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"Are we almost home ?!!" Boruto was throwing a tantrum in the back seat. From the corner of his eyes Naruto noticed Kawaki flinch each time Boruto's hands got too close to him.
The situation was simple, a month ago, Sai a good friend of his who works for the police, contacted him. They had found a child in a crackhead house and needed to find him a home soon, but every foster homes in Konoha were full. The child had violent outbursts so keeping him at the city's children's home was out of the question.
Naruto remembered the way Hinata had stayed silent after hearing that. He remembered the way she had stayed quiet for the rest of the night. And he definitely remembered when she had woken up at 3 am to ask him if they could foster that child.
Now they were driving back for the children's home with Boruto and their newly adopted son, Kawaki.
He was a 12 years old child but the things he went through made him look older. The social workers weren't kidding, he really seemed like a ticking time bomb.
Hinata shushed Boruto "we're almost home please calm down.
When they arrived they were greeted by Hanabi and Neji. They had agreed to watch the children while Hinata and Naruto went to pick up Kawaki but Boruto had thrown a tantrum saying he wanted to stay with his mommy.
Himawari in Neji's arms giggled in excitement upon seeing her parents.
Boruto tugged at his father's pants "Kawaki's not leaving the car."
Naruto turned his attention back to the car and yes Kawaki had indeed stayed put in the backseat of the car. Naruto sighed and opened the door, he saw Kawaki flinch and tried a more gentle approach "come on Kawaki. It's time to go home."
"Home ?"
-x-
Kawaki saw Hinata dress Himawari and guessed that she was going grocery shopping. Boruto was at a friend's house and Naruto was working which meant he would have to stay home alone.
Each time he was alone, he kept coming back.
"Hinata can I come too ?" Kawaki hurriedly asked.
"Of course Kawaki ! You seemed so engrossed in your videogame I didn't want to bother you with grocery shopping !"
Himawari jumped excitedly upon seeing that Kawaki wanted to come "Yay big brother Kawaki is coming too !!"
"Don't call me that" he flicked her forehead but that didn't deter her mood in the slightest bit. Kawaki quickly put on his coat "I don't want to stay home alone."
A flicker of understanding flashed upon Hinata's face, but whatever pity she was feeling she didn't voice it out loud, good "I see, then let's go ! You'll help me choose tonight's dinner."
Kawaki helped Himawari put on her seatbelt before settling in the passengers seat.
"If you want to put on some music, my CD collection is in the glove compartment."
Kawaki nodded, it was his first time in Hinata's car. Usually he rode in Naruto's old beat up car, and the only CDs he owned were those 'summer hits 2009'.
He almost gasped when he opened the glove compartment and saw all these CDs. Nirvana, Foo fighters, Oasis, The smashing pumpkins, Green day, Metallica, Sonic Youth, Sublime...
This.
Was.
PARADISE.
"Y-you listen to this stuff ??!"
Hinata glanced down at the cds and smirked "Why ? You don't think I look the part ?"
"Well you look like a regular mom in her mid thirties. You surely don't look like you listen to The Offspring in your free time."
Hinata chuckled a little "I'll show you pictures from my teenage years when we get back home. Now choose a CD, Hima's getting bored in the back seat" Himawari gave one kick to Kawaki's seat to show that she was still there. Kawaki reached for the album The queen is dead by The Smiths but Hinata lightly swatted his hand away "not The Smiths !" Kawaki's eyes widened and Hinata sighed "I really hate The Smiths. But for our first date Naruto got me this CD with his last economies, which is why I never threw it out. I later found out Sasuke was the one who recommended he buy me a The Smiths CD I mean who else but him."
"Did you never listen to the album ?"
"I did. Each time I drive with Naruto we put it on. I know he doesn't like it and believes he is putting up with it to make me happy. It's been so many years I seriously don't know how to tell him the truth..." that got a chuckle out of Kawaki and Hinata proudly smiled.
In the end Kawaki didn't even have the time to put on a CD, their conversation lasted the entire way to the store. At the store he drove the cart while playfully teasing Himawari who pretended to be a pirate in her ship. On the way home Kawaki still managed to put on the album Regatta de Blanc by The police.
As promised, once they got home Hinata pulled out an old photo album, blowing on it to get rid of the layers of dust. She sat down between Kawaki and a curious Himawari.
Hinata pointed at an old polaroid taken at a concert. She was wearing a Led Zeppelin t shirt, her hair was long and she wore bold black makeup. Kawaki was also shocked to see she used to have an eyebrow piercing. She was posing with two teenage boys. Kawaki recognized them as 'uncle Kiba and uncle Shino'. The both of them were also wearing band t shirts. Kawaki couldn't help but notice how close the three were. He wondered if the two boys ever had a crush on Hinata, after all she was really pretty. If she still looked like this today Kawaki sure as hell would've fallen head over heels for her.
"Father had taken us to a rock festival in another state. He hadn't been happy about it but he ended up also having fun that night. We had also managed to sneak out of the hotel that night to get matching tattoos..." as if she was revealing a secret, Hinata showed a fading '8' with a character in japanese on the side of her wrist.
"What does it mean ?"
"Our team during summer karate camp was team 8. And the japanese character is our old teacher's name, Kurenai. I also have another tattoo but it's for Naruto's eyes only" Kawaki nodded as if he understood what she meant.
Kawaki was really interested in Hinata's teenage years. She proceeded to show him different pictures of herself in different family events wearing oversized band t shirts or just plain black hoodies. She revealed that she was really insecure about herself back then so she didn't like getting her pictures taken. And indeed after the tenth picture, Hinata didn't appear again. It was mostly pictures of Hanabi, her sister, after that. Himawari occasionally yelled out each person's names every time she recognized someone.
"Oh ! But you know I still have my old band t shirts."
"Yeah ?"
"Hm hm" she nodded "And since they were oversized I bet it would fit you."
Kawaki's eyebrows rose in surprise "y-you'd give them to me ?"
"Of course. As you said earlier I am a mom in her mid thirties. I don't have any use for those anymore, aside from when Naruto feels nostalgic and asks me to wear one of them.."
Hinata stood up and went to her room. Kawaki waited patiently while Himawari told him about her boyfriend who was apparently just Boruto's best friend who barely even acknowledged Himawari's existence.
"And the other day you know we were visiting the middle school and you know what happened ?"
"What happened ?"
"Boruto and his friends were there ! And Inojin was there too so I acted all cool you know."
"And did that get his attention ?"
"Yes yes ! He almost bumped into me and then apologized ! He said he didn't see me cuz I was so small and stuff."
Kawaki slowly nodded, he didn't want to upset Himawari by telling her that Inojin was most likely just being polite.
Hinata came back with a pile of old clothes in her hands. She dropped them on the coffee table "here ! Dig in and feel free to take whatever you want !"
"Thank you so much m-" it almost naturally slipped out "..Hinata" he felt silly and embarrassed.
Hinata warmly smiled "mommy I also want a t shirt !" Himawari pouted and Hinata couldn't help but laugh "Hima honey you're too small for those."
Kawaki patted Himawari's head "don't worry Hima, I'll leave some for you in a few years."
-x-
Kawaki woke up to Boruto's horrible ring tone. He got out of bed and stopped his alarm. For some reasons it's raining tacos could not wake up Boruto.
"Wake up idiot we have to get everything ready before Hinata wakes up."
"WHAT I'M AWAKE" He suddenly stood up and relaxed upon seeing it was just Kawaki "oh right mom's birthday. Do we wake up dad ?"
Kawaki shook his head "I bet what Hinata needs is the whole day with her husband. So let's not take him away from her. But go wake up Himawari while I get started on the cinnamon rolls."
The two boys left the room only to find Himawari already preparing breakfast, and making a huge mess in the kitchen.
"Lord I pray that you never have to live alone Hima" Boruto said while snatching the sugar from her hands.
"Hey at least I woke up in time ! We agreed on 7 am why did you guys wake up at 7:30 !?" she whisper-shouted.
Boruto patted her head "come on Hima it's just 30 more minutes it's no big deal."
Kawaki got started on the dough. He was wearing a Fall Out Boy t shirt, a Christmas gift from Hinata. After all these years living here, Kawaki truly saw the woman as his mother, he just didn't have the courage to tell her. He wrote a silly letter that he intended to give her alongside his birthday gift for her, but the more he thinks about it, the more anxious he gets. What if Hinata got disgusted, sure she acted all nice but it could be just an act.
He quickly shook his head, good thing he was seeing his therapist this afternoon because he clearly needed it.
"What's all the commotion about..?" a sleepy Naruto descended the stairs, followed by a very awake Hinata.
"Ugh see Boruto you woke up mom !"
"What ?! You're the one who made a mess everywhere !"
Hinata laughed "come on let's not fight ok ?"
Himawari jumped into her arms "happy birthday mommy... your cinnamon rolls aren't ready yet can you go back upstairs and pretend to sleep pleeeeeaaaaase...?"
"Alright sure."
"Yes we're going back to sleep !"
Boruto stopped Naruto "nuh huh you're helping us with the cinnamons don't even think about escaping !"
"Haha you heard him, Naruto" said Hinata as she climbed back upstairs.
"Fiiiiiiiiiine" Naruto groaned and got to work with the kids.
After almost an hour of pure chaos, they all came back upstairs with the cinnamons and coffee and sang happy birthday while entering the room.
Hinata feigned surprise "awww you shouldn't have !"
"We love you mommy of course we would do that !" Himawari giggled as she slid in bed next to her mother.
Hinata shook her head "no no Himawari let's go downstairs eat all together."
Naruto smirked "told you guys she'd want to eat with us."
"Hey don't get too cocky old man" Boruto lightly punched his arm.
The birthday breakfast was a tradition in this family. Kawaki had freaked out the first time the family had woken him up with breakfast.
At 1 in the afternoon, Kawaki stood at the entrance ready to leave, he was stopped by Hinata though "you're not staying ?"
"No I have a therapist appointment. But either way we had agreed with Boruto and Hima to leave you and Naruto alone so they should be out soon too."
Hinata giggled "alright then, tell Sakura I say hi if you see her."
Kawaki nodded and just like that he was out the door.
The closer he got to the hospital, the more knots formed in his stomach.
It seemed recently he had developed... a crush...
Yes even the cynical Kawaki can develop crushes on people.
He didn't really know when it had started, he had known this girl for so long now. But about a month ago he realized that he was weirdly attracted to her.
Kawaki had had girlfriends in the past. He had dated his ex Ada for nearly a year. But never had he been attracted to Ada like he was to her.
He knew that she would be there, after all she is an intern for the research department. And she works under his therapist too. Which made it almost impossible to avoid her.
"And tell your father I say hi" Amado said before closing the door behind him. The therapy session went as usual. Recently he didn't have much to say to the old guy anyway.
"Oh hi Kawaki !" a beautiful voice caught his attention and he blushed furiously.
"Hello.. Sumire.."
"Hey I wanted to ask if Himawari was doing ok ? Since last time I mean. I never really got to ask her how she was since I haven't been attending theatre classes."
"You ? Skipping class ?"
"Ahh it's not mandatory anyways ! I needed to work extra hours."
Kawaki scratched the back of his neck "she is back to her teenage rebellion phase so I think she is doing fine. But what do you need the money for if it's not too personal ?"
Sumire laughed lightly, a beautiful sound "I need to put money aside for college. Doctor Amado and doctor Katasuke are helping me a lot by getting me all these scholarship offers but I also need to put in the effort don't you think ?"
"I mean you're still in the same grade as Boruto you shouldn't have to worry about college yet" Kawaki was a senior himself and he hadn't even thought about what he wanted to do after graduation.
"Probably but I like to plan stuff beforehand."
Kawaki shifted uncomfortably. Sumire grew up in foster care, he often saw her whenever he had appointments with Amado. But unlike him no one ever adopted her. It's during times like these that Kawaki truly understands how lucky he was.
Which brings him to his next question "are you doing anything this Christmas ?"
"Huh ?"
He blushed, looking away, ashamed "I- We have a huge Christmas gathering each years and.. I can bring a plus one and stuff so I was wondering if you were interested ?"
Actually what Tsunade had said last year was "Kawaki you don't have to be shy, you should bring a girlfriend for Christmas next year ! And make sure it brings gossip to the table please, I'm tired of gossiping about the same stuff over and over again with Jiraiya." But Sumire didn't have to know the details.
"Oh I wouldn't want to intrude.."
"No don't worry ! With how big the family is I don't think anyone would really notice anyways so... It's just- It would make me happy if you'd come."
Sumire smiled and gave Kawaki a hug which made the boy freeze "alright then, text me the details and I'll be there."
-x-
On the day of Christmas, Kawaki waited Nervously by the door. Sumire was supposed to meet him at the Uzumaki household so that she could drive to Tsunade's house with them. But it seemed she was a bit late.
"Relax Kawaki don't be so nervous we won't leave without her !" Naruto smiled while lightly shaking Kawaki's shoulder "I just hope she won't take too long because Tsunade will blame ME for us being late."
"I-I don't understand I did tell her 9 am sharp..."
Himawari stuck her head out of the car "I see Sumire running towards the house !"
That made Kawaki's eyes widen, he was a bit mad that she was late but he wasn't sure if scolding her was the right thing to do.
Just as Himawari said, Sumire arrived, her hair slightly messy from running all the way there "I'm so sorry for making you wait I had to get a permission slip to be out past my curfew !"
Kawaki attempted to keep a nonchalant look, the last thing he wanted was for Sumire to know that he was nervous "no it's fine we didn't wait that long anyway."
"Oh hi class-rep" Boruto waved while coming out of the house fashionably late.
"Hi Boruto !" Kawaki didn't miss the way Sumire's eyes lit up upon seeing Boruto, it made his anger flare up "are you riding with us ?" she looked at the car which clearly only had five sits.
"Ah no I'm giving you my sit. I'll be riding with aunt Sakura, she should be here to pick me up soon."
"Come to think of it she should've come to pick you up an hour ago.." Hinata softly said "though since you were also late I guess it doesn't really matter.."
"Oh I bet poor Sarada's working hard on getting her parents out of bed.." Naruto smirked.
Hinata furiously blushed "oh you're right Sasuke did come home last night so they were probably busy.."
"Can you guys stop talking about Sakura and Sasuke like you guys are still 20 ?" Kawaki said, clearly annoyed.
Sumire turned to Boruto "Sarada will be there too ?"
"Of course she's family" Boruto nodded.
"Hah I'm glad" Kawaki saw Sumire's expression turn sour for a moment.
The rest of the family boarded the car while Boruto just sat on the doorstep waiting for Sakura to come pick him up. Sumire was sitting on Himawari's left because the youngest had obviously insisted on sitting in the middle. Kawaki was disappointed, he had hoped that he could share an ear bud with Sumire and show her his amazing music taste. Instead the girl was excitedly chatting with Himawari, completely oblivious to the way Kawaki was looking at her.
The last thing Kawaki heard before before putting his own music on his phone was the opening to There is a light that never goes out.
When they arrived at Tsunade's house, just as predicted the old woman blamed Naruto for their tardiness. They were also greeted by old man Jiraiya. Kawaki didn't really like the guy especially due to the weird comments he made sometimes.
"Ah Kawaki I see you brought a beautiful young woman along with you" exactly the type of comments he finds weird.
"Come on inside, almost everyone's here" Tsunade said with a warm smile after beating Naruto enough. But before Kawaki could enter, Tsunade pulled him aside "good job kid I didn't think you could pull another ethereal woman you really are amazing" She and Jiraiya kept giving him thumbs up and winking at him.
Never mind he hated both Jiraiya and Tsunade equally.
When he finally got inside he went through the awkward moment of saying hi to every relatives. It was either that or Naruto's mother would beat him up like during his first Christmas gathering. Talking about the old woman she pulled him into a tight hug when she spotted him "ahhh Kawaki so good to finally see you it's been so long !"
"It's been like a week.." Kawaki attempted to say while choking in her tight hold.
"Come on mom leave the kid alone" Naruto said while playfully shoving his mother. She retorted by punching him into a wall so he probably regretted butting into her bonding time with Kawaki.
Minato ruffled his hair, Kawaki really liked the guy because he was quiet like Hinata "Hello Kawaki I see you brought a friend" unfortunately he was just a nosey as the rest of the family.
"Ah yes she is beautiful !" Kushina said pulling her attention away from her son to the girl standing slightly away from the rest of the family.
"H-hello my name is Sumire" she bowed slightly, probably feeling just as nervous as Kawaki was earlier.
"Is she your girlfriend Kawaki ?" Minato calmly asked.
Kawaki was about to answer but he was too flustered to do so. Sumire answered for him "oh no not at all we're just acquaintances !"
Acquaintances.
She hadn't even referred to him as a friend.
Kawaki felt his heart tighten but he just nodded "Y-yeah she is actually a good friend of Boruto I uhh- I know her from the hospital where she is an intern."
Minato nodded slowly, somehow picking up on the awkwardness of the situation "ah I see that's impressive at your age."
"Oh it's nothing really !" she said trying to stay humble.
Himawari frowned, she turned to Kushina "why don't I get compliments ? Don't you think I look super grown up !?"
Kushina cooed at her granddaughter "awww no you're the cutest little girl ever !" she pulled her in another super tight hug.
"No let go of me I am a grown woman !"
After that Kawaki had to say hi to even more relatives. Neji and Hanabi his uncle and aunt on Hinata's side of the family as well as Hinata's father. Aunt Tenten, aunt Ino, aunt Temari, aunt Karui, Uncle Sai, Uncle Shikamaru, Uncle Choji, Uncle Kiba with Uncle Shino the foreversinglesandmostlikelysecretelydating uncles as he likes to call them. Uncle Gaara and Uncle Lee with their two sons. Orochimaru and Kabuto with his other son and the random people that are just Sasuke's old friends and shouldn't be even at this gathering in his opinion. Except for Jugo, he is cool. Uncle Itachi with Nagato, Yahiko and Konan -though he never really understood why those three were apparently family, he was too intimidated to ask-. Kakashi, Iruka, Asuma, Kurenai, Gai and Shizune, the people that shouldn't be trusted near alcohol -including aunt Sakura but she wasn't there yet-. Obito and Rin, family from Sasuke's side apparently. Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon who ended up always leaving the gathering halfway through just to get yelled at by Tsunade. And finally Kankuro and Omoi, they were there just for Tsunade's turkey each year apparently.
"Your family is huge" Sumire said in awe.
"And believe it or not this is just close family. There are even more people in this family."
As the adults got the table ready, Kawaki took Sumire to the basement where the teenagers always stayed at to avoid their intoxicated parents. After realizing that the kids loved to stay there Tsunade had even installed a TV with a game console attached to it.
"Hey Sumire ! Didn't know you were coming" Chocho said from the couch where she was resting her head on Mitsuki's shoulder.
"Oh hi Chocho yes I was invited."
"That's good we definitely need more girls here, Himawari always stays upstairs with her mother and father so it's just me and Sarada most of the time."
Mitsuki smirked "oh I'm sure Himawari will come this year, I don't think she will miss out on an opportunity to spend time with Inojin."
"Shut up Mitsuki" Inojin was crimson red.
Shikadai, who had been weirdly silent for a bit said "that's not true Chocho, remember that year Kawaki had invited Ada ?" Kawaki stiffened at the mention of his ex.
"Oh yeah she was so beautiful how could I not remember."
Sumire whispered in Kawaki's ear "do you make a habit of bringing women home ?" she was joking but the last thing he wanted was for Sumire to think that he was a manwhore.
"Oh no it was just one time, we were pretty serious with Ada but it's all in the past don't worry about it."
"Oh I'm not worried haha" his heart tightened again.
Eventually Boruto and Sarada arrived an hour later, Boruto snickering like the little shit he was "Sasuke is getting severely scolded up there !"
"Good thing Grandma and Grandpa aren't there this year because he would've gotten even more scolded" Sarada said sighing. When she spotted Sumire she smiled "oh Sumire I didn't know you were coming."
"I saw Boruto earlier he didn't tell you ?"
Boruto scratched the back of his neck "ah it probably slipped my mind sorry !" Kawaki didn't miss the hurt on Sumire's face.
Sensing the tention Chocho clapped her hands loudly enough to get everyone's attention "someone go fetch Shinki, Metal and Hima please. We will be playing some smash bros to see if Inojin still sucks."
"Although with Himawari being your cheerleader..-" Mitsuki didn't have time to finish his sentence because Inojin had sent a pillow flying in his face.
The teenagers all played for hours, and Kawaki was more than happy. He would never admit it out loud but beeing surrounded by all these people made him so happy. But when he turned his attention to Sumire he saw that she kept her distance from others, that whenever someone talked to her she tried to get away. It was making him kind of annoyed, after all Sumire should feel happy and honored to have been invited to such an important event for Kawaki.
He also saw the way her gaze kept drifting back to Boruto.
Eventually they were called back upstairs for dinner, which went horrible as always.
"I don't think getting Himawari a phone was a good idea" Neji frowned "She is way too young to be exposed to the internet."
Naruto shook his head "come on Neji she is 14 years old. How do you expect a girl her age to live without a phone."
Hinata chuckled lightly "I mean in a way he might be right, we gave Boruto a phone way too early and remember what we caught him doing."
"You mean pretending to be a girl on some app to get money on roblox. What was the app name again.. Apio... Amo..."
"Amino dad and stop bringing this up !" Boruto yelled, blushing furiously.
"Hey don't blame me your mother was the one who brought it up !"
Hiashi scoffed "funny seeing you talking about how Hinata should raise her children Neji when your relationship is not even recognized by God. You couldn't at least enter a civil partnership ?!"
On another side of the table...
"So Metal, Shinki, how is school in Suna ? Must be tough in the summer" Shikamaru asked smiling at the two teenagers.
Metal smiled brightly "Oh it's amazing ! Of course we wish we could attend school here like everyone else but it's still great ! Shinki managed to get more friends than me though."
Shinki lightly slapped Metal "stupid, they're your friends too."
Gaara smiled at the banter, Temari hunched over to whisper in his ear "I'm glad you managed to build such a beautiful family Gaara."
The younger brother smiled "oh but you built one just as amazing as mine Temari."
She sighed "that's right. In the end Kankuro's the only one without an amazing family."
"Hey I can hear you you know !" Kankuro groaned.
On another another side of the table...
"...and that's how Sasuke got that tattoo on his left leg" Orochimaru finished his story. Sarada and Mitsuki listening intently.
"I didn't know you tattooed people ?!" Sarada turned to Karin.
"Oh you know since I practice medicine illegally I figured why not perform more illegal stuff."
"You know my offer still stands you can come work with me at the hospital" Sakura smiled as she served Karin some more turkey.
Karin smirked "yeah I know but it's less thrilling. I might take you up on that offer once I pass 60 though, I can't keep the illegal lifestyle forever..."
Suigetsu bumped her shoulder with his "you're kidding right ? With how crazy your lifestyle is I don't think you'll live past 60."
"Fucking idiot who allowed you to speak !?" she punched him hard enough to bruise.
Jugo turned to Sakura "hey could I have some more turkey too."
Sasuke snorted, he put his hand on his daughter's shoulder "do you believe that ? They were my friends and your mother totally stole them from me !"
Sarada smirked "it's not mom's fault that you're so annoying dad."
On another another another side of the table...
"Hey uncle Kiba are you dating Uncle Shino ?" Chocho asked, whispering as if she was asking some secret informations that only the F.B.I knows. Inojin sitting next to her slapped his forehead.
Kiba frowned "why can't two single men live with each other without it looking gay ?"
"Well..."
He sighed "seriously he isn't my type I mean if I were to choose a man.. let's see..." he looked around the table "there you see ?" he pointed at Kankuro sitting next to his siblings "he is more like my type."
"Well isn't that just uncle Shino but more talkative ?"
"Hey Chocho how about you go back to your mother and LEAVE ME ALONE."
Himawari tugged at Inojin's sleeve "could I sit with you please ?"
Inojin blushed a little "ah you want to sit on my lap ?"
"I mean there are no other..-"
"Himawari go back to your sit" Neji appeared out of nowhere making Inojin tremble like a leaf.
"Why are you guys always cockblocking me ?!"
Kiba rolled his eyes "seriously who taught that girl all these swear words."
"You did" Shino answered out of nowhere making Kiba jump.
"Dude for how long have you been there ?!"
"Enough to know that you'd trade me for Kankuro without hesitating."
"Awww don't be jealous Shino baby" he jokingly pulled at Shino's cheek "you know you're my one and only."
"Chocho is recording us."
"OH FOR FUCK'S SAKE."
On another another another another side of the table...
"You know I believe we did an AMAZING job with those kids really" a very intoxicated Kakashi proclaimed.
"Yeah I mean look at them" Kurenai said with a nostalgic look on her face "all grown up with their own little families.."
"Talking about family, where is Mirai ?" Iruka curiously asked.
"Oh she had an internship in Germany so she wasn't able to come back for the holidays sadly" Asuma answered "to be honest I'm worried sick knowing that she is out there on her own."
Obito intruded on the conversation "hey she is a smart kid I'm sure she is doing well over there."
"Hey you're right but genuinely who invited you" Kakashi snorted.
"No one, Tsunade just doesn't know how to properly lock her garden."
"Which is why Konohamaru and the others managed to escape again" Shizune sighed "she really needs to fix that fence."
Kawaki couldn't help it, whenever he was present at a family event he couldn't help but listen in on every conversations. Somehow it was a better way for him to get to know all of the family members instead of actually talking to them when he was a child. Like right now uncle Itachi is telling Nagato, Konan and Yahiko about his recent break up, uncle Itachi is a very romantic and nice person, Chocho often calls him a walking green flag. Uncle Sai and aunt Ino were spoon feeding each other like some lovesick teenagers, they truly were in love with each other. Yes that was Kawaki's way of getting to know all of these people. He would often notice Tsunade and Jiraiya also silently observing the rest of the family, though it was most likely for different reasons than him.
"This is very noisy I'll be outside for a bit" Sumire said before standing up and escaping to the garden, Kawaki seeing Chocho following her, decided to also follow her. He kept hidden behind the door as he listened to what they were saying.
"You know why Kawaki invited you right ?"
Sumire's voice was devoid of its usual warmth when she answered "I know."
"Then tell him ! He keeps looking at you with those puppy eyes. You'll break his heart if you continue like that !"
"But I want to like him I do ! I just..."
"He isn't Boruto ?"
Kawaki bit his lip, his heart stopping for a moment at the mention of Boruto, it took a whole minute for Sumire to answer "..Yeah. I'm a horrible person."
"Oh Sumire no you're not" she took Sumire in her arms "you know that means I can snatch Kawaki for myself so I won't complain..."
"Don't you have a thing going on with Mitsuki ?"
"Why can't a woman be greedy ?"
Kawaki sat back at the table, deep down he knew that Sumire didn't like him like that. But somehow the thing that hurt the most was knowing that Boruto truly has everything.
He kept sulking enough for Naruto and Hinata to notice, the two shared a worried look.
When they dropped Sumire at her foster house, Kawaki got off the car with her to say goodbye.
"That was fun" Sumire smiled at him as if she hadn't shattered his heart earlier.
"Yeah I'm glad you enjoyed it" he laughed nervously, he wished Naruto, Hinata and Himawari would just stop staring at them from inside the car.
Sumire hesitated for a bit before kissing Kawaki's cheek "see you at your next therapy session."
"O-or at school too ?"
"Yeah sure !" and with that Sumire got inside of her foster house.
That night Kawaki couldn't sleep, that time it wasn't Boruto's snoring that kept him up -him sleeping over at Sarada's house and stuff- but thoughts of Sumire playing with his feelings. He just wished she would be honest with him instead of just hiding her feelings for Boruto.
He went downstairs to get a glass of water and saw that Hinata was still awake. Which was weird since it was three am. She was watching Buffy the vampire slayer with Naruto sleeping in her lap. She turned when she heard the faucet running "Kawaki ?"
"Sorry I'm just-"
"Come" she tapped the empty space next to her "we had a feeling you might need to talk but Naruto fell asleep" she chuckled lightly.
"How did you..?"
"Oh trust me I was in your place once" she sighed "this is about Sumire right ?" Kawaki nodded as he sat next to her.
"I heard her talking to Chocho, and she said that she wanted to like me but she couldn't move on from Boruto."
"I see, and how did it make you feel ?"
"I think it awakened my insecurities, we adressed those with Amado a long time ago.. you know.. How I kept wishing you were my real parents too.." he didn't give Hinata the time to answer "I know it's stupid. But I just can't help it. It really feels like Boruto gets everything while I get nothing."
"I don't think it's stupid at all" Hinata started, she took Kawaki in her arms, being careful not to wake Naruto up "your feelings are valid. You feel like he has everything but trust me Kawaki, I love you like my own flesh and blood."
He hesitated for a bit before asking "could I start calling you mom ? And Naruto dad ?"
Hinata smiled warmly at Kawaki "you have no idea how long we waited for you to call us that."
Kawaki felt a few tears falling from his eyes, fortunately Hinata didn't comment on it. He stayed in her arms, watching Xander being an asshole on screen.