Chapter 20: Intensity

"And this is a picture of Boruto spitting up! Oh, and have I showed you this one of Boruto rolling over or the one of him-"

"Stop shoving these pictures in my face idiot." Sasuke cuts him off flatly.

Naruto has been bombarding him with photos for nearly the past hour, even with him stating he didn't care to see any more beyond the first one he showed him.

And Naruto of course had ignored his request.

'I didn't think it was possible for him to get even more annoying, especially with the lack of sleep he's been getting feeding and changing his son around the clock.'

He clearly thought wrong!

A scowl crosses Naruto's face as he returns the pictures back to his wallet. "Well geez, you don't have to be so rude and mean about it!"

These photos after all are for Boruto's precious baby book!

"Anyways, I should get heading back home and stop wasting my time with a loser like you. I'm sure Hinata will appreciate these images." Naruto hummed, standing up to stretch.

"No, she'll appreciate that you brought back groceries and diapers like she asked you to that you're probably late on doing by now." Sasuke retorted behind him earning him a middle finger salute from Naruto.

Sasuke hadn't done much to change up the apartment they once shared he noticed, same plain grey/black furniture and dull white walls.

'I figure he would at least maybe do something with the extra space he now has, guess all he needs is the kitchen and his bedroom to survive.'

The only thing that he found out of the ordinary were the sudden increase in medical textbooks lying about and for some odd reason, flowers on the kitchen table.

Well, he wasn't going to question who Sasuke had over in his spare time, it wasn't like he lived him with anymore.

"I'll tell Hinata you said hello!" He chirped on his way out as he slammed the door behind him.

And true, he really did need to get going, summer heat slowly melting away at all the frozen goods he had bought.

School had been already out for a week now and he eagerly took advantage of the extra free time when work at the courthouse wasn't keeping him busy.

Everything around Konoha was so lively, the season set for night festivals and on sunny days exploring the colorful mix of red and fuchsia wildflowers that littered the grasslands with Hinata and Boruto for picnics.

He hears voices as he approaches up to the apartment door, the area suddenly taking on a particular odor.

It reeks of wet dog.

A boisterous laugh echoes from the other side and his fox ears inevitably perk up, leaning close to the door.

'Kiba?'

The first sight he takes in is Boruto gurgling in his arms, Hinata gently instructing him on how to properly hold up his head.

She notices him first as he pushes open the door, beaming and coming to help him grab the groceries.

"Ah, welcome back! Kiba was in the area and he hadn't seen me since I got out of the hospital so, he wanted to do a quick check in."

Naruto just nodded, looking around beside Kiba for anyone else visiting.

He had come alone.

Boruto's gaze drift towards his, tiny hands reaching out to him eagerly with a growing smile and Kiba hands him over silently, disgruntled slightly at the trail of drool he leaves in his wake.

"He…he really does look like you." He mentions softly, from his bright azure eyes down to the same golden hair.

And his stomach twists watching him rock him, imagining for a moment if things were different and it was him in said situation, messy blonde locks replaced with brown and sharp blue eyes a shade of black or lavender…

'Shit, I knew I shouldn't have come here without Tamaki.'

Tamaki had wanted to come as well after all, to coo and fuss over the baby like so many of the rest of their friends had already been doing, though she was instead helping run the newest cat café her grandmother had opened.

How would she react seeing him behave like this again, blushing and stumbling over his words?

'This isn't like you Kiba…stop being so wishy-washy.'

But he had figured if he went now and got it over with; went and saw for himself Hinata and Naruto's child, her son…the last of his feelings would finally disappear.

He'd been avoiding her ever since the baby shower, excuses piling up and crumbling now that he could no longer use schoolwork as a way to escape hanging out.

'I should go, I don't want to piss off Naruto. It's awkward enough between us.'

"Kiba? Did you hear me?" Hinata's voice breaks through his thoughts and he looks up startled to see the pair staring at him in confusion.

"Huh?"

Hinata smiles, parting a hand through her long violet hair. "I said did you want to stay to have some tea or a drink?"

He swallowed at the lump wedged in his throat, stare shifting to Naruto who was only studying him curiously.

This time, he truly couldn't find any hint of malice or annoyance towards him in his gaze.

It was far and away different from the crimson laced stare and growls he had given him when they first met.

'Those fox qualities haven't gone away though, he's just more relaxed around me…'

Or he just didn't see him as a threat anymore.

"I…I shouldn't impose, besides I promised Tamaki that I would pick up some cat food and toys on the way home." He muttered quickly.

Akamaru wouldn't like that, already territorial of his place in the home having to be now shared with cat themed items.

A frown crossed her face and he grimaced, heart pounding faster against his chest, feeling as if it was sinking to the soles of his feet.

"Oh, I see. Well thank you for stopping by." Hinata stated, thumbing with the edges of her skirt. A nervous habit he long since knew she only did when she couldn't think of something else to say.

"We appreciate the pillows and baby bibs too, as you've already figured out one of Boruto's favorite activities besides eating and sleeping is drooling on things." Naruto laughed, wiping at his son's lips despite his slight squirming away from the notion.

"No problem, I'm glad it will be put to good use."

He doesn't expect Naruto to follow after him to outside. Cool air brushes against his face as he takes his gaze towards the sky instead of Naruto's worried gaze.

"Hey, are you sure you're okay? You don't have to leave in a hurry on account of me or-"

Kiba shook his head cutting him off. "No, I have errands I really do need to run before it gets late."

He can't help though but take a quick peek behind him, curious lilac eyes watching the duo. Maybe she thought they were going to break into another argument or start having fists fly…

"Just keep Hinata happy and don't lose her, okay?"

-X-

"So, you've been holing up in your house? I knew something was off when you stopped visiting Ichiraku's as much!" Jiraiya laughed.

He pays no mind to his godson's stunned look, maneuvering over strewn baby food and bottles littering the tile to his position by the sofa.

Somehow, Jiraiya has a key to his apartment.

'Hinata and I need to change our locks!'

And he quickly hushes him before his stupid snickering wakes Boruto up again, he's been much more fussy when Hinata isn't around soothe him as well.

"Why are you here?" He snaps, his voice harsher than he intended and Jiraiya pouts before grinning once more.

"Geez, touchy! I've heard so much through the grapevine that I just wanted to do a quick check in. For example, I didn't know it wasn't just Hinata who quit being a call-girl for Tsunade, the whole trio are working as interns at Konoha's medical center downtown, right? Oh and by the way, are the wedding preparations done for that forest venue Hiashi chose? I can't believe it's already this Saturday; got my suit and sake ready!" He beamed.

Naruto rolled his eyes, but nodded.

Just how much gossip and connections did Jiraiya have to know the wedding's location considering Hiashi most definitely hadn't passed along that information to him?

He sat down cross-legged beside him, gesturing for him to pass Boruto to him. He whined a bit at being in unfamiliar arms and it surprises Naruto just how easy it is for him to calm down with a bit of cooing and goofy faces.

"Relax, I'm a natural. I used to do this with you when you were a baby after all, you kicked a lot more though." He notes proudly, sending him a goofy smile.

"So…do you have other reasons to be breaking into my apartment?"

Jiraiya's smile slipped briefly hearing that, face contorting into a scowl before he nodded.

"Why yes actually, I do. I brought a gift; from your father."

'Dad?'

His chest tightens, he was sure he had every last memento of his parent's with him packed away in various boxes.

Jiraiya pulls out a letter from his pocket. The envelope looks faded from time, shade of white having paled over the years as he blew off the blanket of dust covering the edges.

"He wrote this letter shortly before all those wars and skirmishes broke out, I've already given you some for the milestone birthdays over the years, this one he specifically instructed to be given to you before your wedding day."

Naruto squirmed, shakily reaching to accept the letter. His name is written in neat black cursive at the top, the same as all the past letters.

'Dear Naruto,

If you're reading this as planned, then I wanted to formally congratulate you on your upcoming wedding! You've found that one person who truly accepts and loves you as you are, unafraid of the features and abilities you have probably already gained over the years that your mother and I had to constantly fight for others to understand and failed to. I wish I could say this all to you in person, to give you advice on the ups and downs of marriage. I'm sure she must be special though if you've picked her as your wife. Kushina and I used to worry over it at night, afraid you'd be isolated alone because people would never learn to stop being fearful of the Uzumaki heritage or worst, killed, but hopefully society has changed by now…Ah, well I'm not writing this letter to dwell on the negatives, continue to grow and be happy my son, Kushina and I are always watching over you.

Minato.

"I-I miss them." He whispered, clenching his eyes shut.

Because his memories of his parents grew blurry as time went on, years of constantly shutting out the recollections of their final moments as the light left their eyes and blood sunk around him left him listless whenever he saw old photos of the three of them together in happier days…

'I'm sorry Dad, society hasn't still come to fully accept me…'

If anything, fear still crossed people's faces as soon as some took one look at him.

"Don't look so down, you're creating brand new great memories going by these photos you've developed of Boruto, Hinata, and yourself." Jiraiya attempted to brighten his mood as he looked through the album he and Hinata were building.

And Naruto began to grin again slowly, accepting Boruto back into his arms.

"You're right, thanks for giving this to me."

Jiraiya shrugged, rubbing his chin thoughtfully and Naruto felt his grin dropping at the slow perverted grin that crawled up his face.

"So…where's the honeymoon going to be?! I mean, I could use some ideas for my next series of make-out novels or-"

"Don't worry, it will be far away from you!"

It was a quick response, Naruto not even looking at him to see his brief mopey expression.

He leaned his head back, watching from the corner of his eye as Naruto played with his son, bouncing him on his leg and lifting his chubby arms into the air every few seconds.

'He's doing just fine Minato.'

-X-

A speck of white crossed his view and his breathe stilled, stepping forward only for a flurry of pink to suddenly obstruct him.

Sakura.

She crossed her arms, jade eyes narrowing.

"You're supposed to be on the groom's side right now."

Naruto beamed sheepishly, fox ears twitching into sight causing her expression to twist into alarm.

"I heard Hinata had finished getting ready…" He trailed off.

"That doesn't mean you bound over here to try and see her! Geez, you're breaking tradition seeing the bride before the ceremony's even started!" She huffed.

Naruto simply shrugged, flashing a perfectly crafted toothy grin. "I know!"

And he indeed knows Sakura is still a bit on edge whenever his fox features make an appearance, unsure how much of a loose cannon he could become.

He supposed it made sense considering how things had gone down the last time his fox behavior had been visible around her, he had almost lost complete control and scared her and his fellow friends.

"Come on, I can take a quick peek and nobody would know." He mused, still attempting to look behind her.

"I would know!" She scowled, grips on the door tightening despite Naruto's growing animalistic appearance.

He wrinkled his nose, probably picking up on the scent of the floral and woodsy perfumes Ino had picked out to go with the themes.

"If I pay you, will you let me look?!" He asked after a while.

Sakura rolled her eyes. What, he thought bribery of all things would cause her to screw up all these nights of planning?

"Just go back to the men's side and wait. Don't make me have to use force." Cracking her knuckles in emphasis.

'As if that would stop me if I was being serious.' But Sakura was stubbornly keeping in place at the door like a bodyguard and he reluctantly gave up when Ino joined her at said blockading.

He paced back and forth to calm down until he felt himself relax, guests were starting to pour in from downstairs and he watched for a moment as various who's who of Hyuga clientele and family greeted Hiashi and Neji at the door.

The designer emblems and décor they wore glittered in the sunlight and he recognized a few as shoes, dresses, and jewelry from Konoha's high end downtown boutiques and realtors.

'Do…Do I fit in this world?'

He hadn't really thought about it, but Hinata's family is one of the most elite and wealthiest around.

Though Hinata never seemed to care or wear any of the fanciful items like her father and cousin, often lounging around in his old T-shirts and pajama pants or shorts in the evenings when she came home.

"Is that him? The groom?" A man asked, staring up directly at him.

The woman beside him nodded, stern white eyes reminding him of Neji. "Yes, I think so. I heard he's from the Uzumaki family."

The man's gaze became more piercing as those words left her lips. "Oh…"

He focused his gaze to outside to tune out their whispering, the heat of their stares prickling down his back as he walked away.

A metallic taste invaded his mouth as he bit down on his tongue not to lash out.

"It looks good, doesn't it?" Iruka's voice comes from his side and he pulls on a grin. The trees decorating the area each hold dangling amber lights, purple and white flowers courtesy from the Yamanaka's flower shop tied around each chair and assembled in fine bouquets as centerpieces for every table.

But it was the overwhelming green of the leaves, of the shrubbery and grass that kept him at peace as if he and Hinata were about to just take a simple walk through the forest.

"You've grown so much, it took me forever to come up with a proper speech to say for today." He laughed, scratched a hand behind his head nervously.

"I'm sure you'll have plenty of stories to recall." Naruto mused, hopefully nothing too embarrassing though.

They talk over a few more matters before Iruka leaves him there to his thoughts.

'Are you watching me now Dad? Mom? In a few short hours I'm about to be a husband…'

Footsteps approach and his heart picks up speed as a stream of white approaches him.

Hinata.

She smiled softly, scarlet red lipstick standing out from her complexion as she parted a curled lock from her face. Gold and red silk designs embroider the edges of her kimono, lavender eyes shining.

"I spoke to father, he says it's almost time."

He reached out to squeeze her hands, finding his voice return. "It's okay for you to see me already?"

Hinata shrugged, giggling lightly. "I may have snuck away a bit early from all the photo taking with the bridesmaids."

And despite it probably not being best policy to kiss before the 'I do's', he pulls her into his arms.

"I'm so happy you're mine."

-X-

Hinata stared at her reflection, Ino would've thrown a fit if she saw the disaster that had become of the expensive makeup and eyeliner she had used. She carefully wiped off the rest of lipstick, tossing the now red stained tissue into the trash can beside her.

Her once neatly pinned up hair now fanned down her back once more, flower pin sitting in the same corner Naruto had tossed it to.

'Naruto…'

She watched as her cheeks burned a dark pink as memories of his behavior returned, hands discretely reaching to explore underneath her kimono during the dinner portion, whispering they should leave early to get started on their honeymoon…

Nobody seemed none the wiser to his antics, his fox characteristics not making an appearance even once during the entire evening.

But now it was deep into the night, the pair staying at one of Konoha's luxury Diamond Sunset Villas that overlooked the city their friends had pitched together and given them as a surprise wedding gift.

The hillside resort was known as an escape for many celebrities, new connecting hot springs to specially booked rooms having opened a few months ago.

"Hinata, come join me." Naruto's voice purrs from behind her, wrapping an arm around her lower frame.

He smells of faded cologne and body wash, kisses leaving just the slightest taste of sake on her lips she's sure one of their friends coaxed him into drinking to keep him buzzed.

She looks straight into his darkening crimson eyes though and knows he's completely sober.

"Give me a minute and I'll be ready."

Naruto doesn't let her go for a moment, nuzzling into her neck before trailing back to the spring leaving a trail of wet footprints in his wake.

Her fingers tremble in removing the last pieces of accessories she doesn't want floating away, staring up in the mirror and willing her nervousness to fall away with the earrings and bracelets pattering to the table.

'We've been intimate before, this is no different.'

However, this is the first time they'll be together as husband and wife.

"My husband…" She whispered it, testing it out on her lips before she found herself grinning once more.

Naruto's eyes are shut across the way, fox ears jerking up when he hears her approach. A smirk graced his face as he took in her lingerie, leaning his head against his palm.

"Come here." He gestured, voice tinted with deeper conviction than before.

Hinata nodded, playing with the straps of her bra only for Naruto to abruptly swim right up to her with a shake of his head.

"No, keep that on for now." He ordered, sharpening nails running up her back as he guided her into the water.

And his grin broadened once she was fully submerged, laughing gently at she let out a relieved sigh.

"This feels nice, it's been so long since I've enjoyed a bathhouse or hot spring." Hinata hummed out, stretching and rolling out her arms to bask in the heat and steam.

Naruto came up back to her side, returning to her neck to finish where he left off; kisses growing with fervor as his hands rounded and came to massage at the swell of her breasts.

His arousal pressed into her from beneath the water and her fingers reached to brush at his erection before being lightly swatted away.

"Hmm, I'm pleasuring you tonight first." He murmured against the side of her lips, dropping another kiss there before he undid the final hooks of her bra.

Hinata stilled in surprise briefly at the sudden draft of air, Naruto thumbing and dipping his head to suck at her hardening nipples as her hands eventually weaved into his hair.

"Naruto, I-ah!" Hinata panted, tails lifting her up as Naruto positioned her at the edge of the spring.

"Stick with me, I'm not done indulging you just yet." He grunted into the side of her leg, pulling down the last of her lingerie and spreading her dewy folds open to where he wanted.

And she watched as he pushed down his boxers into the depths of water, member standing firm. He oozes drops of pre-cum off the head, scarlet eyes falling back to lavender.

"You ready?" He growled.

The first thrust stings more than usual, her insides scream at the invasion of space and Hinata swallows back the cry threatening to bubble up.

"Shit, Shit, Shit, I'm sorry; I'm sorry…you're tight." He groans between garbled curses, slowing down despite the haze clouding his thoughts to push again.

"It's okay, I'm okay; keep going." She whispers out.

He thrusts in again, eliciting a soft moan and his nails pierce and dig into her sides to keep her in place while her own nails scrape and claw into his back.

"Hinata-"Naruto rasped out, biting into the crevice of her neck. Her eyes fluttered open at the action, clenching her teeth together as an irresistible surge washed over her making her toes curl.

He released into her soon after, sighing as he slowly pulled out and pressed their skin evenly together.

Her breathing was hot and shaky in his ears, sweat marring her brow as she looked up at him fully.

His eyes were still fixed in a dark red.

"We should get out of the water now." Hinata suggested, wrapping her arms around Naruto as he lifted them up again.

"You're right. There's still the bedroom, the shower, the hallways…" Naruto listed off, Hinata eyeing him in confusion.

He met her puzzled expression with a bemused grin. "Yes, none of tonight will involve sleeping."

-X-

"I'm sorry I couldn't be there. I'm sure it wasn't as awkward as you say it was though." Tamaki noted, patting Kiba's arm affectionately in spite of his upset mood over her condition.

Though it's not every day a bite from one of the many cats she's owned and nursed back to health over the years results in her being hospitalized.

"Well, none of this would've happened if I had just stayed with you and helped you run the store. I wouldn't have let that feral cat get close enough to have infected you like this." He retorted.

Tamaki rolled her eyes, beginning to smile. The very thought of Kiba of all people attempting to enjoy himself in a cat store and show customers an appreciation of all things cat-related nearly made her laugh aloud.

"Yeah right, you would've just scared the customers away or annoyed them with all your talking about dogs!" She joked, teasingly pointing to his dog-themed wristwatch.

Kiba huffed, blushing as he looked away. "I would've tried to do my best for the store! For you."

Tamaki fiddled with the edges of her blanket, feeling her own face begin to turn red. "I know."

'That's just how you are, trying to do your best for everybody even if they don't think you're strong enough.'

She wondered briefly if her presence being with Kiba to Naruto and Hinata's place would've made a difference anyhow. It would pain her to watch him if he still jumbled over his words in front of Hinata like he did with her…

But then he had been perfectly calm and casual throughout the wedding, any hints of his still harboring a crush for the pretty violet dying when he kissed her midway through a slow dance.

'Hinata's been my best friend for years, I'll always 'love' her in a sense. Coming to terms with my feelings and hers has been a longer process than I thought, and…and I'm just glad you haven't left me.'

"I know." Tamaki whispered gently to herself, pressing back into the pillows.

"Know what?" Kiba asked, sitting up in confusion and Tamaki blinked before shaking her head quickly with a laugh.

"I know you must be hungry is all. It's almost lunchtime and you're not going to be getting a guest lunch tray today like how managed to talk yourself into getting one yesterday." She noted.

Kiba frowned, glancing towards the wall clock.

It was already a little past 1:00 pm.

He shrugged, sitting up. "I'll go see what the cafeteria has and if it's nothing good I'll run and get some fast food. I should be back before 2 though."

Tamaki nodded, grabbing her remote to begin flipping through channels. "Take your time, I'm clearly not going anywhere."

He makes his way back down the elevator, it's cloudy out and he stares for a moment and the bundles of grey clouds forming until he hears a familiar voice behind him.

"I'm sure we can discharge the patients in rooms 310 through 312 this afternoon, the woman in 311 says she's just waiting for her husband to be able to get off work early." Hinata pointed out.

Toneri nodded beside her, smiling gently at her confidence. "We're in agreement. We'll start the dictation and final progress notes when we return from lunch."

Kiba arched a brow, eyeing the silver-haired man. 'Who is that?'

He ignored formalities then and there, calling out to Hinata from down the hall.

"Ah, Kiba! What brings you to the hospital? You're not sick or injured; are you?" Hinata asked, hurriedly assessing him for anything out of the ordinary.

Kiba shook his head, waving off Hinata's concerned look. "No, not me. Tamaki got a bad infection from a cat bite so I was just checking up on her on the medical unit. Might be in for another day getting antibiotics and what not."

"Hmm, I see. I'm surprised a cat would harm her knowing how well she does with them. It would be like Akamaru doing the same to you." Hinata considered.

"That's what I said too! I think it's because it was feral or-"He paused, frowning as Toneri walked up to them.

Hinata followed his stare, pursing her lips quietly. "Oh, Kiba this is the doctor whose training me while I do my internship; Dr. Otsutsuki. "

"If I may impose, I have a quick question I want to ask you." Toneri stated, directing him to follow him far enough for Hinata not to hear them.

Kiba shot him an annoyed glare, what could a hotshot doctor like him want to say to him?

"Well, spit it out already!" He barked when Toneri just regarded him quietly.

"…Do you love Hinata?"

"W-What?! Why would you ask me such a stupid question?" He sputtered.

A frown lit his face then, pointing a finger to his reddening cheeks. "Oh, so you do then, it's just the way you two were talking; you seem so close..."

"She's happily married and has a son. We're just old friends." He explained.

He shouldn't need to even rationalize this all anyways, not to a complete stranger like him who seemed to be clearly getting enjoyment out of his feelings.

A cold smile crossed his face as he mulled over his words. "Old friends, huh? Surely you must've loved her then before her husband came into the picture. Did you ever date? Kiss?"

"None of your damn business, it doesn't concern you?!" He growled, dropping his voice at the strange looks sent their way.

Toneri laughed and he bristled at how hollow it sounded. "It matters to me, because I like her too. And unlike you, I won't be a coward in showing my feelings to her."

'What, despite knowing already she's with Naruto; does this guy have a death wish?'

And he watched in stunned shock as he turned back to Hinata who was watching them in silent confusion, stepping close to her and dropping a kiss at the corner of her lips.

Hinata freezes up, eyes widening a fraction from him to Toneri for a long second before a large glower etches her face and she raises her hand high up…

The slap is strong enough to at least stagger Toneri on his feet.

"W-Why did you just…don't ever touch me or get near me again!" Hinata hisses out quickly, glaring at Toneri as if he were a monster and his chest tightens when she fixes him as well with the same annoyed stare before she turns and rushes away out of sight.

'Wait…I didn't; it wasn't my idea for him to do that…'

Toneri's chuckle brings him out of his stupor, anger clouds his vision as he balls his hands into fists.

"I've been wanting to do that for a long while." He mused to himself, paying no mind to Kiba's looming approach towards him.

'Naruto or not, now she at least knows the intensity of my feelings for her.'

-x-

A lot went down and a lot is about to go down!

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