Disclaimer: In do not own Naruto only my characters
Chapter 32 Union
The couple emerged from the apartment late in the morning.
"I swear Kakashi your bad habits are rubbing off on me, I'm usually up and around by now," Maiha teased as he pulled the door shut behind them.
He turned moving his hands out to the sides, "Hey I can't help that you adore me so much it makes it hard for you to get out of bed."
Maiha could only smile and shake her head as they made their way down the stairs.
They walked down the bustling streets of Konoha heading toward the Yamanaka flower shop. Their relationship was public knowledge now and when seen in each other's company it drew a nod from most that knew both. After they turned down the street of their destination, Kakashi stopped her a few stores down. It was their plan to tell those that were closest to them and the word would spread from there. Though they both knew after Maiha told Ino, the entire Fire Country would know by the end of the day.
"I'll uh, wait out here," Kakashi placed his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels slightly.
She frowned slightly, "You're not coming in with me?"
"Well I um… I just don't want to uh… be part of a big scene. Ino seems a little intense when it comes to this type of news."
She understood his standoffish nature when it came to such situations bringing a smirk to her lips, "Yeah she is. I'll try not to be to long but I can't make any promises."
"Okay well, good luck," he chuckled knowing she let him dodge the jutsu.
Maiha made her way into the flower shop and with the entrance bell chime the three young women seated at the counter by Ino turned to welcome the guest.
Humph, speaking of luck, all three in the same place at the same time. "Good morning," Maiha's voice rang as she walked toward them.
The blonde looked up at the clock, "Your late today Maiha, I expected you like two hours ago."
She shrugged, "Yeah I just well, took my time this morning."
Ino grinned as she made her way around the counter to the flower cooler to retrieve the familiar yellow flower, her voice changing to a rather cheeky tone. "So we were just talking about going out this weekend are you up for some fun?"
"That sounds nice," Maiha tilted her head to the side slightly her face gracing a prize winning smile. Still reeling from the previous day's happenings she was practically overflowing with the sheer joy of everything.
Time stopped. Ino, Sakura, Tenten and Hinata were left dazed by the dark haired girl's idiosyncrasies. Maiha was generally a cheerful person but she seemed almost disconnected to reality.
Ino eyed Maiha with a raised brow as she handed her the sunflower. Having suspicions about her health she asked bluntly, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," she sighed blissfully.
"Are you sure?" Ino questioned again before leaning back whispering from behind her hand, "Sakura you better give her a checkup."
"I'm fine Ino," Maiha chuckled.
The blond again leaned in closely scrutinizing her disposition before smiling devilishly straightening back up. "Oh, I get it. Hmm... must have had a good night last night, that's some serious afterglow."
"Ino!" Sakura butted in.
"I'm sure you two don't get much sleep."
"Seriously Ino!" Sakura jumped in again.
Maiha continued beaming.
After a few moments without a reaction, Ino pouted crossing her arms noticing the lack in response to her comment. Ino's mouth had no filter when it came to such matters and mentioning anything about such a topic would usually draw at least a blush out of Maiha. She made her way back around the counter to the register commenting as she went, "Come on look at her, she's been like this ever since they moved in together."
"I'm fine... really," Maiha assured them reaching up with the payment making sure to draw attention to her finger. "Saturday sounds fun I'll look forward to it."
"I still think you're acting super weird, but then again you and Kakashi... Ino's eyes went so wide they nearly bulged out of their sockets noticing there was in fact a reason for her state of mind.
[]
"Ah Kakashi!" Guy called out marching over with Genma and Asuma lagging behind him.
Kakashi turned toward the trio hearing his name.
"We talked about this already Guy," Asuma exhaled. Guy was on a mission and when his brain was in contest mode there was no derailing that train of thought.
"You can't expect me to pass up a chance to best my eternal rival, here and now in the springtime of our youth? Look all around us, what kind of example would that set for the future shinobi of the village."
"Here we go," Genma groaned as he rolled his eyes.
"Is this going to take long I only have one cigarette left," Asuma grumbled as he patted the front pockets of his flak jacket.
Guy advanced until he came within inches of Kakashi's face. When it came to personal space Guy had no inkling as to what it meant.
"Geeze what are you gonna do kiss him?" Genma spat out.
Guy stared straight into Kakashi's visible eye raising a bushy brow, "Have you accepted my challenge Kakashi, surely you cannot just stand by and refuse."
"Challenge for what? You haven't even proposed one yet," Genma pointed out.
"Dually noted," he squinted to focus looking Kakashi up and down. He paused a few moments before bounding backward quickly. "Wait a minute, you haven't moved! It is you that have set the challenge and have already started without me!" Guy crossed his arms standing tall and glared hard at Kakashi. "I see. This is a battle of who can stay still the longest. We start now!"
"To bad it wasn't who could stay quiet the longest," Genma drew out under his breath rolling his eyes again.
Kakashi chuckled, his eye crinkling up smirking under his mask, "Morning all." He turned quickly to glace down the street for Maiha and then back again.
"Victory is mine, ha ha! You moved first!" Guy bellowed as he pumped his fist up and down. His celebration however, was short lived once he noticed Kakashi gave no reaction, not even an annoyed sigh or and eye roll. Guy's shoulders slumped forward as he sulked. "You should be crushed, I have now moved ahead in the standings."
"Ugh, there was no contest Guy," Asuma grumbled in annoyance.
Kakashi reached up patting him on the shoulder. "Yes Guy, you have beaten me in this contest but don't think the next will be so easy."
"Huh?" Genma and Asuma collectively drew out confused as they were very familiar with the strange rivalry between the two.
Kakashi looked over to Genma and Asuma, "I am waiting for..."
The conversation was halted by shrieks so shrill deciphering them at first was nearly impossible.
"What the hell?" Asuma drew out leaning around Kakashi to look down the street.
Kakashi turned toward the flower shop as a smile formed under his mask understanding what the commotion was most likely about.
[]
"You and Kakashi are engaged! Oh you so have to tell us everything!" Ino shuddered with excitement from the surprise announcement as she expelled all of the air from her lungs providing every pitch on the sliding scale of tone over her exclamation.
"Maybe over lunch, okay? He is waiting for me outside. We have someone to go see." Maiha held up the sunflower as the four women bounced up and down excitedly.
"Humph!" she exhaled quickly, understanding but still impatient. Crossing her arms Ino gave Maiha a severe glare and uttered a lenient warning. "Okay fine, but you better spill it all."
"I will, I will," she assured her placing her hands up between them leaning back and away from the blue flames in her eyes. The girls followed Maiha peeking their heads out the door as she stepped out on the street. Kakashi nodded to the girls and they all smiled and blushed as they had been caught looking and giggled like little children.
"Hello gentleman," Maiha greeted them with a nod as she stopped next to Kakashi.
"Morning, Maiha," they drew out still confused.
She looked over to Kakashi, hooking her arm underneath his grasping his bicep. "You ready to go?"
"Ready when you are."
She noticed Guy in close vicinity to Kakashi. "Oh, am I interrupting you two?"
Guy piped up "Ha, you just missed my victory," he puffed out his chest, "I have taken the lead."
"Oh." She looked over at Kakashi, he simply shrugged.
Something was different about this. Genma was the closest to the two and was drawn in; mostly confused by the way Kakashi was acting. Maiha's hand moved again and Genma zeroed in on the ring. The senbon nearly fell out of his mouth as he forced out his acknowledgement, "No way."
Asuma looked over, "What?"
"Is that..." Genma continued.
Kakashi nodded.
"What?" Asuma huffed bothered by his exclusion.
"Left hand," Genma motioned with a nod and a smile.
Asuma scrutinized both of them finally noticing the ring. His mouth turned up on one side, "Well, congratulations you two."
Kakashi nodded and Maiha smiled widely as she looked over to him.
"Yes uh congratulations," Guy uttered his best wishes in words void from any of the ferocious energy the Green Beast of Konoha had been known for. He looked around densely trying to figure out what Genma and Asuma were referring to. When it came to such matters he seemed to have a mental incapacity to evaluate the situation.
Noticing Guy's expression Genma filled him in. "They're engaged."
"Oh. Oh!" Tears of joy streamed down his face and the taijutsu master's excitement seemed to flow out into convulsive movements and blundering words including something about youth making the gleeful event slightly awkward.
"Uh, shall we Maiha." Kakashi urged a quick exit from the act that was becoming nothing short of a side show.
Maiha nodded and the two said their goodbyes leaving the trio. As they walked away conversation could still be heard behind them.
"Guy get a hold of yourself."
"A moment so bittersweet, the joining of our comrades, a joy." Immediately he slumped over in crushed. "But Kakashi has matched the record yet again. How can I correct myself for such a defeat?"
"Kami Guy not everything has to be a contest," Genma growled showing his agitation.
The couple continued on with a smile and a chuckle between them.
[]
The union was set soon after the engagement. Ino of course insisted on planning the event and Maiha humored the blonde amused by her exuberance. Ino had outlined every detail down to an itinerary before Maiha had to rein her in.
"Ino, there are some things that you just have to let happen." Ino paused stunned at her laxity on the situation and Maiha chuckled with her reaction. "I appreciate everything Ino, it's more than fabulous, really. I just think it might be a little much for us, that's all."
Ino exhaled as she slumped forward, "But simple is so…"
"Kakashi and I," Maiha reminded her with a smile.
Ino paused coming to the realization that for Kakashi and Maiha's style she was going not just a bit but way overboard. She quickly up righted her posture and the vivacious smile returned to her face. "This is going to be the most fabulous simple wedding Konoha has ever seen!" She gave a wink and a quick nod as her pony tail flipped back and forth.
Maiha responded with a smile, "Thanks Ino."
[]
The ceremony took place under a full moon at the lake. It was peaceful, serine; the water was calm and reflected the light of the moon as if it were a mirror image. The sound of crickets provided a melodic backdrop and the soft glow of countless firefly's intermittent lights illuminated the reeds around the lake. Kakashi stood at the end of the dock with the officiate awaiting her arrival. As all grooms have pre-ceremony nerves Kakashi was no different; he rocked back and forth from his toes to his heels, heart thumping hard and quickly as the pace of his breathing increased. Though his nervousness had nothing to do with second thoughts, even the small service was enough to cause anxiety.
While Kakashi waited at the far end of the dock Maiha stood in an outdoor room specifically constructed for the occasion. Ino was making her last minute touches on Maiha while Sakura, Henita and Tenten, were bubbling over everything. Their giddiness was interrupted by a scratching at the door. As a hush came over the room, 5 sets of pondering eyes focused on the door.
Sakura started toward the door, "Now what could that be?" She cracked it and peered around keeping everything about the bride veiled. Opening it a bit wider, a small visitor wondered in.
"Ladies," he nodded.
"Hello Pakkune," the girls chorused.
"I hate to rush you all but the natives are getting restless. Well, namely Naruto," Pakkune rolled his eyes, "Oh and the boss is starting to look a little neurotic. He is fidgeting like mad, if we don't get under way soon he'll turn into a complete basket case."
Maiha chuckled and looked over at Ino, "I believe we are just about done here Pakkune, right Ino?"
"A few last touches," the blonde muttered out through her lips while holding a few hair pins between her teeth. She pulled out and placed them one by one, "A pin here, here, here and…" Ino reached down quickly, "here," she handed the ribbon bound bouquet of sunflowers to Maiha with a smile.
Stunned, Maiha stood for a moment before gently stroking the petals of a sunflower. Though she knew Ai had always been with her in spirit, her physical vacancy at that moment was somewhat oppressive. Everything had been tied together; the full moon, the sunflowers, the dock and now the wedding, a thread through Maiha, Ai and Kakashi's lives.
"Maiha, are you ready?" Sakura had noticed her frozen state.
Maiha's eyes remained fixed on the bouquet, "I just… need another minute please."
"Okay." The girls, understanding her reasoning, filed out the door and made way down to their seats.
[]
Kakashi walked down the wooden boards of the dock stopping once he had reached the first row of chairs set out for their guests. He looked over at Maiha's closest friends giving them a concerned look.
Sakura, seated at the isles edge, stood and placed a hand on his upper arm. Giving him a reassuring smile and a nod she spoke with confidence, "She said she needed another minute, everything's okay Kakashi."
Kakashi looked up at the small fabricated room from which the girls had come. He understood though the overwhelming feeling to ease her sorrow had him torn between staying or going to her.
[]
Maiha sighed, "Oh Ai, I really wish you were here right now. There have been so many moments I have wanted to share with you. Especially today." Her head hung low, eyes fixated on the sunflowers. Abruptly, the iridescent flair of a single firefly interrupted the mulling over her loss.
As it oscillated on and off, she understood. It was another message translated through nature; like the whisper carried along the breeze under the full moon after Ai's passing, and the rain during the shining sun symbolizing happy tears from those we have loved and lost. This little creature was another medium from the afterlife. Ai was there, she always had been.
The firefly flew off continuing the series of dashes and pauses as it disappeared around the slightly open door. Maiha smiled widely bringing her hand up to touch the pendant of her necklace, exhaled and with the same hand reached forward grasping the knob of the door making her exit.
[]
Maiha stepped out noticing the setting around her. The soft glow of lanterns brightened the way to the dock, though once her eyes set on him, Maiha no longer needed the light to see, her heart would show the way.
Kakashi's head picked up suddenly and gazed up the walkway. The guests noticed his reaction and turned to see what held his attention. There she stood at the head of the path, a vision in white. Like Kakashi, they focused on her, the bride. Though their eyes could only take in visible details, he could see beyond; the flowing white dress didn't matter, the bright yellow bouquet, how perfect her hair was, to all of this he was blind. Her true beauty came from within as no physical feature can display purity of the soul. Soon their lives would become one simply by name, their forever had already begun, today was only a step along its destination.
He stood motionless as a statute, waiting; only moving once she touched him as if she had broken a spell cast over his body. "Hello Kakashi." Her words were soft but effervescent spoken with her bright smile.
"Hello Maiha," it was all he could muster left trying to catch his breath.
They stood at the landing of the dock, lost in each other, a blurry mesmerizing dream only broken by the officiates lighthearted interruption, "You two have forever and a day to stare at each other but the rest of us have our own lives to live."
Pulled out of their musing they both bashfully responded, Maiha with a blush and Kakashi with his soft chuckle as the guests snickered with the officiate's jest.
"Are you ready to proceed?"
"Yes," they nodded.
"Take her hand and follow me."
Kakashi delicately took up Maiha's hand and together they set out on the short candle lit path to the end of the dock.
[]
With the nuptials said all that was left was the most blissful event, the one that Naruto had been waiting for since he received his invitation to the wedding. He was fidgeting in his seat, the anxiety, the chance to see his former Sensei's face. I can't believe it's actually gonna happen I'm gonna see it, I'm gonna see it.His restlessness drew the attention of the pink haired girl sitting close to him.
She muttered under her breath "Naruto you better not pull anything." Sakura, a sucker for such moments was not about to let this hyperactive knucklehead spoil it for the couple.
Though she warned him the blonde continued to twitch and squirm in his seat waiting for the words.
Another hiss under her breath, "Naruto!"
"You may now kiss the bride."
Naruto jumped up leaning forward between two guests bracing himself with a hand on each chair.
Maiha placed a hand on his shoulder as the other reached up with her index finger to pull down Kakashi's mask allowing her to reach his lips.
Naruto leaned in further hoping to catch just one glimpse.
At the last moment Maiha pulled out a small fan given to her by Sakura and Ino which she had stowed away for this incident. Naruto's simple plan to get a glimpse of Kakashi's face had been found out by the two, as he frequently thought out loud. With one gentle flick of her wrist a light breeze blew out the candles lighting the dock, their moment had been preserved under the moonlight.
Defeated, Naruto's voice rose, "Oh c'mon!" followed by a yelp of pain. It seemed that the two chairs he had braced himself on were occupied by Ino and Sakura whom did not hesitate in setting his punishment by each of them yanking him down by an ear lobe.
Hearing the commotion Maiha and Kakashi chuckled softly though smiles. He placed his hands on the small of her back pulling her in gently as she craned her neck upward their eyes meeting. Moving her hands to his face Maiha brushed his lips with her thumbs before her fingers curled over the upper hem of his mask peeling it slowly downward exposing his handsome face. They pulled each other close and sealed their promise with the delicate caressing of lips; heavenly and fervent, devout to each other.
[]
"Good morning Mrs. Hatake," a warm voice hummed in her ear the following morning as a pair of arms folded more snuggly around her. Words he thought he would never say and a short verse she thought would never be heard.
Maiha smiled and turned over to face him propping her head up on her hand. "Hmm, good morning."
They gazed at each other a few minutes still in awe before Maiha spoke again. "I thought the first time we kissed after I confessed my love made me feel lighter than air. Now I feel like I am dancing on the clouds."
He smiled and leant in kissing her lips softly before pulling away slightly "And now?"
"I'm still in heaven."
Kakashi placed his forehead on hers. "I never thought this could happen." Maiha tilted her head slightly waiting for an explanation. "Spending my life with someone in such intimacy. I planned on solitude. I didn't know it was possible to love another so much, to not want to live without them."
He was doing well this time around, his thoughts were clearer and the words said didn't jumble together. While she admired his efforts and treasured every word at the moment Maiha was more interested in speaking through 'body language'. She smiled, "I love you too Kakashi, but sentimental conversations were never your strong suit so just shut up and kiss me." He chuckled following her order and pulled her in giving her more than just the mentioned kiss.
[]
After returning from the memorial late that morning Maiha made her way to the bedroom looking for her silver haired beau. Hearing running water and feeling the moisture in the air she assumed he had pulled himself from the comforting warmth of the covers and decided to take a shower. Maiha had tucked Kakashi back in that morning allow him to indulge in his old habit of sleeping in. She smirked and made her way back out to the kitchen to make morning tea.
Having steeped long enough for her taste Maiha sat down on the couch and brought the cup of warm liquid up to her lips sipping the tincture of chamomile and lemon. Her eyes focused on the door across the room and as the wispy steam of her tea dissipated it came more in focus. Maiha set the tea cup down and slowly rose making her way over to the barrier between the present and past. She reached forward slowly and placed her hand on the knob. A quick exhale passed over her lips her wrist rotated and she pushed the door open.
Maiha walked through the threshold more confident than before but still carrying much emotion. She paused by the foot of the bed and her eyes panned the room. Before she knew it twenty minutes had passed, only noticing a time lapse once Kakashi had called for her attention. He stood outside the doorway only willing to enter on her invitation. His eye roamed about taking in the unfamiliar room of the residence.
"May I come in Maiha?" He was careful as he knew thoughts of Ai would at times trigger waves of emotion.
She could hear the hesitation in his voice, "It's okay Kakashi."
He entered slowly walking to her, loosely wrapping an arm around her waist setting a hand on her hip.
There was a short time of silence.
"She would what me to move on. I know holding on to her things doesn't allow that."
Kakashi remained silent.
Maiha looked over to him and moved in closer to his body. He gently wrapped his arm around her. "You need a space. There will be plenty of room in here if I make it. These are books I will never read. They were Ai's. Look how much room it would make. You can even fit all your dirty little books in here." She smirked slightly.
Kakashi chuckled through a grin. "My novels will be fine under our bed in their protective boxes just as they are." He paused gathering a bit of confidence. "This room could be used for something more important, more special."
Maiha's eyebrows knitted together slightly in confusion not understanding what he could be getting at. Important?Special?What could be…?
"A nursery perhaps."
Maiha felt a hitch in her throat and slowly brought a hand up to her chest speaking softly, "Kakashi… a baby."
"That is, if you …"
"Yes." She stopped him pulling herself in, there was no hesitation. Though her mind had not fully comprehended the context of their discussion, there was no need to think about it.
He smiled and wrapped his arms around her. Love, a wife, and now hopefully a child, everything was happening so quickly. He was ready; there had been nothing he had been surer of in his life than this moment. Mirthful thoughts flooded his mind and he pulled her in more tightly. A family again, a loving happy family for both of them.
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Thanks for reading and sorry for the hiatus. Hopefully the next and possibly finally chapter will be completed and released soon.
:)