Dear mute reader. Jiraiya is younger in this scenario, about 27-30 and reader is a few years younger than him.
The sight of the gates was absolutely phenomenal. If appropriate Jiraiya would fall to his knees and thank the gods he finally made it back. A tad dramatic but being with you had worn down all the patience he had.
The whole journey with you was a nightmare. First of all, you haven't spoken a single word to him. Secondly, you ignored him half the time! If you weren't the Daimyo's daughter he would have given you a piece of his mind. How stuck up does one have to be to not even acknowledge their escort? Your life depended on his protection. A little cooperation would've been appreciated!
"Welcome home, my lady." He told you as kindly as he could muster. If he could get away with it he'd be calling you a more colourful name. "Shall I take you to the Hokage?"
You don't reply. He turns to face you with a raised brow. Your absentminded gaze stares at him with no reply. You tilt your head and blink.
It's like talking to a brick. Don't you understand anything?! Or are you purposely being the biggest pain in his ass? He asks again, very clearly pointing to the tower looming over the whole village. It's taking a fair amount of willpower to not pick you up and throw you. Even then if you hit your head it would knock out what little brain cells you have left. You nod.
It's a good thing you're cute. Your refusal to speak to him is irking him to the point of wanting to scream. Are you really so stuck up? Is he so lowly that he's not worth your words? If treating you poorly didn't come with the threat of being horribly reprimanded he would have pushed you into the river hours ago.
You smile. That's all you do. You smile and nod. It's a nice smile sure, but it doesn't tell him anything. Jiraiya sighs loudly before whipping around and continuing his escort to get you safely to your destination.
His lordship wasn't very forthcoming about why he wanted you to live in Konoha. Although it's not hard to guess. His palace had a scare a few months back where his eldest daughter was nearly assassinated the eve before her wedding but the ninja stationed there managed to get a hold of the situation before it turned bloody. By how your father looked at you, he's worried about your safety. You are the youngest daughter and aren't set to marry anyone but you are the daughter of the Fire Daimyo nonetheless. Plenty of other ninja villages wouldn't mind killing you or taking you hostage for their personal gain. Especially those who had just lost the war. By how silent you are it wouldn't be a surprise if they got away with it with no one none the wiser.
Plus you have apparently expressed your desire to adventure on your own. You certainly didn't want to talk about it. Jiraiya spent the whole mission with any inquiries about you getting ignored. You weren't interested in small talk. Guess you are too high and mighty to speak to a commoner like him.
Hiruzen was rather sweet to you. Not surprising considering who you are. He strictly asked yes or no questions. It seemed he knew of your muteness beforehand. A heads up would have been nice. Sure it was an honour and all to be handpicked by the Daimyo and the old man but hardly any information was handed out about you.
"I'll have one of my trusted ninja take you to your new home. Does that work for you?" Hiruzen asks.
You pointed at Jiraiya and tilted your head with a silent question.
"I have to debrief him. So a different person will escort you from here on out, okay?"
To Jiraiya's surprise you actually looked a little sad. But you nodded. An Anbu appeared and offered you a polite bow before taking your hand. They led you out. You followed without another word... or nod.
"So. How did it go?" Hiruzen got straight to business with his questions. "Did you treat her well?"
"As well as I could." Jiraiya replied with a scowl. "She's kinda a bitch."
The old man widened his eyes. He looked utterly shocked by the accusation.
"His highness said that his youngest was quite sweet. As well as the units we have stationed there for his family's protection. Can I ask how she was... rude?"
"She didn't say a word to me! She ignored me." Jiraiya ranted out his frustrations with you. "The only time she bothered to reply to me is with that smile and nod thing she does."
It was silent for a moment. Hiruzen didn't say anything for a while. He looked stunned. Then amusement hit. The old man began to laugh. Jiraiya turned red at his teacher's response. He's not laughing. Nothing about this is amusing to him.
"She's deaf mute, my boy!"
"What?!" He yelped. Shame and embarrassment floods him. He treated you awful for something he didn't know. No wonder you didn't reply to him half the time! You didn't see him talk to you. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"It wasn't necessary for your mission."
"Not necessary?!" Jiraiya was outraged by that answer. "Wouldn't it have been better to get someone who could actually communicate with her?"
"We don't have any high ranking shinobi who know sign language here. Those who could are stationed at the palace for the Daimyo and his family."
"One of them couldn't have escorted her?"
"His lordship requested they remain there to guard his family as he has other members of his family who are deaf as well."
"What makes her more important that she had to leave?"
Hiruzen shrugged.
"Her sister got threatened as you know. I believe our lord simply wishes his youngest is safe at all times."
"So she's here to be guarded? That's it?"
"That and to thrive here. That's where I want you to come in."
A bad feeling prods are Jiraiya. Something about this felt weird. He frowns and asks what does his oh so wise leader means.
"I think it would be best if you stuck with her to show her around." Hiruzen said. He turned his gaze down to his desk and began to write on a slip of paper. "This man is a teacher for sign language. Considering you learned seals so quickly you can pick up sign language no problem."
"You want me to keep an eye on her?" Jiraiya asks as he steps forward. He takes the slip of paper with the information on it. "Is she dangerous or something?"
"No. Her father wants reports done on her. Just to make sure she's adjusting. Plus I think she could use a friend."
He stares at the paper. Learning a whole new way of speaking just for one girl? So much effort for your safety just because of your family. In a way it is a heavy burden to be related to someone so powerful.
But one thing is bothering him.
"Why me?"
"She likes you."
Do you really? He wasn't all that nice to you. He was actually kinda mean. You just didn't hear it. Guilt began to prod at him for unknowingly insulting a clueless deaf woman. Maybe this is a good opportunity to make it up to you.
"You have two days to get a handle on it." Hiruzen informed. "After that you must show her around."
"Alright."
He left the tower with the information he needed. He took the afternoon off. After traveling it's good to take that small break before he had to overload his brain with a whack load of information.
The next two days were surprisingly interesting. His instructor was a kind man who was very good at their job. Jiraiya managed to get the hang of it, although his technique had some flaws. It will get better with practice. Since he had to speak to you only with sign he's going to get lots of practice.
He knocks on your door...
Then he face palms as he realized a minute later why you aren't answering. He tried the doorbell and lights flickered following the sound of the electronic bell. He saw therm through the small window that your door has. A moment later you open it.
That smile you always wear is on full display. You look nice. During the journey you were wearing a nice kimono suited for any fine lady, but today it seems you are indulging in the fact that you are allowed to be comfortable. It's hard to imagine that your father allowed sweatshirts and leggings to be worn around his palace. It's rather adorable on you. You don't look like the daughter of a lord.
Jiraiya took a moment. Just staring at you is probably not making your opinion of him favourable. But hey you are pretty cute. He raised his hands and tried the sign for hello. Your lips parted in a silent surprised gasp.
'You sign?' You ask back with your hands.
'I learned.'
'Why?'
'Talk to you.'
You looked quite taken aback. Flattered even. Something about it makes him happy. It's nice to actually communicate with you. It's not so frustrating.
'Hungry?' He asks.
'Yes.'
'I know a place. Would you like to go with me?'
You nod. You take his offered hand and shut the door behind you when he pulled you out. You knew someone was to come and show you around, but you didn't expect the same man who had escorted you earlier.
Already this signing thing began to impact his life. Aside from talking to you, it seemed people assumed Jiraiya was deaf too. It was a little funny. Hiruzen asked him to not dress in uniform in order to appear more friendly to you so he looks like a citizen. Perhaps if he were in uniform it would have made it more clear he was just your guide. Not that he minded. Being comfortable is worth the price of a small miscommunication. It made brunch a little awkward. The waitress figured both her patrons couldn't hear and was obviously nervous about it.
Aside from clearing up the little misunderstanding it was a lovely time. You signed quite fast, clearly excited that you had someone to talk to. He had a hard time keeping up. It's harder than it looks.
What was great was actually finding out the kind of person you are. You aren't at all stuck up. For a noble you are quite down to earth. Perhaps your disability influenced that. You are very patient with people. It seems you have dealt with your fair share of your father's friends as well as possible suitors being kinda... mean. They would talk slow and over exaggerated which made it harder for you to understand. Apparently people always assumed that because you're deaf you must be stupid.
It's not like Jiraiya is an exception to it. Upon first meeting you he thought you were an arrogant airhead. He thought that whole mission he escorted you to the village. Just another prissy noble with their head to high in the clouds to know what reality is. Getting to know that you aren't that is good and all, but he feels bad. He judged you before he knew you. Listening to all your stories of how people were always dismissive of you does put an ache in his heart. It's a mixture of guilt and anger at himself for being like everyone else. You are more than what you seem.
'I'm happy I can talk to someone.' You signed with an smile.
'Doesn't your father talk to you?'
'Busy.'
Your expression fell when you admitted that. Your own father is too busy to spend time with you. No wonder he's worried about your safety. He can't monitor you all the time and half your bodyguards are too focused on your elder sibling to worry about you.
Jiraiya paid for the meal and stood from the table. He offered you his hand. You take it again and let him lead you away. You trust this man. He listens to you.
You spend the whole day with him seeing new things. The past two days was unpacking so you were housebound. It's nice to get out after doing all that work. Having someone so familiar with this place was the right way to see it. He knows a lot about this place and has a clear fondness for it all. You listened to him sign the backstories and fond memories he had of these places.
Alas the day had to come to an end eventually. He escorted you home and bid farewell. Before he did you had one more question.
'Your name?'
He looked both stunned and embarrassed. He got so swept up in showing you around he forgot to tell you his name. Nor did he tell you it when he escorted you earlier. He thought your father filled you in or you just didn't care.
He spelled out his name in sign language. Jiraiya. That's a nice name. You give him yours. While you are sure he knows it, it would be polite to officially introduce yourself as a friend. He grins and does the sign for pretty. It's the first time someone did that and it sent butterflies swarming in your belly.
You invited him inside for a drink but he declined. It would be nice to drink with you but something in Jiraiya's gut is telling him it's too soon. Too soon for what he doesn't know. Perhaps it's because of who you are related to? It was like your father's presences lingers around you, judging him for staying close to you. Being close to you makes him feel... weird. Being around you makes him giddy.
You and him make plans for the next day. Both you and him look forward to it. Saying goodbye didn't feel all that bad, because it wouldn't be long until he got to see you again. You couldn't wait. Neither could he.
Time passed and Jiraiya grew closer to you. He learned a lot about you. He came to a quick conclusion. You're sweet and striving for independence, but you are quite clueless. You don't know how to do anything. He helps when you ask.
Your cooking skills are abysmal. You hardly figured out how to hold a knife. He gave you some pointers as well as showed you it works better when using an actual cutting board over the countertop. He stood behind you while having his hands over yours to guide them. Touching you was nice. You're very soft.
It wasn't just cooking he had to show you. It was basically every life skill someone learns as they grow. But that's under normal circumstances. Your lack of knowledge on everything did give away your privileged upbringing. At least you are excited to learn. Normal rather boring chores are fun to you. You aren't very good at them, but that comes with time and practice.
The worst was laundry. You had lots of questions and were blind to how awkward it was. You held out like every type of underwear you had and asked what load they should go in. It's a good thing you are oblivious. It's really easy to imagine you in just those panties. It's hard to hide or explain away his blush. Not even sign language could cover up that mess. Needless to say details like that stay out of the reports.
Unfortunately something happened that meant Jiraiya's time with you had to be cut down. He got his own team. Young children who he has to train up. Explaining this to you made you sad. You hugged him. Close contact like this was to a bare minimum. That's mostly because he's been told to keep it respectful by your father. Getting this close to you wasn't apart of the plan. But spending almost all his free time with you and getting to know you had done what he should have expected.
Jiraiya has a crush on you. You're everything he could ever want. Beautiful and smart. Strong and interesting. Your disability didn't really factor in. Speaking sign began to be second nature to him. He didn't want to stop seeing you almost everyday but he has a duty to do. Your father seems satisfied that you are settled and doing well. There's always ninja around to protect you. He's not really necessary but he didn't want to stop. You and him have bonded and you are much more than a mission to him. He can be with you on his own time. It's now a matter of finding time as well as figuring out what to do.
Should he go for it?
Apart of him is afraid of ruining the friendship if he does. But he doesn't want to wish and wonder if he doesn't. There's also the possibility of your father's disapproval. It's a dangerous slippery slope. Maybe thinking about it will keep him from slipping and breaking his neck on it...
Seeing Jiraiya is more like a privilege now. He's so busy you hardly ever see him. But you want to see him. He's your only friend. But he's more than that. He has such wonderful qualities that you realize you want in a partner. He's smart and kind. Handsome and nurturing. You wish to date him. You are already imagining what it would be like.
You have been writing your sister more recently, asking her advice on love. She found a nice young man of whom she fell in love with. Surely she can help you with your dilemma. You just aren't quite sure how to ask Jiraiya out. Like on a real date. It feels completely different than asking him to go on a walk or have lunch with you. The formal training you endured to be a lady is screaming at you to wait for him to make that move. But your sister surprised you.
She told you to just go make the first move. Just ask him. If he likes you like how you think he does then it should be no problem. But you've never asked out a boy before. No boy has ever shown interest in you beyond a first conversation. He's the first one to stick around. All others stopped once they realized you can't hear. But he didn't. He even learned sign so he could speak to you. That's the sweetest thing anyone had done for you. So... he must like you like that.
So you go. You change into something nicer and make your way to the training grounds he always books for his team. You must keep your distance, he told you that it's not safe. But he usually takes notice of you rather quickly. You take your usual place and watch him teach his team of youngsters.
There's not a lot of movement. Just four figures in the distance standing close together. Rather than working he speaking to his team. He usually does that when he's preparing to wrap up the lesson. It's usually an invitation to start making your way over. You start to, but stop when he gestures towards the trees.
A woman emerges from them. From your position it's hard to get the fine details but you can see that she had blonde hair and is rather well endowed in the chest. He greets her by hugging her tightly and spinning around with her in his embrace.
Your heart sinks. You take refuge behind a tree as the information processes. It seems Jiraiya is already taken. You should be happy. Your friend has someone they love.
But it's rather miserable isn't it? Discovering that someone you have feelings for already has their perfect partner is more like getting kicked in the chest. Your heart is hurting like someone had inflicted real physical damage.
You move along... returning home to sulk. What would a great guy like that like in you anyways? There's no way he'd even consider you. No one wants a partner that can't hear them.
Jiraiya looks around the fence. He thought he saw you. You usually come to visit when it's nice out like this. But no one is there. Maybe he just imagined it. Seeing you there always gets him excited. He misses you too. His life is so busy, but so dull without you. Tsunade's company ain't so bad either. She's finally left the hospital to get some air.
"How's Dan doing?" He asks.
"As good as he can be. You know him, he's in good spirits." She replied with a smile.
"Hey at least he's not giving up."
"Yeah..."
A month ago her husband was hospitalized after a horrible injury that almost took his life. Thankfully he's pulling through. It's mostly the reason why Tsunade hadn't been seen in so long. She spends all her time in the hospital making sure he is okay.
In the meantime Jiraiya has been doing his best to repair his friendship with her. With Orochimaru gone and no one else really around who gets it, he's been neglecting you in order to spend some time with her when he can. Spare time is scarce and he's had to choose who he has to spend it with. She's precious to him and he misses having her around.
He's not going overboard. Just little things to make their lives easier. Buy her and Dan flowers to cheer them up in the hospital. Bring coffee from a shop since hospital coffee sucks. The occasional meal to give them both a break from crappy hospital food. Things like that. It is easy to transition into light conversation when bringing an offering. She's really been appreciative of his efforts. He was hard to get a long with for a while due to how much it hurt to see her get married.
But those feelings have left. Jiraiya had figured he would always be hung up on her. He'd spend his whole life languishing over someone he can't have. But then he met you. Well... got to know you. It wasn't exactly love at first sight but you have grown on him.
"So anything new happen?" She asks.
"Well, I've met someone. Does that count?"
"You have? What she like?"
"You know that noble I escorted some months ago?"
She gasped. Then she gave him a whack on the arm for being stupid enough to fall in love with a high blood. But you aren't like them other high bloods. She still was critical.
"You can probably kiss your career goodbye if you screw this up."
"I won't screw it up. I haven't even asked her out yet!"
"What are you doing here blabbering? You should just ask her out."
"Wha-? But you wanted to meet up!"
"Yeah but this is more pressing!" Tsunade insisted. She walked behind him and pushed him towards the street. "We can get drinks later or something! Go get your girl!"
"Uh I kinda have a team to teach."
"I'll wrap up your lesson, you boob. This is way more important."
Jiraiya didn't protest. His kids watched him with a mixed emotions. All three are quite talented but there's something about the blond one that he likes. That kid has an air of peace about him that must be preserved. As well as a plethora of natural talent. Things he should think about later. You are a higher priority.
This was the sign he was looking for. He should make a move. You are a good match for him. Not that he's got the best track record with girls but something feels right with you. He makes his way over to your house.
He rings the bell and watches the lights flicker. It's a very familiar process. You open the door but you don't look happy to see him. He furrows his brow. He's never seen you not smile.
'Something wrong?' He signs to you.
'No.'
You are lying. It's easy to see that there is something very wrong. You look crushed. You drop your gaze as if holding his eyes were too painful. He reached out and placed his hand under your chin in order to raise it back up. He didn't like seeing you so down.
'Tell me what bothering you.'
Fine. If he wants to know you'll tell him.
'You.'
He flinched back with your finger pointing at him with a dull accusation. He's confused.
'What did I do?'
'You should have told me you were in a relationship!' The aggravation and speed to your hands conveyed your anger.
'Relationship? I am single.'
'I saw you with her.'
At this point it's hard to tell if you should be mad at him or yourself. Him for possibly cheating on his significant other or you for being foolish enough to fall for him. He signs with a question of who.
It's hard to think of the words. You hardly use them but you sign anyways. Blonde. You trace with your fingers the style you think you saw her with. His eyes widened as he seemed to get what you are saying. You saw him with Tsunade.
'My friend.' Jiraiya tried to convince you. He did the sign for marriage and different person but you are still scowling. Then he smiled. It's the type of smile where it's amused mixed with flattery. Also smugness. 'Do you like me?'
A wash of heat covers your face. Angered and full of spite, you try to close the door on him. Jerk.
But it doesn't work. He catches it. He braces his foot against the bottom to keep it open while he used his hands to talk again.
'I like you.'
At least you think he meant like. He used the slang way of saying I love you. It flusters you further. You try to push him but your hands more or less just spanked his chest. He's quite solid. He laughs. The vibrations of them tickle your fingers and move down your arms.
Jiraiya grabs your wrists gently and moves them aside. You look up at him with a face scrunched up with embarrassment and annoyance. It seems he hit the nail on the head. You like him. He likes you. He pulled you forward. Once close he snakes his arms swiftly to hold you and move in to do what he's wanted to do for a long time.
A boy has never kissed you before. It's weird. You have seen people kiss before but experiencing it is very different. His lips are slightly dry. They are warm. Your hands ball and grip his shirt. You find yourself tugging on it to keep him close as you discover and explore this new sensation.
He broke it by leaning back and drawing back his lips slowly. A kiss had never felt so right. You are a little clumsy at it but it felt nice all the same. You are hot to the touch. Flushed is your face and expression.
"You are too cute for words." He says with a smile.
You are staring up at him with big curious eyes. His words are sweet. You tug on his shirt again, asking for more. He gave in and kissed you. Over and over in your doorframe. It wasn't long until he was pushing you back inside and you went along willingly.
For a long time now Jiraiya has wondered and daydreamed what you look like naked. He sweeps you off your feet and set you down on your couch. While making out with you he's getting handsy. Feeling under your shirt to touch your bare skin. But you pushed him away when he pushed you a little too far.
You are still a lady. Maybe it's not that modern of you but the ethnics you have grown up with stick with you. He signed that he was sorry.
'Did I make you not comfortable?' He asks.
You shake your head.
'I have never done before. Slow please.'
He nods. Instead of continuing to push your boundaries, he fixes your shirt and settles for talking. Talking with you is always great. Occasionally he would lean in. Sometimes you would lean in. Each time it was met with a kiss. He asked you to go out with him on a date that night. You agreed.
Dating him wasn't so different than just hanging with him. Jiraiya was himself, if maybe a bit more relaxed. He was never that formal of a person but he really let go of any reservations. Before asking you out he wasn't so touchy feely. He still didn't do more than what you were comfortable with.
He introduced you to more of his friends. Like that woman you mistook for his girlfriend. And her husband. They are both nice people. They were surprised about your condition but didn't treat you any different. You could tell that they were happy for their friend.
Six months pass and things have been going steady. You are still rather shy when it comes to bedroom things but you are learning. Jiraiya is still a good partner. He moved in with you and has been doing his best to balance his schedule. Some days it's difficult to make time to see you but he's under a lot of pressure to make sure his pupils do well in their exams. Fortunately living with you means he gets to see you more.
Living with a man is quite different. There are things you had to get used to. Like his habit of dropping his towel on the bathroom floor. Or leaving a trail behind him when he gets home from a long day. You try to understand but it's hard to. He drops articles of clothing and equipment everywhere as he makes way to the bathroom to shower off the day. He's got some messy ways about him but he does try to clean up after himself once he takes that break. He knows you aren't a fan of it.
There are things to do like. Having Jiraiya around all the time is certainly a plus. He's taught you how to make more dishes. Including his favourites. You aren't good at cooking, but he smiles and eats it anyways. Going to bed and having him there is nice. You get to lay your head on his chest and feel the different functions of his body. The beat of his heart. The way his chest vibrates with snores. That's what you like best. The vibrations of his voice. You rest your head against his chest more often, especially if there's people around he's talking to. He doesn't really understand what you are doing but he likes it. Usually he settles for holding you.
Time flies by and it comes to a year since he asked you out. Things are still peachy. Jiraiya has more time now. With the tension between nations settling down a little and his team moving along the ranks he's got a much more clear schedule. Which meant spending almost all his time with you.
But he told you he has to go on a mission soon. It could take a few days to complete. You pout but don't discourage him. He has a job to do. Before he left he confessed something.
'When I first met with you I kept tabs on you for your father. I did that for a couple of months. I fell in love with you the longer we spent time together.'
For a long time now it was heavy on Jiraiya's mind. It felt like he was lying to you in some degree. You watched his confession with an unreadable expression. It was stunned that much he could tell. He couldn't just keep this inside anymore. You deserve to know.
'You were always more than that. I love you. Sorry for not telling you sooner.'
You remain silent for a long time. Silent as in not responding right away. You are letting it digest. After five long minutes of silence you finally replied.
'I knew father would not leave me be when I moved here.' You said. You offer a small smile. 'I am happy you stayed with me. I don't care about the past. I love you.'
He sighs. The relief felt like a ship was lifted from his shoulders. Before leaving he gave you a kiss and promised he would be back soon.
Maybe it's mean to lie to you again but it's for a good reason. He's not leaving for a mission. He asked to have an audience with your father. Hiruzen suggested he ask for your hand officially. Your family is quite traditional. As if the no sex before marriage thing wasn't hint enough. He wants your father to think he's a good man. To have the Daimyo's approval of the marriage will be good to say the least. Hiruzen had made it quite clear that to not ask first would be insulting.
"What makes you think you are good enough for my daughter, shinobi?"
It's a question Jiraiya expected but the tone was harsher than he hoped. Your father loves you a great deal. He wants you to be happy. Jiraiya chances raising his head to look your father dead in the eyes. He raised his hands. Your father tensed for a second. Then relaxed as he began to speak in fluent sign language. After being with you for so long it's as simple as weaving seals.
It's easy. So easy to profess his feelings for you. Your father watched as the young man he entrusted with his daughter's life is now telling him how far they'll go to protect you. Even as far as dying if it came down to it.
'No man has ever taken the time to learn sign for my daughter.' The Daimyo spoke in sign as well. 'I see how they all have dismissed her for a fool or a tool to gain power.'
Jiraiya sat still and waited for the lord to continue. A nervous sweat is gathering at the back of his neck. The dramatic pause and unreadable stare from the older man sitting so regally on the country's throne is grinding at his anxiety.
'I can tell you aren't one of these men.' The lord signed with a smile. Then he spoke. "You have my blessing."
"Thank you, my lord." Jiraiya replied with a breath of relief.
"I expect a happy letter soon... as well as an invitation. But don't forget," Your father paused dramatically yet again. His expression turned from happiness to a stern warning. "My little girl deserves the best. I expect that you will provide her with that."
Jiraiya nods and stands. He says a formal goodbye before leaving. Those words weigh in his mind like a brick in the ocean. It's an uneasy sinking sensation. But he knows that he loves you. Those old stories and poems of how men would bring their loves anything they wanted no matter the journey it took to get it makes complete sense to him now.
He headed straight home, much to your joy. He asked you right away. Signing the words was easier than he thought.
'I love you. Marry me?'
You began to jump up and down in place. You didn't sign or speak. You wrapped your arms around him and kissed him. It only lasted a few seconds before you broke it off to nod vigorously.
For the first time in his life things simply fell into place. He had you. That's all he needs. He married you. It took some convincing for your father to not make a huge affair of it. The most you let him get was your dress. The service was lovely. It was tiny, having only close friends and family attending. Only a few people have the power to marry people in Konoha. Hiruzen kindly offered his services as an officiate, as it's an old rite for Hokage to marry off people so long as one is a shinobi. The kind old man even learned some sign language in order to make the service easier for you to understand.
The reception afterwards was just as lovely. It was more social and public. Konoha is a tight community and Jiraiya had plenty of comrades who wanted to at least congratulate you and him. It was the first time a whole group of people were pleasant to you. None of them mocked you for being deaf. Your family came as well. They were a little out of place among the common folk but were pleasant all the same.
The night of was the event you were most anxious for. While you have seen Jiraiya naked and he's seen you, you hadn't gone all the way with him. He respected the no sex until marriage rule you placed. The most you and him have done is oral.
'Ready?' He asks again.
You nod. You want to know what it's like. He offers a smile and a promise that it will feel good. Each touch was warm. His hands touched places he had only just gotten to know. His lips kissed and licked at your skin. He guided you onto his lap. For the first time he heard your voice. A soft cry of pleasure as his hips met yours. It was so quiet he just barely caught it. Your voice is pretty.
You shifted and focused on the intrusion. It's all so new. But it didn't hurt. He made it feel amazing. You rested your hands against his chest and felt the beat of his heart, which is pounding faster and faster with each thrust. The vibrations and rumble in his chest from his voice was the cue you used to know he liked what you were doing.
"J... ah..." You tried to say something but you hardly know how to speak. You just... want him to understand. There are somethings that sign can't convey.
"Shh... I know." Jiraiya hushed you. He pressed a kiss on your lips.
You clung to him as sensations you have never felt to this degree before build. You felt his belly, which was pressed against yours, tense. His fingers dug into your hips. A deep rumble from his chest followed as he moaned your name.
Afterwards you lay with him in bed. There's not really words to describe it. It was fun, but also tiring... yet you want more of it. The panting and heat dispersed slowly. Enough to roll over and rest your head on his chest.
'I like your voice.' You signed the best you could on your belly.
'My voice?'
'Good vibrations.'
Jiraiya chuckles. The vibrations you like so much tingle more prominently to him. The smile that grew on your lips was lovely. So that's why you always rest your head on his chest or touch it in some way. He figured it was heart beat. He doesn't speak a lot when with you. Even when with company he tends to be your translator if you missed something. In many ways sign is much more comfortable. Most days he doesn't speak a word. He'll make a better effort since you like it so much.
Only a month later you started to feel sick. And the most obvious was correct. You got pregnant. It was great news! Jiraiya was happy to tell anyone who asked how his new marriage was doing. It's a tad faster than you or him wanted but it's wonderful all the same.
But it didn't come without its challenges. Jiraiya answered the door one day at a horribly early hour in only pyjama pants and hair in a rat's nest. People he's never seen before are carrying bags and boxes and introduced themselves as handipeople hired by your father.
He reluctantly let them in. You were stunned as well. You were in the kitchen having had awoken when Jiraiya rolled out of bed. At this point you were midway through pregnancy. He held your gaze with a tired frown.
'You should tell me when you write your father.'
'Sorry. Father did not tell me.' You reply as you gesture to the sudden gathering of strangers in your house.
The kind invaders set up the half finished nursery. Which included a similar system to your doorbell, with a mic attached to the crib that makes the lights flicker so you know when the baby cries. It's nice to save money and all but did they have to do this so early? At least they were in and out quickly.
It was you who challenged him the most. As the months went by and hormones kicked in you were quite the handful. You cried a lot. You got grumpy more often. Although your version of grumpy is to pout on the couch. Sometimes he'd wake up to you nosing around in the kitchen looking for the strange thing you craved. Sometimes you aren't aware of the noise you make as you pilfer through the pantry. You always say that you're sorry when you turn around and see him standing there in his signature nighttime look.
But it's not all bad. Jiraiya cashed in his vacation days once you were close to giving birth. It was nice to have some lazy days before the real fun began. He didn't want to miss anything. It was midday when you signed that you are in pain. Not wanting to risk anything he ignored your pleas to let you walk and he carried you the hospital. Hours later you gave birth to the little girl you and him were waiting for so long.
"Hah! Gah!" You cried out in distress when they took her away.
"It's okay!" Jiraiya had to grab your attention with his hands and told you it was alright. Hearing you in distress startled him to the point he knew speaking to you would be quicker than sign. "They're checking if she's okay."
You stared at his lips with big teary eyes. You cling to him for support as you watch the nurse wipe off the bright red little thing you gave birth to. Her wee face is scrunched up as she cries. Although you can't hear it the sight is enough to squeeze your heart. The whole time your dear husband clutched your hand and pet your hair. Soon your daughter was put in your arms and declared healthy by the doctor.
It was indescribable seeing you hold the baby for the first time. The calmness that's always about you returned once you had her in your arms. Jiraiya rested his head on your shoulder as he needed a moment to let it all sink in. His family is bigger now. With you and the cutest baby in the whole dang world. Her dark eyes are confused and curious as she looks over her parents. She's still pink. But that'll fade into a normal human shade.
Settling back home with the newborn was easier in the mind than in reality. Yua was her name. And little Yua is a baby who likes attention. It ain't so bad. Raising a human that you and Jiraiya made was rewarding. The new challenge is what makes life interesting.
It's another early start to the day. Construction started on the building next door. As if the early morning handipeople wasn't bad enough. That was just one instance that ticked Jiraiya off a little. He sat up with a sigh as the banging of hammers and the sawing of lumber woke him up yet again. Five thirty in the morning on the dot. For four days now. Now he's cranky. Must they start at this horrible hour when everyone should be sleeping? At the moment he can't help but envy you. You are sound asleep and unbothered by the noise.
Well... since he's up... might as well check on the baby. She tends to wake up around this time anyways, wanting something to eat. Which is something he doesn't mind getting up for. As it turned out, Yua doesn't make a lot of noise. Her crying is soft. It takes a lot of ignoring for her to gain enough volume to trip the mic. Oddly enough the construction hasn't been messing with her schedule that much. Nor does she cry from the disruption.
He yawns and stretches as he makes his way over to the neighbouring room. Once there he could hear the beginnings of her soft cries of discomfort. Little tiny nahs and wahs that were almost polite. He hushed her as he picked her up. Her cries quiet down when he had her cradled in his arms. She loves being held.
Walking with a bounce in his step to keep her soothed, Jiraiya made way to the kitchen. From there he shifted his baby to one arm and used the other to prepare a bottle. It took longer with one hand but he managed. She latched onto and fed from the bottle very well. She was content. At least the noise isn't bothering her.
A gentle touch on his arm tore his attention from her. You are standing beside him. You look worried.
'Why not wake me?' You signed.
He shrugged. He didn't mind. You asked if you could take over. He nods and carefully transferred the baby into your arms. You smiled brightly at your daughter as you took her away to the couch. Satisfied that they're fine for the moment, Jiraiya makes himself a coffee. The early wake up call of construction is starting to drive him to have a caffeine addiction.
Bang!
He jumps in surprise and nearly drops his mug as it sounded like something the size of a fridge just fell from the roof of the neighbouring building. He peeks through the window to see a log had fallen to the ground off of the pulley system the workers were using to haul the lumber up. It looks like no one got hurt. The noise and potential tragedy just shocked the workers into a moment of stunned silence and staring at the log. How fortunate that it fell the way it did. The last thing anyone needs around here is a lethal accident.
He turns around to join his family. He pauses at the scene he's now witnessing.
No one reacted to the noise. You he expected but...Yua? She hadn't even stirred.
For some time now he had suspected that maybe his daughter was deaf. It's hard to tell with a baby. But that loud noise should have made even the most chill of babies startle and cry. She's not aware. Like you are. Both mother and child are completely oblivious and at peace around the chaos of the sounding world.
If it turns out to be true then... aw well. It would have been nice to train her but that's not possible with her disability. She'll simply will have to thrive under his and your care until she can take care of herself. She has to learn sign anyways to speak to you. She'll thrive no matter what. That he'll make sure of.
Jiraiya walks to the living room and takes a seat beside you. You cuddle up to him while finishing up feeding the little one. Everything will be just fine. He runs his hand behind your shoulders and pulls you right up against him. The jostle it did to your arms made Yua coo but didn't stir beyond that.
As loud as the world is to him, it's quiet with you. It's peaceful. With Yua it's more harmonious. So long as he has his family he'll be just fine.