Waiting for Love
A/N: Legal disclaimer, I don't own Naruto or any of the character mentioned or much else for that matter. Actually, I barely even own anything at all. As a millenial, it mush be all the coffees I drink even though I don't drink coffee. Regardless, this is my first story on FF and in my head it sounded like a good idea. It's supposed to be a romantic oneshot between Naruto and Tsunade but let me know what you think. Also, it seemed a lot longer on the text editor that I was working on but seems a lot shorted on FF. Any constructive feedback on content, length or any mistakes, I write this late at night so I know I have made plenty, would be very much appreciated.
Other than that, I hope you get the same pleasure reading as I did writing it.
Charcoal? Ash? Burnt Paper? Maybe a combination of the three? There were few things that Naruto truly despised but topping of the list, or coming near to the top, was smoking. Naruto didn't understand the appeal. It wasn't just slowly killing the smoker and they were paying for the privilege, it wasn't just harming those around the smoker through no fault of their own, it was the fact that it smelt and tasted horrible, the subject of which Naruto was contemplating not too long ago.
It came as a real shock to him then, when he found out shortly after his wedding night, that his new wife Tsunade, was fond of such a habit. Comparatively, she was less fond of it then her love for the drink but that too was not something to be proud of. Still, he couldn't be too mad as since there marriage, he had been chastising her to cut down and in her defence, she was drinking and smoking less but old habits break hard?
In his mind, it wasn't really the way he pictured his days ending with his wife. Him in bed, ready to go to sleep, her out on the balcony, smoking and when she returns, she'll have a scent similar to what you might find in refuge centre where they burn the waste sometimes and then she'll want to kiss him at which point Naruto would…
Just then, he heard the handle to the door make a slight squeaking sound as Tsunade pulled it down and entered the room. She was dressed in nothing more than a bra, panties, a sheer nightgown and some fuzzy slippers but then it was nightwear. Despite this, she was still in great shape for her advanced age with no wrinkles or sag, her light blonde hair complimented by her honey coloured eyes and as she closed the door and shed her nightgown, making a show of it as she did, it still baffled Naruto that she was his wife now.
A sentiment shared by Tsunade as she had been riding on a cloud, on a different high since her marriage to the man she had sought for so long. Kicking off her slippers, she knelt on the edge of their bed, slowly making her way to Naruto, the handsome young man with dirty blonde hair and shimmering blue eyes full of love and innocence a real treat for her. Not to mention, he was in bed with nothing more than boxers on, his beautiful muscular body on display for her. As she continued her prowl, a sly grin crossed her face. She couldn't wait to ravage him and he was within arms reach.
Only that he was within arm's reach, one of his arms shifted so that her vision of him was blocked by something he was holding out in his hand. A small packet of chewing gum. Tsunade gave a sigh at how quickly her husband had changed the mood but she knew him well enough after 3 months of being wed. She took the chewing gum, wringing one out and popped it in her mouth. At least this way, they could at least make out in a little bit. At the very least a good night kiss if she really had to settle for something. She moved over to place the rest of the packet on the night stand while Naruto moved the duvet for her to slide in.
The fact that bed was queen size was wasted on the two. Tsunade slept on her side of the bed for the approximately three days before claiming the most comfortable place for her head was in the crook of his neck and as an older person, she needed the extra body heat from him. She was trying to be romantic but there was no denying the thirty five year age difference. Still, it didn't bother either of them as Naruto finally laid on his back just in time for Tsunade to also manoeuvrer under the covers and place her head on her husbands chest, intertwining their legs.
"Had your cigarette and ready for bed now?" Naruto remarked sarcastically.
He wasn't one for sarcasm but then he wasn't one for smoking either.
"Oh come on Naru, I've had a long day," she rebutted, "and I didn't get to have any fun either." she said with a pout.
"Every day is a long day for you." Naruto countered on account of her smoking at least once a day.
"Hmmm, every day I'm not around you is a long day" Tsunade said while lifting her head to look into his eyes to show her love.
Her response was a roll of his eyes but when he closed them, there were signs of a grin which got bigger as she placed her head on his.
"What did you get up to today?" Naruto asked.
Tsunade gave a sigh, she loved these moments with Naruto but the fact that he was bringing up the sordid affairs of the day was also bringing up the headache as well and right now, she just wanted to enjoy his company.
"Naruto my love, let's not talk about it." she responded rather tiredly.
For his part, Naruto could tell the day had worn her down so bringing it back up wasn't the best idea.
"You wanna turn off the lights and go to sleep or have some us time?" Naruto tried to lift her mood and it worked because she lifted her head to look at him.
"You know me so well." Tsunade replied with a smile.
However, as she lowered her head to capture his lips, they instead met his finger that he had snuck in between them.
When she rose her head and gave him a puzzled look, Naruto responded with "Spit the gum out and get the lights first."
Now it was Tsunade's turn to roll her eyes and she got up and over to the trash can in the corner to deposit her gum before switching off the lights, eager to return to her warm bed and loving husband. This time when she settled in, she felt his hands around her hips while she wrapped one arm around his head, pulling him closer while one hand cupped his cheek. This time, she was successful in kissing him and moved her other arm around his neck.
What started as a loving kiss soon turned into a battle of tongues, one that Tsunade would win. She parted her lips and sought his tongue which she quickly dominated. Those years of experience were finally worth something, plus it helped that she was on top of him. In general though, Naruto would let her lead most things in the their marriage and Tsunade preferred it that way but it wasn't always like this. He was quite stubborn at the start but as the personalities clashed, he realised that she was even more stubborn.
They had been lip locked for a good two or three minutes before Naruto tried pulling away. Key word, tired. Being on the bottom and having her arms around his head let him know the he couldn't go anywhere but Tsunade got the message and pulled away. Not a moment too soon as Naruto let out a small gasp for the air he was missing causing Tsunade to giggle slightly.
"Don't worry husband of mine, we have the rest of lives to practise this." Tsunade let him know with a matter of fact tone but as she moved her arms to his shoulders as to give his lungs space to expand, she felt something poking her from behind.
It wasn't something, she knew what it was and knew that their passionate moment would lead to this and she was ready for it. If only, Naruto would let her get drunk then it would've been perfect. As her hand moved down, Naruto caught it to which she turned to face him.
"As much as I would love to, not tonight my dear," Naruto started, "I have to get up quite early tomorrow for an important task."
Tsunade wanted to argue, as Hokage she could not only order him but the people he would work with or report to and have the schedule for the task changed but the look in his eye told her that he was also quite tired and not in the mood for it. She relented and sunk back down, pressing her body into his, pulling the covers over and wrapping her arms around his neck again.
As she found the best place for her head around his chest and neck, she asked "So what is it that you will be doing tomorrow?"
Inhaling deeply, "Well I need to meet my new team right. It's basically the old team but a new additional sensei, some guy called Yamato and a new team member called Sai. Hope I get along well with them." Naruto remarked.
"Mmmm, I know those people. I assigned them to your team but you know I would rather you don't live the dangerous life of a ninja any more." Tsunade returned with tiredness but a small amount of concern was distinguishable in her tone.
Yes she was tired but they had this conversation before and it always results in Naruto being upset which was the real reason for her deflated tone. It was a battle to show him sense and while it was his dream to become Hokage, being married changed things. Tsunade hadn't sent him on a mission yet but got the feeling that if she sent him out, she might be sending him to his death.
Naruto's chest deflated so he was either holding his breath for a long time or it was the quietest sigh ever. He understood her perspective but from all the discussions they had, he would let her win most of them. This was his career and the one thing he refused to let Tsunade have too much sway over, even if it was for his safety.
Changing the topic, Naruto returned Tsunade's question to her, "So what's your day like tomorrow?"
"Ugh, don't ask my love. Briefings, meetings with ambassadors, signing off on important projects. All the stuff you would need to do when your Hokage." Tsunade jibbed at him with a small chuckle.
"Nah-uh, when I'm Hokage, I'm going to change everything so I don't have to do all this boring crap. I'll hire someone to do it." Naruto stated as a matter of fact which caused both of the them to chuckle a little.
Both having a long day, it wasn't long before Naruto drifted off to sleep with Tsunade close behind him, content with herself and her recent matrimonial status. She did need to address all of this 'Hokage' stuff that Naruto kept talking about but just needed to learn of a way to tell Naruto that he would never be Hokage and she would make sure of that.
But that was a conversation for another day as she too fell asleep on her husbands chest.
It took a while to process the sound for Tsunade. Why did it sound so familiar? Also, why was her head pounding? Was she drunk again?
Possibly. Despite her age, she wasn't sure if she was taking care of Naruto or the other way round. She did feel lost without him. Speaking of which, where was she and where was Naruto?
Taking a few moments to get her bearings, she groggily lifted her head and took note of her surroundings. Interestingly, she seemed to be at a very fancy hotel, in the lobby and judging by the number of people surrounding her and her attire, there was an event. But what for and how did she get here?
No matter. She would start by first finding out where Naruto was and then leaving, she wasn't in the mood of meeting new people. Social activity exerted a lot of energy and while she did love some aspects, these days she would rather be at home with her husband, relaxing.
"Hey, excuse me." Tsunade flagged down a waitress passing by. Her black and white attire looking very professional.
"Oh Lady Tsunade," the waitress stopped and turned to face her after recognising the Hokage, "how can I help?"
"Have you seen Naruto? Do you know where he is?" Tsunade asked politely.
"Yes malady, he is just in the main hall getting ready." the waitress replied.
"Thank you and can you just let me know what is happening here today" Tsunade asked.
This time the waitress had a puzzled look on her face as if the answer was either obvious or the question was just stupid. "It's uh, it's a wedding malady."
"Oh. Thank you, that will be all." Tsunade said and the waitress tended back to her duties.
A wedding? That would explain the attire and ambiance but it also presented a dilemma. Should they leave? It seems like they were invited, probably as guests of honour and Naruto, bless his soul, was trying to help in the preparation. But the headache was no joking matter and for once, it probably wasn't due to alcohol as she hadn't touched the stuff yet. She decided it would be better to track down Naruto first and speak to him about what time they would leave.
Standing up from the small plastic swivelling chair, Tsunade brushed down the silk white dress. She had to keep up appearances here and slowly trudged her way to main hall where Naruto was, sloshing from side to side. From her walking pattern, she would've said that she was drunk but then why would she be drinking before the wedding and not after?
Entering a dark passage that led to the main hall, Tsunade had to shield her eyes on the other side due to the bright lights. She was getting old, she felt knackered and needed to find Naruto and make a quick exit, damned keeping up appearances and social politeness. She found him pacing on stage, looking at a queue cards, probably some lines that he needed to practise. Whose wedding was it? Was he the best man? Maybe he could help her get home and then come back himself. Gently pushing aside some people, Tsunade got up on the stage and walked towards him.
He was mumbling his lines under his breath by the time she got close to him but stopped when he saw her "Tsunade-Sama," he began, moving towards her with his arms outstretched in a hugging manner "so glad to…"
"Yeah listen babe," Tsunade interrupted him but accepted the hug by placing her head on his shoulders, pushing it between his neck and wrap her arms around his shoulders "I'm not feeling great and was wondering if you could drop me off home. Or if this is not an important person your being a best man for, I can make an excuse for the two of us and have some fun back home." she said with a sly grin.
It was strange as Naruto was not returning her hug or the intimacy. In fact, when he did speak, he only asked one question "Tsunade-Sama, are you already drunk?"
"Hmmm, funny you should ask that," Tsunade tried to sound like she wasn't but for some reason, she was finding it difficult to speak the words in her brain, "I don't remember drinking but I do feel tired and the lights and noise here are hurting me."
"Tsunade-Sama, you promised me, you wouldn't drink on my wedding day" Naruto said in his usual tone when he was disappointed with her.
It took Tsunade a good couple of seconds to process what she heard but when she did, she slowly lifted her head from his shoulder and looked him in the eyes.
"What do you mean?" Tsunade asked with some alarm and confusion, "we are already married aren't we? Unless we're getting married again" a scared expression crossed her face while there was confusion on his.
"Uh, no. We're not married and we've never been married. I'm getting married today…With Sakura-chan" Naruto said flatly.
Again it took Tsunade a while to comprehend what she just heard but when she did, she challenged it "No, this isn't right. We got married 3 months ago, we live together after we had that long discussion in that..." damn what was the name of the restaurant they were at that day? "that place? Remember, we had that argument and discussed our future together?"
Tsunade was starting to hyperventilate a little, coupled with the fact that her words were becoming more urgent and slurred, really did make it sound like she was a crazy person. But how could he not remember, what was happening? How was everyone else ok with this?
"Tsunade-Sama," Naruto began and judging by the expression on his face, his next words would be deadly serious, "we were never married and you were there when I proposed to Sakura, you gave me the idea. You also helped plan this event and I'm really grateful, but it seems like you've had too much to drink now. If you would like to go home, I can arrange someone to escort you."
Now Tsunade was starting to get angry. "I haven't been…" she started but had a small flashback to before she woke up of her drinking as much as she could.
She was drunk and she was drunk because she had been drinking because she had been upset that the love of her life was marrying her apprentice and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Worst yet, she had given him the idea in the first place and while she was contemplating this, Naruto gently removed her arms and took a few steps back from her. He turned and moved through the people on dance floor while Tsunade collapsed to her knees, a single arm stretched out, reaching to him.
"Naruto," it came out as nothing more than a whisper as tears streaked her cheeks, "please don't do this. Don't go. I love you. I need you." She might have been speaking to herself as no one heard her or if they did, no one took action.
She felt trapped, in a small bubble of sadness and no one was going to help her and there was no way out.
"Naruto, please don't go, please." She was begging to herself as she laid on her side and started to curl into a ball, tears following freely, she found it difficult to breath. "Please Naruto, I love you."
The first sign that there was something wrong was when he felt something wet on his neck. That alone wasn't enough to rouse his sleep but the pathetic mumbling coming from next to his head indicated that maybe there was indeed a problem. Reluctantly, opening his eyes but might as well now that he was awake, Naruto noticed that the source of the sound was his wife. He studied her briefly to understand what was happening but when he noticed the sad sound, the tears and the fact that her eyes were closed, he concluded it was nothing more than a bad dream.
"Tsunade."
No response as she carried on in her dream world.
"Tsunade-chan." she loved that, the only thing she loved more were pet names or if he called her Tsuande-Sama.
Still no response from her other than tears. Naruto sighed but not from the fact that he couldn't be bothered but tiredness. He took hold of her shoulders and shook them very gently.
"Tsunade my love, please wake up." This time it worked as Tsunade awoke but it took her some time to come back to reality as she looked around.
"Na-Naruto?" she asked as if he was about to disappear.
"Yes Tsunade my love. What's wro…" he didn't get to finish his sentence as Tsunade captured his lips and wrapped her arms around him protectively, as if he was about to disappear.
While they were still in this intimate embrace, Naruto used his arms to sit them both up straight and let Tsunade finish what she was doing. After a few moments, they pulled apart and Naruto knew this was his chance to ask.
"Ok Tsunade, what happened? What were you dreaming about?" he enquired.
Tsunade's response was just to kiss him again, this time cupping his face with her hands. It was as if he was going to disappear. Naruto was happy to receive the affection so he didn't stop her but was still concerned as to what could cause his wife to cry in her sleep. She stopped a lot sooner this time and had finally calmed down and going to her happy place on his shoulder, eyes closed. Naruto gave her a few moments but if there was an issue, he needed to know.
It was Tsunade who started speaking first "I'm removing Sakura from your team. Either she goes or I remove you but in both cases, you won't be allowed to work with her from now on." she said this very plainly and contently, as if it was obvious and the right choice.
Naruto, still baffled beyond belief, asked his question again, "What happened? And why can't I work with Sakura? She's a great medic, an even better teamma…"
"You can't because I said so and I am the Hokage." Tsunade reiterated.
Naruto sighed once more, this time because he was tired and he couldn't deal with this. Not at… he moved his head to the right to look at their clock and sighed once more. 2:30am and they both had to get up early.
"Tsunade, please. Talk to me, tell me what happened?" Naruto asked for the third time.
Having realised it was a dream and having had time to calm down, Tsunade told him "I had a nightmare that you never married me. Instead I was at your wedding as you were about to marry Sakura and I worst part, I helped organise it" Tsunade blurted out, moving her hands to her face, close to tears again.
She was expecting comfort and support, kind words and affection, not the laughter that came from Naruto's mouth. He was laughing but she wasn't sure what was funny. He pulled her close and held her tight.
"Is that it Tsunade? Something happened in a figment of YOUR imagination and it upset you. You know I only have eyes for you. That's why we got married so quick as well and you know I would never do anything to hurt or even upset you. Right?" Naruto's words did mean something.
He was right. It was just a nightmare, nothing serious and most likely they would forget about this in the morning. Speaking of which, they still needed some sleep but they stay in that position for a little while longer until Tsunade, thanks to her ordeal and the stress it placed on her, slipped back into slumber shortly. Having noticed this, Naruto leant back so that they were both lying down again and dozed off himself.
Luckily for the both of them, there were no more incidents in the night.
"Ugh, tell me there's not much more of this crap." Tsunade directed her slightly sarcastic but highly annoyed question to her assistant Shizune.
They had just finished meeting with another ambassador, someone so unimportant that Tsunade had already forgotten where they hailed from, and it was back to signing documents while Shizune finalised the minutes from the meeting.
"Well look at it this way, there's only forty five minutes until lunch time and I picked the a perfect little place for you and your husband to spend some quality time together. I'm sure you'll love it so that's something to look forward to." Shizune responded.
She did used to call him Naruto-san or Naruto-kun but she would now refer to him exclusively as Tsunade's husband thanks to Tsunade ingraining this into Shizune. And her words were working, Tsunade looked at the clock and realised that she only had a little while left.
Her thoughts drifted back to the night, Tsunade did act a little crazy but everything in the dream felt so real. She would've loved to apologise and thank Naruto for his support and understanding but when they woke up in the morning, a glance at the clock let them know that they were both late. Not super late but they would both be delayed by fifteen to twenty minutes. All water under the bridge though as Tsunade was Hokage so no one could challenge her tardiness and just about everyone now knew that Naruto was the husband to a current Hokage so he would get of scotch free.
She needed to make a mental note to ask Naruto about this later. If Kakashi, a man whose reputation for being late precedes him, gives her husband stick about being late, she would personally open the gates of hell and kick Kakashi in. For her, the day dragged on just as she predicted and now that Shizune had mentioned the time, it would take even longer. One pm, Tsunade couldn't wait.
And so, another hour passed in just looking at important documents that all looked the same.
Tsunade did spend about ten minutes looking outside her window to break up the monotony before returning to her work. She was in the middle of a very important grant request for some farmers when Naruto, ever himself, burst into the office. Tsunade smiled, genuinely smiled, an effect that Naruto seemed to have on her. Maybe it was his exuberant energy or some third thing but Tsunade was happy to see him and shut the paper folder she was working in. Seriously, those farmer grants were important and she needed to come back to them but right now, it was Tsunade time and she needed her Naruto.
"Hey babe" Tsunade made pleasantries as Naruto leaned down for a quick peck on the lips, "you ready for lunch?"
"You know me babe, always ready for some ramen." Naruto said with a smile, more like a grin.
"Actually, it's not ramen today. Shizune has very kindly, found us a new place to try and made a reservation for us so that's where we are going" Tsunade said as a matter of fact.
Naruto pouted, a look he often tried to sue against Tsunade but seldom worked, "But we haven't been to Ichiraku's in ages and I miss ramen." he said this all in a mock hurt voice.
Tsunade sighed, rolled her eyes but when she closed them at the end, she couldn't help but smile.
"We've been there recently and besides, I want to expand your palette so I'm helping you and you should be thanking me" Tsunade returned.
"Since we got married, you've only allowed me to go there six times and only accompanied me three of those times." Naruto tried to make his case.
"Naruto, we're not going there. We're going to this new place," Tsunade said with an air of authority and Tsunade knew that Naruto was aware that when she was like this, he would need to obey her every command. "Shizune made the effort to do this for us and we will make the effort to give it a try."
"You'll love it Naruto-kun." Shizune finally spoke for the first time, the husband and wife were so engrossed in their conversation, they didn't even realise that she was sitting right there writing away while they bickered.
"Oh Shizune-chan, I didn't even see you there? How have you been? Also, are you responsible for me not having ramen for lunch today?" Naruto fired in quick succession.
Shizune sweat dropped as Naruto had turned to face her, giving her all his attention with the most serious look he could muster while Tsunade got up from her chair rather unceremoniously and walked around to join her husband. Maybe put him in his place if he gave her assistant any stick.
"Well Naruto-Kun…" Shizune began but at this point Tsunade cleared her throat really loudly, as if to signal something else and Shizune sighed while Naruto had a small smile on his face for the wording that was to come, "Well Tsunade's husband, I just thought about this new sushi place that opened up which is supposed to be really good and thought the two of you might like it. It has a really nice ambiance and your wife and you can get some quality time together."
The new wording seemed to please Tsunade while Naruto let out a small chuckle at Tsunade's possessive behaviour needing to extend to her poor secretary.
"Thank you Shizune-chan, we will try it and I'll bring you back something as well. Anything in particular that you fancy?" Naruto asked.
"Nope, I'm all good, just give it a try and let me know if it's any good" Shizune said with her own unique smile.
"Of course, we will do." Naruto said and started making his way out of the office when Tsunade cleared her throat really loudly again.
Naruto turned to face her to see that she had her right arm out in a hook shape. Naruto knew what she wanted but she got her way with lunch and even how Shizune addressed him so this was something that she could compromise on. He ignored her and started walking on again. Tsunade tried one more time and Naruto once more turned to her to taunt her but instead saw her move her right hand in the 'come here' motion before pointing the ground right in front of her. He wasn't her pet so when Naruto started walking again and this time completely ignored her third attempt, she snapped her fingers.
It was at this point, that several Anbus jumped from their hiding position to block his path forward, weapons drawn and at the ready with some short swords almost resting on his neck. Naruto sighed once more, there was no winning with his wife. It always had to be her way or no way. With a groan, Naruto made his way back to Tsunade who still hadn't moved from her spot and offered his left arm for her to hoop her right arm through. Only once her arm was looped with his and she moved closer to him did she dismiss the Anbu. One of the many advantages of being Hokage.
Their walk to the restaurant was short but gave them enough time to catch up on the events of the day. Tsunade was upfront and already said it was nothing interesting but remembered her mental note to ask him whether anyone gave him any trouble. When he mentioned the small fight that Sakura and he had with Sai, she just laughed. His days seemed to be far more interesting than her's, even though he was still a Genin.
The place Shizune had recommended was indeed nice. It was quite large and Japanese traditional on the inside but unassuming from the outside but before they made their way inside for food, Tsunade stopped outside for a cigarette. Naruto gave a sigh as Tsunade pulled him to the kerb on the other side of the restaurant which had a river flowing next to it and reached for her cigarettes in her pocket. Naruto already knew she was gonna smoke but was quite hungry.
"Tsunade my love, if you don't mind, can I go inside and order for us? It would take a while before food is ready and I would like to eat sooner rather than later." Naruto enquired.
"Stay with me for a while Naru. I won't be long" She replied as pulled a cigarette from the carton, placed the carton back in her pocket and the cigarette between her lips before lighting it with a matchstick.
The stench of cigarettes was the one thing Naruto couldn't stand so he put some distance between them and Tsunade let him. This was the one thing were she would allow him to separate from her, she didn't want to subject his lungs to the same thing she was doing to hers. Naruto felt awkward when she smoked as they wouldn't talk and as far as he was concerned, he was just standing out there in the cold with her. He did think about going inside but his wife wanted him out there with her for company. Maybe it was a really lonely habit but then why do it?
True to her word, it didn't take her long to consume the cigarette and had discarded the butt in a bin and replaced it with some gum before returning to her husband, looping her arm with his as they both walked in. Shizune really knew how to pick eateries, this place seemed very calm inside with a Japanese garden in the middle, complete with a pond with Koi in it and the garden sealed off from the restaurant by glass but still visible from all angles. There where small booths all along the walls with dim lighting so most of the light came from the garden, the only part of the restaurant without a roof.
Even Naruto likes the style of the restaurant and took a seat in one of the booths while Tsunade went to order. It was like this from the beginning.
When they had first started dating, Tsunade decide where they would be going and what they ate when they got there. Naruto had very little input on either the place or what food they would be trying and maybe this was for the better. Tsunade liked to be a little dominant and if it were up to Naruto, they would eat at the same place every time and the same dish every time. This broke up the repetitiveness of Ichiraku's and both parties were happy with it even if Naruto would occasionally protest that it wasn't the place he wanted to go to.
It was funny how that worked. He was one of the strongest Ninja he knew but from the beginning, it was always Tsunade's way or Tsunade's way. Even no way was not an option. Naruto was just staring out at the garden, admiring it's beauty when Tsunade returned and was admiring him. They were both lost in their own thoughts but something was bugging Tsunade and she wanted some reassurances.
"Naruto-Kun," she started with as much care and love as she could, she needed to choose her words carefully, "Do you remember our discussion about moving in together?"
With a chuckle, Naruto replied "How could I forget? You didn't give a choice in where we would be eating, what we would be eating, where I would live and even tried to dictate my career."
He did remember that day and although it was a day that changed his life, it was changed for the better and he looked back on fondly but it was a strange topic to bring up at lunchtime.
"Why do you ask?" Naruto questioned.
Tsunade seemed distracted and only paid attention to Naruto again when he asked the question.
"Hmm, oh no reason. Well, your gonna laugh at me but it was a question I asked you when I had my nightmare and you didn't remember" Tsunade remarked forlornly.
Naruto gave a sigh, the nightmare again. And the day was going so well.
"That again? Well yes it did happen and it was a great turning point in my life." Naruto replied reaching over the table and grasping his wife's hand in his.
Tsunade gave a weak smile, Naruto did provide her with reassurances last night and today but sometimes it's just a bit hard. He was right though, she couldn't let this put any more of a damper on their day then it already had and it was about to change the subject when she saw the waitress coming with their meal.
She decided to drop the subject and focus on their food. Naruto for one seemed excited.
After lunch, the happy couple went on a walk through a park where Tsunade insisted that they needed to make out, what it being as super romantic setting. Naruto was only too happy to oblige and they both made their way back to their respective duties afterwards. Naruto went to train and Tsunade back in the office for more drab work. By the time she returned home that afternoon, Naruto had already finished with his training, taken a shower and had dinner prepared.
His other love in life, ramen. Considering that he couldn't even be bothered to throw away the take away boxes, Tsunade knew how much effort had gone into this meal by himself but then he was never much of a cook. Actually, thinking about it, it was probably for the better that he didn't cook anything for consumption. Tsunade wasn't really that hungry but she didn't want to miss an oppurtunity to spend time with her husband.
If only he would agree to resign as a Shinobi and become her assistant or something. Maybe assistant to the assistant and neither of them would want Shizune good and if Naruto's office ethics was anything like his cooking, nothing would ever be done correctly. As Naruto was preparing a plate for Tsunade, she decided that it would be a good time to have some fun at her husband's expense.
"Geez, you've been off since lunchtime and you couldn't make a meal yourself?" Tsunade jibbed.
"Oh come on, I was training. And if you don't like it, you can always, you know, not eat." Naruto pushed back.
"I was just joking Naruto." Tsunade said before taking the bowl and testing the ramen with a small spoon for flavour "Although, seriously you should start to learn to cook." she chuckled.
"Well you can learn too you know. I never have any time." Naruto once more, defending himself.
"So if you don't have time and no major responsibilities, how do you expect me to do anything and run Konoha?" Tsunade remarked with sly grin.
She had a point, Naruto had a lot more free time then her and he couldn't find the time. Or maybe wouldn't find the time as he thought it was long winded all that preparing, cooking and cleaning. He had the basics as he had to do so in the past, what with him being an orphan but those days were behind him and he never signed up to be a house husband. It's funny though as he recruited her into this role and been helping her ever since. Maybe that was the reason why she loved him as she did.
"You know what Tsunade, your right. I have a lot more time and it wouldn't kill me to use some of it to make a nice meal for the two of us." He started, "Thank goodness one of us has some time. How are we gonna cope if we had children?"
Tsunade stopped eating. She had never considered that far into their future, she was more concerned with just securing his hand in marriage and running the city day-to-day. But children? For one thing, it was something that Tsunade knew she wanted without a shadow of a doubt and when Tsunade wanted something, she got it so she knew she would have kids but how would that work? What would it look like? Her finishing work at six or seven in the evening, coming home knackered, eating, taking a shower and going to bed?
What about Naruto? Training all the time, going on missions he might not return from and generally risking his life for his fellow countryman. Kids was something that Tsunade was not prepared to compromise on but their careers? That was something that they could. But first, they needed to start the process.
"Yeah, what's happening with that?" Tsunade asked.
"With what sorry?" Naruto shot back.
Tsunade's train of through had consumed more time than she cared to realise and only now noticed that some time had elapsed and that she still wasn't eating.
Shovelling in another mouthful, Tsunade replied "With kids? Or more specifically, our kids?"
Naruto gave a sigh, he never used to be this way but married life changes people.
"Well, I never gave it much thought Tsunade. I mean I always felt like I would have kids but it would be later in life." Naruto said.
"That wasn't what I meant Naruto, I was more thinking along the lines of how many kids you wanted to have." Tsunade said bluntly.
Naruto just blushed, his wife was very relaxed in some things but very domineering in others.
"Ah well…" Naruto began.
"How about four or five but with at least a two year gap between each one so that they aren't too old for their siblings and they get to play with them and it isn't overwhelming for us? And we can start as soon as I finish this meal?" Tsunade dictated to him once more.
Naruto was still lost of words, mouth agape, unsure of how to respond or even what to say. His expression was priceless and just made Tsunade laugh, accidentally spitting out some noodles and ramen. Naruto wasn't sure if she was playing or being serious now.
"Tsunade, how do you really feel about this?" Naruto asked.
"Look Naruto," Tsunade began with a slightly serious expression so he knew she wasn't joking. "I really love you and I love the idea of having kids but I will never force something on you that you don't want. Kids are a big responsibility and once we have them, they will be with us for the rest of our lives. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have five kids but I will need my husbands help. I would need your help. I can only do it, if your there with me."
The answer seemed to satisfy Naruto who smiled in turn "Thank you Tsunade," he said as he reached out and held her hand "and as long as there is breath in my body, I will always love you and help you."
And with that, he leant down and captured her lips. Tsunade's life was not always great but here, in this moment, in her house with her husband, life was perfect.
Maybe in another life, Tsunade would still be waiting for love.
So that's it for this time. Let me know if it was too long or too short or just right for a oneshot. Open to any other criticism.