Epilogue: Hypothesis

"Papa, get up! Hurry, we're going to be late!"

Naruto cracks one eye open, tiny blur moving back and forth in his fogged vision.

It's normal for Himawari to want to wake him most mornings to try her various breakfast concoctions or start playing, but never usually with such urgency.

Her frantic voice rings out in his ears as she nudges at his arms and legs rapidly until he finally opens his eyes fully to see wide azure orbs gazing down at him.

"The field trip is today; don't forget! You're still coming with me, right?" She pursues and he sits up straight in realization.

'Crap, I thought that was tomorrow!'

Hinata had given him all the forms to sign, asking him the night before if he was sure he wanted to be Himawari's field trip buddy instead of Boruto's whose trip to Konoha's newest aquarium and product factory was scheduled for later on in the month to give him more time to plan out his schedule.

Never mind that Boruto was horribly against even the thought of said idea of them switching places, shaking his head that he was fine with Mom being one of the parent chaperones.

At least Himawari was excited to be with him, despite the heavy weight of sleepiness lingering with him from the stream of late meetings he had been having throughout the weeks to make sure he could have this day off.

"What time is it?" He questions as he gets up to move to his closet.

"4:00, the bus leaves at 8:00; remember?!" She replies, shifting up on her toes anxiously as she watches him twist from tossing out clothes to abruptly stop and turn to look back at her.

"4:00?" Naruto repeats.

'As in 4:00 am?'

Now that his mind was getting more alert, it explained the darkness out the window, the lack of sunlight having managed to slip through the small slits in the blinds…

Hinata shifts the bedside lamp on, flooding the room with a bright yellow. "Hima, it's too early. Papa and Mama didn't forget to set our alarms."

Cheeks bulge out defiantly, glancing from Naruto to her slowly. "Are you sure?"

Hinata nods, waving her to the bed. "You don't want to be drowsy for the trip, right? You should get a bit more rest in so you'll be awake to take all the sights in properly. We'll wake you up on time; we promise."

A yawn escapes her before she can properly argue she's fine, letting her guide her back to her bedroom.

It's only when she returns does Hinata let a laugh escape at her husband's behavior, securing herself back into his side as he tosses the sheets back over them.

"You were just going to let me run out of here with her over 3 hours early?!" He scoffs gently by her ear making her shiver.

Hinata shook her head, burying another giggle into the pillows and blankets. "No…I figured you would just realize it was still early when you saw the moon was still out or saw no other people around."

He pokes at her side teasingly, already feeling sleep pull at him once more. "Liar."

A smile presses against his cheek in response along with a whispered goodnight. The same effect of warmth washes over his body as he presses her closer, to linger in the scents of vanilla and lavender on her skin until he drifts off as well.

This was Himawari's first real field trip not counting the many travels to the zoo or one of one of fields deemed a 'Konoha heritage site'.

No, this time she had an actual real assignment to go along with traveling to Konoha's main natural science and history museum.

And he planned for her by the end of the day to gain the same love of the field as him.

-X-

"You have your water bottles, assignment folder, and ID badge?" Boruto listed out.

"Yup, Yup, and hold on…Yup!" Himawari chirped, zipping her backpack up and tossing it onto her shoulders.

Boruto regarded her with a grin, shaking his head at her excited fervor as she glanced back to the frog clock overhead.

Only 30 minutes to go until they left.

"Are you really that eager to spend a whole day with Papa of all people?" He questioned, arching a brow.

The same Papa who cracked extremely lame science jokes in front of his friends or tried (and usually failed) to understand all of his favorite games?

'I hope he keeps his attention on her, all my last field trips that involved him had people treating him as if he was a celebrity or something…'

Really, it wasn't as if Papa acted in any movies or commercials.

The last thing he wants to do though is ruin Hima's fun with all his somewhat sour experiences, blue eyes sparkling with mirth as she glances his way again. "You were happy when he was your chaperone for that field trip you took to the planetarium two years ago!"

And she smirks at the hint of red that comes upon his face, glancing away hurriedly from her.

"That…ugh you always bring that up! Whatever, at least I know Mama won't embarrass me with science puns next Friday."

Not that Himawari even seems to hear him, humming to herself as she adjusted and brushed her violet locks into place before heading downstairs.

Papa being a top researcher, head of the toxicology/medicinal department at the hospital normally caused him to work long or awkward shifts making sure enough antidotes for the most common household chemicals or animals bites had their anti-venoms. His treatment plans could often be long-winded and detailed to understand at times, but he always made sure they were enough bundles available for both day and night to use in case of emergencies.

His commitment caused them to rarely catch sight of him except at night or when they were about to head off to school.

'But today Papa is going be with me all day, he won't have to worry about work!'

She peeks a glance back over to Boruto, watching as he regards the newest collage of photos and drawings pinned to her wall. It's a messily strewn together mix filled with moments in time visiting Grandpa at the manor or yearly trips to the beach or mountains…

"Aren't you happy too that Papa took a week off after how busy he's been studying those potion things and stuff? Why are you being so mean to him?" She decides to ask, making sure not to trip over the harder to pronounce words.

Stiffening again, he nods. "I'm not being mean! I…I am happy, but you don't need to tell him that!"

Cobalt orbs sparkle mischievously then, scurrying out the door before he can give chase after her.

Naruto bumps right into her just as she rounds the corner, giggling as he nearly topples over.

"Whoa Hima, no need to rush! You made sure to double check you have everything with Boruto, right?" He asks, looking up as Boruto moves at a much slower pace down each step to join them.

He nods to him quickly, muttering a soft good morning before brushing past them for the kitchen. Hinata sends him a look at seeing the change in their son's behavior (who usually only gives him a grunt as a form of greeting), grin curving up her lips before hiding it as she passed him a plate of eggs.

"Oi Bolt, you didn't get into any odd mixtures last night, did you? Like anything in the sodium or hydrogen groups?"

He only gets a groan in response, okay so maybe it's too early to be cracking science jokes.

And at least he knows he's still the same Boruto.

"Papa, hurry up and eat so we're not late!" Himawari orders, pointing to his usual spot at the table.

They aren't that far from the school and he's sure they'll wait for them even if they're a few minutes late, though he does as she wants promptly heading for his seat.

Himawari is already ready and out the door minutes later while he is still trying to finish up brushing his teeth and gathering his own belongings.

'Ah, I need to hurry! I shouldn't have ate that omelet and toast at the same time. Ugh, I can't keep Hima waiting, I don't want her to get upset with me moving so slow.'

Hinata strides up to his side, holding out his bento box and backpack of his own essentials for being a chaperone.

In the mirror he can see she's already dressed to head to the lab, white coat buttoned up and dark locks neatly pinned up in a ponytail.

"You almost forget these Naruto. And don't worry, I'm sure you're going to do great being her and the other students guide to the museum." She notes at his jitteriness, taking his shaky hands in her own.

He lets out a breath, nodding as he rubbed the edges of her thumbs.

Was his nervousness that obvious?

The other parents might wonder why he was volunteering with the trip instead of working, everyone knew of his responsibilities not just to the hospital, but to the city as well.

Shikamaru promised he would hold the fort down while he was gone, practically having to push him out the door that he already knew where all the files and business reports were.

"Go enjoy some time with your family! Before you know it they'll be wanting to spend their free time more with their friends then their Dad."

The thought made his stomach knot, but Boruto and Himawari were growing quickly with each passing day…

"Hey, did any of the other kid's parent's hassle you about supervising on these trips? I don't want them to think I'm being lazy or something wanting to take a day off instead of working at the lab or-"

"Naruto, it doesn't matter what other people think. You're doing this for Hima; not them." Hinata interrupts him firmly, lilac orbs hardening at even the thought.

And despite the fluttering still constricting at his chest, a smile makes its way back onto his face.

'She always knows what to say…'

Because even back during their high school days when he was nothing but a delinquent, Hinata had still found the need to defend him.

Still somehow saw the good in him.

He takes a step closer to her and lavender eyes soften, pink burning into her cheeks at his knowing stare.

"W-What?" She breathes out and he beams at how quick he can get her shy nature to return.

Naruto shook his head, lowering his voice. "Just have a theory I wanted to propose to you. I believe by the end of the day Himawari's new favorite subject will be science after I show her all the cool things the museum offers!"

Hinata furrowed a brow, Naruto usually only came up with silly scientific bets he knew he would win.

And they both knew Himawari loved art the most, her colorful drawings and photos lining the fridge and walls of her room.

"So, what happens when you lose?" Hinata teases, curiosity lacing her tone at whatever the stakes could be this time.

A smirk lights his face, shaking his head. "You mean when I win, you'll sneak away from your office to join me for lunch for a week and wear that one uniform of yours. You know, the old one with the laboratory's atomic logo on it…"

'The one that was too tight?!'

She had tossed it right into the depths of their closet, having completely forgotten about it when her correct size came in.

Her face heats even more then, skin prickling up when his gaze lightly roamed over her body without care.

"O-Okay, though if she still prefers art at the end of the day you have to pay for lunch for a week and wear that old company jacket they gave out to you all at the beginning of the year!"

The same one he disliked for being a bizarre neon green and blue to appeal to their new electrical department.

Naruto scrunched up his face at the thought, Hinata giggling already at seeing him in colors besides his typical orange or black.

"Fine, it's a deal." He states after a while, leaning in close until their lips meet. Her favorite green tea and spices lingers on her tongue, moan softly slipping out when their heated skin briefly touches.

A knock to the door makes them hurriedly pull apart, Boruto's voice calling out for them with noted frustration.

'This is so embarrassing, do they have to do that before they leave every day?!'

They crack the door open enough to see him standing there, arms folded as he stomped his foot impatiently. He rolls his eyes at their flustered looks at being caught (he's the one who had accidentally heard them), gesturing back to the main entrance.

"Papa, Himawari is going to leave without you if you don't get a move on! You can kiss Mama later!"

-X-

"Check out my new watch Himawari, it call tell the local time in Konoha, Suna and Kumo!" A boy states from the seat across from them, holding out his arm for her to see.

"Looks cool!" She grinned back, smile leaving her face though as soon as he turned back around.

It was an old antique design probably passed down in his family line Naruto noted, polished oak making the golden numbers glimmer against rising morning light.

He wondered though as the boy's expression flickered from her to his for a second as he had wildly waved his watch around just who he was truly showing off the luxurious item for.

The school had set this trip for the right day though based on the weather, part of him hoping some of this trip included outdoor activities where they could enjoy the warm air and streams of blue overhead.

'I didn't know Hima was so popular.' Naruto considered, other students bustling to ask her what exhibits she wanted to see first or what animal was her favorite when the bus would pause for a moment at a stop sign or intersection.

And oddly through it all she was quiet, giving short or clipped answers to each one.

Naruto glanced down to her, cerulean focused out the window on the rolling meadows of lush greens and blossoming amber and fuchsia wildflowers along the roadside, maybe she was embarrassed to be sitting with him? He should've gone to the back to sit with the other parents and teachers…

"Himawari, you okay?" He whispers as the bus falls into another quiet lull, soon the distinct forests and hillsides would give way into endlessly high skyscrapers and construction sites as they headed deeper into Konoha's ever growing downtown section.

She gives a nod without looking at him, pursing her lips to keep her mouth shut as she kept her attention on the passing scenery.

"Are you sure?" Naruto urges, bumping their shoulders lightly and finally she peers over to him at his continued poking.

Cobalt orbs are somber, frown etching her face as she glances around before sighing.

"I don't like Kojiro." She states simply.

Naruto paused, eyes trailing to the boy in front of him to which she nodded.

"He's only showing off because you're here Papa! Natsuki told me during show and tell that watch is his Grandpa's; not his!" She murmured, voice low and conspiratorial. Her eyes narrowed as they both heard him begin to start bragging about the watch's other special features once more to his field trip buddy beside him.

And as cute as it is to listen to Himawari trust and share with him another 5 year old's gossip (especially when her cheeks puff out in annoyance in a similar fashion to Hinata's when the child's loud snickering echoes out into the bus), he shouldn't encourage such behavior.

"Well, you don't need to be mean about it. Everyone here on the bus is your classmate, remember?" Naruto advises.

Himawari nods, leaning her head back. "Okay, but you have to stay with my group Papa. Just say no to any other groups that ask you!"

She hadn't even phrased it as a question.

Her main assignment was a scavenger hunt after all, answer all the questions for each exhibit in order to get first place's prize of picking between an assortment of stickers, a day off from homework, and a lunch party for their class.

He had to admit, he would want to beat out the other groups too with so many things on the line.

"Don't worry Hima, I'm sticking with your group! We'll make sure to be the first ones to finish!" He boasted, Himawari bouncing on the seat excitedly as the bus let out a screech and seeming groan, dark smoke billowing out the exhaust pipe as the driver cut the engine off.

They had arrived.

Teachers moved to stand again, gesturing for every to move into a straight line amid rising laughter and excitement.

Naruto nodded to a math and social studies professor as they went row by row counting heads off.

Now he knew why she was wearing a yellow shirt, heading to join others with the same color. It seemed as if they were 5 groups then for her class overall: Purple, Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow.

Well it didn't matter her team color, not only would Himawari win this mini competition she had with the other kindergartners, she would proclaim her love of science over art by the end of day!

'Yup, I'm going to win this bet easily!' He beamed, snickering to himself already at what excuses Hinata was going to have to give her biology team to meet up with him.

"Papa, what's so funny?" Himawari questioned grabbing his hand urging him join the ticket line with the others.

Naruto blinked, calming down as he realized they were being left behind.

"Ah, nothing! Just thinking of a funny joke Hinata told me…"

-X-

'The clues are quite simple, the point is to go in order though and get your paper stamped at each station.' Naruto realized as he watched the blue group move on ahead of them.

Himawari for most part was still fixated on the shells and starfish from back on the second floor, coral pink colors and swirly designs covering a good bottom chunk of her paper when they had been asked to draw what mollusks and sea animals they were most familiar with.

"Save some room for the wildlife and gem sections." Naruto pointed out as they headed up to 3rd floor.

A tiny hand tugged on his pants leg just as they reached the stairs, gazing down to see an auburn haired pig-tailed girl gazing up at him eagerly.

"Um, Mr. Uzumaki sir; is it true you do a bunch of science stuff too?!"

The boy beside her pipes up, leaning his head into the conversation. "No Maemi, he does math stuff for the hospital! Daddy told me he has use the right amount of numbers to stop poison from killing you!"

'Err, well I guess that's one way of putting it…'

Himawari paused, glancing back towards the arguing pair. "You're both wrong. Papa is a researcher that does both math and science to make medicine for sick people. Now, let's go to the forest wildlife area; the purple and blue teams are already ahead of us!"

She takes both their hands before they can disagree any further, walking up to an exhibit explaining common animals found in the grasslands and marshes.

Naruto smiled in spite of how loud they were being, he hadn't realized so many little kids would know about his job let alone that Himawari had a basic idea of what it entailed.

He keeps an eye on them from not too far, letting them read and move from display to display at their own pace, only pointing out any words that were too hard to pronounce or any questions they had over the instructions for their assignment.

"Papa, come look at these fossils! This one looks like a fish!" Himawari gestured over to him, pointing to various skeletons of foliage and animals as an aide explained the area giving them mini shovels and buckets to excavate.

By mid-afternoon they've covered every section, lunch completely tuckering even the liveliest kindergartners of each group. They had ended up coming in 2nd in terms of the mini competition, but Himawari had either forgotten about it or didn't seem to care.

"Thanks again for coming Mr. Uzumaki, I'm sure all the students and especially your daughter appreciated you coming out to spend the day with us." Ms. Nakajima noted as they did a final head count before pulling off for the school.

Naruto nodded, smiling down to Himawari as she fought to keep her eyes open.

"It's okay, you can get some sleep. It will be awhile before we reach back to the elementary." He stated, Himawari only stubbornly shaking her head slowly in response.

She had slipped up and confessed her real worry for the day would be that her classmates might take his attention away during a break they took in between the insect area and observatory, unsure how to respond to seeing so many of her friends and people she didn't know that wanted his autograph or for him to join their groups…

"No, I don't want to share Papa!" Himawari snapped, hands quaking before she squeezed them into tiny fists.

The girl in question hurriedly stepped back from Naruto, hazel eyes widening at the sight of hardened cobalt eyes seeming to flicker to a pearly white.

"Himawari, don't be mean to her classmates!" Naruto orders and the coldness of her gaze disappears just as fast back to blue, teary as she stomps off.

He finds her huddled in a corner by a group of plants, distinct violet hair poking out. Naruto poked his head in through the leaves, sighing when she looked away.

"What's wrong Himawari? You were feeling okay earlier so where did this anger suddenly come from?"

A simple shrug of her shoulders wasn't enough for him, scuffing her legs against the tile.

"Because you're with my group Papa! Bolt told me if you got busy or people kept hogging you to not let it upset me and I was really trying to be nice and be good, but Reiko was going to steal you to the Red team or-"

"Hold on Himawari, nobody is 'stealing' me, I'm still going to be your Papa at the end of the day. You know that, right?" He questioned before she broke into a tangent.

Himawari paused, straightening up with a nod as she wiped at her flustered cheeks and wet eyes.

"So, you're going to come out of there and apologize to your classmates, right?" He asked, holding his hand out.

"Yes, but they have to promise first they won't try to take you!"

Well, he and Hinata were going to have to work on Himawari learning to share…

He smiled though as she finally leaned into his lap and shut her eyes, at least they had covered a lot today in terms of science. Nothing too technical or extraordinary, though he imagined dinner would definitely be interesting as she regaled stories to Hinata and Boruto over their day.

-X-

"I brought back souvenirs!" Himawari announced proudly, opening her backpack to reveal it was stuffed with various items.

"Here Mama, I got you these pink and yellow seashells and Boruto I brought you back this blue mineral rock called a quartz. Oh, and I also got this stuffed panda wearing the science museum shirt to add to my collection from the gift shop!" She explained as she passed out each gift.

"Seems like you two had a busy day." Hinata remarked as Boruto affectionately hugged Himawari in thanks for the gift. He'd probably bring her back some specialty treat from the aquarium/factory trip scheduled for his class in the coming weeks.

Naruto let out a yawn in agreement, plopping down beside her on the sofa.

"…Hey did you ever ask Himawari about her favorite subject?" Hinata asked gently by his ear, making him abruptly sit up in alert as he gazed back to the pair.

"Ah, Hima I bet your new favorite subject in school is now science after all the fun experiments and activities you did today, huh?!" Naruto asked brightly.

But Himawari only blinked, shaking her head. "No Papa, I still love art the most silly!"

And Naruto quietly deflated while Hinata silently beamed, watching as the pair heading up to their rooms to arrange their new décor.

He pressed his head into her neck just as they were out of sight, dropping light kisses against her pulse point until she shivered.

"You're not really going to make me wear that ugly jacket, are you? I mean, think of all the horrible things people would say!" Naruto questioned, fingers tracing and carving a path down her back.

Hinata hummed thoughtfully, turning her gaze so that lilac met blue fully.

A familiar glint sparkles in her eyes, same as with any other science challenge they used to play.

"Well, care to test my hypothesis?"

-x-

It took the longest time to get here, but I'm thankful and so grateful to everyone who has taken time out to read this story. I truly am as always appreciative of all the feedback and support! It was a lot of fun to focus on Himawari as the star for the epilogue and of course writing about the Uzumaki family as a whole brings a smile to my face, it's why it tends to be a running theme of mine. Anyways, let me know any ending thoughts you have and thanks for reading!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!

Midnight Rain19