Mina-San... I am completely overwhelmed with all of your reviews! Wooh! I'm so impressed with how quickly everyone responded, I'm even more thrilled to know that you all enjoyed it! I'm so thankful for all of you and your undying support! You make me so happy! One of you even said this was your favorite fanfic! That means SO MUCH to me. I read lots of fanfics and I know for certain there are some fantastic authors out there that I don't even come close to in caliber. Anyway, enough blabbing! As promised, when you review, it makes me post faster! Here ya go!
I DO NOT OWN NARUTO AND I NEVER WILL!
Chapter 16-* the proposal
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Naruto held onto Tenten for a while. His heart was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. Here he was, holding a living and breathing part of his family. She was a rather close relative, close enough to consider her a sibling in his opinion. He closed his blue eyes happily as Tenten reciprocated the hug.
Tenten too, was quite happy. Naruto, although still a huge goof ball, obnoxious, loud mouthed brat, was really doing Konoha proud. Tenten knew without a doubt that he would fulfill his dream of becoming the Hokage, and now that she knew they were related, it made her even more proud. It felt quite assuring and refreshing to have a family member. Sure it was weird that they knew each other for so long, never knowing the truth about their identities as family. Part of her felt as though it just made this moment even sweeter.
After a moments time, Naruto and Tenten released each other and turned back to Tsunade, who seemed to be pondering something rather intently. Tenten looked to Sasuke curiously. He too, looked at her, then to Naruto, then back to her. He was trying now, not to see any similarities. Although they didn't look exactly alike, Sasuke could definitely tell they were related. Both were very strong willed, both determined and strong fighters. Both spoke their minds when they felt like it, Tenten usually using a little more tact than Naruto. Still with all of the facts, similarities and hype, Sasuke couldn't really believe it. A large part of him wanted it not to be true. The fact that it was true, told Sasuke that his dream was a reality, and now he had to wait for the nightmare. Aside from that, he knew he would most likely be seeing a lot more of Naruto, which made him rather agitated. But if it made Tenten happy... He'd try not to strangle him to death.
"To me, it seems as though Sasuke's premonitions are right on par. You two are indeed related. There is no way for me to tell for certain if it is by way of what he stated. Your mothers, however..." Tsunade paused. "With the information we have gathered on Zabuza Momochi, the alleged father in Sasuke's premonition, we can presume that Tenten takes on a lot of his traits. Accuracy and weapons specializing, I want you to experiment with water techniques and see what you can come up with. There must be a lot of hidden talent in you Tenten." Tsunade expounded.
"Awesome!" Naruto exclaimed. Sasuke watched, almost feeling a bit left out.
Tenten blushed happily. "I will do my best." She said with a bow.
"Good! Alright you three, out of my office, I have things to do." Tsunade said with a wink and a shooing motion.
"Yes ma'am." The three said in unison as they turned to exit.
"Oh yes, don't forget the Sakura festival tomorrow." Tsunade reminded.
Oh yeah... I almost forgot. Tenten thought. That would be perfect to take Sasuke to. She smiled.
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Tenten, Sasuke and Naruto left Taunade's and began making their way toward the Ramen shop, for Naruto it was out of habit. Naruto sighed a happy sigh and put his hands behind his head as he strode down the streets. "So Sasuke, you're awfully quiet. What do you think about all of this?" Naruto asked as he glanced over at Sasuke, who seemed to be zoning out a little.
What do you think ,dumb ass? Was what Sasuke's first reaction was to say. However, Tenten was present and she seemed rather happy about it, so he decided not to be a jerk and let her enjoy the news. "Good for..." He started before Naruto interrupted.
"Speaking of quiet... Uh.. Tenten.. Can I ask a favor? I know we just found out we're related and, but.." He said, looking at her with big blue eyes. Tenten looked at Sasuke, who seemed quite aggravated that Naruto cut him off, then back to Naruto. Tenten merely nodded to him and tried to calm him.
"Sure, Naruto. What is it?" She replied, looking to Naruto.
"Well... tonight..I'm..." Naruto sighed. Tenten could tell whatever it was he had to say, must have been difficult. She didn't know if it was because of Sasuke's presence or what the reason was.
"Go on." She urged, longing to know what it was he needed her help for.
"I'm going to the Hyuga manor tonight, at Hinata's. I'm gonna ask Hiashi permission to marry Hinata. It would mean a lot to me if you would come with me. It's her birthday and she is having a party tonight with her family, and she invited me." Naruto explained a little nervously. It was a bit strange to see Naruto go from loud and hyper with an undeniable confidence, to almost as shy as Hinata herself.
Tenten's jaw dropped upon hearing the request. Naruto was going to propose to Hinata, and not only that, he wanted Tenten's support. This was a hard decision for her. The last time she was at the Hyuga manor, it was for Neji's funeral. Going back to that place was sure to bring up some memories. Tenten gulped and looked at Sasuke, who gave her a nod. "I.."
"You can bring Sasuke. Actually... If... Hinata and Hiashi say yes... I'd like Sasuke to be a part of the wedding." Naruto said, putting on a large smile.
Sasuke was still in shock from the news that Naruto was going to ask Hiashi Hyuga if he, not a Hyuga, could marry Hinata. It was crazy to him that Naruto would even think of marriage. Now he was asking Sasuke, Sasuke, to be a part of it. "No." Sasuke said coldly.
Naruto's blue eyes widened and then narrowed. "That's fine, I'm sure that if I beg Tenten she'll make you. I don't care what you say Sasuke, I still consider you my best friend." Naruto said with his determined smile.
"Sasuke." Tenten said softly. "I want to go tonight to support Naruto. if you don't want to go you don't..."
"Im going." He interrupted. Although he didn't want to go,there was no way he would let her go alone. He wanted to keep her safe. Tenten was beginning to feel aggravated that the two continued to interrupt her. Deciding to be nice, Tenten shook her head. She knew that Sasuke and Naruto brought out the worst in each other, so she decided not to read into their rudeness too much.
"Alright. What time should Sasuke and I be there?" Tenten asked.
"Well, it starts at five, but I was kinda hoping for your advice on what to wear, and what to say." Naruto asked Tenten with puppy dog eyes.
"Ah you can figure that out yourself you dweeb." Sasuke grumbled.
"Come on, I'm asking Tenten, not you, you jerk." Naruto said with a glare.
Oh boy. Tenten thought. "I don't mind helping him out, Sasuke."
Admittedly, Sasuke found it refreshing that Tenten didn't side with Sasuke on every little thing, like Sakura would, just to impress him. But he was still rather annoyed because he would most likely be spending the entire day with the knucklehead. "Oh fine." Sasuke replied.
Tenten held back a giggle. Sasuke acted so different around Naruto than he did with her, but because she was involved with Naruto now, he was agreeing to put up with it.
"Alright!" Shouted Naruto excitedly.
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"You sure this looks okay?" Naruto asked nervously as he stood in front of a stand up mirror in Tenten's room. He was wearing a pair of light tan dress pants and a black button up dress shirt. He insisted he wear an orange tie, but Tenten vetoed that idea right away. Sasuke stood next to Naruto on his right side by the mirror.
"No, you still look like a dumbass." Sasuke said with a smirk.
"Sasuke, he does not." Tenten said, from Naruto's other side. "Let me see you." Tenten said, pressing on Naruto's shoulder to turn him. Naruto turned to face her and gave her a half smile. "Hmm..." She said looking him over. "Something's not right..." She said as she tapped her chin. "Ah!" Tenten exclaimed before promptly reaching up and untying Naruto's headband. Once it was off she handed it to him and smiled. "There."
Naruto rubbed his bare forehead and smiled. "Thank you, shimai!"
Tenten blushed at his remark. Sister, huh? She thought with a small smile. "You're welcome."
"So what are you gonna say to Hiashi." Sasuke asked out of curiosity, although truthfully it was out of amusement.
Naruto sighed and plopped himself onto Tenten's bed as if it were his own. "I'm just gonna go in there and be honest with him."
"Practice!" Tenten suggested. Of course she would be the one to suggest that he practice, Tenten and her entire team built their lives around and upon training and self improvement, which could only be achieved with practice and determination. Sasuke let out a chuckle.
"Well... That seems kinda weird, doesn't it?" Naruto said as he scratched the back of his head.
"No come on! If you aren't rehearsed, you might say something stupid. Now pretend Sasuke is Hiashi." Tenten scolded.
At first, Sasuke found it rather amusing that Tenten was forcing Naruto to rehearse, until she threw him into it. Sasuke pouted. "Do I have to?" He whined.
"Yes! This is important to Naruto!" Tenten said with fire in her eyes.
"Okay, okay!" Sasuke complied. Since he decided to help her, he wanted to make the situation as realistic as possible, and really give Naruto a hard time. He cleared his throat and then looked at Naruto sternly. "Now what is it you wanted to talk to me about, Uzumaki?"
Naruto sat up straight and looked Sasuke dead in the eye. Although he knew Sasuke was probably going to drill him, drag him through the mud and pick him apart, he appreciated Sasuke's effort to help. "Sir, I realize that I am not a Hyuga and..."
"No, you're not. What's your point?" Sasuke retorted quickly. Sure he knew he was being an ass, but he knew how to get Naruto fired up more than anyone, and this was exactly his intention.
Tenten shook her head, true Hiashi would be hard on him, but maybe not this hard.
"Well, my point is, that although I'm not a part of your clan, Hiashi's- your daughter means the world to me." Naruto said, standing.
"Mhm... So?" Sasuke said, crossing his arms.
"So, although it's against tradition, I'd like I ask your permission to marry Hinata."Naruto said with a gulp.
"No, is my answer. Unless you can give me three good and logical explanations as to why I should allow my precious Hinata, who is the upcoming head of the Hyuga clan, to go off and marry a ruffian like yourself?" Sasuke said, coldly.
It almost made Tenten cringe, hearing the way Sasuke was talking to Naruto, but Naruto seemed to be encouraged by it. Leave it to Naruto to take adversity and use it as fuel.
"One: I will treat her like the queen that she is, Two: I will protect her with my life and Three: I love her and she loves me. This isn't just about me. I know it sounds conceded, but she's crazy about me. If for some reason she found out you didn't want me in her life, it would crush her. And it would crush me too. I may be a knucklehead, dumbass, no good kid, but if there's one thing I know, it's that I love her. and I will go ahead and take the liberty of giving you just one more reason. Four: I'm gonna be Hokage one day, and you would have the honor of telling everyone that your daughter is married to the Hokage." Naruto hissed.
Sasuke's dark eyes widened. Naruto sure had one hell of an answer. "You don't need to worry, dumbass." Sasuke said relaxing his shoulders a bit.
"Wow." Tenten said with a smile. "You are gonna do just fine! Hiashi can't say no to that!"
Naruto heaved a relived sigh. "You think?"
"Yes." Sasuke answered.
"Go get em tiger! We'll see you there soon." Tenten said with a smile.
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Sasuke and Tenten arrived at the Hyuga manor about thirty minutes after five pm. Neither of them wanting to show up right at five. It appeared as though many other people from the village were there, not just the Hyuga family, which put them both at ease a bit more. Tenten had trouble deciding what to wear, she didn't have a whole lot of options, so she decided she would just wear nice black dress pants and a green Chinese style shirt. Of course she kept her hair up, but like Naruto, she left her headband at home. Sasuke did not feel the need to change, so he simply wore his gray pants and black shirt. When they arrived, Hinata quickly rushed up to greet them. She looked lovely. She was wearing a knee length lavender dress that gracefully hung off of one shoulder, with a white rose in her hair.
"Tenten!" She exclaimed quietly as she wrapped her arms around the girl. Tenten was a little surprised by this gesture, but she went ahead and hugged back.
"Happy birthday, Hinata." Tenten said with a smile.
"Oh thank you both so much for coming. That is very kind of you." Hinata said, withdrawing from Tenten. "Naruto tells me that you two are related. Cousins right?"
"Yes, we just found out today actually." Tenten said pointing to the small bruise on te inside of her arm.
"I'm so happy for you two." Hinata said with a smile. Sasuke watched the two in their exchange. It seemed to him that they got along quite well.
"Thank you, Hinata. You look beautiful tonight by the way. Oh!" Tenten said, remembering the small gift she and Sasuke had picked up on the way."It's from both of us." Tenten then handed Hinata a small red box.
Hinata's eyes lit up as she took the box. "Oh Tenten, Sasuke." She said as she opened the box. Inside was a beautiful decorative hair comb that had a sparking butterfly and dangling crystal flowers. "It's gorgeous." She whispered.
"I felt as though it suited you." Tenten giggled.
Hinata hugged her again tightly. "Thank you both." Hinata Quickly thanked them once more before rushing to greet more guests.
Tenten and Sasuke then walked about Hinata's home and visited with a few people, many of the Hyuga clan still offering Tenten their condolences for Neji's death. Their words stung on Tenten like a hot knife searing her skin. Looking around and seeing the family that one day would have been her own was a lot more difficult than Tenten had anticipated. Sasuke sensed her discomfort and linked hands with her to offer some sort of ease. He realized that the whole situation must be quite hard for Tenten.
After visiting with Shino for a few moments, Tenten and Sasuke were interrupted.
"Tenten." Came a familiar voice from behind. Tenten turned to face the speaker, and there stood Hiashi. He looked a bit flush, but his face was soft and kind.
"Captain." Came Tenten, out of habit. "I..I mean.."
"It's quite alight. Can you please come with me?" Hiashi replied.
"Oh." Tenten said looking to Sasuke, who was quite hesitant, but he still gave a nod. "Sure." She replied.
"Great. Follow me." He said, turning and walking toward his hallway. The crowd of guests parted like the Red Sea as he walked through, Tenten following closely behind. The two finally reached a secluded room which looked to be his office. Hiashi walked around to the front of his desk and opened a drawer.
"What is it you wanted to speak to me about." Tenten asked, a bit nervously.
Hiashi took out of his desk a small black velvet box. "This." He said handing her the box. Tenten took the box slowly and looked at him with wide and curious eyes. "Go ahead." He urged.
Tenten slowly opened the box, revealing a sparking diamond ring with three large stones. Her jaw dropped and her hands started shaking. "Wh...what's this?" She managed to ask.
"That was the ring Neji bought for you. It's yours." He replied as he walked up to her.
"I..." Tenten couldn't speak. Seeing the ring made everything come back, the sadness, the sorrow, the confusion. Before she knew it, salty tears were falling from her eyes and into the corners of her mouth. It was all just overwhelming for her. It wasn't that she regretted meeting Sasuke, she was quite grateful to him, and she was finding out that she was madly in love with him, but being here and seeing the ring made her miss her fallen team mate. Hiashi hadn't expected for her to react the way she was, and he wasn't exactly sure how to comfort her.
"Naruto asked me tonight for permission to marry Hinata." He said, changing the subject. Tenten wiped her tears and nodded.
"What was your response, if you don't mind me asking." Tenten replied, closing the ring box.
"I said yes. He gave me quite the speech." Hiashi said.
"You said yes?!" Tenten asked excitedly.
"I did. I want my daughter to be happy above all, however, he does not have a ring." Hiashi hinted.
The last thing Tenten wanted was to hang onto that ring, it just hurt too much to even look at. It was like agonizing beauty. "He can have this one." Tenten said with a bittersweet smile.
"You are a great friend." Hiashi smiled. "Just so you know, Tenten you are always welcome here."
"Thank you, captain. It means a lot to me." Tenten smiled happily. She was well pleased with the news that Hiashi had agreed to let Naruto and Hinata marry, it was quite surprising. Maybe one way or another, it was fate that Tenten's family and Neji's family would be brought together. In this case, with Naruto and Hinata. "I'm going to get this to Naruto." Tenten said with a smile.
"Thank you, Tenten." Hiashi said. Tenten then promptly rushed out of the office and began searching for Naruto. There seemed to be an awful lot of guests, Tenten thought that maybe Hiashi invited extra guests on a hunch that this would be happening tonight. Finally. Tenten spotted Naruto and Hinata holding hands and talking with Ino and Shikamaru, who seemed to be holding hands as well. Tenten quickly rushed to the group. "Hey guys." Tenten smiled. "Naruto, can I talk to you?"
"Sure, Shimai." Naruto smirked. The two walked outside for a moment and Tenten handed him the box. Naruto tried to get an explanation out of her, but she refused.
"Good luck boy, congrats." Is all she said before rushing back inside to find Sasuke. Her emotions were all over the place and all she wanted now was the reassurance she could find in him. Frantically, she searched around with no avail. Tenten continued looking for him, even as a loud announcement was made by Naruto.
"Attention, family and friends." He shouted. The whole crowd went quiet and turned toward Naruto who had his arm draped around Hinata.
Where are you, Sasuke? Tenten thought nervously to herself.
"Thank you all for coming tonight." Naruto continued.
Suddenly, Tenten felt a hand grab onto her wrist and yank her into an embrace from behind. "I'm right here, Tenten." Sasuke whispered softly in her ear. Immediately Tenten let out a sigh of relief. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes but she bit her lip and clasped onto Sasuke's hands that held her in front. He could sense that something was wrong, but he didn't want to push it so he held her close and rested his chin on her head as the listened to Naruto's announcement.
"As you all know, Hinata and I have been together for a while now, and she is absolutely amazing. I love her with all of my heart and she makes me want to be the best person I can be. For that reason, Hinata." Naruto said as he got down onto one knee. "Will you marry me?" He asked with wide eyes as he revealed to her the ring that Tenten gave him.
There was a pregnant pause in the air as Hinata stared in shock at Naruto and the ring. "Y..yes." She whispered, before promptly fainting to the ground. No one in the crowd was surprised by the faint, however they were surprised by the proposal.
"Let's go home, Sasuke." Tenten whispered as she tilted her head to catch a glimpse of him.
"You got it."
