"Naruto...you can't..."
"I CAN AND I WILL!"
Sasuke can feel his killing intent but seeing the visual of his friend catches him off guard. Naruto looks deranged and painted for battle. His war paint, a handprint of what looked like dry red mud covered the lower half of his face. The hand that tried to stop her crimson lifeforce from spilling out of her limp body is now balled into a tight fist.
"That's not something you need to think about at the present time." Itachi's words bring Naruto's movement to a halt. The brothers have their closest family member flanked as he paces the cool gym.
"What should I wait for? Huh?" Naruto looks the elder Uchiha in the eye. "Are you telling me to wait until I know for sure that she's d-ead?!" The last word getting stuck in his throat.
In his usual, cool tone, Itachi holds his gaze for a few seconds before responding, "No. That's not what I'm saying. You may want to take a little more time making a decision like this since you have yet to wash her blood off."
"C'mon, Naruto. Let's get you clea-" Sasuke is cut off.
"I CAN'T!" Naruto's eyes close as his head drops down. His brow is furrowed, showing his pain. His clean hand wrapped around the blood-caked fist, both being pressed onto his blood-caked lips. He draws in a deep, stuttered breath and starts over in a lower volume, "I can't wash her off...not yet." The inhale following his words turned into a sob and unable to stop the flow of tears. He folds over, elbows on the kitchen island as the heels of his palms press into his closed, pained eyes.
Sasuke's anger grows not knowing how to help his friend.
"I'm sorry, Naruto..." The amount of guilt in the words causes the blonde to immediately stand upright and face the elder Uchiha.
The look of hurt in Naruto's face has morphed into anger. His mouth opens to argue against Itachi trying to take responsibility when his attention goes to the gym entrance, he turns from his spot to see who has entered and locks eyes with his godfather who is quickly walking towards him. Before Naruto realizes, he's wrapped in the large man's embrace. The younger man returns the hug, grasping the back of the older man's coat. They stay that way for a moment in silence until Jiraiya speaks, "Did you speak with Asuma?"
Naruto nods as he pulls back from his mentor, wiping his face, "He left about ten minutes ago."
"Good. Wash up and change your clothes. Hurry up, we gotta go." Jiraiya turns to exit the gym.
The protege doesn't move, "Where are we going?"
Jiraiya continues to the exit, "Hospital."
Naruto doesn't question his master but runs towards the pantry.
XXX
The drive to Konoha Memorial Medical Center will only take about five minutes. Naruto, now clean and clothing changed, opens the passenger door of Jiraiya's sedan and quickly enters.
"I've been at the hospital for the last hour." Jiraiya states calmly. Naruto, shocked, directs his attention to his godfather. His expression reads confusion. "Don't look at me like that, Kid. You're not alone through this..."
Naruto stares at Jiraiya with a furrowed brow, the elder not taking his eyes off of the road. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, "Is she..." The teen blindly finds the handle of the door and grasps it tightly.
"She's out of surgery. Tsunade said critical but stable. The next twenty-four hours are important." The white-haired man hears his godson release his breath. "She still has some fighting to do but she's real lucky, Kid. It's amazing, actually. Shizune said that although Hinata's liver and esophagus were knicked, the knife came extremely close to hitting her heart, lung and/or stomach as well." Jiraiya looks over to the quiet young man and notices a scowl growing. "What's going through that head of yours, Naruto?"
The blonde clenches his jaw as his nostrils flare. He looks to his left, straight into his godfather's eyes, with tears in his own and responds, "I'm gonna kill him..."
Jiraiya sees an opening on their left, pulls his car over and puts it in park. He takes a deep breath before looking back to his protege who still hadn't turned away. He stares into the pained and revenge-craving blue eyes for a moment. "So, that's it? That's how Naruto Uzumaki's story is going to end?" Jiraiya notices the twitch in his godson's furrowed brow. "And what about her?" The older man nod's in the direction they were driving. "You said she saved your life, right? Well, regardless of how this turns out, do you think you'd be honoring her sacrifice if you go looking for revenge?"
"It won't matter if I lo'se her..." Naruto's words stumble.
"But it will...Naruto, if you do this...you'll become exactly what took your parents away."
The blonde is taken back. He opens his mouth to argue but nothing comes out. It closes as his nostrils flare.
"Revenge doesn't settle anything. That's what the Akatsuki was looking for today. It's what Nagato was looking for last year until you stepped in. And what about Sasuke?" Naruto's face eyes drop to the balled fists on his lap. "What was the point of everything you went through for him if you just go do the same thing you saved Sasuke from? Are you just a hypocrite? A liar!?!"
Naruto's gaze shoots up to Jiraiya's and growls, "I'm not a fucking liar!"
"NO?! Then prove it! Revenge is for the weak! For people who give in to their emotions. For people who are willing to leave everything behind for their own selfish desires!"
"WHAT DOES IT ALL MATTER IF SHE'S GONE!?!
"BECAUSE I'LL BE PART OF THE EVERYTHING LEFT BEHIND!" Jiraiya closes his filling eyes and inhales deeply to calm himself. He looks back to Naruto, "I'm being selfish asking you not to be..."
The younger man looks with confusion.
"These last eight years have been the most fulfilling of my life and that's because of you. I thought Minato and Kushina were crazy naming me your godfather. Little did I know it would become the most important title I'd ever receive. You've given me a great ending to my own story instead of the lonely one I would've had if it weren't for you." He grabs Naruto by the back of the neck, locking their eyes, "I know you're hurt and angry but we'll get through it. I love ya, Kid, and I don't know what I would do without ya..."
Naruto's grasps the forearm of the hand on his neck. Tears run down his face as he takes in the words of his stand-in father, "I love you, too..."
Jiraiya's hand slides down to Naruto's shoulder and squeezes, "Let's get you to your lady."
The blonde nods.
XXX
Tsunade met Jiraiya and Naruto in the lobby. Even though visiting hours have been over for some time, security gives a nod to the hospital's Medical Director and her two visitors without any issue.
They enter the elevator. "The surgery went well. No issues. Hinata was given about two pints of blood. We've started antibiotics and so far no fever, which is a great sign. She's being given liquids and we will be monitoring any fluid build-up in her abdomen. If there aren't any surprises, she'll be on a liquid diet for a couple of weeks and then a soft diet for a few after that. She'll be able to do normal activites, like returning to work, after about a month but nothing strenuous for at least two months, maybe more depending...You got it, brat?!" Tsunade exclaims when she notices Naruto's glazed look.
The loud question brings the blonde back and after a couple of seconds, responds, "Yeah, I got it. Although, after this, I don't think I'll be the one helping her out..."
The older couple look to Naruto to explain.
"Well, if she blames me for this, she may not want to be near me but even if she does, there's no way I'll be able to take care of her without our secret coming out. She saved my life and I won't even be able to help her with her recovery..."
"Naruto...your actions slowed her bleeding and got help for her almost immediately. You do realize what would have happened if an ambulance was called only minutes later, don't you." Tsunade responds as the elevator doors open.
"She wouldn't have been there in the first place if..."
Tsunade grabs Naruto's arm, cutting him off, and turns the stunned young man in her direction. "Then you would have been the one stabbed! The only difference is that you wouldn't have had help! You would have bled to death, all alone, on that sidewalk! Realizing how loud her voice had risen, Tsunade brings her fist to her lips as she looks around, worried that she may have disturbed nearby patients.
Naruto looks to the tiled floor while the sound of pain in Granny's voice echoes in his ears. Without asking them to follow, Tsunade leads them to one of the patient rooms with a closed door. "She's medicated and probably out cold. Let her rest."
"I'll be waiting for you by the nurses' station." Jiraiya advises.
Naruto nods and the couple walk away before he reaches for the doorknob. He enters the darkened room and closes the door behind him. He turns in the direction of the only patient in the room. The blinds were open, allowing the window to frame the full moon sitting low in the sky. It was the only other light source besides the dim, upward facing light on the wall behind the patient's bed. The machine on a rolling stand to her left, beeping her status and logging her vitals. Naruto moves slowly towards the still patient, stopping at the foot of the bed.
The first thing he noticed was how pale she was. A change so severe that it couldn't be hidden by the low lighting. It was so different from what he was used to when she would lay naked in their bed. Her bright porcelain hue would absorb the moonlight and brighten the room. But this...this was dull...gray...wrong. Naruto walks to her right, his eyes never leaving her face. She was asleep but not at rest. Every few seconds her eyes would bounce around under her lids as she grimaced from pain. His eyes drop to her lips that have lost their plump, natural pink. In their place, shrunken, chapped and dark grey like an incoming nasty storm. Even her hair lacked the shimmer it normally held. Her current appearance reminds him of a dreary day. His anger begins to rise from a simmer to a boil as her eyes begin to flutter once again.
Naruto's fingers lace through the dull strands as he leans over placing soft kisses on each of her lids. The action seems to stop the movement. He stands upright and pulls a nearby chair next to her bed where he sits at the edge of the seat and quickly scoops up the hand free of wires and tubes. Her limp fingers are pressed against the strained brow between his tightly closed eyes. A second later he roughly connects his lips to her knuckles; the overly aggressive move splitting his upper lip and drawing blood.
Naruto places her open palm against his cheek as his opposite cheek rests on her pelvis, his free arm lays across her thighs, his hand gripping her opposite hip. He fights with all his might against squeezing his damaged lover. Instead he manipulates her hand to massage his cheek only then realizing the tears saturating his face. With eyes tightly closed, he presses his face a little harder against her, Naruto quietly sobs, "God, Hinata...What were you thinking? You can't leave me..." His chest stutters with each breath as he fights breaking down completely. "I'm so sorry..." He whispers as more tears soak her hand and her sheet. The first time her thumb swept across his scars in its familiar way Naruto hadn't realized he wasn't manipulating it. When he felt the second swipe, he opens his eyes and takes in the still sleeping face of his girlfriend. In a low breath he calls, "Hinata?" She doesn't respond but when he sees a muted smile appear on her lips it brings a smile to his. In that second Naruto felt the pain and anger leave him completely. "I love you so damn much, Hinata..."
The blonde holds his position for a couple of moments longer before removing himself from his fragile lover. Naruto places a kiss on Hinata's palm before gently placing it on the mattress at her side. As he dries his face the room is flooded with light from the opening door. "Who the hell are you?! What are you doing here?! Get away from my sister!"
Naruto stands, his hands open defensively in front of him as he processes the newcomer's words.
"Answer me before I call for security!"
"I-I'm Naruto...I'm one of Hi--her, Ms. Hyuuga's students."
The young woman's eyes squint, not believing the stranger's words. "Why would one of her students be in her hospital room at such a late hour? Visiting hours are over!"
"I--She saved my life..."
"What are you talking about?" The woman is now standing on the opposite side of Hinata and close enough where Naruto can see the veins popping around her eyes and she can see the fresh cut on his top lip. She looks to be around his age, maybe a little younger.
Naruto takes a deep breath to arrange his thoughts, "I was leaving Ichiraku Ramen when I was about to be attacked. I didn't notice the guy when I exited. I'm not sure but I think Ms. Hyuuga was about to go into the restaurant but she saw the guy before me. The next thing I know she was standing between us and..." Naruto takes another deep breath. He looks deeply into eyes that are so similar to the ones he gets lost in. "She saved my life. Granny...sorry, Dr. Senju, her surgeon, is my godmother. I just had to see her. I needed to see for myself that she is okay..." He thinks he sees the veins receding as he moves away from Hinata's bedside. "I'm sorry. I hope she'll be okay. She's a really...great...teacher." Naruto furrows his brow and walks passed the young woman and out the door.
As the blonde makes his way down the hall, a man turns the corner and is heading in his direction. Naruto looks up, blue eyes connecting with another, very similar, pair. Similar but very different. The strong, stoic expression telling Naruto exactly who this man was. The younger man breaks eye contact and quickly heads for the nurses' station. He mumbles under his breath, "Shit..."
When he turns the corner, Jiraiya looks up with a slightly worried expression as he begins to walk towards Naruto. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah." Naruto shoves his hands into his pockets. "Can we get outta here?"
"Yeah." Jiraiya looks to Tsunade, "Do me a favor...If possible, gimme a call every couple of hours with updates? He's not going to be able to get them any other way."
"Of course." She responds to Jiraiya then looks towards the younger blonde, "Naruto, get some rest. Hinata, at this point, is doing better than expected. You heard me. I'll keep you in the loop."
Naruto raises his head, "Okay...Thank you, Granny."
"Don't thank me, brat." Tsunade pulls him into a tight hug.
XXX
Hinata's sister circles the bed once Hinata's student left. She places a gentle kiss on her forehead. She sits in the chair left behind by Naruto and takes her sister's hand into her own, surprised by not only how cold it was but that it was also wet. Looking down, she notices a spot on her sister's knuckle then surmises that it looked like blood. Turning her hand over, she spies another smeared spot in the middle of her palm. The young woman looks up to her sister with a questioning expression. After shivering from a chill she places Hinata's arm under the sheet and blanket then begins to smooth out the covering. When her own hand ran over her sister's hip she was stopped by a wet spot in the blanket directly over the front, ride side of Hinata's pelvis. She scrunches her brow and looks towards the door. Returning her gaze to her sister, she moves to the edge of the seat and sits up as tall as she can before leaning over and resting her head onto her sister. She was a good half a foot from comfortably reaching the wet spot.
"What are you doing, Hanabi?"
Hanabi looks up to the older man and takes a couple of seconds to think through her answer, "I just wanted to give her a hug but I'm afraid to hurt her."
"Hn..."
XXX
Naruto had asked the Uchihas to hang out and wait for him. When he entered through the kitchen he knew that he could find them in the game room. He opens the door and spies Itachi lying across the couch with his arm draped across his eyes as Sasuke looks up from the manga he was reading.
"How is she?" The younger Uchiha questions.
Naruto leans against the wall next to the door. "Better than expected." He rubs down his face. "She's got a couple of months of healing."
Itachi rises to a sitting position before commenting, "That sounds like a wonderful prognosis, considering..."
"Yeah..." Naruto responds.
"Where you at, Naruto?" Sasuke questions.
He doesn't respond right away. "I'm going to leave it alone."
Sasuke's eyes close as he takes a relieved breath.
Itachi adds, "I've been making some calls...It's not the Akatsuki..."
Naruto looks up, confused at his friend's words.
The dark-haired man continues, "Well, it was, but...It was a leftover underling trying to win some points in hope of reconvening their glory. The Akatsuki is still no more."
Naruto nods. "Okay. Do me a favor...Get the word out that I'm not going to be looking for him but if he decides to show up in Konoha, he won't receive my mercy."
"No problem. You got it."
Sasuke inquires, "You okay, Naruto?"
"I'm better...I'm not going to be able to see her for a while. Once she's discharged, I'm sure she's going to have people over to help her out. Not to mention her estranged father and sister showed up."
"Damn...How'd that go?"
"Her sister came in before her father. She questioned me, I answered then hightailed it outta there. Passed her father in the halls on my way to find Jiraiya.
Shit! I just realized that her phone and bag is still here. I'm going to have to say she dropped it during..."
Sasuke rises from his chair and grasps his best friend's shoulder. "I'm assuming you're not going to school tomorrow. How about I stay with you and we bring her things when visiting hours start in the morning. Hopefully before anyone else shows up." He looks to his brother and receives a nod in return.
Itachi rises and grasps Naruto's other shoulder. "I'm real happy to hear about your lady..." He smirks, "It would have really sucked if I never got to tell the Suna story..."
Naruto looks to the elder Uchiha with a grin, "You're a dick."
"Ha! Yeah. I'll check in on you tomorrow."
"Thanks, Itachi."
"No problem, little brother. We're here for you."
Itachi and Naruto look to Sasuke, who seems to be in deep thought. He finally speaks, "What's the Suna story?"
XXX
"So, father was here as well?" Hinata asks in a whisper in fear of causing strain, as she slowly walks with her sister around her hospital floor with the help of a walker.
"He was. He'll be back this afternoon." Hanabi sneaks a peak at her sister from the corner of her eye. "There was someone in your room when I got there...he said he was one of your students..."
"Oh?" Hanabi wasn't sure if she noticed a look or if her sister was cringing in pain. "Did he give you his name?"
"Yeah...I think he said it was Naruto...He said you saved his life..."
Hinata stops walking and looks to her sister. "Was he okay? I don't remember what happened after the ambulance got there..."
"He seemed okay...Is he really a student?!"
"Of course...why would you ask that?"
"Because there aren't any "boys" that look like that in my class, that's for sure! Besides that...Hinata..." Lowering her voice, Hanabi turns her face towards her sister in order to see her response, "Hinata, why were you with your student at nine o'clock on a Sunday night?"
Hinata halts her movement and hesitates before responding, "We w-weren't together. He was l-leaving the restaurant as I was just getting there..." It wasn't a lie.
The younger Hyuuga keeps her focus on her sister for a few seconds longer than would be considered normal before turning to continue walking. She adds on, "He left your room before father came in." Hanabi quickly looks over her shoulder and thinks she sees relief on her sister's face.
They work their way back to Hinata's room. Hinata decides to not get back into bed but sits in the chair by the window instead. "I'm going to go down to the lobby and get a latte. Would you like something?"
"I'd love a cup of tea, please."
"Okay. I'll be right back."
"Hanabi, if it's not too much trouble, on your way back, would you get some ice from the nurses' station? I'm not allowed to drink things that are too hot or too cold."
"No problem." Hanabi turns and exits the room.
Hinata closes her eyes, enjoying the feel of the morning sun on her face. She hears her door open then close followed by quick, approaching footsteps. Hinata's eyes open in time to see Naruto dropping to his knees in front of her. He leans in, placing his head on her lap as he wraps his arms around her thighs and hips. In a low, gravelly and trembling tone he speaks, "Hina-ta..."
Her shock passes after a few seconds. She hadn't expected to see her Adonis so soon.
Naruto suddenly feels his goddess' fingers lacing through his messier than usual golden locks. The welcoming and calming action causes him to comment through sobs, "Hi-na-ta...I'm...so...sor...ry...What...would...make...you..."
"Naruto..."
It takes the blonde a moment to lift his head to look at his lover. When his glassy eyes lock with her own, she responds, "Because I love you, Naruto..."
His face drops back down to Hinata's lap as his embrace becomes stronger while still being careful not to hurt her anymore than she already is. His words are muffled by her thighs, "Oh...god...Hinata...I love you so much. I thought..." He can't hold back his sobs or speak through them for a few minutes. The quiet time spent with Hinata's fingers running through Naruto's hair once again.
When he finally lifts his head, Hinata cups his face and directs him to her lips. It's a gentle, loving kiss that warms her from within.
"Are you okay, Naruto? Have you slept?"
Hinata's concern almost brings him to tears again. He shakes his head as a chuckle leaves his pained expression. "Please don't worry about me after what you went through."
"Naruto, I'll always worry about you."
He closes his eyes and swallows hard before a small smile finally settles across is lips. He rubs down his face and rises to his feet. Before standing upright he cups her face to steal another kiss. After only a couple of seconds he walks back to the rolling table at the foot of Hinata's bed. Naruto had approached her so quickly she hadn't even realized that he had deposited a few bags; one being her backpack which was left at Naruto's house. He grabs the pack and walked it back to his lover. "If need be, you can say you dropped it and I kept it for you...I put your phone in there with the cord. It's fully charged already."
"Thank you, Naruto."
He waves her off as he moves back to the remaining two grocery bags and drags the table, lowering it in front of Hinata. "Granny told me that you're on a liquid diet so I did some research last night. You'll need a lot of nutrients. Since you like Bloody Maria's, I figured you'd be okay with tomato juice. Sorry, no tequila, heh. Here's some hard candies and some blueberry yogurt. I remember seeing that flavor in your fridge." He pulls two cups with lids out and places them on the table. "One is hot chocolate and the other is a cinnamon roll tea. You'll have to let these cool off but I grabbed some ice from the nurses' station in case you didn't want to wait." Naruto points to a pitcher on the table. Hinata looks up to her younger lover with excitement over the interesting tea flavor.
"Oooh...that sounds wonderful."
Naruto's smile grows at his lover's expression. It get's even bigger when he pulls a large container out. "I saved the best for last. I passed by Ichiraku and picked up some tonkotsu broth. It's packed with protein...I also got you a couple of those logic puzzle books I've seen around your place and a pack of mechanical pencils." Naruto looks down to all of his choices and smiles. When he looks back up to Hinata, the blonde is taken back by such a loving look directed towards him.
"I love you, Naruto..."
The repeated statement fills his chest and tears return to his eyes. "Oh, Hinata, you don't know how happy it makes me to hear you say that but...I don't want you to say it because of wha-"
"That's not-" Hinata cuts him off so quickly it caused a sharp pain she assumed was from the injury to her esophagus. She cringes and places a palm to the middle of her chests.
Naruto quickly rolls the table out of his way so he can get closer, dropping to one knee in front of Hinata. He takes her free hand into one of his while the other grasps her shoulder, "Are you okay?"
His goddess takes a breath and nods. "I'm fine..." She moves her hand on her chest and sandwiches Naruto's between her two. She looks into hypnotic blue pools and continues, "When we were in the massage room of your gym..." One hand moves, cupping his cheek, "...I had every intention of saying those words when Mei interrupted us. I love you, Naruto. I'm sorry. I don't know why I was fighting it because I've loved you for much longer than I was willing to admit."
Naruto's smile grows larger. He leans in and places a sweet kiss to her lips. It lasts only a few seconds but it conveyed all the feelings they had for each other.
He finally rises and uncovers her tea to allow the steam to escape.
"I'm guessing our interactions will be quite limited for the next month or so...After what happened, I didn't think people would have an issue with me visiting to make sure you're okay and to thank you. I don't think a second visit will be seen the same way." She hadn't thought about that. Naruto sees a quiver to her lower lip before she takes it between her teeth. He drops back down again, "It's okay. Don't get upset. I'll figure it out. I promise and I don't go back on my word. Okay?..."
Hinata raises her face back to his and smiles with glassy eyes, "Okay, Naruto. I trust you."
His hand begins to, once again, near her face when he hears the door handle. He quickly rises and takes a step away, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. The couple look over and see Hanabi entering with two cups in a beverage tray. "They only had Earl Gre-" Her words are cut off when surprised by seeing a visitor so early. "Oh...Hello."
Naruto thinks that the younger Hyuuga's smile doesn't seemed fake or forced so he returns it with a genuine one of his own. "Hi!"
"Hanabi, this is Na-"
"Naruto. I know. We met last night." Hanabi looks from her sister to the tall and handsome teen. "I want to apologize for my hostility."
Naruto waves Hanabi's apology off. "Please, don't. I understand. I actually need to apologize. If it weren't for me Ms. Hyuuga wouldn't have gotten hurt...I'm sorry for causing your family so much pain."
Hanabi holds onto Naruto's warm gaze for a few seconds before responding, "Thank you, Naruto. I appreciate your concern and for taking care of my sister until help arrived." She looks back to her sister and smiles widely before looking back to the blonde. "No more apologies or sadness! My big sis is a lioness who roared in the face of death! She's amazing!"
"She sure is..." Hanabi's attention quickly goes from her sister to Naruto, catching the expression that accompanied his reply. He looked proud...and possibly a little turned on. But, it wasn't his words that had surprised her; they were innocent enough. No, it was the way he said them.
If Hanabi heard correctly, those three, little, innocent words conveyed much more than admiration. His tone spoke volumes. She heard knowing.
Naruto immediately realized his mistake and could see Hanabi staring at him from the corner of his eye. He tries to fight against the blush he can already feel across his cheeks and down the bridge of his nose. He rubs the back of his head and while still facing his secret lover, he states, "Well, Ms. Hyuuga, I've taken up enough of your time. I don't know what to say but thank you from the bottom of my heart and if there's anything I can do for you or if there's something you need, please...let me take care of it."
"Why don't you leave me your number?"
Both Naruto and Hinata look to the young woman with surprise.
"Uh..."
"I mean, if you're really willing to help then we'll need a way to contact you. No?"
"Ah, right...Definitely! He walks to the rolling table and opens the pack of pencils. He opens to the first page of the puzzle book and writes his phone number down. He looks to Hinata's sister, "Please, don't hesitate to call me if you need anything."
Hanabi walks towards the table, pulling her phone from her back pocket. She looks to Naruto's written number and enters it into her phone. She looks up and a second later Naruto's phone is buzzing. She's stands in front of the blonde with a playful grin. She nibbles the corner of her mouth before stating, "I'll text you later, Blondie..." In her peripheral, Hanabi can see Hinata, mouth hanging open staring up at the two looking into each other's eyes.
"Make sure you get to school tomorrow, Naruto!"
Hanabi bites back a smile when she hears the intensity in her sister's voice.
"I will, Ms. Hyuuga. Thank you again and feel better." He leaves his teacher with a smile then looks to her sister. "Thank you. Have a good day."
"You, as well, Naruto..." Hinata's eyes stay on her sister whose eyes stay on an exiting Naruto. When the door closes, Hanabi comments, "Ooh, heeee's yummyyyyy...I guess I hadn't noticed how much so last night." She looks quickly towards her stunned sister and with teenage girl enthusiasm, she asks, "Does he have a girlfriend!?!"
"YES! I MEAN NO!...WAIT!...WHAT!?!...HOW WOULD I KNOW!"
Hanabi, fighting laughter, starts handling Hinata's gifts from the blonde, "I don't know. I just figured you may have overheard some conversations in your class..." She lifts the uncovered tea and sniffs, "It smells like a cinnamon roll. Blueberry yogurt...logic puzzles...tomato juice...what's this?" She peaks under the cover of the tonkotsu, "RAMEN BROTH!?!...Hinata, why does this boy know so much about you?"
Hinata takes in as deep of a breath as she can in her condition. "Hanabi, we did class introductions in the beginning of the year. Besides that, I've had tomato juice or blueberry yogurt many times in first period and the ramen...one Monday, I had mentioned that I made homemade ramen over the weekend...and do I really need to explain the cinnamon rolls? Who doesn't know about my addiction?"
Hanabi's eyes squint with doubt. "That's...a lot."
Hinata drops a few ice cubes into her cup then lifts her tea and begins blowing to cool it down a little quicker while flipping through her knew puzzle book trying to busy herself through her sister's scrutiny and amazing deduction skills.
XXX
Hanabi plops into the seat next to Hinata who is in her hospital bed watching a cooking show, jotting down a list of ingredients in the margin of her puzzle book. She smirks and pulls her phone from her pocket. Hanabi begins quickly typing.
Hanabi: Hi! This is Hinata's sister, Hanabi.
Hanabi: Lol
Hanabi: Sorry, I meant Ms. Hyuuga's sister.
Naruto had just finished washing dishes when he hears his notification ring three times in succession. He dries his hands and checks his phone. He cringes before responding.
Naruto: Lol. Hey.
Hanabi: I wanted to thank you for bringing my sister her bag and all of those goodies.
Naruto: Don't thank me. It's the least I can do.
Hanabi: So...
Naruto waits for more. He decides to comment when he realizes that she's not typing.
Naruto: So?...
Hanabi: So...wat'cha doin?
The blonde roughly rubs his hand down his face and takes a deep breath.
Naruto: Just finished washing dishes. About to head to the gym.
Hanabi: At nine o'clock? Not a fan of working out later in the day.
Naruto: Me neither but I need to burn energy before bed or I toss and turn all night.
Hanabi: My sister really loves that broth you brought her. Where did you get it? I'd like to go get her some more tomorrow.
Naruto: I got it from Ichiraku but let me get it for her.
Hanabi: Oh, no. I wasnt asking for you to go.
Naruto: I know but I'm offering.
Hanabi: Well, then, thank you.
Naruto: Not a problem. I'll pick it up after school and text ya from the lobby.
Hanabi: K. Thanks again. Have a great workout! See ya tomorrow.
Naruto: Thanks. See ya.
Hanabi set her phone on the table.
"What are you all smiley about, Hanabi?"
"Oh..." She looks up to her sister who is returning her smile. Hiding a smirk, she wonders how quickly it will drop when she tells her. "I was talking with Naruto..."
"W-What?" Hanabi wants, so badly, to laugh. The smile dropped from her sister's face immediately. "What w-were you talking about?"
"Nothing much..." Hanabi looks at the television as her sister keeps her in her gaze. "He works out before bed. I bet he's got a phenomenal body. I may need to verify." She looks to her scowling sister, "What?"
"He's my student, Hanabi."
"That's right. He's your student, Hinata. That has nothing to do with me." She looks back to the television, letting her sister stew.
XXX
Naruto: Hey, Hanabi. I'm in the lobby.
Hanabi: Shit! Sorry, Naruto. Hinata needed me to get something from her house. Would you bring it up to her?
Naruto: I don't know...I don't really feel comfortable showing up again. I don't want people to get the wrong idea, then Hinata gets into trouble.
"Ha! 'Hinata'! Got him!" Hanabi exclaims out loud. A devious grin grows on her face.
Hanabi: That's really considerate of you, Naruto. You're growing on me more and more. ; )
"Fuck!" Naruto comments, verbally, garnering attention from others lingering in the lobby.
Naruto: It's nothing really.
Hanabi: It's something...Just leave it at check-in. I'll pick it up when I get back. It's got to cool off anyway, right? Thanks again.
Naruto: Right. My pleasure.
XXX
Hanabi finishes her ramen and sits back, rubbing her belly. "Oh, my goodness, that was so freaking good!" She looks to Hinata who is scowling back at her. "What?"
"What!?! How could you sit there and eat that in front of me?!"
"I BROUGHT YOU THE TONKOTSU!"
"ARE YOU SERIOUS!?! TONKOTSU!?!"
Hanabi, not wanting Hinata to strain herself, reins herself in, "I thought you liked it..."
Seeing her sister de-escalating the silly argument brings an embarrassed blush to Hinata's face. She calms her tone and responds, "I like it very much but I'm only drinking it because I can't have the actual ramen."
"Oh...shit. I'm sorry..."
Hinata sighs, "It's okay. I'm just so hungry!"
"Heh! That sucks. I'm really sorry."
Hinata shrugs and sips her broth.
Hanabi thinks how she hasn't messed with Naruto since his slip nearly five days earlier. She picks up her cell and taps out a message.
Hanabi: Hey, stranger!
Naruto: Hi. How ya doing? How's your sister?
Hanabi: I'm doing well. Hinata's pissed at me. Lol.
Naruto: Oh? What for?
Hanabi: I went to Ichiraku Ramen for the broth. When I came back with a ramen for myself, I swear she looked betrayed! Lol! It was hysterical!
Naruto: LMAO! You're brave!
'Another slip?' Hanabi internally questions.
Hanabi: Hehe.
Hanabi: So, Naruto...What do I have to do to get your attention?
Naruto: You've got my attention.
Hanabi: You've got my attention, too, Naruto...
Hanabi: I'd love to show you more...
"Shit!"
Naruto: I'm really flattered, Hanabi, but I'm in a relationship.
Hanabi: Oh...is it serious?
Naruto: It's very serious.
Hanabi: Serious enough to turn down some fun?
Hanabi: ; p
Naruto: More than serious.
Hanabi: How disappointing...I'll leave it as an open invitation while I'm in Konoha...Sweet dreams, sexy.
Naruto: Goodnight, Hanabi.
Adonis: Your sister just basically asked if I wanted to hook up...
Hinata feels her phone vibrate on her lap. She opens her notification and reads the message.
Hanabi keeps her eyes on the television but sees her sister going through her phone. She hears a huff and begins typing. Quickly glancing to her sister, Hanabi notices her flared nostrils and furrowed brow and has to bite her lips not to react.
Goddess: What did you say?
Adonis: That I was in a serious relationship.
Goddess: And what was her response?
Naruto takes a couple of screenshots of the messages and shares it with Hinata.
She reads the thread and grins.
Goddess: I think Hanabi has figured us out...She has made some comments since I woke up after the attack.
Adonis: Are you saying that she couldn't possibly be attracted to me? That's fucked up...
Goddess: LOL! No! I didn't say that! I just know when Hanabi is catching on to something I don't want her to know.
Adonis: Ha!...Is this going to cause you problems?
Goddess: YES! THE TEASING WILL BE OUT OF CONTROL!
Adonis: Lol
Goddess: It's not funny! She's going to torment me once she's finally validated.
Adonis: It's okay. I'll make you feel better...
Goddess: Ugh...Please, don't.
Adonis: Don't what? Lol ; p
Goddess: Goodnight, my Adonis...
Adonis: Goodnight, my goddess...
"Who's Adonis?"
Hinata jumps. She hadn't realized Hanabi had moved to her side.
"NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!" She hadn't meant to answer so excitedly.
"Hahaha...Okay!" Hanabi remarks as she enters the bathroom. When she returns, she asks, "Why hasn't he visited?"
Hinata draws a blank for the first few seconds. "He's away on business."
"Ahh. I see...When will he be returning?"
"Not sure...he had told me that he could be gone for about a month." Hinata doesn't make eye contact.
"What's his name?" Hanabi questions, wondering how her sister will respond.
"Uhhh...Menma..." Hinata holds in her cringe.
"Menma." Hanabi squints, disappointed in her sister's on-the-fly answer.
"Yep..." Hinata replies as she lowers the back of her bed, silently insinuating that she was getting ready to go to sleep and the conversation was over.
XXX
Adonis: I can't believe I haven't seen you in almost two weeks.
Goddess: It feels like so much longer. I miss you so much!
Adonis: I miss you, too! How long does your sister plan on staying with you?
Goddess: She, unfortunately, has been alllowed to work on line for thirty days while she cares for me. I think she plans on staying until she has to go back.
Adonis: :'(
Adonis: How am I going to survive two more weeks without you?
Goddess: Aww baby. I'm sorry...
Adonis: That's okay. I just want to hold you.
Goddess: And I need to taste you.
Adonis: HINATA! Shit...that was hot. My dick is rock hard...
Goddess: Mmmmm, my Adonis...
Adonis: God, Hinata. You're killing me. You know we can't...
Goddess: Hmpf...Tease! ;p
Adonis: Lol. I love you.
Goddess: I love you more!
Adonis: What time are you getting discharged?
Goddess: Any minute now.
Adonis: You think I'll be able to steal some time with you?
Goddess: Hanabi said she would run to the grocery store. I'll be making a shopping list as soon as I get home.
Adonis: How long do I get?
Goddess: Well, besides the groceries she needs to drop off my prescriptions and then pick them up after shopping. I'd say we'll have at least an hour but let's say forty-five minutes just to be safe.
Adonis: I'll take it! Text me as soon as you get home.
Goddess: I'll open the window once she leaves.
Adonis: Okay. I'll see you soon. Love ya!
Goddess: I love you.
XXX
Hinata shuts her front door, opens the blinds and waits. The older Hyuuga sister watches as the younger gets into Hinata's Mini. She hears the engine turnover and prepares herself to wait for at least a few minutes more knowing that her sister won't drive off until the seat warmer kicks in.
Two minutes later, Hanabi has the car in reverse and is moving slowly down the drive. Once Hanabi is out of sight, Hinata moves as quickly as she can to her dressing room. She gets to her goal, opens the curtain, unlocks the window and begins to raise it when she sees Naruto appear at the edge of the "bug sanctuary". Hinata giggles at his camouflage get-up and steps back as her lover moves quickly. The smiling blonde steps onto the bench he had placed under her window a month ago and is in the room, tenderly wrapping his arms around her in just two steps.
Hinata can feel his deep sigh against her cheek before her head is filled with the strong, quick beats of his excited heart.
"I've missed you so much!"
"I've missed you so much!" They exclaim in unison.
Naruto pulls back only enough to lean down and press his lips to Hinata's. He ends the kiss pulling her back to his chest, placing peck after peck to the top of her head. He bends down and carefully sweeps Hinata up in his arms. Smiling, Naruto walks towards the chaise, "How are you feeling?"
He sits, Hinata propped on his lap. She sighs, resting her head against his collar, her hand on his chest, "So much better now..."
"I don't know what I would've done if I wasn't able to hold you like this again..."
Hinata hears the strain in his voice. She looks into Naruto's sad eyes and with quivering words responds, "And if something would have happened to you..." She presses her face into his chest over his heart, tears dampening his shirt. "I was being selfish..."
"Selfish? Hinata, how can you getting stabbed, instead of me, be selfish?"
"Because I wouldn't be able to live in a world without you in it..."
Naruto's eyes fill as he painfully swallows a gulp. His hand moves from her thigh and lets his fingers comb through her hair before grasping her at her nape and directing her face to his. "Hinata..." He closes his eyes, brow furrowed, and shakes his head, trying to dislodge the horrible thought before looking back down to her, "I love you so much. Just being separated from you for less than two weeks drove me insane." His sad expression disappears. He states, resolutely, "I won't go through that again, Hinata. You're mine and I'll never leave your side again..." He roughly presses his lips to hers for only a second. "After graduation...I want you to be my wife..."
Hinata's mouth opens but the sound of the gasp came from the doorway.
The surprised couple's attention go to the sound. Naruto slides from under Hinata, leaving her on the chaise, as he tries to distance himself from her.
Hanabi begins to laugh, looking at the blonde, "Kinda late for that, wouldn't you say?"
Hinata rises from the chaise, "H-H-Hanabi...W-What are you doing b-back so soon!?!"
Her laughter continues. "C'mon, Hinata. You didn't really think this..." she waves towards the two, "...would get by me, did you?" The younger Hyuuga saunters further into the room and flops onto the chaise, and crossing her legs before looking to the guilty couple. "I knew when I found him in your room the first night. Everything after that just validated it." She smiles again, "It wasn't until I was warming up the car and read the list that I figured you were trying to get rid of me for an extended period of time. You wrote down every staple that would be needed for a new apartment instead of just replacing any perishables after being away for a couple of weeks." She can't help but smile at the deep red color painting both faces in front of her.
"Hanabi..."
The younger woman looks to the blonde, "Are you serious? Do you really want to marry her?"
Naruto is stuck. He doesnt know what to say. He looks to Hinata, whose blush hasn't faded. She looks apprehensive. Unsure how Hanabi really feels about the situation. He looks back to the other teen in the room and takes a deep breath, "I'd marry her today if I could..."
Hinata, still shocked from when he first made the statement, looks to her lover who is staring at her with adoration.
"Hinata..." Hanabi's gets her sister's attention, "Do you love him?"
Hinata hesitates for a few seconds before answering, "I'll love him till I die and then I'll love him some more in our next life..."
Hanabi rises with a soft, sincere smile and walks back to the doorway, "There's a lot of things on that list. I'm going to be a couple of hours..." She turns back to the couple, "Since you've moved on to soft foods, how about I pick the three of us up some Ichiraku? How's that sound?"
Naruto looks from Hanabi to his lover, grinning, "I really like your sister, Hinata."
Hinata, still in shock, releases a soft giggle.