A/N: Constructive criticism is appreciated. Review and tell me what you liked, hated, want to see, etc.

Warnings: Throughout the course of this fanfiction there will be an ongoing rating of M/MA.

To clarify this also a fem!Naru based story not Naruto. Which means no Yaoi, but I will not object to writing it in the future.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and any of the original characters or plot. But, I do take ownership of this story and any OCs introduced.

This sets place two years after the last battle between Naruto and Sasuke.

There will be major spoilers for those who haven't finished the manga.

bold/italics - announcements


The sound of her clicking heels fueled the panic. She was pacing across the room for the better half of an hour - back and forth, back and forth - her golden curls swayed with each step, I found it almost hypnotic.

She turned to me with swollen eyes, the tip of her nose a rosy pink. She mouthed a series of words but the most I heard was white noise. I lit a cigarette and sucked in my poison, blowing it out the corner of my mouth. Soon enough her whole face had turned pink and she swatted the burning stick from my hand.

"What the hell is your problem?" She asked, grabbing me by the collar and pulling me in.

"I wasn't done with that."

"I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation." She stated matter-of-factly. "Kakashi-Senei is, he's-, and there's some lunatic who's taken over the fucking village. Do you not get it!?"

I wrap my hand around her fist which had firm grip of my shirt, thrusting my face closer to hers.

"Firstly, calm down - you're useless if you're frantic," I said flatly. "Secondly, don't you dare question me. Lastly, what makes you think that this guy isn't all talk? We have all gone up against worse. This is nothing." I pry her off me with one swift push.

Naruto stumbled, but looked back at the kid sitting quietly by the table. She nodded as if to confirm she was fine, and that it was going to be fine. It was all so strange for me to witness this girl - who I had commonly refered to as a dead last dip shit - blossom in to a woman who felt compelled to care for a child. It dawned on me then that everything was truly different, and a lot of time had passed.

"Do you really think it'll be that easy? Getting rid of this guy, I mean." She said, her voice hoarse with exhaustion.

I sighed, taking in a deep breath and rested a hand on my knee. "I think with a well executed plan it could be quite simple. That's if someone doesn't take care of this dickhead first."

Citizens of Konoha this is a recorded message from the newly appointed Hokage; Kazuka Michiba.

It has been brought to my attention that many of you have become quite defiant. Breaking curfew, attacking my men, trying to bypass the guards at the front gates. I am deeply hurt by all of your acts of contrition. I am saddened, I am angered, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't to be expected of you. No matter. To ensure none of this happens again, I have taken certain "precautions."

My word is now law, you see. And those who break the law are most certainly punished accordingly. To set an example and to prove to you that this is no running joke, I have in my keep - six conspirators who will be killed if another toe is stepped out of line.

We can all live happily and harmoniously together my good citizens, you'd be surprised how much better off you will all be. If you choose the right path, that is.

Goodbye.

I was speechless, I think my mouth may have actually hung open.

"Quite simple," Naruto said breathlessly. "Goddammit. Goddammit!"

She tore the scarf from around her neck and hurled it to the ground, before storming towards the front door in a fiery rage. There was no room to make an impulsive mistake now, things were getting intense - so I grabbed her.

I pulled her in with my single arm and held her close to me, despite her thrashing about in attempt to tear away and burst out the door.

"Naruto, stop." I warned her. She didn't cease. "Stop, just stop!"

Her body fell still and she softened agaist my chest. The room was soon filled by the eruption of cries and sobs that escaped her trembling lips. Her hands covered her watering eyes, as if she were almost ashamed of her display of emotion. Admittedly, I had never been good at handling crying women, but in this instance I tried to soothe her pain.

"Listen to me. It'll be okay," I cooed. "I promise." I assured her, grabbing her chin and tilting her head in order to meet her gaze.

"Stupid tears, it's been a long day. Yknow?" Naruto forced a smile and gave my torso a quick squeeze, then trotted off to Yumi - who I completely forgot was sitting there. She gathered the tiny girl in to her arms and held her on her hip then kissed her forehead. I couldn't help but smile a little.

"How old are you sweetheart?" Naruto asked Yumi, as she walked over to the kitchen and filled a glass of water for the young brunette.

After coaxing her to take a few sips she held out her hand and raised four of her fingers.

"Well, aren't you a big girl?" The Nine-Tails vessel pinched one of her cheeks with affection, before putting her down again. I was slightly impressed.

"We have to figure something out, Sasuke." She said with utter determination.

"We do. But, it's late and we are all tired. The only thing necessary at this point in time is to go to bed and rest. Tomorrow's a new day."

"You've grown to be quite the sensible man." Her eyes gleamed in mockery. "I think I'll enjoy taking your bed."

"Don't push your luck, moron." I said. "The girl can stay in my brothers bed for tonight. You on the other hand can take the foot of my bed or sleep on the floor."

"Tough decision," Naruto retorted dryly. "Would you mind putting her to bed? I'm afraid I must use the facilities." She smiled sheepishly ruffling the kids hair and then proceeded to the nearest restroom.

I groaned at the task that lay ahead, it was not in my best interests to play daddy for the evening. Fuck - me.

I swallowed my distaste for the situation and took hold of Yumi's hand, guiding her down the corridor and through to Itachi's quarters. I guess she could sense my mood and thought maybe it'd be in her best interest to piss me off further. She began pulling on my arm, bringing her knees to the ground and then jumping to her feet.

Up - Down - Up - Down.

"Stop."

Up - Down - Up - Down

"Enough!"

She glanced up at me with big doe eyes, perhaps trying to gain some sympathy. Naruto probably let her get away with everything under the sun, then melted when she pulled a stunt like this. Not me. Not a chance.

I peeled back the bed sheets and waited for her to slide under the covers. Once she was tucked in I sat beside her, not knowing nor familiar with what to say or do next. I questioned whether I was to just leave, whether I should say something. I really hadn't the slightest idea.

She glared at me as though challenging me to speak, but I simply glared back. There was another dead silence for few minutes, until she propped herself up by the elbows and threw her tiny arms around my neck.

"Night, Night." She said in a near whisper.

"Goodnight," I hesitated. "Sweetheart."