lips pressed forward. " And-"

" And I live to make you horny, I know, 'Kashi love." And Iruka met the perfect mouth with his own.