Pein knew he had changed. His friends told him, Hinata told him, and he even told himself. But the only way he had changed was towards his Hina. Softer, more open, unashamed of the affection in which he treated her. Itachi, one of his closest friends and business partner said;
"No one acts more foolishly than a wise man in love"
Pein had looked to Itachi, vaguely offended. Itachi's mouth twitched into a half smile, placing his hand on Pein's shoulder. "Good on you for finding it" The man then left, shocking Pein slightly before he smiled.
It had been 1 year and Pein was no less interested or amazed by the goddess he called Hinata. To his wonderment she was still with him, even when she found out about the cruel things he had done in his past, instead placating his fears with the understanding and accepting eyes.
"Your past has given you the strength and wisdom you have today. Celebrate your journey and don't let it haunt you"
But that was the way she was. Accepting with a backbone of steel. When she had met the rest of his gang, all she did was laugh, showed them her place as someone who wouldn't be fucked with and get them all to fall in love with her.
His goddess.
She walked through the door, dark circles under her usually bright eyes. Pein frowned slightly, knowing these constant night shifts were having a profound effect on her well being. Pein stood up and pulled her to his chest, beaming inwardly as she immediately wrapped her arms around his waist, cheek coming into contact with his chest.
"Welcome back Hina" Pein murmured, kissing her hair before pulling her up and carrying her to their bedroom. They had moved in together little over 5 months ago, and Pein loved that decision every second of every day. Having the feel of her in his-their home made him feel that much more at ease with life. She was safe, she was there, and she was his.
Pein laid her down on the bed gently, letting his hand run down the side of her porcelain face. Hinata leaned into his touch, smiling wearily at how scary her man looked but how soft he really was. Like a cat. She watched him run a hand through his already unkempt hair and marvelled that this gorgeous man was actually in her life.
"Pein" Hinata whispered, her breath hitching when he turned around, a soft look in his eyes, only for her, his eyebrow raising in question. Hinata held her arms out, wanting to touch him again, to feel him against her. Pein was over to her in a flash, lying between her legs on his stomach, arms around her waist, head on her lap. Hinata stroked her hands through his hair enjoying the way he leaned into it, seeming to not get enough of her touch.
Pein got up suddenly, his violet eyes boring into her own. He straightened, tilting his head as he so often did, his mouth parting slightly.
"I love you."
Hinata gasped, her eyes wide, heart beating wildly. She was completely awake now. Pein waited anxiously for her to say something, anything that would calm the frenzy in his chest. He had been thinking on the concept of love for a while, comparing it to the ultimately too real concept of pain. It was the opposite in every way, yet had so many things in common. One of those traits, one he had learnt, was that it made you stronger. Whenever Hina was with him he felt like he could rule the world, her hand intertwined with his made Pein believe nothing could stop him from being the best person he was.
But the only reason he wanted to live to his potential was for the woman who was currently staring at him on their bed, her hand fluttering to her chest. And if she didn't love him back, he could wait.
As long as it took.
"I love you"
Pein stiffened, flicking his eyes to her full lips. He cleared his throat, leaning closer to Hina, his eyes searching her red face. Hinata smiled ever so slowly, pulling Pein forward by his collar with enough force to topple them both over.
"I love you" She whispered from under him, her soft hands tracing the contours of his face. Pein could feel his face splitting from the intensity of his smile, his forearms on either side of her face, caressing the first and last love of his life. Hinata closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him down on top of her. They fit, perfectly, two pieces in a jigsaw puzzle.
Even though the two had been together for a while, they had never needed the physical intimacy that most couples today would. Preferring to build their relationship emotionally. They simply loved each other soul first, body second.
Pein grinned into her neck, his many piercings making a shiver go through Hinata at their touch. Pein wrapped his arms around her middle, bringing his mouth to hers in a passionate kiss, a flurry of hard lips and soft sweeps of tongue.
They needed no more to acknowledge their love.
Pein waited in the lounge, white flower petals scattered around the dimly lit room, candles emitting a subtle fragrance and light. His heart beat was stable but still faster than usual, as he waited for Hina to wake up from her deep sleep.
Pein loved her.
So he was going to marry her.
He waited on one knee, dressed immaculately in a maroon and black Armani suit Hina loved on him. He ran a hand through his slicked back hair, tapping his leg lightly.
He heard their room door open and the shuffling of feet, his heart slowing when he saw Hina standing in the doorway. She gasped, her eyes lighting up, a hand flying to her mouth. Hina stood in his shirt, the cutest image he had ever seen. She walked agonizingly slow towards him, stopping just before her shins brushed his knee. Pein kept his eyes on Hina's face, absorbing every movement she made, wanting this moment forever.
"Hinata Hyuuga. You are the love, the light and the reason of my life. I didn't know what it was like to live Hina, I thought money and having people under me could make me happy" Pein scoffed, yet his eyes didn't flinch from hers, seeming to intensify more. "You walked in, all innocence and fire, such a contradiction that I was hopelessly in love from the second you deemed me fit enough to look upon"
Pein breathed in deeply, enough for both of them as Hinata had stopped.
"And I would die the happiest man alive if you would do me the honour of marrying me"
Pein waited, his fingers opening the crimson box he held, showing the ring that reminded him of her. A slim silver band that had spiralling diamonds, rubies and amethysts. Him and her intertwined.
Hinata opened her mouth, getting on her knees in front of Pein, taking his face in her hands.
"Wherever you go I go, and if it is on your knees, then so be it"
Hinata kissed the corner of his lips, making him inhale sharply.
"A thousand times over Pein, yes"
