AN: Sorry for the long delay, everyone! I've had to move recently, so I haven't really found an opportunity to update. Also, I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but 1) this chapter was BY FAR the most difficult one two write and 2) I don't even like it all that much. I personally think it's the worst one so far. It just got so bulky! I hope you enjoy anyway. I hope (and I'm pretty sure) the next one will be better. Let me know if there are grammar mistakes or whatnot. I've been mulling this over for content (and just decided to leave things as it is in this version), but I might have missed smaller details. I love you all for reading, but I'll love you more if you review :)
Dear Naruto,
I hope this letter arrives in Konoha on time. Please have the most wonderful birthday imaginable. Enjoy yourself but try not to do anything too dangerous. Since you've been asking for a picture, I thought that this might do since all four of us are in it. I'm not very photogenic, but the scenery is beautiful, isn't it? The Land of Grass is very dense. It makes me a little uneasy sometimes because it is reminiscent of the Forest of Death. Nonetheless, it certainly has its charms. I'm sure Shino would be thrilled to visit, since it is teeming with so many odd species of insects.
I know this isn't much of a birthday present, but please try the noodles that I've enclosed in this package. Green tea soba is a specialty here. If you like them, I will send you more. I am sure they are healthier than instant ramen. Also, please give at least one pack to Kiba. He will think I have forgotten him if I don't send him anything. Give my regards to everyone. As always, take care of yourself and do your best.
Yours,
Hinata
The first time Kiba found out that Naruto was seeing his teammate, he became annoyed. His irritation then slowly bubbled into anger. When Naruto joined the remnants of Team 8 for training one day (Akamaru was sick), Kiba tried to keep his cool, but his anger seemed to come to a boil. Shino sensed this, but decided to trust Kiba's judgment. After all, he had matured by leaps and bounds and was not as inclined to cause a scene in public. Luckily for the three of them, it turned out Kiba was able to control his feelings for the most part.
"Okay, I don't care if this is a bad time to bring this up, but how could you guys not tell me about this? Forget that—how could Hinata not tell us about this?"
"Hinata is allowed to have her secrets," answered Shino.
"Yeah but c'mon… we're Team 8! It's always been bros over hoes with us, right?"
"Hey!" Naruto resented the implication. "You sent Ino those nasty naked pictures of yourself for her birthday—talk about ho!"
"Yeah? Well, at least I have something to take pictures of."
"Yeah? Well, Sai told me you were—"
"Ahem," Shino interjected.
"Ugh, okay…" Kiba said, attempting to be reasonable. "Why didn't you at least ask her out if you liked her. You're always asking Sakura to be your girlfriend. That's kinda messed up, you know?"
But Naruto didn't know. It didn't seem that they had started their strange affair that long ago. He still felt like they were in the courting stages of a relationship. And she was the one who went through the trouble of hiding their affections for each other. Was it because she was ashamed of being with him? No, she's not like that. Maybe she wasn't supposed to be with him? Because of her scary-ass clan. Or did Kiba have a point? Did she think he was still pining after Sakura? The thought hurt him in a profoundly physical way.
"I was planning on asking her to be my girlfriend, but then she left for her mission," he answered glumly and honestly.
They had a comfortable arrangement, and he was content with the way things were. But he still wanted a little bit more. There was a lot he still wanted to learn about her, and he wasn't sure if how much he could commit to her. But he knew he wanted to be with her—and only her—for a while.
"Look, Naruto, we go way back, so I know you're a good guy. You just gotta understand that Hinata has been, like, the backbone of our team. I mean, we're not always all touchy feely or anything, but, well, let's just say that we want the best for her. She's always put me and Shino before herself, you know? I guess what I'm trying to say is that…if she gets her heart broken…it would suck. For all of us. So just do right by her, alright?"
"Why wouldn't I…" said Naruto defensively.
"Alright man, I trust you." With that Kiba turned to leave, still irritated, and tried his best to control himself.
"GATSUGA!"
But he just couldn't help it this time.
Naruto was still reeling from his attack by the time Kiba had already dusted himself off.
"What the HELL was that for?"
"Just a reminder that you should always watch your back. Don't bother thanking me. It was a baby gatsuga anyway. You're lucky Akamaru's not here."
Naruto didn't bother retaliating. What did he expect? Team 8 was one of the most tight-knit trios in Konoha, and he had been treating one of its members like a well-loved concubine.
Shino cleared his throat.
"Naruto, do not mind Kiba. Hinata is an adult. She is wise and strong. She can break a man's bones in alphabetical order. She needs no protection from us."
"Yeah, thanks. I know," Naruto responded, rubbing his bruised ribs.
"But there is something you must understand about Kiba," Shino continued.
"He is the youngest child. He has an older sister who spoils him. And though he refuses to admit this, he has always wanted someone to take care of, someone to make him feel dependable, perhaps a younger sibling. Hinata cared enough to take that role, even if it meant having him interfere in her personal life more often than she cares for. Like he said, she has always put us ahead of herself. For that reason, he is sometimes rather territorial with her."
"She's pretty great, huh?"
"Yes. She takes excellent care of those she holds dear. And if she were not precious to us, Kiba would not have gotten angry at you."
Hinata smiled as she folded up Naruto's letter. He had sent her a picture of himself. His hair was getting a little long, but she thought he looked beautiful. There would never be a day when she did not think he was.
"Yes, sensei?" Hinata asked the person who was about to materialize behind her.
"I still can't get over how quickly you've grown while I was on maternity leave. I can't even sneak up on you anymore. Maybe I'm getting rusty."
"You'll never have that problem, sensei. I think my tracking skills have gotten a little bit better," she answered with pride.
Kurenai took a seat next to her favorite student. Perhaps this girl was invisible to most of the village and even to the Hyuugas, but Team 8 adored her. And this was the happiest that she had seen Hinata.
"I'd say he's been a good influence on you."
The thought of Naruto still made her blush at times. She nodded. "Far more than good."
"You should be with him then. Ask him to 'go steady,' as you youngsters like to say."
Hinata wasn't sure what to say, so she was silent for a minute. But the more she thought about it, the more anxious and disappointed she became.
"I can't help but feel that won't turn out well."
"Well, why not? You love him don't you?"
"I do." This she said with no hesitation. "So much. I have for a long time. But most of the time, I feel like what we have now is just a mistake in the universe's bookkeeping, one that will be fixed sooner or later. I think sometimes he overestimates me because he has so much faith in people. He believes in me, even if I have done nothing to earn his trust or respect. And one day, he'll realize what I am—a failure…a failure who's bound to the Hyuuga clan for the rest of her life. And afterwards, he will decide that it's not worth the trouble."
"You know better than that," Kurenai said. "You're giving neither yourself nor Naruto any credit. And what makes you think he only cares for you as a ninja? He loves you, doesn't he?"
Hinata thought about this, and decided to err on the side of caution rather than false hope.
"Yes." She continued, "as a friend. I think he still loves Sakura, even if he doesn't realize it."
Kurenai mentally groaned. Her heart sank a little for the elder Hyuuga girl. Then again, perhaps Hinata was right. Until recently, the entire village had thought Naruto to be head over heels in love with Sakura. His relationship with Hinata had come as a complete shock to everyone. She hoped that fate would be kind enough to spare Hinata's heart.
"Sensei?"
"Yes?"
"Please don't misunderstand. I know am still insecure at times, but I do believe I've changed for the better. And even though I'm not sure what the future holds, I have no regrets. I'm very fortunate. I never knew that a person could be as happy as I am now."
Unexpectedly, Kurenai pulled Hinata in a warm embrace. Hinata was startled for a split second before she returned the gesture.
"Please be happy, Hinata."
And Hinata knew it was her way of saying that no matter what happens with the clan, or with Naruto, or her career, she will never truly be alone.
Hey hey!
This is gonna be kinda short because I'm not feeling that great. Don't worry—I'm not sick or anything. It's just that I've been really constipated for the past few days. Granny said I should drink prune juice, and I did, but it just made me all gassy. I know it's no big deal or anything, but it's been kinda interfering with my training. I can't concentrate all that well, you know what I mean? And it's not like I haven't been eating vegetables. I mean, when I get ramen there's all that green stuff (are they called scallions?) on top of it. That counts as a serving of vegetables, right?
Oh hey, more bad news: I got this rash on my lower stomach. I think I got it from that holster that I bought at that secondhand store. So this is kinda gross, but the rash got all leaky. For a while, this yellow stuff started coming out. It looked like marmalade. Granny gave me this ointment to put on it, and it's a lot better now…
"…but I hope it doesn't keep coming back because I wouldn't want you to get it when we have our fun—wink wink."
"Hinata, is there anything that he doesn't tell you?" asked Sakura.
Hinata stood in the doorway, mortified upon seeing Ino and Sakura reading Naruto's most recent letter. She silently chastised herself for not putting it away properly. Ino probably felt they were close enough to be able to go through each other's things without asking.
"Yeah, communication's pretty important in a relationship, but this—" Ino said, waving the letter, "is a whole new level of intimacy."
Hinata smiled. Perhaps it wasn't so unfortunate that the girls had a tendency to be so…inquisitive. Being on a team with two boys didn't give her many opportunities for girl talk, much less one about boys.
"Um, actually, I like that he tells me these things," Hinata answered, chewing her bottom lip to comfort herself.
"Aw c'mon, all this talk about constipation and rashes isn't exactly romantic," Sakura said.
"You're right," Hinata conceded. "But it means he trusts me enough to tell me even his more embarrassing problems."
"I have to admit. I kinda miss that idiot," sighed Sakura.
"I miss Naruto too. Tremendously."
Ino finished yawning before asking, "So what's the sex like?"
"Heh," Hinata chuckled nervously, hoping the conversation would lead somewhere else.
"No, seriously. I wanna know."
"Um…I-I don't think he'd appreciate me talking about that…"
"Are you kidding? Guys love it when girls talk about them like that! Well…unless they suck. Are you trying to say that Naruto sucks at sex?"
"Not at all! Oh! Oh dear. I…don't think I should talk about that. I'd feel rude," Hinata started tenting her fingers, a habit she now only resumed whenever she became very frazzled.
"C'mon just this one time! When else are we gonna get to have have our girl time again."
"Well…alright," she responded, color filling her cheeks. "But please don't tell anyone else about this."
"Sure, sure."
Sakura feigned a disinterest but could not help turn her attention to Hinata, whose eyes were glazed with memories of better times.
"Sometimes he is powerful, fierce like fire, consuming all of you, leaving every part of you feeling spent yet so revived, full of new life. Sometimes he is gentle, ever so patient, like a stream guiding all its beloved small water dwellers downstream. Sometimes he whispers your name like a prayer, one that when said right would let him see a glimpse of paradise. Can you believe that? That one man can make you feel like heaven? He is warm and hard and soft at the same time, everything you could possibly want in a man. He makes you feel safe and powerful at the same time. His hands—rough, strong, and magical—remind you that you are very much a woman, despite all your scars, your bruises, your insecurities. He takes you higher than the clouds and makes you shatter so wonderfully into countless pieces over and over again, because he is never selfish. And his eyes…those eyes see everything in yours, and you feel so…small yet so important, as if the universe faded into the deep blue of the night, as if you were the only thing that mattered in his world."
"Um, that was, like, the most Hinata-esque description of sex I've ever heard."
"So…he's good, huh?" Sakura finally asked.
"He is amazing."
Hinata!
I can't believe you're coming home soon. Man, you're gonna see that there's been a lot that you missed! By the way, my hair is kinda long now, so can you cut it when I get back? I can always go ask Tenten, but I like that thing you do to the sides—you know what I mean. Oh yeah, Ichiraku came out with a new kind of ramen. It's pretty good. It's not really my favorite or anything because there's too much green stuff and kitsune and not enough meat, but I think you'll love it. But don't worry, I've been eating my vegetables. I've had a lot of these onion-flavored potato chips. They're great! Not only are they tasty, they're also good for you, right?
I think you already know by now how excited I am that you're coming back. But at the same time, I kinda like us writing letters like this. It's as if I've gotten to know you a lot better over the past six months. You know what I realized? When you were still here, most of our conversations were just me talking. When we write letters, it's more balanced, you know what I'm saying? I can't wait to see you, but I don't want to stop getting to know you better. There are a lot of things I want to know more about, and when you come back, there's actually something I want to ask you.
Naruto
The last person he wanted to talk to before Hinata came back was Neji. He found out recently that despite the fact that she never stood out, all those who knew her well cared deeply about her. To say that he was worried was an understatement. His ribs were still black and blue from Kiba's gatsuga last time, and he certainly did not want a beating from Neji.
He found Neji at the training grounds with Tenten. Unlike their usual routine, Neji was wielding weapons while Tenten fought barehanded.
"Hey guys, mind if I interrupt you for a sec?"
"No," Neji answered rather reluctantly.
"What's up?" asked Tenten.
"I kinda wanna talk to Neji about something."
"Okay, I guess I'll just come back later?"
"Oh wait! Umm…Tenten, you're kind of a girl right?" Tenten's dangerous glare went unnoticed by the blonde. "I think it might be better if you stay." And maybe she can help hold Neji off if he takes it badly…
"Um, sure?"
"So…how's training going? Heh…"
"It's going well…" answered Neji suspiciously. Naruto wasn't normally one for small talk.
"I kinda need to tell you something, but you need to stay calm. Okay?"
"Sure." Despite his cool exterior, Neji was getting rather impatient.
"I've kind of been seeing Hinata—we're not together or anything but we've been sleeping with each other—and, shit let me explain!" he squawked before ducking behind Tenten.
"Go ahead," answered Neji, who had not moved from his spot.
"…Seriously?" Naruto cautiously moved from his hiding.
"I've known about that for a while."
"Oh…that went better than I thought."
"Naruto, are you finished?"
"No." He wanted to do things honorably, but this was the best he could come up with for now.
"I want to be with her. And I want your blessing."
Neji knitted his brows, marring his normally comely features. He liked and respected Naruto but…
"There's something you should know about our clan, Naruto."
"What?" Crap.
Having already been sealed, Neji was not affected as much by clan policies, but, being the heiress, Hinata had far more to lose.
"I suppose they will do nothing if you are simply courting her. However, if the two of you decide to marry, you will have a fruitless marriage. She will be sealed. As a result of the procedure, she will never be able to bear a child by anyone outside the clan. Obviously, this includes you."
"Are you serious? That's beyond messed up." The rage emanating from Naruto's chakra was almost palpable.
"That is how our clan works," Neji said coolly. Secretly, he was glad found a sympathizer. "I suppose they took all the necessary precautions in order to protect our bloodlines."
"I haven't even thought that far."
"I know. I would not expect you nor anyone to be thinking about marriage this soon. Naruto, do what you wish, but remember the consequences."
"I'll figure it out."
Seeing the gravity in Naruto's eyes, Neji knew that Naruto was close to making up his mind. Once Naruto made a decision, there was no turning back. He hoped that Naruto chose wisely.
It was Tenten that got their attention now.
"So I guess I wasn't really needed for this conversation then?"
"Oh actually, I kinda wanted to ask you something. I'd normally ask Sakura or Ino, but they're both gone. So I thought, 'hey, why not Tenten? She's kind of a girl too.' So can you help with something?"
Neji smirked when he saw his teammate's defined brow twitch in annoyance. Naruto wasn't always known for his diplomacy.
"What…" she asked, teeth gritted.
"I kinda have this plan…what do you think is the best way…"
It was their last day as a four-person team in the Land of Grass. They were to part ways with Kurenai, who was to continue west and forward part of the report to the Fire daimyo. To keep from wasting time, the girls were to head back immediately to Konoha and report their findings to Tsunade. Their clean up was meticulous. No one would be able to tell that the ramshackle hut had been lived in for six months.
The three chunnin bid Kurenai farewell and started their trek home. Sakura and Ino rambled on about boys and hair care, while Hinata stayed several paces behind them, flanking them from the rear.
"I guess I like apple best, but pomegranate just smells so sexy. What do you think, Hinata?"
"Stop." Her normally meek voice was cold and firm.
When they turned around, she had already activated her Byakugan.
"I don't see anyth—" but Hinata saw it, used her Gentle Fist—just in time—to deflect what looked like a needle coming in Ino's direction.
Sakura picked up the needle, still wary of their surroundings.
"Poisonous senbon?"
"Two dozen more coming!"
But they were prepared this time, and dodged skillfully.
"They're not going to stop until we're dead," Ino realized.
"We're surrounded," Hinata reported, the veins near her temples bulging in concentration. "There are…over fifty of them! They're about two kilometers away in every direction."
"We'll have to split up," Sakura growled.
"Okay, let's do it. Call if you need back up," Ino said before taking off.
"Be careful, Hinata."
Perhaps she had always been the weakest of the three. But she won't be dead weight this time. Like the others, she had been training hard, and she had something up her sleeve for just this occasion. She was stronger now and she was not scared. She was going to make Naruto proud. She was going to make herself proud. With that, she flew.
"Naruto."
Naruto turned from his seat at the ramen stand to see a distressed Kiba.
"Huh?"
"I just came from the hospital. The girls are back. They're in the intensive care unit right now. It's In—"
Naruto fled from the stand without letting Kiba finish or paying for his meal.
He ran through the jammed streets, not hearing the angry curses people spewed at him for bumping into them. He arrived at the ward in less than five minutes.
He saw Hinata and Sakura standing by a bed occupied by a sallow-skinned blonde. Before he could process what happened, he had already wrapped his arms around Hinata, pressing his lips to her temple, nearly crying with joy.
"You're alright." He felt her hands on his strong forearms. It was only then he noticed that her cheeks were wet with tears.
"Thanks for asking about me, Naruto," said a weak voice from the bed.
"Stop talking, you need to rest," answered Sakura solemnly. Naruto's gaze fell on the figure by the bed.
"Holy sh—Ino, what the hell happened to you? Are you okay?" She certainly did not look it.
"We were ambushed," said Hinata.
"Poisonous needles," Sakura continued. "They used the sea snake venom. Who knows how much of it. A single bite can kill a hundred adult men, and Ino got hit by four of them. Lucky for her, it's a slow-release poison. I was able to take some of the poison out before Hinata carried her back home. Tsunade took care of the rest, but she needs time to stabilize now." Naruto noticed four scratches, all barely visible. Just a thin dark blue mark. Two were near her left shoulder, one on her left hand, and one on her right cheek.
"Hinata, stop crying," Ino said. Naruto only held her closer, pressing her back against his chest, and Hinata found this comforting.
"Ino, stop talking!"
"Okay, okay, but just remember Hinata, I would've died if it weren't for you."
"SHUT UP!" Sakura bellowed, more out of fear than anger. Ino held up her hands and looked questioningly at Sakura. "Fine, just stop yelling," her large blue eyes seemed to say.
"You two should go home. I'll stay here with her tonight," Sakura said. Ino weakly smiled in agreement, waving them off.
Hinata hesitated, somehow thinking that Ino's life depended on her staying.
"Go on. Ino's fine. And she's going to have a lot of visitors soon. I bet Shikamaru and Chouji are going to come in any minute. You'll just be a crowd if you stay," Sakura smiled kindly at them.
Hinata nodded and let go of Naruto's arm to squeeze Sakura's shoulder before turning to leave. Naruto released his protective hold on her and gave Sakura a warm hug, which she returned. Seconds later, Naruto and Hinata's fingers were intertwined as they walked out the door. He wanted to ask how she was feeling, but he afraid of breaking the silence.
"Kiba came earlier. He brought Ino pudding."
"Yeah? That's pretty nice of him."
"Yes, it is." She walked closer to him, close enough to feel the warmth of his skin through their clothing. His presence itself gave her strength.
"Um…"
"Yeah?"
"Can I stay with you tonight?"
"Y—Yeah, of course!" He wouldn't have had it any other way.
They spent the rest of their walk to his apartment in comfortable silence. He was incredibly relieved that she was not hit. He opened the door to his unit and watched her step in, gladly seeing that her skin was not marred by those barely-visibly-yet-ugly blue marks.
He was a little surprised to when she pulled him in a tight hug as he locked the door. He could feel her slow breathing and he knew she was tired. She had been on edge for so long.
"Hey, it's alright. You're home."
"I missed you," she said. "I missed you so much."
"Me too. You have no idea." He turned around and kissed her. He would be as gentle as she needed tonight.
"Let's get you cleaned up," he said as took her hand and walked her to his bathroom. He turned on the bath, and they shed their clothes as they waited for the hot water to fill. Naruto was already in his skin, when Hinata removed her undershirt. When he saw what was underneath, he stopped breathing.
'Naruto, what's wrong?" But he did not need to answer, because blood started to trickle out of her eyes and nose before she passed out into Naruto's arms. There was a thin blue mark on her sternum. The entire village heard Naruto's agonizing scream that night.
