Chapter 11: New Addition
Hi everyone! I think this is the longest chapter I have ever written. At least it feels that way to me. Again, thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed and liked this. I really appreciate it. Just a shout-out to the guest reviews...since I can't respond to your reviews directly, I appreciate it so much and I wanted to thank you for the kind words.
I hope you enjoy :)
There's a tiny smut scene in the first part which you can just skip if it isn't your cup of tea. As you can see I'm getting bolder in writing in that department ;)
XOXO
Naruto's sleep breaks to find Hinata's side of the bed cold. He blearily gazes at the clock on their side table; 3:17 AM. He blinks the sleep out of his eyes, taking stock of the room around him. Hinata isn't in the bedroom. Just as he sits up in bed, he hears a heaving sound coming from the bathroom.
He gets out of bed and walks towards their adjoining bathroom. Sliding the door open, he finds Hinata on the floor, hunched over the toilet bowl. She barely turns to look at him when she hears the door open.
"Everything's fine Naruto. You can go back to bed." Her voice is muffled due to the porcelain. The blonde walks further into the room, sitting on the carpet behind the kneeling woman. He places a hand on her back, rubbing in soothing circular motions. She plops herself on the floor, legs tucked underneath her.
"Ugh," she groans. "I thought I got lucky this time around. I mean I made it through 3 months…why not the whole nine?" her voice echoes as she grumbles into the pan. She isn't talking in coherent sentences but Naruto can follow her logic.
"I'm sorry love," he sighs in defeat, continuing rubbing soothing circles into her back. He hates seeing her like this and he hates it even more that he can't do anything to help her. Naruto tries to think of what used to help the previous two times.
She picks her head out of the porcelain and lays it on her outstretched arm on the side. "It's okay. It's not your fault…well it is your fault," she chuckles, eyes still closed, "but I'm not mad at you."
"Thank you," he kisses her hair. "How long have you been in here?"
"Mmh?" Hinata's eyes were closed, sleep catching her but unable to succumb to its desires. She realises after a few seconds what was asked, "not too long."
"Feeling any better now?"
"A little bit. Tummy's still feeling a bit raw."
He hums in concern at her words. He then grabs the hair tie that's always on the wrist of her right hand and gathers her hair into a messy pony. It's not the easiest thing to manoeuvre considering her position but he makes it work. As long as her hair is out of her face and out of the pan.
Satisfied with his work, she picks her head up completely and leans back into his chest. He angles his body so she can fit comfortably against him.
"Do you know what made you feel like this? Was it a specific scent? Or was it dinner last night?" Hinata had had morning sickness for both of her pregnancies. With Bolt, it happened right at the beginning. It was actually how they knew something was wrong and it urged them to see a doctor. Hinata would revolt at the sight and smell of eggs. There was even a time she couldn't stand the smell of ramen. It was truly appalling.
But with Hima, it happened during the middle of her pregnancy and there wasn't any specific thing that set it off. It could be food, or it could be a smell. One time she threw up on him because his cologne smelled (according to her) " like a sewer." Naruto took offense to that, especially because he loved that cologne, and what's worse was she bought it for him. She was not the nicest person when he mentioned that fact. It ended up turning into a fight and then she ended up crying. He shook his head to erase the memory. Hormonal Hinata could be a rollercoaster, one minute she was relaxed and happy, and the next moment Naruto had to play detective and figure out what changed her mood.
"Nuughh…no, no, no. Please don't talk about food right now," she pleads, holding a hand over her mouth.
"I understand," he winces, "I'm sorry." He should have known better.
They continue sitting like that, Naruto making slight rocking motions back and forth. When Hinata seems settled enough he speaks, "come on. I'll help you brush your teeth and make you some tea. It'll settle your stomach."
"ugh…no," she whines miserably. "I think I want to sleep here."
"Hina, you can't sleep in the bathroom," he huffs good-naturedly. "Come on, up we go," he says helping her get to her feet.
They spend the next few minutes by the basin, Naruto helping her wash her face and brush her teeth.
"Come on. I'll make you some tea. It'll help."
Thereafter they make their way downstairs; Hinata goes straight for the barstool at the counter while Naruto makes his way to the kettle. She lays her elbows on the counter, her face resting on her open palms, watching Naruto fill the kettle with water and wait a few minutes for it to heat up. Hinata has spent what feels like her whole life watching Naruto. She's observed him to the point where she feels like she could predict his actions, but for the majority of her life, her observation always felt a touch forbidden, like she watching without permission, watching something that wasn't rightfully hers.
When they got together and eventually got married Hinata felt like she was seeing the hero in a completely different light. She saw him being domestic, she saw him when he was feeling lonely, sad, or thoughtful. She saw the parts of himself that no one ever saw and in those times it felt like a privilege.
Naruto continues making the tea and Hinata continues watching him. They spend the time in silence, the house still covered in the darkness of the early morning. The silent moments they have are some of the best times Hinata spends with Naruto. She enjoys the comfort of the activity; when you're so comfortable with each other that you don't have to fill the space with chatter and you can exist and be yourself without explanation or fear.
Dawn is just peeking when Hinata is tucked into bed again. "Wait," she grabs the wrist of his hand as he makes to walk away. "Cuddle with me for a bit?" she asks her voice low.
Naruto glances at the clock with a thoughtful expression. "I can't say no to you." He gets into bed, situating himself, behind her. "I have to get up soon to wake the kids."
"We have time," she clutches his arm and cradles it to her chest, playing with his fingers.
They stay like that for a while, enjoying the feeling of being in each other's arms, until Hinata's brain is fully awake. She's flush against Naruto's front, so close that she is able to feel the defined muscles under his t-shirt and the hardness in his trousers that is digging into her back.
Instead of moving away she pushes into him, her body creating friction with his, the feeling bringing warmth in her belly. A hand goes to her waist, halting her movements, "what are you doing?"
"Nothing," she pipes innocently, again attempting to create the friction she so desperately craved. His hand tightens, "that's not nothing love. You need to sleep and I need to be up soon," he reminds her gently; except she didn't want to any of that.
She twists in his grip until she is facing him, "but I'm not tired anymore," she taunts kissing the underside of his jaw. Her hand slides down the material of his t-shirt and then under, nails gently raking over his abs and up to his nipple. His fingers seize her wrist, eyes meeting in a fiery gaze. He sees her mischievous smile and the desire making her amethyst eyes sparkle. Gently he releases his grip and she smiles in victory.
Her fingers make their way down again, towards his naval, scratching through his happy trail and making Naruto shudder. Her pointer finger teases the waistband of his shorts, not breaching the material, just grazing the rim of it.
Hiking his t-shirt higher up, Hinata lowers her head to run the tip of her tongue against his stomach, the muscles straining under her lips, "that feels so good Hina."
Before long her mouth encloses on his right nipple, making Naruto keen, "ugh…your mouth," he whimpers, wetting his lips. She chuckles at his hoarse tone and runs her tongue on the same path his took, dipping inside his mouth to taste his arousal before resuming her attention on his chest, leaving gentle kisses that turn into bites, wanting to give him a taste of his own medicine.
She stays there for an inordinate amount of time enjoying the way his muscles tighten and flex, loving all the sounds he was making as she used her hands and mouth on him. The power of the interaction was making her heady, the knowledge that she was the one to make him feel this way bringing her pleasure.
She ran her hand down his body finally delving into the warmth of his boxers, her fingers brushing his length. She didn't immediately grip; just let her hand rest on it, letting him feel the weight of her palm, the heat seeping out of it.
Naruto groans, "don't – uh," she gripped him in her hand, the feeling making him gulp and stutter," t-tease." She held him in her grip, slowly coaxing him to full hardness. When she sees him close his eyes at the sensation she withdraws.
"Hinata, no," he whines on frustration making her giggle deviously. Seamlessly she pushes his boxers down his legs and kicks it towards the edge of their bed. She then slots herself between his legs, lying more on her side than stomach.
She cups him in her hands once again, stroking gently, her fingers occasionally running over his tip, smearing the pre-cum around the bulbous head. Then she lowers her head taking him into her mouth. Naruto sighs in bliss, his eyes falling shut.
Slowly she takes more and more of his length into her mouth, finding a rhythm that works for her and one he enjoys. She oscillates between gently sucking, head bobbing and running her tongue on the underside. What drives Naruto crazy is that there is no pattern to it and he can't tell which is next or how long it will last. All he knows is what he feels and what he feels is her setting his whole body alight, igniting every cell until he feels like a livewire with too much current running in his bloodstream.
He's babbling at this point, saying nonsensical sweet nothings, "so good. Perfect. Your mouth, such a good girl. I can't. Don't stop." It goes on for what feels like forever until Naruto jerks, the sensation too much for him to handle. He's hauling her up to him. "If you continue doing that I won't last," he mutters into her mouth. "I wanna be inside you when I come," he whispers and his words make Hinata moan shamelessly.
She strips out of her underwear until she is only in her nightdress. She pushes the fabric up until it bunches around her waist. Eyes closed, she slowly sinks onto him. He lets her set the pace even when all he feels like is thrusting up, the urge almost impossible to resist. Her eyes are closed and her head is flung back in pleasure.
After what feels a lifetime but is probably only minutes, she's fully seated. He doesn't immediately move, giving her time to adjust. She slowly grinds her hips testing out the feeling until she finds a rhythm that she finds pleasurable. He places his hand on her hips, not directing, just out of comfort allowing her to make them both feel good.
All in all it wasn't the way he saw his morning going but it was definitely the release he needed to face the day ahead.
XOXO
Naruto needed to do it today. He spent the whole weekend trying to figure out what would be the best approach. He didn't want to go first thing in the morning. So he went to work and he and Shikamaru spent the morning busy with various tasks. He broke away after a few hours, steeling himself.
Now Naruto pauses with his bandaged hand on the handle, hesitating. He takes a deep breath before opening the door. Sakura said that their visitor was not receptive to people or questions of any kind. So they left him in his room, until further instructions.
For that reason Naruto decided not to use his Hokage apparel, wanting to converse with the boy in a casual non-threatening way. He hopes not to fight; he doesn't want to make the dark-haired boy feel more hostile toward him.
The room is spare at best. There's a tiny bed, a side table, and a chair. The boy is lying on his back on the bed in the corner of the room, tossing a make-shaft ball in the air. He doesn't immediately jump up at the intrusion leading Naruto to believe that he either sensed Naruto's chakra signature or just doesn't care about Naruto at all. Naruto doesn't know which one he prefers.
The boy does however turn a side eye to the blonde, then almost out of intentional disinterest looks away.
Naruto takes this as a sign that no attack is coming and walks further into the room.
"Hello," he greets amicably. "You're probably wondering what I'm doing here but I come bearing food." Naruto presents the brown paper bag in front of his chest with a wide grin on his face. He decides a friendly approach would be best.
"I've been told you haven't been eating," more like eating the bare minimum to survive. "I mean, I guess I understand; hospital food isn't the best; but like people in the hospital aren't here for the food." Naruto scratches the hair at the back of his head.
The boy still hasn't given him any attention, continuing to throw that infernal ball in the air.
"So I decided if you didn't like the food here…you're sure to love this," he shakes the bag again enticingly.
"It's a hamburger and fries. Plus there's a milkshake. I've been told it's an amazing combination." Boruto swears by it, even going so far as to dip his fries in his milkshake. Whenever they get takeout and it's his turn to choose the place Bolt always chooses burgers. Naruto doesn't understand it. Ramen is so much better and Ichiraku's takes the cake. They've gotten into debates about it way too often.
One dark eye shifts towards the bag and Naruto knows he's got the boy, food always works. The idea of take-out must be better than whatever other food they were offering him. He stops his throwing, thank the Heaven's Naruto thinks. He then eyes the bag in Naruto's hand suspiciously.
"Don't worry. If I wanted you dead, I wouldn't try to poison you. I could have easily done it when we first met." One dark eyebrow arches at Naruto's words. He waits to see if he takes the bait.
"I can handle myself in a fight. I had it completely under control." Of course, Naruto thinks. It's like a thing; all male fighters just have to comment when taunted about their abilities.
"Ahh, he speaks," Naruto grins. All it does is get him an eye roll.
"And sure…I mean that's why you're here now right? Because you're so good at handling yourself in a fight," Naruto teases and gets a glare in return.
"Anyway, I realised I didn't get a chance to properly introduce myself that day. I'm Naruto Uzumaki!"
"Good for you," the boy retorts in a lazy drawl.
Naruto internally groans. He might as well be talking to a brick wall. "Well, usually when people introduce themselves it's only polite to return the gesture…"
"Guess I'm not polite then." He sits up and swings his legs off the bed. "What're you gonna do? Lock me up?" He puckers his lips in thought.
"Oh wait…you already did that," he gestures to the space around them. Then he grabs the bag from Naruto's hand and begins ruffling through it.
The Hokage sighs as he takes the seat across from the bed. Why did he have to be such a smart-ass?
"You're funny. I'll give you that. But that's actually why I am here. You see, I'm the Hokage of this village." Naruto beams proudly.
"Wow! I must be very special if the Hokage decided to visit me." He says sarcastically, shoving some fries into his mouth. He doesn't eat in an orderly fashion, or with any manners whatsoever. Naruto thinks he's doing it on purpose, just to see if he can push his buttons.
"Actually, you're correct. I have an offer for you. How would you like to not be 'locked up' anymore?" He uses his pointer and middle fingers to air-quote the term.
The boy stops eating to stare at him skeptically. "Why would you want to help me, old man?"
"Old man! I am- not – why – do," Naruto splutters incoherently. He then pinches the bridge of his nose in exasperation. What is it with people and thinking he is old? He shakes his head, not allowing the sentiment to bother him. He knows he isn't old. That's all that matters.
"Maybe I just want to help you." He states truthfully. Though his words do nothing to penetrate the wall the dark-haired boy has erected, only make him more suspicious.
"What do you really want?" He narrows his eyes, looking at Naruto with a penetrative look, assessing, strategizing. "And don't lie."
"I really do want to help you…" Naruto starts.
"What makes you think I want your help?"
Naruto shrugs, "a hunch."
"Well you're wrong," he states. His words are firm, his voice stoic. But his eyes…Naruto can see that despite his hardened gaze, there's pain there and helplessness. He can't force him to accept help but maybe he can coax it out of him.
"Okay, if you're sure. Consider the burger a freebie." Naruto says, standing up and dusting off the lint from his pants. He turns to walk away.
"Wait. Hypothetically speaking, if I were to accept…what would be your offer?" He grinds his teeth as he asks, stubbornness written all over his face. Naruto fights a grin as he walks back and sits again.
"My offer is simple. You get to leave this place. I can't let you leave the village though. But I won't lock you up. You would come and live with me and my family." Naruto explains.
His brows furrow as he considers Naruto's words. He doesn't speak, just takes a bite of his burger and chews. Then takes another, until, "what would you want in return?"
"Well, I would like your name for starters…and anything else you're willing to share." Naruto thinks that's a good enough compromise. He knows he can't demand information, demanding only makes this boy clam up further. It's better if he volunteers it, with some gentle coaxing.
His words are met with more skepticism. "That's it? You want my name?" He huffs in disbelief.
"We can start with your name. I would also like to know why you attacked one of my ninjas."
"I didn't…"
"I thought we were being honest with each other," Naruto reminds him. "At the lab, there was a blonde shinobi. You got into a fight with him…and you took his blood. I would like to know why…among other things."
Silence fills the room. Naruto doesn't push for an answer but he wonders if he went too far. What if he forced the boy further into a corner and he was going to resist more? It's better if Naruto left now. Give the boy some space.
"You don't have to decide now. You can think about it. I'll come back tomorrow with lunch and we can talk." Naruto walks towards the exit. Rather let him stew on the idea, and weigh his options. If Naruto was right, he would accept. This boy was stubborn, and most likely would not want to accept needing help, but if the idea was presented correctly then maybe he would be receptive to the idea. Naruto knows what it's like when people are nice or kind to you out of pity or when people pretend to like you because they want something. A boy like this would see through Naruto if all he was offering was condescension and pity.
"My name is Kawaki."
Naruto smiles; there's hope. He'll accept that for now.
XOXO
By the time Naruto makes it back to his office Shikamaru is out. So he puts on his Hokage coat and sets about finishing off some work.
Before long he's engrossed in the papers in front of him until there's a knock on the door, before being pushed open by a shoulder.
"Hey, wanna take a break?" Shikamaru holds a takeaway bag in front of him in question.
Naruto's eyes light up and he's dropping his pen in an instant. "Food! Shikamaru you sure know how to make me happy."
His advisor lets out a chuckle and walks further into the room. Naruto breaks away from his desk to sit at a nearby table he reserves for eating. In the beginning, he used to eat at his desk while doing work but he would often let his food go cold. When he spilled onto important highly confidential documents and got a lecture from Shikamaru of all people he decided a side table was necessary.
He pulled out a chair and set up their eating area. Shikamaru placed various containers of food on the table and Naruto set up their plates and napkins.
"You're the best! This looks amazing man."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," his friend lazily waves it off.
They spend the next bit digging in, focusing only on curbing their hunger. The dark-haired man eventually enquires, "So how did it go?"
"Was wondering when you were going to ask," Naruto chuckled and Shikamaru just stared at him patiently.
Naruto sighs. "He didn't try to kill me on the spot so that's a good thing."
"That definitely…something," he retorts, taking a bite from a spring roll.
"It wasn't too bad. I mean I did most of the talking…"
"…that's not entirely new though…" Shikamaru comments in a dry tone.
Naruto laughs. He did have a point. "I'm being serious. It wasn't bad. He listened…mostly. Whenever he did speak he was a bit of a smart-ass. I did get a name though…"
"He told you his name?" Shikamaru sat up straighter.
A nod. "Yep." Naruto hesitated for a split second. Kawaki sharing his name felt personal, a small step of faith and Naruto felt like he was betraying him by saying it out loud. The blonde shook his head. There's a reason Shikamaru was his advisor; he trusted him. His friend would never betray that trust.
"Kawaki," he whispered finally.
"No last name?"
"He didn't say," the blonde took a swallow of his cold drink, to ease the guilt he felt.
Shikamaru had his thinking face on, no doubt contemplating what it meant that he didn't provide a last name, what the consequences may be, and what providing his first name could indicate. Naruto let his friend ponder while he continued eating.
"Why don't you ask Sasuke what he thinks?"
Naruto almost choked on his food. This was a first. "Did I hear you correctly?"
His friend rolls his eyes.
"Did you just ask me to ask Sasuke for help?"
"Don't use that smug tone," Shikamaru warned. "I think it wouldn't hurt. I'm not the biggest fan of the guy…but he's supposed to be your Shadow," he mocks, hating the moniker, "or whatever." He shrugs his shoulder noncommittally, "maybe he can find some useful information. Who knows? He may already know something we don't."
"You're right. I didn't think of it like that. I'll try sending a message." Naruto put a finger to his lips in thought, "or maybe I'll wait until he decides to visit. I may have more information by then."
"Whatever you think is best," the stoic advisor concludes. They continue eating in relative silence, speaking casually.
Naruto pats his stomach, "I'm stuffed. That was awesome Shikamaru. Thanks for the food."
"No thanks necessary." He wipes his fingers clean before starting to clean up the table. "I'm surprised Hinata didn't pack a lunch for you today."
That reminds Naruto. Now is a good time as any to tell his friend.
"Actually," he starts awkwardly. "Hinata wasn't feeling so well today."
"Oh. I hope nothing's wrong. Hope she feels better soon."
"She's fine. It's normal actually."
He is met with a look of confusion. "It's normal for your wife to be sick?"
"No. No. I just meant…" Naruto was doing it all wrong. "Do you remember a while back I told you Hinata asked me about having another kid?"
Shikamaru looks puzzled at the subject change. "Yeah, and you were kinda freaking out about the whole thing."
Naruto scratched at the nape of his neck sheepishly, "actually, it turns out she was already pregnant." He was met with a shocked face. Hastening to clear the air, "but it's good. We talked about it and I'm actually kinda excited about it. I never thought I'd have much of a family you know, and now I'm going to have a bigger family than I ever imagined."
Shikamaru's face softened considerably. "That's great Naruto. I'm happy for you. I mean 4 kids, including Kawaki is a lot. But if anyone can do it, it's you."
"Actually it's going to be 5, including Kawaki," Naruto corrected him.
"Say what now?" He asks eyes wide.
"Hinata is pregnant with twins."
Shikamaru opens his mouth, then pauses, then splutters, "wha-uh-huh-mmmmh." His mouth continues making odd shapes and noises but no coherent words were making it past his lips.
"Are you going to say something?"
"I- I'm finding the right words."
"Takes you that long?" Naruto asks sarcastically.
His friend just sighs and Naruto senses it before it happens. "Don't say it," he warns.
"What a drag."
XOXOX
Hinata was staring intensely at the pile of laundry before her and trying to come up with a way to fold it without sitting hunched over. Despite being relatively early in her pregnancy she was underway in feeling the worst of its symptoms. She stretched and ran her hand down her lower back trying to soothe the ache there when she heard the doorbell ring.
She straightened up and went to answer, glad that she could forgo folding clothes for the time being. On the other end of the entrance door was her sister. The sight made her beam. "Hanabi."
"Hey sis. Hope I am not interrupting."
"Nonsense," Hinata waved off her statement. "Come in."
"Thanks."
"Are you hungry? Do you want me to make you something? Do you want something to drink?" After having taken care of her little sister during her formative years, it felt almost instinctual to want to feed her.
"No, no food. I'm good. I'll take a glass of water or soda or something," Hanabi said shrugging out of her coat and hanging it on the coat rack at the corner of the room.
"We're no soda during the week. The kids have no self-control. I made some lemonade though. Would that be okay?" Hinata offered, making her way into the kitchen.
"That would be great." Hanabi tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and made herself comfortable on the sofa, bypassing the pile of clean clothes on the coffee table.
"Here you go," Hinata offered with an outstretched hand.
"Thanks. It's delicious Hina." She takes a sip. "You always make the best lemonade." She places the glass on the coaster on the coffee table.
"So…how are you feeling?"
"I'm okay. Morning sickness started this week so certain smells send me straight to the bathroom." Hinata takes a seat on the sofa next to her sister.
"Oh no. I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I thought this time I could have an easier pregnancy seeing as it'll be the third time my body is doing this but turns out twins are a bit of a job." She chuckles.
"Maybe two babies mean double the work," Hanabi postulates.
"I'll have to ask Sakura at my next doctor's visit." Hinata concedes. Maybe she should also buy some books on the subject. It wouldn't hurt to read up on it; have all the information possible.
"I wanted to check on you after everything with…Father." Hanabi hesitantly broaches the subject.
Hinata winces at the memory of the previous weekend. "I'm okay," she plays with the zipper of the couch cushion in front of her. "I've had some time to think about it. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised."
"I'm really sorry about Father," the younger Hyuga places a hand on Hinata's in comfort.
"Don't apologise. You didn't do anything wrong."
"I know. I still feel bad and you know Father. He loves you…in his own way." Hanabi placates.
"I know he does. At least I think he does," Hinata ponders. "No, I know he does. I just hate how he shows it. He's good with the kids but with me he – " she sighs. "He always makes me feel like I'm a child again…and I'm never going to be able to live up to the Hyuga name." Hinata forces herself not to cry, fighting the tears that want to spill.
Hanabi pulls her into a tight hug. "You're the best Hyuga out of all of us."
Hinata laughs at the absurd words pulling out of the embrace. "I don't know about that."
"You are. And I'm sure Father will apologise soon. Actually, I know he will."
"What are you talking about?" Hinata asks, wondering why Hanabi had gone from a serious to a teasing tone.
Hanabi twirls a strand of hair mischievously. "I may or may not know what Naruto said to Father during his visit on Monday."
Confusion clouds Hinata's eyes, "Naruto visited Father on Monday?"
Hanabi stops twirling, "yeah. You didn't know?"
"No. He didn't mention it." Naruto had had a lot going on this week, from visiting Kawaki and fielding Boruto's attempts at tagging along.
"Did you eavesdrop on their conversation?" Hinata chides in a stern tone.
Hanabi rolls her eyes, "do I have to answer that?"
"That's not nice Hanabi. It was supposed to be private. You know not to use the Byakugan for that purpose." She lectures. When they were growing up one of the first rules they learned was never to use the Byakugan to spy on their family. Looking through walls, listening in on conversations, and intruding in other people's space was a firm no-go.
"So you don't want to know what they were talking about?" Hanabi taunted.
Hinata bit her lip, conflicting thoughts warring in her head. She knows she can ask Naruto. He wouldn't lie to her but he may sugarcoat the conversation if he thought it would hurt her feelings. "I…didn't …say…that." She sighed in defeat, "fine. What did they talk about?"
Hanabi chuckled in victory. "They mostly spoke about business. Naruto wanted to know how Father found out about that boy-"
"How did he find out about it?" Hinata asked. It was bothering her as well. She and Naruto spoke about it in their room and she's sure Naruto wouldn't have mentioned it to just anyone.
"Father had someone tell him. Apparently, he listened in on a conversation Naruto had."
Hinata's eyes widened. Naruto would not have been happy to hear that. She would have to ask him about that.
"Yeah, Naruto was not a fan of that news. He told Father he would take of it…whatever that means. But that's not the kicker."
Sometimes Hinata forgot how much younger Hanabi was. She would say stuff Hinata wouldn't understand.
"He totally told Father off for speaking to you the way he did. Told him that you were the Hokage's wife and that you deserved to be spoken to with the utmost respect."
"He did what?" This whole conversation consisted of things Hinata was shocked to hear.
"He wasn't rude about it. He was just firm. I've never seen Father more shocked. Also, I've never heard Naruto sound like that. It was kinda hot…" She scrunched up her face. "Ew. I can't believe I said that."
Hinata laughed. She knew exactly which tone Hanabi was referring to and Naruto was very sexy when he used it, honestly.
"I can't believe Naruto did that." He always had her back though so she shouldn't have been surprised.
"I totally get why he's Hokage though."
Hinata laughs, "Stop thinking about my husband," she teases to which Hanabi flushes bright red. It was so nice to spend time with her sister, without the stress and pressure of expectations. "Come, little sister. I missed you."
XOXO
Naruto continues his daily trips to visit Kawaki. He makes sure to bring him lunch every day. Sometimes it's takeout, other times Hinata packs a Bento Box. They spend the hour doing a variety of different things. Sometimes they talk, well Naruto talks, and Kawaki just grunts or answers sarcastically. Other times they play cards or board games. Naruto never pushes for information. He observes, and the more he observes the more he realises that Kawaki isn't a bad person, just misguided and misunderstood. It makes him want to help all the more but he knows he can't be hasty, can't push too much too fast. He'll lose him completely. So he continues their routine until one day.
"So what do you want to know?" He's not looking at Naruto, just picking at the food in his Bento Box. Hinata packed two boxes, for each of them, so it wouldn't look like they were trying too hard or pushing too fast.
"I don't understand," Naruto says after taking a bite of food.
"You said I can get out of here if I give you information. What exactly do you want to know?"
Naruto doesn't know where to start but figures it's best to get to the crux of his questions first. "Why did you attack my son?"
Kawaki's face contorts in confusion. "Your son? I never touched your son." He retorts, his tone offended at the accusation.
"The blonde shinobi," Naruto clarified. "You attacked him and took his blood." He said matter-of-factly.
"That was your son," he confirms instead of answering. "That explains so much. He's annoying as fuck."
"Language," the Hokage reprimands. "And I take offence to that." Though Naruto knows Bolt can be a bit much for strangers, God he loves the boy, weird and all.
"Firstly, I didn't know he was your son." He raises a finger indignantly. "And secondly, he attacked me, I was just defending myself."
"And the blood?"
He bites his lips and looks down at his food; opting to take another bite to stall answering.
"I was just following orders," he whispers eventually.
"What orders?"
"To destroy the lab," he says.
"Someone ordered you to destroy the lab?" Naruto asks. He wonders why. What could have been in the lab that they didn't want the Leaf village to know about? What was so important that it was better to be destroyed entirely than for it to see the light of day?
Kawki let out a barely perceptible nod. "They showed me a picture and said to take his blood if given the chance."
"Someone showed you Boruto's picture in particular?"
"Yes." So they were targeting his son? Naruto couldn't understand why or who it could be.
"Why him?"
Kawaki scoffed, "they don't exactly brief me. They just tell me what to do."
"What happens if you don't listen?"
A haunting look fills the boy's face as he looks at Naruto. "Nothing good," he murmurs. Naruto can tell there's a story there, can tell that he is looking at him as he relives it in his mind, can see the pain. For that reason, Naruto stops himself from prodding deeper.
"So they wanted Boruto specifically and they used you to get it…" he ponders out loud. Then asks another important question, "Who are they?"
"They aren't exactly sharers. We don't sit around braiding each other's hair and swapping life stories you know." There's that sarcasm.
"But they didn't come looking for you? Why?" Unless they don't see the boy as a threat, but if they kept him for a while, that meant he was valuable to them on some level. Unless whatever they needed from him they got and he wasn't useful anymore. All these what-ifs are making his brain hurt.
"Doubt they'd care. I wasn't all that important," Kawaki grumbles pushing his food away from him and standing up. He walks to the tiny window in the room and says with his back turned, "are we done? Do you have any more questions?"
Naruto doesn't comment on the fact that he was the one to bring up the current conversation. He figures it wouldn't go over very nicely, so he takes what he can get for now.
"No more questions. I'll get to making arrangements to get you out of here." Naruto stands, sensing it was his cue to leave.
"Thanks for lunch," he smiles before making his exit. Kawaki doesn't respond, just continues looking out of the window.
XOXOX
Ironically it was Temari that issued the invite to girl's night. She said Shikamaru was going to have supper with Choji and visit his mother; Shikadai and Boruto were going to do a video game marathon so she would have the house to herself. Seeing as it had been a while since the girls met she suggested a relaxing night in.
Hinata knew that meant alcohol and gossip. She would have to turn down the offer to drink but she was glad for the occasion nonetheless. Girl's night as Ino tended to call it was an opportunity for all of them to have time for themselves and catch each other up on their lives. It was also an opportunity for Hinata to get out of the house, eat food cooked by someone else and have adult conversations with females. She loves Naruto, but sometimes it's nice to talk about certain things with a woman.
She walks down the stairs, her steps slow; looks like she would have to stop wearing heels soon. She was only in wedges, and it wasn't very high but the weight of it was already coursing through her lower back. Hinata was slightly saddened by the thought, heels made her feel sexy and the thought of not being able to wear them coupled with the additional thought of her outgrowing her clothes was almost too much to bear. No, she wasn't going to let that stop her from having a good time.
"Damn girl!" Naruto catcalled. "Remind me again where you girls are going tonight?"
Hinata pauses in her steps, "what do you mean?"
"You're looking hot. Smoking hot." He whistles. He cocks his head to the side, "too hot to be going to public places where guys can flirt with you."
Hinata laughs at the ridiculous comment. She was in a floor-length powder blue dress, the fabric loose enough to hide her belly but tight enough to simultaneously show off her curves and be comfortable. "We're going to be at the house Naruto. Plus, everyone in this village knows I am married to you." She doesn't mention that there were a few instances she was the subject of flirtations despite the ring on her finger and the widespread knowledge of her and Naruto being a couple. Her husband did have moments where he got jealous so she often didn't share these interactions with him, knowing how to take care of them herself.
He nods his head acquiescingly, accepting her words. She walks towards the entrance of their home pausing in the living room to drop a kiss on Himawari and Boruto's heads. Naruto hands over her cardigan and kisses her soundly much to the distaste of her son who shrieks, "Ew, not in the common areas."
Hinata ignores her son's whines. "Okay, I won't be back too late. Please don't feed my babies junk food for supper and make sure they're in bed by nine," she instructs Naruto.
"Believe it or not I can take care of our little gremlins for a couple of hours without messing them up…" he pauses, "… too much." He pushes her out the door. "Go. Have fun. We love you."
"I love you'll too." She says goodbye.
They were currently in Temari and Shikamaru's living room. Hinata was on the couch, with a throw pillow over her lap, not ready to reveal her visible bump. Temari was sitting on the other end of the same couch. Sakura and Ino were sitting on cushions in front of the coffee table and Tenten sat on the couch across, casually flipping through a magazine.
"This is so nice. I feel like I'm constantly surrounded by men, it's so good to just relax with you guys," Ino gushed, her tone slightly slurred indicating her buzz.
"Yeah, I hate to agree with this one," Sakura pointed at Ino, "but I missed this as well. Did you ever imagine our lives would be like this when we were 16?"
Temari chuckles, "you mean, did I consciously plan to marry a lazy Konoha ninja and move thousands of miles away from my home?"
"Oh hush Temari, you love the guy," Sakura chastises to which Temari rolls her eyes but doesn't deny it.
"Yes, I honestly never expected this either," Hinata admitted.
"Oh bull Hinata. You were half in love with Naruto your whole life. Did you honestly never think this would be your future?" Ino asks honestly.
"To be honest, no. I mean, I do feel like I've loved Naruto forever but that doesn't mean I ever thought our life now could be a reality, you know." Hinata confesses. She may have always loved Naruto but she was never blinded by the fact that he was not always in love with her. She watched him run after Sakura for a long time. She was shy but not oblivious.
"I get what you mean Hinata," Sakura agrees and Hinata knows she understands. She was in love with Sasuke for almost as long.
"What about you Tenten?" Ino asks. The girl in question looks up from her magazine.
"What was the question again?" she blinks her grey eyes in question.
"We're talking about being in love." Hinata offers.
"Are you seeing anyone right now?" Ino blurts. "You can tell us."
"I don't know. Love's kind of overrated in my opinion. But I guess I'm not completely closed off to the idea." Tenten says.
"Can I set you up on a date?" Ino crawls towards her, placing a hand on her knee, "please."
"Absolutely not!" she says instantly. She pouts at the instant reply and Temari breaks out into a loud laugh.
Ino then grabs the magazine out of Tenten's hand and peruses the pages. The room breaks out in soft chatter.
"Boring, boring, boring," Ino mutters turning over the pages.
"I was reading that," Tenten says.
"Hey, this is interesting, 'Confidence Tricks to Overcome Shyness." Ino teases, looking at Hinata.
Hinata knows she doesn't mean anything by it. "Thanks, Ino but I think I'm okay."
Her friend wasn't even looking at her, continuing to turn pages. "Ohh listen to this "The Pleasure of Slooow Sex," Ino says in a low sultry tone before bursting into giggles.
"No way," Temari gasps. "There's no way there's an article like that in a magazine."
"Actually, it's probably true," Sakura says in her doctor's voice. "Times are changing. People are more open about these kinds of stuff."
"Really?" Hinata asks. She hasn't really read magazines before, at least not bought one herself out of interest.
Ino holds her shoulders back and says in a reporter's tone, "Slow Sex…whoever has time for that?" She scoffs, "exactly. Do they not know how much we have to get done in a day?" she questions rhetorically before turning to the page again. "Well you do – and here's how to find it."
Ino closes the magazine. "Let's discuss," she faces her friends. "Honestly, do you guys have time for sex?"
"I can't believe we're talking about this," Tenten mutters.
Surprisingly so, it's Temari that answers, "I mean, you have to make the time, otherwise you just get more distant." Hinata silently agrees.
"That's true," Sakura says. "I don't get to see Sasuke as often as I'd like but we do try to be as close as we can as often as we can." If anyone has it tough, it's Sakura. Having to see Sasuke so little and having to cram so many moments in such a short period must be difficult. The room shifts with Sakura's words, everyone feeling her sadness a bit.
"You know what I always wondered," Ino puts a finger to her lip, changing the subject. "Like Sasuke," she turned to Sakura, "just say when," Ino held both her hands out palms touching and then slowly widened them apart.
Hinata saw exactly what she was doing and burst out laughing. "Are you crazy?" Sakura splutters her face flushing crimson. "I'm not telling you that."
"I'm surprised you haven't asked this before," Temari says. "Didn't you have a huge crush on him?"
"Yeah but that was before I actually knew the guy." Ino states, and then turns to look at Temari. "What about you?" Ino cocks her head to the side.
"What about me?" Temari asks, taking a sip from her glass.
Ino shrugs, "Shikamaru…"
Temari scrunches her face incredulously, "why would you even want to know?"
"I've always been curious," Ino says nonchalantly. "Okay, I'll make it easier for you'll. Is it like this," she says holding up an empty can of soda, "not very long but can do a bit of damage. Or is it like…" she pauses speaking thinking of a comparison. "… a carrot…not so substantial but can hit all the right places."
Hinata can't control her laughter at the absurdity of the conversation. "What are you laughing for missy?" Sakura asks, face still pink.
"You have to admit. It's a little funny." Hinata says and Tenten nods her head, glad to not be the focus of the conversation
"Answer the question," Ino says.
"I'm not answering," Temari states.
"Oh come on," Ino whines.
Hinata can see Temari is struggling to say something, "I'll answer if Sakura does," she finally blurts throwing their friend under the bus.
"Ah," Sakura gasps realising the trap.
"Guys, if you're embarrassed I'll tell you about Sai."
"I'd rather not know actually," Sakura replies.
"You guys are so boring," Ino grumbles pouring another glass of margarita into her cup. "And Naruto?"
All eyes turn to Hinata. Before she could even protest Temari says, "no. He's Hokage. I don't wanna know about his junk."
"Please," Ino says sarcastically. "He'll always be Naruto, a little twerp who used to turn into a naked girl to get out of trouble." Naruto will be glad to know his friends still see him as a friend and not just the Hokage, though Hinata will be sure to mention it more nicely.
"What?" Temari asks confused.
"God I hated that infernal jutsu," Sakura frowns, no doubt remembering all the times' Naruto must have done that.
"Totally, and what's worse was that he didn't even look half bad; definitely prettier than a lot of the girls in the Academy." Ino unconsciously handed a cup out for Hinata to take.
"No thanks, I'm good," Hinata politely refused.
"Wait, you're not drinking?" Temari asks.
"Honestly, if any of us need alcohol, it's you," Temari says pushing the cup into her hands. Sakura tries to take the cup from Ino to shield Hinata but she stops.
"It's okay Sakura. No, I'm not drinking Temari. I actually…can't." Hinata sits more upright waiting for the responses.
"Wait!" Ino exclaims, "Are you pregnant?"
"You're pregnant?" Temari confirms.
"Yeah," Hinata agrees. "I thought you knew," she hesitates, "I mean, Naruto already told Shikamaru."
"That weasel knows…and didn't tell me," Temari says with a murderous look in her eye. Maybe Hinata shouldn't have mentioned that tiny fact.
"Let's backtrack a bit," Ino says, "you're going to have another baby?"
"Actually it's twins," she sheepishly replies.
"No way! Naruto must have a magical dick," she sounds impressed, "you have to answer my questions now."
"That's not how conception works," Sakura reminds her while Ino just waves her off.
"Congratulations Hinata," Temari says, and Hinata is surprised to see her friend coming in for a hug.
"Yeah, that's great Hinata," Tenten chimes and before she knows it she is in the middle of a cuddle fest and Hinata feels so overwhelmed. This was what she wanted from her family. She sniffles, ignoring thoughts of her father. Her friends were her family too and she can always count on their support.
"Oh my god," Ino squeals. "Can I plan the baby shower?"
"No way! You can't claim the shower!" Sakura protests.
"I'll think about it," Hinata says breaking up the squabble that is sure to continue.
"Let's toast," Temari says quickly refilling everyone's glasses. Hinata opts for a non-alcoholic beverage. Raising their glasses, Temari shouts, "To Hinata! Congratulations! Here's to you."
"And your ever-loving patience and bravery in having more than one kid," Ino interjects.
"Here, here," they all cheer.
XOXOX
So now everyone knows…well mostly everyone. I hope you enjoyed my attempt at humour. So Kawaki's finally here. I hope I wrote him in a believable way. I want to remind you that this is mostly a domestic fluff piece so in terms of like action and fighting…please don't expect too much out of me. And once the Kawaki situation settles we'll dive back in with the babies and pregnancy stuff…so stay tuned.
If anyone has any cute/fluff interactions you want to see please let me know and I'll try and incorporate the idea if possible. Until next time!