Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

People who are Important: Book Two	By : Morales89 Category: Naruto > General Views: 1260 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Naruto is the property of Masashi Kishimoto and Tv tokyo. This is a purely fanwritten work, with which I make no money, and write only for the pleasure of myself and my readers.

Chapter List
- 19
- 20
- 21
Chapter 18
...
When Sasuke woke up, he immediately noticed the absence of Sakura's sleeping form from the bed. Yea, he was disappointed. He'd grown used to sleeping beside his pink-haired friend to the point that he couldn't sleep unless she was there. Of course, Sakura would never know that if it was up to him. Not entirely ready to wake up, he rolled over onto her pillow, sliding into her spot. It was still warm, and smelled distinctly like cherry blossoms. He felt himself smile slightly, something he was gradually learning to do again with Sakura's aid. The movement of the muscles of his face was a very foreign and odd feeling at first. However, he found himself unable to stop it sometimes, because Sakura was just too cute for her own good.
Now, that seems like a rather open thought for someone like Sasuke Uchiha to have, but…..to be honest, he was sick of trying to find denial based reasons for such thoughts. He was sick of living a lie. All his life, everything he thought he'd known had all been a lie….except for Team 7, except for Sakura. He didn't want to lie to himself anymore. If he thought Sakura was cute, what use was it trying to convince himself that she wasn't? That's not to say he was going to go prancing around the village, telling everyone who'll listen that he thought so, nor would he tell Sakura herself. But, safe in the confines of his mind, he could admit it. It was just a thought, about someone he knew and cared for. That's all…
…Right?...
"Ohayo, Sasuke-kun!" a bright voice called from his doorway.
He looked up towards the noise where a smiling, wet-haired, and slightly flushed Sakura stood gazing down at him. She must have just come from the shower. One thing he'd learned living with her was that Sakura was an early morning person…it was a rather annoying character trait. He groaned, and pulled the covers back up over his head. He liked Sakura; he liked talking with her, and being around her. But…it was 8:00 in the morning, and he was not ready to get up yet. A small giggle floated over to his ear from the doorway.
"Oh, Sasuke-kun, who'd have ever pinned you for a slow-riser?" Sakura asked with obvious amusement in her voice. He heard the barely audible steps of her tiny feet against the floor of his room get closer. A hand fell to his hair and combed through.
"Alright Sasuke-kun. I'll let you sleep until breakfast is ready," she said softly.
He mumbled a 'mhm', inadvertently shifting closer to the gentle fingers kneading his scalp. They pushed his long fringe away from his temple, and then something soft, warm, and moist came into contact with the skin there. He froze, eyes shooting open wide, and heat climbing its way to his face. She, unaware of his reaction, combed her hand through his hair one more time before turning to walk out of the room. The click of the door snapped Sasuke out of his daze. One pale hand moved up to touch the place where she'd….she'd…
'She kissed me…' he thought in complete confusion.
Why did he feel so strange about this? Sure, he thought Sakura was cute and all. Sure, he knew that on some level he felt something stronger than friendship for the girl. But…in no way, shape, or form was he emotionally versed enough to know what that was. So, she kissed him. Why was he so worked up about it? They slept together nightly. People don't really get closer than that. But…her lips…they were so soft, and warm…and his stomach had done this strange, fluttering movement when he'd felt it.
It was frustrating! It was infinitely annoying that he could not name this emotion. What he felt for Sakura had been bothering him ever since he woke up in Konohagakure Hospital, and saw that she was the doctor who'd saved his life. With Naruto it was easier. As much as he hated to put the taboo label of "brother" on the blond, that is exactly what he felt towards the idiot. The teasing, the taunting, the loyalty and rivalry…they were all components that added up together, and made their relationship brotherly. Kakashi was also simple. Kakashi was a father figure, in a way, even if he was completely different from Sasuke's biological father. Team 7 was Sasuke's family. Only now did he realize that, and only now did he want to cling to that as strongly as he could.
But….
Sakura…Sakura wasn't like his sister. No; not at all. As emotionally stunted as he was, he knew that no one should ever feel about their sister, the way he felt about Sakura. So, then what was it? Because even if she wasn't his sister…he still felt like she was part of his family. How utterly bamboozling is that? Sasuke just didn't know what to make of it, and he was starting to develop a headache because of it. He let his face fall into his hands, forefingers kneading his temples to try and stave off the oncoming pain. As much as he hated to admit it, he needed help on this one. There was only one person that he knew of who could help him with this, and though it grated his nerves to realize it, only that same person whose opinion he could trust.
'Sabaku no Gaara…who'd have ever thought I'd be coming to you for emotional advice…'
...
**Akito House**
...
"How long are you staying, Shia-chan?" Sabaku no Temari asked her sister in-law. The girl's navy blue eyes settled on her blond friend.
"A few more weeks, just to get the Clan matters settled. So much happened while I was here, I haven't been able to really do much of anything as far as the Clan goes," she answered.
"You're not in trouble, are you?" Temari asked. Shia laughed.
"No, we're a Clan of medical ninja. I was stuck on a case, they understand. I just have to make up all the work I didn't get to finish…I mean…I've been here two months longer than I should've been. You know I usually travel from Suna once a month for that one week. That's two months worth of work I haven't been able to do, so I'll leave when it's finished," the Akito head explained.
"I see….you know…I'm really gonna miss you Shia," Temari said, her green eyes locking with dark blue. Shia smiled at her, maneuvering her body into the seat beside her sister in-law.
"I'll miss you too. But, think of it this way, I'm Konoha's liaison to Suna, and you're Suna's liaison to Konoha. We'll still see each other a lot. I'll see you when you come to Suna, and you'll see me when I come here," she said.
Temari felt a little better about it, but with her brother leaving later that day, and Shia leaving with Senji in a few weeks, she was starting to feel a little lonely. It's not as if she didn't have friends in Konoha. It's not as if she didn't like Konoha. She loved the Leaf Village. It was so vibrant and alive. It was only that, for so long all she'd ever had was her two brothers, and their house in Sunagakure. It was so weird that the three of them were going to be split up.
"I think it's good that you've decided to move here with Shikamaru," Shia said. Temari turned her blue-green eyes on the other girl. The Akito's face was lit with a small smile.
"You'll be good for each other, I think. You'll keep him on his toes, and he'll calm you down. I know marriage seems like a big deal, and it is…even with someone you love. But, it's so worth it in the end. Even if you argue, and fight….and hurt each other…in the end it doesn't matter, because you're together," she said, eyes far off in memories of her own first year of marriage.
It was weird, thinking of Sunagakure without all three Sand Siblings…but it wasn't bad. They'd all grown up now…as strange as it seems to a common person, at sixteen, seventeen, and eighteen…they were adults. Now, it was time for them all to start their adult lives. Temari and her sister in-law got their things ready to go to lunch before they'd go see Gaara off at the village gates. 'I wonder how everything will turn out,' Temari thought silently.
...
**Hokage Tower**
...
"So, what you're saying is that it isn't safe for anyone to travel to, or from Konoha at this point? Am I correct?" Gaara said, face set in grave seriousness. Tsunade sighed and slouched onto her desk tiredly.
"Yes, that is what I am saying. I have already sent word to the other Hidden Villages we are acquainted with, as well as to your own village. Baki-san has agreed to stand in your place until everything calms down," the Hokage said.
"I can't stay here, you know that. If the Akatsuki are planning to attack, I should be in the village I have sworn to protect, should I not?" the young Kage said. The blond woman in front of him lifted her golden-brown eyes to his face.
"Pein is not interested in Sunagakure. His sole interest is Konoha and the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki. The Akatsuki has already gotten what they want from your village, so they will not be returning until they've finished gathering the Jinchuuriki," she explained.
"Hn…" Gaara replied, mind working a million miles a minute to process the information.
"The way I see it, Pein is planning on bringing the battle here. This will be our chance to defeat him. We must prepare to fight here, it will be our last stand against the Akatsuki," Tsunade finished. Sea-green eyes stared at her ponderingly for a few moments before the young man spoke.
"What about Naruto?" he asked. Tsunade smiled.
"His master left behind more than just memories for that boy. The Toad Sage, Fukasaku, will be taking him to Myobokuzan, to train in the sage arts. Pein will not be able to find him there, and I trust Fukasaku to have Naruto ready before the Akatsuki gets here," the Godaime explained.
"I see, how long do you think we have before the Akatsuki starts their journey here?" Gaara asked. The Hokage looked towards the ceiling in thought.
"There's no way to be positive if it'll even happen. The information we received is rough, and could very well be fabricated by Pein himself. But, what I do know is that Naruto is their last target. They will stop at nothing to get him. Of course, I'd give it a month or two before they have the manpower or proper plan to execute," she said. The Kazekage nodded.
"I understand. I will stay here to help you win this battle. If I can't send my wife and child home…I will have to defend them here," he said, and with a short goodbye, left the office.
Tsunade smiled after him. She was almost glad that he couldn't leave. Having someone like Gaara on their side would undoubtedly help their chances of winning this. She sighed heavily. Her work was far from done for the day. She needed to call the Elder Council in order to tell them of her worries and plans for Naruto. Then she had to carry out her plans whether they agreed or not. The safest decision for both Naruto, and the village, was to send him with the Toad Sage. If he could master sage chakra as quickly as he mastered so many of his other techniques…he would be a great asset to them on the battlefield.
'God help us…I hope it ends up alright…'
...
**Naruto's Apartment**
...
"I don't like it Hina-chan! These clothes are uncomfortable," Naruto pouted as he stood with his arms crossed at the doorway to the bathroom. Hinata sighed.
"Naruto-kun… I know you're not used to wearing things like this, but you simply can not go to dinner at the Main House dressed like you normally do," the Heiress explained quietly. He "hmphfed", glaring down at the black slacks and equally black button-up his girlfriend had dressed him in.
"But Hina-chan!" he whined.
"You're lucky he doesn't expect traditional dress Naruto-kun. Some of us aren't that lucky you know," Hinata said exasperatedly. Naruto's big blue eyes turned on her apologetically.
"I'm sorry Hina-chan. I've gotta be acting pretty annoying if even you're getting angry with me," he said, kissing her forehead. She sighed, straightening his collar.
"I'm not angry Naruto-kun. I'm just nervous. I want you to make the best impression on my family as you can. I didn't expect father to invite you to dinner so soon," she murmured, leaning her head against his chest. The cologne she'd managed to spray on him smelled delicious.
"I was surprised too, I mean, we've only been together a couple of months….and you're dad never really seemed to like me too much," Naruto agreed, winding his arms around his girl.
"It's not that he doesn't like you Naruto-kun…he just thinks…"
"That you could do better…" Naruto interrupted.
"Naruto-kun…that's not.."
"He's right…" Hinata's eyes widened at her boyfriend's words. Those blue eyes, seeming an even clearer shade of sapphire in comparison to the dark wardrobe, turned on her with warmth dancing in their depths.
"He's right Hina-chan. You could do so much better than me," Naruto said, arms falling to her waist as he pulled her flush against his body. His lips came within an inch of hers; his breath washed over her face.
"But I'm not gonna lose Hina-chan," he said softly before sealing his mouth over hers in a kiss.
Her eyelids fluttered closed as she pressed into the kiss. She loved him so much. She really wanted him to make a good impression on her family. Neji already liked him, even if it wasn't openly admitted, she knew he did. It was Hinata's father that had the girl worried. It wasn't because she thought Naruto wasn't capable of impressing him, it's just that her father had always had a habit of disapproving of everything that had to do with her. Even though that was changing, and in general the family seemed much closer than in earlier years…it's hard to stop feeling anxious about something you've spent you're whole life stressing over.
Hinata wanted her father to approve of Naruto, not just because he was her boyfriend, not just because she loved him, but because he was her choice. Hinata wanted her father to approve of something that she chose, and would vehemently stand behind with all she had till the end. Hinata wanted her father to see that she was strong, and that no one, not even him could make her budge on something she believed in. By the end of tonight, she wanted Hyuuga Hiashi to see that she was fit to succeed the clan, and that she would do him proud.
"*Siigghh*..Alright Hina-chan. Enough getting me ready, I can finish the rest myself. You go ahead, take your shower and get your kimono on," he said, pushing his sweaty, still in training attire girlfriend towards his bathroom. She turned to face him at the door.
"Try to do something with your hair Naruto-kun, ok?" she said, nervousness evident in her tone. The blond leaned down to kiss her chastely.
"There are towels in the cabinet. I'll be fine, you get yourself ready. It's gonna take forever to get you into that thing, so if we want to be ready by four, we'll have to hurry. Or do you want to show up in that?" he asked with an amused twinkle in his baby blue eyes. Hinata flushed in her ever-so-adorable way, and giggled a little.
"Fine, fine…I'll go," she said, kissing him on the mouth briefly before closing the bathroom door in his face.
Naruto smiled at the utter cuteness of his girl. How he managed to land her, he was still unsure. However, there was no way in hell he'd let that bastard father of hers take her away from him. As far as Naruto was concerned, Hinata was his, and he was Hinata's. No one was going to mess with that dynamic, ever. The sound of water running broke him out of his thoughts, and sent his mind spiraling into completely different ones. Hyuuga Hinata, curvaceous babe of the rookie nine, was naked and wet in his shower.
Images of flushed, dampened, ivory skin covering ample curves, and surrounded by curling tendril of seductive steam raced through the Kyuubi container's mind vividly. He could imagine how her dark, long strands of onyx hair would cling to her lightly flushed face in wet wisps. He could imagine her slender, delicate hands moving elegantly over the milky skin of her body slowly. He could see…
{Wow kid, you must've picked up something from your sensei, because I have to say. You are quite the pervert!} Kyuubi chucked evilly in his mind.
'Shut up you! No one asked for your input! Go back to sleep!' the boy thought back angrily. The fox cackled.
{Like hell I will! You should see what's going on inside your head right now. It's like my own personal show.} the demon said. Naruto frowned as he tried to assemble his wild blond hair into a much more tame position.
'I am perfectly aware of what is going on in my mind right now, you damned fox. Now shut up! Stop thinking about my girlfriend you pedophile! She's like nine-hundred years younger than you!' the blond spat back. Kyuubi only cackled louder.
{Oh, you poor, silly, deluded child. Tack on about three millennia to that and you just might have the right number.} he said, completely unperturbed with being called a pedophile.
'Three Millenia?' Naruto wondered.
{A thousand years you idiot! Geez, you should at least know something as simple as that!} Kyuubi snorted condescendingly.
'Shut up! And that's even grosser you Ultra-pedophile! Now go curl up in your cadge and go back to sleep. I'm done speaking with you!' Naruto pouted, and pushed the demon from his mind.
He sighed. It was becoming more difficult with each day to keep his teenage hormones at bay with Hinata. Why? Well, the girl was absolutely gorgeous, with an amazing personality, and a knockout figure. Any healthy, sixteen year old boy would be crazy not to want her. For Naruto, it was a mixture of her complete and utter physical appeal, as well as her honest, shy, all around really cute demeanor.
...
**Nara House**
...
Temari, Shikamaru, and Shia all sat dumbfounded at the Kazekage's arrival for lunch. Wasn't he supposed to be on his way back to Suna by now? What happened? Was everything okay? Shia took in his blank expression carefully, analyzing his features for any clues as to what was going on. He seemed a little agitated, perhaps worried as well. After a few moments of silence, Temari finally asked.
"Shortcake…what are you doing here?" Gaara's green eyes flashed in irritation at the pet name.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?" he said angrily. Temari just scoffed, cooing the name at her little brother a few times just for good measure.
"Gaara…what happened?" Shia asked, interrupting their banter. Their eyes locked.
"I can not explain why, but I am not supposed to leave the village for some time," he answered quietly. His wife's head tilted to the side, navy eyes staring at him questioningly.
"Is there something wrong?" she asked. Gaara sighed.
"I wish I could tell you Shia, if it were Sunagakure's affairs only, you know I would. But, you are not entitled to know classified information of Konohagakure, until the Hokage deems it time to explain it to you," he said. She frowned at him.
"I'm not angry, I'm just curious. If you can't tell me, you can't tell me. I understand," she said. The redhead gave her an appreciative look.
"I'll bet it's something to do with the Akatsuki. Naruto's the last one you know….they were bound to come here eventually," Shikamaru surmised.
Gaara stayed silent, wishing he could say something to them, but at the same time wanting to abide Tsunade's wish for it to be kept secret. She would tell them in time. There was no use in getting everyone all worked up before they really knew what was going to happen. They ate the rest of their meal in silence, each one considering the idea of a direct Akatsuki attack on Konoha. Gaara was not fond of the idea of his family being stuck here. It wasn't safe, especially with Shia only four months till her due date. He'd read somewhere that twins tend to come early as well. He sighed, rising from his seat and looking down towards his wife. Things always tended to get bad at the worst possible times.
"We should go if we want to get Senji down for his nap before we head over to the Uchiha's place," he said.
Shia nodded, lifting their son into her arms and saying her farewells to the engaged couple before them. When the arrived at Akito House, they set Senji down for a nap, and told the servants to watch over him. The Head Couple retired to their suite, both changing into more comfortable clothing, and Shia trying to get some work done before it was time to head over to Sasuke's for dinner. She thought about what the last Uchiha had told them on Christmas Eve, and pondered a way to help out. Perhaps Tadashi knew something about the Massacre. She made a mental note to ask him what he knew about it.
'It's horrible what happened to them…I just hope we can find a way to figure this out that doesn't leave Konoha's citizens distrustful of their leadership. I mean, if we expose the elders for what they did, what will the village have to trust in?' she thought.
...
**Hyuuga House**
...
When Naruto arrived at the Hyuuga Main House, his stomach had automatically eaten itself in worry. He felt like throwing up, he was so nervous. They were on time, four o'clock on the dot, dressed in their best, and ready to be seated at the huge dining table, in the Hyuuga Family Dining Room. Naruto fidgeted in his uncomfortable clothes, shooting a nervous glance over to his calm looking girlfriend. Hinata looked gorgeous, wrapped in her fine silk kimono that befitted royalty, her hair tumbling over her shoulders in black-satin ringlets. Her white eyes turned to him, accented by dark liner and blackened lashes, to give him a reassuring look.
They were lead to their seats by a couple of servants. Directly across from them were Neji and Tenten, the latter smiled and waved jovially at them from her spot. Behind the courting pair was their chaperon, who kept a wary eye on them as if they would start fornicating on the table right in front of everyone. At the head of the table sat Hyuuga Hiashi, looking dignified, and intimidating in his traditional robes. He was flanked by his two daughters, Hinata and Hanabi.
At the other end of the table two older people sat, who Naruto had never seen before in his life. Their white eyes gave away the fact that they were Hyuugas, their hair being too gray to give any indication. Naruto flashed a look over to Hinata, who was not looking as calm as she did before, which in turn, made his stomach flop around uncertainly inside of him. The old man at the far end of the table clinked his glass with his spoon to get everyone's attention, as if they weren't already looking at him in the first place.
"Good Evening, all, I see we have a new face amongst us. I am Hyuuga Hitoshi, and this is my wife, Hyuuga Emiko. Please stand and introduce yourself, Boy," the old man said, fixing his pale gaze on Naruto's frozen form. Someone kicked his shin under the table, snapping him out of his nervous haze, and he turned a small glare on a smiling Tenten.
"Don't be so nervous, just get up and introduce yourself," she said.
Easy for her to say, she already did this…lucky brat. Naruto felt Hinata squeeze his hand comfortingly, Hanabi smiled at him encouragingly, and even Neji nodded his head to help out. The young blond stood up, bowing to the old couple at the end of the table. He set his mind in respectful mode, a difficult mode for him to keep up because he was often absentminded enough to forget who he was speaking to. Without picking up his head, he began to speak.
"My name is Uzumaki Naruto, I'm pleased to meet you," he said quietly.
"As are we, Uzumaki-kun, you may be seated," he heard one of them say. It was the woman's voice this time, Emiko.
"We have heard quite a lot about you, Uzumaki-kun. It is being said that you are quite serious about our heir, Hinata-sama," the old woman continued. He looked up, meeting her eyes determinedly with his to make sure she saw the sincerity in his gaze.
"Yes, Hyuuga-sama, I like Hinata-chan very much," he said, blue eyes bubbling over with a warmth that shocked the Hyuuga Elder. She held back a smile.
"Just how serious are you about Hinata-sama, Uzumaki-san, if you don't mind us asking?" her husband asked coolly, white eyes and blank expression giving away nothing of what he was thinking. Naruto's nervous blue eyes slid over to the male elder.
"I…I..."
"Perhaps we should let him get some food into his system before the two of you start the interrogation, Emiko-san, Hitoshi-san," Hiashi interjected, feeling a little bad for the kid.
It wasn't funny watching Naruto squirm when it wasn't him or Neji causing it. Besides, Hiashi knew that Hitoshi was not happy about Hinata's decision to be with the Kyuubi-container. Hiashi also knew that he was rather displeased that Hinata had refused to hold a coming out ceremony. Hitoshi wanted their heiress introduced into the world of marriage as soon as possible. Hinata was marrying age for an heiress of a ninja clan, it was time she was introduced into society to attract suitors. Of course, Hiashi knew that Hinata would settle for no one other than the boy sitting next to her. All in all, he at least wanted the boy to enjoy the food before he had the most difficult night of his teenage life at the hands of Hyuuga Hitoshi, Head of the Hyuuga Clan Council.
"Yes, I agree," Emiko supported quietly. Her husband sat down reluctantly and Hiashi called the servants forth to start serving dinner.
Emiko would be easier. Emiko was softer than her husband. Hiashi knew that Naruto's natural charm and sincere feelings for Hinata would win the old woman over. It wasn't that he was on Naruto's side, per sey, it was more that the blond made Hinata happy, and Hiashi wanted her to stay that way. He'd never seen his daughter smile so much before that mission to the Rain two months ago. He didn't want her to stop. After the first course was served and eaten, some more questions were asked. This time they were directed towards Hinata.
"Hinata-sama, why have you refused to have your coming out party? It is important to introduce you to proper society as soon as possible. The earlier the suitors arrive, the earlier you can choose which one will become your husband," Hitoshi said. Naruto shot a confused look over at his girlfriend.
'What does he mean, suitors? Hina-chan's my girlfriend?' he thought angrily.
{A coming out party is when a girl of Hinata's status is introduced into blueblood society as a young woman, and generally is considered a viable candidate for marriage. The suitors, of course, would be the ones fighting for her affections. Now, if you were listening, you would have heard him say that she refused to have this party. I suggest you listen to what she's about to say very carefully.} Kyuubi said in his mind. Naruto, for once, listened to his inner demon, and paid attention to his girlfriend.
"With all due respect, Emiko-san, Hitoshi-san…I can not very well introduce myself to society as a candidate for marriage, if I have already committed myself to a relationship with Naruto-kun," Hinata said in a polite tone, hands folded demurely on her lap as she kept her gaze focused on the Clan Elders across the table.
"With all due respect, Hinata-sama," Hitoshi began, mimicking Hinata's words slightly.
"You do not know where this relationship will end up, and it would be in your best interest to have your coming out party, just in case your relationship with Uzumaki-san does not work out as you'd hoped," he finished.
Naruto held his tongue. He wanted to shout at the older man, "Of course it will work out you old bastard! We love each other!" but, he didn't. He forced himself to remain silent, not wanting to get Hinata in trouble with her family; not wanting to be kicked out of her life forever. Hiashi watched the boy seethe silently in anger, pleased with the boy's reaction to the elder's assumption about the relationship between the two children. Good, the boy expected their relationship to last. That was a good sign.
"You should not make assumptions about things you have no knowledge of, Hitoshi-san. Naruto-kun and I feel very strongly for each other. We trust each other, and have known each other for a very long time. Our relationship is built upon love and understanding. I fail to see how it could possibly 'not work out as I'd hoped'," Hinata replied in a calm tone.
Hiashi held back a smile at his daughter's newfound strength. Honestly, she'd become so much more confident in the boy's care, that Hiashi really saw no issue with allowing their relationship to go on. That's not to say that he wasn't going to continue tormenting the poor boy until the two of them finally got married, but that's only natural. Hinata was his first daughter, after all. He reserved every right to give the man wooing her a hard time.
"Hinata-sama, you are but a child. How could you possibly know what is best for you?" Hitoshi asked. Her white eyes flashed at him briefly, surprising him with the strength behind the gaze.
'I bet you she knows what she wants better than you do old man! She wants me so get over it!' Naruto said in his mind, a fierce blue glare poised on the Hyuuga elder. Emiko took notice of the boy's fierce expression, nearly giggling at the protectiveness behind it. He would make a fine husband someday. At least she thought so, but for the sake of tradition…she'd let her husband continue his ranting. Honestly, if the boy survived this night, and still wanted to be with Hinata, Emiko would accept him as her heiress's choice in a partner.
"You say I am a child, and yet you urge me to expose myself as a candidate for marriage," she said.
'Yea!' Naruto urged in his mind, hand holding onto his girlfriend's firmly in support.
"But Hinata-sama.."
"The answer to the original question is simple," Hinata interrupted.
"I do not wish for a coming out party, because I will settle for no one other than Naruto-kun. I love him, and have loved him for a very long time. I am happy with him, and you have no right to take that away from me," she said, lifting her glass of water to her lips and taking a dainty sip. Hitoshi looked pretty pissed off, and Naruto mentally sneered at him.
'In your face buddy!' he thought victoriously.
"Hinata-sama…please reconsider.."
'What the hell! She said no! Just leave her alone already!' Naruto thought angrily. He clenched his fists in his effort to stay silent. Hiashi watched in amusement as the blond boy's face flushed in barely controlled anger.
"You are to succeed your father in leading this clan. Don't you think your husband should be someone of more noble beginnings," Hitoshi argued. Naruto tensed, trying to maintain control over his emotions.
"Naruto-kun is my choice, and I will not discuss this further. In the end I have made my decision. I will stand by it no matter what," Hinata said firmly.
"Hinata-sama…"
"She said no, just leave it alone already!" Naruto snapped, standing up from the table and slamming his hands against its surface. All eyes turned on him, Hitoshi falling silent in shock. The blond boy fixed his angry, blue stare on the old man.
"If she doesn't want to do it, then leave her alone. Stop trying to push your damn traditions on her like she's some kind of lifeless robot!" he cried, arms flailing sporadically in the air as he did so. Emiko tried not to laugh at her husbands incredulous expression.
'Oh ho! He's an interesting one, this one. A fiery little thing..' she thought in amusement.
"She's happy! Isn't that enough for you people? God, you talk about marriage like it's some kind of business transaction or something! Well, guess what?" Naruto continued, glaring at the Hyuuga man across the table.
"I'm not gonna let you do that to her! She's a person, not some product for you to market to all the rich bastards you know!" he shouted.
"She deserves to marry someone she's in love with, and she's in love with me! I won't let you take her either! I don't care what I have to do!" Naruto finished, breathing heavily as he tried to calm himself. He felt a delicate hand rest on his forearm.
"Naruto-kun…" Hinata's gentle voice murmured. He looked down into her beautiful, snow-white eyes, their nervous gaze causing him to snap back into reality. A tense silence had befallen the room, and Naruto could only think one thing.
'Fuck! I screwed up!'
...
**Uchiha House**
...
Sasuke watched Sakura's movements closely. It was harder for him to follow, considering she had gotten a hell of a lot faster, and the chakra seal didn't allow for the Sharingan to activate. A leg came flashing towards him from the left, which he blocked and countered, by grabbing the girl by her ankle. He threw her hard across the training grounds, watching her land gracefully on her sandal-clad feet, and come right back at him. Her fist launched at him quickly, which he caught, surprised by the strength behind it, even without the chakra infusion. He swung a round house kick at her, which she dodged craftily.
"Wake up Sasuke-kun! The next one's gonna connect," Sakura giggled, disappearing from his line of vision.
Sakura's fist smashed into his back, pitching him forward towards the ground. A few handsprings later, he was on his feet, landing a punch to her side. The jumped away from each other, then rushed into a collision of attacks and blocks. Sasuke was surprised at how well Sakura was holding up against him. Of course, they weren't using any chakra, and if he had his Sharingan things would be different. But, he had a feeling that even with all that, she would still be quite a sparring partner. She'd trained under the Hokage after all. After another flurry of attacks, they once again dashed away from each other. Their chests heaved, and their breathing was labored.
"Let's stop here for today, Sasuke-kun. Shia-chan and Gaara-kun should be here soon. We should shower and get some dinner ready before they arrive," Sakura called from the other side of the field. Sasuke nodded his agreement, and followed her back towards the house to get cleaned up.
"Do you want the first shower?" Sakura asked, green eyes peering at him in a way that said, 'I want the first shower'. Sasuke inwardly mused on how women always managed to get what they want without actually having to say it.
"It's fine. You take my shower, I'll use the one in Itachi's room," he said, turning down the corridor, and stopping in front of his brother's door. A small hand came to rest on his shoulder. When he turned he was confronted with Sakura's concerned, mint-colored eyes.
"I'll be fine," he said, pushing the door open a little bit. His pink haired friend nodded and continued down the hall to his room.
Sasuke actually found his brother's room as a sort of comfort zone for him. He sat inside for hours sometimes, mostly when Sakura had to go and give her report to Tsunade. It was a place that held a lot of good memories for him. He often talked to his brother, as odd as that seems, telling him about his day as if the dead Uchiha could hear him. A lot of the time he'd end up falling asleep atop the cool, crisp sheets of his brother's bed, only to wake up underneath them. It was Sakura's doing, of course. She never woke him; she just pulled the blankets up over him and let him sleep till the morning.
As Sasuke stepped into the shower, he considered how close they had been getting. More and more he seemed to find himself thinking, saying, or doing things he would have never even imagined years ago. Especially after what happened in his parents' room on one of their first days at the Main House, he felt himself opening up inside. He felt himself being capable of thinking clearer, being more honest with himself and everyone around him. These people, they were his support system. They always had his back, and had even agreed to help him with his quest to find the truth behind the Massacre.
Obviously the trusted him enough to believe such horrible accusations against their own government. And Sakura…she was the most trusting of all. She stayed by his side no matter what. She'd almost killed herself saving his life, it was only natural he'd feel so close to her. Right? Was it not natural for him to want to be open with her? To trust her as much as he did? To want her to be near him? Sasuke sighed as he toweled off his hair, and slid on his pajama pants. Pulling on his shirt, he continued to ponder the inner workings of his own mind.
It was strange, opening up after such a long time of being sealed shut, but not bad. The people who he considered friends were very accommodating to his emotionally stunted nature. They were very understanding and helpful towards him. He hoped, that after all was said and done, everything could settle nicely between them. He hoped, that after they exposed whichever person's order had killed his family, that he could settle down and build himself a new one. Sasuke poked his head out into the hall briefly, the sound of running water, and Sakura's soft singing permeated the Uchiha home's quiet halls. She'd be in there for at least a half an hour, and then she'd be in the kitchen making dinner. He had time for a little nap until then.
Sasuke slid the door closed, and turned towards the bed, flopping down onto it tiredly on his stomach. Training had taken quite a lot out of him. After being bedridden for such a long time, he supposed that was normal. The dark haired ninja rolled onto his side, staring at the wall that his brother's old ANBU mask hung on silently for a few moments. It struck him suddenly, the odd feeling that the mask should not be there. If he remembered correctly, Itachi had left with the mask tied to his belt. Of course, memories of the Massacre were blurry, but…the sudden compulsion to walk over to the mask overtook him.
He rose…moving towards the familiar item. He reached a pale hand out, fingers grazing the cool, white surface before grasping it firmly in his hands. He brought it closer to him, fingers moving over the smooth plastic. *Crinkle*…'What? Is there a piece of paper behind this?' he thought, turning the mask around to see the inside. Sure enough, taped to the inside of his brother's mask, was a crisp white piece of paper. On its folded, square surface, one thing was written.
Sasuke...
...
**Hyuuga House**
...
Naruto stood frozen, wide blue eyes staring worriedly down to the equally shocked, but more furious Hyuuga Elder at the end of the table. He'd just royally fucked everything up. He'd been disrespectful…no…yelled at the leader of his girlfriend's Clan Council. There was no way they'd let him be with her now. They'd kick him out, and never look back. Then they'd find Hinata some rich, snooty guy to marry and have lots of blueblooded, snooty babies with.
'Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck…' was all he could think.
Emiko looked from her enraged husband to the nervous wreck of a teenage boy across from them. The rest of the table sat in an awed silence. No one else dared speak a word after the boy's insolent outburst. She sighed, it was time to intervene. Poor little thing, he'd really tried his hardest to impress them too. He was probably thinking they'd never let him see Hinata again. With a gentle clearing of her throat, Emiko got the attention of the room.
"Well, Uzumaki-kun, it would seem you are rather passionate about Hinata-sama's happiness and well-being. I can not say I approve of the utterly disrespectful tone you took with my husband was impressive in any way," she said. She watched the boy flinch.
"You're young and stupid. You're prone to rash, emotional decisions that often lead to trouble, even with the best intentions," she said, narrowing her white eyes at him carefully and watching him squirm.
"You're what most of high society would call common street trash, and you're manners need quite a bit of work.." Emiko continued.
Naruto swallowed hard as he listened to the old woman list all of the reasons why he should not be with Hinata. He felt his girlfriend squeeze his hand tightly, and he squeezed back. He was scared too. He was scared they were going to tell him he wasn't good enough for her, and send him packing. He was scared that this person, who'd seen through everything he was and still loved him, was going to be forcefully taken from him forever.
"But…"
'But?' he thought, blue eyes snapping to the older woman's face with a hopeful look swimming in their sky colored depths.
"You're loyalty, and dedication to Hinata-sama is infallible. You have proved to us, despite your unconventional and frankly disrespectful actions…that you will stand beside her no matter what the two of you are up against. I believe… that a true relationship is formed on that basic principal," the woman explained. Naruto could barely believe what was coming out of her mouth. Hinata openly gaped at the old woman, and Hiashi merely sat with a knowing smile on his face.
"Your determination to stick by her, and support her, despite the fact that we may have very well forced you to leave forever…has earned you my blessings, and my acceptance," Emiko finished.
Naruto just stared at the woman for a few moments in a shocked stupor. His head tilted to the side, mouth hanging open as his brain fought to process what she'd just said to him. Then…almost out of nowhere…elation bubbled up inside of him so rapidly that he could do nothing but grasp hold of Hinata and squeeze her to him happily.
"Did you hear that, Hina-chan! She said she accepted me! She accepted me!" he cried, bouncing up and down. Hinata giggled quietly, letting her boyfriend get out some of his excitement before pushing him away slightly. She wrangled his jittery body into his seat and gave him a serious look.
"I'm as happy as you are Naruto-kun, but we should remember where we are. This is hardly appropriate behavior for the dinner table," she said softly. Naruto blushed a bright shade of red, and laughed…a bashful smiled settling over his foxy features.
"Ahh…right…hehe…sorry," he stammered, scratching the back of his head.
"Well then, are we all in agreement? Hinata will not be having a coming out party?" Hiashi asked, fixing his eyes on the elders across from him. Emiko just smiled, patting her furious looking husband on the back gently and murmuring into his ear.
"Fine…we are in agreement. But, we still have to introduce Hinata-sama into society as the heir to the Hyuuga name. She shall have a coming of age ceremony, and if you do not want her to be seen as a candidate for marriage…then I assume you will have to do something to stop that…won't you, Uzumaki-san?" Hitoshi said with a slight smirk. Naruto just blinked at the older man.
"What can I do?" he asked. Emiko smiled softly at the young ninja.
"You said you would do anything for Hinata-sama, did you not?" she asked.
"Of course! Yea! I'll do anything for her!" Naruto answered quickly.
"Well, if you want society to see Hinata-sama as…oh..how would you children say it…'off the market'…you will have to take your relationship to a more stable level," Emiko explained. Blue eyes blinked at her in confusion, the boy obviously not grasping what she was trying to say.
"What we are saying, Uzumaki-san, is that if you want Hinata-sama to avoid the attentions of other suitors, you will have to make them see that she is not available," Hitoshi added. Naruto was trying desperately to understand what they were saying.
"I'm sorry if this is rude or whatever, but could you two stop talking in riddles and just tell me what I need to do. I can't really do it if I don't know what it is," he said. Tenten laughed quietly into her hand. 'Man, are the etiquette trainers gonna have a ball with him!' she thought.
"What they're saying is that, if you don't want Hinata to be seen as a candidate for marriage, you will have to be introduced with her as her partner," Hiashi translated helpfully. Naruto's face erupted in understanding.
"Oh! Is that it? I just have to be at the party?" he asked.
"Well, not exactly. The two of you will be introduced together, and technically there are only two viable reasons for Hinata-sama to reject suitors," Hitoshi said.
"Okay…" Naruto said, wondering what the old man meant.
"Those two reasons are engagement," Emiko started. Naruto sputtered at the word, eyes widening into saucers.
"You mean I have to get engaged to her! I mean, don't get me wrong…I'd love to marry Hinata-chan one day! But this is all going a little fast for me!" he exclaimed. Emiko tried to speak again, but the boy cut her off before she could.
"Oh, well! If that's what has to be done then so be it! Hinata-chan…looks like we're getting engaged!" Naruto chirped, smiling broadly at his absolutely floored looking girlfriend. This time, Emiko could stop the soft stream of giggles that floated from her mouth.
"It pleases me to hear you are willing to do that without a second thought, but you don't have to get quite that serious. We are only asking that you move your status from the silliness of 'boyfriend and girlfriend' to a firmer 'courting'," Emiko explained after she got herself under control.
Yes, this boy would certainly be good for the Hyuuga Clan. His fiery, vivaciousness would brighten up the stuffy halls of the Hyuuga Main House. She watched the myriad of emotions play over the boy's face before finally, it seemed her words had sunken in. He sighed and smiled.
"Good…I was a little worried," he said, but then seemed to realize what he was saying and turned his attention towards his girlfriend.
"It's not that I wouldn't want to marry you, Hina-chan….I just don't think either of us are ready for that yet," he said. The Hyuuga heiress just smiled warmly at him.
"It's alright Naruto-kun…you're right. I am not ready for such a thing," she assured him quietly. They smiled at each other tenderly for a few seconds, before the blue eyed boy had another sudden realization.
"Wait…if we're courting now…does that mean we're gonna have a creepy stalker like that guy!" the blond exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at the chaperon leaning against the opposite wall.
"Well, naturally, Uzumaki-kun…we can not allow our clan's heiress to wander around alone, with a teenage boy," Hitoshi said. Naruto's mouth fell open, an anguished groan slipping from his throat.
"Damnit…as if we didn't have enough people spying on us already…now we'll have a permanent pair of creepy Hyuuga eyes staring down our necks…" he mumbled. Silence descended on the room once again, but it was of more an amused kind this time. Everyone was rather entertained with Naruto's rambunctious behavior, save Hitoshi…and…of course, the Hyuuga chaperon.
"Well…then…now that that's settled…I propose we finish our dinner, shall we?" Hiashi said.
...
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People who are Important: Book Two