Chapter Eighteen

The world fell away from under his feet. A tumor. It couldn't be true. His breathing heightened as he tried to gasp for air. Everything was spinning. The light was too bright and the noises from outside were pounding loudly. Closing his eyes, he tried to shake off the feeling, but it only worsened. He needed to get out of here. He needed to get home. He tried to get up. Again, the uncomfortable feeling pulled on his arm. Frustrated, he tugged the IV. He needed them off. He just needed...air. He needed air and the safety of his home. He needed normalcy. Hands pressed against his shoulders. Voices garbled through the white noise. He fought them off, but they remained on him, pushing him down. He growled, shouting something he didn't even understand. Another pair of hand grabbed his arm, forcing it to turn, his palm supine. A tiny prick pinched the crease of his arm. Blurred faces surrounded him as a sudden lethargy overtook him. His mouth opened, trying to ask what was happening, but then everything was turning black. His focus dimmed until he was soundly asleep again.

When he woke up again, he saw the nurse fixing the IV stand. The moment she saw him, she asked him questions and made a quick check before leaving to call the doctor again. Naruto sat up in the hospital bed, trying to make sense of what happened again. By the time the doctor arrive, he mostly pieced together what happened. He glanced back to the doctor when he sat down in the same spot from earlier. "I had a panic attack," Naruto said.

"Yes. We had to sedate you before you harmed yourself," the doctor said.

"Huh...so, the tumor."

"Yes. We need to perform a biopsy to check if the tumor is malignant or benign."

"Cancerous or not."

"...yes..."

"My wife had breast cancer. I'm not new to this. It's just...I didn't think…what are the prospects?"

"I..."

"It's okay. I won't get my hopes up even if it sounds nice."

"My assumption is that it is a meningioma which are often non-cancerous. Symptoms tends to be headaches, change in vision, and sometimes weakness on one side of the body. Now, I say all this, but we want to be cautious. We'd still like to do a biopsy. In most cases, that can happen quickly while in process of surgery so that we can perform the resection at the same time."

"...When can it be arranged?"

"You're still recovering from your car accident. Luckily, there wasn't any internal bleeding or swelling, but there was a stitching needed on your head. We'd like for that to heal, but we don't want to wait too long on this either. We can make an appointment for the surgery in a week. Is that alright?"

"Yes."

"Alright. I'll go make the arrangements." The doctor stood and started for the door. "I can also arrange for you to be discharge for tomorrow, if you would like."

"Yes, please."

"Okay. Then, please rest." The doctor nodded his head, then finally left.

Once again, Naruto was left to this thoughts. Resting back onto the hospital bed, he stared up at the white ceiling. If it was true that most meningiomas were non-cancerous, then he didn't need to worry. However, his mind delved into dark thoughts. His symptoms had long started since Hinata's passing. Since he didn't get checked for a while, did it mean he was at a risk for a complicated surgery? Naruto closed his eyes, wishing he had asked the doctor earlier. The thumping of his heart pounded in his ears. And what if it was cancerous? He didn't want to put his children through that again. They already lost their mother to cancer. If something were to happen to him because of it too...he couldn't think about how much it would hurt them. Sighing, he rubbed his eyes with his free hand. This was all too much to take in. Not to mention, he still wanted to talk to Hiashi too about everything. He hoped that with everything that happened, the stubborn old man would be more open to listening. His exhausted brain couldn't think about much more and soon he was asleep again.

He was woken sometime later in the afternoon. The children were in the room with Sasuke, waiting with bated breath. Blinking, his lips lifted at the sight of them. Himawari was quick to rush forward, clambering onto the bed despite Sasuke warning her to be careful. Her small arms wrapped tightly around him as she sobbed. Large tears streamed down her cheeks. Naruto cooed, hushing and comforting her as he rubbed her head, wiping tears and snot away all the while keeping her in his arms. She finally calmed down after crying her heart out and promptly fell asleep. Sasuke offered to move her, but Naruto declined it. He wanted her close. He almost lost her and feeling her warmth by his side also comforted him. He adjusted her body to make her more comfortable on the small hospital bed, then turned his attention to Boruto and Sarada who waited at his bedside. It was clear that the two older children were fidgeting, waiting for his permission. Grinning, he opened his arms. Relief flooded them as the two hurried and hugged him. After a minute or so, they finally untangled their arms. They spent the next few hours talking, mostly about what happened.

"Grandpa Hiashi dropped by the school after Sarada went back inside," Boruto started, "I refused to ride back with him, saying that we were waiting for Sarada. Himawari asked if they could wait for her, then we wouldn't mind. I tried to tell Hima that it wasn't good idea, but Grandpa Hiashi agreed and Hima immediately went inside...I don't blame her for thinking nothing bad was going to happen. Mom always talked fondly of him and we were always shown pictures of Grandpa Hiashi. Hima just didn't quite understand yet why we never met Grandpa Hiashi face to face and I didn't have the courage to break the illusion for her. I went in with her to make sure nothing happened, but when I did, they closed the door and drove off. Hima started yelling them to stop because they were leaving Sarada behind, but they wouldn't stop the car. The next thing we know, we were at Grandpa Hiashi's house, being forcefully led inside all the while Grandpa Hiashi was saying that he would raise us and give us a better life...everything we wanted, he said."

Naruto clenched the blanket in his fists tightly. He wanted to be mad, to feel some sort of seething anger at Hiashi for brazenly taking his children in broad daylight, but no such emotion came. Maybe it was due to fatigue from all the years of trying to bring Hiashi into the lives of children, but never hearing a word or maybe it was exhaustion from keeping his anger in check for all the times he never came by to see Hinata in the hospital. Or maybe it was just an understanding. His hands slowly relaxed, splaying back on out the hospital sheets. Yes, an understanding. Like Hiashi, he also wanted what was best for his children. Hiashi may have gone about it the wrong way, but Naruto also knew he had good intentions. Sighing, he nodded slowly. "Do you...hate him?" he asked slowly.

Boruto stared. He pursed his lips and shrugged. "Mom never said anything bad about him. I mean, sure, I kinda understood that Grandpa Hiashi probably didn't like the family very much, but mom only ever said nice things. I don't think mom would have lied about that. Besides, whenever mom spoke about Grandpa Hiashi, she always had his peaceful look on her face."

Naruto smiled wanly. It was true. Hinata never misspoke about Hiashi. Despite the history between them, he was still her father who raised her and Hanabi as a single father. He may have been strict, but he was still a good father to her. Reaching out a hand, he ruffled Boruto's head. "If you see him again, how would you react?"

"I don't know. I didn't like that he tried to take us away from you...but I won't truly know how I would react until I see him again."

Humming thoughtfully, Naruto ruffled Boruto's head once more. His son frowned, swiping his hand away and fixing his hair. The conversation remain light afterward for the rest of the hours until Sasuke had to take the children back home. Himawari was reluctant to go, but Naruto promised her he would be home the next day which got her to leave with Sasuke. Before Sasuke could leave his side, he reached out with a hand and gripped the other man's hand. Sasuke's black eyes drifted over to him with a raised brow. Smiling, he asked, "Are you going to pick me up tomorrow?"

Sasuke nodded. "Yes."

Relieved, he slipped his hands away. As he settled back into the bed, he was taken by surprise when Sasuke leaned down and kissed him chastely on the lips. Blinking, Naruto's mouth fell open. He barely caught the flush red of a blush just as Sasuke turned away.

"See you tomorrow," said Sasuke as he left the room. His gaze looked over him one last time, then the door closed.

Naruto was still left speechless. He touched his lips. The burning sensation of his lover's lips lingered. Giddiness erupted. He bit back a squeal, burying himself under the hospital blankets. Shit, I feel like a teenager all over again. He laughed inwardly at himself. It wasn't like Sasuke didn't take the initiative, but having him kiss him a public place was a very big step. His fingers trailed back to his lips. Sighing, he pressed two fingers against them. How he wanted to kiss Sasuke again and make his legs quiver; to press his body against his and feel him writhe beneath him. He couldn't wait to leave tomorrow.

He was discharged as stated the next day and returned home with Sasuke. Arriving back at the apartment, he was greeted by a fussing Iruka and a concerned Kakashi. Gaara also stopped by to check in on him after hearing what happened from Boruto. By the time the children returned from school, everyone in the complex had visited him once, bringing him get well gifts mostly consisting of fruits. As Iruka and Sasuke prepped for dinner, Naruto sat in the living room with Himawari excitedly telling him about her day. Kakashi, Boruto, and Sarada joined him in listening to her. Soon, the apartment was filled with chatter and laughing. Naruto sat back, watching the children as they talked and bickered. Smiling, he watched them a little while longer until the doorbell rang. He moved to stand up, but Kakashi pushed a hand on his shoulder, and rose to open the door instead. He thanked his father and returned to the children's conversation.

"You sure have guts to come back here." Kakashi's voice traveled through the apartment.

Turning around, Naruto glanced to the door. Hanabi stood beside a stern looking Hiashi. She caught his eyes and smiled, waving at him. He returned her smile, then stood up slowly. "Dad, it's okay. Let him in."

Kakashi stepped aside, despite his expression showing the opposite of welcoming. Boruto and Himawari were quick to run over and hug Hanabi, welcoming her inside. But when their blue eyes settled on Hiashi, their smiles slowly faded as they warily stared at him. Naruto bit back a sigh. Things were going to get difficult if Hiashi remained stubborn. He walked over to his father-in-law, standing in front of him. Hiashi's brows furrowed. Expecting to be scolded, Naruto waited with bated breath. Instead, he let out surprised sigh when Hiashi bowed. "Er, Hiashi, it's...you don't—"

"I apologize for putting the children in harm's way," Hiashi said. "I...I'm sorry. I didn't want...I never wanted to hurt them. I just wanted to make sure they had the best—"

Naruto placed a hand on Hiashi's shoulder and pulled him up from the bow. Looking at the other man face to face, he said, "I know. I'm not happy how you did it, but I understand. I also want what's best for the children. I won't say I'm the best father, but I love them dearly and I will do whatever I can to make sure they grow up healthy and happy."

Hiashi blinked. Lips pressed, he nodded his head. "Yes...that is the best." He seemed hesitant, but Hiashi eventually cleared his throat and asked, "Is it alright if I...see her altar?"

It took a moment, but Naruto eventually let him. While the others remained behind, he led his father-in-law to the room of Hinata's shrine. Kneeling before it, the two of them lit an incense, prayed, and placed them into the incense holder. Silence blanketed over them as they remained kneeling, staring at Hinata's picture. Each and every one of them revealed her bright smiles. He didn't know how long they sat in silence, but Hiashi was the first to break it.

"I am sure you probably won't ever forgive me for everything I've done in the past," he said.

Naruto bit his inner cheek. Slowly, he put his thoughts into words. "I...don't know. More than it being about me, I was angry that you disowned Hinata and even when she was at her worst, you never came. I couldn't forgive that, but Hinata...she was sweet and gentle. She never held a speck of hate toward you. Because of that, I was willing to look it over. But...it was hard. Even now, it's hard. I can't say I'll forgive you right away, but..." Naruto turned toward Hiashi. "I think we can try starting over. Hinata always wanted you to meet the children. So...as long as you don't take them away, I don't mind if you come by and visit them. However, I cannot speak for them. Whether they forgive you or not is up to them."

Hiashi tilted his head down. His hands clenched atop his lap. "Of course. I must apologize for the trauma I caused them. I will do everything I can to gain their forgiveness."

"...Why the change of heart?" Of everything that had happened, this was what had confused him the most. "You wanted nothing to do with us, but now...you're suddenly trying to put yourself into our lives. Why?"

"I thought Hinata would come back after realizing the life she would be living would be hard. Disowning her was just another way of trying to make her understand, but she never returned home. She started her life with you...and instead of accepting the reality, my pride wouldn't let me give in. When I received letters of my grandchildren along with their pictures, I was...surprised. I always thought Hinata was too gentle and weak to go through with it. But reading her letters, seeing how happy she was despite the hardships, I realized my daughter was not weak. I couldn't forgive myself.

I wanted to go see her when she fell ill, but I didn't have the courage to either visit her or go to her funeral. I was a despicable father. I thought maybe...I could change that with Boruto and Himawari, but instead I hurt them. I, truly and honestly, only wanted what was best for them and I thought maybe a life with better advantages at hand would be better for them, but..." Hiashi lifted his head, his lips twisted in a somber smile. "Little Himawari was quick to yell at me once she realized what was going on. Seeing that, I was reminded of Hinata when she argued with me for the first time when she wanted to marry you. In the end, I was making the same mistake. Before I knew it, Himawari was running out of the house and Boruto was chasing after her. And then...everything else happened. Seeing that...seeing you risk so much to protect her, I also realized that you truly cared for Hinata. I was wrong. I'm sorry."

Seeing Hiashi as he was now, Naruto began to see him a different light. Quietly, he turned back to the shrine. Taking a breath, he began telling Hiashi stories of his life with Hinata; all their happy memories, all the troubles the children got into, and even the quarrels he and Hinata had. It was the least he could do for the father of his deceased wife who merely wanted to protect her. So, he told their story. They shared a few chuckles here and there, slowly seaming the broken patches of the past. And Naruto hoped somewhere beyond Hinata was watching over them to see her family coming back together.

Their conversation came to an end when Himawari came to get them for dinner. Hiashi refused to stay and since Hanabi drove him there, she also had to leave. Hanabi left first to get the car started while Hiashi bid his goodbyes to Iruka and Kakashi. As Naruto walked him to the door, his children joined him. With Himawari and Boruto each at his side, he watched on while Hiashi bent to his knees to get to eye level with the kids.

"I wanted to tell you two that I'm very sorry for what I did. I don't know if you will forgive me, but I hope one day, I can atone for all that I did," Hiashi said apologetically.

At first, the two were silent, unsure of how to broach the older man. But then Himawari suddenly walked forward and wrapped her arms around Hiashi who was taken aback by her action. Himawari said, "I forgive you, Grandpa Hiashi. Mom really loved you because she always talked about you. I'm sure you were just lonely because mom left to be with daddy. But now, you don't have to be lonely. You can visit us whenever you do. I'll be very happy to play with you. Right, big brother?" Himawari released him, then looked over her shoulder to Boruto.

Boruto blinked slowly. He lifted a shoulder and shrugged. "I guess. As long we don't go through that again, I don't mind."

Himawari grinned. "So we will see you soon again, right Grandpa Hiashi?"

Hiashi's eyes glossed over in concealed tears. Pressing his fingers to his eyes, he cleared his throat. Despite that though, it still sounded shaky. "Yes, of course. I'll visit soon again."

Standing back up, Naruto offered to walk him to the car. When they left the apartment, they walked side by side to the stairs. Naruto let him go first, but Hiashi stopped abruptly. The old man turned toward him, his eyes set firmly in something. Naruto raised his brows curiously.

"That...man. The, uh, one you're with..." Hiashi trailed.

"Uchiha Sasuke. He's my lover. His daughter, Sarada, goes to the same school as Boruto," Naruto said.

"Ah, yes...he's..."

"Are you against him being around the children?"

Hiashi frowned. "No."

His answer took Naruto by surprise. Shifting awkwardly on his feet, he asked, "Is there a problem with me being in a relationship with him? I...just because I'm with him doesn't mean I never loved Hinata."

"I don't doubt that. It's just...the other day when I came by, he was quick to protect the children. Him and his daughter, that is. You have a good person by your side. He's willing to protect the kids despite the fact that he isn't related to them by blood."

Hearing those words set Naruto's heart at ease. Smiling, he agreed. "Yes. He is a good man. I'm glad he chose to be with me."

"Just to let you know..." Hiashi started hesitantly. After a moment of more awkward silence and shifting, Hiashi finished his sentence. "I never had anything against your parents' relationship. It was just...I raised Hinata as a lady. We're a well off family, well-known for traditions. The Hyuuga family line dates back to the Tokugawa era. Not allowing you to marry her was because—"

"I was of lower status than her." Naruto finished for him.

"Ah...yes. But...she was happy with you, so...thank you for taking good care of her."

"Mmm."

Smiling, he watched Hiashi leave the apartment complex. The cooling night air brushed against his skin. Leaning against the rail, he glanced up to the dark sky. His mind wandered over the events that unfolded. His life was slowly, but surely changing. When Hinata passed away, he believed he would never love anyone else. He thought the Gods were against him, making his life miserable by taking away his happiness. And then his children brought him back, making him believe in all that was good and happy again. He never expected his life to get better than that until his eyes laid upon Sasuke and his daughter. Ever since then, it seemed positive things just kept entering his life. He hoped his luck would remain as it was.

He didn't know how long he stayed outside until something warm wrapped around his shoulders. Surprised, he tilted his head head and saw Sasuke standing beside him. His hands touched the jacket his lover had placed around him. Such a small gesture, but there was so much care and emotion within in. Naruto smiled, tugging the coat tighter around himself. He scooted a little closer, then leaned over and rested his head against Sasuke's shoulder. The two stood side by side in a comfortable silence for a little while longer till Sasuke took his hand into his. He brought it to his lips and kissed the knuckles. They lingered for a moment before Sasuke turned his hand and kissed the palm. Hand once again intertwine, Sasuke quietly led him back to the apartment.

Sasuke's affection was always quiet. Despite that, they always meant a lot to Naruto. His lover was supportive in his own way—always there, and ready to be his boulder if he needed him to be. Naruto knew he was the same to Sasuke. Hand tightening, he tugged them to a stop. Sasuke turned, facing him with a raised brow in question. He returned the gesture from earlier, bringing their linked hands to his lip and brushing them over Sasuke's knuckles. Words were wonderful, but sometimes they were unnecessary between them. Sometimes, they just needed that small touch to confirm their feelings.

Tears brimmed his eyes suddenly. So much had happened in the past few weeks. There were bumps along the path, but together, they had remained strong. He smiled through his tears as Sasuke cupped his face, thumbs wiping away his tears. Blinking the salty liquid away and through his blurred vision, the rare curve of a smile revealed itself on Sasuke's handsome face. His heart skipped a beat. That smile...was all he needed at the moment to let him know everything was going to be okay. Because no matter what troubles came their way, together, they could conquer it all.

A/N: And here is the last of the bulk update. XD Working on the next chapter already.

Err, I hope the pacing was okay. Or was the situation solved too fast? I mean, it's not completely solved. They still have things to work out and patch up. The children still have to bond with Hiashi. :I Naruto hasn't told anyone about his tumor yet, so...you can guess what the next thing will be about. It won't be too bad. I hope...

Anyways, hoped the chapters were enjoyable!