The Talk

Iruka knocked on the door and after a moment was told to enter. "You wanted to see me Lady Tsunade? Oh hey Kakashi." He smiled and nodded at the Jonin. "Is this about a mission?"

"No, no mission. Have a seat Iruka, this is about Naruto." Lady Tsunade was frowning. This was something she'd never thought to be involved in and would have preferred that Kakashi had never told her about Naruto and Hinata.

Iruka lost his smile and stood right back up, his butt never really hitting the chair. "Did something happen to Naruto? Something went wrong? Is he alright? Should I go to the hospital? Where is he Kakashi?" The frown on Lady Tsunade's face worried him and he leaned closer to the man beside him.

"Hey whoa!" Kakashi held up his hands. "Naruto's fine. The mission was a success, calm down Iruka." He watched the fear ease in the man's eyes and knew he that he absolutely cared for Naruto like a son. He was definitely the right choice for this particular mission.

"Seriously, he's okay?" He looked from one to the other. Kakashi winked and nodded and Lady Tsunade smiled at him. Iruka covered his heart and had a seat. "Don't scare me like that! Naruto's a good kid but he takes on too much sometimes trying to prove himself. I thought he may have overdone it or something." Iruka breathed deeply then sat up straight. "He's not in trouble is he? He doesn't pull stupid pranks anymore so if someone's accusing him of something – Naruto didn't do it!" Automatically without thought he defended the teen.

Tsunade and Kakashi both had to laugh. Iruka's embarrassed face only gave them more laughter. "My, my! Naruto is fine, healthy as a horse and he's not in any trouble." Tsunade wiped the tears from her eyes. "You really love that boy don't you?"

Iruka blushed a little. "Well we're a lot a like and once the Third told me of that I started to see Naruto the boy instead of just another student. Was that wrong?" He hoped not, he couldn't go back to the way things were before – not now, he cared too much.

"No Sarutobi-sensei did exactly the right thing. Naruto needed a father and you seem to enjoy the role." Tsunade stated.

"Well yeah, I like being there for him. So what's this all about then?" Iruka was thoroughly confused. "He needs me, I need him. He's okay and he's not in trouble. What's going on?"

"Kakashi, you tell him since you brought it up in the first place. He's really growing up on us, isn't he?" She grinned as she looked at the masked man.

Kakashi had been slumped in his chair but now sat up as Iruka looked at him curiously. "Umm, do you know that Naruto is dating Hinata? Hyuga Hinata?"

"Oh, so that's what Konohamaru was trying to tell me! He's been wanting to tell me something for the last few days but we've just been so busy." Iruka sat back in his chair, hand cupping his chin. "And I think I've heard others talking about it too…" He frowned remembering those overheard conversations. A lot of them were full of disbelief that anyone would choose that boy. He hadn't paid it much attention but now… "Has someone been harassing him?" Iruka's voice was loud and indignant. That anyone could think so little of Naruto when he'd never done anything worse than silly pranks!

Kakashi looked at Lady Tsunade in shock, neither of them had even thought of that but it could happen. People still feared Naruto even after all these years. If they thought his being with Hinata was something he shouldn't do, they could make trouble for the kids.

Tsunade nodded. "No but I'll see to it that they won't." She said firmly and her hands made fists. No one would mess up his happiness, not while she was Hokage!

"Then what? You just wanted to tell me that Naruto's dating?" Iruka was started to get frustrated. He'd been here fifteen minutes and all they'd done was scare and worry him. Also he wanted to find Naruto and congratulate him on finally recognizing Hinata's feelings for him. They were a cute pair.

"Iruka, many have seen the two together and well…they've been seen kissing. I've seen them kissing and…" Kakashi couldn't believe he was having trouble talking about this and Lady Tsunade's amused looks weren't helping. "Hormones! They're teens with raging hormones! You need to have a talk with Naruto. The Talk! Explain sex to him!" He was very glad for his mask because he knew he was blushing.

"You're too much! Getting so embarrassed about this and don't think I can't tell your cheeks are red! That mask doesn't cover all of your face!" Tsunade slapped the desk as she laughed.

Iruka's mouth opened then closed. He sat back in his chair and stared down at his feet. Talk to Naruto about sex? He's too young! But…things happen. Babies happen! Oh man! "M-me but why me? Wouldn't be better if it came from you Lady Tsunade? The medical side of things – you'd explain it so much better! Plus you're a woman – you can tell him about feelings and stuff!" Iruka liked the sound of this the more he spoke. Better for her to do it than him.

"Oh no you don't! I won't let you weasel out of this! You're his father Iruka, more or less." She said with a smile. Men could be such babies.

"B-but you're his mother figure! Yeah, he calls you Grandma Tsunade! You fill that empty spot of a mother for him. You tell him!" Iruka blinked repeatedly, smiling. She was really the better choice for this. Then another thought occurred to him - If he was Naruto's father then she was his mother! Wait, what did that make the two of them? His parents? Lady Tsunade was beautiful but too old for him!

It was like Kakashi could read Iruka's mind for he couldn't help laughing. It was a loud sound, completely full of amusement. He looked from Iruka's red face to Lady Tsunade's frowning face and laughed harder. Pointing from one to the other he managed to choke out "Meet the Parents!"

"Shut up Kakashi!" Tsunade pushed to her feet and went to the window behind her. She felt a warm glow knowing that Naruto might think of her as mother but she could have done without the picture of her and Iruka as mother and father or rather wife and husband!

Iruka couldn't believe how weird things were. Kakashi's laughter was dying down and he was glad because it was hard not to join him. Still the image of Tsunade as a loving but older wife was hard to get rid of. "So, umm you'll do it?" He asked hopefully.

Composed now, Lady Tsunade turned back to eye the two men. "No I won't. You will do it Dad and you'll have his uncle to help. Kakashi you'll be there to back him up." She smiled evilly when his laughter stopped abruptly and he started coughing. "There you go - your next mission. Iruka's in charge and Kakashi is second-in-command. Your mission is to explain sex and it's consequences to Naruto. I'll expect your report in the morning." Enjoying herself she went to stand before them and leaned back on the desk. "I'll want all the details." This is more like it – two men having to obey my every word and both are so pitiful that I'll be able to laugh about this for a long time!

"REPORT?!" The men yelled and Lady Tsunade laughed.

Kakashi glared and Iruka sighed in defeat. Their mission was to explain the birds and the bees to a teenaged Naruto then come back and tell the Hokage every torturous detail.

"Why tonight?" Iruka asked. "I-I need time to prepare. I've never done this before!"

"Yeah, let us talk about it first. You don't want us to mess this up do you?" Kakashi was being persuasive now. He wanted to do anything to put this talk off for even a little while.

Tsunade knew they were trying to delay the talk but if things were progressing for Naruto and Hinata, then the talk couldn't wait. Naruto lived alone after all. She checked the time and noted that it was about dinner time.

"Naruto's probably at Ichiraku's now and knowing his appetite, he'll be there for a while. Why don't you two talk, check the library for the stuff you don't know," She laughed. "I'll even let you talk to Shizune to get a woman's point of view. Then head over to Naruto's and talk to him. Tonight. Understood? You are strong shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village. Now go and prove your worth!" A huge smile on her face, Tsunade pointed at the door, silently dismissing them.

Neither looked like proud shinobi as they shuffled out of the room mumbling to each other. Kakashi glared over his shoulder at her and wished he'd kept his mouth shut instead of telling her about Naruto's love life. Now he was involved in the boy's personal life and he so did not want to be.

"You don't need me – you're his father!"

"Oh no, I'm not doing this alone! You heard her – you're his uncle! If I have to - you have to!" They complained all the way down the hall and Tsunade's laughter accompanied them.

"Naruto!" Sasuke called out. He was just going home when he saw his teammate with his hands in his pockets smiling from ear-to-ear.

Said boy turned and waited for Sasuke to reach him. "Hey, what's up?"

"Nothing, just heading in. You? Wait, time to go to Ichiraku's right?" Sasuke grinned and shook his head.

"Always room for ramen." Naruto just laughed. "Wanna come?" He asked impulsively. Sasuke rarely did things with him when they weren't on a mission but he was in such a good mood that he'd just asked.

Sasuke looked surprised too. He stared at Naruto a moment noticing he seemed a little more mature than he used to be. He was still a hyperactive knucklehead but there was a noticeable difference. Maybe he could take some time to learn about the new Naruto. "Okay." He said taking the lead and in a second, a pleased Naruto walked by his side.

It was over his second bowl of ramen that Naruto spoke up. "Thanks for earlier, with Sakura. It meant a lot and it helped me see how'd I'd been towards her." Naruto grimaced remembering how he'd hung on Sakura's every word and how he'd jealously watched her fawn over Sasuke.

"No problem, it was all true after all. Sakura lets other people affect her too much. If she'd taken a moment to think instead of worrying about Ino and what she knew, she'd never have acted so stupid." Sasuke shrugged eyes on his reflection in the tea.

Naruto slurped up some noodles and peered at Sasuke. "Guess this means she's all yours now, huh?" At Sasuke's raised eyebrows, Naruto continued. "You like Sakura don't you? I mean like a guy likes a girl." He'd been dying to know especially when he considered him the competition.

"Whether I like her or not – I don't have time for her. …Anything like that will have to wait…until after my revenge." Sasuke finished softly then drank some tea.

That wasn't much of an answer but then what did I expect? This is Sasuke after all! He finished off his ramen, considered a third bowl but remembered he was taking Hinata out to lunch tomorrow and let it go.

"You okay? With Sakura I mean. She's always treated you like gum on the bottom of her shoe but now you know it." Sasuke smirked a bit.

"Ha, ha. I don't know, now that I've got Hinata, I don't think about Sakura any more but finding out she went to such lengths to avoid anything to do with me…that hurt." Naruto was silent as he played with his chopsticks. "Guess only time will tell. It's not like I hate her or anything – just I don't want much to do with her right now. Guess I'll be the one avoiding her this time."

Sasuke studied him. Naruto, after a while, got along with almost everybody and for him to say he would avoid Sakura meant that she really had hurt his feelings. He felt a little guilty for bringing it to Naruto's attention but he'd also felt the need to knock Sakura off her high horse and show her how badly she'd been treating Naruto.

It was true that he didn't want to focus on much else than gaining the power he needed to defeat his brother but the situation with Naruto and Sakura had bugged him. They all knew Naruto's situation – he had no one. He'd never had anyone and instead of becoming bitter and hateful, Naruto had been his own freaking cheerleader and tried almost desperately to fit in. Yes he could be annoying but with the least little attention, Naruto calmed down and became someone you could like talking to and spending time with. Of course, Sasuke would never say that to anyone but he'd had to speak up for him. The two of them shared similar backgrounds and to see him being hurt because Sakura thought she was above him…

"Understood but don't let it interfere with the missions. I don't want to have to end up saving both your asses because you're too mad at each other to watch out for enemies." He was about to drink more tea when a balled up napkin hit him in the side of the head. Sasuke blinked and looked at Naruto in surprise.

"You can be such a jerk Sasuke! But I'll always want you watching my back." Naruto said softly, blue eyes wide open and honest. "I won't mess up any missions. I protect my teammates, you should know that." He grinned now, head titled to one side.

Sasuke stared at him at felt the bonds of friendship tug at him. It would be so easy to let go and accept what Naruto was offering. "Idiot. Don't do that again or I'll beat you into the ground."

Naruto laughed with real pleasure. He had Sasuke figured out. "If you were as great as you think you are, you wouldn't have gotten hit! And it'll take more power than you've got now to beat me!" He crowed when Sasuke threw his own napkin only to miss. "Try again!" He yelled to Sasuke as he hurriedly threw down some money and called out, "See ya later old man!" Then to Sasuke, "I'll talk to Kakashi-sensei and see if he'll give you extra training!" Naruto ran then because with a reluctant grin, Sasuke chased after Naruto.

Ichiraku listened to Naruto's laughter as the two boys chased each other and playfully fought in the growing darkness. It was good to see that boy so happy these days.

They parted ways with smiles. Naruto and Sasuke both turned to walk home to empty apartments but neither was upset about that. That's just the way life was. Earlier they'd acted like children and showed off for each other but the urge to outdo or out shine was put away in favor of just enjoying their time together. It may never happen again but for that short period of time – they'd made some good memories and were the best of friends.

He yawned and thought he'd sleep good tonight. Naruto walked slowly up the stairs. At the top he sensed someone hiding in the darkness. Automatically his hand reached for a kunai.

"'Bout time you got home!" Came Kakashi's irritated voice.

"Welcome home Naruto. Let's go in, we need to…talk." Iruka's voice was gentler but hesitant.

Naruto stared at his sensei and former sensei. Weird vibes were coming from both of them and he still had his hand on the handle of his knife. Maybe they were clones trying to trick him. Why would both of them be waiting in the dark outside of his place?

"What do you want?" He asked carefully and began inching backwards.

"Kakashi! You scared him! Naruto, he's just in a bad mood. Come on son, we've got something to discuss with you." Hands open and empty, Iruka approached Naruto.

"Well at least he reacted well to two dark figures on his doorstep." Kakashi said sighing. This would never end if they never got started. "We're the real deal Naruto; let's go inside 'kay? Got any coffee?"

"Iruka-sensei? What's going on? No, I've got some tea though." Naruto looked up at them as they ushered him inside his apartment. He looked to Kakashi when he laughed.

"Damn this place is clean! Had Hinata up here huh?" He then realized what he said and his face went as gray as hair. "Where's that tea?" He started searching cabinets frantically trying not to think of the two of them alone in this room.

Iruka chuckled nervously and hoped they weren't too late. He directed Naruto the table and sat down with him. "I hear congratulations are in order. You and Hinata are dating! You're a lucky man, Naruto. She's a beautiful, smart and talented girl who's been in love with you for years!" He clapped Naruto on the shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah I was an idiot, I know but I've got her now!" Naruto grinned at him. "So umm, why are you guys here? I haven't done anything wrong so is it a mission? Some secret A Class mission? Huh? Huh? Tell me!" Naruto was sure that was the only reason both of them were there.

Kakashi came to the table with three cups. He sat so that Naruto was between them. "No mission I'm afraid. Damned if I didn't wish I was on one right now though!" He shook his head and took a deep breath. "Naruto, we're all happy that you and Hinata have gotten together but when a guy and a girl get serious things happen - like kissing. I know you know about kissing. You kiss girls or rather Hinata, that's natural but when you want to start kissing more than her lips…then we've got a problem. Well not really, kissing other body parts is okay but the other stuff – with umm certain other body parts you can do stuff but you really shouldn't…. We'll explain it to you." He said in a huff. Kakashi looked frazzled as he looked up at Iruka.

"Kakashi! Slow down – you're saying too much!" Iruka couldn't believe he was talking about Naruto kissing Hinata's body! This was down right embarrassing! "Umm don't pay any attention to him Naruto! But he's right about how it all starts with kissing and then…well you want to do other…things. You want to do more than just kiss – like t-touch e-each other!" This is insane! "Naruto, we're here to explain to you about sex!" He said really fast.

Naruto's face was red and his heart was beating really fast. They were here to have 'the talk?!' He wasn't ready for the talk! And Kakashi- sensei talking about kissing different parts of Hinata's body and using other body parts to do stuff! He shifted in his chair as images flooded into his mind – things he shouldn't be thinking of while his sensei were watching his every move!

Naruto looked from one man to the other hoping they hadn't noticed anything and saw their half afraid but determined features. They looked like they were being forced to do something abhorrent. They weren't leaving until they told him...what exactly? "Sex?" His voice went up. He and Hinata hadn't gone beyond kissing yet and they wanted them to have sex! "You want us to have sex?!"

"NO!" They yelled simultatiously. Looking at each other, they knew this was going to be a long night.

Lord Hiashi watched as his first born fixed them some tea. He felt a little ashamed and made a promise to himself. Hinata had changed. She was still quiet but she was not the child he had known before she'd gone to the academy. Their family's jutsu allowed him to see more than the average shinobi but he had not been able to see his own daughter. Somehow he had missed her growing up.

At fifteen, she stood tall and moved with apparent grace. Hinata was turning into a beautiful young woman – a woman who attracted young men. She had in fact captured one young man who he was very reluctant for her to be involved with. Uzumaki Naruto – the bearer of the Nine-Tailed Fox.

"Father." Hinata was now sitting with him at the table and had already served the tea. He had been so lost in his thoughts that he'd already broken his promise to pay more attention to her. He smiled and nodded to her before taking a sip. "You wanted to talk about Naruto?"

Hinata was very nervous. She had never thought her father would care who she was seen with but obviously he had found out about her and Naruto and was possibly upset by it. After all these years of indifference she felt a little put off that now he would question how she lived her life. Hinata had always loved her father despite the way he'd treated her. Over the years, she'd missed him even though they lived in the same house. She doubted that he even knew the littlest things about her life or how much she'd changed especially now that she was with Naruto.

She couldn't let him see her fear so she sat tall and proud. She would deny nothing and defend their relationship with all her might. Naruto was hers now and she intended to keep him.

Lord Hiashi blinked. Hinata met his gaze boldly and spoke first of Naruto. "Yes, it came to my attention today that you and he are dating. Do you think this is wise my daughter? He is…different and he's not well liked in this village."

"You listen to gossip Father?" She shocked him with her question then answered his earlier question. Hinata had to smile. "It is very wise – one of my better decisions. Different? Yes delightfully so. It's one of the things I like best about him."

Then, "Father…you mentioned that Naruto's not well liked. I noticed this a long time ago; I mean it's obvious that the adults around us…hate him." Hinata tilted her head curiously. "Why do the villagers treat Naruto so badly? He grew up without family and should have been looked after but no one ever did. Naruto's lived alone and raised himself." She cupped her hands around her cup as she pondered her words. Could that be why she'd always admired him?

"That is not for me to say. Naruto knows the answer, you should try asking him." He said quietly watching her face. If she knew the boy was keeping secrets, maybe she would end the relationship before it got too far.

His daughter had been dating for weeks and he hadn't known! He'd been out at a meeting today and heard some people talking in the streets. Hinata was right. She and Naruto were the latest gossip in the village. His first born was dating the demon fox! At first he'd been angry that she hadn't told him but then why would she? He rarely spoke or looked at her for his concentration was spent on her sister and now Neji – Hinata was an afterthought if he thought of her at all.

Hiashi didn't think he could trust the boy not to someday become the demon inside him and hurt his child. He had witnessed Naruto using the demon's powers during the Chunin exams and he appeared to have it under control. Still… And then there was Neji. He'd questioned him about Hinata's relationship once he'd arrived home to find Hinata gone. To his great surprise Neji had not only known of the relationship but he approved of it! Since his defeat at Naruto's hands, Neji had a new respect for both his cousin and Naruto. The boy actually thought they were good for each other. Lord Hiashi didn't know what to think.

"He knows?" She asked softly, a small frown on her pretty face. But he's hasn't said a word! Neither has father and I know he never will! Hinata was a bit shocked by this news but as she thought about it she realized that it did not matter. She had never even thought to ask if he knew why he was treated so differently. So why would it matter now? Whatever the problem was, he still had no control over what people thought, in fact the knowledge must be a burden to him yet he went on. Hinata smiled and looked up at her father. "He will tell me when he's ready but if he doesn't that's okay too. Is that all Father?" She'd answered his question and confirmed that they were dating so she believed the conversation to be over.

His mouth dropped open. Her trust in the boy was absolute. What was it that she and Neji saw in him that evoked such trust?! "I want you to know that I don't necessarily approve of your relationship with him. You could be ostracized by the villagers, by mere association. This does not bother you?" It bothered him to think others would look down on his daughter because of the company she kept.

"I've been ostracized before Father." She spoke lowly and did not meet his eye because she was speaking of their own relationship. "Naruto has Kakashi- sensei, the Sanin Jiraiya and the Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade who all care for and protect him. That counts more than some unknown villagers who don't bother to get to know him before judging him! Will you do the same? Judge him, judge us without cause?!" Hinata was on her feet now with her hands pressed against the table.

Lord Hiashi stared wide-eyed up at his daughter. She was definitely not the little girl he'd known. Here was young woman by all signs, in love with Uzumaki Naruto. She would defend and protect him from all who would hurt him, even her own father.

"I'm proud of you Hinata." He had to laugh as her mouth dropped open in confusion. "You've turned into a strong and admirable person. I'm still not sure about Naruto or your relationship. Maybe you should bring him around one day and give me a chance to know him as you do. Oh!" He tenderly enfolded his daughter in his arms when she impulsively hugged him. The last time he held her so was when she was a very young child. A tear came to his eye as he realized how much he'd missed not only with Hinata but her sister and Neji. He had to be more of parent to them instead of just the leader of their clan.

"You'll be nice to him won't you Father? He doesn't know how to deal with most people so he comes across as brash sometimes! He laughs a lot but only because he's nervous. Father - !" She stopped when he placed a finger over her lips.

"I'll be nice to him, I promise. You set up a time and he'll come for dinner, okay?" Again he laughed as she squeezed his neck.

"I love you Father." She said against his neck and felt his arms tighten about her.

"And I you Hinata." Lord Hiashi repeated the words with deep affection.

Neji smiled as he watched from the doorway. He already knew Naruto could change lives and here was one more example.