Just ask...

My life wasn't an easy one. War tore apart my country, forcing my family to move to a friendly country, where I tortured any who picked on about having red hair. As I grew older to keep balance within our world I had a beast sealed inside me.

But most importantly I fell in love… with a hottie! Who I married then carried his child... And blah blah blah evil person waited until I went into labor more blah blah blah blah saved the village and DIE!

"What do you mean I die after getting a hottie who dies too?" I yelled throwing the script back at my agent. "I quit. There's no way I'm doing this film. Sorry, go find another sucker. Cuz this chick is not going to be in a tear jerker!"

Hello, my name is Kushina Uzumaki. I'm an eighteen-year-old, out of work actress on the brink of a mental breakdown.

"When was the last time you had a real paycheck, Miss Uzumaki?" There she goes again, giving me a scolding just because her grandfather married my grandmother about a few years ago. Retirement houses are nothing but a hookup place for old people.

"And don't give me this bull about living on instant ramen!" Oh, I must have zoned for a bit. Oh well just act like I'm paying attention but don't nod mindless or say 'mmhmm.' That will lead to trouble.

"Who's going to pay your bills when your money runs out?" Well unlike you I don't gamble it all away.

"A really hot sugar Daddy, I call 'Spike'. And right on cue..."

"There you are, young Lady! How could you just walk out on my masterpiece! It's a work of art."

"Wrong! It's a depressing porno!" In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

"Ahh! That's it you, out! And you get my drink!" Thrown out in record time. Oh yeah!

"Four minutes and ten seconds. Not bad Kushina." Minato stated as I passed by him. We knew each other since we were kids, without any weird moment of confessing our undying love for each other. Since I've never seen him in that way. Fantasies yes, So many times. "You better believe it. I have to go before she catches up on everything. Later." God, why does he have to be so freaking hot! Life's not fair. I hate having hot friends!

I wonder if anyone around here would think that I've lost my mind if I turn around and pounce on him. I'll blame it on hormones. Yeah, there we go! And now turn and- Hey why is he coming toward me. Wait don't tell me. "She realized I'm not there anymore didn't she?"

"Yeah and I told her I haven't seen you leave through the door yet. So if you need a getaway car you can take mine." As much as I knew that I looked really good behind the wheel of his candy apple red mustang there only one problem…okay, two.

"Um I can't drive a standard and um I only have my driver permit." Cue the puppy dog eyes and pouting bottom lip.

"Don't give me that look Kushina. I kind need the paycheck. Stop I'm not giving in-Fine get in the car."

"Yes! I win yet again Minato!" Short-lived victory once I notice Tsunade's goons looking for me. "I'm going to hide in the back seat."

"If there's any room." I stuck my tongue out at him throwing his kid blanket and a lot of toys over me. Everything went fine until I got stuck trying to move. "I told you it was a bad idea."

"Oh shut up! You said no such thing! Now please pull over and help me." By the tone his voice I could tell he was not only enjoying my demise but he had that goofy grin on his face.

"If I pull over now I'll be late picking up Naruto. So I'm sorry-" I could not let him finish that knowing it's a false statement.

"Sorry, my butt. You're enjoying this too much." He didn't reply. "You are!"

"I didn't say anything." was his stupid defense.

"You don't have to." And we argued about that for a while until we pulled into Naruto's Monday baby sitter. He just left me there on my own to wiggle out of there. What a nice guy he is... The big pig-headed jerk!

"Now I need a shower." I'm all stinky and I do believe I have a lollipop in my hair. "Gross! You really need to clean out your car, Minato." I said, scolding him as he returns with my cutie!

"Oh thank for offering, Kushina. Wasn't that nice of her, Naruto?" His baby blue eyes looked up at his crazy Dad then over at helpless me.

"I don't think she meant that Dad." Ha, take that baby! He's on my side! "But she did find my orange lolly." Leave it to a four-year-old to notice yet another lollipop in my hair.

"See, even my cute Naruto see it my way." I won again, I won again, does a happy dance!

"He only agrees with you because you spoil him too much." Well um. I lost this battle. "She doesn't spoil me, Kushi just loves me!" Aw so cute!

"That's right. I love you very much" Okay maybe I been living in denial for a lot of years now. I am in love with Minato. I have been in love with him since we were fourteen, I never said a word to anyone about it until I was fifteen. I told my very best friend Mikoto. She told me if I didn't tell him she was going to take over the local radio station all day and tell him for me.

Everything was going perfectly up until that tramp overheard Mikoto and I and stole Minato from me. Nine months later left him brokenhearted and a father. The next time we saw each other was at my great-grandmother's wedding to his great grandfather. Yeah, it's really messed up and not a good time to tell someone you love them.

"So Naruto, what did you do all day with Rin?" He pulled out his finger painted of his Dad in a cape. I think saving the world. "This is Uncle Pein taking over the world." Okay, so I was wrong and not even close. "And this is Auntie Konan beating up Uncle Pein, so she can take over."

"Don't ask Kushina. Uncle Pein had him last weekend. And they had a Star Wars movie blast." Oh rocking the dark side, nice. Next, he showed a painting of a bunch of people and a tiny person with a cape on.

"This is Auntie Konan's army of all her friends and that's Sasuke. He wants to take over the world too!"

"Nice. Rebelling. Did you know your Dad use to be just like his younger brother?" The poor innocent kid shook his head 'no'. "Yep. Getting tattoos, tongue ring, other places had pieces." Minato threw me a warning look before I went into details.

"You want a ride home, Kushina?" A hint of shut up or I'm throwing you out of my car.

"No Kushi comes home with me!" I dropped it at that as Naruto grilled his Dad lack of driving skills. "Daddy what does that sign mean. That was the number 5.5. on it?" Have to love the highway and back roads speed limits.

"It's the speed limit, kiddo." Minato waited to second before asking. "Why do you ask?"

"Then how come your number says 6 and a 5?" Leadfoot kiddo, it what your Dad suffers from. Minato slows it down to what the stupid sign suggests. "Sorry, Naruto."

I love where Minato moved too. It's out in the country with barely any neighbor around. A place where a kid can scream his head off and no one cares. A place where Naruto can scream his way home, running to the front door.

"I'll take you back home after I get him fed. Okay?" It's so peaceful out here. I don't want to go back to my townhouse.

"Don't worry about it Minato. I'll get there when I get there, no need to rush. Besides you need to spend time with him." Don't look at me like that you stalker. It's not a lie I don't want to go and it's not a lie that I feel the need to spend countless hours with them both.

"If I didn't know better Kushina-" Don't ruin this thing I have going by saying something stupid. Oh, wait that's my job. "I swear you just like spending time with me." Quick say something to throw him off your trail. "W-what makes y-you think that?" Oh yeah just write on your forehead. 'I love you Minato. Marrying me and I'll give you more babies.' "I thought for years that you couldn't think unless you were lying down."

"Maybe that's why I feel so dizzy right now." He acting like he was about to pass out on me.

"Maybe."

It was all fun and games staying with them until Naruto bed time. "She's staying here Daddy! I like Kushi!" I'm loveable, curable, and can cook! Now all I need is my own Barbie box.

"She has to go home sometime, goober." True but right now it's that time, Minato.

"I'll fix up the guest room for you. If you don't mind sleeping in there." Yes, I do mind.

"No, put me where ever you have room." Weeping for the lack of him beside me.

"There room in Dad's room for you Kushi!" Oh, I love this kid. "His bed's big enough for three people." I listen to Minato choke for a bit before explaining why adults can't sleep in the same bed unless their married, which backfired. "Then marry her, Dad. I like having Kushi-Kushi around and I know-"

"Alright time to go sleep." Oh, you just had to ruin that moment as well. I know what some of you might be thinking. 'He likes you. You like him. Just get naked and get together.' Yeah, we could but one small detail. Minato swore off women after his heart was shoved into a blender. As well as 'until Naruto's a little older.' He's been using that saying now since Naruto was a year old.

I left them to argue that out for a while since Naruto wants a Mom for his next birthday. "Yeah, good luck with that one Minato." Was all I thought flopping over on my bed.

It was quiet here. All I could hear was a tree frog, cricket and nothing else. No car or a house party. So peaceful I couldn't sleep, go figure...

Maybe I should star in that movie. They did promise me a hot co-star. But... the only hot co-star I want doesn't even act. Oh, why can't I just tell them yes and tell Minato I love to be with him. Screaming into my pillow might of help if I was a soft screamer but I make a living doing horror films. So screaming brings in more money-I'm sounding like a porn star!

Maybe a nice romantic film will be good for me...but I really hate chick flicks. I give up… I can't win...

"If you're done being a drama queen there a bowl of ice cream with your name on it out here." God, I nearly jump out of my skin. When did he show up in here? Thank goddess I wasn't talking out loud again- or was I? Crap!

"Still afraid of the dark, Kushina?" He just had to bring that up again.

"Still afraid of the drain in the bathtub, Minato?"

"Still believe you're going to bleed to death once a month?" Just like old times. Nothing like hitting below the belt.

"Still believe seeing a naked woman will make you go blind?" He waved a white flag at that one. "I'm going to take that as a 'no' then."

"Depends on the women. I guess." And he left this open to discuss at his expanse. "So how does it feel being back home after all these years?" Oh, bugger!

"It's weird." Don't let him start up with the past.

"You've been okay, right?" Why don't you just come out and say it Minato?

"Yeah." The joy of the silence between us. "I'm still looking over my shoulder for him and having someone else going through my mail as well as moving three times since I got back but other than that I feel great."

I guess I have to talk about this some time to you guys. Well, I had moved away from here and Minato right after I turned sixteen. Because of a stalker... he called me every day, stole my mail, email me love letters, as well as swamp my online fan club with pervert fan art for a bit until he thought if I wouldn't be with him no one else could have me. The art was full detail of how I was going to die.

I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat because of him… So my parents thought it would be best if I step away until it calmed down. And it did after two years... and I was broke.

"I'm sorry. I'm just worried about you. I don't want the old you coming back out."

"She won't. I'll just feed her a lot of chocolate and she'll be happy staying away. Do you buy that?"

"Do you mean that?" I hate how he can see through every single lie I make.

"It's just hard." Finally, the truth seeps from lying lips. "They didn't come with me. Because they honestly did not want me back in this life."

"Maybe you can live in Mikoto's guest house." Oh great, I know that look. "Don't say it."

"And fill Fugaku's mailbox up with love letter again."

"I hate you! Why do you have to bring something like that up! I was six years old and he gave us a flower!"

"Oh that's right I almost forgot how six-year-old girls use to think. Some boy gave them a flower and they heard wedding bells."

"Shut up I did not! It was a sunflower. Mikoto got the rose! I honestly didn't understand why he gave me that anyways. He's always hated me."

"Boys do weird things like that sometimes." His tone softened as if he didn't want me to hear it almost.

"You made him give it to me, didn't you? Don't lie to me Minato or I'll tell your Mom why you really took a walk after dinner."

"I didn't want the red-headed wild child to feel left out." Liar!

"Liar Liar Pants on fire." I hummed out to myself as he dug deeper into his grave.

"Well it's late and I have to be at work by nine, so good-night Kushina. Oh, and it's good to have to home."

More thinking and less sleeping was my night. Having a rude awakening by Minato screaming at me to get up because he overslept and we're running late.

Stumbling out and down the step outside was fun… "You okay?" Aw, he's concerned for me, how sweet. I just nodded. "Good. Now get in the car." Sweet yet sour concern.

"Kushi-Kushi you have a funny hairstyle." Naruto giggles out as I tried to tame the beast known as my hair.

I hate humidity! "Thank you, sweetie. This is what happens when I don't have a morning shower." Minato just gently smiled at me as I glared back. "So who's your baby sitter on Tuesday?"

"Daddy." A one worded answer yeah we're not morning people.

"He only has a sitter on Monday and Wednesday when I have to be at work by six am and don't get home until after five." It's hard being a single parent but he's doing a really good job of it.

By the time we arrived my hair still looked out of control and Tsunade stood in front of his parking spot.

"Grammy!" Naruto squealed out as I tried to duck down more into my seat so she wouldn't see me. Yeah, fat chance that was. And Naruto's cute factor wasn't helping me. "Dads clock died."

"Sorry, Mom I know I told you when you gave me this job I would never be late." She just shook her head. "I'm not angry at you, Minato. Things like that happen." Okay, Miss Happy pants Tsunade. "Kushina, on the other hand, is another story. There at least three scripts are on my desk for you to read. NOW MOVE YOUNG LADY!"

"Yes, Ma'am!" I followed behind Minato as Tsunade told her grandbaby what she has planned for today. "Here your crayon, finger paint, and marker. I would like a pretty picture to hang on that wall."

"OK-ay!" Grabbing his stuff he moved to his mini desk near his Dad's as Tsunade handed me three pounds of scripts to read and pick at least one.

The first three just planned out since I do not do nudity! Unless there a hot guy in the picture then by all mean I'll show all. 'Space Ninja. I'll pass. 'Kidnap bride' been done. 'A killer of hot men' I'll think about it.'

After an hour of this, I conned Minato and Naruto into helping me. "Kushi-Kushi is no pretty princess!" Naruto voiced throwing five more into the 'no' pile.

"But I think she would make a cute one. Dressed up in pink-" I shot Minato a glare for trying to push his luck. "Never mind. How about this one..." I had to smack him with it. "Only if you leave your life behind the desk and join me. If not... I do not make porn."

"But you know firsthand how to pull off the naughty school girl act."

"Oh, so you do have a Kinky fantasy about me." Yes! He's blushing!

"I do n-not!" Sure you don't Minato. Sure. "Think like that."

So I like to hit below the belt by asking the only person who knows all. "Naruto, does your Daddy think about me a lot?"

"Yep!" Minato started to sweat a little sitting across from us.

"Does he talk about me a lot too?" I watch Minato start to squirm in his seat now.

"Yes." I'm going to have to make thank you cookies for him. "And he even dreams about you, Kushi-Kushi." Screw the cookies this kid needs a cake!

"Oh, really and what does he say about me in his sleep?" Before Naruto could answer me Minato picked him up saying. "Nap time."

"Cheater!"

"You started it, Kushina." They disappeared into Tsunade's office for a bit. And then only Minato walked out. "So what am I doing in your dream?"

"Drop it." Yeah like I'm going to listen to that. "Am I your…cook?" No reaction. "Am I your...maid?" Again no reaction. "Am I your...nurse?" A raised eyebrow okay but not the reaction I wanted. "Am I a princess who needs to be saved?" Nothing!

"Just drop it, Kushina." His tone wasn't strict so I'm pushing on.

"Do I...strip in your dream?" Still nothing! Three hours of asking him endless questions and still NOTHING! Ahh! Either he really good at hiding it or I'm not even close to guessing it.

"You have two more guesses then you're dropping it. Deal?"

As much as I wanted to scream curse words at him. I agreed. "Deal!"

Now it's time to think. "Am I naked in your dream?" He choked on his tea so I am on the right track. "Okay is this your dream. You're my sensei and I'm your student, wearing a hot red school girl outfit and somehow we end up in bed together?" Yeah, it's way out there since I know he hasn't had those type of dream since we were preteens. "At least you can do is answer me! Minato. Um, Minato?" Wow, he fainted on me. Wait a second… Wow, that is a kinky dream about me.

"Is Daddy taking a nap too?" Naruto yawned out, rubbing his eyes as he walked out. "Yeah, he is kiddie. You wanna tag along with me to play in the costume room?" He slowly nodded his head as he took my hand.

"Let's see do you want to be a ninja, a samurai, or a prince?"

"Um, I want to be a Samurai Prince." At least he didn't say he wanted to be all three right?

"Oh fair Prince Naruto, I bid you accompany me back to wake your father?"

"Okay." Yeah, he's not much of an actor but who cares he looks really cute right now.

"So how do we wake him up kiddo?" I had to ask since he was still out cold. Naruto just grins as he climbs up on Minato and whispers something in his ear.

"Mom put your clothes back on!" He screamed jerking awake. "Works every time." Naruto giggles out. "What are you wearing anyway?"

"I'm a samurai Prince and Kushi-Kushi is my student." So I'm mean but who cares right now. Minato didn't dare look over at me knowing all too well what I'm dressed in. "Did you saved the world again?" "Nope! I took over!"

"Of course you did. I blame your Uncle Pein for that."

"But he's awesome and fun!"

"Your dad used to be awesome and fun way back in the day. Then he had to grow up. I do miss the wild child, Minato. All the fun parties we use to have." I sighed out remembering what life used to be like before everything went to crap.

"Kushina, dear, I hope you're not walking home in that are you?" Tsunade asked staring at me. 'No I'm going home with your son in this little number.' "No. I'm walking home in the nude." She just smiled at Minato grumbling under her breath something about. 'More grandbabies." before leaving us alone.

"Mom don't get any ideas." Yeah right, idea nothing she's had this planned for months since the rumor started about my great return.

"Wouldn't dream of it, honey. Now take Naruto home so he can have a healthy meal other than ramen!'

"But I like Kushi-Kushi's ramen. So does Daddy." Naruto just loves letting everything out of Minato bag of goodies.

"Would you like for me to take you home?" Minato asked me and I just had to take that the wrong way. My devilish grin gave me away before I could say anything. "Not what I meant, Kushina!" Another scolding from him is always fun.

We've been playing this game for a long time now and I'm not getting any younger. So it's time to jump right in and hope for the best.

"Naruto do you like having me around?"

"Yes."

"Do you think your Dad should just face the fact and just ask me out on a date?" He just looked up at his Dad and then pouted. "Please, I like her a lot and I know you do too," he whispers the last part but I could still hear it.

His blue eyes remain on me for a while until he came up with his answer with my best friend Mikoto help. "I do need a date for Fugaku and Mikoto's anniversary party this weekend if you would like to come with me."

"Ask her right Dad or she'll just say no," Naruto whispered again to his Dad.

"Would you like to be my date this weekend? It's not formal or anything."

"I would love too." Woohoo, I got a date with Minato after all these years! Take that one bimbo. "Mind dropping me off at Mikoto's on your way home?"

"You're taking her up on her offer about the guest house?"

"Yeah, city life isn't for me anymore. So I guess we'll be neighbors again." He tried to hide it but I saw a hint of happiness in that. I didn't bother changing since I just enjoy messing with him.

But climbing into the passenger seat of his car in a naughty school inform wasn't easy since if I moved or bend in any way wrong I would show all I own.

Yeah, my life is always fun...