Burn
Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.
- James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time
Chapter 15
"-an' she goes, 'Uncle, I really haven't a clue how the papers got on your desk.' The little brat. Had to hire her on t' keep her nose clean." Uncle said as he opened my door. He and Kakashi entered into my flat, both carrying fishing gear. I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows - they were fishing. In this weather? And when did Uncle manage this?
I sat on my couch, gaping at them nearly the same as the carp they had caught. Kakashi's gaze crinkled as he caught sight of me. Oliver simply kept going on with his story.
"You know, Charles was easy. Kept to his class work, didn't jump inta trouble. Tams, here - now, she was in trouble every other day." Uncle said, barely waving to me as he walked roughly, nearly stumbling, into the kitchen.
"I was not." I said.
"Y'was so."
"Uncle…"
"You should have seen her while we worked together. She flirted with half of our targets." Kakashi said, his eye twinkling mischievously. Uncle laughed.
"I did not."
"You don't remember Daisuke-san?"
I vaguely remembered the name, though I was choosing to ignore-
"What happened to Tams, stay away from the Pirate?" I countered. Those two! They were determined to razz me!
I knew my Darling was grinning at me. I knew it.
"Pirate?" Uncle called back, "Tams, he ain't look nothin' like a Pirate."
My Darling brightened. I wasn't sure if I particularly liked this turn of events. The two men seemed out to embarrass me! Though - I couldn't make myself care too much. Uncle seemed relaxed, and my Love had a lightness in his step that I didn't see too often. He even seemed to have his chest puffed up just a touch as he followed Oliver into the kitchen. I got up to see what the two were doing. I could barely believe it.
"Get that - no, that other one." Oliver instructed Kakashi as they took over my kitchen. Uncle was trying to get Kakashi to pick the right spices. "You know how to make a dry rub?"
"Yes."
"Yeah - I'll show you mine. Best rub I've ever had."
"I can think of a better one." Kakashi had said, glancing at me as I moved to sit down at my table. I flushed and Uncle nudged Kakashi with the back of his wrist.
"Stop flirting. This is important."
I watched as the two men both bickered and worked together to prepare the fish they caught and cook them up. Uncle went on and on about his dry rub, and the importance of a good barbeque. For just a moment - I just enjoyed the company of the two most important men in my life.
"You got this, Hatake? There's three important things in life - a good game, a case well done, and a damn good barbeque." Uncle said solemnly.
I haven't a clue where Uncle got these thoughts. I always just humored him. It seemed my love decided to do the same as he nodded knowingly. There were things I'd had to come to terms with as far as my Uncle went. I'd have to say good bye to him soon enough. And I'd have to be okay with never knowing why he suddenly approved of Kakashi. There seemed to be a silent agreement between the two of them. I hadn't realized how deep it went until I slipped away to use the restroom. While returning, I heard their hushed voices.
"-think that Tams is over her head and she needs to be safe…. Send her home. You can come too; to lay low. I know some people - get you a job quick enough." Uncle told him softly.
"I'll keep it in mind." Came the reserved tones of Kakashi
Neither I, nor my Love wished to leave. I knew Kakashi would never leave this place. Konoha was an ever-present love in his life. But it was nice to know Uncle accepted us both and him. And it was nice to hear Kakashi not argue with Uncle, either.
In the weeks that followed - Uncle did his best to get to know Kakashi. For some reason, My Love was on his best behavior around the older man. He behaved, not being too much of a troll I knew him to be. That was until Uncle had been scheduled to return home one lazy Sunday afternoon.
The day I had been dreading had come. Uncle was leaving, and here I was…. I didn't want him to go. He didn't want to leave me here. And yet both of us had to be content that neither would get what the other wanted. I had sent letters with him to give to my friends and mother to let them know I was well. Charles would need some sort of explanation. Robert too, of course. Luanna - I hoped she was safe. She had to be. She sometimes disappeared into her studio.
Tsunade had scheduled the time, hiding us in one of the many little nooks the T&I building had to offer. Ibiki stood off to the side as he watched, his arms crossed. There were a few select Anbu there - that Bear-masked Anbu, but the Jackal had been nowhere in sight. Instead - a woman wearing a Cat-mask stood beside Bear. Kakashi stood over beside them both as they waited.
"Alright - let's wrap this up." Tsunade said, striding into the room. She looked over to me and Uncle. I licked my lips, and moved with Uncle to stand in the middle of the room.
"No parties after ten, eh?" Uncle told me softly, trying to lighten the mood. He nudged my shoulder. He sent my Love a look before looking down at me and smiling.
"See you around, eh?" Uncle tried.
I gave him a weak smile and a tight hug. I didn't trust my voice, I felt like I'd crack at any moment.
"Goodbye, Uncle." I managed. He patted my back. I stood there for a long minute just memorizing his smell and feel before I finally pulled away. I didn't want to embarrass myself. I stood quietly. Uncle sent me a wide smile before Tsunade stepped up.
"Thank you. The work you did on the Police Force won't be soon forgotten. We're planning on having it up and running soon, thanks to your efforts." She told him. Uncle nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets. "We should be able to send you right back to when you were taken. Time flows differently between here and there."
Uncle grunted in acknowledgement and Tsunade looked over to the two Anbu and Kakashi. She nodded and stepped back.
"Tami-chan - you might want to come over here." She instructed. I stepped back, away from my Uncle. He sent me another weak smile before looking at the three who circled him at a distance.
"G'bye, Tams… Hatake." Uncle said, shooting myself and Kakashi a look.
In a scroll of ink and a nostalgic plume of smoke - Uncle was gone. All that remained to his presence was the ink that slowly melted away in the ground.
"Alright. Let's wrap it up. We have work to get done." Ibiki barked out. The two Masked Anbu slowly moved to leave. Tsunade left as well.
Kakashi made his way over to my side. Without a word, he pulled me into his arms. That was all it took - I broke.
X
Oliver missed home. He missed the damp cool air. He missed the windy city. He missed the world making sense.
The first thing he had done after returning home was sit down on his couch and take a good swig of his favorite whiskey. He just needed to relax in front of his tv, everything in English, and not think about what he had previously lived through.
Tams grew up. The little girl that used to throw fits and argued until the sun went down finally matured. She'd huff and puff, carrying on until she either got her way or sense got to her. Oliver smiled to himself. How funny was it that she found a man just as obstinate as she was? Sure, Kakashi was more level-headed about it, but it was the funniest thing he ever did see. The two would surely clash in time, but - he bet they'd be fine. Tams would do anything for that man. And Oliver was certain Kakashi'd give his life to keep Tami safe.
As Oliver relaxed, he quietly realized he'd have to fill in Charles - do something about Maya's "disappearance". Oliver didn't want to be found suspicious, so he'd have to have Charles do something about it. He had sent his son a text about it fifteen minutes ago. Oliver wasn't at all surprised when his son came bursting into his home.
"Father, what do you mean, forge a death?" Charles said without even a hello.
"Maya's not comin' back. It's some crazy alternate universe crap." Oliver explained with a wave of his glass. He was too sober for this talk. Tams wasn't around to dump his liquor anymore. He almost thought going on a bender might help - but, inexplicably, he didn't want to.
Charles stared at him, his hands on his hips.
"What."
"Y'heard me."
"You're old and senile. Tamara is still missing. That little one-"
"Maya-"
"That little one probably went to hang out with friends."
"She's stuck in a universe of militaristic ninjas."
Charles groaned, pinching his nose as he rubbed his eyes.
"No." He said monotonously, "did you kill her? I know she was annoying, but generally people frown on that behavior."
Oliver almost pitied his son. However, said son hadn't had to deal with Ninja who appeared out of nowhere, shifted reality, and changed the environment with a wiggle of their fingers.
"Like I said - she stayed in that ninja universe." Oliver explained again.
Charles went to open his mouth as an advertisement came on with that one cartoon show. Oliver grunted and gestured to the screen. There was that Scarecrow fighting some guy in a blue coat.
"What do y'know - my nephew-in-law."
Charles stared at Oliver for a long minute before silently leaving the house. Oliver took another swig of his whiskey. He couldn't blame his son; it sounded insane. But, as a detective, sometimes the truth was. He'd get the letters out later. Right now - he just wanted some quiet.
X
Reina had helped Shisui get back home. Shisui had tried to take his bag back, but she refused, insisting on helping him walk. He pressed his mouth together; he could sense everything just fine. He could hear the way the sound curved around nearby trees and buildings. He could sense the shifting in the air. Maybe he couldn't sense traps or Shadow-clones, but he was just as strong as he was all those years ago. He gritted his teeth.
"I still have your cat, Akira." Reina murmured. He knew. Akira sometimes would report updates to him on the village. "Would you like him back?"
He could sense the Compound was near. It seemed like the creaky gate still hadn't been fixed. He smiled bitterly.
"No. No, keep him. I'm sure he's comfortable where he is right now." Shisui finally said.
He heard her sigh and move to open the compound gate for him. He moved to do so instead.
"Shisui-."
"I'm fine."
"But Shisui."
"I'm fine." He reiterated, opening the gate, ignoring the creak as he did so. He didn't know if he wanted to fix it. It might help him see for now. "I'm not an invalid."
"You can't see." She murmured.
"I can't see. But I can hear just fine, Reina-chan." He said with finality. He moved into the compound, heading towards his old home. He had walked this path thousands of times and he - his foot caught on something and he cursed. Reina was there in a flash, helping brace himself and not fall.
"Be careful."
He pressed his lips together. He was angry - but not with her. Himself, maybe? Maybe with Danzo. Maybe with Tsunade even. He had thought he could prove himself. He wanted to be useful again.
"I know you're upset, but I didn't do anything." She told him sharply.
Reina had been short with him too. He couldn't remember much of his personal past, even though she wanted to help him. He breathed out and carefully started moving towards his home once more.
"I know you didn't. I'm sorry." He told her.
She helped him silently, guiding him to his home. When he finally stepped in, it was nice to be home. But it still wasn't the same. The air was stale. He wished he could see it all. He wished he could.
X
Tenzo didn't mind his assignment. Jiraiya's daughter, Maya, was sweet and kind. She smiled at him and gave him treats which he appreciated. His job was often thankless, and with him being as skilled as he was - people mistook that his ability was easy. It took a great amount of focus and skill to do what he did! And personal dedication and pride. And - Junpei was missing again. He was nearly done with the man. He was close to complaining to the Hokage and asking Junpei be reassigned. He was probably down there chatting with the target. Again. He didn't know what brought on this behavior, but Tenzo was about to be done with it. He dropped into the kitchen, seeing the masked Jackal sitting on the counter, and their Target working on some dough in a big bowl.
"Bear-kun! Welcome in!" Junpei crowed and Maya's head shot up. She smiled brightly at him.
"Oh, hi T-there." She said, stuttering over her words. She laughed nervously and ducked her head. Junpei was chuckling to himself. Tenzo moved over to him, intent on getting the man out of there. They were professionals! He shouldn't be flirting with the target! It was disgraceful!
"You need to leave." Tenzo said quietly to his partner.
"But I can't, Bear-kun. I promised Maya-chan I'd help her." Junpei said, sounding like he was pouting. "Ah! I know!"
Tenzo shifted. Why did it feel like he fell into a trap-?
"You can stay and help. Right Maya-chan?"
"Uhh." Tenzo managed.
"I-I guess, if he wants to…." Maya replied.
"Bear-kun always wants to!" Junpei announced, patting his partner on the back forcefully. Tenzo panicked. Wait, what? What happened?
"Jackal - wait, what-"
Junpei was already practically leaping out of the window. Tenzo watched him in disbelief. That - Jackal tricked him! He promised to have him help and he was tricked. Maya obviously saw and realized what had happened. The shorter woman frowned, glancing out the window in which Junpei had disappeared from.
"You don't have to help if you don't want to." She told him, setting the bowl down on the counter. Tenzo didn't want to go back on his word, even if he didn't actually say he'd help. He had a hard time saying no.
"No.. it's ok." He said.
"Are you sure?"
"It's fine, Maya-san."
She hummed and went to work, instructing him to wash his hands if he wanted to help. So - he did. He ended up helping her make noodles. He didn't entirely hate it. And he did catch Junpei out the window, flashing him two thumbs up. What on earth was this guy up to? Tenzo didn't know. But he was tired of it already. For what it was all worth - Maya let him keep half of the noodles he helped make with her. At least he got something out of it. It wasn't often that he got anything when these things happened.
X
In the days following, I did my best to keep busy. Which, of course meant going to visit friends and my Love when he was available. Shizune was a new found friend I could visit, which was nice. She was always terribly busy, so I might have ran by to collect her for lunch to hang out. Some would say kidnap, but I find that to be a filthy word. We didn't go far, just to the little restaurant down the street from the Hokage building to have lunch and a quick reprieve. I do believe she appreciated it. She was a dear, just as much as Kurenai.
I had been able to get closer with my coworkers as well. After the uprooting Root event, they had a new level of respect for me, and I them. We had found quite a few Root members who were sent to a detaining cell until Tsunade had time to deal with them. They hadn't done anything particularly wrong (aside being used and manipulated by Danzo), so they were treated well enough. I or one of the others would often go down to ensure they were well fed, had water, and their necessities taken care of. They didn't particularly like where they were, but there wasn't much they could truly do about it. Their loyalty seemed to be to both Konoha and Danzo, though one was obviously more important to them than the other. There was a pale boy there with dead eyes that made me worry. He just - reminded me of a little boy with a somber shopping list and a thousand yard stare from so long ago.
I had finally been able to go to one of those training events Mozuku and Shinobu had spoken of so many years ago. We had fun, and I did manage to meet another lovely Kunoichi by the name of Yugao. She wasn't wearing her mask, so I had little idea of who she was. However, her purple hair gave her away. She more than likely was there when we sent my Uncle back - she was probably Cat. She had a dry wit which I appreciated. She might have also bested me with and without her tanto. Cruel that, but she had been training far before I had even been a thought in that universe. So I imagine it was more than fair.
"Do tell, are there classes on that sword fighting?" I asked her as we were wrapping up. She paused as she was getting ready to go, and sheathed her sword behind her back.
"You mean my Tanto?" She asked, "it was taught a little in the academy, but most learn from family or skilled swordsmen."
I ahhed. No wonder I hadn't come across it. It was a unique little thing. I hadn't been sure how to handle it. The only sword I'd had to deal with was that giant one Shark-Boy waved around.
"Did - do you not know about tantos?" She asked me, a little perplexed. Ahh, I didn't mean to have her curiosity piqued.
"I.. might not have."
"Hatake hasn't shown you his? You two worked together. Has he not gotten it fixed yet?"
Ahh… what?
I blinked.
"He hasn't." She stated.
"That man's secrets keep secrets from even himself." I said blandly. He knew sword fighting, too? No wonder he picked up dancing so quickly. That man.
I managed to earn a repressed smile from the Anbu captain.
"He likes to keep his personal and professional life separate." She said, "but considering, I had wondered…."
"He also doesn't like to talk about the past." I murmured. Yugao hummed in agreement and moved over to me.
"Did you want to learn?"
"Mmn, no - just curious. Never seen the like."
It was Yugao's turn to ahh. She tilted her head at me as she took me in. I shrugged and began to walk with her away from the training pitch.
"So, an Anbu captain. What sort of salute should I practice when approaching you in uniform? Or shall I courtesy? My old partner didn't tell me the specifics on etiquette." I said, sprinkling in some Walker charm. Yugao seemed to be another fun one, albeit tight-laced. I wouldn't mind befriending her sometime in the future. I earned a chuckle for my remarks.
"What I wouldn't have given to see you work with him. You probably drove him up the wall." She said finally.
"I do recall telling him he'd either have to buy aspirin or grow a sense of humor. So, did you and he work together?" I hedged.
"Yeah. He used to be the captain over Ro."
Again, my Darling has worked with everyone. I rather wished I'd meet someone who hadn't. I hummed.
"Were you close?" I asked, despite myself. Yugao pressed her lips together and shook her head.
"No. No, he wasn't close to anyone in those days. He showed up late to training but coordinated attacks we never even thought possible."
I hummed. True. He'd done the same with me.
"It's good to see him happy, though. He used to walk with a slouch. It was good seeing him stand taller." Yugao commented.
That comment nearly stopped me in my tracks. I had mused something similar years ago. At the time, I never thought I'd see the day. And yet.
"It is. He's a good sort for all his eccentricities." I agreed with her.
We parted not long after. Hayate arrived to take Yugao away, he waved at me as he went. He didn't seem nearly as sickly as before. I was glad. The poor man had coughed something terrible. I went on my merry way, wondering what I should do next on my day. Darling was busy - he and Gai had left suddenly. Something about weapons?
"I'm trying to surprise Tenten with a new sword! Nothing to read into, Tami-chan!" Gai had told me. My Darling facepalmed behind him. It was a lie, obviously, but I chose not to look into it further. They were being strange, but… it might have something to do with a contest of sorts. Or… or something else. I chose not to look into it.
So, instead, I sat outside to sit on a bench and people-watch. I leaned back, crossing my legs. I had gotten a good chunk of what I needed to get done. My home was still sorely empty. My Love and I were doing well. The end of the exams came and went - I hadn't much else to do but train and live. It had been some time since I had been able to do that. I should probably get to work on something. Maybe check in on Shisui. Poor man probably was still trying to acclimate to village life again. This was when two young teens came up to me. The ever lovely Sakura and charming Ino. Ino's hands were on her hips while Sakura's arms were crossed. They shared a look.
"She never will." Ino said sourly.
I raised my brow at that. What will I never do?
"Shut up." Sakura hissed, before turning to me with a bright smile, "hello Tami-san. How are you today?"
I almost wanted to answer her, wondering what I will never do. But I chose not to.
"Oh, well enough I suppose. How are you?"
"Pretty good. I heard you reached Jounin. Congratulations!" Sakura continued.
She was cute, trying to butter me up but it wasn't necessary.
"Ugh! Just ask so we can leave." Ino hissed, and Sakura shot her friend a dark look. Well, at least this was entertaining enough.
"Ask what?" I was near done with the roundabout way Sakura was trying to get to the point.
"Oh, well…" Sakura stalled, fiddling with her fingers in front of me, one index finger pressing the other and back again.
"She wants to know if you'll teach us to do that reading thing you do to people." Ino said flatly.
I paused, looking at them both. Since when had anyone been interested in my useless talent? Ino took my silence as a no.
"I told you." She grumbled and Sakura shifted, glancing away.
Well, I couldn't have this happening. I had a feeling Ino believed I wasn't interested in helping them. Over the years, I'd been more distant with her as we simply didn't get along well. I stood up and looked at them both.
"I've time now. How about you two?" I asked. I watched as delight took over Sakura's features. Ino's jaw simply dropped. I nodded them over, and we began to walk together.
"How've you both been managing under Tsunade-sama?" I asked.
I got a round of polite good's for my trouble. I found a decent place we could all people-watch to give them an idea of what to look for. I spent the rest of my day breaking down the basics. It was too bad that Gai wasn't there. He was with my Love, galavanting off on some sort of adventure. He would have been perfect to help explain the basics to them both. We went out for dinner later that night. It was nice to see them both, and it was nice to see them not arguing over Sasuke. I hoped he was doing well, wherever he was. I had this feeling that he was safe and well. And I truly hoped that was the case. I hoped I'd see him again soon.
In the following days, I spent time with Kurenai and Shizune at the bath house. It was a lovely time to just rest and soak.
"The New Year festival is coming up. Are either of you going to go?" Kurenai asked.
"Maybe. I might be able to get it off. Tsunade has so much going on right now. I guess Danzo tried to go to the Capital and appeal the Fire Daimyo's decision. He failed but it's caused more paperwork." Shizune explained, groaning as she sank in the water. I hummed. Of course the rat wanted to try to return to his cushy life. I hoped he suffered in whatever cave he and the rest of his miserable maggots found. I know the Anbu had been trying to find them since. No luck yet, the man was unfortunately competent. I rather hated that about him.
"Tami?" Kurenai prompted, "are you?"
I hummed, mulling over the question. I didn't know.
"I guess it depends. It'll be the first year I'm not entertaining two little boys." I explained. I didn't even know if Kakashi wanted to go. I only ever went to give the boys some good memories. I didn't really understand the whole cultural hubbub about it all. The most we ever did at home was watch the ball drop and stay up. I never did have a love to kiss when midnight hit, so it didn't bother me much.
"I think it'll be a good time for you." Kurenai said. She sent me a warm smile, "you might be surprised."
Shizune giggled. I looked at the two - what was going on here?
"You two know something."
"No, never."
"I don't know anything."
They couldn't be more obvious.
"What do you know?"
"I don't know what you mean." Kurenai said suddenly.
"I know nothing." Answered Shizune.
"You two are suspicious." I told them flatly. What were they up to? More importantly, what did they know?
Neither of them would answer any of my questions. They even went as far as hiding their faces! Ugh. I'd get no answers yet. I left, feeling a little frustrated that I didn't know what was going on. I'm assuming it might have something to do with Gai and Kakashi? He must have been going to a weapon or sword shop and-... I stopped in the middle of the walkway, realization hitting me. Yugao said he had a broken tanto. Was he getting it fixed? Gai would know the best blacksmiths, having Tenten as a student. Who else would have given a thirteen year old orphan so many weapons? She wouldn't have had the funds. Gai -. Gai loved to talk, he would have told Kurenai and Asuma and….
Kakashi was going to propose. He was choosing to do the more old fashioned route. The sap I was, I nearly melted there on the spot. He was doing so much work to propose. I hadn't expected him to work so hard for that. I had nearly expected him to just ask me to marry him randomly one day while we simply hung out. I decided to keep my silence - pretend not to know anything. I didn't want to take this from him, working so hard to go through the process. So I didn't mention a word. I didn't comment on the wide knowing grin Gai would send my way, or the fact they hadn't had any sort of sword around when they returned. I tried not to notice the warm look my love would send me when he thought I wasn't looking. He was such a dear. With all this cultural things going on - I figured I might join the party in my own way. Christmas was a bit of a bitter sweet event for me. At first, it was a reminder that my father never wanted me, then when I came to Konoha, it was a painful reminder that I wasn't home. I put it from my mind. It was easier getting lost in the boys' need than my own pain from losing what I had.
So, I went to work. I had gotten a cute little Bromeliad for Kurenai, a nice pocket watch for Asuma (thought he might like feeling distinguished). Maya received a new journal and a set of nice pens. Shizune had gotten a shiny new set of medical utensils (the pointy ones scared me, but she had been complaining that she needed them). Gai had been the easiest of the bunch - I got him that weight bench. Considering all he does for everyone around him, I thought it fitting. He wept when he received it, declaring he'd make use of it immediately. And he did. I had handed these out on the customary day. Near a week before then, I even found a small Pine Tree I could swan off with from the forest. My darling watched me in mild fascination and humor as I dragged the thing in my flat and set it up.
"What are you doing?"
"Sharing my culture." I told him as I went about looking for ways to decorate it. I didn't have any ornaments, which was truly a travesty. "Be a dear and pop those corn kernels, ah?"
He just stared at me, his hands in his pockets. He looked at the tree and then back at me.
"What are you going to do with popcorn? Stick it on the needles?"
"Oh, hush. I don't tease you for your eccentricities." I told him, getting up to do it myself. He tutted and jumped up to handle the popcorn before I even got close.
"I got it, I got it." He told me.
He did help me string up popcorn, sending me weird looks as I went about my business.
"What… is this for?" He asked me finally as I finished wrapping the tree.
"Oh, with all these festivals going on, I thought maybe I could indulge in one of mine." I told him, sitting beside him on the couch. He shifted, allowing me to nestle beside him.
"Is that so?" He asked as he looked at the tree, almost judging the poor thing. I'll admit it wasn't as stately as the ones I'd seen in Millenium Park. But it would do for now.
"Mm. We decorate the tree, and on the 25th give out presents." I could feel him stiffen. He hadn't expected it, and therefore had no present to give. "It's a holiday about gift giving, my Love. Not receiving. I'm not expecting anything in return."
He maa'd. The day of I may have politely demanded his pack come and enjoy the day with us. I had gotten them some treats I thought they'd like, Pakkun a little spa kit and Akino a nice new pair of sunglasses. I tried to get something for each of them that I thought they'd like. And finally, my Love was the hardest to shop for. He was so practical that I didn't know what to get him. I had gotten him new mittens and a new scarf for the winter, and the only other thing that I thought he'd like; two premier tickets to see the new Icha Icha movie set to come out later this coming spring. It had taken weeks to track them down. They'd gone fast, but fortunately (and unfortunately for my pocket book) scalpers were prevalent even in this world. I got the tickets at the price of a pretty ryo. It was a good thing I had been saving what I could, as I originally planned to give what I had to Naruto when I left. It meant I had enough savings to manage it. My Love appreciated the new items, but nothing would beat the way his entire face lit up when he saw the tickets. With the way he acted - I may just have to rethink how I thought of Icha Icha. He pulled me into a kiss before excitedly raving about them.
"I tried to get these and they were sold out! I couldn't get them anywhere!" He carried on, "I didn't even think you'd want to go with me. How did you get these?"
"Oh, you know me, a little bird told me. And I wouldn't mind going, so long as it's with you." I said with a grin.
My Love was awestruck all day, excitedly going on about our plans and what he wanted to do. We'd have to travel to the capital.
"We could get a nice hotel not far from the theater. Some of the suites have their own small spring." He carried on.
"That might be nice to enjoy together, mm?"
"We could even -." He paused, looking up at me from the tickets in his hand. I think he realized then that I had figured out his plan. After all, why else would I be so welcoming of us sharing a romantic room together? He didn't say anything more, just pulled me in for another sweet kiss.
The morning of the last day of the year, I lay in bed wondering what the day would bring me. Surely my Love would enact his plan soon enough. Would he do so during the festival? Afterwards as the evening waned and the countdown had begun? I got up to get dressed, and went to head into the kitchen. Before I even arrived, my love was already there - pots and pans gently clanging as he tried to move quietly. At first, I could only see his back. As he turned, I froze.
He was in my kitchen, maskless. The second he realized I was there he paused for a moment - a blush rushing across his face. I smiled at him. Look at him, trying to butter me up! He wore his usual pants and undershirt - and he didn't have any shoes on. It looked like he left them by the door. He usually didn't do that, as I typically didn't. He must have been wanting to make a good impression. He hadn't even worn his headband or other usual fare. He was dressed very simply today.
"Morning, my Love." I greeted him softly, making my way into the room. He smiled back at me - it was beautiful to actually see his face. I moved into the kitchen, wishing to help him when I noticed it. It was there, on my table as if the table itself had any right to behold such a gift. A sparkling silver tanto sitting in an open box sitting on a plush royal blue velvet pillow. I stood there, transfixed. He was proposing. Now. I had expected it, but I was still stunned. The tanto itself looked pristine. Sunlight bounced off of it, making the blade almost look pure white. My breath caught.
I could see my Darling shifting behind me. I turned to look at him, to try to answer - I saw panic slowly begin to fill his form. He started patting his pockets as he watched me before he suddenly knelt down on one knee, pulling out an old golden ring and held it up. Uncle gave my Love his ring.
"Tami-chan, would you-"
I dropped into his arms, pulling him into a kiss. He held me close to his chest as if I were his very breath.
"Yes - yes. I love you so much, yes." I told him in a hurry, he froze for only a moment between our kisses. I hadn't even realized I switched to English, but at the moment I didn't even care. He was my Love. He wanted me and I couldn't be happier to want him in return.
"I love you too." He answered me softly.
He just spoke English to me. He just spoke English. Of all things, he had an American accent. Either Uncle or Maya must have taught him. I laughed happily between kisses. This was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.
I couldn't really say how we spent the rest of our day. The events of the morning seemed to blur together as we got ready for the festival. We both dressed up to hide from prying eyes. For the sake of my Love, I dressed up as the Canary that I had sung as those many years ago. He, again as Sukea, as we enjoyed the night together.
It wasn't a month later that we wed. We had a small celebration for those around us. I had sent Naruto and Jiraiya notice and an invite. They couldn't make it due to the training Naruto was under. Naruto did send my Love a long letter about how he had to be a good husband. I did get a letter of congratulations, though Naruto shared his skepticism about Kakashi. It was sweet. We did get a kind but short letter from Jiraiya, thanking us for the invite and wishing us well.
It was nearing the end of the night when I had to go and freshen up in the restroom. Our little event was in a nice hall the Yamanaka's owned. Inoichi was kind enough to let us use the venue. I had been on my way back to get a drink (settle the nerves and such) when Kakashi met me outside of the restroom.
"Let's go." He murmured to me.
Looking in the distance, I saw a body double of myself and Kakashi chatting up with Kurenai and the rest. I looked at my Love - he must be done with socializing for the night.
"Go where?" I asked him teasingly, pulling away. He clearly wished to go home. I clearly wished for more fun.
"Tami-chan." He firmly tutted, his gaze burning.
I flashed him a wide grin, picked up my skirts and ran. I darted out the window, pleased my kimono didn't get caught. I was under so many yards of fabric, I knew he could have easily caught me if he wanted to. I bound from the establishment, trying to at least put up some sort of fight for the Ex-Anbu Captain extraordinaire. I could feel the heat of his gaze on me, on the back of my neck as I made my mad dash across the rooftops of Konoha. I hadn't a particular location in mind. I had dropped down into an alley, thinking I lost him. Hands suddenly slid up my sides behind me, pulling me against a strong chest.
"Home, Tami-chan," Kakashi said firmly in my ear. My breath nearly caught.
"And where would that be?" I asked, just a touch winded. He went to hold me tighter, but I danced away from his arms. He wouldn't just catch me so -. The man before me vanished in a poof of smoke. I backed up, accidentally hitting another. I spun, and there he was, pulling me into his arms again, taut against his body. This one's heartbeat I could hear, it thumped out a steady but fast pace. He pulled me in for a kiss, pulling his mask down. His tongue felt hot against mine, his hands pressing me against him as they roamed my back. He caught me - fair and square. I didn't have it in me to run from him much more. He tasted like the bitter dark chocolate and citrus that we chose to share instead of cake. His hand grazed my lower back and I melted in against him, I couldn't help the small moan he coaxed from me. He picked me up and carried me back to our new place, a touch larger than my last. I wanted his Ninken to feel welcome to stop by, and if Naruto wished to come he'd be welcome.
As all good and perfect shinobi do, he carried me in through the window. He set me down as we made our slow trek to the bedroom. Time meant nothing now as we kissed, his nimble hands working on undoing the outer part of my kimono. I could feel the cold air against my skin. I wanted to touch him, wishing to feel his skin under my fingers. I found the right ties as he sought a good place on my neck to kiss. I whimpered, finally finding success as my fingertips ran across his side and he slipped off the top. He nipped my neck and I lost all sense. We were bare before each other not long after, and soon more intimately acquainted. As with many things, I found my Lover to be just as thorough and much like that Dire Wolf as I thought of him years ago. His body kept me warm from the chill in the air as we consummated our vows. Some nameless hours after, we slept in each others' embrace.
End Chapter
AN: Another day, another chapter. So, for the last few weeks I've been looking over Sparks and correcting some things (and even lengthening a scene during the time Tami and Kakashi make tacos for team 7). And then I moved on to Burn and realized I overlooked some things. I still need to clean it up a little bit, but I think now it's a little better. And then, some scenes needed just a little bit more added to them. I added a when is your birthday scene in chapter three, if you're curious. I couldn't help it - the concept was cute, and I found Burn to be so plot heavy that I needed a little bit of lightness there. I might find other places to add in some sweeter, fluffy moments so it evens out the heaviness of the story.
So - all that to say, I really do appreciate all of the love you guys have given me and my little story over the years. I've been blown away by the support for Sparks, and even for the shift to Burn. I know it was rough for a good minute, so I appreciate those that stuck with me. Thank you.
And I also hope you guys didn't mind the long fluff here. I enjoyed writing it, but I never know how much that transfers with you guys enjoying it as well.
I do plan on doing a small time skip between the end of this chapter and the next. Anything beyond this I think would just be two newlyweds in the honeymoon phase. Which is cute, but I think we all need a break from it. They're adorable, but I don't want to cross into territory where this fic is all fluff and no substance. I feel like I can get away with it this chapter but I don't want it to be so often that it gets stale. And, well, they'll be involved in scenes that I wouldn't be comfortable writing about lol that last one was hard enough.