CHAPTER 10 - Her family (2)
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Naruto looked at the time as he sat around a small dining table at Sasuke's apartment. Hinata was probably speaking to her father around now. He wondered how it was going. It had been on his mind all night. He was probably as nervous as she was.
"Okay, so, you saw nothing?" Sakura asked, pulling Naruto back to the conversation on hand.
Sasuke had returned earlier that day from visiting the village from the mission Hinata and Naruto had gone on a few months ago and was recounting what he had found.
Which was nothing.
He found nothing.
"It was abandoned," Sasuke said. "I remember you mentioned it was a small village in the first place but...I didn't expect it to be empty."
"Me neither," Naruto muttered to himself. He didn't know how to feel about the news. Despite all the fun he was having with Hinata- being able to love her like he wanted- the mystery of her pregnancy still troubled him. He didn't want anything to happen to her or their baby and it was agonizing not knowing all the details.
"It makes sense they would leave," Sakura muttered darkly. "I'm sure they didn't want to take any chances. Once Hinata found out she was mysteriously pregnant of course she would try and figure out how. They couldn't be there waiting for us to find them-"
"This is still based on a lot of assumptions," Naruto admitted. "But I seriously don't like the fact that we don't know where they are. Whoever they are."
In his mind's eye he pictured that woman who greeted them. Gokai. Because she really was the only one he and Hinata had interacted with. And the healer.
"Yes, we're working on a lot of 'what-ifs,'" Sasuke said. "But still, it's very suspicious for the village to be abandoned. If anything it confirms our theory."
"Ugh, it's so annoying to feel so useless," Naruto confessed. "So helpless."
Sakura clasped his shoulder. "I get it. Right now we'll focus on Hinata. Keeping her and the baby healthy."
Naruto nodded, his fingers curling into a fist. Just the thought of someone trying to take away his growing family made him furious.
"I tried to take a look at the walls of the mining tunnels you had mentioned," Sasuke continued. "To see if I could write anything down to later research but most of the tunnels had collapsed even further than what you had explained."
"Accidental collapses?" Sakura asked. "Or is someone trying to hide some evidence maybe?"
Sasuke shrugged. "Hard to tell."
"There was nothing?" Naruto emphasized, trying to quell some of his frustration. "No one?"
"No one," Sasuke confirmed. "The huts were pretty empty too. Nothing that seemed useful or told me any more than what we already know."
Naruto groaned, running his fingers through his hair. "This is so annoying. There's no way someone would go through all this to get Hinata pregnant just to leave her alone-"
"I know," Sakura agreed readily, leaning her elbows on the table. "They want something from Hinata or the baby. Probably something to do with her bloodline-"
"They're not getting either of them," Naruto snarled, banging his fists on the table. "Not Hinata. And definitely not my baby."
Sakura smiled at him, her eyes softening, unperturbed by Naruto's sudden hostility. "I can't get over how much you love her," she admitted. "It's really very sweet." She leaned closer to him, flashing her teeth at him. "Got over that crush you had on me, huh?"
Naruto frowned, glancing over at Sasuke as if worried the Uchiha would be upset. Sasuke's face was as impassive as ever.
"Can we not talk about that?" Naruto grumbled.
Sakura laughed. "I'm just kidding. I know the root of your feelings were due to the rivalry you had with Sasuke. Everyone has crushes. But what you feel for Hinata is real."
Naruto pouted. "Wonder if Hinata had a crush on anyone before me."
This time it was Sasuke who spoke, making a sound of annoyance. "No, Naruto. No. Anyone with a brain could tell she liked you right from the beginning."
Naruto opened his mouth to argue but Sakura shot out her arm, pointing an accusing finger at the raven haired ninja.
"Are you kidding me, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura exclaimed in exasperation. "You could tell Hinata had feelings for Naruto but you couldn't tell what I felt about you?"
Naruto snickered but Sasuke just sighed.
"You weren't really hiding it, Sakura, of course I knew," Sasuke said, rolling his eyes.
"He just chose to ignore it," Naruto snorted, earning himself a punch on the shoulder from his pink haired friend. He grunted, nursing his slowly bruising arm-
"Maybe Hinata will kiss it better," Sakura teased, her cheeks red as she relaxed back into her chair and casually picked up her glass of water. "Back to our more important conversation- what's next?"
Naruto was silent. He had hoped Sasuke would come back with more information- not that he blamed his friend. He was grateful that he took the time to do this for him and Hinata. But, damn, he was really hoping Sasuke would find that healer lady or what seemed like the leader of the village- someone, anyone. Anyone to explain why they would do that to Hinata.
He had a vague idea though.
"So we agree it probably has to have something to do with the Byakugan, doesn't it?" Naruto asked, staring down into the palm of his hands, remembering how red they were that night. How she bled. "The lady kept calling Hinata weird stuff. Hime. Byakugan no Hime."
"But why a pregnancy?" Sakura sighed. "If they wanted the Byakugan they could...well, they could just try and kidnap Hinata. Or Hanabi for that matter."
Naruto glowered at the thought, imagining what they would do to them if they had them. Take their eyes to learn the secret of their dojutsu? He briefly thought of Neji and the caged bird seal.
"I wonder if you have anything to do with it," Sasuke spoke, his dark eyes boring into Naruto's blue ones.
"Me?" Naruto asked, confused. "They just used me because I was there."
He felt a pang in his chest- a conflicting feeling arose inside of him.
Of course, what happened to Hinata wasn't right but he was happy she was most likely pregnant with his child and it was weird to think that someone else could have been assigned the mission. Like Kiba even. And then Hinata might have been carrying his baby.
A revolting feeling settled in his stomach at the thought. Hinata pregnant with Kiba's baby was weird because he knew Kiba would want to support her too- differently...but…
Ugh. Not something he wanted to ruminate on.
"Sasuke might be onto something," Sakura was saying. "I mean, you aren't really an average ninja… You have a lot of things unique to you. So who knows."
Naruto shrugged, taking a deep breath. "Maybe. I just remember the guy who did the jutsu say something like 'he's stronger'."
"Guess he was just trying to use what he thought were the best genes available?" Sakura speculated. "Weird."
"Whatever. I guess all that doesn't matter right now. What matters is keeping them safe," he said, gritting his teeth. "Keeping Hinata and our baby safe."
Sakura smiled at him and Sasuke nodded.
"We just have to be wary. Vigilant," Sakura said, relaxing into her seat as the mood around the room lightened.
Suddenly Naruto remembered his conversation with Hinata a few hours ago.
"Ah, Sakura-chan. Sasuke. About tomorrow. You know how Ino invited everyone out for food and drinks? Well, Hinata and I want to tell everyone the news."
Sakura perked. "The news as in you two being a couple or the news about Hinata?"
"Hm...both?" Naruto chuckled. "But! We kind of want to mess with Ino a little bit."
Sakura stared at him mischievously, smirking. "How?"
"I don't know. We'll tell everyone at the end of dinner so we have to act how we did before-"
"Which, you know, Naruto doesn't mean anything good for you right?" Sakura snorted. "That means Hinata's free and available and that means we get to have a little fun."
Naruto narrowed his eyes, remembering how Hinata warned him about his idea and how it might backfire. "Wait a minute…"
"Nope," Sakura shook her head, an evil glint in her eyes that oddly reminded him of the teasing look Ino would have when she really prepared to let him have it. "Nope. You said what you said. We're definitely going to have some fun. And I don't think Ino's the one that's going to get pranked."
Naruto was already starting to regret this and he was about to rescind his idea when everyone froze.
There was an urgent knocking from the front door.
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Meanwhile, in another part of Konoha, Hinata had been gathering the courage to finally speak with her father.
She had told him she wanted to see him after dinner tonight and now the time had come. She slid open the door and entered carefully, approaching her father who sat at the other end of the room, legs tucked neatly under himself.
She sat a respectful distance from him, kneeling down on her knees before bowing her head.
She could feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest and hoped her nervousness didn't show on her face. She waited in silence.
"Hinata." Hiashi finally spoke. She raised her head to meet his hard stare. "What is it you wish to tell me?"
Hinata exhaled slowly, knowing there was no reason to stretch this out any longer than necessary. She just had to say it. That's it. Simple, right? Easy?
"Father…"
Her words seemed to catch in her throat almost immediately and she winced, eyes falling shut as she took another shuddering breath. She was not a coward.
Naruto's unconditional faith and belief in her bolstered her resolve.
She opened her eyes, staring into her father's unreadable expression.
"Father, I have news to share with you," she started, sitting up straighter, her posture more confident than what she was actually feeling. "I know this will be a shock to you and the clan but...but I hope…" She trailed off, her mouth suddenly going dry.
What did she hope?
Deep inside she hoped she would just be accepted- that her child would be accepted… that she wouldn't feel like a burden once more. That her baby wouldn't be a burden.
"Hinata." Hiashi sat still. Just the simple uttering of her name and the impassive stare on his face was enough for him to be a commanding presence in the room.
"Otousan, I am pregnant," Hinata said, her spine tall but unable to maintain her gaze. Her eyes darted to the floor as she waited for his reaction.
Hinata heard an almost imperceptible sigh.
"Out of wedlock, Hinata?" Hiashi said, his voice low. Hinata looked up at him, the lines of his face drawn taut. "I am...surprised."
Hinata was silent. He didn't seem...angry. Hinata knew her father well enough to understand the subtle changes on his face. Afterall, she grew up with the Hyuga. She was raised with Neji. She could make out their hidden emotions.
Her eyes were downcast as she waited.
She knew he was different from when she was a child. He was more understanding. Less strict. But still, this was never something she thought she would have to navigate. Not something like this.
When it seemed like he wouldn't speak anymore Hinata found the strength to speak her piece.
"I apologize for bringing shame to the Hyuga clan," she whispered, a heavy weight on her heart as memories from her childhood bombarded her mind.
Shame to the Hyuga clan.
That was a feeling all too common to her.
"Hinata, look at me," Hiashi commanded.
She raised her head, her dark hair parting like a curtain.
Her father's white eyes were hard to read, as always. His mouth a thin line. He blinked once before sighing again.
"You realize how many proposals I receive for your hand in marriage?" Hiashi asked quietly.
Hinata was unable to keep up her blank facade. Her expression fell and she clenched her hands around the fabric of her skirt. She wasn't sure where he was trying to go with this. She knew an arranged marriage was a possibility being one of the heiresses of the Hyuga clan but she never really entertained that line of thought.
"Father, I…I understand many seek to strengthen their ties with the Hyuga and Konoha through marriage...but..." She bit her lip. How was she supposed to tell him she didn't want to be bound to someone other than Naruto?
But her father did say he refused the proposals-
"You are misunderstanding me. It is a compliment," Hiashi said stiffly, though Hinata could hear some kindness in his tone. "You have made a name for yourself, all on your own. Despite… despite the lack of coddling from my part."
Hinata froze. Coddling? She would have laughed if it weren't for the seriousness of the situation. Yes, she definitely didn't get any of that.
"Thank you, father."
"Hinata, you do understand why I refused those proposals, I presume." The way he said it seemed like a statement but it felt more like a question.
She didn't. She didn't know why.
"Were they...inadequate?" Hinata asked softly. A beat. Then, "Was I inadequate?"
This was not where she thought the conversation would go. She had enough to worry about than potentially being forced into a loveless marriage.
And she could almost guarantee that these families wouldn't want her after learning she was pregnant-
Part of her felt like the news of her pregnancy would tarnish her reputation. The eldest daughter from the main branch of the revered Hyuga clan suddenly pregnant out of wedlock. It would definitely be a shock.
Hinata cringed before allowing her hands to rest on her stomach. She didn't blame the child. She would never blame the child.
She almost smiled.
Maybe the news would be a good thing. She never wanted to marry into those families anyway- and they would be less likely to want her now...
Hiashi sighed and Hinata had a feeling she had disappointed him. Which was strange. Because she didn't get that feeling after admitting her big secret.
"Hinata, I regret that your upbringing had led to you having such low self esteem. I am glad to see that that is changing," Hiashi said, his eyes boring into hers fiercely, rooting her to the spot. "And I know a great deal of that is thanks to the influence of Uzumaki Naruto."
Hinata felt the blood drain out of her face.
"I also know about the...affection you hold for the young man," Hiashi continued.
And the blood immediately returned, her cheeks going scarlet.
She didn't realize she was so obvious that someone like her father had noticed her childhood admiration and crush bloom into love.
She blushed.
In hindsight it was probably pretty apparent. Ko had seen her watching Naruto many times when they were young, often chastising her about it. Ko saw her jump in to save Naruto during the fight against Pain.
Of course, her father would be privy to certain information. He wasn't blind-
"I presume this came out of love and not someone taking advantage of you?" Hiashi asked, more as courtesy than actually believing the latter could be true. Regardless, Hinata thought she could sense a certain iciness in his tone.
She didn't know how to answer that particular question.
Technically, she was taken advantage of but not in the traditional sense… And technically, if what they believed was true, this child actually was to be a product of two people who loved each other.
Her silence didn't seem to sit right with her father.
There was a sharp glare in his eyes that wasn't there just moments ago.
Hiashi was many things but he cared for his daughters in his own way. At least… he cared more for them now. More for Hinata now than it felt like he did when she was younger.
This was really the part she was dreading. How was she to explain not really knowing who the father was? That it was most likely Naruto but-
It seemed like her lack of response finally became too much.
"Hinata," Hiashi's voice cut through the air like steel, the veins around his eyes tightening, an obvious hint of anger present on his face- though not directed at her. Hinata almost wavered under his powerful, unflinching gaze. "Did someone abuse you?"
His eyes flickered to her stomach, his Byakugan clearly taking in the fluttering ball of chakra that was her growing child.
"No," she said quickly, her voice returning to her, arms wrapping protectively around her stomach. "We think it's Naruto's."
Her father's long apparent blank facade was marred by the furrow of his eyebrows and the slightest downturn of his lips.
"You think?" he asked.
"Um, well…" she trailed off. She felt like she had to explain this a multitude of times.
Hiashi stood suddenly, startling Hinata, before swiftly making his way to the door. Hinata didn't move, staring at the spot her father once sat. She heard his footsteps, quiet murmurs, and the sound of the door closing once more. Hiashi returned to his seat.
"I have called upon the boy," Hiashi explained.
This took her by surprise.
"Why?" she asked, genuinely confused.
Hiashi stared at her for a moment. "Hinata…"
Hinata's mouth fell open as she noticed her father's cheeks turn the slightest pink.
He was blushing.
"Hinata," Hiashi repeated, clearing his throat as he sat straighter. "I would still like you to explain to me why you think it's the Uzumaki boy's child. I...I know the young men and women of this generation no longer...wait until marriage...and-" He cleared his throat and Hinata knew she was probably blushing as well.
This is so embarrassing-
"It is natural to be curious and explore the different steps of intimacy," Hiashi said, his voice unwavering despite the color in his face. "I just...I did not expect you to be so...promiscuous-"
"Father!" Hinata squeaked, bowing her head in shame. She couldn't meet his eyes. "I- I'm not-"
"I do not say this to...humiliate you, daughter," Hiashi continued, his voice louder as if he just wanted to get this part of the conversation over with. "I just wonder how you cannot be sure the child is Naruto Uzumaki's. The only logical assumption I could come to is you have had multiple partners and-"
"No!" she exclaimed, her hair fanning around her, grateful for that minor barrier between herself and her father. "Please- that's not it."
Oh my…
Hinata was feeling lightheaded and she took deep breaths to try and calm herself. She felt like she would rather be yelled at then whatever was happening right now-
"Explain," Hiashi demanded.
Immediately Hinata rushed into a tirade explaining her prior mission with Naruto- the stabbing, the weird murmuring and possible jutsu, the healing woman, and the surprise pregnancy. She gave no indication that she was now actually having intimate relations with Naruto and her father seemed to realize it too.
"Hm," he sat still for a moment, clearly taking in the word vomit that she had spewed while red in the face. His eyes were sharp. "There are a few things to consider. But before I hypothesize, I want to ask if Uzumaki Naruto is aware of his potential role in this."
Hinata nodded.
Hiashi made a sound of approval. "And?"
Hinata cocked her head. "And?" she questioned.
Her father sighed. "He should be here soon. I suppose I'll ask him."
Sure enough Hinata could make out the sound of rapid footsteps approaching them. Her story had taken long enough. No doubt her father had sent out a Hyuga to find and bring Naruto here.
She heard voices, one louder and more prominent than the other-
"Wait, we must get permission-"
"Well, you brought me here-"
The door behind Hinata slid open and though Hinata couldn't see him, she knew Naruto had entered the room.
.
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Naruto was surprised to see a Hyuga at the door of Sasuke's apartment.
He was less surprised to find that the man was here for him. Part of him wondered how the Hyuga found him but- duh, Byakugan.
All Naruto knew was that Hiashi had called upon him. And if Hinata had gone through with revealing her secret…
Oh god, he's going to kill me. I knocked up his daughter.
Good luck, kit.
He cringed as he followed the Hyuga towards the compound. I mean, technically he didn't do anything… at first…
The whole way there he kept going through different scenarios in his head. Was Hiashi okay with the news? Was Hinata okay? Would he seal Hinata? No, no, no.
His nerves evaporated as they neared the room he knew Hinata was in. He didn't bother knocking, though he knew he should. The logical part of his brain told him he should probably try and make a good impression but the irrational part was worried Hiashi didn't take Hinata's news well and she needed him-
He slid the door open, taking in the overbearing form that was Hiashi Hyuga at the end of the room, and a smaller figure crouched in front of him.
Naruto was moving towards her before anyone could react.
For a moment, Naruto stood beside Hinata, unsure of what he should do. Or say. Everyone was on their knees. Guess he should be too?
Naruto squatted down, mimicking the two Hyuga and he glanced over at the woman beside him, her eyes trained on the ground. She looked so tiny. Was she always this petite? Maybe he had grown. But there, in this big, empty room, in front of her father, Hinata did indeed look small.
Small, but strong.
Her shoulders were tight, her back straight, and she had a sort of imposing aura around her.
Naruto smiled.
"Hey, Hinata."
The corner of her mouth twitched and she looked up at her father, waiting.
Oh. He probably should have greeted Hiashi first, huh?
Naruto cleared his throat, turning to look at the man. His pale eyes, so very similar to Hinata's yet so different- his cold and calculating. Hinata's were soft and gentle.
"Lord Hiashi," Naruto murmured, bowing slightly.
"Uzumaki Naruto," Hiashi stated, his voice loud and clear. "I presume you know why I called you here?"
Naruto's blue eyes shifted towards Hinata once more before turning back to meet Hiashi's eyes unflinchingly.
"Yes."
Really, the only thing he wanted to do once he entered the room was run to Hinata and make sure she was okay. Ask her how things went- if she needed anything. But he tried to maintain at least the semblance of professionalism-
"My daughter informed me of this...mission, you two partook in."
Naruto nodded, his gut twisting up in knots as it usually did when he remembered the gruesome events of that night. The shame he felt missing something like that- allowing it to happen-
"Thank you," Hiashi said.
Naruto's mouth fell open. "Huh?"
Hiashi bowed his head just the slightest, eyes closed. "I thank you, Naruto. For saving my daughter that night. For assuring she found her way out of those dark tunnels and finding someone who could heal her."
Naruto didn't know what to say.
"I...I didn't…" his voice cracked. He didn't feel like he did anything worth praising. "Lord Hiashi...I failed her."
Naruto saw Hinata shift from the corner of his vision but he maintained his gaze on her father who stared at him with his steely eyes.
"I failed her," Naruto repeated. "She got hurt. She… I let that woman… I didn't know but…"
"No. You brought her to someone who could help her. Whether it...facilitated the conception or not." Naruto saw a flash of emotion cross the older man's face. Relief? "I would rather have my daughter alive and in this condition than buried beside my nephew."
Naruto felt his throat tighten, thinking of Neji. Thinking of Hinata as she had gotten paler and paler while she lost her blood-
Without thinking he had taken hold of her hand that was just seconds before clenched in her lap.
He could feel Hinata's hand trembling in his and he tightened his grip, staring grimly at the man before him. He savored the softness of her skin, the delicateness of each finger, the warmth proving she still had blood pumping through her veins-
"I would never let that happen," Naruto vowed.
Hiashi bowed his head once more, nodding. "I do believe you are a man of your word, Uzumaki Naruto. You are, afterall, the savior of this village and the hero of the ninja world."
Naruto blushed, suddenly feeling flustered.
"Um, I don't know about all that-"
Hiashi's eyes flashed down to their intertwined fingers before locking on to Naruto's once more.
"What are your intentions with my daughter?" he asked.
Naruto swallowed. There was a lot Hiashi could be asking with that question. Was he questioning them in regards to the baby? In general?
"I love her," Naruto announced.
Naruto felt Hinata fidget again but Hiashi remained unmoved, his eyes darting to their clasped hands once more.
"I presumed as much," Hiashi said, glancing at his daughter. Naruto had a feeling...the old man was happy for her. The brief hint of a smile vanished as he looked at him with the threatening gaze of a parent protecting his child. "The assumption that you are the father is pure speculation," Hiashi said, a glint in his eyes. "Speculation with some reasoning but speculation nonetheless. If...if more information is gathered learning that the child Hinata is carrying is not yours then what would-"
"It doesn't matter," Naruto said immediately, his eyebrows knitting together. "It doesn't matter. The baby is mine in all the ways that count."
He felt Hinata press her arms against his own in silent solidarity.
"I love her," Naruto repeated, tearing his gaze away from Hiashi to look down at Hinata. She was smiling at him, her expression soft and glowing.
Hiashi sighed and the couple looked back up at the older man.
"Love...can be important," Hiashi said slowly. "But love is not everything. Not in the world we live in where things like ties and names matter, do you understand?"
Naruto didn't. He couldn't honestly care less about lineage and legacies and all that. He was an Uzumaki. He was a Namikaze. But none of that really made a difference for him growing up did it?
He couldn't figure out what to say. What did this have to do with anything?
It seemed Naruto hesitated too long because Hiashi found his voice again.
"As I told my daughter before you arrived, Naruto, Hinata receives many proposals-"
Huh?
"-Proposals from strong clans within the village and outside the village-"
What was he blabbering on about?
"-Proposals for her hand in marriage," Hiashi continued, his eyes narrowed as he stared at the Jinchuriki. "She is a Hyuga. A very important Hyuga. News of her pregnancy will ward off questionable requests but she will continue to receive proposals regardless. And her child will have Hyuga genes. This is what people seek-"
"Wait, wait-" Naruto stood abruptly, pulling an astonished Hinata up with him as he unconsciously tightened his hold on her. "There's no way in hell- Hinata...No one's marrying Hinata-"
"She is with child," Hiashi interjected, unperturbed.
"Yeah, with MY CHILD!" Naruto snarled, feeling his anger flare.
"Naruto-kun," Hinata whispered urgently, gently grasping his arm in an attempt to calm him.
"I ask you once again then, Uzumaki Naruto," Hiashi said, the flickering of a smirk on his face. "What are your intentions with my daughter?"
"I'M GOING TO BE THE ONE TO MARRY HER, OLD MAN!" Naruto shouted, all proprietary out the window. He hardly registered Hinata's gasp- unsure if it was because of his declaration or of the rude way he addressed her father. All he could think about was the possibility of losing her to some random person who just wanted her for her name. "You hear me? I'm going to marry Hinata! No one else! She's my family! This baby is ours!"
Hiashi sat where he was this entire time, staring at the two with calculating eyes.
Then he smiled.
Hiashi stood, approaching the two before coming to a stop in front of them.
Naruto looked down at him, quickly trying to reign in his emotions- confused at the small smile on the man's face.
"I have known of Hinata's feelings for you for quite some time," Hiashi admitted quietly. "It pleases me to learn you return her affections with just as much fervor."
Naruto's throat felt dry and he suddenly felt embarrassed with his outburst.
Damn. It seemed like he riled him up on purpose.
"I...I'm sorry," he mumbled pathetically.
Hiashi shook his head. "Do not be. You are passionate. About many things. I hope this passion extends to protecting my daughter-"
"-Of course!"
Hiashi's eyes flashed and Naruto immediately shut his mouth, understanding now why, as a child, Hinata felt so intimidated by this man.
"Allow me to finish," Hiashi said, addressing them both. "I hope you protect my daughter and...my grandchild. Because, as I am sure you two have considered this yourself...but my hypothesis is that whoever orchestrated this wants more. Either from Hinata or the baby we don't yet know. And though this is very unconventional...I will speak with the elders and inform them of your condition, daughter. The Hyuga will watch over you-"
"Father…" Hinata whispered, her eyes wide as she stared at Hiashi in amazement. This had gone better than she could ever expect.
"I want Hinata to move in with me," Naruto blurted, tightening his grip on her hand.
At this Hiashi looked a little taken aback.
"Move in with you?"
Naruto nodded. "Yes. I love her. And, as I said before, I already plan on marrying her," Naruto said, briefly glancing down to look at Hinata. He just realized he had never explicitly asked her. They talked about a future together and it was assumed but…
She smiled at him, giving him a little nod of encouragement.
Naruto grinned before looking back at her father.
"She's pregnant, Lord Hiashi," Naruto continued. "I want to be there for that. I want to be there for her. I want to...to experience it with her." He took a deep breath and continued. "As for protection? I'll protect her with my life. I promise you that."
He remembered Neji's dying words. Your life is not your own anymore.
Hiashi was stone faced once more. "The ways of old clans are different from what you are accustomed to, Naruto. This is why I pressed you on marriage. Yes, my daughter is pregnant out of wedlock by no fault of her own. But I am determined to withhold her reputation the best that I can."
Naruto narrowed his eyes.
"If something like this makes people think badly of Hinata, then that's their problem," he stated bluntly.
Hiashi made a sound in the back of his throat that, if Naruto didn't think this man could laugh, he would have thought was a chuckle.
The older Hyuga looked at him thoughtfully.
"Your father and mother were good people," he stated simply before turning to look at Hinata. "You chose well, daughter."
She stared at him, light pink on her cheeks, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
"Thank you, father," she whispered and Naruto felt her fingers curl around his own hand with solid strength.
They stood for a moment in silence before one of the side doors slid open, a curious young girl with brown hair poking her head in.
"I heard Naruto-oniisan yelling from the end of the hall," Hanabi said. "So you two are getting married?"
Hiashi didn't even look surprised at the entrance of his youngest daughter. He simply bowed politely and exited the room. Hanabi took this as an invitation to enter and she fully stepped into the room, dancing giddily around the two.
"Does this mean you're engaged?" Hanabi asked again, grinning wide.
Naruto glanced down at Hinata, her whole face aflame but she seemed to be refusing to look at him.
"No-"
"Yes-"
They both answered at once, turning to look at each other in surprise.
"We are?" Hinata asked him, her voice soft.
Naruto scratched at the back of his neck. She said no?
"Um, well. I'd like to think we'll get married eventually, -ttebayo," he murmured, a lopsided smile on his face. "But I still want to ask officially and stuff. Eventually. So yes and no?"
Hinata giggled into her free hand.
"That's okay, right?" Naruto asked, suddenly feeling bashful.
"It's perfect," Hinata said, smiling up at him.
"It's a promise then," he said, pulling her into a tight hug.
"Neechannnn!" Hanabi's whined. "You're moving out?"
"How long were you eavesdropping?" Hinata asked as she pulled away from Naruto, her eyes narrowed at her younger sister.
"Doesn't matter," Hanabi said innocently. "Answer the question!"
"Soon," Hinata said, shaking her head with a laugh.
Naruto's cheeks hurt from smiling.
He spoke with her father. And he seemed okay with everything.
And Hinata was going to move in with him!
Nothing could mess this up.
.
.
Authors Note:
So the Hiashi I tried to portray is the Hiashi I imagine to be in between the events after the end of the war and before Boruto. Two very different men lol. Kind of difficult to balance but I personally liked how it turned out!
Also, this was a fast update I know LOL but you guys have been so supportive I just had to get it out xoxoxoxo (please keep it up lmao ;_; )
Next chapter is about their friends. Should be shorter/lighthearted.