Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Oshi No Koi

'If we follow the light novel pattern for the protagonist, we're probably making a lifelong enemy right now, huh?' Aqua watched nervously, his heart racing as he observed the tense standoff.

Naruto-san hadn't moved in at least ten seconds, his arms crossed as he stared into his sister's eyes. His sister, meanwhile, stood glaring back at him, though the sight was almost comical since she stood a scant few inches below his waist.

'She probably thinks she'll lose if she's the first one to look away! This is nerve wracking!' Aqua mused, sweat dripping down his face. He already knew how childish and stubborn she could be.

'And mama you're no help either!' Aqua thought, glancing over at the woman. His unease grew as he saw the smile on her face, her eyes sparkling as she watched the standoff.

She seemed to somehow misinterpret the entire situation. Did she think this was a good thing?

No, no, no!

This was the exact opposite! Get a grip, woman!

Feeling queasy, Aqua turned to Miyako-san and the president, hoping they'd step in.

They had been relatively mature up until now, but his hopes faded when he saw Ichigo-san holding back Miyako-san, a wide grin on his face. Clearly, he was enjoying the situation just as much as Ai even if it was for different reasons.

He had guessed the man was none the pleased with the blonde here but this just confirmed it…

'Ah, this is insane…I need to do something before it gets worse.' Aqua decided with a sigh as he clenched his fist steeling himself, taking a step forward to stand beside his sister.

"N-Naruto san, I'd like to say, please-"

"Well…." Aqua flinched mid bow at the man's slow drawl, finding it far more menacing than he more than likely intended.

"Eeeep?!"

'Warm.' Before Aqua could process why his sister let out such a strangled sound, the doctor, now a toddler, was surprised to find himself face-to-face with the half-moon smirk of the kneeling giant.

"It's a bit bratty but I'm no stickler. No matter how smart you are, kids are still kids, right? I guess you want a present like your sister too, huh, Aqua?" Aqua froze, caught off guard as a large hand continued to ruffle his hair with fond exasperation.

He was sure it was simply a biological need for safety ruling him but he found himself selfishly enjoying the contact.

'I forgot what it felt like to have a father. It's… nice.' His wide eyes shifted to his sister, who stood just as still, her head slightly lowered from the weight of the man's hand on her head.

Aqua, and more notably his twin (despite vehemently denying it), would later struggle to understand it themselves, but in that moment, neither could bring themselves to move.

The blonde man's gaze shifted from them, glancing over their heads.

"What do you think, Ai? Will Mama let Sensei get the kids a present, even if it's a little late?" The man teased.

"Hmmm~ Are you really up for it, Sensei? I'm sure they won't mind if you back out!" It was truly strange for him to hear his mama giggle…..coquettishly from behind him.

Like a schoolgirl.

Aqua sweatdropped.

'Are they really flirting in front of us? I suppose they both are still rather young.' The whole scene felt surreal to him, but there was something oddly endearing about the playful dynamic. As if it was a complete household.

His eyes widened.

'Wait what am I thinking-'

"Now I just have to do it, huh?" Naruto-san clicked his tongue as he looked over both children again who stayed still. "Then what would you two like from a first present from me?" There was a certain sincerity in his words that made Aqua splurge out his true thoughts.

"Something memorable." Aqua found himself responding without knowing. Who knew if he would even see the man after today?

Naruto-san's expression softened as he hummed thoughtfully glancing over to his sister who didn't exactly make a show of protesting.

"Good choice. I think I can do that."

Behind him, he could practically feel his mama grinning. "Oh, I'm sure they'll love whatever you pick, Sensei. You've never let me down before."

The man rolled his eyes, giving their shoulder a quick pat before rising and strolling around them.

"I think you're enjoying this way too much, you know?"

"Is it that obvious? Everything's more fun when you're around, Sensei~"

"Is that why you invited me? To be your personal clown?"

"Perish the thought. I just like the company of my bestest friend! Who else would I enjoy being around?"

"No one! I'm your only friend!"

"Ha! See?!"

The man sighed.

"You're impossible to deal with, you know that? Anyway give me some time and please look after Hima and Boru-"

Aqua glanced over at his sister, her attention clearly fixed on anything but the old couple's argument. He wasn't surprised to see her cheeks flushed bright red, her gaze fixed ahead in a daze, one hand pressed against her head where the previous one had been.

If he had to describe her expression, it could only be described as stunned silly.

Aqua took a breath.

Things were looking up.

Things were looking down.

"Whiskers is backing out on us, isn't he? All according to the keikaku! Huhu~"

A smug voice chimed from behind Aqua, causing him to grunt in annoyance. He could almost hear the click of her new pink shades being adjusted on her nose.

As anticipated, it hadn't taken long for her to resume her scheming ways now that the man had left. Aqua couldn't help but feel irritated as her behavior returned, twice as relentless as before.

"Ruby, can't you cut him some slack? He's trying, isn't he?" Aqua sighed, setting down the crayon and paper Ai had handed them for the first party game. He turned, watching his twin sister squirm with barely contained excitement, clearly reveling in the chaos she was about to unleash on the poor man.

Even Aqua knew he would be hard-pressed to find any present, let alone a good one in the time he had, and with the way Ruby was acting she would make sure everyone knew it, too.

All of a sudden, Aqua saw many difficulties in his life because of his confrontational sister! Even a normal toddler wouldn't cause the messes she would make!

Ruby rolled onto her back and spread her arms out, looking up at the ceiling. "Hey, I'm not being totally unreasonable here. He's the one who came with his hands empty. Like seriously. We're his kids. Did he just forget how birthdays work? How embarrassing! He's lucky mama's so naive!"

"Ironic considering you looked like a real daddy's girl before-" Aqua rolled his eyes.

"Huh?! What did you say?!"

"Nothing!"

"That's what I thought…grrr that bastard!"

Aqua pinched the bridge of his nose as she went on another rant.

Deep down, he was already starting to think about how he could mitigate the damage. He was hedging his bets that Naruto-san could pull off a miracle and knock her down a peg or two.

Or even better, get her to see the man wasn't all that bad at all.

If he was honest, he wasn't opposed to building a relationship with the estranged part of his family. It would give them a better cover for Ai to work with and would lift her burden on raising them as well.

She was 19. There was only so much being perfect children could do to lift her burden.

He turned and stared towards where the President and Miyako-san were still busy preparing for the party games trying to think. How could he begin to get her to understand? It wasn't like she didn't know the situation they were in.

"Listen… I know he may not have been the perfect father, but do you really have to act like this? It's only going to hurt us in the long run. We could have something good here…"

Especially with how much their mother liked the man. She wasn't subtle by nature with her job and didn't seem to be hiding how much she looked up to him either.

If pushing him away would cause Ai to feel sadness, then Aqua wasn't sure he could ever forgive her for that. They had already agreed (even if not verbally), that their lives were dedicated to making the woman's better so-

Aqua braced himself for a sharp retort, ready to try and knock some sense into her. But to his surprise, Ruby remained silent for a while.

"Aqua…"

"Ruby?"

"Don't you think it's too easy? I mean the way he's just slipping in here like he owns the place? Don't you feel angry at all?"

"An…gry?" He blinked, craning his head over to look at her confused as she sat up hugging her knees, looking like the child she outwardly was.

How did she come to that conclusion?!

"After years of being away, just leaving us here to rot… do you think it's fair that he gets to decide when to come back into our lives after having his new family? That we don't even get a say in it? I don't know about you, but just looking at his smug, playboy, whiskered face makes me so mad. I-I hate him." She whispered the last part, but Aqua heard it clearly.

'Leaving us to rot? What? How does that even make sense-'

"Ah."

It was then, something clicked for him.

The missing piece of the puzzle he'd been trying to solve since discovering how much resentment Ruby held for their father.

This… was baggage, wasn't it?

He had always found it so strange that she became obsessed with Naruto-san, despite never having met or known him prior. Aqua had always been moving forward with the assumption that she had a somewhat decent upbringing like him, considering she was relatively well adjusted but he had overlooked something.

What if that wasn't the case? No, what if it was the exact opposite held true and something truly horrible had happened to her before?

'This… is bad.' Aqua gave his fellow toddler a cautious look after seeing how quickly she went from happy to…this in half a beat. He had thought it was a temper tantrum but could it really be past life trauma?

'Ruby…?' Aqua thought, wondering what to say when he could see the faint tremor in her hands, a detail he hadn't noticed before.

Ah.

"He shouldn't be able to just come and do this. It isn't right. You shouldn't act like it is. We made this happiness before he came." She muttered weakly.

Aqua exhaled, feeling weak himself.

'What to do…' He was absolutely not qualified for mental counseling, Sarina and Ai being prime examples!

'Let's start with the basics.'

"Well he probably won't know unless you tell him how you feel. I'm sure he wouldn't mind talking it out."

That was always a good start, he thought.

There was silence.

Ruby's head slowly turned towards him.

She stared at him, her eyes wide in disbelief before they narrowed.

In disgust.

"Pathetic."

Aqua's mouth hung open in shock.

"Wh-what did you say?" He wondered if he had misheard as his tiny fist clenched.

Instead of responding immediately, she slowly rose to her feet, brushing herself off.

"To think we came from the same womb. Never call yourself an Ai stan or my brother in public again. You'll only embarrass us all. To think you'd be content with an interloper in our domain- ptoi!" She cast him one last disdainful glance before turning away to retrieve her paper from the floor.

Aqua sat motionless. Stunned.

Everyone had their limits.

He-

'Perhaps it's time to assert my rights as an older brother for once!' He took a deep breath in, standing.

-had reached his.

Ruby paused, her fingers halting mid-air as a shadow fell over her. She looked up, fear flickering in her eyes, meeting a pair of cold blue ones.

Aqua cracked his knuckles.

"...s-sorry?"

"Die."

"Agkkk-!"

Almost immediately after the twins began their brawl, chaos descended as the adults panicked, scrambling to pull them apart.

But not her.

A sharp little girl seemed to analyze every potential outcome. She couldn't remember much of her family from the past but she could somewhat recall the drunk auntie who visited often.

'Never let a chance to bet go brat!' So she had said before passing out on the couch.

"Big bro…" Himawari called, her eyes narrowing making sure her daddy was preoccupied.

"Hima? What's wrong?"

"The next five days... training with daddy… on the boy!"

"Huh? No way! That's a sucker's bet! Everyone knows boys are stronger than girls!"

"Chicken."

"W-WAH?! I ain't no-"

"Chicken, chicken, chicken-!" she taunted, hopping in the chair like a firecracker.

"Gah! Stop! I ain't no chicken, ya know?! I'll take you on! B-but only two days!"

"Three, and winner gets the TV all week!" she bargained, arms crossed and a smile that was way too smug for someone who couldn't count to triple digits yet.

"Bet!"

'Hehe!'

'Thanks, Kurama. You always help me in a pinch. I can make it back quicker now.' Naruto looked down at the medium-sized black box, feeling pretty content with the present, all things considered. Even if it had come about through a rather unorthodox method.

'Hopefully they'll like it.'

'...My father would be ashamed of me. That sand punk wouldn't let me live this down either. To think I'd be reduced to amusement for children.' Kurama's dejected response came from within the seal, making him pause as he climbed toward Ai's apartment before continuing. The sound of his footsteps on each step made him feel a twinge of guilt for putting his friend through this.

Naruto sighed, shaking his head. 'Didn't mean to make you feel bad about it...'

'Ugh, just…don't. There's no one here to hold us accountable so no sense in lingering on it…' Kurama grumbled, though there was an underlying hint of satisfaction that Naruto caught.

Was Kurama a…Tsundere?

'Oi!'

Naruto grinned.

'We can test it out with other things later if you want?'

'I suppose. I have always wanted to see more of my father's ability…' The tailed beast reluctantly admitted. 'But for now I have more important things to do-'

'Like what?! You just sleep around all day while we're home!'

'Exactly.'

'Kurama? Kurama! He severed our connection. What could he be doing at home alone?' Naruto's eyebrows twitched at being ignored, but he quickly took a deep breath to calm himself.

He was probably just going over their Hirashin notes, right? Kurama was always the more responsible one-

"Ruuuuun! Goooooo! Get to da choppaaaaa!"

"These smelly humans really create some good things in this world. This Ānoroudo Shuwarutsuneggā would make quite the ninja." Miniature Kurama said with a pleased sigh, chomping on chips with his opposable thumbs, happy that he finally got a chance to use the human contraption.

He had seen this TV invention, being invented when he was in that brat Kushina but-

Who would have known pressuring the brat to buy a 100 Inch Laser TV would have been such a good idea? The picture quality was perfect for catching every detail of explosions.

Not as good as a Bijuu Bomb of course but they did good with what they had.

And the chips?

Crispy and delicious.

Kurama leaned back, using one tail to lift the remote and flip through the channels, while another tail conveniently held a glass of 100% apple juice that he sipped lazily.

No brats around, no bigger brat yelling at him to stop being an irresponsible uncle, and most importantly…the house was his.

As it should be.

"Sensei…."

"Ai."

"You're…back?"

Huh?

"I-I think so? I left my kids here after all…something wrong?" Naruto raised an eyebrow as the petite woman, standing at approximately 150 cm (4 feet 11 inches), closed the door to her apartment quietly.

Her slender and somewhat ruffled frame stood before him giving him a strange look, prompting him to exaggeratedly crane his head down to meet her unique six-pointed stars like he always did.

She pouted, catching the dig at her height, deep purple eyes glaring at him.

"Hey! I'm not that short! But Sensei… I have something to ask…"

Her head tilted upward, and for the first time they met, Naruto Uzumaki found himself on the receiving end of her skeptical stare.

"Why are you here?"

"...?" Naruto tilted his head, confused.

"I mean…it's a bit soon isn't it? That's hardly enough time to get a gift! I even planned to stall everyone to give you more time!" For some reason she giggled, though Naruto didn't focus on it.

"Oh that? I said I'd be back soon, didn't I?"

Jiiiiiiiiii~

Naruto leaned back as she shuffled forward while staring at him intensely.

"Sensei do you see this?" Naruto watched as she pulled out her phone to show him and blinked at the unexpected wallpaper.

"You look beautiful?" Naruto squinted, speaking his true thoughts at the rather modest, yet flattering swimsuit she was wearing in the picture, wondering if this was a test somehow. He remembered falling into this trap at least twice with his wife and wouldn't be caught again.

She choked.

"Ahem, r-really?" Naruto was treated to the very rare sight of this brick wall of shamelessnes blushing with a smile and didn't know how to feel about the reaction.

He wasn't an idiot.

Still, he gave a small nod. It'd be a lie otherwise.

She twirled a lock of hair, staring at him before quickly clearing her throat.

"T-thank you, Sensei... but that's not the point!" She shook her head, her gaze shifting away from his as she pointed at the screen.

"This is! Sensei, it's only been six minutes since you left! Did you even leave the parking lot? Those aren't rocks in that box right?" She waved the phone frantically, looking as distressed as he was beginning to feel.

Oh.

Oh.

Ooooooh.

….

Oh shit.

Naruto coughed trying to ignore the sudden laughter roaring from the seal and the heat in his ears.

'A little white lie won't hurt, right? Just a bit of truth mixed in.' Of course, this was only to cover his tracks. It had nothing to do with the raw concern he saw in her eyes.

Nothing.

"Actually, Ai..."

"Yes, Sensei?" Her eyes rounded, like a puppy expecting a treat, and Naruto winced at the sheer trust in them.

"...hmm." Why did he feel so bad? It wasn't as if he'd ever been a shining example of goodness and truth. In fact, he'd waded through plenty of murky waters just to ensure he and his family could fit in and survive in this world.

"Sensei."

"?!"

Naruto wasn't so much as startled as he was surprised by the dainty hand that landed on his chest and he watched, just a bit stunned, as the woman clenched her next fist with a wide, confident smile.

"Don't worry, you can trust me! I'm the best at keeping secrets! Ehehehe!"

Naruto stared at her in awe.

That….was a blatant and bold face lie.

No two ways about it.

The past weeks with this airhead flashed in his mind and immediately told him that this chick couldn't keep a secret even if he sealed her mouth shut with a S rank seal.

She was even worse than past him

It was that bad.

Still, he nearly teared up. Not because her gesture touched him, though it really did. No, he nearly cried, knowing he was going to enjoy what came next...way too much.

"Ai... you're right. We shouldn't keep secrets from each other. Come closer, and I'll tell you." Wiping his tears away, Naruto gestured for her to come closer, his cheeks already twitching with suppressed laughter as she eagerly scooted over, closer to his chest.

Too easy.

"Sensei! I won't let you down!"

"Ai…" Naruto adjusted the gift box under his arm, resting a hand on her shoulder as he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

"Sensei!" She inhaled sharply.

"Ai…"

"…s-sensei…"

"… just trust me, bro."

"..."

"Ow."

'Handsome husband, h-handsome husband!' The woman chanted internally with a sigh.

"Owie!" Ruby touched the bandage on her face, wincing at the slight sting.

"M-Miyako san please be a bit more gentle- tssss."

"I'll be gentler when you two come back to your senses! What were you thinking?! You know better!" Miyako hissed, disappointed, making both children wince and slump without another peep.

She huffed and she finished applying more antiseptic cream to the Aqua's cheek, picking up where the ditzy idol had left off-

'Before running off to greet her boyfriend, of course! How could she think they were just play fighting?!' Miyako thought, irritated, her cheeks twitching. She really needed to sit that girl down and explain-

She sighed.

'No, I can't even blame her this time. These two become master actors whenever she's around!' It was honestly baffling how quickly they could come up with a story to maintain their innocent appearance in front of the woman but not care in the slightest with her.

Unfortunately that left her the burden of scolding them.

The villain.

She barely held in her pout.

"Ughh."

"Are they usually like this?" Bright red eyes glanced at her….decidedly not hot model husband in confusion.

Why was he asking? Didn't he already know how precocious they were?

Still seeing he was concerned she thought about it before answering.

"Not usually, well maybe Ruby at times-"

"H-hey! I'm right here-"

The female twin was ignored.

"But they seem to be quite docile when that ditz- Idol! When that idol is here." She coughed her mistake away glaring at said children again as if they caused it.

"So they aren't like this usually? I wonder what could be different today…" The man grumbled, looking like he was waiting all day to hear it.

Ah.

It was then Miyako as she realized she had walked into a trap as she took a shallow and very, so very irritated breath.

It was not the time.

"Dear-"

"I'm just saying that it's too much to be a coincidence! Don't you think the same?!" He rushed to say as if he had a point, leaning in.

"Dear-"

"If their behavior is being influenced by him being here then maybe we should-"

Riiiiiiip

Both eavesdropping twins and husband paused at the sound.

Miyako smiled slowly as the bandage she had been painstakingly peeling ripped in half just like her fraying patience.

She took a deep breath in glancing over to all four children who were watching the scene without blinking.

She turned to one in particular.

"Aqua."

"Y-yes?!" The toddler squeaked.

"Do you think you can bandage yourself for me…?" She looked into his trembling eyes, happy to see him nodding quickly.

"Of course! L-leave it to me!" He even thumped his chest before coughing.

'Ah my face must be pretty scary right now right? I'll have to apologize later.' Unfortunately she had some straightening out to do right now.

Miyako patted his leg, leaving him to it and got up before she sent a look to her stunned husband.

"Ichigo kun~ Let's have a brief chat inside the kitchen away from the children."

"B-but-!"

"Now."

Despite their little scuffle both Aqua and Ruby glanced at each other with shaking pupils, as the woman's blank eyes and creepy smile still imprinted in their minds.

Even reincarnated, the woman's anger still struck the fear of God into them.

And only one word echoed in their mind.

'Scary!'

It was only when the man had been dragged into the kitchen that he realized his mistake-!

"Miyako, w-wait!" He barely got two words out before he winced as he was slammed up against the kitchen wall by the surprisingly strong woman.

"What. Do. You. Think. You. Are. Doing! How many times did I tell you to drop that subject while you were in the house?!" Her pretty face contorted as she stared at him.

"F-five?"

"Seven! Seven times! Get this into your thick skull! Because this will be the last time I will tell you this!" She hissed, her voice dropping to a whisper, the sound sending shivers down the man's spine.

"I don't care how much you don't like him, but you do not speak ill of a father in front of his four toddlers." she continued with silent venom. "What kind of problems do you think can happen if you do that? You didn't even think of that right?! I bet you didn't even see his other children watching from across the room like hawks! If you have something to say, do it out earshot, not in front of innocent children. And don't do it behind his back!"

"M-Miyako?" Who was this woman and where did his money hungry wife go?!

"Shhhhhh- Look, your clothes are a bit ruffled. Let me help you with that Anata." Ichigo swallowed painfully at the very impersonal address, falling silent as she deftly loosened his tie.

It was only about 10 seconds later that she began speaking looking directly at his chest.

"You know-"

"H-huh?" He didn't even know what to expect anymore.

"At first, I didn't like it. No, actually, I hated it." She tugged at his tie, adjusting it with precise, almost surgical motions as began to monlogue.

"..."

"Taking care of two kids who aren't even mine, can you even imagine it? Right after I got married, I had to step in and become like a full-time parent to someone else's kids. And not just occasionally, but all the time." She gave him a nasty smile as she crossed the wide end of the tie over the narrow one.

Her hands moved, but her gaze never left him, waiting for some kind of response that didn't come.

"..."

"Bathing them, feeding them, changing their diapers. Not to mention those smug little glances they give me like I'm some kind of outsider. Constantly needing to clean, the fridge always needing to be stocked, and on top of that, your little star who seems to be a little kid herself. I didn't do this much work at my own house." She finished adjusting the tie, her fingers tightening the knot with a soft tug.

"I was dealing with three children at times. A glorified babysitter with a bachelor's degree, while still trying to manage your business. A lot of which you depend on me to keep running smoothly."

"..."

The man glanced up, guilt flashing across his face, but he couldn't find the words. It wasn't like he didn't know. The climb from rock bottom hadn't been easy, especially with Ai's comeback being anything but certain.

"And unlike a real parent, I don't even get those moe moments that make it all feel worth it. You know, the hugs, the smiles when you walk in the door. No, I just get the really ugly ones that leave my hands smelling like freaking crap!

She paused as if catching herself.

"I know it sounds like I'm complaining and that I'm really jealous but sometimes I'd like someone I'm taking care of to show me their cute side to me too! Those adorable little smiles, kyaaaa! Ahem!"

"..."

"Ah don't misunderstand though. I think I've come to like doing it now. Seeing them grow makes me feel…satisfied somehow? Like I'm really doing something good even if it's under the threat of divine smiting. I think if we weren't here that idol could probably forget to feed them and herself someday. It's been nice seeing her grow too a-and it's nice being needed."

She rambled on and Ichigo winced with more guilt and a bit of pain as his tie slowly began digging into his neck as she pulled him forward to look into her eyes.

Her eyes, swollen and glossy, betrayed her emotions.

Was she crying? Why was she crying?! She never cried!

He hesitated, overwhelmed by the chaotic situation and the certainty that he was on the verge of death.

"M-Miyako-"

"I-I don't mind being unthanked at times but what I can never stand. What I hate the most is- " The tie slowly got tighter and tighter, constricting his airway and his eyes bulged.

"Gkkh?!"

"For someone to come and ruin everything that I spent so much time and care to help build! You will not jeopardize our-!"

"Achooooooo!"

"?!"

Both Saitou's head snapped towards the empty kitchen hall where said sound came from, their eyes widening as they understood they were being eavesdropped on.

"Haaaaah." Ichigo let out a relieved sigh when his wife's hands quickly pulled away from his tie and he grunted loosening it a bit.

….

….

….

"Do ya think they're still talking! I can't hear 'em! Ya caused them to stop talking, Hima!"

"Sorry my nose was itchy!"

"Hold it in next time!

"Well, maybe they're taking a potty break?"

Ichigo scratched his head, glancing at his wife who turned away, looking panicked, before addressing the situation.

"You all. We know you're there. Can you come out, please?" He could almost feel them freezing and sweatdropped, hearing the hushed conversation stopping.

A moment of silence lingered before the first head cautiously emerged from the kitchen hall, a mop of spiky blond hair and bright blue eyes peeking around the corner.

Next came a head of dark blue hair, bangs sweeping across the forehead, revealing another pair of vivid blue eyes.

After a brief pause, a second head of golden blonde hair appeared, this time accompanied by a set of ruby-colored eyes.

And then, once more, golden blonde hair with aquamarine blue eyes peeked into view.

Right after, the tallest figure yet, a head of purple hair, marked with a six-pointed star, popped out.

Ichigo raised his wary gaze once more above Ai's head and watched as the tallest man in the house appeared over her.

6 pairs of eyes in unison blinked at the man.

"Every family has its problems, huh?" Naruto thought, piecing together the scene from the corner of his eye.

Ruby, the little girl, looked utterly devastated by what she'd just heard. Aqua seemed to be having some kind of religious revelation, though, he too wore a sad expression. And Ai…

Well, Ai looked completely detached from the situation, a far cry from the spirited person he was used to.

'This is not exactly how I imagined this day would go but I suppose it'll do. Hopefully, they won't mind me jumping in.' Naruto thought.

He was a sucker for happy endings, after all.

His gaze flickered to his own toddlers, and a plan began to form in his mind.

Kneeling down to Boruto and Himawari's eye level, he placed a hand on each of their small shoulders. "Alright, you two," he said in his loud, serious voice, instantly drawing the attention of everyone.

"That lady over there is sad, and she needs cheering up. Can you do that for me?"

Translation: Kids! Dad needs a favor!

Their faces lit up with understanding. "What can we do, dad?" Boruto asked eagerly, bouncing on his feet.

Translation: What's in it for us, old man?!

Naruto smirked, glancing at Aqua and Ruby, who were both frozen in place, pretending not to have heard. "A hug is all someone needs to feel better."

Translation: I'll teach you your first jutsu!

"WAHH?!"

Naruto was impressed.

They didn't combust on the spot from sheer excitement.

"You promised, daddy!" Himawari cheered.

"Yeah, you promised dad!" Boruto echoed.

With a proud glint in his eye, Naruto watched as the two toddlers barreled past him at full speed, crossing the distance rather quickly. They threw themselves at the woman's legs, causing her to stumble over in surprise.

"Ah?!"

"Stop crying and be happy, lady!" Boruto announced.

"Yeah! Happy!" Himawari added enthusiastically.

Naruto turned his attention back to the trio. He could see hesitation written all over their faces, especially the little firecracker, whose feet were glued to the floor, eyes fixed on Miyako as the kids embraced her.

But she didn't move. Her eyes remained locked on the scene, her body stiff with indecision.

Naruto simply reached out and rasped his knuckles over her head, making her yelp and glare at him. He grinned back, a silent challenge in his eyes.

What are you going to do, little lady?

Ruby shot him a watery glare but hesitated only a moment longer. The sight of his children's pure affection seemed to light a fire under her tiny feet.

Jealousy was a powerful motivator.

Slowly, then all at once, Ruby sprinted toward Miyako.

"M-Miyako! You mini whiskered bastards get away from her, she's mine!" she shouted.

Aqua, gaping in disbelief, followed more cautiously, inching forward with one wary step at a time, throwing glances at Naruto as if seeking permission.

Naruto simply shrugged and smiled.

Aqua sighed and reluctantly ran to join the hug too.

But Ai… Ai still lingered, rooted to the spot, completely still, eyes dilated.

Naruto fixed her with a long, knowing look.

Then, without warning, he reached out and pinched her on the cheek.

The cheeks on her face.

"EEEKK! Sensei?!"

"What's a little airhead like you doing thinking so much? You know better." He yanked her forward, delivering what she called his "patented disappointed father hum" as she flailed her arms like a fish out of water.

She huffed, her face red. "Of course I'm thinking! I'm processing everything!"

"Nothing good happens when you think Ai…"

"Sensei! Ow ow ow-"

"Just go!" With a huff, Naruto directed her forward, watching as she rubbed her cheek sending him a watery glare before fixing on a wide smile.

"Miyako san~!"

'...yeesh, way to make it creepy Ai.' Naruto thought a bit sad seeing the clear facade being put up but he of all people knew asking about it was never the right answer.

Glancing up from the hugfest, Naruto sweatdropped as he saw the woman's husband looking shocked at the turn of events.

'Now where can I find a couple of sheets-'

"Here you go, kids. Two spoons of-"

"Just put the friggin' sugar in the cup, old man!"

"Ruby! Stop being rude! I'm so sorry, Naruto-san! Thank you, Naruto-san!"

"Haa! Don't worry about it, Aqua. Your sister is like a firecracker. She'll sputter out soon."

"Will not!"

The man laughed, the sound rather deep, and Miyako couldn't help but let out a slight giggle at the constant face off.

Sitting on the floor of the living room, wrapped in a soft blanket, Miyako looked down at Ruby, who was happily nestled in her lap, grumbling into her cup. Beside them, Ai rested with Aqua perched comfortably on her own lap, both sipping their cups of hot chocolate, they too covered in fabric.

On their sides, the man's other children had found their places, each with a blanket wrapped around them and holding mugs of cocoa as well.

'I-it's nice.' Miyako admitted despite feeling rather silly for her outburst but her current situation didn't exactly allow her to regret it.

Miyako was lost in her thoughts when suddenly, a spoon filled with sugar appeared in front of her face.

She blinked, startled, and glanced up to find the handsome young man grinning at her.

His eyebrows wiggled.

"Would you like one lump or two?"

Shocked, she stammered, "You... you speak B-British?"

….

The entire room stopped before the woman realized what she said.

Too late.

"Do I speak…British." The man sounded out his face contorting clearly trying not to laugh, though certainly didn't stop anyone else.

"I dabble." he said with a smirk before winking, not even mentioning the laughter around them. "Now, do you want the sugar, or…?"

Cheeks red and head down, Miyako lifted her cup above Ruby's head.

"P-please?"

Of course while this was happening, Ichigo Saitou was standing on the sidelines like a shadow wondering why he was the only one excluded.

'I-it's not like I'm jealous or anything!'