Hi, guys! And I thought I will not make it in time. With my thesis, my student council position, debating, and all the other things that's going on with my life. Anyways, here is the sixth update, as promised, because I don't go back on my words.

I want to thank all the reviewers by the way. I am just so sorry if I can't name you one by one anymore. Its because I don't have an internet connection, and I just have to use my free data. But, I just want to say that I am reading all of the reviews and it makes me happy that you are feeling what my I am writing. And I want to highlight one review about me being fast-paced, I am actually feeling the same way, that's why I tried to slow things a bit on this chapter.

And, of course, I own nothing than the plot and the idea.

And lastly, before you start reading, I want to ask: is it normal to cry while watching Naruto and Boruto even on the funny scenes? I just can't stop crying because I used to watch them with my bestfriend who just recently passed away, and I feel so lost without her. I feel like I lost my other half. So, somehow, writing this fic became my catharsis and my vent.

Anyways, enjoy reading! (8/10/17)

Both Hyuuga and the Uzumaki-Namikaze clans are gathered together to celebrate Christmas together. They were currently spending their time at the Hyuuga Mansion. Kushina was busy preparing dinner with Hinata and Hanabi helping out with the baking. The gentlemen were at the garden cooking barbecue.

Hinata was staring at the window facing the garden. She can see his father, cousin Neji, Minato, and of course Naruto. 'We are getting married in ten days'. Hinata felt disoriented. She doesn't know what to do. 'Am I already prepared for this? Can I become the wife he dreamt of?' Hinata is even more concern that Naruto is willing to do anything just to be noticed by Shion. To be acknowledged by the person he loves.

Naruto looks so calm and carefree in the presence of her father, which made her somewhat thankful. That is something that she cannot really do in the presence of her own father. That is why she feels more admiration towards her fiancée. She feels like she is falling more and more in love with him. Before it was just his eyes that she fell in love with, then his smile, and now everything about him makes her fall in love with him even more. Sure he might be cruel sometimes but she knows just how it feels to be in his shoes, after all they are in the same position. They are in love with a person that they had admired for years and that will never love them back; well, that was before. Now it seems like the woman he loves is starting to see him too.

"Hinata, dear, can you please bring the plates outside?" Kushina suggested and she only nodded in response. She brought the plates outside along with the utensils. As she approached the garden, she can hear the men talking and laughing. They are mostly talking about business, which kind of shocked her that Naruto was also participating with. She silently placed the dinnerware on the table and retreated.

As she was walking back to the kitchen, she bumped into Hanabi who was excitedly running towards their father. She could hear Hanabi asking permission from their father to celebrate Christmas with his boyfriend, Konohamaru Sarutobi. "But, don't worry dad. I'll be back on Hinata-neechan's birthday," which stopped Hinata dead on her tracks once again. 'I hope Naruto does not make a big deal out of it. I don't think I have already told him about my birthday'. She was still frozen on her place when Hanabi kissed her on the cheeks and greeted her Merry Christmas. She was only pulled away from her trance when Kushina tapped her on her shoulders and smiled at her. "Let's go, Hinata?" which she only responded with a nod, again.

Everyone was now on the garden eating barbecue and drinking. Even Neji and his long-time girlfriend Tenten was there to celebrate the holidays with them. Hanabi even came back with her boyfriend whom she introduced to their clan; although, she and Konohamaru left earlier because they still had other plans. Until midnight came and it was time for them to exchange gifts.

Hinata was sitting cross-legged on one of the benches eating grilled chicken when Naruto sat with her. "What do you want for your birthday?" he asked with that smile. His eyes full of sincerity.

She can only smile, "nothing really," she bite again from her food, "by the way, I have something for you." She grabbed from her back a small rectangular gift box, "I know you have always wanted the first edition of that book and your grandfather does not want to give it to you, so I asked your grandmother if I can have the first printed manuscript of it and she gladly obliged." Hesitation and nervousness was evident on her voice, "I-I hope you'll l-like it; and Merry Christmas, Naruto-kun."

Naruto quickly opened his gift and scanned through the pages. Hinata can clearly see the happiness from his eyes. It was shining with mirth and excitement that she felt giddy and happy too. Then he suddenly looked at her, "Hinata, thank you. I really appreciate this." And even with the presence of everyone, he kissed her on the lips. "Merry Christmas."

Hinata felt her face blush. She was so shocked that she hasn't noticed that everyone in the garden stopped what they were doing when they witnessed the public display.

"Oh! Oh!" Naruto realized excitedly, not caring that he just kissed his fiancée in front of their families, "I have something for you too. I have just noticed that you're getting thinner every time we are together, so I got you this gift certificate from Ichiraku Ramen. " He laughed shyly, and she smiled softly at his antics, "its unlimited ramen for three months. Maybe by that time, you've gained your weight."

Hinata flushed. I can't believe he wanted me to gain more weight. She cannot help but giggle by the hilarity of the situation, "Thank you Naruto-kun, I'll try to gain more weight in the next three months," and she kissed him on the cheeks and laughed when she saw him redden. And as if to prove her point, she took a bite from her stick of barbecue once again, which only made Naruto laughed even harder.

They sat there alone, a little farther away from everyone else as they talk about anything. This is the first time Hinata felt so much closer to him than any of their times together. "What are these marks?" Hinata asked Naruto touching his three whisker marks. "Oh! You don't have to answer if you don't feel like doing so."

He only laughed at her and kissed her open palms, "Nah. It's nothing private anyway so I'll answer you." He bit from the stick on Hinata's hand first and swallowed before saying, "I was bullied when I was younger. It was before we were even classmates in grade school. I was really rowdy when I was young, you know, that people doesn't like me, especially the older kids. So, one afternoon I was brought at the back of the building and five kids started punching me. Then there was the leader of the group, I think, that gets a sharp stone. The other kids held me while their leader scratched my face with that stone. Actually, I was lucky there were only six marks; it could have gotten worse if not for Shion who saw everything and called for the teachers." He smiled a little in reminiscent.

He fell in love with Shion even before we've met in grade school? And to confirm her thoughts she asked, "You really love her, huh?"

Without any ounce of hesitation he exuberantly answered, "Yes, of course!" and as if realizing that he was confessing his love for another girl to the person who loves him and also his fiancée, he explained briefly "Although, I really starter to like her when we were in high school. We were schoolmates in Suna High." He chuckled, as if remembering the moment he started to fell in love with the white-haired maiden. Hinata felt a twinge of pain crossed her heart. How can I compete with someone whom he dearly loves? And besides, I cannot take away his happiness from him, and if my cousin starts to fall for him too, then who am I to steal that away from them?

"Naruto-kun?" Hinata softly asked.

"Hmm?" he responded, not really paying his full attention to her?

"A-are you r-really s-sure that you want to m-marry m-me?" that was the only time he looked at her. Hinata can see the confusion and panic in his eyes, and before he even misunderstood her motives for asking, she briefly explained, "I mean, we can always cancel our wedding and you can marry Shion. Besides, this is our life; we are entitled to our freedom to choose what is best for us, and what will make us happy."

Naruto frowned, and Hinata already regretted asking him otherwise. "Hinata, we made a deal. And I thought you don't go back on your words; and you must know now that I certainly don't go back on mine. So, what's this?" She can feel the wrath oozing from Naruto. The earlier calm atmosphere between them is slowly turning dark. "You must know that I don't want to marry you but I have to go with my promise, and I expect for you to do the same, too. Besides, it's only a week now before we get married and everything is already settled."

She sighed. This is not what she meant and clearly not what she envisioned for their first Christmas together. "I just want you to be happy, Naruto-kun. But, don't worry I know where I stand, even if we're already married."

Hinata saw how Naruto visibly relaxed after hearing what she said, "Good. Now, let's not ruin this night by nonsense, okay?"

"Okay," she conceded, smiling softly at him. She felt even calmer when she felt him held her hand and rubbed her knuckles.

From the other side of the garden, they are vaguely aware of the happy looks from their parents. All of them approves of what they were witnessing, not really hearing what the engaged couple were talking about.

"I am so happy to see them together like that." Kushina shared to the two gentlemen with her, "I bet she, too, is glad to see that our children are looking so in love with each other." The two only nodded in approval, and they continued their talk of the upcoming wedding.

At around three in the morning, everyone settled down and went to their rooms. The Namikaze couples occupying one of the larger guest rooms, and Naruto openly declared to choose the guest room in front of Hinata's room, which made Hinata red and their parents raise their eyebrows. Nevertheless, Naruto was given the permission to occupy the requested room.

Since Hanabi was out with her boyfriend, Hinata and Naruto were alone on that wing of the house, since everyone was on the other wing. They were walking hand in hand as they walk to their private quarters.

When they were already in front of their rooms, Naruto pushed Hinata by the door and kissed her. Hinata responded with a moan. She reached for her doorknob and opened it. Naruto pushed her inside her room, still kissing her. As they neared her bed, he lightly pulled back from the kiss, "I love your gift to me and all, especially since I have always wanted it since I was young but I want you more to be my Christmas present." And he kissed her again, which she returned with uninhibited passion.

Naruto slowly pushed her to her bed and she does not know how it happened, but both of them were now naked. He kissed her earlobe that made her moan even louder. He moved his lips, kissing and licking her neck then her collarbones. His hands were busy touching her on her sensitive areas, one on her left breast and the other on her wet folds.

She heard him groan when he inserted his finger in her. And she can only moan in response. "I badly wanted to be inside you Hinata."

"And I need you, Naruto-kun." And with one more peck on her lips, he entered her. This is the first time Hinata felt Naruto so naked. Not in the literal sense but figuratively. She felt like she starting to know his soul.

Nothing could be heard from the room but their abandoned passion for each other. Hinata's moan every time Naruto kisses her, every time he sucked on her breasts, every time he thrusts inside her. And she can feel him weaken his barriers in his every groan as he thrusts in her. Naruto thrusts harder, and with a few more, they came together.

He kissed her. "Merry Christmas, Hime." She can only smile wantonly at him.

He was the first to fell asleep. She can only watch him peacefully sleep, as she thinks of everything he told her that night. He was bullied and he certainly loves her cousin. She felt her heart clench painfully. I can only love you in secret, can I? At least you are marrying me. Hinata touched his whiskered face. "I love you Naruto-kun. I hope I was the one who was there to save you; and maybe you can love me too." Her eyes watered as she snuggled closer to his chest. Hinata felt Naruto tightened his grip on her waist, "I love you, too." She stiffened and looked at him with wide-eyes. Sadly, he was just dreaming. At least I get to hear him say that to me, even in sleep.

It has been two days since the last time they have seen each other. Currently, Hinata was with Sakura and Ino in a café, when suddenly Temari and Tenten sat with them.

"Oh, here you are." Ino beamed, "I invited them here to celebrate your birthday. Although, this is not what I had in mind, but since you are already getting married in a week its better to have more girl talks."

"Besides, we thought you need some break from everything." Sakura added.

"So, tell me. How did Christmas went for you and Naruto after Neji and I left? I can clearly see how touchy you both are with each other." Tenten teased, which made Hinata yelp and put her tea down.

"I bet they slept together. Just look at how glowing she looks at the moment." Temari chuckled. Hinata just wanted for the ground to swallow her up from this embarrassing situation. All the girls laughed, expecting Hinata to faint, but she held her ground.

I guess this is the best time to tell them. Besides, I need their help on something. "Actually Temari, you are right." This made the girls stopped everything they were doing and just gape at her open-mouthed. And before her resolve leave her, she continued, "We've been doing so for the past three years. But that's not really important now. I need your help."

Being the medical student, Sakura was the first to assume "Are you pregnant?"

Hinata felt her eyes go wide as saucers "No!" She tried to make herself calm, before anyone could react further, "Naruto-kun loves Shion."

Everyone nodded as if not understanding where this is going, "we already know that, Hina-chan," Tenten reminded her.

"Yeah, I know." Hinata hesitated for a moment before Temari cut her off on what she is about to say next, "So he is using you to make Shion jealous?"

Hinata can only nod. She is already aware of that but hearing it comes from other people made her heart ache even more.

"What the hell?!" Ino cursed, "How could the bastard do that to you?" She can feel the cold wrath from Ino's voice.

Hinata heard Sakura sighed as well as everyone else from the table, "You don't understand" Sakura started which made the girls frown, and before Ino could open her mouth once again, Sakura stopped her to continue, "Naruto is afraid to be left alone." What? Hinata thought, what does that mean? "before you judge him for his choices, maybe you should listen first." Sakura glanced at Hinata, "I know that this might be hard for you, but in Psychology you are taught that childhood shapes a person, right?" Hinata cannot speak so she only nod, "Naruto, Sasuke and I were friends from long way back. We knew each other because Sasuke and mine's house were close from the orphanage Naruto used to live in in Suna." Everyone gasped including Hinata, he was an orphan? I don't understand. "You are well aware that the Uzumaki-Namikaze clan are so powerful right? When Kushina-san gave birth here in Konoha, Naruto was kidnapped and was brought to Suna. That's the reason why Hinata, you never met him as a child, and can only remember the matriarch. Naruto grew up too energetic and was often bullied by the older kids because of his personality. He has no friends, not even me or Sasuke because at that time I was afraid to be bullied too and Sasuke just doesn't care. It was Shion who was the first person to 'save' him, that's why he has this attachment to her. I am not so sure if it is love that he is feeling for her but I know that he admired her." Sakura briefly paused to sip coffee from her cup, "It was when Naruto was 7 years old when Kushina-san and Minato-san found him. That is when he transferred here in Konoha and met most of you guys, including you Hinata. But when Naruto can already make his own decisions, he decided to go back to Suna. He asked his parents if they can go with him, and at first they were living okay in Suna when Naruto was in middle school, but eventually they got busy with their business that they started to leave him, until they never came back when he was in high school. We were there when he started to lose all his trust on people, and the time that he lost his self. That was also the time that he met Shion once again, and they became fast friends; although, Sasuke and I do not really like her, no offense Hinata for your cousin." Hinata only nodded, not really finding it offensive, besides it was her friend's personal opinion, who is she to judge it, anyway? "It was only when Naruto entered Konoha U that he started to communicate again with them regularly; because before, they really had no time to do so because of work." Sakura paused again, "Naruto is afraid to be left alone, that's why he does not engage his self in romantic relationships. He can only give you physical attention, but he does not want to invest in emotional matters. That is also the reason why Naruto agreed to marry you Hinata, because he knows that you will never break your promise to him to not have any emotional attachment. And somehow it is also an escape from Shion, because he cannot commit fully, he can only love her physically and he can never be owned because he is already married to you, so there is no way that Shion would ever leave him that will shatter him." Sakura paused and chuckled which shocked all the girls, "It is Naruto's perfectly imperfect plan to guard his heart."

Somehow Hinata started to understand her fiancée. He was just as broken as her, or maybe even more. He was orphaned and bullied, this is just his way of coping. His defense mechanism. Hinata sighed, Maybe that is also the reason why he only wanted a physical relationship with me. Because it makes him feel safe and somehow a way to vent out all his frustrations, a catharsis, at the same time a way to protect his soul.

"Now, I can see why Naruto is such a jerk." Ino mused, sarcastically.

"Ino." Tenten warned, briefly glancing in Hinata's direction.

"I am just kidding. Somehow, I understand him." Ino paused, before realizing something and laughed dangerously, which made Hinata's skin hair stand. "Anyway, tell us about the three years you were sleeping with Mr. Foxboy." Ino and the girls laughed as Hinata reddens. But as calmly as she could, she tried to tell them everything, minus their private moments.

Hinata's day with the girls ended later than she had anticipated. When she returned home, she realized that everyone was waiting for her, including her fiancée and his family, their close friends including the four girls she was with earlier. This somehow made her eyes roll. Sneaky, madwomen.

Hanabi was the first to approach her, greeting her a happy birthday. This was followed by her father and cousin, Neji. Thankfully, her cousins on her mom's side weren't there, not that she hates them, but she just wants this day to be as intimate as possible.

Then she saw him walked towards her. "Happy Birthday, Hime." And in front of everyone else, he kissed her fully on the lips, which she returned unconsciously. If not for the squeals from their girlfriends, they would not have realized they were not alone. Hinata felt herself redden, and she hid her face on Naruto's chest. She heard him chuckle and he wrapped his arms on her waist. She glanced up at his face, "Thank you Naruto-kun." And she hugged him tightly, remembering everything she had learned about him. His past, his childhood that made him the person he is now. "I missed you," tightening her hug at him more. Naruto was confused by Hinata's act but chuckled, nevertheless. "I missed you too," he replied kissing the top of her head.

They heard someone cleared his throat, "Okay, that's enough lovebirds." Hiashi reprimanded. Hinata pulled away a little, but not really moving too far apart from her fiancée. Naruto, as if wanting the same physical attention, wrapped his arm on her waist, pulling her closer to him. "Let's have our dinner, shall we?" Hiashi announced to everyone.

All the guests made a beeline toward the dining area. Hinata and Naruto remained standing on their spot, greeting all their friends. "Hinata, dear, happy birthday," Kushina said, kissing her cheeks. "Happy birthday, Hinata. Welcome to the family, and always keep my son in line." Minato warmly hugged her briefly, laughing as he did so. All her girlfriends who greeted her teased her with their public display, which only made her more embarrassed and Naruto laugh.

When all the guests are settled in the dining, they also followed in, holding hands. As they were walking, Naruto leaned and whispered, "If I had known that being publicly touchy with you can be this good, I should just have dated three years ago," this made Hinata red to her roots, which made Naruto kiss her on the cheeks and laugh at her when she redden further, "Although, I also love our privacy and secrecy. It was exciting," and he laughed once again.

The dinner went by uneventful. Now their group of friends were sitting at the veranda with alcoholic drinks with them. Although Hinata only sip, not fully drinking, afraid that she might have an attack. All her friends started giving her their gifts. The girls including Tamaki, Kiba's girlfriend, gave her lingerie in different colors and styles which made her squeak and Naruto chuckle looking at her salaciously, as if saying that he can't wait to see for her to wear that for him. Shikamaru gave her a textbook required in one of her classes next semester, which only made Temari roll her eyes. Chouji gave her a coupon to a restaurant, making Naruto laugh and saying "even Chouji can notice you losing weight," which earned him a pinch and a smug smile from her. Kiba gave her a bag of dog food which confused her because she doesn't have a dog, and Kiba only shrugged when she pointed that out. And it started to get even weirder when Shino gave her a dog-leash, and Sasuke gave her a cage, and Sai gave her a carry-on bag.

"Okay, I really appreciate all of these guys, but seriously, I don't have a dog." Hinata explained, trying to comprehend the guys' gimmick.

"Well, you have one now." Naruto said beside her, as he handed her a Pomeranian-Husky, "Happy birthday again, Hime."

Hinata could not contain her happiness when she realized that she have her own dog now and kissed Naruto fully on the lips, which earned them teasing from their friends. "It's so cute! What's his name?" she asked Naruto, still smiling.

"It is yours, what do you want to call him?" Hinata knows that Naruto is aware of her fondness for dogs, that's why maybe she is giving her all the liberty to choose the pet's name.

"But, I want you to help me raise him, so you can maybe also suggest a name?" Hinata hesitated. She knows that this might make Naruto withdraw from her, but she was so happy when she suggested one.

"What about Kurama?" he kidded, Hinata knows it is from one of his favourite anime. And she can't find any better name to call their brown Pomeranian.

"Kurama is great!" Hinata agreed, "Hi Kurama-baby." And she giggled. She hadn't realized that Naruto was watching her intently. He softly smiled as he revels on her beauty as she cuddles their puppy.

Hinata thought that this was the best thing that ever happened to her that night. Receiving a gift from the person she loves, and what more, it is something she had always wanted. Ever since she was a kid, she had always dreamt to have her own puppy, but because of her condition, she cannot pet a puppy because it requires attention and she might need to run, and when she was younger, she wasn't allowed to do so. That is why she really loves Akamaru, Kiba's white hound. Now that she can now move around freely, she is just so happy that Naruto get her this gift.

However, Hinata was really in for a big surprise. She was cuddling her new pet when suddenly she heard her girlfriends gasped and everyone went silent. She does not understand what is happening and decided to ask Naruto, but the moment she looked back, she saw Naruto kneeling with an engagement ring; an amethyst, just like the color of her eyes.

"Hinata," Naruto started, "I know we've been together for three years in hiding, and we are just forced to marry each other because of our moms' promises, but I want you to know that I want to make this somehow right for the both of us." Hinata's eyes were wide as she heard Naruto sucked in his breath, "Hinata-hime, will you marry me?"

She does not know what is happening. Is this true? What about Shion? Is this just a game? I thought that we had an agreement? What is all of this? There are a lot of questions running in her mind; but she is happy, and she knows that there is only one answer on that question, "Yes, Naruto-kun. I will marry you." Naruto put the ring on her finger. He stood up and kissed her on the lips before hugging her hard.

All their friends congratulated them, as well as their parents.

Everything was perfect, until she heard someone said, "Hey Shion, his proposal is just so romantic, isn't it?"

"It is, indeed."