Hiiiii! Thank you for those people who still read this and left some comments on the previous chapter. I love you, minna-san!
I don't really know if you would like this chapter, because this is much slower than the other ones. This chapter also only focused on Hime, soooo. HAHAHAHA
Oh! Oh! Did you know that I am writing this chapter while I am binge watching Naruto. I'm currently at the 'Search for Tsunade' Arc. HAHAHAHA.
Anywaaaay, I don't own anything, except for the idea.
Enjoy!
Perfect 13
"He wants the child gone, Sakura," she was crying over the phone. Her husband just walked out on her. She cannot stop the tears from flowing. Her chest is constricted in pain. Her doctor just held her hand as she talked to Sakura on the other side of the phone.
There was a pause on the other side of the phone, "What do you mean? You're pregnant?"
"Yes, and he wants the child gone, Sakura," her tears streaming down her flushed face. She felt like her whole world crumbled down on her. She thought her husband would understand, but he left her. He left.
She woke up, with tears in her eyes. It is the same dream. It has been three years since the last time she dreamt of that dream, but until now she still cannot understand what that meant. She looked at her daughter, sleeping soundly. How could he even say that to me, to get rid of our child? She couldn't even entertain the thought in her mind. Her husband must be a terrible person for asking her that. She caressed her child's face, your father must not have loved you, but I do love you so much and I will fight for you. And that's a promise, Hima-chan.
Well, that's what she believes in; that her husband doesn't want her child that's why she ran away from home, and she had an accident that caused her to lose her memories. For four years she woke up from her coma, that's what she believed in. That's the only thing she knows.
She knows for certain that she would always choose the safety of her daughter. Every loving mother would have done the same. No matter what happens, she will always choose her child over everything else. She will protect Himawari with her own life. Maybe it is a blessing that I lost all my memories, to forget all the bad memories, she realized.
Although, there are times that she can still see images from her past, like someone calling her "Hime", that's how she knew her name. Or that memory of her husband walking out on her upon knowing her pregnancy. That dream had always bothered her, it seems like it was telling her how terrible her life has been before her accident. She wasn't even sure now how she really got into comatose? Some itching thought crossed her mind. Maybe he wanted me and our child gone? If that's the case, then he must be a very terrible person. I don't think I could ever forgive him. How could I even marry such a person? Anger crept inside her. She tried to control it; it was all in the past. It is better left forgotten. But she knows with this dream coming back on her that something is about to happen.
She kissed Himawari's temple before preparing to open her bread house. Their home is a two-story house, only enough for her and her child. It has enough space for a single bedroom and a comfort room and a small shower upstairs, while downstairs is her kitchen and a small bakery.
She started preparing earlier because of her nightmare. She lacked enough sleep. This might cause another headache later. Why did she even dream of that again, she thought she was passed that. She thought she was free from her past. What is happening?
She opened her window and looked outside. She breathed in and just appreciate the beauty that is in front of her. This is one advantage of waking up early, she got to enjoy nature's bliss without any interruptions of other boggling thoughts. The dawn is already breaking, the mist still hangs in the air, she can smell the fresh flowers in her windows and her front yard. Sunflowers, lilies, jasmine, tulips, daffodils, and irises. This is my life now. This is our life now. She went downstairs to brew a cup of tea and start baking for her store.
She was sitting at her kitchen as she sipped a cup of tea. She had always loved the taste of tea, and she cannot really drink coffee. Her cardiologist told her not to drink any caffeine. It's her heart. Although she had her heart operation four years ago, she cannot take any risk. She still has no memory of the past, she needs to be more careful or Himawari will suffer alone if she dies because of any heart complication. She, at least, have to find any family member that could help them if the time comes. Except him. I will never ask for help from him. I don't need a terrible man for a husband.
She doesn't even know if she still has a family other than her husband, who until now has no face in her dreams. Although, she can recall a person named Sakura. The same dream always has that name, Sakura. But that name is too common. She has no other lead. As much as she wants to look into her past, she doesn't know where to start. She woke up in this foreign land with no memory of her past and no clue that would even help her, except maybe for her child, Himawari. But, that's a very long shot, as Himawari looks exactly like her, except for her blue eyes.
She was lucky enough to wake up after six months of comatose, as she had already given birth to Himawari through caesarian section. Shortly after that, she had her heart operation. She was indeed lucky, she might have lost her memory, but she was given a new life and a baby she could be with forever.
It was months after she had given birth that she started having those nightmares, or flashbacks from her past. But, she doesn't know why it has to be like that. And there are no other memories aside from that.
She sipped her tea again before she stood up and started baking. She was moving back and forth in her kitchen and store to display the pieces of bread she was baking. This became part of her therapy, as much as it helps their survival. She had always loved baking and cooking, that at least she knows. She was lucky Aunt Konan and Uncle Yahiko helped her start this little shop.
She lost track of time and she was on her fifth goods that morning when she heard the bell rang. Oh, my first customer. She washed her hands, removed her apron, and straighten up her hair and dress before she went out.
There is a man looking at her baked goods. The man has short blonde hair and broad shoulder. She can't help but stare at the man bent over as she sized him up. He actually has a nice physique. She caught herself staring, and she pinched her cheeks! Goodness, what am I doing?
"I'm sorry, I was busy inside," She might have startled the man in front of him for he looked at her wide-eyed. She just smiled as she realized who the man in front of her, "Oh! It is you again, mister. What a small world!" He is the same man who found Himawari when they were at the airport yesterday to fetch her Aunt Konan and Uncle Yahiko, "where are your wife and kid?" she asked when she heard no response from the man.
The man looked bewildered for a split second, before she heard him mutter under his breath, "you are my wife."
She stopped breathing, Wife? what is this man saying? Does he know me? Was he someone from my past? She managed to smile a little and tried to regain her composure. "Do I know you?" she asked instead, waiting for him to explain, but she saw him flinched a little.
The man in front of her was just staring wide-eyed at her, and as if someone woke him up, he blinked a couple of times, and said, "Yes. I'm Naruto Namikaze, your husband," he said in a voice so low that she even had trouble grasping what he had said.
"Husband?" Hime confirmed, she was confused. Sure, she had thought millions of times that she might really be married, with her ring and Himawari as a constant reminder of her past, but she did not expect to see someone-a stranger-to suddenly appear in front of her and tell her that he is the husband. Naruto Namikaze? But, she cannot even recall him! Of course, you wouldn't, dummy! You lost your memories, remember? She berated herself.
Hime felt a sharp pain inside her head. She winced a little but did not mind it as she focused her attention to the man claiming to be her husband. But wait! What bothers her most is the recollection that this person has a woman with him yesterday as well a child that is his carbon copy. That was his family! What is this man insinuating? She refused to believe what this man is saying, if he really is her husband, then he should not have a child, who is older than Himawari, with another woman who is clearly the mother of the kid, unless she is a mistress. No! She will never be a mistress! "you must be mistaken," Hinata said, trying to be calm even if her insides are a puddle of goo, "I am not your wife." And if she really is, what a terrible man he is to actually have another woman in his arms with another woman's kid. A pain crossed her head again. What is happening?
"But you are!" The man insisted, raising his voice a little.
She just stared at him as she drowned in the depths of his blue eyes, Himawari's eyes. But the spell was broken between them when someone entered the shop.
"Hiya, Hime!" Karui was wearing her usual smile as she approached the counter, "I will have the same, Hime."
"Good morning, Karui-san," she smiled, totally ignoring the man who was just looking at her. She grabbed the usual order of Karui as they make small talk. As she finished preparing the items, Karui bid her goodbye with a knowing smile as she returned her gaze at the blonde inside the store. "Thank you, Karui-san!"
"Do you have something you like now?" Hime asked, referring to the fresh baked goods separating them. She refused to be affected by this man's presence. Hime tried to focus on the job at hand, but it seems harder when this man is concerned.
"You." Despite her embarrassment, she felt her cheeks heated up. What a vulgar man! She swallowed the obvious lump in her throat which must have been noticed by this man, Naruto. Why did the air feel so heavy all of a sudden? She did not speak of anything until he cleared his throat and showed her a very bright, familiar smile, "sorry, I mean you can decide what to give me." She felt her knees buckled with his smile. This is the first time that she actually felt attracted to a man. An irritating, terrible man, for that matter. What a poor choice, Hime.
Hinata's left brows raised at the clear avoidance of the topic, she smiled before saying, "how about some bun for you, it tastes good with ramen. Ham and cheese for your son, and a bagel for your wife," she said mindlessly as she looked at her display. She didn't notice the way Naruto's eyes widened or how he smiled that bright smile of his, "would that be good?"
"I knew it," he mused, "you are my Hinata."
Hime couldn't understand the man anymore. He is really acting weird, mumbling words that only he can actually understand. He kept on insisting something that she knows has no ounce of truth about it. She just shook her head and instead of answering him, she just bagged the items she mentioned and gave it to him, also telling him the total price.
Naruto kept his bright smile pasted on his face, "I will be back, Hime," he said with conviction, "and I will make sure you will stop pretending not to know me. And that's a promise, believe it!"
Before she can even reply, the man was out of her store, without paying what he bought. Wow. He just left. Without paying. Wow. She can't believe what happened. She didn't know if it is his sweet smile, or her attraction to the man, that made her lose all rational thoughts in her. Wow, just wow. She shook her head. This became even more confusing for her. Her mind tells her how she doesn't know him, but her heart felt familiarity.
She has something to think about later. A lot of things are starting to bother her.
After that interaction with the weird guy, who claimed to be her husband, her store became busy with people buying bread for their breakfast. She was busy attending to her customers that she didn't notice the time passing by. It was already 9:00 in the morning when Himawari woke up.
Her little baby is just 4 years old, and she was already attending classes in the nearby kindergarten every morning. But today, she let her sleep in as it is the weekend. Their life for the past years they spent in Mizugakure had been peaceful. She was helped by her Aunt Konan and Uncle Yahiko to get on her feet after she was released from the hospital.
She knows that the two were not really her blood relatives but they were good enough to help her and her child. Dr. Yahiko Ame was her cardiologist and Dr. Konan Ame was her Ob-Gyne. Because she has no records and she was only brought to the hospital with nothing but her clothes and ring, they cannot identify her. Based on Konan's story, she was found in the shoreline of one of the beaches in the city. She was still breathing-no matter how faint it was-as she was wearing a floating device. Nobody knows where she is from or what happened to her. The only clue that they have is her ring and the clothes she was wearing. They figured that she is at least a middle-class or someone rich to afford the clothes she was wearing. But, that's it.
Hime looked at the descending image of her little flower as she rubs her sleepy eyes. "Mom, I'm hungry." She smiled and tended to her child. She prepared her food as she let Himawari shower and brush her teeth.
She didn't notice the time as they were both busy cleaning up the kitchen when she heard the bell rang again from the storefront. She hurriedly picked up Himawari and they both went out. She gasped in shock; he is here again!
"Oh, you are here again," Hime stated, a little shocked by the presence of the blond father and son, "it was quite a surprise, Namikaze-san."
"Please, just drop the formalities, Hime," Naruto smiled softly, "just call me Naruto."
"I understand, Naruto-kun," Hime said, returning the smile, "but what can I help you with? We only sell bread, we do not offer meals for lunch," Hinata explained as she settled Himawari down. She saw Naruto smiled at her faintly before turning to Himawari.
Naruto looked at Himawari with a soft smile, then he turned his gaze back on her, "actually, my son and I would like to invite the two of you for lunch," Hime was speechless for a second, lunch? What does he want? "you see, we know no one here, aside from you. So?" Naruto said, convincing her as he tilts his head a little. Well, technically Hime doesn't really know him. She just saw him twice in her entire life: yesterday at the airport and earlier today here at the bakeshop.
But, before Hime could even reply, Himawari started tugging on her dress, "Mama, I want to eat in that new Ramen shop!" Himawari squealed excitedly, "please, Mama! Please! Anko-sensei said that their Miso Ramen is so, so, so tasty!" Himawari told them animatedly.
Hime could only exchange looks with Naruto before shrugging. Well, she also wants to try that new ramen shop, "Okay, we will go with you, but we have to close the house first. We have to open later this afternoon for afternoon treats," Hime explained, "Oh! Is ramen okay with you?" she asked, as if just remembering to have their opinion.
"YES!" the three blue-eyed shouted in unison. Hime could only just shook her head with a faint disbelieving smile on her lips. They are all so alike, she realized. She thought that she might also Naruto-kun about his association with her in the past, if there really is.
Naruto helped her closed the shop. They finished cleaning up first before they head down. The Ramen shop was called Ichiraku Ramen, if Hime could remember correctly, that shop was a new one and it has originated from Konohagakure. Because of its quality and popularity, it started branching out to other countries, as well, and now they have it here in Mizu.
When they entered the Ramen shop it was already bustling with people eating and enjoying their conversations. They were lucky enough to have a seat, only after a minute of waiting. The four of them settled in a corner place with Hime and Himawari sitting together on one side and Naruto and his son in front of them. Hinata can clearly see that both Naruto and Boruto are excited. Although, she noticed that Boruto is quiet almost the whole time they were walking to the shop.
They all decided to have pork and miso ramen. As they wait for their orders, they all settled and there was nothing but silence. Naruto and Boruto were just staring at her and Himawari. Their eyes clearly showed mirth and longing, for what, she really doesn't know; and that's what she intends to know.
Sighing, it was Hinata who first spoke up, "so, what are you doing here in Mizu, Naruto-kun?"
Naruto smiled goofily and scratched the back of his head. This looks vaguely familiar to Hime, "we were actually on a month-long vacation. I missed spending time with my son here, Boruto."
Hime just smiled at Naruto before turning her gaze to the small blonde, "Hello there, Boruto-kun. How are you enjoying your vacation, so far?"
That was the first time Hime saw the little blonde actually smiled, he looks excited all of a sudden. She was quite shocked when Boruto started telling them his experience, "the airplane ride was so long and I got really bored, so I just slept and ate and slept again, but then Dad here doesn't want me to eat too much burgers, so I just had to settle for one, and I even want to try all the falvors, Mo-"
Before Boruto could finish his sentence, the server came and arranged their food. This made Boruto look so sullen but Hime's attention went to the food in front of her as she realized that she is already starving, "Hima-chan, blow your food first, okay?" Hime reminded her daughter, as she focused her attention to her daughter now. The earlier conversation totally forgotten, as they all started eating.
As fast as the food came, it was also how fast they finished it. Hime giggled at the look on the face of her three companions, they all look satisfied as they all leaned back on their seat and rub their bellies, "You are so alike," Hime observed, still with mirth in her eyes. It was then that she remembered about Naruto-kun's wife, "Naruto-kun, where is your wife? I haven't seen her yet since yesterday at the airport."
There was a look of confusion in the two blonde's eyes, before Boruto realized who she was referring to, "She is not my mom," Boruto answer instead, before Naruto could even answer Hime, "and he is not Dad's wife," he continued, pouting.
Hime felt embarrassed, she didn't know, she quickly apologized and said that she had no idea that the woman they were with was not any at all related to them. But why is she with them? And why does it look like she actually knows me?
"Well, technically, she is somehow related to us," Naruto supplied answering her unspoken question, "as she is my wife's cousin," a pause, "your cousin, Hinata."
"I am not Hinata," Hime insisted. Somehow, she is starting to get pissed with this. Yesterday, her life was peaceful with her daughter, and now someone barged in in their life claiming that he is her husband, "as much as I want to believe what you are saying, I cannot confirm anything you are claiming as I do not know you."
Hime saw the hurt in Naruto's eyes, but what really affected her was the look of disappointment in Boruto's eyes, "I know that what I did to you before was wrong, I was not really a good husband, but please stop acting like you don't know me," he pointed at himself, "or Boruto, you are hurting your own son," he said to her accusingly.
Hime cannot believe her ears. Boruto might be her son as Naruto might be her husband? But even if that's true, there are still a lot of things I have to consider. I just can't trust this man or whatever he is saying. Another jolt of pain crossed her head, "I am hurting you?" she lashed back, she doesn't deserve this accusation from this man, "I don't even know you," she tried to reign in her temper, she doesn't want to lose herself just because her head is aching and this man in front of her is irritating her to no end. "Namikaze-san, please my daughter and I would like to go now," she placed a bill on the table as she started getting up, picking up Himawari, "believe in whatever fantasy you want to believe in, but I am not your wife," she said, before adding, "at least, that's what I want to believe in."
What happened next shocked her, Naruto fall on his knees and cried, "Hinata, please, I know I hurt you before and I am really sorry. I am sorry, please come back to me. To us." Hime didn't know what to do as she saw tears flowing from the man's eyes, but she was confused as well. She didn't know this person, and what happened before, and what's worse is he is creating a scene. She felt than saw the unnecessary attention directed to them by the patrons of the shop, "stand up, Naruto-kun. We have to go now," she said instead and off she went with Himawari. She left Naruto on his knees and Boruto staring at the scene before him.
She really didn't want to leave them there but she was hurt with how Naruto accused her of hurting them. How could I hurt someone I do not know? She actually felt disappointed with her as she painted that sad look in Boruto's eyes. But, her head is starting to pound with what they kept on insisting.
That afternoon, she continued with her baking. Himawari was assisting her with designing the cakes and cupcakes they will put on display. She was both relieved and sad that Naruto did not show up that afternoon. She felt a little guilty for leaving Naruto and Boruto in Ichiraku in that state, but she also has to calm herself down first. Maybe tomorrow, they could talk.
"Mama, is that man with the yellow hair my father?" Himawari suddenly asked as they wear decorating the cupcakes. This is what I have been avoiding, my daughter getting confused over something she doesn't even know the answer to.
She doesn't even know how to respond to that, so she just said the most honest answer she could muster, "actually, I really don't know. Even your Mama is confused right now," she ran her fingers through her daughter's hair, "you know how Mama lost her memory, right?" Himawari nodded, "for now, we really don't know but maybe we can ask him tomorrow, okay?" her daughter just nodded.
She sighed again, and as she was about to return to what she was doing, she heard Himawari whispered, "it must have been good to have him as my Papa."
Hime was deep in thought that night. Himawari was already asleep and she was running her fingers through the little one's hair. This is the first time in five years that she really contemplated about her life in the past. Before, she never really bothered because she was too busy surviving and making a life for her and Himawari. Added to the fact of the memory that her husband doesn't want their kid, but how did we have two kids if he doesn't want one? What am I thinking, he is not my husband! Or if really, he is, then why now? After almost five years? And what about what he was asking forgiveness for? About not being a good husband? Did I really run away from him? What really happened?
She doesn't know what to think of, anymore. After she and Himawari left the two earlier at Ichiraku in that state, she doesn't think that he would still bother to come and talk to her. What I did was cruel. But then, she also needs an answer.
Am I ready for the answers?
She dialed Konan's number on her phone despite the time. Her Aunt answered on the first ring, "Hime, is there an emergency? What happened?" Konan asked in a worried and panicked voice. She really cannot blame her Aunt because it was just so unusual for her to call at this hour.
"No, Aunt Konan, we are fine," Hinata appeased her, "although, I need to talk to you about something," she tried to hide the nervousness in her voice, but she knows that she failed.
She heard Konan sighed at the other end of the line before she asked her "about what, Hime?"
"About me," she sighed, a short pause before adding, "I really don't know where to start, Aunt Konan," Hime desperately whispered but added nonetheless "there is actually this man who we've met yesterday who claimed to be my husband. And today, he-" she filled in her the details of what happened, from her interactions with him this morning, as well as their lunch, only leaving some minor details like her attraction to him, "but I just feel like he is a terrible person. I don't know if I can actually trust him."
Hime did not hear any response from Konan, but her breathing was an indication that she was still there, "trust is something you offer to someone who deserves it," Konan started, "I understand your predicament, Hime, but why don't you listen to him for now? He might be the key for you to know your past," she just waited, "I know how hard it must have been for you, but you also have to have the courage to face the past. We don't know how it has been for you. If your dreams would be our sole basis then you might lose more than you have already lost, but if really is true, then at least you could finally let go of that chapter in your life, completely" she was so deep in thought, trying to understand what the older woman was trying to tell her, "the point is, Hime, you have to start your future again and that is by facing the past that you have run away from."
There is a pregnant pause in the line. No one wants to bother each other's line of thought, but Hime already decided, "I understand. I will try to listen to what he has to say."
"Yes, try to listen, it is only then you could decide if you are willing to put your trust on him or not," Konan added.
"Thank you, Aunt Konan," Hime replied, grateful for the woman who had helped her and her child all this time.
"I only want your happiness Hime. Yours and Himawari's."
"I know."
They both bid goodbye after a while of catching up of some other things.
As she was lying beside her daughter, she had decided. She will give him a chance to say his side, only then would she face her past. With that in mind, she slept her thoughts away.
"I love you, my dear, and I always will," Hime touched the face of the person.
"Thank you, Hime," the mystery person replied.
Hime woke up the next day only remembering that part of the dream. It was uttered by a man. However, the man still has no face, but she knows that it is her husband. She can feel it. This is the first time that she dreamt of something else other than that dream of Sakura and her pregnancy. But, why now? What does that mean? Hinata stared blankly at the ceiling as she contemplated about the dream. She loves him. She loves her husband. Now she is even more confused about the discrepancy of her two dreams, which one is the truth? Was it her love for him, or his rejection of their child, or was it both? Then, he betrayed my love for him. She felt more disappointment cross her heart, but she remembered what her Aunt Konan told her, she needs to find her answers first, she needs to find the truth about her past before anything else.
The following day started almost the same, but she knows she is anticipating someone today, too. That blonde-haired man and his son; but with what she did to them yesterday, she doubts he would still want to do anything with her.
She was placing the newly baked buns in its basket. The sun is already high up in the sky, she was attending to some of her regular customers when someone came in. She felt her heart stopped and race again, but now faster than ever. He's here! She couldn't understand the excitement that crept inside her. She couldn't stop the smile and the relief that overflows her when she saw her.
The man waited for the other customers to leave before approaching her. She felt her heart sank when she saw the sad gaze of the man directed to the floor. But when he looked at her, he suddenly smiled, that genuine smile she's starting to love. Love?
"Hello, Hime!" Naruto smiled at her brightly, after what she did to him and Boruto yesterday? She can't help but smile back at him. He has that effect on her, his smile is too infectious, "I would like to buy the same as yesterday, but please do not add the bagel, no one will eat that at the hotel," he added as he scratched his nape, "and I would like to say sorry for what happened yesterday. I was out of line."
"NO!" Hime replied, panic in her voice, "I should be the one apologizing for what happened. I shouldn't have left you and Boruto in that state yesterday," she said softly and bowed her head "I'm sorry, Naruto-kun. Please forgive me," she raised her head after not hearing anything.
She saw him smiling at her, "It's nothing, Hime," he laughed, but she can hear the shallowness of it, the fakeness, and the pain, "I'm kinda used to it, really," now she felt even guiltier. She felt her heart tightened. He is used to it? What does he mean by that?
She just smiled back at him and thank him. After a while, she remembered that he actually ordered something. She hurriedly prepared the buns and the ham and cheese he asked earlier.
He paid the items he bought, "and I would also like to pay the bread yesterday," he added with a sheepish laugh, "sorry, I kinda forgot. I was so excited to have met you that it left my mind."
She giggled, so he just forgot "It's okay, Naruto-kun."
"Uhmm, ano, is it okay for me and Boruto to visit later?" He asked a little later which she just answered yes. "Great!" his whole face lit up as he smiled at her excitedly, "I'm off, Hime!"
He was about to leave when Hime called him, "A-ano, Naruto-kun!" he just looked back at her expectantly, waiting for her to continue what she was about to say. It seems like he knows her by the way he patiently waited for her, "A-actually, I-I want t-to t-talk to y-you," she mumbled, looking at her twiddling thumbs.
She didn't even notice how Naruto had a sorrowful smile painted on his lips. She was still playing with her fingers when she heard Naruto said, "sure, Hime," she looked up but just saw his backside as he bid her goodbye.
The moment Naruto left the building, Himawari also came rushing down to her. "Mama! Mama! Good morning~" Himawari smiled sweetly before kissing her at her cheeks, "I want some pancakes~" she singsong with her cute little voice. She kissed her cheeks back and smiled as she hugged her hard.
"Why don't you help Mama prepare, little flower?" Himawari excitedly rushed to the kitchen as she followed her child with a soft smile.
Later on, she started preparing for Himawari. She became busy after that when a flock of customers bought from their displays. She hasn't noticed the time; it was already noon. People are now in nearby restaurants to eat their lunches. She and Himawari were now sitting at one of the empty tables in her shop as they eat their lunch. It will take some time before people start coming again for their snacks.
It was some time later after they finished their lunch that Naruto came with Boruto in tow. She can clearly see the excitement in Boruto. She greeted them in front of the shop as she kneeled in front of Boruto and ruffled his hair, "hello, Boruto-kun, do you want some doughnuts?" she saw him teared up and hugged her tightly, she felt him sobbed in her shoulders. Though, she was a little confused, she just hugged him back and pat his head, "now, now, little one," he hugged her tighter as she caressed his head. It was some time before the little man pulled back and smiled goofily at her, just like his father, which she returned with a soft smile.
They all settled inside. Boruto started eating his doughnuts which she got him as Himawari showed him her toys. The two kids were laughing and enjoying each other's company. She then looked at Naruto who was also staring at the two. She grabbed the tray and brought it to the man. She placed the coffee and tea in front of them, as she also settled down.
"Thank you, Naruto-kun for agreeing to talk with me," she started.
He scratched his nape and smiled at her, "of course, Hime. What is it you want to talk about?"
She sipped her tea first, "I have a lot of questions, really," she paused, Naruto did not say a word so she continued, "and I want honest answers."
"I may be a jerk, but I am not a liar, Hime. You know that." And for some reason, she believed him. She just nodded and faintly smile.
"I know, Naruto-kun," whatever drove her to trust his words, she really doesn't know, but in her heart, she knows she could trust him with her life. After that realization, she felt more relaxed.
"So, your first question?" he tilted his head.
She swallowed the lump in her throat, "A-are y-you r-r-really m-my husband?"
"Yes, Hime. I am," he said with a straight look in his face, and she knows he is dead serious, "We've been married for eight years now."
"Eight years," she whispered, "can you tell me about our marriage?"
She saw the panic and pain crossed his eyes, but after sighing it was all lost, "Our story is not the typical love story there is," Naruto looked at her with that pained expression, "but that made it even greater. Now, are you ready?"
She gulped, there is no other way for her to know the truth than give him this chance. Ready or not, she must get through this, with him. "Yes."
She saw him reddened and laughed awkwardly, "Uhmm, I think we need to move to a more private space, Hime," she blushed at his suggestion.
"O-oh!" Her mind stopped for a while. What is it that happened in the past that is needed to be discussed in private, she faced the kids sitting at the other table, "Hima-chan, why don't you show Boruto-niisan your pressed flowers upstairs?"
Himawari excitedly nodded, and grabbed Boruto's hand as they both ran upstairs. She now then looked to Naruto who has a sheepish smile, "So, is this private enough?"
Naruto could only laugh so hard. She felt reddened with Naruto's laugh directed at her, but she can't help but laugh with him, "Yes, Hime," and he laughed again.
Their laughter subsided after a while. Now that the tension was lifted, she felt calmer now, I think I'm ready, "Go on, Naruto-kun. I'm ready."
"We've first met when we were children, although that part I have forgotten," he sheepishly smiled, "We really got to know each other in college at Konoha University. There was a party where we both got drunk and we slept together that night."
She gaped at him, dumbfounded, "we slept together?"
"I don't think you can handle the next parts, Hime," he teased.
"There's more?" she gasped, what else there is in the past that she must feel embarrassed about?
"Haha. Yes. We've actually been in a friends-with-benefits set-up until our parents decided to marry us off."
"Friends-with-benefits? They knew we were-" she gulped "engaged in premarital coitus?" She really can't handle this anymore, she engaged in premarital sex? And they were not even in a proper relationship. And their parents knew? This is too much.
"Coitus?" then he laughed so hard, "we've been married for eight years and had a lot of sex before, and you are still embarrassed to say 'sex'? Oh, I really missed you, my princess."
Hime felt her head throb. She can't believe her ears. She was open-mouthed the whole time he was laughing at her. Her head is starting to spin, I'm gonna faint, but she tried to control herself. But she can't seem to find any words.
"Don't faint on me, Hime," his laugh now subsided, "of course they didn't know. It's an arranged marriage forged to have our families and companies united," he supplied, "but eventually my mom learned that we were having sex before even getting married when she accidentally showed up at my apartment." Now, she just wants the ground to swallow her up. "Eventually, we got married before graduation."
She was deep in thought, trying to digest everything that he had told her, the good and the bad, "I do have a question, though, Naruto-kun."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"I always have a recurring dream. It's about me on the phone with Sakura and all I said was 'he wants the child gone, Sakura', was I talking about you, wanting our child gone?" She doesn't know if she will ever be ready with his answer, but before she could even prepare, he gave her what she seeks.
"Yes. It was me."
Thank you!