Secrets of the Heart

celestia193's Author's Note: We decided not to do the announcement and drag out the end of the story any longer, so, we will be proceeding right into the fluff. Sorry that this took so long, January was just a bad and stressful month all around, and it was hard to get back into the swing of things.

Koji (m) - To light the way

Erena (f) - Love, wise, bell

Sumio (m) - Tolerant man

Kaiya (f) - Forgiveness

Toshiro (m) - Winter

Chapter 25

Months ago, Shisui had been ready to kill anyone who so much as looked as his pregnant wife the wrong way. He had refrained, of course, as she needed him more than folds needed a good smacking over the head with the hilt of his sword. And of course his respect for Itachi prevented him from causing too great a scene at court. But he was more than relieved to go home and settle his wife back into their castle to await the birth of their first child.

Shisui had also come into the habit of seeing to it personally that every single one of his wife's requests were met. Unless they were dangerous or inadvisable, in which case he had ways of distracting her from those ideas.

So long ago, it seemed, that Shisui and Itachi lived in the shadows, making plans to overthrow a tyrant. And now, as Shisui takes the last of the rolls and places it on the platter that he intended to take with him to their chambers, he found himself home in his castle with his most beautiful wife.

He steps out of the kitchens in into the hall, smiling as the warmth of the fires lit within the castle work to drive out the chill of the newly arrived winter. It would be their second winter in their kingdom, and the first that he and Suki would be spending in this castle together. He looked forward to sleeping with the both of them, even if it meant that there would be a few sleepless nights ahead.

Shisui smiles as he pushes open the door to their bedchambers. "I've returned with dinner." He could have had a servant deliver the food, but when Suki had gone into labor three days ago, it was the last that any of the servants had seen of her. He knew that Suki did need a few reprieves from the hovering, and so he respected that by doing errands about the castle and seeing to fetching things for her himself. For all that he had not been able to support her and ease her pain at the moment their son was born, he would make up for it now as best he could. "How is he?"

The new father's gaze falls to the infant laying swaddled in his mother's arms, the both of them laying upon a throne of pillows and with blankets and a roaring fire to keep them warm. And for as tired as Suki may look, Shisui found her to be the most radiant creature to ever have existed.

"He's exactly like his father." Suki smiles, placing a kiss on the slumbering babe's head. "Content as can be as long as he has a full belly and a bosom to snuggle against."

Shisui's mouth curves down into a delightful pout as he lays the large silver platter of food by Suki's side and joins her on the bed. He wraps a gentle arm around her and catches a whiff of the perfumed oils still present in her hair from her bath. "Yes, I have so missed the most glorious of my pillows, but I am willing to go without them for our little one." His fingers brush softly over the midnight black wisps adorning the infant's head. "Has Koji fussed at all while I was away?"

"Such a noble sacrifice." Suki leans back into her husband's embrace. "He's been sleeping peacefully through most of it. Karin and Suigetsu came to visit him, though." Suki rolls her eyes with an exasperated fondness. "As is their way, they were obscenely loud and bickered quite vigorously. He wailed like a banshee. I'm surprised you didn't hear it, but I was able to settle him down."

"That would explain why I heard them in the hall while filling the platter with dinner." They must have just come from here as he was readying himself to leave. "I had heard that infants could be quite fussy and loud. But I am glad that you are already so adept at handling him." Shisui smiles softly and presses a kiss into Suki's hair. "And you? How are you feeling now?"

Suki nods, it was hard not to notice when Suigetsu and Karin were squabbling. "Better now that you're here and while I will admit that the pain still lingers, it is starting to subside. Besides, it is so easy to distract myself when I have such a sweet babe in my arms." She rests her head on Shisui's shoulder. "I should think that I'll indulge you and stay in my chambers for at least a week or more depending on how long the masses can wait to meet their prince."

Shisui would honestly prefer to wait until the summer, then an infant was less likely to catch cold and become sick. "Perhaps he'll be overlooked for a time because he is not the king's son. I'm certain we could get away with two months before Itachi begins to insist that we bring him to visit." Or before Itachi himself decided to come north to see his new nephew.

"Maybe. We'll wait and if the grumbling becomes too much a short, but grand introduction will be planned." Suki could only hope that the masses would understand their concern. Little Koji was a healthy baby, but Suki would rather not subject him to the cold and the noises of a loud crowd just yet. "You named him well, you know?"

"Thank you, I tried." All that Shisui wanted for his son was a bright, happy future, and that wish would forever be embedded in his identity. "But you inspired it. I don't think that I would be nearly so happy to step into the future without you. Without the both of you."

As if sensing he was being talked about, Koji's long lashes flutter as he opens his bright onyx eyes and yawns, seeming to smile at the sound of Shisui's voice. Suki laughs softly at the sight. "We feel the same about you and it looks like he already recognizes his father."

"Of course he does." If it weren't for the slightly paler shade of his skin and the gentler curve to Koji's ears, Shisui would almost suspect that magic had been used to make a mirror image of himself as an infant. Koji could easily have taken his place in his first family portrait. "It's only natural that he already knows the two people who love him most."

Koji coos, looking up at Shisui with what Suki had already determined were the largest bubble eyes in all the land. The baby somehow managing to simultaneously snuggle against the warmth of his mother and to reach his chubby little hands out towards his father. "Mmm, I suppose that does make sense."

Shisui snorts and readjusts his position on the bed, stretching himself out and laying his head on Suki's lap, well within their son's reach. The tiny fingers poke against his cheek and tug on his hair with a surprisingly strong grip for an infant. "He's going to be a strong boy when he grows up."

Suki smiles at the heartwarming sight. "As I said, he's just like his father." She leans down slightly to place a chaste kiss on his lips. "I imagine he's going to be absolutely spoiled. He's already got you wrapped around his little fingers, but I like it. You're so sweet with him."

A gentle smile spreads across Shisui's lips as his gaze falls back to their son still tugging on his hair and pulling it away from the scar on his face. The curious glint in the infant's eyes showed promise of an inquisitive child. "I wonder what he'll say when he's finally old enough to ask about my eye." It would be some time before Koji could speak, even longer before he could ask questions, and longer still before he understood the answers to those questions. But it seemed that even when only a few days old, he was already curious about it.

"By the time he's old enough to ask, he'll be used to it." Suki sighs, caressing her husband's cheek. "He'll wonder how you survived such a traumatic injury and think of it as a battle scar. It's not going to make him think of you any differently, Shisui. He's your son. He loves you."

"I know." While much of the self-consciousness had faded, some still crept up on him at times, only to be soothed away by Suki's love and affection. "But it might still be an awkward question to answer. He's going to grow up in a kingdom at peace, a kingdom that will be prosperous again by the time he's grown enough to understand what prosperity is. I would rather that he grow up not knowing about the struggles and battles we've seen." But such a wish was unrealistic, of course.

"Even if you weren't injured, he would grow up hearing the stories of how we took back the kingdom." She shakes her head, deciding to nip this in the bud. "It's important he knows the truth. That it's possible to lose something very precious, but even then you can sometimes get it back. We'll just...skip over some of the more unpleasant details."

Shisui's smile returns and he reaches a hand up to run his fingers through Suki's silky soft hair. "Yes…because sometimes, you lose something and gain something even more precious in return." After all, it had been his injury that had brought Suki to him, that had given them the chance to confess the truth to one another, to open up their hearts in that moment of twisted up fear and grief and worry.

Suki smiles as Koji coos happily. "That's true and soon enough Koji will have a little cousin to play with. Itachi and Hinata seem to enjoy each other's company very much." It likely wouldn't be long now.

"Yes, they do." Shisui's eye, once solemn and worried, lights with a happy and mischievous light. "And maybe a younger sibling too." He slides his hand down over Suki's shoulder and around Koji's swaddled form to rest it dangerously low on her abdomen. "It shouldn't be too hard to charm my way back inside your…good graces."

"I have half a mind to deny you once I'm recovered for a time just so you do not become unbearably smug." Suki rolls her eyes at Shisui's antics. "Though I don't make idle threats. I'm certain once I'm recovered, you'll charm your way into my good graces as you say." Life was too short to deny him anyway. They had done enough of that waiting for the war to be won and their wedding to take place. "Though I believe it would be wise to wait until he's no longer nursing to give Koji a sibling."

Shisui didn't know if he could wait that long, but at least taking care of his wife and son would occupy his attention for a time. "Very well, but I make no promises that I'll be able to resist touching my gorgeous wife in all the ways I know can make her squeal." He smirks and slides his hand around to the small of her back as he leans up to kiss her heatedly.

For a moment, Suki allows herself to melt into her beloved's kiss. Only coming to her senses when she hears Koji giggle. "I don't wish for you to resist such things, but do exercise some restraint in front of our son."

"I know, I know." Shisui would entertain propriety for a little while at least. But sooner or later, their son was going to have to learn how to share. Or maybe Shisui would have to find a way to steal some alone time with his beautiful wife. He knew some tricks, he had his ways. "Though I imagine that it's not purely for my benefit that you would rather I not resist the urge to become reacquainted with my beautiful wife."

"No, I quite enjoy your being lavished with your affection." Suki feels a blush bloom all along her cheeks and even down her neck. Shisui could be such a rogue sometimes.

"You're such a beautiful rose when you blush." Shisui raises his hand to brush it against her cheek. "I don't know what I ever did to deserve having you fall into my bed." And into his heart…and every corner of his soul.

"Well, there was the matter of saving my life a few times and the kingdom." Suki laughs, running her fingers through his hair.

"Yes, I suppose there's that." Shisui had been doing his duty, but if Suki saw fit to reward him with the life he'd always dreamed of because of it, then he could raise no more protests. Not if he could keep this most beautiful of women in his arms for the rest of his life. "I would slay a dragon for you if you willed it."

"That's very chivalrous of you, but I can slay my own dragons." She curls over and burrows against his warmth. "I'd rather just have our family together than have dragons killed."

It was such a sweet sentiment, and one that Shisui could certainly agree with. He plucks a still warm roll from the platter and sets it to soak in the stew as he offers Suki a peach from the orchards of Deilen. "Then we leave the dragons to themselves. For we've already slain our own dragon." They'd slain their dragon and found all the happiness they deserved.

"Uncle Kakashi?" Soft lavender eyes peek out from behind raven black bangs as a little girl tugs on the old swordmaster's trousers. "Toshi's running away again."

Kakashi looks up from his book at the little princess' behest and shakes his head as a tiny white-haired boy toddles across the grass of the palace courtyard, no doubt looking to get himself into a whole mess of trouble again. "And where is your little brother, Erena?"

"Sumio went to find Mama and Papa." Erena's fingers stay firmly hooked in her guardian's trousers. "Is playtime over?"

Kakashi glances up into the sky to see to sun starting to set. No doubt his Majesty would be finishing with the formal dinner being held in honor of the diplomatic guests in the castle. "Yes, it seems that playtime is over." Kakashi snaps his book shut and places it within the pocket of his fur-trimmed coat.

With the tiny princess in tow, Kakashi rises from the grassy patch beneath the tree and strides across the courtyard to scoop the little lord under his arm. "Alright, little rascal, it's time to get you back to your parents."

"But Uncle Kashi…" The three-year-old pouts, flashing his amber eyes at the silver-haired lord. "You said there'd be snow!"

"Yes I did, but it's not cold enough yet." Though the promise of snow had been enough to get the tiny boy out of the banquet hall so that the adults could have their privacy. "Maybe if you behave yourself, the snow will come visit tomorrow."

"Aw…" Toshiro grumbles softly as he rides on Kakashi's shoulder. "I want snow."

"Yes, we know." Kakashi chuckles as he scoops the princess up with his other arm and strides back into the castle with his quarries. "But it's time for you to see your parents now." Now that the talks were surely finished, Itachi would no doubt want his daughter in his arms again.

With the two children in his arms, he turns the corner into the emptying banquet hall, only for a tiny body to streak across the floor and wrap deceptively strong around around his legs. "Uncle Kakashi!" The pale eyes and bright grin that looked up at him were nearly identical to his elder twin sister's. "Erena!"

"Sumio!" The princess wiggles her way from Kakashi's grasp to her brother's side, only to latch herself onto Sumio instead.

Kakashi's lips twitch and he raises his gaze towards the man gliding gracefully towards him. It had been six years since Itachi had taken the throne, and while it seemed that he hadn't aged a day, his gaze held the wisdom he had gained in the years since returning to his home. "Your Majesty." Kakashi nods his head slightly. "I would bow, but it seems that I am a little preoccupied."

Itachi smirks as he arrives to investigate the commotion. "Perhaps we overestimated your skills and underestimated theirs." He chuckles, watching poor Kakashi getting overwhelmed. "Then again, I suppose you are outnumbered."

"Indeed." Kakashi's eyes glitter with humor as he lets down a squirming Toshiro. "And where have Koji and Kaiya disappeared to?"

"Suki said something about Shisui wanting to introduce them to the royal stables. Kaiya seems quite fond of horses." Itachi smiles, frankly a bit relieved Suki's daughter was more interested in horseback riding than swordplay at the moment.

Oh goodness. "Then I doubt it will be long before she asks to learn to shoot a bow from horseback." Kakashi could see it now. The need for wearing helmets within the castle was most certainly going to grow. "I do hope that the next one will be a little less wild than their brother and sister."

Itachi arches an eyebrow. "Well, it can never hurt to know how to defend oneself, but I would prefer my nieces and nephews waited until they were old enough to actually wield weapons. As for less wild children, have you met my darling sister and brother-in-law? That's highly unlikely."

The young king made an excellent point, as much as it exasperated Kakashi to admit it. For as kind and calm as their father could be, they had their mother's energy and pride. To them, succeeding meant being able to do everything they set their minds to. And those brats could focus their minds on a great deal. "Has Her Majesty taken her leave and retired to her chambers, or is she taking an evening lesson with Lord Haku again?"

"She went with them to the stables. Lord Haku likes my sister's company well enough, but it is Jugo's companionship he seeks out the most." For reasons, that were obvious to Itachi. Most of the court was oblivious, though. Itachi suspected those that weren't had been silenced by Suki's death glare. Jugo after all, had kept her secret for years. His sister wouldn't tolerate gossip about one of her closest friends.

"Of course." Kakashi smiles as he pats the head of the three excitable children clinging to him. "How go the trade talks?" It was something that he'd personally helped Itachi to put together, but he'd chosen not to involve himself in the actual talks. Itachi was more than capable of standing his ground with the diplomats and merchants on his own. Kakashi's confidence in this remained resolute.

Itachi sighs, after hours upon hours of negotiating, the last thing he wanted to do was relive it. "Exceedingly long, tedious, and boring. Necessary work, though. I believe it's been resolved for now."

"Good." Kakashi reaches out a hand and places it on Itachi's shoulder. "You've done well, Itachi. Valadris hasn't seen such prosperity in years. Your hard work has borne fruit. Be proud of that."

"Oh I am proud. That doesn't mean that I have to pretend I enjoyed sitting through that in private." He shakes his head, but smiles.

"That's true." And Kakashi breathes his own sigh of relief as Erana toddles over towards her father and holds up her little arms.

Lavender eyes sparkle hopefully as Erana, barely tall enough to reach her father's hips, mumbles as softly as a cloud. "Papa, can you carry me?"

"Of course." Itachi smiles as he scoops his daughter up and places her on his shoulders. "You are so much like your mother."

Erana's smile brightens with the observation. "I wanna be as pretty as Mama when I'm bigger."

"I'm sure you will be." He smiles at his daughter before glancing at Kakashi. "I'll see you later. I believe Erana wishes to find Hinata."

"And Cousin Koji too!" Erana chirps happily and snuggles into her father's shoulder. "I'll to be his bride when I'm bigger, just like Mama was for Papa."

Itachi shakes his head in amusement. Erana was already a romantic, but he could only hope that one day she'd set her sights on another groom. "You'll make a beautiful bride. I have no doubt of that." He smiles at her, knowing it was the truth. "Come, you two. Let's find your mother."

Erana giggles softly as Sumio's attention shifts and he toddles after his father. The three painted a wonderful sight, and one that Kakashi had anticipated for many years.

The old swordsman pulls his book from his pocket and flicks through the pages to find his place. It had been a long road, but now, all was well.

Suki smiles, leaning back into her husband's arms, listening to the sounds of their children's laughter. "That one's name is Midnight." Not the most original name for a black horse, but an accurate one. Besides, Midnight was hardly alone in the royal stables. Most of the other stallions or mares had names that were in the same vein.

"Isn't she pretty?" Koji tugs his sister by the hand, approaching the mare eagerly. "I'm gonna be big enough to ride her someday."

"Pretty!" She smiles, following her brother. The young girl trying to touch the horse while their parents were watching like hawks.

"She's just like you." Shisui smiles into his wife's hair as his gaze remains fixed on their two children. At least, the two whom he'd had the chance to meet. His fingers drift down over Suki's swollen belly, caressing it tenderly. "I remember when it was Itachi leading you around the stables." When he'd been a mere ten years old, and there to watch over his eight and three-year-old cousins. "You loved the horses as well."

"I still love them. She has her father's way with them, though.' Suki smiles, but winces a bit as the child in her womb kicks. "You know when you do that, the babe kicks."

"I know." Shisui smirks as he kisses the back of Suki's neck. "I enjoy feeling them." He enjoyed knowing that their next child was there and seemed to know just when their father was there. "I'm sorry, I can't help myself."

"You also know what kissing me there does." She glances backwards at him. "Try to behave yourself until after they're asleep. But yes,I know. Our children adore you as well, even the one not yet born."

"And I love all of you." Shisui had never spoken truer words in all of his life, save for all of the words he whispered to Suki in their bed. "But alright, I will try to restrain myself." His princess simply made it hard to do that. All she had to do was exist, and she could have him wrapped around her finger. "I love you so much."

"We and I feel the same way about you." She smiles at him. "You have no idea how good it feels to be able to say that. Everything is as it should be. No more secrets."

"No more secrets." Shisui could agree to that. "After all, now you know every secret in my heart." And he knew all of hers. Between the two of them, the only secrets they kept were the ones they kept together.