A/N: Story's almost done btw. Some of the ideas I have aren't appropriate for the story. Since it's only about Naruto and Rias and their relationship, any other things happening are just there to propel that. I understand there's some concern about the pace, but I am running out of steam for this story, and I don't want the story to become an unfocused mess.

He prepped for today. All he had to do was refill his ninja tool kit. He gathered his kunai and shuriken and sorted them out on the coffee table. He sat down and checked their condition, finding them suitable. The door clicked close in the hall, and Rias was busy brushing her hair.

"Can you tell me of your father?"

The question came out of nowhere, he refocused on slotting his shuriken into his tool kit. "My dad? What about?"

"Did he make you want to be Hokage?"

"Not really, and to be honest I was an orphan, so I don't really know my parents," he replied. He expected her to apologize for nothing, but it wasn't the case. Instead, she had a pitiful look and a frown. "I don't need that,"

"No, it's just–you never met your mother? I often ask my mother for advice," she stared distantly, distracted.

For a moment, he bathed in the memory of his mother; the one and only of a time too short. He grinned, remembering her words that filled him with such warmth. "Rias, don't trouble yourself. I did get to meet her once, and she told me what she wanted for me,"

She turned to him, and spotting his smile, she did too. "What, really? How did that happen?"

He didn't feel like explaining how chakra worked, "think of it as - a part of her soul was temporary left behind and sealed to help me, almost like Kurama,"

She didn't reply, staring deeply into nothing. He shrugged, and decided to focus on finishing what he was doing. Which was over too soon. The time told him it was a little early for the rendezvous, but he could deal with that.

"Rias, you ready?" he asked. Rias came out of the room wearing a dark jacket over her red dress. She looked ready to go, so he had to catch up. He donned his gear and jacket, and last, and most importantly, put on his headband.

Rias had been staring at him the entire time, "You look pretty handsome,"

The memory of her kiss violently reeled back to his mind, "oh, uhm, you too I guess. Whatever!"

What the hell was he thinking?

The same question that swirled in his mind the last two days. He went against Tsunade's advice, and that probably only encouraged her. He didn't know what came over him.

He went through the streets of his home, he knew it like the back of his hand.

Naruto remembered her weight on his lap, how smooth and soft her skin felt against his hand. The way she stared with half lidded eyes and husky whispers. The way she moaned and how he felt its hum on his lips; how it tickled and tingled.

He hoped his promise to his mother was still kept if the alcohol came from a girl's mouth; it was only the taste, so it shouldn't be broken–

What the fuck was he thinking?

Her red hair caught his eye, and he glanced at her. There was a little green in her blue eyes. Her lips curled into a bright smile, and her eyes gleamed in the sun.

He felt heat rushing to his face, and looked forward. He saw the Hokage building in sight.

"Do we have to do much today?" she asked. He could do this, as long as she played along to what he said that night.

"Depends on what the Mizukage wants me to do," he needed to bring them to earth, then he was technically done. Most of anything didn't involve him, but they did let him in the know. All he needed to do was follow the Mizukage's orders. Since he had to be near Rias, it limited his capacity to do much else.

They entered the courtyard outside the Hokage's building. The others apart of the mission had arrived too, so he was glad to arrive early. Mei was likely speaking with Kakashi.

When they approached, Rias recognized someone apart of the team, "Oh, I didn't know you were on this meeting, I thought you were a doctor?"

Sakura smiled, wearing her casual clothing that could fit in a crowd on earth. She waved at him, and he returned it. "Yeah, but I'm still a kunoichi and I can serve in the frontlines, should I need too,"

He recognized the others that was to form the Mizukage's retinue; Temari, Kurotsuchi, and Darui, and technically himself. Since Rias busied herself with talking to Sakura, he went to the others and talked to them.

It had been a long while since he had seen them. He wasn't too familiar with them, but he did know their names and they had fought together on the battlefield. It wasn't long before the Mizukage joined them outside, with Kakashi seeing them off.

"Now, all of you know of the potential outcomes, so it's expected that all of you look after one another should anything go wrong," Kakashi spared a glance at Rias. "We expect things to go smoothly with this Devil Faction, the others can't be counted on,"

He had to struggle to pay attention. Nearly everyone was dismissed after the initial meeting, but the Mizukage wanted him by her side. It was a study room, like the marbled checkered table, the various bookshelves in the library.

Rias sat behind her brother, along with Sirzech's maid whose name he didn't catch, but he did remember their last encounter. He stood behind Mizukage, but kept quiet, as was ordered.

It had been a whole three hours since they appeared here. It was tense at first, but it settled not long afterward. From the mundane, to sharing comments on a subject, politics, and their dimensions. He did pay attention to how Mei mentioned the war and the alliance.

His eyes fluttered, their talking going distant. A shake of a head, or patting his cheeks would wake him. He resisted, shifting his weight and tapping his fingers in a quiet rhythm. He briefly imagined an attacker bursting through the windows, glass crashing against the floor, and him moving to support the Mizukage. He had to pity those at the receiving end of her lava.

"Then, we shall continue our discussion tomorrow," Mei said. Which was the first thing to truly look forward too.

"Do you intend to return, or stay a night here on earth?"

"We have thought about finding somewhere to stay, or was that too presumptuous?"

"I can make arrangements for a room, or a hotel if you wish. If you stay within our territory, we can provide adequate protection. I can't provide that if you decide to go outside the territory,"

"I think we'll go with that second option, this is, as you say, a neutral ground," Sirzechs seems a little displeased, but that quickly disappeared.

Somehow, despite saying that they were done, they talked for another twenty minutes about what to do and not to do. Then it was finally finished.

Once they exited, he was told to wait a moment while she gathered the other ninja. Mei's eyes flicked behind him before she turned down the halls. He already knew who was approaching.

"Rias,"

She returned a bright smile, "You look bored,"

"Is it that obvious?" he replied. He hoped not, he tried not to look drowsy.

"I don't think so but I can read your moods pretty well,"

"Bubbly today, aren't we?" he stifled a yawn. Everyone here in the library–it was relatively empty and small–was a supernatural or a ninja. He noticed Mei had gathered the others and spoke quietly of their plans.

Rias swept some strands of hair over her ear, "I think I know something that'll perk you up,"

"Knock yourself out,"

She leaned closer and kissed him before he knew what happened. It was over, then he gasped. He felt heat rush to his face, an almost blistering heat. He wanted to shout, but then he remembered where he was. His words came out with a hiss, "Why'd you do that?"

"Are we going to pretend that didn't happen too?"

He looked away, "I didn't want that,"

"Didn't want what?" She looked in the same direction, wondering what he might be looking at. There was really nothing interesting – "It worked though, now you're only flustered,"

His lips tingled, and he could taste her lip gloss, like strawberry. He cleared his throat, trying to quell the heat in his cheeks and the beat of his heart.

"It was more of a peck on the lips anyway," Rias added.

"You can read me that well?" he said. He crossed his arms, "That's kinda creepy y'know?"

"It's only because we've lived together for so long, I had to learn when to avoid speaking to you,"

"Ugh," he frowned. "Don't remind me," He should've known better. But, how could he manage this now? It seemed more simple

"You're not like that anymore, you were homesick, among other things,"

"Even after all I've said, you're still pretty stubborn," she should give up, he thought.

It was like she read his mind, "I don't want to give up, it's a small chance, but that's all I really need,"

His mind went blank, and he couldn't help but admire what she said. Instead of responding, he wandered over to the Mizukage. They seemed to be finished talking anyway. Rias followed him, and they were noticed by the group.

"May I have a private word with my shinobi?" Mei asked. Rias nodded, and she left them alone. The Mizukage talked to the others, "Find a hotel, our host was gracious enough to provide for us,"

Sakura and the others left, splitting into a duo and leaving for the lobby to do as she ordered. Mei asked how far he could go without Rias, and he answered he couldn't go far without her.

"A shame," she replied. "However, right before we left the village, I did hear that they were ready for an attempt at removal after tomorrow,"

"Really?" he could almost taste the freedom; no longer would he have to worry about wandering too far and turning into some horrific beast. "Tomorrow's is finally the day,"

"A lovely outlook, but as much as I enjoy being a bearer of good news, testing would be quite different from actual application. Think of it like perfecting a technique,"

He recalled all the training he did to perfect his rasenshuriken. It certainly took a long time for him to get it right, even then, it was useless until he learned how to throw it.

"Yeah, I get it," he hoped for a one-time wonder.

"Have you learned anything during the meeting?"

"It makes me sleepy,"

She laughed, "I suppose that would happen if you aren't a participant, but anything else?"

"You kinda mentioned the war, and the alliance," he had to rack through the smaller things. "You weren't too friendly, but still a little aggressive," like Kakashi had told him to act.

"Good," she replied. A pleased smile, "you noticed a few things, but ask yourself, why? I would continue, but this requires more privacy, and can be done later,"

After that, he escorted the Mizukage toward a nearby hotel that the others found. He was free for the rest of the day. Rias had asked if they could stop by the school, and he couldn't deny her request.

They walked through the school gate. Rias had a pile of homework she carried in her hand. It was funny that he was still technically a student here. It was the middle of the day, lunch to be exact, which meant a lot of students were out. Outside, through the halls, and near the offices as she deposited her assignments.

"Look, they came back together again. I think they share a place,"

"it is just me, or does he actually look happy now?"

"Maybe she actually managed to melt his dead heart,"

It didn't bother him, but it was annoying to listen too. Rias seemed to perk up from some of this gossip, her step had a lively skip to it. Up until the meaner comments came from his uglier reputation.

"She's wasting her breath on an asshole like him,"

"It's a shame that she's throwing her life away on him,"

"I never thought that one of our great ladies could ever fall so low,"

Rias shoulders sunk lower, a smaller smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Naruto decided to put an end to it, "Y'know, you guys are actually so loud, I can't even hear myself think. If you really want to know about things, how about you guys just ask us!"

Why did everyone had to assume the worst?

They stood outside the cafeteria, so the traffic was large and frequent. Some of the students that littered the hall had the decency to look abashed. Others not so much, instead pretending not to hear him.

"Thank you," Rias replied.

He scoffed, "Why does something like this bother you? I mean sure you're beautiful, but man, it's not something to worship,"

Rias looked to him, surprise crystal clear on her features. She smiled, "Are you getting mad for me?"

Rias always seemed to think the best of him. The students stared with curiosity, especially after he called them out. They started to crowd.

"Rias, how are people supposed to like you, for you, if you don't even show them who you truly are? We both know that 'great lady' deal is so wrong it's kinda funny,"

She smiled, "You're right," her eyes shone with gratitude. "I like to read Manga and watch anime,"

He didn't even know that. She continued to, each word becoming louder as her confidence grew. "I love Japan, nearly everything about this beautiful country is so wonderful to learn, I like to sleep naked because it's comfortable and I don't have to worry about the heat,"

Rias' declarations was hilarious because of the bystanders wide-eyed, slacked jaw reactions; some of them were scandalized. Then again, that last comment forced the image of her breasts spilling out from his blanket.

Rias wasn't finished, "Every one says he's an asshole, but I've seen who he truly is and I'm very much in love with Naruto Uzumaki!"

It took him a moment to realize what she said because he was too busy chuckling to himself. Then he felt the heat trail up his entire body, lighting him aflame. He felt so hot it was ridiculous. "What the hell! You can't just say things like that!"

Rias was defiant, standing on her toes to match his height and leaned in close that he had to lean back, "Yes I can! Just like I won't pretend we didn't kiss three different times,"

"You said that last one was just a peck!"

Then he realized everyone was staring at their bickering. In the dead silence, his heart beat against his ears, and the one voice that broke it.

Issei stood in the crowd, almost weeping, "Th–this is my greatest betrayal,"

"Gah!" Naruto threw his hands up in the air. "I'm leaving!"

He wished he could have left with his dignity, but he felt the big red blush on his face. He stamped through the halls, and everyone let him through on his warpath. What the hell was he thinking? He didn't even remember why he did such a thing in the first place.

Naruto reached outside the gate before he realized he couldn't go further without Rias. She had to finish what she was doing here. He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms.

Instead he thought of Mei Terumi and her earlier statement. He thought about it for a long time, because it was useful for him for a reason. On the plus, it was a nice distraction. Kakashi's advice was useful, but Mei said seemed more subtle. Why what? Why everything? Why did she say everything she did?

Naruto heard Rias arrive, "Oh, you're still here?"

He could hear the smile, "We both know it wasn't like I wanted to wait for you,"

She snorted, and she put a hand to her mouth to hide her wide smile. Her frame shook with mirth.

"What's so funny?" he frowned, and she finally released her laughter.

"I think I know what you are now," she said. "A tsundere~"

The horror. There was no winning this, no matter what he said. It felt wrong to even think of trying to destroy that absolute joy she presented.

"Damnit, let's just go get some fucking ice-cream or something,"

They wandered through the city, ice cream cones in hand.

Rias decided to stop teasing him, since he mentioned nothing about what she called him. Naruto looked grumpy, but nowhere near his past examples of being livid. He looked positively adorable with his frown as he licked his ice-cream.

"Why ice-cream?" she asked.

"I thought you liked it," he replied. "And I wanted to go for a walk,"

She wanted to go see her peerage, to keep them up to date. They could always do that later, but after what happened, she wanted to keep him away. Simply because some members of her peerage have taken a liking to him, like her latest addition.

Her thoughts went back to how he met his mother. It was interesting, and sweet, how his mother had managed to leave a portion of her soul behind to help him, even it was only temporary. He looked so content in that moment,

They were about to turn a corner when Naruto grabbed her wrist and put her behind him.

"Why are you waiting for us, and who are you?"

She peeked and saw a tall man that leaned against the wall.

"Are you two married? You both are always stuck at the hip,"

"Married?" Naruto replied. "Yeah right,"

For a moment, everything felt distant when the man mentioned it. Funnily enough, she never imagined it, because she had taking a step at a time. She forced herself back to the conversation.

Naruto continued to speak, "What's a fallen angel want? Because it seems Angels never come around here,"

For now, he seemed harmless, and she stood beside Naruto. The man wore a suit, with a dark vest. Brown hair with blond bangs. He smiled widely, "I suppose I'm not surprised. She is a good looking young woman, good addition to a harem yes? Especially an heiress to a great house, and a devil like yourself,"

Rias only looked to him, expectant with his reply. She felt her lips twitch into a grin, and Naruto looked annoyed at her reaction.

"Harem this, harem that, why don't you leave it to you guys?" he spat it out, and she felt pride in his words. "A Devil will always be second to me being a shinobi,"

The man nodded sagely and hummed, "Perhaps, you're the type to savor, "

"You would be good pals with Issei,"

"Ah, but I already know him. A fellow connoisseur like myself," the man replied.

Her pawn had met this fallen angel? For what reason?

The man interrupted her thoughts, "You mentioned shinobi, is this what all the excitement is about?"

"I'm from the Land of Fire, a different dimension," Naruto replied, "You don't happen to know that dude, uh–Vali, right?"

The man had a curious twinkle in his eye, and then smiled. "My name is Azazel,"

Rias interrupted, "Leader of the Grigori? What are you doing here?" she looked around the streets, it didn't seem to a part of the territory.

Azazel nodded, "For your information, we do have an upcoming peace treaty,"

"We do?"

Naruto decided to get on topic, "I'm Naruto, and what do you want, since you were waiting around the corner for us,"

"You. Our mutual friends mentioned a couple of odd things about you, Naruto Uzumaki. Unless it was created, I don't think you possess a sacred gear. Trust me, I know a lot about them,"

Naruto frowned, "I barely know what those are, and it would be much easier to show you, as I'm from somewhere else other than Hell and wherever those dragons hang out,"

He raised a brow and bit his nails for several moments. "Why not? The things I do for research,"

"Just like that?" Naruto replied. "Took us forever just to get a meeting done with the devils, I like you,"

"I like myself too, only women can ever reach higher,"

Naruto paused, and shrugged. "Whatever, Rias?"

It was a strange interaction, but she couldn't deny it, since apparently there was a peace treaty in the works. She nodded. Azazel sauntered right over, and they appeared in his apartment a moment later.

The first sight was the view of the Hokage monument through his apartment windows. Azazel wandered over, hands on his hips as he stared at the monument.

"Wonderful," he turned around. "Can I ask for a demonstration of that particular power inside you?"

"Sure," Naruto shrugged, and glowed brightly, casting gold light and lighting up the room. She still wasn't quite used to the dramatic change in his look. Those marks on his cheeks turned a bold black. He radiated power.

Azazel clapped his hands once, "Brilliant, but this one is quite different from yours, isn't it?"

"Kurama," she muttered. Remembering the bright visage of nine tails against the dragon.

"That's his name," Naruto said. He turned back to normal, with his short blonde hair. He undertook a different change, but she felt he was no longer hers. His eyes turned a glowing crimson, slits as pupils and whiskers more pronounced.

Rias stepped away, feeling strange. Naruto turned to her, and she felt like it was back to those days that should've kept away. It was a voice that belonged to Kurama, "This is her, huh? Just another human, really,"

Uncertain on what say. "Thank you, for helping me," it didn't bother to respond, instead looking unimpressed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Azazel said. Catching Kurama's attention. "My name is Azazel,"

"You're acting like I'm going to remember that," Kurama replied.

Azazel laughed, "Of course, but may I ask a question? Both of you seem to possess great power, how did you come to be?"

"I don't understand, and I don't care," Kurama grumbled, but seemed to comply despite those words. "The sage, Hagoromo, created me. The power Naruto and I have are one and the same, what's mine is his or whatever,"

"Interesting," Azazel eyes glazed over as he went deep in thought.

Naruto's aura reappeared, and his eyes turned blue again. It wasn't that she felt in danger–there was none–but she felt safe again.

"That's Kurama, for you, anyway, can you meet the Hokage? He's my leader,"

"It's certainly one way to thank you for humoring my interest," Azazel said. "Also, a smart thing, I guess. Lead the way,"

They followed Naruto outside, and she was familiar enough to know where the Hokage's building was located. It was a frequent trip.

"What's a sacred gear anyway?" Naruto asked. Azazel was the one to oblige.

"Artifacts blessed by God himself, he bestowed them to humanity to perform miracles,"

"A guy that calls himself that huh? Well, it's not the first time,"

"I thought you might've possessed a sacred gear, but it wasn't the case. Souls being contained within them aren't out of the question,"

Rias interrupted him, "You seem to know a lot about Sacred gears,"

"Yes, I do," Azazel replied. "I even created a few myself, but not quite like how God made them,"

It was strange, she didn't feel that sharp pain when he mentioned God. Azazel seemed to have taken note as well. Yet that was only a quick thought as her mind thought of sacred gears, and souls being imparted sealed within them; such as Kurama and Naruto's mother. Rias thought about it until they arrived in the Hokage's office

"Yo!" Naruto exclaimed, the Hokage looked up, eyes sweeping over the new arrivals. Rias returned a small bow in greetings, "Azazel here says he's the leader of these Fallen Angels, so I brought him here to meet you,"

Azazel introduced himself, and the Hokage returned it. "A little unorthodox process to meet a foreign power,"

"Fallen Angels aren't quite like Devils or the Angels factions,"

"Or so people like to say," The Hokage looked to them, "Both of you may leave, and Naruto, since you're here, check in with the Fifth."

Naruto smiled, "Got it!" he looked so eager.

They did more of the same the next day. Naruto had abashedly asked not to return to school and looked suspiciously at her when she granted his wish. She was more than willing, since her had phone had blown up with constant texts since her public declaration yesterday.

As much as she loved Akeno, her best friend was also her rival. She didn't want to chance that Naruto would favor Akeno over her. She had no control whether Naruto checked his phone, as he seemed to not carry it around.

During the day, she noticed Naruto was anxious. He was less talkative, more in thought. Even during the meeting they attended, he looked bored, but it wasn't the case now.

His eyes sparked with excitement when her brother and the Mizukage declared the meeting over, having scheduled another meeting in Naruto's dimension.

She brought them all back in front of the Hokage's office,

"Better than expected," Mei said. She turned to them all, addressing her retainers, "First, before you're all dismissed, we need to debrief with the Hokage. Except for you, Naruto, you may leave,"

"That lucky suna–"someone coughed to interrupt themselves.

"Thanks!" Naruto didn't even spare a glance. She was practically dragged outside the small gates and through the streets of the village.

"H-Hey! What's the rush?" she asked.

He grinned, "We're going to find out if I get cured today!"

"Oh," she replied. Sometimes, she would forget that was a thing. She was always reminded whenever he wanted to leave, to be without her. "I'm happy for you,"

"Well, we'll see," he stared straight ahead, his eyes focused on one objective. He didn't notice her mixed feelings.

She felt a terrible fear, that this would be the last moments they would share. Yet, she wanted him to be happy. To be free and pursue his dreams. It was just the routine talking, an expected part of her daily life.

Like how they shared an apartment, eating breakfast every morning, and being together all day. All the conversations they had, both dull and interesting.

They had come so far since she had resurrected him. Naruto once had a perpetual frown, but now she couldn't imagine him going a day without smiling. He used to look at her with anger, but it was no longer there, or as it once was. She wanted more than she had now.

Rias could feel his lips on hers when they kissed. The feel of his hair in her grasp, it had been so short a moment. Thinking about it now made her feel light weight. She awaited the day he would kiss her, simply because he wanted too.

Would it all end today?

"There you are,"

She flinched. She had had been so lost thought she didn't realize they were in the hospital. It was the fifth Hokage that had spoken, Tsunade. Another doctor stood behind her taking notes.

Tsunade glanced at them both, "Looks like you're finished early, we've been ready since noon,"

"I've been ready since this happened to me," Naruto replied.

"Easy, this is–"

"Yeah, yeah, I know, it's like perfecting my technique,"

Tsunade rolled her eyes, "Glad to see you understand. Now, how about we get started? I've already sent Shizune to round everyone up,"

They were escorted to the third floor, and she was brought into a room separate from Naruto. Tsunade was the one that brought her here, "You'll have to be inside with us, just as a precaution,"

"will it be dangerous?" Rias asked.

"It's not likely, but I can't say for sure. We're not doing anything surgical this time, they'll be done with seals," Tsunade replied. "I want you to stay in the corner, don't move, say, or do anything unless I say otherwise, clear?"

"Of course,"

"Good," she said. Tsunade grabbed a bundle of scrolls and inspected each of them. "he's hard not to like, isn't he?"

"uhm, yes,"

"Too stubborn for his own good," she seemed content with her inspection. "Now follow me,"

Rias was led to a large dark room with smooth flooring. There was a lot of people inside standing off to the side, all sorted into groups judging by the clothing or the symbols they bore. All these people came to help him.

"Stand over there," Tsunade ordered. Rias followed her command, and she stood alone. Naruto didn't so much as glance in her direction.

Naruto was shirtless and stood in the center over some black symbols and writing on the floor. A large circular glyph that took up most of the room. Several ninja stood opposite of one another, a circle drawn below their feet, to connect with the centerpiece. She remembered that they called it seals.

Tsunade had given each ninja a scroll, and they laid it out in front of them. Tsunade gave out quiet orders and they were followed to the letter. Tsunade herself stood on one of the empty circles, and they all sat down and placed their hands together.

"Alright, let's begin. Naruto, I want you to lay down in the center. A little more to the right, there, perfect."

"Does the floor have to be so cold?" He asked.

"Deal with it. Now, I want you to stay perfectly still. And no, don't gather or manipulate your chakra in any way,"

He didn't reply, instead followed her instruction. Rias didn't even notice his chest rise and fall with each breath, he was deathly still.

"To the others, remember, weave your chakra like you're slowly pulling on a thread, gentle but firm,"

Rias swallowed thickly, her nerves feeling frayed. She saw black lines edging toward him, all stopping at certain lines.

"Ready," they all called out one by one.

"On three, one, two, three,"

Each black line reached the center of his chest at the same time. A black circle converged on his chest where she had placed the Knight piece within him. Naruto didn't seem to be bothered by it.

Long minutes passed. The silence only being broken by a few grunts from the sealers sitting in the circle. Sweat clung to their foreheads, but nothing broke their concentration with their hands still clasped together.

"I'm meeting some resistance," one of them said.

"Tug a little harder, but not too much,"

"There, I got it,"

Longer still, and she felt the silence too unbearable. She crossed her arms, silently staring. Tumultuous feelings coursed through her, rising and falling with each minute. It seemed to be going well, until it didn't.

Each black tendril snapped back to their origin, all the sealers gasped in surprise. Naruto seized, letting out a yell as his muscles locked together. Rias took an instinctive step, but she stopped herself when she realized it was similar to his previous reactions.

Tsunade was the first to respond, "Naruto! Are you okay?"

"Yeah," his voice strained. He started to breath deeply, almost hyperventilating. "Just–just give me a moment, it'll pass,"

"If you're sure," she replied. "What happened? Did something go wrong?"

"I did as you asked, Fifth," the others said.

Everyone else agreed with the sentiment. They had done as ordered, no more or less. No one seemed to be at fault. The others in the room began to mutter amongst themselves. Tsunade's brought her team together, discussing the sealing technique they performed.

They didn't matter to her, all she was focused on was Naruto. He stood, a deep-set frown and his eyes seem to dim. He grabbed his coat, scattered outside the sealing circle and headed straight for the door.

Rias didn't wait for the Hokage and went after him. Someone said to leave him be, but she wasn't sure if it was directed at her or not, it didn't matter.

She followed him, through every hall and room. He went through the doors, and she was behind him. She heard his steps echoing through the stairwell, when often he was so quiet when he walked. It was through the roof top door where she found him still.

He leaned against the railing, his arms taut and rigid. The setting sun was bright against her eyes, he was nothing more than a silhouette. She walked to him but didn't wander too close. After some time, his hands stopped squeezing the bar so tightly.

"Not going to say anything?" he asked. She stayed silent. "yeah, I'm a little upset, but this is just the first one so far. They all promised that they would continue to try, and so we'll try. Someday, along the way, it will go away. So, you're not going to say anything?"

She had given it a lot of thought.

"I may not completely understand what love is. Perhaps, like you let go of your anger for me, one day I might lose what I feel for you. At least I know, that's not today, or tomorrow, or anytime so soon,"

She felt guilt. She sniffed, tears pooling at her eyes, but she didn't let it fall.

"It's why I want to make a promise, because it feels so easy and simple. Because I want you to be happy, and all I want to say that it's alright, and that you can stay here. I'll stay forever if I have to,"

She felt her lips trembling, and she tried to stop them by pressing them tightly together.

"Why are you crying?" he asked. He had turned around, and she managed to see those soft blue eyes.

"I'm not crying," she said. She felt a fat tear run down her cheek. He came close then, his hand went to her cheek, and wiped a tear away with his thumb.

"Really? What's this?"

"I'm so scared," she confessed, and it all came pouring out. "that once you're cured you'll never ever want to see me again, and even if that never happens, I'm afraid that one day I'll wake up and I won't be in love with you anymore,"

He felt his arms around her, pulling her closer and holding her tight. She nestled into his neck, she felt safe, warm, but she didn't deserve this, "That's silly, and I know you wouldn't lie,"

She wept, and she had to force herself to speak through the lump, "I feel guilty, because I didn't want things to change even though I knew you'd be so happy, I'm so sorry,"

He didn't say anything, and she feared that he would throw her away, but it never came, "It's okay, don't make that promise,"

"It's too late," she sniffed.

"Unmake it,"

"It hardly feels like I'm making a vow," she replied. "I did promise before, didn't I? I want you to be happy, and this is one way I can do so,"

"What about your dreams, family, friends? I don't think I can ever owe you that much,"

She had met his friends, but he didn't have any family. "You don't owe me anything, I don't expect anything, everything I give is a gift,"

"Stupid," he chuckled, and held her tighter. "A little part of me doesn't believe you but–"

He stopped himself, instead he stepped away and held her hands in his. "Thank you,"

His eyes were full of warmth, and she felt like crying all over again. This was all she wanted, to look at her with this warmth in her eyes. Now with absolute certainty in her heart, there was no doubt she was in love with him.