That fight had been 6 months ago and Kiba still couldn't believe what he saw. As gruesome as Karin's beating was, he couldn't stop laughing. Now every time she walks by he erupts into gales of laughter. Although he can't seem to forget the greatest cat fight of all time he also can't erase the memory of Hinata literally inhaling food either. As a matter of fact, he can't shake the image she made gobbling all the food (including some of his) and nearly biting his hand off when he tried to sneak a piece for himself. The drastic changes in his 'little sister figure' threw him through a loop, although nothing shocked him (or Shino for that matter) more than when she asked them to accompany her to Lamaze classes. That was quite the event for the boys and one of the only times Hinata laughed so hard she cried.

The most significant change in Hinata wasn't the mood swings. It wasn't even the growth of her tummy. The biggest, most major and incredible change in her was her personality. Instead of being the polite, kind, shy, and formerly naïve girl she once was, Hinata has become a strong and independent-spirited young woman that does all she can to rely on herself and no one else and she no longer believes everything she's told. She's more mature and guarded and has a better idea of how cruel the world can be. Hinata is so much more than those other girls in their school; she's on her own level and is far ahead of them. If she were still in school, she'd turn heads and it'd be more because of the womanly aura she gives off rather than the pregnant teen vibe that surrounds her.

That's right…she doesn't go to the school any longer. But it's not that she dropped out (she would never do that), it's because she now gets tutored at home. The school has a program for students that cannot attend school like everyone else due to 'specific reasons' and so they send professors to teach them at home. Boy were Hinata's teachers shocked to see her when they were informed of her enrollment in the program. Fortunately, they didn't think any less of her and understood her and the situation well enough that they didn't judge her for it, something she's eternally grateful for. She's one of their favorite students and they're proud that she hasn't given up on school and striving for a better future like other girls would. Sure they were a little disappointed but who wouldn't be? When you expect great things from someone only to see them make bad decisions that could mess things up for them you're bound to feel let down.

As far as academics are concerned everything is fine and she doesn't have anything to worry about because her grades are excellent and she'll be able to graduate, with honors, soon. Hinata even got word back from the universities she applied to and found out that she was accepted into BUS, the Business University of Suna, which is one of the top universities in the world. They're aware of her predicament and because of that, her top grades, and all of the work and community service she's done they've given her a scholarship that will help her pay for school. It's worth 20,000 dollars a year and that's great but sadly it doesn't cover the 50,000 dollars a year tuition. But Hinata will solve that problem soon enough when the time comes.

Speaking of important times, she's due any day now. Graduation is right around the corner but so is the birth of her baby. She's had to stop working at the Inuzuka's animal clinic because she's so close. So nowadays she just waddles around the house, snacking on chocolate and rubbing her belly. Usually one of the Inuzukas are home with her just in case.

Right now the young mother-to-be is lounging on the couch, with her sore and swollen feet propped up on a pillow, watching television. Akamaru is beside her at attention because he can sense that the baby will be ready to come out soon…very soon.

While Hinata's munching on a chocolate bar, Kiba is in the kitchen taking inventory. They've had to restock the fridge at least twice a week since Hinata's been staying there with them, but they don't really mind. Even though he'd rather do something more exciting, he can't for two reasons. One, Hinata obviously needs him around and two, it's raining outside, so there wouldn't be much else to do anyways. His silent vigil was broken by Hinata's gasp and Akamaru's loud barking. Rushing into the living room where she is he takes note of the liquid soaking her legs and the smell it produced. That could only mean one thing.

"Kiba call the hospital! My water just broke!" His friend was breathing deeply from the sharp pain of the contractions starting.

"I'm on it!" He got 9-1-1 on the line.

"9-1-1 Emergency hotline. How may I help you?" The operator was calm and steadfast, ready to do his job.

"My friend, it's my friend! She's gone into labor!" Kiba could hear Akamaru barking in the background.

"Calm down sir there is no need to shout. Please tell us what's your location?"

"You know what? To hell with this! I'm bringing her to the hospital myself! Get ready 'cause I'll be there in 10 minutes!" He hung up the phone, slamming it down in his haste and panic.

"Kiba do something unless you want me to have my baby on your living room floor!" She shouted through the gasps of pain from the sharp contractions. Kiba noticeably blanched at the mere prospect of it.

"Akamaru!" He hollered for his overgrown puppy. When the pup jumped in front of him, he ordered "Carry Hinata on your back to the car!"

The mammoth dog let her lay on his back and gingerly took her outside to the car. Kiba opened the door impatiently but cautiously laid her down in the back seat making sure she was secure. Then he sprinted to the driver's seat, once she and his dog were inside, to start the car. Akamaru laid in the back near Hinata to help keep her from being jostled during the ride. When everything was set Kiba took off, like a bullet, going a lot faster than he normally does.

He sped down the dark, wet roads on this rainy night at blinding speeds with no intention of slowing down or stopping until he reached his destination, with Hinata panting and groaning all the while. (A/N: One would wonder how he hasn't gotten into an accident yet.) He made it to the hospital in record time, swerving to an abrupt halt in the emergency area. Kiba quickly exited the vehicle and ran inside the building to get help.

"Hey you!" He grabbed a male nurse nearby by the collar of his shirt. "I need a doctor! I got my best friend in the back seat of my car and she needs help!"

The man pried Kiba's grip off of the scruff of his scrub shirt and got straight to the point. "What kind of medical assistance does she require?"

"She's about to pop out a kid!" He bellowed right in his face agitatedly. He just really needed to get someone qualified out there already and quit wasting valuable time.

"Someone get me a stretcher!" The nurse gave the command as he went with Kiba to tend to Hinata.

"Hina! Everything's gonna be alright." He grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze while focusing on her flushed face.

"Thank you." She inhaled sharply as another contraction hit. Once she was set on the stretcher they wheeled her away to a room to properly handle the birth of her child.

"Would you like to come in?" Another nurse (female this time) asked him as the others took care of his best friend.

"No." He didn't want to be in there when the baby came out. There are some things people aren't meant to see and the miracle of life is one of them on that list for him.

"Are you not the father?"

"No way! Nope; not a chance lady! She's like my sister!" He was horrified at the mere thought of it.

"Oh…I'm sorry sir. There's no need to get upset. Well wait here or you can go make a few phone calls in the lobby while everything is taken care of. I'll bring you the forms to fill out momentarily." She placated the young man before her, then walked off to complete her other duties.

"Thank you." Kiba breathed out tiredly as the adrenaline left his body. He then went to inform everybody of the little one's impending arrival. He knew they were in for a long, rainy night.

-11 hours later-

"Aww! Isn't she cute?" Hanabi squealed as she looked at her newborn niece.

"Yes she is!" Hana (Kiba's older sister) said happily. She grinned from ear to ear as she looked at Hinata holding her little girl tenderly and coo at her lovingly.

"She's the cutest little thing I've seen since Kiba was a baby." Tsume (Kiba's mom) spoke up as she agreed with the other females present. The men just nodded silently as they thought the same thing.

She, Hanabi, Kiba, Shino, Shibi (Shino's dad), and Hana stood in the room as they came to greet the new life into the world and to congratulate Hinata for giving birth to such a beautiful baby. And she truly was lovely with her short, feathery tufts of raven hair and her shining gray eyes. The tiny tot just looked around and let out small baby noises as she gazed at everyone. All of those present were smiling in pure joy (...yes even the Aburames).

"So Hinata…what're you gonna name her?" Kiba voiced his thoughts. That gained every person's attention, waiting expectantly for her answer.

"Well…I think I'll let my sister do the honors. After all, she told me a while ago that she wanted to name her since she just knew it'd be a girl." Hinata grinned slyly at the blushing Hanabi. The younger Hyuga was shocked to be put on the spot like that.

"Uh…ahem…" She coughed lightly to clear her throat since her voice came out like a frog's croak. "Well…I guess I'll call her Rayne." Hanabi smiled proudly to herself, hiding her blush, for coming up with it (on the fly).

"What? You could've done better than that." Kiba mocked her lightly. "Naming her Rayne just 'cause she was born when it was rainin' outside…that's so lame." He snorted, angering Hanabi.

"Hey! I…"

"I like it." Hinata spoke up, quietly diffusing the situation between the two bickering.

"Huh?" Kiba looked at her funny while Hanabi smirked in triumph. She gave Kiba a look that said 'Hah could you do any better?'

"I gotta admit it's pretty nice" Hana said with a grin.

"It is a fitting name" Shino added calmly.

"I concur with that statement." Shibi backed them up.

"What do ya mean?"

"Son," Tsume got his attention "Rayne's name didn't come from the fact that it's raining outside, that's too literal. It's because Hinata is going through some rough times right now but now she's got a little angel to soothe her as she gets through it all. She's Hinata's healing rain. I think that's what the Hyuga girls were gettin' at…ain't that right girls?"

"Um…yeah…uh sure that's exactly what I meant." Hanabi said trying to cover for the fact that Kiba really did figure out why she named the baby that. Hinata just nodded happily while trying to stifle a good laugh at her younger sister's expense.

"Oh…well I guess it's a good name after all. Nice pick." He begrudgingly complimented Hanabi, much to his chagrin and everyone else's mirth. Hanabi did a mental victory dance while smirking at the Inuzuka boy.

"You hear that honey? Your godfather just agreed with your aunt and that never happens. You're working miracles already. You are a blessing." Hinata chuckled softly while gazing adoringly at her daughter. "Welcome to the world Rayne Hyuga and may your life be blessed and joyful always my little princess." She sealed her words with an affectionate kiss to her baby's forehead.

June 15th will forever be marked down as one of the best days in Hinata's life.