Chapter Three
The sun beamed inside the maid's headquarters as Hinata was making up her futon. Her mind wandered to yesterday's events and she was still a little surprise. Naruto had kissed her. Every time she thought about it, she felt her face go hot. She didn't know how to feel about it. Of course, the young boy was slightly intoxicated, so she couldn't be too upset about it and like he said prior he was not the kind of gentleman.
She couldn't remember anything else that happened besides her falling asleep beside him, but somehow, she was in her room. She panicked at first but noticed her clothes were still intact.
The house was eerily quiet as Hinata was the only one there. Naruto wasn't there when she'd woken up and he didn't leave a message telling her where he would be. She opened the front door and was startled by a young scruffy looking boy standing there.
"Good mornin' ma'am! Is your master home?" He said adjusting his cap. The young boy looked no older than her younger sister. He had shaggy brown hair that needed a serious cut, and he wore a white cotton t-shirt that had some dirt stains splattered on it and dark gray knickers.
Hinata bowed. "I do apologize, but the master isn't home and I'm not sure when he's going to be back." She looked at the buggy behind the boy and saw some gardening tools in it.
"Ah, okay. Well if he needs service, I specialize in gardening and I couldn't help but notice he may need some help." He grinned playfully. "Of course, with a little pay and a place to live." He laughed wholeheartedly. Hinata couldn't explain it, but the boy had a burst of unimaginable energy just by the way he spoke. "But I'll be on my way. Good day, ma'am." He said tilting his cap.
Hinata bowed again and watched as the young boy walked to the main road. She stared at his feet and was surprised to find he had no shoes.
"I told him he should hire somebody," Hinata muttered to herself. Her eyes lingered to the boy who disappeared, and she couldn't help but shake her head. "He looks so young. I wish I had something I could give him." She mumbled to herself.
It was nice and sunny out and Hinata soaked up the sun's rays that hit her. She took in a deep breath and let it all out.
"Hanabi." She hummed.
Dinner time was quickly approaching and Hinata was in the kitchen making the master supper. He never gave her a set time for dinner or anything of that nature. The master was laidback, a scrooge but he had his nice moments.
Her ears wiggled when she heard the door to the front entrance opened. She stopped what she was doing and went to greet him.
"Good day, Naruto." She bowed. Her eyes lingered to the bloodstains splattered on his shirt and her eyes widened.
"Oh- good day." He mumbled.
"Um,- sir. Are you okay? A- Are you hurt?" She questioned him in a panic. "Should I call a doctor?" She went to touch him, but he brushed her off.
"I am fine. I'm going to take me a bath." He walked towards the parlor, leaving a trail of mud behind him.
"Would you like me to prepare your afternoon bath?" Her voice was soft, but her eyes could not turn away from the bloodstain. 'Is that his blood or someone's else?' Her legs trembled.
"I can do it myself." His voice sounded colder than usual. "Has there been any messages for me?"
"Oh, t- t-there was a young man here who said he specialized in gardening and noticed your garden needed some help." She avoided his eyes that seemed to pierce into her soul.
He poured himself a glass of whiskey. "Is that so? I already have you to fix it up, eh?"
"I suppose, b- but it's not my specialty sir. It'll be best for someone to work on it." She turned her gaze to the carpet beneath them. The man was in a foul mood. "There are some beautiful flowers in the garden, and I would hate to see them go." She muttered.
"I'm already stuck with you. Why would I want someone else to come here?" He snarled. "Maybe instead of standing there you can pick up a book and read about gardening, huh?" He brushed past her.
Hinata sighed softly. "I'll have your dinner ready within the hour, sir."
Naruto chewed the rice slowly as he was in deep thought. He was out most of the day because he, Sasuke and Sakura had to travel to a nearby village on the outskirts of Konoha. Tsunade needed some herbs and supplies delivered there because these people were still affected by the war. Some too many ill civilians didn't have the resources to become stable.
He sighed once more as he remembered the events.
Naruto gazed upon Hinata who was sleeping peacefully on her futon. Her soft angelic face looked so peaceful and her long silky hair was soft to touch. The door closed behind him and he walked down the long corridors and up the stairs. He glanced at the big empty spot, that seemed to be missing something, in front of him and he looked away as he headed upstairs to the right-wing.
He put on his brown knickers and a white pleated front puffed sleeve shirt he tucked into his knickers. His head turned slightly to the door when he heard the doorbell ringing. He tied his brown boots and left to answer the door as seeing Hinata was still asleep.
"Naruto!"
He glanced at Sakura then Sasuke who was posted on the white pillar. "What is it?"
Before Sakura could speak, Sasuke answered. "Sakura needs us to accompany her to the outskirts of Konoha to deliver some materials to Tsunade."
Sakura nodded her hair. "They're all ready to go." She said stepping out of the way so he could see the buggy with two chest pieces resting on the back. "It's kind of dangerous if I go alone and with all the bandits lurking about. Tsunade feels it'll bebest if you two accompany me."
Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "Let's go."
Both Sakura and Sasuke sat in the front while Naruto sat in the back to make sure the two chests were secured and to be on the lookout for any bandits.
Sasuke whipped the horse occasionally and they gallop on the road leaving a dust of smoke behind them. "What time should we reach?" Sasuke spoke loudly over the galloping horses.
"By noon!"
"Tch." He spat.
"She could have at least informed us of this when she saw us last night," Naruto spoke.
Sakura turned to face Naruto. "It was last minute. She found out about this before the sun rose."
"Who sent her?" Sasuke glanced at Sakura.
"Danzo."
Sasuke glanced over his shoulder at Naruto and the two stared into one another eyes momentarily before Sasuke fixed his eyes on the road.
"Hey! At least he's doing something good now, right?" Sakura laughed nervously when there was no response.
The sun followed them as they continued their journey. Sakura fanned herself with a mini white fan and would sip some water from the container. "Ah, today feels so lovely. We should make a plan to head to the beach one day before winter comes."
"Can you even swim?" Naruto inquired.
"Yes!" She turned around and glared at him. "It's Ino-pig who can't swim!"
Naruto smirked. He continued to be the lookout. The dust-covered most of his view. He relaxed slightly until he saw something in the distance once the dust died down.
"It seems we have some company," Naruto shouted. Sakura turned around and saw two horse buggies quickly approaching them.
She ducked her head down once she heard the gunshots firing.
Naruto loaded up his silver pistol and started firing at the thugs who grinned sadistically at them.
"Let's make this easy!" One of the men shouted. "We won't kill ya if ya give us ya stuff and the girl."
Naruto fired at the man, missing him. "Ah shit. That should have hit him." He clicked his tongue. One of the men retaliated and shot the gun, but it hit one of the chest pieces that protected Naruto's abdomen. "I would have been a goner." He mumbled as he ducked down.
One of the horse buggies picked up speed and was neck in neck with Sasuke. Sasuke stared at a greyish looking man who had several teeth in his mouth grinning at him. He pointed the gun at Sasuke, but before he could shoot Sasuke ducked his head and Sakura shot the pistol. The man fell over and fell to the ground only to be trampled by the horses.
Naruto ripped the covering with a sword to get a better view of what was going on.
"Dobe, do your job!"
"Ah, shut up," Naruto said as he jumped into the buggy on the side of them.
"Sakura, take the ropes," Sasuke said handing her the blackish ropes.
He got up and started shooting at the people in the buggy behind them.
Naruto sword through the men who tried to tackle him. Some of the blood splattered on his shirt and he punched one of the men in their face as they tried to hold him down.
Sasuke shot one of the horses and it went down, causing the other horse to fall over it. He jumped off the buggy and ran up to the one that carried several men. The jumped from it and circled Sasuke who only smirked playfully at them. He pulled out a sword from his scabbard and begin to strike them down. "18... 19… 20… 21…" He struck down the last man. He unbuckled the horse from the buggy and jumped on it.
Naruto had just sliced down his last man. Sakura was up ahead waiting for the two to finish up. She took out a container of water and gave it to the two horses. She rubbed their heads. "Good boy." She nuzzled them. "You did well. All two of you."
"Ah, this slowed down our journey," Naruto complained. He sat on a rock posted by a tree. Sakura handed him a container of water and sighed.
"I know. I know." She glanced at his blood-stained shirt. "When is this going to end? There's been a lot of bandits and robberies lately that the locals are afraid to travel."
"It's never going to," Naruto drank a gulp of the water. "It's a dog eat dog world out there and a lot of people were affected by the war- rich and poor." He wiped his mouth. "Can we blame them?"
Sakura and Naruto both got in defense mode when they heard a horse galloping towards them. Naruto took out his gun slowly from behind him but eased up when he saw Sasuke approaching them.
"Twenty-one." He breathed out.
"Maybe if I shoot you, we could make it even." Naruto rolled his eyes.
The remainder of the journey was smooth, and they made it to the outskirts of Konohana by one. Tsunade exited the tent once they announced their arrival. She spotted the blood-stained men and shook her head. "Bandits?"
Sakura nodded her head. "There were two buggies full of them."
Naruto and Sasuke looked around the conditions of the small village and weren't surprised. The war was almost eleven years ago, but these people were still living in it. The houses were dismantled, and there were several people, including children lying on tattered mats.
Sakura noticing the conditions it stared in disbelief. "Where are the rest?"
Tsunade looked down and a daunting feeling washed over the trio. "We had seven that just passed away, and this is all who are remaining," Tsunade replied.
"These people don't need materials!" Sakura shouted. "They need real resources, a home, nurses, a hospital Tsunade-sama!" She was upset because she didn't know the conditions were this bad.
"This is the best I could do, Sakura." Her voice was hushed. "Please don't make a big fuss out of this."
Naruto placed the chopsticks on the table. He rubbed his arms as a chilling wind brushed past him. The windows were shut, and too anyone else this would creep them out, but to him it was normal. It made it feel less lonely; like somebody was there watching him.
His mind went back to Hinata. He wasn't trying to be mean on purpose to her, but he was a little upset about today's turn of events. It seemed death was better to embrace than a life worth living.
"Excuse me, sir. Did you not enjoy today's dinner?" Hinata stepped in to check on him. She noticed he'd barely eating any of the food she'd prepared.
"I'm not hungry is all."
Hinata stacked the plate of food carefully on one another, but she had this nagging feeling in the back of her head to ask him how he was feeling. "Is everything okay, sir?"
"It doesn't concern you." He scolded her.
"I'm s-
"But thanks for asking." He muttered softly. "I'll be off to bed."
Hinata bowed. "Goodnight."
Hinata handed Naruto a newspaper that was delivered early morn'. He read over it and his eyes slanted slightly, but it was enough to catch Hinata's attention.
"Is everything okay?"
"There's a storm brewing and is expected to reach here by Saturday." He mumbled. "Hopefully it'll die down as it approaches us."
"A typhoon?" Hinata gasped. Her heart leaped as she thought about Hanabi. Naruto seeing the worry expression on her face fanned her off.
"Suna won't be affected, so you mustn't worry about your sister. We need to get a few items since it's expected to be a lot of rain and wind."
Hinata nodded her head.
"This is going to be troublesome," Naruto said. "Go fetch me my coat from the parlor. We need to head out soon before the store gets crowded."
Hinata strolled behind Naruto as they walked down the road. She remained quiet and let her mind wandered. There was an uneasy feeling settling in her stomach "The last time we had a typhoon was eleven years ago before the war." She ran beside him. "Do you remember? It left almost thirty people dead. This is a sign isn't it?"
"Hinata," He said in a serious tone, "please refrain from speaking about the war in public." He kept his eyes fixed on the dusky road. But the uneasy feeling would not settle. She lowered her head. "It's getting colder since winter is approaching soon. We need to get you some warmer clothes."
"Yes, sir." She replied in a hushed tone.
Naruto kept looking over his shoulders to look at Hinata who still had her head lowered. She'd look like a lost puppy following behind him. "Hinata, raise your head when you're in public with me."
"Sorry." She said slightly raising her head.
"I believe there is something seriously wrong with you. Do I need to get a doctor?"
"No, sir." She responded.
The sun was tucked between some gray clouds and the sky was slightly blue. They finally entered Konoha Market where Hinata wandered off to get some quick items. Naruto went his separate way but was spotted by his Aunt much to his dislike.
"Naruto, sweetie." She hugged him shortly. "Did you read today's paper? What are you going to do about the storm?" She inquired. "Why don't you stay with us? When was the last time you seen Karin or Nagato?" She bombarded him with questions. "You used to play with them when you were a young boy." She said sighing.
Naruto smiled meekly. "Thank you for the offer, but I'd rather stay home and fuck the maid."
Saya's eyes slightly widened. "W- with that girl?" She said in a disgusted tone.
Naruto placed his hands behind his back and gave her a childish smile.
"But there are better suitors out there for you." Saya reminded him. "What about Sakura? She's so nice and sweet."
"Why are you concern?"
"You're my only nephew and I worry about you, believe it or not." She placed her hands on her hip.
"Well, there is no need. I am fine on my own."
Once he was out of sight, Saya's facial expression changed. If it was true and he was having sex with Hinata, this will make her plans to take his inheritance easy. She almost felt sorry for the poor girl—Hinata. She had already been through so much, losing her family, leaving her sister, becoming a maid, and now to be suspected of murdering the only Namikaze heir; she couldn't help but giggle. Yes, her plans were working after all.
Naruto wondered around the market in search of Hinata. They didn't need much. Sometimes he worried about her because she could be such an airhead at times.
He stopped and let his eyes wandered around the market but couldn't spot that grim aura. He stepped outside just in time to see her being pulled against her will into a narrow alleyway.
"Now, now Hinata," Sebastian said as he caressed her soft cheek. The girl shivered slightly by his touch. "I've missed you so much." He said wrapping his arms around Hinata and hugging her. "Let's run away and get married. Just you and I." Sebastian said. "We'll have a lot of money, so I'm begging that you just wait and if anything happens to come to me. Do not speak to anyone!" He gave her a soft kiss on the lips before departing the opposite way.
Hinata was dumbfounded. She turned to walk back to the market and was met by Naruto who was just standing there. Hinata stopped in her tracks and stared at the beautiful creature standing there so majestically. His soft yellow hair and sharped blue eyes made her heart quiver. He had on his light brown trousers and white long sleeve shirt that was folded by his elbows and here she was, the opposite of him in everything.
He walked down the alley angrily and grabbed her by her wrist. She winced in pain as she was confused. "What was that?" He said bitterly. "Marry? Runaway?" He squeezed her wrist tighter until she began to whimper. "Have you no shame! To do this in the afternoon when the streets are full. Are you trying to bring shame to your family!"
"Shame?" She cried. "The moment I survived the war I disgraced my family!" She yanked her arm away. "It doesn't matter what I do," her eyes water, "or where I go. I have no honor to my name, not anymore."
He didn't know how to respond because part of him felt angry about what he overheard and witness. "Go." He mumbled under his breath. "I said go! Go home and you wait for me!" He shouted at her; his face turned red.
Hinata picked up the hem of her kimono and ran as fast as she could to the Namikaze manor. Her tears flew with the wind, her heart was beating fast and her feet burned her.
Once reaching home, she threw herself on the ground and she cried. The frustration welled up inside of her and she began to hit the tatami repeatedly.
Naruto spotted his Aunt and her husband walking towards their buggy and quickly approached them. Before Saya could say anything, Naruto spoke in a harsh tone. "You stay away from her." He said pointing his finger at the older man.
"What-
"You heard me! If I ever catch you touching her again, I will make your life a living hell." He said staring Sebastian down. "And don't you ever put your hands on her again," Naruto said turning to his aunt. "She belongs to me." And with those words, he stormed off.
Saya turned to Sebastian with a troubling look. "What did you do?"
Sebastian stiffened. "I don't know what he's talking about."
The anger that stirred inside him made him lose focus. It was absurd the way his uncle spoke about running off and getting married to Hinata! Out of all people, he wants her. And what made him more upset was that she didn't push him off. How could she allow him to do that? Suppose someone had seen or heard? He placed his hands on his sides and stared at his house.
"Hinata!" He called out as he barged into the house. Hinata jerked her head up suddenly. "Hinata!" She heard him shout.
Hinata quickly ran out of her room and was faced by an angry Naruto who had just entered the maids headquarter. The look on his face made her legs trembled; she was afraid of him. The air felt eerie as neither spoke, and he knew she was afraid of him. All the color from her face had disappeared and her body was trembling like a wet dog.
"Hinata." He paused as he tried to calm his nerves. "What is your association with Sebastian?"
"Nothing!" She blurted out. "He's my former master and there is nothing more."
"Then why did you not move when he said those words to you? When he kissed you?" His eyes slanted slightly.
"Because I'm afraid." Was her honest answer.
"Afraid? Of him?" The anger vanished from his face and was replaced with a look of confusion.
Hinata nodded her head. "Afraid of what he can do."
"Then you are not romantically involved with him?"
"Never!" She responded.
"Hinata, as long as you are with me there is nothing to be afraid of. You don't have to worry about him anymore."
"Then you are not upset with me anymore?" She asked.
"No. It seems I overdid it." He ran his hand through his hair.
He did something unexpected and gave her a slight hug. "Please make me some ramen." He said as he walked away with his hands in his pocket.
It was Friday morning when Sasuke knocked on the door impatiently. The door creaked open slowly and Hinata greeted him.
"Good morn-
Her words were cut off when Sasuke barged inside the Namikaze manor. "Where is the dobe?"
Hinata was taken back. "Who?"
Sasuke brushed past her and entered Naruto's favorite spot- the parlor. He saw Naruto sitting there reading a newspaper. He heard a quick groan escaped Naruto's lips and the newspaper made a crunching sound.
"That was rude of you, teme."
Sasuke rolled his eyes. "I think you'll be interested in what I have to tell you. Do you have a more- private place?" Sasuke said eyeing Naruto.
He placed the newspaper down on the brown table and his eyes widened once he saw the look on his best friend's face.
The smell of light rain made its way to Konoha and the once blue sky were now gray. A little gust of wind scattered some discarded leaves around and the sun was nowhere to be seen. In the Namikaze manor, Hinata was gazing out the little circular window that was not boarded.
It didn't look too bad, but she knew the dangers this storm can bring. The village in the mist had five casualties and took major damages because of the wind.
She nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard the thunder. The lights flickered off and on in her room.
"Hinata! Make me some tea!" Naruto yelled. "I need some before these lights go out." He grumbled as he walked into the parlor. "Heaven knows how long they're going to be off for."
Hinata walked out of the room and slowly and noticed, even with the lights on, the house seemed to darken, and she didn't like it one bit. After all, it was only three in the afternoon.
"I want green tea this time, no sugar," Naruto said.
"Yes, sir."
He waited in the parlor as he read through the newspaper. His head slightly turned to the window that faced his front yard and saw something flew by. "It's already picking up." He grumbled.
There was a big commotion outside, and the thunder echoed crackled loudly, and a big flash of light made its way into the windows Naruto had left untouched. The lights went out momentarily and a ghastly shriek pierced his ears. He threw the newspaper to the ground and ran down the hall to the kitchen. Just as he entered the kitchen the lights turned on and he spotted Hinata shivering.
"Are you okay?" He ran to her but slowed down when he heard something shattering under his feet. It was a glass teapot. He looked down and saw the little pieces of glasses shattered on the kitchen tiles. "Are you okay?" He asked once more as he stepped over the glass and next to Hinata who stopped trembling.
"It startled me." She whispered.
Hinata expected him to yell at her for being clumsy, but instead, he just nodded his head. "I can't say I blame you; I was a little startled myself." He said truthfully. He kneeled and began to pick up the big pieces of shards. Hinata quickly left and returned with a small broom and dustpan.
"Let me do it, Naruto." She kneeled next to him and tried to sweep the shards into the greyish dusk pan.
"I'll do it. I still would like some tea before the lights turn off." He said taking the miniature broom and dusk pan from her.
"Yes, sir."
Just as Hinata finished with the tea, the lights turned off. Naruto had a kerosene lamp with him. He lit the match and put against a brownish cloth and there was light, just enough for him and Hinata to see somewhat.
"How long do you think it's going to be off?" she asked, her voice quivered.
"Probably a day or two." He groaned.
"Here is your tea." Hinata poured the tea into a green teacup. "Would you like to me to rest it in the parlor?"
"No. I'll just drink some here." He sat on top of the stool. Hinata stood diligently across the counter as she avoided eye contact with Naruto who sipped on the hot tea. He grabbed the teapot by the handle and said, "Hinata go get yourself a cup."
Without saying a word, she scurried through the dark and came back with a similar cup-like Naruto's.
"Sit." He commanded, and she did so.
He poured the green tea into the miniature cup and placed it on top of the counter. Hinata grabbed a wooden tea placer and placed the hot teapot on top of it.
"Thank you."
The room was awfully quiet and the two sat in the darkness sipping on the tea.
"Hinata, about that incident" He closed his eyes slowly as he tried to remember what took play, "What did Sebastian mean when he told you that you two will have a lot of money and if anything happens to come to him?"
"I don't know." She said in a faint whisper. "Honestly, I don't." She spoke up. "But you must believe me, I will never do anything of that sort. I would never run away with a married man."
Naruto nodded his head. "I understand." He placed the teacup down. "If any other strange things are said to you please report back to me."
"Yes, sir."
The rain began to pour, hitting on the roof of the house. The lighting shined three or four times in a second, and thunder followed later. Hinata felt the house tremble and she shivered. This was nothing like the typhoon they experience before. It almost felt ferocious.
If it was anything Hinata hated, it was the dark and right now she was at her wit's end. The only thing that kept her composure was Naruto's presence and she was grateful. "Would you like to sit in the parlor, Naruto?"
It was starting to get darker by the minute.
"No, we need to get some more oil for the kerosene lamp." He picked up the lamp and walked away. "You can stay here."
"I can follow you, sir." Hinata insisted as she quickened her pace.
She followed closely behind him as he led the way down the hall. The house was dark and the only noise she heard was the pounding rain and the occasional thunders. Her pace was slower than Naruto, and she had to run behind him to keep up.
He held the lamp up as they went down to an unknown portion of the house. "Hold this." He said passing her the lamp.
The keys he had in his pocket made a slight jingle and the light seem to fade every second.
"Si- Naruto, the light," Hinata said, her voice trembled.
As soon as he unlocked the door, the lights went out.
"Na … Naruto, sir." Hinata said as she frantically looked around the dark place.
"I'm here." He said. It was his fault for not getting the stuff they needed earlier. The news Sasuke brought to him upset him. He shook those thoughts away. He felt something warm touch his hand and he shuddered. He squeezed her hand gently and she felt her heart thump. "Are you afraid of the dark, Hinata?"
"Y … yes. Please don't let go."
The prankster side of him wanted to play scare the girl to her wit's end, but he knew it was not the time. She was fragile and sensitive as it is. There was no telling what she would do.
"Okay." He led her through the door, and he maneuvered in the darkness. Naruto felt her shivering and tightened the grip around her petite hand. With his free hand, he felt his way through the shelf and retrieved the oil he needed. "Hinata, hold on to my trousers. I need to get the other kerosene lamp." He told her.
She did as she was told and all along her mind was racing. Naruto came off as insensitive, but during these past days, his actions were almost questionable. Then she thought about if she had still lived with Saya. It would be completely different.
"Hold on tight. We're going to the parlor." He said.
They walked through the narrow hallway and the thunder was still booming outside. "Naruto, sir … you're not afraid of the dark?"
There was silence amongst them until he decided to speak. "No. I love the darkness. It's something about it that calm my nerves."
He grabbed a match to see what he was doing. He poured the oil in the glass bowl shape lamp and lit the cloth. The light was brighter than before and Hinata was excited.
He turned to face her and asked, "Why are you afraid of the dark?"
She was hesitant to say at first, but she knew he would repeatedly ask until she spoke. She turned around and clenched her hands together. "I know you said not to speak about," She swallowed the lump in her throat, "but when it happened," She fell silent.
Naruto raised his eyebrow and said, "When what happened?"
"When the war broke out, there was an explosion on the right ring of the Hyuga manor. I just so happened to be there after mother told me to stay with Hanabi and Neji on the left-wing." She rubbed her eyes. "I was playing hide and seek, and I hid in the closet." She squeezed her eyes shut as the memories flood back to her. "And the siren rang, and I heard screaming and planes. And the smell of fire … guns … flesh burning, and it collapsed on me." She fell to her knees and she held her head and her breathing ceased.
'Mama help me! I'm scared.'
"And it was dark. So dark and I felt like my body was going to explode." She hugged her knees. "But the darkness frightened me the most and I couldn't –
Warm arms wrapped around her small body and embraced her. "It's okay. It' okay."
The two stayed like that for some time and Hinata felt at ease. The thunder nor lighting frightened her as long as he was there.
The storm outside was still ferocious.
"How long do you think it's going to last?" Hinata asked.
They were sitting on the long red sofa in the parlor and the light from the kerosene lamp made a crackling noise. Their breathing was in sync and little beads of sweat formed on their foreheads. Naruto had loosened his shirt and rolled up his sleeves as high as it would go.
"They said it should leave by ten this night." He said, "but there are still going to be some heavy rain."
Naruto felt himself dozing off, but he jerked his body each time he did so.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"I'm fine. It's boring." He replied in a dry tone.
Hinata thought about it. "Let's play rock, paper, scissors." She suggested.
"Aren't we a little too old for- the look in her eyes made him stop talking, and he sighed. "Okay. Fine."
Hinata smiled widely. "Okay."
The two said in unison, "Rock, paper, scissors … Shoot!"
Hinata made paper, and Naruto had rock. She looked at her hands before squealing.
"Again." He demanded.
"Rock, paper, scissors … Shoot!"
Hinata let out another high-pitched scream as she clapped her hands together. Naruto couldn't believe he lost to her two times in a row.
"Again." He said irritated.
Hinata noticed this and smiled. He was such a little kid.
"Rock, paper, scissors … Shoot!"
He almost knocked her over as he won. "Ha!"
She stared at him surprisingly and realizing what he did he cleared his throat. "The rain seems to still be going at it, huh?"
A warm smile graced her face and she nodded. "Yes."
Naruto stretched out his arms and yawned. "I'm getting a little sleepy. I'm going to bed now." He grabbed one of the lamps and was about to walk away when Hinata got up. He glanced at her. "Are you okay?" He then paused as he remembered what she told him.
Sweat beads were forming on his forehead and he was getting hot. His main goal was to go to his bedroom and sleep naked. "You don't want to try sleeping in your room?"
"N… No."
He sighed. "If I take you upstairs with me, you're going to have to sit on the chair." He walked away.
Hinata bowed. "Thank you."
The parlor faded into darkness as Naruto moved along the house and upstairs. He pushed opened a door and led her inside.
Naruto rested the lamp on the stand and sat on the edge of the bed and Hinata saw the little chair in the corner of the room and sat down obediently. She watched his back moved and could not make out what he was doing. Her saucer-like eyes widened when Naruto pulled down his shirt and threw it on the floor. The sound from the mattress springs bounced off the wall when Naruto got up. He pulled down his trousers and then his undergarment.
It wasn't Hinata's first time seeing him naked, but it always managed to make her feel flustered. The noise from the rain picked up, and there was a howling noise. Naruto laid on his stomach and he turned his head to face Hinata. The light from the lamp crackled. Hinata did everything to avoid eye contact with him, but she could feel the intense gaze coming from him.
"Aren't you hot?" He asked while playing with the thread hanging from the pillow.
Now that he'd mention it, Hinata felt the sweat draining between her chest and legs. "I'll be fine." She said.
The two remained quiet as they listened to the storm roaring outside. Hinata eyes fluttered opened as she felt herself falling asleep. She tried to pay attention from the light in the lamp, but it made it worse. She jumped suddenly once she heard the loudness of thunder.
Naruto held his laughter when she jumped. It reminded him of a cat when frightened.
"It's getting a little hot in here, Hinata. I want to go to sleep, but I can't because of the light." Naruto frowned. "And it's making in here very humid."
"I'm sorry…" Hinata said. "I…
"Come here." He said patting the empty spot beside him. "This is until the power cut back on."
Hinata stared at the spot uncomfortably. Naruto noticing shrugged his shoulder. "Suit yourself, but the lights will be off." He said stretching out his hand to dim the lights.
Hinata quickly scurried to the bed and she pouted unintentionally. The light from the kerosene lamp faded, and the room was engulfed into darkness. She felt her heartbeat increase, and her hands became sweaty.
The darkness was unsettling and not an ounce of light seeped in the room, except for the occasional lightning.
"Um… sir," Hinata said as softly as she could. Her ears wiggled to the sound of a light snore. "Naruto… please, I don't mean to interrupt yourself, but I'm…" She became flustered when the sound of his snore loudened.
She touched his damp skin, trying to wake him up.
"What?" He said slightly irritated.
"Naruto, I'm afraid," Hinata said as tears ran down her cheeks. "Can you please cut on the light?" Naruto picked up on the fear in her voice and knew she was crying.
"I will not. It's going to be hotter than what it is Hinata." Naruto said adjusting himself on the bed. "You need to get rid of this fear." Hinata sniffled by his words. Hearing this made him groan loudly. "Stop that." He warned. She tried with all her might to stop, but the tears kept rolling down. "Come here." He commanded. Hinata felt him rubbing her side in comfort. "Lay next to me and you won't be afraid." He told her. "Come on before I change my mind!" He said impatiently.
She lied next to him, resting her head on his chest. He muttered something under his breath about the heat and wet hair. Hinata's heartbeat decrease and she found herself relaxing.
"Thank you." She whispered as her eyes fluttered. "You're very kind, sir."
Naruto stared into the darkness and listened to the rain poured on the roof of the house. "Eh, that explains why the light bill was high." He mumbled.
Her long hair stuck to his skin, and again he sighed because Hinata seemed to be doing just fine. He hadn't heard a word from her.
"Hinata." His voice faded in the darkness. There was no response. "Hinata." He said a little louder. His large hand rubbed her arm in a circular motion, and he groaned when she pressed her head on his bare chest.
It had been a while since he relieved himself, and this situation was unsettling. After concluding Hinata had fallen asleep, he removed himself from her and felt for his undergarment on the floor. After finding it, he maneuvered himself in the darkness until he was out in the hallway.
The lightning provided some light and he made his way into the bathroom.
The door creaked as he closed it behind him.
Naruto expected there to be a lot more damages to Konoha. He glanced around and saw some debris in the front of his yard, and his mailbox was hanging by a thread. His favorite tree seemed to snap in half, and some of the roof tiles were laying on the floor.
"Hinata has a lot of work to do." He whistled.
"Excuse me, sir?" Hinata said, walking behind him."You expect me to clean all of this?" She questioned; her voice soft.
"Yeah, it's your job." Naruto reminded her.
Hinata glanced around the yard and was mortified to see what happened yesterday. "I… it's so much. How am I?"
Naruto sighed. "I was just joking, Hinata. Of course, you can't do all of this by yourself." He said running his hand through his blonde locks. "I wonder if Sasuke has it worse." He grumbled. "Get me my ax from the shed." He commanded. "We have a long day ahead of us."
Hinata spent most of the day clearing up the yard, while Naruto focused on cutting down the trees, and tiling the roof. She entered the garden and was surprised to find everything how she left it, minus the little weeds or dirt on the statues.
"Naruto needs to hire a gardener." She said looking at the poor withered flowers.
"Hinata!" Naruto called. Hinata rushed to the front of the house and saw Naruto looking down at her from the rooftop. "Bring me some water to drink in the attic."
Hinata nodded her head and did what was told.
She climbed up the stairs to the attic. Her eyes looked around the cluttered room that had an oval mirror, a vanity table set that was covered in cobwebs, some chest and her eyes widened at a large white cloth hiding something.
She heard Naruto mumbling about it being hot. She chewed the bottom of her lips as she wondered what lied behind the cloth.
"Hinata, you there?" He asked.
"Um, yes. Here is your water, sir." Hinata said walking towards the window. She moved to the side when Naruto swooped in. "Is it safe to be up there without protection?" Naruto grabbed the water from her and drank it in one gulp.
"Still no power?" He sighed. "Hopefully they'll get it situated by tomorrow."
"Another day without lights?" Hinata said wearily.
"It looks that way."
Hinata cursed herself mentally because it meant another night without any lights, and although outside did provide the stars and moon, Konoha was still eerie without a companion there with you and she didn't know how much of her luck she had used up because Naruto had been generous to allow her to sleep next to him that night. She couldn't possibly ask him again.
"What's on your mind?" He handed her the glass cup.
She shook her head. "Oh, n-nothing sir."
Naruto eyed her suspiciously. "If you say so." He climbed out of the window to finish fix the damages on the rooftop. Hinata's eyes went back to whatever it was underneath the cloth. Curiosity filled her mind, but she shook her head as she headed back downstairs to go outside.
The two youngsters were outside on the patio watching the sunset. News had gone by that there were no casualties and not many people suffered much damages.
"Hinata, you mentioned another person Neji? Did he make it?"
"I don't know where he's at and I don't know if he's alive," Hinata replied. "The war scattered us, and I was only able to find Hanabi, and I'm not sure where my brother went."
"I understand, but there may be a possibility that he's alive?"
Hinata never thought about it but she nodded her head. "Yeah, he might be." She couldn't understand it, but just hearing he may still be alive swelled her heart. "He could be cold sometimes; he even acts like you but deep down he's loveable." Her lips tugged into a slight smile.
"Oh really? How do I act?" Naruto questioned as he gazed at the sailing clouds.
"Um… well, you're nice too…" Her voice trailed off. "Um, would you like something to eat before it gets completely dark?"
"Yes, please."
Hinata got up and headed to the door. She glanced over her shoulders and watched as the young man still stared in the distance. She knew there was much more she didn't know about the master and she still couldn't forget the blood she'd seen on him that day.
Naruto watched the outline of Hinata who was lying on her side. He had invited Hinata to his bedroom again because he knew the girl was thinking about it.
He sighed mentally. He thought about the time she had slept outside and wondered why the girl didn't panic as she did a day ago. Maybe she did? Maybe the love she had for her sister made her over come the fear, briefly.
The poor girl groaned in her sleep and Naruto felt his mattress vibrate. His eyes darted to Hinata who was shivering. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him. She stopped shivering and her body relaxed.
"You're such a big baby." He yawned.
A light smile formed on her face as dreamt good things that nice.
Hinata was strolling the roadside as she had just left the market to purchase some potatoes and carrots. Her mind wandered to Naruto and Sasuke who were talking with one another in the parlor. As soon as entered the parlor their eyes immediately fixated on her and she felt like she had ruined something.
He told her he would be back by supper time and to have dinner ready.
A soft sigh escaped her lips, but she quickly shook her head. "He has it ups and downs, but he's kind." She couldn't help but smile. He was better than Saya.
She shivered slightly. The master was right. It was getting colder and winter would soon be approaching. She needed to send some money to Hinata so she could buy some warmer clothes.
As Hinata turned the corner, her eyes widened as she saw a young boy lying face down on the road near the entrance of the Namikaze household. She dropped the sack of potatoes and carrots on the floor and quickly ran to the unknown person.
"Sir- Sir…" She shook the boy trying to wake him up but he did not move. Hinata's heart skipped a beat when she flipped the boy over and saw it was the young boy from several days ago.
Hinata placed her ear on his chest and heard a faint heartbeat. His breathing was shallow and he was sweating up a storm.
She looked around frantically, but the road was abandoned. The boy was light and boney which made it a little easier to take him inside the household. She ran to the parlor and grabbed the little red cushion from it and placed it under the boy's head.
"I'll be right back." She told the unresponsive boy.
She rushed out of the household and down the street. She remembered there was a clinic not too far from Saya.
She bent over and took a deep breath. She barged into the office and the bell chimed. A woman with short black hair stared at the young girl suspiciously.
A blonde hair woman soon joined her and stared at the girl. "Can i—
"He needs your help! He isn't breathing!" Hinata frantically said.
Tsunade, the doctor, remembered this was the girl she had treated a month ago at the Namikaze manor. Then her eyes widened. "He? Is Naruto okay?"
Hinata held her chest. "He's okay, but it's a young boy! He's barely breathing."
"Shizune grab my stuff. Let's go!" Tsunade climbed up in her buggy and invited Hinata along. Shizune rushed out of the office and also joined the duo.
They entered the household and saw the young boy lying there. "Shizune, take him to the infirmary room."
Hinata was surprised the woman knew where to go, but she shook her head. Now was not the time.
The rested the brown hair boy on the top of the bed and Tsunade turned to Hinata. "Do you know him?"
"He's been here once."
Tsunade nodded as she went to work.
Time went by and it was already supper time.
Naruto eyed the familiar buggy. "Why is Tsunade here?"
He quickly rushed into the house and screamed for Hinata. "Hinata! Hinata!" He ran to the infirmary room they had in the household. He was relieved when he saw the girl rushing out of the room. "Are you okay? Why is Tsunade here?" He questioned her. "Did you hurt yourself?"
Hinata shook her head. Before she could speak, Tsunade stepped out of the room along with Shizune. "What's going on? Naruto asked.
"I found a young boy on the dirty ground in front of your house, sir. He wasn't doing too well so I got a doctor to help." She turned to face Tsunade. "How is he doing, doctor?"
Naruto looked into the room and saw a young boy lying there on the bed. He hadn't budged and his chest rose up and down slightly.
Tsunade heaved a sigh. "It seems he doesn't have much time to live if he doesn't get the proper treatment he needs." Hinata was taken back because the boy looked fine several days ago.
"What can we do to help him? Is there anything? He's so young." Her voice cracked. "Sir," She faced Naruto. Her eyes pleaded with him and he couldn't help but run his hand through his hair.
"Hinata," He groaned. "Instead of walking around you should have been doing your duties like making supper." He scolded her. "And why would you bring this unknown child in my house."
Tsunade eyed Shizune and Shizune eyed her back.
Hinata's face reddened and she turned her back on Naruto who was surprised.
"Hinata," He warned. She did not respond which made Naruto angry. "I am your master and you are to answer me!"
"Doctor Tsunade," Hinata balled her fist, "please treat the boy and I will give you everything I have." Her eyes began to water. "Please save him."
"Hin-!
"Naruto," Tsunade frowned. "We will leave you some medicine, Hinata. Take care of the boy and make sure he eats, and drink a lot of water." She gave Hinata a bottle of medicine. "This medicine should be taken every four hours until the bottle is gone. If he still doesn't feel better report back to me." Tsunade brushed past Naruto, and Shizune quickly followed after.
"Thank you," Hinata whispered.
Naruto waited for his front door to close before he said anything further."Hinata," Naruto called out. "Who are you to disrespect me? When I tell you- His voice caught in his throat as he tried to avoid her piercing gaze. He couldn't explain it, but he didn't want to upset the young woman anymore.
"I am disappointed in you."
Naruto stared at her and his eyes widened. For a minute he saw someone he was trying to forget standing behind Hinata staring at him in disappointment. Her violent blue eyes turned into anger. Her mouth moved in sync with Hinata. "How could you say such a thing? I'm sure (I) you (raise) were raise (you) better than this."
Naruto lowered his head in shame. "Yes, mam' am."
Hinata tilted her head to the side but shook her head. She bowed. "You can punish me any way you feel fit, b- but please let me take care of this child, master."
He brushed his hair back. "What are you going to do when he gets better? Where will he stay?"
"He says he does gardening. But he's so young and he should be in school." Hinata replied sadly. "I wonder where his parents are."
Naruto turned his back on her. "Please make me something to eat when you're done."
Hinata stared at her master's back and did something out of the ordinary; she hugged him from behind which made Naruto reddened.
"I didn't say you were off the hook!" He was flustered. "Go now and tend to him before I kick you and him out!" He grumbled as he marched away.
Hinata entered the room and hovered over the boy. She grabbed the damp cloth and wiped it across his forehead.
"What is your name?" Hinata asked.
The boy didn't reply. After an hour of wiping off the boy, she turned to walk out the door to prepare something to eat for Naruto.
"K…
Hinata glanced over her shoulder as she was sure she heard another voice in the room. She shrugged her shoulder when she didn't hear anything else.
"K… Ko… Konohamaru."
Thank you for the reviews.
AN: I won't say this story has Sasuke and Sakura. I usually try to focus on Naruto and Hinata's love.