(something more)

—

She didn't want to leave, not just yet. That is why she lingered. That is why she thought of one million things she could say to prolong their time together, but nothing had seemed good enough. So, that is why she remained quiet, fixed on him.

The street lights casted shadows on his tanned, handsome face, accentuating the hard lines of his jaw and straight bridge of his nose. His eyes were surprisingly just as clear as they usually were in the daylight. The crystallized gleam dancing over the deep azure of his irises reminded her of the ocean on a summer's day, and she bit her bottom lip as warmth spread all over her body.

"Hi-na-ta…" she heard him say so slowly that she wondered if he had really called her name.

Could he feel what she was feeling?

Her fragile heart hoped so—oh, so much that what happened next made it skip a beat.

"...do ya' wanna go on a date?"

She felt her mouth go dry as her chin slightly dropped and air flooded in. Her eyes were wide, opened like two mother pearls.

Hinata tilted her head up, fully facing the man—that she no longer could deny—had captivated her from the very beginning.

Naruto also faced her without breaking eye contact, arms resting on the sides of his body and a serious expression taking over his usual relaxed, happy features.

A fuzzy feeling quickly pushed the shock away, and Hinata did not stop a smile from turning her lips upwards. She did not have to think of an answer.

"Yes."

Naruto visibly let out a breath, and she covered a giggle with one hand.

"Gre-great!" A discrete blush dusted the tip of his ears, she almost missed it but found it to be adorable. "Great!" He repeated himself, more animatedly. A fist slightly pumped in the air in enthusiasm.

"Hm…" She heard herself say shyly, the whole experience still surreal to her. "When, hm, when do you want to…?" She let the words hang in the air.

"Actually, I have somewhere to be on Saturday, it will take me the weekend to get there and come back…" He thought aloud, pondering how to answer her unfinished question. He hadn't planned that far yet.

"Oh, are you going out of town?" Hinata asked him, feeling a bit disappointed but curious nonetheless.

He nodded before saying, "I need to share today's news with my mom."

Hinata's ears perked up in interest, but she also heard a hint of uncertainty in his voice as he scratched a cheek with an index finger, his shoulders also dropping a bit as his eyes casted down towards the asphalt. He didn't have to explain, Hinata immediately knew this was hard for him to open up about.

Pushing her curiosity aside, she smiled at him and gently placed a dainty hand on his forearm, not to pressure him but to offer comfort.

Naruto gazed up to where she was touching him and also smiled, looking back at her more relaxed.

"It's a little complicated, but I need to tell her in person."

It was her turn to nod as she took her hand back, "I see, and where does she live?"

"In Uzu, have you ever been?"

"Where the whirlpools surround the island? I've always wanted to go." She admitted, sounding interested in learning that Naruto's mother lived in one of the most exotic locations in the Fire Country.

"Maybe one day I can take you." He blurted out, but rushed to add more sheepishly, "If you want to, of course!"

Hinata giggled but knew she was also blushing at his forwardness, a promise of something more for the future. "I'd love to."

"Yeah? Okay, it's a promise!" She could tell he was excited thinking about their plans, and her heart fluttered knowing that it wasn't alone as she feared earlier. "But first, I'm serious about taking you out on a date, believe it." He said with some seriousness returning to his face.

"I'm sure your schedule will be packed during the week now, with increased training and planning and all." She offered. "We could go out on the weekend after you're back from your mom's."

"Hmmmm… I really didn't want to have to wait that long." He said with a pout, making her think, me neither. "But let's say the Saturday after I'm back for now, I'll call you, though. Maybe we can figure out something before that."

"Alright," Hinata said softly, "Call me, then."

"Okay." He said back, moving as if he was going to step towards her but ended up giving a step back instead.

Hinata thought about what Sakura had said earlier, how Naruto seemed to always reach out to her. She also thought of how her heart did not feel alone tonight—how she could feel that there was clearly something more between them. So, in a spur of uncharacteristic boldness, she held onto his forearm again, applying just enough pressure to lift herself up on her tiptoes. She reached a spot right above his jaw line, on his left cheek, where she felt his warm skin under her soft lips.

And as suddenly as she moved forward, she also pulled away—whispering a soft goodnight near his ear.

Turning around immediately to unlock her car, she watched his stunned reflection on the driver's window turning into the brightest, goofiest smile she had ever seen on him. Holding back a giggle and a ferocious blush, she opened the door and he blinked rapidly, as if remembering that she was still there.

She accepted his help as he held the door open for her, so she could accommodate herself onto the driver's seat. He then bent down and whispered back to her, "'night, 'Nata. See ya soon." And presented her with a smaller, yet sincere smile before closing her door and stepping away, back into the sidewalk.

She waved back at him as she made an U-turn towards her apartment. Hinata still watched his reflection in the rearview mirror for as long as she could before having to concentrate on the road.

Her heart fluttered as she thought about the kind of happiness she was experiencing that night.

—

And just like Hinata had predicted, Jiraiya came down hard on Naruto the very next day. Thus, Tuesday was spent planning a tentative new regime for his training and diet. He was completely forbidden to eat ramen with the exception of one bowl on Sundays—needless to say he had to aggressively negotiate that one, which it was still agreed to under the condition of extra time on the bicycle on Mondays. Poor him.

They also met with Shikamaru who helped them with starting a new payroll for the Nara himself, Konohamaru, and Sasuke. Why Sasuke? Well, because the bastard had made Naruto promise when he left with Jiraiya that the day he signed with the pro league, he would also have the Uchiha as his lawyer—Sasuke's fast track in university paying it off earlier than they both expected.

But Naruto was also very pleased to see his friend's shocked face for once when he showed up at the Uchiha's door later that same day. They had stayed up until the early hours of the next morning, forging a contract with Jiraiya's terms of confidentiality for Konohamaru to sign.

When Sakura arrived from a shift almost at two in the morning, she looked suspiciously at the pair, opening her mouth to question their doings. She almost tripped over when rushing up to congratulate him, ecstatic at the news Naruto had to share.

But funnier than the pinkett woman was Konohamru himself, as he arrived at Jiraiya's gym on Thursday morning.

The kid's eyes practically bulged off of its sockets then he paled before finally exclaiming with a rush of feverish blush, "And YOU still want ME to be YOUR media manager!"

Naruto laughed good naturedly while Jiraiya rubbed his ears. Damn, the boy was loud. "A deal is a deal, can you handle the higher stakes?" He smiled at the Sarutobi, still thinking the kid had it in him.

"You will have to report to me directly, and we'll both deal with future partners and sponsors. It's not an internship type of experience anymore, this is the real deal, kid." Jiraiya informed him, staring him dead in the eye, making Konohamaru's expression change from baffled to serious.

They watched the youngster gulp hard before saying firmly, "Yes, I want the job." To which Jiraiya finally smiled, and Naruto knew he had made the right choice.

And before Naruto could even count the days, it was already the end of Friday. The skies were stained in orange and purple hues outside as Naruto waited for Jiraiya to finish talking to some patrons and employees in the gym.

He had decided to tell his mentor about his date with Hinata. The idea of the date itself giving him the confidence and peace of mind for whatever reaction he was going to get from the older man.

Jiraiya tapped him on the back to announce his presence, and they both walked towards the parking lot across the street.

"Spit it out, kit." Naruto heard Jiraya say as they each stood next to their respective car door, black beaded eyes examining him from across the rooftop of the old Chevy. "Come on, I can tell you have something to say." He stated at Naruto's silence.

The young man shook his head with a quiet laugh, not surprised he was so obvious to Jiraiya. Four years living together did that to them, the godfather and godchild had seemed to grow this ability to understand each other with just a look, the type of bond that Naruto imagined he could have shared with his own dad.

So, without any ceremony, Naruto deadpanned, "I'm taking Hyuga Hinata on a date."

He felt Jiraiya's eyes analyzing his face for a moment before a long, low whistle escaped his lips as he wordlessly entered the car.

Naruto frowned before following the man inside the vehicle. "Okay?" He questioned trying to elicit more of a reaction from the man who just started the engine and pulled away from the parking spot.

"I mean, now I know the face to the pair of breasts you've been smiling at every time you check your phone."

"What the fu-"

"Come down, kit, I'm just messing with ya!" Jiraiya laughed irreverently at the flushed anger of his pupil.

"Big ol' pervert." Naruto mumbled, still unaccepting of the comment.

"I'm assuming she's the girl who gave all the good advice about the social media stuff." Jiraiya said ignoring Naruto's insults to him.

"Yea."

"And that you guys must have some sort of mutual understanding, no trading of secrets."

"She never talks about her cousin, or asks about my training. We have talked about my time abroad a couple of times, but more like the traveling aspect of it and some ideologies." Naruto mused at his memories of her excited and stunned expressions whenever they discussed the topic. "I hate to admit, but I think she's a fan of yours, as a coach." He made sure to add at the end. Naruto was positive Hinata was not aware of Jiraiya's literary works–or at least he hoped so.

"Well, I like her already!" Jiraiya smiled smugly at the road ahead of him to which Naruto just rolled his eyes. "Listen, kit, I'm no one to stop you—well, not like I ever intended to. In fact, I'm glad you're finally showing interest in something else besides ramen and MMA." Then his exuberant laughter filled the car once again before he teased further, "Who knows, maybe you'll FINALLY lose your v-card!"

"The HELL?! Sh-shut up!" was all Naruto managed to reply after gasping in despair, his face flushed at the embarrassment hidden behind one hand while his body slid down the passenger seat. "Besides, it's not like that, I mean, it's more than that..." Naruto mumbled under his breath, but his godfather still heard him. Unknowingly to Naruto, Jiraiya was pleased to hear him state that and nodded in agreement in between chuckles.

After Jiraiya's enthusiasm died down, the man looked at his sulking godson with a knowing smile, the traffic light casting red shadows inside the car. He knew something was up for a while. He did not, however, expect to be Hyuga Hiashi's daughter—but, it was evident to him that someone was behind Naruto smiling at odd times, daydreaming whenever a break came around, and his new low key obsession with text messaging.

All the while, Naruto could feel Jiraiya's stare but refused to acknowledge him, not wanting to give the old man a better look of his bashful expression. He still had some pride left. Well, kind of.

When the car started moving again, he finally heard Jiraiya say, "I don't know how far into her you are, but regardless, take care of her. I won't have my godson doing anything less than that."

"Got it." Naruto matched the serious tone, straightening up on his seat. He knew that Jiraiya meant what he had just said. The legendary coach may be known as a lady's man, but Naruto had witnessed Jiraiya always being a gentleman. More of a true-to-his-word type of man with all the women he ever got involved with—be them a one night stand or brief relationship. No woman actually bad-mouthed Jiraiya. And he never bragged about his 'conquest' as old tabloids made them seem like. He was just an exuberant man with an exuberant heart and an unrequited love.

"Damn, kit. The Hyuga's daughter, that's what baffles me." Jiraiya's chuckles brought Naruto back from his musings, and he joined in with his own low laughter. "How did that even happen?"

"She was wearing an orange cap." Naruto started with a small smile and shrug of his shoulders.

And, just like that, the rest of their time was spent talking about Hyuga Hinata.

He's in deep. Jiraiya thought as he listened attentively, an amused smile wrinkling his features. This might be it for the fool, Minato.

—

It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday. One of those days that everything exalted happiness in Konoha, birds chirping and everything. Not even Hiashi would want to be stuck in the main office to kick off such a weekend—or any weekend for that matter.

He would instead prefer to visit some of the Hyuga gyms. He liked to drop in unannounced to check in on staff and operations, watching as patrons of all backgrounds enjoyed the services the franchise had to offer. In the afternoon, he would usually take one of his children out for a treat or pay respects to Hizashi and Hitomi at the family memorial, meditating or simply chatting aloud with the memories of his late brother and dear wife.

Hiashi's work life was hectic enough, him opting to keep his personal life rather uneventful in contrast. It was an accomplishment that was only possible after his father's passing. The death of the old man freed himself and Hinata, allowing Hiashi to fully heal with his daughter from the abusiveness of the harsh expectations and treatment of the deceased elder. Since then, Hiashi found true peace in the stillness of a relatively quiet life next to the girls and Neji—his precious children.

He had wasted so much time without them already.

Neglecting them—there was nothing he regretted more in life.

Now, all he wanted was to support his children in finding lasting happiness.

A resolution that he came to when Hinata and Neji had been in high school.

It was about a year after the death of his father when Hiashi had watched Hinata break down in tears for the first time in front of him. It transpired in one of their therapy sessions together. That was also when he learned of what his own father had done behind his back, essentially bullying Hinata to be someone that she was not. Just like the man had done to his oldest son, Hiashi himself. Since then, he had vowed to protect her any way he could while allowing her to follow her own path, be her own person.

Easier said than done though.

For example, when Hinata had started dating Otsutsuki Toneri in college, he had gotten a bad feeling. The son of his long-time business partner was not a stranger, on the contrary, he knew the young man well. Toneri had attended many of their business events and visited the Hyuga household with his dad on multiple occasions. Hiashi didn't mind him much as the boy grew into an elegant, more quiet version of his father, Otsutsuki Tenmu. He was most definitely well-mannered and business savvy like his father but less approachable and outgoing.

Hiashi had never thought of Toneri as Hinata's type.

Well, it's not like he had ever known what Hinata's type was to begin with.

He had never noticed her taking interest in anyone romantically. To be honest, he was surprised when she informed him of her relationship with Toneri. She had been kind of quiet and looked to the side—no blushing, no smiling, no signs that gave away how she felt about Toneri, just some anxiety related on whether he would approve of it or not.

Such a huge contrast from what he had witnessed earlier that week.

"Father, are you gonna ask me to stop seeing him?" His daughter inquired of him, a blush creeping up from her neck to the apples of her cheeks. Her back was straight and eyes locked in his, determined—challenging even.

Hiashi was at a loss for words for a hot second, her body language completely unforeseen to him. She looked so much like Hitomi right there and then. The memory of his calm and modest wife challenging him when it mattered made him smile. And he just shook his head slowly with a low, soft chuckle. "My daughter, I could never ask for such a thing. Especially when I have nothing against the young man."

Her shoulders dropped an inch, more relaxed. A small smile adorned her lips, apologetically. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't just assume…"

"It's alright, but I do have a couple of things to comment on your… budding relationship with Uzumaki."

"Oh please do! And enlighten me while you're at it, if you don't mind, because I'm the one assuming things now." Neji crossed his arms, bringing attention back to his forgotten self.

That day, Hiashi had seen his daughter being fierce. And as he talked to her about smart boundaries, he observed a happy glint dancing in her eyes. After Hinata had spent too much time in gloomy darkness as a young child and teen, he wished for her to always face the sun, and live up to the beautiful name her mother had given her. He didn't know if Uzumaki Naruto would help her in such an endeavor, but she did seem closer to the sun with him than she ever was with Toneri.

Well, those were his observations as a father from just one interaction with his daughter that had to do with the blond man. Nothing more. He had to wait and see—and be there for her just in case.

He let a long sign escape his tired lips.

The places his mind wondered when he was faced with idle time… always back to his children. Lately, Hinata more than the others.

He was, however, brought out of his thoughts by a ring of his office phone. He had almost forgotten that this chirpy Saturday was being spent cooped up in the empty office building. Just out of spite he let the phone ring a couple of times longer than necessary. How unprofessional of him.

"Hello, Hyuga Hiashi speaking." He then heard the low voice of Otsutsuki Tenmu on the other side of the line, replying to his greeting.

"Hiashi, it's Tenmu, as you know. I'm sorry, we were held up in traffic exiting the airport." The stern voice informed him. "But should be there in the next fifteen minutes."

We?

"Thank you for contacting me. I assume you and your party had a pleasant flight?" You and your assistant?

"Yes, Toneri and I enjoyed a comfortable flight from Saikutsu."

"Glad to hear. I'll see you shortly then."

"See you then." The line went mute as Hiashi thought how highly optimistic he had been that Toneri wouldn't tag along.

He always did. A shadow of his father, taking in the business, learning every step. The Otsutsuki had not personally visited their facilities in a long time. All their business had been handled through virtual meetings, email, and wire transfers. But Toneri was always there. Sitting in those meetings or even signing some of the emails and documents.

He suspected Tenmu wanted to save some face, after Hinata being the one who ended things between her and his son instead of the other way around. But now of all time, the Otsutsuki entrepreneur decided that to expand their business, they needed to conduct an in-depth research of how the raw metals they imported were being used by their partners.

A crucial market research that needs to be done in person, Tenmu had told him last week.

A soft knock echoed through the room.

"Father, is everything okay?" Hinata's worried voice reached him as he just stared at his daughters standing at his doorway. Bloody timing.

"Hello-ooo? Is Hyuga Hiash there?" Hanabi teased, waving her hands exaggeratedly as they approached his desk.

"What are you two doing here?" He questioned trying to buy himself some time, thinking if he should just shoo them away or not.

"I tried to surprise you and Hanabi at home, but you weren't there." Hinata offered helpfully.

"So we followed your location instead of trying to track you down gym by gym." Hanabi dangled her phone proudly.

"Followed my location? Since when do you have my location tracked on your phone, young lady?"

"Oh, please, don't lecture me. It's only fair when I know you track mine." Hanabi chuckled unfazed by her father's tone.

"We thought we could all grab some brunch or something, it's been awhile." Hinata smiled at the two, effortlessly evading the start of an argument.

"I'd like to, but I can't. I'm actually expecting someone."

"On a Saturday? How uncharacteristic of you." Hanabi raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "Have we gone back in time?"

"I should have told you all at the beginning of the week, but I was hoping to take care of it without any of you getting involved. Especially you, Hinata." Hiashi let a sign out, worrying his eldest further. "They will be here anytime, but if you leave from the back, they might miss you." He was up and gently ushering his daughters towards his escape plan.

"Wait, wait, wait! Who are they?" Hanabi asked, digging her ankles down and making her father stop.

"Please, father, what's going on?" Hinata pleaded with her eyes, concern written all over her face.

"Toneri and his father." He said simply, remorseful of his decision.

As soon as he looked up at the surprised expressions of his daughters, he could hear a car engine stopping in the nearby distance.

"Hurry!" Hiashi whispered as he tried to turn them around again.

"Why should we sneak around? Hinata got this." Hanabi didn't budge as she quickly bounced back from her surprised state.

"I agree, but-"

"It's okay, dad." Hiashi heard Hinata say not father, but dad. As he looked at her, she was giving him a serene smile, her eyes telling him all he needed to know with just one look. "I appreciate you trying to protect me. It's very sweet." Her cheeks acquired a soft hue of pink, and all Hiashi's worries melted away—a very Hitomi-power she possessed, in his opinion.

Yes, it was going to be okay. Because Hinata was okay.

"What a delightful surprise." The tall, silvered head figure of Otsutsuki Tenmu made himself known behind the small gathering at Hiashi's waiting room. "Ms. Hinata and Ms. Hanabi, you both have gotten even more beautiful if possible. Isn't that right, son?" The man said, turning his icy blue eyes to an even taller, younger man standing on his right—father and son matching perfectly in features and suits.

"Yes, indeed." Toneri said calmly, and Hiashi had to force his face to stay neutral as he couldn't ignore the intense stare he aimed at Hinata. Yes, Hinata did look beautiful in her sundress and cardigan. Yes, she used to be his girlfriend. But, please, could you not gawk at her? Toneri's answer was clearly directed to his eldest daughter only.

"Mr. Tenmu, Mr. Toneri," Hinata bowed her head slightly, smiling pleasantly yet keeping a professional tone. "Welcome back to Konoha."

"We hope you're both in good health and had safe travels." Hanabi followed her sister's lead, moving a little forward. Hiashi could tell his youngest also did not appreciate Toneri's tunnel vision on Hinata.

"Thank you, we are pleased to be back." Tenmu answered as his son stayed silent.

"We just dropped by to check on our father but need to get going to our next appointment." Hinata excused themselves, not giving them an opportunity to engage in further conversation.

"Attentive daughters, I envy you Hiashi." Tenmu said, stepping closer to the group to shake hands goodbye.

"He is very lucky!" Hanabi said with a little humor in her tone after the pleasantries were exchanged.

"It was a pleasure encountering you both once more." Hinata said their final goodbyes, allowing Hanabi to link arms with her.

Hiashi smiled internally, proud of his blood in his daughters.

"What a shame we can't extend the conversation, but I'm glad for the happy coincidence." Tenmu said with a slight bow of his head, a polite smile on his lips.

"If you'd excuse us." Hinata then started to walk around them, disappearing in the hall that led to the main entrance with Hanabi.

"Well, shall we?" Hiashi gestured to his office, not allowing a second to go by.

—

"His eyes were glued on you, sis!" Hanabi cautiously whispered to Hinata once they were out.

"Perhaps, but none of that matters." Hinata replied calmly, satisfied with the outcome of the situation. Her heart wasn't erratic nor were her thoughts racing.

When she had broken up with Toneri two years ago, she didn't think she would handle their first encounter so well. Would it be too much to be proud of herself?

She let Hanabi's arms go as they approached Hinata's black sedan. The younger sister laughed to herself as she went around to the passenger seat. Hinata did notice, however, when Hanabi's smile dropped a bit, her laughter ceased completely.

"Hinata." It was Toneri's steady voice, calling her from her back.

She turned around slowly, not hiding her surprise. "Oh, hello."

"Hello." He stopped an arm's length away from her. "Do you have a minute?"

"Hm, sure." She then turned to her sister. "Wait inside the car, Hanabi, choose a playlist for us, alright?" She offered a reassuring smile as she tossed her keys to the younger girl who was staring daggers at the uninvited male.

Hinata waited until they could hear music playing from inside the car before turning to her ex-boyfriend, an apologetic expression on.

"I'm sorry about her, she doesn't get much free time with me."

"Hanabi has always been very territorial, if I remember right." Toneri said, locking his eyes on hers. "But I'm sure she has more reason than that for the death glares." Hinata swallowed dry at his insinuation. Yes, he had not changed. Toneri was still as blunt as ever.

"How can I help you? I'm sure our fathers are waiting for you…"

"How have you been?" Hinata blinked at his sudden question.

"Hm, very well, thank you. And you?"

"In good health, but thinking of you often." Ouch.

"Toneri, I-"

"Let's have dinner tonight. We're in town only till tomorrow, and I'd like to catch up with you. For old times sake." He said in a paused tone, clearly enunciating every word. His eyes anticipating her answer as he waited.

"For old ti-" She whispers to herself, processing what she's just been told, before cutting herself off. A soft sign left her delicate lips as she straightened herself up. Her neck stretched upwards, trying to level their height difference the best she could. I need to get through to him, please. She prayed before saying calmly, "Toneri," he was looking at her intently as Hinata matched his gaze. "I don't think that is a good idea. The way I feel has not changed. I cannot and will not be unfair to you."

Toneri shakes his head slowly, a humorless laugh accompanying his upset expression. "This is already unfair."

Hinata's heart clenched. She hated this. But, she could not waver.

"I'm sorry." She pressed her lips together, whiting them with the pressure. Toneri's gaze finally left hers, directing itself to the doors he had come from.

"I should get going. Thank you for the minute." It felt like an hour, she told herself, nodding at what he had said.

She watched him going back inside without any of them uttering another word. He was clearly displeased with the outcome of their conversation. He had always had a hard time being refused. The air she was holding finally ran freely through her mouth, and Hinata joined Hanabi in the car.

"Damn, sis, that was brutal." Hanabi whistled after her. "He is quite stubborn."

"Yes." She chose not to comment further, starting the car. "Where would you like to go? My treat."

—

"Next station, Uzushiogakure. If that's your final destination, please verify your belongings and unboard carefully." The intercom voice announced, perking up Naruto's ears.

His antsy, energetic personality had been tired of a whole morning in the express train. He left the comfort of his seat, and checked for his wallet and phone before throwing his backpack over a shoulder.

He looked outside as the train sped through the elevated bridge that linked Uzu with the continent. If he squinted, he could see the whirlpools in the distance, constantly disturbing the waters that surrounded the island. How long had it been since he had visited his ancestors' home?

Naruto had been born and brought up in Konoha, but his mother always told him stories of her homeland of whirlpools. She used to take him there every Christmas on overnight trips or whenever life became too much for their little family. After he left with Jiraiya, she put all her savings towards a plot of land on the island and moved there permanently.

Actually, this was his first time visiting her since.

After he got off on the large yet quiet platform, Naruto followed the handful of people that exited with him towards the main gates. The day was even brighter in Uzu than it was in Konoha. He had to find a spot in the shade, outside the station, to search through his phone.

After he found the old note he had saved on his device, he copied and pasted the address on google maps. His mother did not live far from the station, only a twenty minute walk closer to the center of the island, near a large concentration of woods.

He decided to go by foot.

A rather enjoyable walk allowed him to observe the townspeople moving around, going about their day. He smiled and waved whenever someone noticed him. Old ladies slowly waved him back while vendors wished him a good day. Children ran past him, unaware of the stranger, laughing and kicking an old soccer ball together. He even got a group of teenage girls sitting on a bench whispering agitatedly at his sight. At that, he just turned his gaze away, too embarrassed to acknowledge them.

Before he knew it, Naruto was facing a stone gate with a wood sign in which the name Uzumaki was engraved. He smiled at his mother's crafty work and opened the metal doors with a loud cracking sound of its hinges.

A figure kneeling by a bed of flowers and wearing a large straw hat turned around to face him.

Kushina's dark, violet eyes were wide as sources when Naruto grinned at her. Her gloved hands dropped the gardening scissors and little shovel. "Na-Naruto!?" She exclaimed as she stood, removing her hat. Her long red tresses shining in the afternoon sun as if they were made out of rubies. In an instant, her arms embraced him tightly. "Is it, is it really you, baby?"

Naruto chuckled gladly, his chest shaking them both as his arms enveloped his mother in return. "Yes, 'ma. I'm home."

"Welcome home, baby." She whispered before joining him, both laughing at nothing and everything.

—

Kushina watched her baby boy—except nothing about him was baby-ish anymore—sitting on her porch, waiting for her to pour out cold drinks for the both of them.

She still couldn't believe he had come. She had been waiting for this moment for so long… She had been patient. Giving him his time and space as she knew how hurt he had been because of her. She wanted for him to come on his own, ready to forgive her. Yet, he always answered her calls. Always called her when she didn't. Checked on her. Watched over her from a distance.

Her precious boy who had never forsaken her. Even when her broken heart could not be supportive of his dreams for so long.

She held the tray of iced tea firmly, gathering all her Uzumaki courage to join her son on the wooden boards of her back porch.

Naruto smiled up at her when he heard her approaching steps, standing to take the tray off her hands. "Thanks, 'ma." He said placing the drinks down on the floorboard between them.

She giggled as Naruto gulped down half of his glass in one go, clearly parched from his walk from the station. Kushina sat on the step next to him, her bare feet pressed against the cold grass. She rested her crossed arms on her knees, tilting her head to the side while absorbing the image of her son in front of her.

He was shining. How ridiculous was that? Not to her, not really. In her motherly heart, Naruto had always been a beacon of light, the sun itself.

"What? Something on my face?" Naruto blushed, rubbing his cheeks with both hands. "Why are you smiling like that?"

Kushina chuckled, not caring that she was caught staring. "Am I smiling?"

Naruto relaxed at the sound of her laugh, letting a chuckle out with a nod of his head.

"I'm just happy to see you. Happy that you're here, ya'know?" She said smiling wider, the dimple on her left cheek showing.

Naruto just took in all her features for a moment, then he turned his face towards the cloudless blue sky. The sun reflecting golden highlights at his growing hair that needed another trim.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to come." He said slowly, his voice heavy.

"Honey, look at me." Kushina called him. She stretched her arms and took a hold of his face. She could see shame in his eyes, but she was having none of it. "You have nothing to apologize for." He tried to shake his head, her hands kept him from denying her statement though. "I'm the who hid things from you, that couldn't put my own hurt aside to be supportive of you. Instead of telling you everything about your dad, instead of watching your wrestling matches in high school, instead of enrolling you in karate or jiu jitsu after school when you begged me to, instead of seeing you off with Jiraiya, instead of going to Konoha and witnessing your first MMA fight after returning… Instead of being there, I stayed away." She was sure her eyes were the ones showing shame now.

"'Ma… stop. You don't need to keep blaming yourself. You already apologized. You told me everything. There are no more secrets." He covered her hands with his and brought them down to his lap, squeezing them tightly. "Besides, I was stubborn, too. A total pain in the ass."

"Just like me." Kushina chuckled with a tight throat. Were her eyes starting to tear up?

"Yeap, two peas from the same pot." Naruto laughed with her. "Could things have been different? Yes, but that's not important because we can't do anything to change the past. What is important is that now I understand you. Understand your pain, and understand your fears."

Kushina felt overwhelmed. Who was her son?

"You are taking care of your safety, right? Jiraiya is doing all in his power to keep you safe, right?" Her palms turned around and squeezed Naruto's hands back.

"Absolutely. No one wants what happened to dad to happen ever again, to anyone." He looked at her dead serious, his tone reassuring. Then, a large smile pushed up his whiskered cheeks. "Actually, Jiraiya is really excited that we won't have to pay for security guards out of our own pockets since I won't be fighting in dingy casinos anymore."

Wait.

"No?!" Her voice got high pitched, excited and fearful and all at the same time.

"Yes."

"Oh, Naruto!" Kushina exclaimed, pulling her son into another hug.

"On Monday, I just signed with the pro-league." He laughed happily against her hair while she squeezed his tall figure in a crushing embrace.

"Oh, honey, I'm so happy for you!" Now she was crying, letting her tears run freely down her face. "You really are your father's son. You worked harder than anyone, and made it so fast." She finally let him go so she could see the shine on the bluest eyes that there ever was—bluer than Minato's.

Naruto's face was flushed, but he looked proud and happy to receive her praise.

"When is your first fight? I'm coming. I won't miss it for anything." The resolution in her voice was clear, but she still saw worry in her son's expression.

"Are you sure? I don't want to be the reason your pain is triggered, 'ma." He said carefully, his voice lowered when he said, "That's why I don't tell you much about that stuff."

"Naruto," she got ready to scold him. She almost laughed at how he straightened up right away at her severe tone. She would have laughed if it wasn't for the message she wanted to send across. "Do not let me hold you back from happiness."

"'Ma…"

"I have so many regrets about what I could've done differently. But," she let out a sign, closing her eyes as she told him, "I'm moving forward, like you said, the past is in the past. From now on, I want to watch you firsthand live your dream and find happiness."

Naruto was quiet for a while, he then laughed nervously as his heart beat fast. It hammered against his ribcage, anticipating what he was about to share next.

"Alright. It will be in September." Kushina listened to him intently, nudging him to give her more details. He averted his eyes towards the woods in front of them, Kushina's curiosity spiking up. "It will be against the cousin of the girl I like."

"Wh-WHAT?!" She jumped up, knocking off her untouched iced tea on the grass.

Naruto jumped to side, evading the mess but not his mother's grasp.

"TELL ME MORE! Baby, I swear! I wanna know everything!"

—

Sunday, 12:32 pm.

HH: I saw Toneri yesterday.

YI: Whaaat?! What is the ice prince doing in Konoha?!

HS: Was he giving you a hard time?

HH: He came on business. I didn't know. Hanabi and I bumped into him at my father's office.

HH: Not exactly, but a little at the end.

YI: Oh my GOD! Talk about bad timing…

HS: To think you could've avoided him.

HS: How are you?

YI: Did he try to chat you up?

HH: It wasn't that bad.

HH: He tried to ask me out for dinner. But I told him no, that my feelings hadn't changed.

YI: YES QUEEN!

HS: Proud of our Hina!

HS: But how are YOU?

YI: Yea, how are you? The guy can be so pushy, it's so upsetting.

HH: Honestly, I'm completely fine.

HH: I have other things in mind.

YI: …

YI: Yes?

HS: Tell us more…

HH: Naruto asked me out on a date.

HS: WHAT!

YI: Facetime, NOW!

Sunday, 3:21 pm.

US: Idiot, where are you?

UN: What's up bastard?

UN: I'm in Uzu, at my mom's.

US: Sakura is freaking out.

US: !

US: Good for you, dude.

UN: Okay, what's the deal?

UN: Thanks, man. Mom cried, I surprised her. We talked.

US: Sakura's happy AND mad at you.

UN: What? What did I do this time?

US: It's what you didn't do.

US: She was just facetiming with Hinata and Ino.

UN: And?

US: And you didn't tell her you're taking Hinata out on a date when you came over on Tuesday.

UN: Okay…

UN:!

UN: Hinata, told them?! Danm, that's cool! She must be excited! It's a good sign, right?

US: hm.

UN: Tell Sakura that I'm at my mom's. That I'll call her tomorrow.

UN: And that she won't be mad at me anymore. It's a promise.

US: It better be good, I swear. I can see her still texting Ino about it.

UN: It will, bastard. I'll call both of them.

UN: Gotta go, mom is waiting. She wants to show me something before I go.

US: Kay. Say hi to Kushina. Maybe next time we could all pay her a visit.

US: And I'm happy for you, man.

US: Idiot.

UN: Thanks, I'll tell her.

UN: Bastard.

—

"She looked good, son." Tenmu said expressionless, his attention on the cars speeding past them on the highway. "It's such a shame I don't get her as my daughter-in-law."

Toneri scoffed at his father's comment. "You feel sorry for yourself?"

"Of course I do." Tenmu said unaffected by the edge on Toneri's voice. "How could I pity you when you were the one who let her go?"

"Let her go?" Toneri questioned the older man, finally making Tenmu face him. "I accommodated her in every way possible. I moved here for her. And one day she just decided we weren't right for each other? That she needed something more?" His tone sour, irritated at the memory.

Tenmu did not look impressed.

"For a prodigy with a keen eye for business, you really are blind to a woman's needs." His father said, making Toneri fume in silence. "You clearly did not see her."

"Enough, you have no idea what you're talking about. You weren't there." He ended the conversation, not trusting himself to keep his temper under control. His father just didn't know but thought he did. Like always.

"What a shame…" Tenmu repeated more to himself this time, returning his gaze to the window, Konoha's international airport now in sight.

Toneri did not utter another word, his brain filled with Hinata.

Filled with the small smiles she used to give him. Filled with the midnight indigo color of her long hair. Filled with her floral scent that lingered after her visits. Filled with the soft feel of her skin against his. Filled with front she put on of yesterday—her urgency to draw a line between the two of them.

Oh, how he hated Konoha.

—

to be continued.

—

1. Saikutsu or Saikutsogakure is a real hidden (mining) village in the universe of Naruto that is underground and of really hard access. I thought it would be a good match on earth for Toneri (and the family business) since he lived underground on the moon. This is me taking some creative liberties, of course, haha.

2. I named Toneri's father Tenmu because there was actually a Prince Toneri in Japanese history whose father was Emperor Tenmu. Again, just me taking creative liberties. ;)

3. Avid NaruHina readers, have you noticed how Hitomi is such a popular name for Hinata's mom? I've consumed so many stories in this fandom in which that was the case, that in my head her name is indeed Hitomi, hahaha. But, I know Kishimoto never named her or revealed that information. It's still a beautiful name, look it up! It's very Hyuga, in my opinion.

—

A/N: First of all, thank you for all the well wishes in the reviews. I'm still on medication, but I'm down to only two now. The goal is that by Christmas, I'll need just one. Fingers crossed!

I wanted to pack so much in this chapter, it was difficult to balance all out without being overwhelming. I know some things need further explanation, but they will come in time. Hopefully in an organic way. And I am so-ooo excited about the date coming up next!

But, what did you think?

To MungBean, thank-you-oh-so much for your review! I wish you had a profile on the site, so I could reply to you directly. Regardless, thank you so much for all your kind words of feedback and encouragement. I truly appreciate them! I hope I can keep living up to your love for the story. This chapter was another long one (they usually are over 20 pages long on Word), I'm really looking forward to hearing what you think of it! Especially with the additional backstories in this chapter. Let me know!

To all, thank you for all the love and interest in the story.

Please, leave a review!

And, please, take care of yourselves and be safe.

Until next time!