A/N: Well, now that Naruto: Shippuden has come to an end I can officially say that my fanfiction is an alternate universe (AU), if you hadn't already guessed that by now. I am not going to give any spoilers here about the end of the manga, because there might actually be a few readers that have not heard or read the ending yet. All I will say is that I am keeping with the storyline and the pairings that I had set out with in the outline I wrote a year ago.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, because it would have ended with my pairings instead.
While Naruto, Hinata and the others were standing on top of the Hokage Tower waiting for the end of the old year and the start of the new one, others were also celebrating in their own special way.
Lady Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaves, is sitting in her office looking out of her window, lost in thought. She had a pot of hot water along with the items needed to make some fresh tea all laid out on one side of her desk. She had given Shizune the night off to celebrate with Kakashi, and while she would miss not having her friend and student with her for the first time in many years, Tsunade was not sad. She was glad that Shizune had finally found someone and could start thinking about moving forward with her life. She felt the same way about Kakashi, who like two of his students, had suffered so many heartaches during his life that seeing him reach out in a caring way was another good omen for the future.
Unlike more nights than she would like to admit, Lady Tsunade will not be drinking sake tonight. Instead, on New Year's Eve she always makes tea and reflects on the year that is about to end and all those years before, one by one like dominos. On this night she does not drink to forget, but drinks to remember old friends that are longer in her life and how their lives have touched her own. She also reflects on those important people in her life now and how the soon to be old year has treated them all.
Those thoughts eventually stray to a certain boy, she really should call him a man now after everything he has already accomplished in his life so far. The boy who has become like the son she and Jiraiya never had, and hopefully will one day sit behind the Hokage's desk like his father. The last few years had been like a summer storm for Naruto. He had went from a bright shining light to thick clouds obscuring almost everything around him, but now the storm seems to have passed and the sunlight has begun to shine again. The passing of that storm is really due to the influence and love of one very special young woman. Now, like after a summer storm, things seem fresher and stronger, now that the rains have poured down and cleansed the land. Unfortunately the storm has not completely moved on and could return without warning, but will it be a gentle morning shower or an afternoon thunderstorm, only time will tell.
She thinks about her other student and daughter in so many ways. She thinks about how far Sakura has come with her medical studies at such a young age and how the young woman is nearly ready to completely take charge of the hospital. Tsunade plans to oversee the hospital for a little while after stepping down as Hokage, to give her student a chance to hopefully enjoy what is left of her youth, now that peace seems to have finally come to the shinobi world. There was only one thing that was holding Sakura back from completely letting go and moving forward with the life she deserves. A regret of something she had done and has yet to resolve.
Tsunade feels regret as well for being instrumental in keeping that rift held apart, until she felt that everyone involved was ready to finally seal that rift for good. Had she done the right thing by helping Naruto keep his distance for so long by acquiescing to his request, or would it have been better to have ripped off the bandage quickly and gotten this all over with sooner. It's too late to worry about the decisions of the past, because it is in the past and now is the time to make plans for the best possible future for her precious village and its people.
As the fireworks light up the sky over the Leaf Village, and Tsunade has begun to write down some of those plans, she hears a knock at her door. "You can enter." She is surprised to see Ayame, the daughter of the owner/chef of Naruto's favorite ramen shop enter into her office. "Ayame, welcome to my office. I hope that everything is okay?"
Ayame sits the box she was carrying on the floor before bowing deeply. "Yes Hokage-sama, I was asked to deliver this to you just as the fireworks signaled the beginning of the New Year."
Tsunade gives a wry smile as she looks down at the delivery container. "I guess it would be silly of me to inquire what is inside that box or who asked you to make the delivery." Both women share a laugh as Tsunade gestures to a spot on her desk.
After Ayame places the covered bowl and chopsticks on the Hokage's desk she pulls out a folded napkin. "He asked that I give you this as well, Hokage-sama." When Tsunade holds out some money after taking the letter Ayame shakes her head. "Nar…, I mean Uzumaki-san has already paid and left a generous tip Hokage-sama."
Tsunade presses the money into the girl's hand with a smile on her face. "Then take this as a gift, along with my thanks for the kindness and generosity your family has shown Naruto for all these years."
Ayame takes the money and bows deeply. "Thank you Hokage-sama, I hope you enjoy the special ramen that Uzumaki-san ordered." She picks up the delivery box and quietly exits the room without saying another word.
Tsunade opens the note first and shakes her head at the familiar, barely legible handwriting. "He needs a tutor for improving his handwriting too. I am pretty sure I know a certain young lady who would be more than happy to spend some additional time with Naruto, improving his handwriting."
Baa-chan,
I figured with Shizune off on a date with Kakashi-sensei that you did not make arrangements to have a proper dinner, beyond a liquid one no doubt. I will be Hokage one day, believe it, but at this point I am in no hurry to become trapped behind that desk of endless paperwork. So I need you to stay healthy, while keeping my seat warm for a little while longer. I am going to ask the old man to make you an extra special ramen for tonight and have it delivered just as the new year begins, so the current Hokage can receive her first gift of the year from the future Hokage.
Uzumaki Naruto
Tsunade reaches over and lifts the lid to see what sort of ramen Naruto had ordered for her tonight. She was hoping for a nice miso ramen, but as she looks down into the bowl she absently crumbles Naruto's note in surprise. "GAKI!" There smiling up at her, with a roguish wink, is the image of Jiraiya, the Toad Sage holding up a book. "Well played Uzumaki, but two can play this game."
Hyuga Hiashi is sitting quietly in his study reading over some old scrolls that date back to the founding of the Hyuga Clan. He takes a break and reaches over for a cup of tea, but pauses to look at the tea cup as it triggers a memory of when he had received the tea set as a wedding gift. After studying the intricate floral design with their lavender blossoms he sets it down without taking a drink.
Hiashi then reaches into a drawer and pulls out the portrait of a beautiful young woman, her dark hair pulled up high and set in a fashion that draws his attention to her pale lavender eyes. Hiashi smiles as he looks at Hitomi's image, and thinks just how much Hinata has become like her mother, and not just in appearance but in her actions as well.
Seeing Hinata tonight dressed up for her date and blushing innocently reminds him of the first time he had officially met Hitomi. Their marriage had been arranged by his father when they were both still teenagers, Hitomi had come from a branch that is well skilled in their use of the byakugan, and his father had felt that her bloodline would produce suitable heirs. Hitomi had grown up to be a gentle woman, not truly suited for the shinobi lifestyle, though her skill with her byakugan was highly adept. She lacked the killing instinct needed to be a shinobi of the Leaf Village, but still when pressed she could deliver an attack equal to any Hyuga veteran.
It had all worked out anyways, because she was the wife of the clans leader her requirements were less violent, but so much more important. She was needed to entertain guests and at times sooth her husband's temper when it threatened to make him rash. She had managed their home and their children till her death with such grace that he had assumed it was easy till she was gone and he realized how much she truly did without any complaint.
He can still remember the night they first were formally introduced; she had been so shy and could barely look at him without blushing brightly. He had tried to act so mature, but he had failed miserably in keeping his voice from stammering when he had clumsily tried to complement her on her beauty. They had barely talked to each other as their two families did most of the talking about the wedding arrangements; instead they had stolen shy glances at each other from across the table. When Hinata had entered the room tonight the memories of his first meeting with Hitomi had come back so vividly that he was nearly overwhelmed, because Hitomi had worn that same hairstyle the first time they had met.
After dinner was over, he and Hitomi had been left alone to walk in the gardens to get to know each other a little better. The moon was nearly full and the cherry blossoms were at their peak. They had strolled amongst the trees and talked with flower petals swirling all around them as they spoke. It had not taken him long to realize that he had fallen in love with this girl and would do anything to keep that gentle smile on her face. Years later even as her life was slipping away she had looked at him with that same gentle smile. The same smile he sees on Hinata's face whenever she looks at Uzumaki Naruto, a look of utter love and devotion.
In a forest clearing inside the Inuzuka clan holdings, Kiba and Ino are laying on a blanket and using Akuamaru as a warm furry pillow while they look up at the stars in the clear night sky while waiting for the fireworks to begin. Ino looks over and can see that Kiba is doing that funny thing with his eyebrows when he is lost in thought. She reaches over and gently strokes a single finger down his forehead towards his nose to ease the thoughts that are taking his attention away from her at the moment.
Kiba turns and looks at her blankly for a moment before smiling. "What's up Ino?"
"You were lost in your thoughts again. Were you thinking about a girl?" Her question was meant as a joke, but when he nods his head she feels a little pang of jealousy.
"Is she as pretty as me, Kiba?" Again he nods, which earns him a punch in the arm. "You better not think she is prettier than me, Kiba."
Kiba rubs his shoulder and smiles. "That would be tough to say." He holds up his hands in surrender as she pulls back for another, harder, punch.
"Is it Hinata?" Her face looks angry, but her eyes show pain.
"I said I was sorry about that. I was just amazed to see my little sister looking so grown up. Hinata has always been so reserved and self-conscious, it was nice to see her coming out of her shell tonight." Akumaru sensing his master was about to do something potentially stupid rolls away just as Kiba pounces on Ino and pins her hands on the ground above her head.
"So who is the girl that you are thinking about? Tell me Kiba or when I get loose I'll make you wish you had told me the truth from the start." She begins to struggle in his grasp, but he can tell that she is not putting her whole effort into the act. Her struggles seem more seductive than threatening, especially as she arches her back and exposes some of her cleavage.
"That's easy Ino. I was thinking about you, okay." He leans down till his face is so close she can feel the warmth of his breath on her skin. "I was just wondering how I got so lucky to be dating the prettiest girl in our class. I mean, you could have your pick of almost any guy you want, so why me?"
"Almost any guy?" She looks at him with mock outrage knowing exactly who he was talking about and how at one point she had a crush on Sasuke, but had grown out of that childish stage and looked elsewhere for someone more capable of love.
"Yeah, one of them might be dating Sakura, but I am still not completely sure he even likes girls. He might just be faking it so that nobody will know the truth. I don't count Naruto, because well he is Naruto and can be completely clueless sometimes." He leans his head down and sniffs along her neck in the way she likes and is happy when the tension in her struggling arms begins to ease. "So tell me why I got so lucky?"
Ino pushes him over onto his back and rests her face on his chest before sniffing deeply. The fireworks start exploding in the sky above as she looks into his eyes. "That's easy, I like the way you smell."
Kiba gives her a curious look that fades into a smile, and as Ino starts laughing he wraps his arms around her and pulls her closer. "That is supposed to be my line, Ino."
Shino has taken Tenten to his clans practice field where he has spent many hours training to perfect his clan's ability to control their special insects. He had left a couple of folding chairs leaning up against a tree just in case the first part of the date went well. Now they are sitting close together waiting for the fireworks show to signal the beginning of the New Year.
Shino is the one who breaks the silence. "I am sorry about the last time when we went out with Ino and Kiba. I should have been a little more sensitive to..."
"No Shino, it is okay. I was just caught off guard by my own feelings. I was really enjoying spending time with you and then suddenly this wave of guilt washed over me for having fun." She reaches over and places a hand gently on top of his. "I am just relieved that you are giving me a second chance."
Shino nods and holds up his free hand. "While we are waiting on the fireworks to start let me show you something." As he holds up his hand a small cloud of his insects forms just above his palm. Several of them bunch together and fly up into the air as they begin to glow and separate into their own little fireworks display. Once their glow fades the insects come back to his hand to be manipulated again.
Tenten sits mesmerized as cluster after cluster of insects launch into the air and form different patterns. Shino manipulates the chakra he is using and the insects begin to glow in different colors. Without her even realizing it Tenten's hand tightens around Shino's arm and she looks over at him smiling. "That is amazing Shino."
Shino can feel his pulse quicken as he looks into her smiling face and hopes that Tenten doesn't notice the sudden bright red color his insects have begun to glow, or that their color can sometimes signify the user's emotional state when they lose focus. "It is a variation of something we can do with the insects we control in my clan. We can use them to leave a trail to follow like glowing breadcrumbs or cluster them together to illuminate an area. I have even used this to leave a message for somebody that will only illuminate when they detect a specific chakra or pheromone."
Tenten watches in awe as he leans back and sends larger clouds up into the sky to form more elaborate formations. After they fly apart from each other they fly about and form spinning shurikens, brightly colored flowers, a pulsating golden sunburst, and several more patterns.
Taking a chance, Shino leans closer and is rewarded as Tenten puts her head on his shoulder. "I used to entertain the team with displays like this when we were on missions together. It does have a practical use as well because controlling the patterns and colors of the formations like this is good training to learn better control of the insects."
As the night sky erupts with man-made fireworks Shino dismisses his insects.
Tenten takes the arm she had been wrapped around and nervously lifts it up to place it around her shoulders. "Do you think you could show me more of your insect displays sometime?"
Shino looks up into the night sky, trying to hide the excited grin spreading across his face. "I would be happy to show you again any time you ask."
The curtain is pulled aside to reveal a green clad shinobi doing sit-ups on the ER's exam room floor. "Rock-Lee, while I approve of my patients doing their best to stay in good physical condition, I think that you should be taking it easy until you have received my diagnosis." Oyone can only shake her head at seeing her most familiar patient exercising with one arm held tightly to his body with a sling.
"Yes Oyone-san, I am not doing exercises with my injured arm until I get your report. Plus I am not doing any kicking or jumping exercises after what happened on one of my previous visits and you ordered me to not do them again within the confines of the hospital." Rock Lee says innocently as he stands up and takes a seat on the edge of the bed.
Oyone sighs and shakes her head as she tries not to laugh at Rock Lee's predictable response. "Would you mind explaining to me why it seems that I see you in here at the end of every year, or on the morning of the first day?"
Rock Lee makes a fist and poses determinedly. "You see, I set goals for myself each year and if I have not reached them by the end of the year then I spend the last day completing all those unfinished goals. It was while I was on my 199th one-handed walk up and down the Hokage Monument stairs when I had my accident. Some children were running down the stairs playing. One of them stepped out in front of me and while trying to not hurt the child I did not land correctly on the next step and hurt my wrist. It was not their fault really, they were just playing like children should, and I should have been more focused on my surroundings like a true shinobi of the Leaf Village. Tomorrow when I finish my training goals for last year I will redouble my efforts to be more focused"
"That is very kind of you to not blame the children, but I think that you should just take it easy for a few days." She pulls out a report from a very thick folder. "From the examination I just did, and the preliminary blood work, I prescribe a few days of rest with minimal strenuous activity…" She points her pen at him to make sure she has his attention. "When I say minimum, I mean for an average shinobi not a student of Might Guy, you are showing signs of stress to your musculoskeletal structure that should be watched before any permanent damage is done. So, I want to see you in here periodically to make sure that things have not gotten worse and hopefully have improved. I also want you to eat some properly cooked meals and lay off the food pills and supplements for a few weeks. If your next blood work does not show improvement I won't release you for active duty and I will get the Hokage to authorize an extended stay here in the hospital, eating the food we serve."
Remembering how the food tasted during his last extended stay Rock Lee quickly raises his one good arm and waves it back and forth. "I will do my best to not require you to go to such extremes. It is just difficult for me to relax, once you have gotten into a proper exercise routine it is hard to take time off. I feel like something is missing whenever I have been ordered to do so."
"It's the endorphins, the body releases them during exercising and the body can become addicted to them." Oyone shrugs as Rock Lee nods in agreement. "That is the medical explanation, but even though I keep myself fit as kunoichi of the Leaf Village I just never have gotten that into physical fitness to get hooked on endorphin highs." She pulls out a book from one of her pockets. "Have you ever thought about reading to help you relax?"
"I read fitness magazines all the time." At seeing the doctor shake her head Rock Lee hangs his head a little in shame. "I guess that doesn't count as relaxing, I have been very focused on becoming the best shinobi I can be, even though I cannot do genjutsu or ninjutsu. That goal of one day being an equal to my sensei is all consuming."
She reaches him the book with a smile. "Hear, why don't you try reading this one? Don't worry, I have read that one plenty of times and nearly know the story by heart. It is one of Jiraiya's famous novels, and it is about a boy who falls in love with a medical ninjutsu student. To get her attention he keeps coming back to the hospital with new injuries, or a fake illness, just so he can spend a little time around her and eventually she realizes that she loves him too."
Rock Lee stares at the book and then up at Oyone with his mouth agape just as the sound of the fireworks going off in the sky above can be heard. "Does such tactics actually work?"
Oyone laughs at the complete look of shock on Rock Lee's reddening face. "It did in the story, but I have never known of anyone to try that in real life. It doesn't mean that somebody hasn't tried that tactic or that it wouldn't work on the right girl." She watches as Rock Lee slowly opens the book one-handed and begins to read. "I'll be back later to check on you and I'll have the orderly bring you something proper to eat."
Rock Lee barely hears the doctor's words with his attention now completely focused on reading the instruction manual in his hands.
Inside the Yakiniku Q, Shikamaru and Chōji are finishing dinner with their guests from The Village Hidden by Sand. Temari, the sister of Gaara the Kazekage, had been invited to come to the Leaf Village to see the New Year's celebration under the pretense of making preparations for this year's chunin exams. One of her subordinates, Yukata, offered to come along as protection, stating that the Kazekage's sister would be a prime target on the open road. Temari knew that this was a lie and had originally thought that all her student wanted was to see the fabled fireworks display that the Leaf Village has each year. Now that they all have been having dinner and chatting she is beginning to suspect that there might have been a different motive for coming along.
Temari can't help but smirk at the fake bored frown on Shikamaru's face as Yukata laughs at one of Chōji's lame attempts at a joke. She can see the happiness in his eyes that he tries to hide with a bored expression when he glances over at his oldest friend to see him smiling and joking with Yukata.
Chōji was hoping that he wasn't overdoing it with the funny stories over dinner, but at least Yukata seems to think they are entertaining. The two of them had met during the war as part of the Fourth Division. He had been at Shikamaru's side, as well as Ino's, during the war. Since Temari had stayed close to Shikamaru when she could, so did her team of genin. Chōji and Yukata had seen each other and fought on the same battlefield, and it was really the moment he saw her standing there protectively near Temari that he had felt something. Unfortunately, he was just too shy to introduce himself to the outgoing and talkative Hidden Sand kunoichi. Instead he kept a protective eye on her during the war, hoping that if they both survived that he might find some way of at least introducing himself and finding out her name as well.
Yukata slapped Chōji on the arm playfully at the story of his team's first time trying to learn how to run across water. He was so different now than the person she had approached at the conclusion of the war. It was while she and Matsuri were teasing Temari about her infatuation with Shikamaru that she noticed the armored figure that stood nearby ready to act instantly to any order given by Shikamaru. It was not till later that she learned that the two were teammates and friends since childhood. She had thought he was kind of cute at the time, but it was later that she really gave him a closer look.
It was during an attack by a wave of white zetsus that he earned her full attention. She had just knocked away three of the enemy with a wind attack when the ground beneath her shook with a terrible intensity. She had turned to see a giant foot just inches away from her body, and looked up to see Chōji, now a giant standing right behind her. She was about to yell at him to be more careful where he stepped when his foot lifted up and she saw that two white zetsus were crushed underneath.
Chōji had been watching her out of the corner of one eye when he had seen the two zetsus rise up out of the ground and in two steps he closed the distance and crushed them with one mighty stomp. She had given him such an intense look of annoyance till he lifted up his foot, that it had nearly made him laugh out loud. That was when he spied three more trying to attack her and he had kneeled down to cover her with one hand while using the other hand to send them flying with a backhanded swipe. When she had placed a tiny hand on one of his fingers to peek around to see what he had done and then looked up with a grateful smile he could not say which one had felt more electric, her touch or her smile. When they had later talked he had barely been able to say his name when they had shook hands.
After he had saved her a second time the winds of war had pulled them apart and she had watched him from afar as he had flown over everyone on the battlefield with his chakra wings. Later, as the victory celebrations had went into full swing she had followed Temari, who was looking for Shikamaru, knowing that when one man was found most likely the other would hopefully not be far away. He was standing near his friend just like the first time she had seen him, but he had moved away as Temari approached to give his friend some privacy. Yukata had stepped up to thank him for saving her life twice during the war and was amazed to see this fierce looking giant she had seen on the battlefield become meek as a kitten when she spoke. They had talked quietly for some time getting to know each other, using the need to be near their teammates as a pretense to keep talking. A short time after the war had ended she had received a letter from him asking how she was and how the Hidden Sand Village was doing now that the war was over.
It had taken so much courage to write her that letter and even more to open that first reply letter he received. Over the following months more and more letters had followed. He has been keeping the information that he is conversing with a kunoichi from the Hidden Sand Village this whole time from everyone. He did this because he knows that as soon as word reaches Ino, that not only would the rest of the village know, but the teasing would most likely start as well.
He and Yukata had been using the meetings between Shikamaru and Temari as a pretense to come along as protection and meet with each other while their friends conducted inter-village business. It was outside her village while sitting on the side of a sand dune and looking up at all the stars, that he had found the courage to kiss Yukata. Her lips had tasted sweeter than any confection that his mother had ever made and when he left the next day with Shikamaru his heart felt so heavy it was like somebody had replaced it with a chunk of lead. That pain eased when he found a letter from a messenger bird waiting for him by the time they reached the Leaf Village.
Shikamaru sighs inwardly and outwardly. It is so troublesome how his friend is going to such great lengths to hide his relationship with Yukata. He has known for months that Chōji has been conversing with the Sand Village girl, so much so that the sheer volume of letters being exchanged had come to the attention of the security force. Even in this time of post war peace, fear of the old animosities still held firm in certain circles. Shikamaru had told the security force to disregard any further observations between the two, because Chōji was working with him on cross-village relations. He just wishes his friend would come right out and admit how he feels; being so secretive about such things can be a real pain sometimes. He looks over at Temari, who he realizes has been watching him as he was staring at his friend, and can feel himself blush at the irony of his own thoughts.
Seeing the uncharacteristic flush of color on Shikamaru's face Temari leans over and whispers in his ear. "That color looks good on you, lover. You should wear it more often." She runs two fingers down his side counting the ribs beneath his lean muscles. She gives a happy purr in his ear when she is rewarded with the pink becoming more of a rose color on his cheeks.
Shikamaru knowing that sometimes a strategic retreat is the best option to ensure a victory, clears his throat to get Chōji and Yukata's attention. "It is nearly time for the fireworks. We should pay for our meal and head out to find a good viewing location."
Temari gives Shikamaru a victorious smile as they leave. 'If he actually thinks that being out in public is going to stop me from having a little fun, then he is not as smart as everyone thinks.' As they leave she takes on the masculine role and holds the door for him and the others, mainly so she can admire his posterior as he walks outside. 'Good to see that he hasn't let his desk job make him soft.'
They find a good location just as the fireworks begin. Chōji and Yukata stand close together and as the display goes on he finds the courage to wrap an arm around her and is delighted when she leans into him. They are all surprised, no more so than Shikamaru, as Temari steps behind Shikamaru and wraps both arms around him and clasps her hands together.
Shikamaru, knowing that he has again been outmaneuvered and that another retreat at this time would mean a complete defeat, does the only sensible option. He places his hands on top of Temari's and pulls them till her arms are wrapped around him tightly.
Temari leans closer and whispers in his ear with a voice that sounds almost like a purr. "That's a good boy, Shikamaru. Keep playing your cards right and you might even get lucky tonight." She kisses that spot on his earlobe that always makes him shiver as she hugs him tightly.
Thin wisps of steam rise from the turbulent surface of the hot spring as two lovers hold each other closely, enjoying the aftereffects of their recent lovemaking. Shizune smirks as Kakashi pulls his mask back to its normal position. 'He has such a handsome face, I just don't understand why he insists on hiding it from everyone, except me of course.' The last thought does bring a smile to her face as she enjoys the knowledge that she may be the only living person to know what Hatake Kakashi looks like underneath his mask.
Kakashi sees her smirk and knows that she is thinking about the same thing she has commented on so many times after he returns his mask to its normal, comfortable position. He smiles back and gives her the 'old habits die hard' look.
Shizune, deciding not to ruin their special night, places her left hand upon his chest, just over his heart, and looks down at the engagement ring he had given her earlier in the night. "The ring is so beautiful Kakashi."
He gives her a loving squeeze. "I am just happy you said yes." His right eyebrow rises up in a roguish angle. "I was concerned that you might not want to give up your freedom and be chained down."
She reaches over, pinches his right nipple and is rewarded with a look of pain that shows her that she now has his undivided attention. "Why would I have said no? I am not one of your Icha novel girls who doesn't know what, or who, she wants."
She lets go and wraps her arm around his chest. "I told you that I had a crush on you when we were younger and the only regret I had when I left the village to follow Lady Tsunade was that I never got to tell you how I felt." When she feels his arm tighten around her she rubs her face against his chest, just over his heart and listens to its slow rhythmic beat. "I was so happy to see you again when we returned, but I had been gone so long that I just didn't know what to say. Then things became so complicated with Sasuke leaving and then you were gone so much dealing with rumors of his location. Each time you came back, sometimes hurt..."
"I noticed that each time I came back hurt that I always had the same person taking care of my injuries." Kakashi adds playfully. "It didn't take me long to figure out that it wasn't Tsunade that was ordering you to be my personal physician. It was just that I had..."
"So much going on in your life, I know. That is why I satisfied myself with just being there for you when you came home and made sure that you had every bit of information I could find before you went out on a mission. Trying in my own way to make sure that you came home safely." Shizune blinks to hold back her tears. "I was so happy when you came to me last year and asked me out on a date. You were acting so nervous I thought that you might just disappear at any moment."
Kakashi starts chuckling. "I nearly did, but I also knew if I didn't take the chance that I might regret it for the rest of my life. I have had so many regrets that I just didn't want yet another one plaguing me at night."
"So, I was thinking a fall wedding. I would like to get married outdoors while the trees are at their most colorful." She smiles as he just nods in agreement. "I'll see if Lady Tsunade will agree to perform the ceremony as part of her job as the Hokage. Also, I would like to ask Sakura to be my Maid of Honor. Have you thought about who you will ask to stand beside you as your Best Man?"
Kakashi shakes his head. "I had not really thought about it till you just asked. My first inclination would be to ask Naruto, since he is the son of my old sensei and my student, but..."
"He might not agree because of Sakura. Will you ask Sasuke instead? He seems the next best choice since he is dating Sakura." She watches as he nods in agreement, but can see that his heart would prefer otherwise.
"How has Naruto been doing with all of that paperwork?" Kakashi puts an arm behind his head and looks up through the open ceiling to see the beginnings of the fireworks show. "I know he can get easily bored with mundane and repetitive tasks."
Shizune changes her position so that she can watch the fireworks as well. "He has done really well and has only made a few mistakes. Like you told me before, when he decides to apply himself to a task he can really do well. I am beginning to believe that he really could make a decent Hokage one day."
The two lovers embrace each other tightly as the sky in the open ceiling lights up in an explosion of color. Kakashi looks over at Shizune with a raised eyebrow. "To be honest, I do have a second choice in mind for my best man."
Shizune looks over and tries to think who else was left to ask, but for some reason after Naruto and Sasuke she is drawing a blank. "You do have another person in mind, that is great. Who are you planning on asking to stand beside you for our wedding?"
"Might Guy."
A/N: Yes, this was an entire chapter with Naruto and Hinata barely even mentioned. I didn't want to distract from the Naru x Hina moments in the last chapter. I also feel that Kishimoto has such a rich catalog of characters that some of them deserved to have their moment in the spotlight rather than have what I am doing with them in my story being mentioned as a one paragraph, 'oh by the way their dating too.'
To be honest I have been really looking forward to releasing this chapter for a while. It was a lot of fun writing each the scenes and delve into the other characters a bit. So, enjoy this little peek into their lives, I will be returning to your normally scheduled programming in the next chapter.