Naruto: Snow Cold

Hikari's POV

I was happy with Jun. We used to be classmates at the academy and really good friends. He was usually quite clumsy, but his energetic behavior was what drew me to him. Despite his flaws, he was still much more talented than I was. I gave it my all just to barely pass the practical exercises.

I did okay in my theory work; in fact, I used to help Jun with it since his strengths lay in physical skills, not academics. He really sucked at mathematics, hehe.

We'd known each other since the first year of the academy, quickly becoming good friends. Our bond was unbreakable, and the years passed without much changing, except for the increasing effort we needed to put into our studies.

To be honest, I struggled the most with chakra-related stuff. Us civilians don't really get much of a hand in that department, at least not when it comes to quantity. Control... eh.

He was different from the others. Confident. And he actually paid attention to me, despite me being a nobody. He helped me every day he could, to aid me in learning those stupid techniques.

I remember the first time we had an actual practical exam. It was basic stuff—shuriken throwing, the Leaf Exercise, and some sparring. I could barely land 6 out of 10 stars on the damn target, let alone hit the center. The Leaf Exercise? I couldn't even last half an hour. I was badly defeated during my own match.

But he was there. I sat on the ground, red-faced, watching the others, and Jun was trying to comfort me. I still fondly remember his words: "Don't sweat it, you'll do way better next time!"

I unknowingly fell in love with him, and I couldn't bring myself to confess. No matter how badly I did, he was always there with a smile and a laugh. He was the kind of friend who wouldn't just let you quit, even when you wanted to. Even when everything seemed hopeless, like you had no talent at all.

And so, I tried my very best. I trained with him. I studied. I picked up every book I could find. I tried everything just to have a chance, motivated by the drive Jun had given me.

Finally, the last year of the academy dawned upon us. I was just so done with school. I wanted to have an actual job, earn money for myself, and retire, just so that i could live peacefully with him.

It passed by. Painfully slow though, and we had our graduation exam. It consisted of both written and practical tests. We had to perform the academy three, which were: Transformation, Clone Technique, and Substitution.

We both passed, although I barely saved myself due to the theoretical exam. I hoped to be in the same team as Jun, but my expectations were in vain, as we were placed in different squads. I thought we would just graduate and that would be the end of it, but nooo! I got placed with this asshole of a Jounin along with two other classmates i didn't bother learning the name of.

Needless to say, he failed us because we "lacked teamwork," in his words.

So, I dropped out. I had no chance of becoming a ninja, so why should I risk my life like that? At least I could preserve the skills I had attained during my time there.

I made my final decision. I would tell Jun my true feelings for him. I would cook for him. I would clean for him. I would do everything for him, and I would marry him one day.

Night came, and I was still nervous, standing in front of his house's door. I gulped, then knocked.

He gladly allowed me in and told me all about his team—how he managed to pass the "secret exam"—and asked me how I did.

My heart sank as I recalled the events, explaining exactly what had happened.

Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around me, and I broke.

That night, I had my first kiss, and I confessed everything I felt for him. I experienced my first date. God, how I miss those times. He was, and still is, such a charmer.

...

Years passed by, and he became an official Chūnin. We had long since become a couple, although we weren't married yet. I was basically the housewife, doing household chores like laundry, cooking, tidying up, washing dishes—things like that.

The two of us felt like something was missing, though.

A child. I wanted a child to love and raise.

Luckily, as Jun strolled through the streets to get his next mission (He did mostly D and C ranked missions for a reduced risk), he passed by the playground of the local orphanage. He had noticed a small kid with white hair and blue eyes running, looking like they wouldn't stop at all. And they had even followed it up with some other physical exercises. This sparked an interest in Jun.

We conversed about it at home, and finally decided that we'd adopt her, and teach her everything we can. We arranged everything with the Matron, and one day that the orphanage wasn't very busy, we came about.

She was... strangely eager. Slightly timid, we chatted for a while and came to an agreement. We'd pick her up the day after.

We took her home and showed it to her. That day, we went out for lunch, and I didn't expect her achievements, especially considering her age.

Unlocking chakra, reading, and writing at the mere age of three... At that age, I was still playing around with Jenga pieces without a care in the world.

She was diligent and intelligent. I thought it would take more effort to raise her, but I'm glad, even delighted that my daughter is such a genius, and a fast learner too! She rapidly grasped the practical knowledge I imparted to her, along with Jun's teachings.

What surprised me the most, though, is that after their training, she told me about something called 'ice cream'. Her own dessert, that apparently she came up with in a dream! Despite having no cooking experience at all, really weird, right?

It quickly became a hit, with both me and my love, seeing the potential for profit. That way, Jun wouldn't have to risk himself with those dangerous missions, and I wouldn't have to worry about him getting injured—or worse.

The days passed, and one night, both she and Jun came home with gifts and... Oh my god. They succeeded. We might actually have a shot at this.

That night, I made sure he wouldn't be able to walk the next day.

I was so happy.

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(A/N: How did you guys first find this fic? I'm curious, tell me in the comments!)