White Kunai

Chapter 21- Worry

"There," Hinata said to herself, looking around at the now pristine living room.

She had scrubbed down the entire house (suffice for the footprints left by Naruto on the parts of the wall and ceiling she couldn't reach since she could no longer use her chakra). Other than that, the house was spotless and Hinata was proud of herself. She felt more productive than she had in a while since she had gotten pregnant.

Hinata pouted, deciding that that was pretty pathetic. She rubbed her belly fondly, feeling miniscule movements in her stomach that could be gas but she liked to tell herself was her child.

"You know your father and I can't wait until you're born, right?" she spoke aloud whilst caressing her stomach. "Now let's get ourselves some fresh air. I wonder who'll be watching us today?"

She stepped out into the sun, locking the door behind her and started off to the main part of town, looking around for any familiar faces.

"HINATA!"

A smile broke out on her face as she heard a familiar voice call her name. She turned around and saw her friends heading towards her.

"No, Akamaru, don't jump on her!" Kiba shouted a warning at his partner before the beast greeted Hinata with a traditional pounce and licks on the face. The dog came to a halt in front of the woman, his hot breath tickling her face, before giving her one quick lick.

Hinata burst out into laughter and ran her fingers through Akamaru's fur, greeting them both. "Naruto-kun sent you two?"

"Kind of," Kiba disclosed. "You figured it out?"

"Some time ago," Hinata admitted.

"Do you think Naruto's being a bit overprotective?" Kiba asked, leaning down on Akamaru as they walked lazily around town.

"Maybe a little," Hinata said with a smile. "But it's very sweet."

"I like what he's doing."

Hinata looked over at her long time friend. "It's nice to see you agreeing with Naruto-kun."

Kiba let out a barking laugh. "Eh, sometimes that idiot you married can do some things right," he joked. "Taking care of you seems to be one of them."

Hinata blushed.

"Hell, he better be, or I'd rip him a new one. Am I right, Akamaru?" Said partner barked loudly in agreement.

"How about you, Kiba-kun?" Hinata said, changing the subject slightly.

"What about me?"

"Are you planning on getting settled anytime soon?" she asked innocently.

The color of Kiba's face changed to match the triangular tattoos on his face. "No fair, Hinata! I'm the one that's supposed to be making you blush. Where's Naruto when I need him?" Hinata laughed as her friend continued grumbling under his breath. "So what were you planning on doing today?"

"Nothing specific," she said. "Do you have anything in mind?"

Kiba grinned. "I'm supposed to be just shadowing you. Do what you like."

Hinata smiled gingerly. "I'm fine doing anything you like."

"Same old Hinata, huh?"

"Same old Kiba-kun," Hinata teased.

Kiba feigned offense. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Hinata shrugged. "Nothing in particular. Just that you're very sweet." Kiba looked at her in confusion. "I'm glad we were put on the same team."

"Me too, Hinata, me too."

"You and Shino-kun were like the brothers I never had," Hinata admitted, referring to the time before Neji changed his opinion about her.

Kiba reached over and ruffled her hair like he would a child. "Yea, well, you'll always be like my sister, no matter how pregnant you look."

Hinata wasn't sure what he meant by that but couldn't help but laugh. The group of three continued to walk around Konoha, enjoying the beautiful weather, unbeknownst to the fact that someone with malevolent intentions was watching them.

Hey, Naruto thought.

Silence.

Hey, you awake in there? Naruto tried thinking a little bit louder.

If a fox could groan in frustration, Kurama certainly did. What do you want?

I'm bored.

I wish I could devour you right now.

You're funny.

I was resting.

Well, I was trying to enjoy my lunch but I couldn't scratch the feeling that something bad is going to happen. Naruto said, picking at his instant ramen. He was stuck inside his office trying to get through as much paperwork as he could and didn't have time for a proper lunch. Hinata would be disappointed, Naruto thought to himself.

What are you concerned about? The fox asked.

I don't know, Naruto admitted. I'm just…worried.

About your mate?

Naruto frowned. You know I don't really like when you use that word.

Why? It is true. Naruto was silent. Something must truly be bothering you if you aren't even eating that garbage you call ramen.

Hey, don't insult ramen. Naruto defended half-heartedly.

Kurama was silent for a little while. This is most unlike you.

Naruto groaned and pushed away from his desk, pacing around the room. The stupid words on the letter left by the killer keep repeating in my head. "…The ninja who got themselves involved…I'll get them all." What the hell could he mean? Get them all like he got Mizuki?

Kurama could feel the distress emanating from his container. Go check on her.

Huh?

The vixen. Go check on her. It might relax you.

Naruto clenched and unclenched his fist. Yeah. I'll do that.

He produced a couple shadow clones to take over while he was gone. He then decided to take the "easy" route and jumped straight out of an open window. He knew his concern was sort of unfound and ridiculous considering he had just seen Hinata a few hours ago but deep inside there was an itch that he just couldn't scratch and it would continue to bother him until he could alleviate the irritation he felt. He believed seeing Hinata would soothe this irritation.

You're an idiot, you know that?

I do, Naruto said, cracking a smile.

How she puts up with you, I'll never know.

Naruto laughed. I put up with you.

The fox let out a growling chuckle. Soon you will have a kit of your own, kit.

Naruto's face lit up. I know.

The members of Team Eight (minus Shino) had stopped to grab some cinnamon rolls at a local bakery before heading out again. They had only walked a few feet before Hinata noticed Kiba noticeably stiffen. He was walking alongside her, Akamaru at her left and Kiba at her right, when she touched him gently on the shoulder.

"What's wrong Kiba-kun?"

"Here he comes," Kiba said, giving her a toothy grin. "Wow, you really can't sense things anymore, can you?" he said bluntly.

Hinata pouted cutely. "Who's coming?"

"Eh, you'll see." He walked around Hinata after they came to a stop and climbed on top of Akamaru. "Just give it a few seconds. I'm sure he's sensed where you are by now."

"Who?" Hinata asked, though she had a pretty good idea at who who was.

"You know who," Kiba said, staring off into the distance. Hinata followed his gaze and saw an orange streak approaching them quickly. "Brace yourself," Kiba said, showing off his fangs.

In a flash, Naruto was practically nose-to-nose with his wife, similar to what Lee had done the day before, his hands splayed across either side of her waist. He grinned. "Hey."

"Hi," Hinata said, cocking her head. "What-?"

Naruto leaned back a little, allowing her some more space but still kept his hands firmly against her. He saw Kiba and gave him a grin. "Hey, Kiba."

"Sup, Naruto," the dog lover said. "Can't keep your hands off Hinata for less than a few hours, can you?"

Hinata blushed and made a small attempt to move away but Naruto's smile just grew and he pulled her closer. "That's right dog-boy! You have anything to say to your Hokage about that?"

Kiba rolled his eyes. "No, Hokage-sama," he mocked.

"That's what I thought," Naruto said playfully.

"Well, now that you have the hero of the village and savior of the ninja world with you," Kiba said as Akamaru started to trot away. "I think I can feel a little bit better about you being in safe hands."

The couple watched the pair disappear into a crowd of people bumbling around grabbing lunch and shopping before turning to look at one another again. Some passerby's would glance at the popular couple, smile and wave or giggle and whisper to one another, making Hinata blush. Naruto didn't care. He ignored all the positive and negative thoughts directed towards them.

This reminded Hinata of a few incidents that took place sometime after they got married.

About Two Years Prior

Hinata shouldered a bag full of groceries as she walked around the different food stalls selling fruits and vegetables. She nodded politely at some of the familiar faces that passed her and stopped at a stall selling apples. She started sifting through the red fruits in search of the most perfect ones when she heard not-so-quiet whispers from somewhere behind her.

"It's the Hyuga heiress," Hinata heard a high pitched voice say acidly.

"Yea, so?" she heard a more toned down voice say.

"Oh sorry, it's the Hokage's Hyuga heiress."

"C'mon, this isn't the time."

Hinata activated her Byakugan wordlessly and came to the conclusion that the words were coming from two women just casually leaning against one of the building walls. She straightened her back, deactivated her kekkai genkai, and walked around to the other side of the stall, still searching for apples. She knew there were still many people that thought negatively of the relationship she and Naruto shared but she felt sure there were more that saw it in a positive light. Either way, she tried not to let their opinions get to her.

"Please, I don't know why that sex god Uzumaki settled for her," the shrill voice said.

"Stop, let's just go."

Self-confidence, Hinata thought to herself, trying to block the venomous words from poisoning her mind.

"Aw, come on, you know I'm right."

"I don't kn-"

"I mean look at her. She's so plain."

"Let's just leave…" the other woman said with her soft voice.

Self confidence!

"She's like…dark but also super pale, what's up with that? And she's so quiet and weird," she attempted to whisper but the words pierced through Hinata as though the woman were shrieking.

Hinata tightened her grip on the apple she was holding. Self…she clenched her teeth and stuffed the now bruised fruit in her bag. Those particular words uttered by the foolish woman hit her hard.

"Bet she only married Naruto Uzumaki because he was the hero of the village and the Hokage."

Hinata stiffened.

"I doubt-"

"I heard she was all over him during the war-"

"No, she-"

"So shallow."

"Ugh."

"I mean, I tried talking to him once, did you know?"

"What? No, I didn't."

"Yeah, I offered to take him out."
"What? When was this?"

"I don't remember, I think a week or so after he was declared Hokage."

"Really?"

"Yes, and guess what. He said no. NO! Can you believe that?"

"No…"

"Exactly! I don't know why he chose that pale eyed Hyuga over someone like me. He could do so much better."

Hinata had enough. She opted not to get the fruits and left the half filled bag near the stall, walking away from the two loud mouthed women whose voices got louder at her departure.

"Wait, so did he at least sleep with you?"

Hinata faltered in her retreat, an ache in her heart.

"Let me tell you the story." Hinata heard the woman groan. "He makes me feel so tingly everywhere! Even when he wears his big, orange, jacket. But when he's wearing his Hokage robe? Mmm. I could just eat him up," she said with a flirty giggle. "Ugh, the Hyuga doesn't know how good she has it."

I do know…Hinata thought, eyes downcast. She stopped walking, allowing the crowd to part around her as the two women continued their harsh conversation.

"But wait, when did you talk to him? How come you didn't tell me? And you didn't answer the question!"

"I don't really remember. I think he was out drinking with his buddies and I just happened to see him leave the bar." Hinata racked her brain and came to the conclusion that that was the day Naruto's friends threw him a bachelor party. "I was on my way home and basically asked him if he wanted to come home with me," the high-pitched woman burst out laughing.

"Oh my GOD! You did not!"

"I did!" she said excitedly. "He was like, 'I have someone waiting at home.' And I was all, 'So?' Then he offered to walk me home."

Hinata inhaled sharply.

"You slept with the Hokage?" the low-pitched woman asked in awe. "I'm…I think I'm actually a bit jealous."

Hinata couldn't believe it. She didn't believe it. She pivoted on the spot, her gaze directed towards the two strangers. They didn't appear to care to whisper anymore or seem to be aware of the fact that Hinata was still around. They were too engulfed in the story being told.

"No need to be jealous, Hun," the high-pitched woman continued. "He offered to walk me home because, I admit, I was just a little bit tipsy maybe…it was nice of him. But it would have been nicer if he took up my offer of crawling into bed with me."

"So he didn't sleep with you."

"Nope. Not even a good bye kiss."

"Oh."

"But I so wish he did. Don't tell any of the other girls, but I may have actually hinted that we really did spend the night together."

"But then they're going to think the Hokage cheats on his wife."

"So? Well, technically during that time they were probably only engaged or something. And I don't really care for that bitch anyway. She took a perfectly good specimen off the market from the rest of us women."

"I don't really know her so I can't judge her, but won't people think badly of the Hokage then?"

"Not my problem. He should have slept with me-"

"Please, feel free to continue belittling me but I would appreciate it if you did not slander my husbands name," Hinata said in a cold voice very unlike her normal self.
The two friends jumped in surprise, unaware of the Hyuga's approach.

"Y-you-" the high-pitched woman stuttered.

"I would like to respectfully ask you to stop spreading lies about your Hokage." The women were silent. "You two are free to express your opinions about what you think of my appearance or personality or anything else you would like to talk about, but leave the Hokage out of this."

The shrilly woman seemed to regain her composure. "I don't know why he settled for someone like you!"

"Sometimes I think the same thing," Hinata said. "Everyday I'm grateful to have such a loving person such as Naruto-kun in my life. How dare you think I married him for what he accomplished and not for who he is? I'm sorry I 'took a perfectly good specimen off the market' from you, but I didn't choose him like I shop for apples. I-"

"Whatever, bitch, I don't need to listen to you." Hinata's eyes flashed but she said nothing. "Just remember that Naruto-kun could have practically any woman," she mocked. "So if I were you, I'd be thinking, why me?"

Hinata watched the two retreat, one strutting away haughtily, the other throwing her apologetic glances. Hinata's hands shook. She grew past the stage of running away but she would not go after these women to start or continue a fight. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. Then she turned around and headed home in silence.

Hours later, she lay in bed, house clean and dinner prepared but sitting uneaten on the dining table. She had went to the training grounds and spent hours there alone to blow off some steam and gather herself but, as she stared up at the ceiling, one thought kept repeating through her head.

Why me?

She glanced at the clock.

11:29.

She sighed and rolled over to her side, fingering the sheets.

Why me?

Elsewhere Naruto had just received some bad news. A team had returned from a mission with one of their group members in fatal condition. Apparently there was some slow working poison that did some currently unknown things to her chakra system. The team didn't know how or when their friend was infected but seeing them so distraught at her perhaps impending demise made Naruto concerned about many different things.

He was sure the medical ninja and doctors were working hard on the female ninja but he couldn't help feel for the team. How'd the poison get in her system and were his people in danger? Immediately his thoughts went to Hinata. What if he had sent out Team 8 on this mission instead? What if the woman fighting for her life in the hospital was Hinata?

Naruto shook his head and wearily looked at the clock. It was quickly approaching half past eleven. He sighed and decided this was all he could get done for today. His mind was beginning to wander and he was feeling stressed out.

Right now he just wanted to find solace in his wife.

As he traveled back to their home he couldn't help but be happy at the fact that he had someone to go home to. Someone to comfort him and someone he could comfort. It was such a change from having to go home to an empty house.

The front door opened with a squeak and he quickly removed his shoes and hung up his coat before searching for his wife. It was late and he knew she would most likely be sleeping but right now he really had to wake her up. He really had to know she was there.

He walked into their bedroom and saw her curled up on the bed, her arms wrapped protectively around herself. Her hair was splayed across the pillow and fanned over her face, almost like a shield. Her breathing was steady but not too slow. She's still awake?

"Hinata?" he whispered, the bed sinking slightly due to his weight as he crawled over to her. He tucked her stray hairs behind her ear and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Hinata…"

She slowly opened her eyes and stared up at him, her expression giving nothing away. "Hi…" she said.

He made his way over to her so he was hovering above her as she rolled onto her back. He gave her a tender smile, one that she returned, though hesitantly. This went unnoticed by Naruto who was just happy to see her. He leaned down and kissed her gently, gripping her hips. He trailed his kisses down her cheek and to her neck, running his fingers across her sides.

Hinata allowed him to continue his ministrations but couldn't help but wonder why he would really choose her. She was constantly put down, insulted, and judged for a large part of her life and these insecurities were creeping back up to the surface because of those spiteful words.

Naruto pulled off his shirt before continuing his gentle touches and caresses. He tenderly and slowly lifted Hinata's shirt up her body, revealing part of her toned stomach before he leaned down and kissed her on the lips again. She didn't reciprocate and Naruto pulled back, confused.

"Hinata, are you okay?"

"Y-yes," she stuttered, a habit he thought she had stopped long ago. "I'm fine. I'm sorry." She pushed herself up and captured his lips with her own, her arms wrapped around his back.
Naruto pulled away, both hands holding her by the waist. "Hinata? What happened? What's wrong?" he asked, eyebrows scrunched together in concern. He reprimanded himself in his mind. He should have realized something was wrong earlier but he was blinded by his urge to see Hinata on his way back.

"N-nothing."

"Bullshit." Hinata bit her lip, not maintaining eye contact with Naruto. "Sorry…" Naruto murmured. He slid off of Hinata and sat facing her. "Is it me? Did I do something wrong? Oh my god, did I miss an important date or something? It's not your birthday… or our anniversary. Hinata, what did I do?"

"No! No, Naruto-kun, it's not you."

"I don't like where this is going."

Hinata couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "It's me."

Naruto looked at her, confused. "I don't get it. What happened? Are you okay?"

"I'm alright."

"Hinata." She sighed, poking her fingers together, another habit Naruto thought she grew out of. He realized she reverted back to her old tendencies when she got nervous. "Hina-?"

"Naruto-kun, why me?"

Now he was really confused. "Huh?"

She fidgeted and looked at him nervously. "Why did you choose me?"

Naruto looked surprised. "Hinata, that's a silly question. Why would you even think of something like that?" She looked away. He didn't think anything happened the past few days for Hinata to bring something like this up. He narrowed his eyes. "Okay, who said what to you?"

She froze. Then she felt his large hand on her shoulder and she relaxed a little. "Just two women. They were just talking. I shouldn't have listened. It was none of my business."

"No way! If they were talking about you it was definitely your business."

"They were talking about you too and so I couldn't help but go up to them and speak my mind. Maybe that was rude of me."

Naruto laughed, glad to see she was unwinding. "I'm sure you were respectful." Hinata smiled at him but that quickly vanished. Naruto's face fell. "Hina-chan…what did she say?"

Hinata took a deep breath and looked at her husband confidently. "It doesn't matter now. I trust you."

"Trust me, huh?" he said, sidling up closer to her. "Mm, I hope you know you're the only woman for me right?"

"Yeah?" Hinata said, eyes half-lidded.

"Oh yeah," he said, burying his nose in the crook of her neck. "I've always wanted a relationship with someone. I always wanted someone to love and I always wanted to be loved in the same way. Hinata, you fill that void and so much more." They were now face to face. "I'm in love with you, Hinata Hyuga. With all my heart. My body and soul."

"And you know I love you. Always have," she said, kissing him. "You always know what to say."

Naruto laughed and kissed her on the nose "I think you're getting us confused. You were always the one to pull me out of whatever had me depressed. I can name a few times off the top of my head. The time before my fight with Neji and even the time during the war when Obito was starting to get to my head."

Hinata blushed slightly. "I try."

"And I appreciate it," he said, covering her lips with his. "Now…I've been shirtless for a while and I'm getting a bit chilly. Care to warm me up?"

Present Time

"Hey," Naruto repeated, regaining her attention.

Hinata smiled. "Naruto-kun, shouldn't you be at work?"

"Aw, you make it sound like you aren't happy to see me."

"Of course I'm happy to see you," Hinata said, her eyes darting around. Naruto grinned at her bashfulness. Sometimes even the smallest display of public affection made her nervous. He almost laughed out loud when his mind wandered to the first kiss they shared high up in the dark sky, silhouetted by the moon. That was as public as they could get. "I don't ever want you to doubt that," she said, staring up at him with confident eyes.

"You're right," Naruto said, leaning in. "As always." He brushed his lips against hers, short and sweet, before pulling back and slipping his hand into hers. A group of young girls let out high-pitched squeals at the handsome Hokage and his beautiful wife sharing this small but intimate moment with one another. "Shouldn't you guys be in school?" Naruto asked them curiously, not really angry or upset. The girls stopped laughing for a second before rushing off, giggling the entire way.

Hinata smiled at their antics before glancing up at her husband. "Are you on your lunch break?" she asked.

"You could say that." That sounded a bit suspicious to her but she remained silent. "So! Want to spend the day together?"

Hinata raised her eyebrows. "I would love to…but your work?"

"Ah, I'll get some of my interns or someone to help out tomorrow."

"Naruto-kun!" Hinata reprimanded.

Naruto groaned. "Is it so wrong I want to spend the day with my wife?"

Hinata relented. "Things can't be exactly how they were before you became Hokage," she said gently.

"Whadya mean?"

"I mean…before if Kakashi-sama or Tsunade-sama would give you small jobs to do around Konoha you would sneak away to come visit me sometimes."

"Added some excitement to my day." Naruto winked.

Hinata squeezed his hand. "Mine too, but now you are Hokage and you have to do your job, Naruto-kun."

"Even if I miss you?"

"Even then," she said, smiling.

"Ah, that's no fair," Naruto pouted. "I'm about one hundred percent sure that Baa-chan kept a bottle of sake hidden in one of her desk drawers. And Kakashi-sensei probably had some Icha Icha-"

"And what do you keep hidden in your drawers?"

"Nothing," he answered a bit too quickly.

Hinata giggled. The answer really didn't matter. "I'll walk back to you to your office," she offered.

Naruto feigned offense. "What kind of husband would that make me if I made my pregnant wife walk me some place only to have her walk back alone?"

Hinata laughed. "You really wouldn't have someone watching me?"

"Maybe," Naruto said, looking away with his nose up in the air. "Maybe not." He stuck his tongue out at her.

Hinata observed his expression for a moment. He was smiling but she felt as though there was something wrong. He didn't just come here because he missed her. When it was a reason as simple as that, he would come home at the end of the day when he was done working, find her and sweep her into his arms. If she were already in bed he would snuggle up against her, his fingers soft against her skin. On the days he really missed her, she'd wake up to his kisses and she'd melt into him, accepting and loving. For the next hour or so they would be engrossed in each other's touches before falling asleep exhausted.

But this was different.

"Naruto-kun, what's wrong?"

He looked at Hinata's concerned expression and sighed. "I'm worried, Hinata-chan."

"What about?" she asked, rubbing her thumb against their intertwined hands.

Naruto swallowed, his lips pressed tightly together. "I don't know." She tilted her head, confused. "I just have a feeling."

Hinata's eyebrows furrowed together. "I'm sorry, but what do you mean?"

"Like that time during the war when the Infinite Tsukuyomi was taking effect," he answered immediately, as though these thoughts already went through his mind several times over. His hands moved to her shoulders as his words came pouring out. "I was shielded by Sasuke's Susanoo but you weren't. I couldn't see you but I could sense your chakra and…it was irregular. Obviously, I knew something was wrong everywhere. I mean the moon was practically tattooed!" he groaned. "Hinata, we're connected. Like the time I sensed you were alive after the fight with Pain…and when I sensed when you were being enveloped by the wood…I was worried. I felt something was wrong and I just can't shake the feeling that something's going to happen now too."

"Naru-"

"I wanted to come to you. I was so angry. I was so worried. I wanted to help you," he said, referencing again to the time during the war. He tightened his grip on her shoulders. "I couldn't make it to you that time. I couldn't help you at that time exactly, but this time I will. I have more than you to protect this time too," he said, smiling at her, placing a hand on her rounded stomach.

Hinata stared into her husbands blue eyes. Some of the visible tension and strain he was feeling that manifested in the way his shoulders stiffened seemed to relax slightly. He had to get what he said off his chest, she realized. "Naruto-kun, would it be okay if I spent the day with you?"

This time it was Naruto's turn to be confused. "I thought that was what I was planning on doing?"

Hinata shook her head. "I mean can I come to the office? Maybe I can help you with any of the work you have," she said, sounding hesitant, as if she might be saying something wrong. "Would that be okay?"

Naruto's facial muscles pulled up into a large smile. "That sounds perfect! Hinata, you're absolutely the best!"

Without warning he lifted her up effortlessly into his arms and sprinted off towards the Hokage Residence. "N-Naruto-kun!" she piped, clinging to him tightly.

He just laughed as the world blurred around them. The surprise of being practically airborne wore off quickly and Hinata relaxed into his arms. She stared up at his smiling face, the sun creating a halo-like glow around him. She thought this would be the perfect solution to the problems at hand. Naruto-kun's worried about me, she thought, a pleasant feeling bubbling up in her heart. But I can't be selfish and steal him away from the work he has to accomplish for the village. Kill two ninja with one kunai*, she thought. And she was perfectly fine with having to do some work if it meant helping Naruto-kun and doing something productive that day.

Naruto laughed as the wind ruffled his hair and Hinata couldn't help but laugh with him.

Laugh all you can right now, a man watching the two thought before turning and heading to the Hokage's home.

It wasn't the first time he had "visited" the place when the two weren't around.

*I made this phrase up and it's supposed to be a twist on the popular phrase, "Kill two birds with one stone."

-Magma

Up Next: Missions

"She looked around, senses alert. It was quiet. Hinata glanced outside and realized it had stopped raining. She heard footsteps somewhere outside her room and quickly activated her Byakugan. Her eyes widened, filling with unshed tears."