Love In A Mug

Chapter 24

The sun's rays showered freckles of gold through the lacy curtains hanging over the balcony windows.  Naruto's eyes open at the sound of soft beeping from the alarm clock on the bedside table.  He could feel Itachi's broad, muscular toned body curved around him, spooning him in place with one arm curled beneath his neck and the other slung heavily across his thick waist, his hand cupped protectively over his swollen abdomen.  Leaning over with a struggle he hit the button turning off the annoying device before struggling against the heaviness of his husband so he could lay on his back.  Once somewhat comfortable in the position he turned his attention back to Itachi who was still sleeping soundly.

Naruto sighed hugging the pregnancy pillow that swaddled him perfectly in comfort.  Purchasing the pillow was the best thing that has happened to him with his body stretched and weary from the demands of pregnancy.  Underneath the sheet, his palms rested on either side of his stomach, and his baby wiggled in every direction, waking up.  "Good morning to you too."  He whispered running long strokes along his sides landing on his hips where the aches persisted no matter if he was sitting or lying down.

Today was a monumental day for their family, Kiyoshi would officially be given his surname.  They would meet before the judge around noon and then go to the Uchiha mansion for family portraits and a small celebration.  Naruto was hoping to have a special dinner out just the three of them, well technically the three and a half of them, but Mikoto was a stickler on tradition and was excited for her grandchild so they had no choice but to be present and dressed in their very best.

"Today's a special day for your brother." He smiled looking squarely at his belly, her roll could be seen through the sheet, his abdomen moving as she moved.

Naruto needed extra time to get dressed since his agility was near to none. The struggle is very real now and he's been having a hard time dealing with it.  Being as huge as he is it takes a while for him to do anything which includes most days a certain amount of help just to get himself on and out of the bed without feeling like he'll topple over or his back and hips are going to give out.

Yesterday was one of those days with his hormones out of control and him having an exchange of words when all Itachi was trying to do was be helpful.  They had spent the afternoon at the park, Kiyoshi and Yuto wanted to be outside because it was too beautiful of a day for them to play inside, so they packed a picnic lunch and met up with Yuto's parents at Central Park. 

He's been noticing that this far along with the pregnancy his strength is noticeably low and wearing him down.

He couldn't fathom how Kei did it with carrying two, especially toward the last weeks of the twins' due date.  When they had visited the couple Kei was in the middle of his eighth month and had been forced to stay in bed unable to move or stand on his own without his back or hips collapsing under the weight of the fetuses.  Oliver took to working from home having to carry the small raven every hour it seemed to use the bathroom.

When Naruto saw him he felt sorry for his friend but also found himself praying hard that he would never be in the same situation. 

(Flashback)
When they arrived home from the park Naruto was still fighting against the back pain from sitting on the wooden benches and sitting on the blanket that was spread over the grass was uncomfortable.  Soon after after arriving home, he let himself decompress in the recliner chair falling asleep, snoozing away in the comfy cushion, for a good three hours.  When he pulled himself out of his pseudo-sleep and went to stand, his arms shook like tremors lacking the strength to lift his body.  He had several failed attempts to get on his feet the frustration set in tenfold, his face burning red and his chest tight from the anger brewing inside feeling shamefully useless and embarrassed of being weak.