OKay, first I am So Sorry for how long this took. My computer broke down in like the end of August and hasnt been up until October 2nd. All my personal files were deleted. Yup, all of them. So, it took forever to get them all replaced and retype them. Then this had to be a minimum of 5000 words cause you guys reviewed ten times to last chappy. But, enough. Its here, thats all I care about. Hope you like this one!
CHAPTER TWELVE: Honestly Didnt See That One Coming...
"How does it look?" Rayne asked as she stepped out of the dressing room and walked a slow circle to show the dress front and back. Kurenai squealed and ran over to her, hugging her friend as tightly as possible, Rayne gasped for air dramatically. As soon as Kurenai released Rayne Shizune hugged her, just as happy yet more calm about it.
"Its beautiful! You look gorgeous!" Kurenai said excitedly.
"I agree. You should definately get that one. No one will know what hit them when you walk down the aisle in that," Shizune laughed.
"Really?" Rayne asked, smiling at her friend's compliments as she examined her reflection in the mirror. The gown she had on was cloud white. It was strapless, a corset on her torso that excentuated her naturally curvy shape. It was satin with lace as an overlay. The skirt to the dress flowed in waves of silk from her hips and reached to the floor. Rayne's smile widened, feeling like a princess despite herself. "I love it," she agreed with her two friends who had been giggling at her smile.
"Rayne?"
She turned to see Kotetsu standing in the doorway of the shop, a pained look crssing his face when he saw her in the dress. "Yes?" she asked softly, avoiding his gaze. She still felt horrible about their situation. The whole time Kakashi had been away he had been her closest friend, taking care of her when she was sick after the twins birth and letting her vent about Kakashi being away so long. Him falling in love with her had changed their relationship so that they rarely spoke. He knew she was with Kakashi and she knew it killed him. Neither of them were winners.
"Can I talk to you...alone?" he asked carefully. Both Shizune and Kurenai shook their heads and were about to tell him that anything he wanted to say he could say here when Rayne nodded and gave both woman an 'Its okay' look. Kurenai looked like she was going to argue but Shizune took her by the arm and led her into the bridesmaid section of the store, giving Rayne and Kotetsu some privacy.
"What is it you want to talk about?" Rayne asked once the women were gone.
"I want to know if you still want me in the wedding," He said after a moment. She could tell he was trying not to look at her in the wedding dress. All he thought when he saw her wearing it was that she was going to wear that same dress when she walked down the aisle to Kakashi, to say that she was going to love and honor him forever. The idea hurt him deeply.
"Kotetsu, I would never ask you to come. I...know that it would be...hard for you. But, if you decided to come, it would be the best present in the world...I still consider you my friend. Things may have changed between us but that doesnt mean I dont care for you. Its just not the way you care for me. I would love it if you came to the wedding. But I'll understand if you dont. I would never hold it against you," she said softly. He was silent for a second but slowly a smile began to show.
"I promise you I'll be there. I want you to be happy, Rayne. I really do, even if it isnt me making you so. Kakashi loves you, there's no denying that. And you love him, no matter how much it pains me. I cant change your mind but I can be there for you. I thought maybe avoiding you completely would be best. But, I realized that I would rather have you as a friend then as nothing. Promise me you'll be happy," he said, his voice cracking several times but he always caught himself and gave her an apologetic smile each time.
Rayne's eyes teared up and she pulled him to her in a tight embrace. He slowly held her, knowing he should push her away but not able to. The small contact of a hug was as much as he would ever get and he knew it. "I promise," she said as she pulled away, wiping her eyes and sniffling quickly. She smiled at him, her eyes warm. "Thank you, Kotetsu. You being there is the best present anyone could have given me."
He nodded, looking as if he wanted to say more but thought better of it. "I have to go," he said quickly before exiting the store, his carefully placed smile fading as he turned away.
The second Kotetsu left Shizune and Kurenai were at Rayne's side, asking questions about what he wanted and if she was okay. Rayne put a hand up, signaling that she was going to answer their questions.
"Kotetsu wanted to know if I still wanted him at the wedding. I told him I did but I understood if he didnt come. Then he said he would if it would make me happy. He said even though he wasnt the one I wanted to be with he still wished me happiness and made me promise I would be. Then I hugged him and he left. Im fine. I just miss having him as a friend, thats all," she explained, fixing her dress in the mirror and making sure she didnt look like she had been crying.
"Aw. I do feel bad for him. I mean, its not his fault. But still, you belong with Kakashi," Kurenai said, matter of factly. She credited herself for Rayne and Kakashi's relationship. After all, she had been the one that set them up. They were a testament to her matchmaking abilities in her mind.
"Kurenai, if you are so positive you know who belongs with who then why dont you admit to anyone that you are in love with Asuma and that you are a couple?" Shizune asked, winking at Rayne, who just shook her head, smiling. Kurenai glared at Shizune for a moment before mumbling that it wasnt like they lived with eachother or anything and that it was no ones business.
"Hey, guys?"
Both women turned to Rayne, who seemed to have been swallowed by a mass of white silk and lace. "Can you help me get this thing off?" she asked form somewhere in the white puff ball. Shizune and Kurenai laughed as they helped Rayne out of the dress and then changed out of their silk ruby maids of honor gowns themselves.
Once they were all out of their gowns Rayne paid the tailor and they headed over to a small outdoor restaurant. They placed the gowns covered in protective plastic on one chair and sat in the three others at the table, waiting to be served. After they had all ordered they settled down for the usual small talk and Kurenai's couple alerts.
"Hey, Rayne, have you noticed who Iruka has been hanging out with lately?" Kurenai asked, getting ready to gossip about the possible new couple in town.
"No, I havent. Whoever might it be, Kurenai?" Rayne joked.
"Anko Mitarashi."
"Are you serious?" Shizune asked, finding it hard to picture sweet tempered Iruka with the rather loud and violent Anko. Kurenai nodded, completely serious.
"Apparently, they had a mission together not so long ago and they hit it off. I asked Iruka about it and he said Anko was a great person and they were friends but thats all. When I asked Anko she said that they only hung out a few times. And he treated her to dango. He obviously cares about her if he's willing to spend all that money on dango. Anko eats that stuff like its going out of style," she explained.
"Well, I personally think its great that Iruka is finally going out with someone. His last date was , what, six months ago?" Rayne said. Iruka had been her first friend here. He was the reason she moved to Konoha in the first place. It was great he was finally looking to settle down.
"Mhm. I agree. Iruka is always so sweet. And maybe he can help mellow Anko out some. Shes actually kinda nice, she just has a morbid sense of humor," Shizune said as their plates arrived.
"Shizune, Kurenai, Rayne," Tsunade greeted, Sakura at her side.
"Hello, Lady Tsunade. Would you like to join us?" Kurenai asked.
"Thank you. Sakura bring those two chairs over please," she said, pointing to two vacant seats at the next table.
"Hai, Lady Tsunade."
After they had both taken their seats Kurenai infirmed them of Iruka's relationship status. Sakura seemed shocked.
"Iruka-sensei is dating that crazy exam proctor? Wow, Naruto is going to love that one."
"Its not like they are getting married," Shizune said, knowing that Naruto thought of Anko as psychotic and homocidal.
"Not yet at least. Oh, speaking of marriages, Rayne, who have you invited outside of Konoha?" Kurenai asked, referring to any friends Rayne had from before the whole Tsume episode.
"Well, I invited my brother, Izumashi, my Uncle Rian, my old friends Misana and Haruya who I havent seen in years. But, The only person I know for sure is going to show is Uncle Rian, he's going to be the one to give me away. He also promised to try and find Izumashi and the others for me. But, thats it for anyone outside of the village. After my parents died Izumashi and I kept to ourselves mostly." Her face grew wistful and a look of longing flashed across her features for a moment as she recalled her parents and brother. But she quickly hid it and smiled.
"Do you have any idea where Izumashi might be?" Tsunade asked.
"The last time I saw him he was leaving to go back to grandma and grandpa's farm. I had just accepted Tsume's proposal. But when I sent someone to get him to tell him about the wedding he wasnt there. Perhaps he met someone or found a job. He was always a hard worker and the women always called him handsome and stuff like that. He probably settled down."
"You didnt keep in contact?" Sakura asked.
"No. I was busy with the wedding and the house and Tsume and then I lost the baby and then the whole Orochimaru thing happened. I couldnt exactly find time to stop and look for him. Rontu was the only one that I stayed with." Sakura looked sorry for asking the question and Rayne smiled to show her that no harm was done.
"How much older is Izumashi?" Shizune asked.
"Um, two years. Wow, hes thirty already. Time goes by way too fast. Last time I saw him I was eighteen. Its been ten years." She seemed genuinely surprised at how long it had been.
"I wonder if your Uncle will find him," Kurenai said.
"I hope so. I really do miss him." Rayne noticed Tsunade watching her, looking like she wanted to say something but was holding it back. Instead of asking about it Rayne decided to put it away and rememebr to bring it up later.
"So, when is the date of the wedding?" Sakura asked, changing the topic.
"September fourteenth. The day before Kakashi's birthday."
"Is that because you want the honeymoon to be his present?" Kurenai teased, causing all the woman to giggle and Rayne to blush a light shade of red.
"That, my friend, is none of your business," she said, good naturedly.
"You better give us all the details. Where are you going to go?" Shizune asked.
"Nowhere."
"Nowhere?" all four women asked in unison. Rayne just smiled.
"Kai and Kasume are taking the twins and Kakomi to Kai's parents for a whole week. Kakashi and I will have the whole house to ourselves. Rontu and Eclipse are going to be our guards and send anyone coming near the house away," she explained, obviously happy with her little idea.
"Thats...inventive," Tsunade said, a small smile on her face.
"Mhm. Thats a great idea!" Sakura said.
"Yeah, you guys havent had any alone time since...well...since before he left on the mission with Kiana," Shizune pointed out, surprised by how long it had been. She couldnt imagine what it would be like not to have any alone time with Genma in over a year and a half. Rayne nodded, apparently on the same track of thought.
"I know. Its been so long since we've done anything without the kids or a life or death mission or my psycho ex interrupting us. I mean, I love my children, they are the best things that have ever happened to me but, sometimes its like they know me and Kakashi are having a moment and they choose to start crying or need help with their homework or want to go somewhere or are hungry. They time it. I swear." She sighed, a smile on her face, thinking of how much she loved her family, no matter how bothersome they may be at times. She never wished they would just leave her alone. They were her babies. She was their mother. It was her job and joy to take care of them.
The other four women at the table were smiling a little longingly. They wanted to be able to relate to Rayne's situation but couldnt. Rayne sensed the change in them and instantly felt bad that she had brought it up. It was hard not to talk about her kids. They were her life. She woke up to get breakfast ready for them, her day consisted of completeing papar work on missions while taking care of Haine and Haru, her evening was cooking and cleaning and her night was short, having to get up for the twins a few times an hour. And for some unfathomable reason she loved it. But, how could she not speak of her children when so much of her life revolved around them?
"Oh! Speaking of children, I have to go pick up the Kakomi from the Hyuuga mansion and the twins from the park. Kasume and Kai have a date. She took them for me so I could pick out the dress. I have to go. I'll see you guys tomorrow. And, Lady Tsunade?" Rayne asked as she stood and grabbed the wedding dress.
"Yes?"
"Can I speak with you later today? Um, after dinner around...seven?"
Tsunade seemed surprised but nodded. "Mind telling me what this meeting will be about?" she asked, genuinely clueless. Rayne grabbed her canvas bag sized purse and hurried down the street.
"You'll find out tonight!" she called over her shoulder, heading in the direction of the Hyuuga Mansion.
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"Mommy, Hanabi said that if you said okay I can sleep over tonight. Hiashi-sama said it was okay. But that you have to say yes," Kakomi informed her mother as she tagged alongside the carriage which contained a sleeping Haine and a crying Haru.
"Well, if Hiashi-sama said that it was okay and if you really want to go then you may. But you have to promise me that you'll be on your best behavior," Rayne said as she lifted Haru out of the carriage and held him in the crook of her right arm, steering the carriage with her left. Kakomi jumped up and down excitedly for a moment and hugged Rayne around the thighs.
"Thank you, Mommy! I promise to be on my bestest behavior!" she exclaimed, with a toothy grin. Rayne smiled, that little grin was contagious, as she rocked a quieting Haru in her arm and held him to her. As they walked she listened to Kakomi describe her day with Hanabi in the Hyuuga Mansion and observed the scenes around them.
Mothers chased children pretending to be Hokage or various other famous ninja as the breeze gently tossed coloring leaves across the ground on shortlived airbound journies. The trees surrounding the playground were varying shades of deep oranges, rich rubies and soft sepias. It was a beautiful mix of already turned leaves and those not changed yet. The changing colors reminded her of the time of year and this reminded her that her wedding was in a week. She would walk down the aisle for the second time. But this would be her last. A part of her felt it, that sense of finality. Of finally finding that place where you knew you were supposed to be. If something happened to him, she would never remarry. He was it. He was the one she knew she belonged with, as cliche as that sounded.
"Mommy, is Kasume going to marry Kai?" Kakomi asked after a few minutes of quiet. Rayne looked down at her surprised.
"I dont know, honey. Why, did one of them say something?" she asked.
"Well I asked Kai because you and Daddy are getting married. And Kai said that if he thought Kasume would say yes he would ask her," the four year old explained, trying to act as if she understood it.
"Really? Kai said that?" Rayne asked, smiling to herself as the house came into view. Kai knew that if he asked, Kasume would do anything for him, just as he would her. The two of them were crazy about eachother. Rayne had a feeling they were going to end up one of those couples where they were the first and last loves. She doubted they would ever split for good.
"Yup! Look, Its Daddy!" Kakomi pointed excitedly to Kakashi who was on the front porch with Rontu. She looked up to her mother for permission to run ahead and ran to Kakashi yelling "Daddy!" when Rayne nodded. 'Its like she hasnt seen him in forever', Rayne thought with a smile as she shook her head. Kakomi had that same reaction everytime Rayne or Kakashi picked her up. She watched Kakashi catch her and lift her onto his lap, listening ot her chatting abotut something while she pet Rontu.
"Hey, Daddy," Rayne teased as she lifted Haine out of the stroller and held her in her free arm before ascending the front stpes and stopping on the porch. She handed Kakashi Haru as she bent to kiss him quickly on the lips. "Hey, Rontu," she said, scratching her oldest friend behind the ear as her normal greeting. "What're you guys talking about?"
"Nothing," Kakashi said the same time as Rontu growled it. Rayne raised an eyebrow at them and placed both hands on her hips, giving them a 'fess up' look.
"What have you two gotten into now?" she questioned. Rontu gave her his wolfy grin and shook his larger head, not saying anything. So, Rayne turned to Kakashi, knowing he was far easier to extract information from then her wolf friend. "Kakashi. What ae the two of you hiding?"
"Ooo, Daddy and Rontu are in trouble!" Kakomi said, completely emersed in the conversation. Rayne gave her a look and she giggled.
"Daddy and Rontu have done nothing," Kakashi informed his daughter. Kakomi bought it as much as her mother did.
"Well, if you two dont fess up by dinner, I cant guarantee there will be enough food," Rayne warned as she scooped Haru out of Kakashi's arms and walked inside, Kakomi jumping off her fathers lap and following her.
Rontu padded inside after them at his normal, 'I will not be rushed' pace. He jumped up on a chair at the kitchen table and waited patiently while Rayne laid the twins down in their playpen and carried it to the kitchen. "You were not serious when you spoke of not feeding us were you?" he asked, sounding genuinely worried.
Rayne took the chicken she had left out to defrost and began washing and preparing it, shrugging in answer to his question. "Perhaps. But, there would definately be enough if you would simply tell me what you two had been discussing."
"It is a surprise. You cannot punish us for not ruining it. That would be cruel," the wolf whined. Soemtimes his friend was just not fair. Rayne shrugged once more as she placed the chicken in the oven and began peeling potatoes.
"Eclipse is on a mission. You promised her you would feed me," he reminded her. Eclipse usually went hunting for food, it was the only time she go tot herself really and she believed it her job, even though in wolf culture it was the male who usually hunted. She was a large husky, not a wolf and she strove to make up for it constantly. Hunting was a way for her to be an equal.
Rayne rolled her eyes. Sometimes the mighty wolf was just a big baby. "Rontu, I'm going to feed you. If you wont tell me what you two were discussing, so be it. But, you know how much I hate surprises," she reminded him in turn as she cut up the potatoes into cubes and deposited into a large pot.
"This will be one you will like," he growled before leaping off the chair and padding into the living room to nap on the couch. Rayne smiled, not even bothering to attempt to find out what the surprise might be.
Two hours later dinner was set out on the table and everyone was seated, small talk and the day's events made up the conversation. Kasume and Kai had returned for dinner as they always did. Everyone listened with amused smiles as Kakomi spoke of her day, describing the games her and Hanabi played and how Naruto and Hinata took them out for ramen.
"Im glad you had fun sweetheart," Rayne commented as Kakomi concluded with "Naruto looks funny with ramen in his hair."
"Naruto always looks funny,"Kasume murmured, quickly filling her mouth with chicken. Kai smiled, Kakashi nodded, Rayne shook her head and Kakomi giggled.
"So, Mom, can Kai sleep over?" Kasume asked a short while later as everyone was finishing up.
"Doesnt Kai have a house?" Kakashi asked, forever against the young man sleeping in the same room with his daughter. Even if the door was open and he slept on the chair across from the bed. Kasume may not be his biological daughter and she may not call him Dad but as far as he was concerned she was his daughter. And he did not like the thought of her boyfriend him her room ever, especially at night.
"Kakashi," Rayne warned, giving him a 'be nice' look. "Kasume, keep your door open and Kai, you had better stay on the chair," she said to the two teenagers. Kasume smiled widely and Kai nodded once.
"Yes, Rayne-sensei," he said respectfully. Kakashi didnt look happy about it but knew that Kai was too respectful of Rayne and of Kasume to try anything. The thought of a man in his daughter's room just bothered him in that irrational way it bothered any father.
"Oh! Kakashi, can you get the twins dressed for bed? I have to meet Tsunade," Rayne asked as she stood and began clearing her and Kakomi's places. "Everyone just leave your plates in the sink. I'll clean them when I get back. Kakomi, come honey. Go grab your sleeping over bag that we fixed earlier. Hanabi will be waiting." Kakomi jumped up and ran up the stairs to her room.
"What do you have to see Tsunade about?" Kakashi asked, helping her clear the table and bring dishes to the sink.
"I will fill you in as soon as I get home. I promise," she said, kissing him on his clothed cheek quickly and hurrying to Kakomi, helping her put on her shoes and sweater. After running to Kakashi and giving him a goodbye kiss, Kakomi handed Rayne her packs. Swinging the small sleeping bag and clothes pack over her shoulder Rayne ushered Kakomi outside and called over her shoulder that she loved them and she'd be back soon.
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"Come in," Tsunade called a second after Rayne knocked on the door.
Rayne opened the door and slipped in, quietly closing it behind her. When Tsunade motioned for her to sit she did. "Lady Tsunade, do you have any idea why I'm here?" Rayne asked, getting right to it.
Tsunade placed her chin on her folded hands. "No. Should I?"
"Not really. I was just curious. Well, Im here because I want to know why my personal file is kept in your top drawer and not in the filing cabinet." Tsunade looked shocked at Rayne's query and she sat up straight in her chair.
"How did you know where I keep your file?" she asked, suspicous.
"Yoro told me before Rontu killed him. He worked with Kiana to steal my files. Thats how she knew to release Tsume. So, what I want to know is why." Rayne spoke in a calm, interested tone. She wasnt angry, just curious. For the life of her she couldnt think of a reason for her personal file to be there.
Tsunade just sat there and looked at Rayne for a moment. It amazed her sometimes just how much Rayne reminded her of Dan. Her eyes were a deeper shade of blue but that determined light was always in them. Her eye shape, however, was as feminine as Tsunade's. And her facial features were strainght and defined. But Rayne held a haunted look that gave her a different sort of beauty, almost etheral in that tragic heroine way. She truly did have the same face and body as Tsunade, of course she wasnt as well endowed in the chest area as Rayne was a more natural size. But, everything else, beside the hair color, was a copy of Tsunade's.
It amazed Tsunade that she'd been able to keep her secret for so long.
"Rayne, you need to know something," she said hesitantly.
"Would it answer my question?" Rayne asked, not willing to be side tracked.
"...I...Saia and Kaine were not your...biological parents...Dan and I are," she said softly, watching Rayne's reaction carefully. She didnt realize it but she was holding her breath, afraid of how Rayne would act.
But Rayne didnt jump up or yell or question it. She just stared at Tsunade quietly. She knew that the Hokage was not the type of woman to lie about something so serious and she didnt smell any sake, so she wasnt drunk. Besides, Rayne couldnt deny how she resembled Tsunade so closely. But never had she thought that she could be her daughter.
The farmers Saia and Kaine had never said anything but they were brown eyed, black haired and tall. Saia was a curvy woman with a beautiful shape a woman who was always soft to hug and Kaine was large and strong man with muscles born of years of farm labor. Izumashi looked like the perfect mix of both of them. Rayne had always been the odd one out.
"You gave me up," she stated, her voice betraying her hurt at the idea of being abandoned by her own mother.
"I had to, Rayne." Tsunade spoke softly, trying to keep her voice level and smooth as a Hokage and one of the three great Sannin should.
"Why?" Rayne asked after two or three minutes, her voice low. She could not even begin to imagine giving up her children. Nothing in the worl dwould be able ot seperate her from her babies.
"Because I couldnt care for you after Dan died. You were three years old. I wasnt...in my right mind half the time. I kept forgetting you places and started drinking. Shizune was a little older but she stayed where I put her. You would come looking for me. I couldnt take care of you. Saia was a friend of mine and one day I knocked on their door and asked them to take care of you. Kaine told me if I gave you to them now I couldnt come back until you were old enough tot understand. When they were killed I tried to take you back but Rian and his parents wouldnt have it. Rayne, I am sorry," Tsunade said, her expression pained.
"You did it because you loved me?" Rayne asked, clarifying. Tsunade nodded, trying to look strong.
"You may not believe it but its the truth."
"Then I guess i should say thank You," Rayne said after she alllowed herself to accept what she was hearing.
"You're thanking me?" Tsuande asked, not not sure was following the conversation any longer.
"Saia and Kaine were the best parents I couldve asked for. Grandma and Grandpa taught me all I know about fighting and I got Izumashi as an older brother. So, thank you," Rayne said, softly. Tsunade looked shocked, to say the least. She expected anger, tears, hurt. But she saw that Rayne had come to some realization in herself and she looked so calm it was strange.
"You arent angry?" Tsnade asked, making sure.
"No. Surprised, yes. I am used to such surprises I guess. No one is who they claim to be when it comes to me, it seems. Kakashi may be the only exception. Tsunade, I believe you gave me up for my benefit. If you give me some time, maybe I will be willing to try and see you as my mother but, I need to think this over. I'm sure I'm this calm because it hasnt quiet hit me yet." She stood and gave Tsunade a small smile. She knew when she walked out she'd run home to Kakashi and start crying. But, she wasnt going to let herself get hysterical. Kakashi would help her keep calm. "Goodnight, Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade watched in awe as Rayne bowed and walked out of her office, shutting the door lightly behind her. "Goodnight, Rayne" she said, after a minute, alone in her office.
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"What's wrong?" Kakashi asked as soon as his fiance walked in the door. Rayne walked to him and let her head fall onto his shoulder, snaking her hands around his waist.
"Tsunade and Dan are my real parents," she mumbled into his shirt, not stalling the conversation knowing if she did it would just make her more upset.
"What?" he asked, sure he had heard her wrong. He moved them to the couch as she started crying, holding her in his lap.
"Tsunade is my mother. Dan is my father," she repeated, crying slowly and silently.
"You're serious?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her. She nodded, nuzzling her face into the crook of his neck, letting the constant beat of his pulse soothe her. She took a minute to calm down and let him absorb what she said before speaking again.
"I went up to find out if Yoro was telling the truth when he said she kept my files in her personal drawer. She told me that I was her daughter and that she left me for my own good. I thanked her and left. You sure you want to marry someone so messed up?"she asked, half joking half serious. He smiled, his visible eye crinkling.
"I wouldnt have you any other way. Wait- you thanked her for leaving you?" She nodded, explained her reasoning and watched as Kakashi shook his head at her. She layed the side of her face against his chest and listened to the steady rythm of his heart beat as she told him the details of the conversation.
"Well, this means something good for us, you know," he said once she was finished and had halted her tears.
"Really? What?" she asked, not sure how Tsunade being her mother was good for them particularly.
"If Tsunade is your mother than your name, Rayne Chigiri, is technically an alias and so, you and Tsume were never married." He explained his new revelation like it was no big deal. But Rayne's eyes widened and a smile spread across her lips. She was never legally married to that...dirt, Tsume. Kakashi would be her first and last marriage.
"I finally realize why they call you a genuis," she murmured playfully, pulling down his mask to cover his lips with hers, her arms winding themselves around his neck.
He smiled into the kiss, holding her close and tasting the salt from her tears as he brushed ehr hair from her face with his thumb, caressing her cheek.
Maybe, not all surprises are bad, she thought before he was the only thing she could focus on.
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5,569 words. I added an extra 500 as a gift for it being so very late. Oh, I have two requests for you guys: Answer these in your repsonses please:
1) Do you want me to end the series with the wedding? If so, this will be the last installment and it will remain an trilogy.
2) If you want me to continue, tell me things you want to see happen in any further stories. Even if you want to just give me words to base chaoters off of as themes, go ahead. I need some feedback to see what you, the readers want.
And finally the thank yous to those who reviewed: SmileEmptySoul56, rukia23: sorry about the typos. i wrote that one so fast because I was going on vacation and well, i wanted to post it for yous. Your question has been answered, did ya like the twist? ), agostinho: you reviewed twice, thanks for actually caring enough to do so. but, as you can tell, Im not abandoning this story. Like I said, major computer problems. And for future reference, I would never just leave a story. I'll always find a way to end it first. promise, Jessica: Im glad you liked the fight detail, I was worried how it would come out, im usually horrible with it, Tensai: your question has been answered, did u like it?, Narai Moroha: loved the poem, it was very cute. Oh, and your word number challenge, I totally owned it. lol. 5,569 words. heh, Jessica: wow. thats a lot of people.Im actually glad you all used one review box. otherwise, this chapter would be almost 10,000 words and well, that would leave me with severe arthritis. Im so glad you all liked it. Thank you for finding a way to review, Katherine32 and last but in no way least, PTGTHO1/02.
THANK YOU ALL. I appreciate every one of those reviews, truly. Next chapter will start to be written on the third review. I need your feedback to finish it though so, REVIEW.