To those who I said this fic is going to end in four chapters (including this one), my apologies; this will end in another 2 chapters (excluding this chapter). I miscalculated XP. This chap is dedicated to cfox ;)

To cfox: Oh no, no sequel I'm afraid. Though there may be some side stories if I'm in the mood of writing it XD And since you like KibaHina, I dedicate this chapter for you ;)

Standard disclaimers apply. Unbeta-ed. Hints of GaaNeji.

4th Arc: Closure
Chapter 15: Country boy/City girl

In the end, Neji was told about Hinata's visit and right now, one blond, one long haired brunette, one red-haired man and one dark haired female were sitting in a luxurious apartment owned by none other than Sabaku Gaara (and Hyuuga Neji actually). Hinata fidgeted, Neji glared at Hinata, Naruto glared at Neji and Gaara had a bored look.

"This is not working," Gaara said monotonously, obviously stating the situation where the four of them were in.

"It will, if Neji stops staring at Hinata-chan like that," Naruto rolled his eyes.

"I will, if you would have just done the right thing to do," Neji said in sarcasm.

"Oh, yeah? What's that, Neji?" Naruto challenged.

"Told me the moment Hinata called you that she's here!"

"Look, I told you; as much as I knew it was the right choice, Hinata-chan was in so much distress alright? Besides, if you would have known it, you couldn't piss Hiashi like you did, didn't you?" Naruto grinned silly.

"Naruto, I was accused of kidnapping Hinata and I didn't even know she's just a few hours away from me!"

"Don't even say a word, Naruto," Gaara warned when he saw Naruto opened his mouth to answer back. As much as Gaara loved his two precious people, Gaara didn't like yelling and shouting in his apartment.

Naruto pouted. When Gaara gave orders, you immediately obey it. You don't want to know what would happen if you don't. Naruto knew of this rule of course. Otherwise, he wouldn't have known how Gaara made it to the top in such a short time.

"So what do you propose?" Naruto asked the red-haired slowly.

"We would make Hiashi disown her."

"WHAT?!!!" Even Neji was in for the shouting. Hinata's eyes widened.

"That will save a lot of problem. Hiashi couldn't force Hinata into the arranged marriage, Hanabi could take her place instead and that little brat would be the next in line to inherit Hyuuga Empire." Gaara's emerald eyes twinkled maniacally.

Oh, no… Gaara's on killing frenzy again! Naruto gulped.

"And how do you suppose Hiashi will disown Hinata?"

Both Naruto and Hinata snapped to look at Neji; Naruto with 'Are-you-crazy?' look and Hinata had fears in her eyes. Gaara looked at Neji, a smirk in place as he saw Neji could guess where this was going.

The smirk however turned into an evil grin. Naruto didn't like it one bit. Not at all. He preferred a calm and collected Gaara; not this one.

"What do you think would make Hiashi seething in anger? What is the ultimate rule of him that you cannot do without his approval, Hinata?" Gaara gave out a really dangerous aura, and even Neji shivered a little.

Neji's eyes widened at Gaara's words; for he knew Hiashi that much. Hinata looked shocked and stuttered; "B-But I-I c-can't…" she trailed off and blushed.

Naruto? Naruto looked clueless enough. He even asked, "What?"
The rest almost sweatdropped at this.

"Get married, Hinata. To someone who's not of your father's choice or expectation. Get married and get pregnant. He'll be livid, you will not marry your sister's boyfriend and she will inherit the empire."

"Do you know what you're talking about, Sabaku?" Neji snapped after a long silent.

"I… I c-can't…." Hinata looked away, blushing again at the thought. She hadn't even thought of marrying anyone, let alone does it!

Naruto gaped, for what it seemed like 10 minutes, before he widely grinned and joined Gaara at the wicked side. "I agree!" he cheerfully pumped his hands into the air. "Man, Hiashi would feel like his ass being kicked hard if Hinata suddenly appeared with a wedding band on her finger! Gaara, you're a wicked, wicked evil man! But a genius evil man!" Naruto laughed. It was Neji's turn to look at Naruto with 'Are-you-crazy?' look.

"C-Can't I j-just s-said to Father t-that I h-have a b-boyfriend or s-something l-like that?"

"Of course not! He'd just break your relationship off and you will still have to marry Hanabi's guy!"

"Wouldn't that be the same if she's married too? For all you know, he would pay him to divorce her," Neji glared at Naruto.

"Not really; if he really likes her. Besides, when Hinata gets married, she's no longer a Hyuuga by name- so technically she's not under her father anymore!" Naruto said smugly. Oh yes, Hiashi's gonna get it bad this time!

"Naruto's right." Gaara agreed when he saw Neji's expression.

"B-But I-I c-can't…" Hinata felt like crying. As much as she wanted them to help her, she also felt like a victim who's life is being dictated by someone else. Couldn't they ask for her opinion first befor making a decision on her life?!

The reality was, Hinata never spoke of those words, so none of the three males in the room knew she was dying inside right now.

"Right. Then who's she going to marry? You?!" Neji asked increduoulsy.

Naruto suddenly blushed crimson. "N-No! Of course not!" He sputtered cutely.

Gaara raised his umm… lack-of-brow amusedly. Why, this was interesting.

Hinata also looked at Naruto- eyes widened at Neji's ridiculous suggestion. Of course Naruto couldn't marry her! "H-He… N-Naruto-kun j-just made up w-with S-Sasuke-kun… He can't m-marry me…"

Neji gave Naruto a speculated look while Gaara had an amused and interested look on his face at this. Naruto's bronze feature went darker if possible.

"Is this 'Sasuke' the guy you mentioned last month, Naruto?" Neji asked. Ah… jackpot! Neji gave a victory grin when Naruto gaped again.

"Is this the one that Naruto wanted to woo back? The one that you told me earlier, Neji?" Gaara asked.

"Y-You told Gaara?!" Naruto gasped.

Neji rolled his eyes. "He's part of the group. And he's been wondering what's up with you, suddenly gone with the wind."

"So, I take it he's coming here, then?" Gaara asked. Naruto nodded shyly.

"Back on Hinata's case, Gaara, Naruto," Neji spoke up after a long silence. Hinata stopped fidgeting. That's it! She was not going to tolerate this no longer! She had the right to decide what she wanted to do with her life, dammit!

"I want to say something!" she half-yelled suddenly; which made the three males looked at her in shock.

Did Hinata just… yell?!

Suddenly, she didn't feel so brave anymore. "I… uhh… Shouldn't you a-ask for my opinon first? T-This is my life you're t-talking about…"

Naruto sighed. "You're right, Hinata-chan… We're all control-freak bastards, aren't we? So, you have any idea at all?"

So they all waited for Hinata to come up with something. After 10 minutes and still nothing, Naruto was fidgeting with restlessness. "Anything at all?" he asked.

"Uh… No…" Hinata looked away, ashamed.

"This is clearly not working," Neji said, deadpanned. Naruto nodded in agreement.

"Hinata." All turned to Gaara at this. "Do you not mind you father dictate you life like this?"

"I… I do."

"Then, until you have a better idea, this will work, considering he's looking for you now. He will look for Naruto next if you must know. You father has contacted everyone in the group, save for Naruto because Jiraiya said Naruto went to visit his old friends and teacher."

Hinata was shaking after hearing Gaara's long explanation. She looked at Naruto helplessly, silenly asking for his forgiveness for bringing him into the problem.

"If… If I do what you suggested… will it work?" She finally said. Maybe it was the best solution after all.

"Hinata-sama! You'll be trapped in a loveless marriage- you don't have a boyfriend!"

Ignoring Neji's outburst, Gaara replied, "I can't 100 percent guarentee it but it's worth a try."

"Sabaku, look; even if this will work, isn't it just the same as what Hiashi was trying to do? To force her into another marriage she doesn't want?"

"Is there anyone in your mind, Hinata?" Gaara ignored Neji for the second time. Neji seethed when Gaara did this. He hated it when the slightly smaller guy did this every time, like his opinion worth nothing? Why the red-haired must controlled everything?

Neji growled and strode to Gaara angrily, intending to punch and beat him senseless. Gaara only stood there, he didn't even acknowledge what Neji was about to do to him. Naruto who saw this stopped Neji, yelling for him to calm down.

"Hinata-chan…" Naruto then turned to her. "Look… I would have suggested any guy in our group but you know how we all look at you as our little sister. It will be awkward for you too because that's how exactly you feel about us… But… what is your thought of Kiba?"

Neji gave him a weird, possessive look. "Who the hell is Kiba?!"

Naruto shrugged. "He's my childhood friend. Hinata stayed at his place when she came to see me-"

"Hinata-sama stayed with a man for a week?!"

"His sister was there, damn it! No wonder nobody dare to date poor Hinata-chan here! All the men in her family are freaky possessive bastard!" Naruto looked at Hinata then, his eyes and voice softened. "Well? What about Kiba? Do you like him?"

Hinata's only answer was to look away as the blush crept up her face. Bulls-eye!

"H-He's a n-nice guy…" Hinata commented shyly. Kiba had been a perfect host with her; taking her around, treating her like a girl and a friend instead of a well-known actress. And he was very gentle with the animals. Kiba was a bit brash though at times, but she liked that about him too. And he's good with kids too.

"Good. I can call him and ask if he can come here and meet you guys. You can decide then; how about that?"

Neji grudgingly agreed and Gaara nodded. Hinata had been so protected that she wasn't allowed to see anyone without any companion of her family member. And now, she knew someone whom Neji didn't know or haven't met, he felt betrayed.

Like, his little sister was growing up.

And then, Naruto suddenly frowned. "Hinata-chan… can I talk to you for a moment- alone?" he sent a warning look at Neji, silently warning the guy to not interrupt them. The two proceeded into a room and Naruto locked it for safety reason.

"There… might be a problem though…" Naruto looked at Hinata guiltily. "I know you have only known Kiba for a week. He's a nice guy, I have no question about that. But… well… I'm not questioning about you, Hinata… but I'm just concerned… Kiba doesn't come from a rich family; I'm just afraid that you will no longer have any access to… you know… all your usual stuff like before…"

Hinata's eyes widened at this. She knew she hadn't even think of that, but Naruto's accusation… it hurt… She blinked back her tears. "I…" she looked away.

Naruto saw the hurt in her lavender eyes and cursed himself. "Shit… I didn't mean it like that, Hinata-chan… I'm just concerned if he can't… you know… provide for you enough…"

"I don't care about that, Naruto-kun! I longed to live like a normal girl since I was young. I don't care about his money at all!"

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry I said those hurtful words… I'm truly sorry, Hinata…"

"It's okay, Naruto-kun… But please, don't even think that I'm like that… I think… I think it's adventurous if we both have to work for our living… I can help him with the ranch he was planning to open…"

Naruto grinned. Of course he knew she's not like that. She had all the money to last her her lifetime! And she had a group of good friends who would be willing to help her in just a snap of the fingers.

And Kiba wasn't poor too. Granted, he didn't have the amount of money Hyuuga Empire had but the fact that the Inuzuka owned huge vast of land said something, right? And had Naruto mentioned that Kiba started an online business when he was in university? If he hadn't then how the hell would he get the money to start his ranch? The discussion with his Dad was merely to let the man give him permission to use his land. The questions he asked Hinata, he merely wanted to hear it from her mouth.

Naruto suddenly frowned again. "Uh… I think there's another problem too…"

"K-Kiba-kun doesn't l-like me enough?" Hinata sounded really disappointed. She had genuinely taken a like at Kiba. Did she read the signs wrong?

"No… I think he likes you very much… It's just that, when he was in uni, he met a girl and I think they hooked up pretty well. But… she left him, with an excuse that she's a city girl and he's a countryboy. Hinata, Kiba loves the farm and if… if you don't like it, I wouldn't recommend you to proceed with this. We can think of something else…"

Her heart broke listening to Naruto. So, Kiba had been heartbroken in the past, was it? She had never been in any relationship, so she would not have a clue how hurt it could be, but only listening to Naruto, her heart went for him.

"I don't mind, Naruto-kun… I think, it's time for me to settle down and have a family of my own too…"

Naruto grinned hearing her confession. He knew she would make him happy!

"I'll do my best to help you okay? But you have to show Kiba that you have genuine and true intention too… He's still a bit weary on marrying a city girl…"

Hinata nodded her head; determination was clear in her eyes.

000

At first Naruto wanted to just call Kiba, but when he remembered he had to take some documents for Sae's school admission, it was better for him to go home. After all, Naruto blushed prettily at this, he missed Sasuke.

And so, after spending a night -cough- at Sasuke's place (Sae had been shipped to Iruka's), Naruto drove his CRV to Kiba's place and explained the situation.

Kiba blinked. Naruto blinked too. Kiba blinked again. Naruto blinked in reply. Then he sighed, Kiba was sure slow this morn- erm, afternoon.

"What?!!" Kiba hollered, standing up.

"Do you honestly want me to repeat the story again?" Naruto said tiredly.

"This is a joke, right? Shit, Naruto! Not a cool joke! Not at all!!"

"I'm not joking, Dog-breath! It's a serious matter! Do I look like I'm joking right now?"

"But I… I can't marry the Huuga Hinata-"

"Do you like her or not?" Naruto cut him. "Of course I do!" was the quick reply. Naruto nodded, satisfied. "Good. She likes you too. There's no reason for you not to marry her now."

Kiba shook his head at Naruto's ridiculous logic. "Naruto, mate; she's a movie star, I'm a jobless farmer, we just met a week ago- you can't expect us to get married just like that!"

"Kiba, look; she's a human too- a girl who longed for a normal life, you are not jobless, you have an online business and plans to open up a ranch, you two like each other- of course you can get married!"

"It's too soon!"

"I've seen the way you look at Hinata, idiot! And I've seen the way she looks at you too! I might have been spending most of my time with Sasuke the week she was here, but I can read those subtle signs too, you ass!"

Kiba looked away; a torn look was on his face. Despite what people think, he was quite a traditional man. It's not possible to love someone that fast, right? Besides, a person like Hinata? Surely she had gone out with many other guys who were better than him; so why him?

He was curious, so he asked Naruto this. The blond was only too happy to explain Hinata's family- a father who was too strict on her, to the point of controlling her every move (Kiba clenched his hands angrily at this), and thus she has never gone out on a date; and a sister whom she loved so much but hated her because she was born a few years older than her and the only reason why she was involved in acting.

"She wasn't really into acting that much; I mean, she loves it, but she loves it more to do other things in life, like… settling down and have children of her own. Kiba, she's very much a traditional person like you are. She wants to get her hands dirty with the animals, she wants to cook for her family, she wants to send them to school, and she wants to greet her husband back from work. You see where this is going?"

Secretly, Naruto had wanted to do the things he said Hinata had wanted to do as well- well, minus the care for the animals that is; dog and cats he could handle, but horses? He would just have to let Kiba handle that department.

Kiba deeply sighed. He wanted all that too. That and someone whom he could have fun in the ranch with; apart from Hayate who woulds be his partner for the ranch that is. But- Kiba sighed again.

It's just too soon. For all you know, Hinata liked him because she had never met someone like him; had never lived in countryside.

"You're afraid," Naruto's blue eyes glittered. Kiba glared at him. "You're afraid because your ex was a city girl and she broke up with you because she didn't want to live on a farm… You're afraid that Hinata-chan will feel the same too…" Kiba glared more.

Oh, and that was another reason why he was reluctant. Damn Naruto and his ability to read people! Kiba should just shut his mouth about his ex back then!

Naruto then snickered. "And you tell Sasuke he's afraid to let me into his heart, huh? That's hypocrite, Kiba." Kiba's eyes widened at this. Naruto knew?!

Naruto smirked. "Don't look at me like that, Dog-breath! Of course I'd know. There's no more secrets anymore between Sasuke and I- well, for now at least, I think." Then Naruto's eyes softened. He thought about what he wanted to say to Kiba next.

After some moments of silence, Naruto looked at Kiba again, "Well, if you think Hinata-chan is ever like that, you're wrong, Dog-breath! She's nothing like that. I've known her for quite a while and I can tell you this: you are a fool if you let someone so sweet and nurturing in nature goes. She's gonna be a perfect mother of your children, Kiba…

"Here's the address for the dinner with Neji and Gaara. It's their place by the way. We can't dine outside and have people taking photographs and all. The place is secured with only invited guests who're allowed to come in. Give me a ring if you decided you'll be coming; her cousin Neji wants to meet you in person."

And deems if you are worthy of her- Kiba could read between the lines.

"And if I don't turn up?"

Naruto was quiet. "Consider you have just sent Hinata straight back into his father's clutch. This is only once in a lifetime chance, Kiba. You miss this chance; Hinata is as good as gone. His father's going to look for me after this; he was told I was on a vacation and will be back sometime around this time, and he knows I'm a very good friend of Hinata."

Kiba slowly took the address from Naruto. He wasn't sure if that would be the right choice. His parents themselves would kill him if he did something without careful thinking.

"I'll… think about it and discuss this with my parents first, okay?"

"I have no problem with that. Your parents should know if you intend to bring someone home as your wife."

"It's not a joke."

"Who says I'm joking? Look, Kiba; I've known you since you were small. If there's anyone I know who could stand up against Neji and Hiashi put all together, I know it's you. You have that kind of edge to protect Hinata-chan; or else I wouldn't let her meet you at all."

Brown eyes suddenly narrowed. "Did you actually plan for her to meet me, Blondie?"

"No, idiot! I would still need a place for her to stay the day she came here. But I wouldn't let her stay here for the remaining days if I couldn't trust you."

"She slept at Moegi's place on days my sister wasn't here."

"That's a precaution against the town people's perception, you idiot! And I was the one who went away for 10 years!" Naruto rolled her eyes.

000

Hinata was nervous. When Naruto said Kiba called and told him he would show up, Hinata was happy and elated at the prospect of meeting Kiba again. But 10 minutes have passed since 7 and Kiba was yet to show up.

"Damn it! I got into his mailbox!" Naruto snapped his cellphone shut.

"He needs to learn to be on time," Gaara commented, pouring himself a drink.

The buzzer rang and Neji walked towards the receptor with a monitor attached. The security rang their apartment and asked if he should let a guy named Inuzuka Kiba in. "It's fine. Let him in."

Naruto wanted to kick his friend when Kiba finally knocked the door. But one look at the brunette, he knew Kiba didn't come late on purpose. "What happened?"

"I'm really sorry! My sister suddenly catched an aggressive flu virus, I had to send her to the clinic first."

"It's alright. Come, let me introduce you…." Naruto introduced Neji and Gaara to Kiba and vice versa.

The dinner in itself was a success. Neji seemed satisfied enough with Hinata's choice and Naruto noticed how Kiba and Hinata stole shy glances towards each other. Gaara however, was giving a tough time on Kiba with his questions about business knowledge and his intention to marry Hinata.

Naruto looked at Gaara amusedly, he guess Gaara was protective of Hinata a lot more than he anticipated.

In the end, they all agreed that Hinata should get engaged with Kiba's first. Neji was adamant that the two couples should know each other more before they proceed with any plan of marriage. Naruto objected, saying that Hiashi could just turn up at anytime, but Neji insisted with the plan and the two couples agreed. Oh, Gaara was on their side too so Naruto lost.

So, that whole week, Kiba spent his time in the city, courting Hinata and grudgingly spent some time with two of the most ruthless businessmen he had ever met. Naruto had agreed that he lent one of his personal bodyguards for Hinata; in case of the media chase the couple down for juicy stories. So, Zabuza, the said bodyguard followed the couple around, acting secondarily as the chauffer.

Kiba however, almost lost his cool every time the big guy presented; which was all the time, from the morning he came to pick Hinata up, to the time he sent her home at Neji's place.

It was a fine week apart from that.

Temari flew to Perth as soon as she heard the news, excited to design a wedding dress for Hinata and helped to plan her wedding. She was still in the mood of her own engagement and wedding planning that she fussed over Hinata's.

"Temari, you should be planning for your own wedding, not Hinata's!" Naruto grudgingly said as he was forced to tag along to shop for the material for Hinata's wedding dress. "Besides, we haven't decided on the wedding date, yet. When's yours by the way?"

"In three months time. Shika's on a tour at the moment, so we've postponed it." Temari flipped her hands carelessly.

"Again?! Are you sure you want to get married at all, Temari?" Naruto rolled his eyes. That was the second time the couple had postponed their wedding date.

"Of course I do, but that good friend of yours didn't want to do a single thing in helping to plan for the wedding!"

Naruto laughed. "Of course he didn't want to help. You dismissed every one of his ideas!" Naruto was there when the couple planned it, and finally Shikamaru gave up and said everything was so troublesome. He let Temari handled everything.

"Shut up, Naruto. Now help me hold this material. Isn't she a beauty?!" her eyes sparkled excitedly. Naruto sighed. This would be a loooong day.

TBC...