Chapter 20

Remorse and Ever After.

This is the last 'official' chapter of the story. There are three bonus chaps after this one, but for all purposes this is the end of the story.

I'm headed out the door in a few hours here, but figured I post this up.

Hope this makes your week a little better Gravity.

Enjoy! (sorry for errors)

….

Suffocating silence filled the room, the Leaf nin staring at the young rep while the remaining Stone nin shifted uncomfortably. Morbi stayed perfectly still, as if refraining from breathing would let him sink through the floor.

"I'm sorry"

Chakra spiked as all seven ninja jumped in surprise, all of them whipping around to face the now open doorway and the small figure in it.

"Ruk-"the name started to slip out before Tsunade caught herself. Kakashi didn't blame her, he'd almost done the same thing in his shock.

"What are you doing here?" Ibiki's tone was very soft and soothing, the black eyes never leaving the smaller man. Kakashi could tell the other Jounin wanted to do nothing more than stalk across the room and teleport the young brunet way from there, get him back to the garden home where he was safe.

"How'd you get here" Kakashi's own question was voice mere seconds after Ibiki's. He followed the interrogator's lead and avoided saying his lovers name but he still had to ask. The hall outside was swarming with unofficial bodyguards, no way they would have let Iruka go past.

Iruka seemed to instantly understand the real question behind the wording and flushed guiltily, the way he did when he pulled something on the Hyuuga Harshi because the man had yelled at one of the kids, or messed with the paper files to get the elders to sign something they never would have under their own accord.

It was his 'I've done something that wasn't horribly wrong but not really right either' look. Kakashi both loved and feared that look.

A quick glance past Iruka and out the door gave him his answer, the grey eye rolling shut even as he tried to fight a burst of laughter. Genma lay on the blue hallway carpet, clearly unconscious and drooling slightly, his own seabon sticking from his thigh.

Well, Kakashi had told the guy keeping a needle laced with sedative wasn't a great idea, especially if he got drunk and told other people.

"I'll buy him a drink later" Iruka muttered the promise guiltily to his sandals.

Tsunade snorted when she spotted the same thing, shaking her head fondly as she did and muttering something about always knocking out her ANBU.

The Stone nin were regarding the chuunin curiously. Iruka was wearing civilian clothes, so they couldn't tell his rank, but the scars and damaged hands were an obvious give away to Iruka's profession, even if he wasn't wearing his headband.

"You are?" Morbi had turned himself sideways so he could see the newcomer, his eyes flicking over Iruka's scars and hands even as he voice the question in a snobbish voice.

Ibiki and Kakashi both tried to jump in but Koran beat them both. Gasping the young blond drew his friend's attention.

"It's him"

Morbi's eyes grew wide and he whirled around to look back at Iruka, confusion flashing in the green orbs when did. "Really? You sure, Koran?"

Iruka stood his ground while the blond nodded dumbly, seeming unable to tear his gaze from the mauled hands.

"But-"Morbi's frown deepened. "I thought – I didn't think he'd- well" the red head grew more confused as he struggled for a word.

A low hiss came from behind the group; Tsunade was back on her feet, fury radiating from her every pore. "So what? Son'u?"

Morbi flashed slightly in fear from the livid tone before he glanced back at Iruka and gestured almost helplessly, speaking to the floor in a small whisper. "So damaged."

Stunned silence once again filled the room, before a soft chuckled had them looking back at Iruka in shock. The small brunet was smiling gently at Morbi as he shook his head. "Your father's job was not one I envied, no offence Ibiki."

The big man nodded slightly, look like he was trying very hard not to grin sadistically. Iruka flashed him and Kakashi small smile before stepping closer to Morbi, his movements cautious and slow. The chuunin was only slightly taller than the young rep, but you see the difference in their age clearly by the look in Iruka's eyes. The soft brown orbs were dark with sadness, remorse and a bitter acceptance.

"I'm sorry Morbi" Iruka's voice was gentle. "I'm sorry your father died, I truly am. I'm also sorry Ibiki and I were in a position that forced such an action." The remorse in Iruka's eyes grew and Kakashi suddenly realized Iruka's real regret with not the death of Mobi, but that Morbi's first taste of pain and sorrow had been dealt by his hand. "I'm sorry that it's the only thing I can say to you in a world where we hurt each other, where war and pain overrules common sense and compassion."

Slowly Iruka reached out, carefully placing his hand on Morbi's arm, tensing until he was sure the action would not be rejected before he relaxed and tightened his hold a little, the dark coffee coloured skin contrasting with the Stone nin's pale hue.

"And…" the soft word had Morbi looking back up from the small, damaged had on his arm and back into the large brown eyes. "I'm sorry I had to meet your father in such a way. Anyone who could inspire this much loyalty – he must have been a great man."

Iruka held the green eyes gaze for another moment before Morbi swallowed thickly and gave a small nod, his gaze falling to the floor. Smiling sadly Iruka let his hand fall from the pale arm and backed up, retreating over to Ibiki who instantly grabbed the smaller male and pushed him gently behind the protection of the large frame.

"Mo?" Koran had stepped up to his silent friend and gently touched his shoulder. The red head blinked slowly before drawing in a deep breath and turning back to Tsunade, who still looked rather livid but was slowly calming down.

"Don't think this means I'm letting you two brats off the hook" Tsaunde growled the words out, but with far less venom than she was capable of. "I'll still be contacting your mother Gurgi"

Koran flushed again, but nodded, resigning himself to his fate.

"Tsunade-sama" Iruka's soft voice cut Tsunade off just as the blonde healer opened her mouth again, about to start off on another tirade. A quick glance over at the teacher had the too young face softening. She sighed and settled herself back down in her chair, staring at the young group of nin for a moment before waving a hand at them.

"Well, if you start walking now, I may just forget about those letters. I am getting on in years you know"

The Stone nin looked back at her in amazement. The hazel eyes were still hard, as if daring them to make a comment and put an end to her moment of generosity.

Slowly, a smile tilted Koran's mouth – a rather relived one – as he bowed deep to the master healer, gaining himself an approving nod from Tsuande as the other three followed suite. Then without pausing for even a moment, the blond man turned and repeated his bow to Iruka.

Morbi stared at his friend in shock before his face softened and he too bowed, not as deep, but still respectful. Then straightening, Koran gently took his friends arm, and led him from the office, rather bewildered guards following in his wake.

The office door slipped shut with a soft 'whoosh' and Tsunade collapsed back with a sigh, the hazel eyes turning toward the window and the blue sky. "Well, that was only agonizingly painful"

Ibiki snorted in amusement before he frowned, the scarred face falling back into a glare. Slowly both he had Kakashi turned to look at Iruka, who grinned up at them innocently.

"Hi"

Ibiki groaned and slammed a hand over his face while Kakashi sighed mournfully. "What are we going to do with you?"

Iruka simply beamed brighter. "Love me"

Chuckling Ibiki reached out, turning Iruka before pulling the smaller man into his arms so the chuunin's back was pressed up against the muscled torso. Iruka simply laughed and relaxed into the hold while Kakashi stepped closer to them.

"We thought you were at the house"

Iruka blushed guilty. "I was just picking some stuff up, then something blew up in the Mission Room and, well – I got distracted"

A burst of laughter came from Tsunade who had turned her attention back to the three men, a curious and gleeful glint in the hazel eyes. "Distracted? I'll say. And what have I told you about sedating my guards?"

Iruka looked positively ashamed of himself. "I'll make up to him"

Tsuande snorted with mirth again. "I'm sure you will. I just wonder why it's always Genma?" the last part was muttered more to herself as if the healer was pondering the significance of this detail.

Iruka obviously knew the answer to this, if the deep red spreading across the scarred cheeks was anything to go off of, but he kept it to himself. "Tsunade-sama?"

The blonde turned, questioning look in her eye.

"Are you actually going to let them off the hook?"

Tsuande's gaze turned hard for a moment before she sighed. "Well, no. I'm still sending the letters"

Iruka looked like he was about to protest, when she held up a manicured hand. "Though, if it means that much, I might find it in myself to word them a little more delicately. It's more then they deserve"

Iruka smiled. "Maybe, but they're still young. A rare thing in this world."

Tsunade returned the smile, knowing he was referring to the loss of youth and innocents that was too common and even encouraged in ninja villages. "You're a rare person Iruka" the words were said softly and quietly, though they made Iruka blush none the less.

Sighing Tsuande collapsed back, her normal aura returning quickly. "So much for my quiet morning! Damn punks. What time is it?"

Kakashi and Ibiki chuckled while Iruka grinned. "Elven O'clock Tsuande-sama"

The healer hummed thoughtfully.

"But it's five over in Sana"

The painted lips tilted into a huge grin at the chuunin's words. "That's my boy. Kakashi! Get some chairs!"

Grinning broadly under the mask Kakashi moved to drag three chairs over to the desk where Tsunade was digging for cups and her beloved sake. A bottle of lemonade was also pulled from Shizune's desk for Iruka when the sensei reminded her alcohol would mess with his meds.

The two Jounin settled in on either side of Iruka, while Tsuande made sure the first bottle of the strong drink went fast. Once the three nin were relaxed and their leader well on her way to being smashed before noon, she leant forward, elbows propped up in the desk and hands clasped under her chin, a wicked grin on his lips.

"So" one hand reached out and smoothly refilled the two Jounin's shallow cups. "What's this I've been hearing about you three and fucking Kakashi senseless?"

…

One week later.

Iruka smiled as he watched the kids flee from the class room, calling goodbyes as they headed home for the weekend.

It had been a good first day back. Ibiki had been a little concerned about it, but the teaching staff had been practically begging Tsunade for the last week to send him back to work. All the subs had quit.

They had agreed to let him go back for Friday, a test to see how tired it made him, but Iruka was feeling wonderful. Really, he didn't know why Ibiki seemed to think he would still strain himself; their bedroom activities were far more strenuous than teaching for a few hours.

Not that he going to tell Ibiki that, he was enjoying his current sex life, thank you very much.

That thought made him grin as the last bright 'welcome back' picture was slipped into his brown bag before it was snapped shut. A last glance around the class room deemed it as clean as it was going to get. Satisfied Iruka slipped out the door, locking it up and putting up the wards before turning to stroll down the hall, soaking in the feeling of comfort as he gazed at pictures, banners and reports the other classes had hung on the painted walls.

The other teachers still at their desks or locking up their own rooms called out greetings, well wishes and thanks as he passed, all of which were returned with a smile. The sun was just starting to set in the blue sky when Iruka exited the Academy, making him smile.

Turning off the main road Iruka ducked onto a small foot trail that winded through a small meadow and the sakura grove to get back to Ibiki's. He'd discovered it a few days ago, since he'd been practically living at the big Jounin's place (Ibiki hadn't allowed him to go home, just packed a bag of the chuunin's clothes and transferred them to his cottage, though Iruka couldn't really say too much against it as he really hadn't protested the act)

With Kakashi out on another mission (again punishment) and Ibiki back to working his regular schedule Iruka had been left with a good amount of time to himself. He'd used it learning the ins and outs of Ibiki's garden and tending it during the day for the big man as well as exploring the area surrounding the little house. He'd found not only the beautiful trail that led to town but two other meadows, a huge oak housing an abandoned tree house and a small water fall on the other side of the cliffs that fell into a perfect swimming hole.

It had been a wonderful way to pass the week and the little trail had been a gift in particular. Iruka loved his friends and people he worked with very much, but after the Stone nin incident they had taken the protectiveness to a whole new level, something Iruka found more annoying than endearing.

Using the back trail allowed him to walk home in peace, without the need for guards, which he would have picked up a good dozen of by the time he got down two blocks. Sweet, maybe. Excessive, yes. He was choosing to ignore it however, now that he was a week at most away from being taken off medical leave completely they would start to back off.

Iruka smiled as he rounded the corner and the little blue house came into view. The lamp hanging over the back door throwing soft yellow light over the garden. The waterfall was bubbling happily, hidden in the shadows. The noise made Iruka smile as he moved to the door and let himself in.

A hot shower and a set of comfy grey pyjama pants and a soft green tank top later saw Iruka adding the final touches to a stir-fry as he dropped a handful of rice noodles to a pot just as the back door slid open. Ibiki's scarred face softened into a smile as soon as he stepped inside, the welcoming warmth and rich smells rushing to meet him.

"Hello" Iruka grinned over at the big Jounin as Ibiki pulled off his boots and shrugged out of his trench coat, letting out a sigh of relief once he was free from the heavy constricting material.

After the first few days Iruka had realized just how nice it was that Ibiki also worked in village and had a regular time table like him. The one thing Iruka had hated most about being with Kakashi was the missions, knowing that Kakashi would be gone for uncertain amounts of time and would most likely come home in the middle of the night, bleeding over the carpet. It was the stress and worry and loneliness that came when Kakashi left. And while Iruka still had the worry over how badly Kakashi would hurt himself this time (it wasn't a question of if. Kakashi would get hurt, he was incapable of otherwise) it was wonderful to know that Ibiki would be there at the end of the day.

He was still stressed and he still missed Kakashi, but he wasn't lonely anymore. Iruka also had a distinct feeling Ibiki enjoyed him being there when he got home.

Ibiki returned the grin as he hummed in greeting, sliding up to Iruka as he did so he could tilt the smaller man's head back and claim a kiss. Iruka responded willingly, parting his lips to allow Ibiki access while twisting the big arms and wrapping his own around the broad shoulders for support.

This was another thing Iruka appreciated greatly. Due to Kakashi's tendencies to simply demand attention and his own habit of always touching people Ibiki had grown far more affectionate, far more willing and less hesitant when it came to something he wanted. Such as kissing or wanting Iruka to sit with him when they were reading on the couch.

Of course Iruka had no complaints about this what so ever, even if it meant occasionally getting hauled into Ibiki's lap with no warning.

Iruka moaned and pulled himself closer so he was pressed flush against Ibiki as the older man's tongue moved to invade his mouth. The big arm's tightened slightly as Ibiki delved deeper and one strong hand moved to slide gently under Iruka's thigh and pull it up to the curve of Ibiki's hip, changing the angle in Ibiki favor.

"Fuck, I should rig up some video cameras around here"

They pulled apart, still panting for breath to look over at the leering copy nin leaning casually against the kitchen wall watching them. Iruka grinned broadly, not minding the fact his was still half hanging in Ibiki's hold.

"Welcome home Kashi"

Kakashi's unmasked face tilted up into a happy grin. "Mmm, I'm half way between demanding whatever smells so good and wanting you two to continue"

Iruka laughed while Ibiki gently let him go. With practiced ease Iruka tossed the stir-fry and the noodles together while Ibiki turned to dig through the cupboard for bowls and chopsticks which were handed to the younger man to fill, long tender strips of beef topping each to complete the dish.

Kakashi grinned happily as he took his bowl and settled down at the small floor table Ibiki had recently purchased. The copy nin wasted no time tucking in the steaming hot dish, moaning appreciatively as he gulped down the hot noodles and seasoned veggies. Ibiki and Iruka settled in next to him, eating slower and rolling their eyes slightly at Kakashi's actions, but not begrudging him for lack of manners over what was probably his first hot meal since he left.

A few hours later saw Iruka carrying three cups of hot fragrant tea to the living room. It had become a habit for him and Ibiki as both of them liked reading in the evening. Iruka smiled when he looked up and saw Ibiki stretched out on the couch, thick legs crossed out in front of him and a pair of reading glasses perched on his nose as he started into a series Iruka had brought him.

Kakashi was sprawled sideways in the arm chair, legs over one side and head lolling over the other, snoring loudly every few moments. It was a sure sign Kakashi felt relaxed and safe. On missions Kakashi could sleep without making a single sound, but as soon as he was home he sounded like a boarhound. Iruka would have found this strange, but Asuma had been like that as well.

Shaking his head Iruka set down the tray and gently nudged Kakashi before he collapsed on the couch next to Ibiki. Kakashi woke with a snort and nearly rolled from the chair in a rare moment of total gracelessness for the copy nin. Iruka hid his laugh in his tea cup.

Sniffing and pushing himself upright Kakashi gazed blurrily around the room, one pale hand raking lazily through the wild silver hair, making it even more messed. Squinting Kakashi finally managed to refocus his eye on the two nin on the couch.

"You wear glasses?" a bewildered tone filled Kakashi's voice when he noticed the small specs perched neatly on the scarred nose.

Ibiki hummed low in his throat as he turned the page of his book. "I do, but if you tell anyone I'll get Tsuande to send you to Grass on a mission involving herding cats"

Kakashi snorted in laughter as he reached for his cup of tea. "Oh!" pausing Kakashi reached into his pant pocket and drew out something black that that glittered subtly in the light. "Almost forgot. Got you something"

The object was casually tossed at the big Jounin as Kakashi slouched back, feinting indifference. Ibiki caught it easily, giving Kakashi a confused look over his glasses before his slipped them off and opened his hand to inspect what he was holding.

Iruka watched Kakashi carefully out of the corner of his eye and could tell for all of his nonchalant act Kakashi was extremely nervous about Ibiki's reaction to his gift. Curious Iruka shifted over so his could peer over at Ibiki's hand.

A small piece of polished obsidian hung on a sturdy silver chain lay nestled in Ibiki's large hand. It was small in size and Iruka thought the cut of the stone was rather familiar. Elegant, but subtle enough it wasn't embarrassing to wear.

Ibiki too it seemed had picked up on this as the black eyes went straight to the small blue stone that had slipped out from under Iruka's shirt when he shifted forward. The cut of the stones were exactly the same.

Ibiki sighed, a small smile playing on the edges of his lips as he picked the silver chain up gently. Iruka chuckled softly as he settled back down, a shared amusement in his eyes. Trust Kakashi to make things a difficult as possible for himself. Shaking his head Ibiki neatly slipped the chain around his neck, nodding in thanks to Kakashi before returning to his book. Iruka held back a laugh as Kakashi instantly relaxed, settling back down to sleep, a happy smile tilting the pale lips.

Grinning Iruka settled back down to his own book, playing with the blue jewel absently while he did.

This wouldn't be easy, Iruka knew that. He was very aware that in many ways, convincing the Jounin to try had been the easy part of it all. They were going to hit road blocks, they were going to fight. On occasion Kakashi was going to be an insensitive idiot and Ibiki was going to have problems with trust and insecurities. And Iruka knew very well that he was going to put his foot in his mouth and make mistakes too.

None of them were perfect, and Iruka knew better than to pretending otherwise. But sitting there, comfy and warm in Ibiki's living room, listening to Kakashi's soft snoring and the rustle of paper when Ibiki flipped a page, Iruka found he didn't care.

And he highly doubted he ever would.

...

Thats all folks! *gets hit with a frying pan* oooowwwww, ok, so that not all, please stick around for smut.

I really hope everyone liked the ending with Morbi, I feel its something Iruka would do. And I know he's an OC but I like Koran, something about just seemed promising.

Anyway, thank you all so much for your support and the reviews through the writing of this, they all meant so much, and I hope you'll all stick around. I have to run now so - Have A Great Week!

Oh, and I had a guest reviewer ask if I could explain how Iruka 'dragged the Anbu to the hospital'. I had thought about a bit of a story for a moment, but it really wouldn't fit anywhere, so to put it simply. Iruka would find the Black Op agents hurt and he'd carry them to the hospital like the nice person he is. He has their loyalty because he's not afraid to help them because of the masks.