I had to; I love Gai and Anko too much not to. Also, I couldn't write the whole story with out at least one appearance of our favorite crazy bastard.

…..

"I'm gonna throw up."

Iruka glanced over at his adopted sister, biting his lip when he noticed she did look a little green round the gills. Not that he was going to actually going to tell her that.

"Nonsense. You look beautiful and you'll be fine."

Anko turned large, fearful eyes toward him. "No, I don't and I'm not. I'm gonna trip walking down the aisle. I've forgotten my vows and- Fucking Shit Hell Where's My Bouquet?"

Iruka sighed as he passed the colourful arrangement of baby's breath, calendulas, ivy and rose buds -arranged by Yamanaka Inochi - to the frantic woman. "Right here, were you'd put it down."

Gingerly she took the bouquet then smoothed a hand down her outfit, playing absently with a bangle. Sighing Iruka reached out and grabbed both her hands, stilling them.

"Anko, honey, look at me." Slowly the dark eyes lifted to his and Iruka grinned. "Ko-chan, you look gorgeous and everything's going to go great, and even if it doesn't you'll still have fun. That biggest thing you really have to worry about is how mad Kakashi is currently driving Gai and how drunk you're going to get at the reception."

Drawing in a deep breath Anko exhaled; her body visibly relaxing before she looked back up, eyes bright and smile crooked. Her hands squeezed his.

"Ruru, I'm getting married."

Iruka grinned, fighting tears as he pulled the woman who was and always would be part of his heart into his arms.

They stayed, holding each other as the sounds of the guests outside filtered in under the door. Laughter and chatter as people milled around, finding seats.

With another sigh Anko gently pushed him away, setting her flowers down on the dresser before moving the mirror and smoothing her dress again. The outfit had been made by Kurenai and fit the Jounin perfectly in Iruka's opinion. It was silver and purple, the top being corset like with sliver clasps. Mesh sleeves of dark purple covered her shoulders and arms while the shirt was short – ending mid-thigh – but layered, making it float and sway with every move.

The purple hair was again in a bun, but had been curled and styled to little twists that fell against Anko's neck and face.

Iruka smiled and stepped closer, reaching out to tuck a stay curl behind her ear. "I have to get in position. You good?"

Slowly Anko nodded, reaching down to squeeze his hand again before letting go. Pressing a quick kiss to her cheek Iruka turned and exited, closing the door quietly behind him.

Sighing he moved through the now empty foyer to the closed door leading to the hall. Quietly he eased it open and peeked inside, smiling at the rowdy crowd. Who, while still acting exactly the same, were far better dressed then he'd ever seen them.

Anko and Gai had called for an open hall – anyone who wanted to come could, so long as it was in good spirit. There had been guards from T&I at the door insuring just that. It also meant that despite the extremely small wedding party, the wedding was full to the brim.

"Mmm. Not bad Umino."

Quickly Iruka closed the door and turned, raising a brow at Kakashi. "Perdon?"

The grey eye tilted when the foreign word slipped out, laced heavily with his accent. Iruka grinned back, knowing Kakashi loved it when he spoke Wave. The Jounin spoke the language himself, though the genius's accent was horrible, despite Iruka's many attempts to fix it.

"You look good. Muy Bello."

Iruka chuckled. "Gracias, ee tu."

He meant it too. The tall Jounin was in a well cut suite of dove grey, as Gai and Anko had decided against traditional garb. The coat was open, revealing the man's trim waist hidden beneath the white dress shirt. A soft grey mask hid the pale face and a decorative eye patch covered the left eye.

All in all Iruka thought the Jounin looked rather dashing. He'd have no issues finding company that evening.

"Bet you're glad they went for suites, no?"

Iruka grinned at the other man as he glanced down at his own outfit. Straight cut black pants, a sea blue shirt under a loose cut black coat. Considering he'd seen Anko eyeing the kimonos, yes he was very grateful.

He heard the other man sigh as Kakashi moved next to him, turning to slouch against the door frame, arms crossed over the lean chest. "So, how's the bride doing?" the covered chin tilted toward Anko's room. "Freaking out? Or was that just Gai?"

Iruka snickered. "Oh, we didn't reach 'Freak Out' stage, but we hit about every other level below it."

Iruka could have sworn he could see a flash of fang under the mask as Kakashi grinned. "Tell me about it. Gai fell for the 'shit-I-can't-find-the-rings' routine four times before Morino made me leave."

Iruka rolled his eyes, not entirely surprised that Kakashi had been harassing his best friend, though he was grateful Ibiki had stepped in. They didn't need Gai going into hysterics half way down the aisle.

Shifting nervously he glanced up at the clock on the wall. Almost time.

"Seriously though." Kakashi's voice and a gentle brush against his jacket made him look back at the other man as the Jounin straightened his collar. "You look really great. I just might have to request a dance later."

Iruka narrowed his eyes, glaring playfully at the other man. "Really? What makes you think I'll say yes?"

Kakashi smirked, hand still resting on Iruka's jacket shoulder as he drew in a breath to reply, when a door opened across from them.

"Hands off, Hatake, or I'll have to break them."

Iruka glanced up and grinned at his boyfriend while Kakashi leant back, rising his hands, smirk still in place as the big Jounin moved closer, his own smirk signaling he was teasing.

They both knew if Kakashi tried something, Iruka would be the one to kill him.

"See, I told you it would look good." Ignoring their visual 'Jounin off' Iruka slid up to his boyfriend, straightening the edges of the jacket, before sliding his hands under the dark blue material and up the silky white dress shirt.

Ibiki smiled and grabbed the slender hands, pressing them to his lips before sliding a hand around Iruka shoulders and glancing up at Kakashi. "Just because I feel I need to ask. You do actually have the rings, right?"

The genius rolled his eye and pulled both sliver rings from his pocket. "You have so little faith, Morino."

Ibiki snorted. "Faiths got nothing to do with it, Hatake. You lose those rings; Anko will disembowel you in front of the whole congregation."

The Jounin froze for a moment before carefully placing the rings back in his pocket. "Point taken."

The door behind them burst open again as Gai strode into the room, looking a little worse for wear but still decent. His suite was forest green with a beige dress shirt. The bowl cut was as combed and shiny as always.

Sighing Iruka reached out and grabbed the agitatedly wringing hands, stilling them. "Gai." Frantic eyes whipped toward him and he smiled. "You look great."

The broad shoulders relaxed just slightly and the white teeth flashed slightly in a small smile. "Thank you Iruka."

Iruka nodded then gave the man a push. "Da nada, now get out there."

The Jounin paled, but moved toward the door, his hand freezing over the handle.

Smiling fondly Kakashi pushed away from the wall and walked over to his friend. Slinging an arm around the broad man's shoulders the Copy Nin flung the door open and pulled Gai through, keeping the arm around him as they walked toward the end of the hall together.

Grinning Iruka looked up at Ibiki and rose onto his tip toes, giving the bigger man a quick kiss before headed through the door himself. The room had quieted when Kakashi had dragged Gai in and he smiled, taking in the faces in the crowd as he walked.

Genma, Raidou, Izumo, Kotetsu, Aoba and his family, the T&I staff, the Mission desk staff, Inuzuka, the Yamanaka family, the Nara's, Kurenai in the front row, her baby bouncing in her lap. Nin of every rank and clan filled the hall, seated in benches and chairs dragged in from all over the village.

Some were there for Anko, some for Gai. Everyone however was there to celebrate an act of life rare to the shinobi. Marriage, to them, was not religious, but an expression of life and a depth of love few dared to express. It was something to celebrate and Konoha Ninja never turned down a reason to party.

Walking up to the small stage that had been built in the Community Hall by willing hands Iruka took his place to the right, smiling at Tsunade as he turned. The Hokage was wearing a lily white kimono, with flowing sleeves and a light blue belt. The blonde hair was done up, held in place by blue sticks.

Since Anko had Gai had still wanted a ceremony and to exchange vows, Tsunade had agreed to oversee, and to perform a chakra binding before she and Iruka acted as wittiness for the legal papers.

She also had generously donated five cases of sake from Ice.

Gai stood off to the left, at the bottom of the platform, where Kakashi had dumped him. The poor man was still looking queasy, but it was now mixed with pure excitement. Kakashi stood slightly behind his best friend, hands in his pockets and slouch in place, though the bright grey eye gave away his feelings of pride and happiness for his friend.

A hush settled over the crowd and Iruka glanced up to see everyone standing, eyes locked on the open doorway. Iruka felt his lips stretch into an impossible grin as tears welled up again.

Steadily, smiling hard enough to hurt Anko started down the hall, arm looped securely through Ibiki's as the big Jounin led her toward the stage.

Iruka would never forget the look on Ibiki's face when Anko had shown up at the Jounin's place, the request that he give her away tumbling out in a rush. Anko's parents had died long ago and none of her other family wanted anything to do with shinobi so the wish was not asked lightly.

The black eyes were full and bright as the pair reached the end of the hall. Gently Ibiki swung Anko forward, presenting her hand for Gai to take. The other man did so with a small bow to Ibiki before his eyes fastened on his bride and refused to move as he led her to Tsuande.

Iruka smiled at his partner and slid his hand into the bigger one as Ibiki took his place beside him. The scarred lips tilted slightly as the large hand squeezed his before they both turned to watch Anko and Gai as the couple knelt before Tsuande, chakra shining from her hands as she started the ceremony.

….

Iruka chuckled as Kiri pounced, her fluffy tail smacking him in the face. Sprawled out on the floor of Ibiki's bedroom he had all three kittens tumbling around his head as he waved one of their furry mice above them.

It was almost three in the morning, the wedding reception having ended an hour ago. The whole thing had gone wonderfully in Iruka's opinion. None of the toasts had been awkward (well, mood ruining awkward anyway) and there had been singing – thankfully good mixed among the bad and horrible – drinking games, challenges, kissing, cross dressing and endless dancing.

The bouquet toss had been a moment to remember when Anko's throw had sailed far over the gathered crowd and landed neatly in Genma's lap. The Tokujo had stared at the flowers before glancing at Raidou. Both man had blushed and looked away, smiling softly, until their friends had grabbed them up and forced them to dance.

Iruka had indeed danced with Kakashi when the genius asked. Though he had shoved the white haired man into Ibiki's arms directly after and stood back to laugh with the others as Ibiki had lead them around the hall in a fast waltz. Kakashi had complied with a laugh and played along.

Gai had carried Anko off sometime after midnight, leaving the rest of the guests to their own devices and the party had started to taper off from there. Laughter had filled the lamp lit streets as the tipsy nin had made their ways home, accompanied by old friends and new.

Iruka sighed happily and threw the mouse, watching as the kittens tumbled after it before he pulled himself up.

His and Ibiki's suites hung on the dresser, airing before they were put away. Iruka gently ran a hand over the silky fabric of Ibiki's shirt, savoring the feel of it. Smiling he let his hand drop and moved to pull his shirt off.

Folding it he placed it in the drawer Ibiki had emptied for him two weeks prior. The biggest surprise about the intimate action for Iruka is how natural it had seemed. Iruka smiled as he glanced around the large room, plants blooming in various corners and shelves, the kitty tree placed in a shadowy corner, the piles of books and scrolls.

It was odd yet normal how this place had become a home to him in such a short space of time. And not just the place, but the man who owned it.

Any reservations Iruka had ever had about their relationship were now forgotten and if Iruka was being completely honest with himself he was looking forward to the day Ibiki asked him to move in permanently. The best part was how that thought, something that would have terrified him months ago, no longer felt frightening.

Stifling a yawn Iruka slunk over to the bed and crawled under the thick covers. Listening to the soft rush of water that could be heard through the bathroom door before it cut off, signaling the end of Ibiki's shower.

Light spilled into the hall as the door opened, admitting soap scented steam. The light flickered out before Ibiki's footfalls could be heard moving across the room. The sheets rustled and cool air brushed against Iruka's front as Ibiki slid in next to him.

Thick arms wound around in his waist as he was pulled against a warm, slightly damp chest. Sighing contentedly Iruka smoothed a hand over the muscled chest, letting his head fall into the crook of Ibiki's arm as strong legs tangled with his, pulling him closer.

Iruka opened his eyes slightly, seeing the soft raise and fall of Ibiki scarred chest in the dim light. His fingers absently tracing the skin in front of him.

"Ibiki?"

The name came out so soft Iruka himself barely heard it, making it unsurprising when the sleeping man didn't respond.

Sighing Iruka traced the skin gently once more. "Te quiero, Ibiki"

No sound came from the other man, the deep even rhythm of his breath pulsing under Iruka's hand. Smiling Iruka closed his eyes a settled against the broad torso.

Someday he would be ready to say the words to Ibiki's face, when the older man was actually awake. Someday he would do it.

And he knew Ibiki would wait for him till he did.

….

And that's the end! *ducks frying pan* SHASHA STOP THAT!

Seriously though, that's it. I hope everyone enjoyed reading it as much I enjoyed writing it and I thank you for your lovely comments and support.

Anko's bouquet flowers means something in the Japanese language of flowers, but do I remember what? No.

Spanish translations (in case someone wants them) "Muy Bello" - "very beautiful". Kakashi says beautiful in masculine form as he is referring to Iruka. "Gracias, ee tu" – lit "Thanks (thank you) and you" though Iruka means it as 'you as well' or 'you too'.

And if you can't figure out what "Te quiero" means on your own, you shouldn't be calling yourself a fangirl/boy.

And that's that. I'm sure when or if I will be back, so I'll just end with this.

Many thanks and Good luck ~ TJ Rythum.