(family affairs)
—
"Kitsune Watch will now be the official channel for any and all updates on me, Uzumaki Naruto," said a cheeky Naruto who stood in the middle of Jiraiya's octagon ring in a pair of black grappling shorts and black sleeveless muscle t-shirt—a red swirl imprinted on his chest. He flashed his perfectly white teeth while a tanned hand ran through his golden locks, the muscles of his bicep flexing. Hinata blushed at the display, deciding that muscle shirts might be her new favorite thing on Naruto. "I have partnered up with the creator of Kitsune Watch, so all credit to him." He bowed to the camera before smiling his best fox-grin, "Follow us to get first hand accounts on what's up with my MMA trajectory. See ya guys next time." Hinata giggled at his wink at the end, knowing that Konohamaru had to talk him into doing it.
Waiting for her dad in his empty office, she played the video again—which started with a montage of exclusive footage of Naruto's training. Hinata had access to the actual, real man himself, but there was something extra cute about Naruto in that video that made her heart flutter—hers and those of many other women apparently. The views kept increasing by the second, and the heart reactions did not stop coming. There was an incredibly creative variety of comments that pointed out Naruto's good looks, and even some that insisted on knowing if he indeed had a girlfriend or not.
As far as Hinata knew, he didn't. They had not discussed labels yet, and during their little impromptu PR meeting at Jiraiya's gym a few days ago—Naruto and Hinata had agreed to not say anything online about their relationship, not wanting to make the leaked picture of their first date the reason for making any decision. Neji fully supported that approach, Hinata knowing in part because her cousin felt protective of her and had just met Naruto. Neji did not fully trust his future opponent.
Hinata smiled as she finally locked her phone with a sign. Konohamaru had just released the official announcement and the video was already close to going viral. She didn't know for how long herself and Naruto would be a thing, all she knew was that she really did like him in a way that was new and unfamiliar to her. Just thinking about the way he touched and kissed her, it made her warm. She missed him. She missed his hands intertwined with hers, his long fingers running through her hair, his warm lips asking hers to open and deepen their kiss…
Hinata! Pull yourself together! Father will be here any minute now. The young woman chastised herself, feeling hot all over. Going up to a window, she opened it for some fresh air. After her heart stopped thumping hard against her ribcage, the door behind her opened. Good timing.
"Hinata, I apologize for the wait. The meeting with Ko went longer than expected, with all the alterations we discussed with the Uzumaki team," that was how her father professionally referred to Naruto, Jiraiya, and Konohamaru—always respectful and keeping that line clear when discussing business. "Come, sit down." She watched him take a seat on his desk, and she joined him on the other side. "How are you, my daughter?" Hiashi asked, looking at her pointedly—his questions loaded by how his opaque eyes carefully studied her face.
That kind of question and look used to intimidate Hinata as a child and young teen. She had now come to understand how Hiashi expressed concern and genuine care for his children. And it was through loaded questions with intense gazing.
"I'm well, father." Hinata replied with a small yet sweet smile. "I'm happy with the outcome of Monday. I was tired afterwards, but I do feel confident we made the right decisions that day."
Hiashi waited a few seconds before replying with a relaxed expression taking over his features. "I do, too." He watched her smile a little more at that. "I have to say," he started, "Naruto impressed me with his professionalism during the call, even if Neji reported him to be glued to your side the entire time." He finished with the tiniest of smiles, indicating he was amused by the whole thing—including Hinata's clear embarrassment.
"Neji exaggerates." She tried to make less of the comment, holding her hands together on her lap to stop herself from hiding behind them.
"Somehow I doubt it." Hiashi continued to tease her. "Especially after that movie-like date he took you on."
"Father!" Worse than Hanabi and Neji, it was when Hyuga Hiashi teased you. His normally serious nature made it even harder for anyone to properly utter a decent comeback. Not that many experienced this side of her father, she had only seen herself, Hanabi, and Neji being victims of his amusement. "Really…" She shook her head as he inclined further into his chair with a shrug of his shoulders, the closest he would ever come to a chuckle.
"You seem happy." He started after a while, observing how his daughter's beauty increased with the soft embarrassed hues tinting her cheeks. She looked up at him with her large, lavender eyes, and Hiashi's heart smiled.
"I am." Hinata replied bashfully, averting her eyes to the opened window. "I'll be seeing him tonight at Jiraiya's gym."
She heard Hiashi opening one of his drawers before saying, "Take these invitations to them." Hinata looked back, directing her gaze to three pristine envelopes sitting on top of his desk. She stretched out to pick them up. They weren't sealed, so she was able to open one and pull the tick, high quality paper out. Her lips formed a little surprised 'o'.
"The date is finally set?" She inquired after reading through the beautifully designed words.
"Yes, and you know it will be the last time ever we'll throw such a lavish event. That we'll be changing the way we do our charity work." He said with his professional tone back. "It's a couple of weeks before the Hyuga versus Uzumaki fight, so by then, the promotional material will be out. It's more than appropriate to invite the Uzumaki team."
"I can't believe we're finally ending this tradition." Hinata said, a twinkle in her eyes. "But I might actually enjoy it this time around." She said sincerely, leaving unsaid the past memories that Hiashi was well aware of. "And I'm looking forward to our new charity initiatives." Hinata looked up excitedly to her father who nodded.
"Me too, it's a privilege to work with you, my daughter."
Hinata beamed at the deep sincerity coming from her father's words. The little girl inside of her smiling with her twenty-three year old self.
—
Naruto had been stacking boxes in the storage room when Hinata found him. Even though Jiraiya had taken him off his regular duties in the gym, Naruto still made a point to help around as much as his training and (now) business schedule allowed. But with Hinata's arrival, he of course forgot all about the new equipment boxes in favor of taking her in his arms.
They hadn't seen each other all week. It went without saying that they had been in regular touch, but it wasn't enough for them. Not when they had just confirmed each other's feelings for one another—discovering that they were sharing their hearts through reciprocated emotions and mutual liking.
So, when Hinata had surprised him with a chaste kiss right between his shoulder blades as a form of greeting, Naruto jumped around with a wild smile—a goosebump running down Hinata's spine at how electric his blue eyes sparked. Unceremoniously, Naruto quickly pulled her towards the back of the room with him.
Now, he had her sitting on top of a little table tucked behind a couple of heavy storage shelves. If anyone were to walk in, they would completely miss the couple. Butterflies danced in Naruto's stomach as Hinata's hands ran through his hair, neck, and shoulders. Back and forth, up and down, leaving tingling trails behind each passing stroke. With Hinata being a little taller because of the height of the table, Naruto was able to comfortably dive into her lips. Standing between her legs and hands gently rubbing and squeezing her waist and slender back, he heard Hinata let a deep yet quiet sound out from the back of her throat.
Was she… had she moaned because of his touch?
Naruto's pace picked up a notch, their mouths involved in a warm dance. Hinata breathed in, her chest grazing his own for a brief moment—Naruto unable to not groan in her mouth.
After a few more minutes, he forced himself to pull back. He had to. He had to before his stupid brain did something they were not ready for. Not willingly but with determination, he lifted up his lips from hers. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open as if her consciousness was gradually coming back. It took a minute for her to look up at him—pink and plump lips, glazed eyes, and flushed cheeks.
"You're so beautiful." He whispered as he held her face between his rough hands, mesmerized by the way she looked and how it made him feel. She bit her lower lip and smiled somewhat timidly at his compliment. "So beautiful." He said again, rubbing his thumbs on her warm cheeks. She giggled.
"You are too." She started, slowly taking his hands on hers and resting them down on her lap. Her palms stroked his affectionately. "You looked very cute on the video announcement today, I watched it on replay." Naruto was sure he was the one blushing now, her sincere words and cheeky confession making him flustered.
"No way, really?" He said with a bashful chuckle, bringing a hand up to tuck in a strand of long, indigo hair behind her ear before tracing her jawline and neck, resting again with their joined hand on her lap. "I asked Konohamaru to not show it to me."
"Really. And now you are even cuter… I didn't take you as the shy type." She giggled again, wanting to kiss his lips another time.
"I ain't shy." He pouted, his forehead resting on hers.
"It's cute." She reiterated with a soft smile.
"Stop, 'Nata, you're cuter and I wanna kiss you again." He said, lifting up his face to rest his chin on top of her head—resisting the temptation. Giggles were her reply, making his heart accelerate with her warm breath hitting the exposed skin of his neck. He liked her laughter so much, especially if he was the one causing it. "So, were people watching it?"
"Were they watching?" She repeated his question as she moved back so he could face her again. "The little reaction number was going up by the second, and the comment section was going crazy." She told him, and Naruto thought he had seen something like pride in her eyes. "Konohamaru knew what he was doing making you wink," Naruto winced at that memory, "you got some marriage proposals, mister hot stuff." She ended with a mirth that reminded him of her younger sister. Naruto loved seeing that new side of her.
"Marriage proposals?" He lifted an eyebrow at her. "The only proposals I used to get at the betting houses were, 'asshole, you better not lose my money'!" Naruto laughed at the irony of things.
"Nothing like that," Hinata corrected him, squeezing his hands in hers before smiling playfully again, "apparently you are very… hot." She ended her sentence as she bit her lip again, reverting to her modest nature.
"Do you think I'm hot, Hi-na-ta?" He teased her, his voice low and raspy.
"Hmmm…" She mumbled when his lips touched her temple. Soft kisses trailing down to her cheek bone. "I think you are…" She stopped once he did not go for her month, but her neck—her skin burning and her pulse quickening. "I think you're amazing." At her last word, Naruto lightly sucked on the curve of her neck. Hinata breathed heavily and turned to look at him, a mixture of surprise and yearning in her eyes.
Naruto smiled mischievously at her, stepping back once more while taking her with him and down the table. "I think we'll get caught by Jiraiya if we stay any longer back here, and that wouldn't be either hot or amazing." Hinata giggled and hid her face on his chest as they stood for a moment, Naruto's face hot as he stared at the ceiling to calm down. Together, they moved towards the exit of the storage room.
They collected her purse that was forgotten by the door. "Were you in the office with your dad today?" He asked her, interested—he had never seen her dressed in business attire before. Now, she was definitely the one who looked hot. The softness of the fabric combination hugged her body differently than jeans or tights, it did so more… teasingly. Her shiny, black pumps gave her curves a little extra lift. And her white blouse was tucked in her high waisted, plum slacks. A few loose buttons exposed her neck but still kept her chest modest—a thin, silver necklace resting right above her collarbones. Naruto was one hundred percent into it.
"I had a few important meetings this afternoon." She added after nodding her confirmation. "I actually have an invitation to you, Jiraiya, and Konohamaru. Do you think we can find them?"
Curious, Naruto guided their way through the gym. Jiraiya's business being different from the Hyuga's, specialized only on specific martial arts and boxing lessons for individuals and small groups—Jiraiya's literary ventures being responsible for partially financing the exclusive gym. It was common to see less than a dozen patrons in the establishment at a time, so having just a handful of them scattered around the space on that day was pretty normal. Still, Naruto and Hinata kept their hands to themselves as they made their way to Jiraiya.
They found the white haired man on the octagon in the middle of a boxing lesson with a bulky man probably in his fifties. Naruto invited Hinata to join him on one of the benches that faced the ring. He always enjoyed watching Jiraiya in action, making him proud to have the Sannin as his godfather. Jiraiya was hitting his sixties, but he easily moved around on his feet and kept up with Naruto's own stamina. Naruto hoped to age like his coach, practicing his favorite sport no matter how old he got.
The blond supported his back against the wall, relaxing and enjoying the little demo. He side-eyed Hinata and smiled at how she zeroed her attention on the pair practicing. She was sitting straight, at the edge of her seat. Her pearly eyes barely blinked. Naruto wondered if that's how she had watched him for the first time, at the betting house in Konoha's industrial district many months ago. He had gone back to Sasuke's text from that time, and saved the blurry picture of Hinata and her cousin scouting him.
"You should not let Jiraiya catch you staring at him this way." Naruto spoke in a low tone, just for Hinata to hear. "It'll get to his head, ya'know." He chuckled lightly, Hinata turning to him with a smile.
"It's not everyday one gets to see the Jiraiya, the Sannin, in action." Admiration glinted in her eyes. "He retired from boxing before my father debuted in hapkido. I never thought I would one day have this opportunity."
Naurto whistled lowly, "Definitely don't let him hear you now." His back hunched over its own height, elbows meeting knees, a closed lip smile on his tanned features. "He is a legend. But unless I'm in the octagon with him, I can't help but see him as my old perverted godfather."
"Pe-perverted?" Hinata choked on the word, surprised at Naruto's remark. "What-..." She scooted over, a little closer to him, her question unfinished but her curious tone speaking volumes.
"He is more than boxing, ya'know." He teased her, amused at how she was fangirling over Jiraiya. "It's not really a secret," he paused, being careful to not laugh. Hinata just looked too adorable. "People that know him for one business usually don't connect him with his other one, and vice-versa." He ended, resuming his relaxed position against the wall. Hinata blinked a few times at where his face previously was.
He told her nothing. She turned to him only to find a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Uzumaki Naruto, are you teasing me?" She pouted at him which only made him shrug his large shoulders.
"Hey, Naruto." A patron walked past them, fist bumping the blond who returned the gesture.
"Hey man." Hinata waited for the person to distance themselves before giving Naruto a disbelieving look.
"I think you are bluffing." She accused him, making him break into a chuckle.
Another couple of patrons stopped by to wish Naruto a good evening, one of them recognizing Hinata as a Hyuga. The young woman momentarily got distracted by the stranger bowing in respect towards her, her cheeks flushing red. After returning the bow and wishing them well, Hinata turned back to Naruto.
"Are you bluff—" But she was unable to continue to push Naruto and kill her curiosity because the subject of their conversation joined them.
"If it's not Miss Hyuga herself." Jiraiya approached them with a robe hanging over his shoulders, covering his bare back and arms—the gym now completely empty with the exception of the little trio. "It's nice to see you again."
"Nice to see you too, master Jiraiya." Hinata bowed to him, flustered and caught by surprise.
"Stop embarrassing 'Nata, old man." Naruto stood up and lightly pushed Jiraiya's right shoulder, his godfather joining Naruto's chuckle.
"It's nice to have someone around who respects me, your bratty self is all I got most days." Hinata smiled at the interaction as she stood up next to the blond, Jiraiya and Naruto's benter being much the same.
"Hinata, you do not have to call him 'master'." Naruto air quoted the last word.
"She knows to appreciate a legend when she sees one." Jiraiya puffed his chest, making Naruto roll his eyes. "Learn a thing or two from her," his booming laughter filling the now empty gym. "She's too good for you, kit."
"Well, that's an understatement, old perv." Naruto said, shocking Hinata. Does he really think so highly of me? She blushed at the thought. "But she's here now, with me," now he was the one puffing his chest, making the older man shake his head in good humor. "And she has an invitation for me and you, so hear her out."
"Oh, really?" Jiraiya arched an eyebrow to her. "Let's hear it."
Hinata nodded, a small smile adorning her lips. Fishing the envelopes from her purse, she offered them to the duo as a fan. "There is also one for Konohamaru. The Hyuga would be honored by your presence." She used her father's words topped by the Hyuga trademark honorific bow.
The two men took an envelope each, intrigued. A minute went by as they opened and read the invitation, Naruto's expression turning into surprise while Jiraiya's turned into amusement. "You're gonna have to get a tux, kit." the older man said, nudging the younger one.
"'Nata, is this—is this coming from your dad? I mean, is he—is he okay with it?" Naruto questioned, not believing the evidence in his hands. "It's just a couple weeks before Neji and I fight."
"He said it's more than appropriate for you all to attend." She reassured him, her smile never leaving her pink lips.
"You heard her, kit. Her old man wants you there, accept it and be grateful. I taught you some manners." You deserve it, Naruto. Jiraiya shook his godson lightly by the shoulders.
"Oh, yes." Naruto was an embarrassed and nervous mess all at once. "We-we'll be there! It will be my honor." He added, finally smiling at the end. Hinata stepped closer to him and took his free hand on hers, reciprocating his smile.
"I'll make sure to hand this one to Konohamaru." Jiraiya finally freed Hinata's hand from the third envelope, thanking her afterwards.
"It will be the last time the Hyuga throws the annual charity gala to raise money for underprivileged children." Hinata turned to address both men. "We're changing the way we approach our humanitarian initiatives, for the better in my opinion." Naruto noticed an enigmatic glint in Hinata's eyes and the lines on her face hardened for a moment. He could tell there was more in the matter than her words led to, so he squeezed her hand in response even if he did not quite know what it was. "Which makes this last, final event a little extra."
"You heard her, kit, you'll need a tux." Jiraiya pointedly looked at Naruto who just groaned.
"I guess…" Was his reply as he scratched the back of his neck. Hinata giggled at his antics, getting his attention back on her. "Ready to go?" He gave her hand another squeeze, receiving a happy nod in response. "You need help closing up, old man?"
"Enjoy your weekend, kids." Jiraiya shooed them, dismissing Naruto's offer. "I'm still gonna take a while here. Just lock after yourselves, will ya?"
Jiraiya watched them go with a smile. He exhaled a long breath when they disappeared into the night.
"Cheers to being young." He voiced to no one. "I wonder what Tsunade is up to…"
—
She drove them to her place, Naruto not taking the bike to Jiraiya's gym that day since they had planned going home together. Because they had agreed beforehand to meet for a homemade dinner that evening, Hinata had stopped at the market before meeting him at Jiraiya's. After an exhausting week, all they wanted to do was to have a relaxing time together.
Before Hinata had found him in the storage room, Naruto had already showered, concluding a long day of training—so he already found himself comfortable in a pair of sweatpants and t-shirt. He helped her lay out the ingredients for dinner on the counter top while Hinata headed into her bedroom.
She rejoined him in the kitchen after a speedy shower and change of clothes. Naruto smiled at the floral scent of her shower products when she stood next to him, instructing him on what to do. Naruto appreciated Hinata in sweats and an oversized crop top as much as he did when she was dressed in office attire. I'm doomed, he thought amused, trying to focus on the task she was giving him.
After a healthy yet hearty meal—Naruto not believing he actually enjoyed the steamed vegetables Hinata had expertly seasoned—, they moved to the couch for a movie.
Scrolling through Netflix on Hinata's tv, they started to slowly get more comfortable and intertwined. By the end of the tenth trailer, Naruto had his back supported by colorful pillows against the arm of the couch. One leg bended and rested against the back of the furniture while the other stretched over its edge. Hinata fit in between his long legs, back and head relaxed on his torso and chest. One of his arms encircled her waist, half touching the fabric of her shirt, half feeling the bare skin that picked from under the crop top. She had tied her long hair in a messy bun on top of her head, prickling Naruto's chin. She rested both of her arms on his and drew little doodles on his tanned skin while his other arm was aimed at the tv, holding the controller.
"Nothing good or too many options?" She giggled when he skipped several other titles.
"A little bit of both?" He answered with a question, Hinata able to hear and feel his laughter on his chest. She looked back at him intrigued when he rested the controller on her lap, a random trailer playing. To her surprise, he was looking down at her, examining her features.
"What is it?" She inquired with a small smile, stretching and turning her neck to see him a little better.
"Hm… I was wondering if…" Naruto hesitated. "If there is something you dislike about this gala thingy your family is throwing." He tried, trying to not overstep. It is true they had gotten to know each other really well, but there was still a lot they didn't know. A lot they hadn't had the opportunity to share—a lot that only time would allow them to. "You seemed very… set on ending this tradition."
"Oh." It was her short reply after a moment of silence, her face and eyes turning back to the television. Naruto waited. If she didn't want to talk about it, he would happily change the subject. But, he had also learned Hinata took her time sometimes, making careful decisions in her mind before speaking.
He felt her exhale deeply in his arms.
"Yes," she finally confessed. "I am so happy, excited even, that the Hyuga is ending this old fashioned practice. We can do charity in such better and more effective ways for the times we live in." She elaborated, returning to doodle in his arms with her fingertips. At his skin reacting to her touch, Hinata smiled at the little bumps forming under her delicate tracing. She looked up at him, and Naruto frowned at how her smile did not reach her eyes—as if some life had leaked out of them. "But I'm also happy to see it gone because it was my grandfather's thing."
"Your grandfather?" He asked, never having heard Hinata mention the man.
Hinata sat straighter, turning her body to face him better. She felt her heart heavy, talking about the man who drew her and her own father apart, never being an easy thing to address. "My grandfather was not a good person to me."
For the next several minutes, Hinata, with a lump in her throat, narrated to Naruto episodes of her childhood. A darker side of her memories and experiences she had kept locked away from him until that day.
How dare you cry for your father? He will only come when you show yourself useful.
You call this progress? Hanabi mastered this move last week. She made your father proud.
Your father won't come, waste his time, to watch you lose first place. Now, tell me, girl. Tell me how good second place is.
Stop stuttering, you'll embarrass your father. You'll embarrass the Hyuga.
You will put this dress on, and you will dance, and you will smile. Be what the Hyuga need you to be. Your father will be there, make him proud.
The more Naruto heard her, the more his old, familiar anger slowly boiled up to the surface. But he stayed quiet. Not wanting to make it about himself, he allowed her to speak for as long as she needed as he tried to push down the rage that took him four years to control.
All the bullying she suffered—from a family member nonetheless! It broke him. It broke him. Someone who should have protected her. Someone who had had access to her well being and should have cared for it. Someone who should have comforted her at the hardest time of her life. Just wasn't—just wasn't fucking there.
"It started when my mother passed away. Cancer took her from us too soon," her gaze dropped to his chest, her hands squeezing hard on each other. "Father was so distraught. He couldn't speak, drink, or eat for days. He could barely look at me and my sister. Hanabi was so young, too, just a toddler." She recounted. "When father and I started therapy together, after grandfather died—he told me my grandfather invited him to move back into the Hyuga's main house. 'I'll take care of you and your daughters', it's what he'd told my father. But slowly he started to… to manipulate my father, his own son, at the same time and in the same way he did me, his own granddaughter. He isolated us from each other, under the pretense of helping us—"
Hiashi, you are not fit to take care of Hinata and Hanabi. Hinata is becoming weak because of your weakness. Let me take care of her. And let me save Hanabi from being affected by it as well.
Hanabi is splendid, and Hinata is slowly making progress. You need to focus on the company. It's the best thing you can do. Everybody is doing what they must.
You don't have time to make it to Hinata's tournament. I checked your schedule, you need to focus on the expansion project, Hinata sees that, too. Why can't you?
Hinata finally got first place. You not going was the best decision. You would've made her so nervous. She is happy.
Why do you waste so much time with Hitomi and Hizashi's grave? You were unable to protect them in life, what makes you think you can do anything for them after death? Focus. On. The. Company! That's where you're needed.
She remained silent after voicing her grandfather's words, reliving the pain that her and her father had unknowingly shared for years. Naruto watched her lips quiver with a heavy exhale. He raised his warm hands to her forearms, slowly bringing them up and under the loose sleeves of her top. He rubbed and lightly squeezed her shoulders until she finally let fat tears roll over her cheekbones down her chin. His arms encircled her delicate shoulders, bringing her to him. As she trembled, Hinata's face rested over Naruto's heart.
He held her close and tight, her sobs filling the quiet living room—the television long forgotten on resting mode. One of his hands held the back of Hinata's head, his fingers digging into the soft indigo strands and massaging her scalp. His other arm kept her close by the waist, still embracing her.
Hinata could hear Naruto's heartbeat, her left ear pressed against his chest right over it. It was strong and somewhat too fast. It seemed that he was internally as agitated as she was. Feeling connected to him, her trembling arms rose up and her hands weakly held to the fabric of his shirt on his back. Hinata never knew how much she was starved for touch until she met Naruto.
When her tears stopped dropping and her sobs subsided to low whimpers, Naruto started inhaling and exhaling slowly. Without having to say a word, she knew he was guiding her breathing. She followed his lead, and together they exercised her breathing to a steady rhythm.
Carefully, the hand on her scalp lowered to her neck, and Naruto gently pulled her away from him, so his baby blue eyes could see her teary face. Hinata simpered at him, mouthing a weak 'thank you' that in turn brought a quiet smile to his lips. Somehow he seemed to know there was more, Naruto not daring to say a word until she was completely done. Gathering all she had left in her, she exhaled one last time before clearing her throat.
"The, uhm—the hardest part is that he died without ever giving neither my father nor I an explanation or elaboration, there was no closure. The best my father could conclude," she lowered her voice, sliding her hands to Naruto's chest. "—was that my grandfather's overbearing strictness and controlling tendencies lead him to, to… well, to..."
Naruto knew the word she wanted to say. He was thinking it. But he also knew Hinata to be an extremely kind soul. And now he could see how she could be too kind. Wanting to encourage her, he cupped her face with both hands and rubbed her cheeks dry. "It's okay, 'Nata… You can say it."
She nodded, gulping hard—her saliva feeling thick and lumpy "They lead him to abuse us." Her words were quiet, but her voice did not waver. "He never approved of my father moving out. Going to university in another country. Getting married without his consent. With a woman he did not deem worthy of the family name. Maybe, maybe he was punishing us." In a whisper, she added, "I do look like her..."
"Like you, she must've been really kind." Naruto offered, making Hinata lean into his touch and hide her small smile on his palm.
"The kindest." She nodded, lips brushing against his skin. "She was father's light. I know that he hasn't forgiven himself for how things developed after her death. Father blames himself for everything." She had stopped smiling, hands over his. "But I don't. I can't. I don't blame him at all. I just need closure."
Naruto pulled her again against his chest, reclining their bodies down on her many colorful pillows on the couch—Hinata almost laying on top of him. "So," he started after several quiet minutes. "This event, the gala, was something your grandfather started," he paused, seeking for confirmation which she gave in the form of a nod, "and ending it will be a stand in for the closure you need." He concluded, receiving another nod from the girl who rested on him.
A few more minutes went by before he said anything again, surprising Hinata with his next words, "Fuck, let's have the time our lives at the gala then." She lifted her head off his chest, hands flat on his torso. Eyes blinking at him, trying to understand his logic. A large, fox-like grin stretched his face as he elaborated, "Let's rub all over your grandfather's grave the strong person you've become without him."
The young Hyuga blinked a few more times before breaking into bubbly laughter, her teary eyes now crying out of amusement. "Oh, Naruto…"
"I'm serious, I've said it before and I'll say it many times over. You're so strong." Her heart skipped a beat at how his blue eyes gleamed at her. "What do you say? Let's go together?" He asked, still smiling.
"Yes," her breathy reply came in between giggles. "It's a date."
"It's a date." He confirmed, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. Pulling back, Naruto proposed, "Why don't we pick a movie you think your mom would've liked?"
Hinata's eyes twinkled, his idea sparking joy back into her eyes. He handed her the controller as she happily chatted about her mother's likes and dislikes.
Naruto smiled proudly at himself as he watched her scroll through their options, listening to her every word. Hinata was happy to talk about her mother at any time. And Naruto liked to see her happy. He liked being part of it. To ignite it.
The opening credits of an older movie from the sixties started when, without turning her attention away from the screen, Hinata quietly said, "Thank you, Naruto."
Against her dark hair, he mumbled soft reply, "Anytime."
—
Kushina got out of the taxi in front of a modern, industrial style building. She verified the address before texting Naruto that she had arrived. As she waited for her son, she recalled the conversation they had had a few days prior.
"I was thinking of coming to see you in the city this week." She probed her son carefully, his reply on the other side of the call coming quickly.
"Really?! I'd like that 'ma, ya know?" She laughed at the speech tick he had inherited from her. "If you come on Thursday, you can be there for my photoshoot."
"Photoshoot? Oh my," she laughed, thinking how much times had changed from Minato's. "Will you be posing shirtless and making mean faces?" She teased but was truly interested to know.
"I guess so, I don't know." He chuckled with her. "Whatever they tell me to do. I've been getting some practice with Konohamaru, but this is different. It's the league's promotion material. I need to be careful to not look like a doofus."
"Naruto, please, you'll do great."
"You have to say that 'cause you're my mom."
"You're a natural, silly. But I'll be there to boost your confidence." He heard him laugh again.
"Great, I'll send you the address." he said before pausing, a little ding of incoming message ringing in her ear. "It'll be at one o'clock, Jiraiya will be there, too. Hyuga Neji will join later for the stuff we need to do together. Hinata will be coming with him."
"Oh—do I get to meet her, then?!"—Kushina's voice getting a pitch higher.
"Only if you promise me you'll behave!" He exclaimed urgently, making her distance the phone from her ear a bit. "Do not make Hinata uncomfortable, I'm telling you. She can be shy sometimes." He added the last sentence more quietly which only served to make Kushina squill at him.
"Naruto, you're too cute!" She heard him humph at her. "Who would've thought my brash, bratty little kid would turn out so adorable for his girl—"
"'Ma!" He cut her off. "Are you gonna behave or not?"
"I promise." She finally said after a few more laughs at his expense. "Don't worry, baby."
"Miss Uzumaki?" A voice brought her back from her musings. "I'm Konohamaru, your son's self-proclaimed biggest fan and now his media manager. It's a pleasure to meet you." Kushina lifted an eyebrow at the young man extending his hand towards her. He was so young. He mustn't be older than twenty. Times were indeed different, she thought before smiling a Naruto-like grin, making the Konohamaru kid blush.
"The pleasure is all mine!" She voiced with an animated shake of his hand. "Is my son now too busy to pick up his own mother from downstairs?"
A finger scratching a cheek, Konohamaru laughed embarrassedly. "No! Jiraiya did not let him, makeup was ready for Naruto. So, he sent me! Sorry to disappoint, miss—"
"Oh, please, just call me Kushina! And I'm just teasing ya'." The older woman waved his apology off, already walking towards the entrance of the building. She continued to tease the flustered young man as they rode the elevator to the top floor.
Kushina whistled, impressed with the space as soon as the elevator dinged open. They were in an airy studio with a very strong industrial feel. Large windows let all the natural light of that cool end of spring's day in. People were buzzing and hustling all dressed in black, a pop rock beat played from a speaker somewhere. Whoever was in charge could be heard shouting instructions here and there. White cyc walls were set up in a couple different places—a specially large one behind an staged, smaller octagon. The whole place was so noisy and busy, and Kushina did not know where to start looking for her son.
"Miss Uzumaki," a white-haired man in business casual attire and a black face mask approached her before Konohamaru could point her in the right direction. "It's an honor to meet you. Naruto looks a lot like you."
"Oh, no way, he's one hundred percent his father!" She exclaimed bashfully, a glint passing through the man's eye that she did not understand. "But I guess I can take some credit as his mother."
"As you should, miss—"
"Just Kushina, please, I told Konohamaru here as well. Please, tell everyone to do the same before I start blushing. I don't like blushing." She laughed nervously, not expecting everyone to be so formal towards her. Like she was so important or something. I'm just Kushina.
"As you wish, Kushina." He nodded towards her, Kushina unsure if he was smiling or not behind his mask. "I'm Kakashi, the agent who recruited your son into the league. I have great expectations for him. And I doubt I'll be disappointed."
Kushina's lips formed a surprise "o" before she took one of his hands enthusiastically. "Thank you, thank you" She repeated a few times, this time Kakashi being the one caught by surprise. The woman seemed so moved. He was grateful his mask covered his flustered face. Never had anyone looked at him with so much gratitude in their eyes.
After he composed himself again and Kushina wiped a lonesome tear that threatened to drop down her left cheek, Kakashi cleared his throat before gesturing to them to move forward. Konohamaru watched the entire scene unfold with a grin—Naruto's mom was something else. And he agreed with Kakashi, the blond may not have his mother's fiery hair and violet eyes, but he smiled and laughed just like her. Their eyes shared the same vibrancy, it was undeniable.
"Naruto!" Said man turned around with that Uzumaki smile as he heard his mother calling him. "Oh gosh, I guess hugs are out of question, look at all that oil!" She joked good-naturedly, getting as close to her son as possible as a team of two makeup assistants hovered around him, oiling his muscles with meticulous care.
"Hey, 'ma." He greeted her cheekily from his standing t-position. His blond locks were trimmed shorter on sides and back, the top left longer and wild as if he had just biked without a helmet. He would have been completely undressed if it weren't for the black pair of gripping shorts—a red swirl on the side of one leg and the pro league's logo on the other. Minato's tattoo looking darker and more contrasting under the applied oil on Naruto's navel, Kushina could not believe how grown he had become—his hard work of four years physically evident. "What do ya' think?"
"What do I think?" She murmured, bringing both hands over her lips. From her side vision, she saw Jiraiya coming up to her. He rested an arm over her showers, his eyes asking her the same question Naruto had just asked her. "I think your dad would've been so proud." She answered quietly just for the two to hear.
Naruto's grin stretched from ear to ear, and the small, non-traditional family engaged in whispered conversation as the makeup duo gave Naruto's face a few touches—careful not to cover his birthmarks. Kushina used to think their family was broken, Minato leaving a huge hole in all of them. But now, forgiveness had filled that whole with love, and she felt complete.
Kakashi stepped away to give them privacy in the middle of that agitated environment. He pulled Konohamaru away from them too, showing what he would have permission to get footage of. But from a distance, Kakashi still watched the Uzumakis, curious to know if his suspicions were right. He just needed the right opportunity.
Shortly after the familial moment, the photographer was working Naruto, easing him in front of the camera. It did not take long for him to start loosening up, feeling the vibe the photographer was expertly creating—Konohamaru shadowing the professional without getting in the way. Kushina stood on the sidelines with Jiraiya, impressed by her son, the team working him up, and the young kid Naruto had apparently hired.
"Impressive, right?" She heard Jiraiya say next to her, after half an hour had passed by.
"I could've never pictured anything like it." She confessed honestly. "For the longest time I didn't want to even dream about it. But now," She paused gesturing at Naruto talking to the camera—a videographer stepping in to catch a few live action shots of his personality and trash talk. "I mean, look at him. This is him. Not a persona. He's always been this way."
Jiraiya chuckled, "But now it's channeled into something productive."
"Thank you." Kushina said after a moment quietly watching Naruto being moved to the staged octagon. "You had the big picture, the vision, when I didn't. You and his teacher, Iruka."
"Maybe, but you agreed to let him move to the Leaf Academy. Give yourself due credit as well." From the corner of his eyes, he saw Kushina shrugging her shoulders. "Be kinder to yourself." He said with an air of finite, Kushina hiding a smile from him that he still caught with a glance.
Behind them, they heard movement from the shooting crew. Kushina looked back to see the league's recruiter moving forward to the opened elevator doors—a small party stepping out and into the busy space. A few people moved around, and Kushina was able to spot three beautiful people exchanging pleasantries with Kakashi. Kushina had never seen eyes like theirs.
"Oh, the Hyugas have arrived." Jiraiya told her with an exasperated groan. "Naruto better not lose focus, they promised me they would keep a professional distance in front of the crew." Kushina blinked curiously at the older man who glanced at her and chuckled. "The young lady over there is Hinata."
"Hinata!" the whispered-exclaimed, holding herself back from causing a scene but still tiptoeing to have a better look at the girl her son has been talking about since his last visit to Uzu weeks ago.
She watched Hinata move with her party to where she had first found Naruto. She was shorter than the men accompanying her. Kushina would not call her petite though, she could see the curves the girl had tried to hide under the casual swing dress she wore. Her skin was a light ivory, and her hair cascaded down her back—so shiny and dark that indigo undertones came through Hinata moved around. "Oh my, she's gorgeous."
"The boy is smitten, you'll see." Jiraiya informed her with a shake of his head. "Just watch."
And Jiraiya was right. When the Hyuga group approached the staged octagon—Neji made up similarly to Naruto but in gray gripping shorts and his long, brown hair combed back and tied at the nape of his neck—, Naruto's vision immediately tunneled on Hinata. Kushina watched Naruto's eyes glue to the young woman as if forgetting where he was. Kushina quickly glanced at Hinata, catching a blush tinting her pale cheeks. She seemed to put effort into not looking at Naruto for more than a couple of seconds at a time.
"Oh, to be young and in love." Kushina whispered, resting a cheek into a hand.
"They couldn't be more obvious," Jiraiya exhaled exasperated. "So much for being professional."
—
"Are you already meeting his mother?" Neji arched an inquisitive eyebrow at her, as she tried to bid him goodbye—Naruto and his party having left a couple of hours ago. "Don't you think it's too soon?"
"Hmm…" She hummed in reply while placing her phone back in her bag. "It feels like the right time." She smiled as she hung the bag on her shoulder.
Neji exhaled as if giving up on the matter. "If you say so."
"I do say so." Hinata kept smiling at him as if things were that simple, but Neji still caught a very low key threatening tone from her—a chill coming down his spine.
"And where are you guys going?" He asked, trying to not sound bothered.
"To a ramen shop in our neighborhood." Neji processed her reply and thought in distress, oh yea, they live close to each other, great. "They headed to his apartment first, so he could shower all this oil off." She continued, gesturing towards Neji's own oil clad body. "You should do the same, quickly."
"You know I will." He said, already inserting his arms on the sleeves of a travel robe. "I'm just worried about you."
It was Hinata's turn to exhale. "I know." She looked up at him with her true soft smile this time around. "I'm happy." She stated, and he nodded. "Maybe after all this ends, you and Tenten can hang out with us. You know, get to know him."
Neji stayed quiet for a while, studying her hopeful features. "We can do that."
"Great." She confirmed, tiptoeing to plant a quick kiss on his right cheek—careful to not touch any of the oil. "We'll talk later."
As Hinata exited the building, she stopped to look up to where she knew Neji still was, waiting for Ko and his team to finish talking to Kakashi. There wasn't anything she could do about a worried Neji though. Thankfully, she could leave him in Tenten's hands.
Getting into her car, she started heading towards Ichiraku. Now that she didn't have Neji's concern occupying her mind, anxiety started to creep up at the anticipation of meeting Naruto's mom. She was such a handsome woman. From afar, she couldn't help but notice the redhead beauty standing next to Jiraiya.
When she was an item with Toneri, she never worried about her boyfriend's father. Had she never deeply cared for her relationship with him? Now that she was with Naruto, she started noticing how things were truly wrong Toneri. How wrong she was to even let them last for that long. It wasn't like she necessarily desired feeling stressed about meeting her partner's parents, but at the same time, it didn't seem she felt… much with Toneri.
But now… She prayed to all gods that Naruto's mom would like her. Hinata bit her lower lip as Ichiraku came into view. Waiting in her parked car for a moment, she took a few minutes to breathe in and out. Without giving herself the chance to overthink things further, Hinata grabbed her bag and exited the vehicle.
When she entered the warm environment of the restaurant, Ayame smiled and greeted her from the counter. "Welcome, Hinata!"
It took Naruto just enough time for Hinata to smile and wave back a greeting to Ayame, he quickly joined her by the door with a large smile. She smiled up at him and welcomed his hand on her—his tall figure smelling like a fresh shower, his hair still damp.
"I really like the haircut they gave you." She whispered close to him.
"Thanks." He chuckled with a light tint to his cheeks. "You look pretty."
She nodded in gratitude, nervous that they were about to walk towards his mother. "Is Jiraiya here too?
"Yes, he's here." He said, starting to pull her towards the back booths. "She'll love you, don't worry." He said quietly as he gave her hand a squeeze. She only bit further into her lips, choosing the wait and see.
As Jiraiya and Naruto's mom noticed their proximity, the latter stood up immediately. To Hinata's surprise, the exuberant woman pushed her away from her own son and engulfed Hinata in a tight hug.
"'Ma! You said you'd behave!" Naruto exclaimed from somewhere on the side, his hand still holding firmly to Hinata's. "You're suffocating her."
"Quiet." She zipped him with a gesture of her hand, but pushed away from the Hyuga regardless. Hands pressed against Hinata's shoulders, violet eyes stared right into lavender ones. "Hello, my dear, I'm Naruto's mom, Kushina. I'm so happy to finally meet you." She introduced herself with a very Naruto-like smile.
Hinata felt her blood rushing to her face, Kushina's beauty and energy making her blush furiously. "H-hi! I'm Hinata, I-I'm happy to meet you too." How she managed to stuttered a reply, she didn't know—everything about Kushina blinding her.
"My goddess, you are so adorable." Kushina said as she studied Hinata's face from up close. "Come, dear, come eat, Naruto already ordered for us, the food just arrived right before you walked in."
"Y-yes." It was the only reply Hinata managed to utter. Kushina seemed to keep surprising her though. Getting protest exclamations off of her son, she skillfully slid her hand between Hinata and Naruto's—easily taking Hinata from him and seating her on the same side as the Uzumaki woman.
"Just quit it, kit. Kushina is in charge now." Jiraiya chucked at his godson's sulking expression when he had to sit next to the older man.
"'Ma is crazy! Do you how she's monopolizing Hinata—"
"I might not be paying attention to you, honey, but I can still hear you." Kushina sing-sang as she mothered Hinata, moving bowls and chopsticks so the Hyuga girl could have what Kushina judged to be the best serving of ramen. "Here honey, eat plenty, it's on Naruto." She smiled sweetly, making Hinata nod as her whole body burnt in embarrassment with the attention she was receiving.
"Hinata's bill is on me, I'm not sure I'll be paying for yours—"
"Of course you will, or what kind of impression would you be giving Hinata here, right dear?" Kushina said without even batting an eyelash, not requiring an answer from Hinata as Jiraiya's booming laughter made the table tremble.
"Just quit it, kit. I said it already." The older man reaffirmed, holding his belly with one hand as the other held his chopsticks.
Naruto dug into his ramen but stared at his mother with the intensity of an upset child. Kushina, on the other hand, could care less about her son's antics, too busy admiring the blushing woman sitting next to her. In all her embarrassment, Hinata still ate so gracefully. "How Naruto found someone as elegant as you is beyond me, my dear, he's very lucky." She stated as Hinata slurped a portion of ramen too quickly, choking lightly at the comment.
Hinata thanked Kushina weakly as she accepted the water being offered to her. After recovering from the little episode, she looked up at the violet eyes that watched her intently. With all the courage she could muster, she smiled and with no stutter managed to say, "I'm the one who's lucky, your son is a wonderful man."
Kushina noted lavender hues dancing in Hinata's pearlescent eyes. She felt her own lips match Hinata's smile—a tender, mutual understanding between the two of them. "He is, isn't he?" She asked, her voice serene. Kushina's smile widened at Hinata's single yet confident nod. "So, tell me, dear, what do you like doing in your free time? Any hobbies?"
Across from them, Jiraiya glanced at Naruto. His godson stared at the two women in front of him with fixed eyes. His face not holding any particular expression except for the light pink that dusted the apples of his cheeks and tips of his ears. Jiraiya smiled fondly at the scene, a quiet chuckle leaving his lips. With a heavy hand, he shook Naruto lightly, "Come on, kit, your ramen is getting cold."
—
to be continued.
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N/A: Thank you so much for all the new reviews! I truly enjoyed reading them, it made me really excited to write. Before I knew it, there were 23 pages written. 😯 This chapter did take a little longer just because March was a pretty crazy month for me. I had to travel for work which was really nice—getting off the office and all. But, it did delay the proof-reading process. In fact, the last scene was proof-read at lighting speed. I just couldn't wait to post the chapter any longer! I can't believe that I still made it to my deadline. The one chapter a month resolution is still going strong!
Also, I might be posting another story before this month ends. We'll see.
Can't wait for your reviews! Please consider writing one.
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Until next time, stay safe!