*Two Years Later*

You reenter the gates of Konoha after finishing an A-rank mission with your old teammates. Well one Lee. The two of you going on missions together like this was rather rare. Considering the busy life. Well much more, with Lee now having a family. A son, who resembled him quite a great deal. Lee was so proud and happy when he became a father, never had you seen him cry so much besides with the birth of you baby. The day Metal, the name of his son was born, you where just as overjoyed. And right away Lee stated your little one and his son would be the best of friends. Not to mention dubbing you his son's auntie and God-mother. All this happened four months ago. Yes, four months ago Lee had his son. And he wasn't the only one who had a family. Naruto and Hinata both welcomed their first child into the world, a little boy whom they named Bourto. The little one took after his father in appearance, face whiskers and everything, though had lighter blue eyes. Adorable little one he was. They weren't the only ones who had babies. Ino and Sai after they got married, a wedding you attending as a bridesmaid and coordinator. Ino wanted you seeing how well you did Hinata's and Naruto's. They had theirs. A boy. Inojin. Combination of both his parents. Sai's skin complexion and Ino's hair and eye color.

Sakura also had a baby, a little girl. Name Sadara. Coming back to the village with it after leaving to travel with Sasuke. Her daughter took after her father appearance right away you felt an instant attraction to her as you did with Boruto. While she was gone, being one of Tsunade's top students and one of the best healers, you where given the role as head medic a position you shared with Sakura. You didn't mind, even when she took maternally leave. It was trying leaving you little time with your family. Luckily though you had help.

Choji also married to the Kumo kounichi, Karui. Who moved to Konoha after they married. This was a surprise to you, but you where happy none the less for him. You attended the wedding, Choji asked you to be a performer at it and if you could do the desserts. Which of course you didn't mind. You made sure their wedding was special, just like Ino's and Sai's and Lee's wedding Choji and Karui had a girl, Chocho. Who took after her mother's skin complexion and eye color, with Choji's hair color and body size.

Last and one you couldn't be more happy for. Temari and Shikamaru. The two of you wed and it was a rather nice wedding, you coordinated and was their performer, wanting to make the best. You also were in the wedding as Maid of Honor. And the Best Man, happened to be Gaara. That was a surprise because you where sure either Choji or Naruto would have been it. So you ended up walking down the aisle with Gaara, unaware that Temari was the one who wanted it like that, with her hidden intentions. After their marriage, Temari gave birth to their son, Shikadi. And like with Sadara and Boruto you something strong towards him.

Kiba and Shino where the only ones who hadn't got married. Well Kiba did take an attraction towards a girl name Tamaki. He had gotten over his crush with you, which of course you still never knew. This happened after you gave birth. He settled to be close friend, but promised he would always be there for you. He wasn't the only either, who's affection you where not aware of. Suigestu was another, though you hadn't seen him since the war. His whereabouts unknown to you, with him. It was unclear where he stood with you. But a few times you had received beautiful seashells. Unsure who they where from, but grateful for them. Recalling how you found them interesting that time when Suigestu took you to hide you in the Land of Waves.

Konohamaru was another, unaware of his feelings for you. You just thought he was being very kind to you. After you had your baby, his feelings towards you didn't waver. In fact he became rather helpful, when he could. He had tired a few times to tell you but you just never caught on. And valued him a really dear friend. He promised to always protect you and even bluntly to you he would make his. Words you didn't really understand but accepted. He often wished you would understand how important you where to him. His friends could see it and where rather supportive. Besides there wasn't that big of an age difference, consider your chronological age was four years, though physically you are nineteen. The youngest among everyone. Though only so many knew. He saw nothing wrong.

Everyone you had families. Well some had families. Being married and having children. Their lives moving forward. You where moving forward too, but you felt not the way you wanted too. To fill that feeling you poured yourself in whatever you could do. Missions. Tending to others.

"I'll turn that into, the Hokage."you tell Lee. He looks at you."Why don't you go home, I'm sure you family will be happy to see you."

"Are you sure?"Lee didn't mind taking the information back to Kakashi."You seem rather tired."

Shaking you insist on doing this."I'm fine. Besides, you're a new parent. It is important to be with your child. And family. It was wonderful going on a mission together again. It felt much like old times."

He flashes you a smile, agreeing."Yes. It was very good. You always surprise me. And your skills are always improving. At least let me walk you half way."

"Sure."

It was nice to talk with Lee. Things hadn't changed much with him. He went on and on about his son and family. Each word he said was filled with fiery passion and joy. And not to mention the great deal of love he had for them. He was truly happy with his life. Telling you stories with Metal. Stories you couldn't help but laugh at. Some slightly mirrored your experience as a first parent. The good thing of being a parent before the others, you had more experience and could relate with them. Not to mention give them pointers if they asked. Through the talk, you kept on Lee and nothing else. Reaching halfway, the two of you say bye and part.

Instead of walking, you took to the skies. Flying was always quicker for you, everyone in the village had become use to seeing you flying through the skies. Up here you felt free and nothing held you down. Looking down at everyone below you going about their day. It was like seeing their life from a bird's eye view. Closing in on the Hokage's residence, you normal use to go to the window and pop in. Back of course when you were younger. Landing down, you take the normal way inside. Walking in.

Up in his office, Kakashi was going over some things before he had to head off. A knock came and he tells them to enter. And enter you did, popping your head around the door, greeting the overworked man.

"Good afternoon, Papa Kakashi."you call him by the nickname you've give, with a smile walking over to him. Handing him the information."The mission was a success."

He takes what you gave him, and sets it aside."I had a feeling it was going to be. Missions like these are just to easy for you. I wonder why I even bother assigning them to you."

Though you knew he was joking you respond anyway."Because you know there is less you have to worry about. Speaking of which,"you look around his office."Have you been taking care of yourself? Papa Kakashi? From the look of it, you haven't really."You hold up a store bought containers of food."This job, is taxing. It gives one no time."

Looking up from his paper, Kakashi knew you weren't talking about him. The worry and concern you had in your eyes, wasn't for him. But for someone else, whom you left nameless. Throwing away his trash, you start to pick up in his office. He didn't mind, this was usually what you did whenever you stopped by. Be it after a mission. Or to drop something for him to eat when you could for him. And every time you did, he would let you at it. Stopping you wouldn't do anything good. It took you just around 20 minutes to do a quick clean, and up to 45 to an hour for a really deep one. When it took a hour, that meant someone was watching your little one. He had a pretty good idea of how it might be. The little one was now two and growing. Able to walk and form somewhat of sentences. At least the little one knew their name. Glancing at the picture on his desk, he took with his in a sense grandchild, with Guy included. He saw much of Neji in their eyes, they had inherited from you. It was a rather cute picture, with the three of them. Guy holding the little one in his lap, with his large smile. Kakashi on the side kneeling down smiling behind his mask. And the little one looking at the camera rather confused. Such wide eyes they had.

Moving his eyes over towards you, you had just finished stacking his books. Looking pleasant and content. Humming away merrily.

"So?"he decides to start a conversation."Anything planned for the remainder of the day?"

Quite a strange question to be asking."Well, not much. Natsuki and Kaito are out. Hikaru is with Hiashi since I left. He wants to get started on her learning about her clan. Leaving me really free. I do have to do some rounds at the hospital for a bit after here. Go over some barriers with a couple of shinobis. Oh, I promised-"you go on about the rest of your day to him. That sounded more like a list than things to do. There wasn't one single break in there. Just listening to you talk it sounded exhausting.

From telling him about just the rest of your day, turned into telling him about your week. Working at the hospital. Hikaru would be staying at the Hyuga compound until the middle of the week. Do a baking order for someone who had asked. Present at the Academy. Help Natsuki and Kaito train. One thing after the other, till you finally told him you would actually be able to spend some time with Hinata and the other women. Getting together for a bit.

"That's my week really."you finish, stacking his books in order before placing them all back on the shelf."There, that's better." You step back taking look at the cleaning you did."Well, I should be let you get back to work. I promised Sensei Guy I would go and spend some time with him. Bye."you go over and hug him, then take your leave.

The week went by fast, and everything you told Kakashi you would be doing. You did. Not having Hikaru home kind of gave you more time get things done, but still less time for yourself. The only time was the meet up date you made with Hinata and the others. Double checking yourself. Wearing a off shoulder spring green tunic dress reaching to your knees, with a flowing silhouette feel. Giving you a soft and graceful look, with bell sleeves and white laced trim around the edges. Dark mid-calf open toe sandals. Your hair you've styled in a fishnet braid reaching all the way down to your waist, with bangs framing your face. Seeing nothing was wrong, you leave to meet up with them.

Sakura, Ino, and Hinata sat waiting at one of the village's Tea cafe inside. Each of them a mother and wife, and sense changed their appearance in manner of speaking. Sakura still kept her hair short though now her bangs swept to the side. Ino still with her ponytail though not as long. And Hinata had cut her hair to her shoulders. It was good to be together after such a long time. There was much to catch up on, since becoming new moms. Their time was taken up by their child. So it left little time to do other things.

Only three out of the six of them where present. Missing, Karui, Temari and May.

Hinata looks out the window for any sign of either three women, mainly though her best friend."I wonder what's taking them so long?"Sakura ponders looking down at her sweet tea. Twirling her straw, slightly board.

"We finally get together and their running late."Ino grumbles slightly impatient."We do have things to do."

"I'm sure there is a reason."Sakura tries to calm her friend from becoming more upset.

Hinata just smiles listening to them, while keeping her eyes out for any sign. She could easily use her eyes, but choose against it. There was no need.

You landed."She's here."Hinata tells Sakura and Ino, who look towards the door of the place.

And you come in asking the waitress of the whereabouts the others could be. Sakura raises her hand flagging you down."Over here!"

Noticing her hand, you thank the woman and make your way over to them. They get up to greet you. You hug each of them happy to see them. Hinata you hugged the longest and tightest. She does the same back. You take the seat at the table next to her, placing your purse down.

"I apologize for being late."you tell them sighing exhausted."I just had a few last minute things to do. Where is Temari and Karui?"you noticed two missing faces.

Ino tells you."Kauri isn't feeling well. She's sick. And Temari, I don't know really. I called and was told she has a important guest, but will join us later."

A waitress comes with a menu handing it to you."Thank you. Oh, that's terrible for Kauri. I'll remember to make her some homemade soup, later this evening. What about Chocho? Is she sick too? I hope not. Maybe I should go over to check up on them both. Is Choji here?"

The three look at you shocked and in disbelief at what you just said."I think they're going to be fine."Sakura assures you, picking up a menu."Why don't we order something. They have this new Ice Blend tea, it sounds really good. Oh, and this new sandwich."

You pick up your menu too and read it over, but Kauri and Chocho weighed on your mind. Which someone noticed."Just relax, May."Ino tells you."They'll be fine. Like Sakura said. It's nothing bad. You're over worrying too much. We're all out having a good time. It's been some time. So let's enjoy it."

Looking up from your menu to meet with her eyes staring back at you. Putting you in place."Y-yes of course."you stammer. Quickly looking down at the menu.

Sakura couldn't help but hide her laughter."Honestly."Ino whispers under her breath annoyed."That girl."

"Do you know what you're going to get?"Hinata ask, looking to you.

Your eyes read what was on the menu."I'm not sure really. It all sounds very good. What about you?"

Turning her eyes back to her menu, she points to it."I think, I'm going to get their Soup of the Day."

"The soup sounds nice. I'll think about it."you give her a smile."How are things with being a new mom? With Boruto?"

"It's really great. Tiring but I love it."her eyes light up matching her smile."Something new every time."

"I hear you."Ino overheard, chiming in."With Inojin,"she sighs."Quiet a fussier. Sai at times seems rather lost on what to do. He's already reading a book to try and figure it out. He tires so hard."

You chuckle a bit, looking to Sakura."How about you, Sakura? How are things going with Sadara?"

"Things are going well. She's actually rather quiet. Reminds me of her father."her voice drifts off, along with her eyes. Her mind no doubt on Sasuke right now. You could see it in her eyes. She brings herself back after a few seconds."Sorry. Lost in thought. What about you? How are things with you, May?"

"I heard from Hanabi you've allowed Hikari to start learning at the compound."Hinata brings up.

"Yes. I have. She needs to know about her family."you tell them looking down at your menu."I can't really teach her about that, now can I?"you make light of it. Laughing a bit.

They join you."Guess not." Ino adds. The waitress comes to take the orders, each of you place it. You also place Temari's as well.

Kind of having a guest of what she would want. Taking the menus the waitress leaves."So, that's motherhood. How is life being married?" You ask.

Each of them blush from what you asks. Clearly becoming embarrassed and flustered. Looking away nervously. It was just a simple question really. Feeling each of them being uncomfortable, you leave it alone. Promoting Ino to bring up a something. She gives you a coy smile."So, what's new with you? Anything new at all? Hmmm? Anything?"

You look at her rather unsure what she was talking about. One had to be direct with you, when it came things like this. Which she could clearly see. Sakura and Hinata couldn't help but share a laugh. After all these years you still never caught onto what Ino was saying or trying to hint at. Which of course irritated her. Seeing the look on her face.

So you answer her question."Well, I've-"

"Temari. You made it."Sakura cuts you off, greeting her. She though quickly apologizes.

You didn't mind and get up to greet Temari, embracing her."Temari. Hello."She hugs you back.

"Hello too."she greets you and everyone else. Taking her seat. Looking across she notices the empty chair. Ino fills her in about Kauri.

With Temari finally making it, the time could actually start. You like with the others asked how things have been now, since being a mother. She relies her stories. Comparing her son to that of his father, Shikamaru. Who often complained his son needed to smile. Other than that things where rather good. She kept tabs on Shikamaru, so he wouldn't become to lazy. In other words she ran the house. Ino told some of stories of being married along with Hinata. Even Sakura, during her time with Sakura. Each of them able to rely stories of their current life. You just sat and listen with interest. Laughing at some of stories, though not at ones you didn't get. Which of course where inside jokes between the other four. Making you feel isolated. So you just put up a smile. Hearing their memories with their family and spouses, left a rather bitter feeling.

If only, Neji were alive. You wondered if you would be able to share such stories like they did. Laugh with them about it. Complain a bit about their husbands. The more they laughed about this, the more that feeling in your stomach dropped. The only thing really you could relate to, was through your stories about Hikari and with their little ones. There was clearly no way you could relate to them, with all the extra things you did outside of being a mother. Because when you told them, the look on their faces, they seem to feel sorry for you. But, you assured them it was fine and you enjoyed doing so. The food came and you ordered a nice salad with chestnuts. Ino did finally bring up bluntly if would start any relationship again. And how the relationship between you and Gaara had become.

That question suddenly became the interesting topic all of sudden. So you told her, explain the two of you where doing well. And how happy you where reestablishing the friendship between you two. Knowing how busy had was being Kazekage, it was better for the two of you to send letters or emails. Not the answer Ino wanted to hear, it frustrated her. Sakura calmed her down.

Time together with them went by fast, you wished it didn't have to end. Missing the old times, when all of you where younger. Being able to spend more time together. But as adults that luxury was limited. It wasn't like neither of you couldn't see the other one individually, just getting together like this was hard. Hugging and saying good-byes. Sakura telling you not to over do it and to take it easy. Along with Ino. The lunch date was over, though before you walked away to go get Hikari with Hinata. Temari invited you to come over dinner tonight. Which you accepted.

Reaching the Hyuga compound/manor you and Hinata where greeted. One of the attendants lead you to where Hikari was with her Grand-Uncle Hiashi. The two of them sitting on the engawa together. At a certain angle she looked almost like Neji. The way her eyes focused. Just like his. Her brown hair now reaching to her chin, taking on hair texture of waves just a bit. She sat in Hiashi's lap, listening to the man talking philosophically to her. And she clearly took it all in. Such studious look she had. Though only two, Hiashi thought it was best to get her started on understanding her clan. As she was a Hyuga by birth. Which you didn't mind, though at first you feared it. Seeing she was almost three meaning she would be branded, being born as a member of the Branch. Something you didn't like. Having being branded yourself. Through other means. And to your surprise, Hiashi out of respect and memory of his brother and nephew would not allow it. Telling you: "I stopped another's growth. I will not do it again."

Hikari was spared. And because of that, you allowed your daughter to be taught about her clan. When though turns three Hiashi would want her to start training in the way of Gentle Fist. Something Hikari was eager to learn.

Sitting there in her Grand-Uncle's lap, dressed in dark leggings and blue hoodie with a white shirt under. Listening to him. He really cared and loved his niece. It was clear on face made you warm inside. Knowing she was accepted by him and clan made it better. Giving her that sense of family. Just what Neji wanted for you. A promise he came through with. Hikari just loved coming over. Whenever she saw Hiashi she would release herself from you and run to him. Clinging to his leg.

Smiling at that thought, Hiashi noticed you and Hinata out the corner of his eye. He gets Hisahi's attention to inform her of your presence. Your daughter turns around, her eyes looking in your direction. Light up seeing you, she gets out of Hiashi's lap and hurries over to you. Clinging to your leg.

"Mommy!"she chimes. Squeezing tightly."Auntie Nata!"she calls Hinata. Having trouble saying her name. She was only two.

Hinata smiles down at her."Hello, Hikari."she greets the little girl back."Hello Father."She greets Hiashi as he came over.

You look to him bow your head greeting him respectfully."Lord Hiashi. Hello and thank you."

He nods his head to you."Hello Hinata. Hello May. Please I insist you address as we discuss."

Knowing what he meant, you smile ."Yes, Uncle Hiashi. How was her training?"

Hiashi looks down at his niece."She is a very bright little one. Much like her father."he praises."Very studious and focus. I see much in her."

Touched by what he said, you thank him. Trying not to get emotional. Looking down at you little one, with a tender smile. Getting down to her level, you look at you toddler long. Brushing a few strands of her hair out of the way. She looks at you with a cute smile.

Sunset came sooner than you thought. Which meant you needed to head over to Temari's and Shikamaru's. Getting your daughter, Natsuki and Kaito had not returned. You leave them a note just encase and leave. Scooping up Hikari, you make sure she was bundled well and flew to the Nara compound. Holding your daugher very close, she always loved when you did this. You didn't have to look to see how big her eyes went. The excited gasp that escaped her every time brought a smile to you. When you flew with her, you more so coasted. Being very careful.

Arriving just in time, you go to the door about to knock when you hear voice behind the door. Curious, but push it aside and knock. You hear Shikamaru yell that it was open, so you open the door and go inside. Taking off your sandals and Hikari's too. Shikamaru comes around the corner with his son with the most prominent scowl on for a infant. It made you laugh. Hikari though becomes happy seeing him and races to him wanting him to pick her up. Jumping up and down. He grumbles how annoying this was, but does so anyway. Scooping her up in his arms.

You laugh at the two. Taking a step forward to join them. There came a knock on the door. Temari yells down the hall. Asking if you could get it. Turning around, you go answer it. Opening the door to find to your surprise. The Yamanaka's. Uzumaki's. And Sakura. Each with their child.

"Oh?! Hello again."you greet them stepping aside."This a surprise. Come on in." You step aside for each of them to come in. They each greet you. Naruto giving you a hug. Double checking to see if that was all, you shut the door.