Bolt was walking home from a long day at the academy. His dad used to show up randomly just to surprise him and walk with him. But those times were getting less and less frequent.
The Hokage Mountain was now in view and Bolt scowled when his eyes rested on his dad's whiskered face and spiky hair. He kicked a nearby stone in frustration and ignored the stares he was getting. He had to find a way to get back at his dad for ignoring him.
Then a great idea wormed its way into his devious head. With mischief in mind he grinned maliciously and took a detour from his usual route. If his dad couldn't come to him because he was so busy, then now was a perfect time to interrupt him. Baruto style!
Meanwhile, in the Hokage tower, Naruto was fighting off another yawn while rubbing his gritty eyes. He had a long day and odds were he would be getting home late. Again. The amount of paperwork and meetings with important dignitaries were running him ragged and he wondered if he wasn't starting to feel the effects.
The sound of incessant knocking startled Naruto, who had been drifting off. He was never one for monotony. That was clear from his naps in the academy days. "Come in." He answered, trying to sound as authoritative as was possible for him. Man it's hard to sound so serious all the time, he thought.
Shikamaru walked in with more stacks of paperwork and without a word set them on the desk. His expression was one of apathy until he carelessly threw his gaze to look at his friend's face, whom was pointedly not looking at him. Shikamaru slightly narrowed his eyes and sighed.
"What is it Shikamaru? Why are you looking at me like that?" Naruto said. He reached for the paperwork and began reviewing it, and did not look up again. He waited for the response but he could only guess what his friend was going to say.
"You look tired Naruto."
"Yeah, is that so…" Naruto replied. His mind was elsewhere so he didn't really register the tinted concern in Shikamaru's statement. He continued to shuffle paperwork across the desk, completely oblivious to the furrowing eyebrows of his advisor.
"Naruto…"
Naruto looked up at that because he felt the mood shift and he didn't like where this was going. So he uncharacteristically scowled and narrowed his gaze, giving off his best stern look.
"Shikamaru I'm trying to get this finished so I can go home. It's kind of hard to concentrate with that stare you keep giving me." As an afterthought he added, "It's creepy." He shivered comically and a goofy expression adorned his face.
This earned a soft bark of laughter from Shikamaru at his own friend's foolishness. However he couldn't be fooled by the fake smile adorning the blonde's face. Naruto looked exhausted. It was apparent he had been overworking himself.
Getting back to the main issue, Shikamaru put his hand on Naruto's shoulder and continued with his previous thought, "Naruto you need to rest. As Hokage you have to do what is best for the village. You can't protect it in this state. Your health is at risk here."
Naruto's light expression hardened once again and he spoke biting back anger, "I think I know what's best for the village Shikamaru and my health. I don't think I need to remind you of my nindo. So give up trying to persuade me to leave."
Shikamaru smirked and added deviously, "I will tell Lady Tsunade that you are ill. If you won't listen to me, maybe you will listen to her. Especially when she suggests a visit to the hospital."
A look of horror graced his friend's features and he responded with a rushing voice, "Then again, I think it would be best to rest until further information on this issue can be gathered."
Shikamaru nodded mockingly and said, "Good choice. Now, let's get you home. I've had enough of this troublesome debacle."
"Debacle. A Debacle. Now my health is a debacle."
"Not what I meant Naruto."
"It's Hokage-sama to you." Naruto huffed. He grabbed his Hokage cloak and marched out the door.
Shikamaru rubbed his eyes and muttered to himself, "Troublesome, very troublesome."
"Guess who is home early." Naruto shouted as soon as he opened the door. He kicked off his ninja sandals and sauntered into his home. Shikamaru was hot on his heels hovering. He expected the hyper blonde to collapse at any moment.
"Daddy's home. Daddy's home!" Himiwari came running towards her father and tackled his legs. She smiled wildly as Naruto patted her head. All of the commotion brought Hinata to the room, who was cooking dinner.
"Why if it isn't daddy's little girl." He reached down and put her on his shoulders.
Hinata took note of her husband who was smiling at their daughter's giddiness. She smiled warmly to him and when his blue eyes rested on her face she smiled even brighter. However, when she greeted Shikamaru, who was waiting by the door, her mood dimmed and she started asking questions. "Why is Naruto home so early? Also, why do you have that look on your face?"
Shikamaru sighed and crossed his arms. "Your husband said something similar to me earlier. I think it's safe to say he's rubbing off on you."
She chuckled, but pressed further. She gestured for Shikamaru to follow her into the kitchen while Naruto and Himiwari were snuggled next to each other on the couch. Naruto was reading Himiwari's favorite book, and he was gesturing wildly while acting out the different voices.
"Tell me what's going on Shikamaru." Hinata placed a cup of coffee in front of him and waited as he sighed. She caught him muttering troublesome.
Shikamaru wasted no time and began his explanation. "I've noticed over the last couple of weeks that Naruto has been looking more and more exhausted. I thought it was just the stress of the job and he would be fine in a couple days. But the more I have observed, the more I think he is getting ill."
Hinata furrowed her eyebrows and peeked through the doorway where her husband rested with her daughter. She took note of the bags under his eyes and the deep slouch he had while sitting in the couch. She took a good look at his smile and noticed the tightness of it.
He did look exhausted. He had been battling this for weeks? She never thought that anything could take down her Naruto. Now he looked to be on the verge of passing out while entertaining Himawari.
There were nights when he would come home late. The kids were asleep and she would wait up for him. However, she would often wake up alone with no recollection of how she got in her bed in the morning. She figured Naruto must have gotten home late and found her passed out in the living room chair. He would carry her to their room and would leave before dawn to begin work once again.
Hinata felt a stabbing pain wrench at her heart as she realized how little she noticed Naruto's struggles in his stressful position as Hokage. Her assumption was that Naruto would be okay. He was always okay. But that wasn't the situation now. She looked at Shikamaru and put her head in her hands, trying to forget her shame. How could she have been so blind, she thought harshly.
Shikamaru, seeing her plight added, "I think Naruto has been hiding it for some time. I only noticed because as his advisor I typically see him in the stressful situations more than you do Hinata. So don't feel too bad."
She peeked between her fingers and relented by putting her hands in her lap as she thought about this situation. She could help Naruto now that she knew the problem. That would be her mission.
"Umm Hinata."
Startled from her thoughts she turned her pale eyes on Shikamaru who was hiding a smirk. "Yes, Shikamaru." She said in her sweet ringing voice.
"You looked really determined for a minute there. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
Hinata blushed and looked at the ground before saying, "Thank you for your help Shikamaru. He relies on you and we do to. We rely on you to take care of him and it's a comfort to know that he has an advisor who is as observant as you are." They both stood up and she took his hand and squeezed it gently, "So, thank you." She summed up.
They both left the kitchen and approached the two hooligans on the couch who were in the process of laughing like maniacs.
"Okay Himawari I think it's time to let your Dad rest." Himawari sadly got off of Naruto's lap but flashed him a brilliant smile as she ran out the door to play.
"Thanks Hinata. For some reason I can't keep up with her today." He looked at his wife and smiled apologetically while rubbing his forehead in pain. Then, his mischievous grin cracked his face and he said, "You know, you look really beautiful today."
"Oh Naruto." Hinata blushed. Naruto stood up and wrapped her in a hug and gently held her as she put her hands over his whiskers. She continued, "You are as sweet as ever. But don't change the subject. I'm angry at you, so stop trying to distract me."
Naruto looked into Hinata's soft gray eyes and slowly moved towards her before placing a gentle kiss on her lips and whispered, "I won't try to my dear flower."
"Well this is all very touching, but shouldn't Naruto be getting to bed."
Naruto and Hinata blushed. Shikamaru's presence was forgotten as they focused on each other.
Naruto stalked over to his advisor. "It's Hokage-sama to you, remember." Naruto made his way down the hall walking in a dignified strut, with Hinata and Shikamaru watching curiously. He only made it three steps before he hesitated and leaned against the wall for support. Shikamaru was there in an instant, with his shoulder under Naruto's arm.
"Naruto, are you alright?" Hinata shouted, running over to her sagging husband.
Naruto grimaced and said slowly, "Sorry about that. The room just started spinning."
Shikamaru furrowed his eyebrows and looked worriedly at Hinata. "You need your rest Naruto. Stop pushing yourself." Shikamaru looked sternly down at Naruto, whom was looking sheepish.
Naruto merely nodded. He was as pale as a sheet and some sweat had gathered on his forehead.
"Where's the bedroom Hinata?"
"Follow me, we can lay him down in here." She walked down a hallway and opened a plain wooden door on the end. Shikamaru supported a dizzy Naruto as they walked to the edge of the bed. He set Naruto down on the crisp sheets and waited for Hinata.
She came back with a bowl of cool water and a wet rag. She frowned and a crease between her eyebrows adorned her usual smooth skin while taking in her husband's condition. He was sitting on the bed with his head in his hands trying to control his strained breathing. "Naruto how could you hide this from me?" She said softly. Tears were gathering in her eyes as she looked at his pained expression.
"Sorry. I didn't want to worry you." He said, his voice suddenly raspy. Hinata unclasped the Hokage cloak and orange jacket covering his torso so Naruto could rest comfortably in his sleeveless black shirt. The items were placed on a nearby chair. Hinata then helped him into the bed so he was laying down on his back. Taking a rag seeped in the herbal water, she laid it neatly on Naruto's burning forehead.
"Well I am worried. So rest to make up for it." Hinata spoke while gently stroking loose strands of golden hair out of his eyes. Naruto reached up and grabbed her hand with his and placed it over his heart.
Naruto blearily looked up at her. She noticed his struggle of fighting away the exhaustion as his vibrant blue eyes became unfocused. She strained to hear him as he mumbled, "I hate resting."
Hinata chuckled at her husband's childish statement. Shikamaru made eye contact with her and barked a short laugh only guessing at what his predictably stubborn friend had said to make her laugh.
She felt Naruto's hand become slack over hers and the steady even breaths told her he was finally sleeping. The duties of the day were insisting her attention now that the excitement was dying down. Reluctantly she maneuvered her hand from Naruto's grasp.
Shikamaru shifted from his leaning position against the wall and walked out of the bedroom with Hinata hot on his heels. She felt the tension leave her body and a relieved sigh escaped as she sat down in the living room. Shikamaru sat across from her in a cream chair with elbows on his knees and hands drawn together.
After a few moments of tense silence he said, "Well I think I should tell you what I have prepared as a plan of action."
Hinata raised her eyebrows at his sudden proclamation. She nodded, knowing full well the appropriate measures that needed to be taken. "Okay, what's the plan?"
"I will send a messenger eagle summoning Sasuke back to the village. We need someone to watch over the village while Naruto recovers. Also, to avoid unnecessary panic I think Naruto's current condition should be kept a secret. Due to the fact we don't know the extent of his exhaustion, we will wait until we know more. I also think Sakura should be summoned and prepared to examine him at the hospital."
Hinata remained quiet contemplating what he said. She knew Naruto would hate to ask Sasuke, but he would have to live with that decision. She grimaced as she realized an examination from Sakura would also raise an objection from her stubborn husband.
She looked at Shikamaru. His face remained stoic, but she could see that look of indecision in his eyes. As the Hokage's advisor he must share the heavy burden of protecting the village. But she was going to use her expertise as the Hokage's wife to improve on the ideas and lessen the burden. That was her duty to the village.
"I think that sounds excellent Shikamaru. However, I wonder if Naruto's comfort can be taken into account?"
"Where have I left out his comfort?" Shikamaru asked.
"I wonder if it comes to it we can avoid hospitalization. I think he would be more comfortable here with Sakura doing the examination. That way there would be less objections to endure, if you know what I mean."
"Yes of course. I wasn't thinking. Naruto would only do more harm if we were to attempt a hospital visit."
Hinata smiled and absently added. "Yes. I also think he would heal faster if he was nearer to his family." As an afterthought she added, "It might be good for both of them."
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Bolt chuckled as he reviewed his luck. When he got to dad's office it was empty. Not even his dad's advisor was in the room. It was too good to be true. Who would pass up such an opportunity?
"I can't wait to see his face. That old geezer won't know what hit him." He chuckled at random intervals in his walk home thinking about his prank, which caused some stares from bystanders.
His house came into view as he came to the edge of town. Tall trees replaced shops and restaurants. He felt excited seeing his home and couldn't wait to tell his mother what happened today. He picked up his pace.
"Mom I'm home." Bolt shouted while kicking off his sandals. He ran into the living room, but his excitement fluctuated as he took in the scene. His mother was sitting on their couch and most shocking of all his dad's advisor was sitting in a chair across from her. His excitement forgotten, he reasoned his old man must be here too. Although that thought sent a thrill through him, he also felt anger bubbling in the pit of his stomach.
"Oh Bolt I'm glad you're home. How was your day?" His sweet mother always made time for him. Today he noticed the strain in her words. Bolt narrowed his eyes and looked curiously at the other man watching him.
"Where's Dad?" he asked. Bolt did not expect his Dad's usually stoic advisor to acknowledge him, so he was surprised when the gaze of the older gentleman pierced his before standing up.
"Well Hinata, I must be going. I will take care of everything we discussed. Just take care of him and don't let him worry too much."
As his mom was escorting the man out she gave Bolt a sympathetic smile which caused him to look curiously at her. What did he mean 'take care of him'? He could take care of himself. Also, why would he be worried?"
As his mom made his way over to his position in the middle of the living room. She knelt down and wrapped him in a warm embrace. Ok this was starting to freak him out. What the heck is going on?
He made to speak but his mother interrupted with her soft ringing voice, "Himawari can you come in please."
"Big brother you're home." Himawari jumped up and down in the living room begging Bolt to play with her.
Mom hushed suddenly and said, "Please keep it down Himawari, your Dad is resting remember."
What? So Dad is home. He actually came home early for once. A small smile graced his face as he thought of his Dad. He immediately hardened his expression and huffed angrily. His Dad didn't have time for him anymore. He couldn't even be bothered to pick him up if he was getting out early.
"Bolt, please don't be angry at your father." His mom looked worriedly at him. Which only made him angrier. How could his Dad be so selfish? His family needed him and he was always working. He made to run away to his room, but a strong grip on his arm held him. "Wait Bolt…"
"Let me go. I don't want to hear about how it's an honor to have a father who is Hokage and other nonsense. He's too busy for his family. He doesn't deserve my respect."
His sister squeaked at his outburst and he met the gaze of his mother who slackened her grip releasing him. He saw her look sadly down before her intense gray eyes looked at him empathetically. There were tears in her eyes before she continued, "He tries to spend time with us Bolt. He tries with all his might and don't think for a second that he doesn't love us all. He's doing this for us and the village."
Tears were running down his face as Bolt dismissed his mother's words. "If he loved us then he would try harder to be with us. He would give up being Hokage and would be my Dad instead." Bolt thought to himself, no one understands. Why don't they understand the loneliness I feel? He ran from his stunned mother and slammed the door to his room.
Hours later Bolt was thinking about his conversation with his mother. He felt guilty for yelling, but he couldn't stop his anger from spilling out. A soft knocking on his door interrupted his thoughts. Was it Dad? He looked hopefully up from his crouched position against the wall. A black haired head peeked in and he dejectedly put his head on his raised knees.
"Bolt, it's time for dinner. Will you come eat with us? I made sukiyaki." Damn, he thought. His mom always could find a way to distract him from his anger. Mainly in the form of his favorite foods. He nodded and slowly followed his mother into the dining room. He expected to see his father's smiling face waiting for him but he wasn't there. Was he still resting?
He sat down and looked to his mom as she sat down and fiddled with Himawari's napkin who was currently talking a million miles per minute about some cat she found.
"Mom…" She glanced up from her task of ladling food on their plates, "Why isn't dad eating with us?"
"I am going to bring him a plate later." Bolt was going to ask another question but his mom interrupted in a hurried voice, "There is something I need to discuss with both of you."
Bolt looked at Himawari who also looked confused. They both nodded.
"It's about your father. Now I need you two to be strong for him okay."
"But Daddy's already strong Mommy." Bolt smiled at his sister's innocent proclamation. Himawari hardly believed they could help Dad with anything like that.
"It's important that you try my darling because Dad isn't feeling well at the moment." This caused both Himiwari's and Bolt's grins to fade slightly. "He's been working so hard for us that he's going to be taking some days off to rest.
"Oh you mean because he's tired Mommy." Bolt saw the relieved smile on their mother's face as she nodded. "Because when he first came home and was reading to me I thought Daddy was acting weird."
Bolt looked over at Himawari surprised, while Mom furrowed her eyebrows. Dad was playing with Himawari and she noticed something was wrong? When did his sister become so observant? Himawari continued, "His hands kept shaking and when Daddy did Mr. Bean's voice from the book it wasn't as silly as he usually makes it."
Bolt shook his head and rolled his eyes. Of course. It was the observations of a little girl. Dad couldn't be that unwell if he found time to play before going to sleep. What a joke. Although he still felt tense and he didn't know why. He looked at Mom and sure enough her expression was serious once again.
Was it more serious than she was letting on? Was that the reason Dad's constipated advisor came over?
"Can we help you bring Dad's dinner to him Mommy?" Himawari asked innocently. Bolt knew that he was included in that 'we' but he wasn't sure if he wanted to talk to Dad. He was still miffed about this whole situation. He quietly ate his food for the rest of dinner.
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The three Uzumaki's were waiting outside of the door of the main bedroom. Bolt was trying to look like he wasn't interested in this whole arrangement. Mom opened the door with the food tray in hand and led the way into the dark room.
She motioned for us to be quiet as she set the tray down and walked to the figure on the bed. It was hard to see, but Dad was still sleeping. Bolt could make out his Dad's wild blonde hair quite similar to his own. Himawari grabbed hold of Bolt's hand and walked closer to the bed.
Mom sat on the edge of the bed and removed a cloth from Dad's forehead and placed it in a bowl of water. He watched as mom felt Dad's forehead and frowned. He was so busy watching the exchange he didn't notice the movement until he was jolted by a giant hand resting on the top of his head. "Hey squirt what's up with you?"
Bolt yelped and jumped back in a taijutsu stance. He acted purely on instinct and immediately went into fight mode. His racing heart was thumping wildly and his sensitive hears picked up the booming laughter coming from the bed.
Bolt looked at the source of laughter and grimaced at his own reaction. His old man snuck up on him and scared the living daylights right out of him. Damn he's good.
"Oh man Bolt!" Dad shouted obnoxiously. So much for being quiet. "I thought you were going to go all ape on me and end me right there. Oh but the look in your eyes. Definitely worth the scare."
"Daddy you're silly." Himawari chuckled. She ran up to the bed. Dad reached down and set her up on his lap.
"No, your brother is silly. Damn good reaction skills though." He said with a content sigh, the obnoxious laughter finally dying down. A smile graced his Dad's tan face, which was the only evidence of the earlier outburst.
Bolt couldn't help but feel burning pride from his Dad's words. He even chuckled a little at the funny reaction Dad gave.
"Naruto…" Mom said shortly. Ouch, that's her scolding voice, Bolt thought. Oh yeah Dad's going to get it now.
Dad looked sheepish and looked down at the covers as though ashamed. "I know Hinata. But come on. Who would ever pass up that opportunity? They thought I was sleeping and were totally unaware."
Mom gave Dad another look and said in a soft voice, "That's not what I meant."
Bolt thought he imagined it, but he thought he saw Dad clutch his side for a minute. Was dad in pain? But his warm grin cracked his face once more as he grabbed Mom's hand and kissed it. "Sorry dear."
Bolt shook his head and decided that all grownups were weird. Dad was eating while asking questions about their day and what was new in their lives. It was a warm familial moment. It was almost like the times before Dad became Hokage. When they were closer as a family. Bolt felt a throb in his heart as he thought of those times forever gone.
Bolt watched his family talking and laughing. He paid special attention to the man in the center who seemed to shine the brightest. Dad looked happy with all of them. Why couldn't he stay with us all the time? Especially if it makes him smile like that.
"Okay Bolt, Himawari, I think it's time for bed."
Bolt blinked away the scene burned in his memory and huffed angrily. "Why do we have to go to bed at the same time? I'm older."
Dad chuckled as he sagged against the fluffy pillows and yawned largely. "I think she was talking to me too Bolt."
"Bolt can you put Hima to bed for me?" Mom was sitting by Dad's side. She kissed Himawari and tried to kiss Bolt, but he ducked away and hugged her tightly across her middle instead.
"Sure thing Mom." He said, gently pulling Himawari towards the door.
While rubbing her eyes Himawari said, "Goodnight Daddy, feel better."
Dad gave his signature smile one last time before replying, "Thanks princess, you have pleasant dreams. Goodnight."
Bolt walked Hima to her bed and made sure she was comfortable and asleep before he walked back to his parent's room and peeked in.
He saw Mom stroking Dad's cheek while whispering something to him. Dad reached his hand towards her which she hurriedly took while blushing a deep scarlet. She was always blushing whenever she was around Dad. He watched how his parents looked at each other while they talked and held hands. He would never admit it, but he was amazed at how much they loved each other.
He saw his mother move from her seat and got a full view of his Dad watching her with care as she worked. She was wringing out a cloth which she placed on Dad's forehead. "Naruto, take it easier tomorrow. We don't know how long this will last and the effects this could have."
Bolt furrowed his eyebrows and leaned closer to the door trying to hear Dad's response, he was very confused. He heard his Mom whisper again, "Does Kurama have any theories?"
Who is Kurama? That's not any shinobi he heard his parents mention before. He saw his Dad close his eyes for a moment and look sharply towards his position. Damn, busted.
"Bolt come in here for a moment." Bolt recognized the light tone in his Dad's voice. This was going to be fun to explain.
Bolt walked into the room trying to avoid eye contact with his Dad's piercing gaze. He swore his Dad could see right through him, to his soul when he did that. Mom still had a hold of Dad's hand, which was at his side. She smiled as he gradually came near, which put him at ease. So he wasn't in trouble?
"Bolt, I'm proud of you." Bolt looked up suddenly, searching his Dad's facial expression, which was completely unreadable. His Dad looked so serious. Where did that come from?
"I don't say it enough." Well that's because you are never here old man, Bolt thought vehemently. "Probably because I'm never here to say it." Bolt was surprised again. Where is he going with this? His father never mentioned his own absence so casually before.
Dad looked down for a moment, and to Bolt's shame he observed guilt. This made Bolt also look down. There it is. His Dad was able to see his anger so clearly.
Bolt's eyes grew wide in shock as his Dad continued, "I never had a father growing up or even a family, and so it's hard for me to imagine what you are feeling right now. But I guessed you were angry. I've sensed that for some time now." Dad looked intensely at me and nodded to himself as though he read the answer clearly on my face. "I can see the loneliness on your face right now." Dad's voice rose in volume. He squeezed his eyes shut and a scowl adorned his usually smiling face.
"Dad, I…" Bolt was getting a little scared.
"No. I am not asking you to explain yourself because I can see it. So, I am going to offer a proposition." Dad had a sparkle of determination in his vibrant eyes.
Mom looked curiously at Dad for a moment and they seemed to have a conversation where she conceded and nodded slightly adding her agreement. Bolt nodded quickly, still too scared to speak.
"It seems I am going to be laid up for a while and will have some spare time on my hands, more than I know what to do with. Probably more than I've had my entire shinobi career…"Dad faded out of his train of thought and his eyes became unfocused as he let it take him off track.
"Naruto? You were saying something important."
"Right. Sorry about that." Dad grinned nervously and rubbed his neck with his free hand. "As I was saying Bolt, how would you like to learn some old stories and some new techniques from your old man?"
Bolt was stunned. His Dad was going to finally tell him the stories he longed to hear and he was going to be able to hang out with him like he used to when he was younger. He looked at his Dad's face and saw an eagerness there.
A flash of blonde hair and a shocked Naruto was left gaping. He put his arms around the light weight around his neck. Baruto whispered into his ear. "Yes, you stinky old Hokage."