CHAPTER 9 - Her family (1)
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Some time after all those vigorous morning activities, Hinata found herself rushing out of Naruto's apartment, leaving a pouting, shirtless, messy haired jinchuriki behind. She didn't really want to leave. But she also wanted to see her friends. But... she was really liking being wrapped up in his arms. It was hard.
After a lot of mental debate and resisting his cute and alluring subtle charm- she finally extricated herself from his grasp and left.
She dashed through the streets, careful to make sure no one saw her leave his place in the same clothes as the day before. She quickly glanced at her reflection in the passing windows. Her clothes weren't too wrinkled and her hair was suitably dry enough to be presentable, right?
"Hinata, you're late."
She ran up to her teammates who were both standing outside of a small cafe, arms crossed. Akamaru bounded up to her and she quickly gave him a few quick pats, shooting her boys an apologetic smile.
"Sorry, I just got caught up in something," she said.
Kiba narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously and she stood frozen, her arms crossed behind her back innocently.
"Caught up in something?" he asked, leaning closer, his nose twitching.
"Yes," she answered carefully, taking a step back.
"Or someone?" he muttered under his breath, too low for Hinata to hear, a knowing smirk on his face.
"How are you, Hinata?" Shino asked, gesturing towards an outdoor seating area. The weather was getting chillier but the restaurant had hung up little heating lamps to keep the environment warm.
"I'm good," Hinata said, smiling up at the taller man as she took a seat at a small, circular table. Akamaru immediately came and sat beside her, resting his head in her lap, his nose pressed gently against her belly.
"Akamaru, don't be rude," Kiba chastised as he pulled up his own chair.
"I don't mind," Hinata insisted, petting the ninja hound.
"He's doing it for a reason," Kiba chuckled, shaking his head. "You're part of the pack. And he's making sure you're okay."
Kiba didn't say the real reason out loud but Hinata understood. Akamaru was intelligent. He probably understood she had this baby growing inside of her. It was actually a very sweet gesture.
They all placed their order with the waiter before quickly falling into easy conversations.
"Hinata, you seem happier," Shino noted. "I realize things have probably been difficult for you lately so I am glad to see you more at ease."
"Thank you, Shino-kun."
Kiba was still silent and Hinata fidgeted nervously in her chair.
He knew.
She knew he knew.
She knew he was probably suspicious of it the moment he was able to sniff her.
But I showered… she thought.
She felt her face heat up. Probably didn't help that Naruto ended up joining her in the shower…
"Hinata, just spill it!" Kiba barked out just as the waiter arrived with their food. The young man looked around nervously at the table full of three tense ninjas before carefully setting their plates down and rushing back inside.
Hinata cringed and mentally noted to leave the scared teenager a large tip.
"Watch your volume, Kiba," Shino stated.
Kiba groaned. "Hinata. You know you smell like him, right?"
She blushed harder, covering her face in her hands.
"It's embarrassing, Kiba-kun!" she exclaimed.
She peeked out through her fingers and saw his expression go from frustration to glee.
"Aha! So it's true! You and Naru-"
"Kiba!" Shino interjected, obviously not wanting to be overheard. "This is Hinata's business. Be wary."
"Okay, okay," Kiba said, grinning mischievously at Hinata. "So? How'd it happen?"
"Can't we talk about this later?" Hinata asked, sliding down into her seat.
"Not when you reek of him," Kiba said, rubbing his nose uncomfortably. "Seriously, were you just with him or something?"
She didn't even bother to try hiding the red on her face.
Kiba laughed wholeheartedly. "You were! Damn! Good for you. That's why you were late." He snorted. "I'm sure he didn't want you going anywhere."
"Why do you love to tease me?" Hinata murmured, but she felt happy she could share this moment of joy with her two friends.
"The reason is because we know you, Hinata," Shino said. "Since we first became teammates and friends in the academy. We are both happy for you."
"Yeah," Kiba agreed readily. "But I gotta ask… does he know?"
Hinata nodded. "Yes, of course. I wouldn't… I wouldn't do that without telling him…"
This time Kiba leaned back into his chair, arms crossed. He looked at her seriously, his eyes narrowed.
"Good. That's good," Kiba mumbled. "Honestly, I wasn't sure how he would react. He was being so annoying when he thought you had a boyfriend-"
Hinata perked at this, suddenly remembering that short conversation she had had with Naruto some time ago. She still didn't understand why he thought that...or where he got that idea from.
"Oh shit, Hinata," Kiba sat up, alert. "We forgot to tell you. Some people are getting a bit suspicious."
Shino nodded. "Yes. Sai had mentioned Ino saying your behavior was different."
"He didn't really elaborate though," Kiba continued, snickering. "Especially because he said something that triggered Naruto."
Hinata cocked her head. "Triggered him? How?"
"Like he jumped over the table and tackled him," Kiba snorted.
"That's awful!" Hinata gasped.
Kiba waved her off, chuckling. "Nah, it's fine. Team 7 dynamics you know? Throwing punches and all that."
Hinata still looked unsure but didn't push it.
"Hinata, I am still curious as to how this came to be," Shino said, poking at his salad. "Did you perhaps confess to him again?"
Hinata shook her head, running his fingers through Akamaru's fur as he snuggled his head in her lap. "Naruto-kun actually came to the compound and confessed to me," she said softly.
Kiba's mouth fell open and he leaned forward, a toothy grin on his face. "Damn, how'd your dad react to Naruto Uzumaki showing up on your doorstep without any proper warning?"
Hinata blushed. "Um… He..."
Shino coughed and Hinata's head snapped to him. There was the slightest upturn of his lip. "I deduce that Naruto didn't quite visit Hinata the usual, appropriate way."
Kiba laughed, shaking his head. "He snuck in didn't he? Of course he would. He probably had an epiphany and just had to see you right away. Totally a Naruto move."
Hinata smiled to herself. She felt a brief twinge of guilt at the memory of that night. How it had ended on a sour note. But she didn't think it was necessary for her boys to know all of those details. What mattered now was that Naruto knew and they were together.
"Anyway…" Kiba looked at her, a glint in his eyes that automatically put her on guard. She knew that look. That's the look he wore every time he prepared to really make her blush.
"Kiba-kun…" she glanced around. Sure, because she was late this wasn't really the most crowded lunch hour and no one was around but they were still in public-
"Back to what I was saying before," he continued undeterred. "You are coated in Naruto's scent-"
"Kiba-kun!" She could feel the heat radiating from her face and turned to give Shino a pleading look.
"Kiba," Shino spoke with a sigh. "At least keep your voice down."
Hinata glared at her bug user friend. She needed more support than that. Shino just shrugged, the corner of his lip still curled. They were both enjoying this.
"You could have at least showered for the sake of my poor nose," Kiba said, feigning the victim.
Hinata buried her face in her hands, mumbling a quiet, "I did."
There was a beat of silence before Kiba burst out into raucous laughter.
"God damn, Hinata! Usually it takes a little while to...you know...really make the scent potent."
Hinata chose to remain silent.
"It may be because it is new," Shino spoke, taking a sip of his drink. "New and exciting."
"Sounds like you got experience, Shino," Kiba said, grinning at the other man.
Shino's glasses gleamed in the sun's rays. "I have learned that many people find my character to be mysterious and that apparently piques their interest."
Hinata stared at her friend in a new found light, a smile making its way onto her face. "Shino-kun!"
"This is great," Kiba chortled, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed behind his head. "Everyone on good old Team 8 is able to have a good time."
"You're too much, Kiba-kun," Hinata sighed, finishing up her food.
"Am I, Hinata?" Kiba teased. "Am I the one who's too much? Naruto obviously couldn't keep his hands off you-"
"I think it's time for the check," Hinata blushed furiously, looking around for the waiter who was clearly still avoiding their table.
"Or it may even be because of the hormones," Shino pondered quietly. "I hear the sex drive can increase-"
"Excuse me, Akamaru," Hinata said immediately, gently shifting the dog away and standing up. "I think I'll just go and ask for the bill."
She stormed into the store, hearing Kiba's barking laugh and Shino's more subdued one, her cheeks flaming. She didn't really mind and she didn't expect anything different from the way this lunch went but she was still embarrassed!
Hinata paid quickly, leaving a large tip before returning to her friends. They were standing just outside the restaurant near the road, smiles on their faces.
"We will treat you next time," Shino said.
"It's fine," she said, sounding a little short even to herself. She sighed, shaking her head and giving them a mirthful smile. "You would think after all these years I would get used to your jokes at my expense."
Kiba flung his arm around her shoulder as they started to walk down the road. "Hinata, you know it's all for fun. And we really are happy for you."
"I know," she said, staring up at the clear, blue sky, remembering with a fondness the bright eyes she was staring into just this morning. "I'm really happy too."
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Hinata spent the rest of the day with her teammates before heading home as the sun started to set. Once they had a quiet moment together away from prying ears she had come clean to them about what she had learned. About how the baby might actually be Naruto's. Unsurprisingly, they were overjoyed for her but also worried.
It was a good day- for many reasons. But she was starting to feel nervous at the thought that she should probably come clean to her family.
She knew it had to happen eventually. Afterall, she was already approaching the end of the fourth month if calculations were right.
Hinata entered the compound, hearing tell-tale signs of someone training. She thought about hurrying to her bedroom but heard a familiar voice call her name.
"Neechan!" Hanabi ran up to welcome her, a large grin on her face. "You're back!"
"I'm back," Hinata greeted, smiling down at her younger sister.
"Do you want to train with me?" Hanabi asked, her hands tucked behind her back. "It's been a while since we sparred."
"I know…" Hinata said softly, glancing at their home. "I just...I'm not really in the mood to spar, I hope you understand."
The expression on Hanabi's face made Hinata think she didn't. She couldn't blame her. It had been a while since the two of them spent time together on the training field but she couldn't- she couldn't risk it.
Hinata sighed.
She would tell Hanabi and her father soon. She had to.
"Hanabi, I'm going to go get cleaned up," Hinata said, reaching out to clasp her sister on the shoulder. "I'm sorry about training. But if you're up for it maybe we can make some dessert together when you're done."
Hanabi gave her a wry smile. "You've been acting weird, Neechan. But okay. Only if we include bananas."
Hinata laughed softly. "Of course. It's your favorite fruit."
She made her way back inside her home, very aware of the lack of sounds from outside. Hanabi had decided not to practice anymore.
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Later that night Hinata went to bed with an extremely full stomach. She kept her promise and made a bunch of her sister's favorite foods. It was the least she could do.
Despite how many minutes ticked by, Hinata could not fall asleep.
Her belly wasn't too large yet that finding positions to sleep in comfortably was difficult but her mind wouldn't let her rest. She wasn't sure if she just preferred being in Naruto's bed or…
Hinata sighed.
Maybe that was part of it.
But a large part of it was nerves. She was nervous to tell her family. The only people that really mattered to her were her sister and her father. Hanabi had already seemed to sense the distance between the two of them and Hinata didn't want to strain their relationship more. Not after they had grown so much together. Not after everything they had been through.
Hanabi had missed her. Though she wouldn't say it in quite those words, her actions proved to Hinata that her little sister really did miss her.
Hinata rolled to her side, staring at the moon, shrouded in clouds through her bedroom window. The moon always reminded her of her Hyuga eyes. And right now it just made her feel guilty.
She squeezed her lids shut, trying to will her mind to just stop. Stop thinking. Stop making herself feel bad. Today was such a happy day- she didn't want it all to get ruined by an overactive imagination.
Burying her cheek into the pillow, her brain decided to remind her how much softer Naruto's pillow was and how nice it felt to have his warm hand on her skin.
Hinata groaned, roughly pushing her sheets away as if they were the source of her turmoil. She wondered if Naruto was struggling as much as she was. Probably not.
She stared into the darkness of her bedroom, coming to terms that maybe tonight would just not be a very restful night. Maybe she should just let her mind wander.
But wandering minds in the dead of night didn't usually make for good company.
A dark part of her mind questioned Naruto's intentions.
He had seemed receptive of her news when she first told him...after a lot of confusion and clarifying.
She knew logically she had no reason to question him. But logic was out the window with her good night's rest.
So now she was laying in bed agonizing over his decision. He seemed so sure the baby was his. And so now she wondered...if...if he was only here for the baby.
Maybe he didn't want her at all? Maybe he was with her because he wanted the baby?
Hinata glared into the darkness.
What a horrible thought. A horrible, useless, thought with absolutely no basis.
Naruto said he loved her before he learned all that.
He wanted her before the baby.
The fact that he wanted her even with the pregnancy was, honestly, unsurprising considering the type of man he was. She knew she shouldn't doubt him.
After finally settling down from that useless spiral Hinata found her mind back on her family. How would they react?
Hinata moved a hand to her chest, feeling her heart thumping rapidly as her anxiety rose. This was...this was so annoying.
Without much thought, Hinata's legs were over the edge of the bed and she was already making her way to the door. Maybe it was Naruto's influence rubbing off on her that she was doing something so impulsive- but...right now she needed the push.
Sliding the door open, the hallway lit only by the moon's beams, Hinata easily made her way to her sister's bedroom.
She froze, one hand hovering over the handle, all the energy she just had fizzling away.
Should she do this?
Hinata turned, making the short walk back to her room before coming to a stop outside her own entryway.
She huffed out, exasperated, swiveling on her heel to march back towards her sister with new resolve. She could do this! She just had to-
She stopped, her hands at her side, shoulders taut.
Why was it so much easier to come clean to Naruto?
Was it because she felt as the older sister she should be someone Hanabi could look up to? She never felt she fulfilled that part of the role.
Hinata let her forehead rest on the frame of the door, a small sigh escaping her lips.
Before she could even decide whether or not she should go through with invading her sister's space, the door slid open and she almost lost her balance.
Hanabi stood there, staring up at her with suspicious eyes.
"Neechan, can I ask why you're roaming the halls late at night?" the younger Hyuga asked, head tilting to the side.
"Um...I…" Hinata was at a loss for words. She felt like she got caught doing something she shouldn't be. She had to remember she was the older sister here not-
Hanabi leaned in, a grin on her face. "What are you brooding about, big sister?"
Hinata pressed her lips together in a tight line, glaring at her sibling as she gathered her resolve.
Hanabi's expression lightened and she stepped out of the way, gesturing towards her bed.
"Do you...do you want to come in, Neechan?" Hanabi asked softly.
Hinata swallowed and just nodded mutely, following her sister into bed. As soon as they settled under the covers Hinata turned to her side, their eyes meeting.
It wasn't often Hinata found herself with her sister like this. She could count on one hand the times they cuddled together in bed. One of those times was when Hanabi came to her while she recovered from surgery after the chunin exams. Another was when she went to Hanabi after Neji's death. They both spent a lot of time together after that.
Neji was a terrible loss for the both of them.
Hanabi was silent while Hinata went through these memories. It was clear to her that Hanabi knew this was important. Hinata wasn't sure if it was because it was late in the night and her little sister was tired and that's why she kept her teasing to a minimum...or she could sense Hinata's struggle.
Hanabi reached out under the covers to grasp Hinata's hand in her own.
"Neechan, what's wrong?" she asked quietly. When Hinata didn't answer she tightened her grip. "I didn't...I didn't want to say anything but I noticed how...sullen and sad you were after the night Naruto-oniisan visited you."
Hinata said nothing, choosing to stare into her sister's pale eyes, reflecting in the moonlight.
"Did he...did he do something to hurt you?" Hanabi asked carefully.
This seemed to immediately pull Hinata out of her silent conflict.
"No, Hanabi. Naruto-kun...he would never hurt me."
"Then what happened?" she asked. "You seemed happier after you came back from your mission yesterday. Maybe a little nervous but...happy. And today you seemed even happier."
Hinata wasn't sure where to start. The pregnancy? Her new, budding relationship with Naruto? It was all interconnected it seemed anyway and yet...she was struggling.
"I'll go beat him up, Neechan," Hanabi said, eyebrows furrowed. "He may be stronger than me but I can beat Konohamaru so I'm sure I can at least-"
Hinata laughed softly, untangling her fingers from her sister's grip to run her hand through Hanabi's brown hair.
"There's no need for that," Hinata said. "Naruto-kun has only ever treated me with the utmost respect."
Hanabi scoffed. "Maybe. But I also feel he hurt you without knowing."
Hinata sighed. This wasn't where the conversation needed to go.
"I hurt him too, Hanabi. None of that is okay but...we're fine. Naruto-kun and I...we're better than fine."
All at once Hanabi's lids lowered and she smirked.
"Fine, Neechan?" she asked. "Better than fine? Oh...I feel like you have a big secret to tell. Did the big, bad hero finally do something right by you?" Hanabi scooched closer. "Ohhhh, Neechan, did he kiss you? He was so flustered that other night when he came to see you. I knew something was up!"
Hinata knew her cheeks were red and she was sure her sister could see it in the moonlight. They did a lot more than kiss...
"I'm right!" Hanabi squealed. "I'm right, aren't I?"
Hinata exhaled, laughing quietly. "Yes, Hanabi. You're right."
Hanabi made sounds of joy and Hinata could feel her kicking her legs around as she laughed.
"Is that what you came here to tell me?" Hanabi asked, her eyes twinkling. "That you and Naruto are a coupleeeee? Is he a good kisser?"
Hinata smiled. Her sister's joy was infectious. "That's part of it, Imoto," she said, tucking a lock of her long, brown hair behind her ear, and purposefully ignoring her last question.
But yes, he is a good kisser, she thought.
Hanabi snickered. "Don't tell me, Neechan. Did he knock you up?"
Hinata's expression fell, her mouth falling open. Immediately Hanabi's eyes widened.
"I-"
"I was just joking," Hanabi whispered. "You're…"
Hinata's breath caught in her throat and suddenly she felt like she couldn't look her sister in the eyes anymore. She squeezed them shut and felt the mattress shift as Hanabi moved even closer. She felt her sister's small hands wrap around her back as she held her close.
"Neechan…"
"Hanabi...I'm pregnant," Hinata said, opening her eyes to see her sister resting her head on their now shared pillow.
Hanabi's expression was one of concern. And then confusion. "But...so fast?" She shook her head. "I'm not judging you...I know you loved him for a long time. But...how can you know you're pregnant when you've only been together for-"
"Wait," Hinata said, clearing her throat. "There's...there's a lot more to it."
Hanabi's eyes bore into her soul. "Were you two...having relations before he realized his feelings? I know people do that and it's ok if you did... I'm just wond-"
Hinata shook her head, her face heating up. "No. No, wait. I'll tell you I just...need a moment." Hanabi was silent, which Hinata knew was uncharacteristic of her. She sighed. "Hanabi, I may be 12 weeks or so pregnant," Hinata said, her voice low. Hanabi's eyes widened but she stayed quiet. "At the time this happened I never...I never slept with anyone. It's hard to explain but we think someone impregnated me through a jutsu and a dagger."
"Huh?" Hanabi couldn't help but interrupt. "What?"
Hinata blushed and quickly tried to explain what Naruto had told her. What Sakura had explained. It felt odd discussing this with her younger sister but- though she was mischievous and loved to play tricks- she was mature when she needed to be.
And right now Hinata needed her support.
"That's why…" Hanabi muttered to herself. "That's why sometimes I would hear you throwing up in our shared bathroom. I just thought you had some bad food."
Hinata laughed, feeling a little embarrassed.
"Wow, you hid this for a while."
Hinata shook her head. "Not really. I didn't know for some time either."
Hanabi unexpectedly pulled back the covers, her hand immediately going to rest on top of Hinata's shirt, right over her belly.
"Imoto! That's rude," Hinata said, laughing lightly but allowing her sister to feel her stomach.
"It's my niece or nephew," Hanabi cooed. "And I was curious if you had a belly now," she said in awe.
"It's getting bigger," Hinata admitted.
"How are you going to hide it?" Hanabi asked, letting her hand fall back onto the bed.
Hinata shrugged, feeling more nervous than her disposition let show. "I...I don't want to hide it. Not anymore. Especially not after…"
Hanabi smiled. "Not after he feels the same way."
She smiled. Hanabi was right.
She didn't want to conceal it much longer. Not after Naruto so wholeheartedly seemed to care for her and the child. How excited he already was to whisper to her tummy. How delighted he seemed to be thinking about her growing womb- fostering their child.
"Are you going to tell Otousan?" Hanabi whispered.
"Yes," Hinata said softly. "I have to."
"Are you scared?" Hanabi asked, wide eyes searching hers.
Hinata reached over, gently squeezing her sister's cheek. "I was. But not so much anymore, my little Hanabi. I have you."
Hanabi smiled sadly. "Neji-niisan would have loved this, huh?"
Hinata giggled. "I'm not sure love would have been his most immediate feelings."
Hanabi laughed loudly. "You're right. First he would have been mad. Then, he would have probably wanted to kick Naruto's butt even if it wasn't really his fault. And finally, after things settled, he would act as your shadow and make sure you were safe."
Hinata felt a mixture of sadness and happiness settle deep in her soul. Everything her sister said rang true. She let her hand caress her bump, yearning for her late brother.
"Hanabi...things have been better in our clan," Hinata said gently. "But...I won't allow them to seal my baby. I won't allow any harm to fall on him or her."
Hanabi's expression grew fierce, reaching over to place her hand atop Hinata's. "Me neither, big sister."
Hinata felt her restless mind settle, at least in that moment.
She would talk to her father soon.
But she was grateful for her sister's support.
She didn't struggle to sleep for the rest of the night.
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Hinata decided she would tell everyone before the start of December.
That didn't really give her much time.
November was quickly coming to an end and she had yet to tell her father. She had decided that that would be her first step. Her father had caused her a lot of pain during her childhood but...he was doing a lot to repent for those sins. He was doing what he could in his own way and she appreciated that. She respected him enough to decide it was best that she inform him before coming clean to the rest of her friends.
Afterall, news of her pregnancy might accidentally spread like wildfire after that reveal.
The days after she told Hanabi she had been sneaking around to see Naruto. It was kind of thrilling.
Hinata wasn't used to doing something like this.
She almost felt...naughty.
Naruto seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it though.
"Wa-wait," Hinata gasped as Naruto pressed her against the grassy terrain.
She had come out here to train. Or so she said.
They were at one of the more desolate and covered training grounds, surrounded by forest but-
"Naruto-kun!"
Naruto couldn't seem to focus on the training part.
"I'm not going to spar with you, Hinata. There's no way I'm going to fight you when you're pregnant," Naruto grunted, tugging off the belt of her uniform. "Also, I don't know if you should wear this anymore."
"I don't wrap it as tight," Hinata defended, her hands half-heartedly pushing at his chest. His mouth on her neck felt too good for her to truly want to push him away.
"I always liked how this outfit looked on you," he said. "I don't know how you don't get cold though with how much skin you're showing." He grinned, moving to unzip her top.
"No!" she exclaimed, this time pushing him back more forcefully. He let her, hovering over her, a confused expression on his face. "We're in public," she explained with a pout.
Naruto smiled broadly. "No one's around."
"You can't know that," she huffed as he leaned down to snuggle his nose into the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply.
"I do know that," he murmured, lips brushing against her skin, hands back on her zipper. This time she didn't resist. "I have shadow clones around the perimeter."
Hinata hummed as he kissed along her collarbone, his free hand squeezing her breast through the fabric of her clothes. "When did you do that?" she asked with a gasp.
"Right before I met you here," he said, his voice low. She caught a glint of his eyes, pupils dilated, before he pressed their lips together. "You know… we could just go back to my place."
"I can't keep going to your place," Hinata murmured, her fingers tangled in his hair. "People will notice."
Naruto chuckled. "And this is more subtle?"
"You said we're alone!"
"We are, Hime," he consoled, sitting up just to pull her into his lap. He rubbed lazy circles on the small of her back, staring at her with a fondness in his eyes. He let his head rest against her chest, arms wrapped tight around her. "I would take you right here on the forest floor if you weren't pregnant," he admitted.
Hinata felt herself blush as she kissed the top of his head.
"You could…" she suggested with a whisper. "I'm not porcelain."
He glanced up at her, eyes hooded. "Don't tempt me like that, Hinata."
She smiled, sliding out of his grip before properly clothing herself once more. He stood as well, tugging her back into his embrace. She sighed happily, clutching at his uniform. Even before he learned of his feelings he had been touchy- but now his touches had a deeper meaning.
"I made us lunch, Naruto-kun," Hinata said, remembering the bento boxes she had set aside before he made his appearance in the field- flying out through the trees just to tackle her to the ground. Despite his enthusiasm he was gentle in his actions, cradling his body against her own the split second before she hit the ground.
She moved away from him expecting him to follow. She bent down to grab their lunch and turned only to see Naruto standing right where he was, a pleased smirk on his face as he stared at her.
"What?" Hinata asked.
"Nothing," he said, moving towards her, hands crossed behind his head, the mischievous smile still plastered on his face.
She narrowed her eyes at him. He was up to something but she didn't know what.
She held the bento boxes in her hands as he gently cupped her cheeks, kissing her softly on the lips. She leaned in to him, separated only because of the food between them, as he kissed her tenderly, his hands trailing down her back. She had lost herself in his kisses when his hands grasped the back of her shorts, squeezing her butt.
"Naruto-kun!" she exclaimed, pulling back from him in surprise.
He laughed. "Sorry, Hinata. I couldn't help but admire your assets while you walked and bent ov-"
"So embarrassing," she murmured, folding her legs under herself as she took a seat on the ground.
Naruto sat down beside her, his expression unreadable. But she could sense that there was a hesitance in his movements- a nervousness stemming from his actions.
She knew all this was as new for him as it was for her.
"Sorry, Hinata. Did I make you feel uncomfortable?"
She smiled at him, shaking her head. "No. Of course not. It's flattering. Just surprising."
"You're so cute," he said, thanking her as she handed him his food. "You don't know how awesome it is that you're the best cook around." Naruto said, digging in immediately. "I got the hottest woman. The best cook. The nicest person. I'm the luckiest man ever."
Hinata laughed, shaking her head ruefully. "You're exaggerating."
"Nope," Naruto said, leaving no room for argument. "And I can't wait until I can show you off. It's definitely fun sneaking around but I want to be able to brag about the fact that I got you."
"It's nothing to brag about," Hinata mumbled. "If anything I'm the one who has something to boast about."
Naruto snorted. "Forget all that- because I know I'm right." He smirked, rushing on with his thoughts before she could counter him. "Hinata, are you gonna tell your dad soon?"
Hinata poked at her food with her chopsticks, hesitating.
"Yes," she eventually said. "Tonight. I'm going to tell him tonight."
She could feel Naruto's eyes on her and she looked up, his blue eyes downcast, worry evident in his face.
"Do you...how do you think he'll take it?" Naruto asked, his voice uncharacteristically hushed.
Hinata was confused. Why did he seem so sad about this?
"Um. Well, I don't think he'll be exactly happy-"
Naruto groaned, his head falling back as he stared at the sky through the leaves in the trees. "I knew he didn't like me."
"What?"
Naruto met her gaze once more. "Your dad," he explained. "I wasn't sure he'd be happy with you going out with me."
Hinata's mouth fell open. She wasn't really worried about that-
"Naruto-kun, I was talking about telling him about...about my pregnancy," she said, the corner of her mouth lifting into a half smile. "I think he's going to be more surprised about that than the fact that we're dating and I'll be moving in with you."
Naruto's face slowly morphed into one of joy as he registered her words.
"You think he'll be okay with you leaving the compound?" Naruto asked, excited with the aspect of Hinata finally living with him.
Hinata shrugged, looking sullenly at the ground. "I don't know but...I am planning on telling him rather than asking."
Naruto grinned, nudging her with his elbow. "Wow, Hinata. Getting a little rebellious huh?"
She scooched closer to him, letting her shoulder rest against his arm. "I think it's part of your bad influence."
Naruto laughed, placing his empty bento box onto the ground. "Well, I think we balance each other out, dattebayo. But, anyway. He's going to get a granddaughter or grandson out of all this," Naruto said quickly. "That's gotta mean something right?"
Hinata hesitated, honestly unsure.
"I hope so, Naruto-kun."
"Do you want me to come with you?" He asked, placing a soft kiss on her temple.
She shook her head. "I appreciate it but I think...I think this is something I have to do on my own."
Naruto nodded. "Okay. I get that. Just let me know if you need anything from me."
She looked up at him, giving him a quick peck on the lips. "Thank you."
He sat silently beside her, playing with her hair while she finished up her lunch.
"Hinata, are you excited for tomorrow?" Naruto asked as she packed away the empty boxes.
"I'm happy to see everyone again," Hinata admitted, remembering that plans had been made. "But...from what Shino-kun and Kiba-kun told me, some people are getting suspicious."
"Oh yeah," Naruto agreed. "Ino especially. She's the one who arranged all this so I definitely think she's going to have an eye on you."
Hinata sighed, leaning into his arms as they sat against a tree trunk, a soft breeze flowing through the forest.
"I'm thinking of telling all of them anyway," Hinata said softly. "After I tell my father tonight...tomorrow we can tell all of our friends."
Naruto was silent for a while and she listened to the birds chirping in the forest, wondering if Naruto had bothered to disperse his clones yet. They weren't necessary, not really. But she did find it quite funny that he would go to that length to...to essentially have some alone time with her.
"Hinata…"
She glanced up at him as he stared blankly ahead of them.
He looked so serious but she should have known he had something more playful in mind.
"Hinata, what if we sort of...mess with them?" She watched as his stoneface expression morphed into a mischievous grin as he eagerly turned to face her. "Ino teased me a lot. It's only fair that I get her back."
Hinata giggled. "What are you thinking?"
"Let's not tell them we're together yet. Not until the end of the night," he said, his eyes twinkling. "Ino definitely knows how I feel about you so maybe we can just turn everything on its head."
Hinata looked confused. "Like...pretend we aren't together at all?"
Naruto's eyes narrowed. He didn't really like the sound of that but… "Yeah?"
"She's going to feel bad for me," Hinata said.
"Trust me, Hinata, she accidentally made me feel really bad about myself, to be honest. She deserves this!"
She gave him a wry smile. "If that's what you want to do, Naruto-kun. We can. I'll let my teammates know and you can let yours know."
Naruto cheered, still not really sure what he was planning- just knowing he wanted to mess with Ino.
"I have a feeling you're going to be the one who might get the brunt of all this," Hinata admitted, laughing softly. "And I'm not really sure what it will accomplish."
Naruto waved off her concerns, not knowing what he had in store for him in the near future. "It'll be fine! Now come here," he said, pulling her into his lap before smothering her face with kisses. "If I have to pretend I can't do this then I'm going to do a lot of it right now."
"No one told you to pretend that," Hinata said, laughing as his lips tickled her neck. "You're doing this all on your own!"
Naruto hushed her, catching her lips with his own.
.
.
Author's Note
Because of everyone's amazing support last chapter (thank you!) I was super encouraged to get this next one ready and posted!
Also, like one reviewer said, the next several chapters really are the calm before the storm. (Like an upcoming chapter where they'll come clean to all of their friends- lol. Naruto thinks he's doing something but smh it's prolly gonna bite him in the ass LOL)
Next chapter is also called Her family. In this half we had Team 8 and Hanabi. Next one we'll have Hiashi!
Please leave a comment/review- again your words really are my source of motivation!