The Dinner
He was inside the courtyard for the first time. Usually he stopped at the main gate when he walked Hinata home but now he was inside and walking towards the very impressive home. Naruto had to work at not crushing the delicate flower steams and maintaining his grip on the bottle of sake. He was two steps from the porch when the door opened and he froze.
Hinata had been standing at the door for fifteen minutes watching for him. If she thought her father wouldn't have noticed, she'd have waited for Naruto outside. She wanted a few minutes alone with him before the 'action' started. Still she hadn't seen him because her eyes had been closed as she breathed and tried to slow down her heart. It was his steps on the path that had her jumping and sliding open the door.
Hinata stepped out and stopped in shock. "N-Naruto? Oh my!" Her mouth opened as she started at her handsome boyfriend.
Naruto grinned up at her, "Wow Hinata – you look great!" Hinata wore a formal kimono and sandals. It was white with lavender flowers on it – the same flowers he carried. "Looks like I'm going have to thank Grandma Tsunade for getting the flowers."
She dropped her eyes and blushed furiously. It was like time had turned backwards and she was too shy to move or say anything. The look in Naruto's eyes and his compliments were turning her to mush.
Naruto had to laugh. She was like the Hinata of old but his heart knew her to be much more. He walked forward until he stood just beneath her. "These are for you. You really look beautiful, blush and all."
"Thank you." She finally managed and took the flowers to smell them. "They're beautiful. You remembered my saying these were my favorite, didn't you?" Hinata smiled hugely when he nodded then reached out a hand to trace over his shoulder. "You look wonderful Naruto. This suits you."
They'd kept it simple and comfortable for Naruto. He wore black pants, like those one wore during training but they were silk. His shirt or jacket was a royal blue with silver trim tied with a matching belt. Subtle but elegant at the same time. He was not wearing his headband and his hair had been somewhat tamed but he still looked like Naruto, especially with the way he was smiling at her.
"Yeah? It feels nice but I'm scared I'll spill something on it and mess it up after Grandma Tsunade got it for me." Naruto had offered to pay for it even though it would have taken several missions to pay for the outfit but she'd insisted on buying it for him. "Don't be mad if I don't eat much okay?" He laughed but was half serious.
"I'm sure she won't mind." Hinata looked over her shoulder knowing that the others were likely waiting on them. "A kiss? For luck?" She asked softly.
Naruto looked surprised. "Here?" He too looked behind her to see who was watching but they appeared to be alone. "Maybe not a kiss-kiss, your father could show up but…" He leaned closer and pulled her cheek down to his. Her hand in his, his cheek to hers, they pressed close and held on drawing a measure of comfort to hold them for the next few hours.
Lord Hiashi watched them. He had planned to from the very beginning, to see them together in an unguarded moment. They were…cute and sweet together. It was obvious they were nervous and just as obvious that they cared deeply for each other. With Naruto, Hinata was a woman and Naruto seemed like a man. Well he would find out more about this man. Now.
Releasing his jutsu, he walked around the corner on silent feet then spoke to the almost embracing couple. "Daughter, did you intend to keep our guest on the porch all night?" Hiashi held back his laugh as they both jumped apart then turned red.
"F-father! Umm, Naruto!" She waved the flowers around then the hand clamped tight to his, pulled him clumsily up onto the porch. "Father I'd like to introduce Uzumaki Naruto. Naruto, my father Lord Hyuga Hiashi." Her manners settled over her like a cloak as she introduced them but her hand never left Naruto's.
Naruto's blood ran cold for a moment before Hinata pulled him onto the porch. He stumbled in the process and hoped he didn't look like a fool. In moments he was standing before the forbidding presence of one of the village's most famous/legendary clan leaders and more importantly, the father of the girl he loved. Vaguely he heard her soft cultured voice introduce him and in the back of his mind, wondered what in the world was she doing with him but lost that thought when Hinata stopped speaking. He took a deep breath.
"Nice to meet you Lord Hyuga." Naruto bowed deeply at the waist then slowly rose and held out the bottle. "A gift, for you. I hope you like it." Ha! I did it – well that part. And I didn't swallow my tongue or stutter! So far, so good.
Lord Hyuga was all in white with a robe thrown over his formal kimono. He was tall and lean and stood several feet over Naruto. He looked down on the boy with no expression for a moment watching. "This is sake I believe and from the shop where I buy my own if I'm not mistaken. You did your homework Uzumaki Naruto." He reached out and took the bottle. "Welcome to my home." Hiashi bowed slightly to the boy and allowed a small smile.
Hinata let out an audible sigh. She looked to Naruto who looked down at her with relief. "Shall we go inside, Father, Naruto? Neji and Hanabi are probably waiting on us."
"Neji?" Naruto questioned. This was the first he'd heard there'd be more than the three of them. Maybe things won't be so bad with more people around.
"Yes, it seems my nephew and young daughter are quiet curious about what may happen tonight and were invited so I wouldn't use the Gentle Fist on you."
Silence. Then he smiled. "Calm down you two. I was kidding."
They smiled nervously and Naruto moved to follow Hinata inside when Lord Hiashi spoke again. "Hinata, take this inside and put it on the table please. I'd like Naruto to join me for a few minutes out in the garden."
Hinata looked panicked. "B-but Father…everything's ready and the others are waiting… Father?" Her eyes begged him to stay and not to do anything to ruin this night.
He lost his smile. "Do as I say Hinata. We'll only be a short while, dinner can wait." Hiashi pressed the bottle into the girl's chest until she let go of Naruto and took it.
"Naruto?" She knew he wouldn't want to go and turned to reassure him. She was surprised to find a resigned look on his face, as if he'd been expecting this. He stood straighter and squared his shoulders.
"I'm looking forward to meeting your sister. We'll be back in a moment, okay?" Naruto raised a hand, gently touched her lower back and escorted her to the open door. "I'll be back." He promise quietly then went to the waiting clan leader and followed him.
Hinata stepped forward to follow but only got as far as that one step. She heard Neji approach speaking her name; she turned quickly to hide her face against his chest.
Neji grabbed her shoulders wondering what was going on until he saw Naruto and Lord Hiashi walking away from them in the moonlight. "They're just going to talk Hinata. Come on let's get your flowers in some water okay?" He held her at his side and walked her to the kitchen. What did Lord Hiashi have to say to Naruto before even allowing him into the house? What if he returns alone, without Naruto?! He hoped not for Hinata didn't look good now. What would she be like if Naruto didn't come back?
Naruto figured this would happen at some point but not right away. He knew Hinata must be wondering what was going on. She had no clue and he had no right to keep the truth from her, especially if it caused problems with her family. Hinata needed to be told who she was really dating.
Finally Lord Hiashi stopped, folded his arms inside his kimono and turned to look at Naruto. Feeling the need to do something, Naruto restrained himself by putting his hands in his pockets. He could feel his headband there and gripped it. He hadn't worn it but it gave him strength so he'd brought it along.
"You care for my daughter, I can tell but how do I know that you won't hurt her?" The question was blunt and right to the point.
"I would never hurt Hinata – she means too much to me to hurt her." Naruto said standing before Lord Hiashi meeting his gaze.
"I don't necessarily mean her heart; most people can get over a broken heart. I mean physically. You are the Nine-Tailed Fox. You kill, you destroy lives. I will not let you kill my daughter!" His voice lashed out like a whip.
Naruto's head jerked like he'd been hit. Everything in him wanted to yell out that he was not that damned fox but Iruka's face appeared in his mind. His words came to him telling him to be a man and Naruto calmed down. He gripped he headband with all his might before forcing out the words slowly. "I am Uzumaki Naruto. I am a citizen of the Hidden Leaf Village and I am a ninja in service to the same village. I happen to be the bearer of the fox spirit – not the fox itself. This is who I am Lord Hyuga. I haven't killed anyone…yet. I may have to do so one day to accomplish a mission but I haven't killed anyone. I haven't, to my knowledge destroyed anyone! I am human just as you are." With each word, Naruto's speech cleared and the pain left it. He stood before Hiashi and awaited the next accusation.
"But you've used its power. I witnessed that myself when you beat my Neji. I - !"
"Your Neji?" Naruto interrupted harshly. "He's yours now that you see how talented he is?! You branded him with a curse mark and treated him as if he were inferior to you but he out shines most of your clan! He has more talent and skill than… No, sorry. This is about me. You were saying?" Naruto backed off; this wasn't about Neji. He needed to stand up for himself to Lord Hiashi. Naruto took in a breath and turned to look at the fish in the pond.
Hiashi was impressed. Naruto defended and praised Neji while facing some damning accusations. "I was saying that you've used the fox's power and I'm sure that was not the first time or the only time. It's dangerous. What if you fail to control it someday? You could kill us all. Not just Hinata but you have friends as well, do you not?" Surely Naruto valued the lives of his friends.
"No. I wouldn't. I don't think that I could kill even if it took over. It would kill me first or I would kill myself before letting it use me." Naruto looked up at the moon but he saw the fox's evil eyes looking down on him. He would NOT lose to it! "Besides, you or rather the other shinobi of this village would kill me before I could harm anyone. I'm fifteen. You all have had sixteen years to plan how best to kill me if the seal should ever be broken. My life would end and Hinata and my friends would live. Only I would die." Naruto had never said these words aloud before but they'd been in his mind and heart since he'd graduated the academy. It wasn't supposition but a fact that he'd learned to accept.
Lord Hiashi dropped his arms in surprise. He hadn't expected any of that. Bravado, denials, weak promises but not the acceptance of death. Not the willingness to die to save Hinata and his friends.
"They don't know, my friends." Naruto continued quietly. "Guess I'm too scared to tell them. They've already defied their families to be my friends. I don't know if they could handle knowing what's inside me or…maybe I couldn't handle them knowing what's inside me." Naruto's voice was almost a whisper now but it carried to Lord Hiashi's ear. "I've been…lucky. They accept me now. I'm not alone anymore. I've got friends; I've even got a family…of sorts. Some know, some don't and yet it works." Without realizing it, he'd brought out the headband and was tracing the leaf pattern while still staring up at the fox's red eyes.
He felt a tear slid down his face and did nothing to hide it. "You should know I plan to tell her…soon. If she can't…if she can't be with me…then you'll never see me near her again. It'll hurt too much… So there – does that reassure you any or should I just go home now?" Naruto finally looked down and was surprised to see he was holding his headband. Quickly he stuffed it back into his pocket and turned to face Hinata's father.
Lord Hiashi watched as Naruto finally lifted a hand to wipe away his tears while never breaking eye contact with him. He didn't speak for a long time as they held each other's gaze. Naruto is in love with my daughter. The boy who is the bearer of one of the most dangerous spirits ever known - loved his first born child. And he's prepared to die to protect her and this village!
Naruto's muscles hurt as he waited and then Lord Hyuga moved closer until there were mere inches between them. The man's hands came up to rest on his shoulders. Is he about to toss me out? Is he going to use the Gentle Fist to kill me now?! He closed his eyes. "I do love her. I love Hinata." He waited for death.
Lord Hiashi squeezed his shoulders then he lifted one hand to rest it on Naruto's head. He brushed back the blond hair. "She picked a fine man to fall in love with." He smiled as Naruto's eyes blinked open. "I cannot say that I'm pleased that the man she loves comes with a fox spirit but I'd like to get to know the man better. You've shown courage and loyalty to me tonight. You've aged mentally so much more because of what's inside you so I suppose in some ways the fox has been of benefit to you." Lord Hiashi put one arm around Naruto's shoulder and led him back to the house. "I'll always be on the look out for the fox Naruto, I can't deny that. It is a powerful spirit, vengeful too but I have no objection to Uzumaki Naruto dating my daughter." He paused and laughed to see absolute disbelief followed by intense relief on the teen's face.
Naruto felt silly with more water running down his face but he couldn't seem to help it. "L-lord Hyuga! Thank you! It – it means so much to us that you accept us – me! I – wow, umm, wow." He finished at a loss for words. It was what they'd wanted but he hadn't really let himself believe anything good would happen tonight. Naruto pulled away and bowed deeply to Hinata's father. "I promise to always care and protect Hinata. Thank you again Lord Hyuga."
"You may call me Lord Hiashi Naruto. Come, my daughter has prepared a nice dinner for us. Let's enjoy it!"
"Yes sir!" Naruto agreed for suddenly he was very hungry.
"Where is Naruto? And where is Lord Hiashi?" The question was softly asked but there was an edge to it. Lady Tsunade stood in the beautifully laid out dining area. All three children stood before her stiff, hesitant and nervous. The flowers and sake Naruto had left with were on the table but there was no sign of Naruto.
"Umm, Lady Ts-Tsunade, g-good evening!" Hinata spoke barely above a whisper and she bowed to the Hokage. "N-Naru-Naruto is-is with F-father!"
Neji was at a loss. Hinata was already worried about Naruto and looked as if she could faint while Hanabi looked as if she were about to explode with excitement. Hanabi stood, her mouth open in shock and awe as she stared at Lady Hokage. It was obvious, her thoughts had nothing to do with Hinata or the dinner.
"Good evening my lady, Iruka-sensei." Neji stepped forward. Their presence was stifling like a storm about to let loose all its fury. Both looked around for Naruto and now he could see what Hinata had been talking about. Lady Tsunade was more outraged mother than Hokage at this moment.
"Lord Hiashi is talking to Naruto alone. Is that it Neji?" Iruka said looking back over his shoulder where the door still stood open. "How long have they been gone? I notice you haven't begun eating yet. Was he even allowed into the house?" Iruka was frowning and he too sounded angry.
Neji and Hinata both blinked. Iruka-sensei was usually the most easy-going person they knew but now he was angry and hard. It made them both wonder what kind of ninja he really was. There was more to the man than being a teacher!
"F-father said he just wanted to talk to Naruto! He said they'd be right back!" Hinata said quickly holding out a hand beseeching them to understand but she wasn't sure she understood her father's actions either.
"Or he escorted Naruto off his property! Little does he realize – that this entire village is mine!" Tsunade's voice got louder and the fan in her hand suddenly fell to the floor in extremely little pieces.
"Tsunade wait." Iruka appealed to the woman and mother he knew she was at this moment. "Let me go see what's going on first. Tsunade!" He cupped her elbow and whispered something in her ear.
Tsunade closed her eyes and breathed. She nodded finally after listening to Iruka. "Fine. You have ten minutes before the Hyuga clan needs to find a new place to live. No offense Hinata. No one hurts my Naruto!" She stood regally with one hand on her hip.
"No ma'am!" The three Hyugas said quickly and prayed Lord Hiashi would return now with Naruto.
"Right." Iruka agreed with it all then turned to go look for their son. He only made it to the door when he stopped. "They're coming." He sighed with relief and moved back to stand beside Lady Tsunade.
Lord Hiashi and Naruto entered the house and stopped in surprise.
"Grandma Tsunade! Iruka-sensei!" He hurried forward, bare feet slapping against the floor. "Is something wrong? Did something happen?" Naruto skidded to a stop before the Hokage.
"Are you okay Naruto?" Tsunade questioned as she captured his face in her hands. His eyes were a little red and his cheeks wet. "What happened with Lord Hiashi?"
"Well good evening Lady Hokage and Iruka. Please join us. My daughter has fixed a wonderful meal for her boyfriend. We should help him eat it, don't you think?" He smiled widely and patted Naruto on the back as he went to Hinata. "He's a fine man Hinata. A good catch for you." Hiashi cupped her cheek lovingly then kissed her forehead.
Hinata sighed loudly and without care. She took her father's hand and kissed it. "Yes, yes he is. Thank you Father."
"Hmm." He gave her another kiss. "Neji see that there are two more places set for the Hokage and Iruka. Hanabi be on your best behavior." Lord Hiashi sank onto one of the pillows and reached for the sake. "I'll just open this now since I now have someone to drink with." Lord Hiashi looked over at the Fifth and the Chunin. So they have taken him in. His family. The boy continues to impress me…and who better than the Hokage to watch over the bearer of the Nine-Tailed Fox?
"I'm okay." He smiled at them. "Lord Hiashi just wanted to…clear the air a bit." Naruto tilted his head. "You came…for me?" Damn, more tears and Neji is watching! And Hinata, I want to hold her but now's not the right time.
"We couldn't help ourselves. You handled it like a man Naruto?" Iruka asked but he could see the answer already.
"Yes sir I did. Thanks, I learned from the best. What? Iruka-sensei!" Naruto blushed now as Iruka hugged him but he hugged the man right back.
Tsunade used a handkerchief to dab at her eyes. "Well now, did you mention some sake, Lord Hiashi?" She ran a hand over Naruto's back before moving to the table.
Hinata sat at his left, Neji at his right and his parents across from him. Dinner was going well. So far he hadn't spilled anything and with those he loved most with him, he didn't feel lost in this unusual setting.
"Is it good?" Hinata asked once Naruto had swallowed.
"Yeah. I like everything!" Naruto grinned and reached for another bun.
"I'm surprised since its not what you normally eat for every meal." Iruka said dryly.
"Oh, what's that?" Lord Hiashi asked and laughed when nearly all of them answered, - "Ramen!"
Naruto shrugged. "Hey what's wrong with ramen? It's good! But I like your stuff too!" He was quick to tell Hinata making her laugh.
"What a hold you have on him Hinata." Tsunade said as she sipped sake. "He never tries to please me this much. I have to yell and threaten. Got any advice for me?"
"Oh come on Grandma Tsunade! I'm not that bad! You'll give Hanabi a bad impression of me." He looked over at the girl and smiled. "I'm really nice, promise." He waited but the girl just blinked at him.
Naruto looked to Hinata. "Is she shy like you?"
"Wow your eyes are really blue! So pretty." Hanabi got up on her knees and leaned closer to stare into his eyes. "I bet you fell for his eyes first, right big sister? Or maybe because he's so funny. I might like a boyfriend like you!" Hanabi stared at Naruto totally infatuated.
"Whoa!" Naruto said and leaned back a little, now wary of the little girl. "Not shy at all."
"It seems you may have some competition Hinata. If you're not careful Hanabi will steal him away from you." Neji laughed. "Who knew you were such a lady killer Naruto?"
"Neji! Quit that! I didn't do anything! Iruka-sensei, tell them. Help me!" Naruto looked to his father to back him up.
"I always knew there was charmer under that laughing face. We should have another talk Naruto - about dating more than one female at a time." Iruka teased.
Naruto turned red just thinking of the first talk. He raised his hands. "No, no that's okay. Hinata's all I need. Right Babe? Oops…" He'd called her babe in front her father and Iruka and Grandma Tsunade.
"Babe?" Lord Hiashi asked with surprise.
"Ah, ha, ha…It's just a nickname…Hinata…please…" He leaned towards her then finally looked away from Lord Hiashi's surprised face to the amused faces of his parents and over at Hinata.
She'd been staring at Hanabi. It was fact that not many girls had given Naruto a chance to be a friend much less a boyfriend but here was her little sister staring at Naruto like she wanted to take a taste of him. "He won't be needing that talk Iruka-sensei. My Boo is right – I'm all he needs!" Hinata was speaking to Hanabi as she took Naruto's hand and held it tight.
"Babe and Boo? Pet names for each other - you guys are serious! I'd back off now if I were you Hanabi!" Neji said clearly enjoying himself.
The adults looked at each other, smiled then began laughing. Young love and jealously. Their kids were growing up and some of that stuff was going to be down right funny. Lord Hiashi refilled their cups with sake.
"Neji it looks like Naruto will be a source of much information when you and Tenten get serious." Iruka said with a gleam in his eye.
"Huh? What?" Neji's eyes opened wide. "Tenten? Me and Tenten? W-what gave you that idea?" His voice cracked in the middle of his question and his cheeks got a little pink.
"Ha! I was right! You two always seemed to fit together and not because you're on the same squad! What do you think Lady Tsunade? A taijutsu expert and a weapons expert together?"
"Hmm, a dangerous combination but they'd probably make beautiful babies." She looked Neji up and down and held back her laugh as his blush deepened.
"Babies?! Babies?! Uh-uh! No, no this night is about them!" He pointed to the laughing couple. "There's nothing going on with me and Tenten!" Neji finished loudly.
"You sure are doing a lot of protesting brother." Hinata said slyly.
"Yeah, a bit too much." Naruto agreed.
"Neji?" Lord Hiashi began. "Should we schedule a dinner for you and Tenten? I should meet with her and meet her family as well. My goodness, both of my children falling in love! Lady Tsunade, you're lucky just having the one." He shook his head as if this knowledge was a great burden but his shoulders were shaking because he was trying not to laugh.
"Tenten's your girlfriend?" Hanabi asked excitedly bouncing up and down. "She's very pretty and strong too." She thought a moment. "You'd better be good to her 'cause with all those weapons, she could really hurt you!" Hanabi frowned when everybody but her and Neji burst out laughing.
Neji dropped his head and covered it with his hands. The image of Tenten aiming her weapons at his one truly vulnerable spot made him shiver and caused more laughing.
"I almost feel sorry for you!" Naruto laughed and slapped him on the back.
"Oh shut up! Hinata can take you out too!" Neji raised his head and went on the attack trying to get the attention back on Naruto.
"Yeah but all my body parts would be intact!" Naruto had to hide behind Hinata when Neji reached for him but she wasn't much protection since she was leaning over holding her stomach.
Hanabi looked confused and asked, "What's so funny? What did I say? Neji I was only trying to warn you. Tenten showed me some of her kunai that's how I know how dangerous she is. Those things were sharp! They cut a blade of grass so easily. She could cut you and you wouldn't know it until later that she'd done it." Again she watched as the grownups around her laughed their heads off. She glared at Hinata and Naruto who now lay on the floor next to each other trying to breath.
"Enough Hanabi! I got the picture, thanks!" Neji was wearing a reluctant smile now but knew he'd have some strange dreams tonight about his sexy team mate and several sharp kunai knives.
Lord Hiashi continued to chuckle as he watched Naruto and Hinata. Even while laughing they were holding hands. He couldn't ever remember seeing his daughter this happy and carefree. She had always been shy and reserved but Naruto was able to bring out this other side to her. …Naruto too, was a constant surprise to him. He'd had a reputation as a prankster and troublemaker but now he knew the reasons for that – loneliness. His friends and Hinata had cured that illness and before him was different person. Hiashi found that somewhere deep down in his heart, that he wished for the two of them to always be together.
Laughter and good food kept them at the Hyuga house fairly late. Iruka told them about some of Naruto's pranks which were undeniably funny if embarrassing to him. Hinata even joined in on telling some of the things she'd witnessed surprising Naruto with all she'd seen him do.
Hanabi realized she'd learn more if she remained silent and listened wide-eyed as they all talked of adventures, missions and other mishaps of the three teenagers. Naruto got loud several times to point out things Iruka-sensei or Grandma Tsunade had done which shocked her and had the Lady herself reach out and ask the girl not to repeat Naruto's silly words and Hanabi could only nod. This night would take up several pages in her diary!
"Sorry for just showing up Lord Hiashi. We were…worried about him." Iruka bowed to the clan leader as they prepared to leave. He looked over to where the three teens stood talking. "He grew up alone and I feel guilty about that when I could have been there for him. In the last few years, we've grown really close. He's like my son." Iruka admitted to the man.
"Yes I realized that and he looks at you as his father. He wants your approval and love very much. And yours as well Grandma Tsunade." Lord Hiashi smiled at the Fifth Hokage.
"Yeah, I've tried to break him of calling me that but…" She shrugged. "I haven't known Naruto as long but he's just as important to me. He was a huge part of the reason I retuned to Konoha. I have to look out for him – he'll be Hokage one day. Right Iruka?" Tsunade smiled widely.
"Yes he will – believe it!" The two shared a laugh. "I'm sure you know that's his dream." He looked to Naruto seeing him now alone with Hinata. "Well one of his dreams. You aren't going to hold it against him?" Iruka didn't say the words and Hiashi knew what he was talking about.
"It's hard not to. A demon literally lies within him…but Naruto is not that demon as he told me." Lord Hiashi looked pleased. "You did a fine job with him Iruka. He held himself well and told me who he is and he is not the Nine-Tailed Fox. Naruto is welcome in my home and I won't stand in their way. But I'll be watching." He warned them both.
"Of course. That is to be expected but Naruto's strong, I don't think he'll let himself lose to that fox. He has too many good reasons to stay alive and make his dreams come true." Lady Tsunade said with conviction. The two men agreed and looked over at the couple.
"We survived." Naruto said softly as he played with her fingers.
"We did but Father worried me there at the beginning." Hinata noticed how silent Naruto had become. "Will you tell me what you two talked about?" She suspected it had something to do with the way the villagers treated him.
"…Yeah someday but not now." He smiled. "I never expected to laugh so much or that we would laugh at all. And those two showing up," He breathed deeply at the pleasure of knowing they supported, no loved him enough to come and help him. "I'm a lucky guy. I got a beautiful girl – my Babe! And two people who treat me like a son. It's been a weird but damned good night."
Hinata felt a chill down her spine but couldn't figure out why. Naruto and her father had gotten on well despite the big secret. She shook away the feeling. "I know! I've never laughed like that with my family before or talked to my sister that way!" Hinata giggled. "But now she knows that she better stay away from my Boo! And you'd better be on your best behavior buster!" Hinata jabbed a finger in Naruto's chest.
"Hey I'm innocent! All I did was smile at her!" Naruto took Hinata by the arms. "I don't want the little sister – not when I've got her older, sexier sister." He said for her ears only.
"Damned straight! You're mine Naruto. I can't do it now but as you're walking home, I'm going to strip you naked and touch every single part of you." Hinata's heart beat faster to see his nostrils flare and his eyes skim her body. He was doing exactly what she was planning to do and her nipples tightened waiting for a touch that wouldn't come. At least not tonight.
"Your family has no idea how naughty you are do they?" Naruto's voice was a little husky as his body responded to her words. In his mind, her naked flesh begged for his touch and he stifled a groan. "I'm going to get you for this. I'm going to be so damn hard on the walk home with Iruka-sensei and Grandma Tsunade!"
"I hope so – that's what I'll be looking for!" Her laugh was sexy now.
Naruto growled then leaned forward so that their mouths were inches apart. He knew they were being watched but he had to kiss her and since they had an audience, he knew he wouldn't or couldn't get carried away.
"I love you, you nasty, naughty girl!" He didn't let her speak but took her bottom lip. He caressed it with his tongue then briefly searched her mouth, craving her taste. Naruto swept her mouth twice before pulling back quickly. "Are you wet?" He asked then chuckled when her eyes flew open. "Good."
Hinata blushed and wanted to run and hide. Her father was only a few feet away and Neji and Hanabi were close by too. She could feel that moisture on her thighs now and wanted Naruto's hand there touching it. "You're just as bad!" She finally managed to whisper.
"You bring it out in me. Come on." Naruto pulled her along behind him with an evil smile. If he had to be hard and horny while with his family then she may as well be wet and turned on with hers!
Hinata's face was red with embarrassment and she felt totally exposed as Naruto stopped next to the adults and maneuvered her forward.
"We were just about to call you." Iruka said grinning at them. "We had a nice time tonight Hinata. I know you weren't expecting us but you excused our behavior and invited us to join you. The food was delicious by the way. It's nice to know he'll be eating more than just ramen now." Iruka tousled Naruto's hair.
"Yes thank you, Lord Hiashi and Hinata for putting up with us. I don't know when I've had such a good time with friends." Tsunade spoke from the heart promising herself to hang out whenever she could with friends.
"It was our pleasure Lady Hokage. You and yours are welcome here anytime." Lord Hiashi took her hand and squeezed it gently between his but his gaze touched on the two men beside her letting them know he meant all of them.
"Thank you. I had a really good time sir." Naruto held out his hand and shook hands with Hiashi.
"As did I. I was warned you were funny but I had no idea. This place needs more laughter; I'll be looking forward to your next visit Naruto." Hiashi told him truthfully.
Naruto looked a little embarrassed but smiled then turned to Neji and Hanabi who were sitting on the porch watching. "Night you two! I'll see you about one, right?" He asked of Neji. "With Lee and your…girlfriend?" Naruto teased.
"Ha, ha. Yes, we'll see you tomorrow Naruto. Good evening Lady Tsunade and Iruka-sensei." Neji waved Naruto away in disgust.
Everybody gathered at the gate to watch their guests leave. Naruto got in one more quick kiss before running to catch up to where Tsunade and Iruka were waiting on him. The cool night felt warm to him for he knew that shortly, he would be naked to Hinata's eyes. He walked taller and held in his stomach wanting to give her a good view.
"What's that secretive grin about?" Tsunade asked as she walked arm-in-arm with him.
"Oh, nothing!" He cleared his throat and looked at her. "You guys surprised me tonight. I could have handled it on my own but I was glad to see you. Thanks." He kissed her cheek then laughed when the Hokage blushed.
"Will you tell us what happened?" Iruka said as he placed a hand on Naruto's neck. The three of them were walking as one.
Naruto stared at their feet for almost a block but started speaking softly telling them everything. It hurt repeating those words but at the same time lifted a weight off his shoulders. For once he held nothing back and spoke what only he and the fox knew was in his heart.
Naruto felt Iruka's strong grip on his neck and the painful way Grandma Tsunade held his arm. He knew they felt his pain and shared it to a certain extent. When he stopped speaking he found himself held to Tsunade and Iruka holding them both.
"We'll be there for you when you tell her. Either at your side or in spirit. You won't be alone anymore Naruto. I promise you that." Iruka spoke in his ear.
"I know. Even before you got there, I felt you with me – both of you." Naruto hugged Tsunade tightly then let go to hug Iruka. "I gotta go, Sasuke's waiting on me." Naruto wiped away a few tears and smiled at them.
"Sasuke? We saw him on the way to you. What was he doing there any way?" Tsunade put her hands on her hips.
"Being a friend just like the rest of them." Naruto explained about the walk over to Hinata's. "He said to come by if I needed to talk." He shrugged.
"Well, that was good of him. Always knew that boy had more heart than he showed. Okay, don't stay up all night talking." Iruka said then, "And you don't have to tell him everything that was said at Lord Hiashi's okay?" He was thinking of an embarrassing story Lady Tsunade had told on him.
Tsunade caught on quickly, "Boy if you tell something you shouldn't – I'll skin you alive!"
"Who me?" Naruto began inching backwards a big grin on his face. "Would I do that?" He was laughing now since in the shoes and tight kimono, Grandma Tsunade couldn't chase after him easily. "Love you guys! See you tomorrow!" He turned and quickly disappeared from sight.
"Well that took the wind out of my sails. Telling us he loved us! Idiot boy." Tsunade huffed.
"He'll have us wrapped around his little finger in no time." Iruka sighed. "But he still needs us – there's a lot more he'll have to face in the near future." He took Tsunade's arm to escort her home.
"That's true and we'll help him." They were silent for a while. "So did you really learn his sexy jutsu? Can I see?" Tsunade asked grinning.
"No! Jeez Naruto and his big mouth." Iruka grumbled but then, "I will tell you that I'm a damned sexy female if I do say so myself! And I do!" Their laughter echoed in the nearly empty streets.