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Shizune... wanted to be a mother. Of course. Most women probably wanted to be mothers, even when their logic told them that bringing a new life into the world meant a lifelong responsibility. But sometimes, the heart and logic did not walk on the same track.
That morning, she got ready as usual to head to work. It was Tuesday, which meant she had to go to the Hokage Tower. And happily, before heading to the office, this particular Tuesday felt special: she was going to meet a baby.
Last week, the Uzumaki couple announced the birth of their second child: a cheerful baby girl named Himawari. Shizune had seen pictures of her from Hinata—she was absolutely adorable. And today was finally the day she would get to meet the little baby.
So she put on her high heels and opened the door, only to find a man who had been waiting behind it for five minutes.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting," said Shizune, her smile awkward between her cheeks.
Hatake Kakashi shook his head slightly. "No. It’s fine," he replied.
And there was no further conversation. Just two people heading out to visit, having just passed through the morning crowd of Konoha.
In the bustle of the village morning, Shizune’s smile bloomed like spring nesting in her heart every day. She smiled easily, greeted everything—even the wind that brushed through her dark hair. And Kakashi walked beside her, adjusting his pace to match hers, even when she would suddenly stop in front of a baby store.
This time, she stopped again. Not in front of the baby store, but in front of a dango stall—when she saw a little girl feeding the sweet treat to her mother with soft giggles.
"Shizune..."
Shizune snapped out of it. She turned toward Kakashi—for just a second. Just a split second, because she felt like Kakashi could read her thoughts. Then embarrassment flushed her ears—embarrassed, because she was afraid Kakashi would think she was strange and... too emotional.
"Come on, let’s keep walking," said Kakashi quietly. His hand came out of his pocket, occasionally brushing against hers under the excuse of accidental contact. But he lacked the courage—neither of them dared to reach out further.
So when did Kakashi’s voice start to sound gentler when speaking to Shizune? Or when did Shizune start feeling that nervous tightness when he was beside her?
Was it when they first worked together as Hokage and assistant? On their first diplomatic mission together? When Shizune calmed Kakashi from the nightmares that haunted him nightly? Or was it when... when Shizune’s world came crashing down?
Or was it the moment she realized she would never be able to have children?
Shizune exhaled, heavier than usual. She nodded, then stepped forward ahead of him.
And when the sun had risen higher, they stood side by side in front of the Uzumaki household. Both of Shizune’s hands were full of gifts: for Himawari, for Boruto, and most importantly—for Hinata. Meanwhile, Kakashi only brought a bouquet of flowers, because he didn’t know what else to bring besides a simple... congratulations?
When the door opened, they were greeted by Naruto's smile. He was still smiling, although the bags under his eyes were impossible to miss. His hair had been cut shorter, perhaps because if it had been long, it would have looked too neglected.
"Kakashi-sensei! Shizune-neechan! Welcome!" he said cheerfully—or at least trying to sound like his usual self.
Hinata welcomed them warmly once they stepped inside. She was carrying a tiny baby wrapped in soft yellow cloth. Himawari’s face looked peaceful in her sleep—rosy cheeks, slightly open lips, and a wisp of soft hair on her forehead.
"Hello, Hinata~ how are you?" asked Shizune—not small talk, but the kind of genuine care she offered everyone.
"I'm... doing okay, Shizune-san. Just lacking sleep. Turns out we still have a lot to learn with a second child," Hinata replied with a gentle laugh.
Shizune gave a warm smile. She sat across from Hinata, while Kakashi took the seat beside her. Their eyes both drifted to the small bundle in Hinata's arms.
"She's adorable~" said Shizune, softer than usual.
"Would you like to hold her?" asked Hinata, smiling, offering something precious. Without hesitation, Shizune nodded.
When Shizune received that tiny body into her arms—after washing her hands and all, of course—the room seemed to hold its breath. She gazed at Himawari as if time had stopped. Her eyes softened, like dry earth welcoming rain after a long drought. Her hands moved carefully, rocking slowly, as if afraid the baby would melt away if she moved too quickly.
Kakashi watched her from beside her. He sat back, hands on his lap, but his gaze never left.
Finally, he said quietly, "She looks like Hinata."
Naruto laughed, quick and warm. "But her eyes look like mine, 'ttebayo!"
Shizune gave a faint smile. She looked down, gently stroking the baby's forehead. Then she turned toward Kakashi. And when their eyes met, the world suddenly went silent.
Just one second. But it was enough to grow a question they weren’t ready to ask:
"What if we..."
But before that thought could even finish forming—
"Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said, cheerful. "When’s your turn?"
Laughter followed. Light. Innocent. Unaware that the one question had cut deeper than a kunai.
Shizune flinched slightly. Her eyes blinked, and suddenly Himawari felt too heavy in her arms.
Kakashi turned slowly, wearing that easygoing mask. "I already have a village to take care of," he replied casually. "That's already taking up my entire life."
His voice sounded like a joke. But no one laughed.
After that, they made small talk. Shizune handed Himawari back with a smile too sweet, too forced. Kakashi helped carry the gift bags filled with things for the kids and Hinata—too many for just a brief visit.
When they said goodbye, Naruto and Hinata still smiled warmly at the doorway.
And as they walked away from that warm house, heading back toward the tower and the day's duties, the rain began to fall. The first drizzle came like a whisper, then turned heavy within a few steps. Kakashi didn't carry an umbrella. And Shizune didn't ask why.
Their steps were slow, but not heavy. The rain soaked their hair and shoulders, adding a coldness neither could quite explain.
Until Shizune said softly, "She was... cute, wasn't she? Himawari."
Kakashi only looked up at the sky.
"Cute," he repeated, quieter this time. "And terrifying."
"Why terrifying?"
"Because things like that... make me want things I shouldn't be thinking about."
They walked in silence after that.
But when night came, Shizune left her candle burning longer than usual. And Kakashi—he stared at the sky from his window and, for the first time, didn't work late into the night.