Uchiha Lei gently laid her on the soft, spacious bed, bent down, and quietly pressed his ear to her lower abdomen, remaining perfectly still.
Watching him look so childish yet reverent, Kushina did not know whether to laugh or cry and gently explained.
"Silly, it's too early in the pregnancy. The baby isn't moving yet, so you won't hear anything."
"I know."
Uchiha Lei looked up, tenderness nearly overflowing from his eyes, his voice low and warm.
"Even if I can't hear anything, I still want to feel it properly-to feel the little life that belongs to us."
Those simple words instantly touched the softest place in Kushina's heart.
Her nose stung and her eyes reddened slightly. Her slender fingers gently stroked his hair as she murmured softly.
"Lei..."
Uchiha Lei lay down on his side, opened his arms, and tenderly drew her into his embrace, resting his palm firmly against her lower abdomen.
Kushina nestled quietly against his warm chest. Listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat, she felt completely at ease, and all her grievances melted away.
"Lei, do you want a boy or a girl?"
"Boy or girl, I'll shower them with love."
Uchiha Lei answered softly, his voice infinitely tender.
"I want a soft little girl who looks as spirited and beautiful as you."
Kushina blinked her bright eyes and spoke sweetly.
"I want a mischievous little boy who'll grow up as strong as you and protect me and his little sister all his life."
Uchiha Lei chuckled.
"Greedy."
"Of course I am!"
Kushina's eyes lit up with enthusiasm.
"Then let's have two! A boy and a girl-a perfect pair!"
"All right."
"Then two more! Four little darlings, making the house lively!"
"All right."
"Then I'll have another..."
Uchiha Lei chuckled helplessly and pinched her cheek.
"Are