Cozy corner;
Sorry if people thought the last chapter was the end, but it wasn't! There will be many more chapters to come! Promise. This next chapter was inspired by my little sister; she is a very odd child so she is helping me portray Kaori. =) Thank you again for all the reviews! Enjoy.
Warning: Some spoilers I guess. But none really.
Disclaimer: I don't own.
-xxxxx
One year.
Today is Kaori's first birthday party and I couldn't be happier. The little baby that could barely do anything grew into a walking (barely) and more stable mini human. And today was the day he reached his first year of his life. I can't contain my joy as I watch him sit on Kurenai's lap, fisting her hair giggling at Genma's senbon.
His grey eyes (the official color they stayed) gaze around the room until they land on where I'm sitting, he squirms around, a grin settling on his face and he lets out happy shriek," Mama!!"
Yes, his first word was mama much to Kakashi's disappointment. He is around me more plus Kakashi is always calling me mommy jokingly, so it was bound to happen. I watch as Kaori wiggles out of Kurenai's lap-much to her displeasure- and hobble his way over to me. His little hands stretch out towards me, silently asking to be picked up. Of course I gladly give in set him in my lap where he quickly turns to face Kakashi, who is sitting next to me.
Kakashi gives him an eye smile, but falters slightly when Kaori reaches for his mask. Kaori pouts not understand why his daddy keeps his face hidden when other people are here. Kakashi chuckles quietly and ruffles his son's hair, before slinging his arm over my shoulders.
"He is so adorable Iruka-kun! When he gets a little better at walking, he must come on a play date with my son! (1)" Kurenai gushed happily.
"We'll see, I do start work again next week." I reply with a small smile.
Genma grins at me, "That's right! I'm looking forward to have someone to tease again in the mission room."
I shake my head, "Sorry I'm not on mission room duty for a month or so. I just start teaching again."
Raidou smiling softly, "Finally, I don't think I could sub anymore. Even filling in for Shikamaru was horrible; I don't think I could stand doing that for the rest of my life."
"You know me, I love kids." I answer with a shrug.
Genma, Raidou and Kurenai all nod in agreement. I feel Kaori lift from my lap and I look up, seeing Gai holding him out at arms length a large grin on his face.
"My, my my! What a wonderful fresh youth! Oh Iruka he has your beautiful face, and Kakashi's wonderful eyes!" Gai boomed loudly.
Kaori only stared at him, but I could see the tears starting to well up in his eyes, "Ah, Gai, please don't be too loud, he isn't very fond of it."
Kakashi must have sensed this to since he quickly snatched Kaori from Gai when the youngster gave a soft sniff. He automatically curls into Kakashi's chest, large eyes looking heavy.
"I think the birthday boy is getting a little sleepy." Kurenai says with a soft, knowing smile.
"Yes. Seems the party will be cut short, thank you all for coming. Kakashi put him to bed, hmm?" I say as I stand with the others leading them to the entry way.
Kakashi nods, heading away. Everyone slips on their shoes and say their farewells. I walk back into the sitting are and begin cleaning up. I set to working washing dishes when I felt arms wrap around my waist, I smile leaning back against the strong chest.
"One year already Ruka, can you believe it?" Kakashi says as he rests his now bare chin against my shoulder.
"No I can't actually. They do grow fast." I answer chuckling softly. I turn off the water and turn in the embrace, staring up at Kakashi.
He smiles down at me before leaning down and kissing me. I smile into the kiss wrapping my arms around his neck, and he hugs me tighter, "Feels like we haven't done this in a long time." He murmurs against my lips.
"I know, Kaori requires a lot of attention, and by the end of the day we are both tired." I answer resting my head in the crook of his neck.
"It can't be helped. But missions seem to be thinning out, so I should be home more." I feel him rub circles on my back and I can't but relax fully against him.
"I hope you're home more. He loves being around you." I reply looking up at him with a smile.
He smiles back kissing the bridge of my nose leaving his lips there, "I guess you were right. I do make an okay dad."
I shake my head chuckling, "Of course I'm right, geez! Come on we need to put all his presents away."
He got quite a few actually, he got a pair of mini sandals from Raidou, a stuff sea turtle (Genma picked up when he was in Wave country), a couple of books from Gai, and a stuff bear plus counting blocks from Kurenai. Kakashi and I also got him new clothing and some more toys. But he seems to enjoy squeezing with his new stuff turtle to be interested in anything else.
After we set his new things in his bedroom-Kakashi must have put him in our room- we head back to the living room and curl up on the couch together. I lean into my lover's side, sighing happily.
I felt fingers thread through my hair, "Glad to be going to work again?"
"Yes and no. I don't want to leave Kaori, but I need to get out of the house more, I'm going insane." I mutter snuggling more into the warmth.
"I understand that. I don't think I could be able to stay cooped up in here for so long." Kakashi chuckles.
"Plus I miss all my other kids, and surprisingly their crazy ways."
"Hmm."
I let my eyes close as I sit in peace with my lover. Tomorrow I start working again, than soon the mission room will be added. Honestly I'm a little sad, less time with Kaori, but it'll be good for him to go to daycare, being around other kids and socializing. I'm just not looking forward to see how Shikamaru has run my class, and how Kaori will react to being away from me for a long period of time.
I sigh, all those things can be dealt with tomorrow, for now I want to enjoy the feeling of being able to be near my loved on for a long period of time without much interruptions.
I hear soft uneven foot steps from the hall and little hands tugging at my pant leg. I crack open an eye and smile down at the watery eyes and hands that are stretched towards me. I gather him in my arms so he rest between me and Kakashi and curl up with him hoping to fall back asleep.
-xxxxx
(1) I have no idea what to name her son (lets just all agree she has one). I'll come up with something later.
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