The first rays of early morning found Uzumaki Naruto before the Hero's monument. He was sitting silently before the impersonal stone, staring.
Morning moved along as birds began singing, shinobi went about their work, and children went to school. Yet still Naruto sat.
He did this because he was looking for one name. One name on that vast expanse of names engraved on the cold stone. Looking. Longing. Just one name. But... he couldn't find it.
Sighing, Naruto stood up and dusted off his pants. He then began walking towards the bridge where he'd meet up with his team at. With one final peek at the stone, he turned and left.
The day itself was slow. Long hours and boring D-rank missions. Naruto didn't enjoy days like these. He was sure Sasuke didn't either, if that murderous look on his face was any indication.
Most likely Kakashi-sensei and Iruka-sensei hated these days too, Naruto concluded later on. Well... maybe hate was a bit too much to say for them. More like disheartened. Bittersweet.
Dusk found Naruto once again at the base of the Hero's stone. He glanced at all the names. He wished he knew which one he was looking for. But they were all the same, Naruto mustered up his warmest and most heartfelt smile. He then proudly presented his offering with a wobbling wet, but still firm voice.
"Happy Mother's Day, Okaa-san."
Placing the lone yellow rose -to remind her of him- atop the stone, Naruto sat beaming a brilliant smile. Pretending he was hearing her pleased praise, and seeing her blush and smile at his gift.
He ignored the silent tears. The ache in his chest. His mom. His mom wouldn't have wanted him to be sad... something like that was like a cardinal rule among mothers. So he would be happy.
Just for her.
Even if it hurt more this day then any... he'd still find that smile to put up. For her. For her he would always manage a smile.
Drace: this is one of a few little stories that are gonna be written. By the way, this story was BETA-ed! my beta "B" looked it over and made it better than it was orginally! hurray! for B! yeah. so lettme know what you all think. I'll probably have the fother's day one written up pretty soon too. but with work and all... maybe not.