A/N- I guess one more couldn't hurt. I'm sure Hyuuga tradition in the canon is way better than my take on things but as I usually do with my fanfiction, I'm going to head in another direction. Sorry. See ya this weekend.
Dear kaa-san,
Summer is upon us again. I can't think of a single reason why you loved this sweltering season so much.
It's sticky, dry and hot. The sun feels like a block of led on our backs and don't get me started on the insects!
The gnats are as attracted to us as father is to bean soup. It isn't as cute either as father's obsession with bean soup.
I hate it but it's growing on me a little.
The golden sun, the heated stale breeze, the blossoming and ripening of the fruit.
Reminds me of you.
Naruto-kun says there is something called 'a Beach' in Suna.
He wants to take me to see it. He says it's a shame that I hadn't already seen it.
He couldn't even stop grinning about it.
Honestly, I don't know if I could even strike up the nerve to agree to such a proposal.
What would we even talk about? What could you do at a beach?
It seems like a beautiful place. I just think he'll be bored and alone with me.
I wish that I could speak to him this way, I'm terribly frightened of rejection.
Everyone thinks I'm being silly, avoiding him but I just, I just don't know right now.
You used to say that Summer was the season of love.
I want to believe that you're right.
I feel more love this year than I've ever felt in my life, it's almost too much.
It's been so long since we've talked and that's all my fault.
I'm sorry, it'll never happen again.
So many missions and wars, I never thought I'd be able to assure you that we would all be ok.
We all miss you.
We desperately need your guidance, your long patient hugs and strength but dad isn't doing such a bad job either.
Hanabi and I didn't make it easy for him. Lately there have been many clan issues resurfacing and he's been worried sick about us.
So much about our heredity, our clan, still remains such a mystery to me.
I'm still learning about myself and my desires.
If you were still around, I know without a doubt you'd know what to say to me.
I'll be visiting your resting place today.
Happy Birthday kaa-san,
I love you.
~Hinata H.
Hinata had awoken early to get a head start on breakfast. It was her duty to prepare today since Hanabi had done so yesterday morning. The two have been alternating the daily chores since Hanabi became of age to take some responsibility for her notorious messes. She's grateful for the help when she could get it, maintaining the Hyuga manor was no small feat.
Her father hated them doting over him, but she knew deep down he looked forward to the hot traditional meals and the company despite his voiced displeasure.
You're not fooling anyone papa. You're practically spoiled to death by your daughters. What would you do without us?
She smirked reflectively, thinking about a few nights ago when he insisted, they allow him to take up some of the housework on Hanabi's birthday.
"It's no big deal dad, you're a crumby old man like the other fathers now. The first step is acceptance old-timer."
"Hanabi, you didn't have to say it that way!"
"So, this is what the both of you think?" Hiashi questioned his daughters, looking from one girl to the other.
"No!"
"Yes! Honesty is the best policy, right dad!?"
She placed a pot, filled with tap on the stove top. She flicked on the gas burners and they hissed to life with a spark of violent dark blue flames. Yawning, she went on to routinely nab ingredients from the squeaky polished cabinets.
"Goodmorning onee-chan!"
Her sisters groggy voice calls from somewhere behind her.
"You're up early." She says with suspicion, examining the continents in the first cabinet and shifting over to the second.
"Is it some kind of a crime at the Hyuga residence now, being the early bird?" Hanabi asks trudging to join her sister in front of the narrow cabinets.
"No, not at all. It's just, I'd like you to be well rested with the exams coming and all. It's my day for breakfast preparations anyway."
Hinata assured her as she recovered a wooden bowl and a few labeled vials of spices from the cabinet. She always bought herbal ingredients, her father preferred ethereal seasoning and remedies that enriched the flow of his chakra.
"I can handle it! Besides, I want to know, how you do your breakfast. Papa seems to enjoy it. You know, the way mom would cook."
"Oh, now you want to learn? Why the change of heart?"
Hinata asks. Not too long ago Hanabi refused to be under her sisters' tutelage and as the youngest, Hinata felt their father was much too lenient on her sister. Though Hanabi had been excelling in her abilities as a ninja, she was failing at household values, something Hyuga women prided themselves in. Etiquette was a crucial part of being a well-rounded individual.
"One day you're not going to be here to switch days with me. So, I must know, how to keep old papa happy or he'll miss you too much and we'll never get you out of the house again."
With an arm full of products Hinata stalked over towards the counter. She places everything she had complied from the cabinets down and with a sigh of exhaustion, she placed her hands on her hips. She looked her sisters bedraggled appearance over and smiled warmly.
Proud. This had been the biggest step she had ever taken.
"What do you mean, I won't be here?"
Hanabi leaned back against the wall behind her and smirked snidely.
"Everyone knows you're dating the village hero, you know that right?" Her sister asks pointedly, making uncomfortable and intense eye-contact with her.
"Oh Hana you're over exaggerating. Nobody cares about irrelevant things like that, we've all got bigger fish to fry."
Hanabi scoffed, rolling her eyes.
"We're at peace. No one is worrying about squat but juicy gossip and scandals. It's only a matter of time before you do what adults do and get old, cranky and lovey with the guy. You'll forget all about papa and I."
"That's what you think I'd do?" She asked incredulously, her cheeks felt warm and itchy.
"Maybe. You're always zoning out around him, it's like you're under some stupid spell."
"Really. I-I guess-I just haven't noticed."
They've only shared one kiss and it was quite tamed, formal in some ways even though there was no one watching them.
Compared to his reckless personality, the kiss was awfully rigid and contained. Like they were both afraid to unravel, even if just for a moment.
She'd always treasure the novelty of the first kiss but it didn't quite sedate the depths of her emotions, not in the least.
She was afraid, to explore even a morsel of that confliction to Naruto. She thought he would think her ill, possibly a freak.
Am I, a freak?
Hanabi sighed.
"Kill me. It's already happening-this is how you get around him." She complained her face distorted into one of mock agony.
"That will never happen. Naruto-kun and I, w-w-we're just starting out. It could turn out to be nothing."
"I'm sure mama said that to papa and look what that got them. Us!" Hanabi says, gesturing between herself and Hinata.
Hinata chuckles bellishly.
"Hanabi I'm not sure you know how relationships work."
"You're one to talk. This is the first guy I've ever seen in this place who wasn't dog boy or that weirdo in the shades. Stop trying to sound old and sage!"
Hinata laughed even louder, her collar tickled with interest at her sister's concerns. It would seem that she was worried.
"Nothing's funny onee-chan! Are you going to show me the ropes of this women's-sport or not!?"
"Ya-y-yes, of course. I was thinking, after breakfast, would you come with me to visit mom's grave? I have a letter I want to drop off."
Hanabi simply nodded, staring reverently at the vials of spices, she toiled with one dexterously weaving it across her knuckles.
"So do I. It's actually the real reason why I've been up. Mom's…"
"Birthday."
They both breath out simultaneously.
A paralyzing silence followed, one that Hinata thought she would never break out of. The memories of her mother were still palpable, if she thought about her enough she could close her eyes and reach out and feel the silk of her garment and the warmth of her skin.
She closed her eyes.
"It seems we'll be making it a family affair."
The sound of their father's voice resonated across the entirety of the kitchen. Both Hinata and Hanabi bowed in greeting.
"Good morning father!"
They both greeted simultaneously, shooting a look at one another—acknowledging their unity this morning. It was both rare and strange.
"Good morning. There's someone I'd like to introduce you to. Hinata, be sure to prepare extra rations for our guest."
Perhaps I'm not the only Hyuga off the market.
She looked up to see her father standing very frail, a cane in his clutch. He's dressed in a crisp tan happi with the Hyuga emblem embroidered chiefly at his lapels.
His lips were weaved into the thinnest line, but his brows were raised as he gestured offshore towards someone wavering in the entryway.
Hinata and Hanabi exchanged looks but watched on with growing curiously.
A young man, around Hinata's age suddenly appeared in the doorway beside their father.
The aura in the kitchen surged into something tense.
Her father held out a long arm, draped in sleeve, towards them.
"Hijiri, these are my daughters. My youngest, and heiress of the clan Hanabi. My eldest and most refined, Hinata, the master cook much like her late mother."
Hijiri looks regal and deadly, looming several intimidating inches over her father. His features were undeniably Hyuga-esque. His idle white-lavender eyes seem to hold something ill behind them that Hinata couldn't decipher but she felt that maybe it could have just been her, making a big deal over nothing. Lately she has grown apprehensive toward strangers.
Both she and Hanabi tilted their heads slightly and Hijiri offered back their respect with a similar gesture.
"Nice to meet such lovely women of the highest family. I look forward to my stay here in your captivating home as a humble guest." He said formally, his voice the sound of lazy rumbling thunder.
His hair was well past his shoulders, a small fraction of it caught into a ponytail, blending with the rest.
"Girls, Hijiri will be taking up residence here indefinitely. We have business to conduct on behalf of his father. They've been estranged from the clan for quite some time, but we've reached a civilized decision to incorporate them back into the fold."
"That's great dad." Hanabi spoke up. "What's the verdict?"
Her father seemed hesitant to mention at first. He folded his arm and cane behind his back, his chest high.
"We'll have plenty of time to discuss such menial details of this arrangement." He assures his younger daughter before settling his eyes on his eldest, "Hinata?"
"Yes father?"
She stares at him, he at her. His bottom lip quivers a little and conflict seemed to touch his furrowed brows. He flicked his fingers to gesture her.
"Accompany us for just a moment."
Befuddled, she looked towards Hanabi. Her father had already begun to retreat towards his study, with Hijiri on his heels.
Hinata lingered behind with a strange tingle of discomfort.
"I'm sure it's nothing." Hanabi whispers.
Hinata swallowed.
I doubt it.
"The fragrance smells very delightful. Arigatou gozaimasu, Hijiri-sama. This must've cost a fortune-you shouldn't have."
She marveled, pressing her nose against her wrist to get another whiff.
"The young man hopes to make a lasting impression. Hinata, don't reprimand such generosity. Women love to be spoiled. It seems he's done a very fine job at getting your attention."
Her father comments in good spirits. He is seated traditionally behind his lacquered desk with a look of amusement painted on his scowl-stained face.
"It was no trouble at all. You're the personification of natural beauty, the aroma will only add to your appeal if anything." Hijiri compliments sheepishly. "My sister acquires many types of scents. I've never seen the appeal but I've chosen to believe that women adore a rare fragrance."
"I don't know what to say. I've never owned any scents."
The bathhouse soaps held no distinctive aromas, and everyone used the same soaps. There were many girls in the village (mostly civilian girls her age) who were addicted to cutesy things like this. Civilian girls often smelled a lot better than Kunoichi and were often rumored to be particularly more pulchritudinous. They had so much time to groom themselves and make sure every hair remains in place. Hinata often rolled out of bed without running a brush through her bedraggled hair knowing that it would only be a mess again before the day was over.
I doubt civilian girls could pull off balancing those hair-trinkets during combat for hours and hours of strenuous training.
"Your expression is plenty enough thanks for me." He claimed.
She stared down at the small vile of oil and twisted the nozzle-top back over it carefully. The thick liquid was gold, as though jewels were melted into an alluring tonic.
It seemed to be a costly gift for a visitor. She had so rarely accepted gifts, often they seemed to be tethered to a bargain or a favor.
But I have nothing to give and no one has ever given me something like this.
She has hardly ever been a participant in any of her father's affairs and now that she was, she wasn't sure what to expect or how to react.
What's this all about?
The room was stiff and wooden, the smell of fresh powdery parchment and bleeding ink were too thick to swallow. A single window wafted in the summer's warmth and she could hear voices drifting on the wings of the wind. Sunlight glistened through the crystal glass and yawned across the polished floorboards. Dust flurried about and her father fussed with parchment apologetically. He called his desk a mess of complaints and began to shuffling through the corruption fitfully, a scowl of distaste resurrected on his face.
Her father's study had doubled as a place of worship and clan meetings. When she was a child she would always peek meekly around corners to watch the veranda cluttered with noisy clansmen waiting to shuffle into the study for the meeting. Their voices would rise to a clamor once the doors were closed and her father would have to shout over everyone to simmer them down.
She never understood the hype behind the meetings. She always assumed it was a yelling competition amongst the elite. Someone was always shouting, and her father was always battling the challenger. She'd mimic the many voices until her father let out a terrifying bark of orders. She'd scurry off so fast, as though danger were on her heels.
She grinned.
Now I know, the meetings were never good. The meetings were to address issues within the clan and village emergencies.
Much like this one.
I bet.
"On my journey to Konoha, I stopped into an incense shop to admire the redolence of that particular oil. Its aroma beats out all the rest in my opinion and yet very few women own the scent. Even with a faint drop, it's still very appealing. I'm happy to hear it pleases you."
He explained in a friendly tone, his eyes fell onto hers with an unreadable expression. His lips parted slightly as if he'd add more and then they snapped shut and he looked towards her father for some sort of silent confirmation.
Though his words and tone seemed to try and settle her, his features and expressions did very little to thaw hesitation and put her at ease.
She wished her Byakugan could see into the depths of a person's soul. That would save her a lot of trouble during such formalities.
"How very thoughtful of you, Hijiri-sama."
"Hinata." Her father says authoritatively, in a way that a king would address his subjects and not his daughter.
"Yes father?"
She turns to look at him, hoping that his look was a more soothing one than the one before. He folded his hands and stared gravely at her.
"What is it?" She pressed with a tremor of nervous laughter. She tried to reassure him that she could handle it but she couldn't even convince herself that it was true.
He didn't bother to return her reassurance, in fact he dismissed it with a single stony stare.
"I need you to adopt a particular frame of mind for what I'm about to tell you. Though you're not the heiress of this clan you're a working gear in its foundation, you're the root tethered to our political connections. Marrying is an obligation, a duty and a necessity. Everyone must fulfill their role to insure the purity and success of this clan or else we will fall prey to the disorderly chaos that has run amuck in other clans. The favor I will ask of you, here and now, I do not ask lightheartedly nor without consideration. As leader this was never a discussion I could disband because of the visceral concerns of love. We must pave the way for the new generation. Purely Hyuga. It is what the clan needs, and it is what Hijiri and his family require to alas be reunited with their brethren. I know this is all such short notice after what you've recently endured." He paused only to sigh, his eyes were sunken and dark rimmed.
"I had hoped to shield you from these estranged obligations for just a bit longer, but time waits for no one, not even a father and his wary heart."
Marriage. Marriage. MARRIAGE…
W-w-with Hijiri-s-sama.
She could see Hijiri in the corner of her eye: a pale statue, his head lowered just slightly, though his posture was still bold. He looked like he wanted to be anywhere else but confined in an office at this moment.
Should have known. Father was nervous and Hijiri, this gift. He was buttering me up for this proposal all along.
But
Naruto-kun.
She could envision his face when he had finally broken the compulsion over her. He looked so relieved, happy, like he was when he expressed the ocean to her. His features were so animated, his azure eyes were filled with mirth and a dazzle of mystery and curiosity.
Like, for the first time he was looking at her and not through her.
She could do nothing to console her heart rupturing, he always seemed to steal the air right from her lungs whenever his eyes sought hers.
A shiver clung to her spine.
How could I even tell him? I don't think I can do that. We're f-f-inally…happy. He acknowledges me as more than a teammate and a friend, I can't just suddenly be engaged again. Except this time, things would be under a different context-defined as-duties.
Obligation.
The prophecy of her life and all the other women who had to just swallow their desires and marry within a clan to maintain its purity.
This arbitrary consensus couldn't have come at a less difficult time and completely out of left field at that.
She felt something beneath her skin hopping, her fingers twitched, and she closed her eyes.
'Whenever you're angry just remember the resilience of the Sun. Though clouds may block it from time to time it's still fiercely beaming down no matter what. Your father and I love you, we do what we can for you to adapt to this world and this world to adapt to you. Remember that my little sunny-girl.'
She recalled her mother telling her. In hindsight she supposes her mother was trying to prepare her for battles such as these all along.
'Whenever you're angry, just give em a big sunny smile and be kind. Anyone can lash out in anger, but it takes someone with true strength to show compassion. Be compassionate and benevolent, don't let anyone lay siege to what's in your heart. No matter what.'
Words that she has always lived by, though it had often pained her to do so on numerous occasions. Nobody would ever know that she struggled internally with her emotions. People often assumed she was too kind and they could get away with treating her like a servant girl or someone to act demeaning towards. It was just as much her fault for constantly holding her tongue. She had grown so comfortable avoiding conflict that even when she longed to defend herself, it seemed pointless.
Then she met Naruto.
It would seem, they forgot about the society they lived in and the prejudices they were still bound to. Things may have changed but duty would always follow them, being a ninja was a lifestyle. No ordinary job to escape. A commitment when you were born into it, a sentence until death.
How could she have ever imagined that this conversation would never happen? She had only eluded it last year because of all the growing tensions of war. No one could seem to focus on forcing their daughters into marriage when they weren't sure if there would be any villages left to marry them in.
Something cold slithered down her spine and she fidgeted with the hem of her blouse idly.
"Well, don't look so woebegone. He's a fine specimen."
"I-" She began, nervousness nagging her joints like a thousand ticking clocks stuffed under her clammy flesh.
"My stay is just a trial, that much, your father has pleaded case to."
Hijiri intervened on her father's behalf, narrowing his vacant eyes towards Hiashi, who nodded to attest the statement.
Hinata looked at him skeptically and then back towards her father with a leveled expression, heart throbbing relentlessly, hair crawling over her shoulder and bare arm.
"You spoke with the clansmen on this matter and this is what transpired? Y-you tried to find a loophole, for me."
You-u tried. For me.
Her father looked up at her, ambivalence awry in his eyes.
He normally assimilated to every clan ritual and teaching with ease. He was always so hard pressed to enforce the ways of the clan at all cost. It's how he became the leader; he was unyielding to emotions at one point in his life. The maintenance of the Hyuga clan was entrusted to him when she was just a child.
Hinata recalled being at the end of his bitterness then. There were times when she was ashamed to be a part of such a clan that would pit she and her sister against each other for the sake of a title. She began to understand the logic behind this madness as preservation. She realized the importance of strength in this world that they lived in.
Strength and power would always be the difference between life and death.
There was no room for compassion.
"This decision has been made long before you were a twinkle in my own eye. Just as your mother had chosen me, it was her decision. Whether it be Hijiri or some other Hyuga, you cannot stall this arrangement forever. It's inevitable, do you understand me?"
Mother.
It doesn't have to be Hijiri-sama but it will still have to be someone who isn't…Naruto-kun.
I only want, Naruto-kun.
It's not fair, it's not.
I do everything I'm told, I-I do whatever it takes to make everyone else happy.
Why can't I.
A sharp pain suddenly pinched her palm and she realized her hand was fisted too tightly at her side. Her nails dug into her palm. She bit back the pain with a firm nod and a dull smile that barely registered on her face.
Something hot prickled at her eyes like pins and needles. She blinked several times dismissively. A lump too heavy bobbled around in her throat and she swallowed more and more, hoping to drown it out.
A dull noise paralyzed her body. The vial of Jazmine felt heavier in her clutches than it had before.
I was the bargain.
Though the room was spacious and nearly empty she couldn't help but to feel as though something was suffocating her.
"I-I understand. May I be excused?" She asks in a lilt that felt strange to even her ears.
She hated the sound of it, she knew it so well.
Pain.
Shebathed beneath the bruised colored sky of the afternoon. Birds twittered behind the leaves of ruffling trees. She could hear a hen fussing in the distance.
Her palms flat out in front of her, she was in her languid fighting stance with her bare feet planted firmly to the ground.
The dojo is deserted. Insects screeched in the humid heat and she could feel slick beads of sweat trekking down her spine, arms and forehead.
Her shoulders rose and fell erratically.
The effort had really worn her out, but the relief was cooling.
Sorry Kiba. Guess I got a little carried away.
Usually she'd go easy on her teammates when they engaged in good-natured spars. She always felt she had nothing to gain nor to lose but Kiba has always been competitive and willing to spar anyone for the sake of the experience and growth. He often lost more than he won but that did very little to conflict with his astounding confidence. Most Shinobi in the village were egotistical about their strengths. On the off chance that she did win a spar she would usually chuck it up to beginners' luck. A simple explanation that usually restored the fragile egos of her teammates but today, she felt she earned an untainted victory.
Besides, she needed the stress relief. It was a bonus to see Kiba doggedly unleashing every item in his arsenal of moves just to try and best her practical maneuvers.
"What." He breathed, doubled over, hands on his knees. His partner-a dirt stained shaggy dog-panting, leaning against his flank. Ears lopsided with his bright red tongue hanging out of his mouth. "The hell. Was that."
She chuckles a little, like a crystal chime. The tension around her eyes released, the pulsing of her Byakugan had gone dormant. She dropped her hands to the demanding thrashing beneath her pasty chest.
She took the time to greedily gulp down as much air as her body could muster at one time. She hoped the wind would revert to an iciness capable of chilling her melting skin but was granted no such convenience.
Her heartbeat deepened and quickened with every paralyzing thud. It felt lethal, profound.
"You've been slacking off." She teases, though her lips slanted from the lie. Truth be told every time she had ever sparred with Kiba, she critiqued his every move and has always been aware of those flaws that he turned a blind eye to. He knew he had them, he just didn't think her strong enough to catch on.
"Every dog has it's day." He proclaimed, his shoulders moving wildly with an effort to catch his breath. His messy brown hair matted around his face. The fish-net shirt he was wearing had been damp and tattered, his skin nicked with scratches from her kunai.
"Don't know-(gasp) what the hell got into ya but I'll admit it, you gave Akamaru and me a run for our money."
She looked up at him. One of his eyes were squinted against the blaring sun as he recovered to a wobbly stand. There was a smile of satisfaction on his face and she couldn't stop the pull of her own lips.
"It was a good fight. Seems ya came full circle. You're growing up, Nata."
Hinata rolled her eyes.
"Ya. I'll say!"
A voice shouted boyishly-husky over them.
She winced up towards the rooftop of the abandoned building and spotted the silhouette of a spectator in the distance.
"Hey Hinata, hey Keebs!"
"Ruto? That you?" Kiba asks trying to visor his eyes from the brilliance of the sublime rays that ignited the skyline.
"Who else!" Naruto responds.
Hinata had long since cooled down from the spar but the tempo of her heart picks up significantly. Her head swivels minutely, as she anxiously awaited his approach.
"Get down here, what's the use in lurking around ya creep?!" Kiba shouted out to him. Akamaru seemed to be barking out the same commands at his side.
"I'm comin, I'm comin!" Naruto shouted back.
Luckily, they were on the outskirts of center village. There was nobody in this quadrant to tattle on their noisiness. This was a farming area not many villagers migrated too. The ambiance of nature clouded the area with a sense of serenity.
She wondered how Naruto came to be this far away from center-village. The scenic trails maybe? Had he just retired from a mission?
Then her thoughts derailed into one single humiliating thought. Her blood surges cold, and the color drains from her face.
Naruto-kun was watching u-us.
She looked down at herself, taking in the fact that her breast hadn't been hidden behind a hood or jacket. She was only wearing a thin T-shirt and sweat made everything transparent. She could see the dark outline of her bra.
She jolted into action, attempting to tuck away intimate areas, self-consciously.
Naruto is second to none when it came to battling and strength, as a spectator there must've been a thousand flaws he could find in her.
She stood up straight and began to fuss fitfully at her sweat damped hair. In a mess of wild nervousness, she yanked the hem of her shirt over the small space between the taut of her stomach and her pants but it just wouldn't stay secured.
A gust of wind wafted across her face and he suddenly flitted into their company.
Her fingers continued to fumble futilely.
"Hinata."
There's a new way that he said her name—or maybe he has always pronounced it that way. To her ears, no one has ever said it so smoothly.
Gentle and tender, with a bit of a crack in his vocals.
She raises her eyes to him, taking in the fine details up close. She hid her fidgeting fingers behind her back, her body seizing up like a knot.
"N-naruto-kun…h-h-hello."
She couldn't iron out the jitteriness of her tone. His eyes were so icy but she could see, flecks of the fiery sunlight burning tirelessly in them. Like fire inhibiting the most arctic waters.
He was so much taller than her, older even but there was a boyish charm to him that she knew would never leave his eyes void.
"Kiba! Akamaru!" Kiba called out, staring between the two of them with a smug expression, as if he was in on some sort of tantalizing secret.
Hinata couldn't help but revert back to Hanabi talking about the village gossip. It seems that there was some truth to her insightfulness. Everyone knew more about she and Naruto, than they knew about themselves.
Hinata snapped her eyes towards her teammate and bubbled with a tremor of nervous laughter, it became even more embarrassing when nobody joined her but instead talked amongst each other.
"-aren't there laws strictly against stalking?" Kiba flat out accuses, wiggling his eyebrows maliciously. "I could smell you ah-thousand-miles away genius."
"Kiba…" Hinata warned, face heated in embarrassment. Kiba simply shrugged as if to say, 'I'm just messing around!'
Naruto laughed derisively. "You kiddin me?! Surprise you could smell anything aside from wet mutt. I dunno how Akamaru puts up with an animal like you-tebayo."
"You wanna go? I've got a few more rounds in me."
"Naruto-kun…" Hinata looked towards him but he was otherwise engaged. His sharp teeth bared with implicit challenge.
"You sure do like getting your ass kicked Keebs. You sure you wanna do this?"
"Were you really watching? We were evenly matched, the battle can't go on forever and a man and his best friend has-gotta eat," Kiba says delivering a pat to Akamaru's ear.
Naruto sighed dismissively.
"Of course, I was watching. She dragged you. S'what you get, you always underestimate her."
"Your opinions seem a little biased to me. What's with that?"
"Do they?" Naruto parried, feigning nonplus with a cute little chuckle that brought on a giggle from Hinata.
"You know damn well they do!" Kiba barked visibly irritated. "Just because she's your girlfriend doesn't mean you can just pop up and start riots."
"The fuck are you going on about. What the hell does that have to do with anything?!"
"It's what I was implying when I said you were biased ya doop!"
"Grr-"
She watches as the situation became more envenomed. She assumed it would be their usual nonsensical routine of indirectly challenging one another, only to later reconcile and schedule a rematch, an appointment which neither of them intended to attend.
The two men were a few inches from each other's faces with Akamaru staring up between them in forlorn bewilderment.
"Right here, right now jack?!"
"hmph! That'd be way too easy!" Naruto goaded smugly. She could hear amusement mingling in his confidence tone.
Typical.
Kiba always felt the need to bicker with Naruto for little or no reason at all. She could only assume it was an alpha-male-complex that all men succumbed to when they ran into another man who was just as outspoken and conceited as themselves.
Some dominant genes within them distorted reality and suddenly everyone just wanted to wrestle and shout over everyone else to make themselves known as a threat.
"You guys done now?" She asks, like a mother scolding her children for fighting. She looked from one face to the other, but they were still frozen in contempt.
She could feel her tendons burning with fatigue. Maybe she had gone too far to try and eradicate her mind from the meeting she had earlier with her father. She couldn't bring herself to regret pushing herself.
Her heart was full to the rim with pleasure, Naruto's unforeseen appearance had doubled that very feeling by the tenfold.
"Whatever." Kiba suddenly snarls in despondence. "You two love-birds have a blast, me and Akamaru need to go chow down on some jerky until we're back in tip-top shape. Later Hinata! ...catch ya later stalker!"
"You know where to find me, when you're ready for that rematch bastard!"
Naruto shouts after him, his voice echoing.
Kiba held up his middle finger, brandishing it over his head.
She chuckles, "Wow."
"Ya-right, can you believe that guy?" He asks rhetorically but there was a smile on his face. She knew that he relished the idea of someone challenging him. He welcomed it, like someone who welcomed hugs during a celebration.
They both watched after Kiba and Akamaru for a short while and then Naruto walks towards the decrepit veranda where she had placed her hoodie. Once the heat had preceded to roast her skin, she could do without the hoodie. She only donned it to hide away from the blistering rays.
Wordlessly he procured her hoodie. She watched his broad strong back and thought his jacket fit him nicely.
"N-naurto, you didn't have to do that, I'm plenty capable." She began, he crouched down to grab her open toed sandals.
She studied the red Uzumaki clan insignia woven into his black jacket supremely.
"Cut it out." He said with a soft scoff. "I want to help, you fought really hard, I've never seen you that way. It was kind of hot, na—I lied, it was really hot. Next time, you should spar with me. Don't take it easy on me…"
Hot?
She doubted that. She suddenly came to the realization that Naruto had most likely been distracted by some of her more, jiggly, assets.
That would explain, Hot.
Her heart pulsed away in her chest, gnats buzzed around in her face and she swiped blindly at them.
"I'll give it my all." She told him, her lips quirked up the moment his eyes met hers and then they were both just grinning like socially awkward idiots.
I just want to feel like this forever.
"No doubt." He walked back over to her and placed her shoes down in front of her, he grabbed the heel of each foot and led them snugly into her sandals.
She grabbed her jacket from him and held it tightly to her chest hoping it would cover up the exposure, she wanted to leave some things to the imagination.
They began their excursion back to the center-village at an easy gait, though she had to stride extra wide to keep up with his long-legged step.
He folded his arms behind his head and peered up at the sky.
"So, you got the key?"
She nods.
"Mhm. It was very sweet…N-naruto-kun. I loved it."
I wonder what made you think of it?
"Kakashi-sens-I mean Hokage-kakashi-kaka-shi-kage." He chuckled at his own discombobulation and then sighed closing his eyes. "I guess I dunno what the heck to call the guy anymore. Anyways, he enlisted me to accompany team-ten tomorrow on a five day assignment. I say—you should come over my place tonight since I won't be seeing you for a while. It stinks."
There's that tantalizing proposal again. There was nothing more she'd like to do than to appear at his door with a precious dessert-that he would scarf down before she could prepare dinner. But she couldn't help but to think about how awkward she'd act, just being alone with him. He'd probably come to the conclusion that she wasn't right for him, all on his own.
Be confident.
She reminded herself.
He see's something in you that he likes, it can't be all that discouraging.
Right!
He laughed suddenly and she looked over and realized he was looking at her. Those piercing blue eyes full of warmth and undisguised admiration. A shrinking feeling engulfed her in its chilly arms. He quickly adverted his gaze and she knew he looked way for her sake. He seemed to understand her introverted behavior. He picked up on so many things, she never realized it until she had time to ponder their interactions when she was alone.
"What're you over there…cackling about now?" she asks more zealous than she could ever peg herself as. Her voice even sounded an octave higher than usual.
"You're redder than a habanero pepper again, should I give you a lift before you get all ditzy and die on me again?" he mocks, squinting up at the sky. "It feels like hell." He whined casually, scrubbing his gauzed-encased prosthetic hand over his forehead.
"It happened one time…I was just a little painfully-shy back then is all. Besides, the center-village isn't that far I can see the faces from here."
She assured him. She pointed towards the looming mountain in the distance. The sun was setting just behind it, it made for an exquisite view. Naruto stared, no doubt reflecting on everything the monument meant to him. He passed his thumb over his nose and made a thoughtful noise.
"I don't buy it-tebayo, not one bit." He claimed incredulously.
She knew he had been referring to her abilities to faint on cue, but that was a long time since she had gone limp.
She waved her hand in front of her face to ward off his teasing advances, though if she were being honest she wouldn't mind his inviting touch invading her.
"I grew out of my fainting stage; I'll have you know. It turns out, you miss a lot when you're unconscious." She said to him, trying to decelerate her heartbeat but it just kept ticking past the rate of normalcy.
Maybe I spoke too soon. I might just die.
"All the more reason for you to come over. I want to do stuff like-take you out for some ramen maybe? There's a new noodle place-ya know- where you can sit real up close and personal." He explained. "Or maybe we can go to the Summer-fair, I hear a lot of our friends are goin'. We can-yanno- check it out? Was meaning to ask you yesterday but I hear you guys have a guest at Hyuga manor."
Does everyone know everything? It was only a matter of time before everyone knew the agenda of our guest. The part where he becomes my finance.
She side glanced his way as they walked down the dirt road. Her sandals kicked up chalky cajun-dirt, dusting her bare calves.
She was aware of every single molecule of her being. She walked with such a stiffness, she wasn't sure her knees were bending. It was difficult to relax around Naruto, she kept feeling that he'd look over and discover that she was just an ordinary young woman. He'd realize her charms were no big deal and there were other women more deserving of his affections.
She could see him with a cutesy girl, a civilian girl who would greet him after every mission with a hero's feast. She'd be sexy, only the best scents on her skin. Alluring to nearly all the men in the village.
She hated herself for hoping it would happen, it would make things a lot easier at home. She wanted to pinch herself for thinking this way.
Oh but it's true and you know it!
But it doesn't have to be, does it?
She argued with herself.
It terrified her. The thought of watching him pursue someone else. It would quite possibly kill her. She grew ill just thinking about it. Something flopped around in her stomach and she sighed.
What the hell am I going to do?
Her father wanted her to date Hijiri for political purposes, but she had so many desires for the man beside her, so many secrets tucked in her mind. Lucid dreams of the most sensual things.
Her cheeks felt itchy just thinking about the things her mind contained.
I'm going crazy!
"Hey, slow down. Home isn't going anywhere." He said cheerily and she suddenly felt the warmth of his heavy hands on her shoulders.
They stood there, a breath apart. A heated breeze tossed strands of her hair around her face.
He looked down on her, his pale blonde brows low and sharp over perceptive azure eyes. The lids of his eyes were heavy with a slight tint of redness.
"uh?"
"You with me Hinata?"
Always.
She felt it would be too soon to express such an explicit claim. It hung between them too heavy and neither of them reached up to keep it afloat.
Her body fluttered and for some reason he squeezed her shoulders even harder as if he felt her indecision. It was as though he were holding the tidal wave of emotion threatening to crash down on her in one foul swoop.
He kept everything at bay with that bit of assurance alight in his eyes.
She smiled and nodded, staring into his eyes although she longed to hide her face in shame. She spoke as though she had any say in the affairs of her heart.
As far as her father was concerned, she was already spoken for.
"You'll forgive me, right? For taking this long to see my promise through?"
"There's nothing to forgive, you're vital to the village, like you've always wanted." She said with a genuine smirk, she thought it cute how considerate he was.
"Heh. That's not all I want." He hinted somewhat embarrassingly. The roughness in his voice warmed her stomach.
Something urgent coursed wildly through her in an instant. It was warmth, a ball of energy just tumbling about in her stomach.
"What's that smell?" Naruto suddenly asks and before she could brace herself, he was buried in the crook of her neck, sniffling. She could feel the softness of his lips against her throbbing jugular. Tantalizing tingles shook her spine and her insides curled.
She felt this primal urge to lead the back of his head forward until his lips were woven against her hot flesh.
She tremored just thinking about it.
His blonde spiky hair felt soft and slick with sweat, it brushed her cheek. She froze there, her blood felt as though it were curdling.
He smelled so woodsy and piney with a hint of ramen.
"It's Jasmine. A gift from the rumored guest."
"She has killer taste in smell-goods. It smells good on you. Wear it tonight?"
Hinata would have laughed at Naruto automatically making the assumption that the guest was a girl, but the situation was so dire she couldn't move herself to find the slightest bit of humor in it.
In fact, it almost made her sick.
She thought it an odd request, he wanted her to wear the scent, but she nodded. She's grown fond of the smell herself, it was nice to smell distinctive.
He was suddenly grabbing and lacing their fingers together. "I'll walk you home."
He led her down the path dominantly and she couldn't help but to love that about him. His fingers were hot, rough and heavy. The best thing she's ever felt.
"Now I'm all excited." He mused in a low husk voice, seemingly aloof. Hinata knew he probably didn't mean for her to hear that.
Overcome with lassitude she believes she should've taken his offer to carry her.
"Me too." She whispered, hearing an incessant pounding in her ears.