Summary: As a single parent, Naruto needed to think what was best for his children and that meant moving back to the city to get them the best education—that and he couldn't depend on his parents forever to support him. After the tragedy that struck their small family, he could only hope the future would bring better days. Of course, he didn't expect it to come in the form of his raven haired neighbor and daughter.

Author's Note: Characters may be out of character. This is an AU fanfiction and yaoi. Don't like, don't read. NaruSasu, SasuNaru.

Disclaimer: I have no rights over the Naruto franchise or any characters except my OCs.

Warning: Rated M for adult content and language.

Chapter One

The last box finally dropped on the wooden floor with a loud thud, followed by a painful groan. Naruto straightened his back, a hand messaging it as he let out an exhausted sigh. He was getting a little too old for carrying stuff around. He sighed in relief, however, because thanks to the movers, the place was mostly furnished with the larger furniture. All that was left was the decorating, but that was easy or at least he hoped it would be. Smiling, he took another look around the apartment he rented. As he stretched his back a little more, he heard tiny footsteps running behind him. He turned in time to see a flash of black hair before the tiny thing, or rather, the small child, ran straight into his legs, nearly topping him over. An "oomph" escaped his lips as he balanced himself and glanced down at the little girl. Himawari looked up, her bright blue eyes glistening in curiosity. She giggled just as he reached down to pick her up. She was probably a little too old, eight to be exact, to be held, but she was his little girl and he couldn't ever say no to those eyes.

"Do you like our new home?" he asked.

Himawari nodded, "I like it...there's a park nearby and, oh! Mr. Inuzuka downstairs has a dog! His name is Akamaru! I got to pet him, but Boruto didn't want to go near him. I think big brother is scared of it." Himawari tilted her head to the side with a questioning look. "I don't know why, but I think Akamaru is nice! He's a little old, but he's a nice doggie."

"I am not scared of Akamaru! It's just...it drools and slobbers!" Boruto shouted as he hurried through the door, trying to defend his pride.

"He does not!" Himawari argued.

Naruto chuckled, settling Himawari back onto the floor. "Okay, okay! That's enough you two. I'll have to go down and say hi to Mr. Inuzuka. Is grandpa still down there?"

"Yes. He's locking up the truck and then he said he's going to come check out the place before he leaves again," Boruto replied as he curiously started inspecting the place.

"Do you like it?" Naruto asked his oldest child.

Boruto stopped near the tiny hallway leading to the two bedrooms and a walk in storage room. He shrugged nonchalantly. "I guess. I liked living with Grandpa Iruka better."

For a mere second, Naruto caught a look of guilt, but it quickly vanished as Boruto put on an air of indifference, schooling his face into an emotionless stare. The bluff wasn't unnoticeable. Naruto knew better. He could tell Boruto wasn't too keen on moving back to the city.

After the tragedy three years ago, he thought moving to the countryside to live with his parents would be good for them. Losing their mother was hard for all them, but it probably hit the children the hardest. Hinata was a big part of their life and her passing away happened when the two were still young. The worst of it was that they suffered through watching their mother as cervical cancer ate away her life. Naruto had no doubt it may have scarred them emotionally.

He also went through a lot during that time. He grieved for a long time, practically falling into depression. He lost his job and had shut everyone out, including his children. His father, Iruka, did his best to take care of them while he was grieving, but it got to the point where Naruto almost gave up his own life. Iruka had been the one to make him realize what he was doing, pointing out how his children were grieving as much as him, how they were too young and they couldn't lose their father too. Naruto, realizing what he was doing to himself and his family, decided to take back his life. He needed to be strong for his children and live for them and their future.

The move back into the city was to get the best education for his children as well as getting a job. He was a grown thirty-three year old with two children; he couldn't rely on his parents forever. Bringing his mind back to the present, he watched as Boruto and Himawari continue their little exploration of the small apartment. The living room area was large enough for a couch, coffee table, and their flat screen television. A glass sliding door led to the small balcony opposite of the entrance. A counter divider separated the living room area from the tiny kitchen. It was on the narrow side, leaving room for maybe one or two adults to move around, but it at least had room for a round dining table. The wooden floor looked new and the walls weren't peeling nor were there any holes. Another plus was that it wasn't too far from the train station, a thirty minute walk. It made traveling easier for him to get to the city for work and the elementary and junior high school for Himawari and Boruto were a walking distance also. The place was actually nice and for a good price. He had to really thank Jiraiya, the owner of the apartment complex, for being so generous in helping him out.

"Hmm, a little on the small side." Iruka's grumbling voice nearly startled Naruto.

He turned and raised a brow at his father. "It's fine. It's only a family of three."

"The bathroom is really tiny."

"Yeah, but the public bath isn't too far. Ten minute walk."

Iruka sighed in defeat. "Fine. I just...worry is all."

"I know. But...we'll be fine now. If I ever need help, I'll give you a call."

Smiling gently, Iruka nodded and then went on the little exploration of the rest of the apartment with the kids as Naruto finished setting up. The sun was dipping into the horizon just as Naruto finished the set up of the altar. On the small shrine was a picture of his beautiful wife, Hinata. Her gaze, gentle and sweet, stared lovingly back at him. His heart clenched at the sight of it. Not a day went by where he didn't think of her. While he had made the decision to become strong for his children, his heart was still aching for his lover. The nights when he dreamed about her was the worst. He would wake up thinking she was lying next to him only find it empty and he would cry all over again, sobbing into the pillow to stifle them. He wondered if there would ever come a day where he could look at a picture of her and his heart would not pinch in pain, the tears would not threaten to fall, and all he would feel is the warmth of the times when they were still together; the happy memories of their lives and never the days where she spent them in the hospital or in bed.

"Daddy! Are you done? Grandpa Iruka is going to leave!" Himawari shouted as her tiny footsteps echoed down the short hallway.

Naruto reached out, tracing a finger over Hinata's face before he stood up to greet his daughter. Himawari found him just as he was closing the door to the storage room where the altar was placed. She grabbed his hand and led him back to the living room where Iruka was waiting. Naruto smiled, trying to hide his sadness as he walked his father out and back to the truck. By now, the sun was already gone and the blue, dark purple of night began to drench the sky. The cool, fresh breeze of spring blew by, tickling his skin. Although it wasn't near cold, goosebumps still prickled his skin. After a brief goodbye to Iruka, he watched his father get into the truck and drive away. Once the truck was far enough till only a speck was visible, he turned around to go back inside. It seemed greeting his neighbors would have to be for another day as it was already dark.

Back inside the apartment, he found Boruto and Himawari laying on the floor reading. He joined them, picking up the book Himawari had been reading and started reading it to her. Although Boruto rolled his eyes, claiming he was too old to be read too, he still sat by him and listened intently as Naruto narrated the book enthusiastically, his voice changing with each character. It made Himawari laugh and her sweet voice made Naruto happy. Eventually, it was time for them to sleep. He ushered them to wash up.

"Aww, but I don't want to sleep yet," Himawari whined once they were done brushing their teeth.

"The both of you are starting school tomorrow and I have work tomorrow too," Naruto said.

"You don't even start work until eleven," Boruto countered.

"Well yeah, but I want to wake up early to take you guys to school." Naruto grinned at his son.

"...If you can even wake up early," Boruto muttered.

Hearing his son tease him, he pouted jokingly. Then he grinned a mischievous smile. Quickly standing up, he rushed over and lifted a squealing Himawari over his shoulder. Boruto's eyes widen. His son stood quickly, sprinting to run, but Naruto reached him in seconds. A laugh escaped his lips as he grabbed his son, and held him against his side, carrying them to their bedroom they would be sharing. The children were screaming and laughing in delight, something that Naruto hadn't heard in a while. Finally, he plopped them onto their own bed.

"Daddy..." Himawari's quiet voice caught his attention immediately.

"What is it, dear?" he asked, squatting down so he could be on eye level with her as she lay on the bed.

"...Can I sleep with you tonight?"

She pouted with her big eyes. Naruto pretended to clutch his heart, turning his head away. "Oh no! Don't look at me with those eyes!"

Himawari giggle at his acting. "Pretty please?"

Sighing, he ruffled her hair. "Of course. Come on." Standing up, he picked her up into his arms. She lay her head on his shoulders as he turned to looked down at Boruto. "Did you want to join us?"

"No way." Boruto rolled onto his side, his back facing them.

"Suit yourself."

Naruto shrugged, flicking off the light in the room and then carried Himawari to his bedroom. He gently laid her onto his king size bed and tucked her in, kissing her on the forehead. He shuffled around and went to lay on the other side. He flicked the light off, pulling the covers over himself. Sleep came quickly, but somewhere in the middle of the night, he heard footsteps, waking him up. He mumbled, rubbing his eyes open as he felt the bed dip and then something warm snuggled into his side. Naruto smiled sleepily, ruffling the blond hair of his son. Boruto tended to pretend he didn't care, but often times he would reveal the softer part of his personality when no one was watching him. A bit of a tsundere. He briefly wondered where that part of his personality came from as he wasn't at all like that and neither was Hinata. He moved over a bit toward the center, giving Boruto more room. Eventually, he fell back asleep, plastered in the middle between his two children.

The next morning was hectic. Turned out Boruto was right. Naruto didn't wake up in time and he nearly got them late, but he did eventually get them to school. He was starting work today which meant that he wouldn't be able to pick up his kids as the ramen shop he was going to work for didn't close up till nine at night. Boruto had to take up the responsibility of picking up Himawari from day care. He felt guilty, but it would have to do for now.

After dropping the children off, he returned to the apartment. Seeing as he still had plenty of time before heading to work, he decided to greet his neighbors, starting off with downstairs. He walked up to the first door and knocked. He heard shuffling from the other side of the door, a bark, and then the door opened, revealing a man with brown hair and red tattoos on his cheeks. Naruto blinked, a little startled by the man's look.

"Yeah?" His neighbor raised a brow at him.

"Oh! Uh, sorry, I'm just introducing myself. I'm the new tenant that just moved in. You met my daughter and son yesterday. I meant to introduce myself yesterday, but didn't get a chance to. I'm Uzumaki Naruto," Naruto said, bowing as he held a hand out for a handshake.

His neighbor shook his hand. "Inuzuka Kiba. You can just call me Kiba. Cute daughter you have."

"Ah, thanks. You can call me Naruto then." Naruto scratched his head awkwardly.

"Hey, if your daughter wants to play with Akamaru again, she can come by whenever. He's a little on the old side, but I think he'll enjoy it. He has some pups, but they don't live here, only because this place is a little small. They're currently staying with my girlfriend. I'll probably bring them over one day if she ever wants to play with them. Oh, my girlfriend also has kittens...so yeah. I don't know about your son though. Seemed a little reluctant to go near Akamaru." Kiba tilted his head slightly.

"Yeah, I think he's a bit afraid of him. Don't tell him that though."

"Boys and their pride."

"Yup."

The two grinned. Naruto had a feeling he would be getting along very well with Kiba. "Well, anyways, I'll go finish my round of introduction."

"Alright. Ah, that's right. I should mention. I actually have a roommate; my friend Aburame Shino. He's working right now, but you'll probably see him around. Don't get too creeped out by him. Shino tends to...uh...look a little intimidating to those who don't know him."

"Thanks for the heads up." Naruto nodded and then turned. He continued his greetings, meeting quite a few neighbors. There was Shizuno, who was a nurse, Gaara, the tattoo artist, and Rock Lee, a martial artist in hopes of becoming a professional. Finally, he reached the last neighbor, the one to the right of his own apartment. He knocked, but there was no answer. Probably aren't home, he thought as he returned to his own apartment to finish unpacking.

After everything was unpacked, he took a look at the time. The unpacking had taken up quite awhile. If he wanted to get to work on time, he had to leave right then. Standing up from where he was sitting, Naruto stretched and then went to get ready for work. Once dressed, he left with his keys and wallet. The trip to the train station was just as he thought, a thirty minute walk. It wasn't too bad and the scenery along the way was nice. The train station also wasn't very busy at the moment, which he was thankful for. It looked like his work time started after rush hour.

The train ride to his work was around forty-five minutes, taking him into the city where he exited off Shibuya Station. The walk to the ramen shop was probably another thirty-five minute walk. When he reached his destination, Ramen Ichiraku, he was still a little early. Better early than late. Naruto walked inside, spotting Teuchi, the owner and who also happened to be an old friend of Iruka, wiping down tables. Hearing the door open, Teuchi had looked up, surprise on his face.

"Naruto! You're early," Teuchi said jovially.

Grinning, Naruto replied, "It's a first, right?"

Because Iruka knew Teuchi, he was able to get a connection to start working there. It also helped that Teuchi liked him and thought he was a hard worker. Teuchi ushered him over and they talked for a bit, catching up on what was happening in their lives. As they were laughing, the door opened. Naruto turned to see Ayame closing the door behind her.

"Hm? Oh, are you Naruto, the new employee?" she asked.

"Yes," Naruto replied, "You must be Ayame, Teuchi's daughter."

"I am." Ayame walked over, bowing to greet him. "So it looks like for today you'll mostly just be shadowing me and watching. You'll get a little hands on teaching too, but mostly just observing for now. We also have two other employees, but...let's just say I hope you can learn quickly."

"That's fine." Naruto raised a brow, wondering why Ayame appeared to look exhausted at the mention of the two other employees.

"Anyways, we'll be opening in a bit. I'll prep up. Dad, are you finished wiping the tables?"

"Almost," Teuchi replied.

"Hm? Let me finish that up then and you can go help out Ayame," Naruto offered.

Teuchi gladly handed him the wet cloth before hurrying into the kitchen to help out Ayame. As they prepared the broth for the ramen, Naruto quickly cleaned the tables as well as the counter. After he was done, he joined the other two in the kitchen where he watched them finish prepping the broth. After a while, the door opened again and two men walked in. They were introduced as Nishi and Matsu, the other two employees. As soon as they entered the kitchen to help out, bowls were broken and ramen noodles were accidentally dropped on the floor. Naruto helped picked up the broken dishes and clean up, realizing now why Ayame looked exhausted. He laughed sheepishly, wondering if he would be able to be of much help. Eventually, the place was cleaned up and the restaurant opened.

Lunch rush hour was packed to the brim. Naruto ended up being a waiter as Nishi and Matsu were deemed incapable to manage that by themselves. Ayame had ordered him to help out even though he was suppose to be shadowing her. However, Naruto didn't mind and did as he was told, serving customers and making sure they were happy. Many of the customers were pleased with his service, even mentioning how they were glad Teuchi hired him. By the end of the day, Naruto was exhausted. It was late and he really wanted to head home and sleep.

"So, now that we're closed and everything is cleaned up, let's go out and drink!" Ayame exclaimed, "Naruto, since it's your first day here, we'll make this your welcoming party."

"Eh? Ah, you don't really have to. I'm kind of tired." Naruto waved his hand, hoping she would take his rejection of her invitation.

"Come on, you're still young. You shouldn't be tired yet."

"I don't think being thirty-three is young anymore."

"That's still young to me. Come one!"

Before he knew it, he was being dragged to an izakaya with Teuchi, Ayame, Matsu, and Nishi. They settled down by a table near the window where they ordered beer, sake, and plenty of food. There was so much food that Naruto wondered if he could take some home for Himawari and Boruto in case they didn't have dinner yet. However, before he could even ask, Ayame was shoving a bear into his hand. They cheered to him and then drank...and drank...and drank some more. Naruto was so drunk by the end of their welcoming party, he had no idea what was coming out of his mouth. As they left, Teuchi asked if he would be able to get home. Naruto, drunk out of his mind, waved the old man off.

"I'll be fine...I'll be fine," he insisted even as his legs wobbled and he swerved left and right.

Teuchi seemed as drunk as him. The two laughed and eventually all of them went their own way. Naruto headed home, but he had no idea how he even managed to get on the train and make it back to the apartment. Before he even realized it, he was already by the steps leading up to the apartment. Looking up, he could see the lights on. Himawari and Boruto were home. He giggled, trying to climb up the steps, but failing each time.

"Ungh, why...can't...my feet...move how I want it..." Naruto grumbled. He gave up after the sixth try, sighing in frustration as he sat down. "So tired...maybe I'll just...sleep here..." It was so comfortable. He closed his eyes and let the exhaustion take over.

Author's note: I've been wanting to write this for some time. Debated about it, but finally decided I'm going to. They'll probably be short chapters.