CHAPTER 3 - Rumors fly
.
.
In a lot of ways Hinata was grateful that Naruto had offered to let her stay the night. She knew no one in her clan would abuse their Byakugan to spy on her or examine her- but the less time she spent there the less of a chance there was that it would happen by accident. At least that's what she told herself.
Even if someone looked she truly believed no one would think twice about it. They had more things to worry about than the oldest daughter of their clan head being pregnant. Right?
She rolled over to bury her face into the pillow- Naruto's pillow. This was another plus.
This wasn't the first time she had spent the night at his place so she wasn't as nervous about it but things were different now.
She sighed.
Things will always be different now.
She heard shuffling and clinking as Naruto moved around his apartment. Not wanting to intrude on him any longer she rolled out of bed and cautiously approached the kitchen. Delicious scents wafted through the air and she found her host cooking some fish in a pan.
"Morning, Hinata!" Naruto exclaimed without turning around. "I'm making us some breakfast if you want to take a seat."
"Do you need help?" Hinata asked, coming up behind him.
"No, no, you're my guest," Naruto stated, pointing at the chair. "Sit."
She smiled, sliding into the seat as he spooned out some rice into two bowls and handed her plates of grilled fish.
"It's not much but it's sustenance," he said, almost nervously.
Her lips quirked up at his uncharacteristic hesitance. "This is wonderful, thank you."
"You taught me the fish recipe," he said, already shoveling rice into his mouth.
Hinata carefully ate a piece, pretending to think hard about the flavor. "Tastes exactly how I showed you," she decided.
Naruto cheered and they finished the rest of their breakfast comfortably, chatting about one topic to the next. She was sort of sad when they finished the food. She felt safe and secure in his home. She gazed at him, watching him as he spoke. The sunlight that streamed through the kitchen window cast a soft glow around him- he undeniably radiated warmth. Maybe it wasn't necessarily his home that she felt good in but just being around him.
She felt her hand drift towards her stomach.
How would he react if she told him about her situation?
Would he care?
She pushed that thought out of her mind quickly. Of course he would care. There was no doubt about it.
Would he support her? How would he feel about it? She didn't even know how to feel about it.
"Hinata?"
Pulled out of her whirlwind of a mind she stared into ocean blue eyes. He was grinning.
"You weren't listening to me," he chuckled. "What's up?"
"Oh, sorry, Naruto-kun," she apologized. "I was just...it's nothing. I should be heading out. You've already done so much for me."
Naruto nodded but an odd look crossed his face- almost like panic? Did he not want her to go?
As quickly as it came his expression morphed into one of serenity. He placed the palm of his hand over hers and nodded, before slipping his grip away and grabbing the empty plates instead.
"No worries, Hinata! I'm sure you have things to do."
She silently helped him with the dishes, thinking about his behavior. Naruto had been...very forward with his touches lately. She knew Naruto was normally physical in nature. But more and more over the years he had gotten increasingly comfortable with casually brushing up against her, or flinging his arms over her shoulders, or even wiping something off her cheeks-
Her teammates would often tease her about how Naruto would be peacocking around her- always looking for her, always showing off, always wanting to be by her side-
If Hinata wasn't Hinata she would think he liked her.
But she was, in fact, Hinata. And she just thought Naruto was being a very good friend. But she could hope.
Before long she was back in her mission gear, waving goodbye to Naruto as she headed back to the compound.
She hoped Kiba and Shino didn't come across her on her trek home. Nothing happened but she was also pregnant without doing anything so she couldn't- wouldn't even blame them if they assumed something did.
She sighed, looking up at the blue sky, white clouds drifting lazily in the wind.
What a strange predicament she was in.
Hinata knew she was pregnant. She was starting to come to terms with it.
The question was no longer if she was pregnant but how?
.
.
A couple days after his party Naruto made his way reluctantly towards the Konoha hospital. It had been a few years since he got his arm but Sakura still liked to follow up. Fortunately, the appointments became more and more staggered over time. He still didn't care for it. He understood why Sakura would want to see him but, again, he wasn't the biggest fan of hospitals.
As he got closer to the building he noticed Hinata walking out. Curious, he ran up to her, noticing how she was distracted- again.
He frowned. That's not good. This would be the second time she wasn't really aware of his presence. Was she like that on missions?
"Hinata!"
The Hyuga turned to face him, a small smile forming on her face as he got closer.
"Hi, Naruto-kun."
"Hey, what are you doing here?" Naruto asked, gesturing towards the large building. "You sick or something?"
Hinata shook her head. "Not sick, no. I just had to see Sakura-chan."
He considered this for a moment. "Is this about the time you cornered her at the restaurant?"
Her cheeks heated up. "I didn't corner her, Naruto-kun!" she squeaked, looking embarrassed. "She's just helping me with something, that's all."
Naruto laughed, clasping a hand on her shoulder. She glanced at it before meeting his gaze with bright and confused eyes. He let his arm fall back to his side, chuckling nervously.
"What are you here for?" Hinata asked. "If you feel comfortable sharing."
"Yeah, just my arm," Naruto answered easily. "Sakura-chan wants to do a quick check-up on it. Not a big deal. Usually it's a quick in and out."
Hinata nodded. "That's good."
Naruto stared at her. He was proud of the fact that he was particularly in tune with Hinata's emotions-
Not all of them, Kurama sneered.
Naruto ignored him.
She had been more closed off lately. It was clear to him she was hiding something and it was just as clear that Team 8 and Sakura-chan knew about it. Sure, Naruto was oblivious about many things but this felt like a mission he needed to solve. He just wished she felt comfortable enough with him to let him try and help her.
"I'm here for you, Hinata, you know that right?"
Hinata looked surprised at the way the conversation turned but she recovered quickly, reaching out to grab his hand in her own, squeezing gently.
"I really appreciate that Naruto-kun," she said softly. "I...I just need some time."
Naruto nodded, tightening his grip on her hand reassuringly. So she did have a secret, that much was confirmed.
"I don't want anyone to think differently of me," Hinata whispered, looking ashamed.
"No one would think badly of you, Hinata," Naruto said, immediately stepping closer to bring his fingers to her chin. He forced her to look up at him, blue eyes sharp and fierce as he stared into her opal ones. "I'm serious. And if anyone gives you shit they'd have to deal with me."
He didn't even know what her situation was but he knew he would support her every step of the way. He watched as her eyes started to glisten, wet with unshed tears. Whatever was happening with her was clearly weighing on her and it made his heart squeeze in his chest. There wasn't a lot Naruto couldn't fix with his fists or words and he wished he could help her-
"You're too kind to me, Naruto-kun," she whispered, taking a small step back as she quickly wiped at her eyes.
"Well, yeah," he said, mumbling. "Of course, I am. It's because I like- you're...you're special to me." She stared at him eyes wide and like a coward he fumbled.
"Thank you, Naruto," she said, a large, genuine smile gracing her lips. "I have to go now. Don't be so tough on Sakura-chan, okay?"
Naruto laughed, stuffing his hands in his pockets, feeling the tips of his ears go red. He was so angry with himself.
I missed the perfect opportunity-
"Sakura-chan's tough on me," Naruto admonished, watching as Hinata walked away with a giggle.
I should have said it!
Said what?
How I feel. That I like her.
The fox was silent as Naruto entered the hospital, almost as if he were disappointed in him.
.
.
Ino was a very observant person. She was always the one to turn to when it came to rumors and whispers around the village. Working at a flower shop with frequent customers who loved to gossip was always a great way to get some information. But besides that, she always had a keen eye for noticing subtleties and changes in people's behaviors.
So of course she noticed when Hinata kept refusing alcoholic drinks.
She first noticed at the restaurant that the slightly younger kunoichi didn't indulge in any alcoholic beverages. Not even the dangerously sweet ones. Dangerous because you could end up drinking way more than you thought.
She continued to notice this trend at Naruto's birthday party. Ino had taken it upon herself to make sure everyone at the party was well taken care of- at least on the spectrum of sober to tipsy. And as the very good friend she was- when Hinata returned from her mission of course she would offer the girl a drink! She wanted to help her out. Loosen up a little. Relax after a grueling day of work. Maybe get just the tiniest bit uninhibited- just enough that some of her shy demeanor would melt away and she could cozy up a little bit with Naruto…
But nope. Sakura didn't want Hinata to even consider drinking. And Hinata didn't take her up on the offer either.
Ino was intelligent.
Ino was shrewd.
If Hinata wasn't a prim and proper Hyuga, Ino would be very suspicious that she had gone and gotten knocked up.
But Hinata was, in fact, a prim and proper Hyuga so that would be impossible right?
Besides, who else would Hinata even consider sleeping with other than her precious Naruto-kun?
Ino was manning her family's flower shop while she pondered these thoughts. The day was coming to an end and she was pretty sure no one would be straggling into the store anytime soon so she allowed her mind to wander.
The Yamanaka wasn't clueless to the changes in Naruto's behavior over the years. Honestly, she thought you'd have to be pretty damn dense if you didn't notice how the hero was constantly itching to be close to Hinata.
Ino remembered one occasion clearly when they were eating at Ichiraku Ramen and Hinata had come by- how Naruto automatically pulled her to the seat beside him. Ino wouldn't be too surprised if he made her switch seats just so he could be by Hinata.
Ino snorted.
Maybe that was pushing it.
Ino made her way to the shop window, watching passerbys walk up and down the road.
She thought back at the time Naruto had first seen Hinata in her mission gear. You better bet Ino would be present for that. She had been with the rest of the girls in their class when they received their new mission gear. She saw the way Hinata looked in her outfit. Ino always knew Hinata had a great body. They had frequented many hot springs together over the years. She was so happy that her outfit showed off what Ino believed she should flaunt.
Ino laughed, remembering how she stuck close to Hinata after they all left dressed in their new clothes.
She had a feeling Naruto would show up eventually. The guys had been issued new clothing too so it was only a matter of time before they all bumped into each other.
Sure enough, most of the rookie nine met up on the way to grab food.
If Ino could live off of joy, she thinks she could thrive off the memory of Naruto short circuiting when he saw Hinata forever.
The jinchuriki was chatting with hers and Hinata's teammates about something or the other, nothing that interested her, when they noticed Sakura, herself, and of course, Hinata approaching.
Naruto had waved hello, greeting them in turn when he couldn't even finish getting Hinata's name out.
She still remembered the look of confusion on his face- as if he couldn't understand what he was seeing... or maybe feeling? Thinking?
She smirked at the memory.
Hinata had immediately been pulled aside by her teammates as Kiba openly complimented Hinata. Everyone knew the closeness that Team 8 shared and everyone knew Kiba regarded Hinata as his younger sister.
Regardless, Ino's mischievous smile grew, remembering how Naruto's confused expression melted into one of rage.
Ino flipped the open sign to a close on the front door, still lost in her thoughts. She could practically melt into a puddle remembering the look on Naruto's face.
Honestly, it was a little hot.
He was jealous.
Needlessly jealous... but he was.
He was clearly seeing Hinata more obviously as a woman. And Kiba's casual praise and friendly touches triggered something in him.
Naruto had still not said a word.
Poor man was probably still processing.
Ino had watched as Naruto's eyes trailed Hinata's delicate form- from her shapely, long legs, to the flair of her hips, the tight belted waist, and the curve of her breasts. She remembered elbowing Sakura silently in the ribs and how her pink haired friend had hushed her, watching her blonde teammate with an evil smile.
Ino laughed out loud, glad the shop was empty.
She could imagine Sakura probably got a lot of mileage teasing Naruto about his temporary malfunctioning.
Ino smiled, remembering how Hinata had eventually turned to Naruto, complimenting him on his outfit, saying something about how she was glad he kept some of his signature orange. Naruto had cleared his throat, laughed nervously, and scratched at the back of his head- all the while blushing and stuttering a thank you.
Ino squealed, wanting to do a little dance around the flower shop, not even caring who noticed.
Naruto had acted exactly how Hinata used to act.
Even before all of that Ino had thought Naruto felt something for Hinata but come on! After that display of obvious desire- the sexual tension- Naruto was definitely interested.
It made her really happy for her friends.
She sighed, that was a great memory but there were more recent happenings she had to think about.
She had heard some rumors flying around about a certain Hyuga princess and the savior of their village seen holding hands outside the hospital. She wondered if that had any actual substance. There's holding hands and then there's holding hands.
And of course there's Hinata not drinking.
So the holding hands thing? Maybe for the Hyuga that was basically a siren for, hey! I'm displaying some public affection!
Were they hiding a relationship? A saucy, sordid affair?
Were they friends with benefits?
Secret lovers?
Ino froze, one hand on the light switch as she prepared to exit the shop.
Oh shit.
Could they be…? Could Hinata be pregnant? And is Naruto the father?
Ino fumbled with her keys as she tried to lock the door to the store.
There's no way, right?
Their pure, precious Hinata? Sleeping with Naruto? Student of two of the most recognized perverts of the village?
Ino stopped in the middle of the street, contemplating.
She raised one eyebrow. Huh. You know maybe that would be better. Compliments each other.
She smiled to herself. Maybe she judged Hinata too early. It was always the quiet ones after all, right?
Ino made up her mind.
There was definitely something up with Hinata.
And she wanted to find Naruto to tease the hell out of him for it.
.
.
Naruto was just minding his own business, finishing up his second bowl of ramen when Ino took a seat beside him.
"Naruto! I was looking for you," she said, quickly placing her order with Ayame.
"Me?" Naruto asked, mouth full of noodles. He swallowed quickly. "Why?" He didn't bother to ask how he found her. Even he knew his obsession with Ichiraku's made him easy to place.
Ino leaned on one elbow, giving him a strange smile that made him want to tuck tail and run. Then she leaned closer, whispering so only he could hear.
"Say, Naruto. Are you and Hinata sleeping together?"
Naruto gagged on his food- coughing hard as he slapped at his chest.
"What the fuck, Ino?!"
Teuchi and Ayame had stopped what they were doing to look over at the two ninja curiously. Ino smiled innocently and just waved before turning to look at him with evil eyes.
"I don't know," Ino said, voice deceivingly sugary sweet. "I had my suspicions about Hinata. I feel like something's up! Maybe she has a man."
Immediately, Naruto felt sick in the stomach. Maybe it was because he almost died eating the food he loved most or maybe it's because…
"A man?" Naruto asked, swallowing thickly.
"A boyfriend," Ino clarified, thanking Ayame as she placed a bowl of hot ramen in front of her.
He watched Ino split apart two chopsticks as he remembered how Sakura was talking to Hinata at the restaurant about getting her a boyfriend…
He was a man…
"Yes, you are," Ino said, slurping up some noodles.
Naruto winced. Guess he said that out loud.
"Don't see how that's relevant to the current conversation though," she continued slyly.
Naruto narrowed his eyes at his supposed friend. He could tell she was messing with him. But why? Why now?
"Ino, you're the one who came here asking if Hinata and I were…" he trailed off, eyes darting around before leaning closer to the kunoichi and whispering, "...sleeping together."
Ino turned to face him slowly. "So you guys aren't?"
Naruto felt his face go red. "No!"
"You don't want to?" she asked, pouting.
"I-" he sputtered. What the hell was happening? "I didn't say that-"
"So you do?" Ino gasped but looked unsurprised.
"No!"
"Oh, okay."
"No wait! I don't know?"
Naruto was confused.
Ino didn't look confused. She had turned back to her bowl, taking careful sips of the broth.
"Why are you even asking me all this?" Naruto asked, getting frustrated.
Ino's playful expression changed into a serious one as she thought about something. "I...how can I say this… I have some suspicions about Hinata," she said slowly. "Maybe suspicions isn't the right word. But I don't want to tell you what I'm thinking and I definitely don't want anyone overhearing. It's most likely not even close to being true and I don't want to taint Hinata's reputation by creating a needless rumor."
Naruto glared at Ino. None of what she said helped clear up the situation at all.
"What are you even saying?"
Ino made a sound of aggravation. "Nothing, Naruto! I was just wondering if Hinata had a boyfriend, okay?"
"Okay, but why?" Naruto asked with a frown. "Why would you think that? And out of nowhere."
"Because! I came to a very unlikely conclusion and I'm just digging around okay?" Ino said, returning the look. "And if I thought Hinata had a boyfriend I'd obviously go to you first to check-"
At this, Naruto perked.
She would come to him?
Maybe Hinata did still like him?
But if Ino was suspicious that Hinata had a man and Naruto obviously knew he wasn't said man...was she dating someone else? She had been kind of jumpy of late...
"You think she really has a boyfriend?" Naruto asked, looking sullen.
Ino was about to answer when he heard a couple of girls giggling and whispers of his name. Glancing over his shoulder, Naruto saw a few familiar faces of some of his fangirls. They waved enthusiastically when they noticed him looking, running up into the shop.
"Naruto-senpai, how are you?" one girl asked.
"Ohh, did you already eat?"
"Naruto-senpai, do you want to go get dessert?"
"Naruto-senpai...is that your girlfriend?"
Naruto and Ino turned to look at each other before bursting out laughing.
"Him? My boyfriend?" Ino snickered, tossing her long ponytail behind her shoulder. "Please. My man is way more handsome."
The girls glowered at Ino.
"More handsome than Naruto-senpai?"
Ino rolled her eyes, turning back into her seat, muttering something that sounded mockingly like 'Naruto-senpai'. She didn't really want to argue with young teenage girls. Especially girls who honestly didn't appreciate Naruto before all of his heroics.
Naruto looked helplessly at Ino as she left him to fend for himself.
"Ah, no. Sorry," he said as some of them tugged at the sleeves of his jacket. "I already ate-"
He hated disappointing people but Sakura had long ago advised him not to encourage these girls advances. It might give them the wrong idea.
"Unless you're interested in them romantically, Naruto, try to be a little careful," Sakura had said. "You don't want to hurt their feelings."
Since then Naruto had been more careful refusing gifts and casually inviting them to eat with the rest of his friends if they stopped by. He hadn't realized how his actions could have been interpreted.
He felt a firm grip on his shoulder.
Ino was smiling down at the girls- a scary smile that didn't reach her eyes. She stood at her full, towering height.
"I don't mean to be rude," Ino said stiffly. "But Naruto and I were just finishing up dinner. Maybe you guys can find him another time?"
The girls looked a little upset but Naruto could admit when Ino wanted to look intimidating she did a great job at it. Slowly, the horde of girls dispersed and Naruto turned back to his empty bowls, sighing in relief.
"Thanks Ino."
She nodded, sitting down beside him once more. She seemed to be debating something in her head.
"Naruto, you know I like to mess with you," Ino said tiredly. "I still have my doubts with Hinata right now but I am glad you're being a little more...pointed when it comes to your fans."
Naruto was starting to get frustrated again. He appreciated that she noticed his efforts but...he didn't understand her point and how it related to Hinata-
"Naruto, how would you feel if say...some guys were always crowded around Hinata?" Ino asked, popping a piece of egg in her mouth.
Naruto felt his stomach churn uncomfortably. "Why would they be-"
"Because they're interested in her," Ino suggested with a shrug. "Because Hinata's beautiful, smart, and supposedly single. Because some of them just want to sleep with her. Other's want to marry a Hyuga. There are tons of reasons, Naruto," Ino said, resisting the urge to bonk him on the head.
He started to feel sick again.
He was imagining faceless men crowding around Hinata like piranhas just trying to get a nibble- a word- a touch-
"That's one reason why I'm glad your fans have settled down a little more," Ino stated. "Because if someone had real feelings for you I'm sure that someone wouldn't have appreciated seeing that all the damn time."
Naruto silently agreed. He knew he would hate seeing that. And if Hinata still liked him she probably hated it too. He flattened his palms against his face with an angry groan. He was thinking about how much he messed up over the years when Ino spoke again.
"So yeah, about Hinata's boyfriend-"
"I thought she didn't have one?" Naruto snarled, turning rapidly in his chair so he faced the platinum haired ninja.
The corner of Ino's lip twitched at his reaction. "We don't know for sure do we?"
Naruto grumbled, pulling out Gama-chan. "Ino, you're really ruining this dinner, ya know that?"
She laughed, quickly grasping hold of his arm. "I'm teasing you, Naruto. I told you that." She plucked his wallet out of his grip, shaking her head. "Dinner's on me, okay? For your struggles."
Naruto muttered darkly under his breath but didn't argue.
"But still...we don't know for sure," Ino whispered slyly, just loud enough so he could hear.
Naruto slid out of his seat and walked away.
"Make sure you leave them a big tip, Ino!" Naruto shouted angrily, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he walked into the night.
He heard Ino scrambling, thanking Teuchi and Ayame before she ran to catch up with him.
"Narutoooo," she called, matching his pace. "Wait!"
"Is this what you guys would do to Hinata when you realized she had liked me?" Naruto asked with a huff.
Ino tilted her head. "Why are you talking in the past tense?"
Naruto shrugged, not in the mood to talk about that particular insecurity.
"Naruto, do you think Hinata doesn't like you anymore?"
"I wouldn't blame her," Naruto answered shortly. "It's been a long time. And...and I don't know. Recently she's been distracted a lot. She doesn't even notice me."
Ino was silent for a moment. "It's not my place to tell you how she feels. Or how I think she feels. Sounds to me like you want more of her attention."
Naruto felt his face warm up before he whirled back on his friend, eyebrows knit tightly together. "Yes, Ino. I like Hinata. That's pretty obvious to everyone now isn't it?"
"Not to her," Ino responded, undeterred by his sudden hostility.
Naruto groaned, starting to walk again. Why didn't people understand? Sure he liked Hinata but she could have moved on by now. And now he was starting to get suspicious that she had moved on because of another guy!
"She might have a boyfriend," Naruto ground out.
Ino was silent for a moment, their footsteps echoing against the walls of the tall buildings as they walked through an alley shortcut.
"Maybe," Ino said, not even denying it. "I don't know what's up with Hinata. She has been acting a little weird but we don't know the truth."
They reached a crossroads before having to leave towards their respective apartments.
He sighed, waving goodbye. "I'll see you around, Ino."
Her expression was hard to read. She looked a little sad- almost guilty. He was feeling down himself now and honestly just wanted to get into bed. He nodded to her once more before turning and walking in the opposite direction, shoulders slumped.
"Naruto!" he heard Ino call out. "Since when has anything stopped you from achieving your goals before?"
For a millisecond, Naruto almost stopped. There was a lag in his step but he recovered quickly, raising his hand again, indicating a final and decisive goodbye.
.
.
Sake and good barbecue was the perfect end to any day, in Kiba's opinion.
Sake and good barbecue in the company of some of his closest friends was even better.
They were having a guys night out- no girls allowed.
Not that they did that purposefully. Honestly, things just lined up in a way that ended up being just the men of Konoha 11. Kiba paused. And Sasuke. And Sai. But no Neji.
Looking around the table at the red faces of his friends he was sure his own was probably matching. He was feeling good. Happy. Alcohol could do that to a certain extent. Hopefully he would feel okay in the morning. Eh, that was a problem for future Kiba.
"Should we order another round?" Choji asked, slamming down an empty shot glass.
"Of food or drinks?" Shikamaru questioned warily.
"Both!"
There was a chorus of agreement from most of the men. Shino politely refused, as usual. He never was a drinker. Kiba shivered at the memory of a drunk Shino. He would lose control of his bugs and that was a scary memory he wanted to repress.
Rock Lee declined as well. He didn't want to accidentally drunken fist the restaurant in his inebrieted state.
The only other people to dissent were Sasuke, which didn't surprise him and Naruto, which did.
Naruto, seated beside him, was quieter than usual, which was already strange. He was commonly the life of the party, able to get even the quietest of the group pulled into a conversation.
Kiba looked at his blonde friend, his cheeks slightly red as he poked half heartedly at a piece of cooking meat.
"You okay, Naruto?" Kiba asked, meaning to be quiet about it but not realizing he was yelling the words.
Naruto winced at his volume. "I'm great. Maybe I had too much to drink."
Kiba hummed in disagreement. He'd seen Naruto put back way more in the past.
"What about you Kiba?"
Jarred back to the conversation at hand, the ninja hound user turned back to his friends.
"What was the question?" he slurred.
"You got a girlfriend?" Choji asked, looking proud of himself. "I've been doing some long distance with Karui from the Hidden Cloud."
"We all already knew that," Shikamaru droned, muttering something about showing off.
Choji laughed heartily. "And we all know about your little love affair with Temari," he teased.
Shikamaru's face reddened further. "She's intelligent and we have good conversations."
At this Kiba grinned. "Sure, sure. You like being with an older woman, huh?"
"Youth has no boundaries!" Rock Lee inserted enthusiastically, slamming his chopsticks on the table.
Shikamaru frowned. "She's hardly a month older-"
His complaints were drowned out when the waiter stopped by with another round of drinks.
"Say, Sai, how about you?" Kiba asked, turning towards the pale man. "You're with-"
"Ino," Sai answered, nodding. "Yes. I am glad we don't have to do...long distance as you call it? I can't imagine not being able to-"
"No. Nope. Stop right there," Shikamaru interrupted, shaking his head.
Kiba laughed at the sick looks on Choji and Shikamaru's faces.
"We really don't need to hear about Ino's sex life," the Akimichi mumbled, mouth full of barbecue.
Sai cocked his head. "It may help you with your own relationships-"
"Going back to the original question at hand," Shino interjected. "Kiba has been conversing with a woman who loves cats."
Kiba smirked proudly.
"What about you, Shino?"
Kiba glanced to his side. He had forgotten Naruto was there. How could he forget one of his most boisterous friends was here? His smirk quickly melted into a curious frown.
"Me?" Shino asked, leaning over to meet the jinchuriki's blue eyes. "I am single. By choice."
Naruto stared at him seriously, nodding slowly. "By choice, huh?"
Shino nodded affirmatively.
"Am I single by choice?" Naruto asked.
Kiba noticed the array of empty drinks in front of his friend. Obviously Naruto ended up taking another shot with the rest of them. Maybe two.
When no one answered, Naruto continued.
"Say, Kiba. Does Hinata have a boyfriend?"
Kiba's mouth fell open, his eyebrows raised. "What?"
"I mean, it seems like everyone's finding someone," Naruto said, sitting up straighter as he looked around at all his friends gathered at the table. "Sakura's basically with Sasuke even if they're being quiet about it for whatever reason-"
Sasuke barely reacted but Kiba caught the hint of a smile on his face. The Uchiha chose to stay quiet, silently listening and watching everyone from his isolated corner next to Naruto.
"Ino's with Sai," Naruto continued, reaching for another full drink. Kiba subtly pushed it out of his friend's reach. "Tenten's…"
"Tenten's a free bird," Rock Lee helped, nodding seriously. "As am I. I am quoting what she said."
"So that just leaves Hinata, right?" Naruto finished. "And me, I guess. Since Shino is single- by choice."
The previously loud table had simmered down, all eyes on the increasingly flustered blonde.
"Where's this coming from, Naruto?" Kiba asked, suddenly feeling like he had sobered up. The tone of Naruto's voice felt serious. There was nothing playful about it.
Naruto was frowning now, staring at Sai.
"I mean we were talking about relationships," he said, sighing dramatically. "And Ino told me some things that got me thinking- Hinata's hiding something!"
Kiba's eyes widened. He subtly glanced at Shino, the bug user's expression unreadable as ever.
Kiba turned back to Naruto, staring at him curiously. "Is that why you've been weird around her the past couple days?"
Naruto slowly met his gaze. "Huh? Weird? Me?"
Kiba rolled his eyes. He had noticed Naruto was more reserved around Hinata the few times they were all together recently. Hinata had nervously mentioned to himself and Shino that she saw Naruto outside of the hospital and how she was worried he would put things together.
Kiba had easily knocked that option out.
There was no way someone as oblivious as Naruto would even consider a situation where Hinata was pregnant. But now he was questioning if she had a boyfriend. And if she had a boyfriend...the possibility of him thinking she was doing other things that could potentially lead to a pregnancy could surface in his mind-
"You've been tip-toeing around Hinata because you thought she had a boyfriend?" Kiba exclaimed.
Naruto flinched, not meeting his eyes. "Well, does she?"
Indistinguishable murmurs and a few scoffs of repressed laughter resounded around the table.
Kiba almost rolled his eyes. Seriously? Literally everyone knew Hinata would never be dating anyone other than Naruto. At least at the point she was at right now.
He had been a little curious as to why Naruto would glance at Hinata all nervously in the past. Before all this pregnancy business he could tell Naruto's glances were for a different reason. The subtle checking her out, watching her smile, watching her walk-
But the glances these past few days were sadder.
Because the idiot thought she was dating someone else.
Kiba wanted to smack him.
So he did.
"Ow, Kiba, what the fuck!" Naruto yelled, rubbing the back of his head as he glared at him.
"Hinata doesn't have a boyfriend, you idiot," Kiba barked, baring his teeth.
"Interesting," Sasuke said, speaking some of his first words since being here.
Naruto whipped his head to glower at the Uchiha as well muttering something that sounded like betraying bastard.
For a second Kiba was confused at Sasuke's response. But it dawned on him that perhaps the Uchiha had doubts. He clearly knew of Hinata's predicament but, similar to them, had no idea how it happened. It would make sense for him to consider she was, indeed, dating someone.
Kiba suddenly remembered Hinata's confusion at Naruto's sudden change in demeanor towards her and he wanted to hit the blonde again. He held back.
"Listen, Naruto," Kiba said, his tone clipped. "I get why you're acting this way even if you don't-"
"Huh?"
"-But I don't think you're realizing how cold you're being to Hinata," Kiba continued, ignoring the jinchuriki's confusion. "It hurts her feelings. It's not my fault you don't have the balls to talk to Hinata-"
"-Or the clarity to realize the extent of your feelings…" Shikamaru added under his breath, gesturing to a waiter for the bill.
Naruto's eyes were sad and Kiba didn't like it. He wasn't even sure if he heard what Shikamaru said.
"You feel better now, Naruto?" he asked with a sigh.
Naruto groaned, dropping his head into his arms. "Ino cornered me the other day and asked if Hinata and I were sleeping together," he mumbled.
All at once, the table went quiet again.
"Ah, yes," Sai said, breaking the silence. "Ino mentioned something to me about noticing Hinata's behavior was different lately."
Fuck, Kiba thought. He wasn't sure how long Hinata would be able to keep the pregnancy a secret but god damn it, things were starting to get a little wild real quick. Of course close friends like the ones they had would start to recognize subtle changes in the way they were acting-
"Speaking of boyfriends. You're still dickless though," Sai was saying with a vacant smile. "Perhaps she is sleeping with someone else. If you were to date Hinata, would you even be able to pleasure-"
Naruto was over the table and on Sai before anyone could even process. Sounds of breaking glass and falling plates echoed, mixed with grunts of a struggle- Even with the alcohol in his system Naruto's reflexes were fast-
Immediately Shikamaru had activated his shadow imitation technique, stopping Naruto in his tracks before he could hurt anyone.
"I think it might be time for us to go," Choji said nervously, glancing around at the rest of the patrons of the restaurant, all staring at them with surprised expressions.
"Leave a generous tip," Shikamaru swore under his breath, obviously straining from the effort it took to hold on to an angry Naruto. "What a pain."
Once they had all scrambled out of the establishment, Sasuke offered to take the still simmering Naruto home, Sai smiling innocently at the jinchuriki shooting daggers with his eyes.
Kiba turned to walk with Shino as each team went their respective way, frantically thinking about what Sai had said.
"What else do you think Ino had noticed?" Kiba asked Shino, their voices low even though their friends should be far out of ear shot by now.
Shino shrugged. "It's hard to know. The reason is because Ino can be very perceptive when she wants to be."
"Is Hinata showing?" Kiba asked, his nervousness growing. "I didn't think she was yet. But maybe Ino notices appearances more than we do? Is her stomach bigger?"
"Calm yourself, Kiba," Shino said. "There's no point in stressing too much about it."
Kiba narrowed his eyes at the bug user. Sure, he said that but he could see little specks of his black bugs crawling up and down his skin, less well controlled than usual.
"She may have noticed the lack of drinking," Shino considered, remembering the fight Ino and Sakura had almost gotten into during Naruto's party.
Kiba felt blood drain from his face, all the previous glee he felt from indulging in alcohol leaving his system.
"That's a big tell," Kiba muttered. "Ino might actually be considering Hinata's pregnant."
Shino nodded. "Questioning Naruto on if they were secretly sleeping together would further that hypothesis."
Kiba stared up at the sky, the cool air feeling good against his skin.
"This is turning into a mess isn't it, Shino?"
Shino's sigh was almost imperceptible. "Whatever it turns into, we will be there for her."
Kiba couldn't help but to agree.
.
.
Fall was slowly fading into winter as time continued to trickle by. Hinata found herself shivering as she walked through the silent graveyard towards her late brother's grave.
She felt a little guilty.
She had always made an easy, conscious effort to visit Neji regularly, often accompanied by Naruto. But, lately, she had been distracted.
She was sure Neji would never blame her. He would understand. But still, she felt bad.
"Neji-niisan," Hinata said, gently laying a bouquet of flowers at his headstone as she folded her legs beneath her. "I apologize for not visiting sooner. I've had a lot going on…"
She let her eyes flutter shut as a gentle breeze ruffled her hair.
Without fail, her thoughts turned back to that moment during the war where she was so willing to give up her life in order to protect Naruto only to have her brother sacrifice himself instead.
She felt her eyes burn but willed herself not to cry.
No matter how much time passed without feeling his protective presence and his steady but silent support for her, she still found her heart aching.
Hinata opened her eyes, staring at his name permanently etched into stone.
"I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you, Neji-niisan."
Hinata brought her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs.
"I wonder how you would react to my news," she said aloud, laughing softly. "This would never have been a possibility...an option...if you didn't save my life."
Hinata swallowed, her throat feeling uncomfortably tight. She knew her relationship with Neji started off difficult but it grew into a beautiful one. One she would never trade for anything. There was strength in their struggles together. A mutual respect. Cousins by blood but siblings by heart. They had a bond that no one could break.
Hinata reached out to brush her fingers against the cold stone.
"Neji-niisan, I'm pregnant," she whispered, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. She remembered the suffering they had to go through growing up- how broken they could have ended up if it weren't for the changes that were slowly implemented into their clan. If not for their unwavering perseverance and the steadfast encouragment from their friends. She remembered how they were pitted against each other, herself against Neji… herself against Hanabi-
"I vow to you, right here, Neji-niisan, that this baby inside of me...this child will not suffer like we did."
She didn't realize the tears had started to fall until a splotch of darkness appeared on the sleeve of her lavender coat.
"I can't explain how this happened," she continued. "And I can't lie to you. I'm scared. I'm so scared. I'm scared of what will happen if everyone finds out. I'm scared of how things will change." She brought her fingers back to her chest, clutching at the fabric of her jacket. "But I do have support. I have my team. I have some of my friends. I wish I had you, Neji-niisan. I know you would have guided me."
Hinata shivered as another gust of wind flew through the clearing, the petals of her flowers swaying gently in the wind.
"At first I didn't know what to do," she whispered, bringing her hands down to her stomach. "I don't know the reason why this happened- if there even is a reason. But now…" She swallowed, her pearl eyes staring at Neji's gravestone with conviction. "But now I'm determined to give this baby a happy life."
Hinata was silent for a moment, allowing herself to feel comfort in this moment between herself and her late brother.
"I hope it's a boy," she admitted quietly, a small smile forming on her lips. "I know this situation is...unexpected. But I realize now...it's not unwanted. It's unconventional, for sure," she said with a soft giggle. "And I'm still learning to fully adjust to the idea of even just being pregnant but...it's happening. And I know I'll still have my weaker moments. Moments where I'm unsure and frightened again but that's going to be part of the process. I'll do my best to be strong. And I'll do my best to honor your memory, Neji-niisan."
She reached out once more, resting her fingers against the carving of his name, allowing her eyes to shut as she silently reached out with her heart for her brother long departed.
.
.
Author's Note:
Rest in peace Neji Hyuga.
Misunderstandings galore! Some humor, some drama, and some Neji appreciation. Also don't worry there's definitely going to be appearances from Iruka and Kurenai- both important people in our protagonists lives lol
Naruto's getting there. Next chapter will really push him to a realization and get the ball rolling.
Also don't take this fic toooo seriously (there's going to be plot holes when it comes to canon- I can't be perfect!) I'm just trying to have fun writing a surprise pregnancy fic and sharing it in hopes that people might enjoy it!
Thank you all for your supportive comments! It's really encouraging and makes me determined to write this until completion- (I have a habit of not finishing things which is why I usually stick to one-shots but I'm getting so much love for this fic I'm determined to do my best!) Until next time~