Fanning the Flames

Chapter Forty

Jiraiya pressed his back more firmly into the farthest corner of the delivery room. He'd never realized just how horrible the process of childbirth was. He definitely needed to give his nephew more credit for helping Kurenai through her labor. Personally, he wouldn't be within a hundred feet of any of this if he didn't have to be.

When the woman on the table gave another piercing squeal the sannin fought the urge to just give in and teleport back to bed. Instead he crept up next to her and squeezed her hand in what he hoped was a comforting manner. “Itachi would be here if he could,” Jiraiya whispered. “I'm sorry I'm such a poor substitute.”

“Did he choose a name?” she asked when the contraction eased.

“Obito, after his cousin, who was also a dear friend of Hatake-san's,” the sannin explained.

“He hates me,” Suki whispered hoarsely. “I'm not sure why. I must have done something to offend him.”

“Who hates you?”

“Hatake-san. He always avoids me when he's here. The way he looks at me . . . it makes shivers run up my spine,” the woman admitted. Her back arched like a bow and she squeezed Jiraiya's hand hard enough to grate the bones together.

“He's an odd duck,” the sannin said with a chuckle. “I think the only thing you did wrong was volunteer to carry this baby for them. I'm afraid Kakashi thinks it unnatural that you're willing to give him up.”

“I don't understand,” Suki gritted out as her contraction swelled. “It's not like he could carry a baby. Without a surrogate this child wouldn't be born.”

“Normally I'd agree with you.” Jiraiya let out a yelp as his hand was relentlessly squashed. “My nephew is the exception to most rules though. He's somehow managed to get himself pregnant and is planning on carrying the baby until its born.”

“That's impossible,” she scoffed. “Everyone knows men aren't suitable for childbirth. He'll never withstand the pain.”

“They're doing a cesarean.” The sannin's attention shifted to the midwife kneeling at the end of the bed. He slid down to get a look at what she was doing and instantly regretted it, thankful, for the first time, that he now had a male lover. He'd never look at a woman the same way again.

“It's time to push,” the midwife announced. “Bear down when the contraction starts.”

An hour later Suki was still pushing through her contractions, but it was obvious she was nearing the end of her reserves. “What can we do to help her?” Jiraiya whispered to the midwife. “She's about to give up.”

“The baby's turned on its side. I need to try and flip it around so the head is coming first,” the midwife explained. “You need to distract her. It's important not to push until I say she can.”

“Suki, you need to listen to me,” the sannin said soothingly. “I need you to stop pushing for a moment. Just listen to the sound of my voice and relax.”

“I have to push,” she ground out. “I need to get this baby out.”

“Just wait a moment. The doctor is turning the baby. Just be patient and you'll have him in your arms in just a few minutes,” Jiraiya murmured.

“Now push,” the midwife commanded after what seemed like an eternity. Suki bore down hard and moments later a loud cry echoed through the room. “Would you like to hold him?”

The sannin blinked, twice. “Me?”

“Of course you, who else?” she asked. “Support his head. Do you know if they decided on a name?”

“Obito,” Jiraiya replied, eyes never leaving the tiny bundle in his arms. “Hatake Obito.” The baby seemed to like the sound of the name, waving his arms and making little burbling sounds. The sannin folded back the blanket to get a better look. The Hatake genes had bred true, the shock of silver hair gracing the tiny head was a dead giveaway.

“Your father is going to go crazy over you, little one.” The Toad Sage smiled broadly as he tickled a tiny foot. “I can't wait until he gets to meet you.”

“Whenever you're ready,” Suki murmured. “Tell Hatake-san I wish them both well.”

“Don't you at least want to hold him?” Jiraiya asked as he made faces at the tiny bundle.

“He's not mine. Best not to get attached,” she decided. “Take him home, let him get settled in. I just want to sleep.”

*^*^*

Kakashi woke early, unsure of why he was feeling so unsettled. He rubbed a comforting hand over his swollen belly and reached out with his chakra . . . just as a knock rattled the front door.

“Kurenai, come on in,” The copy-nin stepped back to allow her room to maneuver the stroller inside before snatching the twins up and covering them with kisses. “I missed you guys.”

“They missed you too,” the kunoichi assured him. “How did you get here before we did anyway? It has to take longer on foot, and you'd need to stop and rest.”

“About that,” Kakashi mumbled, rubbing the back of his head as he tried to decide just what to tell his friend. “I ended up having to teleport to Oto.” The copy-nin agilely avoided the hand aimed for his head. “I had no choice. Akiko said Ibiki was hurting, so I went to him. He'd been attacked. He almost didn't make it.”

“And you're here why?” Kurenai prodded.

“The pack brought him here to the hospital. Jiji had Gamabunta give me a ride so I didn't have to teleport.”

“What aren't you telling me 'shi-san?” The kunoichi knew there was more to the story, Kakashi had all the earmarks of someone who was hiding something.

“He doesn't remember me,” the copy-nin admitted wearily. “I've asked Iruka and Genma not to tell him. He'll be much better off without me. You don't miss what you never knew you had.”

“What about the baby?” Kurenai pressed. “Ibiki has a right to know you're having a child together.”

“It may not even be his,” Kakashi demurred. “In any event, if he doesn't remember I don't want him told.”

“He's going to be very angry with you,” the kunoichi warned. “Especially if his memories come back and you haven't told him you're married.”

“He said I was letting myself go,” the copy-nin mumbled sadly. “He thought I was there to guard him. It's my fault he got hurt in the first place. If he's not with me he won't be in danger.”

“No, he'll just be alone,” Kurenai retorted sarcastically. “Like that's something to celebrate.” She studied her friend carefully, noting the slumping shoulders and drooping eyelids. “You need to get back in bed. I'll be by later to check up on you after I run home to take care of a few things.”

“I'll be just fine on my own,” Kakashi insisted. “I don't need a babysitter.”

“No, but the twins do, and I need groceries,” she replied practically. “Make a list, I'll get yours while I'm at it.”

*^*^*

Iruka shifted uncomfortable. It had been years since he'd slept alone by choice. The lack of his lover in his bed was getting the day off to a truly rotten start. He finally gave up on sleeping and stumbled into the bathroom to clean up before going to look for Genma.

The man in question was currently in the last place anyone would have expected . . . Maito Gai's apartment. No doubt about it, the senbon-sucker concluded, I must be insane. He tried to shut his ears to the taijutsu master's overly joyous early morning rant, but he wasn't having much luck.

“ . . . So You Agree With Me Then?” Gai boomed.

“I'm sorry, I wasn't listening,” Genma admitted.

“You Remind Me Of My Eternal Rival, Always So Hip And Cool!” Gai exclaimed with a toothy grin and a thumbs up.

“Speaking of which, I need to go check on him,” the tokubetsu explained. “Thanks for letting me stay here last night. I wasn't ready to talk to Ru,”

“It Is Not Right That You And Our Illustrious Hokage Should Be Fighting,” the green beast insisted. “Perhaps If You Tell Me What You Were Arguing About I Could Help?”

Genma shuddered at the thought of the punishment he'd reap by airing not only his and Iruka's problems, but also what was happening with the copy-nin and his husband. “I'm afraid I can't tell you. It's very personal,” he explained. “Thank you for offering though.”

“The Offer Stands,” Gai said. “Now I Shall Accompany You To Kakashi's. It Is Past Time For Us To Have A Competition.”

“I doubt he'll be up for that,” Genma ventured. “He only got back last night. He may not even be up yet.”

“Then why are you going?” the green beast asked.

“He needs to be checked on, his blood pressure has been very high.” Sometimes a partial truth is the best lie, the senbon sucker thought. “I'm afraid too much excitement could be dangerous. Maybe you should wait a few days.”

“I Will Go With You To Check On My Rival,” Gai decided. “I Promise Not To Challenge Him.”

Wonderful, Genma thought, just peachy. I hope Hatake forgives me for this. “Let's get going then. I have a shift in the mission office later.”