Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto only my Characters.

A/N: Character thoughts are in italics.

Chapter 33 Something Better

Soon after the wedding missions resumed just as before and the newlyweds again spent days or weeks apart.

"No rest for the weary I guess," Maiha had just returned from an extended mission exhausted almost having to march down the tower steps picking her feet up high enough in order to avoid tripping as she descended them. After her first successful mission with ANBU the captain requested her assistance a few times, specifically for her skills and though she felt it an honor to be called upon, each was extremely exhausting. This particular mission felt beyond that, pushing her past the limit. Maiha practically fell through her apartment door as she pushed it open seeming that her body had lost perception. Ugh that mission took a lot out of me.

The dark haired girl dropped her equipment just inside the door and made her way to the bedroom. Stopping a few steps in she looked from left to right torn between a hot shower and a comfortable bed. If she didn't know any better a light from the heavens shown down upon it making crawling under her big puffy comforter it even more appealing. In the end, the shower won out, three weeks without warm water, soap and shampoo reminded her that the disgusting film on her body was enough to postpone slumber.

After a long hot shower sleep was yet again delayed as her stomach nearly turned inside out with hunger detouring her to the kitchen. "There's got to be something quick that I can grab, I don't think I can stay awake much longer." She rummaged through the cupboards knowing Kakashi had been called out on a long mission before her own notice. Maiha didn't even bother to look in the refrigerator, it held nothing more than sour milk and spoiled leftovers and considering the lack of strength she probably couldn't pull the door open anyway.

"Crackers, good enough." She lethargically grabbed the box out of the cupboard and carried it with her to the bedroom crawling under the covers snuggling up with the cardboard container. Eating enough to satisfy her hunger she swallowed the last handful and pushed the box aside not able to stave off sleep any longer.

[]

Late afternoon the next day Maiha woke finding herself tangled up in the bedding. She sat up noticing the mess around her; the cardboard box lay collapsed underneath her, smashed crackers covered the floor and the visible portion of the bed. Was I that restless that night? She fought herself free from the binding material only to have crushed crackers spill out of the blanket. "Ugh, what a mess." She stood and carefully brushed off the crumbs trying to keep everything contained in order to not make more work for herself when she went to clean up.

Maiha blinked a few times putting a hand up to her head, "I must have slept hard, I feel totally out of it today." After shaking the crumbs from the sheets outside the apartment she then shoved them in the washing machine and began the cycle. Returning to the bedroom Maiha swept up what she could cleaning up the rest of the mess and from there went about her daily routine trying to get back on track.

Three days passed with the same feelings hanging around; no energy, unsatisfied hunger and well, just different. It was something she just couldn't put her finger on, but still attributed it to the exhaustion from her last mission. Lounging around was becoming a habit and before long Maiha began to wonder if she was going through a bout of depression. She sat in deep thought searching for a cause, sure she missed Kakashi and his mission was still ongoing now passing the three month mark. She quickly sat up and her eyes widened as a miscellaneous thought popped into her head. Maiha jumped up and rushed to the kitchen grabbing the calendar and began counting the days. Being so busy her days began to run together. Her face flushed as a vibrant smile spread across it, she dropped the calendar and was out the door before it hit the floor.

[]

Finally called from the waiting area, a nurse showed Maiha into a treatment room her face still holding that same glowing smile.

Sakura entered a few minutes later with a file folder in hand. "Afternoon Maiha, what can I help you with today?"

At first Maiha couldn't speak, it seemed the words were stuck in her throat. Finally her voice slipped out, "Sa-Sakura… I'm late."

The medic's pink eyebrows knitted together, it was an odd way to start a conversation. She began to flip through the folder. "It says here that your way ahead of schedule for your annual military health check."

"No Sakura, I'm late," Maiha repeated fluently with a smile placing a hand low on her abdomen.

It took a moment but Sakura caught on hopping up from her chair excitedly, "You're late!"

"I'm late!"

The two giddy kunoichi danced around the room hand in hand.

"Oh my goodness, let me grab a test and we'll make sure!" Sakura flew out of the room and was back within minutes. "Here Maiha, you can take it now, it'll be accurate."

"Okay." Maiha took the slender test kit into the bathroom, returning minutes later with it on a small steel examination tray. The two women huddled together hovering over the test.

"One vertical line, sample is sufficient," Sakura pointed out. The two leaned in closer yet focusing on the result window. Both sets of eyed widened as a second line began to form. "Two lines! Two lines! You're… you're pregnant!"

Maiha stood in slight shock before words slipped out of her lips softly. "I'm pregnant. We're having a baby!"

"Where is Kakashi?"

"He's on a mission."

"How long?"

"Three months."

"So you're at least twelve weeks then. Okay, first we have to tell Lady Hokage. You need to be placed on the medical inactive list so you aren't called out on a mission. I'll fill out the necessary paperwork. Take it to Shizune directly, I'm sure you wouldn't want anyone else to know before daddy does." The pink haired medic grinned widely as she handed the forms to her friend.

All Maiha could do is smile and nod as Sakura ushered the dazed girl out the door toward the Hokage tower.

[]

Maiha entered the tower passing Genma in the hallway. He gave her a wave, "Hey Maiha."

"Is the Hokage in?"

Startled, not receiving a warm greeting as accustomed prior to her question he paused a second before answering gesturing with his thumb, "Uh yeah, she's in her office."

Maiha followed up quickly with her second question, "Is Shizune with her?"

"Uh, I think so."

"Thanks." Maiha quickly rushed off without another word leaving Genma behind scratching his head and staring at her back as she jogged down the hall.

Soon Maiha's knuckles were rapping on the big wooden door. Shizune appeared shortly after swinging the heavy door open and before she could greet her the young kunoichi's arm sprung up with a packet of papers in her hand. Shizune stepped back in surprise with Maiha's sudden movement baffled by the spasticity of the action and gleaming smile. Both she and Tsunade gawked in confusion, actions such as these were not characteristic of the dark haired girl and were more suited to Naruto or Lee and Guy for that matter.

Shizune reached out and carefully took the papers from Maiha's outstretched arm. The woman opened the tri-folded packet and flipped through them eyes quickly moving from left to right down the page. Her lips slowly turned up at their corners and she glanced up meeting sparkling blue eyes. Shizune waved her in with the papers still in hand and shut the door behind her.

The sharp sound of a finger nail tapping on a wooden surface urged quick movement from Shizune to the blonde across the room as she was growing impatient being left out of the loop witnessing the reaction of her apprentice. Shizune simply handed Tsunade the packet and bowed in apology.

Maiha brought in her lips and held her breath awaiting Tsunade's reaction to the news. The blonde straightened up in her chair and glanced up over the papers with a slight grin. "Well, congratulations Maiha."

The smile returned accompanying a nod, "Thank you Ma' Lady."

"If I remember correctly Kakashi is out on a mission," Tsunade motioned to Shizune for the log book.

Maiha confirmed "Yes Ma'am you are correct."

"I believe he'll be back soon. I am sure you are eager to tell him."

"Very Ma 'Lady."

"As of Today you are medically inactive, short term. Shizune will take care of the notice immediately," the blonds smile spread wider, "reason classified."

"Thank you Lady Hokage." Maiha gave her another quick nod along with Shizune, and pranced out of the office.

As the door latched shut Tsunade leaned back in her chair softly crossing her arms. "Humph, I never thought I would see another Hatake child. I guess it goes to show how meeting the right person can change your life."

Shizune watched as the older woman looked down at her desk quickly with a smile on her face. It was apparent a fond memory had come to mind.

[]

Maiha requited Naruto to assist her in the remodel of Ai's room into the nursery. The blue eyed blonde was extremely naive making it very unlikely that he wouldn't ask questions she couldn't evade.

"Okay Naruto, are you willing to run some errands with me? Ichiraku is on the way." A large smile spread across her face as he jumped up and down. "I'm sure you're hungry."

"Am I ever!" Naruto animatedly nodded and danced around.

Maiha chuckled, "Okay let's head out." She had no need to push him to the front door he was already waiting for her to pass through the threshold.

[]

"So what do you need help with today Maiha?" Naruto inquired about the need of his assistance as he stood up from the stool after pushing his third empty ramen bowl forward.

"Well," Maiha reached over the counter, payment in hand, "I plan to do a bit of painting and I'd like a little help carrying the supplies home, that is if you don't mind."

"Painting? But your apartment is so nice Maiha, why would you want to go through all that work?"

She laughed at the young man, "I just want to change things up a little that's all. I really do appreciate your help Naruto, it will make getting everything home so much easier."

"No problem you know I wouldn't pass up helping you out. Oh! And thanks for lunch," his appreciation was shown by a toothy grin as he patted his stomach.

The store trip was short as she already had a list written out soon the duo arrived back at Maiha's apartment supplies in hand. Knowing Kakashi would be back soon and Maiha wanted to surprise him. "You can just set those down over there Naruto."

"Okay." He set the supplies down in the corner. "Do you need help with anything else?"

"I think that just about does it. Thanks again Naruto." Maiha leaned in and gave him a hug. After she took a step back the blonde began to blush and rubbed the back of his head giving a grin "Your welcome."

As Naruto closed the door behind him Maiha made her way back to Ai's room and looked around with a smile, "Now, where shall I begin."

[]

Kakashi arrived back in the village later that evening. Having not seen Maiha in such a long time he quickly made way to the Hokage tower to debrief his mission first before heading home wanting to spend the rest of an uninterrupted evening relaxing with her.

After giving his report a pause followed his debriefing. "Ma 'Lady, may I ask if Maiha is in the village?"

Tsunade waived to Shizune for the mission roster. Her apprentice handed it over confused knowing that the dark haired girl was most defiantly in the village due to her pregnancy. The blonde filed through the pages quickly deepening the rouse. "Oh, it seems she is on the short term inactive list."

The silver haired nin stood up a little more straight startled at hearing her status. "Thank you for the information Lady Hokage," and just as the last word came out of his mouth he was gone in a puff of smoke.

Shizune looked over at her mentor, "Don't you think that was a little mean Lady Tsunade."

"Maybe a little but since he asked I had to keep it a surprise," she chuckled with a grin.

[]

Kakashi's first stop was the infirmary to rule out any hospital stays before he wasted any time heading home. Upon arrival he immediately sought out Sakura. The medic kept in a grin biting her tongue informing him that she was fine and at home 'resting'. From there he flew across town in a flash his worry driving the power of each bounding step.

Kakashi burst in the door of the apartment, "Maiha, Maiha are you here?

Startled she answered quickly, "Yes I'm in here."

Her voice had come from Ai's room, and what was this smell? Paint? He poked his head in the room. "Everything… okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine."

The Jounin took note of the empty room. No bed, no books, nothing, just empty. He looked over seeing Maiha's face, covered in paint freckles and smeared blotches. Moving to her swiftly Kakashi tripped over his words questioning her health. "What is… are you okay? Maiha are you hurt?"

She chuckled "I'm fine Kakashi."

Kakashi sighed in relief now knowing her health was not a concern. After a few moments he pulled down his mask pressing his lips to her forehead. "I was worried, after I talked to the Hokage I thought you may have been seriously hurt." He pushed his thumb through a paint smear, "I'm glad you're okay." He looked around again "And what's all this? Ai's things, her books her clothes, they're… gone."

"I donated her books to the medical building, everything else went to a good cause as well. I had to make room," she took a breath ready to tell him the news, "I… we…"

His lips turned up in a small smile as his tone softened, "Now Maiha we talked about this. I don't need any more space, this room can be used for something else."

A wide grin graced her face as she placed her hands on her stomach. "Like something better."

His silver eyebrow raised in confusion as she pretty much repeated what he had just said. The memory of a prior conversation came rushing back, his eye widened as heart skipped a beat, he knew what she meant, "Something… better?"

Maiha nodded as her eyes began to water, "Something much better."

In his excitement Kakashi picked her up and spun her around but quickly set her down giving a look of concern as if he may have hurt them. "Oh sorry I just… um…"

She chuckled, "Kakashi, I'm pregnant not fragile."

His eye switched from her face to her stomach and back again. In emotion she slightly choked up, "It's okay Kakashi." Maiha softly grasped his hand and placed it on her abdomen, "I know."

[]

Being the first in her group of friends to marry and have a child the girls spent a lot of time imagining what the couple's child would look like. Maiha just sat and listened with a smile as she rubbed her growing baby bump.

"Do you think it will have silver or black hair?"

"Maybe it will have both."

"Will it have Maiha's or Kakashi's eyes?"

"You're both really smart so it'll probably be a genius."

Sakura finally chimed in slowing the girls down. "Ladies can we please stop calling the baby 'it'." She looked over to Maiha, "I'm sure you and Kakashi have a nickname for the baby, do you mind sharing it with us?"

The dark haired girl blushed, "Um, well, we started off with the name munchkin. Since then it has been changed to munchie since I am eating all kinds of silly foods at crazy times of the day."

"Munchie! I love it!" Ino spouted as the girls chuckled.

[]

As her pregnancy moved along Kakashi continued on taking missions. As one of Konoha's top ninja his skills and experience were needed often. Tsunade tried to keep them short as Maiha would tend to worry affecting her health as well as that of their unborn child. Concerned, the older woman mentioned Maiha's behaviors to Kakashi on his next mission debriefing. The Jounin understood and mirrored the same worries, but again considering his status, it was necessary to keep him on mission rotations. Unable to be present, he did the next best thing and lined up a few of his friends to check in with her.

"Okay Maiha, I should only be gone a week or so. I let Genma, Naruto and a few others know so if you need anything…"

"Kakashi, I'm not helpless. I'm sure we'll get along just fine." Now an involuntary habit Maiha gently rubbed her stomach in circular motions with a hand.

He smiled attempting to give her a small hug. As her belly had grown bigger he had to reach more widely around in order to embrace her. "I know, I think I just say it sometimes to make myself feel better about leaving you two."

She grinned welcoming a kiss on her forehead. "I would rather you be more concerned with your own safety."

He pulled away, "Don't worry I'm focused, now more than ever." The silver haired nin crouched down to her stomach. "Now you take care of your mom. I'll see you two when I come back." He stood upright and pulled his mask up.

Maiha shook her head with a bright smile placing both hands on her stomach. "You just come back to us safely daddy."

Kakashi gave a nod as his eye crinkled up and headed out the door.

[]

Maiha was checked on often throughout the week. At first she was quite annoyed by each inquiry on hers as well as the health of her unborn child. Though as each mission passed she settled into comfort. Kakashi had always been protective of her and now he found it even more important wanting to be sure someone would be there when he couldn't. Kakashi was going to be a father and considering his life story the devotion he would have to his child would be unlike any other. The thought made her smile and she rubbed her large now seven month old baby bump. "Your daddy is going to be a wonderful father, I can't wait 'til you meet him, and we can't wait to meet you."

As the seventh month of her pregnancy moved forward both Maiha and Kakashi began thinking about how much of it he had missed. It saddened both of them to an extent but it was also understood why he had lost such time.

Kakashi arrived back in the village from his latest mission in early afternoon. From there he set out on his normal pattern, first the Hokage tower for his debriefing. "Hey Kakashi!" Genma welcomed him back as the silver haired nin approached the stairway.

Kakashi continued walking and then climbed the stairs not stopping to chat with his friend, "Hey Genma."

"Yeah uh the Hokage is in her office. Oh I'm fine, thanks for asking." Genma sarcastically continued on the conversation as he slowly turned following him to the Hokage's office.

The silver haired nin knocked on the big wooden door with urgency, "Ma' Lady, It's Kakashi."

"Yes Kakashi please come in and debrief I know you're in a hurry."

"Sorry Lady Hokage it's just…"

Tsunade grinned, "I understand Kakashi, no need to explain yourself. Let's get through you're debriefing and then you can be on your way."

"Yes Ma'am."

Kakashi divulged the information from the mission and looked for Tsunade to give her approval and close out the report. The blonde looked up, to meet his eye as she finished her signature on the paperwork. "Kakashi, I understand that remaining on mission status has been hard on both of you through Maiha's pregnancy and I know you accept how important your role in the military is as well as it's sacrifices."

Kakashi sighed slightly and glanced down before focusing on Tsunade again. He did understand and both he and Maiha accepted what they would need to endure.

"However, I believe that you should be able to experience some of the journey with Maiha. Therefore, I am placing you on the reserve list. The Military will only call on you if they absolutely need you. But I am sure we will be just fine."

"Ma' Lady?"

The older woman grinned. "Yes Kakashi, take some time off. Enjoy the journey with Maiha."

The silver haired nin smiled under his mask. "Thank you Lady Hokage, I…"

"That's enough Kakashi," she dismissed him with a wave of her hand, "I'm sure she's waiting for you."

He nodded and turned to exit the office almost colliding with Genma. The bandanna clad shinobi pushed a sheet of paper into his chest with a smile. "Great you can pick up a few things for Maiha on the way home."

"What's this?" Kakashi's eye looked over the loose leaf sheet of paper, "A grocery list?"

"Yep."

"She doesn't even like half of these things."

"Hey I just pick up what's on the list as asked. Oh, DO NOT forget the ice cream. I've heard that pregnant women have mood swings but sheesh, I never thought Maiha… man tread lightly." Genma scratched his head giving a heavy exhale.

Kakashi chuckled "All part of the journey," he glanced back at Tsunade gave another nod and made his way home.

[]

Back at the apartment Kakashi stopped just before turning the door knob to enter. Deciding to surprise her he knocked and stepped to the side out of site as she held the bag of items from her grocery list.

Hearing the knock she called out to her visitor, "I'll be right there," Maiha made her way to the door slightly swaying back and forth with each step. Opening the door she led with a cheerful greeting, "Hello?" No one. "That's odd, I'm sure I heard someone knock." She took a step further toward the threshold about to exit the apartment.

Kakashi noticed a bump, her stomach came into view first and he couldn't help but smile. "I remembered the ice cream."

Maiha quickly looked over seeing Kakashi with a bag of groceries. A wide grin spread across her face, "You're home!"

"You've grown."

Her eyebrow raised and her tone sharpened as the smile drained from her face, "You said you remembered the ice cream right?"

"Uh… yeah." Kakashi scratched his head confused at her quick change of tone.

"Then you are forgiven."

The reasoning for her reaction struck him suddenly as he remembered Genma's warning. "Uh sorry… I'm just happy to be home, I missed you. I've… uh… missed a lot," he sighed heavily as his shoulders slumped forward.

Maiha's eyes started to water, his regret was apparent but they both knew there was no choice in the matter. Maiha wiped a tear away as she sniffled a little and slid in under his arm as he wrapped it around her. "We've missed you too," she laid her head on his chest.

They entered the apartment Maiha leading the way. "Here let me put those away."

"I can take care of it why don't you sit down and rest."

Maiha's eyebrows furrowed as a notice came out sharply, "Do you think that I can't do things on my own?"

Whoa, that must be the temper Genma was talking about. "No... uh... I just haven't been able to help...with anything."

Her face softened. "Okay."

Kakashi attempted to make conversation as he pulled items out of the bag and put them away. "Huh, I haven't had these in a long time."

"Yeah they taste really good when you dip them in chocolate."

Kakashi pulled his lips in making a sour face hearing the combination. "I'll...uh...have to try that. Okay all put away." The sliver haired nin folded up the bag and placed it in a cupboard before making his way over and sitting beside her.

Maiha set her head softly on his shoulder and snuggled up as closely as she could to him. Kakashi wrapped his arm around her. "Things have changed a lot. I feel... uh… well I can't explain it I feel like I am ready, I'm a little anxious about it but I'm ready." Maiha looked up him and gave him a big smile.

Kakashi was touched hearing her words. This was the woman he loved, the mother of his child and though not feeling as ready, he was comforted by her words as he knew it was impossible to have the same type of connection. He reached over placing his hand on her stomach and rubbed it gently, "I'm sorry I haven't been around as much as I should have been, leaving you and your mom alone so much. But what I can promise is that I will love and protect you both with every breath that I take." Suddenly a movement, the baby switched positions and the sensation swept across his hand making Kakashi flinch before chuckling warmly.

"It's pretty strong now. Wait until the kicking or punching starts I think we may have a taijutsu master on her hands." Maiha chuckled drawing one out of him as well.

As the countdown continued Maiha and Kakashi filled the nursery with the necessary essentials as well as a few other items; stuffed animals, toys and the like. With the movement of the baby keeping her awake at night Maiha found herself in the nursery folding and refolding the small shirts, pants and pajamas she would be dressing the baby in soon. The dark haired girl would straighten and move items around the nursery constantly still awaiting the arrival of their child. Maiha stood upright admiring the puffy plush teddy bear sitting in the corner of the glossy cherry varnished crib. "That Naruto," she exhaled, "he'll be a good uncle."

"Ugh!" Maiha grunted doubling over as she gripped onto the railing of the crib. The pain caught her by surprise it came on quickly and was extremely sharp. She had been having some cramping lately but Sakura had said it was nothing to worry about considering how far along she was. It was labor, but this… shouldn't it move more slowly? The contractions started and out of the blue and were practically piggy backing each other. "Ka… Ka… Kashi." Her calling was high pitched and short as she attempted to get his name out between gulps of air.

The Silver haired nin swung into the room gripping onto the door molding calling her name. Seeing her doubled over tears streaming down her face he knew. "Okay Maiha let's go."

Maiha did all she could; relying on him to guide her and hold her up trying to focus on him coaching her breathing. It seemed the travel just across town took an eternity but within ten hours the Hatake child had made its debut into the world.

Maiha smiled as she looked over at Konoha's newest father. A tear rolled down her cheek seeing the bare face of her husband completely mesmerized with the tiny being cradled in his arms.

"He's perfect," she murmured.

"He's the most amazing thing I've ever seen."

Maiha's lips cracked a smile through her exhaustion hearing those words.

Kakashi moved to her with their son handing him back over once she had positioned herself. "You're so handsome." Maiha brushed the backs of her fingers down the cheek of the newborn. "I never knew it was possible to love someone so much that you've only just met." A little yawn escaped the infant as he accidentally pulled down the crocheted blue hat over his left eye. His mother chuckled "Now you look even more like your daddy."

Kakashi smiled. "I hear he has a few visitors, are you ready to share him yet?"

She nodded, "I'm sure there are a lot of people that want to meet him. Just remind Naruto, Guy and Lee to use their inside voices before they come in, I can hear all three out in the waiting room," Maiha chuckled.

"I will," Kakashi grinned as he made his way toward the door.

One by one their friends stopped by throughout the day to see the new addition to the Hatake family. Finally Sakura was able to usher the last one out, "You have had quite the day Maiha, but now it is time to rest. You'll be able to take him home in the morning," the pink haired medic spoke softly as she placed the boy back in the bassinet. "Get some sleep while you can, in two more hours this little guy's gonna be hungry again."

"Okay Sakura, thank you for everything," Maiha sighed blissfully through a grin with a pair of sleepy eyes.

"Shizune has rounds tonight so she will check in about then to see how you are doing."

The new mother responded with a slow nod.

"Now Kakashi, I know you want to stay but you will need rest as well. Make sure everything is ready at home it'll make transitioning much easier."

"But..."

"No but's now go," Sakura waved him out the door. She knew it would be tough for him to leave but he wasn't allowing Maiha to relax with his constant checking.

"It's okay Kakashi, we'll be fine," Maiha smiled go home and get some rest.

The silver haired man moved toward the bedside, "Okay, if you're really sure you'll be fine." He bent over and brushed a section of hair away from her face before pressing his lips to her forehead. "I love you, see you in the morning."

"I love you too," the dark haired girl smiled.

Kakashi turned to the bassinet and his sleeping son. "You take care of your mom, I'll see you in the morning as well." He bent over hand planted a gentle kiss on the newborns head. He gave one quick look back to Maiha, a nod to Sakura and waked out of the room with a smile on his face and happy heart.

As usual thanks for reading Sorry about the update I am writing 2 other stories at the moment and got caught up.

Up next… most likely the last chapter; a threat, a final mission and an important decision.