Yuri Hatake

Chapter 2- parenthood

Yuri had grown a little and was now
six years old.

Kakashi was still learning how to balance home and work. Luckily for him, he was surrounded by a supportive and loving environment, and everyone was more than happy to help him with Yuri. Hinata and Sakura, especially. Since both were already mothers and had some experience with kids. 

"Good morning, Lord Sixth." Shikamaru greeted as Kakashi opened the door to his office. "Coffee?"

Kakashi shuffled forward to his desk and slumped lazily on his swivel chair. "Black, half sugar. And some warm milk."

"Milk?" Shikamaru questioned, looking at the Hokage quizzically. Lord sixth always asked for black coffee. He liked his morning coffee strong and bitter, and it was mildly surprising to hear him ask for milk. "Will I put it in your coffee?"

No answer.

Shikamaru looked at Kakashi in confusion following his strange expression. It seemed he was looking for something.

"Where'd that kiddo go?!" Kakashi mumbled.

Or rather someone.

"Yuri?!" Kakashi called out.

Shikamaru opened the door just in time to let the Hokage's six-year-old daughter come rushing in.

Ah, so that's why he was asking for milk, Shikamaru thought.

Little Yuri skipped her way to her father’s desk. She then looked at her father’s advisor with big, beautiful red eyes. "Hello."

Shikamaru acknowledged her with a smile. "Hello, Yuri. Nice to see you again." He ruffled her hair before turning his attention back to Kakashi.

"Lord sixth, there are some changes in your schedule. Would you like to hear them now?"

"After coffee, perhaps. Thank you, Shikamaru."

"Alright then." And with that his advisor left the room.

"Yuri, please don't hang around like that again." Kakashi scolded. "It's a big place. You might get lost."

"I'm a big girl now. I won't get lost that easily." Yuri pouted.

Kakashi gave a closed eye smile. 'So cute!' he thought. "Here, come here." he opened his arms.

Yuri ran to him with a smile and climbed on his lap, then rested her head on his chest.

"I'm not mad at you..." Kakashi assured.

A few moments later, Shikamaru entered the room, bringing with him a tray full of sweet bread and mugs of steaming coffee and warm milk.

"Looks like someone is sleepy! Here's your coffee, Lord sixth."

"Thank you, Shikamaru." Kakashi then handed his daughter her milk. "Careful, it's hot." He warned the six-year-old girl who was now holding the hot cup.

"I know!" she pouted, and Kakashi smiled again. 'so cute.'

Shikamaru reached for a clipboard and cleared his throat. "So about your schedule, th-"

A knock on the door stopped Shikamaru. With a small groan, he made his way to open the door. "He finally arrived." He grumbled as he had a feeling who was on the other side.

"You're late." Shikamaru stated.

"I'm not late. You're just early."

Kakashi waved from behind his desk, looking as tired as ever. "Complaining again, are we? Wonder what you're going to think when you're sitting behind this desk."

"That's what you say every time I see you, Kakashi-Sensei!"

"Naruto," Shikamaru groaned. "How many times are we going to tell you? It's Lord sixth. You can't just go around calling the Hokage by his first name."

"No, no. Please, Shikamaru," Kakashi said, waving his advisor away. "Let Naruto call me whatever he wants. I'm tired of the formalities already."

"That's not the point..." Shikamaru responded, shaking his head. It seemed as if they had this conversation daily.

"Anyways, Naruto, how did it go?" Kakashi asked, kind and curious eyes assessing his former student.

"Everything was the same as always. Boring diplomatic talks with one village or another."

"What do you think being Hokage is going to be like?" Shikamaru muttered, rubbing his temples.

A child's giggle was then heard. The little girl was no longer by Kakashi's side but under his desk.

"Big brother Naruto!" Yuri shouted cheerfully.

"YURI!? What are you doing here?" Naruto smiled at her.

"I'm helping!" Yuri told him seriously, straightening the oversized Hokage cap she now wore that threatened to extinguish her head like a candle snuffer.

"Really?" Naruto laughed as he advanced toward Kakashi's desk. "Did your dad hire you to help him with his paperwork?"

"YEAH!!" Yuri exlemied as she got out from under the table and then ran with open arms towards Naruto. The Hokage's cap fell to the floor at some point.

With a bright smile, Naruto picked her up and returned the hug as he spun her around in the air.

"AHH SO CUTE!.." Naruto exlemied as he spun her around some more in the air, earning giggles from her.

"I didn't get a hug.." Shikamaru grumbled.

Kakashi chuckled.

Shikamaru then cleared his throat. "Anyway, like I was saying. next week. Regarding your schedule, Temari told me that Gaara... I meant, Kazekage will probably arrive sooner. He said he wanted to spend some time away from the work. Anyway he will be staying at our place, because Temari wouldn't take no for an answer. So he doesn't need a hotel for -"

"Gaara coming?!" Naruto cut him off. As he placed Yuri back on the ground.

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes in annoyance. "Yes, so like I said -"

"Wait, is Shinki coming too?" Naruto cut him off again.

"Who is Shinki?" Yuri asked.

"Guys, seriously.." Shikamaru grumbled, eyes narrowed.

Kakashi chuckled. "Shinki is Gaara's adopted son.” He then explained.

"Yes, but he is so similar to Gaara in personality and appearance that it really doesn't seem that way." Naruto chuckled.

"Is that so... is he my age?" Yuri wondered.

"Yes, you are about the same age." Naruto replied.

"Naruto!.." Shikameru lost his patience. "If you're already here and not really helpful, why don't you take Yuri for a walk around the village."

"W-What! What what do you mean by not helpful!?" Naruto growled childishly.

Yuri and Kakashi giggled.

"I think that's a good idea." The copie ninja then agreed with his advisor.

Naruto pouted. "Well, come on, Yuri. We're clearly not welcome here." He picked up the six-year-old girl. He stuck his tongue out at Shikamaru before closing the door behind him.

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes in annoyance as Kakashi just smiled in amusement.

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