Hey, hey!
My new and last NaruHina story. I wanted my last NaruHina story to be a rollercoaster of emotions for you all. This year I've been touching back to some of my original stories like 'Vengeance'. This story I am taping in to 'Family Burdens', which I agree with some of you. It was too short. Let's lengthen it up some. With a different plot! I really hope you enjoy this story. It was a emotional ride when writing it. Please read the FYI's below:
This is set in the Boruto-era. No Kawaki here though. After the Chunin exams, and the invasion, that threat is gone. Just so you know! Also, the timeline is after the 'Parent-child Day' arc in Boruto. Boruto is 12ish still. Getting close to 13.
This is a Mature rated fic because...smut, but it will be later down the road of course.
This fic will hit some trigger points. Like separation, and talks of divorce. So you've been warned before reading. Like I said, it's a emotional ride. I hope you enjoy it!
"And sometimes I have kept my feelings to myself, because I could find no language to describe them in." – Jane Austen
Naruto came home at nine at night. After that he got into bed 45 minutes later. Hinata knew that because she was lying in bed the whole time. At first she was just staring at the ceiling while in her sleepwear. Later, when Naruto came to bed as quiet as he could be, Hinata had her eyes closed to feign sleeping.
It was two months after her whole world came to realization. Two months since her husband was taken, by an evil being. Momoshiki Ōtsutsuki. Saved by his best friend Sasuke Uchiha…and her son, Boruto.
Her son. She let her son go save his father with Sasuke Uchiha. She let her child…leave her protection. What if he died? What if he resented her down the road.
What was wrong with her?
That was two months ago. Hinata has gotten her husband and son back. They were a united family again. Her son understood his father, and respected all the hard work Naruto has done for Konoha. It was everything Hinata has ever wanted. Yet, the cost of this happening has impacted her dearly.
It has been six hours since Naruto has gotten home, and he was sound asleep. Meanwhile she was up. Staring at the ceiling again. Listening to the clock in their bedroom go tik-tock. Taunting her. Reminding her in a few hours her son was going to leave her on a mission, and that her daughter was going to need her attention. Her husband was going to go to work, and she had to be perfect for all of them.
When in reality Hinata hasn't gotten more than three hours of sleep in over a month.
"Nii-san. I know I shouldn't be scared right now, but this is war we are talking about. People will die."
Neji looks at Hinata as he secures Hinata's Chunin vest on her, and smiles at his nervous cousin. He had grown to view her as a sister, as she has already labeled him her brother. They were the closest Hyuga's in their clan. "People will die, but not us. We are Hyuga's, and we never bend. We will come out of this alive. I am leading us Hinata. I will make sure you're okay."
"Not just me. WE, Neji. WE will be okay." He didn't agree with Hinata, Neji just smiled at her.
Hinata curled to her side as tears fell down her face. She didn't want Naruto to see, so she made herself into a ball. She didn't want anyone to see her like this. It was hard to cry in silence like this, but Hinata has had years and years of practice.
Between her life growing up in the Hyuga compound, and her life being the Hokage's wife. Hinata has had many opportunities to cry in silence and not bother anyone. Besides, being a burden was her biggest fear.
As the clock ticked and toked the night turned into daylight. Hinata had missed her opportunity to sleep. Just like last night. Her mind wandering back to her golden days of trauma. She had a rolodex to choose from, so she kept herself busy all night with them. Her past memories helping her forget the fact she's an absolute shit parent for letting her child leave her to fight a monster.
She was supposed to fight their monsters away.
Hinata crawled out of bed, just as quiet as Naruto crawled into bed. She went into their bathroom to freshen up. Glad she decided to get up before everyone else in the house.
She walked into her bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. Frowning at her reflection. She was ugly. From the inside and out.
Her group of women that she has grown up with, and had children with, were five sizes smaller than her. Why? Simply because Hinata liked sweets. She enjoyed desserts, and loved making them for her family. She should have listened to her father a long time ago. To cut her sweet tooth habit, because now her metabolism has slowed and her weight has caught up to her.
She was a size small generally, but a medium for certain clothing. Her hips being the biggest burden for her. Her biggest annoyance was her breast that now sagged from breastfeeding for five years nonstop. She had stretch marks on her breast, and on her stomach, traveling to her hips.
Her arms weren't toned and sculpted like some of her friends, and Hinata couldn't remember the last time she let Naruto see her stomach. It was soft, and she had a 'fupa'. That annoying slight pudge on her lower belly.
Why did she stop working out? Why did she stop training?
All the women around her kept up with their routine they've created since becoming a ninja, but she stopped.
Hinata turned on the water to the shower as she took off her pajama's. Done looking at herself. If she kept at it, she'd start crying in the shower. She did that already yesterday, and she told herself to not do it two days in a row anymore. Not after she did it for five days straight before.
Upon entering the shower. She ignored her hairy legs, womanly parts, and underarms. How her hair on her head had started to grow out uneven. Along with whatever else that required beauty maintenance. Hinata ignored it.
Instead she quickly showered, got out, and brushed her teeth. Ignoring the fact she hasn't bought anything feminine, like scented body cream or wash, in some time. No face masks, or anything to make her feel pampered. Hinata had been using basic anti-bacterial body soap for some time.
She didn't deserve to feel nice. Why? What has she done to feel nice about?
After brushing her teeth, Hinata sat down on the toilet to collect herself. She felt light headed, and for some reason everything in the bathroom grew very bright. Lack of sleeping. She wasn't taking care of herself in that department she supposed. She'd go in the kitchen and pound some water and coffee before everyone woke up. That usually made the pain go away.
Hinata forced herself up. She put on black sweat pants and a white oversized shirt that Naruto didn't wear anymore. All while throwing a gray robe on that dragged on the floor. She never dried her hair, and didn't even wash it in the shower. She couldn't remember the last time she washed her hair. Maybe three weeks ago? Maybe that was why she had so many split ends and damage?
Throwing socks on, Hinata walked into the kitchen and saw Boruto had his mission equipment sitting on the couch. So all he'd have to do is wake up, have breakfast, and be on his way.
A small smile graced her tired face. Out of everything, Hinata could honestly say her children brought her a joy like no other. The only thing that has gotten her out of bed for some time was her children. Boruto was such a good person. A pure soul. Himawari was the same. A blessing. Hinata loved her children and she promised herself what happened two months ago, would never, ever, happen again.
Looking at the kitchen counter, beside the coffee machine, Hinata saw a note. Boruto wrote her a note last night before he went to bed.
'I'm sorry that I'll be missing uncle Neji's anniversary mom. I love you. Please have a good day, and don't worry about me. I'll be back soon! – Boruto'
Her son was much too boyish and shy to say this to her face. So he wrote the letter and probably would not say anything about it when he comes for breakfast. This boy…he was so precious.
Today was Neji's anniversary. His birthday, and Hinata always went to his gravesite with Naruto and her family. To pay their respect. Today would be no different.
Hinata made her coffee, and while it brewed she drunk two glasses of water back to back. Cooking breakfast and letting the early morning smell of food get her family up. She already knew who would wake up first.
Boruto, because he liked his one on one time with his mother and was very punctual for his missions. He was typically the first if not, the second person awake in the house.
Sure enough, Boruto came out the bathroom dressed for his mission. A bright smile on his face that was given to his mother in a sympathetic manner. Hinata wasn't sure if it was because of his uncle, or because he could see she was falling apart. She doubted it was the second option. She worked too hard to conceal that reality.
Instead, she smiled at Boruto and gave him a big hug. Her silent way of saying thank you for the letter. He returned the hug with just as much love, which meant he was really upset about missing the grave site. He's never missed it. "Mom."
"It's okay Boruto. Don't you worry. Eat up, please. I made a hearty breakfast for you. Lunch as well, for the road. Extra rations too." Boruto's eyes widened as he looked at his mission bag and saw the extra goodies his mom had added. "Give some to your teammates as well Boruto. Plenty to go around."
Boruto shook his head and smiled at his mother. She was truly amazing. On a day that was so emotional for her, she still thought heavily about him. Up at the crack of dawn to make sure he was still going to be okay. Everyday his mother made him regret his childish tantrums he's had over the years over his father becoming Hokage. "I love you mom."
"Oh Boruto. I love you too." Hinata kissed his forehead because being alone was the only times Boruto would let her baby him anymore. He sat down to eat his breakfast, and soon after Himawari came out the bathroom. Hinata was right on her second guess as well. Himawari liked to sleep in sometimes. Like her father.
Coming in skipping and smiling bright, Himawari was so contagious. Hinata started to smile just as big. "It looks like you slept well sweetheart."
"I did! I am looking forward to seeing Auntie Hanabi, and grandpa today!"
Rushing over to her mother, Himawari hugged Hinata. Almost knocking her over with her love. Boruto smiling at the affection. Just like clockwork, Naruto came out their bedroom and Hinata could tell he cleaned up in their bathroom. He was dressed and ready for work, which was a little odd, because Hinata thought he took the day off for Neji's birthday. He usually did.
Boruto frowned at Naruto, but decided against questioning it. His mother had a heavy day ahead of her, and he didn't want to ruin it by stirring the pot. "Okay. I don't want to be late! Thanks for breakfast mom. Dad, I'll see you when I get back. Hima, you be good and help mom! Especially today. Okay?"
Himawari saluted to Boruto as she ate her breakfast. She smiled as she watched her brother fist pump their confused looking dad, and walk out the front door. Naruto watched Boruto shut the front door before looking back at Hinata confused. He felt like he should know about today, so he wasn't going to ask Hinata about it so she would get upset. He'd figure it out.
He didn't have to ask her either. Hinata could see it on his face that he forgot. He forgot about today of all days.
Yet, she just smiled at him. "Good morning Naruto."
Aww. Naruto. Just by the drop of honorifics Naruto could see he might just have sent himself into the dog house. His wife was no fool, she knew when he's forgotten something. He ignored his food on the table, and walked over to Hinata, who was pouring her second cup of coffee.
Leaning over, Naruto kissed Hinata on the cheek. He loved the feeling of Hinata's soft skin, and chubby cheeks. It's the same feeling as the day he fell in love with her. He did notice that she smelled of coffee and soap. She's been smelling like this for a few weeks now, maybe longer. Usually Hinata liked lavender and vanilla. Therapeutic smells.
Plus, her picking up the habit of coffee was really random and bizarre. Hinata usually enjoyed tea, and if she wanted something strong, black tea was her go to. "Morning. I see you've grown a liking to coffee. Never thought you'd like it."
Hinata smiled as a reply. What could she say back to that? Yes, I enjoy staining my teeth? That the caffeine addiction was better than focusing on other things in her life. That this LITTLE guilty pleasure of coffee was the one thing holding her together from bursting.
No, she wouldn't say that. "You're silly. You're breakfast is going to get cold. Please eat. What time will you be home today?"
Perhaps Hinata wasn't happy he stayed late in the office last night? He tries to be home around six. Plenty of time before dinner, but something came up yesterday. He really had to have a meeting with Shikamaru and Sasuke on some important issues. He'd make up for it today.
Naruto has been saying this since Boruto's Chunin exams. His problem was, he was never consistent. "The usual. I'll be home around five or six. No later, I promise." An empty promise.
He kissed her on the lips again, whispering he was sorry about last night, and retreated to eat breakfast. Himawari watching the conversation between her parents in silence. Watching as her mother's smile immediately went away when her father turned around. Her mom wasn't going to tell him about uncle Neji's birthday today. She was much too upset.
She also gave Himawari a look that said she didn't want her to bring it up either. This was something they've done every year since Neji's death. Hinata has never had to remind Naruto. Him forgetting today, it just meant it wasn't important anymore to him. It was something Hinata told herself she'd have to accept.
That she wasn't important to him anymore.
Hanabi stood beside Hinata in silence as they gathered at Neji's memorial. Himawari attached to Hinata's side as usual. Not for long though. Hanabi has heard that Himawari was enrolling in the academy soon. She has chosen her life's path.
That wasn't the odd part of all of this. Naruto not being present wasn't really even odd. Their father wasn't even here today, he stayed home because he was feeling ill. He was old now, and Hanabi didn't want him overexerting himself.
What was odd was that Hinata was still in her lounging wear. Still in black sweatpants, and a white oversized shirt. Slippers on. Meanwhile Himawari was as clean and fresh as a whistle. In a beautiful new white sundress, and she could tell Hinata did her hair.
They stayed at the memorial for an hour. Had conversations about the past, and smiled at the fond memories. Hanabi and Hinata both delivering Neji's favorite flowers. Smiling and conversating with Lee and Tenten when they came to visit.
When they were finished, instead of Hanabi going back home, she followed Hinata home. Playing with her niece along the way, and talking about any and everything not important with Hinata. Upon entering their home, Himawari had went to wander off to her own doings. Giving her mother and aunt some privacy.
Himawari didn't say anything as Hanabi followed Hinata into her parent's bedroom.
"Well Hinata. You look like shit." Hanabi leaned against Hinata's dresser and crossed her arms under her chest. "Not just today either. You've been looking like shit since you left the hospital. After that invasion. Even on parent and child day, you looked like shit."
"Well…thank you Hanabi. I will be sure to dress my best every time I see you." Hanabi smirked at Hinata's slick reply. They were sisters and in privacy they were true and honest with one another. Hinata had no issue with being herself around Hanabi. "All this bite for me big sister, but did you have it for your husband? Since he's the one that forgot about today."
Himawari spilled the beans to her aunt. Hinata didn't seem to care and brushed the whole ordeal off. This was the start of her new norm. Naruto forgetting every and anything about her. Why not, who was she? His wife of over 13 years. There were better women out there.
"Look at yourself Hinata. You look like you don't even know what sleep is. Your hair smells like sweat and misery. You're pale. Like have you been outside at all other than today? Plus, you smell like ground coffee and basic body soap they issue you for missions. They smell horrible."
Hinata only nodded her head as she looked at nothing in particular in her room. "Because it is that soap. It's pretty cheap in the store, and always in stock. They had ran out of my usual body wash I get."
Hanabi's jaw clenched as she listened to the excuse. "Yeah? When was that?"
"A few months ago."
"Don't you think they've restocked since then Hinata?"
Hinata didn't answer back. She just shrugged her shoulders and looked at her closed bedroom door. When was Hanabi going to drop this subject and leave her alone to her thoughts? All Hinata wanted to do was be alone.
"Hinata. You look at me right now." When her big sister didn't listen. Hanabi walked in front of Hinata's eyesight. Her face growing red from frustration at Hinata shutting down. "What is wrong with you? What is going on? TALK to me Hinata."
Again. No answer. Hinata looked so dead.
"What the fuck does Naruto have to say about this?! I've seen you falling apart for weeks now. Has he not noticed this?!"
Hinata looked up at Hanabi and blinked several times. Why was Hanabi yelling? Why was it sounding so fuzzy. "No. I don't believe he knows anything Hanabi. What is there to know?"
"Oh, I don't know. The fact that you look sick. DEPRESSED. Does that word not ring a bell Hinata? You walk around a shell of yourself. Your world revolving around your children."
Hinata looked at Hanabi confused and narrowed her eyes at her. "That is what I'm supposed to do. My children are my WORLD Hanabi. Do you…" She dropped it. Hinata couldn't talk about what happened two months ago. She couldn't talk about that particular failure of hers.
She didn't have to, because Hanabi could see what was hurting Hinata. "You couldn't have saved Naruto. They almost killed you Hinata. Boruto did what he had to do. For you, and the family."
She laughed. Hinata laughed at what Hanabi said, and as her laughter increased, so did her tears. Spilling from her eyes. "Do you know…do you understand how STUPID that sounds? A twelve year old boy. Saves his father. With his estranged God Father. Would our father let us do something so STUPID, Hanabi? I am the worst mother to walk this earth. I…I can't look at myself."
Hinata reached her hands in her hair and pulled it from its sloppy ponytail. Gripping her hair, and finally letting out her frustrations. She was so silent with it. Her screams coming out mute, because she refused for her daughter to hear her. "This wasn't supposed to be my life. I can't eat. I can't sleep. I…I can't function like before. This was before the invasion. I just can't clear my head Hanabi."
Sliding to the floor, Hinata brought her knees to her chest and made herself into a ball. Hanabi getting on her knees and crawling to Hinata. Holding her sister in a tight embrace. She's never seen Hinata like this. Her sister usually was so composed and resilient. She's never seen Hinata fall apart. It was terrifying.
Hanabi blamed Naruto.
How could he not see Hinata breaking? She's been like this for weeks, and only getting worse. Today at the memorial site was the last straw for Hanabi. Hinata looked crazy and distraught. Naruto didn't see how awful she looked? Only meaning Naruto hadn't changed at all. His work life still trumped his home life, and he ignored someone he fought so hard to have.
Toneri could have had Hinata if Naruto was going to end up hurting her like this.
Breaking her like this.
He should know his wife was damaged from the war. Fighting might be Naruto's life. He might get excitement and a thrill from it, and so might his son. Hinata didn't though. He didn't stop to take this into consideration. He…he only wanted Hinata as a trophy wife.
"Neij. The war. Our mother. Our uncle. All I see is death. I can't feel anything Hanabi. I can't feel the love my children have for me, and I try SO hard to feel it. I can't live like this."
"Shh! Don't you say that!" Hanabi held Hinata tight and rocked her as her sister whaled. Hinata cried, but Hanabi was shaking from pure anger and fear. She could hear it in Hinata's voice. Hinata meant what she just said.
Hanabi would never forgive Naruto Uzumaki for turning her sister into this.
"Last month Hinata. You told me you weren't going to leave Naruto. You fought me, and beat me fair and square. I didn't press this issue anymore." Hinata shook her head in a weak manner to object, but she had no strength in her to fight Hanabi on the subject anymore.
Hanabi only held Hinata tighter. "No. You listen to me Hinata. Listen. You're going to leave him. You either stay here, without him, or you come home. You have a HOME Hinata. You and the kids can ALWAYS come home. You do not stay here in a loveless house. If you need help, I'll get you help. I will not tolerate your husband being in this household with you though. Being USELESS. Do you understand me."
Hanabi cupped Hinata's face. Forcing her sister to look at her. Hinata's lifeless eyes just continued to fill with tears. "You're not strong enough for this Hinata. Not right now. Look at you…I…I can't take you looking like this. You let me be your strength. All you have to do is say the word, and I'll handle everything from there on. Naruto won't come around until you're ready to talk to him."
Hinata bit her bottom lip. For the past two months being married to Naruto…has been the worst experience she has ever dealt with. Hugs weren't the same. Talks weren't the same. Love and sex. She hasn't been completed with Naruto in over three months. They haven't shared bodies that long. She hated herself, and Hinata just…couldn't deny that her and Naruto grew apart.
Even Naruto could admit that. Maybe he believed this was normal? Maybe he was indeed too busy to see his wife falling apart. Or maybe he was waiting to have a talk with her himself that his love for her was fizzing out.
Is that how Hinata felt too? That she didn't love Naruto anymore?
She didn't know. She couldn't feel anything anymore. She just wanted solitude. She also didn't want Naruto to see her like this. She didn't want anyone to see her like this.
Hanabi knew that, and she'd protect her sister. Hinata has always protected her. Always been the shield to take the blunt impact while Hanabi strengthened herself. Hanabi could be the bad guy and protect her sister while Hinata healed.
In Hanabi's eyes. If Hinata's husband truly loved her, he would have saw the signs.
When Hinata cried again this time, Hanabi heard her agree to the terms. She gave Hanabi free reign to finally be there for her. Which she was. She let Hinata cry herself into a slumber, like a baby, and walked out the bedroom. Shutting the door shut.
Himawari standing right in front of the door. "Moms not okay. Is she?"
Hanabi pulled her own self together and smiled down at her niece. Not ever willing to sugarcoat anything with her and Boruto. "No Hima. She's not. Do you know why?"
Himawari looked at the floor in disappointment, because she kind of understood. "Is it because daddy forgot uncle Neji's birthday? Or because daddy has been getting busy again. Mommy is feeling alone, and she hasn't been looking too happy lately."
So her children saw, but not her husband. This was making Hanabi sick. "This isn't your daddy's fault Himawari. Your mom is just a little sick and sad. Don't you worry though! Auntie is here to get her in tiptop shape!"
Himawari gave a half smile to Hanabi, because she didn't really believe her. Things would get worse before they got better. She could tell her mom was VERY sick.
"Hey, hey now! Why don't you get dressed into some play clothes, and I'll take you out to go eat in a bit. We can get your mom some dinner as well. I have to make an adult phone call anyways, and I'll call you when I'm done."
Obediently, Himawari went into her room to change, and Hanabi immediately went to the house phone. Calling the Hokage's personal desk.
Naruto had just finished a meeting with the council. Having a few stragglers leave the office just now. He promised he would have a few drinks with them after work. His way of playing politics and getting them off his back. He'd be home at 7:30 instead of 5 or 6 like he intended. No too bad. Better than 9 for sure.
Looking at his phone on his desk he grunted as it rung. Hinata must have sensed he was going to be home late again. Jeez, could he ever get out of this dog house. "Hey Hinata!"
'Hanabi.'
Naruto furrowed his brows and frowned. "Uh? Hanabi? Is everything okay? Where's Hinata?" For Hanabi to call him instead of Hinata, off their house phone, that was beyond strange and set alarms off in Naruto's head.
'No Naruto. She isn't. She's alive, if that's all your worried about. Listen, we have to talk.'
Naruto saw his office clerk walk into his office with paperwork and he silently shushed them away. Signaling for them to shut his door. "Okay. What's going on?"
'Hinata isn't happy. She's all messed up right now, and it's been decided from her family. The Hyuga side, that she'd be better off cared for by us for a while.'
"WHAT? Hanabi what are you talking about? Make this make sense quick, because you're starting to upset me."
'Is this how you talk to my sister? Is that why she doesn't voice how upset she is?'
"Don't worry about it Hanabi. You don't have to tell me. I'm leaving work now, and I'll talk to Hinata my fucking self."
'If you come to this house Naruto Uzumaki. I'll personally make sure Hinata divorces you before the day is over. I am not playing games with you. I think you've done that enough with my sister, and her feelings. Hinata wouldn't do this months ago, because she wants her children to grow up in the house you two have. So you can either stay away from the house, and let Hinata and the kids stay there during this separation.'
"Separation?" Hinata wanted to be separated?
'Or you can ignore everything I just said, and come back to your house. By doing that, Hinata and the kids will come live in the Hyuga compound. Permanently.'
"Hanabi…what in the hell is going on? She wants to be separated? What are you TALKING about? Let me talk to Hinata."
'I need you to understand the terms Naruto. I need you to understand that if you come back to this house, Hinata is leaving. Let's not make a scene for the kids. You can act dumb, and confused on Hinata's watch. My…my sister is NOT okay, and you sat back and did NOTHING. So spare me with the confused excuses. Do you UNDERSTAND the terms Naruto?'
This couldn't be happening. "Yeah."
'Okay. I guess Hinata will call you when she gets ready. I'm taking Himawari to get dinner. I'll be back fast, so don't try anything Naruto. Leave Hinata alone, she doesn't need you right now. She needs her family. She needs a peace of mind, because obviously you can't see what she needs.'
With that Hanabi hung up the phone. Naruto leaned back in his chair and looked completed void of life. He blinked several times before he walked to his office door and locked it. Ignoring how he heard Shikamaru on the other side knocking, and asking if everything was okay.
He walked over to his windows and closed all the blinds and curtains. Making his office completely dark. It was five in the afternoon right now, Naruto should be home. He sat in his office desk and picked up his corded telephone. The unique thing about being Hokage. You had to have a private line in your home. Separate from the house line.
The phone was in his bedroom, where he knew Hinata had to be. He called that number specifically. The phone ringing and ringing until going to voicemail.
Hi! You've reached the Hokage's line at the Uzumaki residence. Sorry we missed you-
He hung up, and immediately called right back. Listening to the phone ring, and ending up back on voicemail.
Hi! You've reached the Hokage's line at the Uzumaki residence. Sorry we missed you-
He hung again, and again and again. Before he knew it, it was six in the evening and he's called over 50 times. Each time going to voicemail. Naruto found himself under his office desk. The phone against his ear, and held in his hands for dear life.
Hi! You've reached the Hokage's line at the Uzumaki residence. Sorry we missed you, but please leave a message and we'll be happy to get back with you!
"Hinata…Hinata I know you can hear me. Please pick up." Naruto's voice was strained and he squeezed his eyes shut, because he couldn't imagine Hinata ignoring him like this. Being this ANGRY with him. Whatever either of them have ever done to upset the other in the past, they were able to smooth it out in a day.
"I'm really sorry Hinata. I don't know what I did. I don't know why you're angry with me. Just PLEASE pick up. Hinata PLEASE-"
'N-N-Naruto…'
Biting his bottom lip. Relief and fear washed over Naruto at hearing her voice. "Hinata, please talk to me. Why did Hanabi call me? What is WRONG?"
'I-I…I'm really s-sorry.'
Sorry? About WHAT exactly? Sorry about Hanabi calling, or sorry that she agrees with Hanabi? "Hinata. Is it true?" He didn't need Hinata to get any more upset than she already was. He could already tell by the way she was talking that Hanabi wasn't lying.
Hinata was tapping out.
'…Yes.'
"Do you want me in the house or not? I…I want to do what is going to make this better." Naruto kept his eyes closed, because if he opened them everything would be a reality.
'…Not being i-in the h-h-house would be…better.' That's exactly what Naruto didn't want to hear.
'I do not want you completely gone Naruto. The kids still need you. If you want to be there in the morning, when the kids wake up. I can step out to give you that time. It will give me time as well. Can we do that? Please.' She was telling him she didn't want to see him when she woke up anymore.
Naruto curled more into himself and leaned his head against the inside of the desk. His eyes still closed. Wishing he could wake up from this nightmare. "Yeah. We can do that. For…for how long?" His voice sounded so foreign to him. Naruto hasn't sounded this defeated in a long time.
'…I-I don't know Naruto. I just need time.'
She needed to be away from him. Whatever he did was fucking horrible. "Alright. I'll take that. I'll…be there tomorrow to see Himawari."
'O-Okay. I-I love you Naruto.'
It sure didn't seem that way. "Call me when you're ready Hinata."
'I understand. Goodbye.' She hung up the phone after that, and Naruto immediately felt awful for not saying he loved her back during his moment of weakness. If that was what Hinata needed to hear, he totally fucked that up. He was just so…pissed. Blindsided with this whole thing.
A little.
Naruto thought about the last few weeks. Few months. How more reserved Hinata has seemed. They went out less. She hasn't been socializing at all, and kind of reverted back to the wallflower type of personality. The type of personality he easily ignored when they were younger.
That flipped a switch in him. Naruto slammed his phone of the inside of the desk. Bashing it until it broke into multiple pieces. He was such a freaking idiot. Still a moron when it came to Hinata!
Did he miss something during that moment in the kitchen earlier? Was he not looking at the clues his wife was silently giving?
What the fuck just HAPPENED?
There was a knock on Naruto's office door, and he ignored it for ten minutes straight. Not even moving when he heard his office door being jimmied open. He heard multiple footsteps to his desk, and that is when Shikamaru and Sasuke found him. "Are Hinata and the kids okay?"
Naruto ignored Shikamaru, but finally opened his eyes as he ran his hands through his hair in frustration. Shikamaru and Sasuke kneeled down to his level under the desk. Shikamaru still taking the lead on coaxing Naruto out. "Are they okay Naruto?"
"The kids are fine. Hinata…I don't know what's wrong with Hinata. Whatever it is, she doesn't want me to come back home while she's there." Naruto opted to look at his scrunched up knees because he couldn't look at Shikamaru or Sasuke. He refused. To admit his marriage was in shambles, and not be able to even tell them why.
"You don't know why?" Naruto just shrugged his shoulders when Sasuke asked. Almost annoyed that Sasuke was able to witness HIS marriage like this. This guy spent almost a decade away from his kid, yet HE was in this situation. Naruto was sinking, because this couldn't be happening.
"Well, as your advisor I have to ask Naruto. Did you cheat on her? I need to know if a scandal is coming." Naruto finally looked at Shikamaru, and gave his advisor no time to respond before lunging at him. Naruto grabbing Shikamaru by the collar and pulling him under the desk with him, attempting to put his hands around his neck.
"What kind of fucking question is that?! Hinata is my wife you idiot! Why would I do that?! You think I'm fucking scum?!" Sasuke reached over and separated the two. Yanking Shikamaru forcefully from under the table, because Naruto had a tight hold on him. Already making Shikamaru red in the face from choking him.
Shikamaru silently straightened his clothes, and disregarding the outburst Naruto just had. "I'm going to ignore that. Now answer the question."
"Fuck you, and NO!" Naruto curled back into himself and closed his eyes. "Just leave me alone."
Shikamaru shook his head and sighed. "Temari said she was with Sakura and Ino this morning. They saw Hinata, Hanabi and Himawari together. Temari said Hinata looked pretty rough. She was still in her house clothing. Slippers and all."
Naruto lifted his head and looked at Shikamaru. Furrowing his brows together. That wasn't like Hinata at all. "What?"
"Temari said Sakura asked where they were headed to and Hanabi told them the memorial. It was Neji's birthday today. Now from my memory, as your friend and advisor, you've never missed Neji's birthday."
Naruto's heart hit the bottom of his stomach. He started taking deep breaths, and his eyes left Shikamaru's. "I…forgot."
"Yeah. What else have you forgotten Naruto? I'm not on anyone's side, but I need you to understand that media follows you almost everywhere. You cannot NOT go home. If you check into a hotel, that will be on the front page paper. Along with a rumor that some young girl was in there with you. Hinata cannot move out your house, because THAT will be front page paper. So, you have to keep her in the house, and you need to stay with a friend if you can't go home. So, you tell me where I'm walking you to. My house?"
Naruto felt like his ears were ringing. It was so loud right now. "I'll just stay here."
"No. You need to shower. Maybe some days you can stay in the office, but not tonight. You need a friend tonight Naruto." Now Shikamaru was speaking as his friend. His best friend.
"I need…Hinata. I don't want to do this. Let me just call her again." He looked on the floor and just remembered he had no phone, and that Hinata really told him not to come back home tonight. "Shikamaru…"
"I know. I got you." Shikamaru reached for Naruto's arm and tugged him up with all his might. Sasuke helping to lift Naruto's almost dead weight. "I'll take you to my house. Or do you want to go to Sasuke's?"
He wanted to go to neither. Why would he want to go around other families?
"How about Kakashi's house?" Sasuke threw that in because he could see Naruto was getting anxiety himself. Just thinking about being at his or Shikamaru's house. "I'll take you there."
"And I'll call him." Shikamaru nodded his head as he added that option. He could see Naruto looked way more relieved for that.
After forming a plan, and calling Kakashi, before Naruto knew it he was sitting on Kakashi's couch. Staring at his coffee table. Shikamaru and Sasuke had left, and Kakashi had offered Naruto some dinner. Which Naruto declined. "You know. I saw lady Hinata about a week ago. She was coming out of that bakery she likes so much. You remember the name?"
Naruto didn't look at Kakashi, and just stared into the space. "Honey's Spot."
"Yeah that's the name. She was picking up those cinnamon buns she likes so much. She said hello to me, with a bright smile. When I walked inside the bakery, I saw from the corner of my eye that Hinata had went across the road and dropped the sweets in the trashcan."
Naruto closed his eyes and tightened his jaw. So everyone saw the problem. Except him. "Are you going to question my fidelity? Accuse me of not treating her right? Being a piece of shit of a husband?"
"No Naruto. I know you love Hinata. All relationships have their complications. I'm just telling you, that…you might want to really pay attention down the road. I don't think it's all on you Naruto."
Finally Naruto looked at Kakashi and rolled his neck before he laid on the couch. "Thank you. I really owe you for letting me stay here on such short notice. I…I don't know how long this will last."
Kakashi smiled at Naruto. He already knew that was the case. "Take your time Lord Seventh. Take all the time you need."
It could be months after all.
End of chapter.
So, the story begins! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and just hang on for the ride. Things will make sense soon enough.
I promise you I adore Hinata, this is all to build her character up in the story. Her and Naruto. They will go through a lot, so yeah.
Hanabi will play a major part in this story. This is different for me, because I usually don't give Hanabi major roles, and if I do they aren't that grand. I wanted to give her some spot light. Hinata's keeper type of vibe. I also wanted to write Boruto as the adorable mama's boy that he is. Keep in mind children are going through the separation their parents are now going through. So you will read about that.
This story will be uploading every Friday. So you'll get uploads from me Friday for this fic, and Saturday for 'Jealousy'. Well, I hope you enjoyed chapter 1. See you next Friday with chapter 2!