Disclaimer: Don't own the Naruto franchise or any of it's characters.

Rating: M

As the summary said, most of it regards their living together, not purely 'the big result'. Still, hope you enjoy


Hospital

"Hmm..."

Hinata did her best not to move, even as Sakura continued to check her eyes- it was hard not to wince at the bright light, but she managed. After a moment, Sakura nodded a bit and pulled back, smiling, "Well, everything looks good for you" she assured. "Been through a little effort, but no real damage, and the only change is a slight difference in your chakra signature."

"That's good to know" Hinata agreed, rubbing near her eyes- she'd been hoping they wouldn't be too affected.

"Still, if anything changes, you have to let me know."

"Of course" she breathed, slowly standing up from her seat. "After all, I know I'm the only one thus far-"

"Not just because of that" Sakura added, touching her shoulder. "But because you're important to all of us. And Naruto would kill me if I let anything happen to you."

At that, Hinata gave Sakura a small look, making a sound- yes Sakura's teasing, but she didn't like the idea of an angry Naruto, even in jest. And besides, it wouldn't be true anyway; in the event that something happened, Sakura would do everything she could to help, and Naruto would understand that - no reason to worry here.

"Can I go then?"

"Sure; no need to keep you here."

Glad for that, Hinata quickly got off the makeshift bed- just as she was about to exit through the door, she almost ran into someone. "Oh!" she breathed, surprised, before she registered who: Sai, carrying this bouquet of flowers.

"Forgive me, Hinata" he stated, blinking once. "I did not see you."

She just smiled. "I don't think that was either of our faults, Sai" she assured. "After all, I didn't see you either."

"Ah."

"Hey, Sai" Sakura called over, if light about it. "You looking for Ino?"

He nodded, trying for a smile... though it still looked strange. "I was told she was in this area, and that she needed a thing of flowers. Where exactly is she now, Sakura?"

"That way, two doors down."

Sai inclined his head in thanks, then started in that direction- after a few steps, he stopped, before turning back for a bit. "It was good to see you, Hinata" he stated, still with that 'strange' smile, before he moved off again.

For her part, Hinata kept the smile; she recognized he's trying another quirk of social interaction, or rather trying to make it natural - still needed some work, like the timing, but he's clearly improved a lot. A hand on her shoulder showed Sakura, expression telling her similar things; "If I didn't know better, I'd say he's a different person" she breathed, but with a fond smile.

"I think that point's long past" Hinata answered, sincere. "The Root agent he was, is entirely different from the Sai we just saw."

"Yeah."

...

Around the same time

"So Naruto, you have to be composed at all times" Kakashi outlined. "Or at least, as much as possible, or your command may waver."

Naruto slowly breathed out; it's all so complicated, having to be aware of everything all at once, and the paperwork... "Does that include knowing where the ANBU are at all times?" he asked, hoping they're done with the current subject; he got the feeling he'd only truly get it once he had the job, and thus be physically aware of them, rather than talk making him get it.

His sensei seemed to bore into him, as if knowing he's trying to worm out of this one. "Yes" he answered, before waving a hand. "So tell me; where's Yamato in this room right now? Without chakra-sensing abilities please."

In this room? Hehe, well Yamato was always good, but that's pretty clever... hmm, where in this room...

"There" Naruto pointed out, on a spot almost two feet to Kakashi's right.

His sensei glanced that way, making a small hum. "Well, you're partly right" he said, almost cheerful. "You're pointing at his hand, Naruto, but where's the rest of his body?"

"What do you mean by that?" he questioned, confused. "He's either standing to the left or to the right of where his hand is."

"Not quite" came Yamato's voice. "I'm outside right now, leaning against the wall; only my hand is inside, as is my arm technically, reaching over the window."

Ah man, he totally tanked on this one! Seriously, if he didn't get better at this, it's only gonna take longer before he becomes Hokage... gah, Yamato's too good. Sure, he's using some sort of camouflage and such, which he got how that worked, but he had to do better than this- what he's gonna tell Hinata as well? After all, it just seemed like another of 'those' days...

Ah, who's he kidding? Hinata would just do her best to assure him, and not let this get him down.

"Naruto" Kakashi stated, quickly making him snap out of it. "Once you're finished mentally beating on yourself, I'm gonna need a few other things done."

Mmh. "I'm not doing that, sensei" he said honestly. "Sure, I flunked, but I'm prepared to do better."

A raised eyebrow, for a moment. "Better, but I still need those things done."

"Yes, sir."

/

Home

"Rough day?" Hinata asked, after Naruto slumped into the chair- she quickly moved by his side, gently rubbing at his shoulders.

"Ahh... mmh, not exactly" he breathed, eyes closed, but with a little smile at what she's doing. "I mean, I wasn't exhausted or anything like that. It's just one of those days were I was off my game, ya know? Like no matter what I did, something went wrong, or I couldn't concentrate... nothing really bad happened, but still, it was off."

Just listening, she kissed his neck after he finished, which got a little movement out of him. "Well, I'm sure you resolved to do better tomorrow" she assured. "I know you."

Naruto gave her a small sheepish grin. "Sometimes scarily so" he breathed, before going 'Heh'. "But not really. That's exactly what I did, Hinata, and I'm gonna do a lot better next time."

Smiling, Hinata leaned down, giving him a soft kiss- he didn't mind at all. "You'll do great" she breathed, tracing his whisker marks a little. "But if you've had an off day, do you want me to draw a bath, Naruto?"

He seemed surprised, if a little happy at her finger movements. "That'll make dinner late."

She kissed him again. "Let it be late today" she whispered gently, moving over to his side. "And if you want, I can- I can join you again."

Traces of red appeared on his cheeks, but Naruto slowly nodded, after which she kissed him again (and he returned it). After that, Naruto slowly stood up as he followed behind her - admittedly, despite suggesting it she was still a bit shy, but she figured it'd take awhile before that goes away for the idea of a shared bath. But it's not gonna stop her- just gotta keep experiencing it, being with Naruto that way, and she'll get used to it. Plus despite the shyness on both their parts, they did like being together in the bath, just holding each other and feeling closer...

The thought made her smile, during which she drew said bath.

"So, do you wanna get in first, Hinata?" Naruto asked beside her, testing the water carefully. "Mmh, a little hot."

"This time, sure" she answered, adjusting the water to make it slightly cooler; sure, it's gonna be hot, but it can't be scalding hot or it'd ruin things. Partway through this process however, Hinata had a thought... it embarrassed her, but how would Naruto react...?

It must've gone on a fair while, for he had to stop the water for her, though before it got close to overfilling. "Hinata?"

"Umm" she breathed, struggling a little, but it's just an idea; if it's accepted, it'll be another step for them. Plus overall, he's seen her underwear in the laundry half-a-dozen times already, so he's barely a step from seeing it on her. "Naruto?" she asked, seeing him tilt his head. "When I'm getting ready, would you... would you like to, um, w-watch me? Just for a little?"

"Eh-!?"

Hinata could feel her cheeks getting hotter. "Just a little" she quickly added with some difficulty, though it soon faded; she made herself look at him, seeing his shock and everything. "Just- just until I'm half-naked, at most... if you'll agree."

Naruto needed some time, then quickly shook his head (to clear the shock), his breathing a little heavy and cheeks redder. "I- I didn't expect to hear that from you" he whispered, slowly looking back at her. "Hinata... you'd really...?"

"Well, you've already seen a lot of my body, a-and felt it" she whispered back, but slowly taking his hand; it made her feel better, because his hand was shaking slightly, and she already started to instinctively comfort him. "And we've done laundry enough times too. In practice... it'd be seeing a bit more than the last time, like a next step."

As she talked, he took comfort from her voice, as his hand stopped shaking- but when he moved closer, his cheeks were just as red. "You really have grown, Hinata" Naruto whispered to her, softer- she made a sound when he kissed her cheek, if liking it. "I mean, this would've been unthinkable before, but now... it still surprises me."

Gently, Hinata held him closer, kissing his cheeks in return - his hands soon went around her back, and she returned the favor.

"And it's amazing" he breathed. "I like who you normally are, but this too- it's good."

"Thank you."

Naruto held her a little longer, then he moved to kiss her on the lips- she didn't mind at all. "Alright" he whispered, nervous, but ready to try-

-she felt similar, but nodded gently.

"Even though I've agreed though, it's still surprising" he continued, to her little head-tilt. "I mean, this kinda... well, watching you take off your clothes sounds more like something I'd request."

Hinata kissed him again, tracing his whisker marks a second time. "That's- that's partly why I suggested it" she whispered, much to his surprise. "I do want to go a little further, trying to adjust as needed, but I also know it'd work for you too."

"But- but why?" he questioned, before rubbing his head. "I mean, I'm not denying that part of me, ya know, but I still... I-I didn't..."

Naruto trailed off when she gently kissed his neck this time.

"I know that's who you are, Naruto" she assured, entirely gentle. "I don't exactly have a problem with it, so long as things remain reasonable. A small thing, l-like being watched as I change, isn't too much to deal with... even on the first time. I wouldn't allow such things to happen often, or suddenly, but occasional would still be acceptable."

His cheeks still remained red, but he slowly broke into a little smile.

"This first time, don't say too much, not until afterward" Hinata whispered, still soft. "But come on; we still have to get in."

"Yeah."

...

Naruto meant all he'd said, but even still, he's glad to know Hinata would actually let him show his more perverted side, within reason of course. Not that he had any desire to be creepy about it, or use her -as if! - and if anything, should be counting his lucky stars already!

He let that thought go on for a moment, sorta his 'indulgence' of things before pushing it away; this is serious.

...or well, this intimate moment between them is serious, not anything else. Yeah.

Hinata gently caressed his cheek, nodding a little before she moved away from him- her cheeks were still a bit heated, but that's natural. He sorta-nervously rubbed the back of his head, even as Hinata turned a little, not quite facing him yet not sideways either... she lingered a moment before working on her shirt. Despite what he's supposed to be doing, Naruto looked at her face for a few moments, silently marveling at how confident she'd become to do this... amazing. He even had a little smile when he thought so, which Hinata noticed after a bit, pausing, but he slowly nodded his head - keep going - before she returned the little smile.

Soon her shirt was gone, and it wasn't too long before her fingers moved up her back... there was a slight pause, but otherwise things moved quickly...

When her chest was revealed, he had a more mixed reaction: an urge to stare at this sight, but also an urge to glance away, because he didn't want to be creepy. Sure, he's her husband and all that, and it isn't wrong for him to admire her body, but he still didn't want to push his boundaries with Hinata... then Naruto slowly made a sound, mentally; he's still doing that, underestimating what Hinata's capable of.

Because he's so nervous he'll do something to mess it up...

...and it's kinda unfounded, because Hinata's one of the most understanding people ever.

Luckily his mental thoughts only really took a few seconds, because by then he'd returned his gaze to her - he can admire them, and he will, but won't overdo it either. They're definitely big, bigger than most girls', and that showed in her instinctive arm-underneath motion for support... even still, they just seemed perfectly-shaped, and the sensitive nipples seemed tempting to him now. When he got out of it, Naruto noticed her cheeks were redder, as if she'd noticed his gaze, but otherwise looked at him with her usual gentle gaze. Kinda instinctively, he gave a small sheepish smile, which made her return the favor, if not really sheepish at all.

Then of course, came below the waist, once he stopped noticing her figure in general- this time, he was kinda more fixated without realizing (at first).

As he quickly noticed, Hinata was wearing a dark-purple pair, which he recognized after a moment- just like she'd said about their having done the laundry. She didn't bend over or anything, simply raising her legs to help them off properly, but he'd expected that... and honestly, he'd see bending over as a bit much, considering Hinata's not anything like that.

"...Naruto?"

Hmm? Naruto jolted, realizing he'd been a little too into looking, a bit embarrassed. "Sorry" he breathed, slowly rubbing at his cheek. "So, Hinata... I should turn around now, right?"

Her cheeks were still red, and she seemed nervous like him, but she slowly tilted her head. "I could- could wait a few more seconds" she offered-

-he nearly gulped, but shook his head. "Nah, that's fine, ya know" he answered, before turning around before he could be tempted. "Really."

A little time passed, before the subtle sounds of Hinata finishing the job, both on her remaining clothing and also doing up her hair for this bath- he wasn't exactly sure why she did, but now didn't seem like a good time to ask. Then he heard the water slosh around, and Hinata said "Okay, it's your turn", which he proceeded to do so - didn't even have to check that her eyes were closed, because he knew her.

...

When Naruto entered the bath, she'd just about 'recovered' from the earlier rush- oh wow. Having Naruto stare at her body like that, not in first-time shock but in genuine wonder, as if a little hungry to appreciate her body in different ways... it's just exhilarating, and equally intense as the other moments.

This time though, she's beginning to get used to those rushes, so she's getting better.

"I'm in, Hinata."

Hinata slowly opened her eyes, finding Naruto opposite her in the bath, about as red-cheeked as she is. "Hey" she breathed, gentle.

He gave her a little smile. "Hey yourself" Naruto breathed back, equally gentle, before he glanced at the water. "Man, we must've taken awhile; this water's definitely not as hot, as when we tested it I mean."

"Mmh, that's true" she agreed, glancing down for a moment. "But maybe... couldn't we heat it up?"

For a moment, he was surprised, before recognition crossed his face. "Oh yeah" he realized, smiling again. "You can do Fire Release, just like I can- maybe with just a little, we can heat it back up."

"But let's definitely start small; we don't want to hurt ourselves" Hinata added, to his vigorous nod - slowly, she touched her palm to the water's surface. Carefully, she worked her chakra... her little burst briefly caused a reaction, but not enough for any visible change in feel - she and Naruto shared a nod, and they worked together in small bursts.

It took a few tries, but eventually they got it; a few degrees hotter, making it back to normal 'hotness', even as their bodies had adapted to the heat.

But they couldn't change that, so they just shared a smile and soon got to work on washing themselves/each other, just enjoying things.

"You know, I really like this" Naruto breathed to her at one point, slowly rubbing her back with the soap.

"Hmm?" she wondered.

He smiled at her, leaning closer. "Taking a bath together" he whispered, his hand rubbing the soap over her sides now. "Before, I didn't think you'd ever agree, but now I'm wondering why I didn't ask sooner. Or well, I'm thinking that; I dunno if I'd actually have asked, if I knew before, ya know."

Despite a little embarrassment, Hinata still returned the smile, kissing him (he easily returned it). "Well either way, I'm glad you're happy, Naruto" she whispered, rubbing her fingers along his cheek. "I am too, sharing things with you, even if they're embarrassing at first."

"Mmh."

Naruto soon kissed her again, but she didn't mind... she did squeak a little when his hand, the one wielding the soap, slowly rubbed onto her chest. She knew it was part of washing her, but the sensations alone made her tempted, particularly when he brushed her sensitive nipples- but she can't let herself be distracted so easily.

But she can enjoy it, secretly...

"Oh" Hinata breathed, surprised when Naruto pulled her even closer- so much in fact, that her back was pressed against his chest... and e-even lower, her butt against his groin. Even still, Naruto barely seemed to notice at all, so she quickly decided it might be intimate, but not a 'hint'- going with this, she pushed herself to keep up the passion, however little it was. It was a bit embarrassing to feel herself against his- his manhood, but it's certainly not wrong, and she distracted herself by teasing his chest with her free hand. Naruto's hand soon put the soap away, before his hand slowly moved back to her chest, making her give little gasps that he liked- his motions remained small though, mainly spreading around the soap suds than anything big.

Still, she's growing to like this even more than before- if nothing else, her kiss affections made that clear. Particularly when her tongue slowly joined in, which got a small groan out of him but he eagerly returned the favor, just as 'strong' as his current motions.

It must've gone on for minutes...

...until something she couldn't ignore happened, regarding his groin.

Hinata tried to speak, feeling her cheeks heating up, but she didn't move. "...is this another reaction?" she managed at some point, twisting a bit to look at him. "Or a-are you...?"

Naruto didn't seem much better, briefly/slightly gulping, slowly looking at her. "I- t-the reaction thing" he whispered. "It still... it doesn't feel right, yet. And it's still not the right place..."

For a moment, she kept her hand on his cheeks, then rubbed at his whisker marks. "Then, let's continue as before" she whispered, softer, kissing his cheek. "We still got a little time, and I really liked what you were doing."

A moment or two passed, Naruto appearing to remember to before, nodding. "Alright" he breathed. "And you're not so bad yourself, Hinata."

That took her a little to recover from- not that she minds pleasing Naruto, but it's still a little embarrassing getting praised for this kind-of thing.

/

Later; dinnertime

Honestly, considering everything that happened, dinner could've been awkward yet it wasn't... quiet, for sure, but not awkward. Naruto slowly smiled, glad for it though; the last thing he'd want is for Hinata to start feeling awkward around him - and if it'd happened, he'd have stopped no question, because she's more important to him than anyone else-

"Naruto?"

The silence broken, he stirred from his thoughts. "Hmm?"

Hinata picked at her food for a bit, looking at him, expression soft. "Did you ever make any plans before?" she whispered, interested. "About your future, besides becoming Hokage?"

While surprised, Naruto glanced up as he gave it some thought. "Mmh... no, I-I can't say that I have, Hinata" he breathed, but when he looked at her, gave a little smile. "I was always fixated on the present for a long time, getting stronger, working my way to becoming Hokage. All I wanted was respect, for people to notice me... I don't believe I thought about what else might happen, at least anything big, ya know. Not that I didn't appreciate the friends I made, or the figures in my life who tried to guide me, like Iruka-sensei, yet still. Why?"

"Because, I want to make sure we're on the same page" Hinata assured. "If you had any plans, we'd discuss them. If you don't have any, then I'll help you come up with one that works for both of us."

"So, you mean like right now?" Naruto asked, and she nodded. "Oh- heh, that's kinda heavy for dinner, but it's still important" he agreed, nodding at her in return; it's fine with him.

Her cheeks started to turn pink, and Hinata glanced away for a bit. "We're growing closer, Naruto" she whispered, slightly nervous but mostly soft. "Eventually... we'll grow as close as two people can be."

Naruto felt his cheeks heat up, knowing what she's talking about, but why's she talking about 'that'? It's kinda obvious, and- wait... unless she meant... and plans...

Oh.

That time, he gulped a little, heart beating much faster. "H-Hinata..."

Hinata slowly looked at him again, similarly nervous, but she reached across the table and took his hand; he immediately grasped it back. "You never brought it up, because you thought it'd be too soon. Am I right?" she whispered, fingers moving against his.

"Well... yeah, among other things" Naruto mumbled, before he tried to get through it. "I mean, it was kinda like with Shikamaru's gift; not just too soon, but too embarrassing, for us to suddenly be naked in a hot spring together. I guess I- I unconsciously thought the same about mentioning... well, anything more than we already doing. I really gotta stop doing that."

A little smile, as Hinata liked his words. "It's fine" she assured. "I wasn't sure about your plans either, and we were still busy adjusting to life together. I think we would've waited this long anyway, at the least."

"Yeah..."

Some seconds of silence between them.

"Hinata" Naruto tried, before shaking his head to clear it. "I know you mean the possibility, not like, right now (Hinata made a little sound), because we're not that far. But I dunno if I'm ready..."

Her fingers gently caressed his, both hands joining in. "Even though I brought it up, I can't say I am either, Naruto" she reassured, which did ease him. "But even still, I thought we had to talk about it, right?"

Mmh. "Well, maybe I just need more time, but I don't think I can answer... 'how many', not tonight" Naruto managed, liking what she's doing with his fingers. "But as far as 'do I want to?', then- I-I guess, when we're both ready, ya know."

"Yes, when we're ready" Hinata whispered back, entirely gentle; he's glad for it, though he noticed her cheeks turning from pink to light-red. "As for me, even just a possibility, I thought that... well..."

"Hmm?" Naruto breathed, before realizing maybe she needed a little push, and now it's his turn. Quickly, he returned the favor on their hands, doing his best to look supportive- once Hinata noted, her smile soon returned.

"For now I'm thinking-" she started, licking her lips as if they're dry. "That well- I can picture the two of us with... w-with a son, and a daughter, Naruto."

Naruto gasped, his entire body gong haywire for a moment, enough that he jerked from the shock- no, not shock, warmth! Warmth so intense he couldn't make sense of it at first, unable to do more than stare at Hinata... the way she also 'suffered' from shyness at what she'd said, but warm at the thought, even if it's just a possibility right now...

He must've been staring at her for awhile, for she never said anything; just kept working his fingers... until his own stirred.

"Hinata..."

"Hmm?"

He tried to say more, but couldn't find the words, and the entire time he just looked at Hinata- her face, those eyes, the long dark-blue hair, and the gentleness that permeated every part of her. Once he felt he didn't have any words period, Naruto got up, moving toward her... while surprised, Hinata didn't move (or mind) as he slowly cupped her face...

Leaning forward, he kissed her, hoping it'd be enough to say everything - it must've, somewhere, because Hinata soon returned the favor, and her grip was strong yet gentle. In fact, she pulled him even closer to her, somehow maneuvering him to sit in her lap (with his legs supporting his own weight, rather then 'just' sitting), pressing her chest against his- oh yes.

Dinner forgotten now, they stayed that way for awhile.


A bit late, but things are working out for them ;) And at this point, I imagine the next one will be some (but not all) exploration of 'down there', if not thorough or anything, and the last one will be the lemon itself

Part five should still be doable in two weeks, but I think that last part will take a fair while longer, so keep that in mind.