Ten-Ten wandered the halls of the compound that night, looking for Neji. She found him out at the gardens, gazing up into the pale moonlight. "Neji-kun…are you okay? You seem a little out of it tonight…" Neji chuckled and placed a hand to his forehead, now clear of the seal. "Well…I feel different, that's for sure…I can't believe she did that, Ten-Ten-chan…and now I'm…I feel…free."
Ten-ten walked up behind her husband and wrapped her arms around him, laying her chin on his shoulder. "Things have certainly changed Neji-kun…but I know Hinata knew what she was doing. You're going to make a fine clan leader, love." Neji smiled and said, "I just hope she and Naruto can keep this going…it'd be a pity to see her act for herself for once and then revert back to shy little Hinata."
Hinata moaned sleepily. She couldn't remember much…she saw her father fall to the ground…she saw Neji's mark disappear…Naruto fighting with her father…the memories suddenly flooded back and her eyes snapped open. She immediately shot up and found herself seated on the couch in Naruto's home. She was covered with his jacket for warmth, it must've gotten cold outside when he brought her home.
"Yes, Kurenai-sama, Hinata is safe. Neji said he would take care of Hiashi." Hinata's ears perked up at the sound of Naruto's voice, like he was speaking to someone. Hinata quietly got up and peeked into the kitchen. Naruto was on the phone and apparently talking to her sensei. "Kurenai-sama, I give you my word that I will take good care of Hinata-chan." He chuckled and bade the sensei farewell, hanging up the phone. Hinata quietly entered the kitchen and Naruto turned to face her, a smile gracing his lips.
"Well, well, the sleeping beauty has awoken. How are you feeling, Hinata-chan?" She smiled softly and said, "I'm f-fine, Naruto-kun…" Naruto saw the slight confusion in her eyes and he nodded knowingly. He sat her down at his table and took her hand in his. "Hinata-chan, what you did back there took all of us completely by surprise. And I know you did all that in a fit of anger towards your father, but…I just want to tell you how proud I am of you." Hinata blushed and said, "A-arigato, Naruto-kun…I w-was only doing what was right…" Naruto smiled and said even more enthusiastically, "That's exactly my point! You stood up for what you believed was right, no matter how much your father might have scared you! You've grown so much in these past few years, Hinata-chan…you should know that your friends are all behind you and are proud of the work you have accomplished. And nobody could me more proud of that than I."
Hinata smiled and felt a tear running down her cheek. When she thought about it, that's all she ever wanted… for somebody to be proud of her. Naruto stood up and had Hinata stand with him. "Hinata-chan, you are a smart, beautiful, talented woman and don't let anybody ever make you think otherwise. I love you." She gladly wrapped her arms about his neck and whispered, "I love you too, Naruto-kun…"
And as their lips came together in a fiery kiss, the Kyuubi chuckled in Naruto's head and said,
"Kid, you sure know how to pick them…"
