Team Nara

A New Generation - Kakashi

Kakashi awoke after a restless sleep to Sakumaru and Inari talking excitedly to someone in the kitchen. He sat up, running a hand through his messy hair before rising and putting his clothes and armor on and heading out to save Temari from his overly excited sons. He found them leaning over the table, talking to Temari in their little sentences. She was an active participant, answering and encouraging them as she sipped on a tall glass of water.

"Hey."

All three turned.

"MORNING!"

"MORNING DADDY!"

Temari gave him a kind smile.

"Hey, Kakashi. Thanks for helping me last night."

"No problem. How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good. I'm guessing no news is good news?"

Kakashi gave her a smile.

"With Mizuka, no news is the best news. He's fine. She would've sent for you if he wasn't. But, I'm sure you're ready to go home and see him."

She nodded, and soon, the boys had their clothes and shoes on, ready to go.

The walk was warm and sunny, but the cold air of fall was quickly moving in. He and Temari walked slowly, chatting as the boys walked beside them. Soon enough, they were at the Nara clan house. Temari let them all in and headed to the bedroom.

"Shikamaru!"

Kakashi was relieved when he rounded the corner and Temari was hugging a very much alive Shikamaru, sitting up in the bed. Mizuka sidled up to her husband, clearly happy to see him. She wordlessly put her head on his shoulder.

"Everything okay?"

"Yes. Just a fever, and even that broke about an hour ago. He's fine. How is she?"

"Fine. A little Five Flower Remedy and she fell asleep and rested well."

They watched the couple reunite for another minute as the boys played at their feet.

"Come on, let's go home."

They bid the reunited couple goodbye and wrangled the boys outside and on their way. Kakashi held Mizuka's hand tightly on the walk home as the boys excitedly ran around in front of them, playing a tag game.

"Thank you for all of this."

Mizuka turned to him.

"For what?"

"This family, these boys, this new baby. I know it's been hard on you, and I can;t help but feel guilty since I'm the one who asked you to do this again."

She squeezed his hand.

"You know I wouldn't have done it if I didn;t want to do it again. I'm excited for this baby. I'm excited to be having one more baby with you. It's ovary-melting, watching you with a baby."

Kakashi couldn;t help but chuckle before getting serious again.

"But really, you went from being busy at the hospital every day , living this hectic life that you, and the boys, thrived in, to being at home and laying on the couch all day. I just want you to know that I really appreciate the sacrifices you've made. For me."

She nudged him gently.

"Come on, you know this isn't just for you. They're for us. I want this family as well, Kakashi-kun. It's not unbearable. It's not like I'm sick every day or my organs are shutting down or anything like that. It's just a much slower pace. The boys are bored, and I hate to admit that I am, too. But, in a way, it's actually been really nice, getting to read more books to them and knowing that I'll be there every night to tuck them into bed. It's made me slow down. I cannot imagine my life without these little boys. Or you."

He watched as he gazed at the clouds, still lost in thought.

"I know I work too much. I can't pull myself away if I know that people are suffering. But, I need to find more time for you guys as well, especially after this baby is born."

She stopped gazing at the sky and looked over at him with those bright teal eyes, making his heart melt. She could always make him melt with just a look.

"You do an amazing job with these kids. They're polite and well socialized, and they're only two years old. Most importantly, they know that they have a large community who loves them and who are looking out for them. It's so much different than when we were growing up, Z. I remember being alone a lot before we met, and even a lot after we met. It wasn't until I became a shinobi and had my own team that I finally felt like I had a new family. But, look at these kids. They have a bunch of Aunties and Uncles. They know that there are people here to help them; to listen to them. And there's a whole new generation of kids who are going to grow up with them."

Mizuka moved closer to him as they continued to walk home, putting an arm around his waist.

"You're a great dad, Kakashi. The leader of Konoha and you still make sure that there's plenty of time for us. You have a large hand in shaping these boys as well."

"My Will of Fire is with the village, but you'll always have my heart, Mizuka. You always have."

They reached the front door and she let them inside. He heard his wife yawn as she headed to the kitchen.

"Why don't you let me take the boys to the office with me today? They'd probably like the change, and I'm sure Shizune will be there. That way, you can go back to sleep for a bit."

She turned and gazed at him in relief.

"Are you sure?"

He nodded, grinning at her. She moved forward and scooped him up around the waist.

"You're wonderful, Kakashi-kun."

She kissed him passionately before continuing.

"I'll pay you back tonight."

She slid her tongue over her upper lip and winked at him. He could feel himself getting hard. She apparently did too because she giggled.

"Not now, Handsome. Tonight."

She moved to the side so they were out of the boys' view and subtly cupped his erection, rubbing him lovingly for a moment. Her hand felt like heaven.

"I'll sleep for a little bit and then I'll come by and get them. I love you."

He kissed her lovingly.

"I love you, too."