~Here you go guys! Chapter 5
Yes. Hinata responded Naruto as able as she could and she had agreed to their date. Hinata and Naruto both understood that even though they were dating each other, Hinata was actually in someone else's form. She had to wear a mask of sorts in order to look like someone else. Henge into a different person, a different voice and a different personality.
But there were several other problems too, for example, where would Hinata get ready for their dates? It was too risky to go in as Hinata and come out as Hinami in the Hyuga Compound. That could get Hinami with a kidnapping and infiltrating charge. If Hinata gets ready and leave, and later henges into Hinami, it would raise several other risks. What if someone sees her outside henging into Hinami? They could question her henge and it would compromise the task.
Even if she isn't caught, there will be Hiashi who is going to be curious as to whom his first born is going out with. But the most difficult, annoying and dreadful problem, which both Naruto and Hinata saw, was Hinata's behavior around Naruto. Hinata was henging into his girlfriend but she was still the same person.
Blushing, stuttering and fainting around his presence. And as far as the common sense goes, your girlfriend of two years doesn't get self-conscious in front of you, rather she is close to you than anybody else. Naruto had to work up her confidence as much as he could.
Hinata knew that there were people who knew about her feelings towards Naruto, and they will try to console her the very next time they saw her. Well, she could avoid the girls and half of the village, but what was she going to do about Hanabi? They lived together in the same house and under the same roof. She couldn't risk expressing herself in the compound unless she was in her own room.
Both Naruto and Hinata were sitting in the living room, looking at Naruto's carpet after they figured out the new hurdles. Hinata was at a loss of words after she woke up from her fainting session. She was ashamed that she fainted yet again, and also very nervous after Naruto had asked her out, though still she had managed to mumble a yes.
After they started to discuss what to do and how to do it, it raised one question/problem after another, they both had seemingly wandered into the living room and sat there, just thinking what to do in the current enigmatic situation.
"I actually didn't think of the consequences Hinata, I was already too nervous as to how you would reply, so I never thought we may have to face so many difficulties" said Naruto.
Though it was Hinata's turn to surprise him. "I-I have a p-plan Naruto kun" Hinata muttered as she looked at Naruto.
Naruto perked up at this and looked at Hinata, hinting she had his full attention. Hinata composed her thoughts and got her words together in order to explain what she had in mind.
"W-well, I just got off a mission, and I-I can ask Hokage-Sama for a leave of a month or so. I-If everyone thinks I am not in konoha, I will be able to dodge them since they all believe I am crying over your girlfriend now. Further, when everyone will b-be think that I am not in the v-village I, I can" Hinata started looking towards her sides, showing how obviously nervous she was.
Naruto smirked, it was actually a brilliant idea! He picked up as to what she meant and was referring to. "and you move into my house, while everyone thinks you're on vacation, you henge into Hinami, we go on dates. It's win-win situation. You amaze me Hinata!"
Hinata placed her face in her palms. She was already nervous when all he was doing was complimenting her, how would she manage living in the same house and being with him practically every single day? And that's when it hit her.
How was she going to overcome her weakness around him? She practically hyperventilates in his presence.
Naruto was not oblivious to this, the thought had come to him before her. Naruto went and sat right next to Hinata on her couch. He was studying her carefully. Hinata wasn't feeling easy, she didn't even dare to look him in the eye. After a few moments of silence and observations, Naruto got up suddenly, startling the girl.
"We need to work on you confidence Hinata" and he finally said it.
Hinata didn't do much in her reply, she just nodded up and down. She couldn't disagree with that, if she needed to get closer to him, she had to get over her shyness. And that, was going to be a lot of work.
For now, they both had decided that Hinata would go, pack up and visit the hokage, whereas Naruto will set up a room for Hinata with the few clothes, perfumes and make-up sets he had bought for Hinami.
(The Hyuga Compound)
Hinata had managed to make it to the compound without being noticed by anyone outside. She went ahead and knocked on Hiashi's door. After a few moments, hiashi called out, "Come in"
Hinata walked in, closing the door behind her, walked up to Hiashi and bowed in front of him.
"Good Morning, Father" greeted Hinata, traditionally.
"Yes, what is that which you want to talk about" Hiashi was a stern but a loving father. He was the head of the Clan and nothing about the village went past him. It meant he came to know that Naruto had a girlfriend, he was also aware about Hinata's feelings for him but didn't see any regret on Hinata's face right now. He knew something was up but thought wiser not to pry.
"Father, I want to go on a vacation, away from the village for a while. I need your approval, kindly allow me to" asked Hinata. She knew her father was a wise man, and wanted to get over with this as soon as possible before he starts interrogating him.
"You have my approval. You may take an escort or a maid if you desire" replied Hiashi.
And Hinata felt the floor beneath her sinking. Her father had put her in a position where if she showed a hint of nervousness, she'll be caught. Hinata couldn't take anyone, she had to think up on something and fast.
"I am grown up father, nothing of the sort shall be necessary. I want to have some time alone" said the former heiress.
Hiashi nodded and closed his eyes, continuing his meditation routine. Hinata excused herself, got up and left. Hiashi was proud of her daughter, she had grown up to be a fine shinobi. Hinata's efforts during the war had proved her worth in her clan and was now looked up by many. Though he would never say anything like that to her.
Hinata hurried to her room and closed her door behind her. She took a sigh of relief, happy she made it out safe and without any suspicion. Hiashi now thought that Hinata was going on a vacation to get her thoughts cleared about 'Uzumaki San' or so, how he would have put it. And this was good news, Hiashi wasn't doubting anything and this meant that she won't be followed.
Now, Hianta had to pack up a little, so it would seem that she is actually going on a vacation. After she packed up everything, Hinata went for the final obstacle, the Hokage.
(At The Kage Tower)
Knock. Knock.
"Come in" called out Kakashi. He was as usual, busy with his paper work. But when his PA had told him that Hyuga Hinata wanted to meet him, he called her up immediately. Kakashi, like everyone else, knew that Hinata had feelings for Naruto, he understood that even if Naruto was faking about Hinami, Hinata still could be hurt. And wanted to provide her with any help he could.
"Good Afternoon Hokage-Sama" greeted Hinata bowing in front of the masked man. Kakashi motioned her to take a seat and gave her all of his attention.
"How may I help you Hinata?" asked Kakashi with his one-eyed smile.
"Kakashi-Sama, I want a leave off ninja duties and go on a vacation for a month or so" stated the Hyuga.
'So that's what she wants to do. Take off away from the village for a while and try to move on' thought kakashi.
Dealing with him wasn't too hard, and Hinata was soon out of the building with his approval. She went straight to the compound, to get some sleep. She will execute their plan by the evening as decided.
(Meanwhile/The Uzumaki Compound)
Naruto was sitting idly in his chair, thinking deeply. He was supposed to make a very difficult decision, WHICH ROOM SHOULD HE GIVE TO HINATA! It was obvious that she was going to need a room for the time she was going to spend in the compound, away from her home. But the question was, should she be given a separate room? Or move in with Naruto in the Main Bedroom?
This question had really put Naruto in a difficult spot. Logically, a girlfriend would always share the same room, same bed and same bath, or according to what the novels stated. But Hinata and Naruto hadn't even gone out on their dates yet. This was proving to be a difficult choice, and Hinata thought that she was the one doing all the hard work.
After a lot of wandering in the room, Naruto had decided to move her in his own bedroom. He needed to boast up her confidence, and this could be a start. Hinata was in for a big shock this night. Though no matter how mature Naruto had gotten, he was still quite oblivious when it came to all this.
He brought another wardrobe in the room, filled it up with all the clothing he had bought. Though he left the rest of the space empty for any other 'women's' thing, which Hinata might bring along.
All set, he cleared all the mess from his room. Picked up the scrolls, the clothes lying around, and especially all the novels, he hid them all with his underwear. Next, he properly made the bed.
But not only that, he did something else, set up a futon on the floor for himself. He wanted the girl to come out of her shell, he didn't want to kill her. But he his the futon under the bed, no good start without a little tease.
After everything was done, Naruto went up to take a nap, and wait for the evening, to let the action begin.
Time passed, the shiny sun was now sinking in the sky, leaving darkness behind. Hinata woke up and got ready. She was about to leave, though luck wasn't on her side this time.
"Ne-Chan!" called out Hanabi from the other side of the hallway. Hinata dreaded every step she took towards her, closing the gap between them. Hinata didn't like lying to Hanabi.
"I heard from father that you're leaving, is it because of Naruto?" asked a sad Hanabi. She was angry at Naruto, not because he had brought his girlfriend to the village, but because he never realized her sister's feelings for him, but realized his own, for a women with whom he had only met at that time.
"I am fine Hanabi, you don't have to be worried about me, I will be back soon" replied Hinata embracing Hanabi in a warm hug. She was trying to avoid lying at all costs, and for that, she would have to cut their conversation short.
"I need to leave for a while Hanabi, trust me, everything is fine and I will be all okay" Hanabi couldn't argue more. She knew Hinata was more tougher and wiser now. And if father had allowed her to go, it must mean it was all fine, right?
They both said their good wishes to each other, and Hinata left the compound as soon as she could.
Hinata again sighed in relief, it was a close call. She wanted to avoid anyone on the way because she was practically running away from home in a sense, leaving by telling lies and all. But she needed someone, she had to let out the news that she was going on a vacation in between their friends or they all will make assumptions.
And that's when she saw Sakura walking by in the market. Hinata picked up her pace a little and bumped straight into the pinkette.
"Hey! watch where your goi, Hinata?" Sakura stopped after she saw that it was Hinata. She picked her up and straight off started bombarding her with questions.
"Hinata! Where did you go yesterday, we haven't seen you since, are you okay? Did you meet Naruto?" Though when she saw the bag, Sakura suddenly perked up and forgot all what she was asking.
"Where are you going?" This question was all what Hinata needed, to escape. Now she won't have to answer the series of questions Sakura threw at her before and even get what she need.
"I want to be alone, away from the village for a while" replied Hinata dusting off the dirt from her clothes. Sakura was quiet for a moment or two, but soon she caught Hinata in a hug.
"Hinata, I am so sorry, but that idiot came in with a girlfriend out of nowhere, I swear I didn't know that he" Hinata cut her off in the middle by putting her hands on her shoulders.
"I know it's not your fault, not of any of you guys, I don't blame anyone. I just want to sort myself out, away from here" Sakura looked saddened a bit. If one thing Hinata had learnt in all her ninja career, it was good improvisation. She knew she had to make sure that Sakura spreads her going away from the village within the group and also to make sure that Sakura doesn't doubt anything.
She hugged her, and gave her a forced smile. She said her good wishes and went off towards the gates. Sakura watched from behind until Hinata disappeared in the crowd.
Hinata reached the security, she checked out of the village and into the forest. After walking further a little, she checked if she was out of everyone's sight.
Satisfied, Hinata put aside her luggage, and transformed into Hinami. And now, it was time for the last part of the plan. She started walking back to the village, passed the gates and went straight towards the compound. The plan, was a success!
Hinami (Hinata) knocked on the door of the Uzumaki compound. Moments later Naruto opened the gates, and when he saw her standing there, he gave her one of the warmest smiles.
"You're back!" and with that, he scooped her up in a warm hug. Everything disappeared around Hinata, her heart started to beat at an inhuman pace, all she knew was, that Naruto was hugging her. Hinata was trying her best not to faint and ruin everything, and when Naruto left her, she managed to wobble inside the compound.
After the door was closed, Naruto turned around to see a beat red Hinami, staring off into space. Poor girl, Naruto forget that he still needs to work on her confidence.
"Great job Hinata, did anything happen in between?" Hinata shook her head left to right. Naruto wanted to start a conversation and took her to the dining room. He knew of no other good way to bring her out of her shock.
The table was set with dinner, both Naruto and Hinata sat down, to eat their meal and discuss about what was going to happen next. Naruto told Hinata about every detail he had thought about Hinami, from her background to her likes and dislikes, her Ninja status before and Ninja status now, from her friends till her fake parents biographies.
"and here is your Hitai-Ate and jounin uniform. They allotted me elite jounin after the test today" said Naruto handing Hinata the materials he picked up from the tower in the morning.
Late night when they were finished with all the discussions, Naruto decided to show Hinata their room. He opened the door, put her baggage down and let her walk in.
Hinata was smiling nonetheless. This room was warmer than the one she had woken up in the morning. It had a lot of decorations, sceneries, show pieces, carpet flooring, and a bed in the very center of the room. But what Naruto said next, stopped her dead in her tracks altogether.
"This here Hinata, is OUR room"
~Do Review! This one was bigger than the ones I've posted before. Typing is getting harder day after day but I am still trying my best, Cheers!