Thanks for the reviews guys. I know I don't have many but the ones I did get really make me smile and want to continue writing. Please let me know what you think and enjoy this next part.
Hinata informed him about a play that was showing today while they ate breakfast. Upon hearing she wanted to attend said play, Naruto declared they were going. He'd be damned before his princess didn't have something she wanted.
The pair finished eating and got dressed for the day. Naruto put on a tight black t-shirt that complimented his impressive physique and a pair of grey athletic shorts. Though he still loved orange, he'd been diversifying his wardrobe ever since he received an invitation to a Hyuga family dinner and realized he had absolutely no suitable attire for the occasion. For all his foolhardy confidence, Naruto couldn't overcome the feeling that bright orange wouldn't be appropriate attire for that event. Ever since then, he'd been keener on mixing up his style. He still loved the color but he soon realized he also liked the way he looked in others.
Hinata on the other hand was sporting orange on this bright day. Having borrowed one of Naruto's hoodies, the girl was clad his signature color. She also had on a navy-blue skirt she'd accidently left at his apartment before her mission. It didn't really match but she wasn't bothered by it. She was always happy to wear her love's clothes.
He loved it when she was dressed in his clothes, especially out in public. It was one of his favorite ways of telling the world that she was his. He knew he probably shouldn't objectify her in such a way, but he couldn't help enjoying the feeling. Hinata belonged to him and he was damn proud of it. Naruto also loved it when she left things at his place. Though this relationship was definitely helping him improve, emotional intelligence wasn't his strong suit. It took him awhile to realize this meant he wanted her to live with him.
They made their way to the theater at a leisurely pace. They had plenty of time to spare. Naruto never liked to be late. His disdain for his former master's chronic tardiness had subconsciously impressed a sense of punctuality on him.
"That's not nice Naruto-kun" Hinata scolded her love, her message undercut by the amused smile on her face.
Naruto told her in a mock evil voice while holding up a fist "It's not supposed to be nice, its supposed to be vengeance." He was explaining his plan to kidnap all of Kakashi's Icha Icha books as retribution for the unnecessary summoning last night. Hinata giggled at his reply.
"The man is disturbed. Honestly, I think we oughta help him find a girlfriend. Or at least sign him up for some therapy. Those books are screwin' with his noggin." Naruto told her. "Honestly its kinda weird how many of he Hokage's were single." Naruto said with a frown.
"I'm sure it's a very demanding job." Hinata sympathized. She was such a kind soul. Every time she said and did thoughtful, caring things like that Naruto took notice. Everything about her made him fall deeper in love.
"Nothing the mighty Uzumaki can't handle!" He declared, earning him another one of her Heavenly giggles.
"And yeaaah, I might be overreacting." Naruto conceded. "I was mostly just mad because he interrupted our fun." Naruto said, giving her ass a light pat to remind her last night's entertainment.
Hinata's cheeks lit up, embarrassed by his behavior and recollecting the spanking she'd received.
They soon reached the counter at the theater. "Uzumaki-san!" the attendant called out with a welcoming smile, recognizing the young man immediately. "Are you two here for the matinee?"
"Yeah just two tickets please." Naruto said, pulling out his frog wallet.
"No sir, put that away! You're money's no good here." The attendant said while tearing off two tickets for the couple. "Would you or the lady like any refreshments?"
"Oh well that's really kind of you. And sure, maybe just some popcorn and a couple waters?" Naruto said looking to his girlfriend to confirm his order suited her.
Hinata nodded with a smile on her face. "Right away. You can go take your seats, I'll have someone bring them to you momentarily." The attendant informed them.
Naruto grinned. He had been treated like a king for the last three years. It was definitely annoying sometimes but it also came with many perks. The couple made their way into the theater. "I wonder when all this is finally gonna wear off." He thought out loud to his girlfriend. He was always a little bashful when people treated him like a celebrity. He certainly was but it still made him feel kinda weird
Hinata shook her head, knowing what he was referring to. "Hopefully never. Y-you and your team literally saved the world Naruto-kun. I hope they never forget all you've done." Hinata told him with admiration in her voice.
"We had a lot of help ya' know." Naruto said as his thoughts drifted to all the other brave ninja who'd risked and lost their lives to defend humanity. One pale eyed jonin in particular came to mind.
"I for one would fight at your side through anything." Hinata said confidently, reaching up to give him a kiss on the cheek. Naruto looked down toward her face, a small smile forming on his own. All the lives lost in that terrible conflict died so the world could go on. He wouldn't waste their sacrifice by not enjoying his blessings. No, he would have a nice day with his princess instead. He returned her kiss as they found their seats.
The play was nice. Naruto probably wouldn't go to events like this if he were left to his own devices, likely opting to spend the day training instead. He still had a great deal of fun though. He always did when he was with Hinata. It was about a pair of lovers who lived in two different nations that were warring with each other. Hinata loved romantic stories and they were growing on Naruto as well.
Leaving the theater, they made their way to her favorite bakery. Upon arrival, Naruto purchased two jumbo sized cinnamon-rolls and the pair took their seats at a table in from of the store's large window. As they discussed their thoughts about the show they'd just enjoyed while digging into their desserts, Rock Lee happened to walk by in all his green spandex glory. The man smiled brightly noticing the two waving at him. He diverted his course, walking in to greet the pair.
"Hello Naruto and Hinata! I see the two of you are enjoying the fruits of your youth on this beautiful day. How are your cinnamon rolls?" Lee asked pumping his fist when he mentioned youth.
"You can't beat these bad boys man, you should grab one for yourself." Naruto told his perpetually optimistic friend.
"That sounds like it is a good idea! I will enjoy a cinnamon roll after I finish my training for the day. I am on the way to the grounds now and will remain there most of the day if either of you would like to join me in a sparring match. Loser has to run ten laps around the village!" Lee said giving them a thumbs up and a smile, knowing he would probably do the laps either way. Naruto and Hinata frequently trained with Lee. He was the village's undisputed taijutsu champion.
His expertise complimented both their fighting styles, helping them refine their own masteries. Hinata had grown into quite the powerful ninja over the years, surpassing everyone else in her clan, her now retired father included. Lee was one of the few people in the village who could still challenge her in hand-to-hand combat.
Naruto also found the young man's abilities to be exceptionally formidable. He handicapped himself when the two would spar, agreeing not to use ninjutsu to focus on honing his martial arts. Though his competitive nature didn't love to admit it, Lee won a good deal of their fights. Fucker had hands.
"I may just take you up on that. I've been slacking the last few days, I could use the practice." Naruto told him with a confident smile.
"I-I'm sorry but I won't be able to come today, I have a clan meeting this afternoon." Hinata told the jump suited man.
"Do not be sorry, it is no problem. There is always next time. Hope to see you there Naruto-san!" Lee said leaving the two to the rest of their date. Hinata smiled at him. She always thought the fact that he never used contractions was funny.
They finished eating their treats and exited the restaurant. Naruto gave the girl a big hug knowing they'd have to part ways soon.
"Do you wanna come over when you get back from your meeting?" Naruto asked, leaning back but not releasing the woman from his hug.
"Of course!" Hinata enthusiastically told her love, her arms remaining around his neck as well. This public display of affection would normally embarrass Hinata but fortunately for her, the street was almost empty right now.
"Ok awesome." Naruto smiled at her, loving the fact that he had someone who enjoyed being with him so often. "I should be back from my match with Lee by then. Those meetings always take forever. If not though you can always just let yourself in." Naruto had long since given her a key to his apartment.
Hinata nodded. "See you later. Love you" she told him with a big smile.
Beaming down at the girl, he leaned down and gave her soft lips a kiss. Without breaking it, Naruto pulled her up off the ground, spinning the girl around. Hinata giggled at his antics as he released her.
"Love you too." The two reluctantly parted ways, happy about how much fun they'd had today but sad to be separating.
Naruto's mind moved to the promise he made to himself early this morning. 'Sorry Lee. Bigger fish to fry' Naruto thought to himself. Abandoning his tenuous commitment to go spar, Naruto immediately made his way to a jewelry store. Moving quickly Naruto formulated a plan. He knew proposing to someone was a huge deal. He also knew Hinata probably wouldn't want a big spectacle in public. Deciding on something more private Naruto paused his journey and made four clones.
"Sup boss" One of them greeted.
"Big day today fellas. I'm gonna propose so we've gotta make it really special. I need you," Naruto pointed at the first clone "to go get some flowers. Tons of purple and orange ones and a bunch of red roses too." Naruto was no expert but even he knew that red roses stood for love. "Have them arranged really nice. Oh, and rose petals too, like a ton of 'em. Pay them whatever they want and ask for a rush job. And if it's Ino working don't tell her I'm proposing." Naruto told the clone. "Her big mouth will tell half the village before Hinata even gets home."
"I'm on it." The clone told him taking off for the Yamanaka's store, excited for his creator.
"You two," Naruto continued giving his orders and pointing at two more of his copies. "I need the apartment clean. Like spotless clean. I wanna be able to lick the floor."
The two clones saluted their leader and ran home, determined to make the apartment cleaner than it's ever been. Naruto had moved into a much bigger place after the war had ended so he figured one clone may not be enough to take care of the whole job in time.
"Last but not least, I need you to go buy a bunch of candles. Like at least fifty, I want the whole apartment lit up with candlelight. Then grab a bottle of champagne and don't cheap out either." Naruto instructed the last clone.
"You got it boss." The clone said leaving to go complete his tasks.
Naruto himself continued his journey to the jeweler. He wondered for a minute if he was being impulsive. Should he try to plan something better than this? No. Naruto felt his resolve return. He simply couldn't wait another day. He had to show her how much light she brought to his life.
Entering the jewelry store, Naruto was once again greeted with a warm welcome.
"Good afternoon Uzumaki-san, how can I help you today." the woman said recognizing the famed man.
"I'm gonna propose!" Naruto boldly proclaimed while smiling brightly "I need your biggest diamond ring please!"
"Only the best for a man such as yourself" the woman responded "Congratulations." She said while pulling a ring with a very large gem out from the display case.
Naruto's eyes took in the sight of the magnificent jewel. His eyes then made their way to the price tag.
"Okayyy." Naruto said dragging out the word in embarrassment. "Can I actually see you're second biggest diamond ring cuz that one's a little too rich for my blood." He chuckled awkwardly.
"For the world's savior, the whole store is twenty percent off." The woman told him, hoping to goad him into the sale.
Naruto pursed his lips and thought for a moment. It was still many times more expensive than anything else he'd ever purchased in his life but the discount did make it significantly more affordable. Naruto wasn't a materialistic man. A lasting effect of growing up so poor. Living without money for so long taught Naruto the importance of using it wisely. His miserly ways and long, lucrative career taking high level missions had made him a wealthy man.
"Fuck it." Naruto accidently said out loud after a few more seconds of thinking. "Oh, excuse me." He sheepishly apologized. "But I'll take it." Nothing was too good for his princess.
"Splendid!" The clerk beamed, pleased with how easily she'd just sold one of her most expensive pieces. "Do you know what ring size she is." She questioned.
Shit. Naruto hadn't thought of that part. A solution quickly crossed his mind though. "I don't but if I bring you one of her other rings could you tell from that?" Naruto asked.
"I certainly can." She told the man, happy her sale hadn't fallen through.
"Awesome! Also how quickly do you think you could change the size?" He asked hoping it wouldn't be long. He had at most four hours before Hinata would return.
"For you, one hour at most." The greedy woman told him.
Pumping his fist in excitement at her answer, Naruto quickly crossed his fingers, another clone forming next to him. The jeweler was a little surprised seeing another Naruto pop into existence but didn't comment. "Go home and find that ring Hinata wears sometimes. The one with the little butterfly on it. I'm pretty sure it's in the top drawer of her nightstand. Bring it back here as quick as you can."
"Rodger that boss" The clone told him rushing out the store.
"Ok I'm gonna go to the bank and get the money. Ill be back in a few minutes." Naruto told the lady in an excited voice.
"Yes sir. Congratulations again and please do come back if you ever need another piece." The woman said, a large smile on her face.
Leaving for the bank, Naruto couldn't help but grin widely. His plan was coming together perfectly and he absolutely could not wait for her to come home. He'd already gotten her father's blessing about a month ago. He recalled that discussion with much less fondness than he cared to feel right now.
Hinata never liked to discuss her father because of how much abuse he'd put her through. Her intervention in Naruto's battle with Pain was a major turning point in their relationship. Learning about his daughter's courageous attempt to free him greatly changed his opinion of her. It made Hiashi realize how strong the girl was. Losing his brother and wife to this ninja world had caused him immense pain. Pain he often took out on his daughter. He told himself he only wanted to prepare her for the harshness of this world. It took almost losing her to show him how wrong he'd been. She was far from the weak girl she once was. She was the only ninja in the entire village to assist Naruto with his struggle and very nearly succeeded.
Knowing how close she came to dying that day made Hiashi want to grow closer with his daughter. His efforts to toughen the girl up had cost him her love. He vowed to be kinder with the girl, deeply, deeply ashamed of how he'd treated her up until then. His efforts had strengthened their bond in a lot of ways but he could never undo his actions. She would always carry the scars of his abuse, a devastating fact that truly disturbed the man.
When Naruto came to him, asking for her hand in marriage, Hiashi grilled him for almost an hour before granting him his blessing. Hiashi knew of Naruto's many exploits of course but he still wanted to be sure this man would give her the love she deserved.
Naruto closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to clear his mind of that long conversation. The young man made his way back to the jewelry store, a large envelope of cash in his hands. Naruto never liked to carry too much money on him so it was kind of fun to hold so much of it at once.
Arriving just after his clone had completed its mission and dispelled, he saw that the jeweler was already beginning to resize the incredibly expensive ring. Her eyes lighting up at the sight of her payment, the woman greeted him once again. She informed him that the ring would be ready on time as he handed over the large sum. Naruto thanked the woman checking the time on his way out. He still had about three hours left.
'What now' he thought to himself. He'd been in fifth gear since he parted with his girlfriend and now with all the pieces falling into place, he felt a little lost. Trying to come up with a way to make the coming proposal more perfect, Naruto felt a small sense of worry nag at him.
What if she says no? Naruto thought about it for a moment longer and almost laughed. That was ridiculous and he knew it. Hinata loved him more than life and he knew it. His fear disappearing, Naruto decided to go home and help his clones clean up and prepare for the surprise.
Thanks for reading guys. No lemon this chapter but they'll be back in the next one. Hope you guys enjoyed and please let me know what you think. Till next time.
:)