Hi! I hope everyone is well. I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while. I had most of the chapter written on my phone and then my phone crashed and I lost it all. Then my laptop was acting up. It was like this chapter did not want to get written. I have so many ideas for this story but I sometimes get in a funk and can't write anything. It's horrible I know. But I'm working on it. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this chapter but I hope you enjoy it anyway.

XOXO

Chapter 7: Family Discussion

NARUTO and Hinata spend the next few days simultaneously gushing about the upcoming twins and talking about how they were going to tell Boruto and Himawari. Naruto wanted to sit them down during the weekend when he had the whole day to be there as the kids processed the news. Hinata wanted to do it during one of their weekly dinners when Naruto was home and they were eating a meal together. They compromised and decided to do it on Saturday night after dinner.

To be honest, Naruto was tense and anxious the whole week, unsure of how they were going to react to the news. When they told Boruto about expecting Himawari he was still a baby. His initial reaction was confusion. He was more concerned about Hinata and the logistics of how the baby was in Hinata's stomach, more than anything. Once he abandoned that line of thinking he was excited. He spent much of Hinata's pregnancy talking to Hima, rubbing Hinata's belly, holding her hand as he walked her places, and making sure she had everything she needed. Boruto was always a concerned son and an eager big brother. Naruto hopes he shows the same eagerness to the twins.

Hima never got an opportunity to be a big sister but Naruto thinks she would be amazing at it. At the core, his daughter is pure of heart. She has always worn her kindness as a badge of honour and he knows that his future children will be so lucky to have her as a big sister.

It's still so unreal that they are having twins. Naruto, never in his wildest dreams imagined the possibility; though he should have, since twins run in the family. It's just he never gave much thought to being a dad in the first place. Most of his life felt like a struggle; a fight. He spent forever fighting to survive. He never felt worthy of anything and when he finally became a ninja and made friends, he fought to keep those friends; to save their lives. The only real thing he wanted, the dream he clung so desperately to, was to become Hokage. It wasn't until he was older that he realised why he wanted it so badly. He saw the Hokage, being respected, loved, valued, and most importantly the strongest in the village and that's all he wanted. The older he got, and the more experienced he became, he saw Hokage for what it really was. Sure they were all the things he mentioned, but more than that they were integral in society. They had a much larger role; to protect, to serve, to inspire, and he was honoured when he earned that title.

While becoming Hokage was something he always saw for himself, marriage and children were not. It still stuns him that Hinata chose to marry him. Boruto and Hima were additional blessings. Blessings he still sometimes felt unworthy of having. He often worried if he was a good enough parent to them. He didn't know how to be a dad, but he is and will always be grateful to his family for giving him the space to learn and do better. Even Boruto, in his own way, allows Naruto that space. Naruto doesn't always see the yelling and tantrums as completely negative. He also sees it as a learning tool. Boruto is being honest with him, so Naruto listens to the things he says and also the things he may not be saying and works to better the situation. He wants to believe that even though he may not be perfect, his effort to be better is appreciated.

Despite sometimes the pressure of being a parent is overwhelming, the thought of the existence of his twins brings an uncontrollable smile to his face. He is aware of the risks twins carry, so he spends more time observing Hinata and decides he needs to be vigilant for the next 8 months or so. Hinata is the kind of person that loses herself in what she is doing and finds it very difficult to say no. As a result, her well-being is often on the backburner. He needs to be firmer and watch if she over-exerts herself.

They are currently both in the kitchen, having showered already and snug in their nightclothes. Hinata is using a simple white night-gown that falls just above her knee and Naruto thinks she looks breath-taking, just doing the simple task of washing the dishes. It's in the domesticity of their life that he finds her undeniably attractive. It's in the thought that only he gets to see her like that and vice versa. It is in the quiet certainty of their ordinariness that brings Naruto the greatest comfort.

Naruto is in simple cotton pants and shirts. He is helping her tidy the kitchen and put the dishes away before they have to call the kids in to share their news. Boruto and Himawari have gone to their rooms, each doing their own thing.

After completing their task Naruto raises his fingers to brush the nape of her neck before whispering, "go to the sitting room. I'll get the kids."

She wordlessly nods and makes her way to the double-seater couch. She keeps tucking a strand of her hair behind her ears. He walks through the hallway, knocking on Hima's door before opening it. "Hey princess, do you think you can come to the lounge? Mama and I would like to talk to you and Bolt."

She's propped against the wall with her knees raised on the bed. He can see she has a pen in her hand so she's likely writing or drawing. Himawari is a creative person by nature, always doodling or drawing. He finds that fact very endearing. She gives him a look of puzzlement before nodding. "Okay, papa. I'll be right there."

"Thank you."

He doesn't close the door as he leaves because he sees her getting out of bed, putting her slippers on. He leaves her to it and then makes his way to Boruto's room. He knocks again before entering. Boruto is sitting at his desk, playing a game on his computer. He's got his headphones in so Naruto doubts his son heard him knocking. He taps him on the shoulder which prompts the blonde-haired boy to remove one ear to look at him.

"Can you put your game on pause? Your mother and I want to have a chat." Naruto explains.

Boruto groans. "Is it important? I'm at a crucial level." He turns back to his game.

"Yes, it is important." Naruto pulls the headphones out. "Crucial levels have to wait."

By the time they both make it to the lounge, Hinata and Hima are sitting across from each other. Naruto takes a seat next to her. Bolt, upon sensing the atmosphere suddenly realises something is happening sits quietly without complaining.

They all stare at each other for a few seconds before Hinata takes a deep breath and speaks. "Your father and I have some news to share. This may be a surprise,"

"It definitely is a surprise," Naruto butts in and Hinata spares him a murderous glance and he promptly shuts up.

"As I was saying, it may come as a surprise to you both, however, you must know that your father and I love you both very much and we will understand if you're confused or disappointed, even sad. You are allowed to feel…"

Hinata is talking in a soothing tone, trying to placate the children. Naruto takes the time to analyse his children focusing on their facial features. With every word that escapes Hinata's lips Himawari face gets more distressed. Her eyes widen and almost bulging out of their socket she says, "oh no. You and Papa are getting a divorce!" She exclaims in alarm.

She whips her head to look at Boruto, her expression distraught, "Bolt I told you we shouldn't have written that list. Look at what is happening," she stretches out her hand like a 'look' gesture as if it explains everything. For a split second, Boruto looks worried as well. Naruto suspects it must have been Hinata's words that led to his doubt but then says in as confident a tone as he can muster, "they're not getting a divorce Hima."

He turns to his parents. "You'll aren't, right?" he questions, just to make sure.

"No!" Naruto assures them. "It's the opposite if you think about it." He is met with two pairs of scrunching eyebrows and confused faces. All their news does is invariably tie him and Hinata together in a more permanent way. They were always going to be tied together. Naruto could never imagine being separated from the people in this room any more than his childhood determination to become Hokage.

"What's the opposite of divorce?" Himawari whispers to Bolt.

Bolt shrugs his shoulder in an 'it beats me' expression. "Marriage…but they're already married….unless…" His face takes on a thinking note and Naruto can swear he sees the wheels turning in his brain.

"Yes, we're already married," Naruto confirms. "Our wedding pictures are all over this house," he finishes off dramatically, indicating to the various frames in plain sight.

Boruto's face turns pink. Slightly embarrassed, he squeals, "then what is going on? Can you just tell us, without all the mystery?"

Now it's Hinata that gets nervous and begins playing with her fingers, tangling and detangling them in her lap. Naruto reaches out to calm her, his much larger hand enclosing hers. She relaxes at his touch and Naruto takes control of the conversation.

Breathing in and then out he begins to speak. "Your mother is pregnant. You and Himawari are going to be a big brother and big sister." He figured there was no other way of saying it so he said it directly.

Bolt and Himawari both look puzzled but both process the news differently. Himawari doesn't say anything immediately, still thinking about it. Naruto wishes she would speak but knows she needs a few more minutes.

Boruto, much like his nature begins speaking before really thinking, "You're having another baby. Why?"

Naruto doesn't even get a chance to answer before Bolt is speaking again, "but you're old and like, I mean, why?"

"We're not old!" Naruto exclaims in affront. What is it with kids thinking he was old? He's still in his thirties.

"Why do you need another baby? You already have two. Aren't Bolt and I enough?" Himawari questions in a small voice.

Her question breaks his heart a little. "You and Bolt are more than enough Hima." He looks directly into her eyes, needing her to know he was now very serious. "Your mother and I love you and your brother. I wish I could explain just how much. The twins came as a bit of a surprise but it doesn't – "

"Twins! You're having two babies!" Bolt screeches his shock propelling him to stand up with his hands in his hair. "This is insane."

Naruto licks his lip, reminding himself to be patient. His children are allowed their reactions. He was just as surprised.

"Yes, Bolt. Twins." He confirms calmly. He and Hinata must remain calm, try and maintain control of the conversation as much as they can.

His son is breathing heavily now as he props himself at the edge of the sofa.

Hinata begins speaking, "your father and I need you both to know that this will never, ever, change how we feel about you or your position in our lives. All it means is that our family is getting a little bigger." Hinata's voice is soft but determined; determined to make their children understand that this isn't a bad thing.

"Yeah, two new babies for dad to leave you to take care of while he is busy being Hokage." Bolt declares, his shock changing to anger.

Naruto can't help but be hurt by his son's words.

"Boruto," Hinata chides. "That's not fair. Your father is a busy man. He is important to people other than us."

"Yeah, and how are you going to explain that to two babies? All they're going to know is that he is never around. I mean that's all Hima and I knew."

Naruto tries to understand that his son is speaking from a place of pain and neglect. Even with Naruto being around and trying more lately all Boruto seems to remember are his mistakes.

"That's enough Boruto! You do not talk about your father like that." Hinata's voice is harsher than previously and Naruto knows she is going to feel guilty about it later.

"You're right. This is enough. I can't do this." He says jumping from his feet and storming out of the lounge, his focus on his bedroom. Naruto is torn between chasing after him and staying put to talk to his daughter.

Hinata gives him a look and he wakes up, silently, preparing for the hurricane that is his son.

When he gets to the entrance of Boruto's room he can see his son stuffing various clothing items into his bag. He wears his anger on his sleeve but he still looks up at Naruto, "I'm going to stay with Shikadai tonight. I'll leave for my mission from there."

Naruto decides at that moment to give his son the space he is asking for but he doesn't let him leave without saying something. He ponders the right words, knowing the importance. "Bolt. I know you're hurt by my continuous absence and I know that you're trying to protect your mother and sister from the hurt I may cause or may have already caused. But I promised to be better. I know it's going to take some time for you to see that I will be here, that I will keep my promise. So I'll keep showing you and I'll keep trying until I get you to believe it. You may hate me now but I'll always love you more than you hate me."

Boruto pauses and Naruto knows his son heard him so he turns back around and makes his way to the lounge. He doesn't see the tear that falls from his son's eye, nor does he see the guilt his words caused.

By the time he enters the sitting room, he notices Hinata has moved so she is sitting next to Himawari on the couch and is whispering fervently to their daughter. Naruto goes to sit on the other side of Himawari, pulling her into his arms, the same way he did when she was a baby.

"We know this is a big change and it may be scary but you can talk to us. You can tell us whatever you're feeling. We won't get mad and we will do our best to make it better for you."

She turns her head to tuck it into the crook of his neck. "I'm sorry Papa."

"You don't ever have to apologise to us about your emotions Hima." He responds gently brushing her hair.

"I'm a little sad because I don't understand why this is happening and because Bolt is sad. But…I think I am happy too. I always wondered what it would be like to be a big sister. Do you think I'd be as good a big sister as Bolt is a big brother?" Her eyes are a little red from crying but they are wide and innocent in their questioning.

"Are you kidding? You'd be the best big sister anyone can ever have." She smiles tentatively at his words before hugging him. They all hear Bolt's door close and Naruto gazes at Hinata over Himawari's shoulder. Hinata makes a move to go after their son but Naruto shakes his head slightly. Boruto has had enough overwhelming emotions thrown at him for one night. If Hinata spoke to him, his son would retreat further into himself and lash out in anger. It's better if he is left to his thoughts, to process the events on his own for a little while.

Naruto is concerned he may let the events affect his performance in the mission but then thinks it is only a D rank mission to observe a lab. They shouldn't run into too much trouble.

XOXO

Life in the Uzumaki household over the next few days was tense, to say the least. Naruto could feel the uneasiness of both his wife and daughter. He was no different. His workdays were spent mulling over Boruto's words. He worked hard to make it home for every dinner that week but conversations were stilted. It was as if no one could be truly happy about the news of the twins until Boruto could be happy too; as if they were all waiting for his blessing. They were all weighed down by Boruto's emotions, each projecting it in their own way.

The night his son left for the Nara house, Himawari fell asleep and Naruto carried her to bed. Hinata was distraught and she cried herself to sleep. It didn't matter how much Naruto tried to comfort her. Hinata pondered whether they should have handled the situation better. Naruto tried to tell her there wasn't any other way; them being honest was the best possible solution but Hinata would hear none of it. Naruto suspects her hormones were partially to blame but he didn't risk saying that out loud, fearful of Hinata. He valued his bed and her cooking more than making a point. He held her until she fell asleep that night but her words still plagued him. Was there another way they could have shared the news?

He understood that Boruto may have felt bombarded or overwhelmed. He holds no ill-feeling towards his son. He just wishes he could have seen the damage his absence has been causing much sooner than he did. Maybe if he were a better father he would have seen it…

He shook himself out of that line of thinking. There was nothing he could do about his past mistakes. All he can do going forward is learn from them. He vowed to be better in the future, so that is what he needs to work on. He just wishes he could make things right with Bolt. He wishes he could talk to his father or Pervy Sage. He feels a pang in his chest at the thought of those he lost.

There's no use thinking about that now. All he can do is wait until his son's mission is over and work on their relationship as it stands. He has never shied away from a challenge before and he knows his son is worth all of the effort.

XOXO

He is at work when he gets the call. It's four days after Boruto left. The call was simple, 'there was an incident. Boruto was injured. He is recovering in the hospital.' Naruto toys with the idea of not telling Hinata, worried for her well-being and the babies. Sakura said stress is bad and could negatively affect her. Hinata is stressed as it is.

As soon as he thinks not to tell her, he dispels the thought. Hinata would never forgive him if he kept such a thing from her. When it comes to their family, their children, there is an unspoken rule that honesty is crucial. He would never make that choice for her.

So instead of rushing straight to the hospital and following his parental instinct to make sure his son was okay, he heads straight for home. It's early enough that Himawari should still be at the academy, so he'll fetch her later. When he walks in he finds Hinata at the table, absent-mindedly eating lunch. It takes her a few seconds to break out of her reverie and notice him. One look at his face and she understands something is amiss.

She stands up. "Is everything okay?" She questions, her hands reflexing going to her belly in a protective gesture.

"It's Bolt. He's back from his mission."

She furrows her brow in confusion, most likely wondering why he hadn't come home, and instead Naruto came from work to tell her that.

"I need you to take a deep breath and listen to me." That was the wrong thing to say because all his words do is make her more distraught.

"There was an incident," he parrots the same words he was given, "it appears Bolt was injured." Her eyes widen and he hastily clarifies, "He's okay. He is in the hospital, recovering. We should go see him."

She's already walking in the direction of their front door; worry etched on her features but determination in her every step. He stops her before she passes him. "Honey, look at me."

He gently grabs her face, forcing her to gaze into his equally concerned face, though his resolve is not faltering. "He is going to be fine."

Her eyes begin to tear but she nods wordlessly. He places a kiss on her forehead and brings her into his arms. She collapses into his embrace.

After a couple of minutes, she pulls apart and intertwines her hand in his and they both make their way out of their home, one goal in mind; the hospital.

XOXO

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