Road to Hokage: Save the Hyuga Clan

Dinner and Doubts

Naruto took a deep breath and focused on steadying the spoon in his prosthetic hand. He looked at the tea recipe on the counter to his left. Two teaspoons of matcha. He managed one but the second was giving him trouble. His hand slightly shook before he could add the matcha to the tea kettle. He growled in annoyance. 

He could operate the arm nearly perfectly in battle and training but when it came to small minor everyday things he still struggled. He lost his grip with his right hand sometimes when he was frustrated or upset or not paying attention. Like when he accidentally broke Hinata's favorite tea kettle right before she left for her mission. She told him repeatedly not to worry. Naruto still felt bad and embarrassed at his mistake.He had spent the last month saving money from his missions to buy Hinata a new one from one of those newer shops in the upper side of Kahona.

Naruto remembered Sakura's eyes opened wide when Naruto asked her opinion on his purchase.

"Naruto, " Sakura breathed as she peered into the bag. "This is beautiful. You actually did good. Hinata will love it."

When he received the message from Kakashi that Hinata would be returning tonight, he brought flowers, made dinner, and attempted to make her favorite tea-- lavender matcha. He took another deep breath and calmed himself as he practiced with Granny in therapy. On the third breath, he attempted to scoop the matcha again. He was able to easily do it.

"Yosh!" He grinned as began to whisk the tea. He was almost done when he sensed someone at the apartment door. Hinata, he thought. He grabbed the flowers off the table and opened the door.

Lavender eyes met blue ones. The couple always said more with their eyes than words could ever say. Naruto rushed Hinata unexpectedly picking her up off her feet. He started spinning around with her in his arms.

"Naruto-kun," she giggled somewhere in his chest. The sound of her laughter ignited a sense of comfort and peace inside of him."It's good to be home." Naruto cupped the side of her face in his hand and kissed her gently.

"Hinata," said he as gently placed her back down but continued to hold her close to him. The tea kettle whistled from the kitchen. Hinata sniffed the air in the direction of the kitchen before looking at her husband again.

"Welcome home Hinata." He said, picking up flowers he accidentally dropped in his rush to hug her. Her mouth parted in surprise at the gesture.

"You cooked?" She asked. 

" And I have a surprise for you, too." He said excitedly leading her to the kitchen. He grabbed a towel and removed the tea kettle from the stove. " Lavender matcha tea in your new tea kettle."

Hinata's hand went to her heart in response. She was truly humbled by the warm welcome home. The tea kettle was simply beautiful. Decorated with gold koi fish with purple and teal jewels for eyes and outlined in gold paint against a black background. When Naruto tilted the kettle to pour the tea, it almost seemed like the fish were moments away from diving into the cup. Naruto offered Hinata a cup of tea. The aroma made her mouth water.

"Arigato!" She thanked him. She slowly took a sip while Naruto watched her face intensely.