Chapter 10 Acceptance from...Hiashi?!
Two days had passed since Naruto and Hinata became an item. Of course, only their friends knew, as did a select few villagers. And this shocked Naruto. Some of the villagers that, having seen Naruto and Hinata kissing and were asked not to tell anyone, were some of the ones who had hated him as a kid. But that didn't matter. All he knew was that he only cared about the woman he had right beside him as they lay on the ground, watching the clouds, arm and arm.
Naruto had yet to take her out on a true date. Mainly because Hinata was afraid that someone, mainly Kiba or her family, would see it and ruin what they had. Hinata had felt bad that she couldn't tell Kiba, but she knew that he liked her and she didn't feel that way about him. She only had those feelings for the blonde who had her in his arms. And she didn't dare tell her father. She knew he had a deep disgust for Naruto. If he knew, she'd probably be beaten and locked in her room untill she died. No, she corrected her self, he had changed for the better. But, even though she wouldn't get beat, he'd still probably keep her away from him.
They did their best to hide their relationship, which was hard on both because they wanted the whole village to know. Of course they didn't always have the control to not hold hands sometimes, or in the times they'd been found out, kissing in dark alleyways. And when they got together, they always said they had training.
Naruto sighed as he realized that they had to head back to the village. Even though he didn't want to go, he knew that if they stayed, some one would find them. So, he gave Hinata a samll kiss on her cheek and smiled as she faced him, a small smile on her lips, hair dark blue hair moving slightly from the gentle breeze. It was about 5 in the afternoon.
"As much as I like lying here with you, Hina-chan, we have to head back." He said, regreting their decision to hide their love.
"I guess it can't be helped. I wish we could have some more time." She said, also regreting their decision.
Together, the two love-struck shinobi stood and began their walk back to the village. As they approached the North gates, they released each others hands regratably and walked side by side into the village. Naruto walked Hinata to the Hyuuga compound and was shocked and afraid to see her father, Hiashi Hyuuga, standing at the front gate. Hinata noticed it too and she gave a small eep of fright, afraid that he had found out. Together they approached the smiling Hyuuga head. What shocked Naruto, was that it was a warm and welcoming smile with a knowing gaze. Hiashi continued to smile at the pair as they made their way to the gate.
When they arrived he looked at them and smiled even more as he noticed the blush they both had.
"Hinata. Naruto. I would like to see you two inside for a moment." he said, still smiling his warm smile at them.
Naruto glanced at Hinata who, even though was surprised by her fathers current actions, nodded her head, telling him to go ahead.
Hiashi almost laughed as he watched the silent converstaion. He stepped over to the two, grinnig.
"You don't have to hide your relationship from me. I already know. Now, please let us get inside so that we may speak in private." He said quietly so that only they heard. He really did laugh as he watched Naruto turn red faster than Hinata did.
He led the pair into the house. He noted that Naruto did indeed have manners as he took off his shoes and placed them by the door. After they entered the house, the three walked to Hiashi's private office. He held the door open so that the two young shinobi could enter ahead of him. He closed the door and sat down behind the desk in his brightly lit office. He folded his hands on his desk and looked at the two in front of him.
"As I stated outside, I know that you two have been seeing each other. Calm down, I'm not going to tell you not to see each other anymore," he said as he saw panic fill both their faces as they both grabbed the other's hand, "Do you think me a heartless father, ready to destroy what my eldest daughter has?" Yes, Naruto and Hinata thought mentaly,"No. In fact, I'm happy to know that Hinata has found someone she felt was worthy of her heart. I have also noticed a change in her. She is more confident and sure of her self. For that, I thank you, Naruto-san. Arigato." He nodded his head in thanks at Naruto.
Hinata and Naruto sat in shock. Her father was okay with them being together? Had hell frozen over? From what Naruto had heard, he was indeed a heartless bastard that beat his children. Why the sudden change of heart?
"However, I am hurt that you two didn't trust me enough to tell me. You both thought the worst." He said. And he did look genuinly hurt by it.
"I'm sorry, Hiashi-sama. It was me that convinced Hinata to keep our relationship a secret. I didn't want to see her hurt." Naruto bowed his head at Hiashi as he gave his daughter a small smile, his heart swelling with admiration on the boy who had already changed two people in the clan, making them better and stronger people.
"Naruto-kun, that's not true. I talked you out of telling him." Hinata said, still aware that Hiashi was watrching them.
Naruto turned and faced Hinata, smiling at her as she tried to take the blame for both of their actions.
"As much as I enjoy this, I do have some ground rules for you to. Even though I approve, I still expect you to follow these rules to the letter." Hiashi said, suddenly stern.
Naruto and Hinata looked at Hiashi, listening intently.
"First. When you have a date, I want to know where your goning, how long you'll be there, and what time you'll be home." He said, letting his words sink in.
"Hai." they both responded.
"Second. No more sneaking around. If you two truly love each other, let the whole village know. Don't let people's opinions cloud your feelings."
"Hai."
"And third," he couldn't resist, "No sex until marriage." He said seriously, even though he knew that they wouldn't do anything.
"Ha-What the hell?!" Naruto blurted out, face redder than a tomato "We haven't moved past kissing yet!"
"Naruto-kun! Don't shout!" Hinata yelled, face as red as his.
Both looked in fear as Hiashi burst into laughter at both teens actions at the simple three leter word. It took several seconds for him to stop, but he still smiled at the blushing couple.
"Sorry, I just had to say that, even though I knew you didn't plan on it any way. Now, Hinata, your free from training for the rest of the day." He truned to Naturo," I expect her home no later than one am. If she's not, I'll send Neji to get her. I wont tell him to kill you, but you will be in pain if he comes for her." He warned, watching. He smiled as he saw that Naruto had no intentions what so ever of disobeying him. He somehow knew that he didn't have to threaten him with Neji. Naruto was, according to what he had heard, a kind and careing young man that always did what he was told and respected other's wishes. He knew he could trust him with his daughter.
"Hai, Hiashi-sama!" Naruto said as he stood up, ready to leave. The large house made him uncomfortable.
"You may go. Remeber what I said." He told them as he pulled out some paper and began going through it. He was plesantly surprised when Hinata came over and hugged him.
"Arigato, Otou-san!" She said as a tear tickled down her cheek. She broke away from him as her and Naruto dissapeared from view. He smiled.
That boy is the greatest thing to ever happen to her. She hasn't been happy since you died, my love. Hiashi thoght has he looked at the only picture he had left of his wife.