The Red String of Fate: New Generation

Mei's Lament - Kakashi

"They'll be fine, Kakashi. Naruto and Sakura are watching out for them, as is the rest of the village-"

He knew this, but he still shouldn't help but feel anxious about being in the Land of Iron; so far away from his bride and newborn son. Shikamaru was still talking, but Kakashi was lost in his own head.

"Hey! Are you even listening to me?"

"Huh? Yeah, sorry."

"Just stay focused for this meeting. I know you've got a lot on your mind right now, but you already asked Naruto to protect them while you're away, and Sakura is there taking care of them. There's not much more you can do than that."

Kakashi gave him a fake smile. Shikamaru couldn't understand the overwhelming emotions that had been taking over his mind since the arrival of Sakumaru. It was equal parts unbridled joy and terrifying paranoia, and it had only been two weeks. Kakashi had so incredibly much to lose now if something should happen; a terrifying thought for a boy orphaned at a young age who only ever had to look out for himself. They entered the facility in the Land of Iron to find the Kazekage and Mizukage already present. He saw Shikamaru blush out of the corner of his eye when Temari approached him. Maybe he understood a little better than Kakashi gave him credit for. He greeted the Kazekage warmly, which was returned graciously, before stepping away to give his advisor and the young leader of the Hidden Sand the chance to speak. He was only alone for a moment before he was approached again.

"Hello Kakashi."

He recognized that voice straight away, without even turning around. But he turned anyway to greet her. Lady Mizukage. Mei. He blushed slightly, mostly because he hadn't had a personal conversation with her in years. The last time he had truly spoken casually to her was right after he had licked her salty porcelain skin in the throws of lovemaking.

"Lady Mizukage."

Kakashi bowed respectfully to his fellow Kage. She laughed.

"Kakashi, you don't need to be so formal around me. Anyway, I just wanted to congratulate you on the birth of your son. What's his name?"

"Sakumaru, after my father, Sakumo. The White Fang of the Leaf."

He pulled the picture of his little family out of his pocket; he was prepared for questions as he was sure that word of his new son had spread quickly.

"Wow, Kakashi.  He looks just like you.  And your bride is beautiful.  I recognize her as Mizuka of Tenchi."

Mei smiled, but there was a sadness in her eyes.

"I've never forgotten about you, Kakashi. Even after all these years, you've never been far from my mind. I've always wondered how you've been after our evening together, especially after some of the Kakashi of the Sharingan stories that reached the Hidden Mist. You had such sadness in your eyes that night."

She moved a little closer.

"It's really too bad that things didn't work out between us, Kakashi. I've heard that your seed is so powerful that your unborn child saved it's mother's life."

Kakashi looked at her sadly.

"It wasn't meant to be, Mei. It's not like we didn't try."

She smirked at him.

"The child of a Hokage and a Mizukage. Could you imagine the power our child would possess?"

He chuckled.

"Our child would be powerful, no doubt. But I could never abandon my bride. Her power lies deep within, and I'm starting to believe she may be more powerful than I am."

Mei chuckled.

"I would've never pinned you as the romantic, Kakashi."

"Me neither. I guess things change."

He was surprised when Mei embraced him tightly in a warm hug. He returned it with the same amount of warmth, holding her close. She kissed his cheek gently, and he hoped she was getting the closure she seemed to need from him.

"Thank you for your warmth, Mei, all of those years ago. It was a dark time and you made me feel wanted. Not like the monster I was sure I'd become."

"I'm sure you've never been a monster. Not for a moment. Now, tell me all about that beautiful new baby."