Dreams of Demons
"Passion makes the world go round, love just makes it a safer place." - Ice T
Prolog: A Committee of One
Hinata ran the brush through her hair, humming contentedly as she looked in her small vanity. The mirror reflected a girl who carried herself with confidence, head held up and eyes bright. She had blossomed since the purge, with her teammates the first to notice. Naruto was the only thing that made her stutter now. He was the only person whose mere presence caused her heart to flutter.
"Naruto-kun…" Hinata sighed happily as she subconsciously hugged the boar-bristle brush to her chest. Twirling around in the chair, her eyes darted past the curtained window. It was late, if the dark sky was any indication. Late enough so she might start one of her favorite activities?
The brush fell to the carpet; it's owner thinking about something other than keeping her hair soft and silky for the day he might run his fingers through it. Hinata stepped over to the far wall, her hand feeling for the invisible catch that would open the way. The Uchiha were quite ingenious, but as they say 'pride cometh before the fall'.
She slid the hidden door open, and crept through the surprisingly wide hall. Two people would have been able to walk abreast with little crowding. Hinata's fingers swooped up and down in time with her steps as she hummed quietly. At last she arrived at her destination, and pulled back a panel with care.
The room was large, but not overly so. Hinata Hyuuga had agonized for hours on the best place for her Naruto. He needed more space than that small apartment, but she knew he would feel awkward if there was a sudden shift. It was difficult but the Uchiha manor had more variety than she initially suspected.
A set of windows and a glass door filled the east wall, leading to a plant decked balcony. Three bookcases had been positioned at various stations in the room, with an ivy engraved table not far from Hinata's hidden entrance. Two over-stuffed chairs had taken up residence in opposite corners. Directly in front of the girls pale eyes was a queen sized bed, just big enough for two people to cuddle comfortably.
Hinata stalked across the room, her footsteps muffled by the thick plush carpet. Her features relaxed as color tinted her cheeks. After weeks of exposure she was becoming better at controlling herself around the Uzumaki, but some things were hard to break. Sometimes, it's hard to believe my Naruto-kun can turn into Oni-sama when he looks like that… Hinata mused as she took in his sleeping form.
A stray blonde lock fell across his face, and she absently noted he had gone to bed with wet hair again. It was a wonder he never got sick. Or was it? Naruto-kun! If only I could get through to you! But your move so fast… you are always thinking ahead of me. How can I catch your attention?
She brushed back his hair and giggled softly as he muttered about ramen and snuggled deeper into the blankets. The girl blinked at the comment and headed toward his personal kitchen. It wouldn't do for her Naruto-sama to run out of food.
Contrary to the bedroom, the kitchen had a hardwood floor. It was small in comparison to everyone else's but she didn't see him cooking eggs or anything of the like. Hinata opened the cabinets and made a mental note to order more shrimp flavor. Naruto had been quite vocal about his opinonion of the instant Miso flavor, it couldn't compare to Ichiraku's. I will get that recipe! Then… then I can be the perfect wife for Oni-sama!
Hinata shuffled back to the bedroom, casting another loving look to the sleeping boy. He seemed to be fighting even in his sleep, with one hand striking out and slamming against the headboard. The Hyuuga's eyes traced the faint drag marks Naruto's claws made, hunger evident. She wanted him, but didn't want to scare him away. They were so close. She was ready, and he was getting to be more and more comfortable and free around her. The village, my father, they no longer stand in the way of our happiness. Soon, Naruto-sama. I'll be yours.
For a moment thoughts of certain pink haired kunoichi floated through her head; the girl who at one time could have been considered a rival for her love's affections. No more. Hinata had made sure Naruto was thoroughly disgusted with the traitorous woman.
The girl yawned. It would be sunrise shortly, and she had yet to sleep. With one last wistful look at the blonde angel she crept back into the concealed passage to her own quarters. Soon Naruto-kun, soon.
Naruto woke slowly as sun warmed the room from the window. He yawned, knocking his alarm clock over as he stretched. Out of habit he reached for his night-cap, only to sigh at its absence. The gopher cover had been lost with the rest of his building. A chirping bird pulled the blonde from his depressing thoughts, as it signaled the start of new day.
Something was different. Naruto sniffed the air, a habit that had snuck up on him sense the 'cleansing'. Hinata had pointed out that his senses were on par with Kiba's now, something that the dog user was happy about. Now the Inuzuka had someone to sneak off with and find new interesting smells. Naruto never thought that moss could smell like ramen.
Naruto threw off his covers, determined to find out what was different in his rooms. There was a faint lingering scent that he recognized but couldn't remember from where. It teased him and taunted.
I'll find you, and when I do… Spurred on with self-motivation, the demon container rolled out of bed. He landed on all fours, blue eyes wide awake and claws out. Naruto liked the smell. He honestly wouldn't mind keeping it in the room but the fact he didn't know what made it grated on the boy's nerves.
Naruto followed the scent to the kitchen, and back to his sleeping quarters, none the wiser about what was giving it off. He paced his room, not unlike a caged animal, while thinking of a solution.
Naruto is and always will be a simple creature. He makes no effort to hide his thoughts or feelings. He doesn't try to see 'underneath the underneath'. He sticks to what he knows. Naruto made a shadow clone.
"Hey, Boss."
"You! Where is the smell coming from?" Naruto asked, a clawed finger pointing in accusation at the newly made clone.
The copy waved his hands in panic. "I don't know! I only just got here!"
"Use your nose."
The clone paused to suck in a breath. Light red blossomed on his cheeks and he grinned. "That's nice. I think my life is complete."
"Yours maybe, but I want to find where it's coming from. Think!"
"Summon my brothers! Surely together we can come up with something." The clone suggested.
"Of course. I'm so smart." Naruto quickly created another five clones, as he didn't want to crowd the room. They sat in a circle, with the original Naruto heading the proceedings. "Now, my fellows, this is the case of the mysterious scent. We cannot find its origins, and thus we cannot discover how to get more."
The first clone nodded, and asked for those gathered to sample the air.
"Amazing.…"
"Makes me think of food…"
"Old man Ichiraku said we could have free ramen today!"
"Ramen!"
Naruto slammed his palm on the carpet. "Focus people! The smell! What is it."
The second clone leaned back, voicing his opinion. "I think number five had something with the food comment."
"Food… but not Ramen. Its… fruity."
"Fruit? Yuck."
"Not as bad as vegetables."
"But we are agreed? Some form of fruit?"
Naruto jumped up in excitement, startling his clones. "That's it! Strawberries! It smells like strawberries!"
The clones applauded their maker. One part of the mystery was solved. "But where is it coming from?"
In sync, all the Naruto's in the room closed their eyes and breathed deep. Silence filled the air. Slowly, ever so slowly, heads turned to the far wall.
"It's strongest over there."
"Meeting adjourned." Naruto dismissed his clones as he jogged over to the wall. His first thought was to Rasengan the wall, and break through. So he did.
The demon vessel coughed as dust and rubble flew up. He leaned down, for a moment doubting the decision to destroy, before seeing the tunnel reviled. Blue eyes darkened as the ninja stepped over the debris.
"I knew it! Sasuke you bastard! How dare you have secret passages and not tell me!"
EN