- "Between my life as the Hyūga heiress and now, as the Uzumaki queen… sometimes I can't tell where one part of me ends and the other begins."
ᑎᗩᖇᑌTO ᑌᘔᑌᗰᗩKI
26 ➵ 27 Years Old
- "In this clan, strength is measured not only by victory, but by the will to endure—to fight even when the odds are stacked against you. That is what it means to be an Uzumaki."
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Synopsis˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡For Hinata, self-care had always felt like an unattainable luxury. Her demanding career as an analyst consumed nearly every waking hour, leaving her with precious little time to relax.
It was only until one night, during one of her late-night doom scrolls, she stumbled on a massage therapist's website. Desperate for relief, she booked a session, only to discover, in her fatigue, that she accidentally signed up for something far more sensual than she expected.
Hinata let out a long, exhausted sigh as she flopped onto her couch, the cushions embracing her like they did every evening.
Same time.
Same routine.
With a wince, she reached down and kicked off her heels, groaning quietly to herself.
"How is it that shoes this cute can hurt this much?" She muttered, rubbing her sore feet through her stockings, already thinking it might be time to rethink her shoe choices.
The soothing effects of her quick massage kicked in almost instantly, sending a wave of relief through her tired muscles. She wiggled her toes, stretching them out, another long, drawn-out sigh escaping her lips from the relief.
This was the moment she'd been waiting for all day—the bliss of being back home, alone, on her favorite couch.
Hinata reached for the glass of wine she'd poured earlier, her arm extending over the coffee table in her living room. As she picked it up, the glass let out a soft clink that echoed through her otherwise quiet apartment.
She brought the glass to her lips and took a slow sip, savoring the way the sweet, tangy flavor danced across her tongue. A soft, contented moan escaped her as the taste settled, a warmth blooming in her chest, taking away just a bit of the tension she'd been carrying all day.
Next, she reached for her laptop, placing it on her lap before flipping it open.
The soft glow of the screen illuminated her face, revealing a familiar sight—her wallpaper, a swarm of vibrant monarch butterflies drifting gracefully across a bright blue sky, with the password prompt hovering in the center.
For a moment longer than she intended, her gaze was trained on that single word, for far too long, as if it had trapped her in a trance. Once again, she was zoning out—a new habit she'd unknowingly picked up.
And honestly? At this point, it didn't even surprise her anymore.
Her brain was still tangled up in the stress of the day, the never-ending to-do lists swirling in her head. Even something as mindless as logging in to her laptop felt like a chore after the chaos she'd just endured.
The endless flood of emails.
The mountain of spreadsheets.
The constant need to come up with fresh ideas for campaigns.
The deadlines of projects and presentations that never stopped creeping closer.
And of course, the back-to-back meetings—most of which seemed to exist purely so her boss could hear himself talk.
Hinata let out a frustrated groan just thinking about it all.
"Another day down," She muttered under her breath, "You survived, girl. You did it."
She had to keep reminding herself of that—because if she didn't, she might actually lose her mind.
Sure, being a marketing analyst had its perks—a solid paycheck, decent benefits, and a title that sounded impressive in conversations. But lately, the downsides were creeping in, threatening to overshadow everything else. The grueling hours, the relentless workload, the constant pressure to stay ahead—it all piled up until it felt like there was no escape.
More often than not, she found herself staying late at the office, trying to catch up, or lugging her work home with her, her laptop becoming a permanent fixture on her coffee table. Even after officially "clocking out," the demands of her job seemed to follow her everywhere. There was always something that needed tweaking, always something that demanded her attention.
Therefore, she barely had a second to catch her breath, let alone carve out time for a real break. It was exhausting, and tonight, it was hitting her harder than ever.
At twenty-seven, Hinata had worked tirelessly to climb the career ladder. She had been raised to believe that success meant dedication, that her career should come first, and that giving anything less than her best simply wasn't an option. And she had—she'd poured her all into her work, proving her worth in every way she could.
But lately… she couldn't ignore how much it was starting to take a toll on everything—her mind, her body, her entire life outside of work. And if she was being honest, she wasn't even sure she had much of a life outside of it anymore.
Her social life? Yeah, that was pretty much dead in the water.
Most of her friends had either moved away, gotten caught up in their own careers, or settled down with partners. Group texts had become fewer, invites to dinners or game nights were rare, and even the occasional check-in messages had slowed to a trickle.
It wasn't anyone's fault—it was just life—but that didn't make it any easier.
Far too often, Hinata found herself trapped in the same endless cycle: slogging through long, draining hours at work, then slipping into her quiet apartment, popping a frozen dinner into the microwave, and finally collapsing onto the couch all alone. And before she knew it, the next day would roll around, and the routine would start all over again.
Work, eat, sleep, repeat.
A steady routine she had fallen into without even realizing it.
And her love life? Ugh. That was a whole other disaster she didn't even want to think about.
At this point, it felt like a lost cause. Not because she didn't want something real, or meaningful—but because, honestly?
She had no idea where to even begin.
It wasn't for lack of trying. She'd been on a few dates, met men through her coworkers, and even attempted the whole dating app thing.
But nothing ever clicked.
The conversations always felt awkward and forced—no spark, no chemistry, no connection. By the end of the night, she'd catch herself glancing at the clock over and over, mentally counting down the minutes until she could finally head home.
And, of course, the main reason so many dates fell flat usually boiled down to one simple fact: she was just exhausted.
Between the demands of her job and everything else on her plate, the idea of pouring any energy into a relationship felt downright overwhelming.
Hinata craved something more—she really did. But when it came time to figure out how to achieve that, she found herself completely stuck.
This…was her life now.
Work, then returning home, only to trap herself in a quiet room for hours with no one to talk to, to share a day's thoughts with, or simply sit beside and unwind. She constantly reassured herself that it was only temporary, that eventually, things would get better. But after a few years of this daily routine, it became harder and harder to believe in that promise.
No conversation, no company...
….well, not entirely no company.
A soft rustling near the entrance of the living room caught her attention, and just as expected, her chubby Scottish Fold sauntered her way in, looking as if she owned the place.
Mochi—her cat.
Within seconds, the little white bundle of fluff hopped up beside her, curling into a warm ball against her side just like she always did when she arrived home. It was her way of saying 'welcome back', though she suspected she was also angling for a treat.
Hinata reached out to scratch her head, her fingers brushing through her soft, white fur.
She let out a weary sigh.
"Mochi, why is life like this? All work, no fun," She murmured softly, her fingers trailing behind her ears before gliding down to the delicate curve of her neck, brushing against the smooth leather of her pretty pink collar.
The fluffy tabby let out a slow, unimpressed meow, flicking her tail as if she completely agreed.
She chuckled softly, nodding her head, "Yeah," She murmured, more to herself than to her, "maybe I really do need a break."
With another sigh, she logged into her computer, settling in for what she knew would be yet another hour of mindless scrolling. It was a habit at this point—cycling through the same social media websites, half-reading articles she didn't care about, and watching videos she'd forget about in five minutes.
She wasn't exactly sure what she was looking for—maybe some distraction, maybe just something to keep her from thinking too much.
Whatever it was, it didn't matter.
Time blurred as her fingers lazily flicked away at the touchpad, her thoughts drifting.
Then, something caught her eye.
As she casually browsed through an article, a pop-up ad suddenly appeared in the corner of her screen, its bold text practically shouting for her attention:
"Relax & Rejuvenate: Indulge In What Makes You Feel Good."
"Pamper Yourself With A Massage Today!"
Hinata's scrolling came to an abrupt halt.
The invitation in those words were so direct, so tempting, that she couldn't help but pause, curiosity already bubbling up inside her.
And then she saw…him.
Below the text was the smiling face of a blonde masseur, his bright grin and sparkling blue eyes seeming to invite her to click.
And, well, how could she not?
Before she could second-guess herself, her cursor hovered over the ad, and with a small click, she was in. The website loaded in instantly, and at the very top, in bold, playful lettering, the header proudly declared:
"Welcome to Happy Endings! We hope you enjoy us rubbing you to completion!"
Hinata blinked, a faint flush creeping up her neck.
Wait. What?
'Did it really just say that?' She thought, her lavender eyes darting back over the words again.
She hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to laugh or close the tab, but something about the rather… interesting heading—and that smiling blonde from before—made her keep scrolling.
Looking further, the website's design was actually very calming—pastel shades, gentle layouts, and photos of plush towels draped over immaculate tables in dim, candlelit rooms that screamed "relaxation."
As Hinata scrolled, she noticed glowing reviews everywhere she looked. People couldn't stop raving about how professional the staff was, how laid-back the place felt, and how every last ache and knot in their bodies were thoroughly worked out by the end of their sessions.
Her own neck gave a little twinge then, almost on cue. She let out a small sigh, rubbing the tender spot without even thinking about it.
"Maybe this is what I need..." She mumbled to herself, one hand idly stroking her dozing cat, while the other scroll further down the site. Her gaze wandered over the staff bios, each one blending into the next until suddenly, one name caught her eye.
Naruto Uzumaki. Owner.
Hinata froze, heart skipping a beat.
Wait a minute. That man.
It was the same one from before.
Sure enough, the smiling blonde in the photo was the exact same man she'd seen in the ad earlier—the blonde, blue-eyed heartthrob.
Everything about him looked impeccably put-together.
His blonde hair was styled just right, and he wore a crisp white collared shirt paired with neatly pressed matching pants, arms folded confidently over his chest. The fabric couldn't quite hide the subtle swell of muscle underneath, like it was almost ready to burst free.
Then there was that laid-back grin, lighting up his oddly whiskered face, showing off a row of perfect, pearly whites. Hinata found herself momentarily forgetting to breathe, her pulse quickening ever so slightly as she took in the sight of him.
"Ooh, what do we have here…" She muttered, nibbling on her lip as she shifted on the couch, trying to get comfy. Her gaze traveled over the screen, maybe lingering a little too long on the handsome blonde's picture before drifting down to read the description beneath it.
Naruto Uzumaki – Owner & Lead Masseur
With years of hands-on experience, Naruto prides himself on delivering personalized treatments that target tension right at its source. Known for his warm smile and knack for making clients feel instantly at ease, he's earned a reputation for melting away even the most stubborn knots. Whether you're looking for deep relaxation or a rejuvenating stress release
Naruto's technique promises to leave you feeling renewed—inside and out.
Hinata blinked. Inside and out?
Oh wow. He wasn't messing around.
The words hung there, heavy in her mind, making her pulse speed up a little and her flush deepen.
She read it again.
Deep relaxation. Stress release. Inside and out.
Then, she read the words again, this time more slowly.
Deep... Release... Inside and out.
Her brain did that little jumpy thing where it started overthinking the phrasing, but she shoved that aside.
It was probably nothing, right? Just a weird, slightly suggestive choice of words.
Hinata's mind drifted as she absently scrolled through the list of massage options available at Happy Endings. Most were the standard selections—deep tissue, Swedish, Shiatsu. Then there were others—hot stone, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, reflexology.
Then there were other traditional choices—hot stone, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, and reflexology. But as she scrolled further, something changed.
The options took a more… intimate turn.
Nuru.
Tantric.
Her fingers paused.
But then—there was one more.
One that stood out even more.
"Happy Ending Massage."
Hinata tilted her head, squinting at the screen.
Wait a second—wasn't that the name of the massage parlor? Happy Ending? Or was it Happy Endings with an s?
Hinata blinked, her mind momentarily stalling as she tried to recall. She could have sworn it was one or the other, but in that moment, the thought barely stuck. Because right now, she was too caught up—too distracted—by the massage option staring her in the face.
Her head tilted slightly as she skimmed the title again.
Happy Ending Massage.
Was this some kind of premium, all-inclusive service? A special, all-in-one package that combined multiple techniques?
Or… was it something else?
Her fingers tapped lightly against the laminated page, her curiosity deepening. It almost sounded like a massage buffet, offering a little bit of everything. But if that were the case, why was there such an emphasis on the word erotic?
Hinata shrugged it off.
She wasn't in the mood to question it further. She was simply too tired. All she needed right now was some serious relief—no more thinking, no more working, just... happy endings.
A massage was a massage, right?
And this one sounded too promising to pass up.
So, with a resigned sigh, Hinata clicked the "Book Now" button without a second thought.
Almost instantly, a new page loaded, filled to the brim with a mountain of terms and conditions, liability waivers, and an endless stack of permission forms—medical questionnaires, health disclosure agreements, and all that fun, legally binding jazz.
Bleary-eyed and on autopilot, Hinata mindlessly began scrolling through the fine print. The words blended together, a mess of legal jargon and checkboxes, her brain struggling to process anything beyond Sign Here and Agree to Terms & Conditions.
At some point—she wasn't even sure when—her head drooped forward, her fingers idly hovering over her keyboard. She must have dozed off mid-form, because the next thing she knew, her chin jerked up, her lavender eyes blinking rapidly as she realized she had half-filled out a few fields in her sleep.
"Ugh, get it together, Hinata…" She mumbled, rubbing at her eyes before forcing herself to finish the last few entries.
Once she reached the booking calendar, she expected to have plenty of options to choose from—but instead, her heart sank.
Nearly every single appointment was booked solid.
The entire week. The next week. Even some of the week after that.
Hinata's lips parted in disbelief, her finger scrolling frantically, hoping for at least one opening that wasn't weeks away.
And then—
There it was.
A single available slot.
Next Saturday.
Hinata sighed in relief, clicking on the time slot before finalizing the appointment.
"Yes, next Saturday should work," She murmured to herself, already feeling a sense of anticipation creep in.
With the booking confirmed, she finally shut her laptop, officially calling it a night.
"Turn left in 300 meters," the GPS announced, its crisp, robotic voice cutting effortlessly through the soft hum of the car's engine.
Hinata's fingers tapped rhythmically against the steering wheel, keeping time with the upbeat melody playing through the radio.
Moonlight Magic by Kana Hanazawa.
It was one of her favorites, a feel-good tune that perfectly matched the excitement buzzing in her chest.
Needless to say, she was in a fantastic mood.
Because today wasn't just any Saturday.
Today was the Saturday.
After two grueling, endless weeks of back-to-back work, mind-numbing reports, and more emails than any human should ever have to deal with, the weekend had finally arrived—and Hinata was practically buzzing.
Sure, she always looked forward to the weekend. Who didn't? It was the one time she could actually unwind and escape from her responsibilities, at least for 48 hours. But this weekend?
This weekend was different.
This weekend was special.
Because in just a few short minutes, she would be arriving at 'Happy Endings' massage parlor for an appointment she had barely been able to stop thinking about since she booked it. It was the one thing that kept her going through the relentless chaos of work for the past two weeks.
But now, it was finally here!
Grinning from ear to ear, Hinata shimmy-shimmied with excitement in her seat, her hands gripping the wheel of her Toyota Prius as it cruised through the bustling Tokyo streets. The GPS kept its steady stream of directions, guiding her through the lively maze of urban lights and busy crosswalks, all leading to the address provided by the 'Happy Endings' website.
Although some of the details were a bit fuzzy, Hinata distinctly remembered booking her appointment for 6:30 p.m.—a time that was a little later than she'd usually prefer. But since it was the only slot available, she just refused to pass up the chance.
Her excitement was only further confirmed when a sweet notification from 'Happy Endings' flashed on her phone, reaffirming her 6:30 p.m. appointment.
⸻
Hello there!
Your 'Happy Ending' massage appointment is all set for Saturday, February 4th at 6:30 p.m. Can't wait to see you then!
Chosen Masseur: Naruto Uzumaki.
⸻
Hinata's gaze drifted to the message on her phone, securely mounted on the dashboard. Her lavender eyes flicked from the road to the final line of text, and a smile lit up her face.
Of course, she had specifically booked Naruto himself as her masseur. Well…duh.
Not only was she craving some serious relief, but a small, secret part of her was excited to finally meet Naruto in person. She couldn't help but wonder if he'd look as hot up close as he did in his photos, because, you know, people sometimes turn out looking differently in real life.
Fingers crossed that her heavenly massage would come with a side of handsome company too.
She shimmied again, a soft, bubbly giggle escaping her lips.
"Up ahead, turn left," the GPS reminded her again, cutting her thoughts short.
Following the GPS's directions and the familiar blue light, which signified 'go' in Japan, Hinata smoothly veered the steering wheel to the left. Her lavender eyes flitted between the road ahead and the beautiful city unfolding outside her window.
The daylight had faded, and now the evening had taken over Tokyo, yet the city was just as alive as ever. Everywhere she looked, the streets were filled with people—so many people, each wrapped up in their own little worlds.
In the gentle glow of the city lights, she could see couples strolling hand-in-hand, friends laughing over drinks at sidewalk cafés, and office workers in crisp suits hurrying between evening meetings, glancing at their watches as they went about their business.
She let out a soft sigh.
On a typical weekday, that would have been her—darting around in those same damn heels, rushing from one errand to the next, only to end up glued to her desk. There, she'd be slogging through endless emails, drowning in spreadsheets, and later in the evening sitting through meetings with people whose personalities were as bland as the coffee they sipped. And then there was the work itself—
Hinata shook her head, her brows knitting together.
'What am I doing? Why am I even thinking about that?' She thought to herself, tightening her hands around the steering wheel.
No, today's supposed to be different.
Today was about letting go, not obsessing over the hectic chaos of the weeks behind her.
She didn't even want to dwell on that.
It was finally the end of the week—and that was what she should focus on. Today was all about giving herself the break she so desperately needed.
That's all that mattered now.
With that thought in mind, her radiant smile returned—just in time, too.
"Your destination is to your left," the GPS announced. Hinata whipped her head to the left so quickly that it nearly snapped, her eyes darting back and forth until she spotted it.
"Happy Endings."
Her heart did a little flip inside her chest.
There it was—the massage parlor, standing alone and framed beautifully by the soft pink petals of blooming sakura trees. Above the entrance, an illuminated sign elegantly spelled out "Happy Endings" on a finely crafted wooden board, its glow cutting softly through the dimming light of the setting sun.
The building itself was a warm brown structure, its windows tucked behind gentle, pale wooden sliding shutters. Below the sign were expansive glass panels, and Hinata noticed they were slightly fogged, likely from the warmth inside.
"Hm, quaint," She murmured, a delighted smile curling at her plump lips. The parlor sat on a small, well-maintained lot, and while a few cars were already parked, it wasn't crowded—just enough to tell her this little gem was a favorite among the locals.
It was yet another reassuring sign that "Happy Endings" was exactly where she needed to be.
Taking a deep, steadying breath, Hinata guided her car into the parking lot and carefully selected a spot to ease into. Once she parked, she switched off the engine and slumped back in her seat, letting the quiet wash over her for a moment.
Just for a moment.
Hinata took another deep breath.
This was it—her moment to finally treat herself to her very first massage.
In a burst of excitement, she sprung up in her seat and broke into a little shimmy dance right there in the car.
"Yas, I'm really doing this!" Hinata squealed to herself, the excitement bubbling over. She knew it might seem a bit childish—if anyone happened to see her shimmying around in her car, they'd probably think she'd lost her mind.
But at that moment, she couldn't care less.
The mere thought of finally treating herself, actually prioritizing self-care, had her heart racing. She felt empowered, beyond belief.
And she couldn't help but squeal again with joy.
'Fingers crossed that everything turns out perfectly.' She mused with glee. With that hopeful thought in mind, she grabbed her purse and keys, swung open the car door, and finally stepped out into the cool, evening breeze.
Hinata swung open the heavy wooden door of Happy Endings, and a gentle bell chimed above, announcing her arrival.
Steeping inside, her lavender eyes roamed around, first catching the flicker of artfully placed candles, then drifting upward to see delicate lanterns hanging overhead, casting playful shadows on the immaculate white walls and plush brown furniture.
The reception area.
Somewhere in the background, she could hear the soothing strains of gentle piano music playing, flowing seamlessly with the delicate trickle of water from a nearby fountain.
It was perfect.
Exactly what she had imagined stepping into a massage parlor.
Right then, she was already giving Happy Endings major props; she felt truly welcomed. And as she looked around, everything was impeccably clean—another good sign.
Hinata took a sniff at the air, and the scent that greeted her was exactly what she had hoped for. The sweet aroma of incense floated around her, clean and pure, like melted vanilla, instantly soothing her senses.
Making her way to the front desk, she noticed an ornate wooden counter where a statuesque woman with neatly pinned grey hair sat. The receptionist's piercing emerald eyes met hers as she glanced up from a ledger, a welcoming smile spreading across her face.
"Welcome to Happy Endings," She greeted warmly, "I'm Mabui. How may I assist you today?"
Hinata's fingers tightened slightly around the strap of her purse, nerves fluttering in her chest.
"Hi, Mabui-san," She said softly, "I have an appointment scheduled for 6:30 p.m."
Mabui turned gracefully in her chair and began scrolling through her computer. After a brief pause, she looked up with a friendly smile.
"Hinata Hyūga, correct?"
"Hai, that's me," Hinata replied softly.
"Wonderful! Is this your first time visiting us by any chance?" Mabui asked, her eyes crinkling with genuine interest.
Hinata nodding slightly, nervously twirling a strand of her long, midnight blue hair around her finger, "Hai… it's my first time," She admitted softly, her voice barely above a murmur.
The moment those words left her lips, Mabui's expression brightened instantly. Her features softened with warmth, and a wide, beaming smile stretched across her caramel-toned face.
"Oh, how exciting!" Mabui practically gushed, her excitement spilling over like warm honey, "We're absolutely thrilled to have you here, Hinata-san. There's nothing we love more than welcoming new visitors!"
Hinata couldn't help but let out a soft giggle, the corners of her lips tugging upward her nerves loosening just a little.
Mabui's enthusiasm was downright infectious, filling the space between them with a warmth that eased some of the tension knotting in Hinata's chest. There was something about the grey-haired receptionist that put her at ease—like she was talking to an old friend rather than checking in for an appointment.
It was…comforting.
Mabui clasped her hands together, tilting her head slightly, "So, how are you feeling today, darling?" She asked, her voice gentle but curious.
Hinata let out a quiet breath, finally releasing the strand of hair she had been absentmindedly twisting between her fingers, gently tucking it behind her ear.
"Well.." She murmured, glancing down for a brief second before offering a small, sheepish smile, "I'm a little nervous… but mostly excited. I've never done anything like this before."
Mabui let out a soft, knowing chuckle, waving a hand in reassurance, "Oh, that's completely normal, Hinata-san. Your first time can feel a little overwhelming, but trust me—you're in excellent hands. We always strive to make sure our guests feel right at home."
Rolling slightly in her chair, Mabui continued, "Now, let's get you checked in, shall we?" She pointed to a sign-in sheet on the counter and handed Hinata a pen.
"Just sign here," She said with a friendly smile, "Once you're finished, go ahead and make yourself comfortable in our lounge—just over there." She motioned to her right, where a cute sign labeled "Lounging Area" hung from the ceiling, swaying ever so slightly.
Hinata hummed softly, giving a small nod of acknowledgment.
"I'll let you know when Naruto-san is ready for your session," Mabui reassured her, her warm smile remaining constant, never faltering for even a moment.
Turning back to the counter, Hinata reached for the pen, her fingers tightening around it as she quickly signed her name on the sheet. The motion was quick—almost too quick—her excitement getting the best of her, making her strokes a little sloppier than usual.
She exhaled softly, willing her hand to steady, but it was useless. The anticipation was impossible to ignore, tingling in her fingertips, curling in her stomach, making her handwriting a touch messier than she would have liked.
Still, she pressed on, finishing the last loop of her signature with a final flourish before setting the pen down with a quiet clink against the counter. Once she finished, she glanced up just in time to see Mabui sliding a clipboard toward her, a few neatly stacked forms clipped securely at the top.
"These are our consent forms," Mabui explained smoothly, "You should have already signed them when you booked your appointment online, but we keep a physical copy here just as a precaution. Go ahead and read through them carefully, please."
Hinata blinked, momentarily caught off guard, but quickly reached out to take the clipboard.
"Oh, okay," She murmured, her fingers running along the edges of the papers as she skimmed the fine print.
"Arigato, Mabui-san."
"Of course, take your time," Mabui said kindly, "If you have any questions, I'm right here. And if you need anything—a bottle of water, a little snack, or even a towel—everything is available in our lounge and ready for you to enjoy. Also..."
Mabui reached for a small, elegantly designed pamphlet resting on the counter, her manicured fingers gliding over its glossy cover before setting it down on the clipboard cradled in Hinata's arms.
"Here's a handy guide outlining the services we offer here," She said smoothly, her emerald eyes glinting with amusement. Then, with a playful wink, she added, "Also it can act as a little refresher—especially for the treatment you selected."
Hinata accepted it with a grateful smile, her fingers skimming the edges as she held it close.
"Thank you," She murmured, just about to turn away when—
"Oh, and Hinata-san?"
Mabui's voice stopped her mid-step.
"Hm?" Hinata blinked, glancing back over her shoulder.
Mabui was leaning over the counter now, her arms folded, an unreadable smirk curling at her lips—one that didn't quite sit well with Hinata.
"And I must say," the grey haired receptionist purred, tilting her head slightly, "you made a fantastic choice picking Naruto-san as your masseur."
Hinata's breath hitched, her fingers twitching around the clipboard in her hands.
Mabui's smirk deepened, and with a slow, seductive shimmy in her chair, she added, "He'll treat you real nice."
Hinata's entire body ignited.
A squeak—an actual, audible squeak—escaped her lips much to her utter embarrassment.
Oh, kami.
Heat rushed to her cheeks so fast she thought she might faint right there on the spot. Bowing her head in a desperate attempt to hide her flustered expression, she muttered a rushed, breathless, "A-Arigato," before making the quickest escape of her life.
Her feet carried her toward the lounge in record time, her heart hammering against her ribs.
It was nothing.
Mabui was just teasing. Right?
Right…?
She bit her lip, shaking the thought off—or at least she tried to. But thankfully, before it could spiral any further, something else quickly stole her attention.
The lounge.
The moment she stepped inside, her eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise.
The space was just as cozy as the reception area—if not cozier—like walking into the inviting warmth of someone's personal living room.
Soft, plush brown couches lined the walls, each one adorned with an array of decorative pillows and neatly draped throw blankets that practically called to her. A few guests were already nestled into them, lounging with their eyes closed or flipping lazily through magazines.
Candles were scattered everywhere, their soft, flickering glow giving the room an extra warm vibe just like the reception area. In the far corner, a small TV was mounted on the wall, its screen displaying a Japanese cooking show.
Hinata's gaze flicked toward it absentmindedly—until she recognized it.
Rokuhoudou: Colorful Days.
A small smile tugged at her lips.
She had watched that show before—its soothing aesthetic and cozy storytelling had always been a comfort to her. Something about the way the men brewed coffee and prepared traditional sweets with such care in their cafe made her feel at peace.
Food was her comfort, after all. That includes food shows too.
But before she got too caught up in watching, her attention shifted again.
In the center of the lounge sat a neatly arranged table, stacked with an assortment of magazines and informational packets from the parlor—perfect for passing the time while waiting.
Her eyes then landed on a mini-fridge nestled against the wall, its glass door revealing rows of bottled water, iced coffee, herbal teas, and a variety of other refreshments. On top, a selection of snacks was carefully arranged in small, decorative bowls—crisp senbei rice crackers, zesty wasabi peas, and neatly lined packs of Pocky, their colorful packaging catching her eye.
Of course, Hinata couldn't resist the lure of food.
She strolled over, helped herself to a bottle of water, a pack of Pocky, and a handful of senbei crackers, then joined the three other visitors lounging nearby. Settling into her seat, she spent her time happily nibbling on her snack while skimming through the consent forms and the massage parlor packet she was given.
Time slipped away without her even noticing, and before Hinata knew it, two of the other visitors had been called for their sessions, leaving the lounge quieter than before. Still nestled in her seat, she absentmindedly nibbled on a cracker, her fingers flipping through the massage packet resting in her lap.
"Deep tissue," She murmured under her breath, her eyes scanning the description with mild curiosity.
She turned the page.
"Swedish," She whispered next, her voice barely above a breath as she skimmed the details. Page after page, she continued, taking her time—until her fingers froze mid-turn.
Her breath hitched.
There it was.
A section marked in elegant, curling script: Happy Endings.
Her massage selection.
Her lavender eyes skimmed the description, reading it over carefully. But it wasn't the title that caught her attention.
No.
It was that word again—bolded, standing out above the rest. Erotic.
Hinata stared, her throat suddenly dry.
Wait.
What…?
"Hinata Hyūga?"
The sound of her name cut clean through the quiet lull of the lounge, disrupting the gentle murmur of the television and the soothing trickle of the water fountain.
"Eeeek!" She squeaked, jolting upright. Her head snapped up so violently she almost saw stars, whiplash be damned, her breath catching somewhere between her lungs and throat. Her wide, startled eyes darted across the room, frantically searching for the source of the voice.
And the moment she spotted the culprit, her heart skipped a beat.
Oh. My. Kami.
There, standing in the open doorway of the lounge, clipboard in hand, was him.
Naruto Uzumaki.
Her chosen masseur.
Her breath hitched, her lips parting slightly as an unexpected rush of warmth crawled up her spine.
There he was.
The same man whose face was plastered all over Happy Endings' website, boasting a flawless five-star rating and glowing reviews praising his "heavenly touch" and "unmatched expertise." The very same man she had shamelessly ogled—the one responsible for her booking this appointment in the first place.
And now, seeing him in person?
He was absolutely breathtaking.
More so than she ever could have imagined.
His blonde hair was styled just as neatly as in the photos, strands brushed back, revealing every sharp, chiseled angle of his face. He was dressed in crisp white scrubs, the color standing out against his tanned skin. The fabric was loose but did little to hide the definition of his toned body.
And those eyes.
Even from across the room, they were striking—a piercing, ocean-blue, framed by dark lashes.
He looked every bit the professional, but there was an undeniable ruggedness to him, something effortless about the way he carried himself.
Something that made Hinata's pulse skip violently.
For a moment too long, she just sat there like an idiot, staring, too stunned to move. Her pulse thundered in her ears as she watched him scan the room, flipping through his clipboard, eyes flicking over the other guests with a casual confidence.
"Hinata Hyūga? Do we have a Hinata Hyūga here?"
That snapped her out of it.
"Oh—shoot, that's me!" She whispered under her breath, springing to her feet so quickly she almost knocked over the pamphlet in her lap.
"Yes! That's me!" She called, her voice bubbling with excitement and just a hint of embarrassment.
Naruto's head turned sharply, his lips curling into a broad, easygoing grin the moment his eyes met hers.
"Ah—there she is!" He let out a warm chuckle, playfully tapping his clipboard against his palm before pointing at her, "You were hiding from me, Hinata-san."
Hinata's face burned.
"Oh no! I just—got a little caught up," She laughed nervously, hurriedly gathering her things. She quickly stuffed her snack, the bottle of water, and the massage packet into her purse, before reaching for the forms.
Before she could grab them, Naruto lifted a hand in a casual beckon.
"You can bring those with you," He said with a nod, "If you have any questions while you finish looking them over, feel free to ask."
His voice.
Kami, his voice.
Smooth like melted butter.
Hinata swallowed, offering a small nod as she picked up the clipboard, clutching it against her chest, "Oh, um—actually, I already filled everything out online, so…" Her words trailed off as she glanced up at him, unsure if she needed to do anything else.
Naruto's lips curled into a grin, eyes gleaming with approval, "Perfect! That means we can get things rolling then," He said, then pointed at the clipboard of forms in her possession, "You can leave that there on the table, I'll have someone come by and confiscate it shortly.
Hinata nodded, setting the clipboard back down on the table.
Naruto stepped back slightly, gesturing for her to follow.
Hinata managed a small, shy smile in return before she did just that—slipping toward the open door he held for her. Once she stepped through and the door softly closed behind her, the blonde masseur turned to greet her properly, extending his hand.
For a split second, Hinata hesitated—but then, she reached out, her fingers slipping into his.
His grip was firm, warm, steady.
Hinata's heart was pounding so hard she almost forgot to breathe.
Because—oh, kami—his hand was in hers.
Big. Warm. Strong.
Thick, blue veins traced along his tanned skin, his fingers easily dwarfing hers.
She couldn't look away.
Her breath hitched as he gave her hand a gentle rock, his thumb grazing over her knuckles so naturally, that her body responded before her mind could catch up.
A simple handshake.
But why did it feel like so much more?
His touch was already doing something to her, his fingers easing the tension from her knuckles, smoothing out stress she hadn't even realized she was carrying.
Like it was second nature to him.
Like he already knew exactly how to take care of her.
"It's so nice to meet you, Hinata-san," Naruto greeted, blsessing her ears with that voice of his again. So smooth and warm—everything she wasn't prepared for.
"As you probably know, I'm Naruto Uzumaki—the owner of Happy Endings and the head massage therapist here."
And then—finally—he let go.
Hinata's fingers twitched, tingling with the warmth he left behind, still buzzing from the lingering press of his palm against hers.
"Since it's your first time with us," Naruto continued, flipping open his clipboard, "do you have any questions or concerns so far?"
Hinata barely heard him.
She was still stuck on his hands.
The same hands that—soon—would be working their magic on her body.
Touching her.
Cupping her.
Massaging her.
Her lips parted, her throat tightening, her mind spiraling far too fast in a direction she hadn't anticipated.
And Naruto just stood there.
Waiting.
Expecting an answer.
Oh, kami.
She needed to get it together.
"Mmm…" Hinata murmured, barely able to string words together, but then she caught the sound of his soft chuckle.
Embarrassment fluttered through her, and she quickly snapped out of it, her cheeks burning bright red.
"I—I mean, yes, I do have a few questions," She stammered, desperately trying to regain her composure—to erase that embarrassing little sound she had just made from existence.
Her fingers fidgeted against the strap of her purse, her brain scrambling for something—anything—to shift the focus.
"Also, thank you for giving me this opportunity, and—"
Hinata dipped into a polite bow, her hands nervously smoothing over the fabric of her skirt as she forced a shy but genuine smile.
"It's really great to finally meet you, Naruto-san."
A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest, rich and warm.
"Aww, you're gonna make a grown man blush," He teased, shaking his head with an easy grin, "You're really sweet, Hinata-san, but," his smirk tilted, "there's no need for any formality."
His gaze flickered over her, his smile warming up.
"I'm here for you, not the other way around."
Hinata bit her lip.
Oh, if only he knew…
In a way, she was here for him.
Sort of.
Maybe just a little.
…Okay, maybe a lot.
The mere thought sent a flutter through her stomach, and before she could rein it in, her shoulders stiffened as she straightened from her bow, standing tall once more.
Naruto caught it instantly.
His sharp blue eyes flickered with knowing amusement, his head tilting slightly as he studied her reaction like she was a puzzle he was itching to figure out.
"Aww, Hinata-san," He drawled, "Relax."
His smirk softened just a fraction, just enough to make her heart trip over itself.
"This is your time. Your session," He reminded her, voice dipping lower, smoother. "You don't have to be so stiff with me, sweetheart."
Hinata nearly choked on air.
Sweetheart.
Oh, no.
She wasn't ready.
Not for that.
Not for him.
Her lips parted, but nothing came out.
Absolutely nothing.
Just the relentless pounding of her heart in her ears, drowning out every coherent thought she had left.
"O-Oh…" was all she managed, a breathless, pathetic little whimper.
Naruto let out another amused chuckle.
He took a casual step around her, then tilted his head toward the hallway, gesturing with a flick of his fingers.
"Come, Hinata-san," He murmured, that damn smirk still in place.
"Follow me.
His shoes made a steady, confident thump as he guided her onward, each step echoing softly against the glazed wooden floor. Every sound—the soft creak of the boards, the gentle rustle of his uniform as he moved, even the faint tap of his clipboard against his palm—seemed heightened, magnified by the stillness around them.
Hinata followed, her lashes fluttering as she stole secret glances at him from the corner of her eye.
Ahead, the hallway was dimly lit, a long, narrow corridor lined with closed massage rooms on either side. Lanterns flickered above, their soft golden glow reflecting off the pristine walls. The air was filled with the scent of warm vanilla and lavender, a nice and calming scent—and yet, her heart refused to settle.
Every step forward sent a fresh pulse of anticipation through Hinata, her heart racing, tightening, twisting.
And then—Naruto stopped.
He gestured toward an open doorway, stepping aside with a relaxed nod, "This room's all yours," He said, motioning for her to enter, his clipboard resting casually against his forearm.
Hesitantly, Hinata stepped inside.
The moment she did, her breath caught in her throat.
The room was… breathtaking. Private. Intimate.
A warm, golden glow filled the dimly lit room, the lanterns above casting a gentle spotlight on the massage table in the center. It was draped in crisp, freshly pressed white sheets, with a stack of neatly folded towels resting at the foot, practically calling out to her.
The entire space was designed for pure tranquility—soft, neutral tones of beige, cream, and warm browns. Graceful bamboo plants in round pots stood tall in each corner—an addition to the room Hinata found particularly beautiful.
A sleek countertop lined the far wall, showcasing an array of oils and lotions, their delicate glass bottles gleaming under the soft candlelight.
Just beside it, a small sink sat nestled between carefully arranged décor—a vase filled with fresh flowers, a glowing salt lamp, and a trio of scented candles.
Then… there was the scent.
Hinata inhaled deeply, the rich notes of citrus and amber swirling in the air, but something else overtook it.
Him.
The moment Naruto stepped in behind her, his cologne rushed in and dominated the small space—a deep, intoxicating blend of sandalwood and spice.
Rich. Warm. Undeniably masculine.
Her breath hitched.
Kami, he was already too much.
"Take a seat for me," Naruto instructed, waving his clipboard over towards the massage table.
Hinata hesitated yet again, fingers fidgeting with the strap of her purse, before obeying. As she walked past him, she caught another subtle whiff of his cologne—stronger now, closer. It was the kind of scent that lingered, the kind that made it dangerously hard to focus.
Naruto followed her inside, his movements fluid, relaxed as he closed the door behind them with a soft click.
She took slow, tentative steps toward the massage table, her fingers brushing over the pristine white sheets before settling herself at the edge.
This was it.
In just a few moments, she would be right here, stretched out beneath his touch, his hands.
The thought sent a wave of nervous excitement through her, her stomach tightening, her pulse thrumming in her ears. But she barely had time to dwell on it before she heard the rush of water.
Naruto had moved to the sink, rolling up the sleeves of his white uniform, revealing strong, tanned forearms, corded with lean muscle. He turned on the faucet, letting the heat build before pumping a generous amount of soap into his hands.
"Alright," He murmured, rubbing his palms together, creating a rich lather, "Before we get started, let's go over those questions of yours," He glanced over his shoulder at her, a teasing smirk playing at his lips.
"Hm?"
Hinata's mouth gaped slightly, her fingers gripping the edge of the table just a little tighter.
Kami.
How was she supposed to think clearly when he looked like that?
Hinata let out a deep breath, attempting to steady herself.
Just ask. Just ask and get it over with.
"U-Um…" She started, her voice wobbling a little too high, "I was wondering—could you explain what makes the Happy Ending massage different from the others?"
The words came out too fast, tumbling over each other like they were trying to escape her mouth before she could change her mind.
And then, for some godforsaken reason, she kept talking.
"It's, uh… kind of embarrassing, but this is actually my first massage. Ever."
For a moment—just a fraction of a second—Naruto froze.
His hands hovered under the running water, shoulders stiffening as if he had just heard the most absurd thing in the world. Then, with a quick flick of his wrist, he shut the sink off, a little too aggressively, and whipped around so fast she half-expected him to give himself whiplash.
"Did you just say—?" His voice pitched up slightly, eyebrows shooting sky-high, "Your first massage?"
He shook his head in disbelief, "You're messing with me."
Hinata shrank back slightly, feeling ridiculously called out, "I—um—no?"
Naruto squinted at her as he reached for a towel, drying his damp hands, "Nah. No way. A grown woman like you, never had a massage before? That's illegal. That should be illegal."
Hinata let out a small, nervous laugh, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, well… unfortunately, no. I've just never had the time," She admitted, shifting slightly on the table, "I work as a marketing analyst—which is really just a fancy way of saying I sit at a desk all day, hunched over a computer."
Naruto winced playfully, shaking his head, "Oh no, your poor back. That's so tragic, Hinata-san."
"Oh yes, truly tragic," Hinata sighed dramatically, rubbing her lower back for emphasis, "I'd love to tell you otherwise, but honestly—my back gave up on me years ago."
Naruto's lips twitched, and then—he laughed.
A deep, rich chuckle slipped from his lips, warming the space and her heart along with it.
Hinata let out a soft, breathy laugh of her own, her shoulders relaxing just a bit—especially after realizing she had managed to make the ridiculously handsome blonde laugh.
Like, oh my gosh, what?!
She hadn't expected to feel this comfortable so quickly, but something about Naruto's easygoing nature made it impossible not to.
"I just—I don't know," Hinata admitted, gesturing vaguely with her hands, "I figured it was about time I actually did something for myself for once. Then I stumbled across your website, read through the services, and thought, 'Maybe a massage is what I need.'"
Naruto hummed, nodding as he leaned back against the counter, arms crossing over his broad chest, "Hmm, so basically, you were drowning in work, at your wit's end, and in desperate need of some proper relief, yeah?"
Hinata's face heated instantly, "Well—!" She choked, flailing for words before groaning and covering her face with both hands, "Okay, yes! That basically sums it up."
Naruto let out a satisfied chuckle, pushing off the counter, "Well, in that case, let me be the first to say—you made an excellent decision coming here."
He gestured broadly to the room, arms extended, "Welcome to the world of relaxation, hun."
His grin stretched wider, "And just for the record—" He paused, tilting his head slightly, those soft baby blue eyes locking onto hers.
"I really appreciate you sharing that with me, Hinata-san."
For a brief moment, Naruto just stared her, his expression shifting—not just playful now, but genuinely… intrigued. There was something almost thoughtful in the way his eyes lingered on her, like he replaying the words she said over in his head.
He hummed in amusement.
"Now, about that question of yours…" He began, snapping himself out of his thoughts, "The Happy Ending massage option we have available here is… well, let's just say it's in a category of its own."
Hinata bit her lip, her heartbeat stuttering.
Oh.
The way he said it, the way his voice dropped just a little, made something deep in her chest tighten. She wasn't sure if it was anticipation, nervousness, or just the lingering effect of him thanking her so casually earlier, like she had shared something special. Like he actually cared.
It made her want to kick her feet, and giggle into her hands like a silly, silly schoolgirl.
"It's more erotic, more intimate…" Naruto went on, watching for her reaction.
Hinata caught it—the tail end of what he said, anyway.
Her lips parted slightly, a breath hitching in her throat as her mind whirled, catching up to what he was saying.
"Now, don't get me wrong," He continued, his tone as easygoing as ever, "it still works just like a deep tissue massage."
He lifted a hand, gesturing casually as he spoke, "I'll be working through every muscle—your neck, shoulders, arms, back, legs…" His gaze briefly swept over her, as if mentally charting every spot he'd touch, every area he'd press and knead.
"Loosening up every knot, releasing all that built-up tension you've been carrying."
Hinata nodded slowly, her mind grasping for some sense of normalcy in his explanation.
That… that didn't sound bad.
She did need a deep tissue massage.
Her job had her sitting for hours on end, her muscles locked up so tightly she barely remembered what it felt like to be relaxed.
So that seemed exactly what she needed.
But then, she looked up and noticed the blonde masseur's smirk changed.
Not drastically.
Just slightly.
His gaze turned a shade darker, something undeniably suggestive flashing behind his blue eyes.
"But the key difference of the Happy Ending massage option," He continued, his voice dipping lower, "is at the very end of your session."
Hinata's brows furrowed, confusion flashing across her face.
"The end?"
Naruto chuckled softly.
"Hai. At the very end—especially for you—" His eyes locked onto hers, unwavering, "I'm going to wrap it all up with something…special." He paused, just for a second.
"A sweet release. A proper orgasm."
Hinata froze.
Her brain completely short-circuited.
Did he—
Did he just—
Did she hear that correctly?
Her face went up in flames, her fingers clenching her purse strap as tight as she could, the only thing keeping her grounded, reminding her that this was real. That she was, in fact, awake.
"O-O-Orgasm?!" She squeaked, her voice pitching so high she barely recognized it.
Naruto's grin only widened.
"That's right, Hinata-san."
Casual.
Nonchalant.
As if he had just told her the sky was blue.
Hinata gawked at him, completely and utterly shocked beyond belief.
She wanted to deny she heard him correctly.
She wanted to ask if this was some kind of joke.
She wanted to faint on the damn spot.
This is what she signed up for?
This is what 'Happy Ending' meant?
All this time?!
How could she have been so reckless?!
Twice—that word, erotic, had flashed before her eyes. Twice, she had seen it, registered it… and yet, each time, she brushed it off, convincing herself it was just part of the all-inclusive massage experience she had conjured up in her head.
She knew she had seen it.
And yet, instead of stopping to question it, instead of reading between the lines like any rational person would, she let her excitement get the best of her—rushing headfirst into booking the session without a second thought.
Too hasty. Too quick.
Now, sitting here, her pulse hammering, reality finally sinking its claws in, she could hardly believe it.
What had she gotten herself into?
All the while, as she spiraled deeper into the chaos of her own thoughts, Naruto remained where he was—calm, composed, waiting. His smirk lingered, his sharp blue eyes watching her every reaction with quiet amusement.
But then—
His smile began to fade.
Slowly, that teasing smirk softened, replaced by something more cautious, more observant. His head tilted slightly, his blonde brows drawing together as he took in her silence, her stiff posture, the way her fingers had gone white-knuckled around her purse strap.
His hands lowered, the playful edge in his demeanor slipping just a little.
"…You okay, Hinata-san?"
His voice was gentler now, his gaze carefully scanning her face for any signs of discomfort.
"If this isn't something you're comfortable with, we can make adjustments." He offered, his voice steady, reassuring, "Just remember, this session is all about helping you relax, not adding to your stress."
Hinata blinked, her mouth opening and closing, her pulse still racing. And then—before she could even think, before she could stop herself—
"No, no—I want it."
The words just…tumbled out.
What. The. Hell.
Naruto's brows lifted slightly, his smirk making a slow return.
"…Oh?"
That single word carried so much weight, dragging heat all the way down Hinata's spine.
Oh?
OH?!
Hinata's heart slammed against her ribs, realization crashing down on her far too late.
What the hell had she just agreed to?
Her mouth opened, as if to take it back—to retract the words—but the way Naruto was looking at her, studying her so intently, made the thought die on her tongue.
Especially with him looking so fine.
Kami.
This would be any woman's dream, wouldn't it? To be pampered by a man this strong, this handsome? To have those skilled hands of his gliding over her body, rubbing her down, taking care of her?
He was built for this. Trained for this.
And… if she was being honest… she secretly wanted it.
More than she should.
More than she—
Wait—what?! What the hell was she thinking?!
Her face grew redder and redder, blinking, waiting for him to… say something. Anything.
Naruto hummed, low, considering.
And with that—he broke the silence.
"Well, alright then."
His smirk returned.
"But before we officially move forward, there are a few things we need to go over first."
He pushed himself off the counter, moving with that same easy confidence, grabbing his clipboard and flipping it open.
"First off, let's talk comfort levels."
Hinata inhaled sharply, gripping the fabric of her skirt, feeling the heat pulse through her entire body.
Comfort levels?
Oh kami.
"This section requires you to be a little more open with me, Hinata-san," Naruto continued smoothly, flicking through the forms, "That means skin-to-skin contact. Now, you don't have to be completely naked if that makes you uncomfortable. Most of my clients—" He paused, looking at her pointedly, "—especially first-timers—keep their underwear on. Totally up to you."
Hinata's brain short-circuited. Again.
Naked.
Naked?!
Oh.
She had not thought this through.
Her fingers twitched, "I… I can keep my underwear on?"
Naruto nodded, his expression remaining completely professional despite the nature of the discussion—a skill in itself, "Of course. This is all about what makes you comfortable."
Hinata exhaled slowly, feeling at least somewhat relieved.
Then, Naruto's voice dipped lower.
"Though, if you want the full experience, skin-to-skin contact allows me to work deeper into the muscle tissue. It helps with circulation, tension relief, and overall relaxation. The less restriction, the better the results."
Hinata swallowed hard.
Circulation. Tension relief. Relaxation.
Okay. Okay, that all sounded… reasonable.
Logical.
Totally not like she was about to get stripped down and touched in ways she'd never been touched before.
Right?
But then…
That naughty little voice deep in the back of her mind whispered temptingly.
Would that be so bad?
To experience his hands gliding over every inch of her body? To have those strong fingers kneading into her skin, pressing into all the places that ached?
To finally, finally satisfy those intimate cravings she had been forced to repress?
Naruto glanced up at her, curious but patient, "Still with me?"
Hinata nodded stiffly, her pulse pounding in her ears, "Y-Yeah… still with you."
"Good."
She swallowed hard, then, in a barely audible whisper, murmured, "I-I'd like to keep my underwear on, please."
Naruto gave a simple nod, "Alrighty."
He jotted something down on the clipboard before glancing back up at her.
"So, next, I will use a variety of oils during the session, all tailored to your needs. Some focus on deep relaxation, others on muscle recovery, and some—" His smirk twitched at the corner, "—heighten sensitivity."
Hinata felt her entire body lock up.
Heighten. Sensitivity.
What the hell did that mean?!
Naruto, clearly picking up on her internal struggle, let out a low chuckle, "I'll go with whatever you're comfortable with," He assured her smoothly, "And I'll let you know exactly which oil I'm using before I apply it. But if you're unsure…" His smirk deepened slightly, "I can always mix a custom blend—one that covers everything. Keeps things… interesting."
Hinata didn't trust herself to speak, so she just nodded again, her throat too dry to function properly.
"Alright," Naruto continued, completely at ease as he flipped to the next page, "Last thing—orgasm control."
Hinata nearly choked on her own saliva.
"O-O-Orgasm control?!"
Naruto grinned, tapping the pen against his clipboard, "Yup. You have two options here."
He held up a single finger.
"One: You let it happen naturally. I work you up, and when your body decides it's ready, you let it all go."
Hinata gaped at him.
She wanted to interrupt—to say something—but he held up a second finger.
"Two: You hold back until I give you permission."
Hinata made a sound.
It was somewhere between a squeak and a wheeze, but it definitely didn't sound human.
Naruto's grin only widened.
"That one's my personal favorite, but, again, all up to you."
Hinata just sat there, her lips slightly parted, completely and utterly at a loss for words. This was so much more than she expected—so much more intense than she ever could've imagined.
She had only intended to get a simple, straightforward massage.
And now this…
She couldn't even breathe.
Her heart pounded so rapidly it was starting to scare her, her thoughts tangling into a frantic mess.
It wasn't just about the massage anymore.
No.
This was more than that. So much more.
This was self-care. Attention. Intimacy.
Everything she had denied herself for years.
It was all right here.
In one session.
With him.
Right then and there, that naughty, reckless part of her came rushing back in again.
It whispered—no, it purred in her ear.
"Do it."
"Let go."
"Treat yourself, girl."
And for once—just once—Hinata wanted to listen to it. She had spent her entire life playing it safe, following the rules, sticking to routine.
For a life where she never once let herself chase desire?
No.
Not this time.
This was her chance—her moment—to take something for herself.
To do something wild.
Something reckless.
Something that made her feel alive.
She had come here to take a break from the norm.
To let go.
To finally, finally stop thinking so damn much.
And the answer was right in front of her.
Blonde. Blue-eyed. Smirking like he already knew exactly what was running through her mind.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself.
Then, slowly, deliberately—
She lifted her chin and met his gaze.
"…Okay."
Naruto's smirk widened.
"Yeah?" He stated, more as a confirmation than a question.
Hinata bit her lip, her nerves all over the place, before finally nodding.
"Yeah. Let's do it."
Naruto's grin broadened, flashing those stupidly perfect pearly whites—up close and personal—in a way that made her stomach flip and her womanhood clench in anticipation.
Kami.
She had never been so aware of her own body before.
It was ridiculous.
"That's the spirit," He praised, his approval as warm as it was reassuring. "I promise, you won't regret it, sweetheart."
Sweetheart.
There it was again—that pet name, slipping so effortlessly from his lips.
Hinata barely stifled a whimper, clutching her legs tightly together, desperately willing herself to stay composed.
Naruto's eyes flicked to her midnight blue hair, and he tilted his head, "First, let's start by putting up your hair. It's beautiful, by the way."
Hinata blinked, caught off guard, "Eh?"
"Your hair. The color." He smirked, moving toward one of the counters, grabbing something, "It's unique… kinda mesmerizing, actually."
Hinata's face turned red.
Before she could even process the compliment, Naruto was already in front of her, his strong hands reaching toward her.
"May I?"
She nodded quickly, her embarrassment spiking.
Of course, she had forgotten to put her hair up before coming here. Who in their right mind forgets something so simple when going to a massage parlor?!
So embarrassing.
But then—
Her breath hitched the moment she felt him touch her.
Warm.
Firm.
His palms cradled the sides of her head, gathering the silky strands with practiced ease. His fingers skimmed the nape of her neck, collecting ever strand in those large hands of his, sending a shiver trailing down her spine. Every brush, every subtle tug as he gathered her hair into a loose bundle, was oddly intimate.
Kami.
She hadn't expected this to feel so… nice.
He was so close, his masculine scent wrapping around her making her head spin.
And it was just him fixing her hair.
What the hell was she going to do when he actually touched her?
"There we go," Naruto murmured, successfully twisting her hair up into a messy high bun, securing it with a hair tie.
Hinata exhaled the breath she didn't know she was holding.
He stepped back slightly, admiring his work.
"Looks good." He smirked. "Now, onto the next part."
He nodded toward the massage table, "Alright, go ahead and slip out of your clothes. Lie down for me—face down, head resting in the cushion." He instructed, motioning toward the head of the table.
Hinata froze.
Right.
She had agreed to this.
She had literally just said yes to this.
Her fingers twitched, her heart pounding, but Naruto's voice broke through her hesitation again—casual, reassuring, as if this was the most normal thing in the world.
"I'm gonna step out for a moment to grab a few extra things for your session. No rush—take your time. When I get back, we'll get started." He gestured toward the counter, "Oh, and you can set your belongings over there if you'd like."
Hinata glanced down at her purse, nodding softly.
His smirk softened just a little, a flicker of something almost teasing behind his gaze, "Don't run away on me now, yeah?"
Hinata squeaked, gripping the hem of her skirt so tightly, she thought she might tear it.
Naruto chuckled, turning on his heel and heading for the door, his presence lingering in the room long after he had stepped out.
Hinata sat there in the silence, her mind spinning, replaying everything that had just unfolded, struggling to fully grasp the weight of her impulsive decision.
Her hands trembled.
Her entire body felt like it was on fire.
And now…
Now, she had to undress.
She covered her burning cheeks with both hands, squeezing her eyes shut as she kicked her legs in a flustered fit.
Kami help her.
Because she was so screwed.
Hinata exhaled deeply, her head resting against the plush, rounded cushion of the massage table, her face settling into the designated opening.
She was down to her underwear now—her finest set, ironically enough.
It wasn't something she had planned. She certainly hadn't woken up this morning thinking, 'Oh, today seems like a great day to wear my sexiest lingerie, just in case I end up half-naked in front of the most gorgeous man I've ever met.'
She groaned inwardly.
Who was she fooling?
Of course, she had. Of course, she planned it.
And now… here she was.
Half-naked. Face down on the table, waiting.
Her fingers tensed against the plush fabric beneath her, and she forced another breath through her nose.
Relax.
The room was calm, quiet, soothing—everything a massage parlor should be. Soft, tranquil music drifted through the air, blending with the gentle trickle of the water fountain built into the dark tiled wall.
The warmth from the flickering candles was nice against her skin at least, warm and heady, designed to lull her into relaxation.
And for a moment—just a moment—it worked.
She closed her eyes, letting the tension drain from her muscles, trying to focus on the peaceful ambiance.
The water.
The music.
The peace.
The soft, steady rhythm of her own breath.
But then—
She became aware of something else.
A new sound. A new rhythm.
The pounding of her own heartbeat in her ears, loud, unrelenting—drowning out the music, the fountain, everything.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Her nerves coiled tighter.
Her body, despite the comfort of the table, remained on edge.
She couldn't get Naruto's words out of her head. Everything he had said, everything this massage entailed—it was nothing like what she had originally imagined when she recklessly booked the appointment.
Not even close.
This was… something else.
Something thrilling.
Something undeniably intimate.
Something she knew would be life-changing.
Once again, her mind began to scramble.
But just as she felt herself begin to lose it, just as she was starting to come to terms with how utterly exposed she was—
A knock at the door shattered the quiet.
Hinata stiffened, her breath catching in her throat.
"Hinata-san? Are ya ready, hun?"
That voice.
Naruto was back.
Hinata jolted upright, her head lifting from the cushion, heart hammering, "H-Hai! I—I'm ready!" She blurted, scrambling to press her face back down into position.
"Alrighty!"
The door clicked open.
Then came, footsteps.
Soft, steady, confident.
Each one sent her heart racing faster, thudding in sync with his approach.
And then—Naruto's voice.
"Good girl."
Hinata squeaked.
A literal, tiny squeak escaped her lips before she could stop it. Her entire body went rigid against the table, toes curling in mortification.
Oh, kami.
Did he just—
Was he—
He was messing with her, wasn't he?
It didn't help that he chuckled, the sound deep, amused, far too satisfied with himself.
"Relax, Hinata-san."
His voice was low, just as before, a warm murmur that sent a gentle shiver down her spine.
The door snapped shut behind him, sealing them off from the rest of the world.
Just the two of them now.
She heard the clink of bottles, the faint rustle of movement as he set something down on the counter closest to her.
"You're so tense, honey."
Hinata sucked in a sharp breath, her fingers curling into the soft fabric of the table beneath her.
But she couldn't move.
Not when she felt him so close.
Not when every hair on her body stood on edge, her skin prickling with the undeniable awareness of him.
He moved again.
Slow, measured steps, drawing closer—so close, she swore she felt the heat of his gaze trailing over her bare back, over the smooth curves of her body.
Her breath hitched, her stomach twisting as she imagined it—imagined him looking, taking her in, seeing her just in her underwear.
She sucked in a breath.
But then, his footsteps changed direction, striding away from her, this time toward the farthest counter. It was then, she heard the faint sound of liquid being poured, the crisp snap of a cap closing, the controlled whoosh of water running as he washed his hands again.
Her heart pounded against her ribs, her mind spiraling.
The anticipation coiled inside her, tight and heady.
Then she heard it.
The soft, muted slip of gloves being pulled on.
A quiet sigh left Naruto's lips, as if he were centering himself, rolling his shoulders, flexing his fingers.
She then heard more footsteps from him, and a brief shuffle of movement, and soon, something warm and weighty draped over her lower half. A towel, she realized, the fabric pressing lightly against her skin, a subtle barrier between her and complete exposure.
"Alright, sweetheart."
His voice. Deep. Right above her.
Close enough that she could feel the heat of his presence at her back.
Summary: In the heart of the yakuza underworld of Tokyo, the passing of Hiashi, the leader of the Hyūga clan, does more than just break Hinata's heart, but it exposes her to vulnerability.
Seizing the opportunity, the ruthless Naruto, Uzumaki clan leader, targets not only the conquest of the Hyūga clan but also wishes to claim Hinata as his most prized possession, no matter the cost.
General Tags |
☯ Alternate Universe - Yakuza, Dark Themes, Clan Rivals, Clan Leaders, Uzumaki Clan, Hyūga Clan, War, Chakra Use, Demon/Human, Dark Naruto, Obsession, Possession, Gore, Blood & Violence, Murder, Suggestive Language, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Marriage Through Dictatorship, Tragedy, Grief, Loss, Major Character Death, Japanese/Japanese Culture, NSFW Themes, Dubcon, Sexual Coercion, Dom/Sub, Smoking, Sexist Slurs, Supernatural Elements, Suspense, Nhmonth, Nhmonth23. Additional Tags Inside Fic.
Synopsis˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡Love was a risk, a risk that cost Naruto everything, leading to the loss of the life he always knew and an everlasting separation from his beloved: Hinata Hyūga.
His forbidden love for her brought about a curse that condemned him to live as a monstrous beast, forever wandering alone in despair.
Yet, in this new lifetime, with a woman who bore an uncanny resemblance to his beloved now miraculously in reach, love could very well be the solution to his salvation.
Content Tags˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ Alternate Universe - Medieval • Arranged Marriage • Beauty & The Beast • Destiny • December 2 • December 5 • December 26 • Emotional • Fairytale • Fairytale Curses • Fantasy • Falling In Love • Family Issues • Fate • Forbidden • Forbidden Love • Heavy Angst • Historical Eras • Hurt & Comfort • Knight AU • Love • Love Confessions • Monster • Mutual Pining • Mythical Beings And Creatures • NHmonth • NHmonth23 • Non-Human AU • Princess AU • Pining • Prophecy • Psychological Drama • Romance • Reincarnation • Reincarnated Lovers • Royal AU • Soulmates • Tooth-Rotting Fluff • Tragedy • Tragedy With Happy Ending • True Love • 1600s era • 1700s era • 2023
NSFW Tags: Body Worship • Cave Sex • Claiming • Coming Untouched • First Time • Fluff • Fluff And Smut • Hickeys • Love • Love Making • Magical • Outside Sex • Ownership • Praise Kink • Tail(s) • Scent Kink • Scratching • Sensation Play • Size Difference Kink • Unprotected Sex • Vaginal Sex • Virgin • 2023
Overall Word Count˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
Part #1: 12.5K
Part #2: 9.2K.
Part #3: 17.6K.
Tumblr Post: Word Count˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚1.8K
Preview ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
The Beginning
17th century.
1600s.
---
Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto wasn't supposed to love.
He had taken a solemn oath—never to love, never to wed, never to father children.
He wasn't meant to fall for anyone.
Certainly not Hinata Hyūga—the Princess of the Kingdom of Konoha, the delicacy of the land, the diamond of the ton.
Not to mention, she was the daughter of Hiashi Hyūga himself. He was a king, a formidable ruler known throughout the land for his unwavering authority and strict governance—a man of principles, tradition, and nobility.
A man of steel.
Having such a man as a father meant that Hinata's upbringing was meticulously planned down to the finest detail. From childhood to adulthood, she was taught to walk with poise, to speak with eloquence, and to conduct herself with the dignity befitting a princess.
Her every move was scrutinized, and her every action was held to the highest standards.
Her attire was always immaculate, her manners impeccable, and her education comprehensive. She was trained in the fine arts, fluent in several languages, and educated in the intricate politics of the court. She was even skilled in musical instruments, having mastered the piano, harp, and violin.
Hinata was groomed to be flawless, and untouchable.
Absolutely perfect.
And that is what she became—a beacon of perfection in the eyes of society, more than suitable to one day marry, bear children, and assist the Hyūga lineage flourish and prosper.
Hinata was the epitome of beauty and grace, off-limits to all except suitors with suitable titles—a precious gem that no commoner or knight could ever hope to touch.
Certainly not a knight like him—not Naruto.
He was her royal guard, a position of great honor. He was meant to safeguard her, to be by her side for all of her days, to protect her and remain loyal—not to love her.
She was supposed to be off-limits to him. Yet, he crossed those limits.
He fell in love with her.
Naruto recalled the subtle moments when it all began—the fleeting smiles, the accidental touches, the stolen glances, not just from him, but from her too.
Her gaze began to linger on him just a second longer than usual, and in those moments, he saw a spark of something more in Hinata's shy eyes—an unspoken connection, a shared understanding that he couldn't ignore.
At first, Naruto thought it was just him.
He figured he was just imagining things. But then he started to see that spark in Hinata's eyes more and more—a twinkle of longing, a yearning for the freedom she saw in him.
Each interaction, each shared glance, built a bridge between them, one that was both exhilarating but terrifying.
It felt so new.
...so wrong.
Naruto wasn't sure how it all happened.
The progression from duty to love was a blur. It was as if one day he was merely her protector, and the next, his heart was entirely hers. The line between his oath and his feelings had blurred, and he suddenly found himself drawn to Hinata in ways he could neither control nor comprehend.
It was the greatest victory of his life.
And the greatest mistake of his life.
Nights in the moonlit garden of Konoha palace were where they began to meet in secret.
One night led to another, and another, and before long, they were meeting almost every night.
They would spend their evenings together under the starry night sky. They would sit on the soft grass, surrounded by the fragrant blooms, and talk for hours. They shared their days, struggles, dreams—anything and everything. It didn't matter to them, as long as they were together.
They would even have playful moments where they chased each other through the garden, past the flowers, and under the stars.
Naruto recalls the sound of Hinata's laughter echoing through the night, her delicate hands clutching her dress as she ran, her face glowing with happiness.
And he would chase after her. Always.
"Catch me, Naruto-kun! Catch me!" She would cheer.
And indeed, he would catch her, their laughter mingling as they collapsed onto the soft grass, breathless and happy.
These moments became the only light in Naruto's world.
Hinata became the only light in his world.
The sweetness of her smile, the warmth of her embrace, her lavender eyes full of love, her silky midnight blue hair, her sweet scent, her heartfelt laugh, and her gentle spirit—all of it stayed with him.
Deep in his heart.
Day after day, despite the risk, despite the danger, despite duty or even mere common sense, the two were drawn into an ever-going routine.
Princess and knight by day.
And lovers by night.
Both were always eager for nightfall, when Hinata would slip out of her bed chamber, and Naruto would desert his post to meet in the garden of Konoha palace.
Some nights, when they met together, they would just lie on their backs, gaze at the stars and imagine a future where they could be together.
During these times, Hinata often grew vulnerable with him. She shared her deepest fears and her greatest desires, opening up in a way she couldn't with anyone else.
Hinata even confided in him about her longing for freedom and the strict control her father exerted over her life.
"He is determined to marry me off—my f-father," She told Naruto that night, nearly driven to tears, "Love was never supposed to be a consideration for me. That's what my father has always told me, that I need to marry. I need to choose my family. I need to choose duty. But I f-feel—" Hinata admitted, but then she stopped herself.
Naruto listened intently, as he always did, trying his best to lighten her heart and unburden her.
"You feel differently, don't you, Hinata-sama?" Naruto asked gently.
"You've chosen love, haven't you, hime?" He added softly.
And the look that appeared in her eyes then touched his heart deeply.
Yes. I choose love. I choose you, her eyes had told him.
But there was more.
Her eyes showed a plea for freedom, for something real and true, beyond the cold, heartless world she had always known.
Naruto's heart ached for her, it truly did.
He found himself leaning close, taking her hands in his, and he made the mistake of promising to always protect her. He gave her hope that he could save her from such a horrid life, to be the source of freedom and love she so desperately sought.
"I'll figure something out. I'll save you, I promise," He had assured her.
Naruto remembered the joy that instantly appeared in Hinata's eyes, how she believed him wholeheartedly, placing all her trust in him.
That night, she actually kissed him for the very first time.
"Thank you, Naruto-kun," She whispered against his lips.
But he should have known better than to make such a promise.
What they had was fragile yet unbreakable when they were together, a beautiful dream they lived each and every night.
But dreams were fleeting.
Reality was cruel.
And, forbidden love never lasts.
They were caught.
Hinata and Naruto thought it would be another quiet, hidden night together in the garden, a sanctuary where they could steal moments away from prying eyes, just like all those times before.
But they were wrong.
Naruto could still remember the rustling of leaves and the snap of a twig that alerted them too late.
Suddenly, they were ambushed.
King Hiashi's guards emerged from the darkness, torches in hand, intent on seizing them both.
Naruto fought back fiercely, for Hinata, for both of them, but there were just too many. Their sheer numbers overwhelmed him, and despite his best efforts, they managed to subdue him.
Subdue them both.
The guards then dragged them away, tearing them from their sanctuary.
And just like that, their secret was out.
Naruto had no idea how they had been discovered that night, but it didn't matter. The truth was out, the damage done, and they were now at the mercy of the King—a furious Hiashi Hyūga.
And oh, was he furious.
Their punishment was as cruel as it was merciless.
Hinata's punishment was given first. For defying her father's orders, daring to love someone beneath her stature, and tarnishing her family's honor, she faced severe consequences.
She was forbidden to see Naruto ever again.
Her tear-streaked face and dull eyes were the last sight Naruto saw of her as the guards forcibly took her away to her chambers. Naruto had never seen her so broken. Her desperate cries and pleas echoed through the cold, stone halls, her voice screaming his name the entire time.
He could still hear her cries.
His punishment, however, was far worse.
He was beaten, humiliated, and dragged before the King, where he was forced to his knees and made to face Hiashi's wrath.
"You have betrayed your duty, dishonored my family, and defiled my daughter," The King declared, his voice cold and unforgiving.
"For that, you will pay the ultimate price."
Naruto had accepted his fate.
He believed he deserved it for turning his back on his knight's oath and causing Hinata so much pain. He expected his punishment to be death, a swift end to his suffering. He braced himself for it, thinking it would be a merciful release compared to the agony of being separated from Hinata.
But fate had a crueler design.
Instead, Naruto was brought before a dark, malevolent witch, and he instantly knew what was in store for him.
He would be cursed.
Indeed, the witch cast a spell upon him, a powerful one. She transformed him into a beast—a creature so hideous that Hinata would never again be able to love him.
"You will live out your days as a beast," The witch declared, her voice dripping with malice, "Banished from this palace, condemned to wander the forest for all eternity. You will outlive her, always knowing she is beyond your reach."
Pain tore through Naruto as his body twisted and changed, the curse taking hold. His once strong hands became claws, his noble and formidable body transformed into something large and terrifying, his face a grotesque mask of the beast he had become.
The guards then threw him out of the castle, casting him away from his home, away from people, and away from Hinata.
Discarded like trash.
Now, Naruto roamed the vast, lonely forest that surrounded the palace he once sworn to protect, his heart aching for the love he had lost.
The forest was his prison now, and loneliness was his constant companion.
Each step he took reminded him of Hinata, of the tender moments they had shared and the future that had been stolen from them.
His curse was relentless, ensuring he would never forget. He was cursed to remember, to feel the pain of their love that could never be, every single day.
The only way his curse could be broken was if he was loved again. True love.
But how could that ever happen?
He was now a beast, feared and shunned by all who saw him. The idea of someone seeing past his beast form to the man within, understanding his pain, and loving him, seemed utterly impossible.
It was all wishful thinking. An unattainable dream.
A painful hope he no longer allowed himself to wish for.
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❀Naruhina RomCom❀
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
Summary: The Fourth Great Ninja War ends and Konoha is at peace; Hinata Hyuga contemplates Naruto Uzumaki's unexpected desire to spend more time with her.
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
Tags: Blank Period • Canon • Canon Divergence • Declarations Of Love • Drama & Romance • Fake Relationship Trope • Fluff • Happy • Happy Ending • Humor • Light Angst • Love Confessions • Mutual Pining • Naruto Universe - Freeform • No Smut • Post War • POV Third Person • Romance • Teen Rated •Tooth Rotting Fluff •
Word Count - For Entire One-Shot: 8.4k.
Word Count - Tumblr Post: 3.3k.
❀Preview:
Today in Konohagakure, the temperature was moderately warm.
The shining sun rose high in the cloudless, blue heavens, beaming with happiness where it took center stage above.
The residents of Konohagakure, enjoyed every moment of the new day, a day of peace and fun, as the sun smiled down on them with warm but pleasant beams.
The summer breeze flowed through the busy streets of the village, sweeping green leaves within its gentle wake where they carried on powerfully, just as the ninjas, Konoha's defenders, have done each and every day.
A year had passed since the conclusion of the Fourth Great Ninja War, allowing Konoha as a whole to at last settle down.
The streets were alive with laughter and chatter, with kids flying kites and pretending to be the ninjas they idolize, racing full speed through the crowds with their arms thrust behind them as if soaring.
Smiling villagers of all sizes and ages filled the streets, setting up their businesses and outlets to cheerfully trade their produce and wares with one another.
All around, structures and residences stood tall, having all been rebuilt from the devastation that numerous battles, particularly the Pain onslaught, had wreaked upon them.
Konoha was now endowed with brand-new structures, fresh possibilities, and new beginnings.
Ninjas, villagers, and children alike were all beaming and renewed—all appreciative of the timeless peace they had gained by never giving up, by consistently standing up for what is right, and by moving onward no matter what.
Konohagakure was now at peace.
Aside from Hinata Hyūga.
In the midst of the happiness that beamed all around her, the young kunoichi found herself having quite an episode: fingers twiddling together, her breathing escalated, cheeks red, and her mind in scrambles.
Hinata traversed the streets of Konoha dressed in her typical ninja garb, accompanied by her longtime team members and companions, Kiba and Shino.
Kiba, her loud, ferocious friend, shot her a glance with his slitted eyes, lifting an eyebrow as he sensed his shy friend's worried state.
After all, it was Hinata's idea to get together so the three of them could go for a walk through the village, get some fresh air, and just spend some time in each other's company.
However, Kiba and Shino have observed Hinata to be extremely fidgety and quiet the entire time, appearing to be preoccupied with a problem that both ninjas were overly conscious about.
Hinata was unable to stop talking about it after all.
Kiba groaned and shook his head, causing his brown curly hair to tussle about, brushing against the nape of his neck due to its increasing length.
To lighten the mood, the cheerful canine ninja gave Hinata a gentle shove with his elbow—just with the side of his folded arms.
He laughed as he caught the surprised squeak that flooded out of her lips, her body jolting as a result of being shoved out of her troublesome thoughts.
"Come on, Hinata-chan, stop overreacting already. It's not that bad." Kiba remarked with a gruff tone and an amused grin, his lips stretched wide to show off his razor-sharp canines.
Due to his delighted smile, the red triangles on his cheeks raised just a touch, his features quite robust and well-defined given his maturing age.
His voice, which had become deeper over the years, was emitted in a halfhearted manner, with little worry detected within, which did absolutely nothing to calm Hinata's anxiety.
Hinata's predicament was only made worse because of it.
Her pale cheeks grew even redder, and she found herself hiding behind the curtains of her long, midnight-blue hair, unable to meet Kiba's gaze.
"No, th-this is..."
"It's just Naruto, Hinata-chan. What does it matter whether the knucklehead wants to spend time with you? Big deal."
Kiba muttered impassively once again, simply shrugging his shoulders as if everything was normal—and especially normal for Hinata.
She shook her head. There was nothing normal about her situation.
Hinata took a glimpse at her brown-haired pal through the strands of her dark hair, only to be struck by the nonchalant expression found on his tanned face.
Kiba didn't seem bothered by her predicament or even able to understand why she was feeling the way she was, for the matter. It was certainly a sight she just couldn't comprehend.
It was quite obvious why she was so worked up.
Hinata bit her lip briefly, to deal with her nerves.
"B-But every day?" Hinata exclaimed, apprehensive.
"A-Am I the only one who finds it strange that Naruto-kun is suddenly spending so much time with me? It's s-so odd."
Hinata's meek voice broke through the gaps of her delicate lips, bursting into the village's midday hum. Such comments of hers would have been drowned out by the din of the crowd, but Kiba's keen hearing picked up on her words flawlessly.
He heard her loud and clear.
Kiba shrugged.
He genuinely did not perceive anything wrong with her current "situation."
Kiba thought Hinata was acting rather ridiculously, in fact. Every time Naruto was brought up in their many conversations, she would just revert to her usual flustered self.
The mere mention of the goofy blonde ninja always causes her to flush red all over and sends her into a stuttering frenzy. Even in her primary years, she would faint just by being in the blonde's presence.
Hinata has always been a flustered mess around Naruto, but even now, after having Hinata as a teammate for so long, Kiba has never been able to understand the immense anxiousness she would feel because of the blonde.
Apart from the fact that Naruto was now regarded as a war hero as a result of his heroic deeds during the Fourth Great Ninja War, Kiba still saw him merely as a hyperactive, dense, brainless knucklehead.
He just couldn't wrap his head around the fact that anyone would feel immense anxiety around someone like him.
It was all quite ridiculous.
Kiba found nothing odd or different about Hinata's frenzied behavior nor about Naruto's desire to spend more time with Hinata. After all, they were all growing closer to one another—every single one of their friends—now more than ever.
Nothing's strange there.
Shino, on the other hand, saw a different picture.
He let out a hum of curiosity, bringing to light his presence as he walked alongside Hinata.
His eyes were shielded from the sun by black shades, so others couldn't see his facial expressions as well.
One hand of his was buried in the pocket of his long jacket, while the other lifted to stroke his chin.
"Now that you mention it. That is strange."
Shino's voice emerged from his mouth, somber and monotone, phasing with the pleasant breeze around them. He too joined the conversation between Kiba and Hinata, voicing his concerns about the current situation at hand.
Hinata's dilemma.
All in all, it shouldn't really be a dilemma.
Hinata was aware of this.
Her predicament shouldn't be one that keeps her up at night, sends her in a tizzy, and leads her to become a hot, stuttering mess whenever she thinks about it.
Naruto.
Naruto was her dilemma.
Since the war has ended and all of Konoha has spent its time relishing the peace, Naruto has been exhibiting a variety of behavioral shifts—shifts that were pretty different and quite apparent—particularly because they diverged from the customary behavior tactics he has always demonstrated.
Such changes were all very unusual to Hinata, changes that she was unable to interpret or understand.
To put it simply, Naruto's been acting quite strangely toward her.
How strange you might ask?
For starters, Hinata thought it was somewhat odd of Naruto to unexpectedly develop the longing to devote every waking moment with her.
It seemed weird to her that he wanted to see her every day at the same time at Ichiraku Ramen in order to spend time with her.
Hinata bit her lip a bit harder.
She could hear him now.
"Let's eat out again, tomorrow, Hinata-chan. At Ichiraku, same time, same place. I had such a great time with you, dattebayo!"
Hinata could still clearly remember what he said to her almost a day ago when they shared a meal together at the Ichiraku Ramen Shop.
Even then, he showed signs of immense eagerness for her that she had never seen him show before.
Hinata recalled how he constantly barraged her with many subjects of discussion, even as he spoke to her while stuffing ramen noodles into his mouth.
He told her several of his own tales, including mission experiences that actually made her laugh quite a lot. More than she's ever done in her entire life.
It was all so... strange.
Don't misunderstand Hinata; Naruto's excitement was refreshing, albeit a little overwhelming.
Indeed, Hinata has always wished to spend time with Naruto, and she can't stop herself from enjoying those moments when she gets to sit beside him, shoulder to shoulder, and share a meal and a conversation with him, especially after the war is all said and done.
Sharing such moments with him has always been her dream.
Hinata relished the moments when Naruto lavished her with lots of attention, gazing into her eyes with a true sense of joy and care, and wanting nothing more than to spend as much time with her as he could.
And maybe, she's just overthinking.
Maybe, she's just blowing the entire situation out of proportion.
Maybe she was getting ahead of herself, but she was unable to ignore Naruto's peculiar behavior toward her, including the very difference in the way he spoke to her. It consumed her mind and bugged her so much.
Hinata has made a constant effort to understand why Naruto's behavior has drastically changed in the way it did toward her and why he suddenly developed the urge to hang out with her so excessively.
This was a really big deal to her.
Hinata couldn't help but mull it all over.
In the immediate aftermath of the war, Naruto changed from scarcely recognizing her to having just fleeting conversations with her to obnoxiously craving her company all the time.
It's such a drastic change.
This cannot be a coincidence, she thought.
Hinata occasionally found herself questioning whether Naruto's motives were sincere; she wondered if perhaps he was merely allowing himself to be close to her out of pity.
Pity for her losing Neji.
Yes, the war was officially over, but even so, there were still a lot of wounds that needed to be healed, and Neji's death surely left a lot of them. A lot of wounds.
Hinata occasionally finds herself becoming very sad at the mere recollection of Neji being dead, no longer living in Konoha, but instead buried with the other valiant ninjas who fought in the war.
She would frequently experience severe depression as she recalled the events leading up to his death and once more realized that he had indeed left this world and never to return again.
Hinata often thought of such depressing memories and felt their suppressive effect on her throughout her day-to-day life, and thus, she often thought that is why Naruto wished to spend so much time with her.
Because of pity. Because of guilt.
However, she always dismissed the idea, labeling herself as ridiculous for having such negative thoughts about her dear Naruto-kun.
As a result, Hinata discovers herself becoming quite enthusiastic about the alternative reason she came up with for Naruto's behavioral changes toward her.
And that was a result of authenticity.
Maybe, just maybe, Naruto has come to want to be close to her from a genuine standpoint.
Maybe he secretly yearns to be close to her, yearns to learn more about her, or, better yet, just genuinely enjoys her company.
Maybe, Naruto has come to yearn for something more.
But just as Hinata thought of such a thing, just as she allowed her fantasies to intertwine with her thoughts, she was quick to shake them off.
Hinata squealed, covering her eyes with her hands due to her lewd thoughts.
'No, no, that can't possibly be it!" Shaking off the idea, Hinata exclaimed in a frenzy fit in her mind. It was absurd for her to think that the frequent outings she would have with Naruto were anything romantic.
Yes, Naruto yearns to see her virtually every single day.
Yes, he genuinely offers to pay for her meal at each and every get-together.
Yes, he regularly gives her his jacket whenever she grows cold, without her having to utter a single word.
But...
Those were merely the acts of a friend, Hinata thought, a friend that truly cares.
'There's nothing romantic about that.' Hinata dismissed once more, hysterically shaking her tomato-red face as she hurried on carelessly, her open-toed shoes kicking up dirt every step of the way.
However, she was interrupted from her thoughts when she once more heard the voice of her enigmatic friend, Shino, speak after a little period of silence between the three of them.
"Hm, it almost seems like the two of you are dating. Maybe that's what Naruto wants."
It was only hearing those words from Shino that led Hinata to completely lose it.
She began to feel lightheaded. Terribly lightheaded.
'Me? D-Date Naruto-kun?!?' Hinata practically screeched in her head. She was going to faint, she just knew it.
It was only a matter of time now.
She whipped around to face Shino, in an effort to quickly dismiss such a ridiculous notion from his head. She couldn't bear it.
Hinata sweat dropped, her cheeks flushed red, "No, no, Naruto-kun and I aren't d-dating. Dating o-or romance, for that matter, isn't possibly the reason for all of this. There has to be a-another explanation..."
"Hm." Shino rubbed his chin once more, "It's quite obvious what's going on here, Hinata-chan. Naruto's sudden and enthusiastic yearning to spend more time with you when the war is over. All of it seems to be pointing towards the possibility that his eyes may have opened after all this time." Shino hummed.
"The evidence is right in front of you." Shino expressed with a nod, as he tried to piece together the situation and come up with a solution.
Kiba, in contrast, just shrugged. He merely found the two humorous, trying to solve an issue that was so clear.
He shook his head, "Hinata-chan, come on. You gotta stop overthinking."
He brushed his shoulder against hers yet again, doing so with a groan, "Good kami, all of this Naruto stuff is getting you ridiculous, Hinata-chan. Come on, think about it. Isn't this what you always wanted?" He asked, blurting out what he knew had to be said.
With wrinkled brows, he gazed down at the midnight blue-haired woman beside him, watching as her lavender eyes widened at his remark.
He tilted his head, his expression somewhat solemn, "Isn't this time spent with Naruto, or rather, him wanting to spend time with you, something you always wished for?"
Hinata's eyes widened even more. Even her heart skipped a beat.
It was. It's all Hinata has ever wanted.
She's spent her entire life walking behind Naruto, always staring at his back, longing for him to turn and notice her.
She had yearned for him to realize her presence, to recognize all the times she had followed him, supported him, been influenced to become stronger by him, and even risked her life for him.
She yearned to be by his side, showering him with her affection and reverence.
She wished so badly he would one day look at her the very same way she looked at him.
That is all she has ever wished for—Naruto to notice her.
And now...
Hinata's breath caught in her throat as Kiba's words flashed through her mind, finally waking her up and causing her to realize what a blessing this entire situation was for her.
The sudden acts of Naruto wanting to spend time with her; and the genuine smiles he showers her with.
The big, warm hugs he gives her the moment she arrives at Ichiraku Ramen.
The jokes, the laughter, the smiles.
Everything.
Hinata finally considered every bit of her situation, and she used the opportunity to take a step outside of herself, away from the troubling emotions that were stifling her, and instead take in the situation as a whole.
Her breath hitched.
Indeed, she has always wanted this.
Always.
And now, with her eyes opened, she has realized how silly she has been.
She has done nothing but speculate about Naruto's motives, questioning herself as a whole for liking his behavioral shifts.
She was so worried and anxious about the whole thing, as well as flustered and embarrassed by being so close to Naruto so suddenly, that she entirely failed to notice the positive elements of her predicament.
But now...
A smile arose on Hinata's face and in that moment, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She suddenly felt the worries she's been dealing with for a couple of weeks now set sail and fly away.
She finally sensed herself becoming free from her worries; free from it all. All thanks to her friends; Kiba and Shino.
She really needed this chat.
Because now, Hinata could finally see the situation from a different perspective, a more positive approach to her situation, and now she finds herself a little bit more...
appreciative.
She bawled her fists tight by her chest, biting her lip briefly, "Y-Yes, this is what I have wanted." She whispered, finally voicing out her own wants for a change, voicing that she indeed has always wanted Naruto to notice her, just in the way he has recently.
Kiba and Shino exchanged a joyful grin, both ninjas flawlessly catching their bashful friend's answer even in the midst of the raucous outside noises around them.
It was undoubtedly like music to their ears, and they were both comforted by the fact that their friend's sentiments of embarrassment and worry were no longer clouding her judgment—no longer keeping her troubled.
The two men were pleased to find that their efforts had been successful and that their words of caution and contemplation had not been merely ignored or overlooked.
Kiba and Shino were certainly pleased to see Hinata finally diverted from her mental woes and the clamor of her irrational thoughts, which had previously blinded and hampered her. And ultimately, keeping her from finding happiness with the one man that almost everyone in the village knows can greatly comfort and increase Hinata's level of contentment.
Peace was now assured.
Kiba exclaimed joyfully, "See, there you go! So I say, quit your overreacting and relax! Enjoy the peace already!"
He shoved her shoulder again which actually caused Hinata to giggle, her body swaying a bit.
"Kami, if you're so worried about Naruto spending time with you, why don't you just ask him? Who knows, Shino might be right, your precious Naruto-kun might have finally woken up." Kiba teased with a laugh.
Hinata instantly gasped, her head space once again flooded by overwhelming thoughts, her body riddled with feelings of flusteredness.
Throughout Kiba's entire speech, one particular detail caught her attention the most.
My precious Naruto-kun.
Hinata's blush rushed back to engulf her whole tenfold, "H-Hey don't call him that!" The flustered kunoichi exclaimed in embarrassment before reaching over to slap Kiba's folded arm.
But her gesture of getting him back due to his teasing only pushed the brown-haired male to laugh and tease her even more.
"Oh, Naruto-kun! My precious Naruto-kun!"
"St-Stop it, Kiba-kun!"
"No! You make it so easy, Hinata-chan!"
Hinata grumbled, her heart racing in her chest as she was teased by Kiba but soon comforted by Shino.
After all was said and done, however, and after a much-needed conversation with her good friends, she found herself looking forward to the dinner get-together with Naruto.
Synopsis˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡Night after night, General Naruto grapples with nightmares from the battlefield, haunted by the specter of war and its horrors. Luckily, Queen Hinata has a special knack for soothing him, knowing just how to ease his mind and make him feel all better.
Content Tags˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ Alternate Universe - Medieval • Angst • Dark • Dark Themes • December 3 • December 23 • Empire • Evil Queen • Forbidden • Forbidden Love • Heavy Angst • Historical AU • Historical Eras • Heavy Angst • Hurt & Comfort • Mature Themes • NHmonth • Nhmonth23 • OOC • Power Differences AU • Queen • Queen X General • Royalty AU • Secrecy • Secret Lovers • Sexist Beliefs Mentions • Slight Feminist Beliefs Mentions • Tryst • War • Wartime AU • War General • War And Love • 2023
NSFW Tags˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ Body Worship • Cock Worship • Codominance • Claiming • Cunnilingus • Deepthroating • Dirty Talk • Desperation • Explicit • Face Grinding • Facesitting • Fellato • Femdom • Freaky • Free Use • Frottage • Hands Kink • Kinky • Lingerie • Masturbation • Multiple Orgasms • Oral Sex • Overstimulation • Panties • Praise Kink • Power Play • Pussy Worship • Rough Sex • Scars • Scent Kink • Scratching • Sideways Sex • Size Difference Kink • Somnophilia • Spooning Sex Position • Squirting • Sweat Kink • Vaginal Sex • Unprotected Sex • 2023
Overall Word Count˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚17.6k
Tumblr Post: Word Count˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚1.7k
Preview ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
Hinata Hyūga goes by many names as ruler.
But many hailed her as the formidable Ice Queen.
During the medieval era, centuries ago, the world was ruled by brutal principles of survival—conquer or be conquered, kill or be killed.
In this unforgiving world, the stakes were high, leaving no room for mistakes or hesitation. Any sign of weakness was quickly snuffed out, often resulting in a quick and merciless death.
Strength was the ultimate arbiter of one's fate.
Compassion was a dangerous liability, and only those with a ruthless disposition had any hope of thriving.
Ambition fueled every action, every scheme, and every grand vision.
Alliances were fragile, easily shattered by the ever-present threat of betrayal, making loyalty a rare but precious commodity.
It was a harsh world where the only true currency that held value was power.
And Hinata Hyūga possessed a wealth of it.
Immense power.
But it was never enough.
The entirety of Hinata's reign was defined by her unwavering ambition, an insatiable hunger for more and more power.
That same drive, that relentless desire to rise above all others, coursed through her veins, a legacy that had been passed down through generations of greatness in the esteemed Hyūga royal lineage.
As ruler, her father had been great, as had his father before him, and so on and so forth.
And now….
Hinata, too, embodied that same greatness.
She was a force of nature, a cold-hearted bitch that struck fear into the hearts of all who came across her, hell, even to those who just heard about her conquests.
She conquered kingdoms with absolutely no problem, extending her empire far and wide without fail or mercy.
Her strategic brilliance and unrelenting pursuit of power earned her a reputation as a ruler who tolerated no resistance—a reputation Hinata flaunted proudly, with her tits thrust forward and her head held high.
Kingdoms fell like dominos in her path, their banners absorbed into the ever-growing tapestry of her empire, each now bearing the emblem of the Hyūga dynasty.
When her army marched forth, destruction was only promised.
Fields were left behind strewn with the fallen.
Streets ran red with blood.
Kingdoms and cities fell to ruin.
Kings were overthrown.
Her enemies' subjects subdued, their cries of defiance silenced by the swift and merciless hand of the Hyūga army.
Rebellions arose in kingdoms far and wide in Hinata's name.
Seeds were sown, alliances were made, thus, the Hyūga dynasty expanded.
That is how it always should go in Hinata's eyes.
To Hinata, it was all simply a game, one of laughs and fucking giggles to her.
It came easy to her.
Being queen.
Being a leader.
Being a conqueror.
She navigated a world dominated by men like it was child's play, effortlessly assuming the role of a leader just as well as any man.
She moved with a grace and precision that earned her respect and fear in equal measure, solidifying her place as a dominant force that won't rest till all bowed before her.
But Hinata was more than just that.
She wasn't merely a monarch defined by the clash of swords; not just a woman born from a lineage of blood and conquest.
She wasn't just a fearsome ruler capable of instilling terror with just a glance, who gets what she wants with just a command.
Not in the slightest.
Hinata stood as an ethereal beauty, her presence a whispered legend that traversed kingdoms both far and wide.
She was no ordinary mortal, not just any woman; she was one that embodied grace and refinement, a living manifestation of elegance that inspired awe in all who gazed upon her.
Her eyes, lavender in hue and pupil-less—an unique trait shared only among the Hyūgas—held a depth that spoke of wisdom beyond her years.
Her smile had the power to illuminate even the darkest of chambers, and her beauty was a force to be reckoned with—a weapon wielded with the allure of a siren, capable of captivating even the most hardened of hearts.
"Fools." She would always sneer.
Whispers reverberated her name, ensuring that she remained the focal point of every conversation.
From the grand halls of courtiers to the bustling camps of warriors and the humble villages of common folk, all tongues wagged about her.
Even amongst her own people who proudly carried the Hyūga banner, discussions about her were rife—whether they had caught a mere glimpse of her, heard tales of her exploits, or were merely fueled by rumors.
Everyone wanted her.
But they always wanted something from her.
Courtiers lusted after her in hopes of being crowned as kings.
Warriors vied for her favor, yearning for a chance to spend just a night with her.
And a simple commoner, bless their hearts, sought her out with a wish to be freed from the chains of poverty and misfortune.
But no.
No one can have her.
Hinata remained untouched.
A closed-off fortress, one might even describe.
Hinata was a woman of independence, resolute in her choice to rule alone, free from the influence of any man.
A queen who answered to no one.
A queen that bowed down to no one…
only to herself.
Alone, untouched by love's embrace, her sole ambition was to reign supreme, a quest that consumed her every waking thought.
That's all that mattered to her.
And she was content with that…
well…
at least on the surface.
Because amidst the blood-soaked battlefields and the cold stone walls of her fortress, Hinata harbored a secret.
A forbidden secret.
It was a love that went against everything she believed in and stood for, challenging her vow to shun love from her heart entirely.
It was a love that persistently gnawed at the corners of her mind, fueling an insatiable desire to savor its forbidden sweetness with every passing moment, be it day or night.
It was a love that dwelled within her that threatened to unravel the carefully constructed facade she presented to the world, a delicate balance that teetered on the edge of collapse.
A love that was for…
Naruto Uzumaki.
Her most loyal and courageous general.
He was the only man who possessed the power of thawing the heart of the Ice Queen, of kindling her flame.
He, and only he, was the one Hinata longed for, the sole object of her burning desire.
Naruto was many things: a jack of all trades, a wild card, a man truly one of a kind.
Hinata knew that from the first moment she laid eyes on him.
With his unwavering loyalty and unparalleled skill in warfare, he stood by her side as her most trusted advisor and also the leader of her formidable army.
He was the very man who guided the Hyūga troops into battle.
Without fear.
Without hesitation.
Without mercy.
Just like his queen.
The battlefield was his domain, a territory Naruto claimed without hesitation, fearlessly commanding the front lines better than any man.
He led with a ferocity that mirrored his queen's, rushing into battle, ready to slaughter anyone who stood on the other side. It didn't matter who his enemies were; nobles, seasoned warriors, or mere foot soldiers—none were spared from his wrath.
He cut through the lot of them like it was nothing, happily killing in Hinata's name.
And each time, the result was the same; each battle's end unchanged.
Naruto emerged victorious.
Time and time again.
Naruto stood as the driving force behind every triumph that echoed throughout the current Hyūga dynasty, a harbinger of inevitable victory for the Hyūga forces.
A man who single-handedly instilled fear on the battlefields and beyond.
Many called him the warrior of warriors.
Others referred to him as the bearer of grim gifts.
For it was he who had happily made it a tradition to present his queen with the grisly spoils of war upon her throne after every battle—the severed heads of her enemies.
A morbid treat, but one that he knew delighted his queen like none other.
Naruto's loyalty to Hinata extended beyond mere duty; it was a deep-seated commitment, ingrained in every fiber of his being.
Every step he took was for her.
Every thought was consumed by her.
Every decision he made was for her.
And every battle won was for her.
Naruto sought nothing.
He sought nothing in return from his queen.
He harbored no desire for the benefits her status as queen or her unparalleled beauty could bestow upon him.
His loyalty was unconditional, dedicated solely to her and her cause. Naruto existed solely to ensure her success, to safeguard her sovereignty, and to defend her at any expense.
And Hinata appreciated his devotion beyond measure.
No one could rival the bond shared between them, a connection forged in the fires of battle and sealed with the blood of their enemies.
To commemorate their victories, they would eagerly retreat to the comfort of their bed chambers, to hide from the world within the embrace of one another's arms. There, Hinata would shed her gowns, and Naruto, his armor, and fuck like there was no tomorrow, relishing in the sweet sensation of their naked bodies pressing against each other.
And in those tender moments they spent together, they were allowed the freedom to shed their masks, baring their souls freely to one another. Then, naked and safe within the confines of their bedrooms, they revealed a side of themselves never before seen from the outside world.
Naruto let go of his stoic mask and revealed his softer side.
Hinata shed her icy exterior and allowed herself to be vulnerable.
She showed Naruto the depths of her passion, allowed him to be more than just her sword, teaching him how to cherish the moments stolen from the chaos of their conquests.
Amidst it all, only their stolen glances and kisses were the traces of their hidden affair.
Only their bedroom walls knew of the profound love they had for one another.
They understood the risks.
As queen and general, they were aware of the potential havoc that could be wrought if their forbidden relationship were to be exposed to the world.
They were aware of how their love had the potential to jeopardize the solid foundations of the empire they had worked tirelessly to build.
War and love was usually a precarious balance, after all.
But for them, it worked.
Risk or not…
Forbidden or not, they were happy.
Continue Reading On Wattpad Or AO3.
And so, together, they ruled with ice and fire, their love a force that could not be conquered, even by the mightiest of empires.
Synopsis˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡Naive and innocent, Hinata sets out on a selfless journey to aid her ailing father. However, she makes the mistake of crossing paths with Naruto, the big bad wolf.
Now, in his presence, she faces a daunting proposition: win his harrowing game of survival to return to her father, or lose, forfeiting something uniquely her own—her innocence.
Content Tags˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ Adventure • Alternate Universe - Fairytale • Angst • Chilling • Dark • Dark Fairytale • Dark Romance • Dark Secrets • December 24 • December 25 • Forests • Heavy Angst • Horror • Human/Monster • Human/Werewolf • Hurt & Comfort • Monster • Nhmonth • Nhmonth23 • Non-human AU • OOC • Psychological Thriller • Red Riding Hood • Supernatural • Thriller • Urban Legends • Werewolf • 2023
NSFW Tags˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ Biting • Claiming • Coming Untouched • Coercion • Dirty Talk • DubCon • Fantasies & Fantasizing • First Time • Fuck-Or-Die • Forest Sex • Innocence • Loss of Virginity • Marking • Mating • Monster Sex • Multiple Orgasms • Oral Sex • Orgasm Denial • Outdoors Sex • Ownership • Power Play • Scent Kink • Scratching • Size Difference • Tail(s) • Vaginal Sex • Virgin • Werewolf Bites • Werewolf Mark • 2023
((For My Dark Readers Only))
Overall Word Count˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
Part #1: 12.8K
Part #2: 19.3K
Tumblr Post: Word Count˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚5.1K
Preview ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky with a rich palette of amber, gold, and crimson hues. Its waning light stretched long shadows across the dense foliage surrrounding a quaint little village.
Accompanying the gentle sway of the trees was the soft caress of the breeze, carrying with it the earthy aroma of pine needles mingled with the damp, fertile scent of soil.
A young woman strode briskly along a meandering trail branching off from the village behind her, her midnight blue hair trailing like ribbons in the steady wind as she walked.
The woman?
Hinata Hyūga, the girl in red.
The young woman, sweet as can be, wore a vibrant red cloak that flowed behind her, a gift from her dear late mother. Underneath, a white blouse with ruffles peeked out, paired with a swaying red skirt. Black fishnet stockings hugged her legs as she walked with grace in her Mary Jane pumps.
Very picturesque.
Hinata's steps were determined, moving steadily onward and upward, unfaltering even in the face of the whispered fears that hung in the air. She's been walking for quite some time, long enough for a dull ache to settle in her ankles and a persistent soreness to nag at her lower back.
Still, she pressed forward.
She must.
She had only one thing on her mind, and nothing else, propelling her to keep moving forward…
Her dear father: Hiashi Hyūga.
He's fallen ill.
An unfortunate turn of events.
In the early stages, his illness seemed rather mild, to say the least. Just an occasional cough here and there, nothing too alarming for Hinata. She brushed it off as a common seasonal nuisance, just his sensitive sinuses acting up again.
So, she would make it a routine to brew her father a steaming cup of chamomile tea three times a day, meticulously steeping it to perfection. By his bedside, she would softly hum melodies she learned from her mother as she helped him drink the tea, all in hopes of soothing his cough and ushering him into a peaceful slumber.
At first, the tea seemed to do the trick.
However, as time passed, the soothing properties of the tea sadly began to lose their effectiveness. Before long, his symptoms began to worsen, escalating into something far more serious.
Pneumonia.
His ailment turned into pneumonia.
Hinata found that out on her own, having managed to piece it together from her father's symptoms—persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, and a stubborn fever that just wouldn't go down, no matter what she did.
She tried everything to bring his many fevers down—cool compresses, damp cloths on his forehead, and even making him sip on ice-cold water or mint tea from time to time—but nothing seemed to work.
Her father was an old man, brittle and fragile. There was only so much that he could endure.
As the days went by, her father's appearance grew more haggard and feeble, like a shell of who he once was. It pained Hinata to see him fading away, inching farther from his usual vibrant self.
He hardly spoke, hardly laughed, and hardly smiled…
Each day, each hour, each minute, he battled with all of his might against the cruel pneumonia. But it seemed like it was gaining the upper hand more and more each day.
Hinata truly feared that he just might…
She shook her head, suppressing tears. She shouldn't think that way.
It was this sense of urgency that drove Hinata forward, motivating her to hasten her return home with the supplies she had collected for him.
In her delicate hands, Hinata carried a woven basket brimming with vibrant vegetables, fruits, and an assortment of herbs and medicines—collected from the settlement a few miles away.
Konoha Village.
Hinata's father, Hiashi, resided in a charming cottage on the outskirts of Konoha village, nestled by a tranquil lake. His cottage, though old and weathered, had a cozy charm that was rather inviting.
The quaint home was surrounded by blooming gardens and a cobblestone pathway, providing a peaceful sanctuary for him to live in peace.
But his cottage wasn't just any place; it was Hinata's home as well.
There, the two lived, accompanied only by one another.
After the mysterious death of Hinata's mother, her father made the decision to leave Konoha. The memories of her and the village itself became too painful, a constant reminder that Hiashi simply couldn't bear.
So, they moved.
That was many years ago, back when Hinata was just a child.
But since then, Hinata has taken on the responsibility of looking after her father, especially now, as he lies sick in bed.
She's grown pretty good at it, which just goes to show how much she learned from her mother. Her mother made sure Hinata could handle looking after both herself and her father on her own, and it's definitely paying off now.
Those teachings were priceless, worth more than gold itself.
And though her dear mother had passed away, Hinata found comfort in knowing that she was still with her; guiding her hands, and blessing her with patience and strength. The wisdom and love she instilled in Hinata were like permanent marks on her soul, destined to remain for as long as she lived.
And so, no matter the challenges she faced, no matter how heavy the burden of her father's illness, Hinata managed to maintain her positivity.
Her inner light remained undimmed.
Her radiance was so powerful that it seemed to push back against the encroaching darkness, even now, as she walked the trail all by her lonesome.
But as she walked, the hushed voices of the Konoha townsfolk echoed in her ears, refusing to fade away.
She couldn't shake them off.
The midnight blue-haired woman noticed, as she inhabited their lands, that they constantly spoke of a beast lurking in the nearby forest.
Their fearful gossip painted a picture of a fearsome predator, a freak of nature that had made the once-tranquil forest a place of dread.
And as soon as word spread that Hinata planned to return home through this forest, the villagers became…
agitated.
They pleaded with her to wait until morning, to stay safe in the village for the night before venturing near those dangerous woods or traveling at all, for that matter.
But, Hinata stood firm, adamant.
"I've been away long enough," She had told them, sweetly and earnestly.
"I can't bear the thought of anything happening to my father while I'm away. He needs these herbs, and I won't let fear keep me from him." She also told them.
"Thank you for all of your concerns, but I must go. Please, wish me luck!"
However, thinking back on her own words now, Hinata couldn't seem to forget the image of the wide-eyed stares brimming with intense fear and concern etched on the faces of the villagers as she finished speaking. It lingered with her even as she turned away from them and left their gracious company and then village behind.
Little did she know, a touch of naivety tinted her determination.
The village of Konoha had long battled with the mysterious beast, for several generations, in fact. Its existence was deeply embedded in the memories of its residents, intertwining with the essence of the village itself.
Its claws dug deep.
Whenever someone mentions Konoha, the stories of the forest-dwelling beast immediately come to mind soon after. Some dismiss it as an urban legend, while others see it as a cautionary tale passed from adults to children, who eagerly swap it like campfire stories whenever they get the chance.
People simply referred to the creature as "the beast" or even "the big bad wolf," depending on who you asked.
Nobody knew the beast's real name, where it came from, or what it looked like—just where it lived and what it did at night, specifically on nights of a full moon.
According to the local lore, it was said that on full moon nights, a chilling wolf-like howl could be heard echoing through the forest and into the village. Farmers reported instances of discovering their chickens mauled and their crops raided. Some villagers even claimed to have seen claw marks on their doors, and others reported the disappearances of loved ones, or so the tale goes.
But none of that mattered to Hinata.
Sure, Hinata had caught wind of rumors about this beast when she was younger but her parents always shielded her from such tales.
"It's all nonsense," Her mother would always brush off when a teary Hinata sought comfort in her after being scared by the other children's tales of the beast.
Children could be quite scary, Hinata recalls how they would often use the tale to frighten other kids for a good laugh, presumably targeting her as well. They'd swap and switch details so often that Hinata couldn't distinguish fact from fiction anymore.
That's why she felt it best to heed her mother's advice and ignore the tale altogether.
Though, she still made sure to stay as far away from that forest as humanly possible.
As time passed and Hinata eventually moved away from Konoha, the legend faded from her thoughts, becoming a distant memory. So hearing it again after so many years, Hinata couldn't help but take it with a grain of salt. To her now, the legend seemed more like a tactic to keep youngsters in check—a cautionary tale spun to prevent them from wandering too far and stumbling into trouble.
It was absurd.
Hinata has no time for legends and myths. Her father's illness is her reality now, not some spooky ole beast, and she must reach him as quickly as possible.
And so, venturing through the forest will fulfill her wish.
With one hand, Hinata clutched a lantern, its flickering flames casting dancing shadows along the trail, guiding the way with its light. In the other hand, she tightly gripped her basket, finding comfort in its presence—a constant reminder of the purpose driving her to continue her journey.
With each squeeze of the basket's handle, her father's image appeared in her mind: sick, bedridden, and sound asleep for days on end, his hand limp in hers.
She whimpered.
'I'm on my way, father. I'm on my way.' She thought to herself, finding another surge of motivation. She trotted onward, each step she took resonating with a thud on the stoned pathway.
The chilly night breeze constantly whispered through the rustling trees, sending shivers of its cool touch through any openings in her clothing, such as her arms and legs, causing goosebumps to rise on her porcelain skin.
Hinata shuddered, her red hood steadily flying in the wind.
While she traveled, the fading sunlight caught the glimmer in her lavender eyes—eyes that reflected only innocence and purity, unaffected by the darkness surrounding the tales of the lurking beast or, perhaps more notably, the harsh realities of the unforgiving world she lived in.
Her kindness and determination were guiding lights for her, yet they also rendered her vulnerable to the ominous unknown that awaited her.
Eventually, the trail led her to the entrance of the forest, where the ancient trees stood like silent sentinels. Their gnarled branches seemed to reach out at her like spectral fingers, casting eerie shadows on the ground by her feet.
Immediately, Hinata's steps came to a sudden halt as she locked eyes with the looming forest. Her lantern and basket swayed due to her abrupt stop, her gaze transfixed on the eerie expanse ahead.
Shallow breaths escaped her lips in quick succession, and her hands began to tremble.
This is it.
The forest the villagers warned her about.
The urban legend, the tale of the beast—she never paid it any mind before. She outgrew that silly old tale, and it never made her shed another tear again. She wasn't scared of it anymore.
So, why was she feeling scared now?
Hinata couldn't tell if it was her instincts kicking in or the return of her childhood fears, but her body's peculiar reaction was unmistakable. She was trembling, shaken by the sight of the spooky forest that all of Konoha spoke about with such fear, now standing before her very eyes.
Tangible and real.
Shakily, through the strands of her midnight-blue hair, Hinata raised her head and surveyed the eerie forest.
Instantly, she realized the gravity of her situation.
There were no other trails to consider, no detours, no shortcuts, and no hidden pathways to divert her from the ominous woods. The trail she had followed led her directly to the heart of the very forest that was said to dwell a beast.
The forest stretched wide before her, its dense canopy casting shadows over the trail, which seemed to vanish into the darkness ahead.
Her heart began to race.
Once again, the villagers' warnings echoed in her mind, a constant murmur urging her to retreat, turn away, and think twice about going any farther. The echoes just wouldn't quit, persistently nagging at her consciousness, like a chorus of annoying voices that just wouldn't go away.
But, her father….
Hinata's mind drifted back to her beloved father, who she knew was eagerly awaiting her return home. She knew he longed more than anything to see her walk through the door with a smile, bringing the supplies she had traveled far and wide to acquire.
It was at that moment, the fearful echoes of the villagers' pleads faded away.
Hinata exhaled a long breath in an attempt to calm the rising tide of anxiety within her. She even bit her lip nervously, gripping the handle of her basket tighter.
'You can do this, Hinata. You can do this!' She thought, once more trying to motivate herself.
Hinata knew she had to be brave, to summon strength from within the depths of her being to go on—for her father's sake.
She must.
So, with newfound determination, she steadied herself, taking a few more deep breaths before she planted her eyes back onto the spooky forest before her.
She was ready.
And with that, she summoned the courage needed to finally step into the darkness that lay ahead.
To enter the forest.
The moment Hinata walked inside, a profound stillness descended around her like a heavy blanket, muffling even the slightest sound. The light that lingered behind her at the forest's entrance seemed to be instantly swallowed by the darkness within as she took a few more steps.
One step. Two steps.
The air seemed to shift, the pressure weighing her down and prickling at her skin like tangible dread.
Three steps. Four.
Above her, towering trees with branches covered in ancient moss loomed from all directions, their shadows stretching and swaying in the flickering light of her lantern.
The scent of damp pine grew stronger now, filling her nostrils with its earthy aroma, saturating the air all around her.
Hinata's footsteps slowed, becoming cautious, as if the ground itself conspired with the looming shadows to keep her alert. With each step, she felt as if the ground might open up beneath her feet and drag her under, never to be seen or heard from again.
The path stretched ahead beneath her, shrouded in darkness so deep that even her lantern struggled to penetrate it, casting only a faint halo around her that the darkness seemed eager to swallow up. It called her onward into its endless black depths, demanding a courage she hadn't known she had.
Her heart pounded fiercely against her ribcage, aching with each beat, a sensation that felt suffocating and very unfamiliar to her.
After all, panic, dread, and fear were never her friends, more like acquaintances she encountered every once in a blue moon in her otherwise normal life.
But now, she felt it all tenfold.
Hinata had always prided herself on her composure, but here, surrounded by looming trees and engulfed in an oppressive silence broken only by the occasional rustle, she was beginning to crack.
The longer Hinata lingered within the forest, the tales of the lurking beast seemed to materialize all around her, like a ghost slowly encroaching upon her senses. They echoed in her mind and in every rustle and shadow.
'Is it there?' She questioned in her mind as she heard a rustle of bushes to her left.
'Was that it?' She questioned once more, as she heard another rustle behind her.
Hinata shook her head, letting out a sigh.
She was being ridiculous.
Glancing up hesitantly, her lavender eyes fixed on the twisted, moss-covered branches overhead. They snaked together like thick vines, blocking out the moonlight.
She caught only glimpses of the sky, but even those revealed the truth: it was already night, which explains the darkness befalling the forest, swallowing it up whole.
She squinted, barely catching sight of the full moon above. Its ethereal glow attempted to pierce through the dense foliage, but only succeeded in casting eerie shadows in the forest that only freaked her out even more.
Hinata tore her gaze from the sky, fixing her eyes solely on the path ahead. Remaining alert in her surroundings was wise; after all, it wasn't just a scary ole beast that might roam these woods—other ordinary animals could be lurking as well.
Predators.
She raised her lantern higher.
But that's when she began to notice something.
As she moved forward, the trail ahead became increasingly narrow, almost disappearing under the tangle of roots, dead leaves, and thick undergrowth. Hinata made sure to tread carefully, even stepping over the tangled obstacles, mindful to avoid tripping and risking a nasty fall.
That would be terrible.
She tightened her grip on her lantern and basket, drawing comfort from their warmth. But she struggled to steady her trembling breaths against the creeping unease that seemed to seep from the darkness itself.
Genuinely, Hinata was spooked.
Goosebumps prickled her skin, making it feel like a million bugs were crawling across her flesh, all stirred up by the soft murmurings of the night wind.
It just made her feel even more isolated, like an eerie reminder that she was completely alone here.
Hoot! Hoot!
Hinata shuddered, her senses rattled.
Maybe not completely alone.
She couldn't help but notice the distant hoot of an owl and the rustling of creatures in the bushes. She felt so silly thinking what she just did.
The silence felt thick, disrupted only by the eerie sounds of the night: crickets chirping, frogs ribbiting, and owls hooting in the distance.
Hinata strained her ears, half-expecting another unsettling noise to break the stillness. Her mind was buzzing, not at all helping her situation, with the villagers' warnings echoing louder in her mind, now than ever before.
Doubt flickered, like a wavering flame, her heart thudding like a drum.
But amidst it all, Hinata clung to the image of her father, frail and ill, relying on the supplies she carried.
So, she continued on.
She proceeded on the path forward, taking one step at a time.
'Just stay on the path, Hinata. That's all you have to do.' She reassured herself, glancing at the familiar stoned trail beneath her feet, or at least the bits of trail that her light graciously illuminated.
But no matter how close she huddled to her light, Hinata could not shake free from the unseen eyes watching her every move.
Her eyes darted between the trees, catching glimpses of elusive shadows that seemed to retreat as soon as they caught her gaze.
She clutched her lantern tighter.
Awooooo!
Abruptly, a distant howl of a wolf shattered the silence, disrupting Hinata's fragile calm. Startled, she leaped in fright, struggling to stifle her whimpers, but a few hushed squeaks escaped nonetheless.
The eerie cry echoed unnervingly close, as though it were just a few steps behind her, prompting her to instinctively whip her head in that direction.
Yet, all she saw was darkness, a vast expanse of black.
She aimed her lantern in that direction, only to see nothing, just more… trees.
Shivers ran down her spine, her sense of imminent danger heightening.
But she kept on.
'Just a few more steps, I'm sure. The forest can't be that big, right?' Hinata attempted to reassure herself as she pressed forward on the path again, cutting through the forest with the vision that the clear path home lay just a few steps away.
She wasn't sure how long or how far she had walked into the forest. Every tree looked identical, and the forest seemed to stretch on endlessly, making it impossible for her to identify the distance she had covered.
Branches creaked…
Leaves rustled…
But that's all there was—rustling.
No beast.
No monstrous entity lurking in the shadows.
Nothing.
'See, Hinata? The villagers were just overreacting. There's nothing to worry about.' She reassured herself yet again.
But just as she convinced herself that the villagers were simply letting their fears get the best of them and that there was no beast, she was startled by a chilling surprise that shook her to her very core.
A surprise that made her doubt everything.
All of a sudden, she caught a sound—a haunting, guttural noise.
And it spoke to her.
"I see you there, little one."
It was a voice, other than her own.
It was a deep, booming voice that shattered the silence, its words lingering like a sinister whisper long after spoken, chilling her to the bone.
In an instant, Hinata found herself completely still, every part of her body, from her nerves to her bones, locked in place. She couldn't think, couldn't breathe. She couldn't even—
"I can smell you too."
The voice spoke again, slicing through her panicked and scattered thoughts. Any notion that what she just heard was merely her imagination or a trick of her mind vanished completely, leaving her with the chilling reality of her fear.
"You don't belong here."
The voice spoke once more.
"Tell me, what's a frail little thing like you doing here in my woods, huh?"
The voice exuded a creepy mix of menace and curiosity, and it spoke like it was coming from all around her, as if the very trees themselves whispered such ominous words.
Hinata's heart began to hammer faster, thudding against her chest as if trying to escape.
Every instinct screamed at her to run, to sprint back to the safety of Konoha village or if not that, find cover to escape the unseen menace that lurked in the shadows. But, her legs refused to respond, rooted to her spot, bound by an invisible force that held her captive.
She tightened her grip on her lantern and basket, seeking solace in their familiarity, but the chilling reality of her fear seemed to seep into her bones, draining her determination with each passing second.
It's the beast.
It's real and it can talk!
It's alive, and out there—Lurking.
Somewhere among the trees, it was hiding, waiting, and watching.
Probably done so all along.
It was the very beast that the people of Konoha feared, the one they had warned her about. It has finally revealed its presence. But it has done so in a way that brought upon a mass of terror upon her poor soul.
"Aw, what's the matter? Cat's got your tongue, little one?"
This time, amusement tinged the beast's voice, and Hinata caught it instantly. But her mouth remained clamped shut, her voice stolen by the fear that gripped her.
The creature seemed to take pleasure in her silence, its tone becoming increasingly mocking.
"You're a surprising one, coming here. I'm not sure if you're brave or just…"
A menacing chuckle was made.
"stupid." The beast finished, a taunting challenge that further tightened the knot of dread in Hinata's stomach.
The beast's words seemed to linger in the air, and Hinata found herself grappling with the urgency to respond, to defend her purpose for being there—right in the middle of the very domain it inhabited.
A whimper escaped Hinata's lips as she glanced anxiously around.
"I-I apologize for d-disturbing you." Her voice cracked hard. It was like all the saliva in her mouth dried up, leaving her throat scratchy and parched. But she continued, kami, she didn't know how she did.
"I-I'm merely delivering f-food and m-medicine to my f-father." She stammered, managing to maintain a fragile steadiness in her voice despite the trembling in her limbs.
"H-He's sick, and I m-must get to him as q-quickly as p-possible, please."
The forest seemed to hold its breath as she spoke, the ancient trees and whispering leaves hanging on to every word and gentle breath she uttered with eager attentiveness.
Her purpose for venturing into the forest had been announced.
Her soft voice had been revealed.
It was like a melodic lullaby—her voice. It echoed timidly, carrying a soft cadence that seemed to harmonize with the natural rhythms of the forest, soothing the very leaves around her.
Her ears caught a low chuckle, almost a growl, rumbling through the air, echoing ominously among the shadows.
The unseen beast truly found the sound of Hinata's voice rather… captivating.
It responded in turn.
"Your father, eh?"
Another menacing chuckle.
"Let me get this straight."
The beast paused, as if it was thinking, before its voice arose again.
"You've traveled all this way, wading through my territory, doing what many wouldn't dare, just to deliver supplies to your sick father?"
The beast's deep voice rumbled through the air like distant thunder, its tone laced with a genuine sense of confusion as it questioned her.
Hinata nodded shakily, as if the beast could see her response.
Her lavender eyes scanned her surroundings once more, her head whipping about, unable to pinpoint where the voice was. Sometimes it boomed from behind her, startlingly close; other times, it seemed to fade into the distance, only to return with an unsettling proximity. And it even seemed to whisper with an eerie clarity right beside her ear at times, sending shivers down her spine.
Hinata didn't know where the beast was; quite frankly, she didn't want to know. She didn't want to see it.
Once more, the trees rustled in a mysterious dance of leaves, stirred by an unseen breeze, prompting her eyes to shift rapidly, whimpering.
Soon after, the voice echoed through the silent forest once more.
"Mmm, what a devoted little thing you are. I must take a closer look."
Instantly, panic surged through Hinata the very moment those words left the beast's mouth.
It felt like a threat, triggering a primal urge in her to flee. Her mind raced with the urge to run, hide, do something, but her body couldn't keep pace with what her mind was screaming at it.
Panic.
That's all she felt.
She was overwhelmed by panic—relentless, heedless of reason or necessity—just raw, clawing panic, gnawing at her insides.
Panic gripped her fiercely, its tendrils wrapping around her mind and squeezing tight. Her heart raced like a drumbeat, each thud echoing in her ears. Every breath came in short, shallow gasps, her chest tightening with each inhale.
Hinata felt trapped in a suffocating embrace of fear, unable to think clearly as adrenaline rushed through her veins.
'Oh no. Oh no!' She repeated over and over in her head as she whipped her body around, trying to anticipate where the beast might reveal itself.
A hushed silence fell upon the forest, as though nature itself had fallen completely still.
Frozen in time.
No shuffles, no rustles, and no sign of life resonated through the entirety of the still forest, leaving Hinata wrapped in an eerie quiet that heightened her anxiety to the extremes.
She began to hyperventilate.
Hinata glanced around anxiously, scanning every direction—left, right, front, back, up, and down—hoping to catch a glimpse of the lurking creature before it leaped out at her, a preemptive move to spare herself a heart attack.
But the forest remained eerily quiet.
And there was no sign or sound of the beast anywhere.
Suddenly, a sensation washed over her, as if the very air had shifted—and in an instant, Hinata sensed a presence behind her, looming over her petite frame.
A warm breath gently brushed against her neck, causing every hair on her body to stand on end.
"Behind you."
The booming voice reverberated behind her once more, but this time, it was unmistakable.
It echoed directly into her left ear.
The realization struck her like a lightning bolt, causing Hinata's heart to race even faster, its beats resembling the fluttering wings of a hummingbird against her chest.
Ba Boom!
Ba Boom!
Ba Boom!
Hinata's body froze in place.
She couldn't move. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't see or hear. Was she still alive? Was she still here?
She wasn't sure.
In moments of fear, they say the body responds with fight or flight, but Hinata was currently experiencing the lesser-acknowledged third option.
Freeze.
It was a primal reaction her body had never felt before, muscles locking rigidly, breath held tight, senses hyper-alert.
Hinata hesitated hard, finding it difficult to accept that the real beast—the one feared by the villagers, the one that had spoken to her moments ago in the night's shadows, the same one even she was afraid of as a child—was now standing right behind her.
No one had ever seen it.
No one even knows what it looks like.
Yet, now it stood behind her.
Hinata couldn't even begin to imagine what the beast looked like.
Her innocent mind couldn't conjure a clear image, only a chilling certainty that whatever stood behind her at this very moment would surely petrify her, plunging her into a pit of regret for even venturing into this forest.
But, she gotta.
She gotta turn around.
Slowly, with trepidation, and a shaky, desperate "I-don't-want-to-die" whimper, she turned, shedding the cold chains of fear that gripped her. It took all of Hinata's strength to turn her body completely around, stretching her neck to face the beast head-on.
But when she did…
What she saw instantly spurred her to fight against the darkness that threatened to cloud her vision and plunge her completely unconscious to the ground behind her.
She fought everything not to faint.
Instead, Hinata jolted back, away from the hulking figure of darkness, stumbling over her pump heels.
"O-Oh my kami. Oh k-k-kami!" She panicked with a scream, lips trembling, teeth chattering against one another. Her abrupt movement caused her lantern and basket to rattle in her clammy hands, nearly slipping from her grasp.
