Disclaimer: Once upon a time, there was an author like me who owned Naruto. In this time, I don't own it in any way :(sobs)
A/N: Here I am again! Yep, Kakari is a total ass but that's the thing. Hinata MUST hate him :P. Anyway, I'm trying to make the characters as realistic as possible, I mean not have them OOC. Don't know, think I'm making Naruto way too serious? Think I should make him more 'bouncy'? You know, review with your opinion! On with the tale now...
Soulmate: By Your Side
Chapter9: Brighter Than The Sun
They had minded to keep their hands away from each other while in public. It was rather uncomfortable though. Naruto changed the purpose of the walk from aimless wandering to grocery buying. Since Hinata had to stay with him for at least a month now, he needed more supplies…
They didn't hold each other but that didn't stop them from playing around. Naruto teased her and she teased back, smiles never fading. At least until the moment Naruto spotted a certain completely pale skinned man, along with one of the lamest guys in Konoha… Sai and Lee… Naruto sighed, knowing that these two were the last thing he needed. He hadn't seen Sai in a while, for he had been off on plenty of missions that were rather time consuming. He had to get pass them though, since the grocery store was right behind them.
Sai was the first one to notice them, since Lee was shouting something about the 'flames of youth' but no one seemed to pay attention. Sai raised his hand in greeting and Naruto raised his back. "Hey guys what's up?" the blond asked when they approached them. Sai smiled as he always did. He tried hard to really express emotions. He was trained by ANBU to have no emotions at all, and now, he tried to change that. It was hard for him to make the proper gestures and say the proper words in every situation. So, usually, he insulted people without feeling bad… emotionless indeed, but not a bad guy…
Lee then noticed his two friends. "Naruto-kun! Hinata-san! I can see the fire of youth burning bright in your eyes! What blessed wind brought you here this fine day?" Lee said, punching the air in front of him and smiling "Actually, I need groceries…" Naruto said, kind of used to Lee's strange behavior. "Really? And who's that girl?" Sai asked, pointing a finger at Hinata and smiling as he always did. "Hyuuga H-Hinata, p-pleased to meet you…" Hinata said quietly, looking down at her feet and bowing slightly.
Sai didn't even move a muscle, he just kept smiling "Pleased to meet you too, Hinata-san." Sai said while scanning her up down. His eyes fell specifically on her jacket. Sai, being the emotionless one he is, said "How can you be fat at the body and not at the face and legs? Really bad shape I must say" and Hinata blushed furiously, half of it for being embarrassed that someone pointed her figure that way, and half mad for calling her ugly, even not directly.
Naruto noticed the irritation around Hinata and grabbed her arm before she could kill Sai. The named one on the other hand just kept smiling "Sai-kun! I really believe Hinata-san has a better body than what she shows! The springtime of youth burns bright in her!" Lee said, trying to defend Hinata who blushed even more at the comment.
Naruto groaned, knowing things might get ugly. "Come on Hinata-chan, we better get inside. I'll tell you about Sai on the way" he whispered the last part in her ear so only she could catch it. She nodded and they both went inside the store. "Chan? Since when Naruto-kun calls Hinata-san with a –chan? I thought he only used it on Sakura-chan." Lee asked to himself, trying to remember since when Naruto used this suffix on Hinata. He usually used it for Sakura and only… wait.
Now Lee's already big round eyes widened if that's even possible. He smiled to himself and not being able to hold it anymore "YOSH!! The flames of youth burn brightly today! Especially in the hearts of our two beloved friends!" Lee said, his eyes filled with flames. Sai looked at him, his smile having not left his face "Hmm? What are you talking about dick less bitch?" Sai asked, being oblivious to such emotions. Lee smiled at him, knowing an insult from Sai was not true, and gave him the 'nice guy' pose and a thumps up "You too shall find too one day my friend! But now, the flames of youth burn bright in me! I have to take claim of my springtime of youth! I'll make 100 rounds around Konoha, and if I don't make it, I'll…" Lee just kept shouting about what he was going to do, but Sai had averted his always smiling face at the store 'Hmm I should think of a nickname for her…' Sai thought. He had the strange habit of giving nicknames to everyone he knew, depending on their personality and appearance. He had already nicknamed Lee as Fuzzy eyebrows, a nickname used by Naruto as well. But what could he use about Hinata? He raised a hand on his chin, his smile leaving and a thinking pose forming 'Hmm, ink-blue hair...lavender pearl eyes…shy, nervous…' after much thought, he finally came up with something "Weirdo" he said, snapping his fingers and smiling again. Lee was already gone by now, and Sai had nothing to do than wonder around Konoha this evening…
Naruto and Hinata were wondering around the store, looking for anything eatable besides ramen. Hinata had requested that Naruto could at least try to eat something else besides ramen…
Sakura had been at the store that day along with Sasuke. Her mother had invited him for dinner and they had to buy groceries of course. Sasuke was more than willing to help her, but didn't show it. He still wore that same cold mask around anyone besides her. As she was mumbling something about a rotten apple, she noticed two familiar figures at the other end of the hallway…
Down the hallway was Naruto, Hinata at his side, both smiling and teasing each other "Ahh, do we have to get vegetables? I mean, come on! Ramen is better!" Naruto said, pretending a sad expression. Hinata giggled at this "If you manage to eat them, I'll let you have some ramen" she said teasingly, and his eyes gleamed in happiness "Yosh! Ramen, here I come!" he said, punching the air and earning another giggle from the girl "You won't eat any ramen before though. No ramen before dinner!" She said, raising a finger. Naruto raised his hand over his heart, pretending a sad and hurt expression "Oh Hinata-chan! You hurt me even by thinking that I would do something like that…" he said, pretending a sob. Hinata gave him a friendly punch on the arm. She giggled and he laughed. They left the vegetables section but she could still hear their laughs and teasing behind the shelves. Sakura smiled. At least the rumors didn't seem to affect their friendship, and Hinata was somehow more comfortable around him.
It was then that she noticed that Sasuke was staring as well, but his mouth was curved into a rare smile. He noticed the curious look on Sakura's face and couldn't help but chuckle at the pink haired girl. "What's so funny?" Was her irritated question. He chuckled harder "Hinata seems to be more comfortable around him at times. When they are alone mostly. Haven't you noticed? She still blushes like a tomato and stutters when they are near others. The rumors are more than fake. The dobe isn't smart, but he is at least trustworthy." Sasuke said, looking calmly at the spot the pair was a minute ago. Sakura only nodded in approval. True, Naruto was one you could trust with your life. He had never, not even once run away from any battle unless completely forced to…
After having paid for the groceries, Naruto and Hinata headed for his old apartment. It was surprisingly clean, and all his stuff was already there. Naruto mentally thanked Tsunade for moving all his items here so quickly. They couldn't let Hinata stay in the Hokage mansion because first of all, it was an obvious place to hide with such security around, and secondly, they didn't have a spare room…
Laying the groceries on the floor of the kitchen, he turned to look at Hinata who seemed to just gaze around his apartment. It was so clean… the living room was decorated with a rather big couch and a 14 inch TV in the middle. The place wasn't big, it was rather, small. But she liked it, it radiated warmth and welcoming her own home didn't. She felt more at home here than back there…
The kitchen was small too. A dining table in the middle with 4 chairs. Naruto rarely had guests in his apartment, but in any case he had spare chairs. The rest of the kitchen was like any normal kitchen in any house, though it was clean, at the moment…
The bedroom itself was again rather small. At the far wall was a bed with enough room for 2 people, small windows in a line right at the top of the wall. A small desk lied at the bed's right as the wall covered the left side. At the other end of the room was a wardrobe and next to it, a small door, probably the entrance to the bathroom…
After having examined the apartment, she returned to the kitchen to find a smiling Naruto "So… how you like it?" he asked, curiosity beaming from him. She only giggled "It's really nice… Naruto-kun." She said and wrapped her arms around his neck, landing him a kiss as he stood up from the chair and captured her waist.
When they pulled back, he smiled widely "Ne, Hinata-chan, we should go to your house to get some of your things right?" he said. She groaned and pouted, showing she didn't really want to leave. He smiled again as he kissed her on the forehead "Come on, I can't leave you here naked can I?" he said more tenderly this time, meaning that she had none of her things here, but the word 'naked' made her blush a slight crimson. He laughed. She looked cute when she blushed, though she didn't do it frequently anymore. "Yes, Naruto-kun… I need some things anyway" she said, kissing him one more time before they went out of the apartment and straight to the Hyuuga compound…
As they walked the streets, Naruto did notice some glares of disgust from the villagers. He sighed, knowing his new reputation would make things quite hard. Hinata looked at him worryingly, noticing his sad expression, she placed her hand in his. Naruto was shot out of his trance as he felt something warm in his hand. He looked down to see Hinata's hand in his, and then looked up to see her smiling face "Hinata-chan I…" he began but she interrupted him quickly "I don't care" she said, still smiling and tightening her grasp on his hand. He just sighed and looked forward, though he couldn't help but smile…
Many of the villagers that saw them hand in hand were even more disgusted. Naruto didn't even flinch though. He loved her and no one would tell him the opposite. His heart ached at the thought of her being married to Kakari. He had to do something, but what? What could possibly be done expect killing Kakari cold blooded? Oh, at that thought, he felt a little part of his Kyuubi self rise. Blood thirst. He held it back though, the moment wasn't right to let it take over. Not now, not yet…
She left his hand when they reached the entrance of the Hyuuga compound. When she was about to open the door, it slid open itself, revealing an expressionless Neji, Hinata's cousin…
"Hinata-sama, have you come to pick your items?" He asked and she nodded in response. He smiled. He had become a much warmer person in the last years after being defeated by Naruto. "Hinata-sama, only I, the Hokage, your father and sister know were and why you will move in. I suggest you don't tell anyone in the compound or outside of it." Neji said, and she nodded with a smile. She turned back to Naruto "I'll be back in a minute, Naruto-kun" she said and walked in the compound. Neji's eyes were wide. She had talked in front of Naruto, without stuttering…
Naruto in the meantime was just looking at the two Hyuugas smiling. He noticed Neji's shocked expression though, and that made him chuckle. "Is there something I need to know, Uzumaki-san?" Neji said, regaining his serious composure. Naruto chuckled again "Yep. First of all, she hates like hell her future husband. Secondly, he doesn't seem to give a shit about her life. Thirdly, I'll give my life to protect her from that bastard. He doesn't deserve her…" he nearly whispered the last part, but Neji's trained ear caught it.
He smiled again. "I see, Naruto. I'm sure you'll take good care of her. No one that knows you believes these new rumors." Neji said, laying an arm on Naruto's shoulder, and the teen grinned widely at the Hyuuga "Oh, and one more thing Naruto…" he added, his voice now serious as ever. Naruto gave him a questioning look "Understand that we need you to help her out of this. The elders want the marriage for reasons neither I nor her father know. She is happy with you, so don't ruin it." he said and Naruto's eyes went wide
"It isn't too obvious don't worry. I knew about you two from the moment Hinata-sama was jumping around the compound, happier than ever. There's only one thing that can make her this happy" he said, smiling at the confused blond, who, to Neji's surprise, nodded in understanding. "Anyway, her father wants to see her determination. If she truly doesn't want this marriage, she will do something about it, sooner or later. In the meantime, take care of her, Naruto." Neji said, and walked back in the compound. Naruto didn't protest, nor said anything. All that was needed to be said was said. Now he only had to wait for the girl of his dreams to come out of this door…
After around 5 minutes or so, he heard foot steps coming from the road. To his surprise, it was a somewhat angry mob. What the hell were they doing here…?
"Look it's the demon brat! He wants to seduce the heiress and take her away!" Someone in the crowd shouted and they all shouted in agreement. Naruto frowned. What the hell were they talking about? Sure some had seen him with Hinata, hand in hand, but that wasn't a good reason to kill somebody, was it…?
It looked like the mob thought he wanted to take the heiress away in order to ruin the Hyuuga clan, and the villagers didn't like the idea for the Hyuugas were the most powerful clan in Konoha. He stood up from his sitting position to face them. "What the hell are you talking about?" he shouted back at the mob "You will die demon! How dare you defile the Hyuugas?" a voice shouted from the mob. Naruto frowned again. He could kill all this people in the blink of an eye, but that wasn't an option…
Hinata was trying to decide whether to take a few cloths of hers with her or not. She had already put a lavender kimono in her travel bag and some of her personal belongings. She then heard a commotion outside the compound and walked at her window to see Naruto facing a rather large mob of angry villagers…
Naruto just stood there, his face still frowned "And you really think you will bring me down? Akatsuki couldn't, what makes you think you can?" Naruto said, and this seemed to take them aback a little. Naruto's eye then caught something that made his nerves hit red. His enhanced vision due to the Kyuubi's power saw a figure behind the mob, hidden in the shadows of a store. Naruto barely made out a red outfit before another shout interrupted his observations
"Hah! We will bring you down brat! Demon or not, you are a stain in Konoha's future!" Someone shouted and Naruto gave an angry glare at the mob "Who gives you such right to judge? As far as I can tell, you are a stain in Konoha's past and present" Naruto shouted back but the mob seemed to just get more angry "How dare you brat! After trying to assassinate the heiress of the Hyuuga's and the heir of the Akake clan, you dare to call us a stain?" someone from the front row of people shouted, and Naruto's eyes went wide. So someone had spread another rumor? But he never did something like that! He never could… it seemed like someone wanted him out of the way, but Naruto couldn't do him the favor. Something clicked in his mind right then…
He jumped at the window he knew Hinata's room was, and found it open with a shocked Hinata staring outside at the mob. He got in and closed the window behind him. "It looks like someone spread another rumor…" Naruto said, looking down sadly. All that he had worked for all these years has come to ruin in less than a month. Hinata nodded in understanding and noticed Naruto's sad face. She raised his chin with her hand and planted a tender kiss on his lips, making him blush lightly at the sudden affection. She smiled. "Another 'fake' rumor" she corrected him and giggled.
"But now… these fools down there want my head!" Naruto said, irritated at the situation. Hinata smiled again "I want your head too. You're such a good kisser" she said and after a giggle she kissed him again. When they broke she noticed his usual sheepish smile "Well… let's get going. We have to get you settled in my place right?" he said and she smiled widely at him. Picking up her travel bag, they were off, from the window…
They jumped out of the window and headed towards Naruto's apartment, avoiding the eyes of the angry mob that besieged the Hyuuga compound. Of course, they had to get past an angry Neji, and that wasn't easy...
A few minutes after their departure, they reached Naruto's apartment. He unlocked the door and they both entered. "Well, you can sleep at my bed, I think I have a sleeping bag…" he was stopped by a finger on his lips when he turned to look at a smiling, yet slightly blushing Hinata "Naruto-kun, this is your house. I-I think it should be better for you to s-sleep at the bed…" she said, and Naruto shook his head, smiling "Ah, don't worry about me! I can…" before he could finish, Hinata had crushed on him, pressing a kiss on his lips. He didn't lose balance though and hugged her waist as she circled her hands around his neck. When they broke he smiled widely as she did "Ok, we both get it." He said and kissed her again. Indeed, this day turned out to be brighter than the sun…
A/N: I know, I know, the chapter title is a little lame, so is and the finish line, but I wasn't too creative at the moment. Spare me... anyway, warning to all perverts: No lemon! That's why it's K+ rated... Ok hope you enjoyed! Soon more chapters will fly in! Remember to review, I feel a little hungry...