Disclaimer! I don't own Naruto

Takes place a few weeks after Parent Child Day. Though I changed the date of the holiday to be in accordance with the Rinne festival, it is otherwise canon compliant.

1. Nice Surprise

It was a breezy, bustling night in Konoha. Big talk was beginning to spread around about the Rinne Festival, and wherever you go you would hear about gift exchanges and the parties being held. This year it was going to be a lot fancier. The Seventh has confirmed there will be a parade around nightfall. Music was going to be heard all around the village, with dancing lights and noisy people. Everyone in Konoha was expecting it to be memorable.

It wasn't snowing this year, but the night was cold enough for Himawari to sleep under two sheets rather than one. Hinata noted that she dozed off quicker than usual, and believed it was the effect of the chamomile tea she had given her prior. Satisfied, she spared a last glance before closing the door behind her.

Hinata crept through the hallway, the padding of her feet met by the dull clicking that came from Boruto's bedroom. She stopped, looking down at her watch only to see it was still early in the night. With a sigh, she turned back to her walk. As she descended into the kitchen, the silence of the house gave her a pause.

It was an uncomfortable atmosphere she still wasn't used to. Despite Naruto warning her earlier of his overnight shift, she did wish he would be a bit selfish. That he would put himself first, his family first.

Put her first.

A selfish, lingering thought. Hinata always missed the period where it was the two of them. Fresh out of marriage, and incredibly passionate. Boruto was born quickly, and it gave her and Naruto little quality time with each other as newley weds. Of course she believes her children should be the main priority but since Naruto became the Hokage, Hinata does yearn for Naruto's attention.

Yet, a request like that had never left her tongue, the guilt keeping her stuck in one place. As frustrating as it can be at times, this precaution is only there to help ease his mind.

The kitchen was dimly lit, creating a warm ambiance. A lonesome black pot of stew sat on the stove, and Hinata pretended to not notice the sink full of dirty dishes. She strided over to the cupboard, grabbing a plastic container to ladle the soup into. She saved just enough for Naruto, as he sometimes ate before coming up to bed.

Footsteps from above echoed in the quiet home, and Hinata remembered that Boruto likes to come down before bed. She hurriedly made a sandwich for him, and cut it diagonally - just how he liked. It was his snack before bed, and he always wished her a good night. Both Boruto and Hinata knew it was their unspoken routine.

She plopped on the sofa, staring ahead blankly. Hinata let her mind wander towards the Rinne Festival, and blushed at her quickening heart beat. Hinata had planned many ideas for that night and began to wonder if Naruto had these type of things in mind as well. Did she appear in his thoughts whenever he discussed the Festival alterations?

During the festival, kids aren't allowed to be on the streets as adults tend to get drunk. To be alone with Naruto was what her heart needed. It has been a while since she and Naruto had some private time together, and she really missed him. She always got to see his fatherly side, but she missed him as her lover.

Her thoughts were interrupted by heavy footsteps marching down the staircase, followed by a sudden "Hul?!"

Boruto peeked his head into the kitchen doorway "Mom?" he called. Hinata noticed the concern laced within his words, and turned toward him cautiously.

She then realized how she must had looked to an an oblivious onlooker. She was sitting in alone with a blank expression. Hinata felt a little silly.

"Boruto, what's the matter?"

"Well, you are sitting in silence. I thought you were sad 'ttebasa." He shook his head and reached for the sandwich, "Mmm..." he hummed with his mouth full, and Hinata gave a satisfied smile.

An awkward silence filled the air, and Hinata desperately reached for the remote control. A newscaster lit up on the screen, and Hinata noticed her visible bags under her eyes. She remembered Naruto mentioning that the entertainment industry is being worked to the bone. Neither knew why, but they had their own suspicions.

Hinata was aware of Boruto nearing closer to the TV. He offered her the other half of his sandwich, but she declined.

"... Alterations are being made to the parade. Please attend to the Hokage tower by six at noon on Thursday if you are planning to participate. The Hokage isn't accepting offers any later..."

Boruto rolled his eyes and took another bite. "That old man is so stingy. He isn't even busy anymore."

Ignoring his snide remark, Hinata looked over. "Hm? Wouldn't he be busy?" She thought for a second. "He told me he was spending the night."

Boruto shook his head, "Big Bro Konohamaru told me that Dad has to stay at night to look over the preparations for the festival. He said that though Dad isn't showing it, he seems to be on edge..."

Hinata let out a small giggle, finding it endearing how much trouble he is putting himself through to make everyone happy. It's so typical.

"-but other than the festival there isn't conflict at the moment, so he has his normal amount of documents to work on now."

His words put Hinata's mind at ease, and she felt reassured for the first time in a while.

"Dad must be nervous..." Boruto continued. He took another bite. "Everyone is putting high expectations for the festival, the pressure is probably affecting him."

Hinata nodded before realizing she had been contributing as well. All she and Sakura talk about these days was the gifts they would buy and the clothes they will wear. Shaking her head, she turned off the TV. Boruto raised an eyebrow but was met by a small smile. "It's getting late, you have to wake up early tomorrow, don't you?"

Boruto's eye's widened, "Goodnight mom, go to bed early." Being met with silence, he looked back at her, "I mean it, I heard you walking around your room in the early hours. You could get sick if you continue to stay up."

Hinata frowned, "How would you know I was up so late?"

Boruto shut his eyes tightly. With a huff, he marched away.

Hinata decided she would check on him later, suspecting that he does indeed play his games into the early hours as well.

She was just about to head to bed, but at that moment she heard a door click. Hinata's eyes immediately shifted to the wall clock and realized it was only eleven. It was too early for him to be home.

"I'm home~" he called.

Just then, the kitchen doors slid open. "Hinata?" Naruto's eyebrows furrowed. He took off his Hokage robe, resting it on the dining room chair.

"Hm? You're home earlier than I was expecting." She smiled up at him, which he returned as well as he could. Hinata watched as he slid into the chair, closing his eyes. "Yeah, I made a deal with Shikamaru. I did half the amount of documents and now he's working on the rest..." his voice trailed off. Naruto yawned loudly, stretching his back. "Why are you awake? I wasn't expecting to see you here..."

"I was actually about to go to sleep."

"Hm..." Naruto rolled his head back, resting his eyes once more. She let him be for a few minutes, but grew worried he might be hungry. "If you want stew, there's leftovers in the fridge..." Hinata started, watching him suddenly get up. He grabbed a glass of water, his face stoic. "I'll take it from here," he said, "Go on up to bed..."

Hinata stood there for a few seconds, not sure how to respond. "Hm... don't be too long..." she warned, "... you have to observe a practice session in the morning."

Naruto's expression became warm, "Yes, and you have to visit your father in the morning. Go, I'll meet you in the room."

Deciding that there was no reason to argue, she turned and left. Though it sounds odd, it did make her happy to see Naruto pour water Only because this was an old routine for the two. It may seem like a small detail, but he hasn't been home as often anymore. It's a reassuring feeling that he still remembers without much thought.

Even through the creaking of the hardwood floors, Hinata managed to hear a faint tapping come from Boruto's room. She couldn't hide her disappointment, coming to the conclusion that she's going to have to make some new rules regarding his electronics. She was beginning to lose patience.

Hinata opened the door quickly, trying not to laugh at the guilty expression he wore. Even in the dark, she can still make out his bright blue eyes. "Boruto..." she briskly marched over to his bed, snatching away his game. "You know better." Hinata narrowed her eyes at him, and he looked like he wanted to say something. Boruto's mouth opened and closed until he shut it completely. As if realizing there was no use arguing, he grudgingly got under his sheets. Giving him one last glance, Hinata turned to leave.

'Boruto needs to learn responsibility' she thought, clutching his device, 'he knows we have to leave early tomorrow'

Hinata couldn't hide her surprise when she opened her bedroom door. Naruto was hanging his Hokage robe, and she noticed the glass of water sitting untouched on the nightstand.

Seeing Hinata's expression, Naruto gave her an inquiring glance. "Hm? You look a little stressed..."

Hinata gave a weak laugh, "Don't worry about me..." She stretched her back before peeling off her lavender jacket. "Boruto developed a habit of playing on his device instead of going to sleep."

Naruto nodded shortly, regretting buying Boruto a video game as a gift for the Rinne Festival. He would have to return it as soon as possible, as the Festival was getting closer.

The two Uzumaki's changed into their night clothes together, and Naruto was absolutely content at this moment. It's been a while since he and his wife slept on the same bed together. Sometimes she sleeps with Himawari, and other times Naruto knocks out in his office.

Naruto suddenly looked over at her sheepishly, excusing himself to go pee, leaving Hinata alone in the bedroom.

It was as minimal as can be, with beige walls and only a few pieces of furniture. Gifts that they collected over the years were scattered around the room, and a small Peony sat on the nightstand. Naruto had insisted when they first moved in to keep a plant, as it was a habit from his childhood he was fond of. Since his previous plant died, Naruto said it would be precious if they took care of a new one together.

"Oi, are you okay?"

His raspy voice drew her out of her thoughts. Once again, she had been caught daydreaming.

Hinata let out a small laugh, "I'm just a bit tired..." Noticing his expression, she attempted to reassure him with a smile.

"Are you feeling nervous?" Naruto asked, "I know it's been a while since you saw your family."

Hinata was about to respond, but remembered the last conversation she had with Hanabi. The two had a very... serious debate about whether Hinata should move in with Hanabi and her father or not. Thinking back, she understands Hanabi's concern was only out of good intentions. Hanabi and her father were looking out for her mental health, and Hinata really appreciated the gesture.

However, it did dwell on Hinata how they could suggest that she leave Naruto and take the kids with her. Do they not care about his well-being at all? Did they not understand his position?

"No." Hinata lied, suddenly feeling awkward about seeing her sister again. Hinata hadn't thought much about it, but realized now that she was still upset and hurt about the advice her father and sister had given her. If anything, it made her more determined to stay in her position.

Naruto studied her expression, but didn't say anything. He knows better than to pry, as he knows she tends to shut people out if she feels vulnerable. Hinata ignoring him was the last thing he wanted.

He laid on his side of the bed, getting under the sheets. He gestured toward her, and patted the spot next to him.

Without hesitation, Hinata crawled over to her side, wrapping an arm around his torso. Naruto tried to fight back a smile, as it's been a while since he was with his wife like this.

The night was chilly, and Naruto felt Hinata shiver against his chest. He bought the blanket up high over their bodies, and hugged her tightly. Naruto wishes he didn't have to leave so early tomorrow. He was sure he wouldn't even get a chance to say goodbye to his kids. "Naruto..." Hinata mumbled.

Naruto glanced over, unsure if she was awake or dreaming. "Hm?" he hummed. Hinata opened her eyes, glancing over at his bare chest. Naruto stared at the top of her head, patiently waiting for her reply. He never noticed their height difference until now. "You aren't wearing a shirt..." Hinata looked up at him, "...aren't you cold?"

Naruto didn't realize it, but he wasn't that cold. He wasn't sure if it was because Hinata was clinging onto him, but he was quite warm. "Don't worry about me." Naruto shot her a smile, "If I felt cold I wouldn't be like this 'ttebayo."

Hinata swung a leg over his thigh and started drifting off. She hoped that her father wouldn't bring up their last conversation, as Hinata knew she would lose her temper. She didn't know that they felt that way about Naruto, caring so little about his well being. Hinata's mind brought her back to the day at the hot spring, where her sister had confronted her.

After careful consideration Hanabi opened her mouth, "When he heard about Hokage-sama's situation, Father began to say 'In that case...' do you remember?"

Suddenly recalling it, Hinata nodded. "Yeah," she began, "he suddenly fell silent though. I thought he wanted to change the subject." "That time he was about to say..." Hanabi paused, "...do you want me to tell you?" Hinata nodded, and Hanabi pushed her way through the hot water. "The thing father was going to say was..."

Closing the distance until their shoulders touched, the younger sister peered into Hinata's face. "'In that case, why don't you come back here with Boruto and Himawari until Hokage-sama settles down with his job.'"

Hinata blinked, "Eh...?" 'Come back to her parents home...with her children?' She thought. Hinata didn't know that's how her family felt.

At those unexpected words, Hinata stared at her younger sister's face and the only thing she could do was stiffen. Hanabi read her expression, "Sister, it's difficult to look after Boruto and Himawari all alone. Even father wouldn't mind living with his cute grandchildren. I think it's not a bad idea..."

"It's not bad." Hinata lied, "Do you think it will be better like that too?" "If it's related to Fathers happiness, I approve of it too." Hanabi declared.

Hinata simply couldn't jump to a conclusion. When she stared at her sister without answering, disappointment flashed in Hanabi's face. "No?" Hanabi questioned.

"If it's for fathers sake I would cooperate, but..."

Hanabi shook her head, "Right now Father looks happier than in the old days. You said that yourself."

"It's true that he does, but even if you're telling me all of a sudden..."

Hanabi blinked, pissed at her sister's silence. "What's that?"

Hinata didn't say anything, and noticed disappointment flared all over her sister's body. "It remains unsettled then." Hanabi got up and wrapped a towel around herself, "Let's settle this quickly."

Her sister had challenged her to fight. A fight over whether Hinata should leave Naruto or not. A fight Hinata had won.

At the time she forgave her sister and father as they meant well, but now she got more upset the more she thought about it. Part of Hinata wanted to tell Naruto, but she also knew it wasn't necessary. It would only hurt his feelings.

Suddenly, a loud snore interrupted the peace of the night. Naruto had a dribble of drool leaking from his mouth, but it oddly made him more charming.

She allowed herself to rest, as there was lots to do in the morning. She could only hope everything would go as planned.