Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Closer ❯ Closer ( Chapter 15 )

Series: Naruto, belongs to Kishimoto-sama

Pairing: NaruHina

Beta: Blueangel326, Onihikage (formerly Narai Moroha)

Author: Lynns (Inu-Hugger and Mysteriousgirl)

 

 

Closer

 

One week before Naruto's return to Konoha after his three year training . . .

 

The blond ninja grumbled under his breath as he walked through the capitol's busy streets, hands shoved into his pockets with a sour expression that practically screamed how pissed off he was.  He had been walking around for almost two hours, and even though this was the first time in a long time he got a break from his rigorous training, he was still in a foul mood.  Jiraiya had literally kicked him out of their hotel room so he could get some `quality' time with a woman he had met that evening.  Of course, this was nothing new for Naruto, and the said scenario had been played out many times on his three year journey with the Toad Sage.  However, it was starting to get really old.  Naruto would never admit it, but it bothered him quite a bit that his master was such a perverted womanizer. 

 

Of course, if Ero-Sennin was just a pervert that wouldn't bother me as much . . . I mean hell, who am I to lecture?  I've peeked at girls in the bath before and had perverted thoughts - I'm a guy after all - but why does he have to be such a womanizer?  Sleeping with different women every night . . . okay, maybe not every night . . . when the opportunity presents itself maybe? It just doesn't seem right!  I know he's been after Tsunade-baachan ever since they were kids, but why the hell doesn't he just stick with one girl?

 

Naruto, of course, would never voice his irritation to his master.  After all, Jiraiya was well into his fifties and could freely choose how to live his life.  He was one of the three great Sannin, a powerful ninja, a great teacher, and someone Naruto cared deeply for . . . however, there were times that he really wanted to shove a Rasengan up his ass.

 

Sighing softly, he finally came to stop in front of the hotel that he was staying at.  Blue eyes drifted along the top floor windows to the one that was the room he and Jiraiya were sharing.  The lights were out which meant that his master was alone and that it was okay for him to come back in.  However, Naruto simply wasn't in the mood to see the Toad Sage yet.

 

Heh, even if I did walk in right now I'd probably strike the old pervy sage while he was sleeping . . . oh god, that would feel so good to hit him . . . but then I'd probably get my ass kicked later on.

 

Bending his knees, Naruto leaped into the air and landed somewhat gracefully on the roof of the hotel.  Blue eyes stared up at the starry sky above him and for some reason just looking up at the stars calmed him down a little. Lying down on his back, Naruto gazed at the night sky, losing himself to his thoughts.  A shaky sigh left his lips as a realization seeped into his brain about something he had been denying for the longest time.  He and Jiraiya were very much alike.  They had been the screw-ups on their teams; both of them had failed in returning their best friends to the village.  Even their love interests were the same, going after a girl that always beat the crap out of them and never gave them a chance in the romance department.  They were always loud when entering a battle, announcing their arrival, had a knack from being perverts - especially in the bath house - and having the guts to get back up to face their foe.

 

So with everything they had in common, Naruto knew that if he ever needed to talk to someone Jiraiya was the very first person on his list.  At first, he had been very happy that there was someone he could relate to in some situations, but that idea was soon followed by another one that made the blood drain from his face. 

 

If Ero-Sennin and I are so much alike . . . does that mean I'm going to end up like him when I get older?  Will I just be a lonely Hokage that will forever be chasing the back of a girl who will never give me a second chance?  Maybe if I told Sakura-chan how I really feel about her, then . . . no I can't do that!  Hell, I can't even keep a simple promise to her, so what right do I have to tell her my true feelings!?  There's no other girl that puts up with me like Sakura does, so that has to mean something right?  I know she loves Sasuke . . . maybe now that he's gone she'll look my way, but . . .

 

Blinking back tears, Naruto sat up; somehow staring up at the stars had made him feel worse.  Running his hand over his face, he decided that perhaps meditating would help him calm down, but he didn't want to be alone anymore.  Biting his finger and doing a quick seal, he slammed his hand into the ground, “Kuchiyose no jutsu!”

 

In a puff of smoke, Gamakichi was standing before him; his eyes giving the blond ninja a questioning look, “Hey Naruto, what's wrong?”

 

Naruto scratched the back of his head, “Nothing really . . . I just need to relax and calm down.  Mind if I meditate?”

 

“I don't really mind, but where's Jiraiya?” asked the toad, tilting his head slightly so Naruto could sit on top comfortably.

 

“Oh, I'm sure he's sound asleep after the `fun' he had tonight,” Naruto grumbled softly. “He's the main reason I'm a bit irritated right now.”

 

Gamakichi chuckled, “That Jiraiya, he'll never change.”

 

Naruto snorted, “Yeah?  Well maybe some change would be good for the ol' pervert.” Blue eyes slowly closed, and he took a deep breath in. “I mean, what kind of example is he trying to set for me - or for anyone for that matter - if he's got a different woman in his bed almost every night?  I know Tsunade-baachan is the one he wants, but . . . geez, why does he have to be like that?  It's no wonder he's alone.”

 

Silence fell over them, which surprised Naruto.  He had been half expecting the young toad to agree with him or at least say something, but when Gamakichi said nothing he cracked one of his eyes open. “Ooi, don't you think so too?  Or is he so strung up on Tsunade-baachan that he doesn't want anyone else?  If that's the case then . . . maybe my life's going to end up the same way . . .”

 

Gamakichi sighed, “You shouldn't rant about stuff you know nothing about, Naruto.  Jiraiya has been through a lot, so cut him some slack.  He's taken you under his wing to train you, and . . .”

 

“I know, alright?  You have no idea how grateful I am to that pervy sage for all he's done for me, so I don't need the reminder.  Like I said, some of the stuff he does just bothers me and makes me wonder if some adults really are that dim-witted.”

 

The toad chuckled again, “Well, if there is one thing Jiraiya is known for aside from his strength as a ninja, it's that he's a gambling, womanizing, perverted writer.  If he's not in the bar drinking, he's with a girl and if he's not doing that, then he's spying on some innocent ladies at the hot spring for inspiration to write.”

 

“You got that right - he's so predictable!” Naruto laughed, but soon it died down as the thought he had a few minutes ago crept back into his mind. “. . . which makes me wonder if I'll just end up like him when I'm older.”

 

Shaking his head, Naruto tried to sit up straighter and attempted to meditate again, but his efforts were in vain when he heard the toad softly say, “Does it really bother you that much that you might live the same life he did?

 

“Well before you dwell on that idea any longer, you should stop.  It's true that you and Jiraiya have a lot in common, but you're also very different in many ways. Like I said, since you don't know everything about him you shouldn't judge him for some of his actions.”

 

Giving up on meditating, Naruto jumped down so he could look at Gamakichi in the eye and asked him in a serious tone, “So there's a reason that he's with different girls all the time?”

 

“It's not my place to tell you, Naruto.  Besides, I only heard about it one time when Oyaji had a little too much sake.  Well, if you're done trying to meditate, I should-”

 

“Wait, don't go!” hissed Naruto. “Come on, you gotta tell me now!”

 

“Just drop it Naruto, I don't think you would understand what he went through anyways, so . . .”

 

“Please?  I want to know so I don't make the same mistake!”

 

The toad struggled on whether or not it was a good idea to tell the story.  After a few minutes of having an internal debate with himself, the toad finally caved, “Alright.  The only reason I'm going to tell you this is because maybe you'll understand a little of what he's gone through, but you have to promise me that after I tell you this, you won't ever complain about his habits again.”

 

“Deal.”

 

The toad leaned down closer to the boy so he could whisper it into his ear; somehow speaking in a hushed voice made him feel better. “Has Jiraiya ever mentioned a woman called Fujishima Arisa?”

 

Naruto closed his eyes and thought for a moment, trying to remember if the name rang a bell.  After a moment a few lights clicked on in his head, “Twice.  I think Ero-Sennin whispered her name in his sleep once, and I think I saw that name on the memorial stone back in Konoha .”

 

“To make a long story short, basically she was a good friend of Jiraiya's.  During the third Ninja war, Arisa and Jiraiya were sent on a infiltration and information mission.  She was a sensory type ninja, and with Jiraiya's strength they were an unstoppable team.  They were the ones that discovered the information about the Kannabi Bridge , which if you remember Kakashi's team destroyed.

 

“Sometime during the mission, Arisa confessed her love to Jiraiya.  Apparently she always had a crush on him since they were kids, but was too scared to tell him since he was always chasing after Tsunade.  However with how the war was going and more ninja's were dying everyday, she didn't want to pass away without any regrets.

 

“Now, you have to understand that Jiraiya never had a love confession before -always kept chasing after Tsunade and didn't even consider looking at another girl.  It was really overwhelming, and he didn't know how to respond.  In the end, he never did give her an answer because the next day she died protecting him in battle when they were ambushed.  I think then it really hit him hard on how much this woman cared for him.

 

“Perhaps he feels guilty for never noticing her, or maybe he regrets not being able to save her, or it could be he dwells on what could have happened between him and Arisa if she hadn't been killed.  Whichever it is, it still haunts him even now, and one of the ways he copes with it is . . . well, you know.  I know it's probably not the right way he should cope with what's happened - never being able to have Tsunade and losing the only person who ever loved him for who he was.”

 

Naruto was completely silent, his hands clenched at his sides.

 

“It's the same with you, right?  Both you and Jiraiya deal with pain that shakes you to the core.  You were lonely, so you pulled pranks to get attention.  He was devastated from losing someone who loved him, so he has one night stands.  All in all, both of you are trying to hide your pain and deal with it in your own way.

 

“So just cut the poor guy some slack, okay?  The stuff he does isn't really harming anyone, so don't let it bother you that much.  And maybe you could learn a thing or two from what happened to him - chasing after Sakura might not be in your best interest.”

 

A soft, dark chuckle escaped the blond's lips, “Yeah, well . . . I highly doubt anyone would ever have a crush on me, because unlike Ero-Sennin I have a demon sealed in my gut . . .”

 

After bidding Gamakichi a good night, Naruto slowly made his way back to the room, lost in his own thoughts.  It wasn't hard for him to believe that something that happened years ago was still bothering his master.  He tried putting himself in Jiraiya's shoes, imagining what it would be like if someone whom he had never really noticed suddenly stepped up to him and confessed she loved him . . . only to lose that person right in front of his eyes.  Just the thought was overwhelming, and Naruto had to brush away unshed tears in his eyes.

 

He would be devastated, and probably would have reacted in a similar way to his master.  If he couldn't have the one he had chased after for so long and lost the only person who had ever said those three words to him . . .

 

Naruto slapped his hand against his forehead in an attempt to beat those thoughts out of his mind.  Perhaps it happened to Ero-Sennin, but I know for sure it will never happen to me.  Aside from the people who are precious to me, I know for a fact that none of the girls my age `like' me that way. 

 

Opening the door to the inn room, he could see Jiraiya was already sprawled out like a star fish, snoring loudly.  He no longer held any anger towards his master, only greater understanding.

 

His hands trembled as they moved across the smooth surface of the memorial stone, tracing the engraved name of his fallen master.  A single tear slipped down Naruto's cheek, but he didn't bother to wipe it away.

 

A memory that he had completely forgotten about Jiraiya, was now fresh in his mind and the taste of irony was in his mouth.  A situation he never in a million years would have thought could happen to him ended up giving him first-hand experience of what his master could have had.  Luck had been on his side that day, and instead of dying in his arms, Hinata would be his wife in less than twelve hours.

 

His eyes drifted over the memorial stone one more time before he finally stood for the first time in two hours.  Kiba had tried to throw him a bachelor party - despite telling the Inuzuka that he didn't want one - and the whole thing had ended in disaster when someone had slipped Lee a drink.  Deciding that he wanted to be alone for a bit, his feet had unconsciously carried him towards the memorial grounds.  Originally, he had gone just to visit his parents, but afterwards he had suddenly found the need to visit Jiraiya as well.

 

I wish you were still here you perverted sage. You should see how much I've improved.  I've almost surpassed my father, I'm on the ANBU force and there's a good chance I'll make captain, which means I'm well on my way to reaching my goal to become Hokage . . . but best of all, I've found the love of my life.  I know I really should have paid more attention to what Gamakichi told me that night, but . . . well if you are watching me from somewhere . . . you can see that I almost screwed it up too.  I tried to put myself in your shoes . . . tried to imagine what it would be like to go through what you did.  I thought I understood, but after what happened to me when Pain attacked the village . . . I really had no clue.

 

Through pain, you start to understand people better.  When you told me that once, I had no clue what you were talking about . . . hell, I don't think I was even paying attention, but  after I heard you had died in battle, I finally understood what revenge was, and after thinking Hinata had been killed right in front of me, I understood some of the pain that you carried.

 

Sighing softly, Naruto turned and headed back towards the village where his friends were probably sprawled all over his apartment in a drunken hibernation.

 

**************

 

Matsuri shivered as another gust of wind brushed past her, and tightened the cloak around her even more. She had known that Konoha wasn't as warm as Suna during the winter, but she didn't expect it to be this cold. She could count on one hand the number of times she had traveled to the allied village, and it had always been in the spring, during the Chuunin exams. As another breeze blew by, it tickled her already red nose, bringing forth a sneeze from the kunoichi. Wiping her nose, she looked up and was glad to see that they would be arriving in Konoha soon - the last thing she wanted was to catch a cold.

 

Pale green eyes glanced over at the girl beside him, a worried expression on his face as he watched another shiver pass over her small form. He wanted to do something to help warm Matsuri up, but Gaara could not think of any solution that would provide warmth. Turning his head around, he looked straight at Kankurou. His older brother gave him a confused expression at first, but when his eyes darted to Matsuri and then back to his, the puppet master finally understood what he was asking. Smiling, Kankurou took a step over towards Temari and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, motioning that he should do the same thing. Nodding his thanks, Gaara turned his head back around.

 

SMACK!

 

“OW! What was that for?”

 

“Just what the hell do you think you're doing, putting your arm around my shoulder?!” growled Temari, waving her fan threateningly at her older brother.

 

Matsuri was just about to turn around to see what Gaara's siblings were fighting about, but almost froze when she felt the Kazekage's arm wrap around her shoulders. A light blush dusted her cheeks as she took this opportunity to lean her body more against the red headed ninja.

 

“Are you still cold, Matsuri?” Gaara asked softly.

 

She shook her head softly, turning so her eyes could look into his, “No, I feel much warmer now.”

 

Smiling, Gaara turned his attention towards the Konoha North Gate where he spotted Shikamaru standing. The shadow using ninja looked bored out of his mind, but as soon as he saw the Suna group a grin broke out across his face. Not even a second later, his older sister ran past him and embraced Shikamaru tightly before giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

 

“I still don't see why she likes that lazy bum . . .” grumbled Kankurou under his breath.

 

Gaara shrugged, “Who knows.”

 

Shikamaru had said a quick hello to the other sand siblings before asking them for their wedding invitation, “This is quite troublesome, I can't believe the Hokage put me in charge of this. Anyways, the wedding is being held on the outskirts of the village so if you just keep walking along the outer wall here you'll see a huge wooden building and that's where the wedding is being held.”

 

“It's not being held in the village?” asked Kankurou.

 

“Since the head Hyuuga invited so many people, there wasn't a building big enough to fit everyone. So Yamato-sensei had to create a building that would be able to hold lots of guests. Troublesome if you ask me. Anyways, when you get there you'll be greeted by Sakura and Tenten who are seating everyone.”

 

Nodding his thanks to the shadow user, Gaara tugged on Matsuri's shoulder slightly so they could start walking in the direction that Shikamaru had told them to go. It certainly didn't take them long to find the building where the wedding was being held - it was huge! People were lined up outside waiting to get in, not exactly thrilled they had to linger out in the cold.

 

Slowly the line started to move and as they neared the front door they got a glimpse of the inside. White chairs had been set up on either side of the room with an aisle in the middle for the bride and groom to walk down at the end of the ceremony, and if Gaara's eyes and calculations were correct, there were over six hundred chairs. Near the back were a few of Naruto's toad comrades, and if Gaara remembered their names correctly, their names were Gamakichi and Gamatatsu.

 

“Ah! Kazekage-sama, welcome! Was your journey okay?”

 

Gaara turned to the pink haired kunoichi who was wearing a dark blue, strapless dress with her hair drawn up into a bun, “Yes, the journey was fine Sakura-san. I didn't realize that there would be this many people here.”

 

Sakura frowned, “Well Hiashi-sama certainly knows how to throw a celebration. A majority of the village is here, the Land of Fire Daimyo and his wife, you and your siblings and a few other lords from all over the place that do business with the Hyuuga clan. I'm sure there's more but I couldn't tell you where they are from.”

 

Gaara frowned softly. If I ever decide to marry Matsuri, I think it would be best if we . . . hmm . . . what was that word Naruto used . . . where you don't have a big celebration?

 

The pink haired kunoichi escorted them to their seats near the front row where they were sitting beside Kiba and Sai. The two ninja nodded to the sand siblings and started a light conversation with them.

 

Slowly the room started to fill with more guests. All of them had been chatting amongst themselves when a loud voice suddenly cried, “THERE ARE OVER SEVEN HUNDRED GUESTS!!!???”

 

All eyes turned to the front, left side of the room. The groom was sneaking a peak at the guests out of a smaller room, a shocked look on his face. Naruto was wearing a black suit and it was hard not to notice the orange vest he wore underneath.

 

“GET BACK IN HERE, DOBE!” Suddenly Uchiha Sasuke appeared behind the blond ninja and dragged him back in before slamming the door shut. A soft laughter spread across the room before everyone went back to their conversations.

 

***********

Hinata giggled softly as she heard her fiancé's panicked voice in the next room, but Neji and Hiashi were not amused by the outburst.

 

“I thought I told him to stay in that room and not make a sound,” grumbled the Head Hyuuga, “I knew I should have brought the family sword with us.”

 

“Well you're the one who told him that we would only be having `a few' guests at the wedding, but then again it's his fault for not looking at the guest list.”

 

Hiashi turned to his youngest daughter who was adding the final touches to Hinata's hair. At first he had been about ready to lecture her for being lippy around him (a trait that unfortunately she had inherited from her mother), but the tender sight before him caused the old Hyuuga to hold his tongue.

 

If one were to look very closely, they would notice that Hiashi's lips had slightly turned upward into a small smile. His eyes also seemed to soften from their usual stern look as he continued to watch the interaction between his two daughters. He remembered a time when the two would be in the same room and neither of them would acknowledge one another. Hinata wouldn't know what to say to a sister that she barely knew, while Hanabi didn't bother to say anything to a sister she saw as weaker than her.

 

The smile disappeared from his lips and was replaced by the usual frown he always wore. Once again he criticized himself for the way he had first raised his daughters and how fortunate he had been to have a second chance. Now his daughters would be seen on a regular basis together, instead of apart in different areas of the Hyuuga compound. They would spar together, talk or sometimes just sit in complete silence while drinking tea and enjoying each others' company. Hiashi was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard his oldest speak.

 

“Please don't cry, Hanabi-chan,” whispered Hinata, her pale hand coming up to wipe the few tears that had leaked from her sisters eyes.

 

“I'm not crying! I just have something in my eye, that's all!” grumbled Hanabi, “And why would I cry? It's not because you're getting married, or because I'm really happy for you, or because maybe in a few years you guys will start to have kids and I'll be an auntie, or . . .”

 

Hanabi's lip quivered slightly as more tears rolled down her cheeks, but quickly she wiped them away with her hand and moved directly behind her sister to add the last white rose to her hair. “I'm glad your hair is back to being long again. I don't like you with short hair.”

 

Hiashi closed his eyes and every memory of his eldest daughter started to run through his mind like a biography film . . .

 

*******

 

He paced back and forth in the hallway, restraining himself from tearing down the shoji and screaming at the doctors that were currently assisting his wife in delivering their child.  Her cries and whimpers of pain tore at his soul, but before he could consider maybe doing anything, a soft infant's cry snapped him out of his anger. 

 

Even though the elders had told him to wait outside until the delivery was over, for once Hiashi chose to ignore their instructions and slid the shoji open so fast the wood almost snapped.  He didn't care if the elders were giving him a disapproving look, or that he couldn't hear the Third Hokage's congratulations to him . . . all of his attention was on his beautiful and exhausted wife who was holding a pink bundled blanket in her arms.  Immediately he was by her side and clasped her hand in his.  Wordlessly she smiled at him and motioned him to hold out his arms.  For once the head Hyuuga seemed afraid as he held a being so precious and delicate in his strong arms.  Small eyes slowly opened and Hiashi could not hold back the gasp that escaped his lips as his white all seeing eyes met violet.

 

“Beautiful . . .” he whispered softly before kissing her forehead, “The Hyuuga will have a beautiful heir that will someday take my place.”

 

Haruka smiled up at her husband, before turning to the Third Hokage, “Hokage-sama, is it possible that . . .”

 

“I'm afraid not Haruka.  I know how much you and Hiashi would like to take in Naruto since you were the closest to Minato and Kushina . . . however I can not let the possibility of the fox's secret leak out to the boy.  So he will remain with me and my family for now . . . I'm sorry Haruka.”

 

Haruka's face fell and she turned her gaze over to her newborn daughter.  As if knowing what she wanted, Hiashi handed their child back to her.  Leaning down she placed a soft kiss on the baby's forehead and softly whispered into the infant's ear. He whispered words meant for his daughter alone, “I want you to be his friend.  Many here believe that boy is a curse and should be destroyed . . . but he is really a hero.  You'll look past that and like him for who he is . . . I know you will.”

 

*******

 

 

She didn't cry.

 

He had heard stories from most of the clan leaders on how they were always awakened in the middle of the night by their crying children and that he could say farewell to long nights of sleep.

 

After the first night she had been born, Hiashi had first thought that he had simply slept through her crying. But as night after night passed, neither he nor his wife was awakened by crying in the middle of the night.  He didn't blame Haruka for worrying and immediately taking his two week old daughter to the doctor to see if there was something wrong with her.

 

It turned out that there was nothing wrong and his child was simply one of the rare infants that slept peacefully through the night.  Hiashi beamed with pride when he heard that and knew that his daughter was going to be a bright and strong Hyuuga.  Somehow, he just knew she would be special.

 

********

 

 

Even though he was the Head of the Hyuuga clan and had many duties that needed to be performed, there were times when Hiashi needed to get out and have a break from it all.  Usually he would accept the odd mission from the Hokage if they were short on ninja. However, when the Third Hokage had requested his presence in a mission that would take two months to complete, he had been extremely hesitant.  The thought of leaving his two month old daughter behind was heart wrenching, but to keep up appearances with the elders, he accepted the Hokage's request.

 

********

 

 

The day he had arrived back home, he was surprised to see his wife running towards him.  She was extremely happy and repeatedly told him to `hurry' and `come see' something in the garden.  Immediately he followed after her, running through the many halls in the Hyuuga estate until he finally reached the garden.  White eyes widened as he took in the tender scene before him.  His year and a half old nephew was standing and gently holding onto his cousins small hands from behind, helping her to walk on her feet as they circled around the garden.

 

Hizashi was sitting on the edge of the wooden walkway, watching with a warm smile and motioned for him to join him.  The two brothers sat side by side, but didn't say anything to each other as they watched the tender moment before them.

 

********

 

 

His heart was beating frantically, sweat rolled down his forehead and he didn't remember ever moving this fast before.  There was an intruder on the Hyuuga premises, and the moment he had sensed the unwelcome visitor, his first and immediate reaction was to check on his daughter . . . but she was gone.  He had activated his Byakugan and like a flash followed after the kidnapper.

 

*******

 

 

Within minutes he found the perpetrator and without a second thought, he charged forward and struck down his opponent. Hinata was safely in his arms and the kidnapper was dead before he hit the ground. His first and foremost priority was to make sure his daughter was okay, and after a quick inspection he was relieved to find that she was okay.  However his relief was short lived when the village elders appeared and pulled back the mask of the criminal.

 

The demands that Kumo was insisting that the Hyuuga make were outrageous.  Hiashi watched silently as the Hokage explained that Kumo would not start a war with Konoha if they handed over his body to them.  At first he had been angered at the thought, but since he was the one that killed the Kumo leader and if it meant saving Konoha, saving his wife, saving his family, saving his daughter . . . it was a sacrifice he was willing to make.

 

He had fully intended to die . . . but then his younger brother, who he rarely spoke to had stepped forward and said he would take his place.  Disbelief was the first emotion to hit him and then anger that his brother would do such a thing as welcome death so easily.  The second thing to literally hit him had been Hizashi's fist in his stomach, and he listened to his brothers words.  The younger brother he barely knew was willing to sacrifice himself for his family . . . but also it was a choice that he himself was making instead of the Hyuuga clan choosing for him.

 

********

 

 

After Hizashi's death, the tension in the Hyuuga house was thick enough to cut with a knife.

 

Five days later, he had been training his daughter again and was feeling especially frustrated.  He was frustrated that his only brother was gone, he was frustrated with himself for not considering that consequences of killing the so called intruder and he was frustrated that no matter how many times he told her, his daughter could not move her feet faster.  Without even thinking, as Hinata came at him in an attempt to hit him, she missed and he struck her left side which had been left open.

 

He would never forget the sickening thud as she hit the floor, or the sound of her small coughs or the sight of blood that slipped past her lips.  Realization soon dawned upon the Hyuuga and his frustration quickly disappeared and he was at her side in an instant.  Cradling her in his arms and apologizing for striking her so hard, silently promising he would never hit him again . . . unbeknownst to him, he would break that promise in the future.

 

********

 

 

All good things do come to an end . . . but Hiashi was starting to wonder if there was someone of a higher power that was deciding he should be the one to suffer more.  Not only within three years did he lose his brother, was hated by his nephew and almost every other member in the branch house, but he had now lost his wife.  Killed in action.

 

The news had come to him on a cold and rainy night.  He had been summoned to the Hokage tower after the sun had set hours ago, and even then he knew that something was wrong.  Upon seeing a female body under a bloody blanket, his whole world had done a completely turn around.  She was gone.  The love of his life . . . gone forever . . . the mother of his children . . . gone . . .

 

A few hours later he had returned home and waiting at the gates was his eldest.  She was crying and asking him where her mother was.  He just stared at her.  Hinata's hair had grown longer and almost reached the bottom of her back.  Violet eyes, long indigo hair, soft but sweet voice . . . Haruka . . . he had thought.  It wasn't until then that it completely dawned on him, on how much Hinata resembled her mother.  He continued to stare at her, unable to pull his gaze away from her, but at the same time he couldn't stand the sight of her anymore.  He didn't ever want to look at her again . . . this weak Hyuuga who would now be a constant reminder of someone precious he had just lost . . . Disappear!

 

Walking right past her he ran into one of the servants and gave a very clear order, “Cut her hair . . .”

 

********

 

 

She was weak.  He was finally able to admit it that the elders were right. Hinata lay at his feet, bruised and trembling as she attempted to stand, but soon gave up.  He frowned and turned to his youngest who had been watching from the sidelines.  Hanabi was stronger than Hinata, and it was now clear that she would be more suited for clan head.

 

“You are a disgrace.  I am done training you since it is a waste of my time.  I will be sending you to the Konoha Academy, perhaps they will be able to turn a failure like you into at least a decent ninja.”

 

And without another word he walked away from her, motioning for Hanabi to follow him.  She had asked why they were just leaving Hinata behind, and he had replied, “We do not help trash like that.

 

*********

 

 

The day of the Chuunin exam, Hiashi was hit with the cold harsh reality of who had become.  After hearing Neji tell Naruto the story of their clan, he had finally come to realize of the hatred that was continuously hovering above him . . . hatred that he had refused to let go.

 

What had he done?  He had been so consumed by hatred, vengeance and pride that he had been unreasonably harsh with his youngest daughter, cold to his nephew and completely brushed aside his eldest daughter as if she was yesterday's trash.  Suddenly the need to see his daughter hit him like a ton of bricks, however he quickly brushed that fatherly feeling aside.  Not that he didn't want to see his daughter, but more important matters had to be taken care of first.  He needed to talk with his nephew on the truth of what had happened that horrible night.  Once he had done that, his next task would be finding Hinata.

 

********

 

 

The battle with Suna was over and there had been quite few casualties on Konoha's side, however right now Hiashi was more concerned about the two small girls standing before him in his study.  Both of their feminine faces were blank and emotionless, trying not to show their weaknesses in front of their father.

 

No longer able to stand the father instinct that he long ago had pushed aside, he stood up from his desk and within two steps he was in front of them.  Before either of them could say a word, he wrapped an arm around each girl and pulled them into a hug.

 

“I am so sorry my daughters.  For the way I have treated both of you is unforgivable and I am ashamed to call myself your father.  Today I finally realized how I have been acting around you two is completely disgraceful, but I will promise you two this . . . that my dishonorable actions will end now.”

 

********

 

 

It was rare that Hiashi found himself awake late at night unable to sleep.  He wasn't sure if it was because of the rumbling weather outside, or that it was the anniversary date of his wife's passing.  Whatever the reason might be, he found himself walking up and down the halls of the Hyuuga estate, hoping that the slow stroll would relax his mind. 

 

Passing by the Dojo, he was surprised to hear voices coming from inside.  Silently he tip toed over to the shoji and peeked inside.  He wasn't shocked to see Neji inside, however he was to see that the one his nephew was sparring with was Hinata.  Both were covered in sweat, but Hinata looked as if she was close to her breaking point.

 

Hinata charged forward, dodged Neji's attack, whirled around and hit her cousin's right shoulder.  His Nephew stumbled backwards a few steps, but then regained his footing before moving in for his final attack.  She hit the floor with a loud thud and for a few seconds remained motionless.

 

His first fatherly instinct was to rush in and see if she was okay, however he held himself back. 

 

Hinata grunted softly as she rolled onto her stomach and tried to stand, but she had reached her limit.  Panting softly she tried again, but stopped when she felt Neji place a hand on her shoulder.

 

“That's enough for tonight, Hinata-sama.  You've improved greatly over the past few weeks but it's time that we head to bed and get some rest.  If you like, we can spar tomorrow night.”

 

Neji helped Hinata to her feet and walked her over to the side where their water canteens were.  The two drank their water in silence, staring out the window where the rain was beating down anything and everything outside.  Hiashi inwardly smiled and turned to head back to bed.

 

“He's the one that changed and inspired you.  Right?”

 

The Head Hyuuga back peddled until he could look back into the dojo.  Neji was smiling knowingly at his daughter, who was currently wearing a lobster red blush on her face.  Her fingers were twiddling together and she wouldn't looker her cousin in the eye as she softly replied, “Yes.”

 

Neji laughed softly, “Uzumaki Naruto . . . he certainly has a mysterious power to change people.  He helped me out of the darkness that he continued to surround myself in and with you he's helped become a stronger person.”

 

Hinata continued to stay silent, but nodded in agreement with her cousin.

 

“You still have a crush on him, don't you?”

 

Hiashi didn't think his daughter's face could get any redder, but he was shocked when her face was so red he thought all the blood in her body was in her cheeks.

 

Again Hinata simply nodded.

 

A fatherly instinct was soon making itself present to Hiashi, the instinct that `No boy is allowed anywhere near my daughter'.

 

*********

 

 

Hiashi frowned as he stared at his daughter.  The clothes that she had chosen were obviously too big for her and he had been about to tell the store clerk to bring out a different size.  However the pleading look that Hinata was giving him made him reconsider and instead, he put the asked amount of ryo on the desk.

 

Both father and daughter walked out into the busy streets of Konoha in silence, neither of them speaking a word until they reached home.

 

“Hinata, I wish to speak to you in my office please.”

 

The Hyuuga Heiress remained silent as she followed after her father, a confused look on her face on why he asked to speak with her in private.  As the door closed behind them, Hiashi sat down in his desk and turned stern white eyes to his daughter, “Why do you wear such large clothing?  It is an unnecessary and I can maybe see you wanting a long sleeved sweatshirt for the winter months, but this outfit you will be wearing year round.  I never questioned it when you were younger because . . . well . . . ahem, anyways, my point is that I don't think it's very appealing for you to wear that kind of clothing.”

 

Hinata's eyes were downcast for a moment, but finally she met her fathers gaze, “I . . . I just don't . . . want people to stare at me, Otou-sama.”

 

“Stare at you?  What do you mean by that Hinata?” asked Hiashi.  She didn't answer anymore of his questions and continued to say she didn't want to talk about it.

 

The answer to this riddle came a three hours later when Kurenai requested to see him in private, “I see that Hinata got some new clothes today.”

 

“If by clothes, you mean the huge garments that she's wearing then I suppose you're right,” grumbled Hiashi and didn't even flinch with the stern look his daughters sensei as giving him, “I don't suppose you know why she wears such unappealing clothing.”

 

“You know Hiashi-sama, at first when I took your daughter under my wing to help train her to be a ninja . . . I hated you.”

 

Hiashi's eyes widened.

 

“However, you have changed you attitude to both my student and everyone else around you, so you certainly have earned my respect.  Unfortunately right now you are being extremely insensitive to your daughter by telling her how unattractive she looks in her outfit that you bought for her.”

 

The Hyuuga opened his mouth to protest by was interrupted.

 

“I do understand though, that due to you're lack of presence in Hinata's life you are unaware of some things that she has had a few difficulties with.  One of them, is that she is very body conscious and is ashamed for the way she looks.”

 

Hiashi's eyebrow arched and now he was even more confused, “Ashamed for the way she looks? I somehow find that hard to believe Kurenai-san.  She looks perfectly fine to me.”

 

The young jounin sighed, “Well Hiashi-sama, allow me to give you a quick lesson about your daughter.  In all honestly I completely agree with you that I think Hinata looks perfectly fine and that she has a figure that most kunoichi in the village would die for.  Unfortunately that is also part of the problem. Hinata has developed much more earlier than her fellow kunoichi teammates, and not to mention since her figure is such attractive most of the young men in the village have started to notice as well.  Not to mention I'm sure she doesn't want her own teammates to look at her like that.”

 

The head Hyuuga slowly stood up, “Is that so . . .”

 

“And not to add insult to injury, but with the many years of negative comments from you and your clan it's no wonder that she wants to hide herself from the world,” Kurenai finished in a soft voice, hoping that she had effectively given her point across, “I know you and your clan are big on upholding your pride, but in this situation try to think about your daughters feelings before the clan.”

 

Without another word the kunoichi turned around and let herself out of the head Hyuuga's office.  Even though he was a bit frustrated at the young jounin, he couldn't help but feel grateful to her for filling him on his daughter's current predicament when it came to her body and appearance.  Perhaps it was time he had the family sword close at his side in case any `suitors' came wandering in.

 

*********

 

Hiashi looked up from his paperwork as he watched his daughter walk across the campsite that they had currently set up as their living quarters.  A light blush was dusting across her cheeks.  Since he was a master of the Byakugan, the all seeing eye and not to mention he was aware of the rumors spreading around the village.  His daughter and the village hero had been recently seen together regularly and you would have to be a complete idiot not to realize what that meant.

 

He didn't particularly mind the suitor that his daughter was seeing, however the fact that she hadn't told him about it disappointed him greatly.  Hiashi had hoped that Hinata would approach and inform him that she was in a relationship with the blond haired boy, but so far she had remained silent. He would never admit it, but it hurt the Head Hyuuga that his daughter would keep it a secret from him.  Over the past few years the two of them had grown closer together and she was no longer nervous to confide in him.

 

Before he could dwell on the thought any longer, Hiashi noticed that his daughter was slowly walking towards him with a nervous expression on her face.  Her fingers were twiddling together and the blush on her cheeks was quickly growing redder and redder.

 

“Um, Otou-sama . . . do you have a moment?  There's something that I need to tell you.”

 

Hiashi smiled knowingly, “Of course, Hinata.  Have a seat and tell me what's on your mind.”

 

********

 

 

“Otou-sama?  Otou-sama?”

 

White eyes snapped open to look at the soon-to-be-bride standing before him.  Her pale violet eyes staring down at him with concern, “Are you alright?  You were just sitting there with your eyes closed.”

 

Hiashi softly smiled and grasped his daughters pale smooth hands into his wrinkled ones, “I'm fine, Hinata.”  Then it dawned on the Hyuuga that they were the only ones in the room, “Where are Hanabi and Neji?”

 

“Hokage-sama came to get them.  The ceremony is about to start,” whispered Hinata, “I'm a bit nervous.”

 

“You shouldn't be nervous, you look beautiful my daughter,” Hiashi whispered back before standing up and kissing her forehead, “I was just remembering the very first time you came into the world and most of your child hood.  I know it is nothing but a painful memory for either of us, but I want you to know this now, Hinata - I am very proud of you.  I'm also very happy that you have found a man that will treat you right and loves you very much.”

 

Tears rolled down Hinata's cheeks, she had never heard so many encouraging words from her father before. “Thank you, Otou-sama.”

 

The music outside became much louder than before, giving them the cue it was time to start the ceremony.  Hiashi held his arm out and Hinata immediately took it as they walked towards the door.

 

“And just for the record, if at any time you get tired of your soon-to-be-husband, you're welcome to come home and I'll give the boy a good lecture with my sword.”

 

************

 

Naruto shifted nervously from foot to foot, trying to not look at the large crowd that had come to see the matrimony between him and Hinata.  He was nervous enough as it was, and the thought of screwing up in front of this many people was so nerve racking, he was afraid he was going to faint.  The blond groom was snapped out of his stupor when a firm hand clapped him on the shoulder.

 

“You doing alright, Naruto?”

 

Naruto turned his head to meet his father figures gaze, “I think so . . .” he whispered in a tiny voice.

 

Iruka chuckled softly, “Just relax and take a few deep breaths in.  Everything is going to be fine, and soon you'll be a married man.”

 

“Just remember not to screw anything up, dobe,” chided in Sasuke who was also standing behind him. “If one thing goes wrong today, you'll have the wedding planners Hanabi and Hiashi to answer to!”

 

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, teme!” hissed Naruto, turning back around.  His gaze locked onto Neji who was standing across from him.  The Hyuuga gave him an encouraging smile before glancing down at his younger cousin who was standing beside him.  Taking a deep breath in, Naruto tried to calm his rapid heart beat and the nervous shivers that had started to run up and down his spine. 

 

The once loud audience had died down to complete silence as the music from the piano became louder, letting everyone know that the ceremony was about to begin.

 

“Ready, Naruto?”

 

Blue eyes turned to the Tsunade who was standing in the middle between all of them and would be performing the ceremony.  She was dressed in her Hokage robes and Naruto had to wonder why she didn't wear them more often since they fitted her very well.  He nodded to the Hokage before looking back at the closed door on the right side of the room where his soon to be bride was still.

 

As the door to the room slowly opened, Naruto felt his palms become clammy and sweat started to roll down his forehead.  Hiashi was the first to step out, immediately followed by Naruto's lover . . . and at that moment his whole world froze.  He no longer heard anything around him, and all he saw was her.

 

Hinata was wearing a satin white halter dress that hugged her upper body perfectly and then flared down from her hips.  Her hair was decorated with white roses, and to his relief she wasn't wearing a lot of makeup like her sister.  She looked absolutely stunning!  He felt his breath hitch as she started to walk closer and closer to him.  Even though all eyes in the room seemed to be on the bride, her pale violet eyes were only looking at him.  Tears were already running down her cheeks, and soon Naruto felt a few run down his as well, but quickly he wiped them away.

 

Finally Hinata was right in front of him and he deeply inhaled her lavender scent that made all his nervousness just melt away.  He reached for her hand, but hesitated with the stern and threatening look his father-in-law was giving him.  White Hyuuga eyes were clearly threatening him that he had better treat her well and protect her with all his might.  Naruto returned the stern gaze with his own, showing the Hyuuga that he intended to do just that.  Without further hesitation, Hiashi released his daughters hand and gave it over to him.

 

Hinata glanced over at her father and quickly pecked him on the cheek before he took a seat in the front row.  Tsunade soon began speaking, but she couldn't hear a word the Hokage was saying.  Her full attention was on the man standing before her, his hands tightly clasping hers.  It was hard to believe that in a few more minutes, they would be husband and wife.  Hinata had dreamed of becoming Naruto's wife ever since she realized she was in love with the blond ninja.  Now that dream would soon become reality.  

 

His thumbs had been rubbing the back of her hand while her eyes bore into his.  Both of them were so lost into each other that Tsunade had to tap both of them on the shoulder to get their attention.  Naruto simply grinned and asked for her to repeat the question while Hinata ducked her head down to hide the embarrassed blush on her cheeks.

 

“I said it's time for you to say your vows.  Naruto, go ahead.”

 

The blond ninja took a deep breath, his gaze locked with Hinata, “I remember the first time I met you. It was during our academy days, and I could never figure out why you always stuttered around me.  You never looked me in the eye, and always had a red face . . . I used to think you were just sick all the time.  I think everyone in this room is well aware of how big a knucklehead I can be.”

 

Soft laughter could be heard from all of their friends in the audience, and even Iruka was trying to cover up his light chuckle.

 

“Unfortunately since I was so clueless I never really noticed you until our first Chuunin exam when you faced Neji.  I remember being so impressed that you kept getting up to fight again, even though the odds of you winning were so slim.  I don't think I ever told you this, but after the paramedics took you away I . . . I knelt down to the ground and took some of your blood in my hands, and I swore on it to Neji that I would defeat him.

 

“I was finally starting to see you for who you were, but before the Chuunin finals when I saw you at the training grounds . . .” Naruto coughed and tried to hold his emotions in check, for he wasn't even half way through his speech, “The moment I really considered you one of my precious people, was when you told me how you saw me as a proud failure.  That I wasn't weak, but someone who was strong to have the guts back up and try again.  No one had ever said anything like that to me before - they just told me I was annoying, or a loser . . . but not you.  Somehow, deep down I knew you were special, and I kind of felt bad for always thinking you were dark, weird, and shy . . . but I still remember telling you that people like you I really like.

 

“Whenever I was around you, I felt like I could let my guard down and be myself, and I didn't have to try and act all cool or tough when you were by my side.  Then Pain attacked the village and that's when everything became so clear to me - when you jumped down to save me.  When you confessed . . . it was like a light finally came on in my head, on why you acted the way you did around me.  Even though that day was so terrible, with the village destroyed and watching you get stabbed by Pain . . . deep down, I was a little happy.  You were the first person to ever say those three words to me.  After that you and I started seeing each other more, and the more time went by the closer we became, and eventually we made it here.  I used to be kind of afraid to fall in love, because that meant telling someone everything there is to know about me and giving myself fully over to them.  But even though the road was scary at times, and I came close to losing you more than once . . . I realized that even though love can be terrifying, it's definitely worth taking the plunge.

 

“Hinata, you are the love of my life.  I'm sorry it took so long for me to finally notice you, but today is the start of our new life together. I look forward to growing old with you, falling a little more in love with you every day, and being by your side for eternity.  I love you, Hyuuga Hinata.”

 

The room was silent for a moment, but suddenly the room erupted with applause.  Naruto smirked and rubbed the back of his neck, but his smile quickly disappeared when he heard Tsunade say, “That was lovely Naruto, but I think it's quite obvious that Iruka and Sasuke help you come up with the end part there.”

 

“Ooi!”

 

The guests laughed softly before their attention was now turned to the bride.

 

“Hinata, you may say your vows now, “said Tsunade, “And I think we'll all agree you didn't need any help with them.”

 

“Ooi  . . .” grumbled Naruto again.

 

The Hyuuga Heiress giggled softly before turning her full attention to her soon-to-be-husband, “The very first time I saw you, I was so inspired that you didn't care what others thought of you and that you always had the guts to get back up and try again.  You were always so determined and had the will of fire burned into your soul.  Every time I looked at you I always had this intense feeling in my heart that made me want to be like you.

 

“I know you feel bad at times for never noticing me, but I am also to blame since I could be so insufferably shy around you. I was unable to look you in the face and I couldn't control my stuttering whenever I spoke to you.

 

“When you came to talk to me before the finals, and said people like me you could really like . . . that was the moment I actually realized that I just didn't admire you, I really liked you.  I know it wasn't exactly a declaration from you, but it meant more to me than you could possibly imagine.  After you returned from your three years of training, I really wanted to tell you my feelings . . . but you kind of caught me by surprise and I ended up just fainting in front of you again.

 

“When Pain almost took you away . . . I remember feeling so panicked, and the thought of you disappearing from my life was so strong, my feet were moving before I could even think about what was happening.  I've never regretted jumping down there to protect you and finally admitting how I felt about you . . . I could have confessed to you in better circumstances.

 

“Naruto, you are the love of my life.  You are my best friend, you are the person I love the most and I can't wait for us to spend the rest of our lives together.  I will be walking by your side, rooting for you all the way - please don't ever be afraid to confide in me. You are always welcome in my innermost world, and I promise to share my goals and ideas with you.  As we grow together in our marriage, there will be no limit to the possibilities of our relationship. I believe in you, Naruto-kun, and I will be there for you always.”

 

Again, silence fell over the room before the guests applauded again.

 

“Do you have the rings, Naruto?” asked Tsunade.

 

Smiling, Naruto nodded and pulled the wedding bands out of his pocket - it was the first thing he put in his jacket pocket before leaving the house this morning.  He gave his ring to Hinata took it into her hand and repeated the words that Tsunade had gone over with them during the rehearsal, “Two flames, one light. Naruto-kun, I offer you this ring as a sign of life, and myself as your wife. Let us walk together always, and let us always walk towards the light.”

 

Hinata smiled as a few tears ran down Naruto's cheeks before she slipped the wedding band on his ring finger. 

 

Naruto wiped the tears away and said, “Two flames, one light. Hinata-chan, I offer you this ring as a sign of life, and myself as your husband. Let us walk together always, and let us always walk towards the light.”

 

The blond ninja was so happy and overwhelmed with so many emotions, that he didn't pay too much attention when he slipped Hinata's wedding band onto her finger.

 

“I now pronounce you husband and wife . . . but before I tell you to kiss the bride, Naruto - you might want to put the ring on her other hand.”

 

**********

 

“Goodnight Naruto!  Goodnight Hinata!  I'll see you guys tomorrow before you go on your honeymoon!” called Sakura, waving goodbye to her friends before making her way home with Lee's arm wrapped around her waist.

 

Hinata waved goodbye and turned towards her husband, but was suddenly whipped off her feet and carried up the stairs to their apartment, “Naruto-kun!  What are you doing!?”

 

Naruto grinned, “Doing something proper for tonight.  I swear I thought your father was going to kill me when I was under your dress looking for that garter and couldn't find it.  I don't think you were supposed to put it all the way up your thigh!  Although I'm sure he was very amused when you stuffed the cake in my face.”

 

As they reached the top of the stairs, Hinata giggled softly as Naruto tried to open the door while she was still in his arms, “Can I lend you a hand?”

 

With some quick maneuvering Naruto had the door opened and they walked into their dark apartment.  As the door closed behind them, Naruto turned and stared at his wife.  Even though the flowers had fallen out of her hair through the night, and her make up had been washed off after he had taken his revenge on her for stuffing cake in his face . . . she was still absolutely beautiful.  Taking a few steps forwards, he pulled Hinata close before they started slow dancing in their kitchen.

 

They swayed side to side to the silent music that was playing only in their heads.  Naruto leaned down and kissed his bride tenderly on the lips, which caused Hinata to giggle softly. “What's so funny?”

 

“I'm just surprised - I thought the second we got into the apartment, you'd be trying to see how fast you could get this dress off of me!”

 

It was Naruto's turn to laugh, “Really?  You didn't think I would want to take a moment and enjoy the silent company of my new wife without the interruption of any guests or family members?”

 

“Hmm, that sounds romantic . . .”

 

“Besides, I'm saving all that for the honeymoon tomorrow.  Tonight, I just want to . . . hold you and think how lucky I am to finally have you as my wife . . . forever . . .”

 

“Where is my perverted Naruto-kun and what have you done with him?” teased Hinata, pulling him down for another kiss.

 

They continued slowly dancing on the tiled floor, relishing in the feeling of being close to each other and fully taking in the reality that they were now married.  Their life together was just starting and both of them looked forward to the days they would share together as husband and wife.  Naruto hmmed softly when he felt Hinata's fingers glided up into his hair, gently cradling his head before standing up on her tip toes to kiss the whiskered marks on either side of his cheeks.  Hinata rubbed her nose against his, eyes opening a little to look into his blue ones before she softly said I love you and he returned her words kindly along with a soft kiss.

 

Naruto took more control of their slow dance moving them across the kitchen, and towards their bedroom, a sly grin slowly slipping across his lips. As they entered their room, he closed the door behind them and he kissed his wife with all the passion that was burning inside him.

 

When air became necessary, they pulled apart for a moment but their foreheads remained touching, “I thought you said you were saving all of that for the honey moon?” Hinata teased softly.

 

Naruto chuckled, “Oh I am.  Tomorrow we'll be at Mount Myoboku, all alone in a secluded area that Fukasakuhas prepared for us, and over the next few days it's just going to be you and me . . . on our own little romantic get away.  However Hinata-chan, you are forgetting one important detail that I always need to remind you of . . . I'm an insatiable horny beast!  Now that you're my wife, I'll want you more and more . . . I'll always be hungry for you . . .”

 

Hinata giggled softly when he started to kiss her neck, “Oh what have I gotten myself into?”

 

“Too late to back out now Hinata-chan . . .” mumbled Naruto, his lips slowly working down her neck and towards her shoulder, while his hands slowly made it up to her back in an attempt to undo her dress.

 

“Anata . . .” Hinata whispered softly.

 

Naruto froze for a moment as he heard her whisper that term of endearment; he pulled away and looked into her eyes, once again trying to hold back tears that threatened to pool in his eyes.

 

“Is it okay if I call you that?”

 

The blond ninja nodded, “Of course it is . . .” he whispered back just as softly, “Just as long as I can call you Tsume . . .”

 

Tears did fall from Hinata's eyes as she nodded her head, “Of course . . .”

 

“Good . . . now I'm afraid you're going to have to help me get you out of this dress . . . because I really don't want to have to call over Sakura or Hanabi to come over and lend me a hand so I can make love to my wife.”

 

*********

 

Hinata was always amazed and awed at the constant beauty of this place, whether it was during the day when the sun was shinning, or at night when the moon illuminated the sky.  However she had to admit that just when the sun was setting over the mountains was her favorite time to drink in the scenery and simply sit and stare at its beauty.  It's the small things like this that I love the most . . .

 

The arms loosely wrapped around her waist tightened, and she shivered upon feeling a pair of warm lips on the back of her neck.  Shifting slightly on the large tree branch they were sitting on, Hinata glanced over her shoulder to look at her husband who had been currently sleeping behind her.  Sleepy blue eyes bore into hers before they closed, and he buried his nose into her indigo locks, inhaling deeply.

 

“I've always loved the way you smell,” whispered Naruto, “Makes me feel so relaxed . . .”

 

Hinata giggled softly, reaching behind her so she could run her fingers through his golden spikes.  She smiled when she heard him hum in approval, tilting his head into her gentle fingers.

 

“I don't want to leave here . . . it's so peaceful and I get to spend everyday with you . . . can't we stay here for a bit longer?” Naruto pouted softly.

 

The Hyuuga heiress giggled again, “I know Anata, but we do have to return to reality eventually, otherwise the Hokage will be hunting us down so he can get his best ANBU guard back.”

 

Naruto was silent and Hinata almost regretted speaking those words.  She tugged on his hair lightly to get his attention, his eyes finding hers again, “Does it bother you that much?”

 

“Does it bother me that my sensei was announced as the new Hokage yesterday?  No . . . not really.  It's just kind of weird . . . I always thought that maybe I would be Baa-chan's successor, but then again I'm not even twenty yet and I've still got so much to learn in life.  Kakashi's-sensei is in his thirties and he's been a ninja all his life, so she definitely picked the best candidate.”

 

Hinata's fingers moved down from his golden locks and started tracing his whiskered birthmarks, “Yes, and I know that someday you will become Hokage.”

 

Naruto chuckled, “Oh there's no doubt about that!  Besides . . . I'm not in any rush to become Hokage yet, I've only just joined the ANBU squad.”

 

“Is that the only reason?”

 

“Hmm, no.  I've also just married the most beautiful girl in the world and want to spend as much time with her as possible.  I think I'd like to enjoy that kind of freedom before I'm trapped in the Hokage tower signing paperwork all day.”

 

Hinata hmmed in agreement before she turned her gaze back to the setting sun, “We'll just take this journey of ours one step at a time and see where it leads us.”

 

Naruto smirked and held his wife tighter, “It's a journey I'm looking forward to . . .”

 

It was the start of something new for both of them.  The perilous adventures one takes through life are always hard - with so many forks in the road, deciding which is the correct path to take is difficult, but they had always done it alone.  Both of them knew, that to get anywhere in life, there are no short cuts, that only the rough and rocky paths lead to the goal. But this time was different, because this time they would always have someone right behind them. Someone who would be there to back them up, to support them in times of weakness, or just to remind them they didn't have to struggle alone anymore.

 

It was a journey that they would be making together, towards a future that to them was still unknown . . . and perhaps would be filled with terrifying experiences.  However, both of them were Shinobi of Konoha . . . so they would be prepared for anything that would come their way.

 

As the sun finally set in the horizon, they wordlessly stood up and slowly made their way back to the `lovers nest' where they had been spending their pleasurable nights.  They walked side by side together, hand in hand, knowing that the person beside them would be there forever.

 

The End

 

Author Notes:

Finished!  Well not quite, I still have the epilogue to write, but it's going to be nice, short and sweet.  At the very max it will be ten to fifteen pages.  (E/N: That's a love-hate statement for me. I want it to be longer, but that'd take more work)

 

I do apologize for the long update, I could go on about the sore tooth I had, writers block for a few scenes, and the research I had to do for the wedding vows and wedding dress, but I don't want to bore you all.

 

Beta Notes:

Hi, Onihikage here - just adding in the definitions of a couple of words. Anata is a term of endearment used by women towards their husbands, similar to “dear” in English. Tsume's usage here is technically archaic, but it was the closest equivalent to Anata, and since Naruto takes place in a semi-feudal era, I just went with it. The word also means wife, but its archaic use is a term romantically linked men and women refer to one another with. Just know that it's what a man would call his wife.

 

And I gotta say, that was so beautiful! I'm tearing up here! *sigh* I love NaruHina…

 

Wedding Dress:

Link:

h t t p : / / w w w . d a v i d s b r i d a l . c o m / w e b a p p / w c s / s t o r e s / s e r v l e t / P r o d u c t D i s p l a y V i e w ? s t o r e I d = 1 0 0 5 2 & c a t a l o g I d = 1 0 0 5 1 & c a t e g o r y I d = - 4 9 9 9 5 4 9 8 & c u r r e n t I d x = 5 8 & s u b C a t e g o r y = - 4 9 9 9 9 4 8 6 % 7 c - 4 9 9 9 5 4 9 8 & c a t e n t r y I d = 6 0 9 6 7 9 9 & s o r t =

 

Satin A-line halter with split front, beaded lace, removable modesty panel, and lace-up back. Chapel train. Available in White or Ivory with a variety of color trims. Also available in Woman's sizes 14W-26W as Style 9T9218. Petite sizes 0P-16P as Style 7T9218 (Special Order Only). Note: For Champagne trim, sash/lace are both champagne.

 

I chose this dress for Hinata for two reasons.  One it's really pretty, you have to admit that.  Two, I picked a halter style dress instead of the usual strapless kind, because I am quite big breasted like Hinata and strapless dresses are just simple uncomfortable.  I don't actually own a strapless dress, but two of my cosplay outfits are strapless and I am always constantly pulling them up.  So I picked a dress that would be comfortable and you wouldn't need to be adjusting it all night during your wedding.

 

Vows:  Most of the words in the vows I wrote myself, however the last few lines and some of Hinata's I had to pluck from over vows I found over the internet.  Also the words they spoke while putting the rings on, I stumbled across that one online and thought it was just perfect for a Konoha wedding with the will of fire.

 

Beta's: Blueangel and Onihikage (formerly Narai Moroha) I want to thank you guys so much for helping me with this fic and correcting my horrible spelling and grammar errors.  I really appreciate you taking the time from your busy lives to help me out!  Thanks a bunch!

 

So please review and look forward to the epilogue which I'm hoping to have out sometime early December.  I wish I could have it out earlier, but I am extremely busy with family stuff, life in general and getting my Christmas shopping done before the rush.  Also, tomorrow I'm getting my wisdom teeth yanked out, so I'll be out of commission for four days to recover.

 

Lynns