Betas: ashcat (here at fanfiction[dot]net ) and txilar (at livejournal[dot]com).

AN: My apologies for the break! Thanks so very much for your awesome comments and reviews!

Chapter 10: The Measure of Comfort
Your bones have been my bedframe and your flesh has been my pillow. And I am waiting for sleep...
~Ani Difranco

Iruka swallowed hard, staring at Kakashi's downturned head. Time spun out between them, the words they had just spoken still trembling between the seconds; there was nothing else but the low hum of the chakra-wards and the lapping sound of the water against the sides of the pool. Then, Iruka shivered at the cooling temperature and Kakashi raised his head; for just a split second, there was such an intent expression in his revealed eye that Iruka's breath caught in his throat.

Then, it was gone, smoothed over by an almost professional concern. "Did the water get cold again, Iruka-sensei?" Kakashi asked politely and Iruka nodded. "If you would come out of the pool, I'll warm it up again."

Something dark and sensual curled in Iruka's chest at the way Kakashi said warm it up.

"All right," he managed to say, glancing at the towel lying on the little table. "I'll just-"

"I'll get it." Gracefully, Kakashi pulled his legs out of the water and got to his feet, walking over to retrieve the towel; he shook it out and held it up, turning his head away. "Come up carefully."

"I know." Iruka emerged from the pool, now noticing the textured surface of each step; Kakashi or Yamato had gone through great pains to make sure that they were not overly slippery. He walked towards Kakashi, feeling strangely shy and raised his arms so that the massive towel could be wrapped around him. Kakashi reached around him, grasped the ends of the towel in one hand and pulled it around; he knotted it near one of Iruka's nipples, and Iruka felt his skin grow hot wherever Kakashi's fingers stroked inadvertently.

"Thank you," Iruka murmured when it was secure. Then, he stood off to one side and watched Kakashi form his seals rapidly, and blow a controlled plume of flames over the water, making sure not to touch the wooden walls, nor the water itself. When he was done, he stepped back and nodded, satisfied.

"I'll just go back to the house and start dinner before the ANBU take their shift."

"All right." Iruka tilted his head curiously when Kakashi marched to the entry of the make-shift cave and stopped there, perfectly still. "What's the matter?"

"Like I said," Kakashi drawled, turning to look over his shoulder. "The chakra-wards are choosing not to obey me at this time."

"That is so odd," Iruka mused, hitching at his towel. "I mean, I'm not even Hatake... just the baby. And the baby isn't the one making the requests. Why is that so?"

Kakashi gave a tiny shrug, just about the same answer he had given before, but there was a trace of that intent expression again as he stared back. Iruka suddenly felt a faint tinge of his old mischief. Kakashi obviously had some idea as to why the wards were carrying on that way, and was either too embarrassed or too disgruntled to say. Iruka would put his wages on the first.

"There must be a reason," he insisted, feeling a bit smug that he could trap Kakashi like this. Of course, Kakashi could blast his way through the sides of the structure, but Iruka had the feeling that the wards had stretched themselves over the wooden construct. "From the first time I came here, they seemed to like me. They follow me around, they touch me... I'm sure if I ever happened to fall, they'd try to catch me. My family home didn't use chakra like this, our house wasn't as large or as old. So why do these wards act this way?"

Kakashi turned back around very slowly. He had stuck his hands in his pocket, and was the very picture of nonchalance... but for the fact that the visible portion of his cheeks had gone a bit pink.

"They don't know you're not Hatake," he said casually and Iruka blinked at him.

"What?"

"The wards are actually layers of seals, placed there by the family-heads; every generation, another layer," Kakashi explained. "So what we call wards are actually the combined chakra of past Hatake family members, in addition to mine. As soon as I was of age, I created my own set of seals and added it to the mix. That's why they seem so sentient, at times. They actually have the imprints of all those personalities that created them."

"Oh." Iruka wrinkled his nose, thinking. "That's very interesting. It's like having a history of a family built into the seals. But that still doesn't explain why-"

"When I came out here before I... before I left, I added an extra layer for your security," Kakashi interrupted smoothly. "I suppose they translated that as accepting you as Hatake. The baby..." Kakashi paused as if he was savouring that word for the first time, before continuing: "The baby is extra confirmation, I suppose."

While Blue was busy preening over Silver's acts of protection and concern, Iruka was frowning internally. It sounded reasonable enough, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Kakashi wasn't telling him the whole story.

"Well," he said slowly. "I like them, in any case."

"And that's part of the reason why they act that way, I suppose," Kakashi answered. "They like you, too."

"Because you asked them to protect me," Iruka confirmed and Kakashi nodded. "I didn't understand why you did that, why you even offered your home for me to stay... but thank you."

Kakashi nodded again, but didn't say anything; if Iruka was expecting some kind of explanation as to why Kakashi had made such arrangements, then he didn't get them. They simply stood there for a long moment, staring at each other, until Kakashi tilted his head in the direction of the opening and twitched his eyebrow meaningfully.

"What... oh! You really mean to say that they won't let you out?" Iruka asked, incredulous.

Kakashi's exhale was a little bit annoyed and a whole lot amused. "When it's just myself and someone else, the wards obey me. When you and I are in the same space, apparently, the wards defer to you. Damned if I know why."

That's not true, Iruka thought suddenly and didn't know why he was so sure. It was not a detrimental lie... just a careful one. They'd made a very large step in apologising to each other, but they still had parts of themselves shuttered off. Iruka felt a little sad at that thought, but it might be for the best. Their primary concern was for the baby; delving into each other's hearts really had no place in this interaction, no matter how needily Blue clawed at the edges of Iruka's conciousness, begging to have Silver close.

"Do they have a name?" Iruka asked suddenly and Kakashi actually blinked at him in bemusement. "The wards, I mean. I can't go around calling them just 'wards'... I don't think so, at least," he finished in a small voice, feeling a bit sheepish at the way Kakashi's expression melted into utter surprise.

"No... they don't have a name for themselves, unless you just call them the Hatake wards. But," Kakashi said, sounding contemplative, "if you want to give them a name, I don't see why not."

Iruka bent his head, thinking for a moment. Then, he smiled. "Kahiro? Could you please let Kakashi out?"

The wards appeared absolutely thrilled; they parted dramatically, as if displaying how obedient and wondrous they were, creating a perfect Kakashi-shaped opening in the opaque curtain that hung in front of the cave's mouth. Kakashi shook his head.

"Only you would have the idea of giving them a name," he said, moving towards the available 'doorway'. "But, as usual, it is an excellent idea. Enjoy your swim."

The wards fell back into place as soon as Kakashi stepped out, but Iruka could still see the hazy outline of his tall frame, walking at a slow pace up the slight slope back the house.

"Kahiro?" Iruka called out softly, once he was sure Kakashi had gone into the house. "Why won't you listen to what your master tells you? He's the real Hatake around here, you know, not me."

The wards rippled in a rather smug manner. Iruka laughed.

"All right. I'm sure you have your reasons, but I'll find out!" Iruka nodded firmly, then chuckled when the wards shimmered in what seemed to be their version of teasing laughter. "I do like you, though. And I'm glad you like me, too." I'll be so sorry to leave you when the baby is born, he thought, but didn't say that part out loud. He simply unwrapped his towel, draped it over the small table and stepped back into the delightfully warm water. He splashed about happily for quite a long time, even releasing his own seal, while Kahiro kept a watchful, humming guard.

-x-

Kakashi had cooked chicken, and it had been a bit too spicy. That hadn't stopped Iruka from eating his fair share (and a little more); now he sat at the edge of his bed and paid for his transgressions with loud belches.

"No more spicy stuff," he groaned and belched again. "Oh, my. That's a promise."

He rubbed his stomach and thought he had gotten rid of all the gas, when a tiny belch escaped him.

"Let's hope that's the last of that," he said to Kahiro; the wards trembled in agreement. Iruka crawled into bed, pulled at the sheets awkwardly and then settled underneath them. As usual, there was no position he could lie in that could remove the low-level ache from his back and hips. After his comfortable swim earlier, it seemed a bit worse tonight. Iruka suspected that there probably was such a way he could arrange his limbs and body, but it was probably written down in some secret parchment, hidden under wire-traps and guarded by bears, or something. Maybe he should send Natsu to search for it... or better yet, Naruto. Grunting in half-discomfort, half-amusement, he imagined Naruto tearing through the Hokage Tower, screeching about how he had to find an Ancient Scroll for Pregnant Lying-Down.

There was a rapid knock at his door and Iruka called out his assent a little irritably; he was expecting one of the ANBU, so he was quite surprised to see Kakashi enter.

"I just wanted to tell you good night," Kakashi said, then peered closely at Iruka's face. "Is... are you all right?"

"No." Iruka struggled with the sheets, scowling. "I can never find a good way to lie down. My back or my hips hurt, most times both at once." He realized he was whining a little, then offered Kakashi a quick smile. "It comes with the territory. I'll be fine."

Kakashi took a step forward, then hesitated. "I know a way," he said slowly and seemed taken aback at the way Iruka gazed up at him with the same kind of expression a poisoned man would use when offered an antidote.

"You do? What is it?" Iruka thought a bit. "Wait, how do you know a way?"

Kakashi said, "Read it in a book," and Iruka chuckled. "I have to warn you: it involves... well, I have to be touching you."

"Oh." Iruka fought down the heat that seemed to rush up his chest and neck. "Well. I. Sure, if it helps," he finished feebly. Kakashi took a deep breath, then started removing his flak-jacket and the wrappings around his legs and thighs, folding and placing them in a neat heap on the tall chest-of-drawers nearby. He unhooked his pouch, removed his forehead-protector and put those away as well, keeping the Sharingan closed as he approached Iruka, now dressed in just the dark regulation pants and long-sleeved shirt.

"Don't you want to take off the chain-mail vest underneath?" Iruka blurted out and then flushed. "I mean... if you want to be comfortable, at least."

Kakashi stopped short, staring at him. Then, he grasped the hem of his shirt and pulled it up over his head, mask and all, to reveal the jacket of chain that nearly all shinobi wore underneath their shirts. It was light and strong, lined underneath so that the links wouldn't scratch at skin, but not very good for lying down... that is, if that was what Kakashi was planning. Iruka stared at the definition of his abdomen as the chainmail was removed as well, and felt his mouth go dry.

"Turn on your side," Kakashi said and Iruka did as he said, wondering how this was going to help at all. Then his eyes widened when he felt Kakashi climb into bed, and spoon right behind him. His body moulded against Iruka's, touching at nearly every point: Kakashi's chest to his back, his bottom cradled by Kakashi's hips. "Relax," Kakashi murmured and it was only then that Iruka realised that he was holding himself stiffly, a tense bundle of nerves. Slowly, he forced himself to melt against Kakashi's body and made a small sound of surprised relief. He was being supported wonderfully. Instead of the yielding softness of the pillows, Kakashi was helping to distribute and balance his weight evenly.

"Better?" Kakashi asked, shifting a bit.

"Oh yes," Iruka answered quickly. "Much, much better. Are you comfortable, yourself?"

"Surprisingly, yes," Kakashi answered. "I have most of the pillows stacked up behind me, so it's fine."

"I hope your back doesn't hurt in the morning," Iruka said and nearly bit his tongue at the implication of what he just said.

There was only a small pause before Kakashi muttered, "I'll be fine. Go to sleep."

And in just a few moments, Iruka did.

-x-

He woke a few times in the night.

The first time, he was shaken awake because Kakashi had summoned a few of the dogs to take his place. Guruko's whispers were loud and excited.

"Just stay here for a little while," Kakashi ordered, sounding exasperated. "I'll be back soon."

"Why? Where are you going?" One of the other dogs asked.

Guruko shushed them officiously. "Shut up!" he hissed, sounding almost feline in his agitation. "Don't you see Iruka-sensei is sleeping?"

"He has to go to the bathroom," Pakkun informed them all in very bored tones. "And he wants Iruka-sensei to be comfortable while he's gone."

"Thanks, Pakkun," Kakashi said, voice wry. "I'm so glad I can trust you to broadcast my every move."

"No problem, boss."

"I want to check with Haru and Aki, just to make sure that everything is okay."

"Okay, boss," another dog said; it sounded like Urushi. "We'll take care of Sensei and the pup."

"Don't call the baby a pup," Guruko growled dangerously. The other dogs whined in acquiescence, while Pakkun grumbled, "Sheesh."

Iruka tried not to laugh as they settled behind him, a warm dog-pile that wasn't quite as good as Kakashi, but was miles better than nothing at all or even those disobedient pillows. He fell back into a light doze, expecting to be jostled again when Kakashi returned; they didn't disturb him as much this time, probably because they had a little practice at it, and mostly due to the fact that Guruko grumbled instructions at them for every single move, before they puffed away. He couldn't help an almost soundless sigh when he felt Kakashi curl up behind him once more, and he sank to a deep sleep again.

The second time he woke up, the room had the faintest grey tinge of early dawn, and Kakashi's hand was spread over his stomach, rubbing slowly. Iruka came fully awake immediately. Kakashi's hand was big and warm against the stretched skin of Iruka's belly; his caress was curious, but almost... shy. Kakashi actually flinched away when the baby stretched against his hand, and then replaced his fingers with the same wondering care, gently petting the little hand or foot that was reaching out for his touch.

Iruka closed his eyes, biting his lip against a smile that threatened to break his face in half.

"Are you awake?" Kakashi whispered, breath filtering through the hair at the nape of Iruka's neck.

"Yes," Iruka whispered back and grabbed Kakashi's wrist when he began to pull it away. "No, please. It's fine. I... I like it. I think the baby likes it too."

Kakashi went back to the slow rubbing.

"My mission was to guard an important family during their travels," Kakashi said suddenly. "Tenzo and I, that is. I think the Hokage sent him with me to make sure I didn't do anything stupid."

"Oh." Iruka wasn't quite sure what to say.

"The man of the family is a financial advisor to the Daimyo. He was travelling with his wife and son. His wife is pregnant."

"...oh."

"He told me that there is nothing more important than his family. I saw him talking and playing with his son, and I..."

"Kakashi?" Iruka tried to turn around when Kakashi didn't continue, but Kakashi held him still.

"I don't remember my father doing that with me." Kakashi sighed. "It just wasn't a part of how I was raised. He was not a bad father," Kakashi explained, "but he was a shinobi first."

Iruka nodded, and without thinking, he laced his fingers with those of Kakashi's that were on his stomach.

"I wonder if... if we're going to be adequate parents," Kakashi said. "There is a lot to consider when raising a child. We might not be properly prepared. We might do something wrong."

"When it comes to babies and children, I think that no one is ever prepared," Iruka told him. A large part of his mind was sagging with satisfaction that Kakashi was using the word we. That was good for the baby, excellent, in fact. The baby was going to have two parents interested in its well-being, and Iruka could not ask for more.

...well, he could, but it wouldn't make any sense to ask.

"You can't go to an Academy to learn to be a good parent," Iruka said. "Although I wish I could. But, from looking at the other successful parents around, maybe the trick is to live in the best manner you know how, and make sure your child sees it. And love them." Iruka nodded. "Children definitely need love."

"You've had practice in parenting Naruto," Kakashi said, the tip of his smallest finger tracing the rim of Iruka's belly-button.

"So have you," Iruka reminded him. He tried to turn over on his back again, and this time Kakashi let him, shifting back to give him space. He remained on his side, looking down at Iruka with a wary, tired expression; his left eye was only half-closed now, and the hazy glow of the Sharingan painted his lashes and eyelids blood-red. Seemingly against his will, Iruka reached up and cupped his cheek with one hand. Part of his mind quarrelled stringently: hadn't he been absolutely furious with Kakashi just a few days ago? Yet, as he felt the scratchy evidence of Kakashi's unshaved scruff, he found that he couldn't dredge up too much disgruntlement right now.

Kakashi cleared his throat and parted his lips as if to say something. He closed them again, cleared his throat and tried once more: "Iruka."

"Yes?"

"You should... get more rest," Kakashi muttered, and placed a hand on Iruka's shoulder, pushing gently and firmly. Iruka pulled back his hand, and allowed himself to be turned over.

He was almost fully asleep again, when he felt Kakashi's hand creep back to rest on his stomach.

Iruka folded both his hands under his cheek, and sank down into a perfectly peaceful rest.

AN: I want to specially thank ashcat's/photoash's friend for their help in naming the wards in this chapter; I had been doing some research and found three words that I wanted to use: Keizu, which means 'stem, family, genealogy'; Kazoku which is 'family, one's people' and Katei, which means 'home, household'. Since I know nothing about Japanese, I got the advice that it would probably be better to create new names using family-related kanji than trying to use an existing word. So I used 'Ka', which is the kanji for 'house' I was told, and affixed '-hiro', which appears to be 'wise', and I really hope it works! XD

ETA: Apparently, according to a Japanese linguistic expert here, I didn't invent a new Japanese name, Kahiro is already an established female Japanese name. I didn't mean to imply I was inventing the name... but I just wanted to make sure I had a nice and appropriate meaning for the wards. Thanks, Linguists Who Simply Comment To Point Out Cultural Minutiae! So awesome, really.