Chapter 6:

Hinata was happy they had started their day together just walking around slowly in the vast gardens. It always one of her favorite places to be, admiring the flowers, other plantlife, and the small animals going about their daily and seasonal routines. They were silent for a while, just enjoying the beauty of nature together, a past time they had shared though rarely.

"Did I ever tell you why I daisies were my favorites?" Hinata asked after spotting patch, Neji shook his head. "Because they are so simple in their beauty, so delicate and frail looking. But they survive, like other flowers, the harsh sun and the heavy rains. I like them because, though they don't look it, they are actually pretty strong."

Neji watched her smile down at them and wondered at her, she could see so much in these flowers yet still couldn't see all the strength she, herself, held. Thinking maybe he should remind her of her own strength, his heart started to race and he could feel his hands get a little clammy, why was he so nervous? Taking a deep breath, pushing away his nervousness of what her response would be, he attempted to speak his mind.

"You're just like them" He said softly, feeling his jaw tightening, why was this so difficult? She smiled at him but had confusion in her eyes.

"What makes you think that?"

"Because you're...just...like them." Neji growled inwardly, cursing his lack of conversational skills. Hinata fought a smile as she watched him struggle to express himself. She tried not to chuckle as he took a deep breath to try again, she didn't want to discourage him.

"Hinata-sama, perhaps those are your favorite because you are similar to them. You...are, many times, underestimated because of your appearance and manner. But what they don't realize...what you don't realize, the tremendous strength you actually possess." Neji finally applauded himself, that was much better. Hinata smiled and looked away, she was touched by his words, is that really how he saw her? She was just about to thank him when she heard him mumble something so softly she barely missed it.

"You're beautiful like them too." Neji half hoped she heard him and half hoped that he said it quietly enough that she missed it. But Hinata's heard beat powerfully and breathing became a little more difficult. He thought she was beautiful? Her face flamed at the compliments, slowly and hesitantly reaching her trembling fingers to touch his.

"Thank you." She whispered, sneaking a glance at him, pleasantly surprised to see his cheeks dusted with pink as his fingers twitched before tangling with hers.

oOoOo

They made their way back to the compound and he waited patiently as she packed them a lunch and placed it in a basket, it was such a nice day out, they had decided to eat outside. Neji focused on his breathing exercises, it felt as if he had a thousand butterflies in his stomach, they had spent whole days together before but never did those days feel like this one.

Hinata knew that both Neji and herself loved being outdoors, it was easier to taste freedom outside, and she looked forward to spending time alone with him. Thinking about him while he's gone and spending time with him were two very different things. It helped with her personal mission to see if she could learn to develop feelings for him when she was actually with him. Plus, it was nice being comfortable with him, there was never any pressure to fill silent moments between them.

While they ate she asked about his most recent mission and he shared what details he could. The most interesting part of his time away was with the elderly man who nursed him back to health, but Neji made sure to leave out most of the conversations he had with him. He didn't look at her as he recounted his mission, choosing to gaze out in the distance. The memories of those conversations with the old man only brought out his desire for her, and he was sure neither one of them were ready for that to be seen.

When he did finally look at her, his emotions under control again, she smiled and started to giggle. Neji narrowed his eyes, part of him enjoyed hearing her laugh, but it appeared as if she was laughing at him. His jaw tightened in annoyance, he looked away again.

Hinata at first didn't mind that his gaze was elsewhere, she also had times when it was difficult to look at him as she spoke, but when he had turned to look at her she noticed that some rice was stuck on his cheek. The sight, coupled with his obliviousness to it...she just couldn't help herself, it was such an unusual and amusing sight. He reminded her of little boys eating in a hurry. However when she saw him tense and look away again, she immediately bit back on her laughter, though allowed herself to still smile as she reached up and took the few grains off his face. She held them up to him, to show him the reason of her mirth.

He looked at her hand then stared directly at her, grabbing her wrist gently, before suddenly placing her fingers into his mouth. His heart thundered as he licked and sucked the rice off her fingers, wondering how she was going to react to his spontaneous boldness.

Hinata's face flamed up instantly, feeling his tongue move across her fingers delicately. Her heart pounded, heat burned everywhere, and she could feel herself starting to tremble. She couldn't tear her eyes away from his, he wouldn't let her, and his gaze was like a jolt of lightening shooting through her whole body. Finally he pulled her fingers out of his mouth, his lips clinging to them until they were all the way out. He felt her rapid pulse and her hand tremble, could see a heat in her eyes that he only ever dared to dream.

"Hey Hinata!" they both suddenly heard, breaking whatever spell held them and making them spring apart from each other. Kiba was riding Akamaru towards them and reached them in a matter of moments.

"Hey Hinata, how's it going? Man I haven't seen you in a while!" Kiba said cheerfully, watching her try to control Akamaru from licking her face off, giggling the whole while. Kiba smiled, he missed watching Akamaru playing with her. Neji's posture stiffened, immediately annoyed at the interruption and intrusion. Once Akamaru was done lavishing Hinata with kisses she felt like she was able to breathe at last.

"Kiba-kun, Akamaru-kun, it's so good to see you both. It really has been a long time, I've missed you both." She said with a smile, still petting the giant dog.

"Heh, yeah, us too. We were looking for you, glad we caught you, we're leaving for a mission in a few minutes. Unfortunately, we're gonna miss your wedding." He told her sadly. She frowned, depressed at hearing such news, Kiba and Shino were her best friends.

"That's alright Kiba-kun, can't be helped. Thank you for coming by to tell me. I'm going to miss you two." She said with a small smile, Kiba grabbed her hands and pulled her up into a big hug.

"I wish you all the happiness in the world Hinata. If he doesn't make you happy, let me know and I'll straighten him out for ya!" He said to her before letting her go and narrowing his eyes at Neji. Neji's jaw tightened at being so blatantly ignored.

"Well we have to get going or we'll be late and then I'll never hear the end of it from my team. Later Hinata!" He yelled before pointing a finger right at Neji. "Remember what I said!"

With that he left with a reluctant Akamaru, Hinata standing and waving good-bye, and Neji still sitting with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face. Hinata turned to look back at Neji and surprised herself by giggling again, he looked like a pouting child, upset for not receiving any attention. At the sound of her laughter the corner of Neji's mouth twitched as his anger disappeared. She was most beautiful when she was smiling and laughing. Walking back home, Neji asked Hinata a question she was hoping he would never ask her.

"So, can you explain why you were in my room last night?" She stumbled slightly in her panic. She didn't really want to tell him that it was because she had missed him and that she was shocked at herself for doing such a thing. Even though she found she slept more peacefully in his futon than in her own. She had initially thought to tell him it was because she was so exhausted from her training that she didn't realize it wasn't her room, but decided against it, Neji was a human lie detector.

"You plan on answering me?" He asked her, bringing her out of her thoughts. She hadn't realized that she actually stopped to think about her answer only to not say anything at all.

"I...I...well, um...you see..." She stammered, trying to think of something fast.

"Forget it." He didn't really need to know and if it made her that uncomfortable then he wasn't going to push her. Hinata looked down and felt the urge to fidget, feeling bad for not being able to answer him.

"I...I hope you don't regret marrying me." She whispered under her breath, but Neji heard her. He took a step close to her and gently grasped her chin, raising her head so that she could look him in the eye.

"I'll never regret that Hinata-sama, never." He told her, his voice soft but sincere. With her eyes were wide and her expression open, he found himself lowering his head slowly to hers, giving her time to turn away from him. When his hand trailed down to cup her neck, her eyes flicked to his mouth, he almost couldn't believe she had not pulled away from him. He hovered over her lips, feeling her breath on his face...

"Hinata-sama! Neji-san! I'm so glad you're back!" a servant suddenly exclaimed loudly. Hinata's eyes bolted open and she almost stumbled again in her haste to get some distance between them. The servant's eyes widened in mortification, everyone's faces bright red.

"Oh I'm...I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt. It's just...uh, there are so many things that still need to be prepared for the wedding." Neji sighed, watching the woman fidget from embarrassment. He would wait, he was a patient man, he could wait for her.

oOoOo

Hanabi felt a certain deja vu as she watched Hinata pace back and forth across the room, waiting until they were to be called for the ceremony. Hinata was wearing a beautiful tradition wedding kimono, the outermost layer depicting two cranes. One in flight then the other about to follow. While the scene for Hinata's pacing was familiar, Hanabi could see she was much more distraught the first time, now she seemed more pensive than anything else.

"What's on your mind?" Hanabi asked, though it seemed the answer would be obvious, she was curious to find out why today was so different than last time. Hinata paused in her pacing though continued to stare at the floor, her frown deepening.

"I'm wondering if I love him yet...or not."

"Who?"

"Neji-niisan."

"Do you really think it's that easy?!" Hanabi's jaw dropped, incredulous.

"What do you mean easy? I've been working at it this whole time." Hinata exclaimed.

"Come on, Nee-san, you can't just tell you're heart to start loving Neji-niisan and expect to actually love him based on that decision." Hanabi scolded her sister, she really didn't think her sister was that naive, and hoped it was just the stress of an arranged marriage that was clouding her judgement.

"What makes you such an expert on love?" Hinata countered and Hanabi shrugged, it seemed common sense to her.

"Nonetheless, she's right." They suddenly heard another woman's voice. The sisters turned to see Hinata's former sensei in the doorway. "Don't push into the emotion Hinata, because then you'll just end up lying to yourself and possibly to him as well, and you'll regret it. On the other hand, don't fight it if, and hopefully when, it happens. Don't be afraid to love him, you and Neji...you have a special bond."

Hinata looked at Kurenai and started to feel tears gather in her eyes. She quickly walked over to her and embraced the woman who was the closest thing to a mother she had since her own had passed away long ago. After a few minutes Hinata pulled back and looked at both of the women here supporting her.

"I do care for him, very much. Sometimes I do feel...something...I don't know if it's love and if it is, what kind." She admitted, feeling embarrassed, looking to Kurenai for guidance.

"Only you can figure out what you are feeling Hinata. It will take time, but the answer will come. Be patient." She answered with a smile.

"That isn't one of Nee-san's virtues." Hanabi stated with a smirk, lightening the mood.

"Hanabi-chan, I believe you are talking about yourself." Hinata said with an answering affectionate smile.

"Whatever." Hanabi crossed her arms but there was a sparkle in her eye. Then a servant came to tell them that everything was about to start. Both women hugged Hinata before quickly leaving her alone with her own thoughts. She couldn't help mind wandering to their engagement day and she could feel herself begin to tremble with anxiety. Shaking her head, she took a deep breath, and tried instead of focus on the few days they had after returning from his mission. She had enjoyed her time with him, even the few almost kisses that were interrupted. Her face flamed, replaying the moments in her mind.

"Hinata-sama?" a servant inquired, shaking Hinata from her thoughts. Shaking her head again, she smiled slightly before walking purposefully towards her destiny.

oOoOo

Neji stood waiting, trying and failing to convince himself that he wasn't nervous and even a little scared. Will she ever regret being forced to tie her life to his in this way? He sighed and looked down at the black haori he wore with their family crest, it was the finest and most formal he had ever worn. He definitely didn't feel like himself and wondered what was going through Hinata's mind as they were about to start.

Suddenly he caught movement in the corner of his vision, for a moment his world dimmed, she was all he saw. She looked stronger, braver, than the day they were engaged. Her face wasn't downcast but up and her eyes were looking only at him. Once she reached his side her eyes grew soft and warm and she gave him one of her beautiful smiles. He stared at her a moment longer before they walked side by side down the short pathway to the shrine.

He couldn't remember much of the ceremony, he was too busy focusing on the woman beside him. He could remember kneeling before the monk and miko, sipping the sake, watching Hinata blush from embarrassment when she brought the sake cup to her lips before waiting for the sake to be poured, and when he held her hand as he gently slipped a ring onto her finger. Her hands felt cool and a little clammy, but they were steady as she held his hand when placing his ring on his finger.

At the wedding only the closest of their family members were allowed to attend, but they made sure to invite all their friends to the reception. As Hinata changed into a more colorful kimono Neji couldn't get the idea that she was actually his wife out of his head. Never would he have expected his life to take this turn, they were legally bound to one another, and now he was free to share with her what was in his heart. After that first day together with that picnic, he wondered if he might actually have a chance.

In the middle of the reception, they stood up, it was time to make their way around the room to each table and express their gratitude to their guests. But before they made it to the first table someone started to tap their glass making a small 'clinking' sound. Soon the whole room was filled with the gentle noise. Hinata turned beat red and Neji just sighed in resignation.

"You don't have to worry Hinata-sama, trust me." He whispered as he gently raised her face towards his. Like last time, he touched his forehead to hers, allowing his long hair to drape to partially cover their faces. He inhaled deeply as his lips brushed her cheek close to the corner of her mouth. As he moved to pull away he froze when he felt her cool hand touched to side of his face lightly. He felt her hand start to tremble when she apply pressure to his cheek, turning him gently, and softly caressed his lips with hers.

His heart slammed against his ribs at the feather light touch of her lips, and though she pulled back slightly he followed her without hesitation. He kissed her softly, lightly, unsure of her response or her permission. When her lips started to cling to his, he held back a groan at her surrender, it almost felt like she was actually accepting him. But he pulled back quickly, they were still the center of everyone's attention and he wanted to be the only one to see what she looked like after he kissed her. She still worn her normal blush, but her hands were holding on tightly to his haori and her eyes were open and vulnerable. Gently he touched her hands, forcing her to let go, and slowly looked away, allowing her time to gather herself. Eventually they made their way to each and every person, bowing, exchanging pleasantries, and taking pictures.

"You might want to save that for later, neh?" Tenten smirked and elbowed Neji, making both him and Hinata blush. She was so embarrassed and was still trying to calm her racing heart that she almost didn't see a certain young man in the back of the room. When she did spot him, he slightly signaled her to meet him outside. Hinata barely moved her head to nod in acknowledgement.

"Excuse me, I just need to step out for a moment." Hinata softly interrupted Neji and Tenten's conversation. Neji stared at her back with a small frown when he heard Tenten start to chuckle.

"Possessive much Neji? She's probably too embarrassed to say that she has to use to bathroom."

When Hinata finally made it outside, as inconspicuously as possible, she saw the young man waiting for her underneath a tree several yards away. She walked to him slowly and stopped only a few feet from him. She couldn't bring herself to look him in the eye, so she settled for his chest.

"Naruto-kun."

"Hinata."

Silence.

"Wh-why did you c-call me out here?" Naruto gently took her chin into his hand and lifted her face to he could see her pearl eyes.

"How are you?" He asked her softly while he brought his hand back to his side. She slowly smiled as she gazed at his blue eyes, eyes that haunted her dreams for most of her life...until fairly recently.

"I'm doing fine." She told him honestly.

"For real?" He asked, searching her eyes to see if she was telling the truth. She brought her hand up and cupped his cheek, smiling warmly at him.

"Thank you so much for worrying about me Naruto-kun, but I'm fine now. You will always be someone important to me. You helped shape the woman I am today, I will forever be grateful for who you are, an inspiration to me. But...it's time for me to let you go." Naruto pulled her suddenly into his arms and hugged her tightly.

"You see? You are strong, I've always believed that you were. Always." He whispered into her ear before releasing her. He flashed her one of his famous smiles and crossed his arms.

"I suppose you love Neji now, neh?" Hinata's smiled became strained before slowly vanishing, though a light blush still stained her cheeks.

"I...I don't know. But...I want to, he...he deserves it." She said softly and Naruto touched her arm gently.

"Only if he loves you too, not just because he's now your husband, understand?" He told her firmly, Hinata smiled again.

"I should go back. Thank you Naruto-kun...for everything." She turned and left him behind.

Author's Note:

Hello again, this is a note for those who have read my OG of this story before. I don't know if any of you can remember, but these next couple of chapters will be the most different from the original. I changed the wedding and reception scenes, because now I have access to resources on traditional Japanese weddings and have been to Japanese wedding receptions. But I tried to keep most everything the same with the exception of my terrible blending of traditional Japanese and western weddings and receptions, hopefully that was a smooth-ish transition. Also, I had cut this chapter short from it's original, because I didn't want to be an ass for cutting the next chapter in the middle of a lemon flavored scene. I will also be moving the lemon to a different chapter, just because I felt it was moving too quickly too soon. But fear not, I will upload chapters as fast as possible. Sorry for the changes!