#iwabe

Flashback:

“The beach?” Y/n asked, examining the basket of laundry Itachi had just set down. “Yes, at Sasuke’s invitation.” She contemplated his words. “It seems most of the children are going to visit there as some kind of retreat for the academy… with adults of course.” He smiled, removing his gray shirt and tossing it in the basket as well. He looked as good as ever, at least as far as Y/n could tell. Just the same, really. Hair still perfectly straight and smooth, tied back loosely in a comfortable ponytail, and body in pristine condition and shape, him still getting high levels of exercise within his busy schedule. But Y/n, though she had eaten relatively healthy and exercised frequently throughout the pregnancy, it was still clear as day that she was expecting, naturally.

What was the expectation? Would she just sit there and sulk the entire time? While all the other Konoha women, Tenten, Ino, Temari, Sakura, and Hinata would wear extravagant bathing suits? Something Y/n wasn’t accustomed to even when less large. It seemed that in her group of people, she was going through this alone. The rest of them had long been recovered from their pregnancies, and were together during that stage, which Y/n herself had missed. 'I’d look like a complete fool next to him…’ She couldn’t help but think while picturing the event in her head. It seemed wrong, criminal even, to be slightly ashamed of carrying her own child, and to feel as if Itachi's support was not enough. But maybe… if she had not wanted to wait so long… he would already have been born yet and she wouldn’t be in this predicament now.

“It will be a bit of a trip to Kirigakure, but nothing to bad and i’m sure it will be worth it. It will be nice to see water after so long, right?” Y/n nodded, shyly. “You must miss Kisame, right?” Itachi contemplated for a brief moment, a finger resting on his chin as his eyes took in the ceiling. “He was a fine partner, really. And despite it all, one of the best shinobi I have ever seen.” He reminisced, the memories still feeling like yesterday. Regret was not as apparent in his words as they were years ago, it was good to see he had forgiven himself more after all this time.

He noticed her expression change suddenly, him almost aware there would be an excuse coming. “I… I don’t think I have a swimsuit, Itachi…” She frowned, turning away from his gaze. “What? Nonsense. We can go out shopping whenever you’d like and buy a new one. I’m sure we can find something to fit your style.” He walked over and put his hand on her shoulder as she hung up some wet clothes. “I have the day off, let me finish that so you can get some rest.” He insisted, her refusal making him frown and start dragging her off to their room. “Y/n, if not for yourself, then for me?” He tucked her into the covers like he had done so many times before. “Just relax.” He spoke softly before exiting, leaving Y/n alone with her thoughts. Part of her wanted to call out to Itachi, and inform him of her concerns. He always knew how to make her feel better. Yet she could only feel as if it would be selfish to do so. And so she went to sleep, somewhat longing for her husband to be with her so she could be at peace.

-

The next day rolled around, gray clouds in the sky as if they were perfectly representing Y/n’s mood. No magical remedy came from the sweet comments that came from the people in the village as they walked through the streets, everyone congratulating them for their child, and those who had already known were shocked at his growth. Instead, it was Itachi’s eyes when he heard their excitement, the eyes of an excited father-to-be, and one Y/n could predict would be perfect in every way.

Another comfort was the maternity store they stopped at, it being run by a woman who too was pregnant, and had lots of cute choices for bathing suits. With the help of Itachi, Y/n eventually chose a simple f/c two-piece suit with small white stripes adorning it, and a little bow before the top poofed out over her stomach, making it comfortable. The skirt was the same, and long enough that she didn’t feel uncomfortable.

“You look wonderful, my love.” Itachi spoke softly as she looked at herself in the mirror with a slight smile. “Of course, you always do.” He added, placing a hand on your belly and feeling a slight kick from the baby. “He’s restless these days…” Y/n’s smile grew at his movement. “Reminds me of Shisui. I believe we may have another troublemaker in the Uchiha clan.” He chuckled softly, reminding himself to invite Shisui along as well. “At least we know he will become a great, strong ninja. Just like him.” She spoke.

Flashback Ends.

“Mommy! Come play with me and Kawaki!” Himawari squealed, running up to Hinata why dragging Kawaki with her. “Ah. I said don’t want to play right now!” He yelled sternly, voice softening as he watched her whimper. “Come on! You’ll want to play if we start!” He nodded, slightly annoyed as he really had nothing better to do. “Well it seems as if I have to go now, I’ll leave you to discuss.” Hinata mentioned, as she walked off with the kids a bit down the beach for whatever activities Himawari had in store for them.

“Hey Naruto!” Shisui spoke, standing up and situating himself on the empty space on the log. “Yeah?” Naruto replied, watching his movements. “Been having fun being the hokage?” Shisui asked, in a friendly tone. “Sure! I mean…” He pondered the question. It had been everything he’d wanted since he was a child. But even then, he knew he wouldn’t be the best at the job. That would be someone else.

“Well you should really be hokage, Itachi!” Naruto mentioned, turning to face the Uchiha. “No, no. I’m quite glad I turned it down. As fun as paperwork sounds, I prefer to stay home with Y/n and now B/n. It would be hard to take care of them if I was never around...” Itachi spoke. “B/n sounds lucky. He has a dad who actually wants to be in is life.” Boruto muttered, hearing their conversation. “The hokage’s job is important, and someone has to do it, right Boruto?” Shisui chimed in, tapping the boys shoulder as he stood up.

“Y/n, would you like to go in the water?” Itachi asked, confused at her cold expression. “You can go, I think it’s best if I just stay here.” She tried to smile at him, yet somehow couldn't. “Hmm…” Surprise was evident on her face as he took her hands in his, guiding her up to stand. When they were at eye level, she could only blush at the way he was deeply examining her face. “Are you… nervous Y/n?” He asked plainly, leaving Shisui confused in the background as he started to walk with her along the beach a little ways.

“Someday when he is born, it would be nice to take him to the beach with us.” He smiled, gently squeezing her hand. Missing her response, he stopped walking. “We'd have to wait for the group to go all the way back to the village, since I doubt anyone else is ready to head home, but if you’d like, we can just leave the beach until the end if that's what you'd like.” Itachi asked, wanting her to be comfortable. Part of him was thinking she was just tired from the pregnancy, but he knew her too well to truly think that was all it was.

"If there is anything concerning you, please, tell me." He almost begged, but knowing her he knew she wouldn't give anything. "I'm fine, really, Itachi." Y/n looked him in the eyes, slightly mesmerized by how beautiful his were. She had truly married such a talented shinobi, with eyes that even when without the sharingan, could easily put her in a trance. "Here. Let's go in the water." Itachi led her to the edge of the sand where the waves spilled onto it. The golden sun made the blue water sparkle, a mesmerizing sight for the couple. A sweet moment that they hadn’t had time for in the last months, preparation for the baby and all. Itachi was always at work, seeing as he had to support them somehow, and when he wasn’t, he would force Y/n to rest as she was constantly tired and needed it. As nice as quiet can be, she missed the noise of their conversations and time together, which Itachi understood, yet he wanted to take a few months off work spending them with her and b/n so they had to try and save up as much as possible for now.

-

"Mmmph!" Y/n turned to look at the sound, Himawari skipping towards them. "Bleh" Kawaki bursted up through his sand shell, rising through the ground. Himawari’s face was a look of almost terror, yet also amusement that brought confusion to Itachi's face. "Kawaki... you broke it!" She cried out, looking at the sand covered boy and the remains of her laboring. "You could have not buried my head, y'know!" He continued to spit out sand. "I apologize Kawaki..." Hinata chimed in, handing him a towel for him to wipe himself off with as she walked towards the bunch, possibly to see Himawari’s creation.

“Haha! You’re covered in sand Kawaki!” Boruto laughed as he watched his muscles tense up in his arms. “Shut up Boruto!” He said, seemingly taking a swing at him before Boruto ducked. “Missed me!” He yelled, running off with Himawari behind him and a smug grin on his face. “Oh… why does this always happen to me…” He groaned, sinking into the water to wash up until his eyes were at water level. Y/n could only let out a slight giggle as she observed his depressed expression. 'He really is a great addition to their family...' She thought.

“Itachi! Y/n! We’re starting up the barbeque!” Ino yelled to them, holding the skewers for kabobs. “Would it be that the best chef in the world will be cooking?” Itachi asked, hinting at Y/n. “Yep! That would be me, right?” Shisui laughed as Itachi rolled his eyes. “What! My world famous slightly charred ribs are the best! I mean you guys loved them, right?” Y/n ruffled up his hair. “Yes, Shisui, you talented, amazing chef. The charring on those ribs was just divine, so much so it took up half the meat!” He smiled at her comment.

“Y/n! Hinata! We need cooks!” Ino shouted again, looking her straight in the eyes. “You’re not cooking, Ino?” Hinata asked, approaching the grill. “Me? Cooking is more of Sai’s thing. I just go out to eat a lot. Plus, we don't really need three.” She responded. Y/n started to season the meat, alternating the pieces with vegetables on the skewers before covering them to marinate for a bit in a sauce. Hinata chopped up some lettuce and tomatoes, to make a salad, and got out the potato chips and fruit already prepared.

“Hey Kawaki, you want to play some volleyball?” Boruto asked, nudging him on the shoulder. “After lunch? With who?” He asked. “I’d like to play.” Mitsuki commented, staring right at them. “Ah… when’d you get right there Mitsuki?” Boruto asked, confused. “I’ve been here the entire time, Boruto.” He responded. “So! Mitsuki and I on a team? We’re sure to win!” He yelled enthusiastically, fist raised in the air. “Actually, if you wouldn’t mind, I would like to be with Kawaki. I was thinking it would help with our teamwork.” He insisted. “Well, okay. That cool Kawaki?” Boruto looked at the taller one, and he nodded.

“Iwabe! Get over here?” Boruto called. “What do you want, Boruto, I’m busy.” He responded. “Oh sorry, we just needed another player for volleyball!” Iwabe walked over with his hands behind his head, yawning slightly. “Eh, I guess if you really need me…” Boruto interrupted him. “Then after lunch it’s game on! Iwabe and I vs Kawaki and Mitsuki!” He yelled enthusiastically, way too pumped up for a simple game.

-

Ino was wearing a small bikini with a flower pattern on it. And a sheer coverup skirt around her waist, something Y/n slightly envied about her. ‘She's so confident… she can wear whatever…’ She thought, placing some of the skewers on the grill rack. “It’s already smelling so good!” Tenten remarked, poking her head over the meat to inhale its scent. “Perfect for those pregnancy munchies, right Y/n?” Ino said, looking at her. “Uh… um…” Y/n responded, turning to face Itachi slightly.

“Actually, she hasn’t really eaten any differently during the pregnancy.” He commented. “Really?” Sai asked, thinking back to his own memories. “Ino really ate like a pig… she went on a massive diet after she gave birth.” He said, nonchalantly. “Hey!” She screeched at Sai, ready to scold him. “Temari was the same.” Shikamaru chimed in. “At least you won’t have to go on a diet Y/n… you’ll probably just bounce right back to your usual self… lucky…” Ino frowned.

“I don’t see anything wrong with eating a lot during pregnancy, it’s natural, right? I just… haven’t been very hungry, that's all. Just very tired.” Y/n muttered, trying to calm everyone down. “Mommy, truth or dare!” Himawari shouted, peeking out from behind Hinata. “Uhm… Truth.” She replied, looking down at her energetic daughter. “Would you rather be stranded on an island with twenty other people, or not be stranded but be all alone?” Himawari asked, testing out the game she had recently learned. “Ah... this  brings me back!" Ino gasped, taking a sip of her drink with the overdramatic sigh. "Stuck on an island with 20 people, I would say... It would be much more entertaining to be around you all. I can't fathom what I would do with all that space alone." Hinata responded.

"What about you, Itachi? Truth or dare?" She asked next. "Let's not bother him, Himawari." Hinata chimed in, not wanting her to say something rude. "Ah... It's fine. I'll go with... dare. I'm feeling a bit adventurous, hmm?" He replied. "I dare you to kiss Y/n!" She laughed, as Y/n's face got red, hiding it as she turned to face the grill. "Eh, I'm sorry Itachi. You don't have to." Naruto responded for Himawari, feeling slightly awkward. "Y/n... would you be okay with that?" Itachi asked as he walked over, placing a finger under her chin to lift it up so their eyes would meet. "I mean they're married already, I'm sure they've kissed a million times!" Himawari whined in the background, Hinata slightly scolding her.

"Uh... sure... if you want to..." Y/n responded, giving a quick nod with a slight smile. It was a soft, quick peck on the lips, but to both Itachi and Y/n it was like a sacred moment of togetherness. Like a promise to always be with each other. For them, the act of a kiss wasn't just casual... it was something that was earned, and treasured. A true sign of devotion. Within the timespan of less than a second, it was like Itachi replaced her whole world, and she felt so small in comparison, hiding her blushing face as he whispered, "Thank you, I have missed that."

"See Boruto? He asked for consent. That's what a true gentleman does." Naruto mentioned to Boruto, pointing to the couple. "Yeah, I know that already! I'm not like you, old man." He spoke, lining up with a plate to get food. "Hey! What's that supposed to mean!" Naruto tried to steal the next spot in line next to Boruto but was stopped by a gloomy Sasuke. "You're making too big of a deal out of this, Naruto. Just get some food." He mumbled. Only a loud "Hmph!" came from Naruto for the rest of his time in line.

- Skips to after lunch...

"It's time... for the volleyball battle to begin!" Boruto yelled, standing in the shallow water before the partially submerged net. Iwabe was on his left, facing Kawaki. "Hey guys... it's just volleyball, you don't have to be so aggressive..." He muttered, looking at the expressions of the two boys. Their glares were intense at each other, both locked in a staring contest neither wanted to back out of. Mitsuki and Boruto alike were watching their silent feud, wondering who it was that would blink first.

"Ha!" Iwabe yelled, having watched Kawaki's eyes close shut for just a millisecond, a reflex he regretted. "What are you going on about!" He yelled back, trying to act all confused. "I don't know if you noticed, but it looks like I won." Iwabe rubbed it in. "We weren't even in a staring contest!" Kawaki tried to argue, but both knew that they had made that silent agreement and there was no getting out of it.

-

"Iwabe! Do something!" Boruto yelled, the ball flying right towards Iwabe's face. "I... I..." He just ducked, not having played volleyball before and it (rather cinematically) bounced off his head and scored a point for their team. Instances like this occurred many times during their game, both teams somewhat incompetent and not knowledgeable on the rules of volleyball.  "Kawaki, you hold your hands together, like this." Mitsuki corrected Kawaki with a demonstration. "What's the point of being a shinobi if we can't use our skills in this..." He muttered, demonstrating with his arm. "It's not fun that way! We're on a more equal playing field, here." Boruto tried to explain. In the end, the game had to be cut short and was a tie as Kawaki 'accidentally' speared the ball.

"Seriously? We were going to win that one!" Iwabe groaned. "Thanks a lot." He pointed at Kawaki. "Hmph." He responded, going to sit down. "It was a good game..." Mitsuki tried to lighten the mood. "As if..." Iwabe rolled his eyes. "You all played well!" Y/n congratulated them when they walked passed. Her eyes slowly drifted away from them as she stared at the horizon. "What are you thinking about?" Itachi asked, overlapping her hand with his. "Not much..." She replied, eyes still glued on the sky. "Hmm? I'm sure it's something." He tried to encourage her to speak. "I guess... wouldn't it be nice if b/n played volleyball with them some day? I know he's quite a bit younger... but it would be so fun for them to play with him." She spoke quietly, getting tired as the day had been long already.

"And b/n will make his own friends too... but it's a long time in the future, still. I just can't wait to meet him and raise him with you." Itachi pulled her into a tight hug, his arms wrapped around her shoulders. "Do you think I'll ever look the same again? I mean Ino said it was diffi..." She was cut off. "You look just as beautiful as you did before, my love. You're giving me such joy... by carrying our child. I don't want you to ever feel like you're not enough, okay?" He frowned. "Even Sai said that Ino ate like a pig... you don't think that way about me?" He started rubbing her shoulders, trying to take the stress and worry away. "Of course not. I wish you would indulge yourself more, anyway. It's completely natural to have a larger appetite, you don't need to limit yourself." He smiled back at her, seeing her eyes gleaming with excitement for the first time during the trip instead of anxiousness. "I think... I think I'm ready to go in the water now..." She mentioned, standing up. "There are still many hours for us to enjoy, let's not wait any longer." Itachi spoke, leading her there.