In a perfect world

Birthdays

The nurse bobbed the fragile package in her arms as she slowly brought it to the tired red-head. Carefully, she placed it in her weak but stable arms. The proud mother caressed it's tear-streaked face.

"Naruto-kun," Kushina mumbled to the baby in her arms. "You're finally here."

~~~

6 years later

"Happy Birthday Naruto!" Kushina cried as she hugged her little birthday boy. He grinned in return, wrapping his arms around her neck.

"Arigato Kaa-San!" He shouted, causing her to jump back.

"Eeeeh, don't shout in my ear! Do you want your Kaa-San to become deaf?" She bonked him lightly on his head to get the point through. In the background, Minato held up a camera, smiling as he took a shot. The picture was printed out through the bottom and he picked it up, gazing at it before turning it around to show his wife.

He laughed, pointing at her irritated face in the photo as Naruto rubbed his sore head. Kushina grinned, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly as she laughed along with him. She wondered what kind of life they would have if Minato and herself were never here to see this. Though she knew without a doubt, she would never forgive herself.

*knock *knock

All three of them stopped and shifted their heads towards the door. "Don't worry, I'll get it." Kushina said as she brought herself to the door and opened it. "KYAAA!"'she squealed. "Mikoto! What are you doing here?!" She asked, glomping her best friend lightly.

After straightening herself out, Mikoto grinned at Kushina, bringing out a gift from behind her back. "My fami-"she stopped and turned to the three Uchiha boys standing near the fence, minding their own business. "Hold on for a moment."

She walked up to them, putting on a sweet smile. She said something that Kushina couldn't quite catch before grabbing three ears between her index finger and her thumb and dragging them over. Minato, who happened to appear in the doorway, sent a pity-filled smile towards them, mostly Fugaku for he understood what it was like to have a wife like her. After all, he was standing right next to his own.

"Anyway," she huffed, glaring at the boy's behind her, who immediately put up three, identical fake smiles. Or at least, as much of a smile an Uchiha can have. "My family wanted to give a gift to the birthday boy." She smiled a genuine smile.

From behind, Sasuke tugged on his older brother's sleeve, causing Itachi to look at him with irritation. "Yes, Sasuke?"

"Nii-San, why does Kaa-San act like a nice person in front of Aunt Kushina? We all know she isn't like that." Sasuke asked innocently while Itachi tried to shush him though he couldn't hold back a snicker of his own.

"Excuse me?" Mikoto's voice called from infront of them, causing Itachi to freeze.

"N-nothing Kaa-San."

"Good."

Mikoto turned to Kushina, continuing their interrupted conversation, only to be interrupted again.

"Sorry," Minato interrupted."I thought that maybe we should all talk inside. I'm sure Naruto is bored on his own." He put up a sheepish face.

"Oh, good idea." Kushina turned to Mikoto. "I'm sure Naruto would appreciate it if you gave the gift to him in person. If you don't mind, of course."

"No problem!" Mikoto exclaimed, stepping into the room, three brooding raven-heads trailing behind her. Fugaku and Minato sat down at the couch together, trading wife problems while Itachi sat in the corner staring out the window.

Sasuke, however, sneaked behind Naruto before shouting "BOO!"

"Argh!" Naruto screamed, falling from the chair. He turned to the raven haired boy who was smirking from behind him and glared at him. "What was that for? Teme!"

"Do-be!" Sasuke stuck out his tongue.

*bonk

"Ow!" Sasuke cried, rubbing his head.

"Don't scare Naruto! It's his birthday so be nice." Mikoto lectured, poking his nose with each word. Naruto poked out from behind Mikoto, giving him a mocking smirk and sticking out his tongue. Mikoto turned around suddenly, causing Naruto to lose the smirk and give an effortless smile.

"Here, Naruto. It's a gift from all us Uchihas. Happy Birthday!" She exclaimed handing the box to him. Naruto grinned in return and was about to open the box when..

*BANG

The door slammed open, smoke bursting through it, causing everyone to cough.

"Meet the legendary, handsome toad demon of Mount Byoku, JIIIRRRAAAIIYYAA-SAAAMMMAA."