A/N: Wow, it's been a long time since I last updated. Well, I had this story sitting on my comptuter for a few months and decided it was about time I finished it. I don't know if I will be getting back to my other story or not, as I've recently started writing an original story. If any of you are interested, I can tell you where to find it once I get it up. Until then, I hope you enjoy the end of my story!
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Slowly stirring my ramen with my chopsticks, I was feeling sick to my stomach. It was a beautiful Friday night, but for me one could say it was my last day of freedom. No more would I get to have ramen three meals a day. No more would I be free to train whenever I wanted. To tell the truth, I had never been this scared since I first met Zabuza on my very first mission with Kakashi-sensei and Team Seven. Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I cocked my head to see my companion with a concerned look on his face.
"Naruto-kun, your passion…its flames have vanished from your eyes. You should be bubbling with Springtime of Youth this night before your marriage to the lovely Hinata-chan!" Shrinking even lower, I didn't want to say what I was thinking, especially since Neji was sitting on the other side of me. Every guy friend I had was there eating ramen with me, even Gaara and Kankurou. Upon hearing of my wedding, he developed a rivalry with me over it. According to him, we were now even again, and we would compete to see what would happen first: his marriage or my promotion to Hokage. I had happily accepted the challenge at first, but I was suddenly getting these second thoughts.
"If you want, I could go bring some sake to cheer you up." As if at once everyone pounced on top of him as to make sure he didn't go anywhere. "Calm down, I won't have any. My Fire of Youth is burning brightly, and I don't need alcohol to keep it ablaze!" The group slowly let him go and returned to their seats, and Kiba was even laughing. I had waited for something like this all my life, but for some reason I still felt so lonely.
"Can't you see it? Naruto hasn't gone more than an hour without Hinata in this last week. Even though it's troublesome, I'm sure he just misses her." Feeling a pang of guilt as Shikamaru's words fell on me, I realized he was right. For some reason I was feeling extremely alone without Hina-chan lately. She was at home asleep right now, saying she had to wake up early and get to Ino's to put on her wedding kimono.
"Naruto, even if you miss her, try to have a good time with us tonight. It wouldn't be fair to us if you aren't happy." Those were the first words to leave Shino's lips that night, but for everyone it was enough. All of them nodded in agreement, and I finally sighed in defeat.
"You're right, thanks guys." Putting on the best grin I could, the tension seemed to dissipate quickly. Quickly finishing the bowl in front of me, I asked Ojii-chan for another.
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Gently closing the door to our room, I noticed Hina-chan fast asleep in the bed, gently snoring. I had to chuckle at her sprawled out body, though. Normally I thought someone as proper as her would sleep soundly and peacefully, but here she was lying on her stomach, her bare feet sticking out from under the covers, and one arm dangling over the edge of the bed. I gently knelt down by the head of the bed and brushed away the bangs framing her face. It was then I almost died laughing as I noticed a large pool of drool on her pillow. Despite all that, she was still the most beautiful girl I had ever seen.
Locking the door to the washroom, I tugged off my shirt and began to poor hot water into the bucket waiting there. Thinking of how things were going to change so much tomorrow, I absentmindedly removed the rest of my clothing and doused myself in water. Scrubbing away all the dirt, I was still cursing Kiba for letting Akamaru pin me down and lick the hell out of me earlier. Drying myself off with a towel that was sitting there, I pulled on a fresh pair of boxers and a new shirt and began to walk toward the kitchen for a little midnight snack.
Looking in the refrigerator, I had to choose between a ham sandwich or heating up a bowl of miso soup. Not wanting to wake Hina-chan, I decided on the sandwich. Washing it down with a quick swig of milk, she didn't care that I drank from the carton. In fact, she usually took a drink right after I did as if it were a vein attempt to kiss me indirectly. Smiling at the memory of how cute it always was, I decided sleep would be good now so I trudged back up into our room.
She hadn't moved an inch since I got home, but I realized I should wake her up before I got in bed so I wouldn't scare her. Walking up to her, I suddenly got a devious idea after remembering her little party with Sakura-chan and the others. Kneeling at the edge of the bed, I gently slid my finger down her foot, and I was rewarded with a soft giggle that escaped her lips as her toes clenched. Repeating the same gesture, this time her laugh was slightly louder and she quickly pulled her feet under the covers. Smiling to myself, Sakura-chan was right. Hina-chan was really ticklish.
"Hina-chan?" Crawling into bed next to her, I placed my hand on her shoulder. "Hina-chan?" Kissing her cheek softly, she squirmed around and her eyes fluttered open. It took her a moment to register that I was there, but she soon sat up and yawned.
"Ohayo, Naru-kun." Stretching her arms over her head, I took the initiative and wrapped my arms around her and kissed her neck. She let out a yelp at my assault, and I simply smiled and cuddled her tighter. I had finally gotten used to sleeping with her and I began to think I wouldn't be able to fall asleep without her.
"It's not morning, Hina-chan. It's not even midnight yet." For some reason her pearl-colored eyes sparkled in the darkness. Burying her face into my chest, I could only smile at her. Is this what I've been missing my whole life?
"Good, that means I get to cuddle you more." Kissing the crown of her head, I realized she had already fallen asleep. Deciding that I should probably do the same, I soon followed her into dreamland. The last thought on my mind was that tomorrow was the true beginning.
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Shying away from the bright sun shining through the window, I slowly opened my eyes. Nuzzling my cheek against what was holding me, I didn't have to look to know who it was. Wishing we could just stay like this forever was a wonderful feeling, and the fact that we'd be married today only made me happier. Resting my head against his shoulder, I wanted to go back to sleep.
Suddenly I remembered what I just thought. We were getting married TODAY! Frantically looking for a clock, I sighed when I realized I had half an hour to get to Ino-chan's house. Easing myself out of the covers, I felt a shiver run down my spine from the lack of the warmth that Naru-kun gave me. Quickly pulling on a pair of pants and a shirt, I gently kissed him before I left.
Walking toward my destination, I bumped into Sakura-chan along the way. She had been carrying a huge box, which meant she likely had a bunch of different kimonos and shoes for her to decide on.
"Ohayo, Hinata-chan! So how are you on your big day?" Smiling toward her, I felt my heart beating faster and faster. I was about to explode with excitement.
"Ohayo, Sakura-chan. I'm feeling wonderful today. And you?"
"Just happy that dobe won't be asking me on any more dates." Giggling with her, we arrived at Ino-chan's just in time to see her barging out her door to come looking for me.
"Hinata-chan! You're half a minute late! We need to get started now!" Dragging me behind her, she was fuming and discussing hairstyles and makeup with Sakura-chan. I could only hope whatever they decided on looked good. I just wanted to see Naru-kun's jaw drop as I walked down the aisle.
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Shifting under the covers, I kept hearing the pounding of something on my window. After about five minutes of this torture, I finally rose up and opened it, only to be hit in the head with a small rock.
"Itai." Rubbing my forehead where it had struck me, I glanced down at who was disturbing my sleep. "Oi, Neji! What are you doing here?" The glare I got from made my knees buckle, but he didn't seem to notice.
"Naruto, have you forgotten? We need to go get you ready for the wedding. You only have about two hours, you know." Glancing at my clock, I suddenly felt panicked as I threw on a pair of pants and ran out of the house.
"Gomen, Neji. I've been really tired lately." Yawning as if to punctuate my sentence, he simply nodded.
"Now, as for what you need to wear, Hanabi-sama has told me that Hinata-sama has decided on a traditional wedding kimono, so I took the liberty to find you the wedding robes to match." Nodding toward him, I had to suppress the urge to groan. I had dressed up enough in this last week to last me a lifetime, but I suppose one more day couldn't hurt, especially if it was for Hina-chan. Following closely behind him, I felt mortified that I only had two hours of freedom left.
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"Kawaii! You look so beautiful Hinata-chan!" Blushing at Sakura-chan's sudden compliment, I couldn't help but marvel at myself in the mirror. The kimono was tight fitting, but it felt extremely comfortable. Lace was sewn into the dress to give the image of lilacs covering my body and I was simply entranced by how perfect I looked in it. What surprised me the most, however, was my hair, and the person who came up with the style. Tenten-chan had suggested a type of bun, which Ino-chan quickly dismissed, but eventually tried regardless. Feeling the mass of hair on the back of my skull that was held in place by a pair of hairpins, it was the first time in years that I had seen my face without my bangs framing it. I had to admit, I looked…cute.
"Yatta! If that dobe doesn't go weak in the knees after seeing you, he's more hopeless than I thought!" Giggling at Ino-chan's remark, I knew Naru-kun would love it. I only hoped Neji-nii-san had found him and reminded him that this was a traditional wedding.
My hands quivering in nervousness, I could hardly believe this was finally happening. My lifelong dream of marrying him were finally coming true, and in less than half an hour at that. Realizing what I had just said, I almost experienced my first heart attack.
"We're late!" Making sure I wasn't attached to anything, I rushed outside the door. Luckily the four of us had decided to dress me up inside the Hyuuga Clan house, but we were supposed to be meeting with my Father now. Running as fast as I possibly could in a kimono, I soon found him standing by the gardens, where the wedding was to take place. "Gomen, Father. It took longer to do my hair than we thought." Breathing heavily, he flashed me a genuine smile before he enveloped me in a hug.
"You look just like your mother did on our wedding day." Blushing at his praise, I never thought I was anywhere near as beautiful as my mother. Suddenly feeling a tear drop onto my hand, I noticed he was crying. "It's hard to believe my little girl has grown so much in these last three years. I only wish I had more time." Smiling up at him, he hadn't shown me this kind of affection since before I could remember. Hugging him gently, I didn't let him see the tear that escaped my eye.
"It's not like I'm leaving for another village, Father. Even after I marry Naru-kun, I'll still be a member of this house. And you're always welcome to visit us." Noticing his smile, I felt him kiss my forehead. I may have only been fifteen, but for the first time he saw me as a young woman.
"I know. I'll just miss my baby girl. Hopefully Hanabi isn't anywhere close to thinking about marriage." Giggling at his poor attempt at humor, I bowed to him as I entered a room adjacent to the gardens. As tradition in the Hyuuga family, no one was allowed to see me until my Father came to give me to my husband. Sitting down on the lone stool in the room, all I could do now was wait.
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"Itai…" Tugging at the sleeves of my robes, I felt like I was going to die. Wearing all black in the heat of summer was not a bright idea, and the baka that came up with the idea should be gouged with a thousand kunai. "Oi, Neji! These robes are giving me a serious wedgie!" Smirking to myself that I had actually rhymed something, I had a hard time not reaching down to make myself a little more comfortable. Neji, meanwhile, was just rubbing his forehead. He was also wearing traditional black robes, yet not near as fancy as the ones I was. He was also taking the heat much better as well.
"Aye, just go in the alley there and fix it before anyone sees you." Grinning as I darted toward where he pointed, I quickly fixed the problem. Rejoining him in the street as we walked toward the Hyuuga estate, I was stricken with the most horrid thought. "Naruto? What's the matter?" He must have noticed the grimace on my face.
"What if I get another wedgie during the ceremony?" Watching Neji face vault would have been hilarious at any other time, but for now I couldn't get my mind off the problem at hand.
"Naruto, why don't you just go without your boxers?" A light bulb must have gone off above my head, as my grin suddenly made him strike a jyukken stance. Unaware of his actions, however, I dashed back toward the alley, only to feel my leg fall numb and my face hit the dirt. "I was only kidding, Naruto. If you can't wait to scratch your ass for an hour or so, then maybe you shouldn't be marrying Hinata-sama." Dusting myself off, I limped after him.
"I guess you're right. I'll stop thinking about such stupid things." Neji's nod of approval was all that came from him, and we continued on our way toward the wedding. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen, though.
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"Naruto? Is that you?" Feeling Sakura-chan's arms wrap around me, I couldn't help but laugh. With my hair matted down, it reached my shoulders hiding half of my face, but it was far from unkempt. "You actually look…handsome." Slightly blushing at her compliment, I hugged her back.
"Arigato, Sakura-chan. So, where's Hina-chan?" Glancing around for my soon to be wife, I couldn't spot her out of the small crowd that had amassed in the Hyuuga gardens.
"You really are still a dobe. You're not allowed to see her until the ceremony starts." Suddenly feeling my heart sink, I had set my hopes on her calming me before all this happened. Looks like that was out of the question.
"Congratulations, Naruto!" Turning around to face the voice, I suddenly felt my face squeezed between two humongous balloons. Realizing only one person in the village could engulf me like that, I blushed as I scampered away from her.
"Obaa-chan!" My anger slowly died as I noticed her stumbling about. "What the hell? Are you drunk already?" Hearing her slurred voice and her laughter confirmed it. Shaking my head, I realized it was going to be a long day.
"Tsunade-sama, you're performing the ceremony! Let's go try to sober you up, and quickly." Watching Sakura-chan pull the so-called Hokage toward a distant room, I was slowly absorbed into the large group behind me. Trying to claw my way free, too many friends and former teachers were there to keep me from moving at all. In one last vain attempt, I shouted out to Neji, but he was nowhere to be found.
"That bastard. I'll get him for this." In the darkest corners of my mind, I could sense someone laughing at my expense…
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Twirling around in the small room, I had begun to get sore from sitting in the same position on that uncomfortable wooden stool. Wondering what time it was, I was soon answered as Hana-chan opened the door slightly and stepped inside.
"Father sent me here to get you and tell you it was time for the ceremony to start." Hearing her unusual emotionless tone, I felt a pang of guilt. I had realized I had neglected her for most of this last week, and gazing at her face I noticed a lone tear streak down her cheek. Gently shutting the door behind me, I wrapped her in a hug.
"Gomen, Hana-chan. I'm sorry I wasn't here as much this last week. I promise I'll be here more often after today." Slowly she shook her head, which confused me. If it wasn't because I was absent from training, then what was it?
"It's not that, Hina-chan. It's that I don't want to be handed the title of heiress. I wanted to fight you for it, but now Father and the elders are giving it to me by default. You should know I don't want that." Realization dawned on me, and I began to laugh. Hana-chan looked at me as if I had gone insane, which only made me laugh harder. "What's so funny?"
"Gomen, Hana-chan. It's just, you remind me a lot of Naruto-kun." Noticing the blush on her face, I smiled and hugged her again. "Alright, I promise to challenge you for the right to the title. Sound good?" She grinned and nodded her head, and I opened the door. "Well, shall we get going?" Slowly we walked outside, met by the bright afternoon sun. The moment I had been waiting my whole life for was about to begin.
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Watching Obaa-chan walk down the central aisle, stumbling despite the gentle music playing in the background, I realized that there was no way I was getting out of here now. Not that I wanted to, because I wanted to marry Hina-chan. It was her clan that scared me. I had promised Neji that I'd change the Hyuuga for him, but with all the stuck-up snobs in this place it was next to impossible. Soon Obaa-chan had regained her composure and was standing tall in front of the congregation.
Suddenly the music changed, and I knew that Hina-chan would be walking down the aisle next. Feeling my heart beating more rapidly, I shifted my weight trying to get the best view to watch her. I could see Hyuuga-sama's head above the crowd, and I knew standing next to him would be my bride. I was so entranced with waiting that I never noticed Obaa-chan lean in close to me.
"Keep your eyes open, Naruto. You'll remember this moment for the rest of your life." Turning my head toward her, I flashed her my famous grin.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world." Shifting my gaze back toward the aisle, I watched in amazement as Hina-chan came into view. I had thought she was beautiful before, but now she had put every girl I had ever known to shame. Her pure white kimono shimmered in the sunlight, her dress slippers hardly touching the ground as she floated down the aisle. What struck me the most was her beautiful face. I realized I had never seen her bangs pulled back, and I knew she didn't need anything to frame her already angelic face. Feeling my heart burst as I watched her blush under the gaze of all the people here, I had to keep myself from running out to her and sweep her off her feet.
Slowly they came to a halt before the witnesses to our ceremony. Watching Hyuuga-sama kiss his daughter on the cheek, I smiled humbly as he offered me her hand. Leading her before Obaa-chan, I felt all my fears and doubts wash away. To this day, she has been the only one I have ever known who has been able to have that effect on me. Leaning in close to her, I could feel how excited she was.
"I always knew my Hina-chan would be more beautiful than an angel." Smiling as her face turned a dark crimson color, I planted a quick peck on her cheek, which made Obaa-chan let out a little chuckle. Soon she cleared her throat as she looked out over the crowd.
"Today, we are gathered to witness the joining of these two in a lifelong journey. One Hyuuga Hinata and one Uzumaki Naruto. If there is anyone here that forbids this ceremony from continuing, please let yourself be heard." Unable to concentrate on her words, I felt my heart sink as a lone voice echoed throughout the clearing.
"This ceremony is heresy! Hiashi! Where are you!" Quickly twisting around to glare at the newcomer, I felt my body shiver as I saw who it was. Watching the Hyuuga elder bumble about, I could tell this wasn't going to be good.
"Here I am, Elder." What happened next I thought I would never see in my life as Hyuuga-sama was hit hard to the ground by this old geezer. Hearing the gasps echo through the crowd, I had to hold myself back from attacking the supposed strongest member of the Hyuuga clan.
"How dare you, Hiashi. I should have you stripped of your title for this traitorous act. Marrying our potential heir to this…this…demon! Have you lost all common sense?" Hiashi held his head down, and everyone in the gardens had suddenly lost their voice. "Hinata, come with me. You are to be severely punished for this crime against the Hyuuga. Honestly, marrying a demon? I thought we had raised you better you stupid little girl." Unable to take it any longer, I gently squeezed Hina-chan's hand. Smiling at her I walked toward the Elder.
"Excuse me, Hyuuga-sama, but if anyone here is the demon, it would be you, not me." Slowly walking toward him, I could sense his killing intent rising as he glared at me.
"You insolent brat. Do you know who you are dealing with? I am the Head Elder of the Hyuuga clan! I am the supreme authority of all matters involving the Hyuuga. Not even the Hokage can overturn my decision in these cases." Grunting at him, I looked over and noticed Neji biting his tongue. I could tell he really wanted to say something, but because of that seal, he was afraid to speak his mind.
"Oi, Neji, is this the jerk you had to put up with your whole life? No wonder you were so pissy when we first met." Feeling satisfaction at the small curving of his lips, I turned my attention back to the Elder.
"You're trying my patience, boy. One more word from you and I will kill you myself." Smirking at his remark, I slid back into a fighting stance, ready to fight with one of the strongest ninjas in all of Konoha.
"Heh, as if your dry, old bones could keep up with me." I could tell that was the final straw as his killing intent boiled over and he tossed away his robes revealing his metal mesh bodysuit underneath.
"That's it, demon. I will end your life today like we should have done all those years ago!" Watching as he sped toward me, I could easily counter his attacks due to my recollection of my fights with Neji. Quickly leaping away from him, I yawned as I stretched my hands behind my back.
"Is that it ojii-chan? If this is the best the Hyuuga has to offer, then I'm surprised. Even Neji has given me better challenges than this." Watching his face glow red with anger, I could tell it was now or never. Concentrating my chakra into my hand, I had finally perfected my very own jutsu. The Elder had stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the blue orb resting in the palm of my hand.
"Th…that jutsu! That's one of Yondaime-sama's legendary techniques!" Feeling satisfaction as he quivered where he stood, I decided to take it a step further.
"If you like that, Hyuuga-sama, then you'll love what I have done to it." Summoning more chakra into my hand, it began to form several blades surrounding it. Holding it high for all to see, I glanced over to see Kakashi-sensei and Yamato-sensei with a pleased look on their faces. Turning my attention back to the Elder, I smiled and let the technique dissipate. "I took the Yondaime's technique and developed it farther than he could have dreamed. What you saw was only twenty percent of its total power."
"How is it possible that you could surpass even the Yondaime?" Sighing at his remark, I simply held out the ring I had received from Jiraiya so long ago.
"I still cannot understand why you praise my Father yet refer to me as a demon-spawn. Are you saying the Yondaime was a demon?" The silence that overtook the gardens was deafening. Deciding to break the silence, I kneeled before the Hyuuga Elder and looked him square in the eyes. "I love Hina-chan, with all my soul. If it weren't for her, I may very well be this demon you think I am. But as long as I live, I swear to protect her with my life. If that isn't enough for even the Hyuuga Elder, then I won't even ask for his blessing. So please, will you allow me to marry Hyuuga Hinata?" Whether it was in disbelief or he truly meant it, I'll never know, but he slowly nodded his head. Shaking his hand, I quickly leapt to my feet and glanced over toward Obaa-chan.
"Hokage-sama! I would like to make a change to the ceremony. Hyuuga Hinata is no longer marrying Uzumaki Naruto. Instead, she will be marrying the legacy of the Yondaime, Kazama Naruto!" Taking my place back at Hina-chan's side, I smiled as I held her hand tightly. Looking up at Obaa-chan, she continued as if nothing had happened at all.
"With that proof of their love, I will now bestow upon them their wedding rings." Reaching out toward her proffered hand, I took the smaller of the two rings. Gently lifting Hina-chan's hand, I slid the golden ring on her finger, watching her eyes sparkle as tears streamed down her cheeks. Ever so slowly she took the other ring and placed it on my finger, effectively bonding us for the rest of our lives.
"I love you, Hina-chan. Forever and ever, I'll always be there for you." Caressing her cheek, she smiled as tears cascaded from her eyes.
"I love you too, Naruto-kun. From now on, we'll always be together."
"Shinobi and Kunochi of Konoha! I present to you Kazama Hinata and Kazama Naruto!" The deafening roar of cheers and shouts were lost on Hina-chan and myself. I had embraced her in the most wonderful kiss I had ever experienced. Obaa-chan was right; that moment would be one I'd never forget.
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Quickly rushing inside our room, I was followed closely by Naruto-kun. The day had been extremely interesting to say the least. To think I would now be called Kazama Hinata sent shivers down my spine as I squealed with joy. Quickly stripping myself down to nothing but my undergarments, I leapt in bed, with Naruto-kun not too far behind.
"So this is why you wanted us to get home so early." Blushing at his remark, I couldn't help it. I had waited so long for this day, and I wanted it to end perfectly.
"Yes, it is. So, are you ready?" Watching that smirk that crossed his face, I could tell he had been waiting for this moment as well. Smiling inwardly to myself, I only hoped I would be adequate enough to please him. It was then I noticed a grimace on his face as he was straining himself. "Naruto-kun, what's wrong?"
"I can't get my boxers off!!" Smacking my head, I got a devious idea as I began to crawl under the covers.
"Don't you worry about it, Naruto-kun. I'll get them off for you." Grabbing the legs of his boxers, I began to tug, but to no avail. It was then I tugged at the hemline, only to notice it was stuck to his skin. What had happened had hit me like a ton of bricks. "Ano, Naruto-kun, I think someone put superglue on your boxers before you put them on earlier." Suddenly I heard him groan as he remembered what had happened.
"I'm going to kill that Neji! I knew he did something to my clothes!" Giggling to myself, I managed to rip a small hole in the cloth. Pushing myself out of the covers, I kissed his forehead gently.
"You should be able to tear them off now, Naruto-kun. We'll worry about the glue tomorrow." Hearing a loud rip, I watched as he gleefully threw his boxers across the room. "So, are you ready now? There's nothing but me under these covers." Using the best seductive voice I could, his grin only spread wider.
"Just a moment, Hina-chan." He turned around and I was curious as to what he was doing. He soon turned back toward me and in his nose was a couple of tissues. Trying my hardest not to laugh, I had to bite my tongue at how silly he looked. "Okay, I'm ready now." Nodding, I slowly lifted the covers, revealing ourselves to each other. I felt a small trickle of blood run down my lip, but poor Naruto-kun had the worst of it as the tissues flew out of his nose followed by a steady stream of blood. Perhaps he was a pervert after all.
Wiping the blood off my lips, I pushed him onto his back. Gazing into his eyes, I pushed myself on top of him and lured him into a deep kiss. After that moment, for the rest of eternity, we became one.
THE END