"Baka, baka, baka, baka, BAKA!"
Each 'baka' was punctuated by a punch to Naruto's head. The blonde put up his hands in an effort to stop the enraged werewolf beside him.
"Tenten, stop hitting me! I said I was sorry! And it wasn't just me either! Everyone forgot! Why am I the only one being punished?"
"If you hadn't been in such a hurry to go home, then someone would have remembered!"
Naruto whined, ducking Tenten's strong fists, "Well, you weren't separated from your mate, were you? And besides, we came back for you; I don't know why you're throwing such a hissy fit."
"The only reason I haven't murdered you yet is because I know Hinata will be upset if I do," Tenten growled, smacking the blonde a final time. Naruto stuck his tongue out at her, rubbing at his now-sore head. Shikamaru rolled his eyes at his friend, hoping they'd get there soon. All that the werewolf wanted to do was crawl into a bed and sleep with Ino beside him. He definitely did not want to listen to Naruto whine the whole way home. And from the way everyone around them was glaring at Naruto, they didn't want to either.
"Dobe, shut up already," Sasuke's voice clearly portrayed the dark hybrid's irritation. Beside him, Sakura was clenching her fists, trying to control her temper and sudden need to wring Naruto's neck.
"Make me, teme!"
With a growl, Sasuke pounced on Naruto, a kick aimed at the blonde's head. The two were soon scuffling on the ground, insults and fists being thrown around. A vein popped in Sakura's head and she stomped over to the feuding males. A startled yelp escaped Naruto's mouth as Sakura grabbed the back of his jacket and pulled him a foot off the floor.
"If you want to make it back home in one piece," Sakura smiled eerily, "Then I suggest you walk with your mouth shut the rest of the way home."
Naruto's blue eyes were wide as he nodded eagerly, shaking with fear. The pinkette dropped him unceremoniously on the ground, muttering angrily about dumb blondes. Sasuke gave Naruto a final, triumphant smirk before following his mate. Naruto cursed under his breath, pouting childishly.
"We are nearly there, Uzumaki-san," Itachi had been watching the whole time and moved forward to walk beside the young blonde. He gave Naruto a wistful grin that Naruto understood too well. Gaara also moved up to walk beside the werewolf, nodding in agreement, his aqua eyes bright. The three men picked up their pace, eager to be with their significant other.
Their fast pace turned into a full out run as the towers of the vampire keep came into view. Naruto couldn't help the goofy grin that had emerged on his face as he sprinted towards the looming structure. From this close, he could hear the excited cries coming from inside. He was barely conscious of the fact that Gaara and Itachi were right beside him, matching his pace.
"Hinata-chan! Hinata-chan!"
And then his world seemed to come to a stop. Standing at the front of the entrance, tears in her soft lilac eyes, was Hinata. Forgetting that he was at a full sprint, Naruto barreled into her, knocking her to the ground in a tangle of arms and legs. She squeaked in surprise before breaking out into a fit of giggles and sobs.
Naruto wondered how he had survived those weeks without hearing her melodious voice. He brushed her tears away gently, feeling his own eyes fill with tears.
"You're back…You're back home," she sobbed, burying her face into the crook of his neck. Naruto held her tight against him, breathing in her soft lavender scent. He pulled her back after a while to give her a soft kiss.
Hearing the commotion, Matsuri and Kana had rushed out. As soon as Matsuri saw Gaara, she broke out in a run. Unfortunately, she tripped and if not for Gaara's quick reflexes, would have landed face-first in the dirt. The young vampire clutched at her red-headed mate, crying softly. With a surprising gentleness, Gaara scooped his fiancée up in his arms, whispering soothing words into the woman's ear.
Kana stood where she was, head cocked to one side. Itachi silently came up behind her, a tender smile gracing his features.
"Waiting for someone?"
The angel's face split into an enraptured smile and she turned around gracefully, throwing her arms around her mate's neck. Itachi chuckled, his dark eyes glowing with life.
Werewolf mothers weaved around them, bending down and picking up their pups. The werewolf children shouted with joy at being reunited with their parents. Vampires and Werewolves alike stood exchanging pleasantries. Shino and Kiba were discussing what the best type of pets were, Chouji was playfully arguing with a vampire on why being a werewolf was better, Konohamaru and Hanabi were whispering conspiringly, and Lee and Guy were hugging everyone within a mile radius.
Tsunade cleared her throat loudly, calling everyone's attention, "I'm afraid we must be going…Werewolves, assemble."
Almost reluctantly, the werewolves and vampires said their goodbyes, each separating into their respective groups. The only werewolves who stayed were they were, were Naruto, Shikamaru, Tenten and Sakura. Tsunade looked to the four, her gaze questioning.
"We're staying here for a while, Tsunade-baa-chan," he grinned fondly at the older woman, "Until living arrangements are worked out."
"From the look of things, there will be a huge wedding celebration soon, huh?"
Naruto nodded eagerly, while the others shifted shyly at Jiraiya's posed question. Hinata had turned an interesting shade of pink. Hiashi and Inoichi rolled their eyes good-naturedly.
"All right…Take care of yourself, Naruto. And keep in touch," Tsunade's dark eyes were warm with affection as she looked at her oldest son. Jiraiya playfully ruffled the youth's hair and Konohamaru nearly choked him with a crushing hug.
As one, the werewolves changed from human to wolf. With a dip of her head, Tsunade turned toward their territory and raced ahead, Jiraiya on her flank and the others rushing behind the two. The vampires watched them go until they vanished into the thick forest before wearily making their way into the keep. Itachi had his arm wound Kana's slim waist leading her into the keep. Gaara still held Matsuri in his arms, a ghost of a smile appearing on his solemn face. Ino, with Shikamaru's aid, was limping toward the entrance, moaning about desperately needing a bath and a good night's rest. Sakura was still somewhat irritated from the journey and her mate wisely kept about a foot of distance between them, his onyx eyes cautious. Neji and Tenten were once again arguing about something. Well, at least Tenten seemed to be arguing, her voice furious while Neji silently walked beside her. Naruto thought he caught the words 'selfish perverted bastard' as the brunette slipped inside, followed by a smirking Neji.
Naruto turned his attention to the petite woman in his arms, smiling radiantly, "So, did you miss me?"
Hinata let out a melodious laugh, "More than you can imagine, Naruto-kun."
He beamed, standing up with Hinata still in his arms, "Just for the record, I missed you too."
Hinata giggled, allowing Naruto to guide her into the large stone structure. All around them, vampires were disappearing into their rooms. Hinata had explained to Naruto that vampires didn't sleep, but they could exhaust themselves and when that occurred, they would fall into an unconscious state that would appear as if they were sleeping.
"Brother-in-law!"
The couple was nearly knocked over by the long-haired Hyuuga youth. Hanabi looked up at them, her smile uncharacteristically shy. Naruto stood baffled, smiling in confusion.
"Hey, Hanabi…Nice to see you too," Naruto looked down at his wife with puzzled blue eyes. Hinata's own lilac ones were shining with laughter. Hanabi took a step back and Naruto was sure that he could see the tiniest hint of pink on the half-vampire's cheeks.
"Listen good cause I'm only going to say this once," Hanabi took a deep breath, her lilac eyes solemn, "Even though you're loud and kinda obnoxious, you take good care of my sister and I guess I kinda like you…but just a little, got it?"
Naruto blinked, trying to make sense of the rushed blabber that had issued from the vampire's mouth, "Uhmmm…yes?"
"Good, I'm glad we understand each other," with those words, Hanabi silently stalked away from them, a proud grin adorning her face. Hinata watched her sister vanish, a fond warmth in her eyes. Naruto chuckled in amusement, leading his mate up the stairs.
They passed their friends' rooms, nodding at Sasuke who stood outside of the Uchiha's own room. Naruto raised an inquisitive eyebrow to which Sasuke shook his head, a surly frown on the onyx-eyed hybrid's face. Naruto smirked, much like Sasuke had done to him earlier that day, before entering the room he shared with Hinata. She led him first towards the bathroom, her eyes twinkling like stars in the dark.
"Now, as much as I love you, Naruto-kun, you are in desperate need of a bath," she giggled softly, pulling him into the spacious room and drawing water into the tub. He sniffed at his clothes and winced, deciding that she was right, his sensitive nose wrinkling. He quickly stripped down, stepping into the warm water.
He sighed, feeling more exhausted than he had seconds before. His eyelids drooped down, and he had to blink fast to keep them open. He heard Hinata's tinkling laugh and then felt her hands tenderly rubbing at his scalp. The smell of sandalwood lifted up around him and he breathed out in contentment.
"I'm going to wash off the shampoo now, Naruto-kun," she spoke softly, "Close your eyes."
It was too easy to obey her. He felt the water run down his head, the suds from the shampoo slithering down the ends of his wet hair. She scrubbed his body down with some soap before gently ordering him to step out and giving him a towel. As soon as he was sufficiently dried, she handed him a bundle of clothes.
By now, he could barely keep his eyes open. His head bobbed as he struggled to stay conscious long enough to put on his pajamas. He wasn't sure what Hinata was saying anymore. Only that he had missed the sound of her voice more than he had thought, and that it was rather soothing.
He barely felt it when she helped him recline on their bed. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out, his breathing deep and even. Hinata watched him for a few minutes, her eyes full of love and affection. She lay down beside him and couldn't help the soft giggle that escaped when he pulled her body closer to his, burying his face into her hair. She could feel her own eyes sliding shut, her thoughts blurring together as sleep struggled to overcome her.
With a final glance at Naruto's sleeping face, she gave in to the welcoming darkness. For the first time in weeks she felt warm and peaceful and for once, no nightmares invaded her mind.
The creak of the door went unheard by either occupant.
A dark head poked itself in, smiling at the sight of the two cuddled on the bed. With a happy nod, Hanabi retreated back into the hallway, shutting the door quietly.
As she quickly stole down the hall, she offered a silent prayer of thanks for bringing everyone back in moderate safety and for the peace that now surrounded them.
*Author's note: Maybe one or two chapters until I wrap this up. As you can clearly see, I suck at writing climatic battle scenes...I'm rather opposed to conflict and do whatever I can to stay far away from it whenever possible. But I hope that this story has been enjoyable to my readers. Until next Thursday.