Hey, hey!
So, the way I have everything set up. It'll be by years. Key points. This chapter will be year one. Naruto is 16, Hinata is like two weeks from being 16, so I'll just say 16. Sasuke 16 almost 17. Neji is 18.
Feel free to ask questions if you have any and I'll either message you or address it in next authors note. Enjoy the chapter!
'Letter writing'
One year
Naruto smiled brightly when he woke up to a messenger toad. It was holding up an envelope and waiting patiently for Naruto to wake up. It has been exactly one year since they've left Konoha on this training mission. Hinata had taken her Jonin exams six months ago, but refused to send any pictures of her in her new uniform until Naruto and Sasuke had taken their exams.
Thankfully Sauna hosted a Jonin exam. Jiraiya was able to pull some strings and get Naruto and Sasuke enrolled. It was a little hard, the tension between Sauna and Konoha wasn't exactly resolved. However, after settling in and starting the challenge, Naruto being the chatter box that he was, became pretty good friends with the once psycho Gaara.
Turns out Gaara and his sand siblings weren't so bad after all.
Gaara didn't have bloodlust anymore, but was still very dark and an outcast. That never stopped Naruto from making a friend.
Naruto asked Gaara a lot of questions and talked Gaara's head off until he was able to break the barrier with the sand-nin. Sasuke wasn't sure if that was Naruto's motive or if he just really had a hyperactive disorder.
That being said, the Jonin exams went by smoothly. Naruto and Sasuke passed. While they were excited, yes even Sasuke was excited. Even if it was reserved. Jiraiya just wasn't surprised in the slightest. It was just another checkbox for him to report back to Tsunade as complete because Tsunade didn't want Naruto or Sasuke falling behind either.
Naruto had sent the letter to Hinata as soon as they were declared Jonin. Which was yesterday. He bugged the shit out of Gaara to take a picture of him and Sasuke so he could send it to Hinata.
Naruto sat up quickly and took the letter. Sasuke was sleeping beside him and grumbled at Naruto being an early riser. They were alone all night because Jiraiya decided to go off and 'celebrate' them passing the Jonin exams. With women. A group of them and without Naruto and Sasuke.
So him and Naruto camped out for the night. It was warm and they were leaving Sauna just as fast as they came. They were on the outskirts and decided to hide from plain sight. Meanwhile Jiraiya was off in the city living it up. Sometimes Sasuke preferred it when Jiraiya and Naruto were separated. Together they could be a real headache.
They were both loud. They both could be beyond immature. Plus, whether Naruto wanted to admit it or not. He was a perv just like Jiraiya was. It drove Sasuke insane sometimes. Especially when he wasn't in the mood for their shenanigans.
Just like Sasuke predicted. Him and Naruto lost their virginity to one another. When they weren't separated doing their independent training, about five months in their journey. They had sex. That was when Sasuke realized Naruto was a pervert.
When Sasuke realized what Naruto really thought in that head of his about himself and Hinata. It was predominately dirty thoughts, which Sasuke was shocked because Naruto composed himself pretty put together around Hinata. Meanwhile in Naruto's head he was imagining screwing her brains out 24/7.
Like really. Sasuke had no clue. All Naruto talked about some days was Hinata and her body.
Sasuke pulled his blanket over his head. Being on the outskirts of Sauna put them in the green land area. Lots of trees and protection from people that probably would love to see him or Naruto dead or tortured. Yes, they've ran into their fair share of people that wanted their heads. Thankfully not Orochimaru or the Akatsuki.
Just people that work for them.
Sasuke made a little opening in the blanket to look at Naruto and saw the young blonde eagerly open the envelope that Sasuke knew was from Hinata. That would be the only time Naruto grew this excited that he didn't care if he woke Sasuke up.
Naruto opened the envelope and looked at the two pictures that fell out first before reading the letter. He stared at the pictures forever. Looking at one and then the other for over a minute. "Let me see." Naruto didn't even look at Sasuke as he handed Sasuke the letter to read as he kept looking at the pictures.
Sasuke gave Naruto a pointed look. He sat up and snatched one picture from Naruto and looked at it.
Hinata was standing next to her Jonin vest that was on a stand. She was beside her father and the two had a gap between them as they posed for the camera. Hinata had a composed, gentle look on her face, but she wasn't smiling. She didn't look miserable, but she didn't look comfortable either. A typical picture Hinata would take with her family.
Sasuke turned the picture over and saw Hinata had wrote a little note on the back.
'Sorry. Couldn't smile in this picture. Elders wanted us to look SOPHISTICATED.'
Sasuke smiled and let out a chuckle at Hinata's sarcasm. She knew she looked miserable in the picture. He turned the picture back over and noticed Hinata's hair wasn't in a covered bun anymore. Nor was it cut. Her side bangs had grown to her elbows and Sasuke noticed the back of her hair was even with her bangs. So she was cutting her bangs to be even. The bang on her forehead was still trimmed, but Sasuke could see the rest of Hinata's hair was growing like her family's.
Sasuke than looked at the letter and read it out loud. Since he figured Naruto was too entranced in the other picture to even bother reading.
'Congratulations on passing the Jonin exams. I knew you two could do it and I am so very happy for you.
Naruto and Sasuke look very handsome in their Jonin attire. I will keep your picture wherever I go. I have sent two pictures. Since I took the Jonin exams six months ago, I had enrolled in the Anbu academy three months after the Jonin exams. Remember when I told you?
The academy is reaching its end, I had taken a picture with my mentor. Kakashi-sensei took the picture for us. He is very respected in the Anbu community! As you can see, Neji was my mentor. He looks very different. Right?
He wants me to get the traditional Anbu tattoo, but I am very nervous about marking my body…and the pain that goes with it. However, after my first Anbu mission, Neji has convinced me to get it. So I will keep you both updated on how it turns out. Unless you two think it's a bad idea to get it?
Please let me know your thoughts, also please be safe out there!
Love,
Hinata.
Of course when Sasuke read this he didn't add the dramatics and girly behavior that only Hinata could pull off and still seem graceful. He looked at Naruto, who was smiling at Sasuke. His silent way of saying thank you for reading. Sasuke reached for the other picture and Naruto gave it to him in exchange for the letter.
Sasuke looked at the picture and saw Hinata in the traditional Anbu attire. Her hair had grown longer and she no longer had side bangs. All her hair was even except for the bangs on her forehead. Her hair was a little pass the middle of her back now. She stood next to Neji and Hinata was right. Neji did look very different.
Neji hair had grown a lot, but now he had it in a ponytail that sat in the middle of his head. The side of his head was shaved on both sides. Not too much, just a medium size strip on both sides that went to the back. It was a unique style that seemed to catch Hinata off guard because she bothered to even comment about it.
Neji was pretty tall now. If Sasuke had to guess, since Hinata was turning 16 next week and that meant Neji was 18. Neji was probably six foot or over right now. Hinata had just sent a letter a few days ago stating she did a height and weight fitting for Anbu and was five foot five at the moment.
In the picture Hinata looked much happier. Neji had a ghost of a grin on his face and Hinata actually smiled in this picture. She didn't show teeth or anything, but she looked much more relaxed. She wasn't stiff or slouched. She stood tall and proud. She had her chest poked out and head held high. Two of her favorite people were there. Kakashi and Neji, so of course she was happy.
Sasuke couldn't help but notice. Hinata looked really good.
He liked whatever style Hinata had with her hair, but longer hair suited her here. She could probably even pull the hairstyle off that Neji had. Sasuke knew Hinata hated showing her figure, but…he liked that she was doing it. She was growing into her body and she already was hitting puberty hard when they were going through the Chunin exams.
"She looks good right?"
Sasuke looked at Naruto as the blond was grinning at him. Sasuke didn't even hide the grin that appeared on his face as he nodded his head. Naruto carefully put the letter back in the envelope and placed it with the other envelopes he kept from Hinata. "She looks healthy too. I can tell she's still doing good. She's filling out great. She's not really skinny and tiny like before."
There was a twinkle in Sasuke eyes as he looked at Naruto. Just for waking him up early he was going to have to pick at him. "Hopefully she doesn't become too 'filled out' for you. Judging by the women you and that perv ogle at, you like them very much skinny. Twigs."
Naruto looked at Sasuke like he was insane. "WHAT? I don't ogle at other girls. Don't make stuff like that up!"
Sasuke shrugged his shoulders. "We went to the brothel to get Jiraiya and I had to end up dragging him and you out. I'm just waiting for the perfect time to tell Hinata."
How red Naruto's face had gotten was absolutely the response Sasuke wanted. "I. did. NOT stare at those women! I'm not used to being in places like that! I got stuck. So what?! I don't think anything of them! They don't compare to Hinata." Naruto watched Sasuke advert his attention from Naruto and lay back down under his blanket. "Hey! Don't do that!"
Just like that Sasuke put Naruto in a sour mood. How can he make that assumption? Did he really just hint that he broke the promise he made to Hinata? "You're such an ass Sasuke. Seriously."
Sasuke watched Naruto grab his regular day to day clothing and start to change. Signaling he was going to leave Sasuke alone when he was done changing. Sasuke rolled his eyes. He has improved on the whole, 'picking on Naruto' thing. The two fought way less now than in the past. "I'm being honest. You were eyeing other people and it was annoying. Disrespectful towards Hinata and me."
Naruto threw his night shirt on the ground in frustration and looked at Sasuke. "What the hell Sasuke! Okay, I looked at some random chicks. I could care less about them! I was just…stuck. It didn't mean anything." Naruto listened to himself as he spoke and yanked at his hair in frustration. "I screwed up. I get it."
Sasuke sighed himself. He didn't mean for his teasing to get this out of hand and really upset Naruto. In reality, Sasuke was annoyed yes, but he didn't care. Naruto was a young guy. He was affectionate and many times Sasuke pushed Naruto away because it was just too much touching and affection. Naruto looked. He didn't touch. He didn't drool over these women or even talk to them. Sasuke knew Naruto was head over heels for Hinata. He was just messing with him.
Having been caught having a moment of weakness and looking at people that weren't Sasuke or Hinata seemed to bother Naruto to no end. Especially since being called out on it. At least he felt bad about it when he really thought about what he did. "Forget about it."
Naruto shook his head at Sasuke. "No. I screwed up. I'm going to write Hinata right now and let her know and apologize."
Wait. What?
Sasuke immediately sat up and looked at Naruto. "What? Don't be stupid. You'll ruin her focus and she'll be angry with you." She'll probably be upset with him too and start questioning what they're doing. Naruto sat down, half in his sleepwear and half in his day clothes. He pulled out a paper and pen and shrugged his shoulders to Sasuke.
"So what. She deserves to know and whatever happens. I'll deserve it."
Sasuke rolled his eyes again. "Fine. Write your letter. We'll send ours together like usual." Sasuke pulled out his own paper and pen and started to write. He just had to work Naruto up.
Once they were finished. Naruto summoned a toad and politely asked it to get their letters to Hinata.
Sasuke laid back down and looked at Naruto expectantly. "It's still really early. Jiraiya isn't coming anytime soon. Come back to sleep."
Hinata sat at her desk and was playing with the messengers toad belly as she re-read Naruto's letter he just sent her. She had just read Sasuke's letter and decided to read them over again. It was actually pretty funny to her.
Hinata,
I don't really know how to say this. I really screwed up and I feel awful. Pervy Sage went to this brothel the other night. Me and Sasuke were tired of waiting for him, so we went to go get him. When we went inside, I just…I never been inside a place like that! I looked at the females and was stuck. I stared at them and ogled them.
I disrespected you and I wanted to ask for your forgiveness. This will never ever, EVER happen again. I had a moment of weakness. I shouldn't have stared at them like that. I have you and Sasuke! I just really felt awful and wanted to let you know that you're the best thing to ever happen to me and I don't want you to worry and stress that I'm betraying you. I love you and would never betray you again.
Xoxo,
Naruto
P.S: I understand if you never want to talk to me again. I was horribly wrong. I'm begging for your forgiveness though.
Naruto was such a sweetheart to open up and admit to something so harmless. It melted Hinata's heart. Then there was Sasuke's letter.
Hinata,
Ignore Naruto's letter. He's an idiot.
I was messing with him and he took it seriously. We went into the brothel to get that perv out from all those women and Naruto looked and got awe struck. He didn't touch anyone, didn't drool or act like some weird fan boy. He didn't even talk to them when they talked to him.
Naruto is kind of a perv though, but he didn't do anything wrong. He just is too easy to mess with. If you want to be fake angry with him, that would be amusing, but don't really be angry. He's moping around enough and he didn't really do anything wrong.
BTW I liked your pictures. Naruto's hogging them though so send more.
-Sasuke
Hinata giggled at the letters and folded them to place them in her dresser. She had an outing with Sakura and Ino today, so she would take pictures and send it to Naruto and Sasuke tonight. That way they will have them in the morning.
Hinata stood up from her desk and looked in the mirror before she started to head out for the day. She had the day off work today because her first mission in Anbu will be tomorrow.
Sakura and Ino weren't traditional type of girls, so she didn't have to dress up too much. However, Hinata was trying to build a name for herself within the village and couldn't dwell on looking 'sexy'. Beautiful yes, but not too much. So, she asked Ino and Sakura to take her shopping for some different kimonos.
Hinata proceeded to walk out her home. When she made it outside, near the steps. Her father was waiting for her. "Girls day?" Hinata looked at Hiashi as she wore her typical off-white kimono. She nodded her head at him and Hiashi grinned as a reply. "Try not to let that Yamanaka girl rub off on you too much. She dresses scandalous. That Haruno girl is sneaky too. Her fake politeness doesn't faze me. Childhood friends, not lifelong friends Hinata. Remember that."
Hinata obediently nodded her head in agreement. "Yes sir." Hiashi had just started to let Hinata freely roam to places. Not for too long unless it was work related, but after being sober for a year and three months. Her father finally started to show that he had some faith in her.
This was the longest Hinata's been sober, so she couldn't grow angry with her father's restrictions. So far he hasn't been wrong in what was best for her.
She'd never admit that to him.
However, Hiashi was still skeptical of outsiders that weren't from their clan. Respectively, he had that right to feel that way. Still, Hinata was looking at the bigger picture.
Ino was the heir to the Yamanaka clan. Her father has a seat on the council along with Shikamaru's father. Sakura parents work in the Hokage's office. The connections were unlimited within their friend group.
Hinata didn't do this because these girls were nice to her in the academy or growing up. Everything Hinata did now had a purpose. You were not going to be in her life if there was no purpose to it. That's what she's learned from her father and it was a habit she thought fit.
When Hinata made it to the clothing store that Ino picked out. She smiled to see Ino and Sakura waiting for her. "I am sorry for having you two wait."
Ino waved it off and smiled at Hinata. "We just got here ourselves. Besides, this is going to be FUN. New fancy kimonos for Hyuga heiress, Hinata! Breaking out her shell. I cannot WAIT. Come on!" Ino pulled Hinata by the hand inside the store and Sakura trailed behind groaning at her blonde friend.
"Ino. You know damn well Hinata's father isn't going to go for your fashion on Hinata." Ino shot Sakura an annoyed look as she scrolled through the racks. "Shut up forehead. I know that. I know how to look for the traditional beauty look. I'm not some slut ya know."
Sakura and Hinata both were taken back by the defensive reply from Ino. Sakura held her hands up to show Ino she didn't mean it like that. "Woah. I was just saying. I wasn't implying you were a slut or dressed like one. What's wrong with you?"
Ino huffed as she started to pick out clothing for Hinata to try on. "I'm just sick of people critiquing what I wear. How I act. Ever since Shikamaru has told his parents about us…trying to date. Everyone in our family has been on my case. Choji's family has input, Shikamaru's mom has input, shit even my dad thinks I should 'tone it down' a bit. What the hell? I like the way I dress. Shika likes the way I dress. I'm not disrespecting him or embarrassing him."
Hinata blinked at Ino. This was a lot to digest. She didn't know about any of this. Ino was so chipper all the time. Hinata had no clue. She understood though. Her and Ino grew up in clans. Established clans. Shikamaru was in a very respectable clan known for their intelligence and medicine. Still, Yamanaka's and Nara's worked together almost perfectly, and Ino's father was a bit flamboyant himself.
So, maybe it was because Ino was the only female out of them all?
"It sounds like they're more protective than correcting you Ino." Ino and Sakura looked at Hinata with confusion on their face. Hinata cleared her throat and looked at them, "You're the only female Ino."
It was like a three second timer ticked in Ino's head before an alarm went off and her eyes widened. "I AM aren't I. Still, what do they expect from me? I'm not going to walk around and dress how I don't want to dress because they fear someone will think wrongly of me or try to harass me. I can take care of myself."
Hinata took the pile of clothes Ino gave her to try on. "My father didn't think I could take care of myself for a long time. I suppose I decided to show him that I could take care of myself. Maybe if you did something to show that you aren't just an umm…pretty face as some might say."
Hinata slipped into the dressing room and Ino had went into a silent concentration. She waited near Hinata's dressing room with her arms crossed across her chest and Sakura was beside her. "Ya know. That's not a bad idea Ino. Maybe you can start venturing out of team ten."
Ino leaned her head against the wall and let out a sigh. "Shikamaru would flip. He'd think I was doing this to get away from him or something." Sakura arched a brow and looked at Ino skeptical. "That doesn't seem like Shikamaru at all."
"I agree."
Hinata said this from in the dressing room and Ino laughed at her social awkwardness. "Yeah well. I know Shikamaru. He's not going to show this to you guys, not Choji, not even his parents or Asuma-sensei. He'll wait for us to be in private and start to question my motives."
Sakura grinned from ear to ear at hearing this. "Ohhh so he's a closet clingy boyfriend. That's so cute!" Ino had a light blush on her cheeks as she smiled at Sakura's teasing. "Yeah. It is isn't it. I never been around a guy that just like…liked me and I didn't have to try and throw myself at him. Soooo much better than fixating on Sasuke. Now I realize it was stupid of me to even try to get his affection. His type was Hinata after all. No way I'm dying my hair blackish blue."
Ino laughed at this and actually heard Hinata giggle at the joke. "Hinata. You have to tell the details man. You have not one, but two pretty good-looking guys hooked on you. No need to try and deny it. Sasuke and Naruto don't try to hide the fact that the three of you have a thing going on."
Sakura elbowed Ino and frowned at her. "You're so nosey pig. It's none of our business." Ino stuck her tongue out at Sakura. "Oi shut up. Just because you're still a sore loser over the Uchiha race. Like get over it. There are so many other guys that fixate on you Sakura. You're too smart and pretty to still care about the Sasuke situation."
"We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to Sakura."
Sakura gave the dressing room door a pointed look at hearing Hinata and sighed. "I'm fine with it Hinata. I just figured with them being gone you'd not want to talk about them." Hinata was quiet for a moment before she finally spoke up again. "I do miss them."
Sakura glared at Ino and mouthed to her 'I told you so'. Now they turned the mood somber. "They just passed the Jonin exams in Sauna. I received a letter from them earlier today. They're doing really good."
Ino smiled at the news. "That's good! They have to keep up with their skills. From what I hear from Lady Tsunade during training, Naruto and Sasuke both have to improve. Between that weird snake man that invaded the village and this new evil organization the Akatsuki."
Sakura nodded her head in agreement, "Plus you've done a great job showing your growth Hinata. After what happened to you and Neji. I'm so happy that you two overcame that." This time Ino elbowed Sakura. Indicating she was the one to get too personal now.
"I think the two of you have excelled greatly as well. You've stuck with Lady Tsunade's medic program full time and I am behind the both of you. You've even taken the position of being her full-time apprentice Sakura. Very, very impressive! We're all Jonin and excelling in our own way."
Sakura blinked and scratched the back of her head bashfully. Flustered by the compliment. "Thanks Hinata. I've really been trying." Ino and Sakura moved from the door when they heard Hinata open it.
She came out in a kimono that was pure snow white. It was shorter than what she usually wore. Stopping mid-thigh. The sleeves were long, but opened wide so she wouldn't get tangled up if she were to use gentle fist. Hinata liked that the kimono was short, it wasn't heavy and she could move around in it better than the longer ones.
Around her stomach was tightened with a golden obi. Ino walked behind Hinata and pulled it tight and put it in a very pretty big bow. Ino did this more for extra support for Hinata's chest area. If Sakura had to guess, Hinata was already reaching a C bra cup. Her back had to hurt with that weight and her small body. Hinata wasn't as tiny compared to their Genin days, but she was still small like Ino and herself.
Hinata was surprisingly shorter than Sakura and Ino too. She was the youngest out of their generation and kind of like the little sister to everyone. Ino smiled at Hinata's choice, "Nice! What about the other ones? You gotta try them all on and show us!"
Hinata eyes widened. She tried them all on. This was her favorite so she came out in it. Hinata looked nervous for a moment before she walked back in the dressing room and came out almost immediately after. She had a camera in her hand. "Could you take pictures of the outfits I try on. I want to send them to Naruto and Sasuke."
Sakura's mouth dropped and Ino eyes shined bright from such gossip worthy information. Since it was Hinata though the gossip will stop at team ten. Ino immediately took the camera, today was going to be a fun day.
After the shopping. The girls decided to end the day at the dessert shop. It was across the street from Ino's home, so Hinata got to drop her belongings off their before they devoured some sweets. Ino sipped on her hot chocolate and looked up at Hinata. Since being with Shikamaru, her 'diet' trend had slowed down to almost being gone completely. Shikamaru wasn't a fan of it and did a pretty good job reminding Ino that she didn't need to do it.
"So Hinata. Back to you and the boys. You ever like…worry? It's been a year now. They're with the legendary toad sannin, that so happens to be a legendary perv as well. You don't think temptation has hit them? I mean I get Naruto and Sasuke have each other, but they still like girls. Or do you guys have something set up that they get a freebie until they get back?"
Sakura was about to take a bite from her muffin but her mouth dropped completely open when she heard Ino. Her eyes widened and she looked absolutely flabbergasted. Her long pink hair was tied into a sloppy high bun, so her hair didn't smack her in the face from the whiplash she got from looking between Ino and Hinata.
Hinata bit into her cinnamon bun and had a contemplated look on her face. "We've told each other we love each other, but we haven't placed an exact title on anything yet. We all admitted that we need to grow to be better for one another. So, I'm not exactly sure if there should be restrictions. What do you think?"
Sakura's mouth closed and her emerald eyes blinked frequently. Oh, so it was fine to talk about this. That was great because she had SO many questions and inputs. "Well. You turn 16 next week. Naruto kind of just turned 16 and Sasuke-kun will be 17 soon. I don't know. They could get curious out there. You know how guys our age is now. Kiba is on my team and he dates a different girl every other week. He's always boasting about hitting first, second and third base. The guy is a major perv and I don't see Naruto being too far from Kiba. Especially with that sensei he has out there."
Hinata hummed in understanding. She wasn't upset with this conversation like she thought she'd be. She actually liked having the input of other females that were willing to be honest with her.
Ino shrugged her shoulders as she picked at her own cinnamon bun. "Are you more curious Hinata? Do you want to…see what else is out there? I mean it's understandable. You lived a really sheltered life. All you know is Naruto and Sasuke. Sakura dates. I mean, I dated before I got a reality check that Shika was my guy. What do you want to do?"
Hinata blinked as she chewed on her sweet morsal. She never really thought about that, it never crossed her mind to date. "I feel like I am dating Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun. We talk frequently through letters. We send one another pictures. I like what we have right now."
Sakura slowly nodded her head. "I guess you have a point. We'll get older though Hinata. I think the older you get. You'll want a little more than letters and pictures."
Hinata couldn't disagree with that. When that cross road comes, then she'll think about it. She smiled at her friends and their viewpoints they gave her. She hoped she was as helpful to them as they were to her. "Oh Ino! Your father was just appointed councilman. My father told me the other day. How is it for him? Is he adjusting well?"
Ino looked off in thought before tapping her chin. "Yeah. At first he hated the extra role. Leading our clan. Being an active ninja and running our families flower shop. Now he's on the council. I mean the extra pay is what tempted him really to take the position. It's a pretty good extra pay day for us average clans."
Ino's clan wasn't into medication like Shikamaru's clan. Or considered nobles like Sasuke or Hinata's clan. So, average clans had average lives and businesses. "Now its smooth though. Especially since that one councilman just retired. He was on the board for like 20 years and drove my father nuts with his old timer ways."
Hinata tilted her head at Ino. "Oh. What was his name?"
Neji stood near Hinata's doorway to her room. She was finishing up a letter for Naruto and Sasuke. It was a pretty big one compared to her usual letters. She had a lot of pictures she was sending to them. "Neji. I have two questions."
The older Hyuga crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the doorframe. "Go for it."
Hinata looked a little apprehensive, but still went for it. "Do you think it is fair to expect Naruto and Sasuke to remain committed so young in our lives? They are out there and maybe I am holding them back from living."
Neji had to stop himself from rolling his eyes and seeing his brain. Hinata had ONE girls day with Sakura and Ino. Of course he shouldn't be surprised that she'd be hitting him with questions like this. "You want an honest answer Hinata?" She quickly nodded her head as she looked up at him.
"From a guys perspective. Don't expect perfection. I'm not saying they're out there groping every female they see, but they have eyes. They're out there with Jiraiya-sama for goodness sake. They are going to see a vast amount of females. If they value and really love you, they won't engage with those females. However, I'm sure they'll spare a glance or two. We don't know how long they'll be gone, but it's up to the three of you to decide if all of this is worth the wait."
Hinata tapped her fingers on her desk. A deep blush coming across her face. It was awkward, but Hinata didn't really have any other family member to talk about this with. "Can I ask two more questions?"
This time Neji did roll his eyes. Hinata was getting older for sure, he could see this. "Yes Hinata."
"How long did Tenten make you wait for umm, sex? Did you have tem…never mind that part. How long did Tenten make you wait?" Neji closed his eyes to control himself from growing flustered. Gosh this was getting awkward, but Hinata did live a very closed off life. She really was green to a lot of things.
"I started dating Tenten when she was 15 and I had just turned 16. My initial goal was to wait until she was 18, however I turned 18 a few months before her and I missed my goal point. So I waited almost three years. Two and a half if you want to be specific. Tenten didn't make me wait, I made her wait and on my birthday she didn't want to wait anymore. I was fine with that. To share the body with your partner. It's a mutual agreement. Both have to be ready. Always remember that. To answer your very private question. Yes, I did have temptations. Other females when I went on missions away from Tenten would temp me. They still do, but I don't engage. Are some beautiful? Yes, even I can see and admit that. Tenten is mine though, I would never turn on her like that. That's how relationships work."
Hinata slowly nodded her head in understanding. She smiled at Neji for taking the time and patience to answer her out of the ordinary questions. "My final question."
Neji let out a sigh. Thank goodness. "I've found the name of a councilman that stayed on the board long enough that he was there during the ruling of the caged bird seal. I visited his home before I came back here."
Neji arched his brow and looked at Hinata seriously now. "And?" Hinata's eyes shimmered with delight. "He has a vault in his home. He's the one that can give us the list."
Using her Byakugan in the village without proper permission or on duty was a violation. She could get into serious trouble. "So, I see we're going down this path then."
Hinata nodded her head and looked at Neji with fire in her eyes. "Will you be coming with me to talk to him?"
Neji didn't even hesitate his answer, "You pick a date and time and I'll be there."
Naruto & Sasuke,
Please don't worry. I am not angry at all.
I've been more active since my father has lifted my restrictions. I even spent the whole day with Ino and Sakura today. They asked about you two and I told them about your success. Everyone back home is rooting for the two of you!
Sakura and Ino has opened my eyes to things. Realistically, what we are, and what we expect from one another. Do we have a title? Are we officially courting one another? If not, then I have no right to grow upset or jealous if you engage with another female. Right? It is something that I have been thinking heavily on. I do not want to hold Sasuke and Naruto back from living their life.
Neji pointed out that I am kind of being silly. That there is no problem waiting, but I would like to hear your opinions when you get a chance.
Also, while I was out with Sakura and Ino, we went shopping and I received a lot of new kimono's. Ino was nice enough to take many pictures and I wanted to send them to you. Please tell me which one is your favorite.
Along with my day with the girls. I was able to get a name of a councilman that I believe could be my lead to everything about my clan. I will keep you updated on that.
Love,
Hinata
Naruto read the letter and almost balled it up. He was so upset. Did Hinata just break up with him? Sasuke took the letter from Naruto and read it before Naruto could crumble the paper any further. Thank goodness he got the pictures out before Naruto lost all of his senses.
Sasuke actually did read the letter twice. Just to make sure he read right. She spent one day with those troublesome girls and now all of a sudden his former fan girls convinced Hinata that she wasn't in a real relationship.
Jiraiya was behind Sasuke and skimmed over the letter. Wanting to see what got Naruto so worked up just now. "Well kid…I told you it was a dumb idea to tell her about the brothel. What were the two of you thinking?"
Sasuke gave Jiraiya an annoyed look. "This is your fault."
Jiraiya gave Sasuke a pointed look. "You're the one that got Naruto worked up."
Sasuke immediately fired back. "You weren't there to stop me."
Sasuke and Jiraiya were at a stall out while they glared at one another. Both blaming one another for the outcome of the letter Naruto so stupidly sent. Naruto was still staring off into the distance.
What has he done? He couldn't believe how stupid he was. To just stare at those women like that and gawk at them. He was such an idiot. Always messing up something good. Hinata was the best thing to happen to him. "I have to talk to her. I have to go see Hinata."
Naruto stood up without a solid thought and still looked to be in a daze. He turned and looked at Jiraiya and Sasuke. His face still stunned from the letter. "Did…Did Hinata just break up with me? I have to talk to her. Tell her how important she is to me. That I'm sorry!" Naruto was now yanking at his hair.
This fucking sucked. Long distance relationships SUCKED.
He couldn't explain himself in person to Hinata. He couldn't hug her and show her how sorry he was. He couldn't do anything. He made everything worse now. "When are we going back? It's been a whole year already. I want to go back!" Jiraiya crossed his arms over his chest and actually gave Naruto a stern look. "Neither of you are ready to go back yet."
Naruto whipped around and looked at Jiraiya with wide, scared eyes. "You don't understand!"
Hinata was everything to him. He let her down.
Jiraiya held a hand up for Naruto to calm himself. The last thing any of them needed was for Naruto to lose his composure. He was still working hard on controlling the nine tails and on top of that. Naruto has been in an extensive meditation routine to learn a technique called Sage mode. Naruto had to learn to control his temper better.
"Kid. I read the letter. It wasn't that serious. You're taking it out of context. Why don't you write her back and ask her to explain? She sent you a butt load of pictures, why would she do that if she was breaking up with you?"
Naruto paused and looked at Sasuke, who was holding all the pictures. "I didn't even look at them yet. She did ask which one we liked the most."
Sasuke hadn't looked at the pictures yet. He was waiting for Naruto to get a grip. "Granted, I didn't like the letter that much either. It seems like she is more confused than anything. She doesn't hang around a lot of people, so Ino and Sakura probably confused her is all with drama filled ideas. Neji was there to smooth things out it seemed."
Thank goodness for Neji. Sasuke never thought he'd feel that way.
Naruto, Sasuke and Jiraiya continued along their path. Now that Naruto was calmer, they were able to get back on track and get to their next destination. Turtle island.
Naruto and Sasuke were now looking at the pictures Hinata sent. This definitely screamed that she went shopping with Ino and Sakura. Never have they ever seen Hinata dress even remotely like this. While it fitted well with her fighting style, it made sure to focus on Hinata's beauty.
"I wonder if she wants to start dating. If she's curious and wants to have a real date." Naruto looked at each kimono and actually liked all the colors Hinata tried on. "The white one is my favorite. It makes her eyes look more beautiful and her skin look like it's glowing."
Sasuke looked at the white one and felt like he was torn between the white one or the one that was white, sky blue and black. Like it signified the three of them. "I don't think she's really focused on that right now. She would have said something or at least hinted at it."
Naruto nodded his head in agreeance with Sasuke. "You're right. I really think she just went out with them to get information about the council." Sasuke looked at Naruto as the blonde nonchalantly took all the pictures and once again pocketed them with the rest of the letters and pictures. "I agree."
Sasuke continued to watch Naruto to see if he was really over his meltdown from earlier. "What are you going to write her?" Naruto smiled and looked over at Sasuke. "That I'll never let her leave me."
Sasuke shrugged at the statement and smirked. "Hn. I'll write the same."
End of chapter.
This chapter was titled 'Girls Day' because well, that's what it was and we'll see more of Sakura and Ino, and they'll be causing more trouble in the NaruHinaSasu relationship.
You'll see a pattern from the three. Naruto was the first one to have a breakdown from the three of them not being able to reconnect. I felt like that fit because Naruto is more emotional than Sasuke and Hinata for these type of situations. Next chapter will be either Sasuke or Hinata, it will continue until they are all reunited.
I wanted to show Neji and Hinata's relationship strengthening here. It'll only get stronger as the chapters go on and will show how dependent the two are on one another.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter! See you Wednesday!