S-class mission indeed.

Sasuke, holding a fancily wrapped box, stands outside the Hatake estate. The box in his hand seems heavy, and he hopes it's enough to be considered an offering from a clan head to another.

The alpha must then arrange a visit with the omega's parents. They must bring offerings or gifts for the omega and the parents. Alphas must bow to the parents and state his intention. The omega may or may not be present for this.

He looks up at the gates of the Hatake compound, bearing its clan crest.

Kakashi isn't surprised when he opens the gates to Uchiha Sasuke. They knew he was back, as per the Godaime, since Kakashi is already privy to some of the goings on in the Hokage's office. He had the right to know first as the next Hokage, second as Naruto's guardian. But this is the first time Kakashi's seeing him.

"Sasuke," says his former sensei, letting the kid in.

"Hatake-dono," the formality sounds weird coming his own mouth. It's also weird, seeing one of Konoha's strongest, out of the standard issue jounin uniform, no hitai-ate, so relaxed wearing a yukata, but still with the mask on despite being in his own home. "Ojamashimasu,"

Kakashi raises a brow. They leave their sandals at the genkan. "What's got you all formal?" he says as he leads Sasuke into the home, into the hallway that leads to the living area.

"You are Naruto's father, in all but name," says Sasuke.

Kakashi stops. "Hatake Naruto-kun has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?" he says thoughtfully. The upcoming hokage suddenly likes the idea of giving Naruto his name. He enters the living area, where Iruka is at the kotatsu working on some papers from the academy. "Honey, Sasuke is here,"

Sasuke wonders how he ever missed Kakashi getting together with Iruka, their formidable academy teacher. It's not a surprise to him, though. Iruka cared about Naruto a lot, and Kakashi had always been there for Naruto as his teacher.

"Sasuke!" Iruka smiles at him, setting the pen down and setting aside the document. "Good to see you! Been wondering when you'll drop by. Where's Naruto?"

"Unfortunately, Naruto isn't well enough for long walks. Thank you," he says when Kakashi offers him a zabuton opposite him and Iruka on the kotatsu. "The Godaime has forbidden most physical activity. He's required to rest,"

"Oh," Iruka frowns. Naruto hasn't let them see him in a while. "He's alright, though? And the baby?"

"He was forced into medical leave. I'm afraid he's having a more difficult and complicated pregnancy than he'd like to admit, or let others know,"

Kakashi sighs. "I knew we shouldn't have let him move out,"

"So, to what do we owe this visit, Sasuke?" asks Iruka as he pats Kakashi's knee.

"I apologize for taking this long to come see you. But please come to our housewarming tomorrow evening. Naruto's apartment was becoming a bit of a hazard, so we moved into a better building,"

"Isn't that nice!" comments Iruka, genuinely relieved that Naruto was out of that rotting building. "We were really getting worried about that, too. Would you like us to bring something?"

"No, that won't be necessary," says Sasuke, "Naruto wants takeaway to be served, and there won't be many guests. Just you and the Godaime,"

"Alright, then we'll be there. Thank you for inviting us,"

"Naruto is looking forward to having you over," he says, then sets the box down on the kotatsu. "I hope you'll like this. It's cake with dried fruit soaked in wine,"

"Oh, how lovely," says Iruka, "Thank you, Sasuke-kun, that's thoughtful of you. This will go well with green tea or cold oolong, don't you think?" he directs the question at his husband.

"So what are you really here for?" asks Kakashi, nodding at Iruka as an answer to his question.

Well, it's now or never. But Sasuke knows that they know. It's only out of formality, maybe, or respect for Naruto's parents.

"I am the father of Naruto's child,"

"We know," says Kakashi evenly. Even if Naruto didn't tell them. "You hurt our child, Sasuke, more than you have on the battlefield,"

Sasuke bows.

Now that is what surprises the Hatakes.

"Moushiwake arimasen." My apologies. There is no excuse for my actions. Sasuke says, then returns from the bow. "I know an apology will never be enough, and my apology might not be what you want to hear but I truly am sorry. I will do my best to make it up to Naruto and do right by him and you,"

Iruka senses Kakashi trying to challenge Sasuke. He puts a hand on Kakashi's knee to calm him down. The pheromones are making the room stuffy, and Sasuke isn't even trying to rebut it. "Anata." Honey.

"And how is it you think you can do to make up to him?"

"I love your son," he says, and he's never been so proud and terrified to say it. "I don't know what he sees in me, but I know that I love every part of him, including his bratiness and stubbornness, his beauty and his smile, the loudness, the way he brightens up every room, the way just… loves everyone. It… took me too long to figure out what my feelings were, or just how deep they ran. I should have seen it, felt it. Naruto wears his gorgeous heart on his sleeve,"

He'd been consumed with so much anger. Yet Naruto loved him at his worst when nobody else thought he deserved to be loved, and Naruto lit the fire in him when he was drowning in his own darkness, to guide him out of it, back to him.

"I don't deserve him,"

"You're damn right you don't," Kakashi snaps.

"Anata," says Iruka again with a frown. "Don't be like that,"

"But it's true," argues the older alpha.

"I know you're apprehensive about me, but I will take care of him. I have every intention of biting and marrying him, Hatake-dono, Hatake-san, and giving him and the child everything they deserve, and protect them when they can't protect themselves,"

"And who will protect them from you?"

"You," says Sasuke without missing a beat. "The Godaime, Naruto's grandmother,"

And maybe, every other shinobi that loves him.

The quick answer bewilders them.

It's the first time Sasuke breaks eye contact. "I… don't know what I'm doing, Hatake-dono, only that I should return tenfold the love and care Naruto has given me over the years, despite my absence, despite having no assurance of my return. I really did come back for Naruto,"

"You have a lot to prove, Sasuke," Kakashi doesn't even bother hiding the bite in his voice anymore. "A lot to make up for. I'm not even sure you'll ever stop making up for everything,"

The parents may scrutinize the alpha if they aren't familiar with them yet or may only confirm his intentions if they've known him for quite a while.

Sasuke nods, goes into another bow, then returns from it after a moment. "I have the rest of my life, Hatake-dono,"

Kakashi sighs. He thought it'd be fun, a father like him trying to antagonize whomever it is that tries to court and romantically pursue his precious omega son. But it's not fun. Because he's hurt, too, and angry, because Naruto was hurt, over and over again, and he was there to see every heartbreak.

Why couldn't it have been easier? Why couldn't it have been that Nara kid or the Inuzuka boy? They seemed to have been close to Naruto. Nara seems to look at Naruto like he hung and lit the sun that casts the very shadows he weaponizes, and Inuzuka seems to look at him like he's the full moon on a clear, starry night that he's ready to offer a howl to. They seem like decent alphas.

"I know it's only been a short while since I've arrived, but I've made Naruto wait long enough. I would like to officially ask for your son's hand in marriage,"

"No," says Kakashi immediately.

They have the right to reject the gifts and the courtship if they find the alpha has not proven themselves yet. The family alpha most often is the head of the household and the father, whose decision has more weight, and will be final once given unless stated otherwise.

"Kakashi!" Iruka gasps. He knows he can't disagree with Kakashi with this. This is a decision only for the head of the household, head of the clan.

"Ask me again when I'm not angry, Sasuke,"

The alpha may formally ask for courtship again to prove his intentions.

A short beat of slience.

"Hai," Sasuke nods. "We hope to see you tomorrow at the housewarming. Thank you for your time, Hatake-dono, Hatake-san. My apologies for intruding,"

It's Iruka who sees Sasuke out.

"Iruka," says Kakashi when Iruka's back from accompanying Sasuke to the gates. "We're going to the registry office tomorrow,"

"What for?" Iruka sets himself down beside Kakashi on the kotatsu and resumes his work on the papers.

"We're going to adopt Naruto,"

The housewarming consists of massive plates of pork katsu curry, chilled fruit, some ice cream, and a nice bottle of sake Sasuke had procured that morning.

Naruto all but threw himself onto Kakashi and Iruka when they arrived just in time for some pre-dinner refreshments. He didn't even let them announce themselves.

"I missed you so much!" he says into their shoulders, surrogate parents and child scenting each other.

"You barely see us, Naruto," Iruka pats his cheek as Kakashi removes his sandals at the genkan.

"I know, I'm sorry, it's just been a lot lately,"

"Then you don't mind if your old teachers visit more often?" asks Kakashi as they make their way to the living area, where the sake is ready at the coffee table.

Naruto snorts. "Old, he says, but yes, I'd love it of you visit. Sasuke is going to make sure I try to stay in bed," he pouts. "It gets so boring. Though I did enjoy it when Baa-chan sent some papers over. It took the boredom out really quick, and I never thought I could finish a stack of papers that high in such a short amount of time. I might actually ask her if I can continue part-time—"

"The hokage said rest," Sasuke appears with a tray of glass of cold oolong tea for Naruto, and sake for the rest of the company, then sets the tray down on the coffee table.

"Aah! You scared me!" Naruto cups his belly.

"So you should be resting," Sasuke reminds him.

"I see what you mean," Iruka chuckles. "So nice to see you again, Sasuke,"

Kakashi can't say the same.

"Welcome to our temporary home," Sasuke replies, appreciating the mothering pheromones Iruka is giving Naruto.

Sasuke helps Naruto lower himself down on the sofa, Naruto's arms around Sasuke's neck and shoulders, bearing most of the weight, while Sasuke has his arm and stump under Naruto's. "You good?"

"Yes, thanks," says Naruto with a grateful breath, making himself comfortable.

They sit at the couch, Naruto in the middle, and their former teachers take a dish of sake each.

"Ahh, Sasuke-kun," says Kakashi, taking a whiff of the alcohol. "This is the good stuff. You buttering your in-laws up?" he pulls his mask down and finishes the entire dish. It's going to take a lot more than sake for Kakashi.

"Kakashi," says Iruka after downing his dish. Wow, that is good. "Stop that,"

"I was just asking," Kakashi pouts at Iruka.

"Oh, Naruto, you look so good!" the omega turns to Naruto. "May I?" his hand hovers over Naruto's belly.

"Of course!"

Iruka gently touches and feels movement immediately. "There he is!"

"Moves a lot lately," Naruto admits, "Ever since Sasuke, he just wouldn't let up,"

"He?" says Kakashi. A grandson.

"I've got a feeling," Naruto shrugs.

"Got a name yet?" Iruka asks keeping his hand where it is on Naruto.

"I have some ideas but haven't shared with Sasuke yet,"

"Better not be something dumb like Boruto or Sarada," says Sasuke.

"No, teme, why would I pick a dumbass name like that!" Naruto frowns. "I want something very elegant. Strong. Just like your name,"

The wards nudge Sasuke. He heads to the door and opens it to reveal the hokage. "Godaime-sama," Sasuke steps aside to let her in.

"Uchiha, ojama," she says as she enters, removing her heels at the genkan. "There will be more ANBU monitoring this place in the next few hours until I leave,"

"Hai, wakarimasu," he leads her into the living area.

"Baa-chan, you made it!" Naruto grins at her.

Tsunade can't help but soften at the sight of him. He looks better than he had in months. Naruto's gained weight, he looks plush and pink, and his mood's improved significantly, looking healthier overall. The longer hair is also making him look more and more like Minato, but those rounded cheeks and eyes are definitely Kushina's.

"You better not be drinking that sake, you brat,"

"I'm not!" Naruto pouts. "Been having tea! See!" he holds up the almost finished glass of cold oolong.

Kakashi and Iruka stand to give a shallow bows in respect to the hokage. They are still her shinobi after all.

Tsunade then waves it off. "We're family here tonight, aren't we?" she says, taking the dish of sake Kakashi poured for her.

"Oh, no," Naruto says, "Don't suddenly say things like that, you're going to make me cry!"

Sasuke shakes his head fondly. "Naruto," he chuckles, "You hungry?"

"Yeah, I'm hungry," Naruto says wetly, trying his best not to burst out crying.

"Aaaww, Naruto," Iruka pulls him into a hug.

"This is definitely going to make me cry!"

"Sasuke, I want to make my own next time," Naruto says as he puts a curry smothered slice of pork katsu in his mouth. "Ugh, that's so good," the moan he gives is enough to make Sasuke's cheeks tinge pink.

"S-sure," replies the Uchiha.

Tsunade cackles. Iruka shakes his head.

"What?" says Naruto with a full mouth.

Sasuke palms himself in the face.

Kakashi pinches the bridge of his nose. He does not want to hear about his child's sex life. Naruto is already pregnant. He doesn't need any more confirmation.

The Godaime leaves first, about ten minutes before ten in the evening. Sasuke accompanies her to the genkan when she insists Naruto should stay seated and that there's no need to exert himself.

"Godaime-sama," says Sasuke as he watches her put her heels on. He thought it would be best if he and Tsunade had this conversation privately.

"What?"

"I would like to request Naruto's removal from Haruno Sakura's care,"

That makes her stop fiddling with the straps of her heels to look at Sasuke, surprised by the request. "What? Why?"

"I went to the hospital to ask for a refill of suppressants and was given to her care. I hadn't paid attention and thought it was a friendly welcome. She scented me. I came home and Naruto went hysterical,"

"She scented you?" Tsunade repeated incredulously.

This revelation angers her. Naruto isn't allowed any stress, emotional, physical, or otherwise, and Sakura shouldn't be scenting anyone in the hospital. She hasn't grown up, still stupid enough to deny the truth about her former teammates. If she's trying to convince herself Sasuke isn't the one who put that child in Naruto, she's in for a rude awakening. She's not even going to blame Sasuke for not paying attention. Sakura is supposed to be their friend.

"Consider yourself removed from her care, too,"

"Thank you. May I request for Naruto to be exclusively cared for by you?"

"Yes," she says, as if she'll ever let anyone else look after Naruto. "You, too. I'll let you know the date and time. Same room. Thanks, Uchiha, for letting me know. That was unprofessional of her, and she will be reprimanded,"

"Thank you,"

"Baa-chan got me this band that helps with the weight so I'm good, but I only wear it if want to go outside and have a little stretch or buy anything that's important,"

Sasuke hears Naruto open up to their sensei about the truth of his condition as he comes back in from the genkan.

"And Sasuke helps a lot, too, since I can't get myself up or down anything. And he massages my feet and my back!" he continues then turns to Kakashi. "He's really sweet so stop the thing you're doing!"

Iruka chuckles.

The future hokage being admonished by his child. "Maa, Naruto-kun, can't I look out for my only child?"

Naruto huffs but pulls Kakashi in for a hug anyway. "Thanks for the thing, that's really sweet of you, too,"

Kakashi wraps his arms around the boy, then shoots Sasuke a smug look.

"But stop it,"

"A dad's job is never over, you know?"

Naruto ends up falling asleep on Kakashi, in his arms, on his chest, as he, Sasuke, and Iruka continued to chat. He's relaxed and comforted by his parents' scents, knowing that he's safe with them.

"Well, being pregnant on its own is exhausting I bet," Kakashi runs a hand through the blond hair, noting how the length is making the boy look more and more like his own sensei. "I'll get him to bed, no need to wake him,"

"I'll help you clean up," Iruka offers Sasuke.

"Oh, no. It's fine," he says.

"Sasuke-kun, I'm telling, not asking," says Iruka, gathering the dessert plates and sake dishes into the tray Sasuke brought form the kitchen. "Besides, we'll be doing this more often aren't we?"

"Hai,"

Kakashi hooks his arm under Naruto's knees, the other arm on Naruto's back, leaning Naruto's head on his shoulder. He's surprised to be lifting him with ease. Naruto's… not even heavier than the last time he had to carry his dead weight, which was when Naruto was at his prime and healthiest. That means, even though Naruto looks bigger because of the pregnancy, even though he's already gained weight with how good he looks now, he'd lost even more, had been in worse state than this. He notes to come around more often and bring healthy food.

"Nnngg… tou-chan?" Dad? Naruto groans as he's set down on the bed. "Kaa-chan wa?" Where's mom?

"We'll be going now. Go back to sleep, Naruto. You need your rest," Kakashi says gently, heart swelling. Iruke comes in for a while and helps put Naruto into a comfortable position on his side and pushes a pillow between Naruto's legs.

"Oyasumi," the blond mumbles as he settles his cheek down onto a soft pillow.

"Oyasumi,"

Kakashi and Iruka leave not long after that, and they bid Sasuke a good night.

you might notice that i am favoring kakashi. yes. he will have more screen time with naruto because i have been in love with him since i was ten. so sue me. (please don't)

please lmk what you think! tsym for reading! カカシ先生あなたが大好き!