In Which Kushina Needs A Dress

Kushina was lost in a pile of paperwork, as usual, when Minato returned from a meeting. He greeted her, which she returned from looking up from her work. Minato laughed at this, but left her in peace. Kushina much preferred burying herself in work these days, because she actually enjoyed it for a change. Working with Minato was different from her previous jobs. He didn't order her around as if she was his slave, he listened to her suggestions and he worked hard with her. He understood her, which made her feel comfortable.

Kushina finished a pile of paperwork, then placed them in the correct folders to send them off. Sighing, Kushina decided to take a break. Her desk was a mess, but it didn't bother her. After a few minutes of sitting in silence, Kushina returned to work. She finished more paperwork, cleaned up her desk and found some papers she had to pass on to Minato and Ken downstairs. Perfect time to get some hot chocolate too.

Kushina knocked Minato's office door and entered when he answered. Minato was sitting back in his chair, his feet propped on his desk and his arms behind his head. Kushina was taken aback by this, but concluded that he was probably resting for a few minutes. She placed the paperwork on his desk. "You need to complete these."

"Thanks," Minato smiled. Kushina returned the smile. She couldn't help it, he was the type of person that made you want to smile all the time. "Are you busy next weekend, Kushina?"

Kushina blinked. "No, I haven't planned that far ahead yet, why?"

"There's a social gathering at the Nara Estate, I was hoping you would be my escort for the evening," Minato stated. Kushina blinked.

"What, me?" she asked, flabbergasted. Minato laughed and nodded. Kushina blushed. "I couldn't! It's not my scene!"

Minato continued laughing. "You're so precious, Kushina! Honestly, it's just a party! It will be a good night, please join me?"

Kushina bit her lip. "I'm sorry, but surely you have other female friends to take with you?"

"None of them are as beautiful as you are," Minato whispered. Kushina's blush grew hotter. Minato smirked at her reaction. For such a confident woman, she surely lost her cool when it came to situations like these. He just loved pulling her. "If it makes you feel better, Fugaku will be there as well."

Kushina furrowed her brows. "Fugu-face? How is that supposed to make me feel better?"

"Fugu-face?" Minato asked, surprised. Then he once again burst into laughter. "That suits him perfectly! He told me you have known each other for years, are you not friends?"

"Well, yes," Kushina trailed off, "he's taking Mikoto, isn't he?"

"Is that her name? Yes, he said he was taking his fiancee," Minato nodded. Kushina sighed.

"Alright, I'll go with you."


Kushina collapsed on the couch when she got home and quickly opened her take-away salt Ramen. Content, she turned on the TV, sat back and started slurping on the noodle goodness. She lived for the stuff.

The front door opened, and in stepped Mikoto with several bags of groceries. She sighed and dropped the bags on the floor, stretched and rubbed her stomach. Kushina glanced at her, Mikoto hasn't noticed that she was home yet.

"Hey," Kushina greeted. Mikoto jumped and looked up, then sighed in relief and smiled.

"Hello," Mikoto greeted, "you're home early, today."

Kushina nodded. "Minato sent me home, he had some business with his kids."

Mikoto blinked. "Kids?"

Kushina laughed, "His students; Kakashi, Rin and Obito."

Mikoto chuckled. "Oh yes, sweet Obito. I met him a few weeks ago when I was with Fugaku."

Kushina nodded and patted the open seat beside her. Mikoto rolled her eyes and sat down. Finally she could sit down and relax after such a stressful day. Kushina continued slurping down her noodles, while Mikoto watched the television, her mind somewhere far far away. She was still trying to grasp the fact that she was going to be a mother. It was a real shock to her system.

"Fugaku told me you're going to the Nara family's party?" Mikoto asked after awhile of silence. Kushina nodded. "That's great, it will be a wonderful evening. You'll get to meet Yoshino – she's a little frightening, but you'll like her, she's like you."

Kushina frowned. "I'm not frightening!"

Mikoto laughed. "I meant your opinion on men are the same. Although, Yoshino still ended up married to Shikaku."

Kushina pouted. Mikoto laughed.


Kushina did not have work the next day, so she allowed Mikoto to drag her out of the apartment and all the way down to the shopping district to find dresses for the party. Kushina wasn't very keen on wearing a dress, or dolling herself up, but Mikoto insisted that Kushina make herself presentable, especially since she will be escorted by the Prime Minister. First impressions suddenly meant everything to Mikoto.

Kushina loved spending time with Mikoto, but she wasn't very fond of shopping. She wasn't fond of dresses either, so when Mikoto pulled out a very extravagant purple dress with lace and satin, Kushina immediately shook her head. Mikoto pouted, but returned the dress and reached for a simpler design. Kushina sighed. Today was going to be a real long day. She just wanted something simple...

And just as that thought passed, Kushina spotted a black dress from the corner of her eyes. She quickly turned and pulled the dress from the rack. It was long and sleek, made from satin with lace on the back. It wasn't as extravagant as the purple dress, was simple and looked elegant. Kushina showed it to Mikoto.

"I like it," Mikoto smiled, "but black?"

Kushina nodded. "Black is a sleek colour. I like sleek."

Mikoto rolled her eyes. "Yeah, and it looks like you're mourning."

"They won't think that!" Kushina retorted, quite pleased with the dress she found, she wasn't about to put it back and not purchase it. Mikoto was still looking for a dress, so they headed for the next store after Kushina purchased her dress. She was content, since it didn't take hours of trying things on to find something in the end.

Mikoto wasn't satisfied with any dresses from a variety of shops, and Kushina's feet were aching. Mikoto wasn't about to stop, though. She was on a roll. Kushina enjoyed watching her, Mikoto was a burst of energy. Pregnancy has really made her skin vibrant and has given her a beauty Kushina failed to notice before. It's strange...

Mikoto suddenly came a halt and tugged on Kushina's sleeve. "Kushina, look at that! Isn't that cute?" Kushina turned to look at what Mikoto was pointing at and realised it was a children's clothing store. In the window was a collection of baby clothes, all different colours with pictures of cuddly bears on them. Mikoto was smiling like a child who just got ice cream. Kushina had a strange feeling that the dresses were going to be forgotten for awhile...

"Oh, we have to go in!" Mikoto exclaimed, "Come on, please!" Kushina sighed and allowed Mikoto to drag her inside. Nothing gets in the way of an expecting mother and her enthusiasm.


Kushina admired herself in the mirror in her new dress. She looked so different with her curves showing, her face done and her hair tied up neatly. Mikoto was still in the bathroom, and from what Kushina could gather, the poor thing was throwing up again.

Kushina glanced at the clock. It was still early, so they had time before Minato and Fugaku would come to pick them up for the party. Kushina looked at herself in the mirror again. It was strange, but she was really starting to hope Minato would like the dress...and not just the dress, but the woman wearing it too. Kushina blushed at her thoughts. Good grief...she was going mushy!

Mikoto came stumbling in, snapping Kushina from her inner conflict. Mikoto collapsed on the bed and grabbed Kushina's glass of water and emptied it. Kushina watched her, worried. "You alright?"

Mikoto nodded and smiled. She then stood up and grabbed her dress and held it up in front of her. Mikoto giggled like a high school girl and twirled, then hopped to the bathroom. Kushina watched her in disbelief. Where did her room mate get all that energy?

Kushina moved to the kitchen, where she started to prepare some tea. They still had awhile left, and she was craving some soothing tea for erratic beating heart. Kushina didn't know she was nervous, but she was and it was really driving her insane.

Mikoto came out of the bathroom in her dark purple dress. Kushina smiled in awe, she was so beautiful. Mikoto blushed, then sat down and sighed. "Soon I'll be so fat, I can't wear this stuff."

Kushina laughed. "You won't be fat, you'll just have a baby bump!"

Mikoto smiled. "I know, I know."

The two sat in silence and enjoyed their tea, waiting for the men to arrive.


Minato looked dashing in a suit (like he always did) and Fugaku...well, he looked professional (as always). Mikoto blushed when Fugaku whispered something into her ear. Kushina chuckled at the woman's red ears, she was so cute when embarrassed. Kushina turned to Minato to greet him, but the poor blond man was frozen. Kushina frowned and waved her hand in front of his face. He blinked and quickly looked away, a small blush forming on his cheeks. Kushina inwardly danced at this victory.

"You're beautiful," Minato finally managed to say, causing Kushina to blush and thank him. Minato smiled, also doing a victory dance inside for getting himself such an amazing date...and secretary. Fugaku and Mikoto disappeared outside to leave in his car, while Kushina excused herself to get her things before they left. Minato waited.

The drive to the Nara Estate was silent, but comfortable. Kushina watched the lights of the city pass as they drove past. It made her think of the days she spent back in Uzushio, her old home. Konoha's buildings and landscapes where nowhere near the extravagant heights that she saw back home, but the feeling of belonging was the same.

"What are you thinking about?" Minato asked. Kushina glanced at him, then turned her attention to the front.

"Home," Kushina whispered, "The warmth here in Konoha reminds me of Uzushio."

Minato smiled. "I've never been there, but I've heard it's a wonderful city – especially if you like mangoes."

Kushina laughed. Silence fell again, and this time it stayed that way until they reached the Nara Estate. Kushina gave the house one look, then decided that rich people need to get lives and start helping the poor – honestly, the place was a bloody palace!

Minato held the door open for Kushina, she stepped out and thanked him. He smiled and closed the door behind her, then linked his arm with hers and led her inside. They were greeted by a man with a goatee and long black hair tied up in a wild ponytail.

"Good evening, Minister," he greeted as he shook Minato's hand.

"Good evening, Shikaku," Minato returned to greeting, "no need to be formal, Minato is fine." Shikaku nodded and turned to greet Kushina. She shook his hand and introduced herself. He motioned for them to go inside.

The inside was even more extravagant than the outside. The walls were finely painted, the door all engraved and the ceilings were covered with patterns and amazing chandeliers. Kushina stared with wide eyes. This house was perfect for a princess. Minato led Kushina to the hostess, Yoshino, who gave Kushina a very firm handshake, followed by a lecture on how she should keep Minato on his toes. Minato laughed, Kushina was horrified. Minato excused himself to get them drinks, leaving Kushina alone. Kushina looked around, feeling a little out of place. She wasn't used to these events and she recognised no one around her. She spotted Fugaku and Mikoto dancing on the other side of the room. They looked happy, which relieved Kushina.

Minato returned with their drinks and handed a champagne glass to Kushina. She took it nervously, never having had champagne before, but decided not to dare mention that out loud. Several men, including the Minister for Health came to greet Minato, who in turn introduced all of them to Kushina. She was flattered that all the men shook her hand as if she was as equally as important as the blond standing next to her.

Kushina eventually found herself a seat because her feet were aching from the high heels. She wasn't used to them, and was already cursing them wildly in her head. She really missed her boots. Kushina nibbled on some olives and cheese, but other than that she didn't do much. She was being highly anti-social, something she didn't usually do.

"Well shit, shirlock," a familiar voice suddenly popped up behind Kushina, "if it ain't my best buddy, Kushina!"

Fuka plopped down in the chair in front of Kushina, her red hair tied up in a neat chignon bun. She was dressed in a very revealing red dress, and in her hand was her fifth champagne glass (no surprise there).

"Oh," Kushina was startled, "you were invited too?"

Fuka snorted. "Sure was. I'm a buddy of Asuma's, who is in turn a buddy of Shikaku. Strange, since Asuma is like...thirteen or something. He's a good kid though."

Kushina nodded, not knowing who Asuma was at all.

Fuka took a sip of her champagne. "So, where's the hot PM?"

Kushina pointed at him. Fuka looked at him, then sucked in a breath. "Damn, Kushina, you lucky bitch! Look at that ass!"

Kushina rolled her eyes. "I'll pretend I never heard that."

Fuka pouted. "You're no fun!"

Minato approached them and sat down. He smiled at Fuka and introduced himself, leaving her speechless. Kushina smirked at this, Fuka is never speechless.

"So," Fuka drawled, "Minato, why don't you ask Kushina to dance?"

Minato glanced at Kushina and extended his hand. Kushina immediately shook her head. "No, no, I have two left feet!"

Minato wasn't going to take no for an answer though, so he took her hand and dragged her to the dance floor. Kushina glared at Fuka the whole way, who merely smiled and pointed at Minato's behind, mouthing 'hot ass' as she did so. Kushina was very tempted to punch her friend's face at that moment.

Minato wrapped his one arm around Kushina, and took her hand with the other. Kushina nervously placed her hand on his shoulder and laced her fingers with his. She was a really bad dancer and she knew she was going to step on his foot and make him hate her forever.

"Relax, Kushina," Minato whispered. Kushina tried, but she was concentrating on the music and they way they swayed, careful not to step on his toes. Minato was an exceptional dancer, he led her across the dance floor smoothly. Kushina had to admit, she was enjoying herself with the nerves and all.

"So," Kushina decided to make small talk, "you were born here in Konoha?"

Minato nodded. "Yes, I was. My parents were born here too. I've travelled various places, but this is my home."

Kushina smiled. "I love it here, it's so open and warm. I love the mountains too, I went hiking there when I was younger."

"Really?" Minato seemed surprised, "I didn't know you hiked."

"I haven't gone hiking in a few years, I really want to start again."

"We should go hike together."

Kushina blushed. "Sure, that would make it less lonely. I usually hiked with my parents but..." Kushina trailed off. Minato frowned.

"Kushina?"

Kushina smiled. "Nothing, it's alright." Yeah, right. She just lied through her teeth.

Minato decided not to push the matter further. They danced in silence for awhile, content. Minato's arms were so strong and warm, which was slowly allowing Kushina to calm down. She was also less nervous about stepping on his feet.

"What do you do in your spare time?" Minato asked.

"I like cooking," Kushina admitted. Minato seemed surprised.

"Really? You should cook for me sometime."

"Maybe I will," Kushina stated. Minato smiled. They twirled, and Kushina suddenly spotted Fuka where she was sitting, a wicked smile on her face. Kushina stuck her tongue out, causing Fuka just to point at Minato's behind again. Kushina rolled her eyes. Minato noticed, and raised an eyebrow.

"Are you alright?" Minato asked.

Kushina blushed. "Oh, yes. I was just...saying hello to Fuka."

"Your friend, right? She's not the kind of woman I picture you hanging out with," Minato stated, "but she's quite friendly."

Kushina laughed. "Oh, she is. A little too friendly sometimes. She thinks you're attractive."

Minato smirked. "Does she now?"

Kushina nodded, wondering if she was taking this too far. Minato chuckled. "And what about you, Kushina?"

"What about me?"

"Do you find me attractive?"

Kushina froze. A blush crept to her cheeks. Minato watched her, fascinated by how red her face had become. Kushina quickly let go and stumbled backwards.

"Iuhneedthebathroom!" Kushina suddenly exclaimed in one breath and rushed off. Minato watched her, amazed.

He just saw a side of Kushina he wasn't aware even existed. This was going to be fun.