"Arashi-chan...do you think I'm crazy for this?"

"..."

"You're not very convincing..."

I sighed as I continued to rock Arashi back in forth in the rocking chair. Today was the day I get back to working within the tower.

And I'm dreading it.

It's the same feeling I got when I had to go back to work after familial leave was over. I remember it like it was yesterday, the dread and worry that I'm leaving too early... Yeah just like that.

"Arashi-chan, do you want me to leave?" He is blank expression changed into a smile and he began to giggle...which made me chuckle. "Yeah, me neither."

A knock on the wall interrupted the moment. "Naruto, it's almost time to leave." Sakura stepped out in her white robe rubbing her eyes. Her hair was a mess and there were visible bags under her eyes but somehow, she made it look cute. "Come on."

I sighed and looked back at Arashi. "We'll continue this conversation later." I got up and laid him back in his crib and kissed him goodbye. Sakura walked behind me and leaned on me.

"Hey."

"Hey." She sighed and wrapped her arms around me. "I know you don't want to leave but you have to go back to work."

"I just...don't want to miss out on anything anymore, you know?" I looked at a now peacefully sleeping Arashi. "Not anymore."

"It'll be okay, okay?" She turned me around and kissed me so sweetly. "I'll see you when you get back."

The building looked good. Looks like it got done than the plumbing..."

"Mhm. Almost looks good as new...almost."

Shikamaru and I stare at the newly renovated Hokage Tower. Not only did they redo the plumbing, but it seems like it got a new paint job. Same colors, just a little brighter. "Well, I like it."

We head inside with Shikamaru leading the way. As I greeted all my staff, I couldn't help but think about yesterday...and my thoughts from last night. I could hear Sakura yelling at me to be quiet as I rehearsed in our mirror. Yesterday was her last day working crazy hours at the hospital, how convenient, and she was trying to get some much-needed rest. I practiced the rest of the night in our bathroom mirror thinking of different scenarios on how the conversation could go to lie, it is stressful and I am nervous, however, I'm hoping it doesn't take a turn for the worst.

"You're quiet."

"H-Huh?" His voice pulled me from my thoughts and I realized we were in my office.

"You don't like your new wall?" He walked towards the wall where the hole once was. "They did do a good job, if you weren't here to see, you'd never guess there was a giant hole here with a huge pipe sticking from it."

"...Yeah."

I walked over to my desk and touched the wood. They not only fixed the wall, but they changed my desk, kind of grateful for that. I took a seat and sighed.

"How do you feel after being home for so long?" Shikamaru took sat on the corner of my desk.

"I feel good? It's...a change but I can manage it..."

Suddenly, I heard a low chuckle coming from him. He shook his head at me and smirked. "You're lying."

"What? Shikamaru that-"

"Oh please," He turned to me. "You want to be at home, don't you?"

Is he serious? Can he see right through me? "...Is it that obvious?" He chuckled again and pushed himself off the desk. "Okay, you can stop laughing! I was going to tell you today...but you already found me out so..."

"I saw it the moment to stepped into the office. I'll admit, you were trying but you really can't hide your facial expressions." I cringed at the thought of the faces I possibly made. "But I don't blame you. It seems that I've developed the same sentiments. How troublesome..."

I look at him in shock. He never mentioned anything about him feeling the same way... Did he feel this way the whole time too? "You want to stay home too? I don't understand, I thought you of all people wouldn't feel the same."

"Idiot why would I not want to be with my family?!"

"I didn't say that!"

Shikamaru rolled his eyes and walked behind me. "I don't know... It's just..." He looked out the window where the village was in full view. You could see everything from the tower window. From the villagers making errands to the children running and playing. It's one of my favorite pass times to do up here. "Working at home gave me a new perspective. It...reminded me of things. My father was there for me and we were child soldiers fighting on the front lines for years. Yet were in peaceful times and-"

"You're barely there..." I finished.

"...Yeah."

The silence stood between us for what seemed like hours.

"What are going to do Shika?"

"...I may have an idea..."

"Eh?!"

I opened the door and dropped my bags next to the door. Hanami turned towards me and lit up. She dropped her toys and into my arms. "Daddy!"

Sakura walked out of her room hair still a mess. "Naruto? What are you doing back home? Did the pip burst again?"

I picked Hanami and kissed her cheek. "Sakura-chan, I have good news!"

She crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow at me. "Good news? What did you do now?"

I just smiled and pulled her into my arms. "The right thing."

Finally, Shinachiku came from his room holding his favorite slug book. He dropped it as soon as he saw me. "Dad? What are you doing here? I thought you have to go back to work...?"

"I am at work, Shina-chan."

He looked at me in confusion. I just shook my head and smiled. "Come here Shina-chan." Still confused, he walked and stood in front of me. I picked him up in my other arm and held him close. "I worked something out. I...really found it hard to leave you guys and go back to the way things were before. So, I worked out a deal, I go to the office four days out of the week and work from home for three."

Shocked, Sakura looked at me in confusion. "What? How'd you finagle that?"

"Shikamaru and I talked about it and worked it out!" I turned to my son. "Listen, Shina...Hanami...Sakura-chan...I'm sorry for spending most of my time in the office. These last few months have taught me that I'm missing important times with you guys and...I really don't want to miss any more. Besides, I have so much more fun doing work when I'm with you guys!"

"So, that means you're going to be here more?" Shina asked.

I smiled warmly at him and put my forehead against mine. "Yes, I'll be home more than before. Way more."

He gasped, smiled, and hugged me tight. Sakura looked fondly at the whole display. "I don't know how you did it...but I'm proud of you." She kissed me then patted me on my shoulder. "I love you."

I smiled back just as wide and kissed her back. "I love you too."