(Subject: Umino Jero Progress: 7 months 2 weeks)
A month and a half later….

Jero answered the door and took the letter handed to him. His heart skipped a beat for a moment, for he wasn't sure what kind of news the letter held. He placed a hand over his now very pregnant belly. The letter carrier ninja nodded his head and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Jero closed the door and tossed the letter on the coffee table in front of the sofa. He paced around the table nervously, not knowing what to do.

It was getting dark outside by the time, curiosity getting the better of him; he sat on the sofa with difficulty, and tore open the letter. He gave a big sigh, silently praying that the letter would not begin with the statement:

'We regret to inform you…'

Finally, composing himself, he flipped the letter open. He stared at it in shock; he then threw his head back against the sofa and laughed. He sighed and rubbed his stomach, and cooed to the children inside him. "Let's see what your mother, has to say about her trip."

The letter read:

Dear Jero,

I have to say you were right. The people here are hot. And because of this I have decided to leave you for one of those hot bikini babes you were talking about. Her name is Sachiko; we are very happy together. I will send for my things in a week.

Jero, I hope you're still reading and not sending a group of ANBU to hunt me down. I swear, you could never take a joke!

I've been here for almost 3 weeks and I'm missing you guys more and more each day. The ocean is even more beautiful than you described it, Jero. I love sitting on the beach after missions, and watching the dolphins jump out of the water. The food is great, too. There have been a few small 

foreign shinobi groups found near the coast, but nothing too dangerous. If this keeps up I should be back in a month.

I hope you and the babies are doing well. Don't overdo it! If you feel tired, rest. Don't be lifting heavy things! Are you eating well? Keep on taking your prenatal vitamins. And eat your vegetables. Drink plenty of fluids.

Jero rolled his eyes.

Don't roll your eyes at me! I'm serious!! They're my kids too!! I'm so worried about you guys. I'll be back soon so don't worry about me. I love you, Jero. Best wishes.

Always yours,

Umino Naruko

Relieved Jero held the letter close to himself. "I love you, too Naruko." He sighed. He felt the familiar movement of the children, shifting a bit inside him. He struggled to pick himself up from the sofa, using every technique he could think of. Finally, he made his way to the bedroom and laid down, the cold sheets being an unwelcome shock to his body. Jero placed Naruko's letter on her side of the bed as he curled up under the covers.

A single tear fell down his cheek.

He never let on. Jero missed Naruko more than he ever did before. His hormones were raging at this point, but even if Naruko were there with him he'd never tell her. He hadn't all the times before. All the mornings he would wake up sick, he'd give Naruko a chore to do away from the house so he could throw up without making her feel bad. He would often sent Yoshino for midnight snack runs so he wouldn't wake Naruko, but now things were different.



His back hurt, he was always tired, his feet ached, his ankles were swollen, he had trouble sleeping at night, and was peeing constantly. The fact that Naruko was gone made everything worse. He sobbed quietly into the pillow.

'Jero! Don't do that…..The children can feel your heart beat, and when you get like that it upsets them.' She says in a concerned voice. 'I'm okay and I'll be home in a few weeks, so stop worrying. I love you, Jero.' She tilts her head to the side and smiles softly…so beautiful.

Jero awoke instantly. He looked at the clock. He had been asleep for 3 hours. Naruko's gentle scolding had been a dream. He thought for a moment, about what had been said and smiled.

" yes, ma'am.."