Team 8 was off once again, trudging through the freshly fallen snow, keeping conversation light and upbeat. That is, except Hinata, who walked with her bag of onigiri clasped in her hand, smiling to herself and not speaking a word since they departed. She was clearly lost in a daydream.
"Man, you are spacey," Kiba said, shaking his head, as he studied her over his shoulder. Akamaru looked up at Kiba and then at Hinata, promptly deciding to slow down so he could walk next to her and ensure she didn't trip over anything.
Kiba had always kept a watchful eye over the Hyuga heiress, so much so, that he had probably known she was in love with Naruto before she did. She had always been quiet, but she was observant, always aware of the world around her. Today, though, it felt like she was miles away.
Kiba caught up to Shino and bumped his shoulder, "Hinata's acting weird, isn't she?"
"How so?"
"Just look at her!" Kiba exclaimed.
Shino looked at the kunoichi behind them over his shoulder. Her lips were curled into an infectious secretive smile. He couldn't help himself from laughing as he told an inquisitive Kiba, "She's happy."
Kiba was not buying it, though. He knew there was more to that look upon her face, "She's out of it. I don't even want to imagine what Naruto's doing to make her look all dopey."
"He's making her onigiri..." Shino replied, matter-of-factly.
"Not what I meant."
"You meant..."
"You know," Kiba looked at Shino slyly, "You know..."
Shino rolled his eyes, "Grow up."
"You don't think they have?"
Shino grunted, "Didn't say that."
"So you do think they have!" Kiba playfully punched Shino's arm, to which Shino furrowed his brow and sighed.
Shino rubbed his arm as he loudly said, "It's none of our concern. Didn't you say she's like your sister? Why are you obsessed with her sex life?"
"EH!?"
Both Shino and Kiba turned to see Hinata, as flushed as they had ever seen her. She had dropped her precious bag at sheer shock of what her teammates were discussing.
"What are you two talking about!?"
"N-nothing," Kiba tried to reassure her.
"That didn't sound like nothing!" Hinata bent down to grab her bag off of the snow-covered ground, but Akamaru was already offering it to her. She patted his head, took the bag, and with a gloved hand she wiped it off gently.
Kiba smirked at how protective she was over four rice balls. It was endearing, really.
"Sorry, Hinata. It appears Kiba has nothing better to talk about than you and Naruto again," Shino quipped, clearly over the entire conversation.
"I-I..." Hinata stuttered, thrown off by Kiba's forwardness. She was used to his usual teasing but knowing the extent of her and Naruto's relationship now, she was embarrassed to think people knew how intimate they had become.
"I'm sorry, Hinata!" Kiba said, trying to smooth things over, "I didn't mean anything by it. It's just...kind of funny to see you this way."
"What way?"
He shrugged, "I don't know. You just seem so happy. So happy, in fact, you may be too distracted to be on this mission," Kiba pointedly glanced at the bag of onigiri she had clasped to her chest.
She looked down and sighed, "I'm sorry..."
"You don't have to apologize, Hinata," Shino reassured her.
"If she's going to get us killed maybe she should," Kiba muttered.
Shino chuckled, "Now you just sound like a jealous wife."
At the word wife, Hinata reddened, even more, making the two boys suspicious.
"Well, did something happen to make you act this weird?" Kiba tried.
Hinata nearly dug her chin into her chest trying to avoid their prying stares. She wanted to tell them, in fact, she was excited to share the news. She didn't know why she was being so ridiculously shy now.
"Did Naruto try something? Did he do something you weren't comfortable with? Because if he did, all you have to do is tell us and we'll handle it," Kiba said firmly. Hinata knew he was completely serious, didn't doubt him for a second.
"N-no! Nothing like that. It's nothing bad."
Kiba paused for a second and promptly stopped in his tracks. He took two quick steps and closed the distance between them. As he placed his hands on her shoulders he leaned in and asked her quietly, "Are you pregnant? You can tell me, you know I'll support you no matter what."
"WHAT!?"
"What did the idiot say now?" Shino muttered in a huff.
"I'm NOT pregnant!" Hinata pushed Kiba off of her and walked ahead of them both.
The boys and Akamaru stared at her, confused, and a tad afraid. The last time she had gotten this upset things had not ended well for Kiba.
"Then what's going on!?"
She turned dramatically and yelled out, "I'm getting married!"
"Y-you're...getting..." Kiba smiled bashfully, "To Naruto?"
Shino punched Kiba's arm, "Of course to Naruto! Who the hell else would she be getting married to!?" He then looked over to Hinata and for good measure confirmed, "It is Naruto, right?"
Akamaru groaned as Hinata stormed off, muttering under her breath, "Idiots."
They quickly ran after her, calling out, "Hinata! Please stop! We're happy for you too, really!"
She stopped without turning to look at them and sighed, "You are?"
Kiba and Shino glanced at each other before running up behind Hinata and scooping her up in an embrace. Akamaru, not to be left out, also nuzzled his way in between their legs.
"You're getting married!" Kiba mumbled against her cheek. She could hear Shino suppressing a laugh on her other side.
"Yes, I am," She giggled, trying to unwrap herself from the tangle of loving limbs that were entrapping her.
"It's really happening, huh?" Kiba said as he finally relented and let go of his friends.
She nodded, brushing back her hair and making sure her onigiris were still all in one piece.
Shino pushed his glasses back up on the bridge of his nose, "I think we all knew this day was coming."
"We did?" Hinata asked.
Kiba nodded, "Oh yeah, saw it coming before either of you did."
"Huh," She said, trying to keep her cool.
As he took a breath, Kiba glanced over at the overjoyed Hinata and couldn't help but ask, "So...when's the big day?"
She cleared her throat, "End of March."
Both Kiba and Shino looked at her blankly, almost as if not understanding.
Kiba tilted his head and finally replied, "I'm sorry, I thought you said the end of this March."
"I did," She said in a low whisper.
Her teammates took a moment to let the good news sink in before Kiba finally said, "I guess we have a lot of planning to do."
"We?"
"Of course, we! Count on us for anything you two need."
Shino scowled, "Why are you imposing on poor Hinata? That's not your decision to make."
"What are you talking about? We're all basically family!"
Hinata smiled as she shook her head, she expected no less from her boys.
The trio started walking again, discussing details and making plans. Hinata hadn't expected their mission to start off like this, but it felt like every conversation starting now until the big day was going to revolve around her and her golden boy.
"Earth to Hinata, are you there?" Kiba waved a hand in front of her face and laughed, "You have to tell us how he proposed."
She nodded, trying to ground herself in the moment. With her onigiri in one hand and her boys on either side of her, Hinata walked confidently forward, trying to retell the story of her and Naruto's engagement without bursting into happy tears.
After a delicious lunch with Konohamaru, Naruto bumped into Sakura on his way to the Hokage's office. The kunoichi looked tired, her normally vibrant mossy eyes having lost some of their shine. Naruto knew right away that she must have not heard from Sasuke yet.
"You look terrible," He said matter-of-factly.
That earned him a swift punch to the arm, and from Sakura, that was worse than any pain he could've inflicted to Konohamaru when he mouthed off.
"Damn it! I was just saying! Why do you always have to resort to violence!" He exclaimed, rubbing his arm and trying to stop the tears from flowing.
"You're really going to talk like that to a lady!?"
Naruto gave her a side-eyed glance and covered his arm before muttering, "What lady?"
Sakura huffed and ignored him, "What are you up to? Missing Hinata?"
"Why does everyone assume I'm-"
She gave him a knowing glance which made him bashfully chuckle, "Okay, so I miss her...so what."
"Never thought I'd see you like this."
"Like what?"
She smirked, "In love."
"She's just..." He took a wistful deep breath, "I can't believe she's going to be my wife, you know?"
Sakura jabbed his side gently, "Neither can I, she could do better."
"She certainly could, but for some reason, she decided to give this idiot a chance."
They smiled at each other and laughed loudly, Naruto wrapping an arm around Sakura's shoulders and leaning his head on top of hers. There was so much joy flowing within him he just couldn't contain himself. Sakura, who wrapped her arm around his waist, clearly felt the same way.
It felt nice to be this happy, to feel like there was something worth celebrating. But, most importantly, Naruto was thrilled to have so many people on his side who wanted to take part in these big moments. He couldn't wait to see everyone's reactions, to take part in all of the high-fives and hugs. To drink to his and Hinata's future with all those that knew and loved them so well. There was just one person missing...
When they finally quieted down he asked, "You heard from Sasuke?"
She tightened her grip around him and shook her head, "No."
"Kakashi hasn't said anything?"
"Only that Sasuke won't be back anytime soon."
Naruto sighed, "We don't know that. You know Kakashi has to say that since it's a top-secret mission."
Sakura shook her head, "Naruto, we both know Sasuke..."
He stopped in his tracks and turned to face her, "Sakura, don't worry, okay? It's going to work out."
She half-heartedly nodded, "I know," Sakura took a breath and patted his shoulder, "Let's not ruin this moment with any of this talk, yeah? When are you two planning on telling everyone?"
"Soon, probably. Hinata suggested we tell the gang over dinner or something?"
"That'd be perfect! Let me see when everyone's around."
"You'd help?"
"Of course I would! It'd keep me distracted anyways."
"Maybe we should wait until the Rinne Festival. Everyone would be back in the village then, right?"
She nodded, "We can just say it's another hangout, right? It's been a while since the last one on your birthday. I'm sure everyone would be willing to meet up for an evening, especially if it's the holidays."
Naruto gasped, "The holidays...they're in like what? Two weeks!?"
Sakura furrowed her brow, "Yeah, why?"
"Hinata's birthday. I completely forgot."
She smiled, "You have time."
"I can't believe I forgot," Naruto rubbed his temples, trying to rack his brain on what to get Hinata. On top of a gift for the Rinne Festival, he needed to get her something for her birthday as well. It was the first of many holidays and birthdays they were going to spend together, he needed to make sure it was memorable.
He was so forgetful as of late, he hated it. Just thinking of how he nearly missed saying goodbye to Hinata that morning already made him feel like shit, now he was feeling even worse.
Sakura could tell he was beating himself up and tried to reassure him, "Hey, there's been a lot going on. If anyone would understand, it's Hinata."
He shook his head, "She shouldn't have to understand. I need to do better."
"Hey, it was an honest mistake...and you still have time! Stop beating yourself up, Naruto. You're a good guy, and you're going to be a great husband."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. I wouldn't be saying it if I didn't believe it."
Naruto chuckled, "Thanks, Sakura. I needed that."
"Anytime. Now, I have to go run some errands, but you'll call me and let me know if Lord Hokage has any updates about Sasuke, right?"
He nodded solemnly.
"Alright, thanks, Naruto. And, you know, congrats again. Let me know when Hinata's back so we can talk details."
Naruto waved as he saw her off, and began on his way once again, racking his brain on what he could get his beloved Hinata for her birthday.
"Alright," Naruto announced confidently as he walked into the Hokage's office and ignored Shikamaru's pointed sigh, "It's time to start planning."
"Is that the only reason you came in today, Naruto? We're kind of busy here," Shikamaru said, shuffling papers and throwing folders in front of Kakashi.
Kakashi, though, looked as ecstatic as Naruto had ever seen him, "Congratulations! That's wonderful news," He got up from behind his desk and wrapped Naruto into an uncharacteristic embrace.
Naruto was clearly taken aback by the look upon his face, but he quickly relented and wrapped his arms around his sensei, "Thanks, Kakashi-sensei."
"Married, wow," Kakashi said as he stepped back "Never would have thought you'd be the first one."
"Yeah, well," Naruto peeked at Shikamaru, "I may be the first, but he's definitely going to be the second."
"Don't hold your breath," Shikamaru smirked as he walked over and clasped Naruto on his back, before fully wrapping him in a hug, "Congratulations, idiot. Glad you had the balls to finally talk to Lord Hyuga."
"Whatever."
Kakashi sighed loudly, "Well now, I'm guessing we have a great deal of planning to do. Are we still shooting for April or did Lord Hyuga talk some sense into you."
"Actually...he suggested late March."
With a pained expression, Kakashi turned to look at Shikamaru, "Late March, huh?"
Shikamaru shook his head, "What a drag."
Kakashi scratched his head as he walked back to his desk, clearly trying to think through some logistics. Naruto and Hinata's wedding was going to be one for the books, that was for sure.
"Since we're already thinking of a guest list...I was wondering..."
Without even looking at Naruto, Kakashi already knew what his former student was getting at, "If it were up to me you know he'd already be here, Naruto. I can't promise anything, but I can have Sai let him know the news."
"I think this is something I should tell him myself. Do you think..." Naruto was going to finish his sentence, but he took one look at Kakashi's face and immediately changed his mind, "I guess letting Sai tell him is fine. Can we keep this a secret from everyone else, though? Maybe we don't tell Sai to let Sasuke know until the Rinne Festival?"
"Why the Rinne Festival?" Shikamaru asked as he continued organizing paperwork.
"Wanted to get everyone together to tell them."
He nodded, "Sounds fun. Temari's coming in for the festival, so you can put us down for that."
"Are you blushing?" Naruto said, noting the red creeping onto his friend's cheeks.
"This is why I don't tell you anything."
"You don't tell me anything because you're always here."
"Whatever. Just wait until you're Hokage, you'll never leave either."
Kakashi sighed, "Tell me about it."
Naruto smirked, "Well, good thing I'll have you two on my side."
"And a wife waiting for you at home every night," Shikamaru quipped.
"Let's focus on one thing at a time," Kakashi said as he pulled out his calendar, "Now, Naruto. Sit, let's start thinking about dates so I can present them to the council."
"Council?"
"We warned you," Shikamaru said in a sing-songy tone of voice, "It's only going to get more complicated from here."
"Should we have Hinata here?"
"Normally, I'd say yes. But considering you're getting married in about four months, we need to start planning sooner than later. For right now, I just need some potential dates, okay? Maybe locations?"
Naruto nodded and sat down, pouring over Kakashi's calendar and racking his brain trying to think back to conversations with Hinata about their nuptials.
He had been warned that proposing would only be half the battle, and he hadn't taken it seriously. As ecstatic as he was, by the end of the day he was absolutely exhausted. Still, though, the moment he thought of Hinata taking his name, of living in his apartment, of being by his side, he knew it was all worth it.
He couldn't wait to marry her, as painful as the planning process may turn out to be.