Just Because

Naruto X Ayame

The war was over. The whole village came out to watch as their heroes returned in high spirits. As the final group, led by their Hokage and her new personal guards made up of; Naruto Uzumaki, Hyate Geko, Yuzuki Yougao, Kakashi Hatake, and Sakura Huruno. As they step into the village the cheers erupt tenfold as the Hero of the Fourth war is welcomed home. The rookie eleven were front and centre, but before everyone's eyes came a certain ramen chief who pounces on the former knuckle head and in front of the whole village the two lock lips rather passionately.

Many dropped jaws and heart breaks appeared that day, as Naruto and Ayame Ichiraku-Uzumaki was announced to the world, but the second shock was when a small boy appeared through the audience "Ka-san, Tou-san!" the boy rushing to the couple who promptly picked up and the family just vanished. The whole village was left stunned at that sight for several hours.

The next day…

Naruto awakes in his family's home, above the ramen shop, with his wife in his arms while laying beneath the soft cotton sheets. The bedroom he lay in was the same one he and Ayame started their secret relationship all those years ago, it wasn't the largest or greatest of places, but this was home and that was all that mattered. The walls held photos of key points in their relationship, childhood, marriage, and birth of their son. With eyes half-lift, the worlds greatest shinobi finds himself smiling at the cosy room he had shared with his beloved Ay-chan for the better part of ten years and now finally the threats are dealt with, they can go public-ish.

"You're thinking too loud." Ayame moaned softly, not moving from her comfort zone within her husbands' arms, her voice causing the man to break into a loving smile. After a barrage of kisses, and plenty of giggling, Ayame began stretching when her birthday suit began rubbing up against his "Oh… you are happy this morning." her lecherous whisper to which he responded in kind "…always." With her ears now being subjugated to his overwhelming power of his tongue. Giggles would only escape momentarily before the silence barrier was raised, the couple coming out two hours later.

"Morning Tou-san." Ayame giggling with a light limp as she exits her room, waving to her father who was reading the paper with a coffee in the living room. "Morning darling." Teuchi responds "Morning Tou-san." Naruto yawning whilst exiting the same room "Kiddo." Teuchi nodding at him with a soft smile "You trying to give me more grandkids?"
"You know it, pops." Naruto smiles as he joins his father-in-law at the table, "Good morning, Tou-san, Oji-san." The youngest Ichiraku yawning with a severe case of bedhead, similar to his mothers, appeared "Kalko-chan." both men respond as the light brown haired with red highlights four-year-old. His dark blue eyes were blinking rapidly trying to focus in on the two men "Where's ka-chan?"
"In the kitchen." Naruto finishing his coffee before going to the kitchen, "I'll be taking over, take a seat."

Naruto finished breakfast and the family went out together as a family, to the local park gaining many eyes as the Ichiraku family set up as a picnic under the warm sun. Sitting beneath a classic tree the family was just enjoying the joyous atmosphere left over from the wars end. As Kalko was playing among the kids, Naruto was sitting back on his arms, his wife resting on his shoulder in a perfect rendition of a peaceful day picture.

"Oh my…" Ino gasps upon seeing the current talk of the town, Naruto and his supposed family "…isn't that…?"
"Yeah." Sakura noticing the couple of the hour, "What a sight though…"
"Indeed." Spoke up Sai as he passes them both by, holding a painting he had made, making a beeline to the couple before handing over painting to the couple who thanked him. The two noticed that they were noticed by the now legendary couple and headed over.

"Here." Sai presenting the painting of the Ichiraku family, Teuchi and Naruto leaning against a tree with Ayame leaning into Naruto's embrace and their son sleeping between them "This is amazing. Thank you, Sai." Naruto shaking his hand while his wife shows her own father the family painting offered to them. He then noticed the standish-off nature his old teammate and sighed knowing this was going to be a pain but waved them over.

"I have questions." Ino spoke as she dropped down beside her fellow blond "We have answers." Ayame jumping into the conversation, knowing her husband's ability to talk about nothing in particular "To begin, me and my husband have known each other since we were children, he was four and I was seven. We started dating when he was fourteen, just after the chunin exams, to which we had our first date at the town near the village." Naruto watches as the group of girls begin to enter 'Gossip mode' to which he immediately checks out of as he turns to his father-in-law "Tou-san, I think today is a great day of rest, but come tomorrow I'll be helping in the shop."
"Thank you mi 'boy." Teuchi mentioned with a soft chuckle, hand clasping his son's shoulder.

A squeal cuts through the two from the father son connection, both snapping to the trio of girls who were so deep in their gossiping, that they both felt out of place. Not only that, it seemed that three additional girls had joined, Hinata and Hinabi Hyuga, and Tenten. They were all going at full blast much to the male's confusion. Not wanted to get caught, Naruto turns to watch his son more closely as he plays happily with the other children.

The following morning, Naruto is greeted by his loving wife within his arms again just like every other perfect morning. After the morning routines with Ayame taking Kalko to the market, Naruto helps open the stall in his old uniform much to the surprise of the many civilians walking past. It wasn't until lunch time did the effect of having him don his old uniform as many, many, many new customers showed up for lunch.

"Hey brat." A voice calls out from the bench, it was way too familiar for it to be anyone but Lady Hokage causing a sigh from the blond "Now that's surprising." when the group was immediately confronted by Ayame "Lady Hokage; how can I help you?" Naruto hears the snort from his surrogate mother figure "Where's the knucklehead?"
"In the back."
"Bring him out here already…" was the response and surely enough his wife came back into the kitchen as Naruto was halfway through making the next batch of noodles "You heard her, right?"
"Right. Let me finish this batch, prepare the second order, and then…" she kisses him to stop the flow "Got it. Your busy." before heading back with a loving smile back at him.

A moment later "ARE YOU SERIOUS?! OI! BRAT GET OUT…!"
"Stop yelling, mi'lady." Causes Naruto to snicker despite focused on chopping up some mushrooms for the veggie ramen he was preparing. "Shizune…" his silent whisper in response to himself. Three orders off. A shadow clone popped up, smokeless, and hands-free. The Four orders flew out the door, when Ayame comes back in, retrieving the group order of six just as Naruto places the last beef slice upon tone. Teuchi comes in from the back storehouse with the next batch of noodles and together with perfectly coordinated movements within the confines of the kitchen.

Within the restaurant itself Ayame was always in motion, taking orders, presenting drinks and offering a smile to the numerous customers. After ringing up yet another group of four, a chunin squad she suspected to be on lunch from their patrol, she is confronted by a certain Hyūga "Ichiraku-san. May I have a word?" nearby Tsunade was swirling her noodles in the veggie broth while silently observing the interaction keenly aware the two would no doubt come to head as it was no secret that the Hyūga heiress was pining for the last Uzumaki. She herself was caught off guard at the fact that somehow, her favourite blond gaki had been married and even had a kid, no older than three maybe four.

After that initial reveal she had only heard rumours from Sakura and Ino about the brat's brat, his brown hair wasn't blond tipped but rather Red tipped. A sly smirk upon the Senju's face at the fact that the Uzumaki genes were still going strong within the brat. She was in two minds; one being that she wouldn't get blond grandkids, the other being that she wasn't the one to deliver said grandkids. Actually, now that she thought on it more there was a third point, being that her grandmother's clan had not died out with the boy being proof. She smiled at that.

Hinata had been in a bad mood ever since the reveal that Naruto was not only married but had a family of his own. Why he concealed that fact wasn't hard to understand, sure, yet but for some reason her logical side was being subdued by her irrational emotions of betrayal she was feeling. This all boiled over when she found herself outside Ichiraku Ramen. Her desire for answers drove her through the curtained open plan door, and upon spotting the thieving wench headed over "Ichiraku-san. May I have a word?" desperately leaning into her Hyūga etiquette training to keep her voice, tone, and posture as neutral as possible.

Just as predicted, Ayame knew this day would come. Her father and husband both knew too. They had hoped things wouldn't be too explosive as they all hoped that she would have some restraint considering her position. With a heavy sigh, Ayame locks eyes with the younger woman "Not right now, Hyūga-san. Perhaps we could…"
"Don't worry about it." Teuchi appearing from the kitchen with a nervous smile "We'll handle the shop. Go grab a coffee." Ayame nodded as she turned back to the Hyūga "Give me a moment." Hinata nodded before moving toward the exit. Ayame stepped into the kitchen, the three additional husbands did not even faze her as she moved with practiced ease to her actual husband's side, kissing him before saying one word "Hinata." as she dropped off her apron.

A coffee shop on the main street sat Ayame and Hinata, the tension between them was insurmountable with many civilians and shinobi alike giving the duo sitting out in the sun a wide birth. The civilian woman accepted her coffee from the waiter "Thanks Duichi-san." with a smile "It's fine, Ayame-chan. Be sure to bring your baby boy around again. My own kiddo could use the play mate."
"Sure." Ayame smiled at that as the tea is placed before Hinata and the two share a look before the silence resumed.

"What can I do for you, Lady Hyūga?" Ayame questioned only for Hinata to raise her hand "Please, call me Hinata."
"Okay, Hinata. Can you just speak up already?"
"Fine." The heiress states placing her teacup down before fixing the civilian with a hardened stare "Why? Why did you take my Naruto from…"
"He was never your Naruto, Hinata." Ayame spoke curtly, some noticed the hidden edge upon the words the young mother spoke with. Hinata too noticed this and for a moment was caught off guard but rebutted "Everyone knows that I was waiting for the time after everything had settled down to…" a snort from Ayame cut her off "Yes, everyone knew." the ramen heiress continued much to Hinata's confusion "Including myself and my husband." Horrified was the only thing that could be described for Hinata's face "Our whole relationship was hidden until recently. Hidden in the middle of a Ninja village with one of us being the centre of a worldwide attention." Ayame began to explain and a slow comprehension dawned on the shinobi within earshot "Yet, not one person, not one person noticed or suspected it." Ayame stared down the heir of one of the premier clans of the Hidden Leaf without any fear, any fear at all. Many would consider that suicidal, not even the other clan heirs would have dared yet here was a civilian staring down a Hyūga with full confidence in herself; and was winning.

Ino and Sakura were sipping their hot chocolate within the same the café, both pretending not to overhear the conversation which both knew, had the whole villages attention. A cursory glance around the area told Ino that two Anbu squads, three groups of Chunin, and the sensei were all nearby. This gossip was getting great. To think, Naruto and Ayame were able to escape the entire village's eyes for several years was a bit of an eye opener which naturally caught her own attention though she would wait and see.

"But you can…"
"Listen, Hinata. I love my husband, our child, and our life." Ayame began, clearly not taking any prisoners as she maintained her attack "Should you, or any of those listening, come anywhere near our family with hostile intent…" a wicked smile formed upon her lips, which actually caught many off guard, some actually shivered, and others swore they saw the Shinigami behind her, ready to exact her will "…my husband isn't the only one you should be concerned about."

The next day the amount of people entering the shop had not lowered, many people came just to see him, others as due to the legendary reputation of its flavour was not to be missed. This time however the legendary Gaara no Sabku, Godime Kazekage, stepped beneath the cloth entrance "Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen… ah, Gaara no Sabku. Welcome." spoke the lone hostess, bowing midway through. He nods before "Ah, Gaara…" Naruto poking his head out from the kitchen, wiping his hands before arriving back "…my friend, I'm surprised to see you so soon." As they shake hands across the bar "Indeed, my friend, however I heard something very interesting. So much so, that I had to come investigate personally."
"I bet…" a chuckle escaping the blond's lips, glancing back at the old man who nods and smiles "Come, let's talk in private." Naruto leading the red head up towards the stairs.

At a dining table within the humble home Naruto and Gaara talk as the latter finishes up the lunch for the pair "…I must admit, this is unexpected."
"That's the point, Gaara." Naruto as he continues to stir the pot before moving, to take a set of bowls out "There were too many enemies for me to fight against." Gaara nodded as he hands over the chopped cabbage, that vanished into the pot, "Thus, we had to bury this beneath Anbu headquarters. No one could have suspected it." His blue eyes meet Gaara's teal "My family is now out in the open. If it means their protection, this village could go to hell, so if it comes to it…"
"I understand. I will protect them also."

"Thanks." Naruto as he begins to serve three, which earned a raised eyebrow and a chuckle before he points to the table. Gaara follows the gesture to find the now mythical son of his brother sitting patiently. He didn't even sense him.

Gaara sat down opposite the young boy, unsure how to talk to such a young child but was caught off guard by said boy "Are you uncle Gaara?" the Kazekage's sand armour actually cracked, Naruto chuckled at that as he places the lunch down "Kalko." snapping Gaara out of his stupor "That's his name."
"Kalko. I see." Gaara looking to the young man "Yes. I am your uncle." The boy smiles back up at him and nods "I see. Papa told me soo many stories, like the time when you and he fought during a battle before you became super important." Kalko began blabbing on as the trio continued to eat, Gaara was offering his two cents every so often which surprised the Kazekage as it was like talking to an inexperienced Naruto.

Later that night…

Naruto's family was invited by Gaara to attend a dinner at the hotel, his brother, and sister would be there however what he didn't know was that the other kages would arrive hours before the start of the event. Each would attend upon hearing the news from the wind counterpart so when the Ichiraku family arrived, they were surprised to find a small ceremonial guard of the five nations. Naruto groans silently whilst Ayame quickly explains things to Kalko and tells him to be on his best behaviour.

The morning after…

True to his word, Tsunade had found Naruto's ninja license and Identification papers upon her desk after the impromptu five kage ambush, as some would later call it, on the Ichiraku's. As she stares at the headband that belonged to the unpredictable knuckleheaded former ninja, she looks back to what was said the night before. With a clearer head, a good night's sleep, she could see where he was coming from. His entire life, since birth, Naruto had been in service to the village who hated his very existence and on more than one occasion took matters into their own hands. She sighed. Here she thought she could hand over the reins to him, but it seems that he has higher priorities now. Looking up at the clock, the last Senju makes a decision that would ultimately prevent the next shinobi war.

Naruto and his father-in-law were at the kitchen table discussing their next move, Kalko was still asleep whilst Ayame was in the shower. A knock at the door caused the two men to stand, Naruto to the door, Teuchi to the kitchen to start breakfast. Sliding the door open Naruto was mildly surprised to find Tsuande Senju standing there awkwardly. The two stand there for a moment as Naruto not really sure how to act around her anymore. That feeling was mutual. A deep sigh later and he steps aside, allowing the blonde through and joined the family for breakfast.

"Paps, we have a guest for breakfast."
"Got it, kiddo." Teuchi responds as Naruto guides Tsunade through the family home poking his head into his son's room, "Kalko, breakfast is cooking. Be sure to shower before coming."
"Kay kay." Was heard before the door was slid closed once again.

Naruto gestures to a seat at the family table, Tsunade following suite, and before the last Senju knew she was surrounded by the Ichiraku family and eased into their conversation. It was surreal for a little while before she consciously realised something, this was similar to her childhood when her own parents were around. "I need to apologise." the table all looked to her, many swallowing their mouthfuls "I realised now how bad I messed up." Looking up she saw them all looking at her curiously "I'm sorry."
"We're family, Ba-chan." Came Kalko's voice much to the kage's surprise, Naruto was smiling all the while as he continued to chow down on his food.

Ayame and Teuchi both began cleaning up whilst Kalko sits a tops his father's lap as Tsunade sat on a nearby sofa "So, let me officially introduce you to my son, Kalko Ichiraku-Uzumaki." looking to his bundle of joy upon his lap "Kal-chan, this is my closest precious person that I told you about…"
"I know, tou-san. You never stop talking about her." The boy spoke as if this was the hundred times over causing a chuckle from the blonde bombshell of a hokage "Well, he used to call me grandma too so…"
"Great grandma?" Kalko questioned gaining a snort from Naruto, a tick mark from the older blonde "I'm not that old."
"You look like tou-san's ka-san…" Kalko mentioned with the most serious thinking pose a three-year-old could manage. Naruto's soft smile, neck scratching and light chuckle "Yeah, I guess she is like my ka-chan." causing a slight dusting of pink to don the kages face.

Ayame kisses Naruto as she drops beside him on the sofa, Teuchi sitting opposite Tsunade as she began "Now then; news of your declaration has already been spread pretty far and unfortunately for me, depending on perspective, public opinion is on your side, albeit barely."
"How so?" Naruto's voice and tone was unusually serious, something the kage was still coming to terms with "The council is in arms against your resignation, the Daimyo is unpleased with the whole affair however many shinobi across the Alliance are backing you. There are a few who deem you as a threat and want you bound in a dark cellar somewhere until needed."
"Over my dead body." Ayame actually snarled suspiring the last senju "Nar, has done nothing but serve you his entire life, how dare…" her tirade was cut short as Naruto squeezed her hands gently with Naruto taking over "The leaf is at peace, no?" Tsunade nods dumbly "The world at large is peaceful, no?" another nod "Then, I will be resigning my position as a Genin of Konoha."
"…but… but why? Where would you go? What about…"
"I grew up, Tsunade." Naruto cutting her off promptly as he and Ayame's hands interlock "We spoke about this when we got back from everything and have discussed it at length." He continued "…but we have decided to take up an offer from a family friend and move away from the public eye."
"Family… friend…?" Tsunade questioned before her eyes narrow "Which side…"
"Uzumaki." Naruto responded without missing a beat causing the blonde kage to perk up but Naruto put his foot down on her trail of thought "No." snapping her back to him "They are not coming here; nor do they want anything to do with the leaf or anyone else. I came across them by chance during the war and invited me and my family to come live with them." Naruto looks to his wife and son "We accepted the invite."

A tense silence before the woman visibly deflates while looking down at her hands "…what about me…?" almost a whisper as her depression began to circle in on her but that too was shattered by the sunny ball of sunshine known as Uzumaki Naruto, his hands taking up hers and her gaze falls upon his brilliant smile "I think its time for the Lord Fifth to stand down, neh?"

A month later Kakashi Hatake was sworn in as the sixth hokage and under the cover of that massive festival, the Ichiraku and Senju family vanished in a plume of smoke, reversed summoned to a place unknown to the world at large. It would be over two decades before the fates of these two families would become known and the name Uzumaki would be heard of by the leaf but that's a whole new story for a different time.

A/N: Wrote this out in just over two hours after coming across some lesser known/used pairings. Thought it would be a cool idea. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯