Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to Naruto or its world. I don't own any media or pop culture referred to or mentioned in the story.

Warning: Short Rated T+ scene at the end

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4 Months Later - Konoha (February)

A year passed quickly before Kushina knew it.

After receiving her official jounin rank and celebrating with her boyfriend, Kushina soon began a full-time schedule of high-ranked missions.

It was so satisfying, 'ttebane! She no longer had to worry about the political games or justify why she had clearance to certain offices or information.

"Thanks for the hard work." She said to her recent team. They just finished a 6-week mission that took them longer than expected. Now back home, the three-man squad was ready to report in then take some well-deserved R & R.

Her team member, Ryota, who was a tokubetsu jounin specialized in tracking, grinned. "Nothing like being home, right?"

Their third member, Ma-Li, stretched, giving a long groan when her back popped. "Is it bad to say I could taste the difference in the air?" She was a chunin, a combat specialist. Kushina had fun tag-teaming with her. "The trees in the Leaf definitely give off a different smell."

Her older two team members glanced at each other then shook their heads. Ma-Li must've been a new chunin to still have so much energy after the pace they set to get back home.

"I wouldn't say that," Kushina laughed. "But it's definitely good to be back." After leading the squad, Kushina was excited to unwind and relax.

"Do you need anything from us, Captain?" Ryota looked to his mission lead.

Kushina blushed red, waving her hands embarassed at the name they picked up. "W-What did I say about that name?" Even after leading several missions, the 'taicho' still made Kushina giddy.

Ma-Li nodded, bumping a muscled shoulder into Kushina's side playfully. "We're more than happy to submit that report with you, Uzumaki-taicho." The teen grinned teasingly at the young woman.

Kushina lightly pushed the youngest into her second squad member, making both of them laugh at her reactions. "You two!"

Ryota gave a jaunty two-finger salute. "Got it. We'll leave it to you, Uzumaki-taicho."

Ma-Li gave an enthusiastic salute as well, making Kushina throw two kunai. The two jumped away, both moving in direction of "home" for them.

Ma-Li, though, gave an energetic call before she was too many rooftops away. "Let's spar sometime Uzumaki-san!"

Kushina gave a matching grin and called out, "You know it!" Before heading to the Hokage tower to report in.

Hours later, Kushina walked into her apartment—the one she now shared with Minato, the thought still made her giddy—with a heavy sigh. The report went longer than expected. The officers she reported to asked more questions than expected. On the upside, they seemed satisfied with her telling of events. Now she didn't need to do detailed paperwork! Score!

Without wasting anytime, Kushina went through her returning home routine, letting her body unconsciously go through the well-practiced steps.

Like a form of moving meditation, Kushina let herself fully unwind as each step was completed. By the end, she was clean, wearing comfortable clothes, and whipping up comfort food.

It's good to be home, ttebane…

"You got that right."

Kushina smiled, turning to the entrance to the kitchen. "Welcome home, Minato!"

Minato smiled at his girlfriend, glad to see her in good spirits. So her mission went well, that's always a relief. "You too. How long are you off?"

Kushina took a moment to add some chopped vegetables to the dish. "Four days this time!" She replied chipperly.

The couple spend the rest of their evening together before retiring to their room at the end of the night.

Hours later in the dark room, Kushina couldn't help but stare at the ceiling, unable to rest despite being beside her most special person.

Kushina hummed in thought. "Minato…" He gave a sound of acknowledgement from beside her. Oh good, he wasn't asleep. "Do you think it was the right choice?"

"What was?" The blond turned and saw her face. It clicked. "The Uzumaki child?" When she looked away and nodded, Minato knew he guessed right. "Mmm…"

She tensed a little, wanting to hear his thoughts.

He spoke moments later. "I think you made the right choice given the circumstances."

And he meant it.

When Kushina first told him her reasoning months ago, Minato saw no faults with her decision. Of course, he would've supported her no matter what she decided. And he communicated that, repeatedly.

But that didn't stop his lovely girlfriend from having moments of doubt and guilt, like this. Kushina had such a big heart... It's one of the many things Minato loved about her.

"Did something happen?" He asked, reaching for her arm as she lay beside him. He'd hate to imagine something happened to the girl when it was bothering Kushina like this.

The redhead shook her head, rolling over to face her boyfriend. As always, she felt whole and complete with Minato. She smiled, breathing in his scent when he automatically pulled her closer.

"No I just…" How does she explain this to him? She still couldn't articulate this irrational sense of urgency, a growing sense of nagging she had whenever she thought of those bright curls and silver eyes.

(It reminded her of the pangs she felt when yearning for Uzushio years ago. When the call of her birth home seemed to pull Kushina from nightmare's of burning buildings and searing ash. Lady Mito welcomed the young Uzumaki into her quarters for days after the announcement of Uzushio's fate, neither wanting the other too far.)

"I guess I feel sorry for her." Kushina didn't mention it in the end, still confused by her own thoughts. "From what they told me, she's gone through a lot already…"

Minato sighed internally, feeling her withdraw her thoughts. He wouldn't push this unless it became a bigger issue. "There's nothing wrong with feeling bad Kushina. But you know you can't… save her from every bad thing that might happen to her right?" He felt her flinch a bit. Got it in one. "That's not… That's not possible. And it's not fair for you to do that to yourself." He frowned, stroking her hair tenderly.

Kushina bit her lip. He was right… She nodded into his chest when he pressed her close, kissing her head.

"Thank you…" She relaxed into his hold, kissing his neck and jaw lovingly in thanks. Kami, what did she do to deserve him?

Minato groaned, eyes darkening in pleasure. "Kushi…" His fingers danced over his lover's body, eliciting sweet sounds from her.

She leaned back, violet eyes filled with love and desire for him. "Touch me…" She whispered, her accent spilling into her voice more.

The Yellow Flash happily obliged.

It didn't take them long to follow the urging of their hearts, finding comfort in each other's arms again.

A/N Thanks for reading! See you next chapter.