"You can't just drop a bunch of kids on my doorstep and leave, you know." Tobirama freezes, turning back to the house in horror. Aiko is there, leaning next to the door. She arches a brow at him.

"How." Tobirama demands. Shukaku waves cheerfully at Aiko.

"Your child there woke me up to say goodbye while you were rifling through my kitchen," she informs, nodding at Shukaku. Tobirama should have known. He also should have paid more attention to what Shukaku was doing, apparently.

"I left enough money to replace the food I took," he says, "and for the kids to take care of themselves." Aiko shakes her head.

"That's not the point." He frowns.

"Then what is?" She eyes him and he gets the distinct feeling she's judging him and finding him lacking. It's disconcerting, particularly from a civilian that he's only had a few interactions with in the last, what, two years? Three? (How long has he been in this universe, with nowhere to call home, with no one to lean on, with no time to truly rest and recuperate? How long has it been since he hopped universes and practically abandoned Konoha, the one thing his brother loved more than life itself?)

"What if one of them gets hurt?" Aiko nearly demands. "Or if they hurt someone else? What am I meant to do with bred and born shinobi? How am I meant to live my life and take care of six extra children? How am I meant to take care of them and not be lacking with Miku? There's more to think about than money. You've given me no forewarning, no time to prepare." They stare at each other, Tobirama getting antsy with how long he's taking. If he's not careful, the kids will wake up before he can leave.

"You... don't understand, do you?" Tobirama hesitates before shaking his head. Aiko sighs. "I'm not a shinobi, Tobirama."

"I know that," he defends.

"Then stop treating me like one," she snaps before calming and pinching the bridge of her nose. "Shinobi and civilians are not the same, you can not expect them to be so. I have more to think about than fighting and training and money. I have a life outside of my job, I have a family. Tell me you understand that much, at least?" Tobirama swallows thickly, his grip on Shukaku tightening. He does. That, at least, he does. How would he have reacted had some near-stranger shoved a bunch of true strangers between him and his brothers?

"I'm sorry," he says quietly. Aiko appraises him and nods, slowly.

"How long will you be gone?" Tobirama's head snaps up as he regards the woman with surprise.

"You-"

"How. Long."

"A week," he says quickly. "Two, at most." Aiko nods again.

"I'll let them stay this time," she says firmly. "But don't make a habit of it. I also suggest you let them go home sooner than later." He nods swiftly.

"Thank you." She waves him off.

"Go home, Tobirama." He smiles bitterly as he dips his head. If only he could.