Chapter Thirteen

Loud chatter floated through the tiny ramen diner. Naruto bustled around the tables, taking orders and delivering bowls of steaming ramen soup. A few regulars had been concerned about him since he had left early yesterday and even told him to take it easy. He thanked them, feeling a hint of warmth from their concern. The people who came to Teuchi's ramen shop were a variety of people. Sometimes there were a few high school students. Other times, there were office workers, hosts and hostesses, police officers, and even a few questionable customers that may be involved in the darker side of society. But they were all customers who talked a lot, shared their stories, and laughed together. Here in this place, it didn't matter what part of life they came from. They were customers, people who shared similar struggles despite different paths they walked. When they left, the heaviness they came with, vanished. This was what Naruto loved about Teuchi's ramen restaurant. If one day he could own a place himself, he wanted it to feel just as welcomed as it did here.

Smiling as he lifted another tray onto his arm, he made his way back to the dining tables. He walked over to one of the tables, calling out their orders and setting the bowls down. He bowed to them just as another customer called out to him for a refill on a glass of water. He hurried over with a pitcher and refilled it immediately, but before he could return the pitcher, his cell phone he kept in his back pocket began to buzz. Taken slightly by surprise, he nearly jostled the water from its container. Apologizing profusely, he made his way to the back of the kitchen after setting the pitcher down. Swiping his phone, he answered wondering who was calling him since he didn't recognize the number. Tentatively, he answered after peeking at the time on his phone. Two hours in from his shift. He hoped it wasn't any bad news.

"Is this Mr Uzumaki?" A female voice asked from the other side of the line.

"Yes, this is he," he replied, straightening his back. He didn't know what it was, but the tone of the other person from the other line made him feel as if he was in school again facing his principle.

"I'm Principle Tsunade of Konoha Junior High School. Your son, Uzumaki Boruto, attends here. I'm calling you because he instigated a fight and is currently in my office. The other student's parents already came to pick him up. Please come to the school immediately so I can discuss with you the repercussions of your son's actions."

Naruto froze. Boruto was in trouble for getting into a fight? He knew his son was mischievous, but never enough to hit someone else. If that happened, usually it was for someone else. When he had replied, Tsunade's firm voice came through the line again. Apologizing for not speaking immediately, Naruto confirmed he would be there as soon as he could. After hanging up, he gave a long sigh. He briefly wondered what had annoyed his son to the point where he fought someone, but decided that would be a story he would have to hear from Boruto.

Exiting the kitchen, he walked over to Teuchi and pulled him aside. He hoped the old man wouldn't mind him leaving early today as well. "Boruto's school just called. Something happened and I need to pick him up. Is it okay if I leave for today? I'm sorry. I know I left early yesterday too and just got in today..."

"It's okay. Must be something terrible if the school is calling you. Go on ahead. We got it handled here," Teuchi replied sympathetically.

"Thank you, sir." Naruto bowed once to him, then quickly removed his apron. Once he was back in his normal clothes, he waved goodbye to the customers and the other employees before leaving the ramen shop.

He arrived at the school a few minutes later. As he walked toward the gates, he spotted Sarada standing beside Himawari. Worried as to why they were there waiting, he quickened his pace and met up with them. "What happened?" he asked worriedly, squatting down to reach their eye level.

"Boruto got into a fight," Sarada said repeating what Tsunade had told him. "Some older boy from a year up was teasing him. I didn't hear what was said, but it pissed off Boruto. The next thing I know, they were fighting. The senpai's friends jumped in to help, but Shikadai was able to stop them before things got worst and then the teachers came and pulled Boruto and that senpai aside. I saw the senpai already left with his parents. His mom didn't look too happy. When she saw Himawari though..." Sarada shifted on her feet. Her voice wavered as she wasn't sure how to word her next phrase. Naruto waited until she finally looked up with determined eyes. "When she saw Himawari, she gave the most disgusted look. Her face contorted and it looked like she wasn't too happy. I don't know what really happened, but I didn't like her at all."

Himawari fidgeted with her fingers. She was quiet and kept her gaze downward. Naruto didn't like her like this. This was how she was when Hinata had passed and he kept his distance from his children. Taking her tiny hands into his, he squeezed them. Himawari looked up. Her eyes were red, slightly puffy, from crying. Her eyes quickly darted to the side when they met his. Smiling warmly, he asked, "Hey, what's wrong? You know you can tell me anything."

"It's nothing," she whispered, "I'll tell you when you go pick up big brother. Just...don't be mad at him okay? It wasn't his fault. It was mine."

He wasn't sure what she meant by that, but he promised her he wouldn't get angry at Boruto. Standing up, he asked if Sarada could wait with Himawari while he went to the principle's office. She agreed and he thanked her, then continued on his way.

At first, he was a little lost, but thanks to a few students, he found his way to the office. Standing in front of the mahogany, Naruto took a deep breath. He calmed his thumping heart and knocked as confidently as he could. The same, familiar voice of the lady from the phone line drifted pass the thick door, welcoming him in. He opened it. The office wasn't large. Dark brown bookcases lined one side of the room. The other side of the wall was plastered with framed awards and trophies. Right in the middle was a large, dark brown desk. Sitting behind it in a grand, black leather chair, was a woman with long blond hair. Her elbows propped on the surface of the table with her hands folded and her chin resting on top. When he entered, her intense gaze landed on his. Naruto gulped. Smiling, he bowed and walked in. Boruto was sitting opposite of her in a chair. His left cheek was red from where he had been hit. His bottom lip was slightly bruised too. Naruto frowned at the sight of his injured son. He wanted to check up on him, but instead sat down in the chair beside him. He flicked his attention over the principle. "What happened?" he asked.

"I've tried asking Uzumaki, your son, about that too, but he's remained silent on this whole matter. All I know from witnesses is that he started the brawl, apparently for no reason. The other student who was involved has been picked up by his parents, who aren't very happy with this either. I must apologize, but since your son was the one who started it, he's going to be suspended from school for two weeks," Tsunade said. "I know he isn't a bad student. Mischievous and likes to play too many pranks and lazy, but he's practically on top of the school, ranking in the top five. But seeing as the other student's parents weren't too happy if we weren't going to do anything about it, this is the minimum punishment. I also want to know why he reacted that way." Tsunade's eyes landed on Boruto, but his son merely 'hmphed' and turned his chin upward as he turned his head to the side. She sighed at his gesture. "In any case, please take care Mr. Uzumaki."

"Ah, yes. Thank you..." Naruto said.

"I'm not trying to give your son special treatment. I just know there's more to the story than what I was told."

"Yes, I know. Again, thank you."

Naruto stood and bowed to her. Boruto stood after him and together they left the office. He glanced down at his moody son and sighed. He would have to wait till they got home if he wanted to get some answers. He reached over, ruffling his son's hair. "Let's go home. Himawari and Sarada are waiting for us at the school entrance."

Boruto didn't answer. But even so, the two of them made their way to the front of the school to pick up the two girls. With the three children in tow, Naruto walked them back to the apartment.

Back inside the apartment room, Naruto fixed four cup of hot green tea. He looked over his shoulder to check up on them. All three were quietly sitting on the couch in the living room. There was a dreary mood hanging over all of them. Wondering how he could cheer them up, he quickly set the cups on a tray and brought it over to the coffee table. Setting it down, he sat down on the other side of the table and waited. When no one did anything, he heaved another loud sigh. "Alright, if no one wants to say anything, I'll start." He looked over to his daughter. She shrunk from his gaze. "Himawari..." his voice softened. "Why did you say this was your fault?"

Boruto jerked from his question. Angrily, he whipped his head in Himawari's direction. "Why are you blaming yourself?!" he asked. "This wasn't your fault. If anyone is to blame, it's Gusari-senpai's fault! Him and his family!"

"Settle down," Naruto said, hoping to calm Boruto. "Please explain this to me."

Boruto scowled. Crossing his arms across his chest, he turned to Naruto and said, "Gusari-senpai was—"

"Wait!" Himawari interrupted. "Let me start first." She fidgeted with her hands again, but then she took a breath and continued. "A few days ago, my friend, Chii-chan, was talking about how her family. I happen to talk about you, dad, and...Uncle Sasuke. Chii-chan said it was weird that Dad liked another man, but I told her it was normal. I even told her about Grandpa Iruka and Grandpa Kakashi. Chii-chan said it was interesting and asked what it was like. I told her a lot of things about how when we used to live with grandpa. I even said that I wouldn't mind if Uncle Sasuke came to live with us. But then the next day, Chii-chan started ignoring me. I was sad and tried to ask her why. She told me that when she told her parents about Dad and Uncle Sasuke, her mom got angry. Her mom told her not to hang out with me anymore because my family wasn't normal. Chii-chan's older brother goes to big brother's school, so...I guess he heard too..."

"He does," Boruto continued from Himawari. "His name is Gusari Doi. He's in the soccer club and likes to boast a lot since he's the captain. Anyways, he came over to me and started talking about how dad was a pervert for liking other men. I got mad, but what really made me pissed off was when Gusari-senpai started talking about mom. He said mom married a pervert and that she was an idiot for not knowing that." Boruto cluck his tongue, growling as he clenched his fists tighter. "He said his mom told him that my mom was probably an idiot slut and that Grandpa Iruka and Grandpa Kakashi were disgusting. It was so...so—!" Boruto yelled and smacked the throw pillow on the sofa.

Naruto took in all the information that was thrown at him slowly. He digested it, trying to figure out how he was going to smooth it over. But nothing came into mind. Even when he was younger, there wasn't much he could do when the people around him refused to try and understand. Slowly, he stood and walked over to the children. He knelt down in front of them, grabbing their attention. "I'm sorry," he said because he didn't know what else to say. "This is—"

"It's not your fault or my dad's fault!" Sarada shouted.

Her outburst surprised Naruto. Taken aback by it, his upper torso lurched slightly backward. "Eh?"

"It's not yours or my dad's fault," Sarada repeated. "You and my dad are human beings too! Why can't you guys be happy too? And Mr. Iruka and Mr. Kakashi are nice people! They don't know what they are saying. They're the people at fault!"

"That's right!" Himawari agreed.

He blinked, staring at each child sitting before him. They were so young and yet society was already forcing their views onto them. Naruto leaned forward, bringing each child into his arm, and hugged them tightly. He wasn't sure how to protect them from all this, from the prejudice of the world that instills what is normal and what is not. He hoped this wouldn't make them grow up too fast. Releasing them, he said, "I know how cruel society can be. I lived through the brunt of bullies as a child when they knew about Iruka and Kakashi. I hoped you children wouldn't have to suffer the same fate and yet here we are, and again the cycle begins. If I was a responsible parent, I should have chosen an easier route. But I didn't...but I also want the three of you to know despite all of this, it is still a beautiful world. There are a few people who won't tolerate or won't understand, but that's okay too. It just means we have to be more open minded and teach those who have yet to know that people like us aren't monsters. Even if they bully you or say cruel things, be strong, be brave. No matter what they say to you, don't react with fists because that doesn't solve anything. Use your words, tell them about how you live and keep moving forward. There will those who won't ever accept you, but that doesn't mean nobody ever will. And those who do accept you as you are, who don't abandon you, those are the ones who are true friends. Remember that well."

The three children nodded silently. Smiling broadly, he ushered them to go finish their homework and told Boruto that even though he was suspended, he still needed to study. With the three kids in the room, he was left alone in the living room. Groaning as he stood, he took one look around. Books he hadn't seen before were stored neatly under the television table. Pots of home grown vegetables were set outside the balcony. A throw blanket hung, folded, over the back of the couch. The kitchen was filled with new pots and pans, new knives, and scattered, but organized herbs. Another apron also hung beside the one that Hinata use to wear. His place had changed quite a bit since he moved here. Sasuke's presence was permanently shown even in the smallest detail. Sitting down on the couch, Naruto breathed out slowly. He rubbed his hands over his face as he thought about what the future would hold for them. The apartment was too small for them. They needed a bigger place, but he wasn't even sure where Sasuke was in their relationship—if his raven hair lover was ready to move in together officially.

And now there was this problem they had to deal with. He didn't know how to explain to Sasuke or how he would react. He could only hope what happened to their children wasn't going to be a setback for the other man. Rolling his shoulders, he flexed his hand which started to feel numb. He leaned back, resting his head on the top of the sofa. He debated if he should head back in to work, but ultimately decided to stay home. He didn't want to leave the children alone this time around. Closing his eyes, he let himself rest and await the time when he had to tell Sasuke what happened.

Naruto was chopping some vegetables when he heard the door click open. Heart palpitating, he set the knife down. Taking even breaths, he hurried over to Sasuke and welcomed him home. Sasuke stilled, surprised to see him. He arched a brow at Naruto when he looked over his shoulder to check the children. They were still in their room. After making sure they weren't there, Naruto waved for Sasuke to come with him. Silently, the two trod to the room. Naruto quietly closed the door behind him, then walked over to the bed to sit down. He wanted to wait for Sasuke to set his bag down and change before he told him anything. Sasuke was hesitant initially, but eventually did put everything away and changed into more comfortable attire. Sitting down beside him, Sasuke raised his brow again.

Naruto smiled wryly. "So...Boruto got suspended for two weeks today."

Sasuke blinked. "What happened?"

"Some upperclassman found out about you and me. His little sister was friends with Himawari and Himawari told her about us. Turns out her friend ended up telling her family and they weren't too happy that she friends with Himawari. Her older brother started to pick a fight with Boruto. He snapped when the upperclassman started talking about Hinata." Naruto gave another heavy sigh. He dropped his forehead to his hands. "I don't know. I feel so horrible Himawari lost a friend because...well...because of me. I know I said at the beginning that I trust Boruto and Himawari to be able to handle themselves, but shit, when I'm really faced with it, it's hard to handle. I wonder if this is how my parents felt when I was bullied at school."

Feeling Saske's arm around his shoulder, he leaned into his lover. He buried his face into the crook of his neck. He loved it when Sasuke knew what to do. Even without words, just his touch could calm his heart. Naruto huffed, wrapping his arms around Sasuke's waist. Little by little, they moved, adjusting their body so their lips dragged against skin. Mouth slotted perfectly in synch, moving slowly in a tender, sweet kiss. With childlike innocent intimacy, they touched, skimmed, and explored each other's bodies. Sasuke's hands found their way to the nape of his neck and latched on. In a single moment, his lips parted. Hot breath moist against his lips as Sasuke tilted his head and bought him in for another kiss, more sensual and wanton. A flick of tongue, desperate and needy. Naruto held tightly onto Sasuke as his lover dominated over him. The pit of his stomach fluttered and grew hot. He flushed at how wonderful Sasuke's tongue worked to quiet his rambling mind. He moaned into their lewd kiss—a mess of saliva and twisting tongues. When Sasuke pulled from the kiss, he followed by instinct. His lips latched to Sasuke's jaw, wanting more, needing more. Sasuke's fingers slipped under his shirt, gliding over his sides and stopped at the small of his back. They rested there as their lips found each other once more. Naruto groaned, breaking their tangled lips. He took a gulp of air and asked, "What am I suppose to do?"

Sasuke caressed his mid-back. Smiling softly, he answered, "I'm sure you already told them what they needed to hear because that's just how you are. After that, there's not much to do but to watch over them. They're our children...they know what to do."

Naruto liked the sound of that. Our children. They really were theirs. Smiling, he nodded. "Okay. Now...help me with dinner."

"And here I thought I was going to get to rest."

"If you leave dinner to me, don't expect it to be amazing."

Rolling his eyes, Sasuke removed his hands and stood. Taking Naruto's hand into his, Sasuke dragged him back into the kitchen. Working together, they prepared and finished making dinner just as the three children came out of the room.

"Dad? You're home already? I didn't hear you," Sarada said as she and the other two appeared around the corner.

"Yes," Sasuke said.

Naruto watched the children curiously as they sat down and looked at each other. They seem to silently communicate with one another before deciding on something. Sarada turned to Sasuke, straightening her back while she cleared her throat.

"Did you hear about what happened to Boruto?" she asked.

Sasuke arched a brow. "Yes, I did."

Sarada continued on courageously. "And?"

"And?"

His question faltered her. Sarada slouched and asked, "Wha—what do you think?"

"Hmmm..." Sasuke glanced over to Boruto. A moment passed in silence. Finally, he said, "Whatever Naruto said, I'm sure I agree with it. From now on, don't be so rash. Think before you act. And know this...words hurt more than fists." Sasuke smirked. "I'm sure you can think of plenty of things to say back, Boruto."

Boruto's jaw slackened, but only momentarily before he snapped it close and smirked too. Seeing this, Naruto nudged Sasuke. "Hey, don't teach him weird things."

"I'm not teaching him weird things," Sasuke said innocently. "Just proper etiquette on how to handle bullies."

The kids snickered into their hands. Shaking his head at the ridiculousness, Naruto waved for everyone to get back to dinner. Conversation steered away from the issue that had happened to school to lighter topics. Naruto knew that the issue at hand wasn't over, but for now, things were handled as well as they could be. If the bullying continued, he would have to talk to the principle of the school and hopefully work something out. Toward the end of dinner, when everything had settled down and the children in bed, Naruto found himself sitting in the living room with a can of beer in his hand. He leaned back in the couch, taking a sip of the alcohol. Sasuke came out of the bathroom, drying his hair. His lover sat down beside him and took the can from him to take a drink as well. Naruto smiled at how easily Sasuke did such things nowadays.

"I know we kinda decided to let things be and see how things go from here, but are you worried?" Naruto asked when Sasuke handed the beer back to him. He took it and drank a full gulp.

"Mmm, a little," Sasuke answered.

"A little?"

"Yeah."

He didn't expand causing Naruto to huff in exasperation. He turned, handing the can back to Sasuke. He took it from him and guzzled down the rest of the foamy liquid. Licking his lower lip to swipe away the droplets of beer, Sasuke raised a brow at him. Naruto was briefly distracted by the flick of tongue, but quickly took his attention away. "Can you expand more? I just...I don't want this to stress you out."

"It's not necessarily stressing me out," Sasuke said slowly.

"But you're still worried."

"Seems like you're more worried than I am."

Running his fingers through his hair, Naruto shrugged. He probably was, maybe? Glancing back to his lover, he scooted closer to him. Sasuke opened his arms without needing to hear Naruto asking for permission. Grateful for his silent gesture, Naruto fell into his embrace. Sighing contently, he rested his forehead on Sasuke's shoulder. "I'm not that worried. I'm more worried about you."

"I'll be fine."

"What if rumors start..."

"It's all true though."

"And you're fine with that?"

Sasuke tensed under his question. Naruto felt the shoulder go rigid. Looking up from under his eyelashes, he worriedly wondered if he shouldn't have asked. Instead, Sasuke ran his fingers through Naruto's hair. "I won't say that I'm fine with it...but for now, I think I can handle it."

"Okay..." His eyes slid shut as Sasuke tipped his head and kissed the top of his pate. Naruto chuckled. Tilting his head back, he puckered his lips for a kiss, but Sasuke poked his forehead instead. "Nn?" Blinking in confusion, he pouted. He wanted a kiss. Squeezing his eyes shut, he raised his chin. "Mmmm! Kiss!"

Sasuke huffed a laugh at his antic. Complying to his wish, Sasuke lowered his head and kissed him chastely on his lips. Naruto smiled into it. Even if it was quick, it made him melt in bliss. He glowed in utter joy.

"You look like an idiot," Sasuke muttered.

"Is that what you call your lover?" Naruto asked in mock shock.

"Yes. An idiot...a cute idiot."

Naruto lightly smacked his other shoulder. "What was it you said yesterday? An old man calling another old man cute. No old man wants to hear that."

Sasuke laughed quietly under his breath again. Rolling his eyes, he kissed him again. "Fine. You're not cute."

Humming, Naruto kept their lips inches apart. "If I'm not cute, then what am I"

"Just an idiot."

Pouting again, Naruto pushed away from his lover. He turned his back on him, crossing his arms. He could hear Sasuke chuckling from behind. Hands wrapped around his shoulder, tugging him backward. He let himself fall; his back resting perfectly against Sasuke's chest. Butterfly kisses trailed down his neck. His tilted his head, letting Sasuke's lips glide over his skin. He nibbled and licked, making Naruto's legs twitch in anticipation. Gasping, he whimpered for more. Sasuke obeyed, giving him more love bite, marking him as his.

"You're handsome," Sasuke whispered against his marked skin, "gorgeous, magnificently wonderful..." He turned Naruto around, cupping his cheeks. "When I first saw you, I thought you were beautiful...even in your drunken stupor."

Naruto blushed from the compliments. "Uh, glad to know that even when I was drunk, you thought I was good looking."

"And then..." Sasuke smiled softly—it was one of those rare smiles again. "When I saw you the next morning, I thought you had the most prettiest eyes. So blue, so majestic. If I didn't control myself, I would have lost myself in a trance looking into them."

"Oh."

Smiling mischievously, Sasuke asked, "Shall we head to bed now?"

"Eh? Oh...ah….yeah."

Smirking knowingly, Sasuke got up and took him by the hand. Still in a stupor, Naruto let himself be led away by his charming, addictive lover.

A/N: Another update! So yeah, the drama isn't over yet. XD I'm still writing chapter 14...and well, I know what I want to happen, but I'm having trouble putting them into words on the page, so it may take me a while. Already, I've rewritten the chapter twice. :/

But anyways, thanks for reading! :D