Naruto pushes back on his chair, letting out a breath he himself wasn't aware he was holding. "Good work, Lord Seventh," Shikamaru leaned against the door, his arms crossed with a playful smirk. Plastered across his face.

"Looks like you'll finally get to go home early for once."

Naruto simply chuckled at his friend's comment, "Sure, if you consider 11:00 at night 'early'." He arched his back, stretched, and then quickly jumped to his feet after one last glance around his office. "Ahh, I miss Hinata and the kids. They'll probably be asleep by now, though."

He let out a disappointed sigh. He's been overworking himself, sleeping late at the office, and hadn't found the time to go home today. It usually meant a long day whenever he was called in so early. Though he was determined to do his best because that was his ninja way.

Shikamaru was kind enough to stay late tonight to aid in the paperwork since they had gotten themselves into a sticky situation. He pulls out a cigarette ready to light it, only to stop mid-way feeling Naruto's intense stare, he let out a sigh and placed it back into his pockets, he knew better than to smoke inside around Naruto. Naruto wasn't a fan of the smell nor did he want to bring the lingering scent back home, always complaining that if he was going to smoke, "at least do it outside."

"So, how was Himawari's birthday? Did Hinata send pictures?" Shikamaru leaned against the desk, placing his hands in his pockets. He was honestly intrigued to see how the little girl was doing. He wouldn't ever say it, but she was his favorite out of the two.

".. Huh?" Naruto stood dead in his tracks, his eyes locked onto Shikamaru with a dumfounded expression.

"... Himawari. Your daughter? Her birthday? Did she have fun? "

"... Birthday? "

".. Naruto-"

He slammed his hands on the desk sharply, sucking in air.

" DAMMIT DAMMIT SHIKAMARU! IT WAS TODAY?! I FORGOT THE DATE I DIDN'T- I WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION, no no no no no no no no no."

Naruto ran his fingers through his hair, a pained expression slapped across his face as he frantically grabbed his phone to check his messages.

" Damn, I woke up earlier than usual and was here all day. I hadn't really registered everything; it's been groggy and a mess. I just... hell, I can't believe I forgot. I forgot Shikamaru! What type of father am I?! I promised her I'd be there today; I promised my princess. I broke another promise. Hinata is going to be so upset; how could I ever look at her again? This is the second time this has happened! Maybe I could make it up to her? Yeah, I'll take a half-day tomorrow and spend it with her. Wait, is that enough? I know Boruto is exploding right now.

" Naruto rambled on, not quite finding the right words. His brain was a wreck as he clenched his teeth, whipping out his phone for any word from Hinata, only to look down in horror.

Hina: Did you have to go in early today, darling? Don't forget about Hima's birthday today. I know how you are. Remember, you promised both of them that you'd be here this year.

Hina: Hey... Honey, I know you're busy. But you promised him you'd be here. Please, she's so excited to have you for her birthday. She even made little onigiri that look like all of us. She's been talking about it non-stop.

Hina, sweetheart, where are you? We got the cake and we're just waiting for you. Couldn't you please just take the evening off? Even if it's just for a few hours? The kids are getting angsty, and you know how Boruto is.

Hina: honey.. Please when you see this answer the phone. I've been trying to call you. Boruto is getting angsty it's been hours.. If you were staying late why haven't you told me?

Hina: Darling, you promised. I'm begging you as your wife. As their mother, please don't break this one. She's trying not to cry. They need you. I need you.

Hina: My love. Please. I can't do this alone.

Hina: Please come home, please, please, he's getting upset. Hima won't talk to us. The cake is ruined. Boruto is ready to march right up there, I'm trying to calm him down, but nothing is working. Hima won't even look at me; it's like she's a statue. Boruto is fuming. I tried to reassure him, but now he's even angrier. It seems the more I refute, the more frustrated he becomes, and I just... Please, Naruto, please answer the phone. I hope you'll come home soon; I need your help. He won't listen to me. He needs his father. Call me back when you get this.

HinaNaruto, the kids and I are going to my father's house for a while. We will be back soon. I've prepared your meals for the week. Please be sure to eat them all and stay away from the ramen. I wrote down your schedule; it should be on the fridge, along with some reminders. I just need space and time to clear my head. I hope work went well. I just can't do this, Naruto. I can't. I'm trying, and I know we talked about the sacrifices we would both make once you became Hokage. I'm not mad at you; we both know sacrifices sometimes have to be made. But it hurts, and I miss you so much. And I'm trying; we're trying. I love you so much, and I know this has always been your dream. I will never regret marrying you and starting a family with you. I am so proud of you, honey. But we need you too, Naruto. Sometimes... I need my husband. We will return soon, I promise. We all just need to calm down so we can discuss this. I've left your dinner in the fridge; please be sure to eat. Himawari wanted to say hello.

We love you