Chapter 47: Two Simple Words

In Hinata's opinion the meeting couldn't have gone any worse.

She'd tried to stay out of the conversations and trust her father to do all the talking. She'd tried to keep her face blank and give nothing away about the way she felt. She'd tried to quell the feelings roiling through her upon seeing him at the meeting. She'd tried to muster the courage to talk to him afterwards and finally put everything to rest.

She'd tried and failed.

Those cerulean eyes she used to lose herself in bore into her relentlessly through the entire meeting. The dark circles under his and Sai's eyes launched a geyser of guilt from the bottom of her chest. He looked haggard, stretched past his breaking point, and exhausted. His sharp tongue agitated her anxiety with every comment, and finally it became too much to bear and she'd said things she knew she shouldn't have. She'd seen the pain and guilt on his face—but it did nothing for her except make her feel worse. And his retort had increased it even more. Her mask had broken from the arguments around her, and her dark feelings had settled on her face causing her to level Naruto with looks she didn't mean. She was drained from the emotions she wasn't used to dealing with, and didn't know how for the matter. She was only hurting him more—and she hated herself because of it.

Hinata was tired of them tiptoeing around each other. Tired of avoiding him, constantly looking over her shoulder and peeking around corners because of what she felt inside. It was constant reminder of how weak she truly was—unable to voice her true thoughts and resorting to cowardly tactics of guilt trips and running away. She was tired of it all.

She'd wanted to speak with Naruto after the meeting, but by the time she'd made it out the door after him Tsunade was howling his name and she only caught the dying flash of his Hirashin. She thought about going to his house, a place she'd felt so comfortable at and had secretly daydreamed about what it would be like to live there with him. But the idea of going to that place which would now be filled with careful words and animosity caused fear to claw its way up her spine until it seeded in her mind.

She went home instead.

Coward.

"I know."

He doesn't deserve this.

"…He doesn't deserve me."

Hinata dipped her head, biting her lip as her hands clasped her necklace. She'd intended to wear it, a weak but honest attempt to signal Naruto she wanted him back. But when the doors pushed open and she caught sight of him panic like nothing she'd ever experienced—a terror she'd never thought possible—overwhelmed her and she slipped it off.

Now it tempted her. Whispered ideas about slipping her chakra into the seal—calling to him. Test him to see if he'd come. Both those thoughts were followed by a tidal wave of fear, fueled by the thought of rejection. And she knew if he didn't come, it'd be the end of her.

"Welcome back, Hinata-sama."

Hinata gasped, flinching away and looking up to see a Hyuuga guard taking a step back in alarm as well. She blinked a few times before realizing where she was. "I'm sorry," she said giving a short bow, "I've been distracted all day. I'm back."

"Where's Hiashi-sama," he asked looking around. "Didn't you accompany him to the clan meeting?"

"Yes, but I left ahead of him." Hinata gave another short bow and walked on, "He'll be along shortly."

"One more thing, Hinata-sama." Hinata stopped and turned to the guard to find him holding out a scroll. "This was in the mail drop box. It's been in there for some time, but due to the turmoil over the past week it went by unnoticed. I apologize."

"It's fine. Thank you," Hinata said taking the scroll and examining it. "Do you have any idea who it's from?"

The guard shook his head so Hinata carried the scroll back to her room. Once there, she sat down on her bed and opened it. The idea that it might be booby-trapped crossed her mind, but with the way she felt she didn't really care. The moment she recognized the handwriting though, she wished it had been.

Hime,

I wanted to tell you, please believe me. It's been the hardest, most agonizing experience of my life.

I'm sorry for everything. I didn't know the cost of this mission would be so great. I just wanted to help. To protect you. I hate how after years of making you wait and finally realizing what you mean to me I have to do this to you.

I know how much Hanabi and Neji mean to you, and if there was another way I wouldn't do what I've done. Please understand it was the only way.

By the time you read this the mission will be over, and I pray that you all are safe. I want you to know that this has been the best night of my life. You were beyond beautiful, and I will always remember you as you were tonight.

I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me, but if you don't I'll understand.

With all the Love for the rest of my life,

-Naruto

P.S.

It's not much, and I wish I could see your face when you open it, but I hope this helps a little.

"Oh god," Hinata whispered, voice shaking and vision blurring as her eyes trailed to the center of the scroll where a seal lay.

She set the scroll on her bed and placed a trembling hand over the seal. A pulse of chakra. A plume of smoke. The faint aroma of purity tickled her nose and her throat clamped shut.

"O-Oh…G-God," Hinata stood away from the bed with her hands pressed over her mouth. All five elemental orchids stood in a line across the scroll.

Her shoulders heaved. Her throat burned. And then it crashed down; her mountain—one built of anger, betrayal, pain, and grief shattered back to earth, crushed by the overwhelming realization that she really didn't deserve Naruto.

He'd thrown everything away for her.

Hinata stumbled back, her vision spinning and breathing ragged, and crashed into her door. The jolt cracked through her, she twisted, wrenched open the door, and sprinted.

The world blurred by, and voices and color washed together.

Naruto and Sai found an assembly line going on in the front of the house when they walked through the door. Jihibiki wrote the perimeter seals, passed it to Renge to write the binding seals, which passed to Karin to be finished with the command seal.

"I'm beginning to think we'll never have a normal house again," Naruto muttered.

Sai's head slowly turned to Naruto, "When has this house ever been normal?"

"Valid point," Naruto sighed working a muscle in his neck. "You want to tell them?"

"No." When he realized Naruto was staring at him he tilted his head, "What?"

"Couldn't you at least act like you're thinking it over?"

Sai gave his fake smile and waved his hand, "I don't mince words nii-san—you know that."

Naruto scowled, but schooled his face and said as he passed the table, "Sai has something very important to tell you from the meeting."

Karin, Renge, and Jihibiki looked up from their work, blinked, and turned to Sai who stood in the doorway with a dark look on his face. Naruto smirked over his shoulder before dipping into the kitchen. He'd just reached into the cabinet for a sake bottle when their reactions exploded from the living room.

"Knowing Sai he probably didn't mince words," Naruto shook his head and tipped the bottle back. "Honestly, the man has no tact."

"You're one to talk," Kurama snorted.

"Hey, I've come a long way. You saw their reactions at the meeting right? You'd think I'd told them I was the Sixth Paths secret lover."

"And there's an image I'll never unsee."

A clamoring reached the kitchen so Naruto turned around to find his entire family attempting to fit the doorway at once. Leaning against the counter, he took another drink and waited for them to navigate the tricky doorway. Finally, Karin managed to squeeze through and stumble across the kitchen as Renge and Jihibiki fell to the floor.

Karin grabbed the front of Naruto's obi; face a mix of relief and anger. "Why the hell don't we need ta make the seals anymore?! Ya mean ta tell me all that work was fer nothin'?!"

Naruto stared back, his face giving nothing away until Karin grew self-conscious and let go of him and rubbed her arm. "Nii-san," She whined with a pout, "I worked so hard on those seals."

"Gotta remind Neji to watch out for this face," Naruto thought feeling his heart start to melt.

"Of course it wasn't all for nothing," Naruto said bonking her on the head. "We're just outsourcing the labor to someone else."

"And ya don't see a problem with that," Renge asked pointing her staff at him.

"It's a brand new fuuin," Jihibiki added. "A clan secret! And you're just so easily going to give it away?"

Naruto's face hardened, "The village's safety relies on those seals. I was offered an opportunity to meet the quota within a few days compared to a month of our labor around the clock."

"W-What," Karin asked.

"You're welcome," Naruto said. Renge tried to argue but he held up a hand, "This isn't up for debate. As clan head I've decided it was in everyone's best interest to do what I did. Now…"

Naruto looked at Karin, "I want you to store our perimeter seal along with the Block Busters from the mission. After that, I want you to go out and enjoy the rest of your day. Maybe go see Neji."

Karin blushed, though a little hesitant, and hurried out of the kitchen with a smile.

"The same goes for you," Naruto said looking to his brother. "Go find Samui and talk to her."

Sai stiffened, his typically neutral face showing uncertainty and fear. "It's not a big—"

"Do not try to play it off like you're fine otouto," Naruto said folding his arms. "I'm not blind. I can tell you're being eaten up inside from everything that's happened. You need to get at least some small amount of closure."

Sai seemed to pale, but he nodded and left. Renge watched him go before quirking an eyebrow, "That's a bit hypocritical coming from you, isn't it?"

Naruto responded by draining the rest of the sake and popping his neck. He wasn't blind. He knew they had all been affected by the mission—he wasn't so selfish or narrow minded to think that.

"It is," Naruto walked past his grandparents. "But compared to my conversation, his probably has a much better chance for a positive outcome."

Jihibiki and Renge shared a look, but said nothing and followed him. Karin met him at the door after changing her outfit. She'd changed into black leggings and a purple dress that showed off her shoulders with a purse around her shoulder.

"I'm headed to the I.D. to have a chat with Ibiki and Sasuke," Naruto said opening the door. "Are you making dinner tonight, obaa-chan?"

Renge nodded and Naruto ushered Karin out the door, "See ya then."

Naruto and Karin walked in silence most of the way through the trees, but as they approached the clearing Karin asked, "Are you okay nii-san?"

Naruto was quiet for a few steps although a muscle in his jaw worked, "You know the answer to that, imouto."

"I-I know…" Karin said reaching into her purse and pulling out lip gloss. Applying it she said, "I prefer asking, to invading your personal space though."

"Thanks," Naruto smiled watching her pop the gloss closed and rubbing her lips with a smack.

"What," she asked quirking an eyebrow.

"Nothing."

"C'mon, tell me."

"…"

"Nii-sama!"

"You really like him," Naruto said looking to the gate. "Don't you."

Karin colored and looked down fixing her glasses, "Y-Yes."

"Good, that makes me happy."

"It does," Karin looked up at him in surprise.

Naruto swung the gate open and closed it behind them, "You've lived a hard life up until now. Seeing you happy and with so many bonds makes me happy. I hope one day you fall in love," he side eyed her with a grin, "if you haven't already."

"N-Nii-san!"

Naruto laughed and hooked his thumb behind him, "I'm going this way. Where's the scroll?"

Karin reached into her purse and hand it to him.

"On more thing imouto."

"Yes?"

"No babies until you're married," Naruto said plucking the scroll from her hand.

Karin froze, arm remaining locked out in front of her as her face rapidly darkened. Naruto tucked the scroll into his obi and did an about face, waving over his head. "Have a nice night, and behave Karin-chan!"

It wasn't until several minutes later Karin finally regained her senses and realized what her brother had done.

"Naruto-niiiiiiiii!"

Naruto entered the I.D., a large open space filled with multiple desks, and scanned the room. The place was bustling, more so than usual. Everyone running back and forth, papers in hand, talking on phones, or yelling out orders across the room. Through the din of the crowd he caught a flash of purple and traced it until it disappeared for a few seconds into an office before coming back out again.

"Anko," Naruto called out moving through the crowd. She spun around, eyes searching to match his voice to his face which didn't take too long. "What's going on?"

"Hokage-sama has us searching for old encryption keys we might have used with Cloud," Anko said then raised an eyebrow. "Didn't she tell you that at the meeting?"

"No," Naruto scowled, "She didn't mention anything like that. Have you seen Ibiki?"

"Naruto," Ibiki poked his head out of the office Anko had just visited, "Get in here!"

"Well, solves that question," Naruto grinned waving to Anko. "Later."

Naruto slipped into Ibiki's office and closed the door, "Busy day you're having."

"No, we just wanted to see how many people we could fit on the Intelligence Division's floor," Ibiki said from behind his desk massaging his temples.

"Why Ibiki, I do believe that was a joke!" Naruto plopped down in a chair. "Although, this is the Interrogation Department isn't it?"

Ibiki's head tilted and he gave Naruto a surprised look. "This is the I.D., yes, but it's also the main floor for the Intelligence Division."

"Really," Naruto asked. "I never knew that. I guess it makes sense though—it'd make it easier for information to flow back and forth."

Ibiki stared at him for a moment before shaking his head, "Remind me how you passed the first stage of the Chunin exam."

"Ah, Ibiki-san we're not here to reminisce," Naruto said wagging his fingers before pulling out his scroll. "If you want to do that I suggest you come over to my place and we'll do it over drinks. Bring Anko too; I think Karin-chan wants to talk to her anyways."

Naruto tossed the scroll to Ibiki who caught it asking, "What's this?"

"It contains the surveillance seal that needs a printing block created by the Research Department and the class five explosive tags pulled from the traitors during the festival." Naruto's face hardened. "I want you to try and track those explosives—see if we can find out where they got them from."

"This needs to go to Inoichi then," Ibiki said pointing out his office, "The office directly across from mine." Naruto held his hand out to take it back but Ibiki shook his head, "I'll handle it. Just for future reference know that this is the Interrogation and Communication Departments—or the Intelligence Division—the second floor is Research Department, the third floor is the interrogation rooms, and the bottom floor is the holding cells for prisoners."

"Gotcha," Naruto said giving a lazy salute and standing up.

""I've also received a message from the Hokage asking for you to meet her as soon as you're free. There're some things she wants to discuss with you."

"Three guesses as to what she wants to talk about," Naruto said crossing his arms.

Ibiki held up a hand, "Don't care, so don't complain. I'll phone the fourth floor and tell them to send up Sasuke—I assume you want to speak with him?" Naruto nodded. "I received a message from the Hokage. Since you decided to skip out on your meeting with her, I've been told to relay the message that Sasuke's trial will be in four days."

Naruto blanched, "Four days?"

Ibiki nodded looking more unhappy than usual.

"Guess we both got our work cut out for us," Naruto said working the back of his neck. He turned and made for the door throwing a wave behind him, "I better let the broody bastard know then."

Karin let out a sigh and her mouth pulled to one side as her eyes scanned the bustling street. Neji had been with Hiashi after the council meeting, leaving any hopes of spending time with her man squashed. The Hyuuga really loved their meetings.

Karin halted. Blinked. And a smile slowly began spreading across her face.

Her man.

Her cheeks started aching and she brought her hands to them unable to suppress the shiver that ran through her.

"I haven't seen that kind of look in a long time." Karin's eyes drifted up to see Sakura standing in front of her with a small smile and her hands clasped in front of her.

"You're Haruno Sakura, right," Karin asked shifting her hands behind her back. "Naruto-nii and Sasuke's teammate."

Sakura smiled, her lips twitching briefly, and nodded. Karin studied her and realized Sakura's body was guarded but welcoming at the same time.

"I'm glad to see you recovered," Sakura said. "I had no idea the connection you'd have to Naruto, I'm so happy for both of you."

"Thank you," Karin said giving a bow, "I never got a chance to thank you properly for saving my life. So again, thank you. I owe everything to you."

"Hey, enough of that," Sakura said looking away and waving. "I was just doing what I was trained to do." She looked back to Karin and tilted her head, "A-Are you free right now?"

Something was off about her. Karin new she wasn't a threat, she'd saved her life. But she seemed uncomfortable, and almost desperate for human contact.

"Sure," Karin shrugged. "My plans are ruined so what do you want to do?"

"Well…" Sakura licked her lips and took a stilted breath looking around. "I-I need to go to the I.D…"

Karin's eyes narrowed. "Not exactly what I had in mind."

"Not for you," Sakura waved her hands. "I have an appointment there. S-Someone I need to see, and I'd feel a lot better if I went with someone."

"Even someone you just met?"

"I know it's sudden and random, but you're very close to Naruto. I was hoping we could g-get to know each other a little more."

Karin blinked. There's no reason not to trust her, Naruto did. Plus it wouldn't hurt to make another friend. Karin smiled and nodded, "Sure, I'd like that."

Sakura visibly relaxed, and a grateful smile appeared, "Thank you."

"If you don't mind me asking though," Karin said as they turned at an intersection, "why are you so nervous to go to the I.D."

Sakura ran a hand through her hair before she brought it down and held her elbow. "L-Let's just say I need some emotional support."

Was she always like this? Karin quirked an eyebrow, "Who are you so nervous to see?"

"More like, nervous about the walk to them," Sakura said biting her lip and folding her arms. "He hasn't been very receptive of me since the festival, and he's made it very clear about what he thinks of me."

Karin stopped, eyes going wide. "You're going to see him aren't you? Sasuke."

Sakura looked back terrified, "Y-You won't come with me? I know a lot of things happened between you two, but you don't have to see him. I-I just wanted someone to walk with me there." Seeing Karin's look she turned away, "I understand if you don't want to though."

"No, it's okay." It wasn't, but she had no intention of seeing him.

"Thank you," Sakura whispered.

The rest of the walk was filled with Karin mostly talking—most of that being complaints about how all the other girls were either busy or on dates. But as they drew closer Karin noticed Sakura seemed to be growing more anxious, and the stress on her face suggested that whatever she was walking into wasn't going to be pretty. She was just about ask her if maybe she should hold off on her conversation when dishware shattered in a nearby shop and sent Sakura reflexively jerking away and bumping into Karin.

It was like a static shock—the realization jolting through Karin when their elbows brushed each other.

"Oh my god," Karin said eyes snapping to Sakura. They widened even further, "Oh my god!"

"W-What is it," Sakura asked stepping away holding her elbows.

"Does he know?"

"H-Huh," Sakura tried, but when Karin looked pointedly at her arms Sakura shuddered and shook her head. Her voice nearly carried away in the bustle of the street, "That's why I'm going to see him."

"When…"

"Please," Sakura shook her head again wiping her eyes quickly, "Please don't ask."

The rest of the walk was made in silence, and Karin continued to steal glances at Sakura. The woman was practically shivering the last block, and Karin couldn't help but feel an urge of protectiveness well up at seeing her savior so terrified.

Karin raised a hesitant hand for a second before placing it on Sakura's back. Sakura jumped, twisting to Karin in confusion, but realized what she was doing and bit her lip to keep the tears back. Karin continued to rub her soothingly the last ways to the building, and when they stopped outside staring at the door Karin took her hand and smiled.

"On second thought, maybe I'll hang around here for a bit."

Sakura nodded with a grateful look and faced forward. She took a deep breath, let it out, and entered the building.

"Four days huh," Sasuke frowned and sat back, "that's not a lot of time."

"True," Naruto said resting his chin in his hand and drumming the fingers of his other on the table. "But honestly, I barely managed to get you a public hearing."

"That's another thing; why? A private hearing would've been just fine—maybe even better if you're there with me."

"New information surfaced, and we made the decision to opt for public."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, "We?"

"Shikamaru, Sai, and Shino," Naruto answered.

"Really," Sasuke asked. "How'd I manage their support?"

"I'm putting my faith in you, and they're putting their faith in me."

"And what information surfaced that you'll think will help?"

Naruto paused, his lips drawing into a tight line. "It's not my place to tell you."

"So it's a secret," Sasuke growled narrowing his eyes.

"Not for much longer, I think." As if to prove his point the door opened and Sakura stood in the frame. Naruto turned back to Sasuke, "I think that right is hers."

"I don't want to hear anything she has to say," Sasuke's eyes cut back to Naruto.

"Believe me, you'll want to know." Naruto stood up and motioned for Sakura to take his seat, "It's been brought to my attention that you two have actually spoken since the festival. That won't do. You've got a trial rapidly approaching Sasuke, and if we're going to work together to defend you then we need to appear as if we like each other."

As Sakura passed him he grabbed her elbow and whispered, "Ease him into this."

Sakura nodded, sat down, and tried not to shift too much under Sasuke's glare. Naruto had activated the seal on the table and put up one of his own, and retreated to the corner of the room. Realizing Sasuke wasn't going to speak first, she took a few breathes and pushed forward.

"How are you Sasuke-kun?"

"I'm in prison, how do you think," Sasuke answered.

Sakura jerked as if slapped, and looked away rubbing her shoulder. She needed to approach this a little more sensitively. "I…I'm sorry for lying to you. I didn't want to, but I had no choice." When he didn't speak she took another breath, "I just want you to know that everything I said, I meant. I do love you Sasuke-kun, I always have."

A scowl tightened on Sasuke and he looked directly at her for the first time, "So you've always wanted to manipulate me, or is that something new about you as well?"

Sakura's body and face stiffened, "I had no choice Sasuke…the village was in danger."

"So that's how it is then? You love me as long as it's for the good of the village?"

"W-What," Sakura looked at him wide-eyed. "No, of course—"

"Did it ever occur to you that maybe I'd planned on coming back with you? Or maybe I thought you were worth it?" Sasuke turned away. "I can't accept your apology, because like everyone else you've lied to me too."

Sakura's tongue turned to lead and stomach hollowed. "What do you want from me? Tell me so I can show you I mean it."

"Leave me alone," Sasuke said. "I want some time to think."

Silence stagnated and the distance between them seemed to stretch.

So this was meant to be her fate? Sakura's fists clenched and ground her jaw. Was she supposed to spend the rest of her life regretting the decision she made—to feel awful about picking thousands of lives over her own happiness?

Sakura stood and sent the chair screeching across the floor. Sasuke watched her warily, but with the same amount of resentment in his eyes.

"You're so selfish," Sakura hissed. "It's always about you, isn't it? You always have to get your way."

"All I want is to have a choice for once in my life."

"Choice," Sakura shook her head and threw her arms out, "Choice? I gave you a choice—me or revenge."

"And you chose for me!" Sasuke's fists slammed on the table. "I've never had a choice my entire life—it was just one person after another manipulating me. So just this once I'll be making my own decision!"

Sakura's head ducked and her arms wrapped around herself as she began to shudder. "No. Not this time. You don't get a choice this time."

Sasuke caught Naruto's head jerk to her, and Sasuke felt unease well up. "What are you talking about?"

"I don't care if you forgive me or not," Sakura choked out. "But if you are released then you will spend the rest of your life around me."

"What are you saying," Sasuke said, eyes darting between Naruto and Sakura. The tingle at the back of his neck told him there was a trap.

"I'm saying be a man and take responsibility for your actions," Sakura said looking at him with a teary, bittersweet smile.

"Sakura," Naruto warned.

"What are you talking about," Sasuke asked.

"I gave you a choice that night," Sakura said.

"No," Naruto stepped forward, "Don't tell him like this."

Sasuke ground his teeth, "What are you talking about?"

"Sakura, wait—"

"I'm pregnant."

Heartbeat, breaths, even the air had froze as Sakura's words permeated the room. She watched as Sasuke registered what she said, watched the realization dawn in his eyes. Watched fury take hold and snap them from onyx to crimson.

"Liar," Sasuke roared to his feet. His Mangekyo spun in a blur as he pinned her to the wall with his stare. "Liar!"

But he saw no deceit in her face. Only fear and hurt and confusion. Then she was gone, replaced with Naruto's hard face as he slammed a stronger chakra suppression seal into his gut bringing him to his knees.

"Get out," Naruto growled over his shoulder at Sakura.

She didn't move.

"Now!"

The door slammed shut in response, and the room fell into silence once again with only the intermittent gasps from Sasuke. After a minute his breaths evened and he struggled to his feet. Naruto helped him back to his chair and then joined him on the other side, slumping into his hands while shaking his head.

Why? Why did the people who should tell the truth lie and the people who didn't need to, do so anyways? What the hell was wrong with everyone?

An empty chuckle drew Naruto's attention to Sasuke who nearly mirrored the same thing he was doing. After a few seconds Sasuke looked at him, "How long have you known?"

Naruto sighed, "She told me this afternoon, just before the vote on your hearing."

Sasuke nodded, eyes trailing off to some distant object. They stayed like that for the next half hour. When he finally spoke again, his voice sounded raw. "I don't know what to do anymore. I don't know what to think. Hell, I don't even know if this has ever been my life."

Naruto shrugged, "Were they ever really ours to begin with?" Sasuke shifted to him and he tilted his head, "Let's face it, people have been making decisions for us ever since we were born. The important thing is now we have the power to make our own choices, even if we don't have a clue what we're doing."

Sasuke gave a short laugh, "Says the man strung out over a Hyuuga."

"To the man that's now an expecting father."

Sasuke's body stilled, "I'm not made of stone you know." Naruto watched Sasuke as he struggled for words, "I…In any other circumstance I'd probably be excited, but…"

Sasuke let out and exasperated sigh and shook his head, and Naruto's heart went out to him.

"I get it," Naruto said, "She made another choice for you. But if you think about it, nothing's stopping you from here on out." Sasuke's confused look pushed him to elaborate, "There're no more secrets from this point on. Nothing can dictate what you do, the only thing attached to you at this point are the bonds you've made. You're in control of your own life now, so it's up to you to decide how you want to live."

"You say that, but if my memory serves correct isn't there a hearing I have in four days? Something about being tried as a traitor if I remember right."

Naruto snorted and waved, "I've got a lot of pull these days, don't worry about it." He stood up and stretched, made a handsign that released the chakra suppression seal on Sasuke, and gave him a grin. "If you should be worried about anything at this point, it's picking out baby names and a ring."

Sasuke stared at him for a moment, probably debating on whether or not he could activate his Sharingan in time to burn him with Amaterasu, before finally shaking his head. "You realize it's not that easy to forgive someone."

Naruto shrugged, "You love her and she's going to be the mother of your child. If anything she did what she did to protect the two things she loves most."

Sasuke said nothing so Naruto opened the door only to jerk to a stop, shoulders flinching hard as he looked down in confusion. Did he imagine it, or did he just feel…

No that was impossible, she'd never—

It came again, this time so long it began scalding his skin. Naruto fumbled with his robes, tore the necklace out of his shirt and held it up. Sure enough the diamond pulsed continuously, the stone turning red with heat from the amount and intensity she was sending through it.

She was calling him.

Naruto disappeared with a flash.

He didn't know where he'd turn up when he locked onto the seal engraved into the necklace, but he didn't expect it to be outside his gate. She whirled around, eyes wide and cheeks stained glaring at him. Suddenly regretting he responded to her call, Naruto loosened his stance and slipped the kunai he held back into his sleeve. They stared at each other, a steady warm breeze blowing between them despite the time of year, and thunder echoed from the horizon. Probably the last storm of the year.

"You called?" He'd meant it to sound aloof, but his voice betrayed him with each word drowning in trepidation. She was heaving breaths like she'd run all day, and he took a cautious step forward reaching out, "Hey…"

"Why?" Hinata's biting tone failed to match her vulnerable face.

"Why," Naruto echoed flinching back. He had to admit, when she was flustered words really did escape her.

"Why," she repeated holding out the necklace. Her glare intensified. Her lip began trembling. And a new round of tears spilled down as thunder rolled overhead. "Why are you so perfect?!"

Naruto's face screwed up—okay, now he really didn't follow. Before he could say anything though, Hinata bit her lip and pulled the silk string apart before sliding it over her head.

She tried to look at him, but ended closing her eyes and shaking her head again. "After everything that's happened. A-After everything I've said and done. W-Why? W-Why do you still come when I call?! Why d-do you look s-so scared and c-concerned!"

Naruto recovered from his shock when the first drop of rain splashed on his nose. He took a tentative step towards her, and when she didn't move he took another, and another, until he stood only a few inches away from her. Hinata looked up at him—grief, pain, and fear playing across her pale perfect skin and swimming in her moon-like eyes.

"Because I love you," he said choking on his own confession.

"I'm sorry," she said looking away. "Y-You deserve b-better than me."

Naruto's hands cupped her face and tilted her towards him. At this distance he could smell her perfume, the enchanting scent that had plagued his senses since the festival. That beautiful, intoxicating aroma that sent something stirring within him. "I don't want anyone else."

Naruto wiped her tears only to have them be immediately replaced. Her eyes crinkled and her whole body shuddered as the rain began to pour, "I'm sorry." Her hands bunched his robes and she pressed herself into him allowing his arms to encircle after what felt like an eternity of loneliness. Her weakness laid bare, and his strength accepting and protecting her. "I'm s-sorry. I'm sorr-y. I'm so, so…"

Naruto caught her lips and felt her enter body shudder at the connection. Her hand flew up trapping his neck and pulled him in deeper as her body melded against his.

How long had it been? How long since he'd felt this kind of wholeness, the aching gap of missing something more finally being filled?

His mind grew hazy, the sweet taste of her lips shattering the world around him. His hands moved on their own, finding the small of her back and cradling her head. They broke apart once—a split second for air before diving right back in—only this time his tongue darted out, and was met by Hinata's.

How long they stood there kissing he wasn't sure, the emotions raging inside him couldn't even spare a second to think about it. Her kiss seemed to be everywhere—not a battle for territory but a scrutinizing caress—one that was determined to memorize every inch of his mouth.

He broke from her again, this time dragging his tongue and kisses down her jaw to the nape of her neck.

"Naruto-kun…"

It had to be a genjutsu. There was no way the sweet, gentle voice of the woman he loved could moan his name the way he'd just heard.

He pulled away long enough to stare back at Hinata's glazed eyes, cheeks flushed and midnight hair plastered to her face. She licked her lips; eyes trailing over his before darting back up as she nudged her hips into his and raked her nails down his chest. Naruto let out a shuddering breath, crushed his lips into hers again, and they disappeared with only the sound of thunder echoing behind them.