Muted hues of golden-orange trickle in through the sheer white curtains of a small and tidy bedroom. The curtains flutter lightly as a soft breeze blows through the quiet, residential neighborhood. The chittering of wildlife grows louder as darkness permeates the horizon, eventually reaching and disturbing the slumber of one of the occupants of the tiny bedroom.
Languidly, pale eyes flutter open. A shallow crease on an unmarked forehead is the only sign of discontent with the twilight cacophony. The female occupant of the bed shifts, moving toward the edge of the bed. Almost instantly, a strong forearm drapes across her lithe torso. She allows him to pull her back into the radiating warmth of his chest. She sighs in content at the bliss of her domestic life.
The once bothersome din fades to the background as she listens to the soft, shallow breathing of her companion. The rhythmic intake and output of shallow breaths is the only sound that reaches her senses. Drowsily, her eyes begin to close. As she is about to re-enter dreamland, soft lips brush against her earlobe, "I wish I didn't have to go on this mission."
At the mention of a mission, she darts upright. Her gaze seeks out the digital clock on the night stand.
Hurriedly she unfurls the blanket draped across her body, "It's already 8:25, we're going to be late to Sakura's birthday party."
"She won't notice we're late." He pries his wife's rigid body back into his embrace.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata softly gasps as Naruto peppers kisses on her neck down to her clavicle.
Feigning annoyance, she huffs, "Stop. You know how annoyed she gets when you're late."
"She won't notice I'm late." His palm soothingly strokes her forearm.
"Of course, she will! Everyone else will as well. This party is also to celebrate your first diplomatic mission."
Facing her husband, Hinata kisses him lightly on his lips, "let's get dressed."
"Only if you give me something in return." Naruto bargains.
Tittering, Hinata agrees. "Sure."
Naruto's lips meet hers. Hinata tenderly returns the kiss, but then explains, "Not tonight. When you return."
"You're mean, Hinata-sama."
Easing off the bed, Hinata walks toward the bedroom door when she flicks on the light switch. "Don't call me that."
Wanting to get under his wife's skin for her innocent deceit, he rushes to his feet. Stepping in front of her, he bows deeply, "my sincerest apologies, Hinata-sama."
"Naruto-kun." Hinata warns.
"Fine, fine." Clutching her in his arms, he kisses her forehead. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, but you'll be back soon."
"Not soon enough!" Naruto allows her to leave his embrace.
On his knees, he drags out his travelling pack from under the bed.
Hinata removes several pairs of boxers and undershirts from the fresh, laundry hamper. After folding them neatly, she places the articles in the pack. "Have you packed everything else?"
Nodding, Naruto counts out the items on his fingers, "toothbrush, formal and casual pants, shirt, socks and 5 packs of ramen."
Hinata looks at him in disbelief. Looking away from her, he grumbles, "I'll get hungry on the trip."
"And you can eat Sakura's medicine pills."
He immaturely sticks his tongue out in disgust. Hinata replaces the packs of instant ramen with a grey kimono and black haori.
"Do I really need to wear that?" Naruto whines.
"Probably. You'll be meeting the Daimo of Kumo and other high-ranking officials." With force, Hinata stuffs the contents of the pack down and zips it shut.
"I hate these officialities. I wish you were coming with me."
"You know I would've, if I could."
Caressing Hinata still taut stomach, Naruto asks, "Did Sakura forward your medical leave of notice to Kaka-sensei?"
"She did, but I don't think it's necessary."
"You fainted and hit your head, Hinata. It's more than necessary." Naruto gently rubs the back of her head.
"It was just one time. I am fine now." Rubbing her tummy, she adds, "we are fine now."
"You'll be fine once you're under Hanabi's care. Have you already packed everything you need? I can take it over for you, before I go to the party."
"Hanabi had Ko take my stuff back to the compound already. You guys are fussing too much. I'm fine and -"
"Your heart isn't." Naruto interjects. He is about to continue, when he sees the slight tremble of her lower lip.
In a near whisper, she asks, "do you think I'm incapable of bearing your child?"
"I'm sorry, Hina. I didn't mean to upset you. I am just worried, but you're more than able to take care of yourself and our child." Naruto wipes away the moisture at his wife's lush, lash line. "Please don't be upset with me. I don't want to leave you like this."
"I'm not upset with you, Naruto-kun." A sad smile forms on her delicate face, "I can never be upset with you."
Chuckling, "maybe for now, but one day you'll be throwing me through brick walls like Sakura-chan."
His comment draws out a hearty giggle, "Never, Naruto-kun."
"We'll see." He takes her hand into his and leads them into the hallway. "I should get there before Sakura-chan comes looking for me." He slips on a black and orange hoodie and slings his backpack across his shoulders.
"Are you not coming back home after the party?" Hinata questions as she zips up her lilac spring jacket.
"Nah, I'm going to crash at Sasuke's."
Hinata perks up in surprise at the mention of her husband's best friend. "Sasuke-san is back?"
Naruto nods in agreement.
"Hmm, Sakura will be thrilled."
"Yeah, he didn't really have a choice. She's been sending him invitation after invitation each week for the past three months."
Hinata is amused but not wholly surprised at Sakura's persistence, "his poor summons."
"Yeah, I doubt Kōsuke would've put up with that. He probably would've thrown up in one of her shoes out of spite."
Hinata scrunches her face in mild disgust at the disturbing image of Sakura unknowingly slipping her feet into toad vomit. "That's gross, Naruto-kun!"
"Just stating facts! But yeah, I thought that since you'll be with your family, I can spend a bit of time with Sasuke teme before I leave."
"Of course. You haven't seen him in a very long time."
The turn of the house key secures the lock of the Uzumaki's humble apartment. At the base of the stairwell, Naruto turns to the left but Hinata walks toward the right.
"Where are you going, Hina-chan? Don't you want me to walk you to the compound?"
Under the moonlight, the light blush creeping on his wife's face shimmer iridescently reminding him of the beauty of an expertly carved gemstone.
"Umm, I was thinking that maybe I can also attend Sakura's party." Hinata index fingers reflexively join at the tip. Upon contact, her brain registers the childhood habit. She quickly tucks them into her pockets, hoping Naruto hasn't noticed the return of her nervous tic.
"But Sakura-chan warned against any strenuous or over-stimulating activities."
"It's just a party, Naruto-kun. I just want to say hi to everyone, and then I'll leave."
The couple begins walking toward the bright lights of the city centre.
"Sakura is going to have my ba-"
Hinata quickly places a silencing finger against her husband lips. She smiles shyly at the shopkeepers who greet them, hoping they haven't heard her husband's crass language. Naruto playfully nips the finger at his mouth.
Nearing closer to their destination, the voices of their comrades' bellow from the usually quiet, fine-dining establishment.
A young hostess with auburn hair guides them to the patio located on the rooftop of the restaurant.
Several patio heaters in the shape of outdoor lanterns encase a long, narrow, wooden dining table where Sakura's close medical colleagues, the rookie nine and their significant partners are seated.
Sakura is the first of the group to notice her former teammate. Slightly inebriated, she rushes to her friend's side. Lightly she punches him in the arm, "You're late. What took you so long, baka-." She stops when she notices Hinata standing meekly behind Naruto.
"Good evening, Sakura-san." Hinata bows politely.
"Hinata! What are you doing here? You're supposed to be on bedrest." The jovial anger directed at Naruto now turns into genuine concern.
"She wouldn't listen to reason." Hinata glances at her husband, disappointment apparent in her eyes at his immediate snitching.
"Take her home, Naruto. She should be resting."
Hinata places her hand on Sakura's shoulder, "Thank you for being concerned, but I am okay. I just want to say hi to everyone and I'll leave."
Sighing, Sakura consents, "fine, but no drinking."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
Tugging the couple to the center of the patio, Sakura announces their arrival. Sakura begins introducing them to her colleagues. Before Naruto is pulled away into conversation regarding the upcoming budget and healthcare spending, he asks his wife once again if she is fine. "Yes, Naruto-kun. I'm alright, I'm going to say hi to Kiba and Shino. Pretend I'm not here."
"Impossible." He retorts, after kissing her cheek.
"Don't get your germs all over our precious, Hinata-chan." Kiba remarks loudly, from across the dining table.
Naruto rolls his eyes. Hinata is impressed by the lack of retaliation. A few months ago, she is sure the jab would have been followed by juvenile name calling.
After greeting everyone at the small event, she settles down next to her former teammates. She listens attentively as they fill her in on their professional accomplishments and rumours around Konoha.
After the introductions are made, Sakura joins Hinata's side.
"Are you hungry? Sorry we couldn't wait for Naruto. That one there was about to pass out from starvation." She points over to Choji, who has a heavy hand over his protruding stomach.
"It's okay, I ate before I came." Hinata lies, not wanting to bring any unnecessary attention toward herself.
"Good. Ohh did you see that Sasuke-kun showed up for my party? How sweet is he?" Sakura beams at the man seated directly across the table. With pity, Hinata notices that Sasuke's attention never strays to the medical nin, instead it hones in on her husband who at the moment is jovially re-enacting his dismay at not being able to sustain his physical and mental wellbeing being through the miracle that is ramen. A barely visible smile adorns the Uchiha's face. Their endearment warms Hinata's soul.
"Probably against his will." Kiba grunts softly.
Hinata kicks against her teammate's shin, signalling him to be quiet.
"That's very sweet of Sasuke-san." Hinata agrees.
"How could one man be that dangerously attractive?" Kiba gags at Sakura's statement, earning him another kick to his shin. In retaliation, Kiba kicks Hinata's seat causing her to jerk forward and drop the handbag atop her knees.
"What the fuck, Kiba. Be careful." Sakura reprimands. "Here let me help you."
"No, no. I can get it on my own." Hinata firmly states before kneeling on the cold floor to retrieve the contents of her spilled bag. Even through the loud chattering and music streaming from the patio's speakers, Hinata can hear the bickering between Kiba and Sakura. She isn't quite in the mood to put up with their antics tonight. Resolved to leave the event early, Hinata searches the floor to ensure she hasn't missed any of her belongings. Closer to the other side of the table, she spots a single tube of lip balm. She crawls a few paces forward to grab it, before tucking back into her bag, a soft voice instructs her to look up. In hindsight, she assumes this was likely her subconscious or maybe her intuition.
Glancing up, she recognizes an all too familiar, tanned hand tucked into an area where it didn't belong. The lean fingers that not too long ago was wrapped around her palm, was now tenderly clawing against another's black shinobi pants. In astonishment, she sees the fingers that were promised to her inch near the another male's metallic zipper.
Against her will, tears leak from her pellucid eyes. She quickly brings her hands to her mouth to stifle an ensuing sob. Her mind can't process the betrayal. The desire to flee is heightened. Momentarily forgetting her surroundings, she tries to stand up, knocking her head against the table top in the failed attempt.
She scurries over to her side of the table, using the empty chair to struggle to her feet.
"Hinata, are you okay?" Sakura inquires upon noticing the tears in Hinata's eyes.
Trying her best to conceal her pain, Hinata furiously dabs at the tears threatening to escape her eyes, "mmhmm, I just hit my head on the table."
Sakura forces her back in her seat. "Another head injury, oh no."
Hinata interjects, "It was just a slight bump."
"Let's get you to the hospital just to be safe."
"Sakura-san, I'm okay. Please don't concern yourself with me." Hinata raises her voice slightly, "but I do think I'll be leaving. It's getting late."
Hinata gathers her wits, ignoring the sensation of eyes boring into her skull.
Slipping on her jacket, she grabs her purse, but stills when a low, but distinct voice is heard through the incessant babbling, "You should take your wife home."
Curiosity causes her to turn her attention to the man who has uprooted the small semblance of happiness she has toiled wretchedly for in her lonely, miserable life.
Ignoring what she knows of his character, she hopes to find signs of guilt and anguish for the treachery he has caused. Instead, a nonchalant, single cobalt eye defiantly counters her grief and newfound misery. There is no apology in his gaze, just confirmation that her husband is not truly hers.
Caught in an almost hypnotic stare, she is unable to focus on anything but the abyss he illustrates with no movement of his tongue or hands. Hinata doesn't notice Naruto's departure from his seat until he is lightly tapping her on the shoulders bringing her out of the self-fabricated genjutsu.
Completely oblivious to the plight of their marriage, Naruto is a beam of sunray, trying to wash away the dirt, mold and mildew quickly contaminating her brain, "Hi-na-ta, are you ready for bed? Come on, let me walk you to the compound."
Her heart is begging her to accept the positivity and radiance he is emitting, but her mind reminds her that his affection is tainted with deceit.
Much to Naruto's surprise, Hinata pulls away from his gentle hold. "I can walk myself home."
Naruto is stunned into silence by her sudden change in temperament.
Hinata grabs her bag off the floor and chaotically rushes to the entrance. She knocks into a waitress causing a tray of drinks and dessert to splatter across the concrete flooring. Hinata mutters her apologies but is unable to stop her feet from moving as any slight delay might result in an upheaval of all the pain and anger brewing in her core.
Halfway toward the exit, she can hear Sakura telling Naruto not to worry that the shift in behaviour is probably due to pregnancy hormones.
"Hinata, wait up." Kiba calls out. "I'll walk you home."
Nearly tumbling down the stairs, Kiba finally reaches Hinata, "why the rush to leave?"
"I'm tired." Hinata laconically responds.
"Well, I am fucking plastered. Who can say no to free drinks, right?" Kiba frowns at Hinata's dismissal of a high five. "Well, somebody's grumpy tonight." Still somewhat unperturbed, he slings an arm around his friend's shoulder. "But I'm still going to get you home safe and sound."
"Kiba-kun, I can assure you I am fine. You on the other hand will not make it home if you walk all the way over to the Hyuga compound in your current state."
"Hmm, you got a point." Kiba releases Hinata from his drunken hold and nearly stumbles into a streetlamp. "I'll check on you tomorrow," he calls out as he stumbles through a dark alleyway.
As soon as Kiba is out of sight, Hinata turns in the opposite direction, heading for the home she shared with the man she once considered her soulmate.
Standing at the threshold of her bedroom, memories of a few hours ago replay in her mind, mocking and taunting her fragile psyche.
Physically and emotionally drained, gravity drags her to the floor. As her posterior hits the hard wooden surface, newly opened wounds freely and openly spurt forth all the toxicity and disease created by the revelation of tonight.
Bundled into a ball, she weeps at her naivety and the upheaval of her once happy life.
If you have reached this far, thanks for taking the time to read this new story. I should be focused on my WIPs, but this story has been on my mind for quite some time and I had to get at least the first chapter out.
I try my best not to give away crucial details in the story summary, but would love to know where you believe the story is headed. And as always, would love to hear your thoughts and/or feedback.