-AN-

Had to take a little hiatus to set some real life situations straight. Hopefully things'll calm down enough to get back on track soon. No promises.

-Story Start-

Hands deep in his pockets, Naruto released a tired sigh as he walked down a well maintained road within Konoha's suburban district. Like anyone else suddenly given more information than they probably should have been all at once, he was beyond tired. It was an exhaustion that seeped down to his bones, made him weary and wanting to hole up in his bed and sleep for the next week or even more. Not that life would let him. Missions would resume for him soon enough, and between those?

Clan duties.

So he was a clan head. Granted, a clan of one with the Uzumaki so well and truly scattered, but even still he was a recognized clan head within Konohagakure. He'd laugh if it wasn't so depressing. All this time he could have been living a better life, received better training tools or even money. And it was all locked away in a vault. Sealed by order of the Third in all his wisdom.

Naruto owed that old man a swift kick to the balls when he met him again in the next lifetime.

But that was for another time. Today was for exploring and maybe even moving. At least, that was the goal if he hadn't gained a few new additions. One of which was already shaking him back and forth as he had been ignoring them for a while now.

Anko was not one to be ignored, especially not by someone she cared about. Grasping his upper arm and shaking him back and forth, she vowed to get some type of reaction out of him, "NA-RU-TO! Wake up you ass! You asked us out here, where are we going?" Naruto hadn't explained a thing, interrupting an impromptu lunch between herself and Mai while Ino of all people had volunteered to watch her kids. Anko wasn't going to question it, not after the two days she and said blonde had spent with Naruto. Anko could grow to like the prissy girl, if she wasn't such a gossip monger.

Sighing and turning bored eyes to Mai while ignoring Anko clad in his black and orange jacket, Naruto shot her a grin, "Thanks for coming along Mai, I really appreciate it."

"Of course Naruto, I'm sure you'll answer our questions soon enough." Mai giggled as Anko hopped up and latched onto Naruto's back, slowly beginning to strangle the young man as they continued to trek along. She certainly wouldn't complain about spending time with the powerhouse ninja, though she would appreciate some type of explanation much as Anko would.

Clutching the infuriating Naruto's hair between her fingers as he was not succumbing to her attempt at his life, Anko turned him to face her, "Continue to ignore me at your own peril."

Pecking her on the lips softly, Naruto winked at her as she froze in place and released him though she kept her place on his back, "Have some patience, surprises are the spice of life."

"Says you."

"Yup, says me."

Coming up beside Naruto quietly, Mai took a tentative approach and wrapped an arm around one of his own. Seeing he wasn't against it, Mai smiled internally, "So where are we headed?"

"Oh, uh, my parents' old place. Well, I guess my place now." Naruto chuckled as Mai and Anko shared a look behind his back before Anko once more began to shake him furiously. "Okay okay! I'll explain it all! Kami you're insufferable."

Anko huffed while keeping her legs locked around his waist, "You drop a bomb like that on us and expect us not to get upset? Make a clone too, Ino needs to be here."

Naruto raised an eyebrow that was unseen to her, "I wasn't sure she wanted to stick around."

"After the other day and last night? She'll fight any of the Kami to stick by you." Anko and Ino had come to an agreement in the end. Ino had originally been all about the fun of it, and maybe a small part of getting one over on Sakura, but after a full day of pampering? Well some minds were easier to change than others. "So get to work."

"Yeah yeah, so bossy." Making said clone to go hunt down the tantalizing blonde and take over kid watching duties, Naruto sighed as he slowed his pace a bit. "Any questions before Ino gets back?"

Mai hummed at his side, pressing more firmly into his side, "Can I get a play by play of the last day or so? I'm so very curious." While Mai had been true on her feelings about Anko getting to Naruto first, that didn't mean she wasn't feeling a certain sadness over it. But she wouldn't doubt Naruto or herself. Maybe now that his heart was a bit more open in a truer sense, there was some space for herself.

Anko smirked at her, "Oh you'll get all the details, don't you worry."

Rolling his eyes and doing his best to ignore the two women talking literally behind his back, Naruto thought about what would be changing most likely within even the next few weeks. Gone would be the days he could laze about training until he passed out, same with his spying missions from Jiraiya most likely. Well, maybe. The old hermit could be a real slave driver when he wanted and got serious. The more he thought about it as well, Tsunade wouldn't let him quit that work either. She knew how valuable he could be and she would be loathe to lose that. Nope, he was still safe for a long while or at least until he and Jiraiya trained someone else to take his place.

That left him having to integrate clan duties and potential council meetings between missions and what little free time he might be able to garner. Yay, just what he was looking forward to. Just this look into the administration side of things had him reconsidering the Hokage hat. All this work didn't sound exciting at all, nor good for his health.

In a flurry of leaves a new group joined their own, a worried clone supporting two hyperactive children while a wide eyed Ino was already bouncing his way to poke him harshly in the chest, "What's this about your parents? Spill."

Rolling his eyes as all three women formed up and stared him down, Naruto rolled his neck once and motioned back down the road, "I'll talk as we walk." He should have known better, the clone would have caved to Ino's demands near instantly. Doing as he said, he explained about who his parents were, how they died and what led to the Kyuubi being sealed inside of him. And more, how the Third sealed his records and forbade anyone from telling him anything. It was only now that he was a Chunin that he was allowed to know the truth, about his origins and his clan. What was left of it at least. He told everything he could, sure that while Anko and Ino had bits and pieces, Mai wasn't aware of some of the more ninja related stuff. But by the end of it as the group crossed out of the well maintained suburban area and transitioned to a more wooded area closer to the eastern wall, Naruto finally paused as they came upon a homely looking estate nestled nicely within the forest of the village. Surrounded by the massive trees that gave Konoha its name, it was well shaded and still looked well cared for on the outside.

Anko whistled loudly at the sight, "Well isn't that something." Sure it wasn't the Hyuuga compound, but for a small family this was still a lot of property to have. Good if one had plans to expand one day.

Naruto nodded, "Sure my old man was the Hokage, but he still was an unknown before that. So he still wanted something small and low key. Mom was apparently the opposite, she wanted somewhere where she could collect the Uzumaki remnants and maybe rebuild the clan here." Continuing to walk towards the two story home, they crossed the high wall the encircled the compound with little effort. The front was mainly a flower garden long overgrown, a stone pathway winding like a snake up to the front door, a blazing red color, "To the rear and closer to the wall is the Uzumaki shrine, which I'll have to get around to unlocking and rebuilding apparently. The village all but forgot about it and let it rot away." Irritation flashed across his face for a moment, but it was gone before anyone got a good look.

Already calculating what it would take to bring the garden back under control and maybe bring in some colorful additions, Ino hummed sagely, "Uzumaki shrine?"

"Yeah, my mom left a letter about it but I haven't had a real chance to sit down and read about it yet." Naruto finally paused, staring at the front door while he dug the key from his pocket. He was sure the group was watching him now, waiting patiently as he dealt with the emotions roiling through him. This could have been his home, where his parents had planned to raise him. Where his dad would have taught and trained him on how to be an awesome ninja, and his mom could have showered him with love and affection. Something warm passed through him for a moment, and then the feeling was gone. Like a warm breeze.

Placing a hand gently on his forearm, Mai smiled at him warmly as he turned to face her, "I know, life cannot be fair most of the time. But we are here, now. Don't forget that."

Looking down on the shorter glasses wearing woman, Naruto grinned and nodded once, sniffing pointedly as the key in his hand finished its journey to the door, "I know, you're right. Come on, let's see what kind of work this place needs." The second the door was open, the kids raced inside between all of the adults legs. "Oi!"

"Souta! Yuri! Mind your manners!" Mai yelled exasperated as her children were pursued by the Naruto clone down a hallway and out of sight. Well, at least they were happy to explore to their hearts' content.

Naruto was already eyeing the cobwebs and sheet covered furniture, "Welp, looks like I've got some work to do."

Anko nudged past him, a smirk on her face as she fluffed her pilfered jacket, "You mean we have some work to do."

Seeing Ino nod and join Anko in exploring the house, Naruto turned to a serene looking Mai who hadn't left his side just yet. Was this what having a family was maybe? People he could trust and believe in to support him without a second thought? Such an overwhelming feeling. "Mai…"

"Hmm?" Looking up the suddenly quiet blue eyed blonde, Mai tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, "What is it Naruto?" His eyes were suddenly so close.

"Thank you, for being here."

Another gentle smile along with a nod, and Mai could see the raw emotions in his eyes, "Of course Naruto. You know I wouldn't leave your side."

"Heh, guess that's why I love you." Smirking as he turned to walk away, he hoped to find the living room or some equivalent. He wanted to get to the backyard.

Left behind with a massive flush on her face, Mai had all of a moment to finally break out of the shock to chase after the infuriating man who liked to drop bombs on his loved ones. "Come back here you!"

"Hahahaha! Gotta catch me!" Maybe he should be nicer to the mother of two from now on.

-b-

Sakura could admit, at least to herself when she was alone, that this week was not the flowers and rainbows that she had envisioned when she was younger. They had retrieved Sasuke! Her long time crush and teammate. He was back and safe in Konoha and now they could finally make things right and help him get better.

Only, that had not been the case. Hell, it had almost been the opposite.

It had been nearly nonstop interrogations by Ibiki in the T & I department, and all of her visits with him had to be supervised. They wouldn't allow her to be alone with him, even if she was the apprentice of the Hokage. And Sasuke himself? Somehow even more rude and arrogant than ever. She had thought that maybe the years would have mellowed him out some, but somehow he was even worse. It made her heart twist hearing some of things he said, but she knew her love wasn't so fragile. She would keep working at it, keep trying. She would bring him around, one day.

Today was not one of those days though, today she was being dragged along by Ino as she pulled a cart full of flowers and vegetables while gushing about her latest love interest. Sakura hadn't been paying attention to anyone else lately since Sasuke's return. Sure Ino had teased her about Naruto, but she was sure the other blonde hadn't actually gone through with anything. So whoever she was fawning about while making this delivery had to be someone recent. Sakura would have to update Naruto to make sure he was ready to put the hurt on this new jackass.

"So I'm thinking with a little work we can get the garden back in shape in time for autumn harvest. The flowers are the easy work but I need another woman's eye to help me out. The other two have absolutely no taste whatsoever. Not even going to count the resident man of the house. Little Yuri tries but you know kids and their attention spans and-"

Letting Ino rant on and on, Sakura folded her arms around her middle, "Rushing into this one don't you think? You haven't moved in already have you?"

"Oh uh, no no. Not yet, at least, I haven't asked. I just offered to help with the garden and just, haven't left I guess…" Ino paused as she sunk into some deep thoughts about that. Had she just made the assumption that she and Naruto seemed to mesh together so well and just hadn't considered to ask if he wanted her to hang around as much as she had? He certainly didn't seem to mind. Neither did Anko or Mai. Well, best to be upfront with them about it at least. Fortune favored the brave after all. "Guess I should bring that up today."

A heavy sigh leaving her lips without her meaning too, Sakura prepared herself to bare witness to a nasty breakup scene. Beautiful Ino may be, but she had a knack for attracting some of the worst guys one could imagine. One day she'd stop rushing after pretty boys, "Well I'm here to support you I suppose." They were rather far out on the village outskirts, who lived all this way? Usually someone out this far either meant stupidly rich, a clan, or dirt poor. Sakura knew Ino wasn't the type to entertain the latter, so that meant rich or a clan member.

"Ah it'll be fine. Besides the kids like their Aunty Ino, they'd be devastated if I left for good." Never mind Naruto and Anko. Oh the things they got up too lately, sooo much better than any of the flings she had enjoyed up until now. She wanted to spend some time with the mysterious Mai as well. Even if she wasn't a ninja, she had a certain air to her that peaked Ino's curiosity.

Wait, kids? Sakura suddenly regretted tuning out much of Ino's rambling, "Kids?" Was Ino shacking up with a single parent? Or worse, being the homewrecker in this situation?

"Yeah, Souta and Yuri, cute really. Too much energy though. No clue where it all comes from. It's amazing actually. I kinda get the rumors about being around kids and getting the urge to have your own, but I'm not ready for that just yet. I wanna wait till my twenties at least. I wanna enjoy being young and hot while I can."

Yup, Sakura had definitely missed some important parts of the conversation as the forest loomed ahead of them and a homely looking two story home peeked around from the shadowed space. Though a high wall was surrounding the immediate grounds, she could see and hear a lot of construction going on and what looked like the home gaining a rather sizeable addition. Ino was on a job for someone rich it seemed, "So who's this guy you're on about anyway? I don't know anyone who lives all the way out here."

Rolling her eyes as she just knew Sakura had been ignoring her again, Ino huffed and decided Sakura deserved the shock she was about to get. "Oh you know, just some some rich pretty boy. No one you would really know." Ino had to remind herself that Sakura had been fawning all over Sasuke for the last week, so she wouldn't know that Naruto had been running himself ragged getting familiar with his new home and even making strides to learn the ins and outs of clan relations and the duties being a clan head entailed. Thankfully he hadn't been called to a council meeting yet, but Ino had a hunch that was coming soon. The next chunin exams were coming up after all and that meant all kinds of high level decisions and the like. Maybe even using some of the Uzumaki grounds as part of the exam this time? Crossing through the open front gate with a wide smile, Ino raised a hand high as they gazed upon the field of Naruto's currently working construction, "Yoo! I'm home!"

One of the nearby clones grinned and returned her greeting, "Hey there Ino-chan!" There was a paused as he took in the cart laden down with gardening supplies and plants, "Didn't we say to call us for the heavy lifting? You didn't need to lug that all the way here."

Shrugging as she pulled off to the side and out of the way, Ino dusted her hands clean as she set the cart aside to be unloaded at her leisure later, "I told you I'm not so fragile didn't I? Or haven't you learned that yourself after the last few nights?" A smirk and wiggled eyebrows sent a flush up Naruto's face that Ino congratulated herself on producing. It was damned hard to embarrass the man.

Frozen in place as everything began to click into place, Sakura did her best not to freak out as her best friend openly flirted with her teammate, or a clone of him at least. This was the guy Ino was dating now? Naruto? Knucklehead and hyperactive training extraordinaire? Her Naruto? Nope, she didn't like this. Not one bit. "When did, when did this start?" Did Anko know? Maybe she needed to let it slip to the manic woman, and soon.

Turning to eye her friend up and down, Ino smirked as she could imagine the gears grinding away in Sakura's head, "Oh you know, something recent." Turning back to the Uzumaki, Ino motioned to the yard, "I'm free to set things as I like yeah?"

The clone nodded slowly, "Sure, still plan on doing flowers up front and an actual garden in the back?" Seeing Ino nod, Naruto shrugged finally, "Sounds good then, yell if you need a hand okay?"

Ino's hand flashed out, grabbing onto Naruto's hand quickly and firmly, "Hey uh, you don't actually mind me being here right? I never actually asked and I don't wanna overstep or anything ya know?"

Flashing her a megawatt smile, Naruto nodded quickly, "You're welcome here for as long as you like Ino-chan. Besides, Yuri would cry tons if you left without a word and never came back."

"Good, now leave me be, I've got work to do." Watching the chuckling clone head back towards the house, Ino turned a smirk to the still frozen Sakura, "So, I know you're just burning with questions. Let's get em out and in the open."

"Naruto? You're dating Naruto?" Sakura couldn't keep the astonishment out of her voice. That and a little bit of frustration.

Chuckling as she turned back to the cart full of gardening supplies, Ino pulled a set of work gloves from a bucket and set about mentally planning what she would accomplish today. "Yup, been a lot of fun too. The guy is really loving and attentive when you give him a chance. You really missed out." Ino had no problems needling the pinkette about this one. Naruto had been hounding after Sakura for so long that it was almost sad. But now, well, Naruto had no problems moving on when given better options.

"But what about Anko? I thought they were a thing? She'll kill you!" Sakura hadn't been worried about Anko in the long run. She and everyone else had expected her to have her fun and move on to the next conquest. But Ino, this was different. Very different.

"Who'll kill who now? I want in!" Speak of the devil herself, Anko bound over the wall clad in a black miniskirt and Naruto's customary black and orange jacket. "There'll be no bloodshed without me present damnit!"

"Language!" Another feminine voice called out a window on the upper story of the house, quickly answered by childish giggling.

Rubbing the back of her head and trying to laugh it off, Anko eyed up Ino and Sakura, quickly noting the flustered medic nin and the quietly amused mind walker with ease. Oh, so that was the blonde's game huh? "So who's dying?"

"No one's dying today Anko, at least not here." Ino waved off Anko's inquisitive eyes easily as she kneeled down into the dirt to set about planting and weeding. Naruto did a decent job, but even he knew his limitations about seeing the differences between weeds and herb plants, which there were a lot of here. Someone had some interesting hobbies in the past it seemed, "Gonna join me?"

"Like I told Naruto, I don't know the first thing about plants. I'd rather not try it now." Anko shrugged as she wiggled eyebrows at the medic, "So, you here to try and wiggle your way into the group, sorry to say I don't think it'll happen." Anko sure as shit wouldn't approve of it, neither would Mai for that matter.

Flustered and taken aback, Sakura made several confused noises all at once, "I-I-I-I would never!"

Shrugging, Anko turned to continue on her previous heading, the inside of the house, "Well, your loss really. Oh, Tsunade might be around, didn't she say she was coming by one of these days Ino?"

"Yeah she's here, or Shizune is at least. Might wanna check in." Ino was already beginning to focus on her self imposed task, starting to tune out the rest of the world, "You might as well head inside Sakura, at least you could say hello and all." Ino wouldn't admit that it irritated her that Sakura had all but ignored Naruto since their return from the Sasuke retrieval mission, but it did. Yeah sure Sakura's long standing crush on Sasuke was cute and all from a distance. But to ignore your teammate and actual loyal friend who helped you bring said traitor back? If they weren't friends, Ino would probably punt her into next week.

Feeling the shift in Ino and missing Anko slip inside, Sakura nodded slowly, "Yeah uh, sure. I'll do that." So much was changing all at once. Naruto owned this home and property? Was this what he was saving his money for all this time? Never mind he and Ino were dating, and apparently Anko didn't mind? Had they broken up, or, some how impossibly, was he dating both of them at the same time? As much as she didn't want to believe that possibility, with Naruto anything could happen. Walking up the recently cleaned cobblestone pathway, Sakura stepped inside to a freshly cleaned entryway and slipped off her sandals, "Hello?"

"In here! Sorry about the mess!" Naruto's voice rang out, followed by a frustrated growl and what sounded like paper smacking flesh. "Ow Granny! What was that for?"

"Focus brat, you need to know this stuff!"

"I'd focus a lot better if you'd stop hitting me you crazy woman!" Another smack was heard, followed by more grumbling.

Sakura followed the familiar sounds of her mentor and her teammate arguing, at least this was a situation she was used to. Naruto and Tsunade had a bond that was special, something even she couldn't fully understand between the two. Walking down a hallway that housed a single hip height table that bore a photo of a blonde man and a red headed woman, Sakura noted the resemblance with Naruto and figured they had to be his parents. Maybe he finally learned something about his family? Well, the scene she came upon as she walked through the doorway was an odd one. The room was probably bigger than Naruto's entire old apartment, and in the middle of it was Naruto and Tsunade. Around them both clone Naruto's worked quietly, unsealing what looked like odd and ends from his old apartment and setting things up. Several house plants were already nestled under open and bright windows. Naruto was situated on a couch while pouring over dozens of papers and folders of who knew what, while next to him in a plush looking chair and holding a rolled up news paper in one hand and a metal mug of saki in the other, Tsunade grinned and raised a toast to Sakura.

"About time you showed up, pull up a chair and join the show, you can laugh while Naruto melts his brains out." Tsunade cackled as Naruto tossed her a disgruntled look. "It's good for you boyo."

"Says you." Naruto grumbled as he poured over a form related to an authorization for the clan restoration act. Before this collection of papers had been financial reporting forms and applications for the Uzumaki clan grounds expansion. And after this would be restoration applications for funds to help with the Uzumaki shrine. Something that even Tsunade said should never had been allowed to fall into disrepair like it did. "I'd like to bring up, that once I get all this down, I'm so using clones for this."

"You just need to organize your time better Naruto." Tsunade wouldn't say anything against the use of clones, Sarutobi certainly made use of them from time to time. But Naruto's way of doing things were much too straight forward. "Make sure to find yourself a few trusted people to help you out, advisors you can rely on. Not like those old fogies I have to deal with."

Naruto nodded along as Sakura finally sat down on the empty two seater couch across from Tsunade and on his right. Focused as he was, he still eyed his teammate for a moment, "Hey there Sakura, sorry I haven't been around for team meetings, been kinda busy." He had made sure to let Kakashi and Tenzo know via messenger, but he'd forgotten about Sakura and Sai. Flashing her a quick smile, he was soon back to work, "So my property extends all the way to the east wall and neighbors the Nara clan's grounds? Not so bad."

Tsunade and moved the paperwork around until she unearthed the map there, "Yup, Nara on one side and the Hokage monument on the other. Though you can't go cutting down trees willy nilly now. You'll need certain permissions depending on the area." No one messed with tree law, not even the Hokage.

"I doubt we'll be cutting down any trees, Ino certainly wouldn't allow it." Naruto had a soft smile on his face as he admitted that, something Sakura noted as she watched on in silence. "Besides, they make for good training grounds."

Leaning back and adjusting her green jacket, Tsunade watched Naruto work with mirth in her eyes, "You better relax on that training pace, or your kids will hate you."

"Speaking from experience there Baa-chan?"

"Hush brat."

Naruto chuckled as a slim pair of arms circled around his neck from behind, the scent of blood and honey followed to clue him in to his assailant, "Hey Anko, back already?"

"You know Ibiki, he can only put up with my shenanigans for so long." Having come from another doorway behind them to the kitchen, Anko was idly chewing on a dango skewer. She'd make for upstairs to help out Mai with furniture moving in a minute. "Anything I can do ta help?"

"Wanna get used to clan paperwork?"

"Ew, even worse than dealing with kids." Anko was already up and eyed the shell shocked pinkette again, "Should I convince Mai to cook a few extra helpings for dinner?"

Naruto shrugged, "Wouldn't hurt, worst case I have extra to eat for tomorrow."

Already waving over her shoulder as she left to her self imposed task, Anko flashed her love a grin from over her shoulder, "You're gonna get fat one day."

"Better watch yourself with that, I'm the one with the fastest metabolism alive here." Naruto ignored Anko's cackling as she left, refocusing as he was on his work while Tsunade offered pointers.

Through it all Sakura watched and stewed, knowing that something important had happened within the last week that she wasn't around for. Naruto seemed, calm, relaxed in a way she had never seen him before. Sure he had been different after his training trip with Jiraiya, but this Naruto was somehow even more of a drastic change than that one. What had she missed while her world had revolved around the Uchiha scion?

"Not like you have a right to know anything, after ignoring him for all this time." Sakura's inner self spoke up for the first time in a long while, something that her conscious mind cringed at. It wasn't wrong in the end. She had ignored Naruto in favor of Sasuke, something that shouldn't have happened. "And yet it did, and now Naruto's moving on without you, just like Sasuke did."

"Na-Naruto?" Voice breaking as she pushed through the wave of emotions that her thoughts pressed on her, Sakura did warm a bit at the openly curious look Naruto gave her. At least he didn't seem to be angry with her, or even upset. "What's going on? When did you buy this place, it's lovely by the way."

Blinking owlishly for a moment, Naruto had to remind himself that he hadn't updated Sakura about anything, not that he had the chance to with her spending all her time with Sasuke. Sitting up a bit straighter and stretching, he sighed heavily as he considered how much to let her know. "I uh, it was my inheritance, from my parents. Couldn't get it until I made Chunin apparently."

"Oh, well that's good for you. Guessing you're planning on staying here full time then, it's a major upgrade from your apartment." And it was, needed a little woman's touch in Sakura's opinion but she'd fix that given some time.

Nodding along and not privy to Sakura's thoughts, Naruto leaned back into the couch with a form in hand so he could continue to read, "Yeah, I needed the extra room anyway. Anko and me are going steady and she wanted to move in. And then Ino keeps hanging around so much that I'm sure she's here for the long haul, and with the kids…" Pausing as he considered she really didn't know Mai beyond having healed her that once or the kids, Naruto shrugged the worry off. It wasn't really her business anyway. Besides, he had a lot more going on in his life, too much to be worried about his currently satisfied teammate, "I'm gonna need the space and then some. Plus Baa-chan said she'd help me put the word out for any other scattered Uzumaki we can find and if that happens I'm really gonna need more living space."

"Let me remind you not to get your hopes up there gaki. You might be all that's left." Tsunade enjoyed and loved to fan Naruto's enthusiasm, but she wanted to make sure he had realistic expectations here. "There's a reason you're applying for the CRA."

"I know I know, but I can dream right?" Naruto sighed and tossed the small stack of papers in his hand onto the table, leaning back to look up to the ceiling were a fan rotated lazily. Guess he should try to be a good host for a while huh? Turning to look back to Sakura, Naruto waved a hand towards her, "So, how's our runaway? Get him to come around yet?"

Flushing at the direct attention she was getting, Sakura looked away involuntarily. It wasn't an outright dig at her, but it felt that way all the same, "He's uh. You know him, all broody and mysterious. He'll come around again, maybe he could use a visit or two from you?"

Mentally sighing at the open hope in her voice, Naruto nodded along anyway, "I'm pretty sure that'll just turn into us trading barbs back and forth, but if you're asking for it then I'll come with you one of these days for a visit." At the least, Naruto could gloat a bit about kicking Sasuke's ass, again.

Giving a nod and a small smile, Sakura took interest in the home around them as a legion of clones moved by the rear window all carrying heavy loads of wood and tools, "Sure is a lot of work going on, think you'll need another set of hands?"

Mind already moving on past his former crush, Naruto shook his head as he dove back into his work, "Nah, with all my clones the girls just need to point and give orders, we'll be fine. I'm throwing a party next week though. House warming. You're invited, kay?"

"Uh yeah, sure thing Naruto." Something inside Sakura twinged as Naruto went back to his work, Tsunade giving her a pointed look as well didn't help any. When had this changed, the goofy carefree Naruto that followed her around like a lost puppy…this wasn't that Naruto anymore. Why did that hurt so much? Standing as something cold gripped her heart, Sakura bowed to the pair, "I should check in at the hospital, do some rounds and catch up on work."

Tsunade saluted Sakura as she backed away to the doorway, "Make sure nothing crazy is going on, I'll make an appearance myself in a few hours once I make sure this moron knows what he's doing."

"This would go a lot better if you'd actually help instead of drinking."

"I am helping brat, I could make it a lot harder if you'd like."

Watching the pair return to their previous bickering, Sakura made for the front door. Everything was changing so quickly, and she should be happy for Naruto. Happy that things were turning around for him finally. She was his teammate and longest running friend, that should be the least she could do.

So then why did it hurt so Kami damned much?

-b-

Mai liked to think that she was not a complicated person in the grand scheme of things. She needed very little, a roof over her head, food in her's and her childrens' bellies, and security. Enough to know that they would live peacefully in the coming days. She wasn't one for grand gestures or an opulent lifestyle. A simple life was what she considered best.

Of course, that kinda of thinking died whenever Naruto was involved.

Settled into a rather comfortable bench at the rear of his home, looking out over the freshly planted garden while fireflies danced in the evening air, she took a sip of her tea and considered what her life had become. It had taken someone else finally opening his heart, but Naruto had accepted her and her feelings finally. The idiot.

"Oh, what's got you smiling so much tonight?" Speak of the devil and he shall appear, Naruto settled onto the bench next to her with a creak of wood. An arm smoothly came around her shoulders to envelope her in a comfortable warmth.

Touching her cheek to confirm that indeed she had been smiling, Mai shook her head and motioned out to the scenery before them, "Just, taking some time to accept that this is my life now."

"Regret it?"

"No, never." Leaning into him softly, Mai placed one hand against his chest, "I just, to think I'd go from living in the slums, whoring myself out to make ends meet, to now enjoying a loving relationship with what could be considered village royalty."

A dry chuckle left Naruto's throat, but the smile he showed her was every bit genuine, "Like I care what the village thinks of me. But if my blood can achieve a better life for us, then I'll use it to the fullest. Stick around, there's a lot more to come."

Leaning into his side and laying her head on his shoulder, Mai took his free hand into hers, threading their fingers together gently, "Don't go overboard, you hear?"

"No promises, it's me after all."

"That's what I'm worried about." Mai and Naruto shared a laugh before Mai squeezed his hand to get his attention once more, "I don't mean to pry…but your teammate, Haruno-san?"

A returned gentle squeeze cut her off as Naruto continued to stare out into the forest, "I think you, Anko, and Ino are more than enough for me, don't you?" Turning to address her directly, Naruto initiated a heartfelt kiss that left Mai a bit breathless. "Don't you worry, she's the last thing on my mind anymore."

Nodding as the small kernel of worry melted away from her heart, Mai grinned at him instead, "About that other blonde, have you told her to move in yet or are you leaving that to myself and Anko?"

"Nah I'll do it, that's my responsibility isn't it?" Seeing the playful mirth in her eyes, Naruto huffed and relaxed back into the bench, "Go easy on her."

"More like I need to go easy on you. How long had I been trying to get your attention and Anko is the one to get to you first, I'd be hurt if I didn't know you better."

Knowing that whether she said it or not, it was a bit of a sore point, Naruto sighed and kissed the top of her head, "You're here now right? I'll love and protect you and those kids for as long as I live. Believe it."

"You better mister, and don't go playing favorites either."

"I mean, Anko does this thing with her hands that-" The shot to his ribs knocked the wind out of him, and the emotions blazing from Mai was evident even with his dull senses. "Sorry sorry, bad joke."

Standing and looming over him, Mai's glasses flashed in the low light while she offered him a good look down the valley of her cleavage, "I think I can make up the difference with other assets, no?"

Strong arms encircled the smaller woman, "All I need is you Mai, nothing else."

"Sweet talker you. Come, let's get to bed before Anko comes and hunts us down." A squeak left her lips as Naruto stood quickly, bringing her up and into his arms to carry her into the house, "You lummox, put me down." A laugh left her as he lightly tickled her in return.

"No can do, gotta make up for all that lost time." Naruto decided, it was good to be him right now. This life was certainly worth living right now.

He'd like to keep it that way too.

-AN-

Been a long few weeks. Work nearly killed me, was down two coworkers and just, had no motivation to write after the long days. But, we've got some new hires that I think will last which means soon I'll have more free time and some better sleep. Well, with some hope and luck. Thanks for sticking around ya'll.