#summerbreakcollab

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.

Going on vacation with the man known as Maito Gai was an experience not akin to any other, so you have at least gathered after spending the week together outside Konohagakure. Vacation was almost a word unfamiliar to him, with his unending enthusiasm for doing good in the world and helping others, Gai was one to often neglect his own needs in favor of others’ needs, such as yours for example. For him to go after his own wishes selfishly, was a rare occasion.

So when the time had come for the both of you to go on a trip together, just the two of you, it had been a no-brainer for you to allow him to choose your designated spot. For the two of you to end up in a town you have never heard of before, a greater distance away from your home than you would have expected, had not been your plan, however.

Neither was ‘getting lost’ a part of your bucket list, but here you were.

“Gai, honey, are you sure that you know where we are going?” You asked with furrowed brows, staring at the man who was energetically walking beside you.

From the moment the two of you have begun your journey from your booked home and into the town, Gai’s stance had not changed even once. While at some point, you had begun slouching a little and your posture grew into one of more exhaustion, he remained as thrilled as he had been when you had arrived in the town. His excitement seemed inexhaustible to you, and while you did enjoy seeing him grinning from one ear to the other, the mindless walking was slowly but surely getting to you.

The grin he flashed you reminded you of the reason why you ignored your growing exhaustion. “Do not worry, my darling lotus, I will get us to the destination!” His confidence, too, was admirable, especially as he glanced over at the map he held, his eyes hurriedly roaming it as though he had no idea where exactly the two of you were.

You scrunched your eyes shut for a moment and breathed in deeply, your exhaustion further weighing down on you. “You don’t know where we are, do you?”

Gai bit his lips and kept quiet as his features took on a guilty expression. He should have told you ages ago, to be precise the moment he had lost his orientation, instead of venturing on without even knowing where he was going or what his destination would be.

With a small laugh, you shook your head, “I knew it,” Then, you leaned your forehead against his arm and took in a deep breath, your forehead creasing in concentration. Before you spoke, you pressed a small kiss to his uncovered biceps, his tan skin feeling hot under the touch of your lips. “How about you let me lead us somewhere now, honey?”

While Gai was a little reluctant, he still agreed after a beat of silence. “Alright.” How could he refuse your wishes, after all?

“Thank you.” With as much strength as you could muster up, you smiled at him before moving to press a kiss to his cheek. Seeing his cheeks flare up into a rush of pink always had your heart beating faster.

You turned your head away from the breathtaking sight that was your significant other and instead looked at the path ahead, one that appeared to be neverending to you. The road ahead was even longer than expected, a fact that had you sighing immediately.

Each of your limbs felt as though it was burning by now, the muscles in your legs and calves so strained that you were sure that by the time you were back in your room, they wouldn’t be able to relax at all. If you had to compare the sensation coursing through every inch of your body right now, you would undoubtedly compare it to an inextinguishable forest fire. Your eyes, too, were ready to flutter shot and not open until you have gotten a good amount of sleep to combat your fatigue-

“Are you tired, my flower?”

In all your drowsiness, you had forgotten to keep your silent complaints in check. While many underestimated it, Gai could be awfully perceptive when he wanted to be and quite in tune with his own emotions and that of others. You shouldn’t be surprised that he noticed, more so annoyed at yourself for tainting what is to be his relaxing summer vacation.

You opened your mouth to bring out an excuse, to maybe say how the sun shining down at you just had you feeling languid, a normal reaction. Before you could say anything, however, Gai had already interjected, “Be honest with me.”

Hesitantly, you said, “I’m tired.”

Gai’s brow dropped into a small furrow and his finger tapped against his lip, many thoughts and solutions running through his mind. He did think about encouraging you to keep going, that you could do this, but upon further thought he could see how exhausted you really were. Your usual stance was a harsher slouch, your hands hung limply at your side, completely unmoving and your eyes were half closed and not as open as they usually were when he admired them.

He should have noticed sooner because he was well aware of how much you could neglect your feelings to protect his. He always had the same as you did and yet every time he neglected his feelings, you always noticed and made sure that he felt loved too.

Gai looked down at you with a fond look in his eyes and offered, “I can carry you, my flower. You shouldn’t exhaust yourself further.”

Immediately, you shook your head frantically and waved your arms. “No, no! That would be unfair for you!”

“I don’t mind carrying you. It was I who got us lost, you shouldn’t be the one suffering the consequences.”

You didn’t want to burden him, that wasn’t your intention. So, you said, “I could have intervened sooner!”

“I shouldn’t have gotten us lost.”

“I shouldn’t be so tired.”

A frown began tugging at Gai’s lips. “I should have noticed that you aren’t well, I apologise, my flower.”

Sometimes, you wanted to punch yourself for your stupidity.

Quickly, you took a step forward and reached upward with your hands to rest them on Gai’s face, pulling his attention toward you. With your right thumb, you gently caressed his skin and looked up at him with regret gleaming in your eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t.” Gai denied.

Gently, you leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his lips, his own chasing after yours the moment you pulled away. “I feel like I did. I don’t want to do that.”

Gai pressed his forehead against yours and looked you into the eyes again. “Then let me carry you, alright?”

With a sigh, you gave into his request. “Okay then.”

Gai did not even hesitate for a second before separating himself from your loving embrace to instead squatted down on the floor before you, his back turned to you. With a grin on his stunning features, he turned to you and pointed with his thumb at his back. “Hop on.”

You giggled at the sight of him squatting in front of you, his muscles tensing as he did. While it wasn’t the first time he had offered to take you piggy ride, the act certainly had your heart fluttering every time he did. You thought it was just so thoughtful of him, which was why you always were extra cautious when sitting down on his back and wrapping your arms around his legs. As Gai began standing up, his large hands came to rest on your thighs and pulled your legs forward, only to then travel lower to fully be able to support your legs as he stood. Immediately, heat rushed to your face at his touch.

He tilted his head to look over at you. “Where should I go, my flower?”

“Forward, please.” You said before resting your chin on his shoulder to not only get a better view of the road, but also to be able to press your cheek against the side of his head.

“Of course, my darling flower.” Time and time again, he got your heart fluttering wildly as though you were still in your honeymoon phase.

With each man the strong man took, you could feel his muscles flexing underneath your fingertips. It did not help either that the harsh sun was shining down upon the two of you, further highlighting his trained physique as his tanned skin took on a new kind of glow.

To say that he was attractive, that would be a major understatement in your opinion. It had been his vibrant and energetic personality however that caught your attention from the first moment you saw him, and over time, it drew you in. Especially as the two of you continued your way on the dirtied road, with the sun shining down upon both of your frames, you knew that with him, you would go beyond the horizon and even further. When it came to Gai, no way was too long for you and no emotion too difficult to endure as for him, you would do everything.

“I love you.” You murmured against his cheek before pressing a kiss on it, only to further lean into his strong body.

You could feel Gai’s grin becoming broader, to the point you became concerned that he might get hurt from smiling so much. But as he pressed a kiss to your cheek and lingered there for a moment, you couldn’t complain, not at all. Even as he almost stumbled over a stray rock on the dirt path, almost taking the both of you down in one move, you could only let out a giggle he considered music to his ears.

“I love you too.” Gai grinned.

And if making him happy like that meant a thousand more summer vacations with you by his side and getting lost, again and again, then you would indulge him time and time again without hesitance.