The moment the couple walked into Yakiniku Q they were greeted by an overly enthusiastic Sakura, who by the color on her cheeks, had already clearly had a bit too much to drink.
The pink-haired kunoichi wore an extravagant red kimono, her hair also up for the occasion. She had paired her outfit with a pair of jade earrings Naruto had only seen her wear once before when Sasuke had returned to the village. He smirked, knowing that day must've been when the couple had come together, even if they'd never confirm his hunch.
Hinata! Naruto! We got the big table in the back!" She exclaimed, her outfit fluttering as she excitedly moved her hands to point towards the back of the restaurant. Sakura took in Hinata and immediately squealed, "Happy early birthday, Hinata. You look beautiful."
Hinata looked down, a demure smile upon her lips, "Sakura, please," she begged.
"You do! Every time you put on a kimono you look like a rare doll. How could we ever compete?" She asked, tugging gently on Hinata's own delicate kimono. The silk was a rich navy color, flowers of various purples and pinks blooming across the expensive-looking material. It was a dress fit for a princess as Hanabi would without a doubt say to Hinata when she saw her later that night.
Doe-eyed and clearly flustered, Hinata merely giggled and followed Sakura through the busy restaurant, Naruto close behind. She felt his hand protectively on her lower back and covered her face, she wasn't sure she'd ever get used to him claiming her in public.
"Look who I found!" Sakura said, swinging Hinata in front of her and presenting the already embarrassed kunoichi to the entire group.
"You two get lost?" Shikamaru asked, looking as bored as ever.
Temari slapped his arm, knocking his chin out of his hand, "He's just cranky. We wanted to wait for the guest of honor to get here before we ate."
"I told you to eat at home before coming here, Shika," Choji said, proudly grabbing his belly.
"Had to drag him out of the Hokage's office yet again, we're lucky he's even here," Temari muttered, rolling her eyes.
"Why don't you just become Hokage, Shikamaru?" Ino asked, clearly just as tipsy as Sakura. Her question made the entire table laugh.
"Good one, Ino," Naruto chuckled, clasping Shikamaru's shoulder as he took his seat next to him.
Shikamaru, who was already over the entire conversation, shrugged Naruto off, sighed, and took a swig from his glass.
"Oh, God. Imagine Shikamaru as Hokage," Choji said in between hearty laughs, "We thought Lord sixth didn't want to be there? Imagine Shikamaru as the seventh!"
Even Temari joined in and quickly added, "What a drag," imitating her boyfriend's classic, stoic tone of voice.
"Alright, enough," Shikamaru mumbled as he lifted the sake bottle in the middle of the table to fill the glasses in front of Hinata and Naruto, "We're here to celebrate Hinata, let's talk about her."
"No, no," Hinata pleaded as Naruto placed the full sake glass in her hand. She looked at him worriedly, but with a quick squeeze of the hand, she felt her nerves dissipate.
This of course didn't go unnoticed by anyone, especially Ino who squealed, "You two are so cute!"
The couple looked at each other and then quickly looked away, both of them flushed and uncomfortable with all of the sudden attention.
"Come on now," Ino said, refilling hers and Sai's glasses, "How did this happen? I mean, Hinata's been in love with you forever and you noticed when, like yesterday?"
"Ino!" Sakura chided, yanking the sake bottle from her grasp, "Don't embarrass them."
Tenten interjected, "But she's right, I want to hear how this happened too! It feels like we just turned around and suddenly you two were making out every chance you got."
"What!" Naruto said, sharply turning his head, "We never-"
"Next to Ichiraku," Tenten started.
"By your apartment," Choji continued.
"At the village gate when you're going off on missions," Kiba sighed, Shino nodding in agreement next to him.
"Training grounds, summer festival, behind the Hokage's office," Shikamaru said, counting the locations off his fingers and relishing how red the usually unruffled Naruto was getting.
"Alright, alright," Naruto said, knowing Hinata was probably dying inside, "We aren't as bad as Ino and Sai though."
"What!?" Ino said, slamming down her glass, "We aren't that ba-"
"Don't even finish that sentence, Ino. You and Sai probably had to be peeled off of each other at some point at the summer festival," Sakura laughed.
"Jealous, forehead?" Ino asked, eyebrows raised.
"Shut up, Ino pig," Sakura said, sticking her tongue out.
Sai quickly wrapped an arm around Ino's waist, distracting her before her minor spat with Sakura spiraled. She giggled, as if forgetting the world around her, and leaned into him, slyly placing her lips to his neck.
"See, they're at it again!" Naruto said, pointing towards them.
"Mind your business, Naruto! Or next time we catch you two sneaking off we'll make sure everyone knows," Ino retorted.
Hinata sighed and covered her face, she hadn't felt this embarrassed in a very long time.
"Are we drinking or what?" Kiba grabbed the bottle from the middle of the table and sloppily topped off his own shot glass as he continued, "To the birthday girl!"
"Yes! To Hinata and her birthday," Lee exclaimed, Tenten steadying his arm as he extended it forcefully in cheers to avoid any spillage.
The rest of the group quickly joined, noisily saying "Kampai" in unison.
Hinata mouthed a quiet thank you to Kiba, knowing his true motive was to save her from any further prying. He winked and lifted his already refilled glass, tipping it towards her.
Naruto, catching the exchange between the two, attempted to quell the green-eyed monster within him by also taking another shot. As always, he knew there was nothing between Hinata and Kiba, but his heart couldn't help but be stirred whenever another man merely looked at his girl. He wasn't sure where the possessive tendencies were coming from, but now that she was wearing his clan symbol around her neck, he was sure they weren't going anywhere.
Naruto was roused from his thoughts as dishes began to fill the table, all of them looking as delicious as the next, even before they hit the grill. His mouth watered as side dishes were placed to his right and left sides, and he reached for his chopsticks without even realizing.
"I haven't had barbeque in so long," Naruto said, clearly already feeling the sake flowing through his body. His stomach growled as he mulled over the options before him.
Hinata, with her chopsticks already in hand as well, asked, "Which meat do you like most?"
"Short rib."
Without a second thought, she placed four more pieces of short rib on the grill, which made Naruto lean over and plant a kiss upon her cheek, "It's your birthday and you're spoiling me?" He whispered into her ear, hand upon her thigh and wandering higher.
"Spoil me later," She murmured, face aflame as she felt eyes upon them again. She looked up to find Kiba smirking and Shino bumping his shoulder to stop.
"Will you guys quit it?" Naruto asked, flustered at the attention on them as well.
Hinata placed her hand over Naruto's and smiled, "It's okay. We should get used to it."
He knew she was right, after all, with the news they were about to give, the teasing was only going to get worse.
Naruto pouted as Hinata unwrapped her fingers from his to check on the pieces of short rib on the grill. He quickly, and subtly, placed his hand on her bottom as she rose and leaned over the table, giving her a squeeze. He was, obviously, already drunk and feeling handsy.
Hinata, now knowing what to expect from a drunk Naruto, didn't bat an eye. She only wished she could control her face, knowing it was growing redder by the second. Still, though, she dutifully flipped the pieces of meat and purposely took a few seconds longer, relishing the attention from her fiance.
As she sat back, her necklace tumbled out of its hiding spot under the collar of her kimono. She didn't realize, still focused solely on Naruto's wandering hands as he playfully ran them up and down the length of her thigh, pretending to feign interest in the material of her kimono.
An eagle-eyed Sai smiled, though, as he took notice of the glimmering piece of jewelry and with a tilt of his head shamelessly asked, "Hinata, that's a nice necklace. Is it new?"
Immediately all eyes were on her as she nervously grasped the gift upon her neck and looked at Naruto, who nearly choked on his drink when he realized what Sai had pointed out.
"Naruto-Kun!"
Shikamaru roughly hit his friend on his back twice and passed him a cup of water, which seemed to work as Naruto managed to catch his breath.
"What was it?" Ino asked Sai, trying to peer at the symbol Hinata was clearly hiding.
"It was the Uzumaki clan symbol," He said matter-of-factly as he brought a piece of meat to his lips.
"WHAT!?" Ino exclaimed, reaching over and unwrapping Hinata's fingers from the shiny silver necklace, "Why are you wearing an Uzumaki clan necklace!?"
Naruto sighed, "Sai, why do you always do this?"
"Do what?"
"For a guy who reads so much about social cues, you're really missing all of them tonight," Naruto pouted.
Hinata tried to push Ino away as she looked at Naruto helplessly. He rubbed his temples and before anyone could say anything further he stood up with his sake glass and offered a hand to Hinata so that she could join him. She looked up at him, lips turned up into a soft smile and silently urged him on to say what they had planned to announce later on that night.
"We have something to share today," Naruto chuckled nervously, tightening his grip around Hinata's fingers. He took a breath as he looked around the room, those who knew already were excitedly preparing to raise their glasses in cheers, he could see it on their faces. He didn't know why he was so worked up, this was the fun part after all.
"Hinata and I, we...um," He blushed as he rubbed his neck with his free hand and willed himself to choke out, "we're engaged."
Hinata, just as bashfully held up her necklace for all to see and buried her face into Naruto's shoulder, unable to bear all of the attention on her.
The table erupted in squeals and giddy laughter. Shots were poured as the boys gathered to clap Naruto on the back, and the girls surrounded Hinata begging to see her treasured necklace up close.
"The kid did alright," Ino said, taking the cool metal in between her index and ring finger, "Who would've thought."
Tenten nodded, "And it's so much more practical than a ring."
"But the idiot is still getting you a ring, right?" Sakura asked loudly, making sure Naruto heard her.
"Yes, I'm getting her a ring, Sakura. Don't start," Naruto chided from across the table.
Hinata shook her head, "No, no, just the necklace is enough!"
"Hinata," Ino grabbed Hinata's hand in hers and quieted her with a single look, "If a man offers to buy us more jewelry, we never say no."
The girls around her nodded in solidarity, making Hinata laugh out loud, " You're terrible."
"Hey, it's the least they can do. I saw you cooking his meat and fawning over him. If he wants to spoil you, let him! You deserve the world...we all do!"
Shikamaru shook his head as he muttered, "I'm going to get an earful from Temari tonight, thanks a lot, Naruto."
Naruto bumped his friend's shoulder and laughed, "Not my fault. Better hurry up and propose, though."
"Propose!? Yeah right."
Choji smirked, "You say that now. I'll bet money you walk down the aisle no more than three months after Naruto does."
"With Temari?" Kiba asked, "Temari will bully him into a wedding before Naruto sends out the invitations."
"I am not getting married," Shikamaru said firmly.
"Oh yeah? What's Temari got to say about it?" Choji teased, elbowing his friend in a condescending tone.
"Depends. What are we all talking about?" Temari asked cooly, hovering over the boys on the far side of the table.
They all grew quiet as Shikamaru shot them a death stare, "N-nothing. What's up? Are you all ready to go?"
Temari looked at him suspiciously, but nodded, "Yes, Sakura said the festivities are already underway. We should all start heading over."
"Does everyone have their tickets?" Sakura called out from the other end of the table, making everyone snap to attention.
"Oh, crap," Naruto exclaimed, "In the excitement of it all I must've forgotten them on the kitchen counter."
Hinata glanced at him, knowing he had slipped the tickets into his pocket earlier but said nothing. He gave her a grin that told her she was in fact getting spoiled that night.
"Naruto, seriously!? Come on," Sakura chided, "Didn't I specifically tell you to put them somewhere you wouldn't forget to grab them?"
"I'm sorry, Sakura. I had other things on my mind tonight." He got up and walked over to where Hinata sat, motioning for them to go, "We'll grab them really quickly and meet you guys over there."
Shikamaru gave him a knowing look and smirked, "We definitely won't bother waiting for you."
"Just hurry up," Sakura mumbled as she leaned into Naruto and firmly said, "And at least try to make an appearance. The whole village is going to be present."
He nodded and wrapped his fingers around Hinata's as they headed towards the exit, ensuring their group of friends that they'd be returning shortly.
As soon as the cold winter wind hit their face, Naruto felt a rush of excitement crash over him. He couldn't help but pull Hinata into the nearest corner and kiss her, pressing her to him as tightly as he possibly could.
Without questioning him she reciprocated, her tongue meeting his as his hands roamed over her body. As soon as they managed to reach under her kimono, though, she knew they had to go home.
"Naruto-Kun, you didn't forget the tickets, did you?"
He gave her the smile that never ceased to make her heart race and pulled the two festival tickets out of his pants pocket, "I told you I was going to spoil you tonight, didn't I?"
"O-oh?" She whispered as he bit her neck, fingertips digging into her side, "We should get going before someone sees us."
Hinata nervously looked over her shoulder, knowing that if their friends caught them they'd never live it down.
Naruto sighed as he took a step back and brushed her hair off of her face, "You're right," his hand found hers within an instant and urged her forward, "After all, we should try to pop into the festival at some point tonight, and I..." He turned back to face her, blue eyes bright and shining, "really want us to take our time tonight."
Every moment with her was special, but tonight, he wanted to make it one she wouldn't soon forget. Especially considering everything they had just experienced together, and the fact that she wore his family name around her neck. He had never considered himself a romantic, but she really stirred up those feelings in him.
"Come on," He urged her, "The faster we get there, the more time we have."
He laughed as they ran through the lit streets, snow still falling heavily upon them. They could hear the sounds of the festival from streets over, and just like the fateful summer night they had first spent together, the lovers felt the same stirrings in their souls.
Now he understood why festivals were so magical, why so many looked forward to them every year.
With the right person, the holidays became magical. Every moment is splendid and light. He turned to look at her and knew immediately that this was only their first festival season, they'd have years and years of memories to make.
As they reached his front door, Hinata tugged on his sleeve to get his attention, "Naruto-Kun?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
She blushed, and held up her necklace, "For letting me carry your name."
"W-what? Hinata, no. Thank you for wanting my name. For wanting me. It's an honor to have you wear that, to have you take me and my name. I can't stress this enough, Hinata. It's you that I have to thank, not the other way around."
Her eyes watered and he quickly lifted a hand to wipe away her tears, "None of that, come on."
"I-I'm sorry," She smiled, tears streaming down her face, "I promise, no more tears."
"Okay, alright," He said, kissing her forehead, "Come on now, I have to give you the rest of your gift."
"Naruto-Kun, I-"
He pressed his finger to her lips, mirroring how she would quiet him, and smiled, "Trust me, you want this present," He leaned in and whispered, "It's one you've been thinking about for a while."
"You said we can't-"
"Didn't say it was that."
"Then what is it?"
He opened his front door and kicked off his shoes, holding it open for her, "Come in and find out."
