Two Weeks Later

Sasuke P.O.V

"Hurry up! We're gonna miss the plane!" Naruko yelled from across the airport.

I rolled my eyes, pulling her extra luggage through the airport. "We wouldn't be rushing if you hadn't packed so much, you loser!" I spat as I watched her run ahead of me.

"Shut up and get moving!" she shouted while hopping onto the escalator. She then laughed, sticking her tongue out to mock me.

I sighed as a small smile began to form on my face. "What an idiot..."

It had been two weeks since I moved in with Naruko, and now we were finally heading to Suna to meet her grandfather.

Going up the escalator, I took a moment to look at my phone. A feeling of dread came over me as I refreshed my email. I have applied to a dozen jobs in the Konoha area, but I have yet to hear back from any of them.

I quickly left the app and opened my bank account with a sigh. The savings my parents had set aside for me was not enough to last more than a year. I needed a job soon so I could begin to save up for our future home in Suna.

Distracted by my phone, I had bumped into my girlfriend. "Geeze Sasuke, watch where you're going, " she whined with a frown. "You've been staring a your phone for the past week," she said with a pout, "Is there something you're not telling me?"

I quickly put my phone away, making myself seem almost more suspicious than I already was. "It's nothing," I dismissed, "Let's just hurry."

Her frown quickly turned to worry. I could tell she was not convinced by my response, but I didn't want her to know that I had been struggling to find a job as a sous chef. I needed a job as soon as possible. I needed to show both her and her grandfather that I was serious about our future, but the pressure was starting to eat away at me. I had to impress her grandfather if I wanted to marry her.

I clutched the handle of my luggage anxiously as we approached to enter the plane. I tried my best to stay calm, but contemplating all the different scenarios that could unfold during tonight's dinner made my anxiety even worse. Is this how Naruko felt when she had to deal with my family? This feels terrible...

We were finally seated, yet my mind continued to race.

"Sasuke?"

I jumped at the sudden sound of my girlfriend's voice.

"You okay?" she asked while placing her hand over mine. "You wanna talk?"

I shook my head while taking her hand in mine. "This is enough," I whispered before staring outside the window.

"He's gonna love you," she reassured, reading through my silence.

I closed my eyes, feeling at peace. Ever since I met her, she always found a way to guide me back to the light, no matter how dark my path would get.

***

"I'm home!" my girlfriend yelled while walking out of the airport and into the sunny city. "Don't you just love that sun?"

I wiped my forehead, unable to stand the treacherous weather. "It's hot..."

Naruko was enjoying the weather as she danced around while waiting for a Taxi to arrive. On the other hand, I couldn't even think because of how hot it was. It was dry and bright, and I was sweaty and anxious. The combination of everything was starting to irritate me.

I'm going to lose my mind-!

"Sasuke! The cab's here!" Naruko yelled while opening the trunk of the Taxi.

I sighed, rolling the bags to the car. In a matter of minutes, I would face her grandfather, and nothing scared me more than his possible disapproval.

***

While sitting in the car, I tried to compose myself by looking out the window. I watched the city buildings turn into farmland. There were people at every corner, smiling and greeting one another as if they'd known each other their whole lives.

I had never left Konoha before nor had I ever stepped foot in the countryside. Naruko would always tell me stories about her adventures in Suna with her grandfather, and everything was just as she had described: beautiful.

I felt her hand touch my thigh, catching my attention. "You okay?"

I nodded my head.

"You sure? You've been really quiet...Are you nervous?"

I didn't know how to respond. I didn't want to seem weak, especially since she was so strong when she dealt with my family. But I also wanted to tell her the truth.

"How...how did you deal with all this pressure?" I asked, caving into her for support.

She took my hand, squeezing it in reassurance. "I thought of you."

Even after almost two years, her words still made my heart flutter. "You're insane," I mumbled in embarrassment.

She giggled, pulling me towards her so I could lean on her shoulder. "Did you just realize that?"

I small smile crossed my face as I allowed her to be my rock.

"Just be yourself," she said while brushing my bangs, "You're the most beautiful when you're yourself."

"Dummy..." I muttered completely flustered as I hid my face in the side of her neck.

"Heh! You're gonna be just fine, ya know! And after you meet my gramps, we'll go exploring. I'll show you all my favorite places, including the stars. They're my favorite!"

I smiled to myself, excited to finally see the stars she always mentioned with joy on her face. I was finally entering her world.

***

We arrived at her childhood home where an older man with long white hair, stood in front of the house with a smile as goofy as hers.

Without a moment of hesitation, she ran out of the taxi and into the arms of the older man. "You've gotten older, you pervy old man!"

"You never change, huh kiddo?"

I took a deep breath, exiting the car awkwardly as I watched their reunion. What do I do now...? Should I go up to him...?

I stood by the car, feeling overwhelmed but never allowing my face to show it. Stay calm...Stay calm-

"Gramps, I wanna introduce you to my boyfriend: Sasuke!"

Startled by her sudden announcement of my presence, I gave a small bow to the man she called her grandfather.

He stared at me, stroking his chin as if he were analyzing me. "This awkward guy is your boyfriend?"

Awkward...?

"He just needs some time to warm up. He's awkward in the cutest way, I promise," she stated while walking over to me.

"I dunno...he looks kinda emo..."

Emo?!

I could feel my soul slowly leaving my body. I had just gotten there and already he thought so poorly of me.

"Shut up! He's perfect!" She defended.

"I dunno...I always imagined you with someone as loud and crazy as you... Oh! Or someone older that also has the same hobbies as me," he continued, not making me feel any better.

Never had I been so offended before in my life. I was in a daze, still unable to believe that in the five minutes that I had met this man, he was already disapproving of me. Is this karma for everything I did to Naori so long ago...?

"Shut up! You're the only pervert I know," she yelled back at him while walking toward the trunk of the Taxi.

"Ugh, but that first guy sounds like Kiba," I heard her mutter under her breath.

Kiba...? Who's Kiba...?

My heart dropped in my chest as I began to feel jealous. Is that some guy she knows from here? Is he her childhood friend that's going to come and steal her away from me--?! What the hell am I even thinking right now?! All those stupid RomComs Naruko made me watch are starting to get into my head...

"Sasuke," my girlfriend called, bringing me back to earth, "Help me get the bags out of the car."

I took a deep breath, before rushing over to help her. "You go," I mumbled, "I'll take everything in."

A smile crept on her face, seeming touched by my gesture. "What a gentleman," she joked before kissing my cheek. "I'll see you inside. Thank you."

I watched her run into the house with her grandfather at her side. I wanted to ask her about that Kiba person I heard her mention, but I didn't want to ruin anything before dinner.

What am I even thinking...? I'm getting annoyed over a guy I didn't even know existed.

I sighed while closing the trunk to roll the bags into the house. I'm overreacting...

***

While Naruko and Jiraiya spoke in the living room, I went upstairs to unpack our luggage. We were staying in Naruko's old room. It was small, which spoke to the privilege of my upbringing.

The walls were decorated with ramen posters and Christmas lights. There were cute stuffed animals on manga-filled bookshelves and photographs of her and her grandfather by her nightstand. The room was filled with the essence of her; it made me feel as if we were back in her apartment: my safe space.

I took a deep breath before beginning to unpack our bags.

This whole day I have tried distracting myself from the dred that grew in the pit of my stomach, but hearing Naruko and her grandfather laugh downstairs made me feel as if I may be doing something wrong.

Maybe I should be downstairs conversing too? Am I messing up by being up here? He already has a bad first impression on me...

I sighed heavily while closing our now empty suitcases. Now that I was no longer busy, my mind began to fill with poison.

I looked around her room again, this time a feeling of dread filled within me. Did another man come into this room besides me? What about that Kiba guy...?

My thoughts were racing. Insecurities I didn't know I had began to surface as I thought about myself. If that guy really did come here, is that why Jiraiya-san likes him? Maybe that's why he's wary of me--Stop, I shouldn't be thinking this way. Naruko would have told me about him if he was someone important.

I sighed, pacing around the room before standing to look outside the window. The sun was setting, which made my reflection in the window more apparent.

I pushed my bangs from my forehead in embarrassment. He called me emo and awkward...am I really those things?

My eyes then traveled to my lifeless expression.

"I always imagined you with someone as loud and crazy as you."

Her grandfather's words haunted my thoughts as I realized how different. If she was the moon, then I was the night sky. I could never help her shine; she shined on her own. I was the one who needed the moon to light the darkness in my heart.

I clenched my fists angrily as I scowled at my reflection. I hated myself for feeling so insecure. I was no longer the heartless person I was before. I've changed; I know I've changed. But as I looked at my reflection, I began to question if that change was truly enough.

I caught my spiraling thoughts and quickly brought myself back. What am I thinking?

I shook my head with a sigh as I averted my eyes from my own reflection. Despite what I was telling myself, a part of me knew that I would never be good enough for my girlfriend, and her grandfather called it from the moment he saw me.

Maybe...Maybe I shouldn't--

Suddenly, the door to the room swung open. Startled, I quickly looked at the door to see my girlfriend with a smile.

"Gramps wants to take us out for dinner!" She shouted while closing the door behind her in a rush.

I remained silent as I watched her gleefully reach for my face. She squished my cheeks playfully with a chuckle. "That means we're eating fancy for free!"

She quickly kissed my lips before turning to rummage through her drawers. "Hurry and get ready! Gramps can't wait to talk to you," she said while changing her clothes.

I watched my girlfriend as she undressed herself. She was beautiful from head to toe. Then suddenly, a destructive thought entered my head: Did her senpai ever see her body the way I have? What about that Kiba guy?

My thoughts were like poison, sending a wave of unreasonable jealousy through my body. I couldn't get out of my head, and it was starting to show.

I felt a hand on my shoulder as Naruko looked at me with concern. "What's wrong?" She asked while clutching her dress close to her chest, covering her body.

"Naruko," I began while taking her dress from her hand, "Am I the first person to see you like this?"

Her face flushed crimson as I began to lower her bra straps from her shoulders. She stuttered as I lowered my head to kiss her bare shoulders. My jealousy was turning me into a beast, and I could no longer reason with myself.

"Geez," she whispered between breaths, "What's gotten into you?"

"I just want to know," I whispered while removing her bra, "Did anyone ever please you the way I have?"

Her eyes widened as I pushed her onto the bed. "Sasuke-?"

I climbed on top of her, ignoring her as I kissed her chest.

"Sa‐Sasuke, we can't do this right n-now--"

Even though I knew there was no time for this, I didn't care. I was jealous of people I never knew existed, so I took out my frustrations on her.

After marking her chest, I made my way up to her lips. "Did he ever do this to you when your grandfather was away?" I whispered bitterly into her ear.

Her face turned into a frown. "What are you talking about?" She propped herself up on her elbows in frustrated confusion.

I slowly backed away, allowing her to escape my grasp.

"Sasuke, what is going on?" She asked while climbing out of the bed. "You're acting strange," she said while dressing herself.
I sat at the end of the bed like a child being scolded by its mother. I had let my jealousy control me, and now I was embarrassed. Yet, instead of apologizing, I continued to make myself the victim: "Who's Kiba?"

"Kiba?" She asked surprised, "What brought this up?"

"Who is he?" I asked again, raising my voice.

Her eyes narrowed in annoyance at my tone. "Why're you raising your voice at me?"

"Why're you avoiding the question?" I pressed as I stood up to face her.

She rolled her eyes before walking away to her closet to put on her shoes. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Me?" I asked frustrated, "You're the one hiding things from me!"

Her jaw dropped in disbelief. "What the heck would I be hiding from you?!" She shouted while walking over to face me again.

I was taken aback by her anger, but I couldn't back down. "Why won't you tell me about Kiba-?"

"Cuz there's nothing to say!"

"Then why was your grandfather saying you'd be better off with him?!"

"He never said that!" She yelled.

We were both angry, and this childish fight was my fault. But, the anger had loosened my thoughts, and there was no going back.

She took a deep breath, composing herself. "Sasuke...please tell me what's going on...I thought you were trying to be sexy earlier, but now I'm starting to think you meant all of that...You know I've only ever been with you."

My anger had blinded me, and I could not see the path she had created before me. So instead of laying down my walls, I held them up in silence.

The room became tense as she waited for me to say something. "Please," she begged, "Talk to me...This isn't like you-"

"This is me, Naruko," I snapped as I clenched my fists. "I'm rude, apathetic, and heartless. You should have never wasted your time on me; I shouldn't be with you!" A small gasp escaped my mouth as I realized I had spoken an angry lie.

She stared at me in shock until tears began to form in the corner of her eyes. My heart sank as I watched her dry her tears. What have I done...?

"Naruko, I-"

She raised her hand before me, silencing my plea for forgiveness. She then kneeled down to remove her heels, before walking towards the room door.

"I get there's a lot going on for you right now," she muttered while facing the door, "But that doesn't give you the right to take it out on me."

Guilt overcame me as I watched her open the door. "I'll tell Gramps to reschedule dinner."

"Wait-"

As I reached out to grab her hand, she quickly pushed me away. "Don't...Don't touch me."

My heart sank, realizing I had just ruined everything. I had hurt the person I loved the most, and there was no excuse for what I had done or said.

"I need a moment," she whispered before closing the door behind her.

The silence in the room rang in my ears. I turned to face the window, only to see a disgusting, selfish, despicable Uchiha.

***

An hour passed and she never came back to the room. I sighed while looking out the window from the bed. I should have spoken to her when she gave me the chance...

Suddenly, I heard a knock at the door. I quickly got out of bed, hoping it was Naruko so I could apologize. I went to open the door, but instead of my girlfriend, I saw her grandfather.

"Ji-Jiraiya-san.."

"Yo, kid...Let's get some grub."

***

We were at a local restaurant, waiting for our food in an unbearable silence as I sat across from him. He would silently drink upon his sake, never batting an eye in my direction.

"So," Jiraiya spoke, breaking the tension, "You fought with my kiddo."

My stomach sank as he brought up the elephant in the room.

"I heard the whole thing, " he said while taking a sip of his sake, "You guys were really yelling."

I bit my lip as I stared at the table. I was ashamed, embarrassed, and mostly disgusted at myself for acting out of character.

"You know...she left the house in tears." He slowly refilled his shot of sake, then looked up at me with a menacing glare. "Naruko isn't one to cry."

He then shrugged his shoulders, trying to act nonchalant. "I thought you traveled here to get my approval?" He then chuckled, slamming the shot glass on the table. "I don't think you have a shot at that anymore, kid."

My heart sank as I experienced the consequences of my actions. There was nothing for me to say to defend myself. I was in the wrong; I made my girlfriend cry.

In the midst of the heavy conversation, the waiter brought our food. Placing the plates down quickly before walking away.

Jiraiya grabbed his chopsticks, beginning to dig into his noodle dish. However, I could not bring myself to start eating.

I held onto the hem of my shirt as my heart raced in my chest. "I..." I bit my lip, hesitant to finish speaking.

I watched Jiraiya raise a brow at my sudden speech. He stared at me, waiting for me to go on and speak. So, I took a deep breath and tried again:

"I have no excuse to give...I let my insecurities get in the way...I should have never said the things I did." I looked at my plate of food, completely embarrassed.

I heard him sigh before going back to dig into his plate. "Talk to me," he said. "What's really going on?"

I was shocked by his sudden change, but like Naruko, he had the ability to make me open up.

I slowly picked up my rice ball from the plate, holding it in my hand for comfort. "I wanted to make a good impression," I mumbled before biting into my food. "Naruko faced so much adversity when meeting my family. She fought so hard for us...I wanted to do the same for her, but I'm just not as strong as she is..."

I sighed while staring at my plate again. "I don't have a job. I don't have money to go to culinary school. I was recently forced to leave home, and now I live with your granddaughter...I try to be useful at home by doing the housework while she prepares for her entrance exam, but I can't help but feel like a loser...I feel like I'm not enough for her...I don't...I don't deserve her."

I felt tears form in the corner of my eyes as I spoke the darkness in my heart for the first time. I kept everything in, not wanting to worry my girlfriend, but it made everything worse instead.

I ignored the tears in my eyes and went back to eating to try and stop the sorrow I felt. But a tear escaped. I quickly wiped it away, apologizing for my sudden cry.

Jiraiya remained silent as he finished his meal. When he finished, he poured his shot glass with liquor and proceeded to drink again.

"A man is someone who can see his own shortcomings and acknowledge them," he said while pouring another cup, "He works on himself to be better for not just himself but also for the people he loves."

He smiled to himself as he watched his reflection in his cup. "You're not that bad, kid."

I looked at him in confusion. What?

"I was worried you were just some scumbag Uchiha, but you're not... You're a good kid--an asshole for making my kiddo cry, but not bad."

I felt a weight begin to lift from my shoulders as I watched him continue to pour more shots.

"You two are only 19, and you're both facing situations that are forcing you to grow up faster than you should." He then chucked to himself before taking a shot. "God knows I was nowhere near your way of thinking at 19."

"But...I made her cry-"

"Fighting is normal, kid. I'm not excusing what you did, but whatever happened, you two need to deal with it amongst yourselves. Just talk to her. Tell her what you told me." He sighed, placing the now empty sake bottle at the edge of the table to signal the waiter to bring another.

"Thank you," I muttered while picking up my last rice ball.

"There's no need to thank me. Just promise me you'll never make her cry again." He then reached into his pocket and handed me a small pouch. "I trust you'll know what to do with what's in there."

I took the pouch from his hand and then peeked inside. I felt my heart skip when I noticed the three rings. I quickly looked back at him in shock. "These are-"

"They belonged to Naruko's folks. It's their wedding rings." He then gave a bittersweet smile before reaching for his cup. "There's an engagement ring in there too. Consider it a gift from me...I never used it, so maybe you can."

A feeling of hope came across me as I realized I had his approval. "Are you sure?" I asked, still feeling guilty about my fight with Naruko. "Don't you want someone less...awkward and emo...to be with her...?"

He burst into laughter at my statement. "Kid, I was just trying to make you nervous! I knew you were meant for her before I even saw you. You should hear the way she talks about you. She really loves you, kid."

The waiter came by again, bringing another bottle of sake to the table.

"You should go," Jiraiya said while pouring the new bottle. "Go find my kiddo and makeup."

"What about you?" I asked, noticing how red his face was becoming.

"What about me? I'll be fine! Go find my kiddo...she needs you."

I nodded my head while placing the rings in my pocket. I then stood up from the table and gave a deep bow, showing him my gratitude. "I promise...I won't ever make her cry again."

"Good," he said with a smirk. "And I trust you'll wait for the right time to use those rings. Don't go proposing just cuz you have a ring now, haha!"

I nodded again.

Once I'm in a place to give her everything, I'll ask her to marry me.

***

I headed back to her house, knowing that there was only one place she could be.

I took a deep breath as I entered her home and made my way up the stairs and to her room. The door to her room was open, and so was the window. You always loved the night sky...

I walked up to the window and slowly climbed outside to join her on the rooftop. Silently, I sat beside her.

"I'm still mad at you," she said while paying me no attention.

For the first time, I noticed how small she was as she hugged her knees to her chest. Naruko had always been the one protecting me. I had gotten so used to her strength that I had forgotten that even she needed to be protected.

"What you said...it hurt me...Why would you think I'd ever hide anything from you...? Why did you suddenly tell me that we shouldn't be together?" She burst into tears, crying loudly into her hands.

"I hate that you said that!" she shouted while gasping for air. "The worst part is that I don't even know what happened to make you feel this way!"

I wanted to hold her. Comfort her as she cried. But with how hurt she was, it was best for me to stay away. No amount of apologizing could fix what I had said.

"You're right," I stated, "I shouldn't have taken my frustration out on you. I hurt you, with words I didn't even mean...I'm sorry, Naruko."

She wiped her eyes, pouting as she reached over to grab my hand. "You're lucky I love you enough to not hold a grudge--but I'm still hurt!"

I slowly intertwined my fingers with her. Thank you...

"So, are you gonna tell me why you were acting like an Uchiha snob earlier? You were a real asshole."

I sighed while running my free hand through my hair anxiously. "I've just been feeling...insecure... like I'm not good enough for you."

"Why? You never told me anything-"

"Because I felt stupid...I felt stupid for being insecure when you were so certain about me. But the truth is, I'm not even certain in myself..."

I took a deep breath, releasing her hand to hold my own. "I've been feeling incompetent lately. I want to give you the future we always dream about, but it feels like I might not ever be able to do that...I still haven't heard back from any of the restaurants I applied to, and I fear for our financial situation once you start college.

Maybe it's my privileged upbringing, but all these struggles are new to me...I'm not used to feeling this way, and I hate myself for not being as strong as you...I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I just didn't want you to worry, but maybe I should have told you sooner."

She sighed, moving closer to me. She then rested her head on my shoulder while taking my hand in hers again. "Uchiha Snobs always think they have to be perfect, and that pisses me off...Stop trying to carry all the burden on your own."

She sighed again, lifting her head from my shoulder. She then lifted her free hand and used it to flick my forehead. "I'm only strong cuz I know I can depend on you, so lean on me until you can be strong on your own. Okay, Uchiha Snob?"

I rubbed my forehead in pain. "Hn."

"Jeez, I can't believe you sometimes. You always get so wrapped up on the future that you forget to look at the present. Then when something doesn't go your way, you always try to run away. Stop doing that and just trust yourself. You're more capable than you give yourself credit."

She squeezed my hand, showing me that she was always on my side. What did I do to end up with someone as beautiful as you?

"I choose you, Sasuke, and I will always choose you no matter what universe we're in. So enjoy the ride and let the future unfold on its own." She let go of my hand to open her arms to me.

I leaned into her embrace and allowed her to wrap me in her warmth. "Why me?" I asked in a moment of vulnerability, "I'm just a pit of darkness."

"Heh, lucky for you I'm bright enough to walk through your darkness." She kissed the top of my head while her hands caressed my back.

"I love you," I whispered. "I promise to never hurt you again."

"Heh, you better not, you jerk."

***

The day before we left Suna, Naruko and I decided to walk around the town. We were on our way to a park when a boy with brown hair stopped us.

His jaw dropped when he saw my girlfriend, calling her name: "Naruko?! Since when did you have a boyfriend, and why're you in Sunagakure?!"

"Kiba?!" She yelled in shock.

My heart sank when I heard the name of the boy. Jealousy began to slowly consume me. So this is Kiba...

"So what're you doing here?" Naruko asked with an annoyed expression.

"I came here with Shikamaru and Choji. Turns out Shikamaru's been secretly dating some girl from Suna, so Choji and I tagged along to meet her. But what're you doing here? And that guy--is he an Uchiha?!"

"Heh! Meet Sasuke, my boyfriend!" she said proudly. "We're here visiting my gramps."

I bowed silently.

"Can't believe you bagged an Uchiha. I guess Losers are in high demand now."

"What did you say?!"

The two began to bicker. I had never seen her so upset with someone, and that made me feel relieved. Kiba wasn't someone I ever had to be worried about, and the weight in my heart melted away. I feel stupid now for feeling jealous.

After the two stopped fighting, we parted ways.

"That guy gets on my nerves!" She huffed. "I can't believe he's here."

I chuckled to myself as we entered the park.

"What's so funny?" She asked.

"I'm glad."

"Huh?"

I smiled to myself as she continued to pester me. I will always choose you too, Naruko.

***

When we arrived from Suna, Naruko and I stopped by Ichiraku's. When we arrived, Teuchi handed me an apron with a smile.

"Naruko tells me you make a great homemade ramen. Let's see what you can do."

I had my first job, and Naruko started college. We both worked hard until we were able to start our own home business.

Then, on the day of Naruko's 23rd birthday, I asked her to marry me. The ceremony was held in Suna where we later opened our first restaurant and began our new life.

A year has passed since we moved to Suna, and I could not be more grateful for my life.

I was in the midst of closing the restaurant when another customer came in.

"Sorry, we're--Oh, hey Jiraiya."

"I'm glad to know that my investment was well spent. This is becoming quite a hot spot after a few months," he said with a smile, sitting at the bar table before me.

I bowed my head in gratitude.

"Respectful as always, huh kid." He chuckled to himself while standing back up. "How's my kiddo?"

"She's great," I said while walking out of the restaurant to close it. "I told her to stay home until the babies are born."

"I still can't believe you knocked her up twice!" He laughed, "I can't wait to see those twins! Who do you think they'll look more like? You or her?"

I smiled to myself as he walked me home. "Hopefully her."

He held his nose playfully, "So freakin' cheesy."

We finally arrived at my home, and as soon as I opened the door, Jiraiya ran inside to find Naruko. I chuckled as I closed the door behind me.

"Welcome back," I heard my wife say as her grandfather spoke to her belly.

She was sitting in the living room, reading the latest parenting book we bought. "How was work?" she asked while showing me her hand.

"Good. Everyone was asking me where you were." I took her hand in mine, sitting beside her on the couch.

She rested her head on my shoulder, taking in a deep breath. "Tell them I'll be back in a few weeks."

"Weeks?!" Yelled Jiraiya in shock, "You need at least three months--ouch!"

She hit the top of his head with her book. "You're gonna be helping me with them, remember?"

He sighed lifting his head from her belly. "Yeah, yeah. I'm the residential nanny now. But I still have a week till they're here, so until then--I'm gonna have some fun!"

He quickly made his way to the door with a perverted grin. "Time to treat myself before next week. See you guys!" He was gone in seconds, closing the door behind him.

Naruko let out a breath, annoyed at her grandfather. "The old man will always be a pervert, huh?"

I rested my head on her shoulder while placing my free hand on her belly. "I'm scared," I muttered, "But excited."

She giggled, kissing the top of my head sweetly. "Everything's gonna work out just fine. Trust me."

If Naruko said things would be okay, I believed they would. There was no one I trusted more than her. She was the reason I was here. She's the reason why our dreams came true.

"I love you," I whispered while closing my eyes.

She leaned her head over mine as we held her belly together.

Thank you for always loving me, Naruko Uzumaki.