A/N: Good grief...it's been so long since I have updated! I am so sorry!
In Which The Team Arrives
Fugaku had stayed the night. Kushina discovered him in the kitchen, brewing coffee. She gave him a skeptical look, then hopped over to the fridge and pulled out the carton of milk. Nothing beats a good glass of milk in the morning before breakfast.
"Thank goodness Mikoto isn't a screamer," Kushina chuckled as she poured herself a glass of milk. Fugaku glared at her, then rolled his eyes.
"Why is it that you are so dirty, yet you have only had one boyfriend?" Fugaku asked.
"Two," Kushina corrected him, "I dated that fat guy in seventh grade, remember?"
Fugaku snorted, "That doesn't count. You dated for two hours!"
Kushina placed the carton of milk back into the fridge and shut the door with her foot. She grabbed her glass of milk and then collapsed on the sofa and switched on the TV. There was nothing interesting on except for morning news, which she usually avoided, but ever since she started working for Minato, she made it a habit to watch the news.
Fugaku joined her with a cup of black coffee.
"Where's Mikoto?" Kushina asked.
"Asleep," Fugaku replied, "she's really tired. Bet the tyke's doing it to her."
"Tyke?" Kushina frowned, "...nice."
Fugaku snorted, "We don't know the baby's gender...so how can I name him...or her?"
Kushina shrugged. Silence enveloped the two of them.
"Your mother called," Fugaku suddenly broke the silence. Kushina froze. Suddenly everything was forgotten. The news and even all the other sounds that came from outside the apartment. Kushina swallowed the lump that formed in her throat and deduced that she probably just paled severely.
"She did?" Kushina asked in a hushed tone, "When?"
"An hour ago," Fugaku stated, "I picked up the phone. She wanted to hear your voice she said."
Kushina closed her eyes and sighed. She let her head flop back onto the sofa and opened her eyes to stare at the 'glow in the dark' stars she had glued to the ceiling when they moved in.
"What did you tell her?" Kushina asked.
"I told her you were asleep," Fugaku replied, "but then she tried to make small talk. You know what your mother is like. Anyway, she knows that Mikoto's moving out soon. She's worried, Kushina. Your mother offered you to move back home."
"Never!" Kushina shouted in anger as she hopped up. "How could she even suggest that?"
"She's your mother, Kushina," Fugaku pointed out, "she will always reach out to you when you need her."
Kushina balled her fists, "But he's there."
"I know, I told her that."
"I don't want to go back, Fugaku," Kushina whined, but not in a childish manner. She looked genuinely distressed. Fugaku sighed.
"You don't have to, you're a fully grown woman, Kushina."
Kushina opened her mouth to respond, but Mikoto walked in at that exact moment. Kushina quickly shut her mouth and smiled warmly at Mikoto. She didn't want to worry her best friend over nothing, especially now that she was pregnant. Mikoto greeted the two warmly, then proceeded to pour herself a cup of coffee. Fugaku gave her an odd look, but Mikoto merely smiled.
"Don't worry, coffee won't kill me," Mikoto stated.
Kushina rubbed the back of her neck, "You're gonna have to cut back on it though."
"I know," Mikoto sighed. Kushina smiled weakly, then left the room to get ready for the day. Perhaps if she buried herself in work, she would be able to forget everything else. Especially her mother calling so early in the morning.
Kakashi was standing by her desk when Kushina arrived at the office. He looked as morbid as ever, with his hands buried in his pockets. Nonetheless, Kushina was happy to see him. She gave him a warm smile and patted his head, which he grumbled at. She laughed and sat down.
"What brings you here, kiddo?" Kushina asked.
"Minato-sensei is taking me for archery today," Kakashi stated. Kushina quirked an eyebrow. She had wondered why Minato asked her to book a place at the archery club for today. Now she knew. Kushina smiled. Minato certainly knew how to keep kids entertained.
Jiraiya popped out of nowhere beside Kushina's desk, causing her to nearly fall out of her seat. The old man laughed.
"Good morning to you, Kushina, my lovely," Jiraiya barked with laughter, "I see Kakashi is ready for action, eh?"
Kakashi shrugged. Kushina straightened herself and narrowed her eyes at the old man in annoyance. "Do you always pop out of nowhere?"
Jiraiya grinned, "It's a habit of mine. Annoyed the hell out of Tsunade. She usually gave me a fair beating if I 'popped' next to her."
Kushina was lost. "Tsunade?"
"Childhood friend, I guess you can say," Jiraiya stated, "she's that crazy blond politician with the huge tits."
Kushina pondered for awhile and then it hit her. She knew who Tsunade was now. She was once part of the Senate, but resigned a few years ago since her lover was killed in a car accident and she survived. The poor woman was traumatized and refused to work again. Now she was off in the country side...gambling apparently according to the press.
"The doctor, right?" Kushina asked. Jiraiya nodded. "Wow, I didn't know she was that old."
Jiraiya snorted, "She looks good for her age. Don't call her old to her face though, she'll kill you."
"Wasn't planning on it," Kushina sneered. Kakashi cleared his throat.
"Ah, Kakashi," Jiraiya grinned, "you will have a blast today. Minato learned archery from the master after all."
"And who's the master?" Kushina asked.
Jiraiya's grin broadened and he straightened himself. "The master is of course me, the legendary Jiraiya!" Jiraiya pointed at himself proudly. Kushina suppressed a laugh.
"Sure," she agreed skeptically. Poor old man, he must be senile. Jiraiya then waved and disappeared, just like he suddenly appeared moments before. Kushina then returned to sorting the day's papers and going through Minato schedule. He was currently in a meeting, so she couldn't disturb him. She told Kakashi to have a seat in the waiting area. He silently sat down and stared ahead of him.
The elevator opened with a ping and two voices echoed through the room. Kushina looked up from her desk, wondering who could have arrived now and make such a racket. She was surprised to see two children, probably no older than Kakashi walking towards her desk. The one was a girl, with a bob of dark brown hair. The other was a boy, who Kushina instantly recognized as her most favorite person to annoy in the world. She couldn't help it, Uchihas were just so much fun to tease! Especially a certain Uchiha Fugaku and his nephew.
"Obito!" Kushina called out to him. The boy came to a halt when he heard her voice and he quickly looked around. She could already see the fear on his face. Kushina sniggered and stood up. She approached the two with a devilish smile on her face. Obito paled. "Long time no see, kiddo!"
"Eh," Obito trailed off, "...yeah, nice to see you too, Miss Kushina."
Kushina chuckled and then glanced at the girl beside him. "And you are?"
"Rin," the girl replied, then proceeded to bow. Kushina smiled. She liked the girl already.
"What are you doing here, kid?" Kushina asked.
"We're going to do archery with sensei today!" Obito exclaimed excitedly. Kushina quirked an eyebrow.
"Archery? Sensei?" Kushina asked. She tilted her head to the side, then burst out laughing. Obito did not seem very impressed with her reaction.
"What?" he barked.
"Minato is your teacher too? No wonder you're so..." Kushina trailed off.
"So...what?" Obito asked. Kushina shook her head and then proceeded to pat the boy's shoulder.
"I feel for you, kid, I really do," Kushina sighed.
Obito snarled, "What are you doing here anyway? Didn't you work for that Utatane lady?"
"Hm...I did," Kushina sang, "but I work here now. I'm your dear mentor's personal secretary now." Obito paled even further. Kushina sniggered. He was definitely never going to escape her now. Kushina didn't hate him, she didn't hate Fugaku either. She just loved their reaction to all of her teasing. She couldn't help herself.
Just then, a few men dressed in suits exited from Minato's office. They bowed as they passed Kushina. She returned the bow. Minato appeared in the doorway, looking like he had just escaped prison. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed in relief as he loosened his tie.
"Good grief," Minato sighed, "those old men are going to be the death of me."
Kushina rolled her eyes, "Your fault for wanting this job."
Minato chuckled, "I guess you're right, but you're not one to talk, Miss I-want-to-be-the-first-female-prime-minister."
Kushina crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes, "Whatever, Mister. You have an outing with your two weirdos and one angel here."
Obito was about to yell at Kushina for calling him a weirdo, but was prevented from saying a word when Minato burst out laughing. Kakashi didn't seem bothered by the statement, while Rin was smiling. Kushina nodded. Rin was definitely on her like list now.
"Oh, Kushina," Minato chuckled, "ever the charmer, aren't we?"
Kushina grinned, "You must admit, charmers are rather charming."
Minato rolled his eyes, "Funny. Anyways, let's go kids! Time for some archery practice!"
"Finally!" Obito exclaimed. He gave Kushina a nasty look, then turned around and stomped off. Kakashi and Rin followed silently, but Kushina could not help but notice Rin blush when Kakashi greeted her. Looks like the little angel fancies one of the weirdos. Minato closed his office door behind him and followed the children. Kushina watched them leave, feeling slightly envious of the them. They get to go have fun and she's stuck with paperwork.
Minato paused at the elevator and turned around, "You coming, Kushina?"
Kushina was startled, "Pardon?"
Minato smirked, "You are my personal secretary are you not? That means you come with me wherever I go."
Kushina blinked, then suddenly shot up and gathered her things. She swore under her breath as she did so. He only told her this detail now? She groaned, 'Stupid flake!'
Minato mentally chuckled as he watched the redhead scurry around her desk.
Kushina – 2 Minato – 3.
After the archery lesson, Minato made himself comfortable next to Kushina in the cafe of the club, where she had been sitting the entire two hours doing paperwork. The children were in the game arcade (why was there a game arcade at an archery club?) playing air hockey, leaving the two adults alone.
"Don't you ever stop working?" Minato asked.
Kushina looked up, "I guess I'm a workaholic, despite the fact that I've always hated my job."
Minato seemed intrigued, "Really? Why did you accept the job if you hate it?"
Kushina sighed. She really didn't want to discuss her private life with him, and this was to do with he private life, but at the same time, she felt like she could trust Minato. Open up to him. She's only worked with him for a few weeks and already it feels like they've been working together for a long time. "I used to hate it. I actually don't mind it now."
Minato smiled, "Oh, I charmed you, did I?"
Kushina felt a blush creep up to her cheeks, "No!"
Minato laughed and stood up. "I'll get us something to drink. Hot chocolate for you?"
"Yes, please." As Minato disappeared, Kushina pulled her fingers through her hair in frustration. Of all men, the flake had to be the one to always get her on edge. Kushina sighed and looked up. Minato was ordering their drinks now. The waitress seemed flabbergasted by his presence. Kushina couldn't blame the women, for a prime minister he was rather attractive. Kushina frowned. Attractive? Kushina focused on Minato awhile longer and then sighed. Alright, so he was attractive. She couldn't deny that.
Minato returned with their drinks and sat down. Kushina thanked him.
"So, why didn't you follow your dream?" Minato asked.
Kushina frowned, "I don't know. Guess I realized it was foolish."
Minato shook his head, "Wanting to become the prime minister isn't foolish. I admire you for it. What changed your mind?"
Kushina swallowed and then sighed. "Things became complicated."
"Complicated?"
"Some things happened to me and well, I guess I lost confidence in myself."
"You lost confidence?" Minato asked, "That's barbaric, Kushina! You are the most confident woman I know!"
Kushina smiled, "Thanks, I think of myself as confident. Just not when it comes to...well, my dreams I guess."
"Surely you have other dreams?"
Kushina took a sip of her hot chocolate. "Not really. Unlike other girls my age, I never really cared about marriage or children. I just wanted to prove myself. I never succeeded though. My father still thinks..." Kushina suddenly trailed off. Minato frowned.
"Kushina?"
Kushina shook her head, "Never mind."
Minato noticed she seemed uncomfortable, so he reached out and took her hand into his. Kushina jumped and stared at their hands with wide eyes, then looked up into Minato's eyes. He was smiling at her warmly. "Kushina, if you need someone to talk to, I'm always here."
Kushina was stunned, but finally mustered a small smile, "Thanks, Minato. Really...I appreciate it, but I'm fine."
Minato was not convinced, "If you say so, but remember, I'm always here."
Kushina could do nothing but nod.
