Slow-Footed
Chapter Two
The Change
It took her nearly an hour to process through the throng of children, all asking over and over where she was going and why she was leaving, bubbles of snot leaking from their noses, and grubby hands wiping it away while unashamedly contorting their faces with slow and sloppy movements. It was was she adored, their curious and insatiable desires for understanding what was going on around them at all cost.
It wasn't until Akira showed up that they squealed, all seeming to jump in unison and running into a straight line, squatting down and hiding their faces, some of them shaking and some of them whispering nervously. Older children even quietly chided the younger for their movements and hushed tones. It took only moments for all of them to be still and silent, squatting and covering as though practicing a drill.
Akira took two steps forward from the door of the compound and onto the soft dirt, her boots making distinct track marks as her heavy weight plowed into it. She was tall, with a broad face and even broader shoulders, thick with muscle and a stout sort of physic, long black hair braided tightly and swept from her face with skin tan as the ground she tread on.
She winked at Hinata, and Hinata smiled knowingly.
"Alright! I'm sure you all know the rigorous training you're about to experience!" she bellowed out, the air filling with her voice, as if blowing up a balloon. The children stayed quiet.
"Now, get ready! Are you ready?!" squeaks of excitement could be heard, Lets go!" she bellowed, her voice extending the same quality. All at the same time, and very suddenly with almost perfectly synchronized movements the children jumped from their places, many letting out screams with all the excitement that had built up and nearly fell over themselves with their bated anticipation. Some even did just that, their faces planting themselves firmly into the dirt. But they hopped back up immediately, their faces soiled, and running off to her again. It may have surprised a bystander to see them then run towards Akira, some looking fierce and competitive but smiling, others just full of glee and jump to her, climbing up her legs like trees, and some hoisting themselves to her shoulders by using her long braid like a rope. Akira only let out deep a whooping laugh, as they became too much and she collapsed, careful to be mindful of their tiny bodies. The children found it hilarious, and Hinata quickly snuck away.
She had been walking several minutes now, the wind dancing between her legs, and cushioning her back with a soft and warm breeze. It was lovely, but that stone in her stomach had yet to budge. It was so unlike Naruto to summon her like this. Typically he'd simply show up at her house unannounced and barge right in, his grin cracking across his face and his tongue heavy with stories and complaints and questions and excitement. It was nice, and the thought of it caused a blush to dust across her cheeks. Feelings for him continued to weigh on her, but had become more like a loose tooth, an affection she'd lose over time, she knew. It was enough to simply enjoy his presence and be happy to know the Hokage would share so much with her.
But right now, she was more just nervous, and not out of her feelings for him, but of what he may have to say, because obviously he wasn't too excited about telling her just as much as she wasn't too excited to listen. Still, she pushed on and continued till the door handle was curved into her palm. She took a deep breath. She pulled it open. She walked slowly to his office. And yet again, a handle curved itself into her palm, and yet again she took a deep breath. She slid it open. She walked slowly to his desk. And she looked him in the eye, ready.
"Yes, Hokage-sama?" she inquired, knowing that formalities were due in the situation to keep their friendship behind lock and key and to make their exchange as unbiased as possible.
"Hinata-san. Thank you for coming. I called you here to tell you that your services are needed." he stated, even with his stony gaze, his voice was textured with worry.
"I will do anything needed to aid my village." she responded, apprehension and fear rising in her stomach.
"Your comfort and ability with children is very well known, and has been spreading to many people far and wide. One such person would like to have that ability put to greater use."
"How may I help?"
"You're to marry Gaara-sama, Kazekage of Suna."
Hinata felt the stone drop. Their masks broke for a moment, her eyes widening and she sucked in her breathe, and Naruto's mouth opened to spring words of comfort to her, but they both reverted quickly.
"Your father and the council has agreed to this union." Naruto continued, "It will strengthen our bonds with Suna for generations to come, and the Kazekage is looking for someone specifically to aid in raising children." he finished. After a few moments of silence wracked with guilt, Naruto added, "He's looking for someone special, for the best anyone has to offer, and all he wanted was you."
She knew he was simply attempting to comfort her and keep her from feeling so much tragedy engulf her at once. But nothing could stop the waves from rising above her neck. She bobbed her head forward, the weight of his words cause her balance to slip and she took a quick, slight step forward, whispered a thank you, and ducked out from the office just before the waves overtook her, filling her mouth and ears and nose with just a feeling like raw flesh, blistering and uncomfortable. She knew it would get worse. Drowning wasn't awful for a minute or so.