Japanese Support Base - One Week Later

Naruto

"Are you telling me you still haven't been able to find anything?!" I looked at the packet, my hands shaking with complete anger that I figured out I possessed this past week. "I thought your dog was the best fucken tracker this entire earth had to offer?!"

I chucked the giant packet of papers at Kiba who stood with his head hung, ashamed with yet another failed effort. I ran my fingers through my blonde hair and across my entire face, wincing a bit at the facial hair that was growing due to the stress along with lack of sleep I've gotten lately.

It's been an entire one hundred and sixty-eight hours since I last saw Hinata alive. Even that sight was one I didn't want to remember since it was her back jumping out a window right after wounding Nagato. I was only lucky to have worn a bulletproof vest underneath my uniform and was just knocked out a bit from the impact of the gun. Hinata was also wearing a vest but I'm glad she never had to really use it. 

I couldn't even say anything when she grabbed the child and jumped out the window without even looking back.

"I'm sorry," I sighed. 

Kiba shook his head, "We all are. If only we arrived a few minutes earlier..."

"It wouldn't have made a difference," I replied, giving him a weak smile. "I'll go out and look for them again in a few minutes. How is her team holding up?"

"Surprisingly," the canine expert sighed. "Who am I kidding? They try to keep a strong front but I'm pretty sure they all hate us at the moment for not being able to protect Hinata."

"At me for not being able to protect her," I scolded myself for being so careless. The way her face looked with the words I said to her. I can't come up with any reasons or excuses to say why I said those things at all.

In the end... I couldn't protect the one person I love the most in the world. 

I dismissed Kiba from my office and went back to sulking for a good half an hour. Reminiscing every single happy moment, every single kiss that left both of us breathless only made me want her back more and more.

I messed up. 

I messed up big time and I might as well have lost her for good.

"I don't like that face, captain," the door suddenly swung open. I rubbed my temples once more then looked at the doctor.

"Hisao-san," I said. "What do you need?"

The doctor smacked a file against his palm once and made his way over to me, "I was just checking up on you."

"You must hate me," I ran my finger through my hair once more. "I lost someone that was dear to you and your team."

"You're right, I should hate you," Hisao sat at the edge of my table. "But for some reason, I'm not. I should hate you for so many damn reasons but I just can't."

Hate me for losing Hinata, I understand. But what else?

"I don't understand what you mean."

Hisao sighed, "I know."

"Know?"

"I know that you were the guy that broke Hina's heart back in college," he continued. 

I blinked twice, then scoffed, "Pfft, that wasn't me."

"I saw the way she looked at you the day you picked us up from the airport," Hisao continued, bluntly. "And the way you responded didn't help your case at all."

He is one smart man.

"Though it was probably mainly annoyance," he continued on, flipping through the papers in his hands. "I could see that little glint of love she still had lingering for you in the corner."

Hisao then looked at me, "A look I only wished she gave me."

He is one smart bastard.

"Hold on," I stood up. "Y-you're in love with Hinata?"

"It's a doomed love," The doctor smiled, "I did. But during our entire time in this camp, I knew I never stood a chance. Heck, even before we came here I knew I never had a chance because no matter how much she denied it. She was still in love with you. I know, even if that idiot denied it, deep down she was hoping that one day you'd come looking for her."

"That no matter what ever happened or happens between you two,"  He stood up, "Naruto Uzumaki will do everything he can to save her or take her back. Fight for her and make sure she stays every single time she feels like she isn't enough for him."

Hisao gently smacked me with the file, "So do whatever you can to find her because she's always closer than you think, okay Captain?"

I was muted by Hisao's words. Not only did he literally confess to me that he was head over heels for my girlfriend, he gave me advice to go on and do whatever I can to keep her by my side. Who knew the confusing man that wanted to murder me was actually looking out for us. He's right, though. Hinata is always closer than I think. Maybe not physically but -

W-wait.

"Hisao-san?" I said quickly, grabbing my uniform jacket

He already had the door half open, "Hm?"

"Thank you," I threw it over my shoulder and grabbed my keys. 

Hisao nodded, "Of course."

"Oh and hey," I added with a small smile. 

He looked at me confused.

"Hinata might be a fight you can't win," I chuckled. "But I don't think Hanako-san is a fight you can lose."

Hisao blinked at me as I walked up to him and winked, "Sometimes, a man's gotta fight for his woman before waving the white flag."

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Town of Hakjon

When Hisao said that Hinata was closer then I thought, I knew exactly what he meant. What went down with Nagato and the Akatsuki all happened in this damned town of Hakjon. Even if Hinata can run, there's no way she could've run so far away. When I sent Kiba here earlier, I was using the wrong animal senses to save her.

This was an alley way and even if we came back every single day during the past week, there was no way Akamaru could've picked up Hinata's scent because there are so many different scents; confused the poor guy. I got out of my car and wandered the barricaded hideout once more making sure I can pick up every single little detail that could lead me to the love of my life and the baby boy.

But I did just notice that there was half a million people living in this town and any sign of Hinata could've been washed up with the rain that poured three days ago. She could literally be any walking figure in the streets.

That's not right, she has a kid with her so there's no way she's exposing him to the rain and wind. 

I jumped back into my car and drove down the road Sasuke said he last saw her run with at least half a dozen men running after her. We found the men, by the way, a few minutes later beaten up and saying they lost her completely.

My girl knows how to kick ass, I smirked. She's for sure a keeper.

If I can find her first and make sure she still wants to be my girl that is.

I spent the entire afternoon driving around the streets, wandering into every shelter and every single building I could without creeping too many people out with my gun along with my uniform.

But every single time it was a failure.

The sun had already completed it's journey by the time I decided I needed to crash somewhere and continue the next day. There's only one place I trust in all of Hakjon that would let me stay for free.

I parked my car and got out, weary from the twelve hours of searching nonstop. I don't even think I had anything to eat either.

I descended the steps just as the stripper waiter was about to lock the door.

"Captain Kyuubi," she opened the door.

"Hey Kim, can I crash with some food for the night, please?" I asked, bluntly.

Kim only smirked, "Finally a favor that won't kill me. Come on in."

I ignored the soft hip bump she gave me as I walked by but I was too tired to even function right now. I collapsed in one of the booths and threw my arm over my eyes.

"Why are you so tired, handsome?" Kim asked from the bar.

"I still can't find her..."

I told Kim and the rest of the staff at her restaurant to keep an eye out for my missing girlfriend.

"Oh really?" 

I nodded, "Yeah. But I need some fuel in order to go on."

"Fine~" she replied. "Wait here."

I only groaned and shut my eyes, trying to get as much rest as I could so I could spend all the daylight hours tomorrow in search for her again. 

When I do find Hinata, I'll make sure I don't ruin it again. I'll make sure -

"Hey Kim, can I have some hot water?" 

Dammit, why do I miss her so much?!!!

"Did she go home already?"

What is wrong with me...? Why am I hearing her voice?

Hinata! I miss you so much that your voice is literally everywhere!!!

"Kim?"

I need to make sure I sleep an extra ten hours when I get back to camp. I need to sleep. I need to find Hinata. I need to -

"One second, Hinata~"

What the fuck?!

I sat up so fast that all the blood rushing to my head nearly made me pass out. 

But I'm glad I didn't 'cause I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to miss a single thing. 

And I'm glad I didn't.

Wait, I already said that...

She might have her back to me and was wearing clothes that I'm positive wasn't hers (It was Kim's crop top and some pretty short shorts that..) but I could recognize her from anywhere.

"Oh good, you're awake," Kim came back from the kitchen holding a bowl of food for me but I was more intrigued with something else. "Captain~"

"Captain?"

Before the woman could turn around, I grabbed her waist from behind, buried my entire face into the side of her face and let the tears fall when I was able to smell the familiar cherry blossom scent underneath the scent of ashes.

"H-Hinata," I murmured her name on repeat and tightened my grip. I couldn't help my voice cracking every single time.

The woman didn't even tense up at my surprise hug at all. Instead, I could feel her melting in my arms altogether, a hand coming around and hugging the side of my face against hers. I could feel the gentle tears also kiss my face when she did.

"Y-you found me, Naruto-kun," Hinata rubbed her face once against mines. "Y-you finally found me."

"And I'm not losing you ever again," I kissed her cheek. "Believe it."

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Japanese Support Base

Hinata

Naruto couldn't wait to get back to base in the morning so after our heartwarming reunion, he told me to get Hajime and come back with him. I couldn't refuse since sleeping on a futon on the floor was definitely not an ideal place for a baby.

There were reasons why I didn't contact anybody from the base when I was first able to escape from Nagato's henchmen was because those men were crawling all over Hakjon for days. It's true that Naruto's team was around town but say Naruto did find Hajime and me, it would only endanger the baby as well as the innocent people living here. I couldn't let that happen.

I was able to take on six men while holding a baby that night but I did get hurt in the process. Stabbed, actually, right in the arm and I could barely go twenty feet without whimpering with pain. I was lucky enough to have run into Kim who was doing some late night shopping for the bar. She hid us in the bar for the week and helped me nurse Hajime to health (though it got a little awkward since we both didn't have breast milk to feed him so we improvised until she was able to get in a single can of powdered milk for him about two days later.)

For a stripper...not so bad.

I knew Naruto was dead but in the heat of the moment, I completely forgot that he made us came prepared. When he didn't move for awhile and having a gun in my face...yeah I freaked.

Hajime is such a cheerful little guy and I came to adore him so much. Naruto has yet to say anything about the child the entire car ride since Hajime was asleep. But the captain was tired, too and we haven't said anything since our fight.

Naruto pulled in front of the dining hall and his room as quietly as possible. The guards posted only barely acknowledged with a nod. They didn't even notice me leave the car.

Just as my feet touched the familiar ground of what came to be home for the past month and a half plus another week (woah), I was lifted off of it. I didn't make any sudden movements afraid I'd wake the baby in my arms but I was definiately surprised.

Naruto was carrying my in his arms up towards his room, without saying anything. I could only, watch his emotionless face as he made his way up the stairs and kicked his door opened, then closing it as quietly as he could.

The captain set me down on the soft bed as if I'd break at any minute. Once my body settled, I set Hajime down. He stirred but didn't wake. Naruto switched on a single lamp before going through his dresser for some clothes. I wish I knew what he was thinking. Was he mad that I didn't contact him? I know I should've sent something but I couldn't risk it for Hajime's sake. 

"Here," Naruto handed me a t-shirt and some of his sweats. "I can't think straight with you wearing that."

Well, it's good to know his pervy side is still intact.

Naruto went into the bathroom to change while I quickly changed out of Kim's clothes. I made a mental note to have it sent back to her in morning.

"Decent?" he murmured through the door.

"Y-yeah," and no sooner did I say that, did the man emerge again wearing only sweats.

Wait, where's his shirt?! Is that a six-pack... Where the hell is his shirt?!!

Naruto switched his light off before gently getting into bed as close to me as possible with Hajime in between us. It took me a while to adjust but when my eyes could finally see features and not only silhouettes, I saw Naruto with his head resting on an arm and his blue eyes watching the boy with light orange hair intently and one of his hands, gently stroking the child's hair.

I copied Naruto's position, my mind completely forgetting that he was just laying on the other side looking hella sexy without that shirt.

But instead, I was watching him slowly let the child into his life. I could see the wall was coming down with every stroke he made.

"N-Naruto-kun?" I spoke, well whispered, first. 

"Hm?"

"I-I'm sorry for what happened," I started, biting my lip in the process. "I should've of called or let you know that I was okay."

He finally looked at me. The moonlight the reflected in his blue eyes illuminated the love he felt for me was literally the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

"I'm in love you, Hinata," Naruto's voice came out softly. "I love you so much that you will always the most important thing to have entered my life. Don't ever doubt that you are ever anything less."

Then a warm smile spread across his lips, "Understood?"

Damn, I love this man, "Yes, captain."

He winked at me before laying his head on his pillow.

"H-hey Naruto-kun?"

"Yeah?"

"I have t-this idea but I-I don't know if you'd approve..."

The captain looked at me again, "What is it?"

"I want to adopt Hajime," I looked at the child then at the man I love. "I w-want him to be my son. A-and yours."

Naruto blinked once.

Twice.

Once more.

"Are you serious?"

I nodded, "I mean. Hajime doesn't have anybody else and I know I'd b-be in over my head i-if-"

My lips were suddenly captured by Naruto's to stop my stupid rambling. I missed this. I miss his kisses, I miss him. 

I returned the kiss without a second hesitation.

"I would gladly be the father," Naruto whispered, breathlessly against my lips. "If you'll be the mother."

Okay: life officially complete.

Hajime suddenly yawned, making us both look down at the baby boy afraid that we might've woken him up with out sudden movements. Yahiko must've been one heavy sleeper since Hajime only turned his head and didn't open his eyes.

"We should follow our son's lead," Naruto kissed me once more. "Get some sleep. You have a lot of catching up to do, tomorrow."

Naruto reached over, tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and let his hands trail down my cheek. I shut my eyes and kiss the palm of his hand. He smiled at me, his thumb gently flicking my bottom lip before looking down at the Hajime. He bent down and plant a soft kiss on his new son's forehead.

"Good night, Hajime. Let's meet in the morning."