Title: The Gift

Summary: Hinata decides to give her cousin what she thinks will be the 'perfect' gift. (Pairings: Naruto U & Hinata H; Neji & TenTen). [My first Naruto fic so please let me know what you think

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Mishimoto does. I can only wish I owned the blue-eyed blonde.

Chapter 1: The Decision

Hinata was in a powerful position. Thirteen years ago if someone has told her that she would be one of the most influential kunoichi in Konohagakure, she would have blushed deep red and stuttered out 'no'. However life has a way of surprising a person and showing them that they can ascend above their own dreams and sit on top of the world.

Hinata woke up and in her customary way turned her eyes immediately to the Rokudaime Hokage, her husband…Uzumaki Naruto. As was her morning ritual, she studied his face and thought for the millionth time since they were married three years ago, that she was beyond lucky. Her most important dream was realized and the blonde haired 'not so much' hyperactive ninja beside her testified of her dream coming true. In addition to that Hinata was the leader of one of the most, if not the most prestigious clan in the entire village – the Hyuuga clan. She had proven to her father and the entire clan of Byakugan users that she was a very capable and powerful kunoichi, who was free to choose a blue-eyed blonde for a husband over a fellow Hyuuga. Naturally their marriage was met with opposition by the elders of the clan and if not for the encouragement of Naruto she may have been tempted to tell them all to go to hell and move into Naruto's apartment. She didn't…because despite her timid nature, she wanted the position if only to prove to everyone around her that she was not just a stuttering fool. She also wanted the position because for years she had wanted to give her cousin Neji a gift.

Hyuuga Neji, the genius of the clan. A man more powerful in battle than herself, and driven to succeed by a similar force – the need to prove to everyone that he was more than what others thought of him. Hinata cared deeply for her cousin. Their relationship had started out on the stands of hate and fear, but after the Chunin exams Neji was saved from inner darkness by the words of her husband and his entire attitude had slowly changed and now the two cousins were more like siblings. Hinata however was still plagued by a deep feeling of regret on her cousin's behalf; she regretted that he carried the cursed seal on his forehead and has always thought of how she could get rid of it. Everyone has told her it is impossible and even when mentioning it to Neji, he told her to not concern herself with his fate (damn, she hated that word) but her concern touched him. That just increased her need to get rid of it. They were shinobi, and possessed great talent in ninjutsu. There must be some way!

That morning Hinata came to a decision, she will get rid of that cursed mark and free her cousin from his makeshift prison. Even if no one has ever used it to subdue him (no one would dare since Hiashi had all but adopted him into the family), it was still there as a painful reminder.

"I'm going to do it!" she said forcefully, while slamming her small palm into her next hand.

"Do what?" a groggy voice said next to her. She gasped and stared down at her husband as his eyes slowly opened to reveal deep blue orbs staring back at her.

"Oh…sorry to wake you Naruto-kun," she replied somewhat shyly. No matter what, she still sometimes felt shy in his presence.

"It's okay." He raised his head and supported his weight on an elbow, while staring at her fully. His hair slightly fell in his eyes but before he could remove it, Hinata was already brushing the locks out of his face. He breathed deeply at her touch and grinned broadly. "So what are you going to do Hinata?"

"Umm…"

"Yes?"

"You may think me silly."

"You know me better than that."

"Yes…" she smiled, and then her expression turned serious. "Naruto-kun, I want to free Neji."

He didn't need to ask from what. "I see," was his reply as he looked thoughtful and sat up fully in bed. "That will be very difficult."

"I know" she replied. For a moment she lowered her gaze, but when her eyes were raised once more they held a steely determination that brought a smile to Naruto's face.

"You'll find a way."

"If it's one thing I've learnt from knowing you all these years Naruto is that there is always a way."

"I will help you in any way I can," he paused for a moment "but not now. I just realized that the sun is rising and I need to go to Suna for the official visit with Gaara…umm…Kazekage-sama." Hinata giggled at his correction. It was funny how diplomatic Naruto had to be since he was appointed Hokage almost a year ago. Almost all his nicknames and familiar phrases had to be dropped. The most difficult one was not calling Rock Lee 'fuzzy-brows.'

"Are you laughing at me wife?!" Naruto demanded playfully.

"Yes Husband-kun. I only laugh because you are funny." She unsuccessfully tried to suppress another giggle.

"Fine…I'll give you something to laugh about." Her eyes opened wide at his threat.

"No…don't you dare." He slowly leaned closer. "Naruto, you know I'm not strong enough to withstand that."

"I very much know." Hinata scooted over further on the bed, but it was to no avail. In a matter of milliseconds she was being mercilessly tickled all over her sides and abdomen by Naruto. Her peals of laughter could've been heard all the way back to Suna.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hyuuga Neji was training. It was customary for him to rise before the sun and train before doing other duties. His ears suddenly picked up a shriek of laughter which caused him to pause in the middle of his sparring match with the wooden dummy. Naruto is torturing Hinata-sama again. He smiled slightly as he remembered an incident a week after they were married.

Hyuuga Neji was training. In the middle of a rotation a sudden scream pierced the air. He looked towards the Hyuuga compound and jumped to action immediately. He was unfamiliar with the noise being made but he knew for certain it was Hinata-sama. In seconds he was bursting through the room she shared with her husband…Byakugan activated and ready to fight.

The sight that met him was a red faced Hinata laughing her head off while Naruto was doing something to her sides. They paused mid-laughter and looked towards the intruding Hyuuga. Naruto took in his stance, looked at his Byakugan and promptly started laughing. By that time other members had started to arrive and poor Hinata was blushing to no end while Naruto laughed his head off.

"Neji," he gasped out while still laughing, "what…are…you doing?"

"I heard a noise." Neji replied stoically.

"You heard Hinata laugh."

"I was not aware Hinata-sama could be so vocal."

Naruto ignoring them turned and grinned at his blushing wife. "That's why I told you we should've moved to MY apartment."

Neji thought about how embarrassed he was at that moment. Needless to say, everyone now knew what Hinata sounded like when she was laughing hysterically.

Neji was proud of his cousin and although he would not admit it to Naruto he was grateful to him for the positive change he effected in Hinata and for the change he caused in Neji's own life. He is certain that if he had not met Naruto in the Chunin exams, he would not have experienced life and happiness as he now did. He regretted all those years he spent hating Hinata when he could have been protecting her. He would always watch her from a distance because with Naruto next to her his task as protector was somewhat lessened. Although he felt in some ways saddened that Hinata had a new person to look out for her, he was glad that Naruto was the one. He smiled to himself again and resumed his training. The sun was rising and he had his own wife to get home to…that thought made him smile even more.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hinata stood at the door with Naruto, adjusting his red and white robes for the third time. She smoothed down each side and made sure his hat was properly adjusted. As soon as she was finished adjusting his hat she stood back and surveyed her work. He still favoured orange and black, however his full black outfit only had three strips of orange down one pant leg and two somewhat broad orange strips on his shirt. His forehead protector was tied around his head and the hat almost covered all his locks. She watched as he took the hat off his head.

"I hate this hat."

"It goes with the territory."

"Yondaime, Baa-chan and Shodaime never wore it."

"I think you look cute." The hat was back on in a flash and Hinata smiled.

"How long will you be away."

"About a week." She lowered her head as her heart constricted with sadness.

"I know it's necessary Naruto-kun," she said softly, "but I hate it when you leave." He touched her cheek and raised her head so that their eyes met. Slowly he lowered his lips to hers and lightly kissed her. She sighed and reached her arm around his neck, pulling him more to her. She didn't want a light kiss goodbye. Naruto grinned against her lips and then kissed her deeply. He breathed in her lavender scent and caressed her lips with his own while thanking Kami that she belonged to him. After a moment they pulled away and just hugged.

"Be careful out there." She said

"I will be."

"Don't lose your head."

"I won't cause I happen to like it very much. Without it I won't be able to kiss you."

She blushed, "you know what I mean."

"I know."

They let go of each other, and Naruto noticed her glistening eyes.

"Hinata…don't cry, it'll only be a week."

"I know."

"And you'll be busy with that new decision of yours."

"Yes, by the time you get back, I'll know exactly how to do it."

"That's my girl."

An ANBU shinobi suddenly appeared in front of them.

"Hokage-sama," he said with his head bowed. "Preparations are ready. It is time to depart."

"Hai." He said. He took hold of Hinata's hands. "Remember Shikamaru will be in charge while I'm away and I know Neji will help you with anything you need. All I ask is that if you see Shikamaru looking like he's doing a better job than me…sabotage him somehow."

"Naruto-kun," she chided.

"Okay…fine fine. Don't sabotage my chief advisor." He kissed her cheek and with a flick of his tongue licked the salty tear he tasted. That action was almost the end of Hinata, as she suddenly wanted to block all the ANBU's chakra points, kidnap Naruto and drag him back to the bedroom. She closed her eyes to calm her racing heart then opened them to stare into Naruto's knowing and mischievous gaze.

"Naruto…kun." She choked out.

"I know dear," he winked. "I'll be back in a week." He gave her one last look and in a puff of smoke he and the ANBU had disappeared.

Hinata stood at the door and leaned against the post for support. One week. No Naruto for a week. No kisses for a week. No… okay I'll stop there, she thought. She would fully occupy herself. It was time to work on her new project. She smiled as she pictured Neji without a curse mark on his forehead.

TBC

A/N: I enjoyed writing this first chapter. Please review and tell me what you think of it. It's nice that my little sister likes it, but I'd like to know what others think too. I'll give a slice of cake to each reviewer. I think this will be about 3 – 4 chapters, but that may depend on you (winks)