Chapter Twenty-Four
Chūnin Redux
Hanabi – 26-27
Konohamaru – 27-28
Hanabi rubbed at her eyes tiredly, finding her vision going blurry as she went on a second night without sleep.
She was drafting a proposal to dissolve the house system while simultaneously going over her team's practice exams. It was hard to focus on either.
She told her team how they did on the practice exams would determine whether she decided to recommend them for the chūnin exams. It had been a while since she'd watched a chūnin examination, so she actually wasn't entirely sure how they were conducted now, but she figured she couldn't be too careful. She didn't want to set them up for failure, consulting Tora for some input on how to best prep them for the intelligence portion. Her initial response was snarky, of course 'how are you going to have confidence in them with a practice exam?' but eventually relented with her help.
Sumire's work was impressive, as she expected. Unfortunately, Namida's was…abysmal. She wasn't sure what to make of it.
Then there was the proposal. She had to be careful not to ask for too much too quickly but still stand by the basic principle of dissolving the houses. Then she'd work on the independence of former branch members. She knew how it could happen, it was just about getting it on paper and arguing its validity with old, grouchy Hyūga rooted in tradition. They knew she was going to keep coming back until she had it all, and she would have it all or she'd die trying. For someone who resented political life for so long, she was, unfortunately, becoming accustomed to being a leading figure in it.
She hadn't even realized she'd fallen asleep sitting up, pen in one hand and papers in another.
It was only when she heard a knock at the door that she was brought back to reality. She groaned at the soreness in her neck as she straightened up.
"Konohamaru Sarutobi here."
"Come," she squeaked out, rubbing at her neck as she flipped over the paperwork. She heard him set a paper cup in front of her. She peeled her eye open and smiled at the smell of her favorite tea from a little stand close to the compound. "Thank you."
"Did you just wake up?" he asked with amusement, lowering to sit lotus across from her. She sighed as she shakily grabbed the tea, lifting it to her lips with a nod. "Working hard."
"Not hard enough…" she mumbled, sipping. She cursed as it scalded her tongue, hurriedly setting it back down. He laughed quietly as she questioned, "what's up?"
"Can't just visit a beautiful woman?" He did like his recycled lines.
"No," she retorted, albeit playfully. He smirked. "So?"
"Wanted to let you know I'll be gone for a couple of weeks." She frowned with a pouty lip. "Mission with Sai and Lee."
"We never mission together anymore," she sulked, folding her arms. He chuckled.
"You don't really mission without your team at all, anymore," he pointed out, settling on his hands behind his back. He nodded at the paperwork she was working on. "But that's because you're busy doing important stuff."
"Yes," she sighed, nodding in reluctant agreement, "you're right."
"Naruto knows," he continued, "wants you to keep doing your work here." She bobbed her head, heaving a long yawn as she reached back for the tea, unlidding it to let it cool. "I was also hoping you'd check on team 7 when you have time." She tilted her head at him. "Make sure they're sticking to their schedule, picking up missions."
"Oooh." She let a small smile take over. "Substitute sensei?"
"If you want." He shrugged, rubbing at his chin. He clicked his tongue before continuing, "thought I'd take you out tonight before I leave tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" she questioned, frowning. He nodded. "Take me out? In public?"
"Tch," he chuckled, rolling his eyes, "c'mon Hanabi. I think…I think we're at that point."
"I…" she paused, wishing she didn't feel the need to argue, but had to, "I'm not sure about that, Konohamaru. I don't want to push the envelope too far too soon."
He remained silent, and she glanced up at his disapproving stare. She avoided it by dropping her eyes back at the paperwork, pretending to busy herself with it by shuffling it mindlessly. "Alright, fine, I get it. But I'd still like to spend tonight with you." She let a little smile slip at his whispered words, feeling that silly blush creep over again as she lifted her head to look at him. That crooked smile could always make her breath catch at the right time. "My place?"
"Yeah…okay. Tonight," she sighed as she looked back down at her paperwork, trying to ignore the fact that the ink was starting to blend together before her eyes. "I'll try to get as much of this done as possible before." He nodded and she perked an eyebrow at him when he didn't move to leave. "Anything…else?"
He shook his head, shifting a bit. "Mind if I just hang out? Kinda don't wanna be alone."
She blinked at him, sensing his unease. Slowly, she nodded, leaning back to pat her lap as an invitation. He snickered quietly as he took the hint, crawling over to her to rest his head on her lap.
She smiled down at him for a moment, brushing a stray hair from his eyes before looking back at the papers. She rested one hand on top of his head as she flipped a paper over, grabbing a pen to continue working on it. He leaned against her touch and let his eyes close, getting comfortable against her as her fingertips massaged his scalp, twirling strands between them.
For as horribly awkward as silence could be with her father, it was incredibly comfortable with the right person.
"Happy birthday!"
"Thanks, guys!"
Konohamaru and Hanabi were situated on opposite sides of the room as Boruto blew out his candles, with little cheering from those who attended.
As his team and friends converged on him, Hanabi nudged Hinata. "Where the hell is your husband?"
"Hanabi!" she snapped disapprovingly with a deep frown. Hanabi raised her eyebrows, unrelenting as she leaned on one foot. Hinata heaved a sigh, avoiding her eyes. "You know how busy he gets…he's wrapped up in…something."
"Something?"
"I'm not sure."
"It's his kid's birthday."
"Did you just come to guilt me?" Hinata snapped quietly, earning a curious look from a couple of the kids. With another sigh, she nudged Hanabi into the kitchen. Hanabi had to snicker at the look of surprise the kids had at her sister snapping. Not many got to see the wife of the Hokage and Boruto's mom showing anything except kindness and warmth.
"I'm just saying," Hanabi started, waving her hand, "you know Boruto's going to be pissed."
"You think I don't know?" Hinata asked with exasperation, rubbing her forehead as her other arm crossed over her chest. "It's all I'm going to hear about when everyone leaves." Hanabi softened, lowering her disapproving stance. "I tried my best…"
"Sorry," Hanabi breathed, reaching out to wrap her arms around her sister. Hinata shook her head as she quickly embraced her as well.
"I need to get plates."
"I'll take care of it." Hanabi let her pull away, gently pushing her back to the living room. "Don't worry about it."
Hinata offered a little smile with a nod before leaving. Hanabi groaned, slapping her forehead.
Truly, she did not envy her sister.
As she gathered plates and utensils, she looked over her shoulder to find Konohamaru entering. "Need any help?"
"Ice cream." She nodded toward the freezer.
"How many flavors does one family need?!" Konohamaru gaped at the freezer brimming with multiple tubs. Hanabi giggled as he began shuffling them around. "Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, green tea…is that black raspberry?"
"Oh, not that one." Hanabi bolted over to slap his hands away. "That's elder sisters. The kids aren't supposed to know about it."
"Stingy," he chuckled, pushing it to the back as he stacked the rest in his arms. "Shall we?"
They reentered the dining room to begin doling out desserts, Hanabi happy to find Hinata finally relaxing in conversation with Sakura.
"You know Boruto, if it were up to that dad of yours, we'd all be at Ichiraku's," Sakura teased and Hanabi grimaced as Boruto looked up with an annoyed glare.
"Good thing he's not here, then."
"Ouch…" Konohamaru whispered as he scooped ice cream.
Once all the kids were settled and happy, Hanabi took her chance to scoop several balls of vanilla on her plate, along with a large slice of cake she had purposefully left for herself. She jumped at Konohamaru's chuckle behind her. "What?!"
"Gluttonous." He pointed at her plate, and she stuck out her tongue.
"Jealous."
"Hmm," he hummed with a smile as she aggressively shoved a spoon of ice cream in her mouth. "Jealous of something, maybe."
Her eyes went wide, and she resisted the urge to punch him. "We're at a kid's party, Konohamaru. Keep your yap shut."
"Sorry." He mocked innocence.
"It's my birthday, too, anyway, I'm entitled to half of everything." She set a hand on her hip, squinting up at him with a teasing smile.
"That's right, birthday girl." He nodded, a crooked grin. "27, isn't it?" He clicked his tongue. "Getting up there, huh?" She glared at him as he reached over, grabbing her fork to get a scoop of cake. She grabbed his wrist to stop him, an involuntary giggle escaping as they wrestled for the fork, unintentionally knocking over her glass of milk in the process.
"Shoot!" Hanabi gasped, trying to catch it.
"Some kunoichi you are," Konohamaru pressed, laughing as he grabbed a roll of paper towels.
"Coming from you, I'm not too hurt."
"Yeesh! Wounded!"
She stopped to look at him. His teasing grin had a way of forcing her eyes to his and her cheeks to tingle. She whacked the back of her hand into his chest and he caught it, holding onto it for a tad too long as she sweetly smiled up at him. "Uhm…" Konohamaru dropped her hand as they both broke their gaze to look at the crowd of kids looking at them, Boruto's mouth held agape.
"Why don't I go get the presents?" Hinata drew their attention back, Himawari readily agreed to help.
Could they be any more apparent?
Both were red in the face as they quickly turned from the prying eyes of the genin, attempting to act natural as they cleaned up the spill.
"Uhm, senseis?" They both looked at Sarada who was peering up at them, in a whisper, "you're kind of being obvious."
"Shoo." Konohamaru waved her away without a response and the girl smirked as she skipped away to the rest of her peers who had fortunately turned their attention to other things. He glanced at her, but she refused to look up. "Someone's being obvious, Sarada says."
"Well, thanks for your help!" Hanabi clapped her hands, moving the topic forward. "Anyone else want cake?"
It was finally happening; her biggest goal was seen to fruition as she and her father stood in front of hundreds of Hyūga: the official dissolution of branch and main house families.
The reaction was mostly positive. There was obviously a certain degree of uncertainty on either side. Despite her attempts to quell worries about the independence of branch members, there were still questions. But she was ready for them. She'd spent the last three weeks drafting large guides with several of her clansmen who volunteered to advise her, made readily available for any who sought them.
She prayed it had everything possible to keep unrest to a minimum. Options for new housing on a plot of land next to the compound that was being developed, as well as the choice to remain in the main compound. Employment for all Hyūga who sought it in every facet of society: working in the compound, working in the village, forms to leave the village altogether if one should choose. Several council members were essentially forced into retirement and more spots were created specifically for former branch Hyūga.
There was still much to be done, but for now, it was a celebration of freedom.
Thankfully, it didn't come as a surprise. Hanabi had been quietly working on this for years now, and it was no secret. It was just a matter of when. Tens of her clansmen offered their services to help her get it off the ground, and she could have never done it without them.
It wasn't everything she wanted. But it was the best she could do and it was enough for now.
If Naruto had been the Hero of the Leaf, she was being called the Hero of the Hyūga. Something in the back of her mind told her to shut that title down. Seemed too good to be true, and it probably was. She knew there were those that would resent her on both sides for one reason or another. Truly, she wanted to fade into the background and let the council take on the face of the clan. The last thing she wanted was to be held up on a pedestal.
Still, she had to be proud of herself. So she let herself.
Then there was the persistent question: "When will you become clan leader?"
"Oh, I don't know," she'd respond, trying her best to seem casual about it, "for now, I prefer to work in the shadows, I suppose. Father's been very supportive of all the changes."
It was usually enough.
Her last big move would be abolishing the rules around who the clan leaders and heirs would marry. Because she was certain she'd never evade her inevitable fate as clan leader. Besides, if that were the case, she'd never forgive herself for forcing that fate on future clan heads. She just hoped that wouldn't turn everyone against her. While the branch was mostly enthusiastic about independence, she knew many would scoff at the idea of tainting Hyūga blood. Her biggest weapon was Hinata, who, along with Naruto, readily agreed to support her in that.
They knew who it was all for. But they were kind enough not to rub her nose in that.
The first appointment to the council was Tadashi. He resisted it at first, but she managed to convince him. He had been integral to her success, with unwavering support.
"Congratulations, Lady Hanabi."
"Tadashi…do you think you could finally drop the title?"
He paused to think, clasping his hands behind his back. With a little smile, he nodded. "It'll take a while to break that habit, Hanabi."
"I could start calling you Lord Tadashi?" she offered with a smirk and he let a laugh go. It felt good to hear.
Finally, she felt content in the compound, for the first time in a long time.
Her sister joined next to her, lacing her fingers between hers as she tugged her close. "I'm so proud of you, dear sister."
"Ah," she giggled uncomfortably, pulling her free hand through her hair, "thank you."
"Brother would be proud, too."
"…Thank you." Not without effort, she turned her head to her sister. "Would you like to visit him?"
Hinata's eyes brightened. It was the first time Hanabi had ever offered herself. "I think that would be wonderful."
Hanabi nodded and let Hinata lead her out of the Hyūga compound by hand, buzzing with excitement and chatter, to the somber environment of the memorial site. As they settled on their knees in front of Neji's headstone, Hanabi trained her eyes on it. Hinata was uncommonly quiet this time, head bowed in prayer. Hanabi reluctantly joined her by closing her eyes.
Is this destiny, brother?
Time for a break.
It was what everyone told her, and she relented.
There was always time for the next steps, she supposed.
So she found herself wandering through the village with little to do. Her team was helping around the village on various D-rank missions she didn't really need to be present for. She checked in on them briefly, then found herself alone again. She used it to think about the exams. She was fairly certain she would end up recommending them, despite her apprehension. They did deserve at least the chance to prove themselves, just as she had.
Perhaps she'd take up Konohamaru's invite up to join him and the other senseis in after-hours drinks. She hadn't been sure whether she'd go with all that was going on back at the compound, but she found herself with rare downtime. Might as well use it. She heard loud arguing back and forth from the izakaya the senseis tended to frequent.
"HUH?! That's what you're worried about?" She recognized Moegi's voice and skipped over. "If that's all it takes to crush them, then go ahead and crush 'em!"
Hanabi peered inside, finding a familiar scene: Konohamaru and Moegi locked in an argument.
"Hey," she greeted with a smile, "there you are."
She raised her eyebrows as Konohamaru slammed his fists on the table, the light clinking of dishware as he did so, apparently unaware of her presence. "I just can't do it."
"Whoops." She rubbed the back of her head as she approached. "I guess I came at exactly the wrong time."
She leaned back as Moegi shook her head, snapping, "actually Konohamaru needs help with a dilemma, Hanabi."
"Ahh." She nodded, pulling a seat up between him and Shino.
"Listen," Konohamaru sighed, turning to her as Hanabi gestured for a bottle of sake, "are you recommending your girls for the exams?"
Hanabi took a moment to pour herself a shot and take it before answering, "I think I might. They really want to, and…"
"But they haven't even seen combat!" Konohamaru said, incredulously. She raised her eyebrows. "And neither have my kids, not really!"
"Well, I guess." Hanabi leaned away from his passion, glancing at Moegi.
"We faced enemies before we took the exams," he continued.
"Konohamaru, not everyone can face someone like Pein," Moegi grumbled with an eye-roll.
"That is true," Hanabi agreed, "things were very different for us."
"Exactly!" Moegi slapped the table. "These kids need a wake-up call!"
"Well—" Hanabi tried to mediate, glancing warily toward Udon who would normally do so, but was on the brink of passing out. "I mean, that's not exactly what I meant. But…"
"But what?" Konohamaru pressed, squinting. "You know how brutal those exams can be. You really wanna see our kids get hurt?"
"No!" Hanabi defended, pouring herself another shot. "I don't know! Now I'm confused."
"It's not confusing." Moegi shook her head, plucking a dumpling from her plate. "If you guys leave your kids out, you're depriving them."
"Y'know, I seem to remember a certain kunoichi taking it very personally when I got beat to a pulp in the exams." Konohamaru turned his body towards Moegi to shoot her a look and Hanabi felt her stomach drop.
She hadn't thought about that in quite a while…
"We're adults now, Konohamaru," Moegi snapped back, "I can see now that Hanabi beating you to a pulp was exactly what you needed for that ego of yours."
"Ouch."
"Besides, I remember a certain brat defending it!" she continued, glaring at him, "begging, pleading, crying!" Her voice turned nasally as she mocked him, "'let it go Moegi, that's what the chūnin exams are about! Please makeup with Hanabi, waaah—'"
"Oh shut it," Konohamaru grumbled, squinting at her as Hanabi reddened. This was certainly new information, stirring up certain unwelcome memories.
"You brought it up." Moegi shrugged. "I'm just saying, it's not hard. Boruto's a lot like you were, Konohamaru. Something to prove. Let him prove it."
"Sheesh," Hanabi muttered, resting on her elbows, "it's not a simple choice, really."
"It's not," Konohamaru agreed easily, raising his sake cup to her. They both downed another shot.
"Really putting those away, huh?" Moegi raised an eyebrow.
"Coming from you, that's funny," Konohamaru snarked as Hanabi poured them each another shot.
Hanabi thought briefly about sharing her first drinks with the same people around her, justifying it with carving her new path towards change. Even if it was silly to think, everything was falling into place. Perhaps it could be the same, tonight.
Somehow, Hanabi's tune had gone in the exact opposite direction.
"I totally get what you're going through Konohamaru!"
"Yeah! You get what I'm getting at Hanabi!"
"How in the world did we end up like this..."
Hanabi slammed her glass down, getting to her feet. Memories of Konohamaru's broken little body had been flashing through her mind all night since Konohamaru brought it up, and it was hard not envisioning Boruto's body in the same position. What if he did go up against someone like her?!
"Oh I get you alright…just the mere thought of something happening to Boruto…fills me with worry and unrelenting dread." Konohamaru snickered as her eyes went veiny with her speech, and just as quickly morphed back into drunken happiness. "Because that Boruto is such a good-natured, honest kid." Alcohol truly warped things, sometimes. "When we see each other, he calls me big sis and it's just the sweetest thing ever!"
Moegi brought her hand to her forehead to rub as Konohamaru drained a glass of water before adding, "that reminds me of somethin' else about 'im…it makes me so happy when he calls me big bro Konohamaru…" Hanabi nodded enthusiastically as Moegi rested her cheek on her palm, glaring up at him as he stood up. "AND ANOTHER THING! Big bro Naruto has entrusted Boruto to my care and he's become my precious kid brother!"
"Oh Konohamaru." Hanabi bowed, clasping her hands together. "I'm touched by your strong emotions! You obviously care about Boruto so much!" They slapped their hands together in embrace, giggling towards one another as they swayed.
"This is stupid," Moegi sighed, "the only reason you don't wanna let him take the chūnin exam is because you're overprotective."
"FINE!" Konohamaru pulled away, turning to Moegi proudly. "Then call me overprotective!"
"Yeah, that's right!" Hanabi cheered, raising her fist.
"Aren't you going to say anything Udon? Come on! Aren't you going to back me up Shino?!"
Hanabi snorted as she whirled to face Shino, looking into his drink contemplatively. "Well…I suggest discussing this when everyone's sober."
Hanabi grinned, leaning over him with a sake bottle in hand. "You're on our side, right Shino? Come on, here, have a little drink." She wiggled it in front of him.
"N-no thanks, I don't drink alcohol." He leaned away.
"Aren't you concerned about Boruto's well-being?!"
"Sure! It's not that—"
Hanabi pushed, beaming, "have a drink with us!"
"Ah!"
Hanabi's mind cleared briefly as she found herself on top of her sister's old teammate, bottle comically stuck in his mouth. She brought herself to her knees, wide-eyed. "Eh—! I'm so sorry!"
"Is everything alright, Shino-sensei?!"
Hanabi scrambled to her feet to move away as Shino sat up, bottle falling from his lips as his cheeks reddened. "Yeah! Why do you ask?"
"Isn't the reason Shino-sensei doesn't drink because…"
"Yeah…it's 'cause he can't control the insects inside of him…"
With a hiccup, beetles began flowing from every one of Shino's pores, quickly encompassing them as Moegi begged him to control himself.
Konohamaru hooked the payphone into its resting place as Hanabi picked stray insects from her hair. "Hokage's on his way…"
"Whoops…" Hanabi muttered, flicking a bug as she swayed. "Didn't know that'd happen."
He chuckled, reaching out to comb through her hair, pleasant bubbling in his chest despite the drama of the night. "It'll be fine, I think."
"Oh, I'm dumb," she heaved a sigh, falling backward so she'd lean against the wall of a building. "Dumb, dumb, dumb."
"Don't beat yourself up too much." He patted her shoulder. "I think we won the argument, at least!"
She laughed, shaking her head as she plucked a beetle from his headband. "We're gonna be covered in these things for days!"
They watched as Naruto and several other Aburame appeared to begin corralling the insects as best as possible. When Naruto shot them a look, he grabbed Hanabi's hand and quickly led her away while they both bellowed out with laughter, tripping over themselves.
"Oh no!" Hanabi struggled to breathe from how much they were cackling. "I think he saw us!"
"Naah!" Konohamaru swung her arm as he marched with her. "We're way sneakier than that!"
"I can't wait for elder sister to chew me out," she giggled, doing her best to make sure her footsteps were careful. As they came to his porch, she looked up at him slyly. "That count as a date, then?"
"Did it?" He grinned, clumsily unlocking the door. "'Sides, I didn't know I had to take you on a date to get you to come home with me."
"Konohamaru!" she chided playfully as he tugged her inside, swiftly picking her up to sweep her into a kiss. She laughed against his lips as their teeth clashed awkwardly. Suddenly, he let her go and she stumbled backward as he frantically brushed a stray beetle from his cheek. She cackled further. "Baby!"
"Tch!" he retorted, glaring at her. "You should've been an Aburame, huh?"
"Oh shush." She waved him away as she sauntered to the kitchen, fishing out a plastic container.
"Hey!" he called as she pulled a kunai from her hip and swiftly stabbed several holes in it.
"I'll get you another, here." She opened the lid and then cupped the beetle from the floor to deposit into the container. "Shino'll want these back."
"So considerate," he mumbled with folded arms. He reached out to carefully grasp another from her shoulder to put alongside the other.
"Not the most romantic night," she giggled as she put the lid back on, resting it on the counter.
She squeaked in surprise when he grabbed her wrist and forcefully yanked her down the hall, into the bathroom. She eyed him suspiciously as he grabbed her obi and undid it, a mischievous look on his face. "Gotta get clean somehow, huh?" He grinned up at her, admiring her pink cheeks as she rolled her eyes. He swiftly pulled her shirt from her shoulders, leaning over her ear to whisper, "keep rolling those pretty eyes, honey."
"Oh gods!"
Drunken sex. Not the best sex—but good nonetheless. A little dangerous in the shower, but they didn't spend too much time there before they were rolling in bed.
If he wondered if he'd ever get tired of this, he was sure now he wouldn't. Being intimate with Hanabi was something from his wildest dreams, and he still shamelessly dreamt of it, even now. He could fall asleep to her whispering his name, over and over. Being close to her was one of the few things that brought him comfort these days, with everything that was going on. He selfishly lived to ensure he'd return to her, every time.
It wasn't just about the sex. It was holding her toned body to his, kissing her soft lips, lacing her calloused fingers with his. Inhaling the sweet scent of her beautifully long hair that she'd grown to an impossible length—even if it frustrated him sometimes when they'd get tangled in it. Hearing her giggle when he brushed against the dip of her waist, her squirming underneath him and he just couldn't resist tickling her, the hard smacks as she tried to escape worth it. Looking into those lilac eyes that could at one moment be the most frightening thing an enemy could see, and the next the loveliest thing he'd been graced with the sight of.
Yes, Konohamaru Sarutobi was hooked on Hanabi Hyūga, and he couldn't even really be sure for how long. He might have guessed since the Tanabata festival, but upon reflection, that was certainly an underestimation. It was far longer. Bringing her back from the brink of becoming a missing nin. Their first night together in that hideout in the Rivers. The overwhelming jealousy that possessed him when he thought she was dating someone. Comfort over their shared fear of becoming monsters. Meeting Boruto in the hospital for the first time. That sweet girl and how soft that sweet girl's lips were and still are.
He couldn't get enough of her and probably never would. So as he nestled on top of her, making love to her, lips trailing over her lips and neck and shoulder, her fingernails pressed into his lower back as she held onto him the same way he held onto her, he thanked whatever gods deemed him worthy of her. Worthy of sweeping her off her feet and making her his, letting him be hers. Time with Hanabi was a state of euphoria he could never experience elsewhere, and he desperately held on to every moment.
As the clock ticked passed midnight, they'd finally agreed to tap out and he rolled out of bed to get them both water while she went to the bathroom. Still feeling a little buzzed and exhilarated from their night, despite the turn it took, he returned to the room with a little pep in his step. Too bad it was one of those drunken nights that could only go one of two ways: passing out, or one or both of them in tears.
Usually, it was Hanabi as she reflected on anything and everything. It was his mistake for inquiring about how things were going with the clan.
It started innocent enough.
"Everyone's so happy…" She didn't sound happy as she pulled the blankets to her chin. "So happy to be free."
"That's great, isn't it?" he inquired, frowning at how she sunk into herself. He reached out to brush her hair from her face, tucking it behind her ears. "You're a hero."
"Please don't call me that," she sighed, turning her face from him. He felt that simmer of anxiety in his stomach, recognizing the way the night was turning.
"Hey, why don't we get some rest?" He wrapped his arm around her waist to bring her to him, but it was too late.
"I should get off protection."
"Wh—what?" His heart skipped as her watery eyes looked up into his. She grabbed his cheeks to force his gaze and he felt his stomach drop.
"If—if I get pregnant, then—then they won't be able to stop us!"
"Hanabi—"
"Konohamaru! It's perfect!" She pressed against his cheeks terribly hard as his eyes grew wider. "I'll have your kids!"
This was 100% not the way he ever thought this kind of conversation would start. "That's—I'm not sure—"
"They can't tell us no if I'm pregnant with Sarutobi kids," she continued, eyes looking a little unhinged, "they'll have to give in—either they won't want me to be clan leader, or they'll just have to let clan leaders love who they want!"
"L—Love?" he stuttered, his heart clenching painfully. She'd never formally said it aloud to him and this wasn't the way he wanted it to be.
"Don't tell me you don't want to!" He frowned as he reached up to wipe the tears at the bottom of her eyes that threatened to fall.
The kiss she planted on him felt anything but romantic, and it made him feel guilty as she tried to climb back on top of him. He gently pressed his palms against her shoulders to stop her. "Hey, this isn't…really a good time to talk about this."
"Cause you don't want to." Her eyes welled up again as she glared at him and he heaved a deep breath.
"It's not that."
"Then come on." Her voice went breathy as she leaned towards him. "Get me pregnant."
He was a little ashamed that the phrase did in fact turn him on—but there was no way. He remained silent at her searching eyes, feeling remorseful that he had no way of calming her down in this state. Then the waterworks started and she rolled off him, curling in on herself as she sobbed.
Moegi's voice rang in his head. 'How in the world did we end up like this?'
He spent the night holding her even after she fell asleep, but didn't sleep himself. Somewhere around 5 was when he finally got up, his buzz wearing off and hangover kicking in. He took care of himself first before setting water and painkillers next to her on the nightstand.
He sat at his dining table holding his head, mind clearing as he turned the events over in his mind.
Somehow, they went from discussing the chūnin exams to Hanabi begging him to get her pregnant.
Obviously, something was making her think that this was a part of the clan she wouldn't be able to change. What it was, he had no idea. The Hyūga council? The people? Did someone tell her it'd never work? Was she scrambling for options and this one just came out because she was intoxicated? It must have been something she'd been thinking about prior—it wasn't something that would just randomly pop into her head at that very moment. She'd said something similar around the time of Eiji and Jun's wedding—drunken thoughts coming out. He wondered if she'd remember it this time.
He felt bad for her, but he felt bad for himself, too. Because nothing would make him happier than seeing her happy. If that was what it would take, he admitted to himself that he would probably do it. But it couldn't be. There had to be other ways. He certainly wasn't ready for kids and he knew for a fact she wasn't, either. Not to mention that this was one of the worst reasons to have a kid in the first place.
A sick thought entered his mind: her father possibly arranging a marriage. The idea made his stomach churn to the point he was on the verge of vomiting. Losing her to something like that…
As the sun fully enveloped the village, he decided to go to the compound. Maybe he was still a little buzzed, maybe he was just feeling hung over and angry. Maybe it was a mix.
He couldn't keep doing this. She couldn't keep doing this.
He tucked the blankets around her and shut his curtains before quickly changing into his uniform. He eyed the container of bugs briefly before shaking his head. That could wait. Now, he was marching straight into the compound, ignoring questioning glances.
"I need to speak to Hiashi," he commanded of the person stationed in front of his study. The Hyūga looked at him with wide eyes, but nodded, opening the door slightly to inform the older Hyūga. Within moments, he was being called in, and with as much conviction as he could muster, fueled by anger, he stepped in front of the elder, in his usual spot at a low table, peering over paperwork at him.
"Honorable Grandson." He nodded, watchful eyes as Konohamaru stood before him, wide stance, arms folded, refusing to bow or be seated. Hiashi slowly lowered the papers in his hands, folding them in his lap as he tilted his head. "It is a pleasure."
"It's really not."
Gods what am I doing?
"No?"
"No." He gritted his teeth, realizing he hadn't prepared to say…anything.
"Well, then I'm curious what it is." Hiashi gestured at a pillow. "Can I get you tea?"
"No, thank you." He inwardly cursed his polite nature. "Hanabi…needs freedom."
"Freedom?" Konohamaru lowered his eyes at the chuckle that left his lips. "She is no slave."
"You know what I mean." He stepped forward, eyebrows furrowed. "She needs freedom to choose her path."
Silence. That trademark Hiashi Hyūga silence.
"And what is her path, currently, in your view?"
Konohamaru paused, poking his tongue against his cheek as he debated his words in his head. "She'll change your clan, that much is clear."
"I agree."
"But right now, she's expected to take over. Take your seat, right there." He pointed at him, wishing this damn man would show some sort of emotion. "And do what you're doing. Day in and day out, hunched over paperwork, cooped up and only coming out to entertain asshole politicians."
He didn't expect a laugh but got one. He didn't falter.
"And then you all are gonna choose who she marries off to, expect her to pop out a couple of heirs, and wither away, just like you're doing right now."
Now Konohamaru let the silence hang, locked in what could only be described as a staring competition. He tucked his hand back into his elbow, raising his eyebrows expectantly as the man's steely gaze bore into him. Like it always did. But he wasn't going to back down. He wouldn't flinch, this time. Because everything in him told him to start yelling. To lose his cool. If he let even a little of that slip out, he knew what he was trying to accomplish would be over before it began.
Finally, with a heaved breath, Hiashi asked, "and what do you propose her path be?"
Immediately he responded, "whatever she wants it to be."
Hiashi clicked his tongue, eyes dropping from their gaze to the table. Konohamaru felt his chest tighten in anger when he picked the pen back up without responding to what he said. "Well, this has been nice. If that's all."
He stepped forward again. "That's not all—not even close—"
"Then say what you mean," he snapped without looking up, which almost broke him—a display of anger wasn't characteristic of the man. "I do not play games, Sarutobi."
Lord Hiashi has no patience for those who play games.
Tadashi.
"You have to help her." He wanted to punch himself for the way his voice wavered. "Help her make sure that your clan can accept that. Can accept her finding her own way."
"I cannot help her with something I do not know."
Konohamaru gritted his teeth, arms dropping as he clenched his fists.
Is now the right time?
Yes.
"I'm in love with her."
He knew his face was burning hotter than the sun with the Hyūga elder's eyes casting upward at him, expression unreadable.
"And I know she's in love with me, too."
"As do I."
"Don't try to—what?"
He froze rigid, eyes blown wide.
"I am not a stupid man, Konohamaru."
Honorable Grandson. Sarutobi. Konohamaru.
"She is in your apartment now, is she not?"
He swallowed, suddenly feeling very, very small.
"You've been seeing each other for, what—" he paused, peering over his table at what looked like a calendar, "nearly three years now, isn't it?"
He shifted, his breathing becoming shuddered.
He knew? All this time?
"And you've, well—" A little laugh escaped him as he set his pen back down, leaning back. "Well you've been in love with her far longer than that." No questioning in his tone. "Perhaps since my grandson, your very own student, was born."
Hiashi Hyūga didn't just speak freely. There was something there. Konohamaru was just desperately trying to figure out what.
"Hanabi's mother was a wonderful woman."
What now?
"But she did not love me, not truly. Not the way many think love should be. The love you share."
Suddenly, he found himself kneeling.
"I was the heir, she had the farthest-reaching byakugan of our clan at the time. Invented several techniques that are still used to this day in our clan. Daughter to one of our own council members at the time." He paused, head facing towards a window. Konohamaru observed his stoic expression slowly softening. "She was kind and a high-ranking jōnin. Advisor to my father, when he was clan head. My father decided we would be married when my brother's wife fell pregnant."
Did Hanabi know any of this?
"Post-partum depression took her."
Oh.
Shit.
"I denied it for years." He let out a sigh, and Konohamaru caught the way his hands twitched. "It wasn't until I saw for myself how deeply my eldest loves that boy…"
Hinata and Naruto on their wedding day flashed in his mind.
"That is when I had to reconcile with the fact we had to change. That I could not allow what happened to her, to happen to our daughters."
Konohamaru sucked in a deep gasp of air after realizing he was nearly going dizzy from his held breath.
Finally, those icy eyes met his once more. But they didn't look so icy now. They may have even resembled something closer to Hanabi's if he squinted.
"If what you say is true, then the way I see it, I have no other choice than to accept it."
He didn't realize his fists were shaking on top of his knees.
"And support it."
Hanabi woke up to Konohamaru's phone ringing. With a groan, she smacked it to try to hang it up, but it did not relent. She pulled the blanket off of her and leaned over to it, rubbing her bleary eyes to see who it was.
Tadashi.
"Tadashi…?" she mumbled, eyebrows cinching together. Tadashi didn't use phones. Konohamaru had his number? Her heart dropped at what it could mean that he was calling Konohamaru. She answered it and with a little tremble, "Tadashi?"
"La…Hanabi." He caught himself, and she almost cracked a smile. "Your father is requesting you."
She paused, glaring at the wall in front of her. "You don't serve us, anymore, Tadashi. Why are you calling me? And how did you—"
He didn't acknowledge the question in his response as he cut her off, "see you soon."
Something about this felt very wrong as the line went dead. With a sigh, she dropped the phone on the receiver and looked up to find water and painkillers on the nightstand. She glanced around, and with effort activated her byakugan to check if Konohamaru was even there. Shaking her head at the lack of his chakra network, she blinked it away and reached out for the medicine.
She pulled on her outfit from last night and checked herself in the bathroom. She winced as she grabbed his little comb and pulled it through her tangled hair.
What could it be?
When she entered the compound, nothing was off.
So she trekked to her father's study and waited to be let in.
She found him looking completely normal at his nook, though without any paperwork in front of him and just some tea.
Fighting the pounding in her head, she walked over and took a seat without being asked. She also picked up the tea that was clearly for her without being asked and did her best not to simply chug it, her body begging for hydration.
He hadn't looked at her the entire time, gaze cast out the window. She shifted in her seat, staring at him, dying to ask what exactly this was all about. Did he know she was at Konohamaru's? Was she about to receive a scolding at the ripe age of 27? But she wouldn't be the first one to speak, not this time.
Then, she heard him shuffle and turn to her, bringing his tea to his lips for a long sip. She eyed him over her own tea cup as he cleared his throat, light clinking as he set it back down. "I think it is time we consider passing new rules around clan marriage."
She cursed herself for spitting the tea back into her cup. Thankfully, he didn't bother to acknowledge it. Quickly, she set it down and wiped at her mouth. "Excuse me?"
"I propose we abolish the rule that clan leader and council choose the heir's spouses completely. Allow the choice to remain solely with the individual."
Her hand was paralyzed as it sat over her mouth.
"The goodwill we have right now with the dissolution of the houses will not last. We should act on it now."
"Father?" she managed to choke out, hand slowly lowering down. "Wh…what brought this on?"
Finally, he raised to meet her eyes and she found a smile on his face. Not the one he offered other dignitaries. It was the one she normally only saw Boruto or Himawari receive. The one he had the day of Hinata's wedding. "Surely you agree."
Hanabi's mind went fuzzy as she sat in silence, her jaw hanging open in a completely un-heiress-like manner. Slowly, her fingers curled around the material of her skirt, clutching to white knuckles.
"…I do agree."
"Perfect." He nodded slightly, looking over her shoulder. "We'll plan to meet with the council this evening."
"This evening?"
"The sooner, the better."
"Shouldn't we…shouldn't we draft some sort of proposal? Or…something?"
"No, I don't think that will be necessary. I will meet you in the hall at 6."
Her tongue felt heavy in her mouth as she searched for words.
Instead, she silently rose to her feet and left without another word.
Feeling like she was in a fog, she found her feet carrying her to her room.
She collapsed immediately onto her bed.
It must be some sort of cruel nightmare.
One that would end in misery.
Best to get it over with.
A knock on her door roused her later. She blinked her eyes open, glaring at the door and whoever dared to disturb her at this moment.
It had to have been some silly dream.
Another knock and she grunted, turning away.
"Hanabi."
She sighed at Tadashi's voice.
"Come in," she grumbled, pulling the blanket over her. She heard the door softly open and shut, his light footsteps approaching. Then her blanket was being ripped off her and she shot up to glare at him. "Excuse you!"
"Excuse you," he said in a correcting tone, pulling her up by the forearms. She swung her arms erratically, stepping away from him.
"Tadashi! What in the—what are you doing?!" she asked incredulously, pulling her shirt around her tighter, baffled at the blatant disregard for her.
"Time to rise," he said, simply, gesturing at the door, "and meet with the council."
"About what?" she asked, eyes lowering as she pulled her fingers through her hair.
"About you."
"This is insane." She waved him off, turning around. "I didn't realize you and my father could be such great pranksters, but bravo."
"Pranksters?" he questioned and she huffed.
"Just stop it. Leave me alone."
She gasped when he took her wrist and began pulling her towards the door. "You were always stubborn."
"Tadashi!"
"Trust me."
She tempered at his tone shift, one that was more asking than commanding. She searched his expression, and though it was still as stoic as a Hyūga's should be, there was a hint of gentleness.
"…Fine," she relented with her shoulders sagging, retracting her hand from his released grip. Reluctantly, she followed him out. She noted the lack of light outside…what time was it?
Soon, they were entering the council, where Tadashi left her to return to his seat.
"Ah, my daughter returns." Hiashi gestured for her to come forward. She darted her eyes around the room, feeling like she was in some sort of fever dream. "I trust everything is well with your team?"
"…Yes."
"Good to hear." He nodded as she took a seat next to him. "We were just finishing up. Tadashi, would you summarize our meeting for Hanabi?"
"Of course." Tadashi nodded. "As of adjourning, the clan marriage statute will be null and void. The council has come to the agreement that every Hyūga will be allowed to marry freely, including clan heads and heirs, within and outside of the bounds of the clan."
"What..." It was barely a breath as her eyes scanned the room, feeling like she was going crazy.
Completely insane.
She reached over to her forearm to pinch herself, hard. Reality remained, or at least it seemed that way.
"All we need is your vote, Hanabi." She looked up at Tadashi, serious expression. "And it will be."
"I…" Her voice hitched in her throat as she side-glanced at her father, who was staring straight ahead. "I vote in favor…"
"Lovely," one member in the middle ended the gathering, "that will conclude tonight's meeting."
Locked in place, her fellow Hyūga began shuffling up and out. Her father remained next to her until the hall was empty. She knew her skin must have been ghostly white. Translucent, maybe. She stared at the seat Tadashi had been occupying.
This isn't real. I'll wake up soon.
"I think it's a nice night for a stroll."
"Huh?"
She finally tore her eyes from the seat to look at her father stacking papers. He didn't look up at her. "Enjoy the summer air, Hanabi. Winter comes too quickly, don't you think?"
With her father's exit, she was alone.
She looked down in surprise at a tear on her hand. She reached up, realizing tears were rolling down her face.
It couldn't be that easy, could it?
Ignoring any looks her way, she left the compound, barefoot. She hadn't even bothered to put sandals on.
It was a warm summer night. The air was comfortable. The tiniest of breezes could be felt, carrying that warmth over her skin. Everything around her sounded like white noise. If someone was trying to get her attention, she wouldn't know it. If she stepped on something sharp, she wouldn't know it. If she was expected to process this information, she wouldn't know it.
Then she felt it, that warm, familiar chakra. That chakra that burned blue and could light up the night sky—and did. That chakra that could make her feel something underneath the numbness, always. That chakra that mixed with hers so effortlessly. That chakra she'd know from hundreds of kilometers away if she needed to. That chakra that was so uniquely his.
Her eyes widened, shining fiery as his big, blue Rasengan grew to an impossible size, enveloped in fire. She wasn't sure when she left the village, how far she had gone, how long she'd been out. But she was deep in the surrounding forests, watching that impressive jutsu crash into the ground, vibrating her with it. As its light dissipated and quiet fell once more, she fell to her knees.
That's when he turned, eyes locking with hers. And within the moment, he was coming towards her, and finally, she was enveloped in his embrace. Her body gave out.
"Hey," he whispered, pulling her up into him as her head fell against his shoulder.
"They…they…"
"I told him."
She stopped breathing, eyes like saucers as she stared down at their laps.
"Did he…did he do it?"
Wordlessly, she nodded.
"After all the work you've been doing…it…"
Its…
"…it was finally his time to help you…help his daughter."
Help…
"He…really does love you."
So that's what this was.
So…
She slowly pulled away from him, and one of his hands lifted to rest on her cheek. She wrapped her fingers around that wrist and stared up at him.
Those deep, blue ocean orbs.
"I want to go to the ocean."
If her heart wasn't racing and her mouth wasn't dry and it wasn't this specific scenario, she would have laughed at the way his mouth fell open, eyebrows furrowing as he looked down at her in concern. But all she could do was stare—swim in his eyes, pleading with her own gaze. Then he picked his jaw back up and…he smiled. She raised her eyebrows, searching his eyes as he spoke, "then we'll go to the ocean."
The tears returned. She hadn't been able to control them for a long time now. Not since he demolished those barriers she had so carefully constructed. When that exact moment in time was, she couldn't tell. No, she was a vulnerable mess. One that was stuck on him. And the tightness in her chest was both welcome and unwelcome. Her eyes fluttered closed as he leaned down to kiss each trail of tears.
"Hanabi." She forced her eyes open. She pursed her lips and gritted her teeth, trying with everything inside of her to force down a tiny sob that was desperate to escape. His thumb against her cheekbone stroked back and forth as he spoke, "I'm in love with you."
The natural urge to tell him to stop was strong, years of pushing that emotion down. But she just couldn't let it happen, not now.
He paused before continuing, eyes darting over her face before resting back on her eyes. "So…tag."
Tag.
That involuntary sob broke out. His grip around her waist tightened, his eyes pleading. Pleading for her to just…
"I'm in love with you."
A gasp escaped her as the words left her. Words she had wanted to speak for so, so long, but never allowed herself to say.
"I know."
Was there ever a right time? She had to wonder as his lips enveloped hers in the softest kiss they'd shared in…a long time. Or ever.
Whatever this was, she wanted it. Under the moonlight, in the middle of the forest, surrounded by the ash and smoke of his flaming Rasengan. Crying, feeling like her sanity was slipping away only for him to swiftly pull it back. Pull her back to what was real.
Whatever this was, she wanted it. Suddenly, bliss filled her senses as she rose on her knees, wrapping her arms around his neck and allowing him to pull her completely flush against him, conform to him like she was supposed to. The tears continued to fall freely. This was reality. Her reality. Their reality.
Whatever this was, she wanted it. Desperately. Forever.
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A/N: Hello my beloved readers. Thank you so, so much for reading. This is not the official end, but I feel the need to warn you, the next chapter is the epilogue. This is effectively the 'last' chapter. Next Saturday, I will be posting the epilogue, and an additional chapter, chapter 26, which is mostly a "behind the scenes" view of the story from my perspective. So next week, please make sure you read chapter 25 before 26 to ensure you do not stumble on any accidental spoilers. I will express my undying gratitude for all my readers/favoriters/followers/and especially my commenters there :) Thank you lovelies.