Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Naruto remembers the distant look in Koyuki’s eyes when she told him she was pregnant. Of course any teen couple would be disappointed to know their future was over. Plus unlike Naruto the girl was a first year in high school while he was still a second year in middle school. He never felt the age gap in their relationship in till now.

Both of knew abortion wasn't a real option in japan. And how it's a trickier process than it would be in most other countries. And becasue of that, they needed to talk to their guardians. Both teens had lost their parents at a young age. 

Naruto lost his parents in a car accident when he was just a baby, and Koyuki who already had no mother, lost her father when she was ten. He died from a heart attack in front of the girl. So Naruto had his Godfather Jiraiya, and the girl had her Uncle Doto who was an abusive old drunk.

Both teens told his godfather, and he almost gave Naruto a high-five for having such a hot girlfriend. But Jiraiya stops himself when he realizes his godson was going to become a father. He scolds Naruto for his irresponsible behavior but assured the couple he would help them out however he could in till the baby was born.

Unfortunately Koyuki wasn’t as lucky with her uncle. The man nearly beat her to death upon hearing the news, sending her to the hospital. It wasn’t safe for Koyuki to stay with her derange uncle while she was pregnant, so Naruto made room for his older girlfriend in his house. He hopes she could live in comfort while they prepare things for their unborn child.

It was rough for Koyuki; he remembers how bad the morning sickness was. And how often she had to visit the hospital more than most pregnant girls her age. The doctor explained it was going to be a rough pregnancy, not only because of her age, but she had a lot of health issues on top of that. So she needed to watch what she ate and keep tabs on her sleeping schedule.

Koyuki was not good at taking care of herself though, so Naruto made sure her diet was healthy and that she had access to the bed whenever she was tired. Luckily because his godfather was lazy, he picked up on some recipes to cook for himself, seeing how he couldn’t always have ramen. And thanks to his girlfriend, he had to learn even more recipes to make sure she had a full and healthy meal.

There was still issues though. When Koyuki’s mood swings were at their worst, she would take her anger out on Naruto. Blame him for being pregnant. There were even times she would get violent and hit him. When Jiraiya saw the bruises, he almost lost his shit. The blond insisted he was alright though, and that this was only a result of her mood swings.

When they reached the last month, Naruto and Koyuki had broken up. The mood swings could only excuse her harsh behavior for so long. It wasn’t Naruto’s decision, but Koyuki’s. She cried saying how awful she’s been to Naruto during this whole thing, and that she didn’t deserve to be with him. Naruto argued but she insisted it was for the best.

They both decided they would be there for their child when they were born.

When Koyuki went into labor she was in excruciating pain through the whole process. Naruto held her hand trying to comfort her through the whole thing. She had lost conscious through the last half of the birth. When their baby girl finally came into this world, she was quiet at first, but after a few moments she started to cry. They cleaned her and wrapped her up. Since the older girl was passed out, they offered the child to Naruto. He took a hold of her. She was so small and perfect. Naruto was astonished that this child was his, this beautiful baby girl. He couldn’t wait for Koyuki to see her.

When they took the baby from Naruto, he couldn’t help but follow her to the baby room, staring at the child through the glass. When some walked past, they all assumed he was an eager older brother looking at his little sister. He would have denied it if the truth wouldn’t of cause any trouble for him. So he ignored their remarks and just stared at his beautiful daughter. Her hair like her mother’s, a dark shade of black. Her skin tone, sun-kissed like his. And lastly her eyes. A mix of both her parent’s blue eyes. Creating a beautiful crystal blue shade. He opened his phone looking up kanjis for crystal and found Akira. It would be the perfect name for his little girl. He was going to discuss it with Koyuki first before they officially marked that as their daughter’s name.

But when he traveled back to the girl’s room she was gone. It was like she wasn’t even there. When he was about to go check the front desk to see if they moved her somewhere else. An old man with a goatee and glasses appeared there with a letter. It was addressed to him.

When he read the note, his whole body trembled with anger.

Naruto I’m sorry. I thought about it the closer I was to the due date. I can’t do this. I feel nothing when I touched my stomach. I don’t have the same look as you when you feel our child kick. I don’t think I should be in our daughter’s life. I’ll cause more harm like I did to you while I was pregnant.

I’m sorry for causing all this trouble. I’m such a pathetic coward. I still love you, but I know you deserve better than to be stuck with a toxic person like me.

I hope you and our girl will have a happy life together.

-Koyuki

Naruto stared outside after reading the note, just like the day he met her it was snowing.

XxX

When the time came to take Akira home Naruto had two choices. He could have her go to an orphanage in till he was ready to take her, or he could take her home right away and raise her himself. The first option seemed too harsh, so he decided to take the girl home, despite Jiraiya explaining that if he did that his life would be over.

And Naruto understood that. It was already bad enough one parent isn’t going to be a part of this girl’s life. He’d be damned if he added to that list. So the blond took his daughter and decided to dedicate his life to her.

Naruto wanted to at least finish middle school before he decided to go into work full time. He also wanted to spend his last moments with his friends before he said goodbye to them forever.

So that’s why Naruto was playing videogames over at his friend Itachi’s house. The boy was always too perspective for his own good.

“So I noticed Koyuki-senpai disappeared. You know anything about that?” The boy asked as he was kicking his ass in smash bros.

Naruto only shrugged, “She decided she want’s nothing to do with me or our kid.” He was putting up a good fight in the game.

 Itachi and his other friend Gaara were the only people that knew about him and Koyuki having a baby. He knew others would judge him if he told this to anyone else. So during the time he was too busy with Koyuki, everyone thought he was just goofing around.

“I see. I’m sorry to hear that. So what are you going to do now?” he said as he threw his character off the platform.

The blond sighs dropping his head after losing the match, “Well… I’m gonna raise her. What else would I do?”

Itachi looked concern, “But you’re only fourteen….”

Naruto groans falling back dropping the controller, “You’re telling me. Fuck! I’m so stupid Itachi!”

The taller boy only shook his head, “You’re also young Naruto. These things happen, it’s just unfortunate you’re by yourself.”

“Yeah… I just… I wish I could have at least talked to her before she left, ya know. Maybe if she saw our daughter, she would have changed her mind….”

“Or she would have still left. She might have postpartum depression.”

He sat up confused, “What’s that?”

“I hear it happens after childbirth and moms don’t feel the same connection with their baby like most others do.”

That made sense. The girl did have a lot of mental stress during the pregnancy. And was probably dealing with a lot of other things too. He still wished she talked to him about these things instead of disappearing on him.

“Well I guess it doesn’t matter… So what did you end up naming your daughter?” Itachi felt the need to change the subject. Sensing Naruto’s mood when they kept talking about his ex.

His eyes brighten excited, “I named her Akira!”

A dark brow rose, “Akira? Isn’t that a boy’s name?”

He shook his head, “No! It a perfect name for a girl!” He searched the kanji on his phone, when he found it, he shows it to Itachi.

“Oh I see, Crystal. That’s pretty. But it still sounds like a boy’s name.” he teased.

“Shut up! It’s beautiful name for my baby girl!”

Before they could continue further, they were interrupted when Itachi's bedroom door suddenly opened.

Itachi glared at the direction of the intruder, “Sasuke I told you to knock before you come in my room.”

A young boy with dark hair and pale skin walked in with a pout. Naruto always thought Sasuke had the strangest hair, but he would be lying if he said he didn’t think it was cute.

“You and Naruto always do cool stuff without me nii-san!” he pouts.

The older Uchiha only rolls his eyes, “I don’t mind if you join us Sasuke. Just knock if my door is closed.”

The boy brightens running inside sitting in between the older boys.

Naruto smiled at this. He remembers back then when Sasuke used to despise him because he thought he was stealing away his big brother.

“Oh you guys are playing smash?! Can I play next round?” the boy bounced eager.

“Sure little guy, I just lost so you can take my spot.” Naruto handed Sasuke the controller.

Sasuke grabs it eager, “Thanks Naruto!”

The blond ruffles his head, “No problem!”

The boy giggles trying to elbow the older boy away, “Stop it!”

Finally letting up he lets the boy go leaving him to attempt to beat his brother. He’ll miss moments like this. Because he knows it’ll be the last time he’ll truly feel like a kid. Playing videogames with his friends. Going to school and goofing around. It’ll be fun while it lasts.

“So enough about me. How’s Izumi?” Naruto decides to tease.

Itachi froze, “W-What about her?”

Naruto had a foxlike grin thinking this was perfect opportunity to distract Itachi to get him to lose to his little brother.

“Well I just notice you both walking home after school lately. And how you two seem to be awfully friendly.”

Itachi kept a straight face, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Sasuke decided to also add into this, “He talks on the phone with her every night. He even got in trouble with mom and dad when they found out how much it was costing them for the calls.”

The older Uchiha’s face flushed red, feeling betrayed by his little brother, “Sasuke!”

“Yes! I win!” Sasuke cheered kicking his brother off the platform.

Itachi grumbled, “Only because you both ganged up on me.”

Naruto chuckled while Sasuke smiled up at the blond. Both boys high fived, feeling accomplished for defeating the usually undefeated teen.

Sapphire eyes widen when he noticed how late it was, “Shit it’s late. I gotta go.” He quickly rose up grabbing his things.

Itachi nods understanding, “Thanks for coming over Naruto.”

Naruto smiles, “Thanks for having me.”

But before he could go, a pair of small hands kept him from leaving.

Sasuke looking sad seeing the blond leave early, “What? How come you have to leave already Naruto? You’re barely over anymore!”

Both of the friends gave the youngest a sympathetic looks. Even though Naruto and Sasuke’s relationship was rocky when they first met four years ago, he has quickly grown attached to the blond.

Naruto leans down stroking the young boy’s hair, “I’m sorry Sasuke… things in my life are changing…. And you’re going to see less of me…. I’ll still try to come around… But I can’t make any promises.”

The boy only glared shoving him away, “I’m not a little kid anymore! If you don’t like us anymore, just tell me!”

The blond shocked by this response, “Never Sasuke! I’ll always love you guys. Like I said… My life is changing… If anything it’s my fault it’s changed. So I’m sorry I’m such an idiot.”

Sasuke only looks away, soon after he gets up and leaves.

Naruto only sighs as he watches the angry exit.

Itachi rose walking closer to the blond, “Don’t take it to heart Naruto, He’s going through a phase right now.”

“I still feel bad. I never thought I’d see the day Sasuke would miss having me around.” Naruto couldn't help but laugh.

“You grew on him.”

“I guess. But… I can’t play games like this anymore… as much as I would love to…. And as much as I would love to go to high school with everyone else… I just.”

Itachi grabbed his shoulder to ground him before he got lost in his head, “Do what you need to do to be there for Akira Naruto. I’ll always lend an ear if you need me to.”

Naruto smiled happy, “Yeah… Thanks Itachi… I’m glad you and Gaara have helped me through this…”

“No problem.” He lets go of him, “I won’t keep you any longer. I’ll talk to Sasuke to try to get him to understand.”

Naruto began making his way out the room, “Thanks I appreciate that.”

And with that they said their farewells.

XxX

When Naruto finally made it home, he was greeted with an angry glare from Jiraiya.

Shit he forgot to let him know he was going to be late.

“Look Ero-Sensei I can explain!” Naruto raised his hands trying to keep the man calm.

“Explain what?! How my dumbass godson is late coming home when you promised me you’ll be here every day to take care of your kid after school!?”

“I just… It’s been forever since I’ve seen Itachi, and I wanted to hang out for a bit…” he weakly explained.

“I don’t give a shit Naruto! You don’t just get to flake out of your responsibilities to play around with your friends!” Jiraiya scolds.

“I’ve been doing good though! I’ve come home everyday for two months! I just wanted to hang out with my friends for once Ero-sensei!” he screamed feeling attacked now.

The old man came up to him giving the most heated glare, “You don’t have that option Naruto! You don’t get to play around with your friends anymore! You decided to have sex and this baby! And this is the price!”

Before the argument could go any further, cries broke through from the bedroom. Jiraiya sighed rubbing his face, trying to calm himself down.

“Look kid I get it. You miss your friends and your girlfriend ditched you with this kid. But you had the choice to live your life or take care of your daughter. And you chose your daughter. So go in there and take care of her like you decided to.”, with that he grabbed his jacket and walked out of the house. Probably to go out drinking.

Naruto only stared down for a moment before he finally walked into his room to check on his baby girl.

Even though her state wasn’t awful it wasn’t great either. The old man had no clue how to correctly put on a diaper. So he easily carried the girl out to fix it, so she was comfortable.  Afterwards he eased her onto his shoulders rubbing her back as her head laid there. Akira was still upset but she was slowly calming down the more Naruto soothed her.

“I’m sorry that I’m home late Akira…. I just missed my friends…. I won’t do it anymore, promise… I need to take care of you, ya know. Daddy is gonna mess up a lot, but please don’t hate me for it… I'll try my very hardest to make sure you’re safe.

She had calm down completely after he started talking to her.

Naruto gets up, still keeping a hold of the baby girl, heading to the kitchen. Their house is small and cramped thanks to all of the dirty books his godfather kept around. Jiraiya refused to remove them, but Naruto and the man’s old friend Tsunade were going to throw them into storage this weekend. Sure he would throw a fit, but he’ll get over it.

He uses a single hand to grab the formula from the cabinet and began to heat up the water on the stove. Naruto feels Akira’s drool on his shoulder, but he ignores it, already used to her gross habits.

As he waits for the water to heat up, he vents to the little girl, “I know I should have called, but doesn’t mean he’s gotta yell at me like that.”

His baby only responds with light whines.

Naruto chuckles pretending as if she talked back to him, “I know! Ero-sensei is probably pissy cause he wanted to harass some cute young girls again.”

She only gripped his clothed shoulder opening her mouth, babbling nonsense.

“Well that’s not fair Akira! Even though he’s a no-good pervert, he still takes good care of us. Even though he sucks at cooking and changing diapers.” Naruto now looked down turning off the stove, seeing how the water was warm enough to mix the formula. After placing it in the bottle he sits in the heated kotatsu now feeding the girl. He stares outside looking at the snow frozen on the glass.

“I hope your mommy is somewhere safe…If she really had that postpartum junk… I hope she’ll get her shit together and come see ya one day….”

With that the daughter and father sat there together slowly falling asleep together in the heated kotatsu.

XxX

It had been over a year since then, and now Naruto was standing with the rest of the crowd of teens at his graduation, singing their school anthem. A lot of students were in tears, but most of the tears were caused by excitement from getting accepted into their respected high schools. It was bittersweet for Naruto though. While all of his friends were going to have fun and do all these cool things, he was going to have to find a job and save up to move into an apartment for him and his daughter. While his godfather was willing to help watch him and his daughter, he couldn’t ask him to do it forever. So he had to start job hunting as soon as tomorrow.

When all the students walked out, he ran into Gaara first at the hallway.

“Hey Gaara! I heard you’re heading to Suna! That school is pretty far!” Naruto smiled patting his back.

The apathetic teen shrugged, “It’s a nice school, plus it’s not like you’re going to Konoha. So no reason for me to go either.”

“True.” They both turned towards the window staring down at the crowd.

“So this is it for you, huh Naruto?” the red head pointed out.

The blond awkwardly chuckled crossing his arms, “Yup. Last time I get to feel like a kid.”

“You could have put her in the orphanage. No one would have blamed you.” The shorter teen explained.

Naruto looked at him perplexed, “That’s surprising coming from you…”

“What? Just because all of us were always at the institute in and out?” Gaara asked. Him and his siblings have always gone in and out of the orphanage because both of their parents always messed up taking care of them. His mother was bi-polar while his father was mentally abusive. Luckily, their sister kept them out of there thanks to her taking care of them more than their parents. But it was still a shitty situation.

He explained his reasoning, “You’re not like my parents Naruto. You were just young and even though you put yourself in this situation, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad person for wanting to live your life.”

Naruto smiled, even though he didn’t look it, Gaara cared for Naruto the most and has been a great friend to him for the three years that he’s known him. That’s why he trusted the boy enough with this secret about his daughter.

“Yeah, it would be nice but… Just the idea of letting that little girl live alone…. Just waiting in till I was ready…. It’s selfish… especially knowing she won’t live with anyone that would love her like I do.” The blond explained.

Gaara nods understanding, “Just don’t shut us out of your life Naruto. We’re always here for you if you need us.”

The blond grins knowing he’s also talking about Itachi, “Thanks… I appreciate that…”

The shorted teen began walking away, “I need to head out, Temari promised me and Kankuro sushi after my graduation.”

Naruto smiles, “See ya around Gaara!”

Gaara gave a gentle smile waving back at the blond.

Naruto heads the opposite way downstairs; he was surprised when he spots both the Uchiha brothers outside Itachi and Naruto’s classroom.

The blond called out to them, “Yo!”

Both looked towards him  with smiles on their faces.

Sasuke was the first to run to Naruto, “Naruto! Congratulations! I didn’t think you’d make it with your awful grades!”

The blond glared insulted, “What was that brat?!” he began messing with his hair.

Which the younger boy fought back hitting him on his chest.

Itachi coming towards the both of them, “Glad to see you both in high spirits.”

Sasuke finally escaping Naruto’s grasp pushing him away as he scoots back to fix his hair.

Naruto chuckles, “Well yeah we’re finally out of here aren’t we? I heard you’re going all the way to Akatsuki. That’s a hard school to get into!” he pats his shoulder, proud of his friend.

Itachi smiled, “Thanks… The exams almost killed me though.” He lets out an exhausted sigh.

“I bet!” One thing Naruto was glad to miss out on was the exams all his classmates had to take for their high schools.

The young Uchiha asked Naruto, “Which school are you going to Naruto?”

The blond almost flinched at that question, but he decided to be honest with the younger boy, “Oh it’s like you said Sasuke. I was lucky to even pass middle school! There’s no way I’d make it through high school! So I’m gonna start working!”

Despite his teasing, Sasuke never liked it when Naruto was down on himself, “Doesn’t mean you should just give up…”

Hearing that from the young boy stung Naruto.

Itachi scolds his brother before he could respond, “Sasuke, that’s very rude.”

The young boy only looks away keeping quiet.

The older brother sighs, “Anyway. We better get going. I only came here to write a message on the chalkboard with Sasuke. Mother and Father are taking us out for dinner. You're invited to come if you were interested Naruto?”

As much as Naruto would love that, he needs to head back home, Akira was extra irritable right now because she was teething. And he promised Jiraiya he wouldn’t take too long at his graduation.

“I’d love to come but I can’t. Sorry Itachi...”

Itachi nods understanding like always, “Don’t be. You do what you must Naruto. I’ll see you around.” With that Itachi left. But Naruto was surprised that Sasuke didn’t follow him like he usually would.

“What’s up little guy?”, Naruto asked concerned.

“You don’t come over like you used to…. Nii-san misses you.” The boy complains.

The blond gave a sad smile, “I know…. I’m sorry Sasuke…”

“You’re always sorry now. Do you even want to be our friend anymore?” Sasuke’s glare piercing him.

Again this shot an arrow of guilt into Naruto’s core. But he had to be there for his daughter. Now matter how much he wanted to be there for his friends.

“Of course. I’ll always be your friend. And just because we’re not together doesn’t mean we’re not friends anymore.” Naruto gave a somber smiled.

“Whatever…” with that Sasuke ran off to catch up with his older brother.

He wasn’t sure if Sasuke could understand his situation at his age, but that didn’t make it hurt any less to see the young boy so disappointed with Naruto.

He only stares out towards his class. This was it. The last time he was allowed to feel like a kid. He walked inside the room, making his way to his desk. He stroked his hand along the wooden surface. Sapphire eyes stare up at the chalkboard with all the messages. Naruto smiled when he found Itachi’s last message.

“I appreciate the time spent in this room. And even more to the friends I’ve made here.”

And right next to it was a sloppy drawing of a dinosaur. The handy work of Sasuke’s Naruto would assume.

He walked up to the board grabbing the chalk as he wrote his own message.

“Even though it was short, these were the best times of my life. Thank you for all the wonderful memories…”

He didn’t notice the tears in till he set the chalk down. He kneeled to the floor hugging himself as he cried. Crying for the time he’s lost, to the mistakes he’s made to get him here, to the friends he’ll lose thanks to his choices.

Naruto cried to it all.

XxX

Jiraiya and Naruto were eating take out ramen at their house while Akira was having her own food in her highchair next to the kotatsu. Naruto’s spirits were low as he was slurping his ramen.

This annoyed the older man as he was slurping his loudly, “What’s wrong with you brat?”

Naruto only looked at him but quickly looked away. When he noticed how messy Akira’s face was, he grabbed her baby cloth and used it to wipe her face.

“Oi! Answer me Naruto! This is supposed to be a celebration, not some sad pity party.”

“I get it okay?! Just… I just… I’m mad at myself… for being so stupid. While all my friends are gonna live the next stage of their lives. Mine is over….”

The older man slammed his bowl down “Now don’t you start with that! You knew what it meant when you signed up for this Naruto! And I get that it sucks, and it’s gonna suck for a long time. But that doesn’t mean you can pity yourself. You can either feel bad all the times you see your friends live their lives or you can enjoy the moments like these with us. Cause let’s face it kid, moments like these with your daughter are special.” Jiraiya explained.

Naruto stared at him taking in the information, then at his daughter. His beautiful baby girl and her crystal blue eyes. He smiled when she giggled at him, “You're right Ero-sensei… Sorry…. I guess being around everyone during graduation just set me off.”

“That’s fine brat. Just remember why you sacrificed your youth in the first place.” He grumbled sipping his noodles.

The blond smiled, “Right…”

The two sat there with the little girl, enjoying the rest of the celebration before reality hits.

XxX

One year had passed. And right now Naruto and Akira were at the hospital after receiving the news that Jiraiya had passed away. The blond sat there as he held his daughter like a lifeline. The only person in his life that was like any parental figure was gone. Just like that. They had celebrated his sixteenth birthday not that long ago and his daughter was going to turn two in a month. But just like that his Godfather had died from the lung cancer that he was keeping to himself.

Tsunade was there with him, comforting the teen, rubbing his back.

“Baa-chan I was so awful to him!” he sobbed out, “I took him for granted so many times!”

The woman gave a sympathetic smile, with tears of her own, “I understand Naruto…. But you have to know he loved you so much. You and Akira, the last thing he wanted was for you to feel like you owed him anything…”

“I would have never been able to support Akira if it wasn’t for him!”, he trembled. Even after death he took care of them both. In his will he gave his home and all of his money to Naruto and his little girl.

The blond woman hugged them both. Feeling words would be useless right now. With Naruto’s state of mind, he still couldn’t accept that his Godfather was gone forever.

XxX

Two years after Jiraiya’s death Naruto had finally saved enough money to move somewhere else. As much as he would love to stay in his old home. It hurt. So he made sure the house would go to someone who would take good care of it. Right now he was packing the house with both Itachi and Gaara since they were the only people that knew his situation.

All of the older teens were sorting through some of Jiraiya’s old stuff.

“I knew that old guy was a pervert, but to keep this much erotic stuff with a kid in the house.” Gaara glared at the perverted items as he threw them in the boxes.

Itachi laughed amused as he was wiping up the dust from the shelves, “Well Jiraiya-san did have some extreme tastes.”

Naruto growled, “I’ll say. You guys should have seen this place four years ago. He hoarded the stuff like it was gold. Me and Baa-chan had to clear it out after Akira was born.”

The little girl perked up when she heard her name, “Clear what daddy?” her dark raven locks reached down to her lower back.

 Right now it was tied up in a high ponytail, so it didn’t hit the floor while it was dirty. She also liked wearing boy clothes like her dad, so she had a Legend of Zelda shirt while wearing green cargo shorts. Naruto bought her girly clothes when she was younger. But when she was forming her own personality, she insisted on the stuff on the boy’s side. Naruto thought his daughter looked adorable either way, so he let her dress however she liked.

“Nothing kiddo. Just keep folding your clothes like daddy taught ya, kay?” the blond shouted back at her.

She only shrugged, “Kay!” going back to folding her clothes.

“Akira is getting so big.” Itachi couldn’t help but point out.

Naruto sighed, “Don’t remind me! She’s so pretty! All the boys at the playground always surround her. I always gotta scare them off if they start to mess with her.”

Gaara smiled amused, “I bet you make them wet themselves.”

The blond snickers, “You bet!”  

They continue to converse as they pack. Later on hey decided to take a lunch break. Akira was eating hers on the floor as she draws while the three men talk at the kitchen counter, munching on their food.

“By the way how’s Sasuke Itachi? I think the last time I saw him was at our middle school graduation.” The blond asked curious about the young boy.

Itachi smiled as he sipped his soda, “Good he’s about to start middle school. He was the top of his class and after Sasuke graduates he’s planning on going to Oto High.”

“Really Oto huh? Why not Akatsuki like you?” Gaara asked as he was munching on his salad.

“He’s going through a rebellious phase where he wants nothing to do with me.”, Itachi sighed as he set his chin on the palm of his hand.

Naruto chuckled, “Wasn’t Sasuke going through a phase when he was eight?”

“Yeah, it never stopped.” He grumbled.

The blond sighed drinking his juice, “I’m worried about Akira when she starts to go through her phase. I don’t think I can take it if she hates me.”

Gaara points out, “I heard it’s worse with girls.”

“Really?!”

Both his friends’ nods.

Naruto immediately runs to Akira’s side hugging her close, “Akira-chan~ Promise daddy you’ll always love him!”

The young girl confused, just hugs her dad awkwardly, “U-Um sure daddy…”

After the outburst they finished eating and continued to pack up to help the small family move into their new home.

XxX

“You got your pencils?” the blond asked his daughter. One year has passed since they moved, and now it was time for Akira to start her first day in kindergarten.

She was wearing green frog overalls with some black leggings and a long black sleeve turtleneck, lastly with some green froggy boots to match. Her hair was tied back in two low pigtails. Naruto convinced her to trim her hair, but she was always fussy about keeping it long. So her ends reached the top of her thighs.

“Yes daddy, I got everything.” She took off her shoes at the door like everyone else putting them in the cubby.

“Okay. Play nice with everyone. And if any of them gives ya a hard time, call a teacher, kay?” he explains.

She smiles, “Kay!”

He hugs her, not ready to let her go. It was crazy to think not even five years ago he was graduating from middle school. And now his daughter was starting kindergarten.

“Daddy I gotta go.” She giggled.

“Right!” He reluctantly lets her go, “Have fun! And listen to your teachers!”

She runs inside responding, “I will!”

And just like that his daughter was in school. Where did the time go?

XxX

It’s been two years since his daughter has started school and Naruto was sitting for an interview for a landscaping company. It was hard work, but the pay was too good to pass up. If Naruto got this job, he could quit his other two jobs working as a gas station clerk and a restaurant waiter. It paid more than those two jobs combined and he’d have more time for his daughter.

“Uzumaki Naruto?” his name was called.

Naruto immediately rose up, “U-Um here!” he came up to the person. Afterwards they led him to the room.

When entered the office he sat down in the chair facing a guy with brown hair and pitch back eyes that reminded Naruto of a maneki cat.

“So Uzumaki-san, it says her you never went to high school. Would you like to elaborate on that?” the man asked.

Naruto wasn’t surprised, that was always the first thing people asked about whenever he was interviewed, “Well I had to start working right away because I actually became a father when I was fourteen.”

Pitch black eyes widen, “Fourteen? That’s awfully young.”

The blond nods, “Yeah. I was really stupid back then.”

“And how old was your wife?”

“Oh she was sixteen, but we’re actually not together anymore. I’m raising my daughter on my own.”

“Was the break-up rough?”

The blond shook his head, “No…. she just… she wasn’t mentally stable enough to care for a child. And she just disappeared…”

“I see. My apologies for bringing up a rough past.” The man bowed his head.

Naruto fidgets, “No it’s all in the past now! Anyway that’s the reason I couldn’t go to high school or college. I needed to start working right out the gate, ya know.” He chuckled nervously as he scratched the back of his head.

“I see…” the older man rubbed his chin contemplating.

“Please, I know I’m young. But I swear sir I can do this if you let me! I’m a hard worker and learn as I go.”  The blond pleads as he bowed his head.

“But why landscaping?” he asked tilting his head.

Naruto rose, “Well, I actually have always had a green thumb and take good care of my plants. I thought about becoming a florist, but after thinking about that, it’s too cramped for my taste. So landscaping interests me because you still take care of plants but spend a lot more time outside and socializing with people!” he explained smiling.

The man stared at Naruto for a moment, then soon after set the papers aside.

“I’ll be honest Naruto; I won’t hire you just because you had a rough life.”

Naruto’s heart drops ready for the rejection.

The man stood, “But because you show genuine interest working here for more than just the money. I’ll be happy to have you as a part of my team.”

Sapphire eyes widen as his face couldn’t help but have a grin, “Y-You really mean it?!”

“I don’t bullshit. I like what I see in you.” He offers a hand, “Welcome to Root!”

Naruto shook the hand grateful, “Thank you so much Yamato-san! I’ll work hard I swear!”

He smiles, “I'm looking forward to it.”

Naruto was ecstatic. He was so happy that things were finally looking up.

XxX

It was later that evening; he had just put in his two weeks at both his old jobs. They didn’t want to see him go, but his bosses understood that he found a better job to support him and his daughter.

He was currently cooking Akira’s favorite dish Teriyaki Salmon Onigarazu. It wasn’t healthy, but he decided the girl deserved a treat after putting up with Naruto’s work schedule for as long as she has. Right now she was outside playing with her friends. Probably something like hide and seek or some kind of sport. She rarely played anything girly like dolls or house.

So he wasn’t surprised how late she came home when she walked through the door. Usually he made her dinner in the morning, and she would heat it up for herself to eat. Later she would take a bath and put herself to sleep. Naruto wouldn’t be home in till midnight when he goes straight to bed just to wake up four hours later to cook three meals and get ready for his second job. The only time he’d see Akira would be on his one day off every other Thursday.

Luckily with this new job he’ll have two days off a week and only have to work from seven am to five pm. It was long hours and hard work. But it’ll be worth it to be able to see his daughter more.

Akira walked inside with her baseball bat and a baseball cap on her head. He hair still long, was just left loose, messy, and untied, while she was wearing a red sweatshirt with some black jersey shorts. She walked inside shocked to find her father in the kitchen on a Tuesday.

The seven-year stepped in the living area where their tv and kotatsu shared the same space as the kitchen, “Dad? What are you doing home? Are you sick?”

Naruto couldn’t help but smile at her shocked expression, “Hey Akira-chan! I have some good news today!”

Akira set her bat next to Jiraiya’s shrine as she walked over to the counter leaning against it, “What happened?”

“Well I went to a job interview today. It pays better than my two other jobs put together, and I got it! I also get to be home with you a lot more!” he smiles.

The girl was shocked, but she had a small smile, “Really? I get to see you more at night?”

“Yup! I’ll be home by six every day from now on!” he was happy to announce.

The girl looked down and what Naruto wasn’t expecting was tears in her crystal blue eyes. He turned off the stove setting it aside as he ran around the counter to check on his little girl.

“Akira-chan what’s the matter?” he rubbed her back.

“I just… I missed you so much daddy…. Ever since you got that second job… I felt like you were never here!” she sobbed out.

“Oh baby girl… I’m sorry.” He hugged her close and just as quickly she hugged back wrapping her arms around his neck tight as she sobbed into his shoulder, “Look things are looking up now. I’ll be making more money and I get to see you more! Isn’t that great?”

She nods continuing to cry.

Naruto didn’t realize how alone Akira had felt. He knew she must have been struggling, but he didn’t think it was this bad. He needs to learn to be better.

So he vowed to never make his daughter cry like this ever again.

XxX

It’s been three years since he’s gotten his new job at Root. He was currently working on a yard in privet complex. Their job here was to upkeep the garden in the area. Naruto had three co-workers he was in a team with.

Sai who was a perfectionist and didn’t know when to shut up. Naruto remembers almost knocking his teeth out the first time they met. He’ll never understand how he landed a wife as cute as Sakura! Plus she was a doctor. Life wasn’t fair.

Lee while louder was way more tolerable. He was an energetic and fast worker. Sometimes he got a little too excited though. He was actually best friends with a member from this clan estate. He would often visit Lee while he worked.

Shikamaru was a chill dude but maybe a little too chill. While he memorized every detail if they got a project to put together for a yard, you would often find him hidden behind a bush taking a nap. Naruto would hunt him down so he could kick him awake.

The four of them did decent work. While they all had their quirks, they made sure they got the job done to the best of their abilities.

Right now Naruto was trimming some leaves off the hedges outside next to Sai. Over time Naruto has actually learned how to speak his language and learn how to even like the guy. So they were having a mostly pleasant conversation.

“So how far along is Sakura now?” Naruto asked as he was cutting the bushes.

“Hmmm eight months I believe. She’s super fat right now.”, the man answers with his usual odd smile.

“Probably shouldn’t say that about your wife Sai.” The blond advised.

The pale man only shrugs.

“So have you decided on a name?”

“We can’t decide, we’re stuck between Kei and Kazuki.”

“Oh those are good ones for boys.”

“Yes, better then Akira for a girl.” He teased.

“I’ll have you know my daughter loves her name! And it’s beautiful with the Kanji I used!” the blond argued defensive.

“Of course, as you explained many times Naruto.”

“I wonder how Sakura-chan puts up with you, ya know!”

The two continued to talk smack to each other in till it was lunch time. The group were at their truck eating their lunches.

Half of the men had convenience store food while the other had had homemade lunches.

Lee’s mouth water at Naruto’s lunch, “Naruto-kun you’re lunches always looks so good! How did you learn such a hard craft?”

The blond shrugged, “Had no choice really. First, I had to learn to cook more for my girlfriend when she was pregnant. Then I had to cook for my daughter and me so we wouldn’t eat ramen every night.” Not that Naruto minded that, but he didn’t want his daughter to inherit his bad eating habits. So they only had those every once in while if Naruto was too tired to cook it when he got home.

Shikamaru chews his meat bread as he points at Sai’s food, “While Naruto’s look homey, Sai’s looks like an art piece. How the hell do you put your food together like that?”

The pale man only shrugs as he continued to chew his food.

“So Shikamaru how many houses after the Hyuuga estate?” Naruto asked eating his tamaki.

“We have one more place today. They’re actually a new client. Their name is Uchiha.” The drowsy man explained after he yawns.

Naruto’s eyes widen. He only knew one family in this city with that name. Last time he saw Itachi was a couple a months ago when they went out drinking for Itachi’s birthday. The man had been busy ever since he decided to become a social worker. His father didn’t approve the career choice since most Uchihas became policeman. His father was the chief of the police station and expected his oldest to go into the same field. But Itachi wanted to try to help children he felt were mistreated by the system. His friend’s heart was always in the right place.

Gaara had also went to do bigger things, he graduated college thanks to his scholarship and became a therapist for children. He also didn’t charge as high as most did, giving more access to people who truly needed it.

He was extremely proud of his two closest friends and their career paths. Sure landscaping wasn’t anything fancy, but he enjoyed it. It was hard work making things in a yard look pretty and he was always happy when the customers showed their appreciation. Sure they would get an asshole every once in a while, but for the most part people were decent.

After they finished their lunch, they finished up their work here and got ready to head to the next client.

XxX

It was just as Naruto thought; client was the same Uchiha, but it was Itachi’s parents Mikoto and Fugaku Uchiha. Naruto was glad he wore a hat because he wasn’t sure how he felt seeing them again after all these years. He used to come over all the time when he was younger, but he suddenly disappeared with no explanation to anyone but Itachi. He wondered if Sasuke was home. If he remembers right Sasuke should be eighteen and in his last year of high school. But not like he would show interest to some random landscapers.

So he just got to work despite feeling anxious moving around the familiar home. He was in the backyard mowing the lawn while Shikamaru was lazily trimming the hedges near the fence. Naruto would be sure to pick up the slack at the hedges once he was done with the lawn. It was a little warm outside, so he had the top half of his jump suit tied around his waist, with nothing but his black tank top. As he was moving along the lawn, he wasn’t expecting the back door to slide open. He flinched when he saw a tall teen with a long fringe across his face and a familiar spiked end.

The blond couldn’t help himself and stop the mower, “Sasuke?”

He hadn’t seen the boy in nine years, so he looked drastically different then he did when he was nine.

The teen looked guarded as he shut the door behind him, “I wasn’t sure if it was you when I saw you from the window inside. I came out here just to be sure.”

“I see. Welp here I am.” He laughed. There was no use in denying his identity.

“Is it okay if we talk inside?”, It almost sounded like a demand.

“Uhhh…” He looked back towards Shikamaru who heard the whole exchange. He only shrug, which was the closest thing to a yes from the lazy man so he turned back smiling, “Yeah I can come in for a sec!”

“Good, follow me.” He walked back leaving the door open behind him.

Naruto chuckled nervously as he followed. He was sure to take off his shoes before he trailed Sasuke up to his room. Naruto guessed Sasuke wanted this talk to be privet since he’s leading him to his bedroom.

When he walked in, it was such a different change compared to the last time he was in this room. So organize and grown up.

“I see you ditched the dinosaurs.” Naruto laughed shyly rubbing his neck.

Sasuke just turned around staring at the blond.

This was so weird to Naruto. It felt like he jumped through time staring at the younger Uchiha like this.

“S-So what did you want to talk about Sasuke?” the blond asked now feeling nervous by his stares and silence.

“I wanted to apologize to you Naruto.” He finally responds looking down ashamed.

“Huh? For what?” this was shocking to hear.

“For how I spoke to you the last time we saw each other. I didn’t consider that you probably couldn’t afford the tuition to any of the schools back then, plus your grades weren’t the best. I was stupid and immature for giving you such a hard time.” Sasuke explained looking a bit dejected. It was an odd apology, but an apology none the less.

Naruto laughed softly, “Hey you were like nine back then, right? Plus it’s my own fault for goofing around.”

“Right…” the younger man responded. His eyes piercing him.

“So it’s your last year in high school, right?”, Naruto wanted to move on and try to catch up with his old friend since it’s been so long since they’ve seen each other.  And he was sure Shikamaru would call him as soon as he was done waiting around to finish their job.

Sasuke perked up a bit, “That’s right. My friends have been extra annoying during summer because of it.”

“Well it is your birthday around summer break, right? So I’m sure they wanted to celebrate together with you.”, the blond smiled happy to see Sasuke branching out to make his own friends. He was always a bit anti-social with strangers.

Onyx eyes widen, “You remembered my birthday?”

“Of course I would! It’s July twenty-third, right?” the blond grinned at the younger man, “I remember you always demanded we go to the water park! Even though you’d get sun burnt.” he laughed at the fond memory.

Sasuke surprisingly smiled, “You got super dark in the sun. Me and Itachi were jealous you’d never burn like us.”

“Guess I got lucky there!” he stickered remembering Mikoto scolding the boys for their lack of sunscreen.

Sasuke slowly eased in close to Naruto, “What happened to you?”

“What do you mean?”

“You used to come over everyday and hang out. Even when you had a…” he looked away a bit tense saying, “… girlfriend… you still found time for us.” He turned back.

Naruto wasn’t sure why Sasuke disliked Koyuki so much back then. Sure Naruto doesn’t think so fondly of her anymore, but it never explained why Sasuke disliked her so much.

“Well like I said, things changed. I had to find a job to support myself and you and Itachi had to focus more on school. We were heading different directions in life.” The blond explains gently with a sad smile.

“I suppose. But it’s not like you to just disconnect like that… Was it because of…her?” he finished harshly.

Naruto shook his head rapidly, “No! No way! We actually broke up a little before I stopped coming around. I haven’t had a girlfriend ever since.” Since no women wants a twenty-three-year-old with a nine-year-old daughter.

Again Sasuke moved closer to the blond backing him up against the wall. What was happening?

“You’re single now?”

The blond wasn’t sure why that would matter to Sasuke. But the younger male has always been odd ever since he could remember.

“Y-Yeah…Been too busy to date really.” That wasn’t a complete lie.

He was now caged between fair toned arms. Why did Naruto feel like he was in front of a snake? Is this really the same Sasuke that crashed his and Itachi’s sleepovers because he was scared of the dark?

“I have something else to apologize for Naruto… I lied to you back then when I said Itachi was the one that missed you.” He spoke barley above a whisper.

“W-What?” the hell was wrong with him? Why was his heart beating so fast?

Sasuke leaned closer their lips inches apart, “I was the one that missed you. Even now I’ve missed you so much Naruto… even though you and Itachi are best friends I always felt like you two were closer because you were friends with him first. But… I don’t see you as a friend anymore.” He muttered.

“What are you saying Sasuke?”

“You’ve always been slow dead-last.”

Before Naruto could retort the insult, he was shocked when the young male leaned in further, their lips smashed against each other.

It was the first time Naruto has kissed someone since Koyuki and the only time he’s ever kissed a boy. Naruto hadn’t had a chance to explore, but he did find himself attracted to men and women equally. He never experimented because of his job and responsibility with Akira though. But the blond would never have thought in a million years his first kiss with a boy would be his best friend’s little brother! Where the hell did Sasuke learn how to kiss like this?! When the younger Uchiha felt no resistance from Naruto, he pressed into him further taking a grip of his hips grounding against him.

The blond should really stop this. But it’s been such a long time since he’s touch someone, and it was so passionate. The last time he thought with his dick, he became a father. But the way Sasuke moved his tongue against his mouth had his insides turning into jelly.

Naruto couldn’t take it anymore and took a grip of Sasuke’s hair and neck as he kissed back just as fierce. Sasuke groaned in approval as he pulled Naruto closer taking a grip of his ass as he rubbed their arousals together.

The blond’s brain felt like it was turning into mush from this heated encounter. Sasuke took a grip of Naruto’s thighs lifting Naruto, surprising the older man.

“Y-You’ve gotten so strong Sasuke…” he yelps as their kiss broke.

“I’m not such a little guy anymore, am I Naruto?” he gave a superior smirk up at the blond.

“You’ve grown to be cocky too you little brat.” He growled.

The younger ravenette kisses his jaw speaking against it, “You call it cocky; I call it confidence.”

The blond pulls him in for another kiss tightening his hold on his hair and shoulder, while Sasuke thrust their clothed erections together keeping an iron hold on both his thighs.

Naruto wasn’t sure how long he could hold it in, it’s been such a long time since someone else has touched him like this.

What was he doing making out with little Sasuke in his bedroom!? He knew this kid when he was going through his dinosaur phase for God sakes! While his subconscious was screaming that, his body was screaming for them to come closer in till he lost all of his senses. He’s never felt this much passion for someone in his life. Even when him and Koyuki had sex back then, it was nothing like this.

Sasuke broke the kiss staring straight into Naruto’s eyes pausing his movements. Naruto stared back, his heart throbbing from the intense gaze. Onyx eyes look to be taking in every detail of his face.

“Sasuke…?” the blond asked concerned taking a grip of cheeks.

“You’re just as beautiful as I remember you….” He sighed and just as quickly he kissed the blond again with a fury. More intense as if he were trying to steal Naruto’s entire being.

The older man kissed back just as intense not able to resist at this point, his arms wrapped gently around Sasuke’s shoulders as he moved against Sasuke’s thrusts just as intense.

Just when they were about to reach climax Naruto’s phone rang disrupting the lustful atmosphere. The two broke the kiss as Naruto grabbed his phone after Sasuke set him down.

“Naruto what the hell are you doing in there?” Shikamaru asked sounding like he just woke up from a nap.

Naruto sighed fixing his hair and clothes, “Sorry Shikamaru, I lost track of time. I was um… catching up with an old friend.”

“Well hurry up. We gotta be back at the office by five and I can’t finish the backyard on my own.”

“Alright I’ll head your way soon.” He hangs up his cell, slipping it back in his jumper.

“Duty calls?” Sasuke asked looking disappointed.

“Well your parents hired us to do a job….” Naruto responds nervously not looking at Sasuke at all feeling ashamed.

The taller male made Naruto look at him grabbing a hold of his chin, “Well you better get to it then huh?”

“Y-Yeah…” before Naruto could leave though Sasuke placed one last kiss.

“Don’t go disappearing for another nine years dead-last.” With that he finally let Naruto go.

The blond made it all the way to the porch catching his breath, trying to process everything that just happened in that house. But he didn’t have time, Shikamaru was already pissed he had to work hard for the last twenty minutes on his own, so he had to pick up where he left off to help finish up the job.

Naruto was in a daze through the whole last end of his shift. It wasn’t in till he was in the grocery store when he finally got a chance to really think about everything that just happened.

And it was the fact that he just made out with Itachi’s little brother! What the fuck is wrong with him?! And the bigger question, was Sasuke gay? He had to be right? Since he kissed Naruto like that! But Naruto shouldn’t assume since he likes guys, but he identifies as Bisexual. But still this was a lot to take in. He hadn’t seen the brat in nine years and the kid just attacks him in the bedroom. He was not expecting that at all! But it didn’t mean it was okay, even though Naruto also likes guys doesn’t mean he goes for Sasuke! The kid just turned eighteen! 

He sighed as he finished grabbing the last of the things for dinner. He didn’t want to keep Akira.

XxX

His daughter over the years has become perceptive of the man whenever he was ever out of sorts. So Akira was able to catch the Naruto when he wasn’t paying attention to a single thing she said.

“Dad!” she finally got his attention.

“H-Huh?” Naruto lamely responds.

The nine-year-old had a pout on her cute face. She had a fresh scar covered by a band aid. Her hair still ridiculously long, it was tied in a low ponytail while her bangs were held back by a couple of hair clips. She was wearing a blue hoodie that was from an anime all the boys were watching and in her usual jersey shorts, “You haven’t paid attention to a single thing I said!”

“I’m sorry Akira-chan. I had a long day at work today…”, Naruto sighed resting his chin on his hand.

She scoots closer to him concerned, “You’re not overworking yourself, are you Dad?”

He shook his head, “Not at all. Anyway why do you repeat what you were talking about with me?”

“Well I was talking to Hayato and Michi and they said I could join their volleyball team!” she announced excited.

Naruto was perplexed, “They want you to join the boys’ team?”

She nod’s, “Yeah! They said I was better than most boys! Plus our school doesn’t have a girls’ volleyball team.”

The man laughs amused by her excitement. His daughter always did fit in better with the boys. She had all their hearts but none of them were brave enough to confess to such a fiery girl, “I’m happy for you Akira-chan! Tell me if there’s any games in the future I can watch!”

She stared up her crystal blue eyes sparkle, “You’d really come and see me play dad?!”

He nods, “Of course I’d want to see my daughter whip some ass!”

She giggled hugging him close, “I would love for you to see too dad!”

Naruto smiles hugging her back just as close.

He was glad his daughter was happy at the idea of him seeing her play a game. The two finished eating their meal and quickly after he set up his bed in the living room since they stayed in a one-bedroom apartment. He wanted his daughter to have the privacy of a bedroom since she was getting older.

Naruto laid there, his mind back on earlier today with Sasuke. The next time he met with the young male he needs to make things clear and tell him that he’s not comfortable with this kind of relationship with the younger Uchiha. Plus if Naruto did his math right, he was quite sure Sasuke and his daughter were only eight years apart and that was fucking weird! So yeah, there’s no way a relationship like this would work. Even if Naruto hadn’t known Sasuke since he was four. If he found a partner, it needs to be someone around his age.

But the only problem was, once he brought up his daughter, they wanted nothing to do with him. Which made things hard. And even if he wanted to try dating other men, he was sure they would be even harder to convince to be with him because of his child.

So that was it, next time he saw Sasuke he would explain why that wasn’t okay. And that they should go back to being friends.

XxX

Little did Naruto know that heated encounter would be the last time he’d see Sasuke. Because Oto was outside the region and school was back in session the next time he landscapes the Uchiha’s yard.

Naruto really had the shittiest luck.

To Be Continued…...

Akira Age 5~