I Do 1

Summary: Kakashi is thrown into a whirlwind when a soaking wet Naruto turns up at his doorstep, teary-eyed, snivelling, and asking for his hand in marriage. Never in a million years would Kakashi guess that this was how he'd be proposed to. It wasn't romantic at all. The books were all full of shit. FemNaruto.

XXXX

Kakashi sighed as he eyed the sleeping blonde that occupied his bed. "Now where am I supposed to sleep?" He muttered to himself as he approached the bed. Sitting at the edge, his eye travelled over his student, her eyes still red and puffy and cheeks flushed, as she slept peacefully. Kakashi guessed it was better than having her crying and getting the rain all over his place. Shaking his head, Kakashi pulled up the blanket over the blonde and left the room. "Maah that's right, it's raining," He commented as the rain hitting his apartment gave off a lull of safety. Making himself a cup of coffee, Kakashi sat down on his couch with a small groan. His body was getting to him, constant missions with no breaks. That was his doing. Kakashi took a sip of coffee before picking up the piece of paper that was glaring at him off the coffee table.

Registration of marriage

Kakashi took a deep breath, already seeing that Naruto had signed the paper. Her messy scrawl was printed on semi-wet paper. He shook his head at her recklessness. Had she lost the paper before coming over to his, any shinobi could sign their names down and claimed Naruto as their wife. "Silly girl," Taking another sip of coffee, Kakashi reminisced on how it was easier to get married as shinobi than as civilians. Shinobi didn't need two witnesses or an ordained minister. Just the two shinobi in question and the signature of the Hokage.

The Hokage

Kakashi thought and felt his head throb. Naruto wouldn't have run to him without discussing such a big move with the Hokage. Senju Tsunade practically doted on the Uzumaki, threatening anyone that dared to look at her lustfully or show interest. All in all, Kakashi thought back on how he received such an unromantic marriage proposal.

A couple of hours earlier:

Kakashi was enjoying his book, the heavy rain adding to his relaxation. Nothing could disturb his wonderful afternoon. He even had shortbread cookies on a plate and a hot cup of coffee to keep him company. It was perfect.

Knock knock knock

Yes, nothing could disturb Kakashi. This was his time to unwind and relax–

Knock knock knock

A perfect afternoon to himse–

Knock knock knock

"Kakashi-sensei, I know you're in there! Open up!"

Kakashi sighed, snapping his book shut as the banging got louder. "Well, there goes my perfect afternoon." Getting up, Kakashi hurried over to the door before his loudmouth student broke it down and pulled it open, "Maah maah–" Kakashi paused, his face indifferent as a soaking wet Naruto stood outside his apartment. He bit the inside of his cheek when he saw a drool of snot hang from her nose as she visibly shivered.

Achoo!

Kakashi narrowed his eyes at the blonde. She looked like a wet kitten. A miserable wet kitten. Just as he was about to open his mouth, she looked up at him with watery eyes and a trembling lip.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto's voice broke as she shoved a piece of paper into his chest and bowed ninety degrees, "Please marry me, Kakashi-sensei!"

Kakashi's mind froze, "Eh?" He looked down at the piece of paper and unfurled it from Naruto's hands. "Ehh?"

Naruto looked up at the silver-haired man as fat tears fell from her eyes, "Please marry me, sensei. I...I c-can't do this," Naruto reached out, clinging to Kakashi's flak jacket and cried.

"Naruto?" Kakashi looked around and saw his neighbours opening their doors and glaring daggers at him. "Let's go inside and talk, ne?" He felt her nod into his chest and shuffled them both inside. "Just wait here for a second." He muttered, tossing the paper to the table and rushing to his bathroom to grab a towel. Returning to the sniffling blonde, he saw that she took off her shoes and was standing in a growing puddle. Throwing the towel over her head, Kakashi led her to his bathroom and left her standing in the middle of the tiled room as he rushed to his room to find some dry clothes. He had a nagging feeling that the Hokage would castrate him if Naruto got sick – not that she did – and he wanted the Hokage as far away as possible from his manhood. Grabbing a shirt and pants that looked like they would fit Naruto, he moved back to the bathroom and held back a squawk as he saw her soaked clothes on the floor, just missing her naked body as her bare leg moved behind the shower curtain. "She's not in her right mind, Kakashi. Of course, she wouldn't notice the bathroom open. No sane woman would undress in front of their sensei." Kakashi quickly thought and placed the clean clothes on the toilet seat, thankful that his shower curtain was black, and picked up her soaking clothes to wash and dry. Kakashi made sure to close the door this time.

Taking a minute to himself, Kakashi tried to gather his thoughts as his student showered in his bathroom. He glared at the piece of paper on his table, sitting innocently next to his plate of cookies, willing it to burn. He rubbed his face when it didn't and picked it up. His eyes scanned the paper once more and narrowed in on the dotted lines. It was a marriage registration form and it was already signed by the woman in his shower and the woman that led the village. What the hell was going on? Kakashi opted to interrogate Naruto once she was done. That was the only way he'd get answers or to storm the Hokage tower and put up with Tsunade's words. No, dealing with Naruto would give him fewer headaches. The blonde Hokage would twist words around until he got frustrated and left.

His ears perked up when he heard the shower stop. Sipping on his now lukewarm coffee, Kakashi felt a wave of nervousness hit him. He had just realised, "I was proposed to.." his eye widened a fraction. Shouldn't he be freaking out more? He was used to women throwing themselves at him for dates or sex, but marriage was a whole other level. His head snapped up at the bathroom door open and following the steam came Naruto. He could see that she was still upset but not as much as before. Her eyes were swollen as she had a towel wrapped around her shoulders to dry her long hair. It was odd seeing his student wearing his clothes. She didn't fit them at all or perhaps she looked awkward wearing such dark colours. "Naruto," Kakashi called out to the blonde and gestured to the spot beside him, "I think we need to talk."

Naruto nodded meekly and shuffled past Kakashi to take a seat. She kept her eyes to her lap, unable to look over at her sensei.

Kakashi withheld his sigh, not wanting the teen to start crying again. "Naruto, tell me what happened? What's brought up this need to get married?"

Naruto's hands shook and looked up to Kakashi. Her eyes hid nothing from him as she showed him fear. "They want me to marry…"

Kakashi swallowed thickly at her emotions. The fear was prominent but there was also anger and hopelessness. "Yes, well, I got that from your very unromantic and loud proposal." He said dryly yet Naruto was able to crack a small smile. "I'm guessing by your frantic proposal that, whoever they are, don't want you to marry me."

"Sorry," She mumbled, "The council. They want me to marry."

"Okay," Kakashi slid over his plate of cookies. "We're getting somewhere."

Naruto took the offered cookie and nibbled on it gently. "To Sasuke. They want me to marry Sasuke."

"Sas–" Kakashi was shocked and then he was furious. "He's still a missing-nin." His voice held a sharp edge to it as his student nodded meekly. "Why?" Kakashi mentally patted his own back at not hissing like a wild cat. The Uchiha was a sore topic for his team. The whole damn village knew that.

"Jinchuriki." Naruto replied, resting a hand on her toned middle where the seal laid, "Because I'm a jinchuriki. The Shodai Hokage created a law that made jinchuriki marry before the age of 18. Baa-chan explained that he hoped it would help jinchuriki from falling into madness but I'm not mad, Kakashi-sensei, I'm still sane." She looked at him with tears starting to pool again, "I have three months left, Kakashi-sensei, before I'm 18 and have to marry Sasuke. They said they pardoned all his crimes and will let him come back now that Itachi's gone. It's like...It's like they're giving me to him as some sort of prize for returning to Konoha."

"He's in Konoha?" Kakashi questioned Naruto with her shaking her head.

"Not yet. He'll be back in a month and he's agreed. I can't marry him, sensei, and the council threatened to revoke my citizenship if I don't get married. I'll...I'll have to leave the village and...and my home...my home, sensei, I don't want to leave!" She cried, "Baa-chan can't do anything cause it was Shodai-sama's law. This is my home! How come he can leave and come back, just like that? I don't want him."

Kakashi patted her head in comfort. "You're not going to leave the village, Naruto. Though why did you come to me? There are plenty of others that would happily help you and marry you. Why there's Shikamaru or even Kiba."

Naruto shook her head furiously, "No! I can't marry them. I told baa-chan too! It has to be you. You were my first choice when Baa-chan found the loophole. Please, I can't marry him, sensei. I know I'm asking for a lot and I'm really bad at cooking but I can do chores and help pay for things and I don't know if I'll be any good–"

"You're rambling," He said softly as the blonde hiccupped. He was touched that he was her first choice but it was also worrying. "Naruto, you and Sasuke were always close. Why don't you want to go ahead with this arrangement?" He saw her shiver as her eyes glazed over like she was reliving a memory. Fear. He saw fear. "You're scared of him," He said as the blonde flinched. "You never told any of us,"

"H-how could I?" Naruto whispered harshly before shaking her head, "You didn't see the way he looked at me when we fought at the Valley of the End. It was like some starved monster was looking at me. He didn't see me as a friend, I know it, he saw me as a possession he wanted. He shoved a chidori through my chest, Kakashi-sensei, how can I forgive somebody like that? How can I even think to be with such a cruel man?"

Kakashi was stunned by Naruto's true thoughts, however, he couldn't rebut her either. When he carried her wounded body back to the village, he wanted nothing more than to rip Sasuke's head off his body. Though one look at his third student kept him from hunting the little shit down. Kakashi let out a bland laugh, "Sakura. We both concealed our true intentions for her sake."

Naruto looked at Kakashi with confusion, "What do you mean?"

"I wanted to kill Sasuke for what he did to you. Using a jutsu I created to harm the ones he was meant to protect." Kakashi shook his head. "One look at Sakura and I knew I couldn't do it."

Naruto smiled sadly. "Yeah." Sighing, she added, "I don't know what to do, Kakashi-sensei. No matter what I do, it's not enough for those old bags of shit. I know I'm not much but I do hope that you consider marrying me."

Kakashi shuffled, "And if I don't?"

"Then I'll say my goodbyes and leave the village. I'll find somewhere Sasuke won't find me. I don't want you to feel pressured, I know screaming at you to marry me wasn't the best way to go about it," Kakashi rolled his eye and Naruto laughed lightly, "But my second option is to leave. Baa-chan threatened to chain me to her side but I know that she'll let me go."

"You'll be giving up your dream," Kakashi pointed out.

Naruto leaned her head on the couch, her eyes feeling heavy. "I know, but I'd rather be free than live the rest of my life in fear. I don't want him, Kakashi-sensei, I never will. It has to be you. If we get married, I'll be faithful to you, I won't look at anyone else and give my all to you. Jinchuriki get to choose their partners once and we become loyal to them, willing to do whatever it takes to make them happy." Naruto closed her eyes, exhaustion taking over her body, "I know you won't take advantage of me, sensei, I trust you."

Kakashi felt his heart clench. Her confession was honest and true, he saw why she came to him. Those her age weren't mature enough. They were still bound by urges and emotions. "I need some time," He muttered, it was a big decision. For both of them. He heard her hum before soft snores came from the blonde. Kakashi released a tired breath. He would talk more with the blonde in the morning. For now, Kakashi gently picked her up in his arms and noticed how light she was. He squeezed her leg, she seemed so fragile and small. Shaking his head, Kakashi carried her to his room and tucked her under his blanket. He needed to think or make a list.

Present:

Kakashi finished his cup of coffee before leaving his apartment. He needed to speak to the Hokage and get more information. More answers. Kakashi made sure to knock on the window before entering the Hokage's office, spotting the numerous bottles of sake that surrounded the Hokage. "Hokage-sama," He muttered as he took a seat before her desk. He waited patiently as she chugged the bottle back. This was a serious topic for the Hokage to swallow up her good stash.

Tsunade slammed the bottle onto her desk, shattering it. "How is she?" She asked.

"Asleep," He replied slowly as the Hokage looked at him. She looked tired. "Naruto explained the gist of it but I'd like to hear from you, Hokage-sama."

Tsunade snorted as she rubbed her temples, "The brat is dead set on you. I'm just trying to see what's so appealing about you, besides your face." She gave a tight smile as Kakashi shuffled uncomfortably. "I don't know what the Kyuubi sees in you either but there must be something that even the Nine tails prefers you over anyone else in this village."

"Hokage-sama?" Kakashi questioned, Naruto hadn't told him that.

Tsunade waved her hand dismissively, "I see that brat didn't explain how jinchuriki choose their partners. The host and Biju must be in agreement to have a successful bond with their partner. Naruto and the Kyuubi would rather burn Sasuke than let him touch her. From my understanding, you are the only male in this village that the Kyuubi dislikes the least and my brat is as straight as a log, otherwise, I would suggest she marry Hinata. It was the same with the previous jinchuuriki."

Kakashi felt uncomfortable with the conversation and cleared his throat, "I see."

"The choice is Naruto's, she chose you and the Kyuubi simply didn't hate you as much to decline." Tsunade pointed out, making sure to hit Kakashi's head that it was the blonde's choice. "I don't want her to leave but I also don't want to push my shinobi into a corner."

Kakashi nodded. Tsunade always tried her best to have her shinobi's best interest in mind. "Why Naruto?"

"Besides the law," Tsunade clenched her fists, "That bastard Uchiha requested it himself." She tossed the scroll over to Kakashi to read, "I would've burned the scroll if those old sacks of shits hadn't intercepted the scroll. There's some delusion in his mind that no matter what he does to Naruto that she will be okay with it. That she is the perfect breeding partner to restore the Uchiha clan. Mixing her Uzumaki reserves with the Uchiha sharingan."

Kakashi felt anger as he read over Sasuke's words. It was insane. "Did Naruto tell you? That she's afraid of him."

"Of course I knew." Tsunade bristled, her desk crying under the pressure of her fist. "Jiraiya and I knew. We both knew and agreed to get her out of the village to heal and grow. Honestly, the shit Naruto goes through to appease Sakura. Although smart, Sakura is still a dense moron."

Kakashi rolled up the scroll and placed it as gently as he could on the straining desk. "Do you know where Naruto will go?"

Tsunade shook her head. "She refused to tell me. I doubt even Jiraiya will know where she'll go off to. She has connections all over the world and being trained by Jiraiya, it would be child's play for her to disappear. The village will feel her absence."

Kakashi nodded. He knew that too. The village wouldn't feel as bright and welcoming. The trade business was doing well because of the blonde, she drew everybody and anybody in.

"Kakashi," Tsunade said softly but was firm as she held his gaze, "Don't feel pressured. Whatever decision you make, the outcome will never be your fault. Naruto is a grown woman and knows the consequences. It's also a big decision for you and the future of the Hatake clan. Should you go through with this, you will need to tell Naruto about your clan and...you will have the full support of the Hokage."

"I've…" Kakashi hesitated before placing the form on her desk, "I've already signed the paper."

Tsunade was shocked. She expected at least a week for Hatake to make a decision. "Already?" She picked up the paper and clearly saw Kakashi's signature just above Naruto's signature. It had been done. "When?"

"Before I got here." Kakashi cleared his throat, "I already made my decision when she...proposed to me. I will talk with her more when she wakes up."

Tsunade frowned, "Why did you come here, Kakashi?"

Kakashi shrugged, "Reassurance, I believe."

The blonde Hokage sighed, "Alright then. I hope you really know what you're doing, Kakashi. Let me know when you want to have the ceremony done. I...I would like to be present during the bonding ceremony."

Kakashi nodded, he would be foolish to deny Tsunade the opportunity to see Naruto being married. "I suppose Jiraiya-sama would like to see as well."

"100%, brat." Jiraiya materialised beside Tsunade. Not startling either of them as he had been listening in the shadows. "Besides, it's not every day you get to see the Hatake ceremony."

"Or the bonding of a jinchuuriki," Tsunade muttered, reminiscing on the previous jinchuuriki bonding ceremony. It was a beautiful spectacle. "Normally, I would give you time to prepare but with Sasuke returning in a month or less, I want to get this done as soon as possible. That dipshit could turn up tomorrow for all I know."

Kakashi nodded, his mind going numb.

Jiraiya moved over to Kakashi and patted his shoulder, "Don't worry, Kakashi, I'll help set up with you. Tsunade, you help get Naruto ready. We'll do it in the morning."

Tsunade nodded and filed away the registration form. Although married by law, they still needed to do the clan rites. It was a Hatake tradition. Tsunade glared coldly at Kakashi, making the man tense, "You two may be married now but I swear by all that is holy that I will destroy you should you hurt her. Is that clear?"

Kakashi didn't trust his voice and nodded.

"Tsunade," Jiraiya said, displeased. "He's a good kid." He patted Kakashi's shoulder and said, "Go home and rest. It'll be a busy day when the sun is up. Send Naruto to the Hokage tower when she wakes up."

Kakashi nodded and left the room as quickly as he could. He could only think of the consequences that would come but he knew he would do what he could to protect Naruto, just as she would do the same. Her vow to be his and only his stirred an emotion deep within him that he tried to bury. It was so reassuring and firm...unwavering, and Kakashi wanted that. He wanted stability.

Making it back home, Kakashi cleaned up the living area before pulling the couch out into a bed. He was exhausted and could only think how dead-tired Naruto was. As soon as his head hit the pillow, Kakashi was knocked out.

Morning:

Kakashi felt his nose twitch before bolting upright, causing a scream and a loud thump. "Naruto?" Kakashi questioned as the blonde was on the floor rubbing her backside. "What were you doing?"

Naruto blushed, "I was trying to wake you up without you lashing out, y'know."

Kakashi sighed and rubbed his tired face, "We need to talk."

"Talk? But we already did." Naruto tilted her head as she stood. "Ah I hope you don't mind but I went through your kitchen and made breakfast. It's the only meal I know how to cook without burning anything." She admitted.

Kakashi nodded and climbed out of bed as the blonde shuffled to the dining table and waited for him. The silver-haired man looked at the grilled fish, soup, fried eggs, and rice. It looked edible, "It looks good," He commented and sat down as Naruto pushed a cup of coffee towards him. He waited until Naruto started to eat before dropping, "I signed the paper."

Naruto almost dropped her chopsticks as she looked wide-eyed at Kakashi. The man appeared as calm and aloof as ever. "A-already? Are you sure?"

"You're the one who came to me crying to get married," He joked lightly, making her laugh and look away in embarrassment. He took the opportunity to scoff down the food before she could look back. "I'm sure. I'll marry you, Naruto, but there will be a few...rules, I suppose. I want this to be a real marriage, Naruto, as real as a normal marriage goes. You're to call me Kakashi, no more sensei, from now on. Just like you, I swear to be faithful and give you all my devotion. I'm sure in time, when you're ready, we'll have sex–"

Naruto choked on her fish.

"–and consummate our marriage. There are also a few things I need to explain to you about my clan. We're loyal to our bones and will do whatever it takes to protect our family. I will protect you and our children, should it happen." Kakashi explained as Naruto kept getting red by the second. "There is something you should know about my clan. We bind our souls to who we wish to spend the rest of our lives. I will not be able to devote myself to anyone else but you, only have children with you, only be satisfied with you. Even if, by some chance, you leave me, I will hunt you down and keep you beside me. By marrying me, this is what you'll get. I hope that's not going to scare you off." he said seriously.

Naruto shook her head, unable to look at Kakashi as her body heated up, "N-no, it doesn't. It might sound weird but it's reassuring. I...I never expected to get married, y'know, or think about having children. I always thought nobody would want to be with a demon or put up with my selfishness." She glanced at her sensei...no, her husband, "I'm not the best but I'll do my best, Kakashi-sen….Kakashi."

Kakashi's shoulders slumped in relief. "You were never a demon, Naruto." He stood from his chair and said, "You're to meet with Hokage-sama in her office as soon as you're done. We'll be having a traditional Hatake ceremony to complete the marriage. I will bind myself to you and be yours."

Naruto was in awe of Kakashi. "I'll see you soon then?"

Kakashi nodded and patted Naruto's head. "Yes, we can talk more after the ceremony. It'll just be us, Hokage-sama and Jiraiya-sama. I'll see you soon." He promised before disappearing into a cloud of smoke.

Naruto sunk into her chair as soon as he left. It felt like a dream to her. She was married. To Kakashi of all people. Shaking her head, Naruto ate the rest of her breakfast and quickly did the dishes. Her hands shook, her nerves getting the best of her. "I want this." She said firmly to herself. She wanted this marriage despite how it came about. Naruto knew deep in her heart that Kakashi wouldn't harm her as Sasuke did.

Naruto changed back into her clean and dry jumpsuit before making her way straight to Tsunade's office. "Baa-chan?" Naruto said hesitantly as she entered the dark office. The windows were blacked out as Tsunade faced away from her.

Tsunade turned and gave Naruto a reassuring smile, "Let's do this, gaki." She said and pulled the girl into her office and sealed the room off. "There's a bathroom behind that bookshelf. Go and get showered and I'll help you get ready and explain what will happen."

Naruto nodded, already knowing where the bathroom was and quickly had a shower. She came back into the office just wearing a towel as Tsunade ushered her into a chair and quickly went to work on her hair. Although Naruto couldn't see Tsunade, she could feel the soft hum of her chakra. "Is it normal to be nervous?"

Tsunade chuckled, having finished drying her hair and started curling it. "Yes, but don't you dare get cold feet on me now. You're officially a married woman now." She saw Naruto's ears turn red, "The Hatake ceremony is very different from a normal marriage ceremony. Kakashi and you will be met with the Guardian of the Hatake clan, get their blessing before they bind you two together. It's a beautiful ceremony. I've only witnessed it once with Kakashi's father."

Naruto nodded, "Who's the Guardian?"

"You'll find out when you see them. It's better to experience it in person than me telling you." Tsunade started twisting Naruto's blonde's strands into a half-updo. Her hair slowly formed into a golden waterfall. "I'm just warning you now, that there will be an exchange of blood. It will be what ties Kakashi to you."

"Gross but okay," Naruto said honestly, "Y'know, Kakashi said something that got me thinking. He said something like he won't be able to have children with anyone else but me. Is...is that why there is only Kakashi left? Because they can't have children with anyone else."

Tsunade finished Naruto's hair and moved before the girl. "Yes, but their loyalty is unquestioned." She tilted Naruto's head up and started to apply as little makeup as possible on the girl. She wanted her baby girl to look as natural as she could. Tsunade kept it very simple. Tinted moisturiser, eyeliner, mascara and nude lipstick. Tsunade always found Naruto beautiful but now the woman was even more so. She was glad that Naruto took more after Kushina, keeping their beauty natural. Not using makeup unless it was a seduction/assassination mission. Sure, Tsunade had seen Naruto with a full face but the younger blonde always prefer a bare face. "Let's get you into your dress," Tsunade said softly as blue eyes fluttered open. The Hokage felt like crying, she looked just like Kushina on her wedding day. Tsunade shuffled and pulled out a ¾ sleeved mermaid style wedding dress. She heard Naruto gasp, "Unlike traditional weddings, the Hatake women prefer to show off their figure and skin. I hope you don't mind."

Naruto stood, touching the lace that adorned the dress. "It's...wow, baa-chan, just wow." Naruto squawked at the backless segment of the dress. It would go low on her back.

Tsunade smirked, "Just a little tease for your husband."

"Baa-chan!" Naruto whined, closing her mouth when the woman tossed a pair of white underwear at her. Naruto grumbled and slid the underwear on before dropping the towel. She had no problem showing Tsunade her naked body and got into the dress with Tsunade's help. It hugged her body comfortably as the fishtail trailed just a bit behind her. She looked up in surprise when Tsunade placed a woven silver crown on her head.

"Take a look," Tsunade whispered with misty eyes and led Naruto over to a mirror. "You won't be needing shoes where we're going, so this is the complete look."

Naruto felt her heart thud forcibly against her chest, "I…" Her eyes were wide, unable to comprehend the woman before her.

"The crown belonged to your mother. She wanted you to wear it when you got married." Tsunade explained as she saw that Naruto was about to cry, "Hey hey hey, don't ruin my work."

Naruto laughed and touched the crown gently, "Thank you, Baa-chan." She saw Tsunade standing behind her, "For everything."

"I would do it all again for you, brat." Tsunade said honestly, "Ready for the ceremony."

"Yeah. Does Kakashi know how the jinchuuriki binding works?"

"I beat it into Jiraiya to let him know. Everything will be okay." Tsunade reassured the blonde and ushered her for a quick photo. She even placed the camera on a timer and took a photo with Naruto, both women were smiling wide. "Ready?" She asked with Naruto nodding. Tsunade placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and before they knew it, they were in the middle of a forest.

"Where are we?" Naruto asked as she linked arms with Tsunade.

"At the edge of the Hatake forest. A few miles away from Konoha." Tsunade replied and led the girl into the forest.

"I hope he won't be late," Naruto joked, the two women laughing lightly as they moved deeper into the forest.

Tsunade shook her head, "For this, he'll be on time. It may not look like it, but every Hatake dreams of getting married. A surprising trait, actually. I laughed in Sakumo's, Kakashi's father, face when he first told me. I think we were ten or so."

Naruto paled, stopping them from walking. "What? B-but what if Kakashi finds someone he really wants to marry? This sounds like a damn one-time thing. He's making a mistake! Why didn't you tell me this before I stormed his house?!" Naruto was in a panic. She felt so selfish right now, forcing her sensei into a marriage with her.

"I'm over thirty years old, Naruto, if I had found the right woman I would be married by now."

Naruto whipped her head over to the voice and gasped slightly at her sensei's appearance. He was half-naked, only wearing a pair of loose-flowing white pants. That was the only piece of clothing he was wearing. There was no hiate – his hair falling freely over his face. There was no mask – his face bare for all to see. Heavens, he took Naruto's breath away. She knew from the looks the women, and even Sakura, threw at Kakashi that he was a handsome man, but this just solidified it. Her eyes zoned in on the beauty spot below his lip, she found it adorable as it added to his charm. "Kakashi," she whispered as he approached her. She saw him hold out his hand towards her and she took it shakily. "Sorry," She mumbled with a blush, "My hands are sweaty." and then he smiled, Naruto felt like her eyes were going to pop out of her head. His smile showed only his top row of pearly whites and Naruto felt her knees weaken at the single dimple. She had a terrible weakness for dimples.

"You look wonderful," Kakashi said honestly, gazing appreciatively at his wife. He was in awe of his student. There were only a handful of times he had seen her out of her jumpsuit, however, each time she was still wearing baggy clothing. Even on a rare couple of seduction missions, he had accompanied her on, he had never seen her in the mission clothing – that was Sai's job since that boy knew how to put on makeup. She had grown beautifully and looked older than her age. Lifting her hand, Kakashi politely placed a kiss on her knuckles and chuckled when she looked away with flaming cheeks. "And, your hands aren't the only ones that are sweaty."

Tsunade stood silently, watching the two of them interact. There was something sweet between them but she knew it would take time for them to fall in love with each other. The tender moment made Tsunade's heart lurch, it was almost the spitting image of Minato and Kushina on their wedding day. Clapping her hands, she gained the attention of the two newlyweds, "Enough flirting, let's get going before Jiraiya hunts us down and we're all late."

"We're not flirting!" Naruto squealed.

Kakashi chuckled and tugged lightly on Naruto's hand so she would follow him. "How are you feeling?" He asked quietly, keeping their conversation as private as he could from Tsunade.

"Nervous?" Naruto shrugged, "Baa-chan said it's normal for getting married. Are you nervous?"

"Nope," Kakashi replied cheerfully and saw her look away. "Uh did I say something wrong?"

Naruto glanced over, trying her best to hide her red cheeks, "It's...just your face. Ah! Not that it's ugly or anything! I mean, I dunno, I expected to see your mask. Seeing your lips move is...different."

Kakashi was amused by her reaction, "You were going to say weird, weren't you?"

Naruto sealed her lips closed and didn't reply. "Why aren't you wearing your mask? You were pretty evasive when it came to removing it and people taking a look."

"You're my wife, Naruto, it's only right that you see my face," Kakashi said offhandedly as they entered a small clearing. There was nothing spectacular about it, except a fallen log, covered in moss and small flowers, that would act as their altar. "It's not much,"

Naruto shook her head, "I never liked fancy things or stuffy traditional clothing. I'm glad it's outdoors. I've always dreamed of getting married outdoors, y'know, but at a beach or something. Somewhere warm."

Kakashi glanced down at his wife, seeing the enthusiasm in her eyes as she looked around excitedly. She was at ease being bonded to him in the wood and released a small sigh of relief. He doubted the women he came to know would accept such a backwater tradition or setting.

Naruto turned to the sound of sniffling and turned to see a sobbing Jiraiya being held up by an amused Tsunade. Naruto scrunched up her nose as she saw a long trail of snot leave Jiraiya's nose. "Eww Ero-sennin,"

"M-my baby~" Jiraiya cried, falling to his knees at seeing how beautiful his goddaughter looked. "I can't d-do this!"

"Damn it, Jiraiya!" Naruto yelled when he clung to her dress. She swatted his head, "I should be saying that, not you."

"B-but Naruto~" Jiraiya whined, "Just say the word and I'll whisk you away–"

A growl ripped through Kakashi's chest, making Naruto, Jiraiya, and Tsunade stare at him.

"Ohohoho," Jiraiya leapt to his feet, his previous spill gone. He nudged Kakashi playfully, "It's already happening."

Kakashi looked to the sky, glaring at the clouds. Maskless, the tops of his cheeks flushed lightly.

"That was you?" Naruto said surprisingly. The growl had made her spine shiver and the Kyuubi hum at the back of her mind.

Clearing his throat, Kakashi said, "We should get started."

Jiraiya and Tsunade took a few steps back as Kakashi led Naruto the rest of the way to the fallen tree.

"How does this start?" Naruto asked nervously, her eyes darting around the clearing.

"Now," Kakashi replied and flared his chakra brightly once, followed by smaller bursts of chakra.

Naruto froze when a crying howl drowned the clearing. She felt her heartbeat erratically in her chest, looking around frantically.

Kakashi squeezed her hand. Reassuring his wife that she was okay as she settled beside him.

Rustling was heard before the two as a massively tall and impending wolf stalked into the clearing, snarling as its piercing gold eyes burned towards Kakashi and Naruto.

Naruto tilted her head as far back as she could with her mouth slowly dropping open. The wolf was at least three times her size as its dark silver and white pelt glistened under the sun's rays. Naruto's eyes scanned the scars that littered the beast's body, lingering longer on the three large scars that sat diagonally on its snout. She held her breath as the large beast scanned her, growling deep in its throat at her appearance before taking a deep sniff. The beast was so close that Naruto could feel its hot breath on her skin. Her body vibrated as its tail made three loud thumps on the earth.

Kakashi released Naruto's hand and placed a bowl on the log. He pulled out a dagger and wordlessly cut his palm, filling up the bowl slowly before wrapping his hand.

Naruto watched closely as he handed the knife to her. Her fingers trembled as she gripped it and glanced at the large wolf. The beast growled and nudged towards the bowl. Gesturing for her to follow Hatake's movements. Holding the knife to her palm, Naruto grimaced as she willingly cut her palm and let it flow into the bowl. Her cut closed quickly, causing the beast to huff in her face. Frowning, Naruto looked at the beast again and tilted her head, "What, not enough?" She whispered, not sure if she was allowed to speak to the Guardian. She narrowed her eyes when she felt like the beast was laughing at her and grumbled under her breath as she made a deeper cut, trying to fill the bowl again. Handing the knife back to Kakashi, Naruto watched as the beast closed its eyes and hummed deep in its chest. The blonde watched in awe as the blood mixed without anyone touching it, slowly turning a deeper shade of red with the humming coming to a stop.

When Kakashi saw the Guardian open its eyes, he picked up the bowl and brought it to his mouth. Ignoring the foul taste, he drank a steady amount before handing the bowl to the blonde. He chuckled at the paleness of her skin but she took the bowl without question. "You're doing well," He encouraged her quietly, seeing her smile at him before she drank the mixed blood. Kakashi could already feel himself being bonded to Naruto with each sip she took. He felt invigorated as part of herself filled every inch of his body. He could sense her life force powering through his veins, it was like his body was humming with unspoken energy.

Naruto placed the bowl on the altar. Kakashi was staring at her oddly, making her blush and look towards the Guardian.

The Guardian leaned down and licked the remaining remnants of blood out of the bowl. Binding the new member to the Hatake clan, offering her protection in their lands for as long as she breathed, extending their welcome to her future pups, and welcoming her into the family. The Guardian stood tall and grinned down at the stunned blonde. Leaning down towards her, the Guardian teasingly licked her cheek and made her yelp in surprise. The Guardian let out a huff in amusement, feeling at ease as she placed her hand on its snout to push it away. They made sure to push their snout into her hand. She smelt strong. More than worthy of being a Hatake female. The Guardian felt a firm bond, more so than any other outsider coming into the Hatake clan. The Guardian snarled at Kakashi when it heard the young man growl at them. It was about to pounce on the disrespectful pup when the blonde woman pulled his snout back towards herself and stroked its fur lovingly. It saw the potential in her eyes and fell under her touch. She was different. This woman could not bear hate, no matter how severe. Licking her face once more, the Guardian stood tall before disappearing into the forest. The Hatake clan was in good hands.

Naruto was left baffled, "That's just a giant puppy," She deadpanned and rolled her eyes.

"Puppy's don't attempt murder," Kakashi rubbed the back of his head. Shivering at the memory of the Guardian preparing to attack him. He couldn't help it, the fondness the wolf was giving to his wife had set him on edge. Hell, Kakashi wasn't even sure if the Guardian was female or male. Its genitals were always hidden in the forest. "It's your turn, Naruto."

"Oh! Right!" Naruto nodded and grabbed both of Kakashi's hands. "You're going to feel a tug on your chakra, so try not to fight it," She said nervously, gaining a nod from Kakashi before closing her eyes. Taking a deep breath, chakra poured from Naruto's body. Showing up visibly around her body in steady whisps as it flowed around her and Kakashi. She was grateful for the mermaid-style dress as she felt her chakra rustle at the edges of her dress. Naruto let her chakra reach out for Kakashi, latching onto his and tugging at him gently. His chakra felt electrical and erratic yet it was controlled and densely packed – freely tamed. It was also warm. Kakashi's chakra felt warm. Tugging his chakra towards his body, Naruto mixed it with her own and felt it settle deep within her. Imprinting his chakra into her body. Drawing back her chakra, Naruto opened her eyes and grinned up at her new husband, "All done,"

Kakashi offered a small smile in return, "All done." Taking her arm in his, Kakashi led her towards Jiraiya and Tsunade.

"That was wonderful," Tsunade said gently, taking in the newlyweds. "Now that you're married and bonded, where will you two live? Both of your apartments are too small for the two of you."

Naruto stiffened, "Live?"

Kakashi rubbed his nose and let out a deep sigh, "I didn't think that far ahead."

Naruto looked up to Kakashi hard, "He thought about sex and children but not a place to live." Naruto dug her elbow into Kakashi, making him flinch and stare down at her. Ignoring him, Naruto faced Tsunade and Jiraiya to say, "Well, I've been planning to move out of my place since I got back with Ero-sennin. Just the other day we were house hunting,"

Jiraiya rubbed his chin, "Hmm I still don't like those places,"

"They're within my price range," Naruto grumbled, removing her arm from Kakashi and crossing her arms.

"Why were you two looking for a house together?" Kakashi butted in, rubbing his side as he looked between Master and student suspiciously.

Jiraiya deadpanned, "You must be extremely blind."

"Ero-sennin," Naruto hissed, tugging on the man's clothing to get him to shut up.

"Well," Tsunade drew attention to herself, feeling the atmosphere get tense. "As great as this is, I still have work to do. Naruto, finish finding a place and move as soon as you can. Kakashi, you should get packing and Jiraiya," Tsunade glared at the man, "I want no trouble today."

"Of course, hime." Jiraiya held up his hands in surrender, "I'll be the perfect civilian."

Tsunade nodded before disappearing.

"Come on, brat. Let's go house hunting," Jiraiya grabbed Naruto and started to drag her out of the forest.

Kakashi reached out and grabbed Naruto, stopping Jiraiya from taking her away. He gave the man a chilling smile, "I'm sure I'm more than capable of helping Naruto find a house."

"On what grounds?" Jiraiya growled, ignoring the chill that went down his spine.

"As her husband and life partner,"

Naruto looked between the two men nervously. "Ero-sennin,"

"Yes!" Jiraiya chirped happily and gave Kakashi a smug smile.

"I should probably go with Kakashi," Naruto admitted slowly, her heart aching at the hurt look in his eyes. "It'll be faster if he comes with me and you and I have different tastes. We'll just end up arguing the whole day."

Jiraiya took a step back, his heart growing heavy. He took his time to truly look upon the couple before him. There was an awkward atmosphere around them, and, to him, it didn't seem like it'd work. Yet Naruto had faith that whatever relationship or bond they have will grow. Though, at the moment, Jiraiya felt like he was intruding on a private matter. 'They're bonded, idiot.' Seeing his beloved student in a wedding dress standing next to a half-naked Hatake made Jiraiya shed tears. "You're just growing too fast for me, brat." He said softly, hating the way his voice broke when he called to her fondly. He placed a fatherly touch on Naruto's cheek, withering when she clung to his hand and rubbed her cheek into his palm, "Just remember that this old man loved you first and if he, as so much, makes your eyes water I will skin him alive. Layer. By. Layer." Jiraiya hissed out his oath, forcing himself to turn on his heels and march out of the forest.

Kakashi swallowed thickly, knowing that the white-haired sannin would keep to his word. He placed his hand at the curve of her back, feeling her skin and glanced down to see the backless piece. Looking away quickly, he held his new wife's gaze. "I hope you don't mind if we could meet up later. I feel like a piece of me is missing," He rubbed his bare face, feeling the stubble threatening to grow.

Naruto snickered and shook her head, "I don't mind. Don't exactly want to go house hunting in this dress." She gestured to her clothing, "And I doubt Konoha could handle a maskless Kakashi, the most aloof man in the fire country."

"Maah maah, my reputation surely goes further than that." He joked and led her out of the forest. "How are you feeling? About all of this?"

Naruto chewed on the inside of her cheeks, "Nervous, I guess. Relief. Definitely thankful. Thanks a million for marrying me, Kakashi."

Kakashi just nodded. It was an odd sensation to be thanked for going through with the marriage. "I'm curious though. Tsunade-sama let me know that the host and Biju have to agree on a life partner. Was there no one else besides myself? Konoha is a large place." He saw her face scrunch up as he helped with her dress to get over a log. The way the material hugged her hips made his throat dry up.

"Uh it's kinda...well unexpected. Well, I was all against it but then it got stuck in my head and then I realised it wouldn't be so bad...but the yelling and the youth. I don't think I will be sane after a year." Naruto shivered and hugged her shoulders.

"Lee?" Kakashi was shocked.

"Not Lee," Naruto mumbled, looking away with a beet-red face.

"Gai!" Kakashi gasped, pulling Naruto closer to his side. "How did Gai become a candidate?"

Naruto groaned, pinching her nose. "Kyuubi saw Gai doing squats and started swooning over his legs and ass." Naruto felt her face get hotter as Kyuubi whispered indecent tales into her head. Naruto squealed and lowered her hand to cover her nose, hiding her nosebleed.

Kakashi caught the scent of blood and pulled Naruto's hand away. His eyes narrowed at the sight of a perverted nosebleed.

"I-it's not what it looks like!" Naruto tried waving her hands defensively.

"You're having a nosebleed over another man." He joked, but he felt a hot flash of anger.

Naruto slapped his bare chest, "You try having a demon whisper all sorts of perverted things in your head 24/7. It's more graphic than damn Ero-sennin's books."

Kakashi was now curious, arching a slick black brow. "Oh?" He rubbed his chin and leaned down to the eye level of his wife. "Do tell?"

"No way!" Naruto leaned back and covered the lower half of Kakashi's face with her hands. It was still too much for her to handle and seeing that dimple up close was making her head spin.

"Hmm one day you'll let me know," He said confidently, "But, you had Gai as an option. Why not him?"

Naruto looked at the man, her brows creasing, "I don't want Gai-sensei. Besides, Kyuubi's lust for his legs and ass only came in a few weeks ago. I'm more of a shoulders person." She quickly glanced at Kakashi's broad shoulders before walking ahead of her husband.

Kakashi caught her obvious stare and trotted behind her. It felt good to know that his wife at least appreciated his body. He was still a curious man, though. "Then, does this mean that Kyuubi tells you things about me?" He caught Naruto as she tripped and pulled her flush against his chest. Looking down, he was surprised to see that her face, neck, ears, and shoulders were red. Her bright blue eyes had darkened in desire as her pupil was slit-like a fox. The hand did very little to cover the blood that seeped between her fingers as she glared up at him. Small drops of blood had dropped onto her dress but that didn't distract Kakashi from opening his sharingan eyes, memorising everything he saw for the rest of his life. If a small nose bleed was a few weeks – then this looked to be like a few years. "Naruto?"

"Damn it!" Naruto used her clean hand to push away from Kakashi. She was so damn embarrassed, it was too much for her. "I'll meet you at Ichiraku around 12."

Kakashi reached out, missing his wife by a thread as she disappeared into a cloud of smoke. He looked at his outstretched hand curiously. He had been chosen for years. The curious man clenched his hand into a fist. He just wondered how long Naruto would've suppressed her instincts to bond and tie herself down if Sasuke and the council hadn't interfered. How long and hard did she try to suppress her bodily instinct to flush and bleed as the Kyuubi whispered to her? Before and after her departure, they were in each other's presence for most days. He had so many questions. He could also feel a burning desire to be beside his newly bonded wife. Kakashi knew the feeling wouldn't leave until they consummated the marriage but he was in no rush to go so fast with Naruto. For all he knew, he was her first relationship.

XXXX

Authors Notes: Hi there, I'm slowly going to add my unfinished stories and also take breaks between 'A love in time'. Thank you for your patience