Chapter 6: Let's go shopping!
Karin had said no more drama queen and she had meant it. From the day they had gone to the hospital till now she had been lingering in a state of sheer serenity. A the beginning Naruto had a little been on the edge whenever he saw her peaceful smile and the little light that shone in her eyes. But over the last month he had come to the conclusion that-the smile was there to stay—she was really starting to experience bliss. As absurd as it may sound that was it and Naruto felt her happiness staining on him too. How could it not be when every morning he woke up to the sound of chirping birds and her melodious voice? Karin sang all day long, while she cooked, when she cleaned, even in the course of mending his torn shirts and washing his muddy training gears. It was so elating! Not only because she had a beautiful voice but also because the smile that continuously spread her sensual lips was a sight to make an angel doubt.
There was not only the singing and smiling; Karin's face seemed healthier in fact her whole body glowed. She followed Tsunade's advice strictly. She took her vitamins as prescribed and played less with her food. She no longer exhausted herself at sterilizing the house from the least grain of dust as she used to; she now had an activity schedule as he came to realize through observation. Talking about observation, he liked watching her rub her round small tummy or draw circles on it soothingly. He loved the way she exuded so much maternal love and tenderness. Occasionally she went for a walk in the park and much to Naruto's surprise she had even gone shopping two times. True the grocery in question was not in the middle of the town but it was quite close to habitation. This just showed she was ready face people. In fact Karin seemed to be really living now, this time she had really stuck to her word and Naruto felt very proud of her.
Till now he still didn't know what had happened in that examination room but one thing was sure he would never thank Tsunade enough for Karin's developed interest in the baby growing inside of her- it made her look good- actually she seemed to feel good. At this moment though she didn't seem to be that good, he thought as he saw the deep frown on her face:
"Shit!" She grunted as she held two tiny buttons that a second later had been on her blouse.
"Any Problem?"
Karin looked up and blushed:
"Nothing I can't solve", she muttered. With that she hastily got up from the couch and escaped to her room.
She came some minutes later wearing another of her high collar tunics that covered her neck arms and cleavage. This time around it had no buttons but the way it stretched over her expanded tummy, it might as well tear apart Naruto thought. She looked confined and very uncomfortable. Karin needed new clothes and it was obvious. Though she had not gained much weight, her stomach was visibly expanding and her breasts were getting fuller. She needed clothes adapted to these changes. As much as he liked the clothes she wore none of them were fit for this- they were either too loose or not loose enough. No wonder buttons popped. He'd been waiting for her to ask him for new ones but he knew Karin wouldn't; she was too proud. It was normal, she'd been taking care of herself alone all this while, and he understood it was difficult for her to accept somebody's help especially when it came to such basic issues. Nevertheless given that she had quit her job in the library or more precisely the council had arranged for her to be sacked. She had no source of revenue and no matter the amount of savings she had he was very sure it wouldn't be enough to refill her wardrobe with maternity clothing. He on the other hand had enough money so there was no way, his wife continued strangling in her clothes while he could help it.
"You need new clothes", he stated.
"What makes you think so?" Karin snorted
"That!" he retorted casting an eloquent glance to her tummy and the buttons she had left on the table.
"If you say so", she scowled stubbornly to mask her embarrassment. With her belly taking larger proportions her gowns and tunics became tighter. It was a miracle she still fitted in her favorite skinny jeans even if she could barely button it. But what could she do? As long as he wanted to buy new ones she couldn't afford them. Also she was too shy to ask Naruto but obviously he had no such problem.
"I'm not going to argue on something we both know is obvious. Before you argue", he said raising one of his hands, "I'll like to tell you it was not a suggestion it was rather information. So you better save your energy because we're going shopping NOW!"
"Now?" She gasped.
"Of course when did you expect us to do it? I'm sure you've realized I've got plenty of things to do these times. In fact you were the one who insisted I took more missions", he pointed out.
It was true; tired of seeing him roaming in the house and climbing to the walls because of boredom, Karin had urged Naruto to accept more missions. She felt uncomfortable knowing he stayed at home mostly to take care of her. It was not because she was not fond of going out that he had to confine himself in the house with her. But Naruto not very convinced had refused, so to prove to him she could take care of herself, one day she had ventured herself to town. Not actually but far enough to the nearest grocery to their building. The bravery it had taken her to face the curious stares as well as their hateful glares when they recognized her, had been sufficient for her to repeat the experiences three other times. Most importantly it had convinced him and he had started taking more missions and had others planned anytime soon. He was rarely at home these days though she missed his continuous presence from time to time she had to agree it made her some good to be all by herself at times. She felt less like a burden.
"I know, but you just can't just take decisions so suddenly and expect me to execute your orders just like that."
"Why?" He asked unrepentantly.
"Because it's not fair and…"
"… It's not easy for you to get up just like that?" He teased, making her to blush even more.
"You're impossible a-and stubborn!" She yelled.
"So says the frying pan to the teapot", he smirked as she pouted angrily. "Nevertheless woman we're going shopping whether you like it or not because if you refuse to go I'm just going to get those damn clothes and if I take the wrong size you'll have yourself to blame. So you chose."
The stubborn red-head maintained her stance with an outraged dignity silence for a moment before resigning:
"Fine", she grumbled just for the sake of it. 'But it's only because I wouldn't want you to waste your money in vain", she added hastily when she saw his triumphal expression.
"If you say so", he laughed before she gave him a whack that almost choked him.
Few minutes later they were heading for town. After walking fifteen minutes, they could see the numerous tall buildings clustered in colorful bunches; the boisterous noises and heavy odors that could only belong to the main part of Konoha. Naruto drew her to him and wrapped a hand around her expanding waste protectively. This gesture was so unexpected that it made Karin blush. Something only he was able to do.
"You don't need to hold me you know. I'm not going to run away", she scoffed to hide her uneasiness.
"I know but with you one can never be too sure", he replied flashing her one of his toothy grin only he knew the secret.
She just huffed pretending to be furious while inside her heart somersaulted with joy. She liked been so close to Naruto but they rarely got to be like this. The only moments he cuddled her where those moments when she felt so down and desperate she needed comfort. If not he kept a remarkable distance between them most of the time even if he was caring and lovely he wasn't very demonstrative. What was he to demonstrate as a matter of fact? Love? It had never been taken in consideration from the start, and it was sadly never going to be. Shrugging the idea from her head she tried to relax and enjoy the moment. Naruto lead her through the streets oblivious to the murmuring and curious stares on their way. Certainly he'd gained this confidence after many years of practice she thought many awful years. If she tried too one day she will be able to strut in town with so much confidence. Why not practice now, she squared her elbows and held her head up. Not so difficult when you had someone like Naruto by your side. Suddenly they stopped in front of a boutique at the end of a row of ten others.
"Here we are", he informed her.
Karin raised an eyebrow which clearly said: "how do you know this place?"
"Once Sakura dragged me here to buy a gift for Kurenai sensei's baby shower", he explained reluctantly. "We are not here to tell stories or admire the façade so let's get in."
Karin didn't insist. With time she had come to know he avoided as much as possible to talk about Sasuke or Sakura. Karin had concluded the subject was a sensitive one. She suspected he still had feelings for the pink head kunoichi; it made her feel sad even if she understood it was difficult for one to just get over their first love. As they entered the boutique the bell rang. Everything in the shop reminded of maternity Karin mused, from the pale colors and rounded tummy plastic models to the lavender perfume that floated in the air. The atmosphere was all soft and serene; the dresses exquisite, Naruto couldn't have chosen a better place she thought. But when she saw the tall pretty thin model that strutted to them a Cheshire cat grin spreading her lips as she made eye contact with Naruto, her excitement fell a little bit.
"What can I do for you…" Her voice trailed at she finally recognized the two of them. It was true having the Kyuubi's vessel and one of Orochimaru's former minions in the same place and obviously together was a little bit disconcerting; Karin gave conceded giving her credit. Even if Naruto had saved the village from Pain and that on a global point of view the villagers if not loved respected him, some minds were still bitter. This woman was surely one of them.
In his usual unperturbed tone Naruto pretended he had not seen the decomposed expression on her face.
"Good afternoon", he started in a very polite tone, my wife and I need clothes that could fit…
"We don't sell slut outfits"; she said in disgust, the sex toy shop is not around here.
For a moment Karin was dumbstruck by such obvious gut-clenching repugnance. She had faced hostility a few number of times during her excursions in town from the day she had set her feet in this village but this attack was direct and very offending. Naruto tensed a little and his grasp around her waist tightened but he didn't depart from his cool.
"I don't think that's what I asked for nevertheless thank you for the information. What I need are maternity clothes and your boutique seemed to be specialized in those, so are you going to help me?"
"I don't think…"
"Megumi?" A female voice from the back of the shop called before a woman dressed in a very fashionable white suit and high heels emerged. For a moment her eyes moved from the fierce expression on said Megumi's face to Naruto's cold mask and Karin's petrified expression. It was not difficult to imagine what had happened. "You can leave us, I'm going to take care of this", she said flatly to the waitress who hurried away.
She turned back her head to Naruto a very commercial smile gracing her lips:
"Welcome Uzumaki-san. It's being long since the last time we saw you here. I beg you to excuse my employee's rudeness she is new and she doesn't the policy of the house."
Which was not very difficult to guess Karin thought; the woman was obviously not a great fan of her. The cold glare she shot her was more eloquent than words. However she was conscious of the fact that she was with Naruto and he could afford to pay, so she put her disapproval aside and business first.
"So how can I help you?" She asked far too sweetly.
"Here's my wife Karin", he informed drawing her closer to him if possible while sustaining the lady's bewildered look as her eyes settled on both of their bare ring fingers. "As you can see she's expecting and therefore she needs appropriate clothing to suite her condition. Can you be of any help?"
The woman's surprised expression morphed into a more professional .She assessed Karin's frame with a rapid sharp scrutinizing look before answering:
"No problem that will be child's play. If you'll follow me, please?"
With that she turned on her heels and led them to the back of the shop which was obviously unoccupied. She indicated them a comfortable looking booth while she went around collecting dresses she thought could fit Karin.
"Are you okay?" He asked. "Don't mind the idiot", he said mimicking the first woman.
Karin just smiled while the shopkeeper came back with a heap clothes she shoved into Karin's hands while she escorted her to a dressing cabin. She waited outside while Karin changed.
Karin felt a little wind washed, she had never seen so many clothes gathered together at the same time and on the same place. Except the first day she had done Naruto's laundry? Though to think of it, this did not hold the comparison. The gowns and tunics were neat, lovely and clean, unlike the heap of crumpled shirts she had washed for almost a week. However as lovely and nice as the dresses were they were far too exposing. None of them could hide enough her neck, hands and cleavage all ravaged by the multiple bite marks, she had earned in the course of using her healing capacities to treat injured people. The clothes she wore often concealed those parts, even if they were usually stuffy and hot but at least she could walk around without people staring at the marks and making sleazy comments. She could make use of make up to disguise them but it was not a very practical solution.
"Is there any problem?" The shopkeeper asked as she popped her head through the door.
Karin turned around a little startled, making a mistake because she gave the woman a view of what she strained so much to conceal to the rest of the world. For a moment the woman stared at her marked body gap mouthed then an almost sympathetic expression crossed her face:
"Not easy being the Kyuubi's wife right? Don't worry I have what you need." She addressed a mischievous wink to her before disappearing.
Karin blushed deeply embarrassed. The woman thought she had earned those marks in the course of lovemaking with Naruto? The idea was not so offending but the thought of the ideas that were going to pop in her mind concerning their supposed sexual life was quite disturbing. What if during a hot gossip session with her staff or other clients, she divulged her discovery. Karin won't be able to hold her head high again that was certain. Just as she was thinking about it the woman emerged in the cabin again with yet another heap of clothes.
"Try this", she urged. Seeing the worry in Karin's eyes she reassured her, "Don't worry one of the policy of the house is to maintain our clients privacy secret."
I hope so, Karin blurted inwardly. She proceeded in trying the assortment of high collared gowns and long sleeve tunics the woman had brought. There were also maternity jeans and shorts. All of these were made in fine material and had pretty colors that fitted her pale skin and red hair. Being the professional she was the woman also included lingerie; and what lingerie! Sexy, teasing, lace and Lycra, which would have even made a whale, look like a pin-up. She also gave her a lot of accessory like scarves arguing that they could help conceal those "hickeys" as she called them, when she felt so hot she couldn't wear a pull-over. When they had finished selecting amongst the clothes which ones fit Karin best and the ones she loved most they returned to Naruto who had been patiently waiting on the booth sipping a glass of cool coke. When he saw her coming out, he almost choked, and an expression of pure admiration marked his face.
Karin couldn't have felt better. Reika as she had discovered the woman was called had convinced her to wear some of her new clothes. They had opted for a turtle neck bottle green gown with long puffy sleeves. It clung to her incredible bosom before falling into cotton folds that disguised the curve of her tummy till her knees exposing her shapely legs. She'd put a black vest on top and a scarf of the same color hung on her neck. The outfit was simple and sassy and it suited her well.
He extended a hand to her and he drew her close when she took it. They followed Reika to the cash registrarwhere Naruto paid the bill. Karin felt a little guilty when she saw the huge amount written on it. But Naruto repressed her protestations.
They walked out after promising the shopkeeper thy will return if they needed anything else and Karin couldn't help but think the lady definitely had the sense of business.
"Did you enjoy the day?" He inquired.
"Yes very much. Thanks to you… I just hope I didn't ruin you."
Naruto raised an ironical eyebrow as he watched her worried expression:
"Even if it were the case I wouldn't tell you because I don't discuss money matters with women", he scoffed earning him a punch in the ribs. "Ouch! Relax! I was just kidding. You are so touchy at times." His tone changed into a more serious one: "Karin you have to know it's not because I live in a shabby apartment and I look shabby that it means I don't have enough money to take care of you or the baby. Over the years I've accumulated enough money to live a comfortable life. I'm not saying I'm super rich but I have more than enough money to provide you with basic needs without been ruined. Never get worked up because of that."
"I'll have to, if your definition of basic need is expensive clothing", she scowled.
" It suits you well", he said as if it justified everything… "Besides you deserve the best", he added in a softer tone.
"Thanks .It's very kind of you", she said rising on her toes to place a light kiss on his cheeks. "Besides our apartment is not shabby neither are you."
"If I had known you will be this sweet, I'll taken you shopping earlier", he teased to mask his blushing.
"Naruto!"
"Just kidding!"
Karin just shook her head:
"How come you get to show perfect manners a second and become so childish a second later?"
"Hey! I didn't grow up in a jungle my building is just near the woods!" He protested faking outraged dignity. "Besides Iruka sensei is very strict on good manners. Actually I'm a very polite guy you know. No kidding", he insisted as he saw the laconic look she gave him. "Though I'll have loved to squeeze that Megumi's neck; what a BITCH!"
"What happened to the manners?" Karin asked sarcastically.
"I only use them when I'm in front of ladies."
"Naruto!"
"Ouch! I was just kidding!"
"Like hell you were!"
This happy babbling continued till they reached home. That night when they each went to bed, a sigh of pleasure and satisfaction left their lips at the thought of this day which had in a bad omen but which had turned to be find at the end and in their respective rooms unaware of the other said the same they drawled:
"This only happens with Karin."
"This only happens with Naruto."
