A/N: So this is the new chapter, I especially like this one, so I hope you all enjoy it. Can't wait for your responses. With this chapter I hope all the puzzles are cleared, although I have added more puzzles ;D (can't stop myself, ideas just keep coming, so there we are, but at least all questions about the wedding are answered).
Thank you for those who read and review, your encouragements have helped me a lot in continuing this story. Also, it might take me for a while to update, I have not started on chapter 6 yet since I still wait for more votes on how the story should progress. We have a tie now between having Sasuke as a minor role v.s him as a slight/humorous villain. Because for chapter 6, I need Sasuke, so still wait on how I should portray him. However, the good new is this story will stay Romance/humor and will have an happy ending with Naruhina all the way to the end.
Check my profile for update, vote, and more.
(6/3/11)
Disclaim: I love Naruto, I adore Naruto, but one thing I can't have is Naruto.
'Thank Kami, for making my cousin- in-law an idiot'
As Neji watched the couple in their house, he had to admit that Hiashi-sama was right. There was nothing to worry about Naruto. After helping Hinata to move her stuffs into the house, Naruto had offered Hinata to sleep in the bed while he slept in his bed-bag. The next day they got rid of the bed and bought two futons instead which helped to save space since the house was too small for two beds. Neji nodded with great satisfaction when he recalled the couple's routine in the last week. Naruto and Hinata would get up at the same time, say good morning to each other. Hinata would prepare breakfast which was always ramen while Naruto taking the futons off to the closet and taking off the trash. They then would take a small walk around the village before heading to the training ground and began to train together before heading off to Ichiraku for lunch. Usually in the afternoon, they were gonna stay home together, just talking, or going out for more training and meeting up with friends. Then Hinata would prepare dinner while Naruto cleaning the house and taking a bath. After dinner, they would either go out for a nice walk or just stay home and talk until they went to sleep.
That stupid moron had done absolutely nothing romantic with his sweet cousin. He also kept the physical contacts to a minimum except with some occasions holding her hands which made Neji blood boiling like crazy. But except from that, there was none any other romantic gestures or contacts between them. They were much more like brother and sister than husband and wife. It would be nice for Neji if they could keep this up for the rest of their lives. Hiashi-sama was right after all, this whole marriage thing might not be so bad. Although Neji did wonder how it could be possible for Naruto to not be attracted to Hinata while he was so close to her for such a long time. Any man could force themselves on her after they were seeing her out of the bathroom in her cute pajima, she looked absolutely irresistible when she was running her hand over her wet hair, her eyes were clear like pearl, and her lips were... That's enough, it is too much for Neji to handle. Anyway there were only three possible answers for this abnormal behavior. Number one, like Hiashi-sama said, he was a true morron; number two, he was gay; number three, he was deeply in love with another girl.
Neji hoped it was not number three though. Neji was not blind especially when it was about his cousin. It pained him to no end whenever he saw the shine in her eyes when she looked at Naruto, her face brightened whenever Naruto talked to her or smiled at her. That look in her eyes, it was like Naruto was the whole world for her, that being with him alone was the best thing had ever happened to her. Neji never saw her smile like this before. This smile was so pure, so beautiful and full with happiness that it made his heart ache, he could do anything anything to make her smile at him like that...
'But then again, Kami-sama, thank you very much for making my cousin-in-law a moron'
A/N: Don't thank Kami-sama so early, Neji, not until you see what happen next.
"Good morning, Hinata"
"Good morning, Naruto-kun"
Naruto smiled as Hinata. It was so nice to have someone near you and to say "good morning" with them every morning. He was so used with seeing Hinata every time he opened his eyes in the morning that a flood of fear swept through his whole body when he thought of how would it felt if he would no longer be able to see her like this. He was drawn completely by her smiling face, her shinning eyes, and her sweet voice that every time he waked up he found himself longing to see her face again, to hear her calling his name, to smell the scent of her body, to know that she was near to him. If he would no longer be able to be with her like this, he would...This fear, it was not the first time he felt this fear. He knew very well the feeling of losing someone important to him. He knew as a shinobi, it was something he had to deal with. Shinobi's death was not something uncommon. That was why he had to treasure this moment. He was not a coward who ran away from his fear.
"Hinata"
"Yes, Naruto-kun"
"Let me make breakfast for today. I will make some red bean soup for you, I know it is your favorite food. I also bought some cinnamon rolls yesterday, so we can have it too"
"But, Naruto-kun. I know you like ramen. You don't have to worry about me."
"You know that I also like red been soup, right? I guess we do have a lot in common. Beside, you like cinnamon rolls, so I also want to try it. I am sure if you like it, I will like it"
"But you don't have to make breakfast, I can..."
"I want to do it. Who say that it is your duty to cook? And beside I want to make something for you, to try my cooking, you know. Unless you don't like it."
"No, I like it very much. I...I just feel very happy now, that I don't know what to say..."
Naruto put a finger on her lips and smiled at her.
"Then, you don't need to say anything else. Let's try Uzumaki Naruto cook."
"Hai"
"You know, it is unfortunate that we will not have more time together from now on. I have to meet bachan today for a new mission. It seems like our vacation is over"
"It's ok Naruto-kun. It's not like we will not see each other anymore. I'm sure you will be done with your mission soon enough."
"You don't know bachan. She usually assigns me missions after missions so I don't know this time she will keep me out of the village for how long."
"It's ok Naruto-kun. I'm sure Tsunade-sama could be very understandable. I also have missions and training with Neji-nisan. And beside, I...I don't mind waiting for you, no...no matter how long it will take..."
Naruto suddenly felt an urge to be close to Hinata, to show her his feelings, his gratitudes. He leaned closer and placed a kiss her on her cheek.
"BUMPS"
The door was flying through the room and landed on the kitchen table, revealing a very piss off Neji.
"Hey, Neji. What's wrong with you lately? Have some sympathy with your poor friend a little, will you? It's not like bachan pay me anything for most of my missions. And where could I get the money to pay for both the door and the table? Hey what are you doing? Where are you going with Hinata? Hey, hold on."
"It seems like your little vacation is over. Hinata has training with me, very important training"
With that Neji led Hinata out of the house, leaving the poor Naruto alone, confused and troubled in his new financial crisis. He opened his Gama-chan and calculated in his head how many ramen he had to miss from Ichiraku to pay off for his door and table.
"Neji-nisan, It's hurt. My hand, you don't need to hold it so tightly."
"….."
"Nisan, please"
"Do you know how important this training means to our future, Hinata?"
"Of course I know, but I don't understand. What's the problem?"
"Being so close with Uzumaki Naruto is the problem."
"But we didn't do anything, I swear, Nisan"
"I can't be so sure with what just happen now."
"I have been taken by surprise too, and beside it is not a big deal. Just a kiss on the cheek. *Blush*"
"Just a kiss on the cheek? Do you know why I have to kick every man ass who try to be near you for the past two years? That is so you will not be in contact physically with any man. You know how important is it to keep your mind and body pure for this training."
"But I am married, nisan. I don't know if we should continue our training. It could be impossible..."
"This marriage is just for show. It is designed so that no man will dare to get close to you, and Uzumaki Naruto is supposed to be a moron who would never in any way touch you."
"That's terrible. That's not what Otou-san told me"
"You are not blind, don't you? You know very well that Naruto is not in love with you. Would you really believe what Hiashi-sama said about Naruto was crazily in love with you that he begged for this marriage? You are just lying to yourselves. I don't want you to get hurt. I can see you falling deeper and deeper to him by the day, but don't create an illusion for yourselves, you know what is important to you, right. Are your resolves strong enough? Do you want to continue this training?"
Hinata's eyes were covered in tears, but she nodded, unable to stop her sobbing. Neji felt like hundred thousand of knives stabbing him when he was seeing Hinata like this, but it was for the best that she was aware of Naruto feelings. Shinobi should not fall in love, there were much more important things in life other than love. Beside, although he felt very guilty, he could not bring himself to tell Hinata the whole truth behind her marriage. It was a big mistake on Hiashi-sama part.
Flashback:
Neji had a bad feeling when two distant relatives of Hiashi-sama came that morning. He sat quietly, listening to their conversation. A very boring conversation at first.
"It's been a long time huh Hiashi?"
"Indeed."
"You are still a quited fellow huh, that's why you could never find a girlfriend when we were young. I knew you were very jealous of me with all of the girls throwing themselves on me. I guess physical appearance does matter huh."
"What brings you to Konoha?"
"Oh, you know, I have a daughter, and like me she is a very attractive young girl. She just turned sixteen six month ago but there were countless suitors surrounding her all day just to get a glance of her adorable face. I told my daughter she was too young for dating and she should keep her distant with all men for now. It had been such a nag to keep such fine young men out of our house. But then one day a young man who just became the Minister of Defense from the Land of Fire asked me to take her hand in marriage. He was a very talented young man whose future would be as bright as the sun, and my daughter was very fond of him, so who am I to refuse such offer and deny my daughter happiness? I and my son here just attended their wedding a few day ago, and I thought while we were still in the Land of Fire, why not give my old friend a visit?"
"Good for you"
"Talking of that. How old is your eldest daughter, now?"
"Hum, 18, ahem, turn 19 in a few months"
"Wow, time sure flies huh"
"..."
"I'm sure a young girl like her has many suitors, does she yet have an boyfriend?"
"..."
"Oh, I see. You don't have to feel shame, Hiashi. It's not like every girl could be as fortune my daughter. I have many time thanked Kami-sama to give her such a gift, blessing her to look exactly like me. Like father like daughter. I'm sure with your family wealth and power you will find your daughter someone soon, like way you get your wife. Don't worry Hiashi, actually, physical attraction does not matter that much."
"..."
'This distant relative sure knew how to make Hiashi-sama pissed'
This was when the son of the distant relative came to the room with a photo of the Konoha 11.
"Father. Look at this. Look at this."
"Show some manner, won't you?"
"Hiashi-sama. I'm sorry for my sudden outburst. But father look at this picture, it is Uzumaki Naruto"
"Uh?"
"You know. The Uzumaki Naruto, Hero of the Fourth Shinobi War. He is rumored to be the strongest shinobi in this whole world, a man who is loved and admired by many, the one who has a lot of connections and influences through out the shinobi world."
"Oh so he is the man that you young people keep talking about all of these days. The problem of being a hero and having such qualities is that he would never find someone worthy enough to be his partner. And, just out of curiosity, how can you get this photo, Hiashi?"
"My daughter is in there."
"Oh, I see. May I ask what is the relation between him and your daughter?"
"... They are to be married in one week."
The father and son and Neji sat dumbfound, mouths wide opened, looking in disbelief at Hiashi. Neji could not believe this, was Hiashi-sama out of his mind?
"Oh, but I thought that your daughter did even have a boyfriend?"
"I never say so."
"And I didn't see any sign of a wedding coming up"
"The Hyuuga is a noble clan, we have no problem in preparing a wedding in a few day, so why have to hurry up the process?"
"If so, do you mind if we stay for your daughter wedding?"
"..."
"I can't believe you are not telling your old friend sooner about your daughter marriage, and now you don't even want to invite me to your daughter wedding. Even if you are always jealous of me, I always see you as one of my best friends. Actually, I begin to doubt if there will be a wedding..."
"Fine. Suit yourselve."
Three days had passed since the fated meeting, and although Hiashi-sama had used up all of his wits trying to make the evil distant relative leave, he was nowhere close to his goal. To make the matter worse, the evil distant relative kept asking about the wedding, and out of frustration, Hiashi-sama had ordered everyone in the Hyuuga clan to prepare for "the wedding". Even Neji felt desperated for Hiashi-sama. Hiashi-sama, on the other hand, still kept his face as neutral when he called Neji to his study.
"Hiashi-sama."
"Neji, you did told me something before about a contract between Hokage-sama and Naruto, right?"
"I'm not sure about this information, it is just something I overheard in the Hokage Tower"
"Tell me more of it"
"It seems like Naruto is in a contract to be a personal slave for Tsunade-sama"
"That explains a lot of thing."
"You know how to play poker, right? Tell me about the rules this instant."
"You are sure a quick learner, Hiashi-sama"
"It is not as difficult as I think it is. Let's go Neji."
"To where Hiashi-sama?"
"To the bar, of course"
"I am not yet reach the age to drink, Hiashi-sama. I still have to wait for a few month."
"I never ask you to drink. But I need you as a witness."
"Witness?"
"Let's go, we don't have a lot of time"
At the bar, they encountered Tsunade who just sneaked out from the Hokage Office to get a drink
"Oh, man. Shizune is so strict these days. She discovers all the sakes I hide in the office, and forbids me to even try one glass. Who does she think she is? Hey, get me another drink."
As Hiashi was about to approach the Hokage, Neji stopped him
"Hiashi-sama, what are you doing?"
"To play a poker game with Tsunade, what's else."
"But you just learn the rule, you have not even played one game yet."
"Knowing the rule is enough, why do I have to learn more? She is the legendary sucker after all, there is no way I could lose. Watch this closely, and ask others to join too."
"Hokage-sama, what's a coincidence."
"Uh, oh it's just you, Hiashi. I don't know that you also like to drink. I never see you in the bar before."
"I have too much stresses as a head of a clan, I figure a little fun would not harm."
"You're right. We, leaders, have too much responsibilities, but people never understand, especially our assistants. I don't know why we need them in the first place. All they could do is fathering us and annoying us to no end."
"May be a little game of poker would lighten your spirit a bit?"
"Oh, Hiashi, I don't know that you are also interested in poker?"
"I just learned it recently, So I might need your help to understand it better. To make it more interesting, why don't we have a little bet for this game?"
"Uhm what's kind of bet?"
"Something like if I lose to you I will pay off all of your debts, but if you lose you have to do one thing for me."
"What is this one thing you want?"
"It would not be fun to tell you now, wouldn't it? I'm sure it is not something that a great Hokage like you can not do. In fact, I doubt that there is anything in this world that you are unable to do."
"Uhhuh, you 're right. Uhhuh"
"Hokage-sama, let put our pride as a shinobi and as a gambler on this game."
"You are right. It's much more fun to have our pride at stake for a bet, isn't it? Gamble is the best."
And with that, Tsunade-sama lost the game to Hiashi-sama.
"Cheezz. You are just lucky this time. Do you want to try another game?"
"No, thank you, Hokkage-sama, I had a lot of fun, but I afraid I have to take my leave. It is too late, now."
"Huh, you are no fun. So what is this that you want, Hiashi?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow in your office. Good night, Tsunade-sama."
And that was how Naruto ended up marry to Hinata in just one week, no, to be more precisely in four days.
If Neji knew what would happen he would never let the evil distant relative of Hiashi-sama and his stupid son stepped one step into the Hyuuga household. What done was done. What was crucial now was to keep Naruto away from Hinata, which could be more difficult than originally planned. It seemed like Naruto had begun to held some romantic feelings toward his little cousin, but he would not lose to Naruto, not on this one, not his cousin.
A/N: Like all of you I just want Naruto to fall in love with Hinata already, but making it too fast will not make sense and make the story less interesting. However, in this chapter, I want Naruto to have some feelings and express it to Hinata. Please let me know if his feelings toward Hinata progress too fast or if any in their scenes together at the beginning of this chapter do not make sense. Is his feelings toward Hinata believable?
