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Disguised Curses	By : Raholea Category: Naruto AU/AR > General Views: 2438 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 28
- 29
- 30
Another chapter!! Finally!! Sorry it took so long, but this chapter pretty much blocked me at every turn. I spent two months beating my head against the wall that is the Date. Hopefully you all will enjoy this. I have been trying to create an older, mature Hinata, I hope this chapter satisfies those of you with any reservations. Also, i realize there are inconsistencies throughout my story that I've been realizing as I read this as a whole. I am not going back and 'fixing' them. If this were publishable, damn straight I would. However, it is fanfic, and while I put a crapload of effort into this and enjoy writing it, I'm not going to go OCD on what's already written.

As a note, I have started cross- posting this story to my LJ acct. I would love it is I could see some reviews there, as I can actually give feedback through LJ that I can't here. However, I will accept that might not be the case. If you -are- interested, my LJ page is : http://kyuubi-paw.livejournal.com/ I will be posting more fic on LJ from now on. i have an upcoming original that is trying to form itself into proper presentation. but on LJ. *grins* and now on to the terror.... well. not really. *grins*

CH 29

“The new markings look wicked on you.”

Sasuke ignored the slight husk in Naruto's voice, focusing on his self appointed task of getting Naruto's hair to settle. It was nearly impossible, the way his hair naturally spiked, but even worse was the fact it would not be tamed. They stood in front of a mirror in the hall, Naruto's illusion temporarily down to keep Sasuke from hurting his ears. Again. With the illusion up, Sasuke knew they were there, but they were blurry, and he often misjudged the exact placement of the fuzzy tips. It had caused both ears to get caught in the comb teeth multiple times. He managed to get one last spike to at least level down to half-mast, the best he could hope for without doing drastic things to Naruto's blond hair. He'd spotted some red streaks starting to show in all that blonde, but it wasn't blatantly noticeable yet. Not that most people would bother looking past the thick illusion.

Sasuke stepped away and stalked back to his bathroom to put the brush, comb, and gel away. He could feel Naruto watching him, tracking his movements through the house. He idly wondered why the bonding they'd done had left tattoo designs etched on his skin. Within the first week they'd darkened from a bright red to a deep crimson, dancing flames that crawled and weaved across his skin in senseless patterns. His face was bare, but they decorated his torso, arms, and down to his knees. His wrists and ankles had a daisy-chain of interlocking flames; another circle like a second seal surrounded his curse mark. These had stayed a bloody crimson, not darkening as much as the others. It was as if he'd been branded with a “This human is owned” sign. Apparently they satisfied something in Naruto, for the blonde could often be found tracing them, sometimes with his fingers, usually with his eyes. Sasuke could tell when Naruto was absorbed in the markings he had caused to be laid onto his skin, for the eyes would darken and flicker along the patterns, his voice would get rough, and his nails would often etch faint lines into whatever surface was near. He'd been doing it for the last ten minutes, and now the wall had scratches. At least Sasuke had avoided another set of bloody nail marks. Each time he'd nicked or caught Naruto's changed ears, his wrist would be grabbed with enough force to drive the sharpened points through skin and leave blood running in delicate trails. Which was probably part of the reason there were now marks on the wall.

“You're bleeding still.”

Sasuke didn't jump at the sudden words, but he suppressed a shiver. He'd missed Naruto's approach. Bad ninja. He'd have to work harder on his skills again. “They'll heal. They aren't even bad enough to see the medics.”

“I caused you unnecessary harm.” A tanned hand circled his wrist, thumb running over the wounds. They stung and leaked a little more liquid. “I hurt my beta without reason. It is my responsibility to heal you.” Chakra filled Naruto's hand, blue chakra with a familiar bite. The punctures healed almost instantly. The thumb stroked again, this time over whole, fresh skin.

“Get going, Naruto. You'll miss your date.” At the reminder Naruto stepped away, his illusion snapping back in place. Sasuke looked over him and couldn't even tell any changes now, except the nails and eyes. It was a very good, solid illusion. “You have a reservation at the little restaurant up the road from the Hyuga compound in about forty minutes. That should be plenty of time.” He handed Naruto a small communicator typically saved for complex mission communications. “If you need me, turn it on.”

The rest of the new Naruto faded as he tucked the transceiver into his collar and glanced over himself one last time, smirking at Sasuke before briskly leaving the house. The raven watched his friend leave before heading deep into the Uchiha estate, seeking knowledge. He was close to answering his own questions, and then he would have a long talk with Tsunade.

~*~*~

Naruto followed a young Hyuga member to the main house, where he waited, suppressing the nervous tick threatening to pop up. He didn't have to wait long before Hinata came into view, his ears perking as he saw the nice cream- and- lavender kimono folded around her body. She smiled and blushed prettily when he gave an awkward, formal bow. “You look beautiful tonight.”

Her blush deepened, but she only briefly looked away. She met his gaze with glittery, smiling eyes. He watched her eyes drift over his body, then, taking in his ‘casual’ wear, a deep blue shirt Sakura had sworn looked good on him, and black pants that were far different than typical ninja wear. Not that he was weaponless, but they were hidden. This was supposed to be a date. He smiled a little under her genuine appreciation.

“I take it you approve, then?” She nodded, still flushed prettily, and moved closer to place a hand on his. He curled his fingers around hers, suddenly feeling childish again. When was the last time a simple touch like this could be so much, so thrilling? And yet there was a peace Hinata exuded that kept him from wanting to jump around at the little tingly feelings dancing up his arm. He turned and led them toward the main gate, out into the town, and the more he walked with her, the more at ease he felt. Not sluggish, or drugged, just finally relaxed. It was disturbingly peaceful.

The instant that thought flashed through him he took a moment and peeked into his mind. Everything was quiet, and for once not the quiet- before- the- storm sensation he gets far too often. There’s a very lowing vibration that could nearly pass as purring. ‘Kyuubi?’

The purring sound didn’t fade as the fox’s voice murmured, sated, happy. “See what happens when you stop fighting?”

Oh. OH. He could learn to live with this. He kept the grin as he slipped back to the present and noticed Hinata was no longer brightly blushing, but she was certainly having a dreamy moment of her own. He wondered how many times she’d dreamed of going out in public like this, just the two of them, his attention only on her. He wrapped his free hand over the one already laced with hers, pausing them for a moment on the sidewalk. She offered a small, brilliant smile that tugged at something within him. Was this affection? Or more? He grinned back, more joyful than anything she’d seen from him that year. “Thank you.” The words were far calmer than the expression, but they were honest and full of meaning.

“You’re more than welcome.” She calmed slightly, her cheeks light pink. “For what?” she asked.

“Starting with willing to be my friend, and ending with whatever you’ve told your father that would let him agree to my courting you. He mentioned that you’d already talked to him about me and that while he was openly disapproving that I was not what he wanted for you, he was going to give me a chance. ‘For her sake’ ,” he stated, the quotation heard in the slight change of tone that was to imitate the Hyuga elder. Hinata let a soft giggle escape before she covered it with her hand. Yet her eyes danced with humor.

“It is not nice to make fun of your elders, Naruto-kun. Especially my father.” She slid her arm around his waist for a brief hug, though, and Naruto relaxed. This could work. Her scent teased him, light spring scents on such a cold day made him tingle. She pulled away and he missed the aroma at once, but her presence staying at his side assuaged the need. He offered her another smile and they continued on, small talk keeping away from very personal issues. He avoided mentioning her family after that, except for the courtesy of asking about their well-being, and they both avoided darker subjects like Kyuubi. Apparently Kiba had flirted with the wrong girl the week before, and Hinata described the chase that had occurred when the girl’s older brother had learned the dog-nin had been sniffing at his little sister. The story lasted them until they got to the little restaurant Sasuke had helped him procure. The management had been hesitant to host the Jinchuuriki, but quiet words had been dropped about Naruto’s date for the night and a little extra offered cash had gone quite a way to helping the place look the other way. It was a small, quiet, semi-formal place, rather relaxed, but the three-wall rooms gave the illusion of privacy without being painfully formal. Sakura and Sasuke had demanded he do something much nicer than Ichiraku’s, no matter how much he loved the food. He had pointed out his distinct lack of experience in dating and that it was Hinata. She would understand, or at least try to. Sakura had slugged him, agreed, then settled down with a list of places she deemed suitable.

Dinner started well. Naruto realized he enjoyed Hinata’s company, more than he expected. He’d been nervous about how well they’d get along. Her shyness had always clashed with his loud boisterous behavior, but he learned that well placed comments and a subdued tone helped draw her out a little. And she wasn’t near as timid as she’d been years ago. She laughed softly after one of his jokes and Naruto returned a broad grin. Then the waiter appeared, settling plates before them before disappearing again. Naruto inhaled deeply before digging his chopsticks into the meal. A disgruntled noise followed the return of the mouthful, the taste of poorly cooked meat in the dish irritating him. It wasn’t the first time cooks would have it out for him, but he’d wanted this night to go so much better. He doubted Hinata’s plate would be similarly troubled. She frowned at his reaction, impolite as it was, but reached over to sample his plate before he could warn her off. The look on her face was priceless, cold and hard, much like her father and cousin when they were upset. “Hinata, please…” The reaction warmed him, but he didn’t want to make a scene. This was their night. “Leave it. They’ll pay for it later.”

She frowned at the plate, obviously desiring to attend an obvious affront to them both. A moment later her face smoothed to blank pleasantness and she deliberately slid the plate to the edge of the table, tipping the dish of meat and rice to tumble the short distance to the floor. The mess scattered, but she paid it no more mind than to tuck her feet closer, moving her own plate between them to the middle of the table. Naruto stared, slightly gaping at her for her blatant mess.

“Eat, Naruto-kun.” She smiled at him, a confident little quirk of the lips that made him chuckle. He took a piece from the proffered plate, and watched her blush prettily as he licked the sauce off the morsel of chicken before popping it into his mouth. “Does a Hyuga lady create such messes regularly?”

Her eyes flicked to the splatter on the floor before raising a hand to summon the waiter back. “An insult to you while we are together is an insult to me. A Hyuga does not let such matters stand unattended.” She turned her pale eyes up the waiter as he tried to offer a replacement for the obvious mistake. “It was no mistake,” she offered calmly. “I would not serve that to the alley mongrels, much less a customer in my care. Take it away.”

Heat tingled through Naruto. He wasn’t sure where this commanding presence had come from, but seeing shy Hinata act like a lofty member of her clan while coming to his defense was stirring. Too few people had ever defended him in such ways. He tried hard to keep his chin high and ignore the subtle glares from around him. If Hinata could make such a show for him, he could act the part of being worthy for it. They ate while the cleaning was taken care of, sharing little looks that could be anything and nothing to keep from granting any attention to the staff and other customers. He licked the sauce off his lips, watching her skin tint again before sliding one of the last pieces of meat across the plate to her. “Would you take a walk with me, after this?”

“I promised father I would be home before too late.” She fiddled a moment with the napkin, not quite meeting Naruto’s eyes. “Perhaps the long way home wouldn’t cause trouble.” She finally looked up, and Naruto felt something inside surge at the innocent mischief on her face. He hadn’t seen that look on her before. She winked and continued in a lowered voice. “Stand, bow, and offer your hand to help me up. They will learn they cannot be forgiven this slight if they can find no fault with us.” Naruto nodded. He can do this. He would do this well, properly. He rose, letting himself use the grace and balance his new body was providing for him, bowing a little at the waist. “May I offer my help?”

Hinata offered a far more demure smile, more herself than she’d been the last several minutes. It was a reminder of the girl she’d been, not the woman she was becoming. But her hand slid into his, and stood, her body moving to be very close to his. Her scent flooded him again, fire stirring in his chest. He pushed away the tempting sensations and escorted her out. “So, the long way home?”

Hinata offered him a sly grin and nodded, leaning her head against his shoulder and whispering. The words left him grinning wickedly. "You're on."

____End Chapter ___

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