Like You
She was almost out again. He smiled as he lifted her head and then her whole little body out of the warm, bubbly water. She blinked and yawned; reaching tiny arms out of the oversized towel she was wrapped in.
"Daddy," she laid her head on his shoulder as he wrung out the short, sunny hair, "will my hair be long like yours?"
"Hmm? It'll be however you want it."
"I like yours a lot," she yawned again, "Daddy."
He could barely reach. He yawned and turned the faucet on for him, smiling as he rested his hand on the tiny nodding head.
"Hey, brush your teeth, okay?" The half open eyes were already asleep.
"Daddy,"
"Don't swallow yet," he rinsed his mouth obediently.
"Will I grow up like you?"
"You're already growing," he patted the brilliant, tiny head, "in more ways than you know."
"I want to grow up like you," he turned and collapsed on the broad shoulders, "Daddy."
He struggled mightily, but couldn't heave the other leg up. His father laughed to himself as he wrapped his large hands under the chubby arms and sat the weary boy in his bed.
"Oh wait…come on, under the covers," the little body was curled up and the little eyes were shut. He, again, resituated the sleepy boy, this time beneath the warm covers. "Daddy,"
"Hmm?"
"Will I grow up big like you?"
He smiled broadly,
"Absolutely."
"I like you a lot," he turned his cheek for a goodnight kiss, "Daddy."
They all waved, confident stances carrying them off to their own houses, Jonin vests crisp and new, headbands gleaming in the afternoon sun. The three friends watched the three friends going away and yet to home.
"Good night Ino-"
"Shikamaru-"
"Choji!"
"Good night, Daddy!"