Series: Naruto

Pairings: NaruHina

Author: Lynns

Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Kishimoto Masashi

Type: Alternate Universe/Romance

Sparks Fly

Side Story #1

After Story Part 2, 5 Years Later . . .

The Hyuuga Power & Electric office, which was normally quiet on a Friday night, was currently the loudest building in the downtown area. Not only was the parking lot completely full, but the side street was so cramped that you either had to leave your vehicle a few blocks away or park in one of the neighbouring business parking lots with the risk of having it towed.

The spacious, open shop that usually housed the company trucks and larger materials, had been temporarily cleared out to host a huge celebration party not just for the two companies, but for their founders as well. Balloons and banners were strung up along the walls, either reading "40 Years Hyuuga Power & Electric" or "Happy Retirement Hiashi and Hizashi".

Rows of tables with food, desserts and drinks lined the walls, a silent slideshow with a projector and large screen was slowly going through pictures of the company's Forty Years of history, a variety of music playing in the background, and everyone in attendance was either saying farewell to the Hyuuga twin brothers or congratulating Hanabi and Neji for taking over their parent's positions.

While the entire warehouse was loud with a cheerful atmosphere, Asahi Takahashi sat in one of the chairs off to the side while he downed his fifth drink of the night. As the cold drink tickled down his throat, he briefly pondered why he had agreed to come to the party in the first place. Yes, he did do business with the Hyuuga family on the odd occasion, and sure a free meal and drinks was an added bonus to attending. However, after all of these years, the only reason he ever joined any social gathering remained the same.

Most of the guests were focused on the retiring CEOs or the new ones taking over, but his eyes just couldn't stray from the woman who was just slightly off to the side of the main attractions. Even though she had given birth to three children and would be entering her 40s this Christmas, in his eyes, she was more radiant than ever.

It had been almost a year since he had last seen her, but in that time her normal short hair had been replaced with shoulder-length curls. A light blush spread across his drunken face, her longer locks reminding him of Hinata's younger years when she was in her late twenties. There wasn't a speck of grey in her dark hair, and the loose flowing cream summer dress she wore sent a tingle down his spine. While other guests who did not know her would have a hard time guessing her age, he on the other hand felt like she aging like fine wine.

Cracking open his sixth drink, Asahi took a few sips and was about to tilt his head back when a hand suddenly patted his shoulder; almost causing him to cough up the beverage.

"Easy there, buddy. It's only 9 pm and by my mental count that's your fourth or fifth drink there."

Mr. Takashi coughed softly, wiped the corners of his mouth, and gave a soft glare to Kenji Sarutobi, who took a seat beside him with his own beer in hand.

"I would say to mind your own business, but you never were good at doing that."

Kenji laughed, "So harsh, but true."

Asahi sighed, "Besides, I think we are matched when it comes to our drink count. But I'm sure your younger brother has you beat by at least double."

Both men looked in the direction where Konohamaru was hanging on to one of his co-workers and laughing way too hard and loud at a simple joke that someone was telling. The older brother rolled his eyes, "True again. But it is his last month with Hyuuga Electric before he comes over to work for the family. So, while I'm not a fan of his drunk antics, I'm going to let it slide . . . for now."

The two of them briefly talked about business for a few minutes, but Asahi couldn't help when his gaze shifted to Hinata every time she moved to a different spot in the warehouse.

"Should I be concerned that you're staring at my sister-in-law like that? Or does she owe you some money that I'm not aware of?" Kenji joked before giving him a soft jab with his elbow.

Asahi frowned.

Observant as ever . . .

Shaking his head, Asahi quickly came up with a response. "I was more so wondering where Hinata's husband was. I thought he would be here, but the more I look around I don't see that blonde head of his."

Kenji laughed and took a sip of his beer, "Ah, you looking to talk to Naruto tonight? He was supposed to be back this afternoon from Konoha Energy, but due to some electrical drawing mishaps, he had to stay behind and make sure they had the correct drawings. Clear up any misunderstandings so they don't order the wrong material, you know? Looks like he wasn't able to catch the last flight; probably won't be back until tomorrow morning."

Asahi was about to comment, but a loud rumble of thunder momentarily silenced the lively party.

The big bay doors had been opened to cool the vicinity due to the summer heat, but as a crack of lightning spread across the darkened clouds, it was inevitable that rain would be coming down soon. A few people jumped into action and hit the buttons that would close the doors and keep everyone dry. Asahi couldn't help but let out a sigh as he realized that his umbrella was two blocks away from where his car was parked.

"Ah excellent, we could use the rain the cool down the scorching pavement." Kenji stood up and stretched just as Hanabi walked over to them.

"Kenji, could you do me a favour and call a taxi for Konohamaru? I think he's pretty much reached his limit and no one in our family is ready to head home yet." Hanabi asked softly while eyeing her husband with an annoyed glance.

Another laugh left Kenji's lips, "He's had his run, huh? I can certainly do that and call a cab for myself as well; I think I've had too much to drink as well. The invite is still the same I assume? We are all crashing at Neji and Hinata's homes?"

Hanabi nodded and took a sip of her wine, "All the children and cousins should be sleeping in the basement with Arisa at Neji's. So, any of the bedrooms on the main floor will be open to you or any of the rooms on the main floor and basement at Hinata's place. I have a feeling the big pancake breakfast we have planned for tomorrow morning is just going to be a bunch of people getting over their hangovers."

While Asahi was meant to be excluded from the conversation, he couldn't help but perk up a bit upon hearing that not only was Naruto Uzumaki absent from the party, but so were their three children as well. His brown eyes immediately tried to seek Hinata out once again, but in the few minutes he had been engaging with Kenji, she could no longer be seen in the large crowd.

Immediately his heart began to race, and his eyes tried to seek her out in the large warehouse, but just as he was about to stand up, it was Neji's turn to come walking over with a concerned look on his face.

"Hanabi, your husband . . ."

"Yes yes, I know. Kenji is just calling a cab for him and Kono. So, you can just calm down cousin, he'll be out of here sooner than later.

Neji didn't look relieved, but looked down at his watch, "I think we should be thinking about shutting down the party. Not only is your husband getting rowdy, but so are some of the electricians and office staff."

Hanabi laughed and patted her cousin on the shoulder, "I think it's you who needs to loosen up. Until a fight breaks out or someone starts puking on the floor, I'm sure everything is just fine. You could probably use a few more drinks"

The older Hyuuga scowled momentarily, but before he could say anything Kenji wrapped an arm around his shoulders, "Your cousin is right! It's a night of celebration! Besides, I just got my brother and me a cab; we will be out of your hair, and you can continue to enjoy the evening. I'll just say a quick goodbye to your dad, uncle and Hinata before I'm on my way. Which um . . . where is your cousin anyways?"

As Neji pushed Kenji off of him, Hanabi pointed a thumb to the door that led to the office areas, "Last minute problem with some of the online safety courses some of our guys were supposed to take during the weekend before they head to a job on Monday. Hinata said she would take care of it quickly so there are no delays with the project."

Neji simply nodded and started walking back toward his Uncle and father with Hanabi and Kenji in tow.

"See ya around, Asahi! You should probably call it a night too!"

Asahi gave the eldest Sarutobi a nod before his eyes darted over to the door that Hanabi had pointed to a few moments ago.

Slowly he stood up and made his way to the dessert table where a huge slab of cake was for everyone to try a piece. As he picked up a plate, Asahi started to ponder on what he wanted to do.

In all his years of seeing the young woman his heart longed for, there was never a chance for them to talk in private . . . ever. Whether it be her father, uncle, sister, cousin, or husband, she was never alone. The only time he had ever attempted to talk to her alone had been over ten years ago at the New York Zoo Gala.

The fork in his hand pierced the cake with more force than necessary before placing the dessert into his mouth.

I've wanted her for so long . . . even now. Even now that she is married with children . . . I would do anything just to try and talk to her properly. I've tried to move on and find someone else, but no one seems to measure up or come close to being like Hinata. For years I tried to be patient and warm up to her, but then suddenly out of the blue, there is a man by her side?! And before I could do anything they were married with children.

A dark, sinister part of him wondered if there was a possibility he could slip into her life. With her husband being so busy, away on the odd business trip and working long hours, there was surely a chance that she was lonely and in need of attention.

It was the same old song and dance that he had seen with many married couples. Except, it was usually just one of his employees or an acquaintance of his.

As he finished off the cake, Asahi briefly wondered if slipping himself between a married couple was worth his reputation. The man who caused a divorce between Hiashi Hyuuga's daughter and the son of Minato Namikaze was bound to have repercussions that he couldn't even imagine.

But in the end, wouldn't it be worth it? I would then be the one she smiled at, holding her hand in mine, having my arm wrapped around her waist, and sharing my nights with her. I've wanted that for over two decades . . .

Perhaps it was the alcohol that clouded his better judgement, but with his mind made up, Asahi slowly started to make his way towards the exit door that led him to the office areas.

Thunder and lightning cracked the odd time, along with the loud tapping of the rain coming down from the sky. It seemed that either everyone was too preoccupied talking to each other, or they had their attention on the weather as he slipped outside of the warehouse.

Even though Hinata was a part-time employee with the family company, her office remained the same. In the darkened hallways and stairwells, he knew off by heart where to go to find her. However, as much as he wanted to see her immediately and have his chance to talk to her, Asahi still took his time walking through the darkened building. He wanted to make sure that no one was following him, and that no one else was at their desk late at night.

Soon enough, he reached the top floor and could just barely make out the light coming from underneath the door of Hinata's office. Ever so quietly and as stealthy as he could, Asahi slowly approached his destination. He couldn't hear anyone in her office, nor did there appear to be any movement on the other side of the door.

Taking a moment to straighten his shirt, and comb his hands through his brown hair, Asahi raised his hand and knocked sharply on the door. "Hinata? Sorry to bother you, could I come in?"

There was suddenly a loud clunk, followed by Hinata saying "Oh no!"

Asahi took a step away from the door and realized that he had startled her so much she had knocked something over on her desk.

"I-I'm terribly sorry! J-Just give me a moment!" came Hinata's muffled voice from the other side of the door.

He could hear the woman of his desires bustle around her office, cleaning up the mess he had unintentionally caused. After a few moments, Hinata softly called for him to enter.

Taking a deep breath, Asahi pushed open the door and tried to have his biggest smile on as he entered. "Good evening, Hianta! Quite the party this evening, isn't it?"

Even though he had rehearsed everything he had wanted to say to her in his head, the moment he stepped foot into her office his speech was completely forgotten. While he had been watching her the entire evening from afar, the moment her eyes fell on him and realized who was wanting her attention . . . her demeanour changed.

As it always does when I try to approach her . . .

Hinata was sitting at her desk with a small lamp illuminating the whole room. Her smiling, kind presence was gone, and instead, her body was more rigid and her eyes on guard as he stepped inside.

"Good evening, Mr. Takahashi. Is there something you need?"

Asahi tried to keep the smile on his face, but it faltered slightly at the cold greeting she was giving him.

Ah, that's right . . . she always talks to me with her business voice . . .

Instead of feeling defeated and retreating like he normally did, Asahi instead took a different approach. Keeping his face cheerful, he strode over to the couch in her office and took a seat, "Am I in need of something? Honestly, I've just wanted to have a chance to talk to you tonight. But understandably you have been busy, so when I heard you had stepped away from the party, I thought this would be an opportune time."

He had hoped his relaxing manner would reflect onto her as well, but if anything, Hinata stiffened even more; her pale eyes darting to the open office door as if hoping to see someone else come in to join them.

"I-I see. Have you been well? I don't think I've spoken to you since last year."

Clearing his throat, Asahi tried to keep the conversation light by talking about how his business was thriving and asking her how things were going with the transition of leadership within the Hyuuga companies. While he tried to add in the odd flirtatious comment to her regarding the way she looked tonight, it was very hard to do so with pictures upon pictures of her family, children and husband hung throughout her office; even the large family photo on her desk was getting on his nerves.

"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Takahashi, but I . . ."

"Asahi." He interrupted firmly, "You always call me, Mr. Takahashi, but I would prefer if you just use my first name, Hinata."

Immediately she looked uncomfortable, but softly nodded and said "Asahi, I appreciate the compliment, but I have to admit that it is making me quite uncomfortable."

Feeling like this was an opportunity, Asahi threw out a fishing line, "Oh? Does your husband not compliment you enough? I think I speak for most men tonight who think you are completely stunning this evening."

Her cheeks turned a darkened red, and for a moment Asahi thought he had managed to take a step in becoming closer to Hinata, but quickly her facial expression changed to frustration, and she immediately defended her husband, "On the contrary, Naruto compliments my appearance all the time; almost on the daily in fact."

Asahi swallowed the words he had been about to say.

Crap, I wasn't expecting that . . . perhaps I should . . .

"I'm sorry if this may seem rude, but could you please be direct as to why you are in my office? I would like to try and finish up this mishap with the online safety courses and return to the party. So, if you could . . ."

"You never saw me as anything more than a business associate, correct?"

Hinata stiffened and gave him a questioning, confused stare.

Asahi wasn't sure what was happening, but most likely the alcohol coursing through his body had caused something to snap inside his usual reserved mind. Instead of trying to be professional and discreet, he instead started just spilling his entire guts out to the woman in front of him.

"Do you have any idea, how much I have wanted you? And, no, I don't just mean to share a bed with." He suddenly stood up and started to pace the room, "Call me a creep if you wish, but ever since I first saw you, 19 years old helping your father and uncle with their companies, I have wanted to be by your side. Yet, every time, and I do mean every time, you always avoid me like I'm the plague."

Suddenly he stopped pacing and approached her desk, "Why couldn't it have been me? How did that man . . . your husband, just suddenly appear and next thing I know you two are off screwing somewhere in the New York Zoo!"

While Hinata did look angry, her expression faltered for a second when she realized he knew about her little secret at the Gala that night.

"Why couldn't it have been me?! If you had chosen me, we could have . . . we could be . . ." Asahi stumbled over his sentence, trying to see if he could come up with something that would make him look better to her husband, but at that moment he was drawing a blank.

It was quite apparent that he was becoming completely desperate at this point because the next sentence that left his lips would have anyone question his sanity, "Why not give me a chance? Your husband isn't here, only a few people know you are in your office . . . so why not let me show you a good time?"

The mortified look on Hinata's face should have been an indicator that he needed to stop, but he was so focused on trying to convince her to give him a chance, that he didn't notice. In fact, he was already lost in his own fantasy of how he pictured things playing out between. Grasping her hand in his, pulling her up so that they could share a passionate kiss before taking Hinata right on her desk. His grin widened as he continued, "Let me show you what a real man can . . ."

"Mister Takahashi, please step back, now." Hinata declared very sternly.

Asahi froze as his brown eyes met her pale violet ones.

For the first time, he witnessed the woman before him show a side he had never seen before. The resentment on her face was so strong that he almost wanted to scamper out of the room; his eyes glancing at the door while mentally preparing a getaway, and making a note not to trip on the wet umbrella that was propped up beside the doorframe.

"I understand that you are under the influence of alcohol right now, but for the record, you should probably refrain from being alone with me after this moment on." Hinata remained seated at her desk, but the way her eyes bore into his made it feel like she was towering over him, "But to answer some of your inappropriate questions, I met my husband when I was 18 years old, so I have known the man for quite some time; no other person has ever made me feel the way he does nor will anyone ever will. I have always loved him from the bottom of my heart.

"As for why I never gave you a "chance" as you worded it, is because my father and uncle were sure to warn me about you and how 'touchy-feely' you can get from time to time; especially when you have had your share of alcohol. Not only have you tried to touch me at certain times, but other colleagues as well."

Hinata suddenly stood up and her mouth opened to say something further, but Asahi knew that there was no point in hearing anymore. In that moment, his mind immediately began to sober up and he realized how stupid and reckless he was being. Standing up suddenly, he dipped his head down in a bow to the woman before him, "I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry. Please forget everything I just said; I was acting on my unrequited emotions for you instead of thinking logically. I shall take my leave now. Please have a good night, Mrs. Uzumaki and forget everything that transpired here just now."

Without another word, Asahi quickly left the corner office and immediately headed for the elevator. He almost stumbled over his own feet as he pressed the down button to head back to the main floor. While the less than ten minutes he had been in her office were nothing but an embarrassment to himself, he tried to remind himself that things could have gone a lot worse.

As he reached the first floor, Asahi headed towards the front entrance and let out a sigh upon seeing that the rain was still pouring down. Part of him wished that he had snagged the umbrella that had been in Hinata's office.

Just as he was pulling out his phone to call for a taxi, he paused for a moment as his foggy, alcoholic brain came to a sudden realization.

Wait a second . . . why was there a wet umbrella inside Hinata's office?

Hinata's face remained stern for a few more seconds as she watched Asahi's retreating back. It had been a long time since she had felt this furious, but there was also a part of that felt sorry for the man.

While it had been a while since she had last spoken to him, it did sadden her a bit that he was still alone and hadn't found someone to stand by his side.

"Why couldn't have it been me?!"

His voice echoed in her mind.

It reminded her eerily of what had transpired between her and Kiba many years ago, except, her best friend was now married and expecting their second child at the end of September.

Sighing, Hinata attempted to sit back down in her chair, but more so fell onto it as she tripped over a large pair of shoes that were under her desk; reminding her of the visitor that was currently hiding in her hefty closet.

"He's gone now," Hinata called out.

Suddenly the doors burst open, and her husband slipped out with an irritated look on his face. In any other situation, the look Naruto had would have made anyone cower in fear, but since the man didn't have any pants on, Hinata was trying her best to hide her smile.

"That fucker is lucky I didn't jump out and clock him." Grumbled Naruto, "Not only did he interrupt us, but he had the gall to say that to you?! What the hell is wrong with that guy?"

Hinata leaned back into her chair, "You could have just pulled your pants back up, but instead you panicked and bolted for the closet while knocking my wine glass over. I'm sure if he knew you were here he wouldn't have said all of that."

Naruto scowled, "How was I supposed to know it was him knocking on your door? I thought maybe it was one of your co-workers, or worse, your cousin. Seeing me here in your office, that's a dead giveaway to what we were up to, and that's a spectacle they don't need to keep rent-free in their head."

Mrs. Uzumaki giggled as she watched her husband attempting to put his trousers back on and took this opportunity to throw his shoes at him as well. "I think that was a clear sign that we should head back to the party. Everyone is getting rather intoxicated down there, which means Neji will want it to wrap up soon, and I'm sure my father and uncle will be glad you were at least able to make an appearance tonight."

Naruto looked a little disappointed but nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Hinata felt a tad bit guilty, but at the same time, she was not keen on them getting caught in her office while doing the devil's tango. She had only meant to be in here for less than ten minutes to quickly sort out the mistake with the training courses, only to have been surprised by her husband moments later just as she was shutting down her computer. After a tender hug and kiss, the two of them began their slow, intimate dance that had Hinata feeling quite bold this evening, although the alcohol she had consumed tonight was certainly to blame for that. Just as she had sunk back down in her chair, unbuckled her husband's pants and pulled them down were they suddenly interrupted.

Her lips parted to try and promise they could be intimate as soon as they got home, but that would have been a falsified statement. Currently, theirs and Neji's homes were being used not only by the Sarutobi's but other members of the Hyuuga family as well who were from out of town.

Slowly Hinata stood up and put a comforting hand on Naruto's shoulder. "I'm sorry."

Her husband smiled and leaned down to give her a gentle kiss on the cheek. "It's okay, honey. I know the weekend is going to be super busy with all the guests, but maybe we can do a rain check for Monday evening?"

Hinata wanted to agree to his terms, but instead, she bit her lip.

Even when they were home, unless the kids were gone it was becoming more difficult to have one-on-one time with each other without the children cluing in on what was going on. While Boruto had moved his bedroom to the main floor, Hinata knew that he was suspicious as to why his mom and dad needed alone time. Not to mention that Himiko and Himawari still occupied the two upstairs bedrooms beside theirs, making it impossible to do anything unless they were 100% quiet.

There is always the option of trying to make it to the bedrooms downstairs . . . but that would mean trying to sneak by Boruto's room; I swear that child has somehow inherited my father's keen sense of hearing when he's awake.

With his shoes tied, Naruto offered her his arm as the couple left the office behind and started to head downstairs back to the party in the warehouse. While Hinata wasn't intoxicated, the wine she had consumed this evening was enough to cloud her usual logical reasoning. It also didn't help with the darkened office and limited lighting was causing her imagination to run wild with lewd ideas of what to do with her husband, which, Naruto was completely unaware of.

"So, we have the pancake breakfast tomorrow, and I think you said Boruto has a soccer game as well?" asked her husband as he pushed the button for the elevators.

Hinata shook her head, "No that's Sunday. Tomorrow Himawari has swimming lessons, but then Himiko has gymnastics on Monday as well."

Naruto chuckled, "So busy these days with the kids and all their activities. But that's a good thing I say!"

Hearing Naruto say that only solidified what Hinata was thinking. Tonight was one of the rare occasions where the two of them were technically alone; no kids were around and while Hinata highly doubted anyone would come looking for her, there still was a chance as Asahi had just proven minutes ago.

The doors opened up and the two of them stepped onto the elevator that would take them back to the main floor. Hinata rested her head on her husband's shoulder and finally made up her mind on what she wanted to do.

"Where are you parked?" she asked softly.

"I'm unfortunately a couple of blocks over. I didn't realize this get-together was going to be so huge, but I should have figured that out since it is such a giant celebration for the company. Luckily the umbrella you put in my truck finally came in handy!" said Naruto, holding up the still-damp black parasol.

Hinata nodded but then tugged on his arm slightly to get his attention.

When their eyes locked, Hinata smiled at him and said, "If you don't mind, try not to have anything to drink tonight. I won't be able to drive my vehicle home, so we'll have to take yours and . . ." She paused, and whispered, "That way we can finish what we started in your truck. I'm sure those tinted windows will give us the privacy that we need."

Naruto didn't even have time to react as the elevator doors suddenly opened. Keeping his face neutral, the man could only nod in agreement as they went to join everyone else. But before stepping inside the huge, loud warehouse, he leaned over and whispered, "Oh you're going to pay for that . . ."

Hinata grinned and whispered back, "Good. You always do keep your promises."

The End

Author note: Not sure where this came from, but I seem to get story ideas when I'm riding the lawnmower and mowing the yard. This idea for some reason would not leave me alone, and after a month I finally decided to write it down. There might be a few more of these up my sleeve during the summer months to come.