Chapter Text
“Sit up,” Iruka jabbed his elbow into Kakashi’s side, forcing him to twist away in his seat. Kakashi mumbled something underneath his mask. “What was that, dear?” he asked too sweetly.
“I hate weddings.” he huffed, pulling his hat down so it would be harder for anyone to see his lidded eyes as they slipped shut. Iruka poked him in the side again, more roughly this time.
“The Hokage is expected to attend the weddings of all major clan heads. And Ino was a student of mine, so this is important to me!” Iruka hissed, grasping Kakashi’s hand. To anyone else it would look like a lovely gesture, but Kakashi knew it was only so he could squeeze it tight if he tried to doze off.
Kakashi groaned and sat up. Their seats were in the front row to the side, slightly elevated above the other guests as was tradition for the Hokage and their spouse. “When will the brat be able to take this ridiculous hat from me.” he grumbled and Iruka smoothed his thumb over his gloved hand soothingly. He knew that Kakashi had never wanted the office, but he also knew he was the best man for the job until Naruto was ready.
They sat in silence, the large crowd around them talking quietly. Sai didn’t really know more than a dozen people, so Kakashi knew all of these were guests of Ino. He was interested in how comfortable Sai would be today. He remembered when he got Tenzo out of ROOT, it had taken him a long time to get used to crowds. Even now he still got jumpy.
After a few more minutes, Sai and Ino entered, hand in hand. Everyone rose to their feet, each guest bowed their heads as the couple approached the shrine. They paused in front of Kakashi, bowing in unison. “Thank you for joining us, Hokage-sama,” Sai said, his voice light and airy. A sarcastic quip danced on his tongue, but a sharp squeeze from Iruka’s hand made Kakashi simply nod.
The guests took their seats again, and the ceremony began. Kakashi’s eyes trailed over the young couple, each dressed in a traditional kimono. Sai’s was black and white, making his pale skin almost glow. Ino, to no one’s surprise, was wearing a shocking royal purple kimono, with aster flowers painstakingly embroidered in.
Iruka hadn’t let go of his hand, and Kakashi began absentmindedly drawing patterns on the school teacher’s wrist. He held back a contented hum, trying to stay present. He looked over at his husband to see a huge smile spread across his face, the scar across his nose scrunching up. Iruka loved each and every one of his students, and was honored to be able to watch them grow into adults.
Kakashi’ gaze lowered, following Iruka’s carmel skin down his neck and under his collar. Iruka’s blue kimono was reminiscent of the one he had worn for their own wedding, although this one was much more subdued. Kakashi smiled at the memory, replaying the day to keep his mind occupied.
Iruka was all smiles and sunshine. His joy was tangible to everyone in the small ceremony. The elders had tried to insist that the Hokage’s wedding must be a public affair, but Kakashi had refused, only allowing their most trusted friends to attend.
Iruka’s cobalt kimono was embroidered with waves that seemed to shimmer and dance like real water. Kakashi had suggested dolphins, but Iruka had said it was too tacky.
His own heart had been beating out of his chest until the ceremony finished. He had wished he still had the sharingan to memorize every moment of the day, but even without it, he doubted he would forget how Iruka had looked.
“Kakashi, you are almost up.” Iruka whispered to him, and he brought his attention back to the ceremony. A few minutes later, the shinto priest gestured to Kakashi who stood, regretfully releasing Iruka’s hand.
“I, the Sixth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf, acknowledge the union of clan head Yamanaka Ino and Sai.” he said, his voice loud and clear despite the mask. Though they couldn’t see him smile, he hoped that Sai and Ino could tell he truly was happy for them. He remembered when Ino was young and impulsive, and Sai was still Danzo’s emotionless puppet. It was amazing to see how they had grown up right in front of his eyes.
Kakashi sat back down, and the celebration ended as Ino leaned in for a kiss. Sai hesitated fractionally, still not used to any sort of public affection, but he did close the small gap to give her a chaste kiss before pulling away. The guests cheered, the loudest coming from the Yamanaka’s and the Akimichi’s.
The guests all filed forward, presenting their gifts to the couple and then making their way to Kakashi to pay their respects to the Hokage. The only thing keeping Kakashi from rolling his eyes was Iruka’s iron grasp.
“Thank you for coming, Hokage-sama.”
“It’s a pleasure to see you, Hokage-sama.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Hokage-sama.”
“Thank you for join us, Hokage-sama.”
Kakashi was pretty sure that if he heard his honorific one more time, he would burn the robes and hat. Iruka seemed to sense his distress,“Twelve more guests, then you can slip out,” he whispered quietly, and Kakashi began counting down. True to his word, Kakashi only had to endure a dozen more pleasantries before the line ended and the guests had left to enjoy the reception. The only ones left were Kakashi and Iruka, and the new wedded pair.
All four of them stood, Ino running up to give Iruka a hug and Sai eyeing Kakashi hesitantly, the way he always did.
“Thank you so much for being here, Iruka-sensei! Kakashi-sensei!” Ino squealed. Sai gently pulled her off of Iruka, nodding at the older men.
“Yes, thank you very much.” the former ROOT agent said.
Iruka smiled back at them, reaching out and taking each of their hands. “I’m so happy for you two. I know you will be very happy together.” Iruka’s words were honest and warm, just like himself. Kakashi looked at his husband, wondering how he became so lucky. Then he remembered he should probably say something as well.
“I know you will make Inoichi proud.” he said seriously, and a light blush appeared on Ino’s cheeks under her heavy makeup. She thanked them both again and pulled Sai away to join the reception. Kakahi’s postured sagged into his usual slouch.
Iruka chuckled and turned to face him, all smiles and sunshine. “I know these types of things aren’t for you. I want to stay and catch up with a few of the kids, but then I’ll see you at home.” he placed his hands on the taller man’s shoulders and kissed Kakashi’s covered nose. When he pulled away, a bit of red could be seen peeking out over the mask.
“Make sure you come straight home. I was to be there when you take this beautiful piece of art off,” Kakashi hummed as he fingered the material that was pooling around Iruka’s elbows. Now it was the chunin’s turn to blush.
“How could I say no to a request like that?” he teased, and watched as his husband disappeared in a swirl of leaves. Maybe he would stay too long at the reception...