Foreign Affairs

A/N: Just for the record, threats are a little bit ridiculous; telling me how utterly scandalised you are that there is going to be over a month between chapters is most likely to make me delay chapters out of sheer annoyance. "IF U DOTN UPDTE NAO ILL NAVER RAED AGIN!!111!!!" O leely? Please don't confuse me with one of those authors who gives a shit, because I don't. The end.

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“Naruto.”

He could hear the sound, but his brain didn’t recognize it as communication. He stayed in the chair, staring at the spot on the wall that held a stern-looking photograph of the Fourth Hokage. My father, Naruto reminded himself.

“Naruto! Geez, you’re such a troublesome guy, you know? What’s up with you today?”

Shaking his head to clear it, Naruto turned towards the voice. It belonged to Nara Shikamaru. Naruto tried to offer his friend a smile, but could tell it came out more like a pained grimace.

“Sorry, Shikamaru. I’m fine, just tired.”

Frowning, Shikamaru briefly scrutinized him. The attention made Naruto uncomfortable, but he tried to ignore it and act as normal as possible. Finally, either finding nothing conclusive or giving up on getting Naruto’s confession, the genius said hesitantly, “If you’re sure. I was just coming to pick up Kazekage-sama and Temari, but you seemed, well … really weird. You should do a little less training, a little more sleep. Twelve hours a day or better is what I always recommend.”

Naruto forced himself to laugh at Shikamaru’s lazy antics, but he felt too much like a robot for it to come out sounding natural. “I’ll think about it. And I wouldn’t share that idea with Lee or Gai if I were you. Somehow I don’t think they’d find it a very youthful suggestion, if you catch my drift.”

Shikamaru couldn’t repress a shudder at the thought. “I didn’t really think of that. Thanks, Naruto. You’re always looking out for a friend. Well, I’ve got to get these two fed and watered and lame stuff like that. See you around.”

“See you,” Naruto replied as they left. Neither Gaara nor Temari said anything when they went, which was unusual, but he was glad for it. He didn’t really feel like dealing with them at the moment.

He went back to staring at his spot on the wall.

Naruto and Tsunade sat in silence for a time. Eventually, Tsunade couldn’t take it any longer and interrupted the tension.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

His eyes turned to her, though they were still as blank as they had been while staring at the wall. “Don’t be,” he replied. “You did what was right. That’s why you’re a good Hokage. I wouldn’t have wanted to be spared this if the village would be what paid the price.”

“I’m not sorry as Hokage,” she insisted. “I’m sorry as myself.” She looked away, amber eyes glittering with tears once again. “Please….” she began beseechingly, but shook her head, rejecting her own neediness. She tried again. “It’s okay if you can’t forgive me. I don’t think I could, in your place.”

He had been sitting nearly motionless for so long, but at those words, he jumped up and within a second had his arms around her. She choked back a sob as he clung to her tightly for an extended moment.

“There’s nothing to forgive, Granny,” he said, kissing her wet cheek and releasing her.

With that last gesture, he turned and left the office, back ramrod straight and head level.

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Naruto wandered around what little was left of the village aimlessly, observing the extensive reconstructive efforts that he took part in most days. He craved a hot bowl of Ichiraku ramen, but the stand had been destroyed. Whenever he felt his worst, Teuchi and Ayame always knew how to comfort him without prying into details. Unfortunately, even if the little ramen counter were to be rebuilt, nothing would ever be the same. Teuchi had died in the onslaught, throwing his body in front of a small orphan that had been in the line of fire. Ayame was devastated, but Naruto saw the boy around her so much these days that he was sure she had taken the kid in for good.

Though loneliness was eating at him, Naruto didn’t feel like seeking out anyone he knew. Just like Shikamaru had, they would ask questions, and he wouldn’t want to answer them even if he was permitted to do so, which he was not. He just wanted – well, he wasn’t sure what he wanted, which was probably why he was still meandering around Konoha without a goal.

He found himself in front of a large training area. The forested training grounds that had been so abundant before the attack were now leveled, but some of the wreckage was converted to new areas with different ground coverage and topography than before.

Naruto sensed three powerful shinobi presences and leaned against a tall rock to watch them train from a safe distance. He smiled, recognizing the unique talents of Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino, and Hyuuga Hinata.

Hinata. The thought of her caused a sharp stab of pain somewhere in his chest. He remembered stumbling out of Pain’s broadcasting tower, light-headed from blood loss due to Konan’s annoying but ultimately ineffective paper shuriken attacks. When he’d spotted Team Gai racing towards him, together with Sakura and Hinata, he had thought he might be hallucinating.

“Hinata! You’re alive?” he’d croaked, shell-shocked.

She nodded, head downturned. “I’m sorry for frightening you,” she whispered. Suddenly, she met his eyes with her own, and he was surprised to find tears tracking down her cheeks. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Naruto-kun!” she’d sobbed.

He’d wavered on his feet, then, the exhaustion hitting him all at once, and Sakura had rushed forward to help support him. They’d all gotten back, somehow, though he didn’t remember the journey at all.

The next time he’d been aware of his surroundings, he was in a strange place that he’d later learned was the Hokage Mansion above the Monument, which had been spared. Hinata had been dozing in a chair beside his bed, but as he watched her, she slowly regained consciousness.

“Naruto-kun,” she’d said, voice still hoarse with sleep. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine,” he’d answered truthfully. “Hinata, about … what happened, I –“

“Naruto-kun, there’s, um, something I m-must tell you. I-I’m sorry for, um, inter-rupting your b-b-battle b-but—" Her face reddened, a telltale sign of her shy embarrassment and a possible precursor for a fainting spell.

“Hinata, it’s okay,” he interceded softly. “Just say it.”

“I was so scared you were going to die,” she whispered, the words barely audible. “I was t-terrified that you would die without knowing anyone l-loved you.”

He suddenly felt as if there was something obstructing his throat. He swallowed heavily. “Hinata….”

“It’s true. I have loved you for a long time, since the Academy,” she had continued, and her voice was suddenly harsher than he’d ever heard it, before or since, with no noticeable trace of a stutter. “However, do not feel obligated to me, for my clan has recently arranged my betrothal to Hyuuga Ko. We will be wed when the state of emergency is lifted. It is my duty.”

It is my duty. Her words echoed in his mind as his eyes followed her spar with Kiba. He’d felt a strange twist in his stomach when she’d uttered them, but he now understood her position on an entirely new level.

“Naruto,” Shino called, voice as deadpan as ever. “Were you going to say hello or were you just evaluating our skills from afar?”

“Both,” Naruto answered with a joviality he did not feel, though he didn’t move from his casual position. His back was to the rock, arms crossed with one knee tucked up. “I hear congratulations are in order. Shino and Kiba are jounin now.”

Shino nodded minutely, confirming the promotion.

“Jealous, little genin?” taunted Kiba, grinning widely. Akamaru barked in accord.

Naruto smirked in return. “Who wants a rank that lets someone like you in? No thanks, Dog Breath.” Naruto turned to Hinata, the corners of his mouth falling. “How come you’re still a chuunin, Hinata? It doesn’t make sense.”

Hinata averted her eyes. “Um, j-jounin must master every a-area of ninja skill, Naruto-kun. M-my n-ninjut-su is lacking.”

“Their judgment is what’s lacking,” Naruto protested. “I bet the next round of promotions will include you. You’re good, Hinata, though you never seem to realize it.”

At Naruto’s praise, Hinata’s face colored a deep ruddy shade.

“Geez, Naruto!” grumbled Kiba. “You’re going to make her faint again! But, seriously, Hinata, he’s right. We tell you you’re strong all the time, even if not everyone can see it.”

Shino nodded his agreement, but kept his attention focused on Naruto. Naruto, though, couldn’t look away from Hinata.

“Kiba, didn’t you promise to help my father and I finish our roof tonight?”

“Wha – Shino, what are you –“ Kiba began, obviously confused. When Shino turned towards his friend, brows furrowed in annoyance, comprehension dawned on Kiba’s tattooed face. “Oh, er, right. Yeah, I did. We should probably get going, right?”

“Naruto, you’ll see Hinata back to the Hyuuga Compound, won’t you?”

“Sure, Shino,” Naruto complied. “No problem. See you around.”

With that, Kiba and Shino departed, leaving Naruto and Hinata alone on the training grounds.

Naruto continued to stare, eyes smoldering. Hinata fidgeted under his gaze.

“Naruto-kun. A-are you well?”

Instead of answering, he hefted himself off of the rock and moved across the clearing to stand directly in front of her.

She looked up at him, confusion written in her expression. “Naruto-kun?”

Without warning, he kissed her full on the mouth. She froze, at first, and then returned the kiss. He didn’t deepen it, however, and broke away after only a second.

“N-n-n-Naruto-kun?” she spluttered, clearly flustered. “W-what are you d-do-ing?”

“I shouldn’t have done that. I know you have a duty.” He paused before continuing. “I have a duty too.” She could read too far into that statement, if she chose, but he trusted Hinata to keep this conversation entirely to herself. “I just wanted to … thank you. For everything. I know you’re getting married soon, but I think I needed to do this, for you, and for myself. It was stupid, though. I didn’t plan it. I’m sorry.”

She reached a trembling hand up to cup his face. “Don’t apologize, Naruto-kun. It meant a lot to me, to share a first kiss with the one I love. Thank you.”

He inhaled shakily as she dropped her arm back to her side. “Can we … can we be friends, still?”

“Always,” she replied softly.

“It won’t hurt you?”

She shook her head. “I’ve always known I would marry within the clan. It’s necessary, for the next generation of Byakugan users. I’m needed, especially now. We lost almost half our people in the attack.”

He was surprised how clearly she could speak of such matters. In personal affairs, she was meek, but he knew that when she truly believed in something, she could be fierce. It seemed she really believed in her clan despite its maltreatment of her. She would make a good clan head someday.

Wordlessly, they walked in the direction of her clan estates. When they came into view, he stopped.

“When is the wedding?”

She blushed. “In a m-month.”

“Do you … do you want me to come?” Naruto inquired with some hesitation.

Looking away, she shook her head slowly. “I’m sorry. I j-just.… I’m n-not sure if I could, um, do it, if I s-saw you there.”

“All right,” he agreed quietly. “Do you regret it?”

“No. Ko is a good m-man. I think, in time, I might g-grow to l-love him. I h-hope.”

“I promised Neji I would change the Hyuuga. I would do anything you asked, Hinata. If you ever need me, I’ll be there.” He trained a steely gaze on her to help impart the gravity of his statement. She smiled softly and shook her head once more, telling him everything he needed to know. “And if I ever hear of this Ko treating you badly, he’ll have me to answer to. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Naruto-kun,” she replied. “I understand. Thank you.”

“Should I walk you any further?”

She shook her head.

“I guess you’ll be okay from here, then?” He looked beyond her to the mid-size encampment of tents. Behind it lay the rubble of what remained of the old Hyuuga mansion. “You should get Yamato-taichou to build you guys a house! He’s really good at it, you know.”

“Goodbye, Naruto,” she giggled.

“Goodbye, Hinata.”

Turning away from him, she returned to her family. He watched her go, the tightness in his chest loosening slowly. Surprisingly, he felt much better.

Though the idea wasn’t particularly appealing to him, Naruto set out in the direction of his new apartment building. He just didn’t feel like facing his vast, empty rooms at the moment. Probably because his building had been rebuilt using Yamato’s Four Pillar House technique, Naruto now had an entire floor to himself. He guessed it was supposed to be a favor to him, but he missed the comfort of his old apartment even though it had been falling apart. After moving in when he was six or so, he’d slowly added posters and small touches that had made the place feel like home. This new place lacked any of it, though he supposed he could get some new ones.

Naruto unlocked his door, extending his senses to make sure no unpleasant surprises were lurking in the darkness. Satisfied, he flipped on the lights with a sigh. The austere flat completely devoid of furniture actually creeped him out a little. It would take Naruto some time to get used to his newly spacious residence.

He had just finished inhaling some cup ramen when there was a knock on the door.

“What the…?” he muttered. Such an occurrence was highly unusual, especially since it was now well into the evening.

“Sakura?” he called, but received no answer. He could think of no one else who would show up at his apartment unannounced.

Upon opening the door, he was surprised to find Temari standing there. He craned his neck to look for Gaara and Shikamaru, but saw no one.

“I’m alone,” she confirmed. “May I come in, Naruto-sama?”

Dumbfounded, he moved aside to make room for her to pass. Finally finding his voice, he asked, “Since when do you call me that, Temari? Cut it out, will you?”

She sighed, turning to him. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m still uncomfortable with this … situation.”

Snorting, he quipped, “Well, gee, I wonder why.”

Her eyes were darting around the living room, searching for something. “Don’t you have anything to sit on in this place, you baka?” she inquired waspishly, scowling. Naruto was glad that she sounded more like herself, hoping things wouldn’t be as awkward.

“Oh! Er, no, not really. Furniture is hard to come by right now and I don’t get a lot of visitors. Sorry,” he apologized sheepishly.

She rolled her eyes and sank to the floor, indicating that he should do the same.

“How did you know where to find me?” Naruto asked.

“Shikamaru pointed this building out when we passed by earlier. He said the top was yours.”

Naruto shrugged. “Makes sense, I guess. So what brings you here?” As soon as the words left his mouth, his mind supplied an answer. He blanched, stricken by the realization.

Clearly following his train of thought, she tried to laugh in an attempt to lighten the mood but the sound came out strangled and forced. “No, it’s not for that – though if you want to, I suppose we could—"

“No!” Naruto protested a tad too loudly.

Her smile was real this time. “I didn’t think so. There are some things I thought we should discuss before we get to that, anyway.”

“Yes, you’re right. Can I start? I know I agreed to this, but there’s something I need to ask you first.”

She looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to go on. He fidgeted, suddenly very nervous. “Please answer this truthfully. You know that I am the Kyuubi vessel.” He remembered the day he’d confessed his tenant to Sakura, and Temari had heard it all. “I get that Gaara is your brother, and you care for him, but can you…. Will you be able to love them, in spite of it? In spite of this whole damn situation? I don’t know what they’ll be like, if they’ll have any demon qualities—"

“We’ll deal with that as it comes,” she interrupted smoothly. “Yes. I will be their mother and I will love them as my children, no matter what. I promise.”

Naruto sagged in relief, releasing tension he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “Thank you.”

When he looked at her again, there was kindness in her eyes. “And you?” she asked in turn. “You will love them as their father, yes?”

“Of course,” he answered, though it was a strange concept. “I’m not sure how much of a father I’ll be able to be, though, with all this secrecy. I guess it will be hard, with all of you living in Suna.”

Temari diverted her eyes. “No matter what, you’ll still be their father,” she whispered, before shaking her head to clear it and continuing more firmly, “Now, I have a question for you. Are you seeing anyone seriously?”

Naruto blinked, an image of Hinata flitting through his mind. “No.”

“Neither am I. I know the Councils said that we can’t sleep with anyone else until the terms are met, but I won’t stop you from being romantically involved with someone if you want to. It would be nice if you told me about it, though, just so I know. I’ll be accommodating.”

“Oh. Uh, same for you, okay? How long does it take to have two kids, anyway? And why two? I think they get a kick out of torturing me.” Naruto’s expression turned more serious for a moment, thinking of various Konoha Council members, especially Danzou. “In fact, I know they do. Some of them, at least.”

“You know why we have to have two, Naruto,” Temari said, exasperated. “One child for each village, after they’re old enough to defend themselves from our enemies at least somewhat. As for how long it takes…. I hope you know more than that question makes it sound like. It depends.”

“On what?” Naruto asked, slightly irritated. “I know how babies are made, thanks. That’s not what I meant.”

“On how often we see each other, for one. Also, how old are you?”

“Sixteen. Why? How old are you?”

Temari groaned, letting her head fall into her hands. “Nineteen. For people our ages in these circumstances, producing two children could easily take upwards of two years, but most likely more.” When Naruto failed to reply, she moaned, “I can’t believe this is happening to me.”

“No kidding,” Naruto remarked with false humor. It seemed that neither of them had any more questions, so they sat uneasily, staring at each other and not quite knowing what to say. “Won’t your dear brother be missing you soon?” Naruto finally asked, a touch of bitterness reaching his voice.

Temari sighed and pushed herself to her feet. “Probably.”

Naruto walked her to his door. “Uh, take care,” he said awkwardly.

She smiled at him. “I’ll be seeing you, and sooner rather than later, I’m afraid.”

“Yeah, I guess,” he acknowledged.

“Goodnight, Naruto,” she called as she made her way silently down the stairs.

“Goodnight, Temari.”

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A/N: Well, that's that for chapter 3. Hope it answered some of your questions. I've also been informed that this may very will incense fangirls, so I look forward to some lovely angry reviews. Don't disappoint me, n00bs of the world!