Fascinated, Kakashi gazes at the delicate bundle before him. In a soothing rhythm, the baby's little chest rises and falls. Its tiny arms rest beside its head, hands balled into delicate fists.
"He looks like you, Sensei!" Kakashi remarks, casting a glance at Minato, who is currently cleaning a bottle. "Just much smaller and more adorable."
Minato raises an eyebrow as he looks from the kitchen to Kakashi in the living room, who is sitting on the couch next to the baby's crib. "Am I not cute then?" he playfully asks, placing his free hand on his hip.
Kakashi lets his gaze return to the baby and casually shrugs. "You were never really cute," he comments, gently stroking the baby's cheek.
Minato chuckles amusedly and affectionately shakes his head as he finishes his task. "You're quite cheeky towards your Hokage," Minato remarks, strolling over to Kakashi. "Just don't teach that to your little brother." He gently settles beside Kakashi on the couch.
"If he takes after Kushina, it won't be necessary at all," Kakashi assures, without taking his eyes off Naruto.
Minato sighs beside him and leans back. "You're probably right," he replies with a hint of sadness in his voice.
Kakashi startles beside him, his gaze immediately shifting to the blond-haired. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to remind you," he apologizes sincerely.
A tired smile crosses Minato's lips as he wraps an arm around Kakashi's shoulders and gently pulls him closer. "It's alright," Minato manages. "I still have both of you."
Kakashi falls silent and simply nods in response. A silence descends upon them, only the soft breathing of Naruto and the ticking of the wall clock echoing through the room.
It had only been a month since Kushina died during childbirth. She sacrificed herself so that Minato could stay with Naruto. It was her last wish that Naruto had his father. For Minato, it was the worst moment when he held his beloved wife in his arms - his great love, his family.
Minato fondly remembered Kushina. Her loving nature that warmed his heart like a gentle sunbeam. Her warm embraces that enveloped him in times of darkness and provided solace. Her enchanting laughter that rang like music in his ears and lifted the heaviest burdens from his shoulders. The infinite love she radiated.
But there was no time to mourn; life went on. The village, and especially Naruto, needed him. From now on, he was the father of a little son, a single father, ready to bear the responsibility for their shared happiness.
The past few weeks had been tough. Minato felt tired and exhausted, on some days he would have preferred to stay in bed. But Naruto gave him a reason to get up. For him, he had to keep going, for the love they shared, and for the future they would build together.
Not only for Naruto but also for Kakashi. His former student didn't hesitate, was there for Minato, and provided him with support. And Minato was there for Kakashi, a mutual support in difficult times. It helped them to cope with their grief and look forward together.
Kushina's death was not easy for him either. It was she who had taken in Kakashi shortly before the birth and convinced him to move in with them. Her warmth thawed Kakashi, slowly dissipating the cold in his heart.
They had prepared everything and made plans for their future together as a family. The adoption papers were ready to be signed after the birth. But it never came to that. Kushina never got to sign her name.
But that didn't stop Minato. He completed her plan and adopted Kakashi. Minato knew she would have wanted it that way, just like him.
Now the three of them were a family, not the four they had planned. But they would tackle life's challenges together and keep the memory of Kushina in their hearts.
"Do you think Kushina would be proud if she could see us?" Kakashi asked after a moment of silence.
Minato throws his head back, a mischievous smile on his lips. "She would scold us, especially for how messy it is here," he replies amusedly.
Kakashi chuckles briefly. Indeed, it was not particularly tidy. Not as it would have been normal for the two of them. Actually, they were both tidy people, but often there was simply no time.
Naruto required a lot of attention, and Minato's work as Hokage often kept him busy enough. Kakashi had left the ANBU and had stayed home for the time being. But taking care of Naruto took up a lot of time. Taking care of a baby was indeed time-consuming.
Minato lowered his head again, a serious expression on his face. "But all in all, I think she would be very proud of us," he said calmly, his voice full of conviction.
A slight smile played on Kakashi's lips under his mask as he rested his head on Minato's shoulder. "I miss her," he admitted, sounding downcast.
Minato's grip around Kakashi tightened as he rested his head against the other's. "Me too," he replied softly, and they fell silent for a moment, united in their shared grief.
After a moment of silence, Minato straightened up and smiled at Kakashi. "Come on, let's make use of the time while Naruto is asleep and clean up the apartment." With a determined gesture, he pulled Kakashi to his feet.
Kakashi sighed but agreed. "You're probably right, he'll be up again soon," Kakashi said, throwing Minato a grin. "Next time he's up, it's your turn to change his diaper."
Minato, who had already started walking ahead, turned to Kakashi. "That can't be, I just did it!" the blonde complained.
Kakashi shrugged and caught up with Minato. "I know for sure, after all, I keep a list. So no complaints," he explained calmly, waving his hand casually as he headed to the kitchen to wash the dirty dishes.
Minato sighed behind him. "I know you're lying," Minato replied affectionately, running his fingers through Kakashi's hair. "I'll tidy up the living room."
Kakashi nodded and started filling the sink with water.
Things weren't perfect yet, but they would find a way and grow together as a family.