Hyuuga Hiashi stood outside, his hair swaying with the wind and a small smile on his face. I knew he was in Uzushiogakure territory, giving me the right to kill him without going to jail, but something made me stop. Subconsciously I reached out to intertwine my fingers with Hinata's unmovable cold ones.

My blue eyes were glued to his figure and I narrowed my eyes slightly. I moved from Hinata's side and opened the door slowly, my body tense. My Swiss Knife was in my pocket and my hand clenched on it. "What do you want?" I hissed out.

Hiashi looked over the cabin and sighed, his hands in his uniform pockets. "You have every right to kill me now. Why don't you?"

I narrowed my eyes and shrugged my shoulders. But at the last possible minute, I launched myself at him, hitting him on his jaw. He fell on the floor and I huffed. I straightened my posture and glared at him. "I won't kill you but I guess that hit will satisfy me." He massaged his red jaw and slowly stood back on his feet. It was silent before I put my hands in my pockets. "You're important to Hinata. I don't want to lose her respect."

Hiashi sighed and looked behind me. "How is she? My daughter…"

I cocked an eyebrow. "She's fine. Tell me, Hiashi, did you order your men to hunt me down?"

"Of course I had to. You're a wanted criminal now. Not only were you behind those murders but you killed seven of my officers."

"Heh, well, I didn't want to go to jail." I glanced down and kicked some dirt. "Why don't you just kill me? You know how dangerous I am, heck, I bet you knew I was the killer since the start. So why are you letting me stand by your daughter's side?"

A gush of wind blew by and I shivered from the lack of heat.

"I trust you. Yes, you are a killer, but when you're with Hinata you transform into a gentle lamb. I have no worries when you're beside her because I know how deeply you love her. You will not let any harm fall upon her and that's what any father seeks in his daughter's partner." His eyes tendered slightly and he sighed, his hand massaging his aging face. "Did you know I purposely led you here? I am the number one shooter in Konoha's police department…" He let the sentence linger in the air.

My eyes widened on his indication. "Don't tell me you shot your—"

"Yes, I did. I do regret bringing my daughter pain but I had to make you run faster into Uzugakure territory. The police were catching up to you. I managed to lead them away from you both. I followed you and when the opportunity showed itself, I took it. If we can, Uzumaki-san, let's keep this between us."

I nodded slowly. I was conflicted. I imagined breaking his neck because he brought pain to the woman I love but his reasons were pure. So I thanked him silently for letting us escape and find refuge.

"Here," I said suddenly, throwing the keys I placed in my pocket when I escaped the police department. Hiashi caught it with ease and placed it in his own pocket.

"I must go now." Hiashi took a few steps and took out his hand. "Take care of her. I give my blessing to you." I took his hand and shook it for a while. "Oh, and don't worry Naruto. Hinata's name will not be in the wanted list in our police department." He left without another word, his figure being swallowed by the darkness. Relief washed over me and I smiled.

I glanced at the forest once more before moving back into the cabin. I closed the door lightly and resumed my position beside Hinata, grabbing her cold hand. I took a seat and the wooden chair groaned. The only sound within the cabin was the soft breathing coming from Hinata and the sound of freedom singing with the wind. A cool wind blew through the cracks of the old cabin walls and I shivered. I glanced at the fireplace and stood up, determined to lit this cabin—no house to its maximum warmth. I grabbed the chopped up logs from beside it and threw them in, grabbing a match and tossing it. The crinkling of fire and wood ringed in my ears, a soothing melody making my eyes droopy. My body instantly tingled, welcoming the warm embrace. I glanced once more around the small house and my eyes landed on an obscure object at the other side of the room.

I walked closer, tilting my head to the side when the object was a baby's crib. My eyes widened when I took in my surroundings.

I arrived at the cabin where I was left as a baby before my parents were killed.

I touched the crib like it was fragile, running my fingertips over the rough texture. It was dusty and I rubbed it between my middle and index finger. I looked at the old cheap mattress and imagined myself in it, as a baby. I glanced behind me and the setting was burned away only to be replaced with another one. I imagined my mother cooking and my father holding me up high with gentle hands. I could hear they're laughter, how it sounded like, and it made me cringe with sadness.

I blinked my imagination drifting away like sand carried within the wind. The room was lit with the fires light and I felt the exhaustion settle to the very core of my being. I barely made it to the bed before I passed out.

I woke up with sunlight hitting my eyes. I moaned out of pain and sat up, the mattress groaning. I arched till my back cracked, the pleasure running its course through my veins. I rubbed my face and made my way to the sink. I twisted the nob and waited a few seconds before water gushed out. It was cold as ice but I didn't wait for it to warm up. I dipped my cupped hands under the faucet and splashed the cold water on my face. I scrunched my noise at the unwelcomed and sudden coldness but it alerted my body. I blinked back my sleep and glanced behind me. On the table lays Hinata, her healthy pale skin returning. Her soft snores reached my ears and I walked to her side. I grabbed her hand and intertwined our fingers. I kissed her on the cheek and mumbled, "Ohayo." I glanced at the wound and with care, lifted the clothes that acted as a wrapping. I grimaced and placed the clothes back down, the dried blood painting the tips of my fingers. The wound hasn't healed completely yet and I came to the conclusion that Hinata might have to get stitches. The thought of bringing her pain once more made my chest tighten. But if it was a way to prevent her from getting diseases then I'll have to bear through it. I walked around the small house, listening to the creaking floor boards and the sounds of the birds that sat outside. The bed I slept on was crumbling apart and the mattress was of no use any longer. I grabbed the two corners of the mattress and pulled. I heaved and noted with dismay that I might have to start working out again. I opened the door and pulled out the yellow and torn apart mattress, letting it land on the dirt floor with a plop. Dust reached my nose and I coughed, waving the particles away from my face. I frowned and looked around. The cabin was in the middle of a large clearing, trees surrounding the small house.

I twisted my torso till I heard a few creaks. I stretched my arms up high before bending down to touch my toes. I walked back inside and sat down beside Hinata. I checked her pulse and sighed out of relief. I glanced once again around the small house and made a mental note to clean it up. I felt a sudden movement to the side of me and I watched as Hinata's eyes opened. She blinked a couple of times before sighing. Her eyebrows furrowed and she bit her bottom lip. Her hand came to the wound and her eyes widened. She sat up quickly and groaned out of pain.

"Woah Hinata, be careful! You're still hurt and I don't want you hurting something." I pushed her back down slowly and her eyes darted to my own. I smiled reassuringly and patted her head, noting how sweaty her forehead was. I stood up but stopped when I felt a tug on my hand. I turned around and saw fear swimming in Hinata's lavender eyes. I grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles. "I'm not leaving you. Don't worry, I'll be right here," I cooed to her softly. I placed her hand on her stomach and moved to the sink. There were two cabins hanging on either side, a window placed above the sink. I opened the first cabinet, the hinges creaking from the lack of use, and grabbed the first dusty cup I saw. I turned the water on and washed off the dirt. I poured cold water and returned to a still slightly panicked Hinata. I placed the rim of the glass on her chapped lips and encouraged her to drink. I smiled as she gulped half of the water. I placed the cup on the floor and helped her sit up. She winced and touched the wound that was covered with my clothes.

"Naruto-kun, are," wince, "you okay?"

I chuckled and wiped some strands of hair off her face. "Of course you'll ask that. I'm okay, see?" I patted myself to add emphasis. "But are you okay? You took that bullet for me and I was so scared when you weren't able to open your eyes again. You were so cold…"

Hinata glanced at my eyes before looking down. "Gomennasi, I didn't mean to worry you but my body moved on its own accord." She looked up and stared at me, her eyes burning with confidence and love. "But I don't regret it."

I kissed her lips, my hand gripping the back of her head. I was so scared that she'll slip from my grasp. My heart beat pounded against my chest and a few tears leaked out. Grateful, I was very much. I kissed her cheek, eyelids, and forehead before pressing my lips against her chapped ones. I was eager and desperate to feel every part of her. I wanted to reassure myself that she's no longer in the brick of death. I touched her shoulders and my fingertips descended down to her hands where they intertwined. I kissed her knuckles and gazed at her with love.

"I know you don't." I kissed her once more, my lips lingering before pulling back. "Is there anything you need, Hina? Thirsty? I can serve you more water if you want." I was already moving away, grabbing the half empty cup, and heading towards the sink. I filled the cup and helped her hold it; tipping the cup up bit by bit till she finished it all. I laughed when I heard her take a big gulp before she wiped the water off her lips. She blushed but giggled, probably remembering the sound she made.

I put the glass on the sink before leaning on the counter, my gaze now on her. "Hinata, can you check your wound? I don't know if you'll have to get stitches or not…"

Hinata nodded before moving the clothes away from her wound. She winced when she saw the hole and she shakily covered the wound. "Hinata…?" I walked to her side and gripped her hands. "Shh, you don't have to see it anymore but I'm worried. Are you going to need stitches?" She nodded slowly and her nails dug onto my skin.

"Wh-where are we going to get the resources, Naruto-kun? We're free but we have no support from anybody…what are we going to do?"

I thought long and hard about this and the house was filled with silence for a few minutes. "I don't know, Hinata, but I do know that I'll support you the best way I can." I reached her side in an instant and hugged, careful of her wound. "This cabin is crumbling apart Hinata. I need to fix some things before we can sleep in peace." To prove my point, I took a step forward and the floor creaked loudly. The ceiling released a few crumbs.

Hinata nodded slowly, looking around the small cabin. "I-I'll help also." She tried to sit up but failed.

I laughed and gently pushed her down. "Hinata, you can't! Not only are you injured but you're not that, you know, strong…"

She pouted and once again struggled to get up. This time I let her get up on her own, awed by her sheer will. "I-I don't want to be useless. I can at least contribute to something."

I chuckled and cupped her cheek. "You're so stubborn Hina-chan."

"W-Well…" She blushed and glanced down. "We only have each other now…"

I nodded grimly and kissed her forehead. "Hai…we do."

The first few days were a heck of a pain and struggle but I managed with the few resources we had. For one, the decaying mattress was left outside and Hinata, with the little strength she had, made a sack by sewing a couple of curtains together. I was surprised when she pulled out a sewing kit from her bag. With my brow raised, Hinata hurriedly answered with a sheepish, "S-Sewing can fix anything, Naruto-kun…" With the falling leaves just outside our cabin, I grabbed them and stuffed them into the homemade clothing bag. It wasn't a luxurious mattress that soothes the pain forming in your muscles or something that was as soft as a baby's hair but for Hinata, it was something that not even the most expensive mattress can substitute for.

"I-I'm sleeping in your arms Naruto-kun. That's all that matters."

Agreeing to let Hinata help me with the task of rebuilding the crumbling cabin, I scooped around the old cabin trying to find any forgotten tools that maybe my otou-san left. I had yet to tell Hinata that the cabin that we're calling home was supposed to be my refuge since I was small. At times, I'll stop whatever I'm doing and stare at Hinata as she guts out the fish I've captured from the lake a mile from here. I'll ponder on whether or not I should tell her. It was personal information that I would like to keep with me but how would I feel if she also kept something from me? I'm a believer that each person has a right to keep their secrets but now we're all that we have. It wasn't a major secret—not like my sadistic killing, no—so what was the problem?

It was cold outside, the wind blowing harshly as the cracks littered here and there and let the brash cold air inside the barley warm cabin. The fireplace crackled and I carefully threw a log to warm up the place. We had to improvise so we used our clothes as blankets. Hinata turned on the faucet and we stood in silence hearing the groaning of old, rusted pipes and a gush of water poured out. She dipped the soapy plates and hummed lightly. I wrapped my arms around her waist and sighed, my nose taking in her natural smell.

"Hinata, I want to tell you something."

She washed the remaining utensils and turned around, her nose brushing mine for a moment before glancing at me.

"Hai? What is it?"

I smiled sadly and said, "This cabin," I gestured around, "was actually my parents." She gasped. "And see that crib I shoved in the corner," I pointed at the lonely, dark crib, "was supposed to be mine." She, too, looked at the old crib and slowly untangled herself from my grasp. She took tentative steps and ran her fingers on the blistering wood. She took a shuddering breath and glanced around the cabin, something initiating in her eyes. She locked eyes with my own, vulnerable as I am now, and smiled softly, something that made the air escape from my lungs.

She opened the door and I quickly ran after her, terrified.

"Hinata, what are you doing? It's about to be night and its cold outside—!"

"Naruto-kun, don't worry…I'll be back inside I just need to…see some thing's…"

I shook my head and crossed my arms against my chest. "Then I'll stay out here too."

With curious eyes, I watched Hinata glance around the clearing surrounding our house. Her eyes darted here and there and her eyes lingered more in the direction of the forest before resuming her look over. She nodded every once in a while and walked around. A few feet away from our cabin, she stopped and nodded before darting to my direction. I shook, my arms crawling with goose bumps, and I grabbed her hand when she was within arm's reach.

"Why'd you do that?"

I closed the door once we entered the warm cabin, officially shutting off the cold.

"N-Nothing…I have to tell you something too…"

She left my side and reached into her bag, rummaging through her clothes and personal belongings before taking out a yellow folder. She fingered the crumbled edges before sitting down on the chair beside the table. I took that as a cue to also take a seat. I waited until she sighed and placed the folder on the table.

"I…gomen ne, Naruto-kun, but I did something behind your back." My heart thundered with pain. "Ever since that day you told me about your okaa-sama, I decided to help you in some way. I-In this folder there's information involving Uzumaki Kushina and…" I gasped, "Namikaze Minato."

Like a child that was told to open his presents, I quickly grabbed the folder and opened it. The first page was of a younger version of my mom, a smirk on her face as her eyes glittered. "She was actually an orphan. Her family lived in this abandon town/state."

"What do you mean?" I asked dazedly, my eyes never leaving my mother's smirking face and my eyes darted around the information provided on that page.

"W-Well, Uzushiogakure was actually an independent city but it was too big to actually call it a city. Uzu was on the borderline of being an independent state or being an overly large city. Konohagakure at that time was thriving and was seen as a threat because of all of the connections it had with multiple outside states and Uzushiogakure happened to be a major ally to Konoha. With Konoha obviously having powerful allies, it also came with powerful enemies and the state of Tsuchi no Kuni planned to hinder Konoha by attacking Uzu." She paused and grabbed my hand when I glanced up at her. "T-They managed to destroy all of Uzu including its residents. Your okaa-sama managed to survive and pleaded refuge in Konoha. She was, at that time, just nine years old.

"She became an orphan and that's when trouble started." I locked eyes with her. She nodded slowly. "She hung out with the wrong kind of people and once she was a teen, she already formed the most dangerous gang Konoha has ever seen: The Shi. However…" Here she smiled and turned the page. There, in the right top corner, was a man smiling. He had long, spiky blond hair that reached his shoulders and blue eyes. His wide smile made his eyes squint and his cheeks were a rosy red. My eyes watered as I tenderly ran my finger over my otou-san's face.

"H-He looks just like me…" I croaked out, tears running down my face.

Hinata wiped away my tears. "H-Hai, your otou-sama was handsome…"

I nodded and Hinata continued, "Uzumaki-sama met Namikaze-sama when she was," she glanced at the paper, "twenty years old. He was actually a target for her gang." I gasped. She nodded slowly and left my side, her hand reaching into her bag to pull out an old, worn out journal. "I-I actually snuck into my otou-sama's office in the police department and stole this." She placed the journal gently on the table and took her seat. "I-It's your mother's journal. Read it, Naruto-kun. It's now yours." I stared at the journal and with quivering hands took what's left of my mother. It was odd how my mother's life was now contained in a few yellow pages and held by my hands. Her last remaining thoughts were probably written in here and the trouble past she had. I opened it and read the first page while Hinata resumed, "I believe that they might have come to an agreement because Namikaze-sama was never jumped…but rather after that incident, many locals saw the two hanging out around Konoha."

I nodded and wiped the few tears that managed to escape. "Y-You're right. I-It says here that when my okaa-san was about to 'pound him senseless' something stopped her." I paused and laughed as I read out loud, "'He was just so damn cute with those wide, blue eyes and gentle smile that I just had to stop! Damn, Namikaze! I swear to Kami that I'll beat him to a pulp next time I see him.'" We both shared a laugh and flipped a few more pages. "Look, look Hinata! Okaa-san wrote that my otou-san charmed her or something because she can't stop thinking about him…"

I laughed breathlessly and glanced at the photo of my otou-san. I flipped the page and I bit my lip. Instead of information of my parent's history, there were photos of the two since they were little to their adult years. Some were blurry, barley able to see anything, but others showed the two hugging and the love shining in their eyes told any viewer how much they loved each other. I grabbed the photos with care, afraid that they'll slip from my grasp and burn in the fireplace that was a few feet away from me. I glanced at every photo and I felt as if I knew my parents more. I placed the journal down and closed the folder. Without warning, I hugged Hinata tightly. There were no words to describe my gratitude and there will never be anything that will be close to defining how much I love the woman in my arms. So I resorted to kissing her on the forehead and saying "I love you" with as much emotion I can pour out.

That night, I placed my newest gifts in a safe place and slept soundlessly beside my Hinata, the burning fire left unnoticed by anyone.

The next day I woke up without Hinata beside me. I quickly shot up and different scenes rushed into my barely working mind. What if the cops managed to get some kind of permit to trespass and took her? What if the wound that she sewed opened and she sleep walked and somewhere out there she's bleeding to death? I jumped off the sack and opened the door, the cold, morning wind having no effect on me besides the fact that I was just wearing boxers. I was about to run into the woods when my eyes caught something in the far left. There, on her knees, hands clasped together and head bowed, was Hinata in front of a pile of white stones, different color stones surrounding it. The suns light cascaded down from the trees leaves and it dipped the warm, gold light onto Hinata, her midnight hair shining. I took a deep breath to calm down my hammering heart and made my way to her.

Crouching down beside her, I focused on the pile of white stones first and took in the different color rocks and pebbles before glancing at Hinata's face. I could tell that she was relaxed and whatever she was praying zoned her out. I shook her shoulder gently and her eyes snapped open. She gasped and stood up, her legs wobbly from sitting on her shins. I laughed and hugged her close, concerned on how cold her skin was.

"Why are you out here so early, 'Nata?"

She blushed and gripped my arms. "W-Why don't you have a shirt on, Naruto?"

I laughed and kissed her lips. "I was so worried about you that I just dashed right out of the cabin. Now tell me why you are out here so early in the morning."

Hinata looked down and blushed, twiddling her fingers. "I-I wanted to pay my respects to your parents…s-so I made a gravestone for them." My eyes went wide. "I-I know it's not fancy or anything but they have to know that they are not forgotten memories. It's a place to pay our respects to them."

My eyes softened and I kissed her forehead. In unison, we sat on our shins and clasped our hands together; bowing our heads and mumbling our prayer that only my deceased parents would hear. My eyes opened and I glanced at Hinata, a wave of an emotion crashing against me.

She dropped her hands and we stood up. I grasped her hand and kissed her.

"Let's go back inside."

"Hai."

"Marry me?" I had no ring but I offered my love and that's all she needed. She dropped the dish she was holding and locked gazes with me. Disbelief was painted on her face and I nodded to reassure her that no, she didn't hear wrong, and that yes, I really do want to marry her. She smiled and cried and tackled me down. She cried out yes and I hugged her, happy. We both laughed like crazy maniacs, and maybe we were, but we were crazy maniacs in love and about to marry. Hinata still in my arms, I reached over and rummaged through my bag. I grabbed my lucky necklace with the blue crystal and she took it with both hands, cradling it against her chest. Her lips parted to protest but I shook my head. After a moment of hesitation, she put it on and the crystal landed between her breasts. She looked at me then went to her bag, digging through it. She looked back at me and gave me a necklace I've never seen before. The thread was made of black silk and the marble held what looked like a ball of light.

"I-It was my mother's before she gave it to me," she explained meekly. She told me that the story behind the necklace was that a sun god wanted to give his lover a gift that reminded her of him. What he did was that he grabbed the most transparent marble and crafted it into a circle. Before closing it off he grabbed a bit of sunshine and placed it inside so the light will never dwell and forever glow. She explained that it was passed through her family for centuries and now it's a gift from her to me. I smiled, grateful for such a beautiful necklace and placed it around my neck, landing on my chest.

"We need to head into the Uzushiogakure district so we can find a shrine. It also doesn't help that I'm a bit curious to see the town." I smiled sheepishly while scratching my head. She smiled and nodded, love dancing in her eyes and blush dusting her cheeks.

I looked once again at my beloved who was now finishing her prayer and saw her lavender eyes land on my blue ones. She smiled, making my breath hitch and my palms sweaty. The reality that we were soon to be husband and wife settled within my soul and made me nervous. What if I wasn't ready to protect her and fulfill the duty of a husband? What if we were doing this too soon? After all, we're just mere teenagers who are completely in love with each other. I didn't hear when Hinata entered the cabin but I felt her arms encircled around my waist. I nearly jumped but I smiled instead, trying to cover up my surprise. I twisted my body so I can hug her, making her head rest on my chest.

"Naruto-kun shouldn't be worried," she whispered. "We're both nervous…but with our love we could face the world, right?" She looked up, her eyes shining with determination.

"Hai…" I whispered. Her statement soothed my erratic heart. "We could face the world."

She smiled and kissed my lips quickly, leaving me dumbstruck, and grabbed my hand leading me outside.

"L-Lets go before it gets any darker." I nodded and we left our cabin behind. We entered the thick forest and made small talk, excited and bubbling with love. Our hands were interlocked and I concentrated more on her skin tone than the walk to the ruins of an old city. Our feet made contact with broken cement and we continued our journey.

At first, there was concrete everywhere we looked with a few weeds sticking out from the floor. But then after a good half an hour underneath the sun, Hinata and I began to see old, gray buildings standing in a wobble like state, looking ready to fall down at any minute. The windows were all broken and cracks starting from the bottom to the top decorated the buildings. Everything had an eerie feeling to it, making me shudder and I hugged Hinata close.

"We need to fine a Shinto shrine. I mean, every state has to have at least one, right?"

"H-Hai," she answered while her eyes darted everywhere, taking it all in.

I glanced at her outfit and my own. It wasn't the most appropriate wear for a wedding but it was the closest thing we both had so it can barely pass as acceptable. I wore a simple woven grass zori (slippers) with a light gray hakama that reached just above my ankles. My kimono was a black color with my undershirt white and my obi being orange. Hinata's yukata hug her every curve. It was a light purple color with flowers dancing their way from the bottom of the yukata that was right above her ankles to the top of her left breast. Her datejime hugged her middle making her bust appear bigger. Her zori was made of leather, showing that she came from the upper class.

She looked absolutely lovely and enchantingly beautiful.

"N-Naruto-kun, stop staring at me like that," she scolded lightly, her eyes darting to the right.

"But why?" I whined, hugging her tighter. I leaned down and whispered, "When you are to be mine in a few hours." I felt her shudder and sure enough her blush found its way to her cheeks. I laughed at her embarrassment and led her deeper into the deserted town.

"Now where to find a Shinto shrine…" I said my thoughts out loud. I plucked out my lower lip while cupping my chin in a thinking pose. Hinata giggled and I smiled, breaking out of my funny stance. We kept walking hand in hand around the lonely town and Hinata suggested that the shrine can be found outside the town. We both agreed to head out of town and sure enough there stood a shrine in all its glory.

The shrine's property was immensely huge for its size and I couldn't help but openly gape at the massive grounds, even Hinata's jaw opened a few inches. We stepped through torii that was between trees and went up the stone stairs, both our hearts thumping with nervousness and excitement. The sando seemed to stretch forever and I glanced at the toros where vines hugged itself against it and symbols carved into the stone were visibly showing even though many years has passed. We reached the chozuya and we were both surprised to see that there was in fact water to purify our hands and mouth's.

"N-Naruto-kun…is it safe to clean ourselves with it?" questioned Hinata with a tilt of her head.

I shrugged and dipped my hands into the cold water. "It looks clean Hinata-chan even though no body's been here for Kami knows how many years." She hesitated before dipping her own hands into the freezing water. I took out my own and shook off the water, drops landing on the floor. I placed my still wet hand on the corner of her mouth and cleansed it, ignoring the blush creeping up into her cheeks. I smiled at her when she did the same. We held hands again, not minding that they were still wet, and descended down the remaining sando. We arrived to the haiden and we briefly glanced around before exiting it from the back.

The hondon stands tall and I pushed the doors open, making a loud creaking sounds. Cobwebs were decorated at the corners of the main hall and two marble statues were shown in the middle. The god Gekka-O and the goddess Benten stood side by side, the white color never diminished even throughout these years. I laughed at our fortune and mentally prayed to Kami.

I heard Hinata laugh too, her body shaking. "It's nice to wed underneath the gaze of the god of marriage and the goddess of love and good fortune, ne, Naruto-kun?" I nodded and swooped down to place a lingering kiss on her cheeks.

"I guess we should start the ceremony," I mumbled against her lips making her smile. She nodded and I saw the slight nervousness in those light lavender eyes of hers. But who wouldn't be nervous on their wedding day? Even thinking about it makes me want to pinch myself to make sure it was really happening. I sucked in a deep breath before shouting, "Ladies and gentlemen, the wedding of Hyuuga Hinata and Uzumaki Naruto is about to begin!" The announcement echoed in the large room and I laughed, feeling giddy and excited.

I felt Hinata grab both my hands and I turned my body around so we could face each other. I glanced at the marble necklace she was wearing and I looked down to see my blue crystal hanging on the black thread. We decided that the necklaces shall be what would tie us together, our wedding bands.

"Now, Uzumaki Naruto," I started with a goofy smile on my face, "would you have this woman to be your wedded wife; to love her, comfort her and…as long as you both shall live? Yes, I do."

Hinata giggled and her eyes danced with love. "N-Naruto-kun skipped a whole verse."

"Did I? Well what matters is that I answered the main important question. Now it's your turn."

"Hyuuga Hinata, would you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together after Kami's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep unto him, so long as you both shall live? Hai, I do."

I shook my head, my yellow locks moving with the movement of my head. "Why would you say the whole thing? I'm impatient here."

"Naruto-kun, we're supposed to d-do this right!" she lightly whispered in a scolding tone but her smile betrayed it.

"Okay, we got that part but what comes after that?"

"My f-father is to give me to you…"

There was a suffocating silence before I kissed her gently on the cheek. "I'm sure he'll do it if he was here." And in a way he already gave her to me since the day I last saw him. "So, what's after that?"

"Has Naruto-kun never been in a wedding before?"

"Dame, I only seen them in movies; does that count?"

She giggled making me smile and my heart warmed. "Ano, after that, we are to give our vows."

I nodded and looked at Hinata right in the eyes, her smile vanishing from the sudden seriousness. "I'm not prepared with what I'm about to say but I'll speak from the heart." I took in a deep breath in and my blue eyes locked on lavender ones. "I was always alone since I could remember. I was never given love freely so I had to fight my way to get the friends I have today. I thought that Kami-sama purposely left me out of the loop of love to pay for my sins. I always thought I'll live alone and die an old man with no one beside me, mourning for me." I bitterly chuckled. "I didn't believe it when Ino told Sakura you had a crush on me." I heard her gasp but I kept going. "I really didn't because who would like me? That stupid boy who always gets laughed at and the outcast of the town…but in a way I was grateful to them because it made me realize that I wasn't alone.

"But here we are, under a shrine about to be wedded. I never thought this would happen to me." I caressed her soft cheek. "I thought a killer like me would never be loved because who would accept my sins? I even thought that I'll end up killing the person who would come to love me…but you're different. I knew it the moment my eyes landed on you that warm day when we were children. I knew it when you would glance at me during school. I knew it when you offered your help to me. I was so happy that you said yes to date me and I'm so happy that you're still here by my side. You looked pass my flaws, Hinata, something that's rare within us humans. I'll cherish it forever. I promise on my life that I'll protect you and that now my life is no longer my own but I now share it with you" Her tears streaked her cheeks as she smiled.

She laughed and wiped away her tears. "N-Naruto-kun always has a way with words. I—I fell in love with Naruto-kun ever since I could remember." My eyes widened. I never asked her how she came to love me. "I remember the first time I laid my eyes on him. His bright yellow hair and dark blue eyes that made me blush. I remembered how he'll always push aside the comments that was thrown to him and kept going, with his chin held high. I didn't know why my eyes were drawn to every move he made or why my heart ached to be with him.

"I was so happy when Naruto-kun asked me to go on a date with him," she continued, "I was so happy but then…" I saw her shudder. "I found out the reason why he'll ignore my gaze or why his blue eyes would show this emotion I could never pinpoint. I—I knew that to love him I must look pass this side of him because it wasn't Naruto-kun that night. Naruto-kun is bright and loving. He helps people in need and always walks into a situation with a smile on his face." She smiled at me, making me smile back. "I'll never stop loving him because I was already deep in love with him." She took off her necklace and I took off mine, knowing what's to come. She inclined her head forward and I placed my necklace around her neck. I then inclined my head forward and she placed her necklace around my own neck, the tips of her fingers leaving goose bumps on my skin.

"Oh, wait." I smiled and looked to the side where there's nothing but empty space. "Does anyone think these two can't be wed? Speak now or forever hold your peace!" I nodded when there's no response and I looked back to Hinata who had a smile on her face. "What? I just wanted to make sure that there was no one else who would want my Hina-chan. Plus, I always wanted to say that." She giggled and I laughed.

"Now," I said with a genuine smile on my face, "you are pronounced husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." I dipped her down and she grasped my shoulder tightly. We both smiled when our lips touched. The kiss escalated into a passionate one and I gripped her waist. I settled her up right and we both smiled again. We were officially together, our red thread forever tied. We laughed and I gripped her hand, dragging her out.

We ran all the way to the cabin. Out of breath, I picked her up bridal style and kicked open the door. I walked our way to the makeshift bed and placed her down gently. Our hearts were beating faster, knowing what's about to come. I smiled and laughed, breaking the moment. "I'm so happy," I said in one breath.

Hinata smiled and placed her hand against my cheek. "I-I'm happy too." I closed my eyes and leaned against her touch.

"You're all mine now," I playfully growled out making her giggle.

"I-I was yours the moment I fell in love with you." My eyes softened and I leaned down and kissed her gently. Soft lips against chapped ones, I massaged her own before slipping my tongue through her lips. It felt different tonight, having our tongues dancing against each other and our opened mouth kisses that were leaving us breathless. My body started to heat up, starting from my toes to the tips of my fingers that were dancing on Hinata's skin leaving goose bumps. An instinct awakened and I left her mouth to trail kisses down her neck to her shoulders. Her yukata was now loose and I yanked it down lower, my hands shaking and my eyes desperate to see her.

White flesh met my kimono as I clashed against her, kissing her again. My stomach felt tight and I naturally grinded my hips against hers receiving a small moan from her swollen red lips. It was driving me insane—the way her chest would rise and fall along with her full breasts and this feeling of just claiming her as mine. I shredded our clothes, nervous yet excited but once I glanced at her eyes that mirrored my own desire I knew that I couldn't stop.

With my eyes, I asked for the impossible and promised the best for her. With a hesitated nod, I smiled and kissed her, entering her slowly. I heard many tales from the males in my school involving sex. It's an amazing feeling that can't be described by the human language. Lust will control one's body and before someone knew it, instinct will take over. Something close to barbarian, I would always think when I heard the hush conversations of the taboo subject of sex. But now I took back every bad thought I had about sex. Lust, itself, feels great, but having sex with someone you love—god the feeling was indescribable. Instinct took over and I couldn't stop the thrusting. The closure of leaving no space between our bodies left me breathing heavily and the sweat that was covering Hinata's body made me grip the makeshift bed. Her nipples touching my chest, the sensual touches and whispers of declaration of love made me go faster and harder. My stomach tightened and I felt her fingers dig into my skin. Nirvana was close and I felt it within my reach—I went faster, hips hitting hips—and I was gasping for air. We were close and finally—

We took deep breathes as our climax passed and washed over us. A sense of completion washed over me and I noted with happiness that I was still connected to her. We were no longer two but one.

I woke up before her and I was content just watching her sleep. My eyes focused on her child-like face and the way her hair stuck to her sweaty forehead and cheeks that were flushed red from our previous activity. I glanced down to her body and nice shaped arms with small, soft hands. I gently placed my hands on her stomach and let them roam down even further but not enough to awake her from her slumber. I take in her hips and pubic black hair that hides her treasure. I took in her nice pale legs down to her toes that wiggled.

My thumb started to stroke her stomach and I imagined her skin tight and large, carrying life within itself. It made my eyes teary and I sniffed them back along with the lump that formed on my throat. Even though we're now both outcasts we still have each other to lean on. I leaned down and kissed her forehead, not minding the sweat. Her face scrunched up before smiling making my heart skip a beat.

She curled into me and I placed my arm around her, making her head rest gently on my side. I settled within the bed and I thought so what if we don't have the perfect house or a bed to sleep on? I'm content as long as I have my wife beside me. My love for her would surely grow over time and I know that it'll never waver.

I laid my head against the bed and smiled, my thumb rubbing her arm. The moon light washed over us and the song of crickets filled the forest air. The stars twinkled and life just seemed perfect. I felt that the story of my life has opened another chapter, a chapter that I never thought I'll be able to write.

I closed my eyes and I was about to fall into deep slumber when I heard something incoherent come out from my lover's lips. I looked down and saw a smile on her face that she usually directed at me.

"I love you Naruto-kun…" she said in her sleep before burying her face against my naked chest.

I knew starting from now our lives would no longer be easy going and we would face many challenges but together we'll be able to accomplish anything thrown our way because, at the end, our love for each other would conquer all. Our emotions run so deep that, no matter what, we'll come out victorious. Our red thread of destiny shall never be cut because it would become iron solid by the end of our lives.

I closed my eyes as I smiled and said, "I love you too Hina-chan…"

And it comes to show how even the cruelest of hearts can be thawed with love.

Fin