CHAPTER FIVE

"I swear, Minato is the most clueless guy in existence."

Washing the dishes, Mikoto found herself amused. "Why? Did he forget another anniversary?"

Kushina squawked in outrage. "Those were not made up."

"Yes. Because 'First-Mission-Outing' is an anniversary everybody goes through."

"Well, it was the first time we were on a mission together."

"Or how about the 'First-Ramen' anniversary?"

"Hey, I brought him to my favorite place in Konoha. He needs to be reminded of that."

Mikoto giggled. "Minato is lucky to have a Nara-like memory."

Kushina groused. "The obliviousness of a Nara is also present."

"What did he do now?"

"So, I told him to come home early yesterday, and he did. And you know what I gave him? Me, in a sexy naked apron."

Mikoto choked. "Kushina!"

Her annoying friend just continued. "And the idiot asks if all my clothes were in the laundry. I got so mad I threw him out."

Personally, Mikoto believed that Minato had probably tried to pull a prank on his wife, and it had simply backfired instead. "So, you made the plan and because Minato did not go along with, you blame him?"

"Ye-" Kushina paused in thought. "It's not- I mean- Gah! Screw you, Mikoto. This is not my fault."

"Of course, Kushina-chan. Of course."

"I'm not taking this from you." Kushina grumbled.

Mikoto giggled and continued to wash the dishes in a comfortable silence between friends.

Just as she placed the last one in the cabinet, Kushina spoke up.

"Kakashi did not show up for dinner the other day and so I went looking."

Mikoto knew where this conversation was heading and wanted no part of it. "Kushina-"

"Turns out he was standing at the memorial. Now, I know it's unhealthy and he does usually leave by sunset. This time, he looked very upset. I literally had to threaten him with my personal brand of therapy before he gave the whole story."

Mikoto turned to look at Kushina who looked confused.

"The story didn't make sense. Why would Fukurou want to 'put Kakashi back together'?"

Mikoto sat in the other chair with a sigh. "Because Fukurou hates it when people blame themselves for things out of their control."

"But why would he even know about Obito? Minato had the entire incident sealed."

Mikoto wished she knew.

"Don't shrug on me. How did Fukurou-kun find the truth?" Kushina gritted her teeth. "Minato can't afford any leaks right now."

"I don't know." Mikoto could see the surprise clear on Kushina's face. "Honestly, I don't know. I'm not sure he knows the truth though."

Kushina looked like she wanted to tear her hair out. "Mikoto. Please explain."

"I don't think he knows the truth about the mission. Fukurou probably figured out that 'Friend-killer' Kakashi was a lie."

Kushina looked like she was on the verge of doing… something Mikoto could not guess at. "When you told me Fukurou-kun was more mature, I didn't think much of it. When you told me he was teaching Itachi because you and Fugaku lost a bet, I thought you were playing some weird prank on your clan. But your son somehow figured out the rumors around Kakashi were a lie and tried to help him."

Kushina pulled on her hair in frustration. "What have you been teaching him, Mikoto?"

"It's the other way around, Kushina." Mikoto knew her friend thought she was pranking her. But unless had regular interaction with Fukurou, they were never convinced.

It was why neither her husband nor her were surprised when he casually spoke of subverting Shisui against the Clan Elders.

Mikoto jerked in surprise when she felt her hand being clasped by Kushina.

"You were shivering, Mikoto."

Mikoto shut her eyes. "Fukurou hates us."

"Mikoto-"

"After he won the bet, Fugaku wanted to take back his word. Do you know what he said?" Mikoto held back her tears. "He called Fugaku a weak fool drowning in fear and hatred. He turned to me and said- and-"

Kushina hugged her.

Mikoto trembled, tears streaming down her cheeks. "He told me I was a pretender playing at being a mother. And that if it ever came down to it, he would take Itachi and run."

"He's just a kid, Mikoto."

Mikoto hugged her friend. "Sometimes, I wish he was wrong."

Kushina's arms tightened. "You are not a bad mother."

"Nope." Mikoto would recognise that voice anywhere. "Just grew up in the wrong environment."

Mikoto split from Kushina to see Fukurou standing near the corridor. She quickly wiped away her tears. "Ah, Fukurou. I didn't see you there. Would you-"

"I used to hate you." Fukurou's words made Mikoto freeze. "But I realized the problem was not you. It was me."

Fukurou stepped forward and hugged Mikoto. "I was holding you and Father to unfair standards. I've loved you since the day I was born, Mother. And I will love you until the stars fall."

Mikoto broke at the sincerity in his voice and hugged her son fiercely.

Fukurou rubbed her back in a comforting gesture. "Now, get those thoughts out of your head. You are my mother. Anybody saying otherwise will be eating their own teeth."

Mikoto laughed, withdrawing from the hug.

Fukurou smiled. Though Mikoto wondered why it looked strained at the edges. "By the way, did you know Kushina-san is pregnant?"

Mikoto's head snapped back in surprise. She faced Kushina who looked equally surprised.

"Huh. Looks like I spoiled it." Fukurou shrugged. "Oh well. I'll be in the back working on my summons. Let me know if you need any help." Her son exited the house.

Kushina regained her composure and quickly ran after Fukurou. "Fukurou-kun, wait. How do you know I'm pregnant? Are you sure? Fukurou!"

Mikoto watched her friend rushed after her son. Recalling the utter sincerity of his words, she smiled.

Perhaps, she was not so bad at his mother business after all.