MINAKO'S POINT OF VIEW

SIX MONTHS LATER

"Lunch is ready ya know!" I chimed. The mouthwatering smell traveled throughout the kitchen, exciting the two boys sitting at the kitchen table.

"Alright! You ready for some chow little guy?!" Jiraiya cheerfully asked Little Naruto who was happily sitting in his high chair at the kitchen table. Jiraiya bought it for him, little frogs decorated the white plastic. It was quite cute and he of course loved making messes in it. I made some rice balls for Master Jiraiya and I before our day of training and ground up some carrots finely so that way Naruto could eat that. Mikoto taught me all these cool things I can do to feed him and how I should do it...honestly I'd be clueless without her help. I had no idea babies could be so much work! Naruto giggled and babbled something incoherent to Jiraiya who played along.

"Oh yeah? Well tell your Aunt Mina to hurry up because sensei is hungry!" Naruto shook a little toy in his hand and giggled again. He was such a happy little baby. He lit up my world, easing the hurt I constantly felt...and making me feel less lonely since Kakashi is always out on missions. I placed the plate of rice balls in the center of the table and then took the small cup with Naruto's food. Jiraiya was munching happily, eating one while holding another in his hand.

"Swo, gwood." He mumbled while having food in his mouth.

"HEY! Save some for me ya know!" I growled at him. Naruto slammed his hands on his little table in front of his highchair, the place where I put his baby food. He was getting fussy because he was hungry.

"Alright! Alright. Sheesh Naruto." I sighed. I put a clean bib around him and started feeding him the carrot puree. Somehow, after feeding him for a few minutes, his entire face got covered in the orangey-pink mush and I had some in my hair. Jiraiya patted his rounded and full belly, laughing at my misfortune.

"Glad I didn't have any kids. I'd never be able to deal with that." He laughed. I remained adamant with my Naruto, wiping off his face. He seemed to be pretty full from eating so I finally got to eat my own food, soon to find it was ice cold now. I sighed and pouted.

The sacrifice of a mother...

~~

After finishing my training for the day, I picked up Naruto from the Uchiha's and walked home with him. I held him against my hip and talked to him about my day even though I knew he didn't understand me, occasionally giving him kisses on the forehead and holding him up in the air to make him giggle. The air was a little cold so he was bundled up like a marshmallow, thick layers of puffy clothes keeping him warm. He was just so cute! I took him to the park, a place we walked to every day no matter the weather. We traveled behind some trees and past a few dirt paths before coming to the one place only Naruto and I knew about...the little koi fish pond that Minato had taken me to. I sat on the ground, in front of the pond while holding little Naruto in my lap, hugging him to me.

"This is a place your father had entrusted to me, along with you." I spoke softly to my nephew. He smiled at me almost as if he understood before tugging on a strand of my red hair. I never had my speech problem around Naruto, similar to how I was with Kakashi.

"Your father was a hero. He was a kind, sweet, and selfless man. He was much like a father to me in many ways, just like how your mother was with me." I continued.

"I met him when I was three years old, he came to my house trying to talk to my sister. She turned him down though and ignored him. It was quite funny actually although he was stubborn and kept pestering her. However, a year later, he saved her from some bad guys and my sister realized she was in love. Ever since that day, your mom and dad were inseparable, two honest halves to a whole. Your daddy did everything for me, helped me with scraped knees, wiped my tears, took care of me when I was sick...he never stepped away from an opportunity to help. I never have known someone with such an honest and good heart as him..." I spoke as a single tear billowed out of my eye and rolled down my cheek. Naruto then leaned his arm up and touched the tear, looking at it with intrigue.

"Are you trying to help, little guy?" I whispered with a small smile. Naruto smiled at me with his big baby blues which looked identical to Minato's. He was a carbon copy of the Fourth. More tears came out of my eyes and I held Naruto close, kissing his cheek delicately over and over again.

"You look just like your father...my little Naruto." I mumbled.

~~

I placed Naruto in his crib for the night, the little blond falling asleep instantly. I sighed in relief, thankful to be lacking another sleepless night where I had to constantly hold him to keep him from crying. I sat in my bed, finally resting my legs, before looking over at a picture I had at my bedside. It was a photo of Kakashi and I that Kushina took, Kakashi kissing my cheek through his mask and me giggling. I missed Kakashi...I was so worried for him and anxious ever since he became an Anbu because I wouldn't be by his side to make sure he was safe. He was gone for over two weeks and each and every minute without knowing he was safe in my arms gave me anxiety. I hugged the picture tightly, kissing his face through the glass and falling asleep with a few stray tears leaving my eyes.

In the middle of the night, I felt a warm hand delicately pry away the photo in my arms, smoothing out my hair in the mean time. Immediately I thought of Naruto and making sure he was safe, causing my head to shoot up and my eyes to peel open.

"Shh it's just me." A familiar voice sounded. I immediately hugged the man, bringing his body close to me and removing his mask in one swift motion.

"I missed you so much." I mumbled into his lips, kissing him feverishly...our lips being swept away in passion.

"I missed you too. I haven't stopped thinking about you." Kakashi whispered back. Butterflies consumed me and I continued kissing him. His torso was bare, meaning he must have already taken his armor off. I pulled him onto the space next to me and pulled the blankets over us. It must have been about two in the morning but I didn't care. Kakashi was home.

"Tomorrow, I'll make it up to you and spend the whole day with you and Naruto, doing whatever you want to do." I cuddled my face into his bare chest, the ripples enticing me to touch, yet I refrained. He wrapped his arms around me, holding me.

"Sounds perfect. Goodnight Kakashi." I barely could reply.

"Goodnight Mina." Kakashi whispered as he kissed my lips once again.

~~

I woke to Kakashi's slight snore in my ear, his soft and fluid breathing meant he was still fast asleep. I smiled at his presence, something I've been missing desperately. I lightly trailed my fingertips across his pastel skin, memorizing the contours of his cheeks. I was held tightly in his embrace, his scent overwhelming me in the best possible way. I've never been more comfortable in my life. Naruto had other ideas however and started to fuzz, making sounds of annoyance and panic. I sighed at the fact I'd have to get up from my heaven with Kakashi and started to unhook myself from him. Kakashi tightened his hold on me and a small smile crawled on his face.

"Where do you think you're going?" He teased. I kissed his lips before smiling.

"I have to get Naruto." Kakashi opened his eyes, the dark onyx pouring into my violet. Naruto began to cry, causing Kakashi to sigh. He then released his hold on me and sat up, resting his hand on the top of my head.

"No, I've got him." He said. I raised an eyebrow.

"Are you sure? I can take him you know." Kakashi shook his head.

"One day, he's going to be my nephew too." I paused, a bright red blush creeping on my cheeks.

"Wha-?" Before I got to ask, he picked up a fussing Naruto and took him down the hall at the Hokage Mansion, doing God knows what. I spread my legs and arms out, stretching before looking at the sunrise out my bedroom window.

The signs of construction around the village were everywhere, constantly there was someone doing something to rebuild and reconstruct. All of the villagers had pulled together to accomplish it and even a few months after the attack, the village is almost back in business.

Everything is okay Kushina.

~~

KAKASHI'S POINT OF VIEW

I put a mask on and walked while holding Naruto, showing him different pictures around the mansion halls while telling him about them. He was a curious little kid, constantly touching things and babbling. His personality was a lot like his mother's, always preoccupied with something, always smiling. I took him down the stairs from the living quarters to the public hall where tourists and villagers would stop by everyday. Even though it was morning time, the village was awake and booming, the people already crowding the room. Naruto let out another giggle and suddenly a portion of the people turned and looked to see the infant with a seal on his stomach.

"Is that him? The demon boy?"

"Where's his devil mother that I always see?"

"How could the Hokage allow monsters to stay in our village! Beasts!"

I scrunched my face at hearing these things directed about my girlfriend and her adopted son/nephew. Monsters? They were heroes. They sacrificed an easy life and their family to protect this village and they call them monsters? I hope Mina doesn't hear this stuff... I hope she doesn't experience any prejudice... She doesn't deserve it and neither does Naruto.

I walked out to the Yamanaka shop while holding Naruto, planning on getting flowers for Mina when I saw a small violet orchid, Kushina's favorite.

"Maybe let's pay some respects to your mom, hm little guy?" I asked. He giggled and munched on his own hand. I smiled at his silliness before buying a bouquet of roses and the orchid. Naruto and I then walked to the KIA stone where I gently placed the orchid down, paying my respects. Mina went to this very stone every weekend, paying her respects and telling her sister and brother-in-law about her week and Naruto. It broke my heart to see her that way...but I knew that Naruto and I made her view her life as valuable. I loved Mina more than words could ever tell...more than I could ever say. I would do anything to see her be happy again.

Naruto and I were walking back to the mansion while holding the roses when I was spotted by Mikoto Uchiha out on the street with her two boys, Itachi and Sasuke.

"Oh Kakashi! Naruto! How are you?" Mikoto was the sweetest and most open of the Uchihas, however she still had bits of Kushina's fiery personality. After all, they were best friends.

"We are fine, thank you. I was just bringing these home for Mina. She's been working so hard to be a single parent for Naruto all this time. I want to show I appreciate it." Mikoto had heart eyes before giggling.

"So cute! Hey you guys should stop by for dinner tonight! I have something to ask Mina anyway. Stop by at six!" I waved to her as she left.

"Will do!"

~~

"Mina, I'm back." I called out to her as Naruto and I walked into her bedroom. She was sitting in her bed, studying a few parenting self help books before looking up at her two boys.

"Whatcha got there?" She asked. Her bright red hair was piled on the top of her head in a messy bun and she was wearing a large shirt of mine. She was absolutely beautiful. I revealed the bouquet of flowers and Mina's eyes immediately got big.

"T-those are for me? Kakashi that's so sweet!" I smiled and put Naruto next to her on the bed before leaning over and kissing her.

"You're the best mother in the world to him." Her eyes went wide before a tear left one.

"I'm trying...ya know...to be the mother my sister never got the chance to be. I miss her so much Kakashi."

"Shh...I know you do...but she and Minato live on...in you and in Naruto. You can't beat yourself up about it. She would be so proud and thankful for everything you have sacrificed for her and her son. I love you and I'm here to help." She brought me back down for another kiss.

"Thank you Kakashi...for sticking by me." I always have stuck by you Mina...and I always will.

~~

MINAKO'S POINT OF VIEW

Kakashi, Naruto, and I made our way to the Uchiha compound for dinner. I knocked on the door to be greeted by a young six year old Itachi.

"Oh Miss Mina, Mister Kakashi, welcome. Please come inside." Itachi was so incredibly polite and was the pride of the family. I adored him. He was just so darn cute!

"Thanks Itachi!" I smiled at him brightly. Naruto was fast asleep in my arms, making my movements limited. I walked into the home to see Fugaku in the living room and Mikoto in the kitchen. Her son Sasuke was also fast asleep in a crib with a bare one next to it.

"Oh Mina! You're here! You can put Naruto in that empty crib there." I placed him down and smiled at Fugaku.

"It's nice to see you again Fugaku ya know. I see Itachi's still as plesant as ever." I grinned. He smiled proudly at his son. Many Uchiha's were known to be cold or even heartless but they were truly family oriented people, and Fugaku was proud of his son. We always had a good relationship.

"Indeed. He actually will be graduating from the academy soon. He is the top of his class." I turned to a shy and blushing Itachi. It was a running joke that since he was a baby that he had a little crush on me, just like how I did with Minato.

"Wow Itachi! You're reminding me of Kakashi and I at your age. You must be a true prodigy." I grinned. He smiled back and nodded.

"T-thank you very much Miss Mina."

"EVERYONE, DINNER IS READY!" Mikoto called out. The group of us sat around the table, passing around a large pot of miso soup and a plate of pork with rice. I dug in, finding the meal delicious.

"So good ya know!" I called out. Itachi blushed while sitting next to me and Kakashi sighed. I smirked at Kakashi, teasing him more by putting my hand on the top of Itachi's head.

"You're such a good kid Itachi, you'll grow up into a wonderful man." Kakashi sweatdropped while Fugaku grinned and Mikoto chuckled.

"He takes after me of course." Fugaku bragged. Mikoto punched him on the arm.

"No way! All from me!" They turned to each other and smiled bright. This was the side of the Uchiha family that no one else ever got to see.

"Oh Mina...by the way...there was a big reason Fugaku and I invited you and Kakashi here tonight." I cocked an eyebrow.

"Currently, there are two Uchihas in the academy, Itachi and Shisui. We want them to remain together in order to help lead the next generation of the Uchiha clan. I request that you, Minako, are to be their sensei. Will you be their private sensei?" Kakashi and I looked at each other wide eyed. Me?! A sensei?! So young?! I mean I am a jonin... I turned to look at Itachi who looked at me with hope in his eyes. He must really have wanted this...

"Of course. Anything for the Uchihas." I grinned.