Spoiler at the bottom. Do read it please.

Not Beta-ed. Any mistakes are my own.

Our Golden Hours

Chapter 1: Fated to Meet You...Again


"Are you an angel?"

"The fuck you talking about Uchiha?" Irritated sapphire orbs glared at man before him. Standing at 6'2", haughty onyx eyes stared back. He could almost see the mockeries behind those apathetic orbs.

A smirk crossed the man's lips.

"Must you attempt to save every living things? Every thing you come across? Are you gonna help save me, too? I find your efforts fruitless, although not any less admiring. I do admit, sometime I expect to find scattered white feathers left on the ground where you walked, Naruto."

"I never gave you permission to call me by name, bastard," he-now identified as Naruto-growled. His hands clenched tightly into fists, wishing he could let them loose on the condescending rich-snob in front of him. The bastard simply smirked and stepped forward, breaking and entering his personal bubble.

A hand brushed Naruto's bang aside, exposing the refulgent sapphire eyes that glowed with fury.

"But I supposed I should add tidiness onto your list of accomplishments," the bastard continued, oblivious-or simply ignoring-Naruto's indignant at the 'appraisal.'

"Don't touch me," Naruto said, slapping the hand away.

"My apologies."

The smirk quickly disappeared, replaced by a sad smile. The smug bastard removed his hand, praised the Gods, and stepped back. Despite his best effort, Naruto found the bastard's dejected look pitiful. Against his better judgement, he stepped forward, replacing the Uchiha's steps taken back by his own forward.

"Look, bas-Uchiha," he began, looking at the ground. "I don't hate you, but I don't like you that much either."

He paused, not sure where he was heading with this speech. Uchiha remained silence, almost anticipating his every words. Not one to disappoint, Naruto continued.

"Look, if you want, we could...eh I don't know," he stumbled. "I could try being nicer to you, and you can stop insulting my friends."

"I don't need your pity, Naruto," Uchiha said after a long pause.

"It's not! Shit," Naruto interrupted, stumbling over his own tongue. Damn Uchiha and his brooding charms. Somewhere underneath all that sour exterior, Naruto was sure that the Uchiha male could tell how much the indifferent sexiness was affecting him.

Fuck! Uchiha could probably read mind or some weird shit. Stop thinking now!

"U-uh, what I meant to say was-" Restart thinking mode, now! Brain, don't fail me now, Naruto begged. "I'm not pitying you. I just thought that we tryna start over or some shit."

"Start over?"

"Yeah, like, 'hi, I'm Naruto. And you are-' shit," Naruto confirmed. Before he could continue, Uchiha stepped forward in determined strides. Both of his hands were captured in one smooth movement. Uchiha brought them up to his lips, all previous dejection gone from his face, replaced by triumphant smugness.

"If that's the case, I must insist you call me 'Sasuke,'" Uchi-Sasuke said before kissing the palms of his hands gingerly, as if they were made of precious metal.

More like conflict-metal, Naruto thought.

Freaked, Naruto pulled his hands back to exposed a sly grin upon the bastard's face.

Fuck.

The bitch tricked him.


Most mornings, he is usually up before the alarm goes off. Today isn't an exception. Half an hour before the appointed time, Naruto rouses into awareness. With his curtains drawls back, he could see the streams of light flirting around the room, tinkering soft, haloed glows onto his possessions.

He gives himself a few minutes to clear the fogginess from his consciousness. Before long, he is out of bed and makes his way across the room to the attached bathroom. His daily routine is just that: habitual and boring.

The last few years has been anything but fun.

But when life throws a lemon at him, there isn't much to do except catch and run with it. Fun has left the building and endless responsibilities move in.

Taking a quick shower, Naruto quickly dismisses the depressing thoughts from his mind. He has too much to do today to be dwelling on the mistakes of the past or the possibilities of tomorrow. Today, he just has to make it through today first.

Long given up on taming his wild lock, blonde hair spikes every which direction while striking sapphire orbs stare determinedly at his own reflection. He is wearing a simple button up shirt with a pair of loosely fitting jeans to complete. Deeming that he was adequately put together for the day, he leaves the bathroom. The clock on the nightstand flashes 7:02.

Time to wake Towa.

Naruto paddles out the door and down the hall to the room next to his. Opening it it, he makes for the twin-sized bed in the corner. Tousled blanket and misplaced pillows hide a small figure. He pulls the blanket back.

"Time to get up!" Naruto calls loudly, shaking the body. A groan replies as the small body rolls away from him. Snorting at the obvious response, Naruto grabs for the exposed ankles.

"Towa, I'm warning you," he says with underlying mirth. The little legs kick him, trying to escape.

Before long, when it is obvious that he isn't relenting, black head pokes out from under the blanket, unamused.

"Naruto, lemme sleep for another five minutes," sleep-induced voice complains, rubbing his eyes.

"It's never just five minutes with you."

"You're so stingy."

"And I love you, too. Hurry or you won't have time for breakfast," Naruto says as he watches the boy rolling off the bed. When the bundle of joy falls off the bed and hits the floor with an 'Oi!,' he lets go of a long chuckle. "I swear, you do that every morning just to amuse me."

"And damaged my precious braincell? Dream on, Naruto."

Another chuckle escapes his lips. "I honestly don't know how I put up with you."

"Obviously, it's my brooding sexiness," Towa replies, smirking while pulling out a fresh pairs of underpants from the drawel.

Staring straight at the liveliness onyx marbles before him-so different from those he used to know-Naruto smiles.

"Maybe, but that broody sexy thing of yours isn't gonna get you to school on time Mister."

"I don't know how I put up with you," Towa laments, "So one track minded."

Naruto watches as his baby boy leaves the room. When he hears the clicking of closed door, Naruto leaves the room and makes his way downstair towards the kitchen. While the last four years haven't been kind, he couldn't complain much either.

Using his entire life saving, he has been able to buy a quaint two stories house with amazing store front. With two bedrooms on the second floor, the living room on the first floor is effectively turned into a display room for his 'Uzumaki's Miniature Models' business where most of his unsold models are put up for viewing pleasure. Business is often slow in the small town that he has decided to settle in, but it is manageable. It pays the bills, if nothing else matters.

The dinning room is used as office and studio, where most of the works are conducted and contracts signed, therefore making the kitchen the central hub of the house. It works well to his preference. This way, he and Towa are able to spend more time together, cooking and doing homework.

"Towa! Food is getting cold!" Naruto yells as he listens for the stomping of footsteps down the stair. He doesn't have to wait long.

"Oi, Naruto. Must you be so loud every morning?" the boy complains jokingly as he settles onto a tall stool.

Since there isn't much space in the room, they have adapted to using stools against the tall counter instead of actual dining table.

"Shaddup and eat your food. I need you outta house today. I've business with Kiba in a bit."

Towa scoffs. "You say that everyday. God knows what you're doing at the vet if you ain't gonna get me a dog."

"Don't question me young man!" Naruto lectures, pointing at Towa with a rice spoon before placing his breakfast in front of him.

"Yes, my favorite! Salmon and fermented beans," Towa cheers sarcastically as he digs into his food. "All day, every day!"

"Why don't you cook then?" Naruto says, digging into his own food.

"Then you won't be able to brag 'bout your cooking skill to Kiba," Towa says with a mouthful, not pausing from eating.

Naruto makes a face.

Towa laughs.

"You're disgusting."

"And you love me. I hear that everyday," Towa comments, finishing his rice. "I'm done, thanks for the food Naruto. I'm off."

"Remember to watch both way when c-"

"Crossing the street, I know!" the little boy yells as he runs out of the house, paying extra attention to the models around him. He knows not to mess with his dad's models.

"Geez," Naruto says, rubbing the back of his neck as he starts collecting the dishes.

As he is doing the dishes, the bell above the door jingles. Since his models are up for public display, it isn't unusual for him to get people who are there for viewing pleasure only. He doesn't stop from the dishes. Clients who are looking specifically to build would know where to find him anyway.

"Naruto," a familiar voice calls out as soft footsteps heading towards the kitchen. "You should probably stop being so trustful."

"I can take care of myself, Kakashi," Naruto responses as he dries his hand. Turning around, he grins cheekily up at the older man. Even at 5'7", he feels like a dwarf next to the man-who is over 6' something. Then again, he has been feeling dwarfed with every being he comes in contact with ('cept girls).

"I'm sure you can," The single eye that is exposed curves with mirth. Naruto can only guess, from the voice and the eye, that Kakashi is grinning underneath the mask. Ever since the incident that has marred the man's face, Kakashi is taken to hiding most of his face.

In a way, it is like a reminder of his own childish recklessness.

"Now, why so down?" Kakashi asks, although he probably knows the reason. Naruto quickly erases the thought and grins.

"Nah, just thinking 'bout this one crazy client. So what cha doing in town?" Being a small town in the middle of nowhere, there isn't much to do except sleep and more sleep. Yet, Kakashi is one of the few that makes the trip to the no-name town regularly.

Naruto knows why without asking. But he always hopes the man would surprise him with a different response every time he asks. It isn't fair for Kakashi to suffer because of his mistake.

Kakashi looks at him knowingly. He probably wants to comfort Naruto, saying 'it's not your fault. It could've happened to anyone' but he restrains himself. He knows that the boy is too deep in self-wallowing to reconcile with himself. Instead, he figures that eventually, he'll learn to move on from the painful past.

So, like every other time, Kakashi gives the expected response, "I just got back from visiting Iruka-chan."

"Ah, I thought so. You really have no life," Naruto responses with a cheery grin plasters like a fake mask on his face. Kakashi is no fool, but he lets it slide. Just like every other time.

"Maaah, what can I do? I can't stay far away from dolphin-chan," Kakashi sighs theatrically. Naruto laughs. His voice is strained. Forced.

"I am gonna be visiting him in a bit," Naruto says as he wipes the counter clean. Better to look down than face the reality that depicts on Kakashi's face.

"Why bother Naruto?"

"Huh?" He looks up, actually surprise at the question. Usually, Kakashi would play along, reciting stories of his own visit. Usually, he would say 'ah, Iruka-chan made a drawing for me today. It filled my heart with joy. He probably has one for you, too.'

Usually doesn't seem to apply for this moment.

"Why bother, I said. It's pointless," Kakashi repeats, leaning casually against the door frame.

It looks miniature next to his large body.

"Why wouldn't I? He's my uncle." Naruto continues wiping. He goes over areas he has already cleaned.

"He doesn't recognize you," Kakashi counters.

"I do, and that's all that matters."

"You know, he probably wouldn't want you there; if he knew what's going on."

"He deserves as much, Kakashi. Actually, he deserves so much more. But all I can give at the moment is my company, and he damned well will get it," he snaps.

Kakashi sighs. "There's no point. It's not any different than talking to a three year old child."

"There is a point. And he would've done the same for me!"

"He would've want you to be happy."

"And I am," Naruto says brusquely. His patience coming to an end. "What is it that you really want, Kakashi?"

Realizing that he isn't getting anywhere with that thick skull on Naruto's shoulder, Kakashi drops the subject-again.

The cheeky grin returns. "Just wanted to drop by today to tell you to 'expect the unexpected.'"

"What?"

"Well, duty calls. Toodle-loo."

"W-wait!" Naruto calls but the man is already out the door.

For most of the day, while Towa is in school, Naruto moves restlessly around the shop/house. He attempts to finish the house model Tanaki-san has requested, but quickly finds it insipid and decides against continuing the uninspired work. Instead, he settles for cleaning the shop-twice! The place has never been cleaner. By the time he is done with the shop, he decides: why stop there? and continues cleaning the entire house.

When he is done, lunch rolls around uneventfully. A few people come in and out of the shop, looking and marveling at the models on display. Today is a real treat. There are two new models on display-ones that he has finished just the night before.

Many locals, mostly retirees, like to stop by. They seem to genuinely enjoy his work, and he finds their constructive criticisms helpful. Sometime, they would comment on his new works. Most of the time, they happily indulge in contemplating his favorite piece at the back corner.

It is a one-fourth scale(1) model of a modest two stories house. A mixture between two entirely different architectural styles, the house contemplates between the interactions of artificial materials and natural lighting. Surrounds by countless windows, it mingles with the immediate surrounding until the one couldn't tell where the house begins and landscape ends. The three bedrooms are on the second floor, looking down on the lofty public spaces consist of living room, kitchen, and dinning room. The family room, or gaming central-as Naruto calls it, locates next to the bedrooms on the second floor, away from prying eyes but easily overlooking the lands around it. The minute furnitures adopt a minimalist manner, yet adds with a small but noticeable uniquely Naruto's designs, creates a distinctive and genial air to the overall work.

It is the only piece that has furnitures.

Visitors often time ask why, and Naruto explains easily, "I was in an inspiring mood."

When offers are made for the piece, Naruto refuses with a smile.

He says, "It has sentimental values."

Most of the clients are usually happy with that response. Instead, they content themselves with seeing it everyday at it usual place in the back corner. Naruto doesn't ever move it. He only takes it apart from time to time to dust and clean.

But it usually returns by the next day.

With the last of the visitor gone, Naruto quickly locks up the shop and makes his down the street. Like a robot running on presets, he finds himself at the town hospital ten minutes by bus later, as he does every day.

The nurses greet him. The doctors smile at him. He grins back easily, used to the habit. Room 235. Up one flight of stairs, straight down the hall and make the first left. Take the second right and the room is on the right.

Much like the other rooms in the hospital, the room is filled with bright light from the large, horizontal window. The curtains, push to the sides, sway in the wind. A single bed rests in the middle between the door and the windows with headboard flushed against the wall. A man sits on it.

Sketch books and crayons scatter around him. His face, full of concentration, focuses entirely on whatever he is drawing. Naruto approaches slowly, cautiously.

"Iruka?" he calls softly, hoping not to startle the man too much. On a bad day, Iruka would freak out and start screaming obscenities. Good days mean he would welcome the company.

He hopes today is a good day.

"Ah! Naru!" the man says with excitement unfitted for a forty-year-old man. He jumps off the bed and runs to Naruto. Pulling him closer to the bed, his face vibrates happiness.

Naruto smiles easily.

It's a good day then.

"What've you been doing?" Naruto asks, letting himself be led.

Iruka smiles broadly with unabashed happiness.

"I'm drawing," he replies and picks up the scattered papers. Then, holding them up for Naruto to see, Iruka goes through each of them. "This one is Towa."

"Why is he a fetus?"

"Why wouldn't he?" Iruka asks.

"Dunno. It seems weird." Naruto shrugs but quickly veers away from the odd drawing. "What about that one?"

"That's you."

"I'm not twelve, Iruka."

"I don't know," Iruka replies dejectedly, thinking that Naruto doesn't like his drawings. "When I think of you, this is how I see you."

Naruto laughs and tries to cheer the older man, "I love it! May I have it?"

"No."

"Well, would you like me to hang it up on the wall?"

"Yeah! Put it at the very top!"

Naruto complies as he gets off the bed and walks to the wall directly opposite of the bed. Displayed are countless hand-drawn pictures by Iruka. Some of them that Naruto recognizes are from the man's memory; others he assumes are from the man's unstable psyche.

Sometime, Iruka would give away certain drawing. Naruto holds onto them like priceless treasure.

"Have you eaten lunch?" Naruto asks without turning around. When no response is given, he turns around to find the man fast asleep on the bed. His position greatly resembles Towa's. Smiling softly, Naruto goes back to the bed and helps to rearrange the man. When done, he leaves the room and closes the door softly.

For a moment, Kakashi's words echoes through his mind.

He quickly dismisses it.

This isn't pointless. It never is.

"Ah, Naruto, how are you today?" A nurse, Ino is her name, walks toward him. Naruto pauses and waits for her. Once she catches up, he resumes his strides for the hospital exit.

"Quite well. And your self?"

"Could be better. But who cares," Ino answers cheekily. "I'm always doing the graveyard shift."

"It's been hard on you," he says, genuinely concerned.

"Thanks. So, how's Iruka?" Ino asks. She has been Iruka's nurse, originally, before he is transferred to a different ward.

"He's good. Seen better days though."

"Yeah. It must be hard for you to see him like that everyday," Ino comments sadly. "But don't worry buddy; as long as you believe, miracles do happen."

He smiles at her attempt. It is weird for a medical-practitioner to say baseless things. But it does bring his heart up a knot or two.

"So, I gotta go. But don't give up Naruto," she says before leaving.

"Thanks."

After leaving the hospital, he makes his way toward the local veterinarian runs by Kiba Inuzuka. The man has been his first friend here when Naruto moves in a few years ago and has immediate became his best friend since. His family runs the town's only vet and Kiba has just inherited a year ago after his father retired. Recently, the place is overran by more injured animals than it's capable of handling. However, Kiba, being the animal loving saint, couldn't reject the injured creatures and ends up accepting all of them. Most of them have found new homes in recent days but he is still short staffed. Hinata, Kiba's assistance, has faints the other day from being overworked.

That is when Kiba recruits Naruto's help.

If he is honest, it is a nice break from his usual schedule. So instead of heading to the shop for the night's dinner, Naruto takes a detour to the vet and spends a few hours helping around. It usually includes holding down the dogs, or whatever, while Kiba administers the shots or dealing with clients while Hinata takes her much-deserved rest.

The busied environment helps keep his mind off other things.

"Hey Naruto!" Kiba greets as soon as he walks in. Naruto grins at his best friend before winking at the quiet girl behind the counter. Hinata flushes with embarrassment while ducking under the appointment book.

"Hi Hinata."

"Oi, stop sexually harassing my assistant," Kiba yelps from the back. It is so obvious that the man is infatuated with the girl. If only he would outed and admitted it.

"I'm not!" Naruto laughs before heading in the back room. "So what are we doing today?"

"Actually, nothing. I'm pretty caught up today; all except one stray found their happy home," Kiba says happily.

Despite the happy news, Naruto finds himself to be dejected. Well, there goes his distraction.

"Oi, Naruto. Stop zoning out!"

"I'm not deaf, stop screaming in my ears," Naruto jokes, rubbing his ear canals for effect.

"Ya ya, so what cha think?" Kiba asks.

"About what?"

"You weren't listening!"

"You know I don't listen to you most of the time," Naruto retorts. He smirks at the growl he's receiving from the veterinarian.

"I asked if you wanted to keep that one," Kiba, after calming himself, says while pointing to the crate near the front. Naruto follows his finger to the Shiba Inu mixed-breed napping in the crate.

"You know I can't afford to keep a pet," Naruto says, running a hand through his hair. Truth to be told, he has wanted a dog since he was much younger; but circumstances would have it, he has yet to fulfill his childhood wish. Now, at the age of twenty-seven, with a child to take care of on top of a disabled uncle, he couldn't take on more responsibilities.

Such a shame, the stray is such a precious thing. Towa would've loved him.

Kiba sighs loudly beside him. His best bud knows Naruto's situation too well.

"Well, you know what: how about you do me a favor and keep him for a while 'till I find a candidate? Can't have the mutt-face takin' up unnecessary space. It's bad for business," Kiba begins. "Food and meds included."

Naruto makes a skeptical face. He knows what's Kiba is up to and he isn't about to accept handouts. Not even from his friend.

"I know what you're tryna do, dog-breath. Don't even try it."

Kiba merely shrugs. He couldn't call himself Naruto's bud if he lets the bastard's banter scares him. "Just think of it as a thank-you for keeping my granddad outta the house with those models of yours. My old man and him can't stand each other."

Cynical Naruto is cynical. But he couldn't rebut the good intention. "I'll think about it. Gotta talk with Towa 'bout the addition to the family."

Towa probably will say-or scream-his approval.

"Yeah, don't be dragging your butt around. I need the mutt outta here soon."

"Ah, Naruto," a soft voice calls to him. Both males turns to look at Hinata. The petite girl stands up from her chair, looking at him with great concern. Naruto stares back with much anticipation fuels by fear.

"Yes?"

"The sheriff is on the phone," Hinata begins. Naruto's breathe hitches. Towa, please be fine. "Your shop was broken in."

Relief floods through his body. At least his son is fine. Then he blanches. The model!

"Oi, Naruto, calm down," Kiba, being the voice of reason, tells him. He then turns to his assistant. "Hinata, please close the office for today and return home safely. I'm gonna give him a ride home."

"Yes, Kiba. Please be careful."

"C'mon," Kiba ushers both of them out of the door and settles in his mini sedan. The drive home only takes less than five minute, but for Naruto, it is probably the longest he has ever endured.

God, what is he gonna do if the model is gone? It's the only thing he has left of that person. Naruto bites his lips. No. He isn't going to break down.

He makes the resolution years ago to let go. To forget. With the model gone, maybe he'll be able to commit to his decision.

At least Towa is fine.

At the mention of the boy, Naruto's thoughts veers to his son. Black hair and onyx eyes. That haughty attitude wraps in wry humor and vain egoism. Even at only eight, he resembles that person more than Naruto could've ever expected.

Even with the model gone, he would never be able escape his past.

Model and Towa, he could let go of neither.

Weak.

Pathetic.

"Naruto, we're here." Kiba's voice breaks his thought. Faster than he's ever done in his life, Naruto jumps out of the car and skips into the house, slamming the front door on his way in.

"Mr. Uzumaki," the local sheriff greets. Naruto barely acknowledges him as he runs to the back corner.

Once the model comes into view, he breathes softly.

It's fine.

"Thank God," he utters softly under his breathe. His knees buckle underneath his weight as he drops to the floor in front of his precious model. The adrenaline rush disappears from his body, leaving him breathless on the floor.

"Ah, excuse me." The relief that flows through him quickly withdraws when family black-head comes into view. Behind the sheriff stands a face he never thinks he'd ever see again.

"I believe there was a miscommunication," the sheriff starts. "This gentleman sai-"

He is cut off when the man behind him step forward. As if favored by every Gods in existence, the man seems to lack for nothing. The lean body stands tall and proud, oozing with self-asserted confidence. He reaches for Naruto's hand, pulls it to his lips and plants a none-too-innocent kiss.

A brilliant smile follows.

"I apologize for the confusion I've cause, but I believe I've met an angel."

-To Be Continue-


First thing that I need to say is that I DON'T DO MPREG. I may read it, I may favorite it, but I don't write it. Yeah, quite the paradox. So yeah, that's the spoiler.

SHHHIIIIITTTTTZZZZZZ, that was corny...I almost throw up writing that last line. But Meeh. And I went there! I added a child, a sick adult, and BAM, we have a typical asian drama story line. It's pretty cliche BUT I can't help it. I'm kinda sick in the head that way!

While I say that it resembles Asian drama series, I am not basing it off of any series in particular. Just me and my own screen writer plot bunnies.

Also, this is the first time I'm writing in present tense...God it was excruciating! But I'm learning.

1/4 scale means every 1/4 inch = 1 foot.

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