I smiled and waved goodbye to Shino, and started to walk away from the academy.

"(Y/N)!" A familiar voice shouted.

I turned around and saw the one and only, Rock Lee, who was heading towards me fast on his hands. I smiled. "Hi, Lee. It's been a while!"

When he got over to me he flipped over on to his feet. "I know right?! How are you?" He asked. "I'm good, you?"

"I am amazing!"

"Well, that's great," I said. "What are you up to?" I asked.

"Just an intense workout! Would you like to join me?" He asked.

"Oh, ha, I don't know. I'm not like how I was when I was younger."

"We are still empowered with youth! Come on, it will be fun! I'll race you even! But... Twist! We race there on our hands, but with only one hand! So, that you'll be able to keep your clothes up." He said, referring to how I was dressed.

I was in a simple dress, triangular cuts on the side, reached slightly above my knees and black tights.

"Oh... Hm, that sounds funny since I have nothing better to do." I agreed.

He grinned, and punched his fist into the air. "Let's go!"

I grinned, and held my the bottom of my dress with one hand and hopped on to my free hand, holding my body up into the air, perfectly balancing myself.

He smiled, and got onto one hand and put his other hand behind his back. He then looked at me. "Ready?" He asked, excitement laced in his voice.

"Of course!" I exclaimed, excited.

"Alright! From here to the entrance of Konoha!" He shouted, grinning.

"Alright! Start the countdown!"

3

2

1

"Go!" He shouted, and we were off.

We raced to the entrance, using only one hand to get there. It wasn't very hard, it was easy for us. Others? No.

While we raced, people stared at us weirdly, pointing and whispering. Just like the old times.

I laughed as me and Lee raced to my house. We were doing something like exercies, but it was still a race. We had to race all the way to the entrance of Konoha, while doing jumping jacks and then drop down on to our feet and do push ups.

I smiled as I was ahead of him by a few inches.

I could hear him pouting from where I was. I smiled, now not paying attention as I continued jumping up in down doing jumping jacks and push ups. I suddenly bumped into someone.

I fell on to my stomach and huffed.

"You should watch where you're going."

I sighed and looked up. "Well, sorry Sasuke. Is it not enough that I'm on my stomach kissing the ground you walk on? Oh wait people already do that for you." I smiled and stood up.

He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.

Lee was still far behind me as I stood with Sasuke in a silent stand.

He sighed. "Whatever." He said and headed home.

I smiled and went back to the race and still ended up winning.

When Lee caught up, he started asking for a rematch.

I laughed and winked at him. "Sorry, not today!" I said.

I smiled and made it to the entrance first. I jumped up to my feet and cheered happily. "Ha! I won, you lost!" I bragged, childishly.

He huffed. "That means more training!" He shouted. "More hard work a— Sasuke?!"

I jumped and turned around, there in the flesh and blood was, Sasuke Uchiha.

I stared at him, as he looked over at me and Lee.

"Hello, Rock Lee and (Y/N)." He said.

I breathed slowly to calm myself down and rubbed my arm. "Hey Sasuke." I muttered, and looked away denying to look at him.

Rock Lee looked at both of us and smiled. "Oh! Naruto told me, once you come, Sasuke, that you should go directly to his office to see him." He said.

Sasuke nodded and started to walk, he walked past me and our shoulders brushed.

I felt that similar feeling, the first time me and Sasuke touched.

Electricity.

And, it scared me. It scared me so much.

I looked at Lee. "I have to go home. Relax before I have to go and pick up Ai." I said.

He nodded and smiled. "Have a good day!" He exclaimed as I started to walk away.

I nodded and walked home. I was just ready to get home, shut myself inside and eat ice cream until I have to go and pick up Ai, then go get Ai and come home, and eat ice cream.

I started to speed walk to my house, because I'm sure, Sasuke is in no rush to see Naruto or well anyone. Unconsciously, I dipped into alleyways and took short cuts to head home.

In no time, I was home. I took my keys out in a hurry and unlocked the door and quickly went inside. I panted and leaned against the door, but slid down on it my butt.

Why am I so scared to face him? Look at his face. Look him in the eyes. Even be anywhere, where I can feel his aura. Why am I so scared?

What is he doing to me?

I sighed and stood up. I just need to relax. Maybe, that'll do some good for me. A hot bath will do.

I walked to the bathroom, walked inside, started to run a nice hot bath. I stared at the water. It was so nice.

I turned the knob, stopping the water and started to slowly strip myself.

Once done, I slowly got into the tub. Slowly dipping my feet in, then slowly sitting down in the tub.

I sighed, and started to think about Ai, what we could do when I go and pick her up. What we could bake or eat. Or play. Maybe tell her about my day, but I barely do anything.

Just waiting on my next mission or to do something.

I sighed and got a hand towel and soap and started to scrub my body. I scrubbed all of my body as hard as I could.

Then I rinsed it all and started to do it again.

This was somehow relaxing. Calming.

Once done, I got out and drained the bathtub. I grabbed a towel and wrapped it around my body.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

I looked at the door. "Is someone at the front door?" I asked myself as I held the towel close.

I went to the door, and cracked it open, so I could cover my body.

I stuck my head out from behind the door and there he was.

Sasuke.

I sighed and looked at him.

"What is it, Sasuke?" I asked.

"I'm staying here." He said.

"What? Who said you can?" I huffed.

"I did. Naruto said, I could stay at his place, but I told him, I'll gome here. He tried to stop me, but he got busy." He explained.

I sighed, "Sasuke, just stay here for a while." I said and closed the door, and locked it. I went to the bathroom and picked up my clothes and put it in the laundry basket and then went to my room and put on a (F/C) dress with a v-shaped collar, and the dress zipped up, to the collar.

I combed my hair out into a ponytail and then went back to the front door. I opened it, and saw him still standing there.

I opened it wide enough, so he can come in and stepped aside.

"Welcome to my home." I said, as he took his shoes off and walked inside.

He looked around, he was unfamiliar with this house. I used to live in a smaller house, more like an apartment, one room, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. That's all.

"This is your new house?" He asked.

"Yeah." I answered and went into the hallway, and opened the closet, there were sheets and Ai's toys. I sighed and got sheets out.

"You'll stay in the guest room. I don't even want you here, to be honest, but I'm not coldhearted." I said, bluntly. "And, it's more as, I owe Naruto a favor and now it's even. So, follow me." He nodded and followed me to the guest room.

I opened the door, revealing the simple room.

The wall was light pink, since I had leftover paint from Ai's room and had to put it to use. There was a queen sized bed placed in the center of the room, the headboard touching the wall, equal spacing from each side of the bed to the wall and windows.

I went over to the bed and started to put the sheets on it and glanced over at him. "How long are you staying?" I asked.

"A while. The minimum is a few weeks." He said.

I nodded, and breathed slowly, trying to contain my regret of letting him inside.

After that I quickly left the room to get pillows from my room and headed back. I put them on the guest bed and sighed, happily.

"There all done. You can get settled. If you need clothes washed you can put them in the laundry basket in the bathroom across the hall. And, don't go into the room next to yours, that room is occupied." I shortly explained. "I'm about to make a snack. If you need me, just go into the kitchen." I said, and thought for a bit as I feel like I covered everything.

"Yup, that's it." I confirmed and walked out. I walked to the kitchen and started to make Ai's favorite sandwiches. Peanut Butter & Jelly.

I hummed and put the sandwiches in a bag and rolled it up and left the leftovers on a plate.

I went over to the front door and put my sandals on.

"Sasuke, I'll be back." I called as I opened the door.

He walked out of the guest room and over to me. "Can I come?" He asked.

"Um... Why?" I asked.

"I don't want to stay in here all day." He answered.

I sighed. "Well, I'm going to go and see Shino. But, if you want, you can come." I said, quietly.

He nods and puts his shoes on, as I walked out of the door. Once he walked out, I closed and locked the door.

I held the bag and walked to the academy and he walked with me.

As we walked, I glanced at him, but he was only looking forward. I swear if he looks at me, I'll stab two kunais through each of his eyes, well, not literally. Only in my imagination. And, my dreams.

Haha...

"So, why are we going to see, Shino?" He asked and looked down at me.

If only dreams could come true...

"Well, I have to drop off lunch for my daughter." I answered.

I really wasn't one to panic under questions I didn't want to answer. I'd either avoid it or answer it.

"Your daughter?" He asked.

I nodded.

"Did you want to see Shino?" I looked at him.

He sighed. "Not really."

I smiled and laughed softly. "Well, he got weirder. You thought he'd be the same, but not at all." I said.

"How weird is he?"

"One time I caught him snuggling a teddy bear and saying it's to understand kids." I explained.

"You're right."

He looks at me as I looked at him.

"He's weird." He said, with a small smile.

I quickly loomed away and nodded as we arrived at the academy. You could hear the kiss playing around outside, as we walked inside. We walked to Shino's class and knocked on the door.

"Yes?" Shino's voice answered and I opened the door.

"Hey, it's me and I brought Sasuke." I said and walked inside the empty classroom.

Shino looked at the both of us. Shock written all over his face.

"Sasuke? You're back." He said, still shocked.

Sasuke nods. "Yes, a while ago, I got back."

Shino nods and then turns, looking at me now. "Is that Ai's food?"

I smiled and nodded. "Here you go." I said. "I'll give it to her." He said, getting up and grabbing the bag.

"Aw, thank you. If there's anything you need or want, you can ask me." I grinned and playfully winked at him.

Shino's cheeks started to turn red and looked away. "I-I will." He said.

I let out a quiet laugh, and looked at Sasuke. "Let's go." I said and walked out the door and Sasuke followed.

After a short walk we got back to my house. "I'll be in my room, until it's time to go and pick up Ai." I said, and opened the door.

He walked inside. We both took our shoes off beside the door, and suddenly he turned and looked at me.

"Well, about Ai—"

"Oh right! Rules, rule one, don't talk to me about my daughter unless it's super important. And, rule two, don't talk to me while I'm going to my room." I said, and walked to my room.

I heard a small sigh, then footsteps, and finally a door closing.

I went into my room and laid on my bed.

Am I going to regret letting him stay here with us?

That question was repeated multiple times in my head, until I slowly drifted off to sleep.

After hours of sleeping, I slowly woke up. My eyes fluttering open from a good and peaceful nap.

I sighed and got up, getting out of bed.

"Sasuke!" I called out, as I walked out of my room. I heard the guest room door open, and the footsteps were quick and in a hurry.

He looked at me.

"What is it?" He asked, somewhat startled.

I smiled. "Did I startle you?" I asked.

"Sowwy~." I cooed playfully, and chuckled. "Anyways, it's time to go and pick up Ai." I said and went over to my sandals and slipped them on. He slipped his shoes on, as I opened the door.

He glanced at me as he silently walked out. I followed him and locked the door, while closing it.

In silence we walked to the academy. Which was a faster walk than last time, since I was so excited to see Ai. I'm always excited to see her. She's my daughter.

And, I loved her ever since she was in my womb.

And, I will forever love her, even if she grows up and does the unspeakable. Well, I hope she doesn't do that.

But...

She's my little girl.

She'll be my big girl.

She'll forever be my precious daughter, that I'll put my life on the line to protect and make sure she can grow up, in a loving and happy home.

With a father or no father.

"Mommy!"

I smiled and looked at the little girl. She smiled and ran over to me.

I happily kneeled down, opening my arms wide as she ran into them.

Wrapping her arms around my neck.

I laughed and hugged her tight. "I missed you so much, Ai." I said.

"I missed you too mo... Who is that?" She asked and pointed at Sasuke.

I turned my head and looked at him.

"That is my old teammate. From Team Seven that I told you about. Sasuke Uchiha, he's staying with us." I said.

She gasped and let go and looked at him.

"Uchiha?! Like my dad?! You have a Sharingan too, right?!" She asked excited.

I sighed as Sasuke looked at me, and nodded to her question.

"Yes, I'm a Uchiha with a Sharingan." He answered.

She smiled and bounced happily. "Look look, I have mommy's Byakugan! But, I only have one..." She pouted. "But, it's cause I have a Sharingan like daddy!" She said. "I want to see daddy's Sharingan, but mommy said he's on a mission and will be back one day and will show me his Sharingan!" She grinned, happily.

She was beaming with happiness. Her short black hair, bouncing as she bounced. Her Byakugan and one her one (E/C) eye, bright as ever as she looked up at Sasuke.

He looked at me and then looked at her and slowly kneeled down.

"Well, look at mine then." He said, and showed her his Sharingan.

She smiled happily and looked at his Sharingan.

"So awesome! Guess what?" She asked.

"What is it?" He asked.

"I'm both Hyūga and Uchiha. Mommy said, I can't be both, that it won't be accepted. But, it's my dream to be both! And, it's my name too! AI HYŪGA-UCHIHA!!!" She shouted, her voice filled with hope.

He looked shocked and taken back, as I looked down at my feet.

Ai... If only you could know... That it'll be hard being accepted by the Hyūgas...  Because, of your eyes. And, it's all my fault.