CHAPTER TWENTY:
"Oh my goodness." Temari exclaimed. "She is so cute."
Misaki laughed softly as she held Aiko to her shoulder while rocking in one of the two rocking chairs. "Well she has her daddy's eyes."
"But she has your hair. I was wondering if any of the children would have your traits. By the way, i'm sorry I wasn't able to be there."
"It's alright. I know you were on a mission with Shikamaru."
"Well I thought I would tell you first. We're planning to start a family." Temari told her sister-in-law excitedly.
Misaki smiled to herself. Temari and Shikamaru had married a few years back and she was happy that they were ready to start a family. "I'm so happy. I can't wait."
"I know. I hope to get pregnant soon."
"It's exciting to be pregnant, but there is a lot that you have to do as well."
"Well I know who can help me."
The two laughed lightly then heard a soft knock at the door. "Hey. Can I come in?" Kankuro's voice entered through the door.
"Come in, but be quiet." Misaki replied, then watched the door open slowly.
Kankuro walked into the room and smiled as he saw his new niece in the arms of her mother. "Well ladies, I see you are busy with the new baby."
Misaki laughed at Kankuro, "Not really. She's asleep."
"Takes after her mother."
"You two are something else."
"So how are the twins?" Temari asked. Kankuro had been watching the twins for the most part since the birth of Aiko.
"Took them out to eat last night. They want to see you and their new sister. Minoru especially." Kankuro replied.
Misaki shook her head. "Why do I have a feeling that he is going to be a lot like his father when he grows up? He already is calling himself the 'man of the family.'"
Kankuro and Temari laughed. "Well he's going to grow up to protect his mother."
"I don't need protecting Kankuro. What am I? An invalid?"
Temari laughed, "Don't worry."
"I haven't forgot my jutsu. I can take care of myself." Misaki replied.
"We know. It's just part of being a mom."
"Yeah. I guess so."
"Besides," Kankuro intervened, "you'll be teaching them jutsu soon. I'm sure Minoru will take after you."
Misaki stood up and walked over to the crib, gently putting Aiko in and covering her up with a light blanket. She motioned for the two siblings to follow her outside into the living room. They did and she heard the soft click of the door. "You're making me worry already Kankuro."
He laughed low enough not to be heard by his baby niece. "I'm sorry i'll shut up."
Temari shook her head at her brother. "We'll bring the twins by for dinner. I'm sure they're ready to be back."
"I'm sure." The black-haired woman nodded. "See you then."
xxxx
It was after supper and Temari and Kankuro had left. Mizuki and Minoru stood beside their mother's rocking chair as they watched their little sister sleep peacefully in her arms. "Mama?" Minoru interrupted quietly.
"Yes Minoru."
"Why is it that Aiko has your hair?"
"Kami decides how we turn out. Besides, she has your Daddy's eyes."
Minoru leaned in against his mother's left arm. "I'm glad you're okay Mama."
"I am too Minoru." Misaki replied. She stood up and walked over to the crib and gently put Aiko in and covered her with a soft blanket. "Come." They left Aiko to sleep peacefully and after shutting the door, Misaki took her older children to their shared room. She knew that they would have to have separate rooms soon. Gaara and her would have to build a new room to suit the three children. "It's time to sleep."
"Aww Mama!" Mizuki cried out in protest.
"I know you don't want to, but it will be morning before you know it."
"Tell us a story?" Minoru asked.
"After you get in your pajamas." The twins scrambled to change then after quickly changing into their pajamas, they finally jumped into bed and waited for their mother to sit down. Misaki sat down on Minoru's bed and asked, "What story do you want tonight?"
"Tell us how you and Daddy met." Mizuki suggested.
Misaki laughed softly, "You two should know this by now."
"Yeah, but we like hearing it Mama." Minoru added, "Please."
"Okay, okay. Well, your father and I were both six. My mother had brought me to Suna from our home in the Land of the Hidden Waterfall. It was my first time visiting. My mother and the kazekage at the time, your grandfather, left me alone for a few hours. So I went off on my own and found your father by himself. He was so sad and alone. So we met and played games for a few hours before my mother took me to our guest quarters for the night."
"Why was Daddy alone?" Mizuki asked.
"People thought him different and strange. They didn't want to be around him."
"He must of been so sad back then."
"Yes, but now he is happy. He has you two and Aiko."
"And you Mama." Minoru said.
"Yes, and let's not forget your aunt and uncle." She paused then told the two, "now, it's time to sleep. I love you both." Misaki went first to Minoru and kissed him on his forehead, then stood up and went to Mizuki's bed and kissed her on the forehead. "Goodnight, sleep well."
"Night Mama." The two replied.
Misaki shut the door quietly then walked into the living room and sat down on the couch and waited for Gaara to come back from his office.
xxxx
The next day, Misaki walked with Minoru alone. He held her hand as she looked out towards the desert. "What's the matter Minoru?"
He looked up to his mother and asked, "What do you mean?"
"You asked why Aiko has my hair yesterday. Is something bothering you?"
"It's just that I would rather look like you."
She laughed softly, "I'm glad you look like your father. You and your sister have such beautiful hair and eyes. You two will be strong nin like he is someday. Besides, looks don't matter."
"But Mama..."
"I'm in you Minoru. Your father didn't create you by himself. We both contributed to you and your sisters. One day you will understand that." Misaki knelt to the floor and told him, "You are fine the way you are. I love you the way you are Minoru."
He felt tears fall down his cheeks slowly then hugged his mother quickly as she hugged back, "I love you Mama and I will always protect you."
Misaki smiled then replied, "I love you too Minoru."
Author's Note: OMG! I'm sorry I haven't updated in forever. I have had a sinus infection for about two weeks and I have tried to heal it with generic meds. Today I go see a doctor, thank goodness. I have one more chapter to write and it shouldn't take but a day to write. Hopefully, I will finish it tomorrow or today. Hope you like this chapter.