With This Ring...(Ch.2) The Burden of Duty
Title: With This Ring…
Summery: Iruka reluctantly agrees to an arranged marriage in order to save his adopted family from financial ruin...and is horrified when Hatake Kakashi rises to the offer.
Rating: PG-13, rating my go up
Genre: AU/canon, Humor, eventual romance.
Notes: Special thanks and dedication goes to Anon for finding my Prompt on kakairu_kink and writing this drabble/prologue to get this plot bunny running :3 *showers mystery writer with virtual cookies* (I would love to give proper credit if the mystery writer would like to step forward!)
Ch.2
The Burden of Duty
Only a handful of people cared to remember that Umino Iruka had smoked regularly before being appointed a full time job at the Academy. Like any former smoker, Iruka felt the urge to start again whenever he was under intense stress, but he had always been able to ward off his cravings due to the very likely threat of pre-Genins stealing his cigarettes; Iruka himself had stolen quite a few when he was young.
"The nerve of that woman!" Iruka seethed as he fumbled in his pockets for a lighter. A cigarette dangled from one corner of his scowl. He had summoned a clone to fetch a pack the moment the Hyuuga party had gone and Iruka darted for the roof as soon as it came back. He wanted to privately savor his shame in peace. Today seemed as good as any to restart old habits--and most especially after what he had endured locked in a tiny room with Hyuuga Yukari.
Yukari was planning the wedding to be a solemnly formal affair. And since Iruka was the adopted son to the Hokage, she intended to invite only the most prominent shinobi leaders to witness the ceremony. As the Nadoko, Yukari had the final say right down to flower arrangements.
The lighter wavered in Iruka's hand, and he had to concentrate to steady the tiny flame. A big formal wedding was the last thing he wanted. He had nearly shouted himself hoarse arguing with Yukari, who would then thrust her silver ring under his nose to show him who was in command. Iruka controlled his temper by picturing the faces of the all the members of Sarutobi clan. It helped to remind himself why he had agreed to go through with the arrangement.
Umino Iruka had been an orphan just shy of fourteen when the Hokage invited him into the Sarutobi clan. Most had welcomed the troubled youth into their family, and some treated Iruka as if he were no different from their own blood. Iruka had not thought it possible to be so unconditionally loved since his parents died, and he would do everything in his power to save his surrogate clan--even if that meant binding himself into a loveless marriage.
He had never considered the possibility of settling for anything less than a relationship grounded in love; but finding one had been virtually impossible between the two full-time jobs he took to help support his clan. Iruka had the opportunity to date only a handful of men, but nothing came from those relationships apart from casual sex. Iruka was a romantic at heart, and giving up that dream had crushed him more than he liked to admit. He had resolved to set aside his preferences for the sake of duty, but he never suspected that his betrothed would turn out to be the undependable, ill-mannered, and infamously lecherous Hatake Kakashi. Just thinking about their wedding night made Iruka's skin crawl.
Iruka coughed violently over the cigarette before he was able to take a full drag. His leaned against the guardrail and closed his eyes to banish all troubling thoughts as the tobacco circulated throughout his system into a pleasant nicotine buzz. A blissful smile curled his lips. 'By the nine hells, I needed this!'
"Smoking again?" A smooth feminine voice said behind Iruka. "I see that some family traditions don't need to struggle in order to pass on."
"Obasan!" Iruka yelped and spun around to find Sarutobi Akemi standing calmly before the entryway. His aunt's skill to approach the Chuunin undetected was a testament of her rank as a retired Jounin. Iruka instinctively hid the cigarette behind his back before realizing it was a futile gesture.
Akemi smiled at the abashed look upon her nephew's face, which reminded her of a child caught stealing sweets. "There's no need to hide, my boy, you are well old enough to make your own decisions." As if to give weight to her words she drew back her green robes to unhook an iron-wrought pipe from her obi, of which she always kept hidden behind her back. It was always a shock for strangers to see the dignified sister of the Hokage using a Biyõkiseru cudgel as her preferred weapon, and even more so whenever she revealed it to smoke. In her prime Sarutobi Akemi had been renowned throughout the Fire Nation for her tobacco-related jutsus.
Paying no mind to the filthy ground, Akemi settled herself in a formal position before producing a tiny hand-embroidered tobacco pouch and a thin metal rod from her sleeve. The rod was used for scraping and packing her pipe, and like most of shinobi tools it doubled as a weapon. "Although," she continued, "I was hoping to only have Asuma carrying on with our tradition." She said the name sadly. It had not yet been a full year since the Hokage's son had died, which in part had been a major factor in the clan's financial downfall. Asuma's death had also tragically left his pregnant lover without a father to their child. Kuranai had lost everything from the Sound's attack, and she and her son were among those in the Sarutobi clan who's futures hinged on the outcome of Iruka's marriage.
Iruka gave his half-smoked cigarette a sour look before he flung it to crush beneath his heel. "I didn't want it anyways," he lied. He really, really wanted it, but he'll be damned to start smoking again at the expense of that Hyuuga woman.
Akemi flicked a match alight on the concrete roof. Her mouth quirked dryly over the stem of her pipe as she studied Iruka's mood. "I'm assuming the meeting with Yukari went well?"
Iruka threw up his hands in exasperation. "That woman is hell-bent on taking over everything! I had to practically twist her arm just to be allowed to choose the color of my own kimono!" He made a disgusted noise. "I'm half tempted to marry that bastard Kakashi at some weekend hot spring resort just to spite her!"
"Don't forget that you willingly chose this path." A hard look flashed in Akemi's brown eyes. "And marriage should never be treated so disrespectfully, Iruka-kun."
Her tone quelled the anger in Iruka's throat, and he swallowed it down in a hard lump. Akemi's expression softened with encouragement, and Iruka felt his spirits lift. His aunt was as wise in the ways of the world as her elder brother, and she had a way of helping Iruka keep his temper in check. He waited in a respectful silence as Akemi went through the motions of lighting her pipe, and she did not speak until she had breathed the embers to life.
"I suppose we should have informed you that a wedding adhering to traditional etiquette would help restore some of our clan's political influence." Bluish smoke framed Akemi's words. "Pomp and ceremony is expected for a son of the Hokage, and it has its role to spread word that the Sarutobi Clan is again powerful with enough wealth to spare in this union."
"I understand that," Iruka muttered sullenly. "What has me worked up is being bamboozled into the role of the bride!"
"I promise that it won't be that bad," Akemi chuckled in a light voice. "I have attended similar marriages before, as rare as they might be, and none of the men were forced to wear the shiro-muku bridal kimono." Wisps of smoke drifted around her wry smile. "And considering the other candidates, I'd have thought you would be pleased with your selection."
Iruka felt warmth spread across his cheeks, and he adverted his eyes. "He's not exactly what I was hoping for." Akemi was among the few in the Sarutobi clan that was aware of his preference for men. After a moment Iruka met her gaze. "My decision was entirely political."
"Most arranged marriages are," Yukari agreed as she tapped some of the spent ash from her pipe. Her tobacco had long lost its moisture and burned out quickly. It was an uncomfortable reminder of the family's ruined wealth. "As it is, Kakashi will need all the help he can get if his plans are to succeed."
"Plans?" Iruka leaned closer to listen. Perhaps now he could learn the motives behind Kakashi's strange offer for marriage. "Obasan, what are you implying?"
His aunt hesitated before answering. She lowered her pipe as a sign that what she had to say would be grave. "Kakashi's father died labeled as a traitor in our village. His suicide only resulted in cementing his shame onto his clan. Most respectable shinobi will not accept a marriage contract from one who bears the sullied Hatake name. Superstition hints that to do so would invite disgrace into their bloodline."
"Ridiculous," Iruka growled incredulously. He turned to scan the empty rooftops of that dotted the landscape of Konoha. He had no idea that such outdated thinking persisted to this day--and among shinobi no less! "A person should be measured by their own actions. Kakashi has dedicated his life to help protect our village, and I say that he's honorable enough!" Iruka was a little surprised to find himself defending the man.
"I forget sometimes that you were not raised among old fogies such as myself." Akemi shook her head sadly. "It is because of superstition that no prominent families are willing to accept a marital union with the Hatake clan. It is Kakashi's responsibility to restore his family's lost honor, and it is also his duty as a shinobi to help ensure the prosperity Konoha's future generations."
"Future generations?" Iruka echoed, his eyebrows had lifted in surprise to hide under his Hitate-ate. "How do you mean?"
Akemi shifted her gaze to puff her smoldering battle-pipe, obviously reluctant to say more. "A union with the Sarutobi clan is a powerful statement to all of Konoha; if the Hokage is willing to mix blood with the son of a disgraced leader, than all from the Hatake clan are worthy of the right to marry within the shinobi elite." Akemi said those last words as if it pained her to admit as much. "It is a sad thing that our comrades could be so blind as to allow one of our village's most powerful families to wither away. In these troubled times the Hatake Clan is one that Konoha cannot afford to lose. Perhaps one day there will be no need to raise children for war, but that time is not now."
Iruka felt his heart sink to the pit of his stomach. He had no idea that such a burden had been placed upon Kakashi's shoulders. The recent attack from the Sound was enough of a reminder to Iruka that he had helped prepare children for violence. He did not like it, but it had to be done in order for their village to have a future. Akemi's revelations made his own misgivings about the wedding seem utterly childish and petty.
Akemi continued to puff on her pipe, and to Iruka she suddenly appeared very frail and worn-out. "Duty can be a double-edged sword, and it is especially so when you are young." She gave him a tiny smile that was not unkindly.
"I've survived worse among my students." Iruka forced a weak smile. "And at least I have only three days to deal with Matron Yukari."
"Nadoko Yukari is fully capable of ensuring the restoration of both the Sarutobi and Hatake clans." Akemi gave Iruka a mild look that brooked no nonsense. "You must do your best to heed her advice, even if she behaves no better than a pickled toad." Akemi flashed one of her rare grins. "To be honest, I'm relieved that you did not accept her offer. I've shuddered at the thought of welcoming her into our family as my sister!"
"Oh, I don't know…' Iruka returned the grin. "At least I can guarantee that she doesn't read porn!"
Laughter followed the smoke into the air.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Iruka nervously tapped the butt-end of his pen against his desk as he scanned the contract that would literally sign his life away. His eyes widened when he caught a drastic modification hidden among the legal jargon. Apparently Kakashi had decided to increase his monetary offer as a bonus for Iruka's agreement to wed.
"This is far too much," Iruka said as he placed the papers down. To say that the amount was generous was a grave understatement. It was more than what Iruka would make in ten years if he saved every ryo between his two paychecks. The amount was generous enough for the Sarutobi ancestral home be completely refurbished, and have enough left over for a sauna and a koi pond to be installed! "My clan can get by with far less," Iruka said firmly. His family was not that destitute.
"It's fine." Kakashi said behind the ever present Icha Icha book. "I don't have anything else to spend it on," he said while flipping a page. One would not suspect by Kakashi's demeanor that he ranked among the wealthiest residents in Konoha village.
Iruka was almost ashamed to find himself suspicious of the Jounin's peculiar generosity. Nobody gave away a sizable fortune without good reason. "Wouldn't you rather set some aside?" Iruka pressed. "There must be some in your family that might need it in the future."
"Oh, them." Kakashi casually waved a hand in dismissal. "I've been disowned by my clan ever since my father died. They should be grateful enough that I'm clearing the Hatake name for their brats."
Iruka blinked. Apparently relations between Kakashi and his family were a little strained. "Then why marry now?" he asked, and wanted to add 'And to me of all people?'
Kakashi shrugged. "My days on the battlefield are numbered. I'd rather have the bulk of my fortune go to a clan that's proven its worth to Konoha while I still have control of it." He flipped another page in his garishly orange book, unconcerned. "As for the rest of my family, they can all go rot in hell."
'Okay, maybe a little more than strained.' Iruka glanced at the buxom brunette pictured on the Icha Icha cover. Kakashi obviously liked women enough to read that smut, but until earlier that day Iruka had not heard even a whispered rumor to indicate otherwise. The memory of Kakashi tapping his nose flashed before his eyes. Had there been any truth behind that little flirtation? Or was it all a sick ploy to get under Iruka's skin? Iruka could not stop himself from blurting "Why me?" He had to know. "I'm nothing like those women in your books."
Kakashi lowered his book. His dark eye seemed to contemplate Iruka's tense expression, his own masked face was unreadable. "There is one thing that made me choose you over all the eligible woman in Konoha."
"Oh?" Iruka took a nervous sip of his tea before setting it aside. "And what's that?"
"Well, for one thing…" Kakashi's eye curved slyly as he drawled "you don't have PMS."
Iruka did not dignify Kakashi with a response. Without saying a word he opened their marital contract to gouge his name next to Kakashi's signature, then threw it into the jounin's face as he marched stiffly into the hallway. Iruka slammed the door shut with enough force to shake the room. Acting out his anger did not give Iruka any pleasure. In three days he will be married to Hatake Kakashi, and Iruka had the rest of his life to spend it in matrimonial misery.
Kakashi peeled a loose page off his face. "I thought it was funny," he grumbled to the empty room.
TBC
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Next Chapter
Ch. III: Cold Feet
Previous Chapters
Prologue &Ch. I: A Battle of Wills
Summery: Iruka reluctantly agrees to an arranged marriage in order to save his adopted family from financial ruin...and is horrified when Hatake Kakashi rises to the offer.
Rating: PG-13, rating my go up
Genre: AU/canon, Humor, eventual romance.
Notes: Special thanks and dedication goes to Anon for finding my Prompt on kakairu_kink and writing this drabble/prologue to get this plot bunny running :3 *showers mystery writer with virtual cookies* (I would love to give proper credit if the mystery writer would like to step forward!)
Ch.2
The Burden of Duty
Only a handful of people cared to remember that Umino Iruka had smoked regularly before being appointed a full time job at the Academy. Like any former smoker, Iruka felt the urge to start again whenever he was under intense stress, but he had always been able to ward off his cravings due to the very likely threat of pre-Genins stealing his cigarettes; Iruka himself had stolen quite a few when he was young.
"The nerve of that woman!" Iruka seethed as he fumbled in his pockets for a lighter. A cigarette dangled from one corner of his scowl. He had summoned a clone to fetch a pack the moment the Hyuuga party had gone and Iruka darted for the roof as soon as it came back. He wanted to privately savor his shame in peace. Today seemed as good as any to restart old habits--and most especially after what he had endured locked in a tiny room with Hyuuga Yukari.
Yukari was planning the wedding to be a solemnly formal affair. And since Iruka was the adopted son to the Hokage, she intended to invite only the most prominent shinobi leaders to witness the ceremony. As the Nadoko, Yukari had the final say right down to flower arrangements.
The lighter wavered in Iruka's hand, and he had to concentrate to steady the tiny flame. A big formal wedding was the last thing he wanted. He had nearly shouted himself hoarse arguing with Yukari, who would then thrust her silver ring under his nose to show him who was in command. Iruka controlled his temper by picturing the faces of the all the members of Sarutobi clan. It helped to remind himself why he had agreed to go through with the arrangement.
Umino Iruka had been an orphan just shy of fourteen when the Hokage invited him into the Sarutobi clan. Most had welcomed the troubled youth into their family, and some treated Iruka as if he were no different from their own blood. Iruka had not thought it possible to be so unconditionally loved since his parents died, and he would do everything in his power to save his surrogate clan--even if that meant binding himself into a loveless marriage.
He had never considered the possibility of settling for anything less than a relationship grounded in love; but finding one had been virtually impossible between the two full-time jobs he took to help support his clan. Iruka had the opportunity to date only a handful of men, but nothing came from those relationships apart from casual sex. Iruka was a romantic at heart, and giving up that dream had crushed him more than he liked to admit. He had resolved to set aside his preferences for the sake of duty, but he never suspected that his betrothed would turn out to be the undependable, ill-mannered, and infamously lecherous Hatake Kakashi. Just thinking about their wedding night made Iruka's skin crawl.
Iruka coughed violently over the cigarette before he was able to take a full drag. His leaned against the guardrail and closed his eyes to banish all troubling thoughts as the tobacco circulated throughout his system into a pleasant nicotine buzz. A blissful smile curled his lips. 'By the nine hells, I needed this!'
"Smoking again?" A smooth feminine voice said behind Iruka. "I see that some family traditions don't need to struggle in order to pass on."
"Obasan!" Iruka yelped and spun around to find Sarutobi Akemi standing calmly before the entryway. His aunt's skill to approach the Chuunin undetected was a testament of her rank as a retired Jounin. Iruka instinctively hid the cigarette behind his back before realizing it was a futile gesture.
Akemi smiled at the abashed look upon her nephew's face, which reminded her of a child caught stealing sweets. "There's no need to hide, my boy, you are well old enough to make your own decisions." As if to give weight to her words she drew back her green robes to unhook an iron-wrought pipe from her obi, of which she always kept hidden behind her back. It was always a shock for strangers to see the dignified sister of the Hokage using a Biyõkiseru cudgel as her preferred weapon, and even more so whenever she revealed it to smoke. In her prime Sarutobi Akemi had been renowned throughout the Fire Nation for her tobacco-related jutsus.
Paying no mind to the filthy ground, Akemi settled herself in a formal position before producing a tiny hand-embroidered tobacco pouch and a thin metal rod from her sleeve. The rod was used for scraping and packing her pipe, and like most of shinobi tools it doubled as a weapon. "Although," she continued, "I was hoping to only have Asuma carrying on with our tradition." She said the name sadly. It had not yet been a full year since the Hokage's son had died, which in part had been a major factor in the clan's financial downfall. Asuma's death had also tragically left his pregnant lover without a father to their child. Kuranai had lost everything from the Sound's attack, and she and her son were among those in the Sarutobi clan who's futures hinged on the outcome of Iruka's marriage.
Iruka gave his half-smoked cigarette a sour look before he flung it to crush beneath his heel. "I didn't want it anyways," he lied. He really, really wanted it, but he'll be damned to start smoking again at the expense of that Hyuuga woman.
Akemi flicked a match alight on the concrete roof. Her mouth quirked dryly over the stem of her pipe as she studied Iruka's mood. "I'm assuming the meeting with Yukari went well?"
Iruka threw up his hands in exasperation. "That woman is hell-bent on taking over everything! I had to practically twist her arm just to be allowed to choose the color of my own kimono!" He made a disgusted noise. "I'm half tempted to marry that bastard Kakashi at some weekend hot spring resort just to spite her!"
"Don't forget that you willingly chose this path." A hard look flashed in Akemi's brown eyes. "And marriage should never be treated so disrespectfully, Iruka-kun."
Her tone quelled the anger in Iruka's throat, and he swallowed it down in a hard lump. Akemi's expression softened with encouragement, and Iruka felt his spirits lift. His aunt was as wise in the ways of the world as her elder brother, and she had a way of helping Iruka keep his temper in check. He waited in a respectful silence as Akemi went through the motions of lighting her pipe, and she did not speak until she had breathed the embers to life.
"I suppose we should have informed you that a wedding adhering to traditional etiquette would help restore some of our clan's political influence." Bluish smoke framed Akemi's words. "Pomp and ceremony is expected for a son of the Hokage, and it has its role to spread word that the Sarutobi Clan is again powerful with enough wealth to spare in this union."
"I understand that," Iruka muttered sullenly. "What has me worked up is being bamboozled into the role of the bride!"
"I promise that it won't be that bad," Akemi chuckled in a light voice. "I have attended similar marriages before, as rare as they might be, and none of the men were forced to wear the shiro-muku bridal kimono." Wisps of smoke drifted around her wry smile. "And considering the other candidates, I'd have thought you would be pleased with your selection."
Iruka felt warmth spread across his cheeks, and he adverted his eyes. "He's not exactly what I was hoping for." Akemi was among the few in the Sarutobi clan that was aware of his preference for men. After a moment Iruka met her gaze. "My decision was entirely political."
"Most arranged marriages are," Yukari agreed as she tapped some of the spent ash from her pipe. Her tobacco had long lost its moisture and burned out quickly. It was an uncomfortable reminder of the family's ruined wealth. "As it is, Kakashi will need all the help he can get if his plans are to succeed."
"Plans?" Iruka leaned closer to listen. Perhaps now he could learn the motives behind Kakashi's strange offer for marriage. "Obasan, what are you implying?"
His aunt hesitated before answering. She lowered her pipe as a sign that what she had to say would be grave. "Kakashi's father died labeled as a traitor in our village. His suicide only resulted in cementing his shame onto his clan. Most respectable shinobi will not accept a marriage contract from one who bears the sullied Hatake name. Superstition hints that to do so would invite disgrace into their bloodline."
"Ridiculous," Iruka growled incredulously. He turned to scan the empty rooftops of that dotted the landscape of Konoha. He had no idea that such outdated thinking persisted to this day--and among shinobi no less! "A person should be measured by their own actions. Kakashi has dedicated his life to help protect our village, and I say that he's honorable enough!" Iruka was a little surprised to find himself defending the man.
"I forget sometimes that you were not raised among old fogies such as myself." Akemi shook her head sadly. "It is because of superstition that no prominent families are willing to accept a marital union with the Hatake clan. It is Kakashi's responsibility to restore his family's lost honor, and it is also his duty as a shinobi to help ensure the prosperity Konoha's future generations."
"Future generations?" Iruka echoed, his eyebrows had lifted in surprise to hide under his Hitate-ate. "How do you mean?"
Akemi shifted her gaze to puff her smoldering battle-pipe, obviously reluctant to say more. "A union with the Sarutobi clan is a powerful statement to all of Konoha; if the Hokage is willing to mix blood with the son of a disgraced leader, than all from the Hatake clan are worthy of the right to marry within the shinobi elite." Akemi said those last words as if it pained her to admit as much. "It is a sad thing that our comrades could be so blind as to allow one of our village's most powerful families to wither away. In these troubled times the Hatake Clan is one that Konoha cannot afford to lose. Perhaps one day there will be no need to raise children for war, but that time is not now."
Iruka felt his heart sink to the pit of his stomach. He had no idea that such a burden had been placed upon Kakashi's shoulders. The recent attack from the Sound was enough of a reminder to Iruka that he had helped prepare children for violence. He did not like it, but it had to be done in order for their village to have a future. Akemi's revelations made his own misgivings about the wedding seem utterly childish and petty.
Akemi continued to puff on her pipe, and to Iruka she suddenly appeared very frail and worn-out. "Duty can be a double-edged sword, and it is especially so when you are young." She gave him a tiny smile that was not unkindly.
"I've survived worse among my students." Iruka forced a weak smile. "And at least I have only three days to deal with Matron Yukari."
"Nadoko Yukari is fully capable of ensuring the restoration of both the Sarutobi and Hatake clans." Akemi gave Iruka a mild look that brooked no nonsense. "You must do your best to heed her advice, even if she behaves no better than a pickled toad." Akemi flashed one of her rare grins. "To be honest, I'm relieved that you did not accept her offer. I've shuddered at the thought of welcoming her into our family as my sister!"
"Oh, I don't know…' Iruka returned the grin. "At least I can guarantee that she doesn't read porn!"
Laughter followed the smoke into the air.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Iruka nervously tapped the butt-end of his pen against his desk as he scanned the contract that would literally sign his life away. His eyes widened when he caught a drastic modification hidden among the legal jargon. Apparently Kakashi had decided to increase his monetary offer as a bonus for Iruka's agreement to wed.
"This is far too much," Iruka said as he placed the papers down. To say that the amount was generous was a grave understatement. It was more than what Iruka would make in ten years if he saved every ryo between his two paychecks. The amount was generous enough for the Sarutobi ancestral home be completely refurbished, and have enough left over for a sauna and a koi pond to be installed! "My clan can get by with far less," Iruka said firmly. His family was not that destitute.
"It's fine." Kakashi said behind the ever present Icha Icha book. "I don't have anything else to spend it on," he said while flipping a page. One would not suspect by Kakashi's demeanor that he ranked among the wealthiest residents in Konoha village.
Iruka was almost ashamed to find himself suspicious of the Jounin's peculiar generosity. Nobody gave away a sizable fortune without good reason. "Wouldn't you rather set some aside?" Iruka pressed. "There must be some in your family that might need it in the future."
"Oh, them." Kakashi casually waved a hand in dismissal. "I've been disowned by my clan ever since my father died. They should be grateful enough that I'm clearing the Hatake name for their brats."
Iruka blinked. Apparently relations between Kakashi and his family were a little strained. "Then why marry now?" he asked, and wanted to add 'And to me of all people?'
Kakashi shrugged. "My days on the battlefield are numbered. I'd rather have the bulk of my fortune go to a clan that's proven its worth to Konoha while I still have control of it." He flipped another page in his garishly orange book, unconcerned. "As for the rest of my family, they can all go rot in hell."
'Okay, maybe a little more than strained.' Iruka glanced at the buxom brunette pictured on the Icha Icha cover. Kakashi obviously liked women enough to read that smut, but until earlier that day Iruka had not heard even a whispered rumor to indicate otherwise. The memory of Kakashi tapping his nose flashed before his eyes. Had there been any truth behind that little flirtation? Or was it all a sick ploy to get under Iruka's skin? Iruka could not stop himself from blurting "Why me?" He had to know. "I'm nothing like those women in your books."
Kakashi lowered his book. His dark eye seemed to contemplate Iruka's tense expression, his own masked face was unreadable. "There is one thing that made me choose you over all the eligible woman in Konoha."
"Oh?" Iruka took a nervous sip of his tea before setting it aside. "And what's that?"
"Well, for one thing…" Kakashi's eye curved slyly as he drawled "you don't have PMS."
Iruka did not dignify Kakashi with a response. Without saying a word he opened their marital contract to gouge his name next to Kakashi's signature, then threw it into the jounin's face as he marched stiffly into the hallway. Iruka slammed the door shut with enough force to shake the room. Acting out his anger did not give Iruka any pleasure. In three days he will be married to Hatake Kakashi, and Iruka had the rest of his life to spend it in matrimonial misery.
Kakashi peeled a loose page off his face. "I thought it was funny," he grumbled to the empty room.
TBC
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Next Chapter
Ch. III: Cold Feet
Previous Chapters
Prologue &Ch. I: A Battle of Wills