Four Years Later

The summer heat was great, and Naruto wasn't too unhappy with it. As odd as it had been to have to leave his jacket at home, it was nice.

"Uncle Naruto!" Mirai yelled pulling on his wrist to demand his attention. He smiled down to the dark haired girl to see her pointing at a stall for plastic ANBU masks

"You want one?" He asked her and she grinned widely, eyes lighting up before running to the stall to jump up and down excited. Naruto shook his head as he followed and tried to make sense on how she was almost five.

"Which one is yours?" She asked causing him to frown

"Mine?" He asked crouching down to be at her level. She lifted his short sleeve to reveal his Suna tattoo and he smiled understanding. "Oh, no I haven't been an ANBU here" he explained "this was from Suna. I worked for Gaara"

"You lived in Suna?" She asked amazed clapping her hands as he nodded so she frowned and looked back to the masks "can I get one like Kura?" She asked and Kurama huffed at the nickname

"There is a fox one" Naruto nodded

"That one!" She yelled pointing up to the sky. He stood and the owner had the mask in hand to give to her before taking the money. They went on their way to take Mirai home

"Can't I stay at your house again?" She asked for the third time that day.

"I'd love to. But you know your Mum wants you home tonight. But you can stay again soon, promise" he tried not to laugh at her pout.

"Ah, Naruto!" Came a familiar voice and Naruto looked up to see Sakura approaching

"Sarada!" Mirai cheered jumping up and down go try and get a look at the baby in the carrier on Sakura's chest.

"Hello to you too, Mirai" Sakura giggled putting her hand on the girls head to stop her jumping before crouching down.

"How're you?" Naruto asked the Kunoichi who was smiling down at the baby

"Oh you know, happy, sad, tired and restless all at once" she chuckled her eyes brightening with tears.

"Do you need a break?" He offered

"I think I just miss Sasuke. Its dissapointing he was sent out so soon"

"Hey, I'm here too. We all are don't hesitate to ask" he told her. She had Sarada almost three months ago, and Sasuke was sent for a two month long mission two weeks ago. The hormones were apparently a challenge in themselves. She was crying from the good, the bad, nothing at all and even she couldn't keep up with it.

"Oh no really, I'm okay, Itachi has been wonderful. I'm sure I'll be back to normal soon" she reassured him.

"You should go see Tenten, I'm sure she will be able to relate"

"That's a good idea" she smiled before ruffling Mirai's hair and standing up. "Thanks Naruto" she smiled before heading off and letting Naruto take Mirai home. She'd become a big part of his life now, Shikamaru adored her and they came together which Naruto was happy to learn wasn't an issue. The streets were busy, excitement in the air at the upcoming event. Approaching her house Mirai skipped over to her mother, mask in place. Kurenai was planting some flowers and smiled at the giggling girl

"Has your Uncle been spoiling you again?" She asked

"Ah its just a mask" Naruto waved it off as Kurenai stood.

"Thank you. I know you had plans today" she smiled

"Nothing I can't push back a bit, always happy to have her" he shrugged

"Uncle Naruto?" Mirai called before he could leave

"Yeah?" He grinned

"Can we summon Tako next time?" She asked

"Ah I don't know, he scared you last time" he teased

"Did not!" She pouted putting her fists on her hips

"Guess we will see then" Naruto chuckled.

After chatting for a while he had left to head off to the publisher. He had received a letter that the new book is ready. After a lot of consideration and talking to the two Sanin it was oddly Orochimaru who had helped him decide on what to use the income from the book on. It was a dig but it sparked an idea. So he had paid the publishers up front and they agreed to not take a cut, so Naruto could send the money to war orphans all over. Help them get what they needed, make sure their living and care was up to standard. He hoped it would be something Jiyraiya would have liked.

The publisher was very excited, handing Naruto the very first edition of the light teal book. He couldn't help the shake in his hands, or the lump in his throat upon seeing it as a real book. The dedication was to Jiyraiya, to his fans and thanking them all. Konoha would be the first to get the books, shipments would be going out next week to try and get them to other villages before release day. Naruto was only thankful that the publisher knew what to do.

"I am honoured you allowed me to do this" the old man said bowing slightly, looking a little emotional himself

"You've been his publisher since the beginning. It only makes sense you do the last" Naruto nodded swallowing down the lump. As he put the book in his pack before leaving.

-

Sitting on the Hokage monument, he had taken to not sitting on his biological fathers head as he usually would. No, today he was on his other fathers, it was covered but still. Looking over the village and his mind wondered. He never thought he could be here... Happy and comfortable. The village he once hated and feared was somewhere he couldn't be without now. And sure some people still stirred up bad memories but they were few and far between. And not as severe as they once were. Inoichi had been patient, two and a half years of work before Naruto felt good, and confident enough to walk the village alone, shop alone, be stopped by anyone on his own.

"Admiring the view?" Came Kakashi's voice

"Well, it is a good spot" Naruto smiled turning to see Kakashi stood in a white robe. They'd be doing his inauguration soon. "Ready, Lord Seventh?" He asked cheekily and Kakashi sighed taking a seat next to him.

"I was never this nervous as an assassin" he admitted and somehow that didn't surprise Naruto.

"Well, you'll do great" Naruto nudged him "they'd be proud of you too" he said as Kakashi tensed looking to him. He knew, it didn't need to be said. His parents, Kakashi's Father, Gai, Obito, and Rin. "I'm proud of you" he admitted

"Thank you" he nodded

"I have a gift for you" Naruto announced reaching into his pack "congratulations" he said holding out the book and watching Kakashi's eye widen as he understood what was in front of him. He carefully took it, as if he worried it'd dissapear

"How?" He asked

"Fukusaku brought it to me years ago, Jiyraiya's final manuscript. I decided to get it published when you became Hokage. That's the very first" he smiled at Kakashi who was clearly very surprised "They're due to be released in a little under a month"

"Thank you, Naruto" his voice was a little breathless but he was obviously very happy about it.

They sat in silence for a while, watching the village prepare

"Will you be late?" He asked with a smirk, remembering the stories from Sasuke and Sakura.

"Maybe, one last time" he chuckled but Naruto knew he wouldn't. He had stopped being late after the war apparently. And Kurama had theorised it was because of Obito. That Obito was always late too. Naruto had never been brave enough to ask, he still had negative feelings toward the Uchiha. It didn't matter he had a change of heart at the end. But it mattered to Kakashi so he never spoke his thoughts on the fallen Nin.

The Hokage Tower was surrounded, by Nin and civilians alike.

It was getting close to the time and Naruto knew he would have to get going.

"Knock em dead" he smirked to the elder Nin who only rolled his eye

"Will you be there?" He asked

"Yes. Shame Sasuke couldn't be" he shrugged and Kakashi nodded

"He isn't the celebrating type anyway, and he sent a gift ahead" Kakashi shrugged before Shinshunning away. He sat back leaning on his hands a small smile on his face. His life was good, the world was at peace. At least within the international relations. As suspected there were still thugs, and criminals and other issues that came. But that was probably going to take a lot more than a war to change that. The land was destroyed mostly at the hidden Frost, and a good chunk of the hidden cloud. Thankfully the world had learnt from the previous war and the smaller land was given much more support and help rebuilding. Nobody wanted a repeat of the hidden rain.

Now that Kakashi was being made Hokage the question of him becoming the successor was bound to come back up. And he still wasn't sure he was the best choice, even if he loved the village. He knew if it was needed he would likely take the job, but to commit to it, put his name in and learn under Kakashi seemed hard to accept. Even if he was to finally train under Kakashi some way. He knew he needed to think about it.

-

The week was peaceful, and he had been off for the last three days. Kakashi had been Hokage for the last two weeks and today Tsunade was leaving. She wanted to go the moment the hat was passed on but Shizune had convinced her to stay, and give Kakashi some support. So here stood Naruto leant against her doorframe watching her finishing packing her things.

"So, excited?" He asked

"Yes. I only took the job so we could find you. And you're finally home, happy, settled and almost healed. I think-" she cut off frowning as she bit her lip as pain flitted across her face. Naruto smiled softly to her and nodded

"You did more than enough Grandma. He'd be happy you did so much, in the right way too." He assured her and she nodded looking dangerously close to crying. He pushed off the doorframe ready to go to her if she needed

"Yeah. And you're gonna be okay?" She said looking concerned, but it sounded more like a question. Naruto knew she had grown to love him, and given her history he felt honoured to have her in his corner. He smirked at her and rolled his eyes dramatically.

"I'll be just fine. And who knows, maybe one day when you visit I'll be in line to be Hokage" he said forcing a shiver which succeeded in making her smile.

"I'd be honoured to have you up there with us" she told him closing her bag.

"Not sure I should be" he admitted and her hand came to the teal crystal resting on her chest. He had heard the stories about it, and after a particularly heavy night of drinking the fellow blonde had told him about it being cursed, and how only she had been able to handle it. But it was her connection to her brother and fiancé. He didn't believe in it, but he wasn't sure how he could help her see that.

"You once said you could face anything" she said her eyes glazed over, lost in the memory.

"Yeah. After everything, I don't see anything fazing me these days" he shrugged remembering the night in question.

"I think this is one of those things. Maybe not now, or in two years, or ten. But one day and I don't doubt you'd be a great Hokage" she blinked looking to him and he suddenly felt nervous. "I know you want to help the village, and keep the peace. You know what you need to do for that"

He sighed and leant against the doorframe again. He knew it. He just wasn't sure about it. She picked up her bag and put it on her shoulder with a smile as she walked over to him. Her hands came to the necklace taking it off and his heart began pounding hard, then she put it round his own neck. The weight of the crystal landed on his chest as her hands came to his face and pulled him down. He was confused at first until he felt her lips on his head, they lingered for a moment before she pulled back

"You're the child of Prophecy, brat. You still have work to do... I think you're the one to do it" she pressed her hand to his chest, over the pendant and he understood.

"You know I'll keep working to keep that peace. Doesn't mean I have to be Hokage to do it"

"Oh to be young and delusional again" she mocked before turning serious "I will be proud no matter what. You surprised me, and I'm glad I took the job" she patted his cheek

"Me too" he agreed and let her walk passed him and leave.

He frowned as it occurred to him she may have just ensured he will take the hat. Pouting at the crystal in denial.

-

Naruto smiled as his boyfriend groaned as he collapsed onto the bed, his exhaustion clear.

"Did you say goodbye?" His asked muffled

"Yeah. She gave me her necklace too. Think she's trying to trick me into telling Kakashi yes" he pouted at the crystal again.

"Possible" Naruto barely understood that one. He chuckled and then Shikamaru turned his head to look at Naruto who was sat on the floor back against the bed with drafts of seals scattered everywhere

"What are you doing?" He asked frowning at the mess.

"Well, Hosakowa wants me to update the seal I made for the house. And then Kiki is going to travel so I'm making some on hand for her. Ways to keep herself safe if camping and to get out of dodge if there's trouble she can't fight out of" he shrugged looking back to his work "Nohime has shown signs of more Chakra than a normal civilian so she wants to learn" he added he smiled at the memory of them all returning home three years ago.

Because Hosokawa's husband had turned up asking for someone to track down his family after finally making it home from foreign lands. Understandably learning about the war and his family missing he was rather distraught. Naruto had just so happened to be passing Grandma's office and saw him. Bunta had been gone a lot, in the two years Naruto had lived there he'd only seen him three times. He had felt bad he didn't even consider him when relocating the family. Or even thought about him at all really.

"Will she come back?" Shikamaru asked

"Hosokawa wants her to see if she will get more first. If she can grasp the beginning of the seals she'll consider it"

"Think she could be a ninja?" Shikamaru asked with a sigh his hand coming into Naruto's hair.

"Maybe. She's a feisty little thing" he chuckled but he wasn't sure. He'd want her to go through some simulations. He didn't want her to end up like Hinata. Stuck in a job that hurts her to do something so dark sometimes. The only difference is Nohime would never have to stay because of her place in a clan "but being feisty doesn't mean she'll handle the job" he sighed and leant his head back onto the bed, relaxing at the feel of Shikamaru's hand through his hair. Turning his head to look up to Shikamaru, he was watching him, a small smile on his face. That exhaustion and annoyance lifted a little bit

"You okay?" He asked and the man nodded

"Long day. Dad dropped a bomb on me and its been none stop" Shikamaru groaned again. So Naruto put the paper on the floor turning around to be on his knees and facing Shikamaru.

"What happened?"

"I'm officially taking over as head of the clan" he said and Naruto felt his heart drop "next week" he finished

"That's...great" Naruto said, it sounded forced, even to him "that sounded wrong" he said quickly ready to explain but Shikamaru only took his hand

"I get it" he nodded and Naruto sighed

"You ready for that?"

"As I'll ever be" he shrugged "I'm more concerned with trying to be ready for something else"

"Kakashi's advisor?" Naruto asked

Shikamaru lifted his lips as he shook his head

"Feel free to share with the class" Naruto teased but Shikamaru didn't smile. He was looking at Naruto and he knew it was him debating, going over scenarios of what his words would cause. As it was Naruto was officially nervous. Shikamaru never hesitated with him, never planned ahead and it was starting to freak him out. "Hey, you can tell me, I won't freak out or anything" he assured Shikamaru but he didn't feel very confident in that.

"I know. I just... I don't want to scare you"

"You're failing" Naruto laughed out trying to stay calm. Because now that was enough, was this a bad talk?

"Stop freaking out, brat"

What if he has to break up with me to be the Head?! He internally yelled at Kurama

"The clan love you. That won't even be an issue" Kurama scoffed but Naruto wasn't sure. Just because they liked him didn't mean...

"Stay with me" Shikamaru said pulling his hand and Naruto blinked "sorry Kurama but I kind of need him" he smirked and Naruto only nodded

"Okay" he nodded as Shikamaru sat up on his elbow and looked at Naruto.

"Marry me, Naruto" he said

Naruto felt his face go slack, his heart jumped erratically as it registered to him what the words meant.

"I know it's not a fancy, or romantic proposal. And I'll do one if you want but..." he trailed off eyes moving over Naruto's dumbfounded face. But the blonde only shook his head slightly

"I don't need a flashy proposal" he said absently, blinking to focus back on the room. He felt his lips curve up in a big smile trying to hold in the emotions. The relief as his panic subsided. His joy as the meaning flooding through him as he leant down to put his head on his arms to look up at the man he loved, the one who had saved him, turned his life around for the better "I'd love to marry you though" he chuckled pushing up to claim the lips that were curving into a smile. When he pulled back he frowned at Shikamaru "Why would that scare me?" He asked

"Well... big commitments have always freaked you out. Or at the very least had you freezing up. I just wasn't sure how this would affect you"

"I just don't want to commit to something I will regret later when I don't fully know how I feel about it, or if I can stick to it. I've known a long time how I feel about you, and that I'm not going anywhere. I wouldn't have allowed Mirai to get so attached if I didn't think I could stay with you forever" he admitted casually "so yeah. I'll marry you. I'll move to the Nara Compound, I'll do what I have to, to support you"

He felt pretty smug at the look of surprise on the other man's face. Five years and he'd hardly ever surprised him.

"You're amazing, you know that?" Shikamaru scoffed and Naruto rolled his eyes. Praising him as if it wasn't all his doing. Naruto frowned as Shikamaru put his hand in his pocket and then his brows shot up. Shikamaru pulled out a platinum ring, it was a simple band with the Nara insignia on it and Naruto felt his heart pick up.

"I've had this a while" he admitted taking Naruto's hand and putting it on his finger. It fit perfectly which had Naruto wondering just when he had taken his ring size.

"Do we have to have a big wedding?" Naruto asked and Shikamaru shrugged

"Supposed to. But I don't think anyone expects I'll do that. Is that what you want?"

"No" Naruto scoffed shaking his head. Definitely not. "Just family" he had decided. That's all he'd need for the big moments. They all knew that.

"Sounds good to me" Shikamaru agreed before pulling Naruto to him.

-

Kakashi, Itachi, Shikaku and Yoshino were thrilled. And Shikaku was in agreement of the wedding not being a public affair for the clan. It would be keeping people away from Naruto's wedding that would be an issue. Sakura and Sasuke's wedding was almost a damn political affair with officials and people from all over wanting to be at one of the worlds saviours wedding. Sasuke had hated it.

"So when Sasuke is home?" Kakashi asked and Naruto nodded

"As soon as so we don't have to work out people being on and off mission" Naruto shrugged

"That would be best" Kakashi agreed "why don't we set the date two weeks after his due return? That way I can work the schedule and it gives a little time in case he is late"

"Sounds good" Shikamaru agreed. Naruto knew he wasn't too fussed on the details, too much work.

"Have you told anyone else yet?" Itachi asked

"Nah, figured the parents and weird brother should be told first" Naruto waved his hands dismissively resisting his grin

"It's rude to call the Hokage weird" Itachi clapped back and Naruto laughed while Kakashi looked offended

"Watch it Uchiha" Kakashi warned and the man smirked bowing his had

"Apologies Captain" he responded flatly.

"We will let the others know soon. Is it safe to send messages to Sasuke?" Naruto asked

"No. Best to wait for his return" Kakashi replied and Naruto nodded.

-

The wedding was perfect, well actually it was boring. Simple and quick, but perfect for them. It was the celebration after that made the day what it was. Naruto couldn't have been happier and it showed. Even Gaara had been able to attend thanks to Kankoro taking over in his stead. Naruto had agreed to teleport Gaara back so he wasn't absent too long. Gaara was quite happy to have the night off. They were in the Uchiha Compound celebrating with their family and a few close friends. Shikaku, Yoshino and a few other Nara's had stayed while Nara elders had returned home, after the simple ceremony.

"Congratulations" Sakura smiled to them tears in her eyes and Sarada on her hip. Sasuke stood next to them smiling at the newlyweds.

"Thanks Sakura" he laughed absently brushing Sarada's cheek.

"Took your time" Sasuke jabbed while Naruto rolled his eyes. Naruto was glad he made it, cut it close but it didn't matter. The sun was setting and the alcohol was coming out, so he figured they'd be going now.

"Thanks for coming" he kissed Sakura's cheek

"Thanks for letting in crying babies" she laughed and he bent down to kiss the black mop of hair on the infant. Yeah the ceremony was interrupted a few times by the little ones. Naruto hadn't minded in the slightest. Sarada, Hizashi, and Chocho had gotten tired of being still or ignored that they had caused a fuss. Even Mirai had called out a few times that she wanted to play and dance with her uncles.

"It wouldn't have been the same without them" he admitted "You heading off?" He asked them both

"Just me. Tenten and Karui too." She pointed out at the two women behind them

"Thanks for coming guys" Naruto grinned while Shikamaru went to Karui asking if she needed anything.

"I'm so happy for you, Naruto" Tenten said giving him a one armed hug, holding Hizashi with the other. He nodded as she turned to Neji and placing a quick kiss on his cheek "I'll walk with Sakura. Don't worry" she smiled

While Choji appeared and announced he'd be back after taking Karui home.

Neji and Sasuke looked a little put out by that and Naruto had to hold in his snickering. If only Tenten and Sakura would be that dependant.

The night was late, Naruto was sat with Mirai sleeping on his shoulder and Shikamaru was sat with Choji and a heavily pregnant Ino.

"Here, let me take her" came a deep voice. Naruto looked up to Asuma and smirked

"She had so much fun" he said slowly transferring her into her father's arms. Asuma looked at him and nodded, he looked like he wanted to say something.

"What is it?" He asked stretching out his arm as pins and needles started.

"I never really thanked you, Naruto" he said his hand coming to his daughters hair "I know it wasn't for me, but you did gift me the most important thing I could have ever asked for. But then you kept giving, my life, my daughter, my home, my nephews life, Shikamaru's happiness" he added and Naruto was stunned. The elder man blinked quickly before carrying on. "And you have never set blame on me for my Father"

That was surprising and Naruto frowned because he still had issues with the old man.

"His mistakes and choices were his own. Nothing to blame you or Konahamaru for"

"No. But you could have" he smiled "anyway, my point is I'm very thankful to you. I'm also honoured you consider us family dispite everything"

"Me too Asuma" he returned the sentiment, because he was. Asuma was one of the most important people to Shikamaru, and he'd helped him become the man he is now, outside of work he was one of the very few people Shikamaru would willingly socialise with, without being dragged out of the house for. He patted the elder man's back and let him go to take his wife and daughter home. He looked out to his loved ones and finally felt complete.

"They'd be proud" Kurama said softly

Naruto scoffed and froze at the image in his head "I know especially, your mother would be"

He sat down entering the mindscape to see himself, he looked different, he had her eyes, and longer hair but he could grasp what was happening. He was stood with his Father and Kakashi. Laughing with a faceless bride on his arm. She watched and took in the sight around her, friends, family and love. He could feel it. It shifted to him close up, they were dancing

"I'm so proud of you, Naruto" her voice rang and tears welled in his eyes. He didn't think he'd hear her again.

"Thanks Mum" he smiled

"It's been my wish you'd get this. I want nothing more than you to be loved the way I have been by your Father, for you to love someone the way I love him" she laughed nervously "to be honest I worried you would be marked by my burden" her hand reached out to the marks on his face "I'm so grateful they weren't blinded by superstition. Someone that... down to earth is hard to find"

He watched himself nod and turn to look away, his mum did too and there they watched as his Dad danced with the faceless woman.

"I'm glad you like her" he whispered

"As long as she loves you, makes you happy and treats you well, I'd like her. But the way she lifts you up, supports and defends you no matter the judgement. That's why I love her" she said her voice fierce and Naruto felt the tears fall as the images faded away. He looked to Kurama who lay his head on his paws

"That was a dream she had once. She was so convinced you were a boy all her dreams were of a boy. You'd look different in each one but the marks were always there, some as they are, some with less, you even had fox ears in one." he explained "consider it my wedding gift" he said and Naruto wiped his eyes sniffling

"Thanks, Kurama" he choked out.

He jumped at the hand on his shoulder looking to his right to see his now husband

"You okay?" Shikamaru asked sitting next to him and putting his arm around Naruto

"Yeah" he smiled wiping his eyes again. "I'm perfect"

"Thought Kurama liked you" he teased

"I'll tell you later. Ino gone home?" He asked

"Yeah, Gaara is dancing though" he said to which Naruto whipped his head toward the declared dance floor. His mouth turning into a huge grin at the sight. Finally! There it was Gaara, arms around Matsuri and swaying left and right with her. Gaara had mentioned over the last few months he thinks he feels more for her than he realised. It had taken all of Naruto's control not to lose it the first time. He looked for Temari who was walking over with a pout

"Pay up!" He sang holding out his hand.

"How'd you know?" She asked handing over the Ryō

"It's been a long time coming, they'd have alcohol and that always pulls down walls" he shrugged

"Didn't think he would drink though" Temari folded her arms "it is about time though. Watching them scurt around each other is torture" she said groaning the last word.

Naruto laughed and didn't doubt it, especially for someone as upfront as Temari.

-

It was officially past midnight and Shikamaru was done and ready to go home. Most of the guests had gone, and only Temari, Kakashi, Itachi, Shino, Kiba and Hinata were still going. Shikamaru was leant against Naruto, eyes closed and a frown on his face.

"You head home" Kakashi said patting his shoulder.

"I will have all the gifts sent to your house tomorrow" Itachi told him and Naruto was thankful for his two guardians.

"Thanks guys" he smiled "You're the best"

He hoisted Shikamaru up and waved awkwardly to his friends "tell Gaara I'll take him home tomorrow afternoon" he smiled, remembering the man and Matsuri slinking away without a word. Then he teleported to Shikamaru's old bedroom at the Nara house. His house. Shikaku and Yoshino had moved out last week, into the smaller house at the edge of the heads land.

"Home?" Shikamaru asked as Naruto turned to the master bedroom.

"Yes honey" he teased and was rewarded with a mock glare from Shikamaru who stood up straight

"Thought you'd never leave" he groaned unbuttoning his shirt, taking it and the jacket off simultaneously. They hadn't gone all out, simple button up shirts with a black blazer jacket.

"It felt wierd to leave our own party" Naruto shrugged following suit and removing his clothes too. They climbed into bed, Shikamaru pulling him in close kissing his shoulder

"Welcome home Mr Uzumaki-Nara" he whispered his hand travelling down his stomach, to his boxers.

Naruto felt his stomach turn as the excitement bubbled in him. Turning to face his husband. Husband, he thought all giddy. He had honestly thought they'd do the whole consummating the marriage in the morning. That Shikamaru would be too drained to bother, not that he was complaining it just surprised him. Smiling up to him he hooked his leg over Shikamaru's hip pushing himself right up against Shikamaru.

The night was perfect, and he couldn't sleep, Shikamaru was sleeping his breath brushing Naruto's neck. He was so happy, and his life was amazing. He had been so very lucky all things considered. And now he had a home, he had a family and he was married. He turned in Shikamaru's arms to face him. He was peaceful in sleep and even now, years later it threw him how different he looked without his usual bored look. Asleep he looked soft, and even a little less unburdened.

He was an important man, and he worked a lot in the village. Naruto was kind of amazed at his commitment, it was mostly paperwork and talking to stuck up politicians. He didn't think he had it in him to deal with all of that, so he stuck to being a ninja. Or on occasion a babysitter. If he had learnt one thing from being Gaara's personal ANBU it was he did not have the attention span for politics and he had told Kakashi as such whenever the talk of him taking the hat came up. He blinked up to his husband a goofy smile lighting up his face as he brushed the fallen hair from his face. It took Twenty Three years but Naruto finally believed he deserved his life. He loved his life and he was excited to be here.

He hadn't figured out how to show Shikamaru just what he had done for him, he couldn't say it properly. Nothing seemed to be right. But he was gonna try, one day, maybe for an anniversary. Or a birthday, one day. He'd be able to say or show him in a way that justifies it. That made sense to Shikamaru just what he means to Naruto, and just how far he would go to make him happy and safe. And he had their whole lives to figure it out. He gently snuggled closer, burying his head under Shikamaru's chin and smiled as the arms tightened round him. Falling asleep with that smile on his face.


Thats the end! I can't believe I finally finished this! It took a while in the second half but I refused to leave it unfinished. I will try and focus more on Turning Point now so it'll be finished too.

Thank you all who have read it all and its made me happy to see all the comments, follows and favourites. It truly helped me with the confidence to keep going and to write more. Hopefully I'll see you all in some other stories I put up too!