Chapter 7

Iruka's pregnancy was progressing well and there were no problems. He was in his fourth month already and starting to show, which also brought about the rumors and questions. Whenever Iruka even stepped out of the house, he would see people, namely his neighbors, whispering to each other behind their hands. He took it all in stride, knowing that it was human nature to gossip.

Kakashi, however, didn't tolerate the whispers as well. His protectiveness had only increased, leading him to stand between Iruka and any other person that was within a three-foot radius of his lover. This extended to everyone except for Naruto, Tsunade, and few choice others.

Shinobu, just like his fathers, was thrilled at the idea of a younger sibling. He'd enjoyed playing with Sayuri during the week that the Ookami had been assembled in Konoha and he couldn't wait for there to be another baby in the house.

Iruka was laying on the back porch, enjoying the cool night air when Kakashi came out of the house. He glanced up at his lover and smiled. The hand that stroked the small bump that was his second child stilled, reaching up towards the white-haired Jounin. Taking it, Kakashi lay down next to Iruka and, turning to face his lover, took over rubbing Iruka's abdomen.

"He finally fell asleep," the Jounin said. "It took four stories and half a game of splash-Chichi-while-in-the-bath, but he finally did."

"Having that much energy will be good for a ninja," Iruka laughed, pecking his lover on the cheek.

"Hopefully he won't end up like Naruto, though," Kakashi groaned. "That boy has too much."

"Don't worry. He may look up to his brother Naru, but Shinobu doesn't want to act like him," the teacher said.

"I hope you're right."

Kakashi glanced down at Iruka's pelvis and leaning forward, kissed it lightly. Iruka smiled and interlaced his fingers with Kakashi's, resting their hands on the bump.

"We're both okay. Tsunade didn't see anything wrong with either of us at the exam today," Iruka said, trying to reassure his lover.

"I know, but I can't help worrying," Kakashi snorted.

"You're too protective. If it's a girl, you'll end up killing any boy that comes near her."

"Of course. I am a man and I know what men want. If I have a daughter –or a son that's like us- there is no way that any man will be going near him or her."

Iruka chuckled softly and nuzzled his lover's neck, taking a deep breath.

"And then I will be forced to reason with you on our child's behalf and make you see the good in their intended lover or spouse," he murmured, rolling his eyes.

"Oh really? Do you think you're that persuasive?" Kakashi asked.

"You know I am. I could kick you out on the couch for a few weeks or, even worse, I could force you to sleep in our bed, but not allow you to touch me."

Kakashi shuddered at the wicked smile Iruka was giving him. He gulped a little and nodded.

"That would do it," he sighed.

"I know," Iruka laughed.

Rolling onto his side, he sat up on one elbow and started tracing the long scar that cut down Kakashi's left eye. Kakashi continued to stroke his lover's stomach, sighing in contentment. Even after two years, Kakashi relished in having Iruka back with him again. The six years of loneliness that permeated into his soul and refused to let go, leaving him a man craving the love and attention of his lover constantly.

"Are you okay, Kashi?" Iruka asked, frowning slightly.

Kakashi nodded and smiled up at the teacher.

"I was just thinking how lucky I am. There were so many things that could have killed you, from missions to being captured, even the journey home, but you survived. Not many people with ninja lovers can say that and I don't want to ever be like them, like Kurenai," he said slowly.

"We'll just have to be very careful then," Iruka replied. "Even if neither of us are taking missions now, we're still ninja. We may be called to duty at any time."

"Not until our second child is born, you're not!" Kakashi snapped, "And, even then, I refuse to leave my children as orphans."

Iruka laughed a little at Kakashi's possessive and protective nature.

"I doubt that will happen, Kashi. The possibility of either of us dying is very low.'

"How so?"

"Well, you're the Copy Nin, one of the greatest of all time. Killing you would be harder than, well, practically anything. I'm a Chuunin that teaches Academy students. The only reason I'd be called to the front lines is if there was if half of the Jounin were incapacitated in some way."

"Did you forget the last Ninja War already?"

"No, but that was a special case. Besides, I didn't have children at that time. Tsunade would never send me out if there was any other option now."

Kakashi huffed, but agreed with his lover's assessment.

"It's getting late, Kashi."

"A little bit longer."

They stared up at the sky in silence.

Across Konoha, a single man paced around his jail cell, wringing his hands. This wasn't new behavior for him so the guard that passed every half an hour ignored it. However, the guard could have prevented a lot of trouble if he'd noticed the smirk that the shadows of the cell barely hid.

He had been planning for this day for over two years. His anger, the main driving force, hadn't been dampened at all by the lack of sunlight. Shadows mattered little to him. He was a man of great ambitions and just illusions were insignificant in his eyes.

Suddenly, there was a loud rattling and he turned to see another guard open the door to his cell. The man smirked at the guard and stepped towards him.

"You've come," the man said.

"Yes sir, I have," the guard replied coldly.

"So, do you have what I asked for?" the man asked.

The guard nodded and handed the man a small scroll.

"This lists all of their locations," the guard said as he started to take off his jacket.

"Perfect," the man purred, slipping off his dirty shirt.

They quickly exchanged clothes, changing as rapidly as they could. The guard, who was now dressed in the prisoner's clothing, took a seat on the thin cot on the far wall, settling down for a long wait. The former prisoner slipped out of the cell and closed the door behind him. Locking it, he sent one last glance at the man in the cell.

"I doubt they'll notice the change," he chuckled.

"Good luck sir," the guard replied.

"That's lord to you," Himura Utake snarled. "Now, be good and don't alert anyone that you're the one in there. I'd like to have a head start before the bastards decide to come find me."

"Of course, Lord Utake," the guard replied. "Kill all of the little demons for me."

As Himura walked away, he silently shook his head.

'Stupid Hyuugas,' he thought. 'They're supposed to be such a proud clan, but they've given me the chance to ruin their position over a simple dislike for Ookami. Their leader even gave me his nephew's location.'

He snorted as he strode out of the dark dungeons of the prison, making his way up the stairs towards the main floor.

'At least I'll get some good pelts out of this.

I know that this is very short, but please be patient. I've been working on some other stories.