"Mama," Risa looked up at her mother, her still chubby face quizzical "you love papa right? Even though you're different?"

Hinata blinked at the question as she tucked her youngest in. Since all four of her little ones slept in the same room – in another year Hikaru and Asuma would get their own room since they would be big enough – she smiled gently at the sets of eyes that focused on her at the question. Parting little Risa's hair, she gave the child a kiss on the forehead.

'Papa', was usually a generic term for both Sasuke and Shikamaru. All the children identified both males as their father, even though the two oldest, Itachi and Shikataro knew better. They were trying to raise their children to understand that none of that mattered. It seemed so far they had succeeded and for that Hinata was glad.

"I love them very, very much, Risa-chan." She told her daughter, smiling warmly. "The three of us have been through a lot together, and the type of relationship we have is just as difficult as any other relationship. Especially when you all came along." She began to stroke the girl's long hair, her smile widening as bright and curious eyes began to droop. "Boys get jealous when girls they like don't give them a lot of attention."

The other boys made noises and rolled over, not wanting to hear it. Risa giggled and let out a cute yawn. "Boys are icky." She said "Except for oniichan." Once again, she was referring to all her brothers. "But they're mean sometimes and pick on me. Is it because I'm different, mama?"

White eyes took in the three lumps that tensed and tried to bury themselves under the covers. She'd have a talk with them later. Turning back to Risa, she gave the little girl a peck on the cheek. "They're just being boys. Don't worry, they're just as mean to each other. But Risa-chan is strong, isn't she? You told mama you were going to be a great kunoichi."

"Mmhm." Another yawn. "I'm gonna be...the best..." Yawn "Just like mama..."

xxxxx

Powerful arms wrapped around Hinata's middle as she entered their bedroom and she sighed in contentment when Sasuke kissed her neck. Hands moved to her hips, Shikamaru closed the distance and kissed her. The three stood like that, their arms around each other, both males resting their heads against her neck.

"I'm...I'm so sorry I wasn't home to –" she began but Shikamaru cut her off.

"Nah, don't worry about it." He kissed her again. "We handled it. Sasuke's gonna make sure they're kept busy while they're suspended. They got a lot of pride, you don't have to worry about them."

"Yeah," another peck to her neck and she shivered when Sasuke's hands began to slide up her sides towards her breasts. "They're not ashamed like you were afraid they'd get. They don't care that we're not 'normal' like other families. I think they're happier."

A part of Hinata felt relieved. The other part, which was trying to ignore her husbands' roaming hands, was trying to think of ways of dissuading them. She was very tired, she had actually just got home thirty minutes ago. "I...I'm glad..." another gasp escaped and both males snickered. "S-Sasuke...Shikamaru..."

She felt a smirk against her skin. "We'll be quiet."

"And gentle."

Hinata bit her lip "That's not...really..." a small squeak escaped and this time she sighed in mock exasperation. Okay, maybe she wasn't that tired... "I'm not going to get out of this one, am I?"

"Nope." They both said and the lights went out.