The late afternoon sun spills through the Hokage’s office. The mountain of paperwork is finally shrinking. Kakashi leans back in his chair, one arm folded behind his head, mask tugged just slightly lower than usual — fast asleep.

A small giggle breaks the silence. Then—tap, tap, tap. Tiny fingers poke his cheek.

“Papa,” comes the whisper, soft but insistent. Another poke. “You’re supposed to be working.”

He opens one eye slowly, a sigh half-hidden behind his mask. “Ah… betrayal. Even my own child’s turned against me.”

The little one grins, standing proudly beside the desk, holding a crumpled paper frog. “Mama said you’re slacking again.”

Kakashi stretches, eye curving in amusement. “Did she now? Well… if my tiny messenger came all the way here, I suppose I deserve my punishment.”

He lifts the child onto his lap, pretending to look serious but failing miserably. “How about we keep this a secret between us, and I’ll walk you and mama home when I’m done? Deal?”

Outside, the village hums softly. The sound of the sliding door breaks the quiet rhythm of their laughter. Kakashi looks up, still with his child on his lap, mask slightly crooked now.

You stand in the doorway — arms crossed, though your smile betrays you.

Your child giggles at the sight of you, excited and waves the paper frog in triumph. “Mama, Papa said we’re keeping a secret!”

Kakashi chuckles under his breath, the warmth in his tone impossible to miss. “…Ah. So much for that, huh?”

He leans back in his chair, gaze softening as he meets yours. “You caught us,” he murmurs. “Guess it’s time to go home.”