Happy Birthday

Kairi sat in a daze after hearing the recording Riku played. It was Sora's voice; it was definitely his attitude.

You don't know me, but I have something to say!

Sora's voice rang through her head.

…there is nothing more beautiful to me, than Kairi's smile!

She remembered how he described her.

…whether she has blue or white eyes, she is beautiful!

She thought about the promise he made.

…someday… I'm going to marry that girl!

And the very last thing he said.

Kairi, I love you!

Kairi flopped onto her back. Her face even redder than her hair. Sora… he said he loved her.

She turned and buried her face in her pillow. He loved her. Sora loved her! Kairi couldn't get that out of her head.

Kairi felt happy, jittery, her heart was going a thousand miles a minute, she thought she was going to explode any second now.

"I can't explode right now," Kairi squirmed in the bed, "There are other things I need to focus on. Like keep an eye out for Otsutsuki, and where I can find Sora before we…" Kairi squirmed even more into her pillow her fiancé once again appeared in her mind. Wait, did Sora count as her fiancé? He did say he wanted to marry her. And Kairi… might… want to marry him one day too. But Did it count as an engagement or did Sora have to propose and she-

Kairi squealed into her pillow before sitting up, "I can't be hung up on this!"

"Hung up on what?"

Kairi nearly screamed when her Mom suddenly appeared next to the bed, "Mom, Himawari! When did you get here?"

"A minute ago," Hinata said, Himawari next to her, "You seemed to have been…" She recalled how Kairi was acting when she walked in. Squirming around on the bed, face buried into her pillow.

"I was just having a dream," Kairi said.

"Was that all?" Hinata asked, "That seemed like a strong reaction for a dream."

Himawari crawled onto the bed to sit next to Kairi.

"I'm sure," Kairi needed to change the subject fast, "You know what?" An idea came to mind, "I just realized. I never had the chance to learn how you and Dad met and fell in love."

"Oh, well," Hinata sat down, "I met your father as child, back when we were still at the Academy…"

%%%%

Riku left the hospital. He needed to talk to Kairi's Dad.

One, because he was the leader and he needed to explain the situation. While Sasuke was already talking to him, he wanted to make sure Sasuke got everything right.

Two, he was Kairi's Dad. Riku wanted to make sure he was treating Kairi right. Kairi was one of his closest friends and if he was going to leave her there, he wanted to make sure she was taken care of.

Three, he was going to try and make Sora look good. Ever since he saw Naruto fight, he kept imagining Sora getting crushed by the giant claw of the fox monster. Riku was not going to throw Sora under the bus and tell Naruto his daughter had a thing for Sora, but he was going to find out eventually. Sora needed to look good for Kairi's Dad…. REALLY good.

Riku noticed a convenience store. Feeling thirsty, he decided to check it out for something to drink. He walked towards the isle with drinks, they had beer, sodas, tea. Although Riku didn't feel like trying any of that world's beverages at the moment. Finally, he noticed a single bottle of water.

Water was universally the same.

When he reached out to take it. Another hand grasped it at the same time. Riku quickly looked to see the owner of the hand.

It was a young woman. Maybe a year or two older than him. Her black curly hair was cut short, her red eyes was looking back at his blue ones. She wore the basic ninja uniform like the others.

Riku released the water bottle, "Sorry. You can have it," Riku didn't consider himself a gentleman, but he wasn't going to get in a fight over a water bottle.

The ninja didn't just take the bottle and left. She looked at Riku like she was examining him.

"Staring is rude," Riku commented.

"Silver hair… black jacket…" Then her eyes lit up with realization, "You're that boy who was with Kairi aren't you?"

"Yeah," Riku wasn't going to deny it, "What's it to you?"

"I'm Mirai. Kairi and I were friends when we were kids."

It was Riku's turn to look her over, "Riku. She never mentioned you."

"And she didn't mention you either," Mirai smirked, "So what? Are you her boyfriend?"

"No," Riku said, "That position is filled."

Mirai leaned in closer looking interested, "By who?"

"Considering you work for her Dad," Riku walked past her cooly, "I think I'll keep that a secret."

Mirai watched him leave. Well, he didn't rile up easy, that's no fun.

She didn't miss how the light got caught in his silver hair as he walked away. It had more luster than Lord Sixth's.

Mr. Cool-Customer Riku. He wasn't really fun to talk to… but he was kind of cute.

%%%%%

"Hinata, I give you my word," Naruto ran his hand through the blood and held it up to Neji, "I vow to win."

"Yeah," Sora nodded. He glared at Neji, or rather the illusion-memory of Neji, "You get on my case for having feelings for Kairi, when she almost didn't exist because of you?"

Sora was basically watching the past history of Kairi's parents. He saw how her Dad was shunned for having the Nine-Tails and how her Mom was looked down on because she was gentle. Seriously, Sora never imagined Kairi's loving Grandfather was so cold.

He crossed his arms, if he ever spoke that way to Kairi; Grandfather or not, Sora would kick his ass! And Neji too! If Sora found out, Neji ever treated Kairi that way during training; he would bring him back to life just to kill him again! Kairi didn't need to prove anything to anyone! If anything, it was her clan that needed to prove they were good enough for her!

Sora looked at the past-memory-illusion-thing of Naruto, Kairi's Dad, with a lot of respect. He respected anyone who would find a way to smile in the darkest times.

"Go, Mr. Kairi's Dad!" Sora cheered, "And I'm not just saying that because I want you to like me… but seriously please like me," Sora slumped, "Please don't kill me for loving your daughter."

%%%%%

Riku was lead to the Hokage's office. He entered just as Sasuke was leaving. Riku raised an eyebrow.

"Riku?" Naruto asked.

"Hi, Um… Kairi's Dad," Riku didn't know how else to address, "Can we talk?"

"Sure," Naruto invited, "I understand that your from another world, but you need to address me as Lord Seventh or Lord Hokage. It's customary, and I can't exceptions even if you're Kairi's friend."

"I get it," Riku said, "Lord Hokage," Lord Seventh sounded weird to Riku, "I wanted to talk to you."

"So did I," Naruto said, "Sasuke explained to me about the meeting you had with someone called Yen Sid."

"Master Yen Sid," Riku stated. Riku barely stifled a curse. Did Sasuke tell Naruto about the recording of a certain saps declaration of love?

"Yes, I understand that the Otsutuki is your concern as well?"

Okay, so far so good, no mention of Sora yet, "Yeah. We need to figure out where they've been hiding this whole time, but it looks like they're interested in your world. So, we decided to station a Keyblade Wielder here, and since Kairi's from here, Master Yen Sid thought it would be a good idea."

Naruto looked down, concerned, "How strong is Kairi?"

"She was tough long before she had that Byakugan," Riku explained, "I wouldn't want to get in trouble with her."

Naruto's eyes narrowed, "Good, you shouldn't."

Riku felt a chill go up his spine. He didn't know why, he wasn't romantically involved with Kairi.

But you did help Maleficent kidnap her. A voice in the back of his head said. Riku gulped. Yeah, that's not something he was going to admit to her powerhouse of a father anytime soon.

"So, you're going to looking for the Otsutsuki?" Naruto asked.

"They have to have a strong hold somewhere," Riku explained, "We are going to look for them, but we're also looking for a friend of ours."

"Sora, right?" Naruto asked.

Riku almost stiffened in nervousness. He needed to tread lightly here, "You know who Sora is?"

"Yeah, Kairi told me about him," Naruto explained, "Told me he disappeared after he saved all of you."

Was that all? Naruto didn't look angry or annoyed. He seemed pleasantly eager to listen. So, Sasuke didn't spill the beans, and Kairi was keeping it close the vest. Okay, time to make Sora look good.

"Yeah," Riku said, "He saved my life, more than a few times. If you ever tell him I said this. I'm going to deny it; but he's strong and kind. One time, he faced an army of a thousand Heartless to save an entire city. And he destroyed them all!"

"Sounds impressive," Naruto said, "Boruto could learn a thing or two from him."

Yes! He made Sora sound cool. Riku could try to say more, but he didn't want it to be obvious. He would tell him another one of Sora's act of Heroism later, "The point is, we're going to be doing both things: Finding the Otsutsuki and finding Sora. We're not leaving him, wherever he is."

Naruto nodded, "I understand. In the Shinobi World those who abandon their mission are scum, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum."

Riku smiled, "I think Sora would like you."

"I think I would like him too."

"I'm still going to be checking back in with Kairi," Riku said, "She's strong, but still new to the Keyblade."

"I understand," Naruto nodded, "She won't be defending this world alone."

Riku nodded. He thought about Kairi, how scared she was about coming home. He looked at Naruto, "Lord Hokage, you're a leader of this world, and I respect that."

Naruto knew Riku was going somewhere, "And?"

"But Kairi is my best friend," Riku began, "We grew up together. She's like family to me. She's a sweet, kind, and loyal girl, who deserves to be love. I'm not exaggerating when I say worlds were destroyed and wars were waged over her heart; and I made certain sacrifices for her heart as well," Riku stalked closer, "You may be her father, but you're a stranger to me. Kairi wants to stay and rekindle your relation and I do know the time lost between you two wasn't your fault," Riku looked him in the eye, "I want you to understand, I will defend that girls heart from anyone who would hurt her… no matter who they are!"

It wasn't a threat. It was a promise. Riku wasn't making a direct challenge, he knew better. But Naruto did understand what Riku was saying. I don't care if you're her Dad. Don't hurt her!

Naruto looked down at his desk, "I'm glad she had people like you, but…" When Naruto looked back up, his eyes were red, and Riku could swear he heard a beast growling, "Don't assume I'm going to hurt her! Losing her was the darkest day of my life. And her coming back, was the light I needed during the Otsutsuki's attack. I will crush anyone who tries to hurt her."

Riku swallowed nervously, "Then we understand each other," Riku didn't know how his voice came out steady but he was glad it was. World leader or not, Riku did not like showing fear.

Riku exited the tower.

"Hey Riku," Boruto ran up to him.

"Hey Boruto," Riku greeted, "You going to talk to your Dad?"

"Nah, actually I wanted to talk to you."

"What about?"

"Well," the two started walking, "I wanted to ask what Kairi likes. Knowing Mom, she's gonna want to cook Kairi a big welcome home dinner."

"That sounds great," Riku said.

"Yeah, so I was wondering if I could ask you what Kairi likes, that way I can help Mom prepare."

"That's real cool of you," Riku said, "Well, Kairi likes ramen, but I don't think you're Mom's making that. Kairi also likes poultry, chicken and turkey, that kind of stuff."

"Uh-huh, grilled or fried?"

"Well, since it's homemade, she'll liked it cooked-…" Riku stopped, before grabbing something behind him and pulling it in front of him. Dangling from his hand, was another Boruto, "What are you doing?"

The clone pointed at Boruto, "He made me do it," before poofing away. Riku looked at Boruto. He reached into the pocket the clone tried to reach into and pulled out his gummiphone.

"What do you want you want with this?"

"Uh," Boruto flinched, "I just… thought it looks cool. Can I see it?"

Riku was not impressed, "No. What do you really want with it?"

"Uh…"

"You know why don't we ask your Mom, why you wanted to pick someone's pocket!"

"No don't," Boruto panicked before confessing, "I wanted the recording or that Loser's love confession so I can show it to Dad!"

"You want to ruin Kairi's love life?" Riku asked in disbelief, "Kid, I say this because I care. Don't get involved," Riku then walked away. He felt sorry for anyone who was dumb enough to get between Kairi and her love life.

%%%%%

Kairi slumped onto the bed. Her Mom and sister had gone to get them lunch. Kairi hadn't spent much time in hospitals, but she had not heard pleasant things about hospital food. But that left Kairi alone in the room again… and she was bored.

"How long does it take to get lunch?" Kairi asked.

Kairi thought about the new 'mission' she was assigned. Basically she had to protect the world from the Otsutsuki. She wondered what her friends were going to do? She knew they were still going to look for Sora. Terra, Ventus, and Aqua were still in the Realm of Darkness. Kairi doubted they would hear from them soon. Roxas and Xion were still in Twilight Town with Namine and…

Namine.

Now that Kairi finally found her family, it was time to think about Namine. Namine and Kairi had a good relationship. Kairi didn't think of Namine as her Nobody, she thought of her as her sister; and knowing her luck, Namine was bound to come to Kairi's world eventually and meet her family.

And Kairi knew, she needed to explain who and what Namine was… That was… going to be very complicated.

Kairi got out of the bed and went to her dress. She pulled out the gummiphone and dialed Namine's number.

"Hello?" Namine answered.

"Hi, Namine," Kairi greeted, "It's me, Kairi."

"Hey, Kairi, what's up?"

"Well," Kairi smiled, "I found my family."

"Really?" Namine said, "Did you talk to them?"

"I did," Kairi's smile increased, "They're really happy to see me. I'm even moving back in with them."

"That's great," Namine said, "What are they like? What is Boruto like? And Himawari? And Da-…" Namine suddenly stopped herself, "And your Dad, how is he?"

Kairi didn't miss what Namine almost said. She almost called Naruto 'Dad.'

"They've been very welcoming," Kairi said, "Boruto, is… well, he's a kid, so he's impatient and a little annoying. But he's a good kid. Himawari is adorable. She looks so much like Mom. She brought me a bunch of pictures she drew. Dad's been busy, but he's in charge, so that's to be expected. And Mom's been great… I'm really happy." Kairi admitted.

"That's wonderful," Namine said, "I'm glad."

Kairi swallowed she walked to the window to look out it as she talked, "I haven't told them everything just yet, like what happened at Hollow Bastion," When Kairi lost her heart.

"I figured," Namine said, "Some things are going to need be eased in."

"I'll tell them soon," Kairi promised, "And when I do, I'll tell them about you too."

There was a pause on the line, "What?"

"I'll tell them about you," Kairi repeated, "They're bound to be shocked at first, but I'm positive once they get to know you they'l-…"

"NO!" Namine's suddenly shouted in a panicked tone.

"Namine?"

"I mean," Namine paused, Kairi swore she heard her taking a breath, "I mean don't tell them about me."

"What? Why?" Kairi asked.

"I'm… They… I just don't see why I should meet them!"

"Namine, we're family," Kairi urged, "That means you're-…"

"I'm not their daughter!" Namine quickly said, "I'm just… I'm just… I'm fine with how things are."

"Namine," Kairi urged, "It's okay we can-…"

"I said I'm fine," Namine shouted, "Don't tell them I'm their daughter, because I'm not!" Kairi heard the call end.

%%%%%

Namine gasped as she held the phone in her hands. She leaned against the wall behind her. She didn't mean to shout, or to just hang up like that. She just…

"Ugh…" she slid down the wall until she was sitting.

When Kairi told her, she was going to tell her family about Namine, she just panicked. The thought of them knowing her and her connection to Kairi terrified her. What if they thought she was a freak, an abomination, a witch?

Painful memories that Namine tried to ignore, began to surface.

It's a little late for the witch to grow a conscience.

You were never to supposed to exist.

No one would care if you died because you're not even real!

No one is coming to save you.

Nobody's can't hope to become Somebody's.

You don't have a heart; you can't even feel love…

"I have a heart," Namine said to herself, "I have a heart. I am a Somebody… and I am loved."

Namine had so many people in her life now. The friends who love her despite being what she was. She had them. She didn't need anything else…

Despite believing that, Namine trembled as she began to cry.

%%%%%%

Kairi pulled the phone away, and looked at it concerned, "Namine…"

"Who's Namine?"

Kairi turned and saw Sasuke standing at the door. Kairi turned to look out the window, "How much did you hear?"

"Just the last part," Sasuke approached her, "Who is Namine?"

"Someone I care greatly about," Kairi said. She felt worried for Namine.

"I saw what happened at the end of the fight," Sasuke changed the subject, "Where Momoshiki spoke to you and Boruto."

"What about it?" Kairi asked.

"The one who is paying the price," Kairi stiffened, "Is it Namine or Sora?"

"How do you know Sora's name?" Kairi asked.

"I overheard the recording," Sasuke said.

Kairi face turned red, just when she got her mind off of it, "I… he… we… um…" Kairi took in a deep breath before continuing, "The answer to that question, is Sora… He's paying the price."

"Is Sora your boyfriend?"

"That's none of your business," Kairi answered quickly, "Wait. Did you tell Dad?"

"No."

Kairi sighed in relief. That was one thing she wasn't ready for.

"I'm still concerned about what Momoshiki said at the end."

"The blues eyes taking everything from Boruto," Kairi recalled, "And the Darkness…"

"What do you know?"

Kairi's hand clutched her gown, "Nothing I haven't faced before."

There was a pause between them before Sasuke spoke, "We don't have anything else to go on other than his words. I'll talk to Boruto about this as well. Keep your guard up," Sasuke began to leave. However just as he walked out the door, "Naruto just got you back, don't be reckless."

%%%%

"They're all staring," Kairi said, uncomfortably, as she walked home with her family. Everyone in the village saw them and were looking at them… more accurately her.

"They're staring because you're pretty," Hinata said.

"Yeah," Himawari smiled as she held Kairi's hand.

Kairi was resisting the strong urge to put on her hood. She wasn't used to so many people looking at her. Everyone knew who she was. Dad decided to make it clear his firstborn daughter was alive and home.

"We're here," Hinata said after what felt like forever. Kairi looked up, her eyes widened. It really was her old house. A part of Kairi thought they would have moved after she was kidnapped.

"Come on," Himawari pulled Kairi's hand into the house.

"Okay, I'm coming," Kairi laughed.

Kairi was pulled through the threshold. She quickly looked around at everything. The doors, the hallways, the stairs. They seemed so much smaller.

She was pulled into the living room, Kairi smiled, "You redecorated."

Himawari looked up at Kairi confused. The living room always looked like this.

"It used to be more open," Kairi led Himawari to where she meant, "There used to be a couch pressed against the wall here. In front of it was the Boruto's play area."

"Big brother had a play area?"

"Yeah," Kairi confirmed, "He was just a baby. Mom and Dad would put a small fence around this area, so that way Boruto wouldn't crawl into a part of the house they couldn't see him, and then…"

Hinata just smiled as she watched Kairi, tell Himawari the story. Hinata could barely believe Kairi was there. Standing in their living room again. Talking to Himawari. Hinata gave up hope a long time ago that this would ever happen. Now here she was.

She quickly wiped a stray tear away before either of her daughter's noticed.

%%%%

Kairi looked over her old room. She could tell, the bed frame, the dresser, and the desk were new. She could smell, the new paint. This room was different from when she was little. One thing was the same.

Sitting on her dresser was an old photo. It was the one where Boruto crawled onto her lap when she was little. She smiled as she recalled.

After Boruto fell asleep on Kairi's lap. Kairi tried to be still, which was hard. She was five. But she still didn't want to wake up Mommy, who was asleep on the couch.

"I'm home!"

Finally, Daddy was back. Maybe now Kairi would be free of her brother.

"Hinata? Kairi?" Naruto walked into the living room looking for his family.

"Daddy," Kairi whispered/shouted, "Mommy and Boruto are sleeping."

Naruto looked and smiled at what must had been the most heartwarming sights he had seen. Boruto was sleeping in Kairi's lap. He quickly and quietly went to Hinata, "Hinata wake up."

"Mm," Hinata gently stirred, "Naruto?"

"Shhh…" Naruto quickly pointed at their children. Hinata looked and smiled.

Kairi frowned. Why were they so happy?

"Mommy, can you take Boruto now?" Kairi whispered, "He's heavy."

"Just a minute Kairi, Naruto get the camera."

"Well, I'm glad one of us was comfortable," Kairi pulled out her phone and took a picture, of the picture. She did notice a message from Riku.

Here's the recording of Sora, so you can listen to it anytime you want.

Kairi blushed, then she smiled, "Thanks."

P.S Don't let Boruto get your gummiphone. He wants to show that recording to your Dad and destroy your love life.

Kairi sighed, "Noted."

"I'm home!" Kairi recognized her Father's voice. Kairi quickly stowed her phone and went back downstairs. She went in to see him putting something on the counter.

"Hi, Dad."

Naruto looked up and smiled, before walking over to hug Kairi. He was never going to get tired of that.

"I'm home," that was when Boruto walked in.

"Hey Dad, you're home!" Boruto smiled.

"Hey."

"Welcome back."

Hinata then walked in, carrying a cake, "Your father bought this for us."

When she sat it down, everyone looked at the confection.

Happy Birthday, Boruto, Himawari, Kairi.

"Sorry I'm late, but Happy Birthday," Naruto said.

Kairi smiled. The other night, her Dad told her he missed Boruto's and Himawari's recent birthdays. That led to Kairi lecturing him. She didn't miss her name on the cake… Then again, they hadn't celebrated her Birthday in a long time.

"Thanks so much Daddy," Himawari said.

"Yeah, thanks Dad," Kairi added.

"Dad…" Boruto suddenly punched him in the gut. Causing Naruto to groan in pain.

"Boruto are you crazy?" Kairi asked.

Boruto just smiled smugly, "So I guess you aren't a shadow clone this time huh?"

Naruto grabbed his son and put him in a head, "What's the big idea doing that out of the blue?" He then proceeded to give Boruto a noogie.

"But it was your fault to begin with," Boruto groaned.

"What was that?"

"Hey guys," not wanting to be left out, Himawari jumped on her Dad's back, "Hey, come one, be careful Himawari."

"Alright, that's enough, cut it out all of you," Hinata snapped, "Or I'm going to put the cake away."

That made the trio stutter and release a slew of apologies.

Kairi who watched the whole thinig, burst out laughing. She could barely believe, she was related to these crazy people.

%%%%%

As Namine laid down for the night. Her gummiphone pinged. Meaning, she got a message. She sat up in her bed and grabbed her phone. She opened the message, it was a picture. Actually a few pictures. Kairi was with a group of people. Namine quickly recognized two them as her parents.

Namine scrolled through the photos. There were some of just her parents, and some of just the two kids. There was a tag with one of them.

Boruto and Himawari.

Namine stared at them. She took in everything about them. Boruto looked like he had mischievous streak. She could see it in his grin. And Kairi was right, Himawari was adorable! And Mom-… Kairi's Mom, was still beautiful. Kairi looked so much like her.

And you don't.

Namine looked at… Kairi's Dad. Kairi was right, Boruto took after him. He was older, but he looked like the kind of adult that was still young at heart. Someone, who was fun and kind.

She saw another pic with a message attached. She clicked it. It was of Kairi's Dad and brother.

Don't you think, you look a little bit like them?

%%%%

"So, it also takes pictures?" Boruto asked as he looked at Kairi's gummiphone.

"Yep," Kairi said, it also receives and sends messages. Kairi grinned, "like this one from Riku." Kairi showed him the message Riku sent her earlier.

"Uh…"

"Boruto," Kairi gave a scary smile.

"Yeah?"

"Himawari told me a story, about the day Dad became Hokage. She told me she actually knocked him out in one shot. And said shot was meant for you, because you ripped her teddy bear."

"It was an accident," Boruto whined.

"Well, Boruto," Kairi leaned in menacingly, "My phone is much precious to me than a teddy bear; if you touch it, I will know. If you tell Dad about Sora! I will show you the difference between the wrath of a little girl and the wrath of a teenager. Is that clear."

Boruto trembled, "Yes."

"Good, I'm glad we understand each other."

While Boruto was indeed afraid of Kairi's wrath. He wasn't giving up.

I need to come up with a plan to get that phone. That loser isn't good enough for Kairi. No one is good enough for my sisters! One way or another, Dad is hearing that message!

Never get between a teenage girl and her cell phone. I guess Boruto is going to have to learn that the hard way.