The months seemed to pass by as the two of them enjoyed their relationship with on another, of course, they had had a few arguments that he felt may have split them apart. It had had something to do with a solo mission that she had been sent on, coming back with more than necessary injuries. He could still remember the battered and bruised body that crumbled against one of the Guards at the Village Gates. He could still remember how pale she looked in contrast to the Jonin uniform. He could remember those eyes that looked at him with mild recognition before she went unconscious. He remembered sitting by her bedside for hours, until Sakura told him to go home and shower, even then he ended up taking a small one at the Hospital. He remembered marching and barging into the Hokage's office, glaring at his former Teacher. The silver haired male had let out a sigh, just receiving the news of the Yamanaka's return, a few hours prior. He had been waiting for the Uzumaki to come into his office for quite some time now. He cleared his throat to speak to the fuming male before him but Naruto began on a long heated tirade, asking questions and throwing accusations. It had taken a long time to calm him down, trying to make the blonde male understand the general idea of the mission that she had been sent on. It wasn't anyone's fault that she had been ambushed while trying to get coordinates and information. Still, the Uzumaki stressed that someone should have been with her.
He never said that she was weak or incapable, but that was simply how the Yamanaka heard it when Naruto brought up the topic after she was released from the Hospital. She took great pride in any and everything that she did, it was only natural for her to become hostile, especially after that mission. As usual, a screaming match had erupted between the two of them, resulting in the Uzumaki stalking off in a fit of rage. She had been shocked that he had walked away from her (she usually was the one who walked away). When he didn't return back to their apartment that night, she took the time to think about what had transpired between them. She knew that she was at fault, only listening to him and not really taking in his words. She had been defensive because she feared that he would belittle her skills, but she realized that he had been expressing his concerns to her, in a roundabout way. She had cursed under her breath, hating how he had picked up on her ways of communication, realizing that she was going about this all wrong.
It hadn't taken long to find him, as she was a Sensor and he wasn't trying to hide from her. On top of the Hokage Monument, he was brooding and sulking. When she sat down beside him, he glanced over at her, a small pout on his lips. She let out a gentle sigh, leaning her body against his and resting her head on his shoulders. When she apologized for her words and actions, she could physically see him relax, leaning back into her weight. She apologized for not understanding that he had been worried about her. She apologized for yelling at him and allowing her own insecurities for getting in the way and clouding her mind. He returned the apology, knowing that he was at fault to. He had came about the conversation in the wrong manner, not realizing that it would trigger her temper so easily. He also apologize for making her come find him but he needed some time to think about his actions.
They sat there in silence, as their apologies were given and accepted, simply staring at the starry sky. Her hand rested on top of his knee and his arm was wrapped around her waist, as they continued to sit there. After a while, she laughed gently, turning her head to nuzzle the side of his neck. He blinked and looked down at her, a frown on his lips not understanding what was so funny. She looked at him with sparkling eyes, a gentle smile on her lips.
"You know, I might be a pain in the ass sometimes," she started and he responded with a sarcastic 'sometimes' and she nudged him in the ribs with a devilish grin. "And I know that we'll argue over pretty much everything..."
"But?" He asked when she paused.
"But I think I could do this forever with you." She said with a gentle smile before looking back up at the night's sky. She nodded her head gently. "Yeah, I think I could."
That night, he asked her to come meet his parents and she agreed, surprised by the sudden notion. She fiddled with her hair and clothing, wondering if she looked appropriate for the occasion. He let out a laugh and reassured her by giving her hand a tight squeeze. They spent a long time with at the Hero's Stone, talking with his parents. She would smile as he would tell her about the times that he met both of them within his mind. She would laugh when he spoke of how fiery his mother's temper was. And when the first tear fell from his eyes, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, holding him as he buried his face into the palms of his hands. She secretly thanked his parents for raising such a wonderful man. She held him tightly as he let out his emotions, until he was ready to return home.
That night he etched and carved every emotion into her body, she had been shaken by it for days.
"It's been two years, huh?"
She rolled over on her side to gaze at him, as his fingers twirled around in her hair. "Has it really," she mused, though he knew better that she knew exactly how long it had been. He grinned as he leaned forward, burying his face into her bare chest. She let out a laugh, complaining that the faint stubble on his face tickled. She wrapped her arms around his head, running her fingers through his now, shorter hair. "I guess time flies, huh?"
He lifted his head from her chest, a grin on his lips. "It really does, it almost seems like yesterday we got together."
She rolled her eyes at his remark. Though he was right, it didn't really feel like two years had passed between them. It was hard to believe that they had come this far, despite the bumpy road that they went on to get to this point. She gazed at him with affectionate eyes, a small smile on her lips. "Well, I am glad that these two years have been spent with you, Lord Naruto."
A whine left him as he buried his face back into her chest. "Can't you come up with another name to call me?" He muffled out and she chuckled as she watched the tips of his ears turn red.
"Oh no, it's only been a few months and I'm going to get my fill of teasing you," she said, gently pushing him away from her. She rolled onto her back, gazing up at the ceiling of their new home.
A few months after his coronation, he had surprised her with this new place. It was overlooking the Village, giving her a pleasant view throughout the day. He had guided her throughout the house, noting that the place was a bit large for just the two of them. She glanced over at him when he showed her the extra rooms, a blush touching his face as he grinned brightly. She had rolled her eyes, knowing exactly what he was thinking and she could feel her heart race at the idea of their future. He had continued to give her a tour of the house, noting that he left a space for her to build a new garden; one to symbolize their new path with one another. Really, he did too much for her.
"But Ino, it's embarrassing for you to say it," he whined as she got out of the bed, pulling on a robe.
"How many times do I have to tell you, I'm just helping you get used to it." She teased as she left the bedroom, heading into the kitchen for something to drink. She shivered as the threat of winter, slowly began to chill the house. She tiptoed across the hardwood floors, not liking the way the ending signs of autumn were already affecting the house. As she made her way to the kitchen, she noted that there was something off. Glancing out the window, she could see a faint glow of a light and she stopped. Glancing over her shoulder, to the bedroom, she frowned.
"Naruto, did you leave a light on?" She called out but was given no response. Muttering a curse under her breath, she quickly headed out on the balcony, shivering at the night's chilly air. Wrapping her arms around herself, she headed down the stairs, towards the back of the house. She felt his Chakra before she saw him and she smiled. "I see that you heard me, you should have-"
She stopped speaking at as she rounded the corner, the garden that she had slowly been working on was covered with dim lights. In the middle was, now fully clothed, Naruto kneeling before her. A nervous expression was on his face, as well as a gentle blush. In between his hands, there was a small box, cushioning a glittering ring.
"Naruto," she breathed out as she slowly walked towards him, her heart pounding in her ears and throat.
"I-I know that this isn't probably the most elaborate or romantic way of doing things but I've never been good at anything like that." He started off with a stammer. "But you see, Ino, this is the only way I can see doing this. I know that I might not understand your moods at times or what your trying to say to me. I know that we'll probably argue until we get old and wrinkly." She laughed gently. "But I do know that I could do this forever with you. I can take whatever you throw at me because I love you. You have loved me for who I am and for who I'm not. You have shown me the beauty of life and I want to show you my appreciation. You have made me into a better man and I want to do right by you, for the rest of our lives. I want you to call me your Husband and nothing else. I want to be selfish with you. I want to grow old with you, Ino. I want to love you right."
He licked his lips. "I want to start a family with you. I want to do so many things and I know that this may seem like it's too early in our relationship but I can't see myself with anyone else. So what I'm saying is...uh...will you-" He paused, feeling his throat run dry and his hands shaking. "Will you marry me, Yamanaka Ino?"
She stood there, at a loss of words, well not really. She knew what she was going to say but she was still in shock. He was always surprising her and she was sure that he wouldn't stop surprising her. "I know that I have never outright told you my feelings but you seem to understand my ways," she said gently, taking in a deep breath. "This is certainly a surprise," she started, watching with his gentle eyes. "I have loved you for a long time and I know that I'll continue to love you for the rest of my life. You have been a constant strength in my life, keeping me motivated. My entire universe has become you. We may not see eye to eye and we are too similar at times it's scary." This time he let out a gentle laugh. "But I don't want us to be any other way. You continue to surprise me and I fall in love with you more and more each day. Thank you for these past two years, they have been wonderful and…" she paused, lifting her left hand out towards him, a smile on her lips. "I would love to see what the years have in store for us. So...yes, I will marry you, Uzumaki Naruto."
He slid the ring on her finger before nearly jumping up to capture her lips with his. It was then that the tears began to fall, from both parties. They held one another for a long time, hearts pounding as they thought about their life together. As they thought about their future. They pulled away from one another, staring at one another with gentle smiles. She brushed away the tears from his eyes, giving his nose a gentle kiss. He chuckled a bit, nuzzling his face into her cheek.
"Now you can't call me Lord Naruto."
She rolled her eyes, swatting him playfully on the chest. "I think I'll stick with it, after all, we aren't married yet."
His face fell as she laughed and he followed after her as she led them inside. "What will you call me when we get married?"
She glanced over her shoulder and she smiled gently. "It'll be a surprise."
Their wedding had been spectacular, which was nothing less than one would expect when marrying the Yamanaka Heiress. All their comrades and close friends had been elated when they found out about their engagement. The Uzumaki had even personally went to Suna to invite the Kazekage, much to Shikamaru's dismay (as the new Hokage had too much paperwork to ignore for personal visits). They had planned for a wedding in the Summer, due to Ino's persistence. Something about being a Summer Bride was her dream and Naruto could only comply to his future spouse's demands. Their house had soon turned into a mess of wedding ideas and different materials were thrown around the place. He had never seen the blonde woman so stressed out but he knew that there wasn't much that he could do to help. Women and weddings were something terrifying to deal with, especially all at once.
When the day arrived, he was a ball of nerves. Not that he was scared that Ino would leave, but because this was a huge step in their life. He had had many of his groomsmen calm him down during the day, waiting for the time of the ceremony. He hadn't seen his soon to be wife for two days now and his imagination could only do so much for him. When she walked down the aisle, he began to cry because she truly was the most beautiful woman that had ever graced his life. She wore the traditional white Wedding Kimono, adorned with her family crest on the back. Her long hair pulled up in an intricate bun, decorated with pins and his favorite flower, the Sunflower, placed delicately in it. Her makeup was subtle and lips were painted a delicate pink. When their eyes met, she smiled at him and he returned it with a brilliant one of his own. When they said their vows, she cried, trying her best to make the words come out. When they shared their first kiss as newlyweds, they had to be separated from what first was an innocent kiss turning into passionate.
The reception afterwards felt like a dream. They opted to change into less elaborate clothing, walking around to give their gratitude to those who had come and to receive congratulations. They gave prayers of guidance and bows to their parents' photos that were set up on a table, in order to feel like the ceremony was complete. Naruto had been taken away by some of the men, giving him rough pats on the backs and firm handshakes. Ino was surrounded by the women, giving and receiving tight hugs and indulging in a few pictures. The newlyweds would look at one another from across the room, smiling when their eyes met. The festivities went late into the evening, everyone enjoying the food and drinks provided. Everyone enjoying the overwhelming amount of love in the air.
They sat out on their balcony, gazing up at the stars as they often did. Her head rested on his shoulder and his arm was secured around her waist. Both of the blondes were exhausted from the wedding but they were also both content. "So, he's with a girl named Karin, huh?" Ino mused in an exhausted manner.
"Yeah, she's a descendant of the Uzumaki Clan," he replied in the same manner. "She was a part of his Team when he was away from Konoha."
She hummed in response. "It's good he found someone."
He nodded his head. "And Sakura too."
She snorted slightly, blinking her tired eyes. "With Kakashi, I never saw that coming."
They laughed a bit, before he moved to stand up. "Well, love is unexpected." She looked up at his outstretched hand, glancing at the silver band that glimmered in the moonlight. She smiled gently, knowing that he was talking about their relationship. She took his hand and he hoisted her up off the ground. "May I have this dance?" He muttered against her ear and she nodded her head, as he wrapped an arm around her waist, the other holding her hand. She rested her hand on his shoulder, gazing up at his face. They moved slowly as they danced on their balcony, beneath the moon. She smiled as he muttered affectionate words to her. She gave him chaste kisses when he spun her around and dipped her. She almost wondered if she would wake up from this dream that he had created. When his lips met hers, she melted.
There was no waking up, because this was reality.
"Honey? Are you there?"
A small smile pulled at his lips, as she called out his pet name. Looking up from the paperwork that he was idling doing, he beamed at his wife as she came into his Office. A gentle smile was on her lips, a tray of food in her hands. While she would normally chide him for bringing his work home and having to have dinner in the small room, she seemed different for the past few weeks. There was this glow that enhanced her features, more than usual. She had chopped off, a large portion of length from her ponytail, the tips dangling between her shoulder blades. When he asked her, she said that it was getting a bit too long for missions. He had nodded his head in agreement, though didn't voice that he missed the length; especially the way it pooled around her when she let it down.
She had pulled her hair into a loose braid that fell over her shoulder and she wore a modest lilac dress, a white apron tied around her waist. Now that he thought of it, she had chosen to start wearing more modest clothing, rather than baring her skin for all to see. Not that he minded that, either, his wife's body was desirable and it should only be for him (and Kurama) to see. He may not seem like it but he was very protective (possessive) of his wife. He watched as she gently set the tray down in front of him, pushing aside the documents that he had been working on and taking the pen out of his hand. It wasn't like he minded, he had been getting nowhere reading over the words, they all seemed to be jumbling together. She always knew when the best time to distract him for a while was, she treated him so well.
Inhaling the scent of homemade Ramen, he felt himself drool slightly. What a way to end the evening. "Wow, this smells amazing, Ino."
"I assure you, it tastes as delicious as it smells," she replied with a grin, leaving the room to go fetch her own tray of food.
He watched as she left, admiring the way she moved before looking down at the meal before him. The broth was a rich brown, the meat glistened in fatty goodness and the noodles looked like they were softened to perfection. Not to soft yet not crunchy, just the way he enjoyed it. He had been telling Ino to go work at Ichiraku, because her Ramen was up there with Teuchi's, but she would give him a glare and a roll of her eyes. Letting out a snicker, he reached out to grab his chopsticks, only to stop. He stared at it for a long time before he immediately clamored out of his seat, running to find his wife.
He found her in the kitchen, a gentle smile on her lips, as if she was waiting for him. He hadn't realized he was breathing so heavily. until that was the sound that filled the silence of their home. She lifted her hands to beckon him closer and he swallowed harshly, taking in her body. How could he not have known? Had he been so busy with his tasks that he neglected the small signs. He could see it. He could sense it. Walking towards her, he could hear his heart pounding in his ears and throbbing in his throat. Right in front of her, he collapsed to his knees, his hands running across the expanse of her stomach. Resting his forehead on her stomach, he nuzzled it gently, feeling himself slowly becoming overwhelmed.
"How long," he questioned.
"Four months," she replied, resting her hands in his hair, stroking the soft blonde locks. "I wanted to be sure."
He hummed in response, burying his face into her apron as his arms circled around her tightly. His shoulders soon began to tremble and there was a wetness that dampened her apron. Her gaze softened and she cradled his head in her hands. "Surprise, Naruto." He nodded his head and a muffled reply came from him.
On the desk of his Office, the chopsticks were tied with a small bow with a note attached to it. It read: Happy Father's Day.
"Honey, not too tight...the baby…"
"Ah! I'm sorry!"
He was a very protective Husband, that much she had realized. Now that they were bringing a new life into this world, he had become downright overbearing. It was impossible for her to do anything without being escorted or chided at. It didn't help that her hormones were flying off the handle most of the time and she went into crying fits more often than not. There was a limit to allowing him to have his way. She knew that he was nervous and excited for their child but that didn't mean he had to oversee everything that she did. He had given up sending Clones to be with her throughout the days, as her due date was nearing, seeing how she would dispel them without a second thought. Some days, he would leave a Clone to deal with his Hokage work and spend the rest catering to her, but she needed to breath. He was suffocating her with his love.
"Uzumaki Naruto," she seethed out. "If you don't allow me this time today, I will end you right here and now."
A pouting Hokage was clutching his head (where she bopped him) and he was cowering behind the couch as she reached to grab her purse. "B-But Ino, I just want to make sure you'll be fine."
She let out a huff of annoyance, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'll be with Sakura today, so if anything should happen, I'll be in good hands."
He perked up after hearing the name of his former teammate. He came out from his hiding spot from behind the couch, a smile on his face. "Well why didn't you say so?"
She rolled her eyes, she had been trying to explain it to him for the past thirty minutes but she let it go. There was no point in allowing her raging emotions control her. She jumped when a hand rolled across her prominent belly in an affectionate manner. Teal met azure eyes in an annoyed manner but she smiled regardless. She let out a groan as a foot collided with her ribcage and she patted her belly gently. "He gets lively around you, you know."
"You think the baby is a boy?"
"I know he is," she replied with confidence. "He has crazy energy like you."
A pleased snicker left the Hokage and she leaned up to give him a small kiss. "I'll be going now." She moved (waddled) to the door and she turned to give him a pointed glare. "You. Stay. Here."
He gulped at the sudden change of mood displayed by his Wife. He nodded his head, taking a seat on the arm of the couch, waving her off. Now what was he supposed to do?
Lunch with the Medic had been wonderful, a change of scenery was what she had needed. She had spent most of her time cooped up in her home or in the Garden. Not like she could do much at her size anyways but still, stretching her legs felt good. Palms firmly resting on her lower back, she paced in front of the Dango Shop, craving sweets after their lunch. She was waiting for Sakura to return with her desired dumplings when the cramps started to get more intense. She grimaced slightly as she continued to pace (slowly) back and forth in front of the Shop. The fluttering in her stomach was growing more and more within the last hour she was away from the house. Biting her lower lip, as her stomach tightened significantly, her hand cradled her stomach. Sucking in a deep breath, she tried to ease through the contraction while she stood there. Letting out the breath she had been holding, she looked up to see the Medic come out of the Shop, treats in hand. When their eyes met, it was as if each of them knew what was happening.
Her water broke.
Labor was an experience that she felt like she was going to die. Who was the one who opted for no epidural? Oh, it was her wasn't it? She cursed the idea of having a natural birth at this point, but if her mother and grandmother and so on had done it, so could she.
"Ino, I'm going to need you to push with each contraction." Sakura stated calmly.
"Where the hell is my Husband," she seethed out.
"He's on his way."
"Then this baby isn't getting pushed until he gets-" She stopped as she was caught up in the pain of her stomach tightening and toes curling, the instinct to push was overwhelming. Clenching her teeth as she gripped the bed railing tightly, a groan passed between her teeth as her body involuntarily pushed with each contraction. Letting out the breath she was holding, she tossed her head back into the pillow, gasping for air. The door to the delivery room burst open, a half clothed Naruto panting in the doorway. A small smile came to her lips and she held out her hand for him (in order to crush it in her grasp).
"Of all times, you choose to train-" She stopped as another contraction came and she let out drawn out groan of pain. A warm hand wrapped around her outstretched hand and she instantly gripped it tightly as she continued to push, her face slowly turning red.
"Just breath like we practiced, Ino," he muttered gently, trying his best to help her through.
"You try this and see if you can easily breath," she hissed out, though she found comfort in his words.
Her labor lasted for a short amount of time, seeing how she had been trying her best to wait for Naruto. They were many screams and cries of pain (mainly from Naruto, surely his hand was broken). Until the sound of their son's cries reached their ears; the whole room became quiet. She felt tears well up in her eyes as she laid her head against the pillows, gazing up at the face of Naruto. He beamed brilliantly, leaning over to gently kiss her forehead and praising her for how well she did. When the baby was placed in her arms, his face changed. He was in awe at the tiny person that they created. He watched as Ino slowly rocked their son, to ease his confused cries. He felt the tears roll down his face as he felt this overwhelming amount of joy in his chest and heart. He buried his face into her hair, sniffling slightly.
"He's beautiful," Ino said in an exhausted manner, but the affection in her voice was not missed.
Naruto nodded his head. "He looks like a bean," he said, referring to the way he was wrapped up in the blankets.
Ino nodded and laughed. "He's our little bean."
Naruto let out a chuckle, brushing the tears from his eyes, looking down at the now sleeping babe, his blonde hair was translucent wisps on his forehead. Naruto wondered who he would take after, knowing that the Yamanaka bloodline would easily show over the Uzumaki. It seemed as if Kurama's Chakra influence had also given their son two small whisker like marks and he chuckled a bit. He wondered what kind of personality their son would have and if he would be happy with them being his parents. Naruto being his father.
"Have you thought of a name?" Sakura asked, watching the couple fondly.
Ino glanced up at Naruto, leaving it up to him. "Yeah, I think so."
"Uzumaki Haruto, get back here!"
A small two year old boy wobbled around the house, giggling and screaming as he ran away from the monster chasing him. "Mama! Papa is gonna get me!" His blonde hair was pulled into a small ponytail on top of his head, his bangs fringing around his face. His round cheeks were flushed red as he laughed and ran away from his father, who was chasing him around with a Gamakichi-esque towel on his head. He had his mother's Bloodline but his eyes were the same color as his father's. His small hands wrapped around a long leg, trying to hide. A gentle laugh came from his mother as she turned to face the 'monster' chasing her son. Grabbing a ladle, she caressed her large belly, holding it up in the air.
"Begone you foul creature!" She stated with a smile. "I shall not let you have my son!"
"But I am the tickle monster," Naruto exclaimed, wiggling his fingers evilly. "I shall not rest until I have tickled the boy!" He stuck out his tongue and slowly crept around Ino, causing Haruto to squeal with glee before running away. He went after his son, easily capturing the boy and giving him the 'Ultimate Tickle Technique,' Ino watched with fond eyes at the scene. Naruto had had fears of not being a good parent but she knew better than anyone, that he would be an amazing father. He was proving his own doubts wrong daily. She could clearly see how much he adored their son and she knew that he would spoil their daughter rotten, when she arrived.
The two blonde males came towards her, Haruto on his father's shoulders. She smiled at both of them as Naruto leaned down to give her a gentle, chaste kiss on her lips. Haruto followed suit, giving her a sloppy kiss on her forehead. She laughed and returned their kisses, before turning back to cooking dinner. She listened to her boys playing around in the living room, when an all too familiar feeling settled in her stomach. She smiled a bit, seems like her daughter was getting rather impatient. Setting down her ladle, she turned off the stove, waddling to the bedroom.
"Love, are you alright," Naruto called after her.
She emerged from their bedroom, carrying their hospital bag. "I believe it's time, Naruto," she said gently.
He immediately hopped up from the floor, taking hold of his giggling son. "Isn't it early?"
"It seems," she paused as she took in a deep breath. "It seems she wants to play too."
He beamed as he led his family to the Hospital, trying to explain to his son that his little sister was on the way. Ino's labor lasted four hours that night, causing the Hokage to worry at how pale she had become. However, they brought their healthy daughter, Inoko, into their world. Of course, Naruto cried, maybe even harder (because his daughter was just as beautiful as her mother and he would have to protect her from all the boys). Her whisker marks stretched across her wailing cheeks and when she opened her eyes, he fell so deeply in love with his daughter. He knew that he would spoil her (Kurama too).
"She looks just like you," Naruto said gently, his finger gently caressing Inoko's cheek.
"But she's loud like you," Ino teased weakly.
They later introduced Haruto to his younger sister and he vowed on the hospital bed to protect his baby sister (because she was the cutest baby). Naruto watched his family as they all sat on the Hospital bed and he felt himself whole. He felt like he was finally complete. Not to say that he had been feeling empty with Ino and Haruto. He loved them to the sun and back, but now, watching them gaze lovingly at Inoko, he felt whole. He leaned over, giving Ino a gentle kiss on her forehead. She looked up at him and a hand touched his cheek.
"Thank you for giving me this family," she said, taking the words right out of his mouth.
He felt the tears well up in his eyes once more and he nodded happily.
'I'm the one who should be saying that,' he thought.
He stood out on the balcony, watching the sun slowly rise over the mountain on this winter's day. The slowly blanketed over his Village and he couldn't help but be in more awe of the beauty that his home possessed. He had just returned from a Kage meeting that had kept him away from Konoha for a week, seeing how Gaara refused to move too far away from his pregnant wife. He grinned, knowing that he had been the same way when Ino had been pregnant. He glanced over his shoulder to see Ino rouse from her slumber on the couch, gently moving their children away from her body. She stretched slowly and a shiver rolled down her spine, before she tucked the blankets securely over their children. He felt her Chakra reach out to search for him and he smiled gently at the warmth it brought. Glancing over to the balcony, their eyes met and she smiled gently at him. She moved around their cluttered living room, turning on the heater, just in case the children woke up a bit too cold. She slid open the balcony door and shivered at the biting air that graced her.
"Did you just get back?" She asked, still trying to wake up.
"Yeah," he breathed out. "I didn't want to wake you all."
"So you were going to freeze to death until we woke up?" She teased as she was pulled into a warm embrace, knowing that Kurama would keep him warm. "I'm glad you're home and safe, the both of you," she said before giving him a gentle kiss. "Welcome home, Naruto."
"I'm home, Ino," he said with a gentle smile, returning the kiss.
She smiled brilliantly. These last four years had treated her well, having the children had caused her to glow even more than before. She was soft yet still strict with their upbringing, teaching them valuable lessons. Motherhood really suited her, he often thought. She still dealt with the T&I Department (part time) and ran the Flower Shop still but she no longer went on missions, in order to raise their children. At first, he was worried that she may begin to resent him for being Hokage and being gone for large portions of the day but everyday she greeted him with love and affection. Some days, he would send Clones to the Hokage Tower, in order to bond more with his children and Ino would deal with a disgruntled Shikamaru, should the Shadow User drop by and complain. No one went against the Uzumaki's wife.
"Come on, let's get inside and I'll cook breakfast." Ino said, guiding him inside and turning on the lights.
Their children grumbled and groaned at the sudden light, moving around on the couch, before sitting up. Haruto rubbing his weary eyes, blinking profusely before he focused on his mother and father. "Papa's home!" He exclaimed before hopping off the couch and tackling his father. His hair had grown out longer, though the fringe of his bangs were spiky like his father and a small low ponytail was at the base of his neck. He wore a dark purple footie pajama, covered in dark green frogs, to battle the winter months.
Inoko soon followed, her head popping out of the covers. She had dark blonde hair like her father, pulled into a small ponytail like her mother, her bangs covering one eye. Her teal eyes blinked hazily as she wondered what the commotion was all about. She raised her arms above her head to stretch, a small lilac footie pajama over her body, decorated with flowers and frogs. A small yawm left her, as she suddenly realized what was happening.
"Papa!" She cried out, hopping off the couch and leaping to jump ontop of her father and brother (after tripping slightly).
Naruto let out a laugh as they laid on the floor, his children laying ontop of him. Ino watched them fondly as she pulled out ingredients for breakfast. She tucked her bangs behind her eyes, she was lucky to have such a loving family. She was sure their parents would be proud with the children that they have raised. Naruto picked up their children, spinning them around as they shouted with glee. Getting dizzy, they tumbled to the floor in a fit of laughter, his cerulean hues looking up at Ino.
"Say Ino?"
Ino hummed in response, a coy smile on his lips as she glanced at her mess of a family and her overly doting Husband.
"Thank you for this family," he said with a grin.
She smiled at him as their children repeated his words. Walking over to them, she let out a surprised yelp as she was pulled into the dogpile. She laughed as they clamored over one another. Naruto and the kids peppering her with sloppy kisses. She held Naruto's face in her hands, staring into his eyes and he smirked that 'foxy' grin. "I love you, Ino."
"I love you too, Naruto."
When they kissed, Haruto and Inoko made a sound of disgust and Ino grinned devilishly. "And I love you two, as well!" She caught them in her arms, returning their kisses and they squealed happily and Naruto laughed, joining in on the attack.
He loved his family.
He promised that he would love them right.