Reader request continuation. Reader is preggo with triplets and constantly stressing out Jiraiya. And then Tsunade shows up and some drama happens.
It's very warm right at this spot. Jiraiya is on the verge of dozing. The spot he has taken in front of the case of the shop is as good a spot as any. The heavy bag in his hand is only encouraging him to sink down and rest his head on the glass and snore.
The past couple of days have been late. There has been little in the ways of sleep. Mostly due to you. As much as he would like to state that it's because his hot wife is insatiable, it's actually because his hot wife is a determined leader.
You haven't given up much of your leadership despite being on leave. You are eight months pregnant. With three babies! You shouldn't be at your office pouring over paperwork and stressing about missions when you are literally about to pop. You've nearly killed Jiraiya these past couple of months. Almost every night he wakes up in a panic because you aren't in bed beside him. If he sweeps the house and you aren't there he knows you went to the office. He'll usually find you there at your desk. With only a lamp on to light up your papers as you furiously work on signing off things you don't have to worry about.
"I just don't want to leave Minato with a huge pile of stuff!" You excuse with a pout when Jiraiya pulled you out of your chair.
"He's literally the fastest shinobi to live. I think he can handle a pile of paperwork!"
You pout a lot when he ushers you back home. He knows it's also because you are the type of person that once awoken they can't fall back asleep. You don't like to just sit around when you wake up either. The babies have been kicking you a lot now. They even dislocated a rib. It's enough activity to keep you awake and restless. It didn't matter how often Jiraiya begged you to wake him up if you plan on going out but you didn't like to disturb him. His blood pressure has probably shot up a couple of decimals since you started your late night escapades. His nerves are as on edge as they were when he was fighting in war. Waking up at night and you aren't there is a nightmare creeping into the real world. Especially now since there's foreign ninja in Konoha looking to get promoted to top rank. There's literally hostiles all over the god damn place! You shouldn't be wandering about at night alone.
"Hey stranger." Someone near him says.
Jiraiya really ain't paying attention. He ignored whoever is talking so close. Probably ain't for him anyways. His tired eyes is staring somewhat blankly at the worker behind the counter asking him again if he was sure he wanted such a weird combination of ingredients.
"Hello?"
He doesn't clue in that the person speaking so close to him was actually talking to him until their fist knocked on his skull. He finally looks over with a tight frown.
His snaps to attention. The exhaustion leaves as he realizes who is standing beside him. A face he hasn't seen in over four years.
"Tsunade." He states. It is almost like a dream.
He blinks several times. Yeah she's really standing in front of him. The guilt of how he left things with her flew into his face like how it had with you. It was awful... He hasn't been so stellar when it came to women.
"What are you doing here?" He asks.
"Shizune is trying for the promotion and... I missed you. The world is pretty lonely without you to talk to."
"Really? I missed you too."
She exhales a loud relieved breath. Clearly she was a bit nervous to face him.
"I'm sorry by the way." Jiraiya spoke again. "I shouldn't have been such a prick."
"Yeah you kinda are." She teases him along with a light punch to his arm. "I'm sorry too. I strung you along for a while when I should have been straight with you."
He chuckles with her. There's a lingering pain and he gently rubs his arm. She's still strong as he remembers. Her eyes fell to his hand.
"You're married." She stated as she pointed to the ring on his finger.
"Yeah, about a year ago."
"That's great! It's about time you professed your undying love to your porn stash."
He snorts at her snarky comment. Tsunade is still as sharp as he remembers. He shuffles to the till at the end of the counter while the employee finished up his order. It was great talking to her again! Just shooting the shit like she never left. Her life updates were all fairly positive. She ain't that bad an aunt or a teacher. Shizune had grown into a fine young lady who was quite skilled in poisons. She's practically penniless on account of her terrible gambling skills. She's still up keeping the nomadic life he once so proudly lived.
"Sir, your spicy pepper and beef sandwich with peanut butter, coconut fluff, and extra pickles is ready." The employee interrupted. They made a weird face. "Are you sure that's correct?"
"Positive." Jiraiya confirms.
"That's quite the combo." Tsunade shared the same peculiar expression as the worker. "Are you experimenting on what's acceptable in the culinary world or are you pregnant?"
"Well... I'm not."
"... Oh my god!" She said slowly as her expression dropped into realization. "You aren't joking! You actually got a kid on the way?"
"Three actually... at once."
She remained quiet for a moment. Her expression was stuck on shock. Slowly it changed. It turned to fury. She raised her fist and pulled up her sleeve.
"You got married and started a family without telling me?!"
He yipes when she struck him. He flew back and tumbled to the other end of the shop. Thankfully he managed to save the carton of juice he bought you. Maybe that punch knocked his brain loose but he couldn't hold in laughter. Just like the good old days!
"Sorry! It's not like I could just ring you up and update you on my life!" Jiraiya jovially pointed out. He got to his feet and gathered up his lunch to go. "Come on, she'll want to see you too. It's been so long since I've had two of my closest friends in the same room together."
Tsunade walked with him to the Hokage's Tower. At this point she had put together who Jiraiya had married. It's about time. You were so obviously in love with him and he was frustratingly blind to it. He practically skipped to the office where the Hokage runs the village. He opened the door and there you are. Sitting at the desk with Minato in another chair beside you, smiling fondly as you pour over a document with him.
You looked up from your work and your serious expression melted into joy upon seeing your husband. Even if Tsunade was expecting you to be larger than normal it was still a shock to see you when you stood up. It's rude to say big. But your small frame is obviously being dwarfed by your middle. You had trouble standing up and Minato grabbed your arm and braced your lower back to aid you in a gentle boost.
"You came!" You exclaim. Your walk was slow and hindered by the weight of your belly. Jiraiya met you partway and you held him tightly. "I was getting worried."
"Sorry, gorgeous. I ran into an old friend and got distracted."
"Old friend?" You look over his arm to his companion. "Oh..."
Tsunade is back? You bury your face back into your husband's chest. You grip him a little tighter. You never directly fought with her but had a falling out with her all the same. She figured something was up and let you be around the same time you fought with Jiraiya. You haven't spoken to her since she left close to eight years ago. That bitter jealousy came up in your throat. Jiraiya he... he's yours. Right?
"You got time for a lunch break? I got you all your favourites!" He asks as he raises the bag of goodies he brought with him.
"Yeah... lunch sounds good." You reply with a small smile.
He turned to Tsunade and asked if she was okay with being left behind for an hour or so. Lunch is a him and you thing. He'd rather keep it that way.
"We can talk after, okay?" He offers.
"Yeah, that's fine with me. I can catch up with Minato in the meantime." She agrees as she looks over at the lad.
Minato seemed pleased. He hasn't spoken to Tsunade in a while. He likes her and he now got to break out the photos of Naruto and Momoko he keeps on him. He's a very proud papa.
You link your arm with Jiraiya's and he led you away. Usually he likes to take you outside, but he's a little paranoid. There's foreign ninja here for the exams and he's been silently but obviously worried that someone is going to take you out. You know he's asked several Anbu to stay extremely close to you. You can feel their presence even when you walk home. It's sweet that he's so worried, but unnecessary. It's considered very dishonourable to attack a pregnant woman. It would be quite the dishonourable kill to go for the Hokage while she's expecting. You doubt any Chunin from any village will go for you. They all take the selection too serious anyways. They're all too focused on killing each other and impressing their lords to worry about taking a leader out.
Even so, Jiraiya would rather you stay inside. It's just another reason for him to worry. He gets so petrified when you leave at night. No one is coming after you. But ever since the selection started he's been fearful. He scooted your chair in for you at the conference table and he sat beside you. He set down the bag of food he got you and pulled out his portion. He got a rather plain sandwich in comparison to your particular pallet.
As gross it looked, what he got you was a blend of everything you told him you were craving all at once. Actually it was kinda gross, but at the same time perfect. Washing it down with big gulps of the juice he got you finished each bite just right.
You tried to eat slowly. You hadn't eaten much this morning due to the chronic sickness that had plagued your pregnancy so you are quite hungry. But the idea of him leaving to go spent time with Tsunade is... worrying you. You don't want him to.
It's not like you can tell him who he can and cannot see. He should go out more. He's been a hermit since you got pregnant. All his spare time has been spent making sure everything is ready for the babies. As well as getting adjusted to the house. You bought your parents house after he proposed and he's been slowly getting used to living in a permanent residence again. He's been trying to get settled but he's restless somedays.
Yeah... you shouldn't hold on so tightly. Jiraiya married you. He loves you. Even mentally telling yourself that over and over it doesn't calm down your fears. What exactly did Tsunade want? What if... What if her returning makes him realize he made a mistake when it came to getting together with you?
"Are you alright?" Jiraiya's worried voice cut your fearful thoughts.
You look up at him. He reaches over and wipes away a tear off of your cheek. You hadn't realized you started crying. You use your sleeve to wipe up your face.
"Yeah. I'm fine." You answer. The crying filter is totally loose now that your hormones are all out of whack. You cry at anything. "Minato killed a spider before you came and I just was thinking about it."
"Aw babe. Kill one spider and ten more will take its place. That little guy won't be missed."
"Yeah... you're right."
It doesn't feel good to lie. You don't want to talk about it. Not now. Maybe not ever. You're just being foolish... right?
Lunch regrettably came to an end. Jiraiya helped you up and escorted you back to your office. He opened the door for you and let you walk in first. The sight inside well... it's stupid but... you don't like seeing Tsunade in your chair. She's sitting in it while talking happily to Minato who was seated in his chair beside her. She took notice of you right away and got up. She wrapped up the conversation with Minato and strides towards you and your husband.
"You ready?" She asks.
"Yup!" Jiraiya chirped right back as cheery as ever. He turned to you and gave you a series of kisses. First your head. Then your lips. Last on your belly. He raised himself up to full height and smiled at you. "I'll be spending most of the afternoon with Tsunade. I'll keep you posted if anything changes."
Usually goodbye ends there but you pulled him back down and held him in another lips on lips kiss. He hums in surprise and is happy to indulge in you. It's been some time since you kissed him like that. It broke with him pulling away with a smile.
"I love you... more than anything." You say softly.
"I love you too."
One final quick kiss and he leaves with... her. You watch them go with a small frown. You are just being silly, right? Jiraiya loves you. He's been absolutely wonderful. He's been excited. But... but what if she changes all of that?
"M'lady?" Minato brings your attention out of your troubling thoughts. "Would you like help?"
"Yeah..." You quietly agree.
You take his offered hand and he escorts you back to your desk. After a moment of adjusting and with his help you get seated comfortably. You set your elbow on the table and prop your head against your fist.
It's nothing. It's just two old friend catching up. Then again... that's how you and Jiraiya got closer. No matter what you do you puzzle and fret. Your fear only grows the longer you think. The real possibility of your husband leaving you for a different woman begins to sound more plausible as the time ticks by.
Eventually you get a small toad at your desk telling you that Jiraiya is going to be spending a late night Tsunade and to not wait up for him. It only feels like confirmation that something is going on between them. It's almost home time when the little creature came by. It too looks worried. It tilted its head and asked you if you were okay.
"I'm fine. Baby kicks you know? Let him know I got his message."
They nod before poofing away into a cloud of white smoke. Now it's only you and your aid. He's already preparing for home. He has his jacket over his arm and house keys in hand.
"Are you staying late?" Minato asks.
"Yeah... You know me. I won't be able to sleep if Jiraiya isn't there."
"Would you like me to stay with you?"
"No. I'll be fine. Your family misses you."
"Okay." He hesitates for a moment. "Are you sure you'll be alright?"
"Yes. There's nothing to worry about. I'll be here working on some papers."
"Very well. Good night, my lady."
"Good night, Minato."
He leaves you be without further complaint. You flick on your desk lamp. It's getting dark out. You drop your gaze to the paperwork on your desk. You have no motivation nor any intentions to finish it. The tears you barely managed to hold back come forth. You just have this horrible feeling... you're losing your husband.
A bleak future flashes in your mind of Jiraiya coming back home tonight only to declare he made a mistake. He never loved you he was confused. He'll divorce you and leave you with three children you must raise on your own. Which means giving up being Hokage for good. Which means proving everyone right. You can't be a leader and a mother. Your detractors have been more snide with their comments about you getting pregnant and sticking with your career. Imagine what they'll say when you are left a single mother and are forced to name a successor as you no longer have the support of your husband to help raise the children. You've already shamed the village once with the Nine Tails attack. You can't do it again with your marriage becoming the public's favourite drama as it falls apart before their eyes.
A flare of pain attacks your middle. It is a mild contraction. You wince and clutch at your belly until it passes. You get those every now and then. They become more frequent when you get stressed. Your doctor said the best way to get through it is with deep calm breathing. Relax.
"You didn't come home."
You look up from your desk to see your husband standing in the doorway of your office. It's quite dark out now. You've been spiralling for hours. He approaches slowly.
"Why are you crying? Kill another spider?" He asks.
"No... I..." You trail off. Maybe it's better to get it over with. If he's going to leave you, you'd rather sooner than later. "I understand... if you don't want to be with me anymore."
Jiraiya's expression changed. He furrowed his brows and frowned.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"I know how you feel about her. If that's what you want then-!"
"Who?" He cut you off with a more aggressive request.
"Tsunade."
"Babe, we're just friends. We went out, had supper, had a few drinks and caught up on all that's happened since we split."
"... That's how we got together."
Now his expression changed to anger. He didn't like what you were accusing him of. He didn't like you saying crap like this. He grit his teeth and leaned against your desk. He set his hands on the wood and held your eyes in an even stare.
"Don't. I'm not a cheater. I thought you trusted me."
"I did-! I mean I do! I just-!"
"Do you?! I walked in here and you were convinced I was done with you! Does that sound like trust?"
You grip your middle again. Pain is flaring up as he yells at you. Jiraiya hasn't yelled at you since you and him had that falling out. Your fear only intensified not only your stress but your need to fight back.
"No it doesn't! Because I don't think I can trust you!"
"..."
There's a scrape as his nails drag across the wood. He's clenching his fists. He's pissed.
Bang!
You jump in surprise. He punched the desk. A firm meant to do some damage punch against the tabletop. He pushes off of it and stands. He doesn't say another word to you. He storms out, slamming the door behind him.
Your blood is pumping hard in your veins. Your heart is pounding. It feels like you were about to fight another tailed beast. A yelp escapes you when another contraction squeezes your sides. Fighting with Jiraiya isn't good for them or you.
"Ow..." You gasp when another hits.
Can a fight induce labour? You try to stay calm and breathe but it's not working. Many things began to fly through your head. Fear was most prominent. Fear for your babies. Fear for your husband. Did you just ruin everything?
"Jiraiya!" You call out.
But no one comes.
You grit your teeth and pull yourself to your feet. It takes a moment to heave yourself but you manage. You leave your office. Looking down the dark hallway revealed that it's empty. Jiraiya must have broke out into a run to leave the building so quickly.
The journey down the long flight of stairs is hellish under normal circumstances most days. Doing it pregnant during contractions is probably worse than any torture you've read about. Once finally at the front of the building, you are met with more emptiness. No one is around.
It seems there's no getting around it. Your contractions won't stop. They keep getting worse. Scared as any expecting mother would be, you come to the dreaded conclusion. You must go to the hospital.
You ought to get used to going places by yourself again...
It is gruelling. Each step feels like a brick gets added to them. You have to take frequent breaks. You rest along the wall of a building as you try and breathe through another one. This hurts. If this is the day, then these kids have a flare for the dramatic akin to their father.
"M'lady." An unfamiliar deep voice calls to you.
You turn your head to your left and see a lone Cloud ninja who is visiting for their examination. You offer the best smile you can. He looks you over.
"Are you in labour?"
"I don't really know. I'm not due for another month." You explain. You hiss as another contraction stabs your back. "I need to get to the hospital."
"I see."
To your surprise the Cloud ninja approached you and began to help. If only Jiraiya could see this. He was just being paranoid. No one will attack you.
"I heard you yelling in your office. Are you alright?" He asks.
"Yeah... Just a small spat with my husband."
"Ah. And where is he now?"
"I'm not sure. I think he ran off somewhere to cool off."
"Then no one is here to help you."
"What?"
You shove away from the man. But it's not like you can get away. How he said that last sentence was more than a little sinister. Your suspicions are confirmed when he pulled out a kunai and pointed it at you.
"I know you are alone. It took a long time to get you like this. That stupid husband of yours hardly has ever left your side. Same with that advisor. But you had finally made this easy for me." The Cloud ninja said with an ever growing smile. "I will be rewarded greatly for taking you out."
You don't reply. There's not much you can do. The relationships you hoped to better mend through this exam and open invitation has certainly backfired. Instead of fixing the tense relationship with the Cloud you have officially become the martyr for a new war. Your people won't take to kindly to having their leader cut down in their own base like this.
You drop your gaze to your middle. You are still holding it in a protective way. You weight your options. The doctors warned you that using any kind of jutsu could lead to permanent harm to both you and the babies. Something about how your chakra network and theirs are all interwoven and quite fragile. You didn't pay that close attention since you figured such information is useless. You don't need to worry about using jutsu or fearing for your life. Or so you thought. If you do retaliate it could only worsen your current condition and could force you into an unsafe labour. With no assistance and the possibility of your attacker surviving the blow. It's a risky situation that could lead to the death of you and your three children.
The other option seems more rational. Take the hit. Anbu are on their way by now. They do rounds on the office and your house. If you aren't at either they prowl the village. They might take sometime to wonder over here. But perhaps you can hold on long enough for them to safely remove your children. Then you perish.
Jiraiya will take good care of them... He's so excited to be a father. In these moments things are so clear.
You... are an idiot.
Getting so wrapped up in your thoughts and fears when you should have just let them go. What you had said hurt him because of how much he loves you. Your mistrust and accusations must have been a slap in the face. You're sorry. You love him. Hopefully he knows that.
"Spare my children... please." You can only ask for the bare minimum of mercies.
You shut your eyes, not wanting to see the final blow. There's no reply. It's silent. Then a whoosh of strong wind. It gets stronger. A cry of pain echoes around the walls of the surrounding buildings.
But it's not you who howled in pain. You raise your gaze to see a young Anbu pinning the Cloud ninja against the wall. It's a rather harsh hold. Arm bent behind his back while the Anbu is gripping his neck. The pristine clay mask of the newly promoted Dog is staring at you. It goes quite well with his silvery hair sprouting from his head and defying gravity in a peculiar way.
"Are you well, my lady?" He asks.
"I'm not hurt." You reply. You cringe with another contraction. "But I might be in labour."
"Allow me to escort you to the hospital." The soft voice of Stoat said from beside you. They are already grabbing your arm and placing it around the back of their neck to support you. Their other arm snakes around your waist and braced a surprising amount of weight despite their small frame. "Dog, please take this man to interrogation."
He nods and handles the would be assassin roughly. It seems even for an Anbu he is quite rash. Maybe you should have waited another year before promoting him... But Minato was so insistent. At least the youngin is quite good at his job despite giving into some emotion. As Minato's close friends, it must have irked Dog to see you compromised like that.
Stoat practically carried you all the way to the hospital. Before they left you asked them to tell Jiraiya the full details of what happened and that you're fine. He deserves to know where you are. Despite your insistence that you are okay, they still sent in the best doctor they had.
It didn't really surprise you when Tsunade came in. She was speaking with some of the department heads when Stoat escorted you in. She likes to check in with the hospital when she can. Learn a new thing or two, teach a thing or two. She is still considered the best around here.
"I hear you had quite the scare." She broke the ice as she helped you pull up your shirt.
"That's putting it lightly." You reply.
She placed her hand on your belly and seemed to be counting. Her head is bobbing with the smallest of nods, as if following a beat. She stopped after a few contractions. She moved on to a stethoscope and you went through the breathe in breathe out routine with her as she placed the device on your back in various places.
"Where is Jiraiya? I thought he was with you." She asks.
"Oh... we had a fight. He stormed off. I don't really know where he is."
"Ah." She notes flatly. "He tends to find a rooftop to brood on."
"Really? I... do you know what one?"
"Sometimes it was the academy. Usually he just picked one where he could get a good view. Something about the scenery and height put him at ease."
"I see."
She simply nods before continuing her check up. Talking with her isn't so strange. You know her after all. And you know she's not trying to take your husband away from you. She probably wants what you wanted and then got, friendship. You were her friend too back in the day. Back then you, her, and Dan hung out a lot. Jiraiya was fairly MIA back then. Mostly because he was upset about Tsunade and Dan getting hitched. You never knew where he would run off to. You never thought to check upwards. You figured he would go train in the woods to work off the stress or be in the bar drinking it off.
The longer you spent time with her the more relaxed you got. As relaxed as you could get. It's hard with the contractions. And her hand poking around in places you never thought she would be touching. You never figured she would get so close to these particular parts of you.
"You aren't dilating and your water isn't anywhere near ready to break." She informs you. "You're having a bad case of false labour. Probably brought on by stress. Easy to understand since some crazy guy was trying to kill you."
Tsunade chuckled, but it sounded a little forced. You get it. She's trying to put you at ease with a poor joke. You smile back at her but it doesn't last long. A cringe interrupted your grin. If this is false labour then real labour is going to be a bitch.
"Just lay back and relax. It will only persist if you don't."
You nod and thank her for her advice. She leaves with the promise to return with some water for you. You swing your legs off of the bed and attempt an escape. As nice as everyone has been, you'd rather be at home. Hospitals still suck. Jiraiya had probably returned there by now. You scoot the best you can until your feet touch the ground. Once standing you gather your things in order to make a quick get away.
The door swung open. You freeze in place. Your escape has been thwarted. But there's no doctor on the other side of the door. It's your husband. His face is riddled with fear and worry. He's looking you over as if checking for wounds.
There's a moment of silence. Neither you or him say anything. It's just tense staring as both you and him try to find the right words.
Then you burst into tears. A second later Jiraiya is hugging you. You cling to him tightly, blubbering apologizes between sobs.
"I didn't mean it!" You cry.
"It's alright... I know. I know you didn't." He comforts you. His voice is quiet and gentle. His hand is petting the back of your head as he speaks. "I'm so relieved that you're safe."
Hearing Stoat say that you were in the hospital after being attacked was enough to get him to drop all his anger and come running. He couldn't live with himself if things turned more grim. The last words you and him exchanged were in anger... it would kill him if those were the last words he ever said to you. It made him realize how trivial the fight was. He presses a kiss atop your head and stays there. The smell of your shampoo has never been so comforting. His hand is caressing your large middle, thanking any higher power that could be listening that his family is safe.
"Let's go home." He said.
"I'd like that." You quietly agree.
Tsunade walked back in a moment later holding a paper cup. She had overheard the conversation. She insisted that you at least hydrate before leaving and handed you the cup. You do as asked, just to put Jiraiya at ease. He's still afraid for you. But with him and the best doctor around you have never felt safer.
Despite your insistence otherwise, Tsunade was alright with taking you on as a patient long term. Jiraiya had the idea and she agreed. Shizune could use some experience working in the hospital too.
"See? Educational purposes!" He defended his point with a grin.
You rolled your eyes. It's not so bad having someone over qualified. Much to your dismay you got put on bed rest not long after your false labour pains. What was worse is that your worrywart of a husband dragged you back to the hospital to be consistently cared for by healthcare workers who have much better things to do. During that time Tsunade had found plenty of time to tend to you.
Tend is putting it quite lightly. She would shut the door to your room and have a prolonged break. You didn't mind the company. Jiraiya was spending a lot of his time back at the house making sure it's totally baby proofed and prepped. He came around as often as he could, bringing you your weird sandwich combos and jugs of juice you have grown to love. As well as swiping the paperwork you had gotten Minato to drop of for you. You shouldn't be worried about missions and payroll while so close to labour... No matter how cute your pout is he doesn't give you your work back.
As time went on and you were stuck with nothing to do in hospital, you grew close to Tsunade again. Jiraiya did too. It was great having old friends around. It was like she had never left. After a discussion with your husband, both you and him had agreed to something. Hopefully she was okay with it.
"You want to name one of your sons after my husband?" She was quite stunned by the question.
"Or your brother. Which ever... or neither if you aren't okay with it." You answered.
"We want to honour at least one of the men who meant so much to you... to all of us." Jiraiya added.
A small faintly pulled at Tsunade's lips. Dan is a good name. Simple but lovely. It would be a shame if it wasn't used. She agreed to it.
Literally seconds after she said yes your water broke. You went into real labour. At least you didn't have to go anywhere. But it was a long gruelling process all the same. You were horrible pain for hours! These kids took their time! It started in the afternoon and you finally finished giving birth only a handful of minutes before midnight.
You gave birth to three healthy baby boys. The first born Dan. The second born Asugi. Last but not least there was Shuma. It was truly amazing to hold them for the first time. You were tired but couldn't be happier. They are wonderful, beautiful little bundles of joy.
Jiraiya felt much of the same. He didn't know where to start. Who to hold? What to do? He was exhausted but flying high on the good fortune his life brought him. In the span of a few hours he was apart of a family of five.
Then reality came crashing down. Two parents and three babies to feed, change, and care for is easier said than done. It's even harder when you get called in on your maternity leave unexpectedly. Minato had apologized probably a thousand times in only the span of a couple of months but sometimes there's meetings that must include you. Especially when it comes to foreign relationships.
It's hard to leave your babies... and your husband. Jiraiya assured you plenty of times he can handle the boys without you. But then you come home hours later. The house is a mess and you suddenly have two extra husbands. Jiraiya had used clones to help keep up with the little ones. He'd flash you a lopsided smile that he'd hope spare him a lecture. Then he'd collect the boys from his copies and dismiss them. You don't approve of it. You don't want your sons thinking they got triplet dads. It's hard to scold him when he's got all three babies in his arms and they are contently sleeping.
Time goes on and being parents become easier. Jiraiya accepted the fact that he had to stay home to raise the kids. You are busy being Hokage after all. He didn't really mind being a full time dad. Sometimes it was tough but he got through it. It's day after day being with his family, which is the type of blessing someone doesn't ask for but receive. It's the type of peaceful life he's always wanted. As peaceful as one can be when raising triplets. Things like tantrums, screaming, and crying are easily forgotten in favour memories like first steps and first words. It's rewarding to see them happy and thriving.
Before long five years pass. Things are quite different around here.
Jiraiya yanked the blanket off of the bed to reveal all three of his sons. They still like to sleep together despite already being five and having their own beds. It's a triplet thing. They'll be spending their whole lives being this close. Last night they picked Asugi's bed to snuggle in.
"Boys! I told you to get up an hour ago!" He scolds his slugabed children. "We gotta go meet mama for lunch!"
"Papa it's Saturday!" Dan complained.
"I don't care. You can sleep in when you're old. Get up!"
He scooped up each boy and set them on their feet on the floor. They whined and complained as he ushered all three to the bathroom. Once the warm water of a bath wakes them up, the chaos starts. He forgot to lock the door.
Dan ran off first, streaking around the house. Jiraiya gave chase only to realize too late that his other sons are running about naked. It's frantic. He's running in every direction holding clothing and towels as puddles are left in the wake of his mischievous children.
The doorbell rings. Who else to answer it but a naked five year old? Jiraiya picks Shuma off his feet before the boy could dodge the adult standing in the way and streak down the whole block. Thank god it's Tsunade at the door.
"Rough morning?" She asks.
His perplexed expression said enough. A wet naked child is squirming in his grasp with a desperate need to break free. His shirt is soaked and there's a child's detangling brush stuck in his hair.
"Papa let me go!" The boy complained. He reached towards Tsunade. "Auntie help!"
She let herself in and took a towel off of him. She wrapped up Shuma and took him off of her friend. Of course for her he sits still and calm in her strong arms. Shizune popped her head into the doorframe and asked if she could help. Both she and Tsunade decided to stick around rather than leave again. It's rather nice being apart of this family.
The two adults split in search of the last two remaining boys. A shriek of joy and surprise sounded off Shizune's success as she got Asugi. Jiraiya found his first born a second later, hiding under the dinner table.
"Alright! Ya caught me!" Dan admits with a dramatic wave of his hands.
Jiraiya sighs as gets his instigator dried off. It took a lot longer than planned to get the boys dressed and out the door. That included him having to change and detangle his hair from the very thing meant to aid with such a task. His sons inherited his hair after all. That brush is the holy grail some days.
"Got any plans today?" He tries to have a normal adult conversation with his friends while keeping an eye on his kids.
"Nothing exciting." Tsunade replied. "Just a course or two I gotta teach for the new recruits."
She had stepped back into a more active role in the hospital once she decided to stay. Her know how and natural talent in the field of medicine has saved plenty of lives. She's teaching some of her techniques in order to better improve the quality of work for both field medics and hospital doctors alike.
Shizune lamented her woes on having to do a mission she has to leave for in only fifteen minutes. You have deployed her more than she thought she would be as a Jonin. Her real passion is medical as well, but her subtle ways of attacking with poison has proved her a great at espionage. Apparently even the most loyal of ninja loosen their lips when they think they are dying the slow painful death of poisoning.
They both came over simply for a quick visit. Jiraiya is hard to get ahold of nowadays. With three little boys he's always busy. But they don't mind coming to yours and his house in order to pay him a visit. They have grown quite fond of those charming troublemakers. Both split off to go do their assignments. Of course without the close watch of three adults the boys abandon their good behaviour...
The door slams open. You look up from the pouting Naruto to the disruptive intrusion. Your dear husband had kicked the door open. He's late. He's flustered. He's got Shuma under one arm and Asugi in the other like he's hauling timber. Little hands are clutching at his shirt from behind and little legs are tucked around his waist. Dan is clinging to his back like a monkey.
Beside you Minato is snickering behind a clasped hand over his mouth. He's trying to be polite about it. The distraction is welcome as his own son was behaving poorly. He loves his son but was quite disappointed in his boy for not understanding how things work around here. Naruto was pouting about D rank missions, he fails to see the importance of them. His teammates look embarrassed and Do... Kakashi is able to hide his bemusement behind his mask.
"Mama!" Both Asugi and Shuma cheered.
They began to wriggle. To save himself the hassle Jiraiya drops them and they barrel towards you. He gags and suddenly bends backwards as Dan released his legs not not his hands, accidentally choking out his father by the collar as he descends to the floor. He too flung forward to greet you, crawling under Jiraiya's legs to do so.
You get up from your chair and walk around to the front of your desk. You kneel down and are immediately smothered by your sons. You embrace them tightly and kiss their cheeks. It feels so good to see them!
"Ah my wonderful little boys!" You coo at them. "You haven't been giving your papa a hard time have you?"
"No!" All three denied.
The flat unimpressed expression Jiraiya is looking at them with would say otherwise. You ruffle their soft white locks and stand. It's time you pay your husband some attention.
"Hey baby." You greet lovingly.
"Hello beautiful."
His bad mood is abandoned when you wrap your arms around him and give him a kiss. He embraced you tightly and indulged a little too much in your affection. With three rambunctious boys it's hard to find the time to be intimate with you. But on the plus side having three little boys has made both you and him more level headed. One has to be when speaking with young children. No more fights happen. Life is too short to argue anyways. Both yours and his time is best spent enjoying these precious moments.
"How does lunch sound?" Jiraiya asks.
"It sounds great." You reply. You turn to your trusted advisor. "Can you hold down the fort while I take a break?"
"Of course, my lady." Minato replied with a smile.
You help Jiraiya round up the boys from pestering their favourite cousin and his team. All three of them idolized Naruto like a sage. His advice has lead to some unappreciated pranks and behaviours but at least they get along. He's even recruited his little sister into being a troublemaker. Momoko has proudly sat her fair share in the headmaster's office with your sons more times than you would like to admit.
You finally get them settled and usher them out the door. They run down the hall despite you warning them to be careful.
"Don't worry about them. They're going to be just fine." Jiraiya said.
"You just want a break from them."
"Only a little." He admits. He pulled you close and wrapped his arm around your shoulders. "How else am I gonna get a little something from you?"
"Jiraiya!"
He laughs as you scowl at him. Once a perv always a perv. You and him stop in the middle of the hall once he began to kiss you. It's easy to get caught up in it. His hands freely move to cup your ass. You run your fingers through his hair. Then down the hem of his kosode where you can touch his bare chest.
You do miss him like that. Perhaps investing in a lock for the bedroom door isn't such a bad idea. He suggested it a few days ago when the boys interrupted a moment like this in the master bedroom. At the time you found it silly, but if a lock was the only way you could have some time with him then...
A cry of pain from Shuma ruins it. You break away immediately, leaving your husband high and dry. You find your boys at the bottom of the staircase being blocked by the elders, who are scolding them for their high energy. Shuma was on his butt, probably from running head first into one of them.
"You need to get a grip on your children!" Homura complained.
"Oh please. They're five. They're going to be rambunctious." You say as you check your youngest over. Apparently he slipped and descended the last couple of stairs on his butt and landed oh so gracefully in front of the crotchety old fools. He has his lower lip stuck out in a pout as he sucks back the tears. You cure his woes with a kiss atop his head.
Dan was scowling at them as he clung to your leg and Asugi fled to his father to cling to his leg. You ignored the elder's judgment. The only one who understood the wild of little boys was Hiruzen. He was more preoccupied with making sure each of your sons got an affectionate pat on the head and a kind word of advice to listen to their mother.
It took some time but you eventually got your family out of the office and into the streets. Where they can run free. They know not to wander too far. Jiraiya holds your hand. You smile at him. He returns it as he looks you over. How'd he get so lucky? Pretty, strong, and mother to his children. Without you he couldn't have such a life.
You led them inside the restaurant that has been quite popular with the locals since they opened. Everyone settles down once the food was served. The boys stopped their tomfoolery the moment they got to dig their hands into something delicious. Sitting beside your husband you got to rest your head against his shoulder. You missed him. You missed all four of them. An outing like this is just what you needed. There's nothing better than spending quality time with your family.
Underneath the table, you and Jiraiya hold hands. Whenever you squeeze his hand he squeezes back in a silent exchange of the most precious words that one can say to another. It's another perfect day. Nothing will ever ruin this wonderful life.