Naruto was taking a long time feeding the baby, so Neji went to check on him just in case he needed any help. He found Naruto sitting on the floor with Kenji cradled in his arms, just looking down at him in awe.
Neji crossed the room and crouched down beside Naruto, smiling at their sleeping child first, then up at the man he loved. There was nothing wrong, he was just taking a moment.
"I was thinking about my dad," Naruto said softly. "He must have loved the village so much. That's what it means to be Hokage, I don't know if I could do that."
Naruto's father had used him, made him a monster, and sacrificed his own life, to save the village. It had been a huge price to pay, one he'd paid for the love of his people.
Neji touched Naruto's cheek and looked into his eyes. Both their fathers had left them alone in the world.
"It is difficult to fathom, isn't it? But I have faith in you, I know you'll find a way."
Neji knew what Naruto meant though, now that they had Kenji, it made understanding his own father's actions even harder. As much as he'd hated the prison of the curse mark, leaving his four-year-old son alone shouldn't have been an option. How could he? A child relies on their parents for everything, I can't ever imagine abandoning Kenji. I think I could endure anything for his sake.
Feeling Naruto's warm presence at his side, perhaps the difference was that his father had no one to lean on.
"I love you, Naruto. As much as your father loved the village. I'll always be here for you, and for Kenji. Whatever you need to make your dreams come true."
Naruto leaned in so their foreheads were touching.
"How did I get so lucky?"
"Luck had absolutely nothing to do with it, my love. Every victory, every good thing in your life is one-hundred percent you. And I for one can't wait to see what this village becomes when you lead us."
"Then I guess I better do my best."
"You always do," Neji said, gazing down at the beautiful child Naruto had given them.
