Chapter 6

Hinata went on her tippy toes and pulled the beaded strings to turn on the light in the closet. It made a buzzing sound before flickering on and off. She sighed to herself when the light flickered off. It was no use; the bulb was dead. Despite this situation, Hinata felt calm as the sun that seeped into the house made her calm and brave. She quickly went to cleaning and wiping down the shelves and rearranging some boxes here and there. Her mind wandered to Konohamaru because he had been unusually quiet today.

The boy was adjusting well, although he did mess up from time to time. The master seemed patient, and she couldn't help but giggle.

"Now Konohamaru, you need to practice making tea and serving the master," Hinata told the boy. "If I am absent, you will need to take my place since there are only two of us."

"Why are there only two of us?" Konohamaru asked. "This house is huge, and I haven't even explored twenty-five percent of it! Shouldn't he hire more people?"

Hinata smiled. "I suppose Naruto doesn't get along with his maids?" She was unsure, but he did give off that impression in the beginning.

Konohamaru hummed. "Okay, show me how to make some tea to the master's liking."

"Go wash your hands first, and I'll show you."

As he was washing his hands, he kept glancing back at Hinata, who had her back turned. "Hinata, your hair is growing really long!" Konohamaru said while drying his hand. "It's nice and thick," He smiled brightly.

Hinata felt her hair and smiled. "My mother's hair was even longer than this." She couldn't help but remember. "Father forbid her from cutting her hair because he always felt a woman's hair was her beauty."

"My father said the same thing!" Konohamaru grinned. "I don't want the master to wait any longer, please show me."

"Hai, hai," Hinata giggled. She pulled out a silver miniature cup and grabbed a wooden jar that was sitting on the windowsill. "This jar contains the green leaves needed to make the tea." She said, opening it. She used the miniature spoon and scooped out some dark crumbled leaves. "Please get the water from the stove,"

Konohamaru came back with the hot tea, and Hinata took it from him. He noticed the leaves were sitting in a silver strainer over the teacup. "Once it's in the strainer, we'll pour the water over it, and it's easy as making pie." She said, showing him the teacup that had a light green liquid inside. "Oh, the master likes his lukewarm."

"That's easy, and I'll keep that in mind!"

Hinata nodded. "It is. Now you're going to deliver it to him." Hinata placed the teacup next to a slice of cake on the silver tray and handed it to Konohamaru.

"Wait! I have to deliver it. But why? His hands wobbled as he took the tray.

"Because you need practice. Now stop making a fuss and deliver it to Naruto."

Konohamaru walked to the parlor, shakenly, where Naruto was in. He took a deep breath and entered the room. "Sir, your tea is ready," He looked at Naruto who stared back at him in a bored manner.

This made Konohamaru froze, and he suddenly became anxious. "Are you going to stand there all day?" Naruto arched his blond eyebrow.

Konohamaru shook his head and put his foot forward, making his way to Naruto. He let out a slight yelp as an unknown forced tripped him, and the tea and cake splattered all over Naruto. Luckily, the drink was lukewarm and did not burn him.

Hinata rushed to the room and held her mouth. Konohamaru kept bowing his head down, asking Naruto to forgive him. The poor man wore the cake for a hat, and his shirt was wet.

"I'm sorry, sir! Please forgive me." Konohamaru kept his head down. "I don't know what happened," He trembled uncontrollably.

Hinata approached Naruto and took the cake from his head. "Hinata, why didn't you bring it like I ask?" Naruto asked as he tapped his fingers on the chair's handle, impatiently.

"Because you told me to train him," She dusted some cake crumbs off his hair, "and it's best he learns now in case I am absent." Naruto looked up at Hinata and mumbled. "He'll learn, sir." She said in her usual soft voice.

"Konohamaru, get up," Naruto said, annoyed. Konohamaru shot up and bowed. "Please get me some green tea and cake,"

Konohamaru glanced at him, and his eyes shimmered. "Yes, sir!" He saluted the man. The young lad quickly turned on his heels and headed to the kitchen. This time he would do it properly.

"That was very kind of you, sir." Hinata commended. "Please take off your shirt so I can get you something else to wear."

"It's okay. I'll wear this until it's dry."

Then she thought about Naruto. He was very strange, and Hinata realized she didn't really know that much about him except he could be a scrooge, kind, easy to anger, and loved ramen. But the man never really spoke about his upbringing, the war, and his family. In fact, she noticed she had not seen a single photo of his father and mother during her time here.

"I wish I knew more him," She sighed under his breath. "But he wouldn't tell me anything if I asked." She couldn't help but pout at the thought. "I've been with him for several months, and he was still so secretive, but I guess it can't be helped. It looks like he's been through a lot."

Konohamaru turned the corner, and he quickly hid when he saw Hinata in the closet, organizing some things. A devious look appeared on his face, and he tiptoed to the door. Without a second thought, he slammed the door shut and used the key that was in the knob to lock it. Hinata turned around, and her eyes widened. She tried turning the doorknob, but it was no use; it would not budge. "Hello," Her voice came out in a whisper. Konohamaru couldn't contain his excitement, and he snickered like a loose cannon.

Hinata turned the doorknob repeatedly, and she felt her world caving in. She banged on the door repeatedly and started screaming. The darkness was consuming her, and there was no one to help her. "Let me out!" She shouted. "Please! Is anyone there!" Konohamaru's smile began to fade when Hinata's voice trembled. His heart sank when he heard her burst into tears. "Naruto! Sir! Help me! Please!"

His hand trembled as he tried to put the key into the lock. "I- I'll get you out, Hinata!" The color drained from his face when the key broke in half. "I'll get the master!" He left her and ran towards the parlor, the master's favorite spot.

"Sir!" Konohamaru shouted, bargaining into the parlor room. His brown eyes searched high and low for Naruto, but he wasn't there. "Sir! Sir!" Konohamaru shouted while he ran throughout the house. He barged into each door, but there was no sign of life. Hinata was screaming, and he cursed. He then opened the double doors, and his heart skipped a beat when Naruto walked through the gates. "Sir!" Konohamaru ran to him, anxiously.

"What's the matter, Konohamaru?" Naruto asked while closing the gate behind him.

"Hinata! Hinata is stuck in the closet a-a-and the k-key broke, and she's screaming." Konohamaru felt his body trembling.

Naruto felt his stomach turn, and he quickly brushed past him and entered the house. It was quiet, and Konohamaru ran in front of him. "This way, sir!" He followed Konohamaru until they reached down a long corridor with a big brown door at the end.

"Hinata!" Naruto said as he gripped the doorknob. "Shit." He remembered what Konohamaru told him. Konohamaru stood at the end of the hall, and it felt like everything was spinning. He slammed his shoulder into the door, and by the third try, it was hanging by its hinges.

His heart sunk when he saw the girl at the end of the closet holding her knees, trembling uncontrollably. "Hinata!" Naruto picked her up, and she embraced him tightly. She was crying, and her grip around his neck tightened.

Konohamaru watched Naruto lifted her out of the closet and tried to calm her down by stroking the back of her head. "Ah, you'll be okay, Hinata," He told her. "See, there's light." His voice was soothing and caring. The girl shook her head and buried her head against his shoulder. Naruto sighed softly, and he took her to the parlor.

Naruto watched as Hinata slept soundly on the red sofa, and he groaned. The girl had cried until she fell asleep. He got up slowly and stepped out of the room. His eyes darted back and forth in search of Konohamaru.

He walked around the house and even called for the boy, but there was no answer. "Hmmm," Naruto walked over to the staircase and saw the boy lodged in between the side of the stairs. He had his knees pressed against his chest and a look of distraught on his face.

Naruto kneeled and looked at Konohamaru. "How did Hinata get stuck in the closet?" Konohamaru chewed the bottom of his lips, and the hot tears threatened to fall. The boy did not answer. "Konohamaru, I'm not going to ask you again," He said, annoyed.

"I locked her in the closet," He mumbled. "It was just a prank, sir! Please believe me," He twisted his boy to look at Naruto. "I would never do anything to hurt Hinata, but I didn't know she would freak out like that." Konohamaru felt terrible for what he did to Hinata, but he didn't understand why she freaked out the way she did. "Am I in trouble? Is she going to hate me once she found out it was me?" He couldn't bear the fact that Hinata would hate him. It would break his heart if she ever said those words.

Naruto sighed as he pressed his back against the staircase. "I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt Hinata, Konohamaru,"

"Then why did she freak out like that!"

"Hinata is afraid of the dark," He told him. "During the war, she was trapped in a closet and ever since developed a phobia for the darkness." Konohamaru wiped the tears from his eyes. "Hinata won't hate you, Konohamaru. She's a forgiven person. You know this." Naruto scolded him.

"And why aren't you upset with me?" Konohamaru whispered.

"Because I would have done the same thing," Naruto grinned.

Konohamaru stared at him wide-eye. "Really?"

Naruto nodded. "I almost did during the storm, but she was already fragile as it was that I didn't want to hurt her." Konohamaru looked down at his feet. "Although I guess I can be insensitive towards her at times," He said, looking into the distance. "from what I've been told."

"How did you know to find me here?"

Naruto glanced at Konohamaru before turning his direction back to the window. "When I was younger, I used to hide there all the time when I did something wrong. It's a good hiding spot, and nobody would never think twice to look for me here." Naruto got up and brushed his hands. "When Hinata wakes up, apologize to her. That's a command."

Konohamaru swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. "Yes, sir."

Hinata stared down at Konohamaru, who was bowing at her feet. The girl had woken up and found herself on the sofa in the parlor room. She had no recollection of how she got there and was confused to see Konohamaru bowing at her feet.

"I'm sorry," He muttered.

Hinata blushed profoundly and continued to stare at Konohamaru. She didn't understand why the young man was apologizing. "W-what are you talking about?" Hinata asked, her voice hoarse.

"I was the one who locked you in the closet, and the key broke, and I got the master and- and" His hands trembled, and the tears he was holding back fell to the rug. "I'm sorry, Hinata! I didn't know you were afraid of the dark, and I would never do anything to hurt you, so please don't hate me." He burst into tears. "And I won't ever play a stupid prank again."

Hinata went on her knees and embraced the boy. "Konohamaru, it's okay. You didn't know." She said in a caring tone as she rubbed his back in a circular motion. "And how could I possibly hate you? You're like a little brother to me," She said, grabbing him by the hands. Konohamaru glanced at her and sniffled. He couldn't help it, and his cheeks turned red. Hinata was smiling at him, and she still looked beautiful, even with her red puffy eyes. She hugged him once more before letting him go.

Konohamaru wiped his tears and nodded. "Thank you,"

Hinata glanced at the clock and noticed there was still time in the afternoon. "Why don't you water the garden while I start to prepare dinner, okay?"

He rose slowly and offered his hand to Hinata, helping her up. "Yes, ma'am," Konohamaru spoke softly. He turned his back on her and left to tend to the garden.

Once he was gone, Hinata sat back on the sofa and ran her fingers through her hair. Memories flooded her mind, and she felt her chest tightened. Being in that closet brought back memories, the smell, screams, fear. She hated herself for crying like manic over something so trivial. Why couldn't she get over this fear? The tears gathered in the corner of her eyes, and she hugged herself tightly.

"I thought you were done crying,"

Hinata opened her eyes and nearly fell back when Naruto squatted in front of her. "S-sir, I- His crystal blue eyes stared into her lavender eyes as he waited for her to finish. Hinata sighed, and she let her head fall. "I'm sorry,"

"What are you sorry about?" He asked curiously.

"Because I'm afraid of the dark," She responded. "I hate it. I hate myself for it."

Naruto sighed as he got up and sat next to her. "It's okay, Hinata. You'll get over this thing, and when you do, you'll see that there was nothing to be afraid of." He said, patting her on the top of her head.

"But when? How?" Hinata questioned. She turned her body towards him and stared at him. "How can I get over this fear?" Her voice squeaked out.

"Maybe you can try practicing?" Naruto said unsurely.

"What do you mean, sir?"

He shifted himself on the sofa and placed his chin between his fingers. "Maybe you can practice staying in the dark until you feel comfortable about it," He suggested.

"Do you think that will work?"

Naruto shrugged. "I'm not sure, but it's worth a try, right?"

Hinata leaned back on the sofa, and she thought about it. "I'll try. I'll try to do my best!" There was a look of determination taking place in her eyes, and Naruto felt his lips tugged up in a slight smile. "Konohamaru is beating himself up for what happened earlier." Hinata frowned. "I'm not upset with him, and he didn't know. I hope you didn't yell at him."

Naruto scoffed. "I did yell at him, and I would have given him ten lashes had he not escaped."

Hinata's eyes widened, and she gripped Naruto's wrist, unintentionally. "Sir! Please don't! I'm fine. You mustn't!" The tears came back, and she gazed into his eyes. Naruto turned his head to the side, avoiding Hinata. "Sir!" She pleaded.

"Hmph! I think I'm going to give him the lashes he so rightfully deserved." Naruto said teasingly, as he got up slowly.

"Please don't!" She didn't know what overcame her or where the strength came from, but she ended up pulling Naruto down would force, and he landed on top of her.

His mouth dropped slightly as he didn't believe Hinata had the strength to pull him down. Hinata was visibly shocked when she pulled her master down, and on top of her out of all things! Two hearts beat uncontrollably, and Naruto quickly climbed off her.

"I'm sorry, sir!"

Naruto quickly turned around and covered his face. "It's okay," He mumbled. "Please prepare supper," He promptly left the room.

Hinata held her chest and stared down at her lap. She couldn't describe that feeling just now, and she quickly shook her head.

When Konohamaru was done taking a bath, he joined Hinata, who was in the kitchen cooking. "I'm done," He still felt guilty about what he did and wanted to find a way to make it up to her. Hinata turned around and approached Konohamaru, who looked at her shockingly. The girl was lifting his shirt and searching his upper torso, and he couldn't help but blush. "Hinata! What are you doing?"

"I'm sorry you got yelled at today! But did he touch you? Hit you?" Hinata placed her hands on his shoulders.

Konohamaru cocked his head to the side. "Yell? He didn't yell at me today, and the master has never touched or hit me."

Hinata's arms dropped to her side, and she ran out the door. Naruto glanced up, and he saw Hinata, who was panting heavily, glaring at him. He wasn't sure if she was trying to be intimidating or angry, but whatever it was she failing miserably at because she'd look too cute.

"Why did you lie to me?" She pouted cutely.

Naruto arched his eyebrow as he was confused about what the girl was talking about, then he remembered. "Ah, I did lie, didn't I?" He grinned.

Hinata puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms. "Hmph!" She turned her back on him and left to continue supper.

A slight smile appeared on his face once the girl left, and he turned the chair to the window outside. "She isn't the same as when she first arrived here."

Naruto exited the parlor room and stopped in his tracks when he heard a knock on the door. He opened the door and saw his cousin standing there, smiling brightly. "Hello cousin," She said. His eyes searched around her, and he spotted a bag she tried to hide behind her.

"No." He slammed the door in her face.

The doorbell rang repeatedly, and Hinata went to open it until Naruto stopped her. "Don't let her in."

"Is it Madam Saya?" Hinata questioned.

Naruto shook his head. "No. It's-

"Cousin!" Karin screamed as she pounded on the door like a wild animal. "You don't even know what I'm going to ask you!" She cried.

Hinata stared at Naruto, confused, and he shook his head. "She always comes here when she doesn't see eye to eye with her mother."

"Naruto! I'm not leaving until you let me in!" Karin stomped her feet childishly.

"Just go about your day, but do not go outside. Where's Konohamaru?" Naruto asked.

"I- Hinata paled. "He was leaving to tend the garden."

Naruto quickly rushed to the kitchen and stopped in his tracks when he saw Karin standing by the entrance of the door. "Hello, cousin!" She grinned while making her way into the kitchen. She glanced around and smiled. "Ah, it looks so clean!"

"Karin. No. Get out. I let you in the last time, but not this time. Please leave." Naruto said as he tried to usher her out the door.

"I'm not leaving," Karin said as she held onto the doorpost.

"Why?" Naruto shouted at her. "You have your own home, so go back to it!"

"I hate it there!" Karin slumped her shoulders. "Nobody is paying attention to me, and the house is in turmoil." She sniffled. "Mama had to let go of some servants, and everyone has been acting so strange," She turned to him with pleading eyes.

"I'm not falling for that again," Naruto told her.

Karin stomped her foot on the ground and puffed out her cheeks. "I didn't even come here to see you! I came here for Hinata." She quickly wrapped her arms around Hinata's own and pulled the girl in tightly.

"Uh?" Hinata stared Karin with a confused expression. "Me?"

"Yes, you!" Karin glared at her. "There's nobody to hang out with."

"I wonder why," Naruto said, rolling his eyes. "And Hinata doesn't want to spend time with you," Naruto said, pulling Hinata towards him. Her head collided into his hard chest, and her heartbeat quickened.

Karin grabbed Hinata and pulled her next to her. "How do you know that?" She glared at him daringly. "You can't keep Hinata to yourself, ya know?" Naruto's eye widened, and his face turned red suddenly. Karin grinned at him and stuck out her tongue. "What's the matter, Naru-chan? Cat got your tongue?"

"I'm not sure what your true intentions are, Karin," Naruto crossed his arms.

"I just want somebody to come along with me to the marketplace!" Karin whined. "And most of the maids are busy, and I don't want to go by myself."

"Hinata isn't your personal maid, and why can't you ask Yoko!

"Because she's at a tea party, and it's not like I'm bothering you." She turned to Hinata and whimpered. "Please, Hinata. Come with me."

"Um, if the master doesn't mind," Hinata said while taking glimpses of Naruto.

Naruto knew how persistent Karin could and would be. She was good at getting things done her way, and that was one thing he disliked about their family. Persistent creatures. "Hinata, if Karin bothers you in any way, you have my permission to leave her."

Hinata bowed her head. "Yes, sir."

"And Karin," Naruto said, dragging her off to the corner, away from Hinata's ears, "you better not talk ill of Hinata again or treat her harshly because if you do, you won't like it."

"I promise," Karin whispered. "Thank you, cousin!" She wrapped her arms around Naruto's neck. "Thank you," She whispered silently.

It wasn't as hot in Konoha, and the weather would be changing soon. The long-dirtied road stretched its way in front of them, and the trees rustled back and forth. Hinata felt awkward being with Karin because she could be mean at times, but not worse than Saya.

"I know you don't like me, Hinata," Karin said, keeping her eyes on the road. "In fact, I am used to people not liking me. I've always spent most of my time by myself, but even I can admit it gets a little lonely," She glimpsed at Hinata to see if she was listening. "I'm not sure why people dislike me." A frown set on her face. "I'm honest in what I do and honest in what I say. Maybe I am too honest, I don't know?" Hinata understood what Karin was saying. Some people were brutally honest, even if it meant hurting somebody's feelings.

Karin placed her arms behind her back and started humming. "Oh, I'm taking sewing lessons now, and it's enjoyable!" Karin jumped over a rock and grinned. "I'm making a blanket, and I wanted to show you how it came out. It isn't finished yet because I ran out of material." She stopped and pulled out a long green blanket. "I figured I can get your advice because I know you were one of the best sewers we had."

Hinata stared at the patterned sheet and was surprised. "I-is this your first time?" Karin nodded. "This is really good, but you did miss a few stitches. I can show you how to cover them."

"Ah, thank you!"

Karin entered the marketplace and went to the stand that sold high-quality yarn. She looked through the bunch carefully until she found what she was looking for.

"Hinata,"

Hinata turned around and saw Madam Yuuhi approaching her. Karin's eyes widened, and she couldn't believe who it was.

"Madam Yuuhi," Hinata bowed. "How have you been?"

Karin stared at Hinata, surprisingly. "How does she know her?"

"I've been to Suna working on a project for an upcoming wedding. It's been a while since I've seen you." Madam Yuuhi took note of the young red-haired girl standing next to Hinata, staring at her with excitement. She smiled at the girl, and Karin squealed. "Hello, there."

Karin bowed repeatedly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Madam Yuuhi! I'm a big fan of your work."

"Is that so? Thank you," She smiled. "Hinata, why don't you stop by my shop sometimes. I have some outfits I would like for you to try."

Hinata nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"Take care." Madam Yuuhi bowed before taking her leave.

"Hinata! How do you know Madam Yuuhi?" Karin asked. "She only works with people she finds beautiful!'

"Oh, Madam Yuuhi has made some of my kimonos," Hinata spoke quietly. "She's very nice to me." She blushed suddenly.

"Really?" Karin grabbed the bag. "That's really nice of her." Her voice suddenly went quiet.

"Are you okay, Lady Karin?" Hinata asked the girl who suddenly went quiet.

"Am I beautiful to you, Hinata?" Karin stopped on the main road.

Hinata cocked her head to the side. "W-

Karin twisted her hair around her finger and looked down. "I haven't had any admirers, and every time somebody tries to talk to me, I always end up scaring them away. You know men, look at beauty before anything else, and- I- Maybe I'm not beautiful?" She sat down on the stone bench.

Hinata joined her and waited before speaking. "I think you're beautiful, Lady Karin, but pardon me… your attitude can be mean-spirited at times. Maybe you should be more sensitive and caring towards other feelings."

"I am!" Karin shouted. "I do care about people. I care about my mother, my father, my sisters, and brothers," She tightened the grip on her bag. "I even care about Naruto."

"Your actions may come off differently," Hinata spoke softly. "Actions speak louder than words."

"I know," Karin mumbled. "but I care, but nobody cares about me." She wiped the tears away. Hinata panic when she saw Karin wiping the tears away, and she quickly embraced the girl. Karin stiffened by Hinata's touch and look up at her.

"Why are you so nice? After all, I've done to you, why?"

"I don't know." Hinata whispered back. "and I apologize, but it seems I've misjudged you, Lady Karin."

She nodded slowly and let out another sigh. "I don't blame you. We've treated you horribly, but "Naruto seems happy." Karin started, "He looks happy than he did in a long time. I'm glad."

"I'm afraid to ask him, but the master is strange. I'm afraid I still don't know much about him, so when people tell me things about him, it leaves me very curious." Hinata said, playing with her index fingers. "I understand it's wrong to want to know things about your master, but forgive me if I am wrong for saying this, but it seems like he's been through a lot."

Karin pouted. "I've been through a lot too!" There was a tint of blush noticeable on her face. Hinata giggled in response. "But I suppose he has," Karin said, sadly. "I have a feeling my mother doesn't like Naruto much because of how she treated him when he was younger," Hinata felt her heat sink to the pits of her stomach, but she remained quiet. "You mustn't let Naruto know I told you any of this."

Hinata quickly nodded her head, and she listened to Karin speak.

"It all started when he came to live with us after his mother had struck ill," Karin started.

Saya stared at the little child with a quirky smile. "Hello, little Naruto." She said.

The poor boy looked down at his feet as his favorite maid held his hand gently. "Naruto," The maid sounded. "Say good morning to your Aunt Saya."

He picked his head up and mouthed, "Good morning," in a cutesy voice.

"I'll take care of him while my sister recovers," Saya said, taking Naruto's hands into hers.

The older maid bowed, and she wished the young heir a hearty goodbye. Naruto glanced over his little shoulders and stared tearily eyed at the woman who was waving kindly at him.

"Naruto," the woman said in a chilling voice. The boy quickly looked up and saw the woman staring down at him with disgust. "Blonde hair like your father. It's ugly." She spat. "I don't know why my sister married that man instead of another Uzumaki." She shook her head and opened the door. "You'll stay in here," She said, shoving the boy into a smaller room.

Naruto glanced over his shoulder and placed his bag on top of the bed. "Try not to cause any problems during your stay here. I know how mischievous you are, and I don't need my children following in your footsteps."

Saya slammed the door shut behind him, and the poor boy rested on the bed. He sniffled quietly as he stared out the window.

Everything was chaotic after the war, and Konoha was in the rebuilding stage. There were so many people roaming the streets, lining up to the war trucks to get whatever food they could get: one bread and a piece of sausage per (poor) person. If you weren't rich, then you were nothing. The rich were accommodated, mainly since they had used some of their assets to help rebuild Konoha.

Naruto nearly fell back when Karin emerged on his side. "Karin!" He glared at the girl. "What are you doing here?"

The red hair girl grinned as she climbed on the bed. "To see you, cousin! I'm glad you're here!" She hugged the boy tightly. "Big bro isn't back from the war yet, but I'm patiently waiting." She grinned. "How is Auntie Ku?" She chattered away. "I hope she gets better." She leaned closer to Naruto, and her eyes widened. "Were you crying?"

Naruto quickly wiped his face and shook his head. "No!" He frowned. "Men aren't supposed to cry."

"But, you just were!" Karin teased him.

Naruto crossed his arms and stuck his nose in the air. "When mama is better, I'm leaving here."

Karin smiled widened. "She'll get better! Let's play tea party!" She grabbed him by his arm and pulled him off the bed.

"Why did you break her teacup?" Saya questioned the little boy who looks down at his two feet.

"Mama!" Karin whined. "He didn't break it," She couldn't help but frown as she had told the woman this already. She was ruining their playdate, and she already had a hard time getting Naruto to play along with her shenanigans.

"Well!" Saya nearly screamed at the boy in which he jumped, startled by the loud outburst.

"I didn't break it!" Naruto said, balling his fist as he found the courage to speak up. "It was Yuki!"

"It was!" Karin said.

Saya started shockingly at the boy, and her face twisted in anger. "How dare you accuse my child?" She gripped Naruto by his hand and pulled him in the room.

"Mama!" Karin screamed.

Saya closed the door behind her and glared at Karin. "Now, Karin. I understand he's your cousin, but there is no reason to lie for him."

"But I-

"Karin!" Saya said sharply. "That is enough!"

Saya left the girl, and once she was out of sight, Karin wobbled to the door and placed her ear next to it. "Are you okay, Naruto?"

She could hear him sniffling, and he muttered, "I just want to go home."

"You're useless and stupid!" Saya screamed at the boy as she held up the paper in front of him. "How can you carry the Uzumaki blood when you're failing every subject in school?" She balled the paper before throwing it at his head. "It's probably that damn Namikaze blood that runs through your veins." She said, giving him a disapproving look. "My sister would probably die if she saw those grades."

Naruto grabbed the paper and bolted to his room. "Mama," Karin spoke softly. The woman shook her head before leaving.

"It went on and on," Karin said. "She always called him useless, and he was the black sheep of the family and had tainted blood." Hinata felt her heart tremble for Naruto. He had to suffer through the taunts and abuse from his own aunt. "Those were only some of the things I've seen, and I don't blame him for wanting nothing to do with my mother. She did things to him that she shouldn't and said things that should have never been spoken to a child."

"That's probably why he's so cold and acts that way towards her." Hinata thought.

"The maids had to look the other way, and nobody wanted to speak up." Hinata glanced at Karin.

"That means Melody-

Karin nodded. "Yeah, they always tried to comfort him once my mother's back was turned, but as the years went by, he lashed at them, and it was best for them to leave him alone."

Hinata looked down sadly. "Did he ever get to see his mother?"

Karin shook her head. "No, she died shortly after."

"Oh,"

"I was kind of upset that mother gave him to you, and there are so many rumors going around how you're allowing him to have sex with you for a better lifestyle-

"But, I'm not!" Hinata cried.

"Hmph! How do you expect me to believe that he hasn't tried to sleep with you once? You're a woman, after all, and men are dogs."

"But it's the truth! And besides," Hinata said, crawling into her imaginary shell. "Why would he have sex with somebody like me?"

"Because he finds you appealing to the eye," Karin rolled her eyes. Hinata blushed at the comment. "I've caught him gazing at you every time your back was turned." She pointed out. "I find it hard to believe he hasn't touched you." She scoffed.

"He looks at me?" Hinata questioned.

"Don't get any funny business," Karin glared at her. "But! I'm glad the mother gave you to him because my cousin deserves happiness in his life. So, please continue to be there for him and stop causing him problems!" She said, leaping off the bench.

"Bye-bye, cousin!" Karin said, hugging the boy tightly. "I had a fun time with Hinata!" She grinned. "Take care of him, Konohamaru and Hinata."

"Goodbye, Lady Karin," Hinata said.

"Konohamaru," Naruto called out. "Make sure she gets home safely."

"Yes, sir!" Konohamaru said, running after the young lady.

Hinata watched Naruto as he climbed the stairs. She couldn't forget what Karin told her, and she felt troubled. It was his Aunt, and yet she mistreated him because he wasn't pure, and he didn't even get to say goodbye to his mother.

"Naruto!" The man turned around and arched his eyebrow. "Ne, are you feeling okay?" His face had turned slightly red.

"I'm fine," He mumbled.

"Ah-

"What do you want?"

She played with her hair and turned her head to the side. "Is there anything special you would like for dinner? O- or would you like to- um," Her voice went quiet as she thought about something.

"Let's go pick some cherries tomorrow," Naruto said.

Hinata gazed at him, and her eyes sparkled. It had been so long since she went cherry-picking. "Yes, sir!"

He continued to walk upstairs, and he smiled to himself.

Hinata was ecstatic for the day as she, Konohamaru and Naruto were walking down the grassy fields and toward the cherry trees. She swung the brown basket in her hand until she stopped in front of a tree with ripe red cherries. She pulled one from the tree and ran towards Naruto held a big cherry between her fingers in front of him. "Sir, would you like to try?"

Naruto opened his mouth, and Hinata put it in his mouth. She quickly turned around and blushed slightly. Naruto spat the pit out and chewed the remaining pieces of the cherry. It was sweet and juicy. It had been a while since he went cherry-picking. He, Sasuke, and Kiba used to go in the field from time to time to laze their day away and eat.

He sat down on the green grass as he watched Hinata and Konohamaru picked through the cherries. The sun was out today, and it was a slight breeze blowing about. Naruto gazed up at the sky and quickly looked straight when he heard somebody running towards him. It was Hinata.

"N-Naruto," She grabbed him by his hand and tried to pull him forward, "let's pick them together."

"Together?

"Yes," He finally rose to his feet, and Hinata led him to the tree.

They plucked the cherries together, and Hinata kept glancing at Naruto, who pulled the cherries from the branches and dropped them into the basket. He couldn't explain it, but it felt nice. Hinata kept glancing at him every so often, and he noticed.

"What's the matter, Hinata?" Naruto asked her.

She lowered her head. "I just wanted to make sure you were feeling okay."

"Ah, you should worry about yourself," Naruto scolded her. He glared at on the opposite side and was surprised she was smiling at him

"But you're my master, so I should be concern about your wellbeing," Hinata chimed in.

Naruto approached her, yet he had his distance, and pluck some of the cherries there on her tree. "Why? You're so docile, Hinata. Why is that?"

"I've always been this way, sir," Hinata said, turning to face him. He turned to face and tilted his head to the side.

"I suppose I couldn't imagine you any other way." He spoke softly. Hinata closed her eyes when she saw his hand reached out to her. "Here," She opened her eyes and saw a little green like worm wiggling in front of her. "There was a caterpillar on your head."

Hinata watched as the little creature squirmed between Naruto's fingertips. "Don't hurt it, Naruto." She frowned, taking the creature gently on her hand.

"You're not afraid?" He asked shockingly.

"Why would I be afraid of such a cute creature like this?" She held up to his face. Naruto watched at the caterpillar stretched its body up and went into a circle.

"Usually, Sakura and Ino would go in a screaming hysteria," Naruto sighed. His eyes lingered to Hinata put the worm on the tree branch. "You're a very strange girl, Hinata."

"Oh," She looked down. "I'm sorry."

"It wasn't an insult," He muttered. "Where is Konohamaru?"

"On the other side. But I'm a little concerned about him, sir."

"What do you mean?" Naruto jumped up to grab a branch filled with red cherries. He snapped the branch in half and dropped it into the basket.

"Well, he hasn't been his usual self ever since the incident that took place yesterday. I told him I wasn't upset with him, but it seems he is still beating himself up." She frowned deeply. The ordeal upset her much, and she knew Konohamaru meant no harm to her.

"The boy cares for you, Hinata," Naruto said. "Just give him some time, and he'll be back to his usual self."

"Are you sure?"

"Are you questioning me?" Naruto smirked when he saw Hinata shaking her head.

"No, sir!" She shook her head like a deranged animal.

Naruto chuckled and followed Hinata, who led him to the other side. She was surprised to see Konohamaru was not there, but the basket filled with cherries was. Her heart began to pound as she believed the boy had run away again.

"Let's look for him," Naruto said, almost as if he had read her mind.

The two looked through the fields in search of the boy, but it was a vast land that stretched throughout Konoha. Hinata called for him with no luck. As she ran up the hill, she hadn't seen a rock sticking up and tripped over it.

"Hinata!" Naruto called out.

A quick yelp escaped her lips as she stumbled over. She closed her eyes and embraced herself for impact, but she suddenly felt strong arms wrapped around her and her head, and she saw Naruto holding onto her as the two slid down the hill towards the bottom by the riverbed.

Hinata was overcome by shock, and Naruto let out a slight groan as some pebbles and thorns stuck his skin. Hearing him groan snapped Hinata out of her thoughts. "Are you okay, sir!"

He placed her head gently on the green grass and stared down at her. There was that feeling again, and her heartbeat uncontrollably. The master was such a handsome fellow. He had a kind of face that made you want to look twice to make sure you were seeing him correctly. His eyes were like the lagoons in Konoha, hiding behind the monuments. They were a bright blue color that had a sense of calmness in them. It wasn't like before where they were cold and sharp and made her question her every movement. He tilted his head to the side and was concerned Hinata had caught something as her face turned completely red, not that his was any better.

"Hinata!" Konohamaru shouted as he ran down the hill. He went with great speed but ended up tripping and rolled down the hill. Naruto caught him by his leg before he could land in the riverbed.

Konohamaru scrambled to his feet, and his face turned to beat red when he saw Naruto climbing off Hinata. "Where were you?" Naruto asked while pulling Hinata.

"I had to use the bathroom." He scratched the back of his head.

Naruto groaned as he rotated his neck. "Let Hinata know next time. You know how worrisome she can be."

"Yes, sir," Konohamaru whispered. "Are you okay, Hinata?" He had seen when she fell.

"I am. Thank you."

"I think that's enough adventure for one day. Let's go home," He turned his back and Hinata followed behind him.

Konohamaru stared in the distance at Naruto then Hinata. It hurt him a little because the rumors were probably right. He had overheard some people when he and her went to get some baskets since the ones they had were no good.

The Konoha marketplace was a little crowded since Danzo had imposed a tax-free day. The lower class took advantage of it and bargained their way for some good produce. Konohamaru's brown eyes looked at a group of kids who were playing with a kendama (ball (with a spike) and cup). The orange hair girl shouted at the brown-haired boy with glasses. "You've lost again, baka!"

"I'm trying my best," The boy wiped his nose.

The girl looked as if she was about to cry, but she quickly chewed her bottom lip and balled her fist tightly.

"Awe, the little girl is going to cry." One boy taunted her. He held a little stuffed bear over her head. The girl tried to grab for it, but the boy punched her in her stomach, and the group of kids laughed.

"Hey!" The boy with glasses shouted.

"People like you disgust me." The girl's eyes widened as she watched the young boy pulled the bear from his head and threw it at her. The cotton fell to the ground, and he stepped on the body repeatedly. "Now get!" he snarled. She turned on her heels and ran away, crying.

"Moegi!" The boy shouted at his friend. He ran after the girl, and the kids laughed before they dispersed into the ground.

"Hinata! I'll be right back," Konohamaru said, running off into the crowd.

Before she could respond, he was already out of sight. "Kids are so strange nowadays." She mumbled. "Maybe he's still upset about yesterday."

While Hinata searched for a nice basket, Konohamaru was walking past some vendors and spotted Hinata observing something. She wasn't hard to miss in the crowd because her beauty made her stand out, and her delicate figure.

It wasn't like most girls in Konoha, where they were lean and petite with perky breasts. But Hinata own was a curvier shape that reminded him of an hourglass, and although he had never seen her naked, her figure alone left room for imagination.

He shook his head after imagining her like in that light. "Hi-

"I heard from my daughter Yumi that the girl is having sex with the Namikaze heir for a luxurious lifestyle." One older woman whispered. "Just look at the clothes she wears and the privilege she has."

"Ho, ho, ho." The other giggled. "I mean, he is worth a lot. Maybe it isn't so bad, Nora."

Nora frowned at her longtime friend. "It's unladylike. Men of importance shouldn't fuck their maids. And I also heard it isn't the first man she's fuck."

"Oh, really?"

"Yumi overheard Saya's son speaking about how he was able to "get a feel" before his mother ruined his fun."

"Boys will be boys," The woman giggled.

"Akari, you find everything so funny!" Nora stormed off.

Konohamaru balled her fist as he overheard the conversation. It made him upset that people would think of Hinata in such a way. She never did anything lewd with the master when he was around. He walked towards her, and his mind began to wander.

"Suppose it is true? She calls him by his first name, she has privileges the other maids don't, she washes him... He paused in his tracks. "He's always looking at her..." Konohamaru chewed the bottom of his lips. "No, Hinata is a virtuous woman. She would never allow such a thing, especially with a scrooge like him."

There was a soft knock on her door. "Hinata, it's me."

"You can come in," Konohamaru opened the door slowly and stepped into Hinata's room. The young maid was sitting on a wooden chair, sewing up some patches. "Are you okay, Konohamaru?" She asked, once noticing he was unusually quiet. "You know I'm not upset about what happened." Hinata glanced up momentarily before putting her focus back to Naruto's briefs.

"If you're not busy, is it possible you can sew this for me?" Konohamaru held up a torn stuffed animal. Hinata looked at the bear then at Konohamaru before cocking her head to the side. His cheeks turned red. "It's not for me! Some kid... it got torn and want to give it back to her if I see her. Can you fix it?"

Hinata took the stuffed animal and placed it on the wooden table. "It's been through a lot," She felt the ears of the bear, and she smiled at him. "but I can fix it after I'm done sewing Naruto's briefs."

Konohamaru bowed. "Thank you." His eyes lingered to Hinata, who went to sewing. "Um, Hinata..." He looked down at his feet.

"Hmm? Yes, Konohamaru?"

"I ov- Um... Thank you for helping me. You truly have a beautiful soul."

This took Hinata by surprise, and she couldn't but smile. He noticed it, and it made the room even brighter. "Thank you, Konohamaru."

He nodded before leaving the room.

The days went on, and Hinata did what Naruto had suggested. It was scary to where she had panic attacks and reach out to Naruto for help, who turned away from her. Surprisingly, it was hard for him to do it, and in the beginning, Naruto would be a comforter for her. Still, he stopped once he noticed there was no improvement and even forbid Konohamaru from interfering.

Hinata pulled her knees to her chest as she sat outside. The night was approaching, and the little crickets sounded, which made her feel uneasy. She counted in her head and shivered uncontrollably as she felt it slowly creeping up on her.

There was nobody by her side, not even Naruto. The tears gathered in the corner of her eyes, and she chewed the side of her mouth. She wasn't improving, so Naruto had decided to lock her outside when she went to check the garden.

Konohamaru watched Hinata from a distance as Naruto instructed and was upset he would put the sweet girl through such a torment. He wanted to unlock the door but didn't want to upset the man and make him feel he was not for him. But there had to be a limit to this, right? The man was nowhere in sight, and that angered Konohamaru even more. Naruto was more potent than him and suppose someone was watching Hinata ready to strike? Would he be able to save her?

Unknown to Konohamaru, Naruto was watching the girl from upstairs inside the guestroom that faced the garden. This phobia needed to end, and even spoke to Tsunade about his suggestions, and she agreed to it, but also told him to ease up on the girl since it would be a strenuous and challenging process; Naruto only listened to half of what she was saying. Agreeing to his suggestion was when he lost focus and didn't hear another thing she said.

"Ah, she's probably going to hate me," Naruto said out loud. It wasn't a prank, but more like training. He wouldn't be here all the time to protect Hinata, and she may have even found a new master or even a husband, and the thought of war still lingered in the back of his mind.

It was something they didn't need, something they didn't want. Too many people were killed in a war that held no value. A war that shouldn't have happened! It still angered him. This ridiculous thing they called war.

That senile bastard bought his father and mother to their deaths, and he couldn't forgive him. His nails sunk its way into his flesh as the anger swelled his heart. They left him... left him to fend for himself... left him with that woman who made a mockery of him, and then had the nerve to say she cared for him.

He sighed once he saw Hinata shaking uncontrollably, and her cries made its way to him. "You can be such a baby at times," He spoke softly.

Hinata didn't want to move, she couldn't. Not even the moon and stars could save her from the eternal darkness. She stiffened once she felt somebody sitting next to her. She quickly wiped her face and turned the opposite way.

"That day, when I told you to sleep outside, how did you do it?" Naruto asked her. He had turned off his patio lights, and there was no moon or stars as it had rain slightly.

Hinata remembered that night. She did cry and wished to go home, and she even thought about running back to Madam Saya, but she couldn't. She couldn't wish losing her job and making Hanabi suffer. Hanabi was her strength to survive that night.

"I did it for my sister, sir."

"Have you gotten spoiled?" He questioned. "Maybe I'm too nice to you that you're starting to lose focus."

Hinata lowered her head, which made Naruto sigh. "Hinata, pick your head up." The girl still had her head lowered, so he grabbed Hinata by her chin and forced her to look at him. "Don't lower your head when I'm talking to you unless your bowing. You're not a weak woman. Do you hear me?"

"Y-yes, sir."

Naruto released her chin and laid back on the grass. "Hinata," he said in a serious tone. "if your sister is what keeps you striving, then you should live for her, succeed for her, embraced this fear for her." Naruto frowned. "When you get married and have children who are afraid of the dark, would you cower with them or embrace and protect them?" He snickered. "Your husband may not like that." Hinata remained quiet. Naruto didn't say anything further as he gazed at the stars sparkling in the sky. He placed his arms under his head and sighed. "How can you be afraid something like this, Hinata?" He mumbled.

"Why would I get married and have children if it means abandoning you?" She asked suddenly. Naruto gazed at her in the corner of his eyes and was completely surprised she had said such a thing. "And besides, my husband may just get upset if you keep coming to our house asking me to make you your ramen." She smiled slightly. "He'll surely be vexed."

"I suppose so," Naruto hummed. "So, that means I get to keep you all for myself?"

Hinata blushed bright red and nodded. "It's my duty, after all!" She glanced at the sky once more. "And I don't know how I can be afraid of something so beautiful. Being alone, you don't see the earth for its beauty expect for the things that frighten you." She ran her fingers through the grass. "But for some strange reason, when I'm with you, everything around me looks so magical."

Naruto shot up, which startled Hinata. When she said those words, he felt something mixing in his stomach, and his heart even skipped a beat. "Maybe I should check with baa-chan and tell her about these weird symptoms I've been getting."

"Are you okay, Naruto?" Hinata was sitting on her knees, and her hand was placed over his shoulder.

"I'm fine. I'm fine." Naruto said, getting up. "Do you think you'll be able to face your fears, Hinata?" He offered her his hand in which she took.

"I'll try!"

"Let's go inside for now. I feel like somebody is glaring at me." Hinata looked around but couldn't find anything out of the ordinary. "Come on," He pulled her up. "Please don't worry about my bath tonight, you should take yours."

"Are you sure, sir? I can get Konohamaru-

Naruto shook his head. "No, it's okay."

"Um, sir," Konohamaru looked down at his feet.

"Hmm?"

"Do you mind if I go into town today? I need to take care of something."

"I hope you're not going to run away again," Naruto said, gazing at the bag around Konohamaru's shoulder. "You know Hinata won't stop until she finds you."

"I'm not running away. I just have to drop something off."

"You have friends?"

Konohamaru turned red. "Yes, I do have friends!" He quickly covered his mouth, and Naruto chuckled.

"As long as you understand," He smirked playfully. "Enjoy, but be back before sundown."

"Yes, sir."

Some time went by, and Hinata came into the parlor looking for Konohamaru. "Sir, have you seen Konohamaru? I've been looking for him, but I can't find him."

"He went to town to meet some friends," Naruto said, putting down the paper. "I didn't know he had any."

"He does?" Hinata placed her index finger near her mouth. "He is at the age. I hope they are nice people."

"Hinata-

Naruto looked outside when he heard a loud thunder before the rain fell slowly to the ground. "It didn't look rainy today."

"Oh, no! The clothes!" Hinata ran towards the back entrance of the house and tried to unpin the clothes from the line. The rain poured harder and louder, and Hinata was getting wet. The wind blew uncontrollably, and Hinata felt somebody grabbed her by her arm.

Before she could react, she was pulled into the laundry shack away from the rain. "Are you trying to get sick?" Naruto scolded her. "You know how you get sick so easily."

"I'm sorry, sir," Hinata said, wiping the water from her face. "Your clothes are wet, and-

"They're not important, Hinata." Naruto sighed. The rain banged against the rooftop, and the thunder boomed above them. "You're wet!" He looked around for something to wrap around her.

"I'll be fine." Hinata started shivering uncontrollably. "You're just as wet as me, sir. Let me see if I can find something for you."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Hinata, I'll be fine. It's you who I am worried about because I know you're going to wake up with a cold if you don't get out of your clothes."

Hinata crossed her arms as she watched Naruto look through the baskets. "There, sir!" Hinata said, pointing to the folded blanket on the shelf.

Naruto grabbed it and went to give it to Hinata until he saw her. His face turned redder when he saw the kimono wrapped around her, and the water running down between the crease of her breast.

"Take off your clothes and put this around you. We will wait until the rain dies down before we go back." He turned around and faced the wooded wall. Hinata felt uneasy, but she quickly took off her clothes and wrapped the blanket around her.

"I'm done, sir."

The two sat down opposite one another and waited for the rain to ease up before Naruto took her back to the house.

"The weather has been weird lately," Naruto mumbled. He wrapped his arms around him and shivered slightly.

"Naruto, your cold and wet. Please take off your clothes."

"Didn't I tell you to worry about yourself? Sometimes you can be so stubborn, Hinata."

"Why do you care so much about me?" The lightning flashed throughout the little shack, and Hinata jumped.

"Because if Ichiraku is close, who else is going to make my ramen." Hinata frowned. It didn't seem like the right answer, or maybe it wasn't an answer she was looking for?

Hinata watched Naruto, who was shivering uncontrollably, and even his nose turned red. "Sir," She held the blanket around her tightly and approached Naruto. "At least take off your shirt,"

"I told you I'm fine." He muttered under his breath. His blue eyes shifted towards her, and she was glaring at him. "Fine," He dropped the shirt to the floor, and Hinata breathing ceased momentarily. Even though she washed him, he always managed to make her blush. He was a beautiful man with a defining structure that was carved by the Greek gods. She knew he took care of his body, except when he requested to eat ramen for breakfast and dinner.

She sat next to him and wrapped the other part of the blanket around him. "What are you doing!" He looked flustered in the face and held his hands up in a defensive manner.

"Oh, I- I just wanted to warm you up, sir. Please don't think anything of it, and besides you're not that type of gentleman, right?" She smiled gently at him. Hinata made sure there some distance between them, and the two sat awkwardly beside one another; their faces red. Naruto could hear himself breathing as the heat from Hinata's body radiated on him. His mind ran wild and thought about how she honestly looked under all those clothes.

Time went by, and the rain was no easing up. Naruto felt his head bobbed to the left and then right, and his eyes were getting heavy. The rain always acted as a comforter to him, and he felt it was much easy to sleep when it rained. Naruto glanced over Hinata, who had fallen asleep some time ago, and he soon followed suit.

"I wonder why Hinata didn't bring the clothes inside," Konohamaru said when he went in the back. The house was quiet, and he couldn't find Naruto and Hinata anywhere. "I can at least do this for her," Konohamaru whispered with a slight smile appearing on his face.

He walked towards the laundry shack for a basket until he stopped in his tracks. Konohamaru's heart sunk to the pits of his stomachs when he saw Naruto and Hinata cuddled up to one another, and her kimono lying there with his shirt on top of it.

Konohamaru swallowed the lump in his throat, and he quickly went away into the house, fearing they would catch him. He slammed the door to his room shut and pressed himself against the wall. The tears fell from his eyes, and he chewed the bottom of his lips.

"It is true. She's sleeping with him." He rubbed his eyes harshly and lay his head on the futon. "Is that the reason I'm able to stay here? Did she exchange sex for me staying here?" His mind went on and on, and he balled his fist. Before he could stop himself, the word "Whore." left his mouth, and a pang of guilt settled within him.

Thank you for the reviews!

AN: Please do not hate Konohamaru for calling Hinata a whore. It is understandable why he would feel this way based on everything that is done and said. He's still a child and doesn't understand what's entirely going on.