Chapter 7: If all fails, love prevails.
Naruto rubbed his hands together and allowed the heat from the air conditioner to warm him. It was still pouring, hard, and a big flash of lightning danced in the sky. "This weather is so bad, right now." He muttered under his breath. His eyes kept glancing at the clock on the dashboard and he slid his fingers between his damp blonde hair.
The car door clicked, and a bright yellow umbrella emerged from the door. He held the umbrella over his head and climbed up the stairs where he saw Hinata waiting. "Hinata," Naruto called out. A few heads turn when they saw the young gentleman called out to their coworker.
Hinata glanced at Naruto, and she smiled brightly. "Naruto," she said, happily as she approached him. Without a second thought, she kissed him on the lip, and he returned it without hesitation. "How was your day?"
"It was fine. How was yours?"
"It was okay." He replied, tiredly.
She noticed the look on his face, and she wrapped her arm around his. "Ne, let's go."
Naruto held the umbrella over their heads and made sure Hinata was the first one to enter the car and ensured she did not get wet.
Hinata grabbed Naruto's hand gently, which caught his attention. Her heart melted when he smiled sweetly at her and pulled her onto his lap. "Anything new happened at work today, pretty lady?"
"No," Hinata whispered, placing her forehead against his. "What about you?"
"It was okay," He mumbled.
Hinata hummed when he scratched the side of his cheek. It was a stressful time as it was, especially dealing with the situation at hand, and she didn't find it right to pester Naruto. That night still terrified her, and she could barely sleep even with Naruto beside her. If her father was capable of kidnapping her in public, what else was he capable of doing? How much danger could she or Naruto be in? And would he hurt her? Them?
Neither one noticed the deafening silence between them.
Naruto was in deep thought about the situation. He had lost his job and didn't dare to tell Hinata. He had been fighting with himself about the situation and he knew he had to tell her, but it was hard to form those words. "I was fired." After giving himself to that company for so long, they fired him because of one man.
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Naruto stared defeated at the empty bottles of sodas on the top of his coffee table. For the past three days, he had gone to five interviews, still, there was no word. He knew it had only been some time, but a mixture of anxiousness and eagerness stirred in him.
Ever since he had spoken to Jiraiya and Tsunade about being fired, he had been searching and applying for jobs.
Luckily Iruka called him for an odd job, and he made some cash yesterday, but it wasn't enough. Of course, he had his savings to fall back on which would probably last three to five months depending on the bills, but he was trying to avoid that at all cost.
Then, there was Hinata. He still hadn't mustered the courage to let her know he was fired. Naruto didn't understand how some people could lie. The guilt was eating him alive, but he couldn't tell her yet! Maybe if he had a job offer then he would have had the courage to tell her, however, this secret consumed him, and he felt humiliated.
"Maybe I should say something," He muttered. "I don't like keeping secrets from her."
He suddenly let out a terrible shriek when someone opened the door to his apartment.
He held his chest, and his heartbeat slowed down when he saw Hinata staring at him oddly. "H-Hina, what are you doing here?" He asked, getting up.
"I had Sakura drop me off. I wanted to surprise you," She smiled brightly.
Naruto ran his fingers through his hair and nodded. "I would have picked you up," He hugged her tightly.
"I know, but I just wanted it to be a surprise." She returned the hug. Her eyes looked back and forth in the apartment and to her surprise, it wasn't so bad except for the empty bottles on the coffee table.
"Are you okay?" She asked once noticing the dark eyebags that sat under his eyes. "You haven't been sleeping." She said, worriedly.
"No, I'm fine," He scratched his cheek.
"Liar."
"I'm fine, Hinata," Naruto said, embracing her. "How can I be of service to you today?" He smiled cheekily.
"Well, Ino has invited us out tonight, and I would like for you to meet some of my friends." The man became silent, and that worried her. "Naruto?" Hinata said, cupping his cheeks. "It's okay if you don't want to. I just thought it would be nice despite everything that has happened."
A wide grin spread across his face, and he embraced Hinata. "Hai, hai. I would like to meet your friends."
Hinata wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the forehead. He glanced up at her questionably and she only smiled at him in return.
He would wait until tomorrow to tell her. "But are you sure you're okay? Hinata wrapped her arms around him and sat down beside him. "I, I know what happened was frightening," She pressed her head against his chest and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry I'm putting you through this."
Hinata felt calm when Naruto tightened his grip around her. He stroked her hair and rocked her back and forth. "You're not putting me through anything, Hinata. I meant every word when I told you I love you. You're worth fighting for." He let go of her. "Why don't you pick out an outfit for me to wear while I clean up in here before I freshen up, okay?"
She nodded slowly and walked into the bedroom. Naruto sighed softly as he threw the empty bottles into the trash bin. He couldn't hide it anymore. First thing tomorrow he would confide in Hinata and tell her.
They were due to move into their new home together by next month, and he couldn't move forward with something that could ruin his relationship.
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The night sky felt smooth and crisp as he drove down the sleek road. Tonight, he wasn't going to let it bother him. Not the job nor the situation that seemed hopeless. He would tell Hinata in due time and right now the girl looked to be in a good mood. The empty seat in front was lonesome, but he didn't want Sakura to be by herself in the back.
Once there was a break between the girl, he asked, "Are you excited, Sakura? This is going to be your first child, right?"
Sakura's eyes lit up and she nodded. "Yes, it is." She held her stomach. "I'm a little nervous about giving birth, but I can't wait."
Naruto smiled solemnly. "It's nice. You'll be starting your very own family soon."
"Do you plan on having children any time soon, Naruto?" Sakura asked, innocently. "If you and Hinata have kids, they'll look so adorable!"
Hinata's face turned completely red, and Naruto almost swerved off the road when she mentioned kids. There was a time when they brought it up, but it was only saying which gender they would prefer first. Naruto let out a nervous laugh, and Hinata looked down, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Naruto, do you know where we're going? Have you been there before?" Hinata asked.
"Yeah, I've been there a few times before with some of my co-workers." He said, turning his car into a large parking lot.
Akatsuki
Naruto had been there many times, with and without friends. It was a nice establishment, fancy and unique. The food was nice, but during his "darker" times, he only came here to consume the different alcohol they had.
At this moment, he could taste some of the mixtures he had poisoned his body with, and the memories lingered in the air as they approached the entrance. He saw a younger him, slumped on the ground. His face suddenly turned hot, and he almost smacked himself. Just thinking about it made him feel— uncool.
Hinata held Sakura's hand as he walked slowly behind them. The sweet scent of cigars and perfume engulfed him, and it put him into a slight trance. Had it been so long since he went out?
They were approaching a private area of the establishment, and Naruto took note of the many heads sitting at the square table.
"Hello, everyone," Hinata greeted her friends, Kiba and Ino, and an unknown person, whose head was lowered.
Naruto towered over Hinata and glanced over at the unknown people. He wasn't sure, but they looked oddly familiar. He was never good with faces, or names for that matter unless they were very important.
People came in and out of his life, so he had given up on remembering their names and faces.
"Naruto, this is Ino," Hinata pointed to the blonde hair girl who grinned eagerly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Naruto laughed nervously and he nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Ino."
"And this is Kiba. We used to work together at my father's company."
"What's up?" Kiba said. "It's about time Hinata properly introduced us to ya."
Hinata frowned at Kiba, but she couldn't blame him. In a way, she was trying to hide Naruto from others.
"Hinata had her reasons," Naruto said, pulling a chair for Sakura.
"And this is Shikamaru. I don't think I've ever introduced you to him, Hinata." Ino said, grabbing the man by his ponytail and pulling him so everyone could see his face.
Their eyes locked with one another, and Shikamaru muttered, "Naruto?"
"Shikamaru?" Naruto said.
"Wait, you two know one another?" Ino said, looking back and forth between the two men.
"Shikamaru and I have been friends for a while. We went to the same school together." Naruto mentioned. "This is such a small world," He chuckled. "So, this is the Ino I've been hearing about."
Suddenly, Ino's pale skin turned red, and she whipped her head towards Shikamaru and tightened the grip on his hair. "Oh really? What have you been saying about me, Shikamaru?"
Once Hinata was seated, Naruto took his seat next to her and smiled. "Everything he has said about you was nice things."
Ino eyed the blonde suspiciously, and reluctantly let go of Shikamaru's ponytail. "Sakura, how is my little bundle of joy doing?"
"Tiring me out," She replied, patting her stomach. "I've been so tired!"
Hinata smiled brightly as Sakura spoke about her pregnancy experience. Naruto watched her, and he couldn't help but also smile. There was just something about Hinata that made him giddy, and he prayed she never lost that smile he'd come to love.
Feeling someone looking at him, he looked up and saw brown eyes staring at him. He was trying to remember the name Hinata said, and it clicked. Kiba. He raised his eyebrow when Kiba continued to stare at him. The boy didn't even break his gaze.
"So, you're the guy who stole Hinata's heart. How did you meet her?" Kiba questioned.
Sakura stopped talking, and all eyes went to Kiba. Hinata knew the interrogations would start and she was preparing herself for it.
"In the grocery store. She wanted to know what she should cook, and I suggested ramen." Naruto replied.
"Ramen?" Ino giggled childishly as she glanced at the two lovers. There made such a cute match.
"Naruto is obsessed with ramen." Hinata smiled fondly at her boyfriend's appetite. "He almost beat me in a ramen eating contest, but in the end, I was the winner."
"Only because I was nervous," Naruto mumbled, the tip of his ears was noticeably red.
Hinata was surprised to hear that. That night he didn't seem nervous, except when she went over her accomplishments.
"And how old are you?" Kiba inquired.
"Twenty-three," Naruto responded. The more questions Kiba kept throwing, Naruto was silently praying that he wouldn't ask about his employment history. How embarrassing to have to admit to the entire table, that "he wasn't working".
"Kiba, you're not asking the proper questions!" Ino said, shoving his head down to the table. "Naruto, what was the first thing you noticed about Hinata?" Kiba tried to raise his head to glare at Naruto because, like most men, he knew the answer to that already.
"The way she walked." The group was surprised to hear, even the one being talked about. Naruto noticed the confused look on their faces, and he cracked a smile. It would be hard to explain to anyone, but he remembered the way she walked down the aisle. They were small and timid steps she took, but with each step, it was like a ray of light hit him until there was no darkness left within. Naruto kept quiet, and the group know he wouldn't explain it any further.
Finally, Ino let go of Kiba's head and the poor man glared at her. In the middle of his forehead was a bright red mark. "What are your intentions with Hinata?" Kiba said, rubbing the middle of his forehead.
"To continue our relationship and show her that I am capable of being what she needs and wants." What more could he say? He believed he had already shown Hinata that by all the shit he had to endure by her family. He would do it all over again, but if he had a chance to make things different with her family then he would do so.
"I heard you two are going to move in together. Doesn't it seem you two are rushing the relationship?" Ino said, sipping the glass cup.
Hinata let out a soft sigh, but Sakura quickly rubbed her leg and gave her a reassuring smile. "You know Ino is only looking out for your best interest," She whispered in Hinata's ear.
Although Shikamaru looked disinterested in the conversation, he was quite interested. He didn't know the full story about Naruto's relationship with Hinata, but he seemed to genuinely care about her.
"Ino, did you know Hinata was engaged to a man who she was expected to get married to this year?" Naruto said, glancing at her. Ino averted eye contact with him and nodded. "Would you ask her that same question or would you remain silent because you know she didn't have a choice in the matter?" A moment of silence interrupted the group before Naruto continued. "Unlike others, I gave Hinata a choice and I have no problem stopping something if she doesn't want to go through with it. Hinata knows this and vice versa, if I didn't want to do something then I wouldn't. So, if you think I'm rushing Hinata then you are mistaken."
"Ah, I didn't mean anything by it," Ino said, apologetically.
"There's no need to apologize, Ino. I can tell you care a lot about Hinata and I'm glad to know she has a pillar of support to help her, and I don't want to feel your wrath." Naruto said, eyeing Shikamaru.
"My wrath?" Ino muttered. "What have you been telling people about my wrath, Shikamaru?" She said, glaring at the man.
"Troublesome," Shikamaru mumbled.
The night went on smoothly with Naruto getting to know Kiba and Ino just a little more. The more he got to know them, the more he liked them. They weren't rude towards him and secretly he had kept his guard up. After meeting Hinata's family, he could only imagine the horror of meeting her friends. Luckily, they were nice people and wanted what was best for Hinata.
For the moment, he forgot about his situation concerning his job.
Tonight, he wanted to enjoy himself.
Naruto excused himself to use the restroom, unaware of the eyes that were secretly watching him.
Hinata giggled every so often as Ino told her a funny story about a current work incident that took place. "Kiba, why did you do something like that? Are you trying to get yourself fired?" She said, trying to scold the man, but she ended up laughing.
"He had it coming. I hate that cousin of yours." Kiba said, gulping down some red wine.
Sakura eyed the red wine and pouted.
"When you give birth, I'll be sure to bring you a large bottle of red wine," Ino said to Sakura.
"I can't wait!" Sakura exclaimed. "It's been so long!"
"We can have a red wine and cheese night when you're all healed up," Hinata said, grinning.
"I haven't been able to enjoy cheese since I became pregnant." She sighed loudly, glancing at Hinata who was eating some broccoli. She quickly nudged Hinata when she spotted a blonde hair woman walking towards them, followed by a few people.
Hinata turned to her side and spotted her- Shion being followed by three others.
Ino turned her direction to the group who approached their table, and Kiba placed his chopsticks down. Shikamaru looked up and then turned to his side. It was Shion and she looked upset. Naruto had introduced the two one day, and he never liked her.
Shion scanned the group and she noticed Shikamaru. Seeing the boy didn't bring joy to her face as he was outraged.
Shikamaru and outraged didn't go hand in hand, but Shion always played a victim and had caused him a few expenses.
"Are you Hinata?" Her voice was cute and that of an angel, but if you listened closely those words came out harsh. Ino intertwined her fingers together and leaned back in the chair. She had seen a lot of women like this who would make rude remarks about Sakura any time she and Sasuke were together, and she was ready.
"Yes? How can I help you?" Hinata said, placing the chopsticks down.
"Don't you think you should stay away from Naruto? You're causing him nothing but trouble, and it isn't fair to him."
Hinata was taken back, and she muttered, "Excuse me?"
"You heard me!" Shion shouted, smacking her hand on the table. This gathered the attention of the other people who gazed their eyes towards them. "Because of you, Naruto was fired. This would have never happened if you hadn't met him! Do you know how fucked up our company is without him now?"
Hinata's eyes widened upon hearing that news. Kiba looked back and forth at the two, then he gazed at Sakura who looked just as shocked. So, it was apparent. Nobody knew he was fired.
"Naruto was a great asset to the company, and he was a good friend." Then she scoffed. "I'm not even sure why Naruto is even dating someone like you. You're not much to look at but knowing my Naruto your breasts were probably the first thing to catch his attention since it couldn't be your face."
"Hey!" Ino said, shooting up.
"Shion!"
The blonde woman swirled around, along with her entourage. She stared at Naruto with adoration. He had reached just in time to hear that last sentence that sputtered from Shion's mouth. "Why the fuck would you say something like that?" He spat angrily. "Apologize! Now!"
Shion gasped. "Naruto! Why should I have to apologize to her?" She pointed to Hinata. "Because of her, you got fired and awful things are being spread about you. Why would you date her? Don't you see those articles? The slander?"
"Hinata," Naruto said, pushing past Shion. "I am so sorry. Please don't listen to her. I-
"Naruto! Why are you apologizing to her? It's because of her you got fired."
"I wouldn't waste my time with him, Shion." An ex-coworker said, shrugging. "You're making it seem as if Naruto was a benefit to the company. He's an idiot with a high school diploma. I don't know what you two ever saw in each other. You can do so much better than a parentless idiot."
"Yuko!" Shion screeched. "Why would you say something like that?"
"Because it's true. You wasted your time on him. He's not even a real man because I would never let anyone talk to my wo—"
Naruto's eyes widened as it happened so fast. Both Kiba and Ino jumped from their seats, and Sakura could only stare in shock. Even Shikamaru was baffled.
"Don't you ever speak to Naruto like that again," Hinata said, shaking her right hand?
Yuko held his cheek, and he balled his other hand into a fist.
"Think twice before you decide to do anything," Naruto warned.
He shot a glare at Naruto but seeing the look in his eyes Yuko decided to walk away from the situation. "I'm out of here." He spat, marching out of the establishment.
"Naruto," Shion sniffled. "I'm sorry. I'm only looking out for you," She pleaded. "Please I-
"Shut up," Naruto said, coldly. Shion quickly shut her mouth and stared at Naruto shockingly. He had never spoken to her so harshly. He rubbed the side of his head and closed his eyes. "Ah, I guess I am the fucking idiot for keeping you as my friend. Delete my number and don't ever talk to me again." He said, staring at her. "Leave. Now." He didn't have to emphasize those words, but for some reason that made Shion's legs tremble in fear and excitement.
Naruto had never cursed in front of her, but hearing those words come from him sent her over the edge. Hinata glanced at Shion, who stared at Naruto. Kin tugged on Shion's arm, but the girl refused to move.
"Shion, come on." Kin said, glaring at Naruto. "You don't need this idiot."
She continued to stare at Naruto, praying that this was a joke. That he would grin and say he was just kidding, but he didn't move a muscle. He didn't hug her and tell her everything would be fine.
Her eyes began to water as she realized that this would be her last night ever speaking to him. "It isn't fair." She whispered. "I- I- I've liked you for a long time. How come she's the one to have you?" She asked, pointing her trembling finger at Hinata. "I've known you longer than her, so-
"I would never date a woman like you, Shion."
That shattered her heart completely and before she could cry, Kin was already pulling at her to leave.
Naruto turned his back on her and bowed. "I'm sorry for tonight. Please forgive me." He hadn't bothered to look at them because now the cat was out of the bag. How could he face Hinata? Anyone? The whole restaurant felt smaller and smaller, and everyone watched him like a hawk.
His chest tightened, but before he could have a panic attack, Hinata had already taken a hold of his arm. He looked down at her expecting to be met with a chilling gaze, but instead, it was a caring and reassuring gaze that everything would be fine.
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Ino decided she would drop Sakura home since she knew Hinata wanted to talk alone to Naruto in private. Once alone in the car, Hinata intertwined her fingers with his and asked, "Naruto, why didn't you tell me sooner?"
He hung his head in shame and sighed. "I was going to tell you. J-just not now. I had to clear my mind and I wanted to find a job before I told you, so you didn't have to worry."
"You could have still told me," Hinata said, rubbing his hand. "You didn't have to go through that alone."
"I know, but it's different when you're a man, okay?" Naruto said, taking a deep breath. "I'm supposed to be a provider. I'm supposed to be able to give you things, protect you and be there for you. I'm helpless. I couldn't protect you, and now- I'm a bum."
"Naruto!" Hinata scolded. "Don't say things like that. This could have happened to anyone, but what's next is that we move past this and do better." He squeezed her hand and nodded. "What did they fire you for?
"For stealing a customer's credit card and personal information."
When he said that, she let go of his hand and stared at him, dumbfounded. Naruto noticed the look, and he quickly shouted. "You don't think I would do something like that, right?"
Hinata paused momentarily, and a bitter laugh escaped her lips. She leaned back in the chair and stared in the distance. "Seriously?" She laughed once more, but it came out as sour. No way on God's green earth did she ever believe Naruto would steal any credit card information, but she had an idea who would do this. "My father is the reason you lost your job, huh? Naruto's silence confirmed it. "Naruto, I'm sorry," Hinata looked down at her hands.
"You're not upset with me? We're moving in soon and I lost-
"You didn't lose anything, Naruto. It was taken away from you, unfairly." Hinata said, rubbing his broad shoulder. "I should be the one to blame. I'm the reason you're going through this-
Naruto smashed his lips against hers and held both of his hands into hers. "It's not. None of it is. I know what could have possibly happened, but I still want to be with you. I still want to make it work."
He wiped some tears from the corner of her eyes. "Am I really worth fighting for? I'm making your life hell. What if something bad happens?"
"Yes, you are, and please don't worry about that. I'll think of something and then we'll be able to have the life we truly deserve." He said, kissing her again. "We're just going to have to make some adjustments in our daily expenses now. I feel like it's going to be a bumpy road ahead of us, but I'll figure something out. I applied for a few jobs and I'm waiting for an interview, and besides Jiraiya is looking for something for me."
"Did they show you proof or have any evidence? Was a police report submitted for you?"
"They refused to give me any proof," Naruto said, focusing on the cars passing him by.
"Did you call Sasuke to let him know what was happening?" Hinata questioned.
"I didn't." He muttered. "I was so angry that I wasn't thinking clearly. I should have called him."
"When we get inside, we're going to let Sakura know what's going on and hopefully Sasuke can fix this issue."
He wished those words would come true, but he knew they wouldn't.
Sakura listened to what Naruto said, and she was seriously concerned. Accusations without proof would have been quite troublesome for her husband and the company. She didn't believe Naruto would risk his career, but on the other hand, she wouldn't be naive.
Once Naruto was done, Sakura excused herself to make the phone call.
Stepping into the kitchen, she kept glancing over her shoulder at Naruto and Hinata who were sitting next to one another. She knew it spelled trouble if Naruto was wrongfully terminated. The phone rang a few times before going to voicemail. Sakura rolled her jaded eyes as she knew this was much more important than anything her husband was doing.
She placed the phone to her ear again until she heard the line click and that deep voice she had come to love sighed in annoyance. "What is it, Sakura? I am very busy."
"Is that how you speak to your wife and the mother of your child?" She questioned.
Sasuke sighed mentally on the other end, he apologized. "I'm sorry, dear. Can this wait some other time? I really need to get this report sorted out for my meeting tomorrow."
"This is important right now, Sasuke." She glanced over her shoulder once more and saw Hinata staring at her. She shivered uncontrollably because she was giving that look "The Hyuga Look", her father always gave. "Did you know anything about Naruto being terminated?"
Sasuke paused momentarily and stared at the phone, dumbfounded. "Excuse me? What are you talking about?"
"Sasuke, Naruto was fired because they claimed he stole someone's personal information and credit card info. That's a serious offense and I'm afraid it may not be true." Sakura responded.
"Stealing? Credit card information? You've got to be fucking kidding me right now? Please tell me this is a joke?" Sasuke laughed dryly.
Sakura frowned at the profanity. "Sasuke, I'm not joking. Naruto and Hinata are here right now, and they believe Hiashi had something to do with it."
Sasuke felt his bones rattling in his body and sat back on the sofa. His onyx eyes stared blankly at the tv screen, and he pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation. "Let me speak to Naruto,"
Hinata crossed her arms when she saw Sakura handing Naruto the phone. "Hinata, I know you're upset right-
Hinata shook her head, interrupting her. "Sakura, I'm not sure how to feel right now." She muttered out. "I'm not sure if I'm upset, surprised, not surprised, dumbfounded, or just bitter about the whole thing."
Sakura placed her hand on Hinata's shoulder and sighed. "I know, Hinata. I'm sure Sasuke will get everything situated and Naruto will be able to go back to work first thing in the morning," She smiled at the thought of it. "This is going to brush over sooner than later." Naruto nearly chuckled once hearing Sakura say that. This storm was just brewing, and he knew he wouldn't be going back there. He handed Sakura the phone and leaned back on the couch.
"What did he say, Naruto?" Hinata asked.
"He's going to call back within five minutes."
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Sasuke shouted on the phone as soon as Soka answered. "Is it true or not?"
Soka trembled by the tone of his boss and asked timidly, "Is what true, sir?"
"Don't play stupid with me. Did you or did you not fire Naruto Uzumaki?" Sasuke asked, seething in rage.
There was an awkward silence on the phone before Soka spoke, "Yes, I did."
"For what?" He barked.
"C-c-credit card information and fru—"
Squinting his eyes, Sasuke said in a cold tone, "I pray to God you have proof of this, Soka. Do you know what's going to happen to my company if it isn't true? Are you trying to get us a lawsuit? So, tell me. Is it true? And do you have proof?" Sasuke heard him gulp and he almost exploded. "Are you fucking serious!" He was never one to curse, but this was unbelievable. "How? Why? What were you thinking?"
Soka trembled and he confessed. "I was told to do anything to fire him."
"By who?"
It felt like forever until Soka finally said, "Your father."
Sasuke's eyes widened, and he quickly disconnected the call. His finger swiftly dialed the number and he waited before a smooth voice answered. "Yes, son?"
"Father, did you inform Soka to fire a man named Naruto Uzumaki?"
Fugaku, his father, nodded as if Sasuke could see him. "I did. I received a call from Hiashi and well one thing turned into another and-
"You had no right!" Sasuke snapped. "He is my employee. You don't have the right to fire anyone! That fool Soka claimed they fired him for stealing someone's credit card information. That's a serious offense. Do you know he can sue us?"
Fugaku mumbled something inaudible under his breath. "Why would Soka come up with such a lie?" He sighed.
"Stay out of my business."
"You're not going to rehire him," Fugaku said with confidence.
"Excuse me?" Sasuke said baffled, staring at the phone.
"Son, there are a lot of things you need to learn in the business world and if you hire that boy back, you'll lose everything you've worked so hard for."
Sasuke smirked. "You're making it seem that Hiashi has a gun to your head and is ready to pull the trigger at any moment."
"He has a gun, but the gun isn't on my head but yours." The color drained from Sasuke's face. "As I said, you have a lot of learning to do, and one employee is not worth fighting for. You've been warned, my precious son."
.
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Naruto was surprised to hear Sasuke's voice. It wasn't his normal way of speaking, and although Naruto may have not been the smartest person, he knew one thing: Hiashi had gotten to the Uchihas. Sasuke kept talking around in a circle, but it almost seems he was trying to pay him off. He couldn't help but chuckle.
"I'm not going to sue your company," Naruto said, catching the attention of Hinata and Sakura. "Please erase the reason you fired me and put it as a resignation notice. Thanks."
Passing the phone to Sakura, he bowed. "Thank you."
Hinata quickly got up and went to his side. "W-what did he say?"
"The answer we knew all along," Naruto said, running his fingers through his hair.
"Naruto, I'm sorry. I'm sure Sasuke would have done something if he could. I know he wouldn't—"
"It's okay, Sakura. I understand the business world. One employee isn't worth losing your fortune over." Naruto said, shoving his hands into his pocket. "I'm going to leave now."
"But it's late," Sakura said, grabbing his arm gently. "Um, why don't you and Hinata spend the night. Please." She said, clasping her hands together. "I don't want you to drive home angrily at the moment."
Naruto couldn't deny it, but he was more than angry. He was boiling water on the inside and the temperature just kept rising and rising. If it was the old him, he would have probably turned into a drunken bastard and fought somebody, but he was mature and learned to hold his anger in.
Hinata glanced and once he nodded, she smiled at Sakura.
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Covered in marks and bruises, Hinata rolled on her side and onto Naruto who had his eyes focused on the ceiling. They were both angry and frustrated that they ended up having angry sex. It was exhilarating, nice and it helped calm them down. It was different and it was something they thoroughly enjoyed. It wasn't intentional, but when the other saw how much they enjoyed it, one thing led to another. They were pretty sure Sakura, or the maids heard them, but who cared? Their life was already messed up. What's another rumor about their reputation?
Hinata placed her head on Naruto's chest and listened to his heartbeat. He wrapped his arm around her and caressed her pale arm.
"I was going to punch Yuko in the face, but you beat me to it. I've never seen such a thing and I won't lie, but you turned me on." Naruto said, smiling slightly.
"I've never hit anyone before, but he deserved it! He was speaking ill of you." Hinata replied. She used her index finger to draw circles around Naruto's chest area. "I don't have any regrets and I'll do it a hundred times over. Hmph!"
"I know I've already told you this before, but Shion and I had nothing going on. I should have known our friendship was toxic, but I guess I hated being alone." He mumbled. "I didn't have sex with her, but there were nights I'd hold her when she felt down and reassure her everything would be fine. I guess something did happen and I should have told you." He grumbled. "We lied on the same bed, and she wanted to do things with me. I was tempted but I decided I didn't want to. I didn't see myself losing my virginity to her. I didn't want her. I didn't think anything of it, but I guess I should have told you everything. I'm sorry." Naruto said, closing his eyes. "I'll be honest with you now. I won't hold anything back. I'm so sorry."
Hinata wiped the tears away from his eyes and kissed him on his nose. "I had an ex-boyfriend who I really adored. He was nice, kind, and gentle and he was my very first boyfriend. He made it known he liked me, and one day I returned the feelings." She suddenly scoffed. "I always thought something was wrong with me because it was my first boyfriend and hadn't fallen in love yet like the rest of my friends. But after a while, I started to care more about him and felt like this was a man I would be able to love, but in the end, I played myself. I didn't see him for who he was, and he ended up cheating on me." Hinata said, swallowing the lump. "I was heartbroken and wondered wasn't I enough? I took him back, and he still cheated."
She felt Naruto shift on the bed and her heart trembled when he pulled her body closer to his. "And I'll never make you feel that way," Naruto said, staring into her eyes. "I won't ever cheat on you, Hinata. I mean it." He said, wrapping his arms around her. "You deserve the entire world, and I'm sorry he was such a fool not to notice."
"He also works in the same building as me," Hinata said, frowning.
Naruto also frowned and hugged her tightly. "Just let me know if he tries to mess with you, okay?" She closed her eyes when Naruto kissed her on her forehead. "I love you."
"I will and I love you too." She said, returning the kiss.
It would be the second time they had sex for the night, but this time it was sweeter and gentler.
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AN: It's been such a long time since I've updated this story. I wanted to make it longer, but I needed to get a feel for this story again and what plans I had for it. Now that I realize what I want, this story should be a smooth sail from here.