*Continuing from chapter 28
(N) A Love Worth Waiting For
A few weeks later
When she gets home, Naruto does all he can to create a comfortable environment where she can rest and heal, and does everything around the house just to keep her off her feet.
He cleans their home from top to bottom, does all their laundry, tends to their garden, dedicatedly fetches anything she needs, and even tries his hand at making an impressive dinner, but even as he labors with love it's no use, and when Hinata gets out of bed for the fifth time, Naruto pounces on her as soon as she sets a foot out the door.
"Caught you this time."
She giggles as he ensnares her "Were you just standing here waiting?"
"No I was just… Okay yeah I was. But it's because you won't stay in bed, I brought you home to relax Blu."
She slides out of his arms with a faint sigh "I've been on my back for almost a month. At this rate, I'll end up knowing every ceiling tile by heart."
"But-"
"I love that you've been doing all this because you want to take care of me, but I want to spend time with you. I've missed being alone together."
He softly clutches her hands "I'll take a break and come in then."
"No Naruto, I want to feel normal again. I need more than for you to fluff my pillows and give me a quick laugh, the long ones are the good ones you know."
He gives her a sweet peck on the lips "Is that all it'll take for you to stay off your feet? A long laugh?"
Her head bobs animatedly.
With one swift grab, Naruto throws her over his shoulder, and as he brings her downstairs, he tickles her sides, making her laugh until it bounces off the walls and rings throughout the house, filling each and every corner with mirth.
He sets her on the couch then hands her a controller "Prepare to feel normal."
They start off with his FP shooter, and Hinata has shown so much improvement since the first time she played that Naruto rides easy for the most part, putting his full trust in her support, but when she lobs a grenade at his character instead of healing him, he smashes the buttons on his controller in an attempt to get away.
"Blu you're selling us, you're a seller."
She cackles as his character skips away from hers in panic "I know I know I'm sorry," she squeals.
He explodes in front of her, and she snorts up a breath then cackles again when he starts removing her from his friends list.
They experience a string of defeats as she warms up, nonetheless, they enjoy each other's company, and rib one another until her determination pays off, and when her aim clicks again, her skills go into overdrive to the point where winning becomes too easy.
After hopping through several other titles, he asks if she's ready for dinner, and as she waits at the table patiently, her nostrils get caressed by the aroma of savory delicacies he's whipped up just for her.
Her mouth waters when she smells the beef noodles and the red beans of his zenzai, and as he comes in with his bounty and sets them in front of her, Hinata gazes at them with sheer astonishment.
"Wow, this all looks amazing Naruto. Did the kitchen survive?"
He chucks her a sly grin "Well… Define 'survive'"
Hinata's eyes widen with alarm and he chuckles, adding "I'm kidding, apart from the grease fire-"
"What?" she interrupts in a deep tone.
"Still kidding," He grins "Just don't pay attention to the bits of fingers in the-"
"Right, so about that takeout menu."
"Very funny," He blows out an amused breath "But seriously, it's still mostly intact. I followed videos so, there was just a little smoke here and there to add some flavor, nothing major."
She releases a rolling sigh "Good, because I'd still eat it all just because you made it for me.
"I know, and I promise you, I didn't go crazy with the salt."
"I'll take your word for it because this smells absolutely delicious. I can hardly wait to dig in."
"Then let's."
As she relishes the meal, Hinata praises his master class progress, and after finishing up, they make their way back to the living room to cozy up and enjoy a movie together.
Hours pass by like mere seconds as they reconnect and revel in each other's company, and it's only when Hinata stops responding to him that he realizes that she's peacefully drifted to sleep, with her head resting gently on his lap.
He tenderly cradles her in his arms as he carries her to bed, ensuring she remains cocooned in the warmth of the blanket, and as he carefully tucks her in, his phone suddenly rings with a call from Hiashi.
He quietly slips out to his study so as to not disturb her, however, after a few brief moments talking to her Father, Naruto gets compelled to end their conversation as a sleepy but endearing sight appears in the doorway— Hinata smiling warmly while still wrapped up in her blanket.
She flicks her dozy eyes "Am I interrupting you guys again?"
"Blu…" His lips become uneven "Am I sensing some, jealousy?"
She impishly crosses her arms "Well I don't know, you talk to him quite often so you tell me."
He holds out a hand and gestures for her to come to him, and after sauntering over, she daintily sits on his lap.
Naruto starts off facetiously "Look, as tempting as your dad is, and believe me, he is-"
"This isn't helping your case Naruto."
He chuckles while squeezing her tight "That's because you didn't let me finish. Blu, loving only one Hyuga is more than enough for me, I already have the most irresistible one right here."
He pecks her on the cheek as she flushes, and Hinata sweetly wraps her arm around his neck "Thank you for saying that, it's very reassuring."
He kisses her on the head "I thought you were sleeping."
"And I thought you would join me. What has you working so late tonight?"
He shuffles the paperwork on his desk "I'm just trying to wrap up a few things for Hiashi. He wants to-"
"Excuse me, 'Hiashi'? When did that happen?"
"Your dad is cooler than you give him credit for."
Her eyes widen from the onslaught of confusion "Cool? You mean the guy who used to make me practice my penmanship for hours?"
"Hey I already said I think he's cool, you don't have to try to convince me anymore, I'd kill for your handwriting," he grins.
She nudges him puckishly "I'm just surprised that he's this… Supportive, you know."
His grin softens into a warm smile "Yeah, he's giving me a chance, so I really don't want to mess up."
Hinata leans in, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek "I know, I'm sure he appreciates you trying too," she carefully leans her head on his shoulder "So, you were saying… What does he want to do?"
"Since he's the new head of- you know, he's coming to do a reshuffle of the new team, weed out any 'undesirables' before the rebrand gets active."
"My father called you this late to talk about that?"
He clears his throat "Well no, the thing is…" He holds the back of his neck "Your sister's been adjusting well while covering for you, so I've been talking to him about it and he's on board with her having something here for herself."
She turns to him with ecstatic eyes "Really?"
"Yeah, this could be like a second base of operations. I think it would be great for you to have family here more permanently, I know I wish I could."
She snuggles her face into his neck "Thank you for trying to keep us close. I'm so lucky to have you all."
"And we're lucky to have you Blu," He wraps his arms around her body "You're the best thing that ever happened to me."
Hinata kisses him passionately, relaying the same sentiment with soft lips, and when she pulls away, he gives her a warm smile "I'll probably be in here all night to make sure I have everything covered. So you should head back to bed."
"Can I stay up with you?"
When he lifts a brow, she flashes her puppy eyes, so without any objections, he obliges and mindfully turns the couch in his office into a makeshift bed.
He covers it with layers upon layers of blankets before allowing her to get on, and when she does, he tucks cushions around her head, just to ensure her neck is in a restful position regardless of whichever way she turns.
His efforts weren't in vain and it all proves so comfortable that when he turns around to ask her something a few short minutes later, he sees that she's once again fast asleep.
It's expected, and he chuckles while walking over to take her back to their bedroom, however, as he begins to pick her up, she wiggles in his arms, shaking her head slowly with eyes shut.
"Please let me stay until you're done, even if it takes all night."
"Alright alright, I can't argue with good company, even if you're half asleep."
He cups her chin, kissing her lovingly while setting her back down, and as he gets back to work they talk for a bit more until she nods off again.
As he listens to the soft inhale and exhale behind him, he soon turns around, then while he's pulling the covers over her more, Naruto can't help but think of how bored she'll be cooped up at home alone when he heads back to work, and with that in mind, he emails Mabui to adjust his schedule.
Now with her divorce swiftly finalized, Naruto smiles softly as he looks forward to dating her unabated while she recuperates.
The next day
The couple's first official date begins with a few rounds of topgolf, and as they approach the golfing bays to get their clubs and ball, Naruto puts his arm around her shoulder.
"Are you nervous?"
"About what? Winning too much or beating you too bad?" She teases.
He eases his grip a bit as he chuckles "Alright calm down champ, I'm bringing my A game too. I just meant, being here, together. There'll be a lot of eyes on us you know."
"You're sweet for always checking Naruto but are you okay? Being seen with me after all this drama is sure to make a lot of people question your intentions."
"You already know what I think," he replies without hesitation.
She beams as she responds "Good, because I feel the same. I'm right where I need to be, by your side so don't be worried, because I'm not," She taps his hand on her shoulder, adding playfully "What you need to worry about though is finding a good excuse to get used to after I destroy you at this."
He runs his hand through his hair "Oh okay I see, so it'll be like that, fine. Just know I won't take it easy on you just because it's our first date."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Oh yeah? I play dirty you know, whatever it takes to win."
She arches a brow "What do you mean?"
"Don't worry, you'll see."
He grabs his club and collects his ball then while putting it in position, he winks "Now watch and learn."
She smirks "Oh I'll be watching but I doubt I'll be learning much."
Naruto grins before zoning in, and after taking a particularly impressive shot he stretches his arms, placing his hands behind his head to express the ease it took to perform such legendary greatness.
He trots over to her like a prize horse, already feeling victorious, and after using a finger to help her close her jaw, she's left with no option but to give him his props.
"Okay, I'll admit that's not bad, let's see if you can keep it up."
"Oh I'm just warming up, I won't let you win but I can at least give you a chance to catch up."
Keeping with the competitive spirit, he nudges her to take her turn and when Hinata lands a perfect shot right on the bullseye, he gives her a playful slow clap as she fans herself.
"Well done, I'm almost impressed."
Her eyes widen as do her lips "Almost? After a shot like that you better step up your 'A' game Mr."
He chuckles with a small nod, and as Hinata goes in to kiss him, he leans forward but at the last second she turns her face, and his lips land on her outstretched palm.
"Sorry, I only kiss winners."
It only fuels his drive to win even more, and as their loving relationship takes a backseat, they start making bets with the snacks available, being awarded one only if their ball lands on the white target all the way at the back.
The rivalry extends for close to an hour, and as they wrap up tied on their last ball, all bets are on the table.
Naruto moves closely behind Hinata as she prepares to make her last shot.
Then as she lifts her arms, he spanks her hard enough for the people in the next bay to hear it, squeezing her ass so tight that it makes her fidget and completely fan her swing as the ball rolls pitifully off the platform, not even hitting the first mark.
She turns to him stunned but his grin only widens "You're better at this than I thought so we'll celebrate my win together Blu, but don't worry, there's always next time, well, for losers of course."
She takes it in stride, pushing her tongue into her cheek and walks away a bit to the side "You're too kind."
He smiles pleased with her acceptance and Hinata gives him a forced smile that shrinks as soon as he turns around.
Then as he's about to make his swing, she gasps loudly, holding her neck and flailing her arms, and it instantly sets off Naruto's alarm.
He rushes towards her, and just as he pulls her close with a terrified shiver, Hinata chucks him a familiar grin that makes him turn around, only to watch in horror as his ball rolls dismally off the putter, and unlike hers, it doesn't even leave the platform.
He inhales a deep breath mixed with amusement and relief "Ohhh Blu… That hits deep.
"'Anything to win' remember?"
He releases her and licks his teeth "…Well played."
As she bounces with glee, Hinata busts out a hilarious dance, wiggling her hips and waving her arms, complete with air humping and grinding while taunting him on their draw, and as he watches her moves, it doesn't take long for him to start laughing.
Nonetheless, Hinata doesn't stop, but she giggles "What is it?"
"Nothing you're.. You're just…" He chortles before adding sweetly "I'm glad you're all mine."
He says it almost in a daze with eyes filled with warmth and as she notices his gleam, she blows him a kiss then twirls around him, and as Naruto bears witness to her confidence, it's so infectious that he grabs her hand and joins in, matching her moves with equal enthusiasm.
As they continue their impromptu dance, Naruto's eyes never leave her, his affectionate gaze making her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
It doesn't stop there, as this outing starts a chain of treasured moments.
The week after, he takes her a few cities over to watch a movie, just so he can wrap his arm around her and steal sweet kisses from her in the dark, then as they leave, he lifts her and braces her against his car, passionately making out in the parking lot free of care of wandering eyes until her cheeks become flushed with excitement and affection.
They go skating so he can relish holding her close while they glide gracefully across the ice, explore new restaurants, share laughs over candlelit dinners, take long walks hand in hand through scenic parks, and have impromptu picnics under blue skies.
They revel in the oohs and aahs whenever they visit art galleries, attend galas or corporate events, as Naruto ensures Hinata is firmly by his side, communicating without explicitly saying that they are both each other's one and only.
As time passes, they become even more entwined, supporting each other through ups and downs, celebrating victories, and providing comfort in each other's difficult times. Every instant spent together becomes a precious memory they can look back on, creating a solid foundation for their story as they embark on their beautiful journey, grateful for the love they've found in each other.
After a few months of recovery, Hinata gets the all-clear from her doctors and to celebrate, they return to their hideaway, to take in the serenity and unwind from their adventures in the public eye.
During a quiet evening, they lay together on the shore of the bay, and while she rests on his chest, he traces soothing patterns on her back with his fingertips. It's a simple moment, but it's filled with an overwhelming sense of love and comfort.
Then as the tranquil melody of gentle waves lapping against the shore harmonizes with the soft rustling of leaves, Hinata turns to Naruto with inquisitive eyes.
"Naruto,"
He snuggles her head "Hmm?"
"…Am I still cute?"
His neck pulls back slowly as his face contorts from shocking bewilderment.
"Cute? Blu, you're hotter than Satan's asshole."
She guffaws, holding her chest "Okay, not what I was going for but I guess I walked into that."
"Seriously though, you're the most gorgeous woman my eyes have ever been so lucky to see, I can't get enough of watching you. Tell me what I'm doing wrong to make you doubt that for even a second."
Her laughter slowly tapers "You do everything perfectly, so don't worry, it's not you."
"Then what is it?"
She starts softly "I've been thinking… You said before that I made you consider taking a leap one day, do you still think you ever will?"
An excited smile spreads across his face "With you? Hell yeah! Just say the word."
"Great let's go," she replies instantly.
"Oh, uh okay… Where?"
She points to the bay, and as Naruto watches the waves crash against jagged half-sunken rocks he rubs his eyes in dramatic fashion.
"Are you seeing the same rocks that I am?"
She gasps "Don't tell me you've never swam in it."
"Again, are you-"
"Naruto we have to throw some danger in it right? Or everyone would take the leap."
He nods slowly while pondering "Yeah, Yeah… I gu-" his nods smoothly transition into the opposite "On second thought no, I-I don't think danger is normally a factor in it. Are you sure you're not just trying to get me to jump off a cliff because of the asshole thing?"
She gasps, breaking eye contact "What… I would never."
"Yeah, that was about as convincing as you imagine."
"C'mon, dipping our toes here won't have the same effect now will it? I saw a spot that's clear enough and can get us right back here. I'll show you."
Hinata walks off eagerly and Naruto follows, albeit reluctantly. Then as they make their way up to her point, he looks over the edge, watching as they get further and further away from flat ground.
"Blu, I don't want to knock your idea here but-"
"Hey it was your idea."
She starts taking off her top and all while she's walking ahead of him, Naruto watches her step, holding onto her waist until her shirt is off.
"Yeah, but this is a bit more extreme than what I meant. And to be clear, it's extreme in the sense that it's literal. I was going for more of a wrapped in my arms professing love kind of leap, you know, one I can look back on without jumping out of bed."
She pulls up her hair into a loose ponytail "You already know I love you, but I'll profess everything on our way down."
He scratches his head nervously but still keeps up with her "Right… I just don't think we should. It's getting dark and we can't be sure there aren't rocks there or not, then there's the-"
Suddenly, she turns around to him, and it causes his anxiety-riddled feet to stumble to a halt and as he stands there like a ball of nerves, she comes closer and soothingly strokes his cheek until he takes a deep breath.
"Naruto, I know as much as you love me, a part of you is still scared, and so am I. But I wouldn't choose anyone else in the world to be terrified with," she says with glimmering eyes.
"Blu-"
She holds his cheeks with both hands and looks deeply into his eyes "I love you so much Naruto, so much that it feels like I could just explode into a mess of rainbow confetti," she giggles.
He chuckles softly "Please don't do that, I don't know how I'd get you back in the car."
Her head slowly tips back as she laughs and Naruto tenderly pecks her on the cheek until it settles.
"Okay, I'll wait until we're home," She titters softly "Still, it only shows how certain I am of what you mean to me. So when you hold my hand, and we jump together, I want you to remember that incredible rush of calm you'll feel when you come up for air, and see me… Because that's what I feel waking up next to you."
She looks down and starts crimping her top to get dressed "But if you're too scared I understand, it's not like- Oh…"
Her eyes become dazzled when she looks up and meets with the paragon of manly excellence, Naruto, stripped completely with a smile that could light up the dimming sky.
He takes her hand "I love you more than anything I've ever known. Even if all the world's ramen combined was next to us, it couldn't get me to ever take my eyes off you."
"Well I guess that's saying something huh?"
He nods roguishly "It is, because you're my whole world Blu… My heart beats for you, my soul belongs to you. So let's be terrified together, one last time."
Hinata hands him her shirt and finishes undressing, and once she's done, they move closer to the edge.
As they stand there on the brink, looking at the bay as it shimmers beneath them, their hearts pound in unison, and they turn to take one final look at each other's faces, now golden as the sun dips below the horizon.
He reaches for her palm "Are you ready?"
She nods, her eyes locked onto him "Always."
Then with fingers interlocked tightly, they step forward off the edge, and a rush of wind surrounds them as they descend, mixing with their laughter as they take the plunge of their lives into the cool, refreshing water below.
It's exhilarating, connecting with each other through nature is unlike any experience they've ever shared before, and as they resurface with adrenaline coursing through them, their faces illuminate with pure happiness when their eyes meet again.
Soon splashes echo through the bay, and their laughter turns to joyful exclaims until they fade into nothing, noises replaced by whispers as their bodies meld as if they're meant to fit together, with only the clear sound of lips passionately caressing the other, the intimacy of the moment taking hold.
Now bonded by the strands of their souls, their love knows no bounds, delivering the warmth only they can fulfil, and as it is, they feel undeniable closeness, a sense of emphatic faith in each other that promises forever, and now it endures, with indomitable devotion for the ventures that lay ahead.
A harmonious year later
Naruto opens the door to Hinata's office, and upon spotting her, his eyes beam with admiration as her pregnancy glow only enhances her beauty.
Then as she gets up and slowly begins waddling over to him, he meets her more than halfway and embraces her carefully, always mindful of her growing bump then presses a soft kiss on her forehead before ducking down, placing a gentle hand on her belly.
"Wakey wakey in there, I come bearing gifts, so I hope you're hungry— Actually scratch that, I hope you aren't."
She rubs his head gently "He's doing just fine thanks to his dad taking such good care of us. Thank you for coming early, I'm starving."
He replies while supporting her back to her desk "Your wish is my command, so it was no problem. I called your sister and told her what happened too so she'll be here when she's-"
Hinata interrupts with a gasp as she opens her food "Seriously… steamed vegetables why?" she wines while stomping her feet childishly.
Naruto chortles softly "Listen, you're the one who overloaded yesterday."
"Because you brought them home. What happened to 'I know you've been missing these Blu'" she says while imitating his voice.
He scratches the side of his ear "Yeah I was thinking one per day, you shouldn't be capable of eating 48 cinnamon rolls in one night… I'm just following doctor's orders, so I'm not the bad guy here."
Hinata continues to protest, swinging her arms and stomping her feet, and as Naruto chuckles at her childish tantrum, he pulls her close and nuzzles into her shoulder "Are you Finnish or are you French?"
"Wow, I get a serving of dad jokes too?"
He grins "C'mon, there's lots of barbecue in there, just the way you like it. You're carrying precious cargo Blu. I need my two favorite people happy, and healthy."
She turns around and cradles her tummy, whispering "Boruto it doesn't look like he'll crack this time so we have to eat these but don't worry, when you get out, it's donuts on me… Oh, and like always, don't tell your dad."
He chortles softly as he eavesdrops on the sweet moment and after receiving a small kick from tiny feet, she smiles complacently and graciously accepts the takeaway.
Then when Naruto takes a seat on the other side of her desk and opens his food, Hinata's neck bends forward as she gasps.
"You got it too?" she asks solemnly.
"Well yeah, I couldn't make you go through it alone now could I? Boruto's listening, I have to set a good example you know."
She looks at him with a heartwarming smile "You're not just setting a good example; you're setting the best, for all of us. You're already an amazing father to our little marshmallow."
His face lights up with pride "And you're already an incredible mother. I just know he can hardly wait to see you."
She softly rubs her bump, just as eager for his arrival, while Naruto pulls in closer "I hope you made your mom's day less stressful with all that moving around in there."
"He has, he's been a very good boy with the kicks today. What's funny though, it's actually off to a crazy start. Someone came in with rashes… And a missing can of bug spray."
"Hmm, was it in their-"
"Mhmm," she interrupts with a mouth full of food.
He replies with a sly grin "Well I hope they had fun while it lasted. This stuff never gets old does it?"
"It doesn't," She chortles "I can already tell it'll be one of those days. I can't wait to hear what Hanabi's seen on her side so far. I'm going to guess, salad thongs, stuck trying to fish out a banana already lodged in there."
"In the same spot?"
She shrugs "Either one, it depends."
He rocks back amused "Can you imagine? That'd be horrifying, tragic even."
She points her fork at him "Wasting that banana would be the real tragedy."
He chuckles "Good way to put it, but even though it's out there I can still see that happening, so I'll do you one better. A whisk wrapped in-"
There's a soft knock on the door, interrupting Naruto's guess and when Hinata invites her to enter, she sighs when Anko comes in with a familiar looking envelope.
Her spirit becomes brooding, and as Anko walks out the door, Naruto's gaze quickly becomes filled with concern from noticing that it's yet another letter from Sasuke.
"Isn't that the third one this week? What's it saying now?"
"Same stuff? I'm not sure, I haven't been reading them," she says as she tosses yet another sealed letter into the bin.
"Didn't you tell that Kakashi guy to let him know you want him to kick rocks, so can't he give it a rest already? It's been over a year now."
"I know right…" She licks her lips "I've actually been thinking about it for a while now too."
He gives her an attentive gaze "Oh yeah? Well you know you can tell me anything, so what's on your mind?"
"I was thinking of… Going to see him myself, so he can read my lips when I tell him to-"
"No… Absolutely not."
He objects with resolute firmness in a tone Hinata has never heard from him before, and as his concerned gaze morphs into a fierce protective glare, she recoils slightly in her chair, taking a minute to collect her scattered thoughts.
"What…? I… I thought you'd want this too," she says apprehensively.
"Want this? Blu I wanted you nowhere near him then, why would I now? No way, it's not happening."
Her eyes become stiff as her brows furrow "Naruto, who knows how long he'll continue with this… What if he starts sending them to the house? What if Boruto sees it one day?"
"Then we'll move…" He says with conviction "But you going there, like this… It's out of the question. I mean it."
"Naruto you're not thinking clearly. What do we do if he finds our next address, do we pack up and run again? Will I have to relocate my practice every time too?" She draws in a deep breath "I don't want us to keep worrying about this popping up, because it obviously bothers you too and I won't tolerate it anymore, so how can you say no to this?"
"Because you're pregnant."
"Yeah, not disabled," She asserts quickly "Do you just not trust that I can handle it?"
"Blu I—" his voice breaks, cautious about what to say next.
Then he groans as he gets up in a huff, rubbing his clammy hands down his face several times as he tries to steady his breathing, and although he's now extremely chafed by her insistence, his hands gradually fall to his hips and he releases an uneasy breath "…Fine… You've already made up your mind anyway." he softly relents.
Hinata takes a breath as she also stands "…Okay, but that's not an agreement, I need your approval to do this."
"Well you won't get it," He says softly in a defeated tone "But I don't want to fight you on this, of all things."
Hinata sighs anxiously as she closes her eyes "I don't either."
"Great… Then I think- I think I'm going to head out."
"What? But, we haven't even finished eating."
He rubs the back of his neck "I lost my appetite, and I don't want you to lose yours so..."
She goes closer to him "Naruto-"
Hanabi busts through the door with a roaring vendetta "Hey! I hope you didn't make them skimp on the sauce like last— Why do I feel like I should have knocked and you two are in the middle of something?"
"You are."
"You're fine."
Hinata's shoulders slump as she looks up at him and Naruto rubs them gently as he adds "I have to go so you're actually right on time, just make sure she eats all her veggies, you know how she is."
She leans into him as his grip slowly eases "Naruto pleas-
He holds her in place, pressing a long tender kiss on her forehead "I'll see you at home, okay?"
She takes a minute before nodding reluctantly "…Okay."
Then with a soft smile he exits, and right when he does Hanabi squints her eyes at her sister.
"Ohh kay… That was weird, I've never seen him shut you down like that so, what did you do?"
She cowers as she sits "Well… I just… I told him that, I was thinking about seeing Sas-"
"Don't you dare say it," Hanabi rushes over to her desk "Are you insane, how can you even consider that much less ask Naruto to?"
She facepalms "I know I know it was stupid I just—I didn't want us to have to deal with this ever again. I'm so tired Hanabi, it's such a disturbing reminder. I want his support but, it looks like I'll just have to go it alone."
Hanabi shakes her head "I can't believe you're still contemplating it. It's unfortunate enough that attempted murder, coupled with all the dirt father had on him couldn't get him life, now you want to reward him with a visit too?"
"Why on Earth would you think of it as rewarding?"
"Because your ex is psycho!" She yells with popping eyes "There's no telling how he'll see it. You could have died and still you're planning to give into his games. Put yourself in Naruto's shoes, it's a slap in the face to even consider that."
"I'm not giving into anything, I just want him to stop, that's all. You and Naruto make it seem like I'd be there for hours, I don't even need five minutes to-"
Hanabi bangs hard on the desk "You're almost due with half of him baking inside you, so he's justified in his reasons because if you go, it'll only bring up negative emotions. Who knows what complications that stress will do to you and Boruto? Naruto would be devastated if something happened to either of you. Do you really want to put your family through that?"
Hinata's voice trembles as tears well up in her eyes "No… I don't want to, I-I didn't mean for it to be selfish, I just..." She holds her face to hide the stream of tears "I've waited it out, I never respond, I told Kakashi my concerns but he's still finding a way to send me these fri-ck-ingt-" She breathes deeply for a second, trying to control the quiver in her tone "…And just like the ones after we got married, and after we announced that we're expecting, I just know he'll send one 'congratulating' me when he's born and it hurts. It sucks away so much joy, and makes me feel so powerless like he's holding it over me, so I can't forget him… I'd do anything for this to end, but not if it means endangering Boruto, never."
Suddenly, her hands slowly slide down from her eyes to her cheeks "Oh god, that's what he thinks now, doesn't he? Th-That I-I wasn't thinking of ou-our b-ba-b-"
Her sniveling digresses as it turns into hiccups, distraught from frustration and regret, and when her intense emotions begin to overwhelm her breathing, Hanabi runs over to her side.
She moves her hands and uses her thumbs to wipe her big sister's tears "Of course not, Naruto loves you, that would never cross his mind. You were just having a lapse in judgment, I'm sure he knows that… So don't worry, you'll figure this out together."
Hinata nods while rubbing her tummy as she calms down enough to think, and as she comprehends the gravity of her gaffe, she spends the rest of the day pondering on how best to explain herself when she gets home.
A few hours later
As soon as she wraps up for the day, Hinata hurries out of the building, her mind still heavy and preoccupied with thoughts of how she'll approach Naruto shortly.
Then just as she gets in her car and is about to shut the door, she hears him shouting her name, and right as she looks in the direction of his voice, she sees Naruto stumbling while running to her car.
Her heart skips a beat when she sees him fall, and without a second thought, she rushes out of the car to his side.
"Naruto! What happened? Are you okay?"
He winces a bit but manages to give her a reassuring smile "Yeah I think… I think I just broke my ankle, but you know me, I'll grow another."
She breathes out a relieved chortle "Okay my clumsy Superman." She looks down at her tummy "I'm sorry I can't kiss it to make it better right now there's just-
"Too many eyes right?" He quips with a seductive gaze, making Hinata snort a cackle "Don't worry, these ankles are all yours when we get home."
Her laughter quells to a pleased giggle "Thank god, I don't know how I'd sleep otherwise."
"Oh, believe me, I know," he says with a broadening smile.
She strokes his cheek lovingly "It's good that you'll live though, because you scared me, you shouldn't run like that. But since you're down here…"
She places a soft drawn out kiss on his forehead, and runs her hands through his hair, taking advantage of him being below his usual stance, and it makes his eyes warm with a gentle glow, appreciating her sweetness.
Then as she gives him her hand, her eyes shift slightly beside him, and her head tilts "Are—Are those for me?"
Naruto cautiously holds on to her while she helps him to his feet and dusts him off, and after she does, he grabs his peace offering from off the ground.
"Yeah, it was supposed to go a lot smoother than this. I was leaning against my car, one hand tucked into my pocket, evening sun on my face, with wind blowing through my hair," She starts laughing and Naruto's smile brightens as he cups her cheek "Then you'd look over and see me, your cool ass husband smiling at you with your favorite snack… but you didn't check your wipers."
Her brows raise with excited curiosity and she briskly walks over to the front of her car, just to see a note stuck under her wipers
'I'm missing a beautiful piece to a perfect moment, so could you please turn around?'
She turns around to him with honeyed amusement stretching across her face" You went through all this trouble just to surprise me?"
"You saying that is surprising, Blu you're worth every bit of effort to me. I hope you know that."
She nods shyly with a bubbling smile still on her face while she fiddles with his note, and as he tucks her hair behind her ear, he adds nervously, scratching his head or rubbing his neck at every pause.
"That's why- I don't want this to wait for when we get home… I know how much of a big deal these letters are, and it's not like it's a sudden problem, so it just might be one only you can solve… So, I'll support you in any way you need me to."
"Wow… That's sweet Naruto it really is, but it won't be necessary because I'm not going."
He responds puzzled "But, I thought-"
"Yeah, actually the only reason I was rushing, was to get home to you, so I could tell you how reckless I feel for bringing this up. It was unfair of me and a lot could go wrong that I never considered. I'm so sorry if it made it seem like my life with you, and our baby weren't my top priority."
He holds her hands "Blu you don't need to tell me that, I already know it."
"Really?"
He begins stunned "What? Absolutely I do… You're the most caring person I've ever met. I know you'd never intentionally put Boruto at risk, or jeopardize our family. You just wanted this out of the way before we bring him home, right?"
She nods through his entire speech as his understanding provides her with tremendous relief, and as she does, Naruto assures it right then, holding her close, locking her lips with his, and stealing her breath away with an impassioned kiss.
He seals their bond for a solid five minutes for all her staff to see as they walk by, and when he breaks it off, Hinata feels that delightful spin that always succeeds in melting away all her worries.
Then as he watches the flush creeping across her cheek and her feverish gaze staring right up at him, the warmth transcends, and as he feels it swelling in his heart, his cheeks burn up the same.
He gently rubs his tingling hands on her tummy "I know your heart was in the right place all along, with me and our son. My problem was with him, it's always been. I was worried that if you give him the attention he's looking for it would make it worse, and I just really needed some time to think… But, we're a team and I shouldn't have left things the way I did. I'm really sorry Blu, I never want you to feel alone. I promise I'll communicate better."
Her blissful gaze becomes foggy as tears well up in her eyes and when Naruto pulls her into his arms, she rests her head on his chest.
"You really are the sweetest you know that? I promise I'll do better too. I love you so much Naruto, always."
He replies while kissing her forehead and wiping her tears "You better because I'll love you forever. Besides there's only one other guy like me."
"And let me guess, he doesn't live here?"
He stiffens his lips and shakes his head "Nope."
She lifts a brow "No…? Humor me then."
"Just give me a mirror," Hinata cackles while nudging him away but he holds on tight, adding sweetly "You're forever my one and only Blu, I'll always love you, so make sure you never forget. Do we have a deal?"
She smiles brilliantly "Forever sounds perfect."
Now after reaffirming their love, they share a tender kiss, again cementing their promises to one another, and as they confidently move on from this discourse with mutually assured understanding, their bond only grows stronger as they await the arrival of their little one.
As the years roll on, the letters slow until eventually ceasing, and soon, they become forgotten, their sender reduced to nothing more than a distant memory of a difficult time they had overcome together.
Even while continuing to cruise on the wings of love they always take a rejuvenating visit to their hideaway. Adorning the sands of the shore with feet of all sizes, and after collecting seashells with his mom and roughhousing with his dad, Boruto finally gets tuckered out, and Hinata lays him down on the blanket next to her and Naruto.
While she prepares a snack for him to be greeted with when he wakes up, Naruto brushes his cheek, and his chest puffs up with pride as he watches his son sleep, thinking of how quickly he's grown.
He starts charmingly "Blu, my gorgeous, loving, tenacious-"
"I love that you still have a way of whispering sweet nothings Naruto but please, just spit it out."
He finishes bashfully "and perceptive wife."
She briefly glances back "Well thank you, I try my best to be well-rounded."
"I can tell," A soft smile graces his face as his eyes shift downward "Isn't Boruto adorable? I could watch him sleep for hours."
"If we could get that much out of him right?" She giggles "Was that all you wanted to say?"
"No that wasn't it, I…" He rubs the back of his neck, bringing up the topic sensitively "I was just thinking you know… Should we have another?"
"Really?" She drops the snacks and snaps to him quickly "You're willing to go back to changing dirty diapers?" She questions enthused.
His eyes dance with hers "Of course come on, I live for it."
"And go through all those months of breastfeeding again?"
With a chuckle, he leans in "Hell yeah, it was hot actually."
"Oh yeah, that got you going?"
He flashes a grin "Didn't you notice? Everything about you gets me going Blu."
"What about the bump though? It doesn't exactly scream 'bend me into a pretzel,' you know."
"That's what you think," he says with a mischievous leer.
Hinata covers her mouth as she muffles an expected laugh, and as Naruto pulls her in and nuzzles into her neck, she shakes her head as the laugh scratches her throat.
"You'll say anything to get me onboard, won't you?"
He nods rapidly "Pretty much, yeah."
With hands outstretched she gently holds his bobbing face until it rests, and as it does, she strokes his cheeks, replying sweetly.
"Well then, I have news for you, because I already am... But just so you know, if we have two kids together, you'll never be rid of me. Are you up for that?"
He rubs his chin, feigning deep thought "Ah I thought one would have done it, good to know two will secure my plan."
"You're ridiculous you know that?"
"And you're still everything I need. So what do you say?" he asks with warm softening eyes.
"Hmm…" she playfully taps a finger on her chin "How's this?"
In unanimous consent, they lean in and share a sweet, lingering kiss, a mutual agreement that leaves them brimming with anticipation as they prepare to embrace the thrilling world of early parenthood once more.
Then months later, Himawari, a daughter, the spitting image of Hinata completes their family, and as they surround their union with endless love and friendship from both sides, Hinata and Naruto bask in uninterrupted bliss.
And as she and Boruto watch Himawari take her first wobbly steps towards them out of Naruto's secure embrace, with tiny arms outstretched and ready to clutch them should her legs fail, if Hinata wasn't already completely certain before now, the memories kindled during this instance would serve as a heartwarming reminder that she is truly living the life that was meant for her.
Their home resounds with ceaseless laughter and the pitter-patter of tiny feet, and in this flourishing tapestry of their design, love is not just a promise but a living, thriving legacy destined to eternally bloom, creating a legacy that will forever reflect their devotion, and a never ending anticipation for the adventures that await.
END.
Hope you enjoyed the read.
Thanks for all the fish!