Chapter XII - The Godparents
Neji waited until Hinata fell asleep and left the room, searching for a public phone. He found one in a nearby corridor.
He held the phone a few minutes before make the call, wondering how that call would change their lives. He dialed the numbers for the Hyuga Manor, a servant answered:
"Hyuga Manor."
"Here is Hyuga Neji. May I speak with Hyuga Hiashi, please?"
"Neji-sama! The Leader is looking for you and Hinata-sama! I'll transfer the call to his office!"
"Neji? Where are you? I sent a servant to look after Hinata and nobody saw you two since the morning!" - Hiashi was not in good mood and his tone was harsh and angry. Neji would have to deal with the situation.
"Hiashi-sama, Hinata-sama and I left for our daily walk in the morning. It happens that she felt some pain and I took her to the Hospital. She was in labor…"
"Is the child born?" - His tone suddenly changed to a concerned one.
"Y-Yes, she gave birth…"
"Say no more. I will be there in a minute."
"Sir…there is something you must know" - there it was, the moment for the truth - "Hinata-sama…she…"
"She what boy? Speak!"
"She had …twins, sir. We have two children…" - a silence could be heard in the other side of the line.
"I…will be there…soon. Wait for my arrival. "
"Yes, sir." - Neji hanged the phone and leaned his head on the wall. He had triggered the turn point in his, Hinata's and their daughter's life. He laughed silent as he thought how ANBU gave him such a cold blood; he was not afraid, not insecure, it was like a mission: pure adrenaline. He picked up the phone again, this time to call his mother.
Natsume cried when learned about her twin grandchildren. Neji tried to calm her down (it was supposed to be the opposite), but amongst the sobs she told her son to don't act foolishly. If the 'twin rescue plan' fails, she would talk with Hiashi and demand the custody of her granddaughter. Natsume said Hiashi owned her a favor, for letting her husband die and taking her only child away, he would certainly accept the proposal.
Nevertheless, Neji was still betting in the success of the plan.
He walked slowly to Hinata's room, still thinking about his mother's proposal. Opening the door he wasn't expecting what he saw.
"Hey, Neji! Congratulations!" - Said Lee.
All their friends were in the room. Hinata was awake, talking to Shino. Ino and Tenten were holding Hikaru and Hokuto in their arms. Naruto, Sasuke, Shikamaru and Chouji were also there, chatting. Sakura was screaming at Kiba to move Akamaru away from the babies.
"He can't be here!"
"But he is clean! I gave him a bath this morning!" - The Inuzuka protested.
"The babies are too young and they may catch some disease!"
Hinata lifted her pale hand to call Neji closer.
"Isn't it wonderful, niisan? All our friends are here! Did you call them?"
"No" - he was still looking at the ruckus that room was.
"Shizune did!" - Sakura answered, forgetting about Akamaru and Kiba.
"I asked Shizune-neechan to warn us about your babies' birth!" - Naruto said with his fox smile.
"Babies? Did you know about the twins?" - Neji asked.
"Uh…Shizune told me. I know it was a secret! But she was worried and thought that we could be of some help…" - Sakura said, shrinking at Neji's death glare.
"Has she told anything else?"
"No….Only that Hinata was expecting twins…." - Sakura moved closer to Naruto.
"Fine"- Neji said. - "thanks for coming, guys."
"That's what friends are for!" - Lee said, making the nice guy pose.
The door opened again and this time to let in Hiashi, Hanabi and…grandpa Hideo. All the shinobis turned to see the Hyuga Leader; an awkward silence fell in the room.
"Oh! Father, look! My nephews!" - Hanabi rushed to where Ino and Tenten were sat.
She caressed the babies' hairs. Hanabi asked if she could hold her little niece. Tenten exchanged places with her and handed the baby girl. Hanabi was exultant!
Hiashi moved close to Hinata.
"How are you, my daughter?" - He placed his calloused hands on his daughter's.
"Tired, but happy. I've never been so happy in my life, Father." - Hinata said in a weak voice.
Hiashi turned to Neji, who was close to his wife, and asked:
"What about you, son?"
"I'm fine. Tired too, but fine…" - Neji was sending some hostile glares towards his grandfather. Hideo was staring the babies with a cold face.
Hiashi moved to where Hanabi, the babies and the other girls were.
"May I hold my grandson?" - He politely asked Ino. The Yamanaka carefully placed Hikaru on his grandfather's arms. Hiashi had a proud look in his face, smiling at his little grandson.
Hinata was nervous and held Neji and Shino's hands.
"Calm down. He is contented too." - The Aburame boy said to his friend.
The joyful conversation re-started in the room. Naruto was mocking Neji about his daughter's future boyfriends. Neji said his girl would never have boyfriends! Shikamaru was laughing imagining Neji running after the guys who flirt with Hokuto. But the cheerful mood was cut by Hideo:
"Who is the first born?" - He looked at Neji and after to Hinata. The young mother started to shake.
"I-I d-d-don't k-know, g-g-grandfather…."
"How can you don't know, stupid woman?" - He demanded.
"Father, please, not now." - Hiashi asked.
"I I….w-w-w-w-was….." - Hinata was positively frightened, tears started to form in her eyes.
"She was unconscious. A surgery was necessary to deliver the children. Hinata-sama only woke up a few moments before your arrival." – Despite the lie, Neji's tone was firm, but cold and ruthless. He was glaring at Hideo the whole time, and decided to give the payback for that dinner's insults.
Lee exchanged a look with Tenten, and they moved trough the room, closer to their friend.
"And you? Can you tell who the first born is or were you unconscious too…" - the older man had an ugly grin on his face.
"I said it was a surgery, so I was not allowed inside." - Neji was also taunting the old man.
"Oh! And you hadn't the idea of asking the doctors, idiot?"
"I did, beloved grandfather, but none could answer me correctly who was the first born. What a pity…" – Neji had a murderous glare in his eyes and a sarcastic tone on his speech.
"LIAR! I'll teach you what happens when Branch House scum lie to its superior!" – The man started to move his hands, trying to perform the Cursed Seal. Neji was smirking; this time he would be faster and kick the old bastard's ass.
"Father. STOP!" – Hiashi shouted in an urgent tone. Hideo stopped his movement.
Hiashi activated his byakugan and scanned the room.
He and Hanabi were sat near a wall. Beside him, Haruno Sakura was cracking her knuckles. At Hanabi's side, Akimichi Chouji was no longer eating his chips.
Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba and the dog-nin were on Hinata's right side, looking intimidating.
Tenten and Rock Lee were positioned at each side of the door. The weapon mistress had a hand inside her weapons' bag.
Neji was on Hinata's left side. Near him was Uzumaki Naruto, the kyuubi boy.
Hideo was in front of Neji. Behind him, Yamanaka Ino was prepared to launch her mind domination jutsu any moment. Beside the old Hyuga, Nara Shikamaru had his hands ready to execute the Kagemane seals. Both Ino and Shikamaru could stop Hideo or Hiashi from their positions.
But Hiashi felt he had a worse problem next to him: Uchiha Sasuke and his activated Sharingan.
It was a trap perfectly set. They are a truly gifted generation. I couldn't notice their moves until it was too late.
Hideo also realized his caged self in that trap, and cursed:
"You will regret that, insolent kid." – Hideo was fisting his hands and staring his grandson.
"GET OUT OF HERE!" – Neji was infuriated. He wouldn't wait for his friends to make the first move. Blinded by his rage, he was emanating the same murderous aura he had on the preliminaries of their first Chunnin Exams. The other shinobis were worried because this time there was no Asuma, Kakashi, Hayate, Gai or Kurenai to hold the Hyuga prodigy. Even with two genins, five chunnins and three rookie jounins stop an enraged ANBU could be a dangerous task. Not to mention the risks for Hinata and the babies.
"Get out and leave me and my family in peace!"- He gave a step towards the old man. Naruto placed a hand on his friend's shoulders.
Hiashi placed Hikaru on Sakura's arms and signalized to Hanabi do the same, handing Hokuto to Chouji.
"Let's go father, Hanabi"
Hanabi gave a peek on her sister's cheeks, but the other girl was too nervous to notice.
Hideo passed by Neji, facing him, and left the room after Hanabi.
Hiashi came closer to his elder daughter, kissed the top of her head and said:
"When you leave the hospital, call me and I'll ask someone to pick you up".
He patted Neji's shoulders and left the room. All teenagers sighed in relief.
"What a freak bastard is your grandfather, Neji" – Naruto said, rubbing the back of his head.
"Niisan… (sob) ….our poor baby…..They will take away our poor baby" – Hinata was crying, hiding the tearful face with her hands.
"No, they won't. I'll think on something. And if I don't, I'll kill that bastard". – Neji's face was empty.
"Hey! Hey! What about us?" – Lee asked.
"That is why Shizune-san summoned us! To help you guys! Nobody will take your babies away!" – Sakura said cheerfully.
"That is right! Remember: Hikaru and Hokuto have ten Godparents to protect them!" – Naruto said, moving his eyesight to all in that room.
"T-Ten G-Godparents?" – Hinata asked.
"YOSH! Just look around, Hinata-chan!" – And Lee made the 'nice guy pose'.
Neji understood what they were talking and, humbly (the more Hyuga Neji could) said:
"Everyone, thank you. For all you have been doing for us."
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A week later, Hiashi decided to visit his daughter and family. He rang the bell of the apartment door and his nephew opened the door.
"Hiashi-sama?" – asked the young man, grabbing the door knob with one hand and holding his baby son with the free arm.
"Good afternoon, Neji. May I come in?"
"Certainly, sir" – Neji stepped aside, to let the Hyuga Leader in.
The living room was chaotic. A pile of diaper packs was leaned on one wall (next to the scrolls pile). The couch had several blankets, sheets, baby clothes, teddy bears, cushions. On the other wall, a basket full of dirty clothes was waiting for someone to take it to the laundry. The counter had six clean baby bottles, but the kitchen sink had more than ten dirty ones, among dishes, forks, cups, spoons, and saucepans. The table was still showing breakfast and lunch signs.
Hiashi disliked the situation of that home; he wondered how bad the bathroom was.
"Please…take a sit, sir" – Said Neji, moving away with his free hand some of the things in the couch to provide a place for his uncle to seat.
"Where is Hinata?"
"On the nursery, breastfeeding Hokuto".
Without waiting for his nephew's permission, Hiashi entered the nursery to find his elder daughter sat in the glider, with his granddaughter sucking one of her mother's nipples. The nursery seemed to be the only clean and tidy place of that apartment.
Hinata grasped to see her father inside the room.
"F-Father! W-What are y-you d-doing here?"
"I came to see if everything is OK with you all."
"We are fine, sir." - Neji was leaning on the nursery door, staring at his uncle.
"I don't think so. This place is a mess, unfitted and unhealthy for such young children."
"W-We w-will c-clean t-tonight, Father! Is t-that t-the b-babies t-take m-most of o-our t-time…" – Hinata couldn't poke her fingers because she was holding Hokuto, but she was biting her lower lips.
"Hiashi-sama, I'll clean the place as soon as Hinata finishes to feed the babies" – Neji told. He really wanted his uncle to leave. The apartment was on chaos, he hated that too, but the children demanded constant attention.
"Listen, you two. I'm a father too. I know how tiring and terrible newly-borns can be. One child is a lot of trouble; two at the same time is twice the trouble! I'll send a servant to help you."
"No Father. It is Ok! Niisan and I can handle the things!" – Hinata didn't want other Hyuga in that house, especially Branch House servants. That would piss Neji beyond the reasonable.
"That is decided, Hinata. Someone will arrive today's evening".
"Sir, our friends will come this night. They can help us" – Neji lied. He was becoming a superb liar.
"Well…I'll send someone tomorrow, then. Please, don't be so prideful, let me help!"
Husband and wife exchanged concerned looks and, the boss of the house said:
"Only twice a week, Hiashi-sama. We don't want servants in this apartment." – Neji said.
"Fine. Twice a week then. But if you need something else, ask me!"
After having a cup of tea (Neji did the dishes while Hiashi held Hikaru), the Hyuga Leader left the place.
Neji rushed to the nursery where Hinata was now feeding their son.
"Great! Now he will send my people to clean this mess…"
"Niisan…He only wants to help…And it is not like we don't need it…"
"We don't need help. We can perfectly handle the situation. I want the Main Family away from the my children"
"Our children. And I belong to the Main Family. And we need help. I'm tired Neji. Breastfeed two newly-borns is exhausting me. You are tired from staying awake the whole night lulling the babies. We need help". – She was looking at her stubborn husband.
"I can call my mom…" – he said.
"Dear, since Grandma Sanae broke her leg, your mother is busy taking care of her"
"Grandma can stay here too…"
"And then it would be an elderly wounded lady, two newly-borns and first time parents, all for your mother to take care…quite unfair…"
"I'll think in a way…" – he said, muffling a yawn.
He found a way or, better say, a person: Rock Lee.
Lee and Gai-sensei came to visit the babies and cried a river when saw what was Neji's situation. The Green Beasts of Konoha decided to make a "Godparent schedule", meaning that every weekday two godparents would stay the whole day helping Hinata and Neji. On weekends, Hanabi, Natsume, Kurenai and Gai would be the doubles.
Neji hated the idea, especially the part Gai sensei would take care of his children. He hated to know that Naruto, Kiba or Sasuke would also help. Shikamaru would probably fall asleep and be of no help; Tenten and Lee were too crazy to take care of little babies; Sakura and Ino would fight the whole time. Chouji would eat instead of help. Shino had his bugs….yuck. No, that was a complete disaster! His children would grow traumatized!
Neji protested the most he could, but Hinata was so tired and stressed that she accepted the help. And we all know that Rock Lee and Maito Gai only need ONE yes to start their job.
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The godparents schedule was made so the 'unable' ones (like Neji classified) could be with the 'no so unable' (another of Neji's classification). So Kiba and Akamaru were paired with Shino; Naruto with Sakura; Sasuke and Ino (this pair was completely senseless, but Neji thought that Sasuke had more intelligence than Ino); Chouji and Tenten (she was classified as unable), and finally Shikamaru and Lee (so if the first one starts to doze off, Lee's loud voice would wake him up).
And what Neji hated the most was the horrible doll Lee brought for Hokuto on his first godparent day. It was a sunflower like doll with a long green stem and a 'smile' yellow face full of petals. It reminded him the green spandex his friend and sensei used. After his friend left, Hyuga Neji took the green thing from his daughter's hand and tried to throw away, but Hokuto cried out so loud that Hinata returned the doll to her daughter and gave it a name: "Mr. Sunflower". Neji almost vomited at the fluffiness, but it couldn't be helped since Hokuto adored Mr. Sunflower.
He made a mental note to smash Lee up on their next spar and abduct the horrible spandex doll at Hinata's and Hokuto's first lack of care.
As for the Godparents, they were all good willed and helped a lot the young couple. Soon, going to the Hyuga apartment was longer an obligation, but some sort of fun, a social meeting. That house was always full of people.
Natsume and Hiashi met each other in the apartment one day:
"I wonder how my grandchildren can sleep in such noise…." – she said, while making the dinner.
"Yes. But they like their 'nannies'. Look, Hikaru is always smiling." – Hiashi kept his sober face, but he never missed the opportunity to spoil his grandchildren.
"Hizashi would love to see this…."
'Natsume…Will you forgive the Main Family someday?"
"It is forgiven, Hiashi...but not forgotten"
And their attention moved to the living room.
"BAKA! I can't believe that after four months you still can't put the diapers correctly!" – Sasuke yelled at Naruto.
"IDIOT! You shouldn't be here! Your day is tomorrow! Let me do my job, ok?"
"Bah! I can't leave these poor innocents with a moron like you!"
"Since when you became so soft hearted?"
"I….like ….children…..What is so funny about?"
"E-Enough, I'll d-do this…" – Hinata picked up the baby and placed the diaper correctly.
"I can't leave you two alone one second…" – Sakura had an angry look on her face.
The front door opened and Neji walked inside the apartment, with his ANBU uniform all torn up and his hawk mask hanging on his belt.
"I'm home…"
"Niisan! What happened?" – Hinata rushed to her husband, immediately examining a nasty wound on his shoulders.
"An ambush. But we managed to break trough. I need a bath."
"I'll prepare the bathtub, dear."
"Well, Hinata, you have enough company. We are leaving to meet Kakashi sensei!" – Naruto said
"Ok. Thank you all"
Team 7 left the apartment and only the Hyuga remained. Hiashi called Neji:
"Come here, Neji. There is an important matter we must discuss. I know you are tired but it can't wait."
"Shall I leave you alone?" – Natsume asked.
"No. Stay"
"It has been four months since the babies were born, soon it will be time to Hinata resume her training to become a Jounin. Don't forget about it, I'm still expecting her rank level up" – Hiashi told, sipping his tea.
"Yes, sir. I'm preparing a special training for her." – Neji answered.
"The other issue is more serious. It is about the twins. The council is pressuring me to know who the first born is …"
"Sir, we already explained them that we don't know who the first is."
"Neji, I'm not a fool. You and Hinata know perfectly who the eldest of your children is. Not only you two but I also suspect that you had help. I made enquires at the Hospital and the day the Twins were born, there was no surgery…" – Hiashi was glaring at his nephew, but Neji remained stoic and emotionless. And the older Hyuga continued:
"I understand your feelings and I can't blame you for trying to protect your children. I can postpone the heir indication, but only for the next four years. I'll lure the council and they will have to accept because the Caged Bird Seal can only be applied on children older than four. This will be your deadline to find a solution or tell the truth and accept the consequences…"
"Hiashi-sama, What if I adopt the second child as my own? Can you avoid the placement of the Caged Bird Seal?" – Natsume asked.
"Even if we remove the second born to your family, it is still a potential heir. Besides, the Caged Bird Seal has to be marked in every Branch House member born with the byakugan, no exceptions." – Hiashi was serious and, somehow, Neji knew his uncle would follow the rules.
"That is so unfair…" – Natsume had a sad look on her face.
"In other words, you are giving me time to think on something to save my child?" – Neji was more practical.
"Yes. Find your way out of this, if you can…"
The three remained silent for a second, and then Hiashi rose from his chair and said:
"Another thing. From tomorrow on, you'll be helping me in my duties as Leader. I expect you punctually at eight in the morning."
"Why me and not Hinata?"
"You will twenty in two years. I'll prepare you to be Hinata's counselor; something like a prime minister."
"I see…"
"Niisan! Your bath is ready!" – Hinata walked inside the kitchen and froze as she noticed the awkward atmosphere. – "A-Am I i-interrupting s-something?"
"No, daughter. I'm leaving. See you tomorrow. Good evening, Natsume-san."
Neji exchanged an inquisitive look with his mother and she simply said:
"He is buying you more time… Well, I'm leaving too. Must see how mother is doing."
When Hiashi and Natsume left the apartment, Hinata asked:
"Is something wrong, niisan?"
"Nope. I'll take my bath, now. Are the kids sleeping already?"
"Yes. Both sleeping like angels!" – And she gave a cheerful smile, oblivious to all arrangements made before.
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Later that evening, Neji was sat in the bed, filling the report from the previous mission. Hinata was checking her image on the mirror.
"I think I'll cut my hair short again…It is easier…What do you think, niisan?" – She looked him trough the mirror reflection.
"Are you talking to me?" – He only stared her, without changing his position at all.
"Yes! Do you think I should cut it short again?"
"Are you asking me about hair cuts? Give me a break, Hinata-sama! Look at me and tell if am I the right person to talk about hair cuts?" – He tried to sound impatient, but the joking tone was undeniable.
"Understood, niisan!" - Hinata giggled and continued to analyze her body in the mirror.
"Oh. It is so sad. My body has not recovered from pregnancy yet…"
Neji ignored the statement and continued to write the report.
"It has been four months, but my belly is still flabby, my hips are larger, and my breasts…oh my so b-big" – she was sighing while scanning her figure. At some point, her sighs got on Neji's nerves and he raised his head and stared her
"Hinata-sama, we'll resume our trainings on the following days so your flabby belly will be flat in no time. You hips are larger because you gave birth to twins, you couldn't expect less. Besides it is imperceptible! As for you breast, for Gods sake woman! You have as much milk as… the milk way! Continue breastfeeding the little devils and you will see you breasts return to normal! But give me some rest to finish this report! – Neji had no longer the joking tone. She bowed her head and started to poke her fingers.
"y-You t-think s-so? P-People s-say t-the b-breasts n-never r-return…" – Hinata was clearly depressed about her new measures.
"I wouldn't mind…" – Neji, distracted, made words from his thoughts. Hinata heard and blushed achieving 'red magnitude 13'. He, when realized what had done, blushed too. To avoid her ashamed look, he diverted his eyesight, to his papers.
"Wouldn't y-you m-mind r-really, niisan?" – She sat close to him on the bed, still red and poking fingers.
"I-I …." – He was embarrassed, and decided to change the subject – "Can you stop this stupid habit? It is getting on my nerves!"
Hinata hid her hands on her back, gazing him eye wide.
"That is better"
Neji was filling another form when suddenly Hinata placed a peek on his lips. Now it was his turn to become 'red magnitude 10'. Her face was still close, feeling his breath, his sandal scent.
"Why have you done that?" – He asked puzzled.
"I I f-felt l-like k-kissing y-you…" – she was avoiding eye contact, red like a tomato.
"Oh…You…ahem…may continue…." – he said placing the reports on the floor.
Hinata timidly kissed her husband, increasing the passion and boldness of her kisses as he returned her caresses. Soon, they were kissing fast, claiming each others mouths, savoring lips and tongues. Hinata was sat on Neji's lap, holding his face on her hands and pressing her body against his. Neji's hands traveled on her back, long hair, hips and legs. He tossed her on the bed, pressing her body with his weight. The kisses continued, now tasting necks, ears, eyelids and foreheads.
They stopped to regain breath and Hinata suddenly pushed Neji from over her body, rushed to the turn off the lights.
"Why did you do that?" – He asked, angry for having to hold his needs.
"I I I d-d-don't w-want y-you to s-see m-my b-body …."
"Silly woman…Come here and finish what you started!" – He pulled her closer and Hinata tripped, falling facing the bed. Both laughed.
Neji lifted up a little her shirt, exposing her tattoo – Freedom of Heart – and kissed it, caressing her hips with one hand and her back with the other. Hinata moaned and whispered his name. The kisses traveled trough her spine, moving to the back of neck and her jaw line, ending on her lips again.
Hinata turned her body to face Neji, and placed her arms around his shoulders. Their kisses were more and more ardent; the heat of their moves was achieving an unbearable lust and desire. He removed her clothes with an amazing skill, touching her bare skin in all places his hands could reach. She clumsily and shyly removed his shirt to kiss his muscled chest, always looking in his eyes for any sign of disapproval. Of course he showed none.
As their needs became more urgent, he removed his pants and positioned his leg between her thighs. Hinata placed one leg on his back and the other was bent, with toes rubbing his leg. It was longer possible to hold the desire and so he moved his manhood inside her. Their bodies moved rhythmically, like a slow dance, adjusting the harmony of their heart beats.
And the dance became faster as passion and lust emerged in every kiss, touch and sweat drop. Soon, they were no longer thinking, just feeling. Faster, and he pressed his weight over her. Faster, and she buried her nails on his back. Faster, and he, always so reserved, was groaning at every move. Faster, and her shyness was gone as her lips and tongue explored his mouth. Faster, closer, but never enough to fulfill their inner desire for amalgamate their bodies and fusion their souls so alike and so different, like ying-yang.
And crying each others names, they reached the limit, relaxing, closing their eyes and joining their foreheads; letting the sweat run down; catching the breath.
Hinata recovered first, opening her eyes, removing the fallen hair from her husbands face, and placing a chaste kiss on his forehead – on his seal. Neji opened his eyes as felt the kiss, and what he saw was not the sixteen year old woman, but the three year old little girl he once knew. He smiled, it was long time since he last saw that Hinata, the one he swore to protect.
Hinata never lost track of the four year old boy that defended her; but that night he was closer again.
Embraced and tired (more than before), they slept.
Only to wake up a few hours later with their son's cries.
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Neji arrived at Hiashi's office ten minutes later than expected. The Hyuga Leader frowned and said:
"I hope this will be the first and the last time. Sit."
Neji nodded, and sat as ordered.
"We must check some neighbors' fight in the Branch Area, first."
"Yes, sir" – Neji wondered if he would be Hiashi's office boy.
The whole morning the older man talked about Hyuga history, politics, Konoha's history and Juuken techniques. Neji already knew most of what Hiashi was telling. Unlike Hinata, he always studied the clan in deeps.
He felt a bit frustrated to lose all his morning in that stupid office. He walked to the Manor's main room and dialed the apartment number on the phone.
"Moshi-moshi.?" – Hinata's voice came from the other side.
"Hinata-sama, It is me. Is Hikaru feeling better?"
"Oh! Neji-niisan! No, Hikaru-chan's fever is still high. I I'm g-getting w-worried…"
"Humgf. I'm going to have lunch with Gai sensei and my former team. After that, we'll spar a little. Gai asked my help to train Lee and Tenten for the Jounin Exam next week. Do you need me to buy some medicine for him?"
"Yes. And bring more diapers too, please. And t-talk w-with Shizune-san about Hikaru's condition"
"Ok. In case you need, we will train on Area 8 today." – hanging the phone, he left the Manor and the compound.
At the ramen shop, Neji, his sensei and former team were waiting for their orders. Lee was talking about the Jounin Exams all the time (it was a clear sign of his preoccupation). Tenten was quiet, staring her hands. And Gai was saying that their youth would conquer all their fears! Sunshine and the sea appeared behind him as he was making his speech.
"Tell then Neji! How your youth and brave heart managed to defeat your enemies and evaporate your fears! – Gai said with tears in his eyes.
"Yes! Oh my esteemed rival and friend! Tell us your secret!" – Lee said, also crying.
"He will tell nothing. Take a look!" – Tenten was smiling and pointing at her friend. Neji had his right arm elbow leaned on the counter and his head supported by his hand; he was sleeping like a baby. – "He has been defeated by two little babies."
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Hikaru and Hokuto first trip out of the Hyuga compound was to Konoha Stadium, to watch the Jounin Exams (even though they hadn't the slightest idea of what it was). Of course, the cute 'Hyuga Twins' as they became known were a show apart the fights.
In that Exams, Lee, Tenten, Chouji (who did an awesome fight) and Naruto (who passed in the Chunnins Exams a month before) managed to get their jounin rank. Kiba and Ino failed again.
Neji was congratulating his friends. Shino and Hinata, carrying the babies' stroller, were comforting Kiba and Akamaru.
"Geez. I don't know why I did such a lame fight!" – The Inuzuka was really upset.
"Your adversary was strong, Kiba-kun." – Hinata was holding her friend's hands between hers.
"Don't worry. Since Hinata can train again, we three will train together so on the next exams, you two will pass for sure!" – Shino said in his monotone. However, his words calmed the upset boy's heart and filled with hope the young woman's.
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It was Naruto and Sakura's godparent day, but that afternoon, for the first time, Sakura couldn't come due to Hospital duties. Naruto was with Hinata in the apartment, babysitting.
"Hey, Hokuto-chan! Look: I'm Mr. Sunflower!" – he was hiding his face behind the ugly doll and making a funny voice. Hokuto was laughing, showing her toothless mouth.
Hinata was close, holding Hikaru, and smiled.
"Naruto-kun, y-you a-are g-good w-with c-children!" – Being alone with Naruto was something she always desired, but now things were quite different.
"Yeah! Living with Ero-Senin and Sasuke gave me this ability!" – he was still playing with the doll – "She likes a lot this Mr. Sunflower, ne Hinata?"
"She does. Neji hates it."
"Why? I think it is kind of cute…"
"Who knows? N-Neji-niisan i-is t-this w-way…." – she was wondering why Neji never played like that with the babies. Not that he disliked the kids, but he was always so serious…
"Good things worked out between you and Neji." – Naruto said, with a blank expression – "You know, that day, on the Festival, when we discovered about the arranged marriage and all, I thought that you two would never put up with the pressure. But you did. Your marriage is envied by a lot of people in Konoha! I hope I have the same luck…"
Hinata wondered what he meant. During her whole life she wanted so much to be the one to make Naruto happy. Deep inside, she felt guilty for still wanting it.
"You are g-going to f-find s-someone you l-love, N-Naruto-kun" – she said; and the words hurt like swords her heart: to find someone…I'm right here! Look at me! I'm here!
"I…already found." – He told, in a low tone, like telling a secret. Hinata froze, afraid to hear his next words. He never noticed her apprehension – "I love Sakura-chan. I want to make her happy".
Hinata sat on the couch as her knees were trembling. Her breath was short, her heart was beating fast. And Hikaru moved a little in her arms somehow feeling his mom's restlessness. Hinata's voice failed when she spoke:
"S-Sakura-san? D-Does she knows?"
"Not yet! But I will tell her, soon! There is no need to be afraid, right?" – He moved to sit next to her on the couch, holding Hokuto in his arms. Hinata wanted so much to engrave that little scene on the couch in her mind, imagining that it was her real family. Naruto taking the place of Neji.
"B-But you m-must be s-sure a-about your f-feelings,…before t-tell her" – it was rather selfish to confuse his mind, but her young heart wanted him to be hers only, or nobody else.
"I'm sure about my feelings. It is not a stupid crush, you know." – He had that confidant expression on his face.
And then, gazing his eyes and feeling his pure intention, she said:
"So tell her. Tell, before it is too late. We never know what kind of surprises life reserves." – tears began to form in her eyes.
"Hinata-chan? Are you ok?"
"…I'm…..I'm f-fine, Naruto-kun. Go tell her, today if you can! Go! I'm ok!" – she wanted to be alone.
Naruto placed Hokuto on the portable crib and came closer to Hinata.
"What is the matter? Did I say something wrong?"
"N-No…P-Please, I'm f-fine. Go."
Naruto cupped her face and cleaned her tears. She was still trembling, and now blushing.
"Are you really Ok, because if you aren't I can stay here longer, until Ne.."
"I love you." – she said, fast and urgent, and regretted a minute later.
"What?"
"I I l-love y-you. I l-love y-you s-since the A-Academy d-days…."
"But…What about Neji?" – He was puzzled. Naruto wanted a hole to dive in.
"I l-love h-him t-too, b-but it is d-different…" – she was more confused than before.
"Hinata-chan. I like you…as my friend. A dear friend or else I would have never told those things to you. But Neji is my friend too. And I know he cares about you…in his twisted way…but he does."
"I I k-know…or I t-think I d-do, he n-never s-shows his f-feelings…"
"Thank you for loving me. You're a wonderful person and I whish all the happiness for you, Hinata-chan. You don't deserve a failure, you deserve a genius and you have one". – Naruto stood up and left the apartment.
Hinata was still crying and holding Hikaru when Neji arrived.
"What happened?" – He demanded to know.
"I I t-told h-him…." – and started a desperate cry.
Thanks for all the reviews!
Probably the updates will takelong now that my college classes re-started! But I'll try to keep the rythm.