Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Mission Ten: Unsure Intentions
あいしてる
Naruto was whistling as he walked through the streets. He kept patting his pocket to make sure that he still had the scroll in his possession. Tsunade had been angry enough about her office that she had sent ANBU after him. It was a good thing that he had spent most of his growing up years avoiding grownups that wanted to capture him. He knew all the good hiding spots.
He waved at Chōji as he walked past the Barbeque place and saw that Ino's blonde hair had disappeared inside just before Chōji. The poor man had been trying to convince her to go out with him for so long Naruto couldn't even count the number of proposals anymore. The sad part was that Ino kept rejecting him. He had thought she would settle down after she saw that many of her friends were getting married but she still stubbornly refused to form permanent relationships with anyone.
He crossed the street and ducked into a back alley. He was sure he had seen the cat-faced ANBU disappear up ahead and he didn't want to deal with him. Besides, he was on his way to the Hyūga compound to deliver his good news to Hisoka and he didn't want to be sidetracked. He hadn't visited the boy for several days and he was worried that something might have happened in his scheme that he didn't want to happen. He definitely didn't want Neji and Hinata to get together without his help so he could hold that fact over them.
He was trying to figure out a way he could order them to go out together when he walked through the gate of the compound. The first thing he noticed was Hiashi standing on the veranda, a large scroll in his hands, reciting in a melodramatic voice. Hanabi was seated next to him with a murderous look on her face. Hisoka was standing across the yard practicing throwing his kunai but he kept turning to look at his mother. She was seated on the veranda, sending Neji, who was standing half way between her and her son, annoyed looks. Neji on the other hand was sending smug looks her way.
"Hiashi-sama," Naruto waved at the man. He had decided to be nice and save Hanabi from whatever torture Hiashi was inflicting. "Beautiful day, isn't it?"
Hiashi looked up from his scroll at Naruto. "The beauty of the day cannot be diminished by the rain or snow."
Naruto stared blankly. "What?"
"Don't try to make sense of it," Hanabi said in a sob. "Just get him to stop!"
"He's been reciting his own haiku's most the afternoon," Hinata offered.
Naruto looked from sister to sister. Usually Hanabi showed no emotions other than occasional anger and Hinata was often hysterical. Only today they seemed to have reversed their roles.
"Hiashi-sama, it is a pleasure to hear your haiku read by your humble self," Naruto bowed, hoping his speech sounded as pompous as Tsunade often complained the Hyūga of being.
"Young man, you are not very cultured, are you?" Naruto glanced up to see Hiashi shaking his head. "I shall go easy on you, though. I am feeling generous today." He pressed his lips together and Naruto thought he was going to say something more but instead he turned to his daughters. "Hanabi, go show Hisoka how to correctly hit the targets. I desire to speak with Neji. Hinata, come here," Hiashi waved his hand at Naruto. "You are dismissed."
"Is it just me or has your father gotten really weird?" Naruto whispered to Hanabi as they walked toward Hisoka.
"He's gotten worse in the last couple of days. I don't know what is wrong with him. I'm thinking of committing him," Hanabi moaned. They passed Neji who gave them a sour look. "Neji has especially been my father's target lately. Spouting haiku and proverbs that no one can understand. I'm about ready to strangle him."
"That would be bad because then I would have to put you in prison," Naruto gave her a pouty face. "I wouldn't like that."
"Anything to get me away from him," Hanabi rolled her eyes.
"What's with Neji and Hinata? They keep giving each other such interesting looks. Did something happen?" Naruto glanced over at them. They were both facing Hiashi so he could talk to them. Or scold them. He had gotten that creepy. "He's really making you feel like you're twelve again and getting scolded by Iruka-sensei."
"I do not know what is going on with my sister and cousin," Hanabi frowned. "Hinata showed up to watch Hisoka's training every day this week and all she's been doing is glaring at Neji's back. You notice she's actually wearing normal clothing instead of her kimono. I wonder more what my dad is telling them."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. What he would give to be a bug sitting on Hiashi's shoulder himself. "It doesn't matter. I can order it out of them later," he muttered to Hanabi as they reached Hisoka. "Hey, buddy," Naruto grinned.
"Uncle Naruto," Hisoka gave the blond ninja a hug. "What's you doing here?"
"I can to see you, naturally," Naruto ruffled his hair. "And also to tell you some good news."
"Really?" Hisoka got a goofy grin on his face. "What is it?"
"Baa-chan has bet against us."
"Who's Baa-chan?" Hisoka frowned.
"Tsunade-sama has bet against us?" Hanabi glared at Naruto. "How did she find out? How much does she know?"
"Don't worry, she's rooting for the same things we are," Naruto waved his hand. "She wants she same ends we do."
"You call Hokage-sama Baa-chan?" Hisoka frowned.
"Of course. She's my granny, don'tcha know. I pretend she is at least," Naruto frowned and motioned over at Neji and Hinata. "I wonder what is going on over there. Hiashi looks pretty intent on what he is saying to them."
"Dad has been pretty upset that Nee-san has been refusing to speak with Neji. I think she almost threatened Dad when he suggested that they needed to talk," Hanabi said thoughtfully.
"Grandpa does act weird sometimes," Hisoka agreed as he picked up a kunai and threw it at the target painted on the wall. He halfway managed to hit it but he didn't throw it with enough force and it fell out of the wall.
"Here, let me show you," Hanabi said, taking a kunai and flicking it at the target. It struck the middle and stayed put. "It all has to do with the wrist motions," she told her nephew. "Try flicking your wrist a couple of times until you can feel yourself releasing the kunai."
The boy nodded and started doing the same motion that his aunt had shown him. Hanabi reclaimed her seat next to Naruto and frowned at the soon to be Hokage.
"You misplaced that scroll didn't you?" Her voice was calm but Naruto knew a deadly temper lurked beneath the surface.
"Not intentionally," Naruto winced.
"Lots of things are done 'unintentionally'," Hanabi raised her hands and did the quote motion with her fingers.
"All Baa-chan did was bet that Neji and Hinata wouldn't be together by the end of the year and you know how she is with betting. She never wins unless something is going to go horribly wrong."
"Things still could go wrong," Hanabi reminded him.
"Yeah, so we better try our hardest to make sure they don't," Naruto replied as Neji and Hinata broke away from Hiashi and started in their direction.
"They don't look like they were scolded too badly," Hanabi muttered.
"Maybe he wanted to ask them about the weather," Naruto said. "Neji, Hinata! I haven't seen the two of you for… Now I'll think of the number soon," he pretended to be thinking about it while studying the two of them out of the corner of his eye. The dark circles under Neji's eyes had been getting better but they were darker again, the haunted look in his eyes still present. The haughty, I'm better than everyone look was still there though so Naruto took it as a sign that maybe, just maybe, the old Neji would return. Hinata looked the same as always, though Naruto hadn't seen her with her hair flowing around her shoulders like that for a long time. And, as Hanabi had noted, she wore normal training clothes instead of the kimono she had worn every day since she became Head.
"It has been awhile," Neji acknowledged. "Though I didn't expect you to come to the compound to check up on me."
Naruto forced a laugh and rubbed the back of his head. "Well, this was kinda the only way I could see you. You have ignored my summons repeatedly for the past two weeks."
Neji shrugged. "I do not need you to check up on me. I am a grown man."
"I can worry about my friends, can't I?" Naruto's brow wrinkled. "You have been giving people reason to worry lately."
"Okay then," Hanabi said cheerfully. "What did Lord of the Bad Haiku want?"
"Nothing," Hinata answered.
"He wants me to take Hinata out on a date," Neji said over her.
"He does not!" Hinata glared at her older cousin.
"He wants me to marry her and have fifteen Byakugan babies with her," Neji said with a straight face.
Hinata's mouth dropped open in horror. "Fifteen? Do I look like I want to go through fifteen pregnancies?"
"Yes," Neji said in a superior tone.
Hinata scowled at him but had a hard time keeping the expression on her face. "Fifteen?"
"Do you understand what is going on?" Naruto whispered to Hanabi.
"Not at all," she whispered back in awe. "I thought they hated each other."
"Be reasonable," Hinata said.
"Ten," Neji replied.
"Five is the most," Hinata shot back.
"Seven," Neji grinned.
"I am not negotiating with you because I am not ever going to have your children," Hinata hissed.
"You may regret stating that. Shall I take you to the bathhouse?" Neji said in triumph.
Hinata turned bright red. "It is not negotiable because I am not marrying you! You are one of the most pigheaded men I have ever met!"
"Let me get this straight," Hanabi said slowly, glancing between her sister and cousin. "Dad told the two of you to get married?"
"No!" They both denied at the same time.
"He wants me to take her out for supper," Neji offered.
"He wants you to take Hisoka out for supper," Hinata growled. "And I will not let you go without me."
"You're just jealous," Neji said.
"I am not!" Hinata gasped.
"I have no idea what is going on," Hanabi said.
"It is none of your business," Neji informed her. "This conversation is between Hinata and me."
"Then go somewhere private to have it!" Hanabi threw up her arms in defeat. "The two of you are making as much sense as Sir of the Awful Poetry over there!"
"Where do you want to go?" Neji asked Hinata.
"I think I should make you take me to the sushi place and I shall eat the most expensive things on the menu and you shall pay because of chivalry and all of that."
"I don't like sushi," Hisoka spoke up for the first time.
Both Neji and Hinata turned to him. "What do you like? No dango," Neji said.
"I like barbeque," the boy said thoughtfully.
Hinata shrugged. "As long as Neji is paying, I do not care where we go."
"Then shall we be off?" Neji motioned to the gate and the three of them quickly walked to it and disappeared.
"I'm confused," Naruto said. "I know that happens a lot, but this time I didn't understand a thing of what just happened!"
"Prince Terrible Verse might know," Hanabi said. "It sounded like he ordered Neji to take Hinata out to eat. Let's ask him." She marched over to her father and placed her hands on her hips. "Exactly what did you order Neji and Hinata to do?"
"Study the clouds," Hiashi replied. "Then true beauty will be revealed."
Hanabi glanced up and saw that there wasn't even one cloud in the sky. "If I wanted cryptic statements, I would ask for them."
"Hanabi, you are only seventeen and yet you act like your grandmother. Please, I am annoyed enough by my mother, I do not need my daughter acting like her as well," Hiashi motioned to the gate. "I merely informed my elder daughter and favorite nephew that they have to speak sometime about my beloved grandson's training. Dinner is always a good place to start. When one has a full stomach the truth flows much more freely."
"Did you happen to suggest to them that they should get married?"
Hiashi gave her a thoughtful look. "No, but that is a good idea." He stood up abruptly. "Hm, I believe that I would like jasmine tea."
Hanabi watched her father walk away with a perplexed look on her face. "Let's follow them."
"Yeah," Naruto grinned. "This is one date I don't want to miss."
あいしてる
"That'll give them something to think about," Neji said to Hinata as they made their way to the barbeque place. "Thank you for playing along."
"I can tell there is something up between the two of them and I plan on figuring out what they are plotting," Hinata replied. "Hisoka, not too far!" she called after her son who was almost a block away.
"Do you think it has something to do with us?" Neji asked.
"Most definitely. Though did you have to start our fake argument by bringing up having fifteen children? Fifteen?" Hisoka skipped back to her side and took her hand.
"The more ridiculous the conversation, the more confused they will be," Neji said.
"Is that what my father has been doing all this time," Hinata said with wide eyes. "He wants all of us to go crazy because of our confusion about what the heck he is trying to say."
"Or he actually likes writing his haiku," Neji snorted.
"No, I'm inclined to believe the first reason," she said thoughtfully.
"How much farther," Hisoka moaned.
"Not far," Hinata smiled at him. "See, its right up there."
Hisoka grinned at her and let go of her hand. He glanced at her and then dashed to the door.
"What I wouldn't give to have that much energy," Hinata sighed.
"Maybe a jutsu can be created to harness children's energy," Neji replied as they made it to the restaurant door and entered.
She was inclined to believe that no jutsu on earth could ever do that but she kept her opinion to herself. She kind of liked the truce they were operating under. She never would have expected it to come out of what had happened that afternoon but she was the last one who was going to complain about it. She had been so mad at him for no reason what so ever the last time her father had forced them to talk she realized now. She couldn't take away the hurtful things she had said but if the way he was treating her currently was any indication they wouldn't have another large argument tonight.
She had wanted to smack her father when he suggested she should go out with Neji and she could feel Neji's body stiffen next to her. They were walking on thin ice around each other and she didn't like it. She wondered if they would ever be able to be normal friends. She doubted it but she could hope.
Maybe he was only being nice to her currently because he had found her in a very compromising situation that afternoon and his actions toward her afterward were out of pity. She gritted her teeth as they were seated at a booth. She would have to get him alone and tell him she didn't want or need his pity or anyone else's.
She had seen Ino when they walked in the door but she had conveniently ignored the blonde woman. That was now impossible to do as she slid into the booth next to Neji.
"Is this a Hyūga outing?" She asked cheerfully while sending a million questions at Hinata with her eyes. Hinata scowled at her and picked up her menu so she wouldn't have to look at her friend. Next time she went out with Neji and Hisoka, her son was sitting next to Neji.
"Neji, I haven't seen you in for-everrr," she drew out the word. "What's up with you?"
"I believe the true question is what does Ino want from Neji?" he replied as he studied his own menu. "I do not believe that I have anything you would like, physically or mentally."
"You haven't been to my new office yet," she reminded him. "You should see it. It has a much better view than the last one."
"I shall keep that in mind," he nodded. "What shall we have?" He glanced over the top of his menu at Hinata. She met his gaze and suddenly they were the only two in the restaurant and time had stopped. She felt tingles all over her body and she wondered what he was feeling.
Then the moment was broken when Hisoka said, "Beef!"
"You sound just like Chōji," Ino grinned at Hisoka. "He always gets beef then he'll eat the last piece without offering it to anyone else. Isn't that mean?"
"Chōji-san isn't mean," Hisoka informed her. "He's just hungry! If I was hungry I'd eat the last piece of meat without offering it to anyone."
Ino laughed. "Hisoka, you are priceless! And you are exactly right. He is always hungry." She was still giggling when she stood up. "Well then, I shall let the three of you get to your meal and I shall get back to Chōji. I think he's taking me to the movies tonight."
Hisoka's mouth dropped open as she walked away. "Can we go to the movies?"
Hinata looked at her son then at Neji. "If Neji-san wants to."
"Please, Neji-sensei! Please!" The boy turned on his charm. It hit Neji at full blast and he gave Hinata a helpless look.
"We will have to eat quickly."
"We can!" Hisoka grinned.
Neji turned to Hinata. "Please, Hinata-sama? Can we go to the movies?" Hinata started laughing when she saw Neji was somehow giving her the same expression her son was.
"If the two of you behave through supper," she said firmly then she winked at her son.
"Yes!" Hisoka exclaimed. The waitress came and took their order and soon the three of them were laughing over some silly story Neji was telling about Gai and Lee. As promised, Hisoka ate at an almost inhuman speed and soon he was dragging them out the door so they could get to the movie.
Hisoka chose some silly animated movie. Neji got popcorn maintaining it wasn't a true movie theatre experience without the popped kernels. Hisoka insisted that he had to sit between the two adults. Hinata merely shook her head and allowed him to do whatever he wanted. Somehow the popcorn bucket ended up in her son's lap and he consumed most of it. The movie lasted past his bedtime and he fell asleep with twenty minutes remaining.
Hinata smiled fondly at her son as the credits started rolling and was going to wake him when Neji stood up and handed her the empty bucket. She frowned at him then smiled when he swung Hisoka up into his arms without waking him.
They walked slowly through the streets toward Hinata's apartment, content to remain silent. The seasons were definitely changing; the breeze had a cold bite to it. She tried hard to keep her gaze directed straight ahead but her rebellious mind kept making her glance at him. He had that expression on his face, that one that had driven her crazy when she was younger, that better than thou look that made her feel like she was three again and his father had seen she was weak. That was the first time in her life she had ever seen the curse mark activated and it haunted her dreams for several months. Her mother had been furious with her father over that and had even gone so far as sleep in a different room.
That her father and mother genuinely loved each other was something that was abnormal in the Hyūga where most marriages were arranged and spouses were resentful towards each other. Her mother had always been able to calm him down; she had always been his voice of reason from beyond the shadows. She remembered that their small family had actually been happy before her mother's death.
She let out a deep sigh and Neji turned to look at her. "Is everything alright, Hinata-sama?"
"Neji, what do you remember about your parents when you were young?"
He frowned at her. "Why do you want to know that?"
"Were they happy? Were you happy?"
"I am not sure what you are talking about, Hinata-sama." He directed his gaze back at the road and was silent. She saw that this wasn't something he wanted to talk about and she hung her head.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked," she said softly as they turned the corner and her building came into sight.
"It was just a strange question," he said as they started up the stairs to take them to the second floor apartment.
She nodded as she took her keys out of her pocket and unlocked the front door. She let him go in front of her so she could close and lock the door. She figured he could find Hisoka's bedroom. There were only two; one had a plain door, the other was decorated with colorful drawings of ninja and samurai in battle. She smiled as she always did when she saw the drawings. Her son had quite the imagination.
She stood in the doorway with her arms wrapped around her, watching Neji get Hisoka into bed. He had removed his shoes and was tugging down the blankets so he could put the boy down. He was gentle in his actions and he even tucked her son in. She felt tears stinging her eyes. Hisoka deserved to have a father like Neji and by watching her cousin she could see he loved her son. He even brushed that stubborn lock of hair out of her son's eyes and whispered goodnight.
He straightened and turned to look at her. She gave him a smile as she brushed past him and gently kissed Hisoka's brow. She allowed her fingers to brush against his cheek then she reached over and turned on his nightlight. She motioned for Neji to precede her out the door as she switched off Hisoka's light and closed the door.
"He sleeps with a nightlight?" The question was normal enough but Hinata felt herself stiffen. She didn't know why that question upset her but for some reason it did.
"Yes," she said. She swallowed hard before going on, trying to keep her temper under control. "He has been afraid of the dark ever since his father died. I think he thinks I will leave him as well and the light comforts him.
He pressed his lips together. "Yes, we were happy."
"What?" she frowned up at him.
"My parents and I. We were happy once, when my father was still alive. Why did you want to know about that?"
His eyes had gone distant and she knew he was thinking of his father and how he had lost him because of her. "It seems like a curse in the Hyūga, that marriages are made between two people that cannot stand each other. I wondered how it was with your parents."
He gave her a long look. "Everyone knew that Hokuto would be a bad match for you. I always wondered why Hiashi-sama made you marry him."
"He was on the council," she shrugged. "He was a good match," she whispered the lie she had told herself for so long she had almost allowed herself to believe it. Almost.
"He wasn't a good match, he was a horrible match. Someone closer to your own age should have been found."
She glared at him. "I attempted to find someone else to take that man's place but he was more interested in other things. He could have saved me but he was more worried at his status and higher ranks."
He was silent. She almost wanted him to say something so she could start yelling at him but she didn't want her son to overhear a conversation that would upset him so she held her tongue.
"Do you want something to drink?" She ground out instead.
That stopped him up short. He raised an eyebrow. "Do I look dehydrated?
She scowled at him. "I shall take that as a yes," she left him standing in her living room looking confused. She didn't care that he couldn't follow her thought process, it was his fault she was in the position she was in currently. If only he had taken her away with him, if only he had stayed by her side. He could have saved her from the life she now lived. She almost allowed her anger to get the better of her as she opened a cupboard and pulled out two glasses. She pulled the refrigerator door open with more force than necessary. She poured iced tea into the glasses and carried them back into the living room.
He was still standing where she had left him but the expression on his face… She gasped when he took the glasses out of her hands and pulled her into a tight hug. She blinked several times as she tried to keep the sudden tears from falling but what he said next didn't help.
"I'm sorry, Hinata. I know that I could have saved you from all of that, but I was selfish. I was only seventeen. At that point in my life I wasn't looking to get married of all things. And a year later when I got together with Tenten I wasn't exactly thinking about you or how I might have messed up your life. I am sorry that you had to go through all of that, but if you hadn't, Hisoka never would have been born and no one would have ever known what they were missing without him in their lives," he broke off.
"Hinata, I know you probably think I am the biggest douche bag in the world…"
"You are," she muttered into his chest.
"Thank you," he sighed. "I know that I hurt you but, there is something about Hisoka that… He saved me, Hinata. He saved me from myself. I was wandering without him, I was pretty bad but then Hisoka came into my life and he was like the sun after a long storm. He brought me back."
"I guess," she sighed, "I forgive you. But don't be an idiot extraordinaire again. I loved you once, Neji. I don't know if I can ever love you again, but I am willing to get along with you if you try to get along with me."
"I don't remember anything about loving you, woman, but I am sure I could revive those feelings," he said dryly as he pushed her away. She suppressed the whimper that wanted to escape at having his comforting arms wrapped around her. Then he did the exact thing she had wanted, but never dreamed she would have again.
His kiss was gentle, just like the one he had given her that afternoon. She didn't like that though. She didn't want him to act like she was a delicate piece of crystal that would break at the slightest touch. She laced her fingers through his hair and forced his lips harder against her own. She heard a groan but she wasn't sure which one of them had made the sound; she was so caught up in the kiss.
Before she had gotten married Ino had pulled her aside and told her about all the things she could expect with marriage. She had never had to rely on that advice since her husband so revolted her but now she was trying her hardest to remember all she had been told about kissing. Her mind kept going blank though. She didn't mind. She was content the way she was being held and holding him in return.
After what felt like a millennium he pulled back and crushed her to his chest again. She was content to allow him to hold her but he didn't seem as content as her as he pushed her away a moment later.
"I need to go," he said in a choked up voice. He kissed her forehead and whispered goodbye into her ear before pulling away. She didn't watch him leave; she was still gasping for breath and trying to sort out what had just happened. The promise she had given herself earlier came to mind. She would take him back.
あいしてる
Naruto and Hanabi sat outside the apartment building, defeated looks on their faces. They had been able to follow their targets but they had done boring things. The movie had been so stupid Hanabi had wanted to start crying while Naruto, who usually liked any movie, had commented on how bad it had been.
Unfortunately Ino had caught them sneaking around the movie theatre. She had laughed when they both couldn't come up with an explanation to why they were stalking Neji and Hinata then had invited herself along with them to Hinata's apartment.
Naruto glanced over at Ino's limp body. She had done the mind switch jutsu with a bird and was currently sitting on the ledge so she could spy into Hinata's living room. Waiting had never been one of his strong suits and he was starting to get antsy.
"What do you think is going on," he muttered to Hanabi.
"I don't know," she hissed back. "We have to wait. Ino will tell us."
He pressed his lips together. "I don't like waiting."
"Patience is a virtue," Hanabi said as they heard a door open and close above them. They checked to make sure that they were hidden before watching Neji come down the stairs. He stopped and glanced up at the moon before shaking his head. He started jogging and in seconds he had disappeared from Naruto and Hanabi's view.
"Ino, get back here quick!" Naruto moaned. "I want to know what happened!"
They waited for several minutes before Ino started to stir.
"Well?" Both Naruto and Hanabi exclaimed.
"Well," Ino said as she stretched, "By the way they were devouring each other, I think there is hope that they might get together."
"Devouring how?" Hanabi asked.
Ino opened her mouth then closed it. She seemed to be thinking about the best way to explain when Naruto ordered, "Just spit it out!"
"I think they were trying to suck each other's lips off," she shuddered.
Naruto grinned at Hanabi. "I think it will work."
"We have to be patient," Hanabi reminded him.
"I think it will be soon enough that they'll be together," Ino said as she stood up. "That is my professional opinion. You had better start planning a wedding."