[unedited]

short & sweet but first...

I wanted to say how truly thankful I am to all my wonderful readers that have endured my horrid updating since the beginning and those who came along the way. Also those who are reading after this is completed!! I started this just before my senior year of high school, thinking I would finish it off by Christmas... well... here we are 2 years later. I went through so much these past two years and this book, writing this whimsical little NaruHina story helped me so much. You guys all helped me so much.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me finish off this book with 15k reads and a lighter heart. I love you guys! Now, please enjoy the last chapter of The Difference Between Us <3

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"Naruto Uzumaki."

A series of cheers echoed from the audience. Hinata, Sakura, and Kushina screamed at the top of their lungs as Naruto crossed the stage and received his degree. There were a few eyes glaring at them from surrounding families but Sasuke and Minato were quick to wave them off.

Ah yes, two and half years later, here we are at Naruto's graduation. He would have graduated last year but took a year off so he and Hinata could figure their new lives out. Naruto worked and Hinata figured out independence so she wouldn't be so scared when Naruto had to leave anymore. She now worked with Ino at her family florist since as soon as Sakura introduced them, Ino was in love with the adorable girl. When Hinata decided to tell Ino where she was truly from, she laughed and then introduced her to Sai, who was also a merman. Naruto knew that Sai was way too odd when they first met in high school. Neji, her cousin, visited her often and he was smitten with Naruto's college friend, Tenten. Hinata had an inkling that Neji would soon be moving to Konoha. 

After the ceremony, it was a struggle trying to find each other in the large crowd. But soon enough, Hinata spotted that head of blond hair. "Naruto-kun!" she shouted and ran to him. Naruto turned around just in time to catch her when she launched herself into his arms.

"Congratulations!" she muttered into his ear as he swung her around. "I'm really so proud of you. You've worked so hard." Hinata said as he set her down. Her speech has also improved so she doesn't always sound so formal.

"Thank you," Naruto smiled brightly down at her. "Where is everyone else?" he asked after a moment and began to look around. 

"They went ahead to the house," she explained. "But that means we can have a moment to ourselves since the rest of the night you'll be busy at the party."

Naruto interlocked their fingers between them and swung their arms as they walked towards the parking lot. "You know the apartment is on the way to my parent's house..." he casually mentioned and glanced down at his wife. "So maybe we can have a bit more than a moment." 

Hinata then had a peachy tint to her cheeks. "Hm, Mr. Uzumaki I do believe you are correct." 

Naruto smiled before he let out an overexaggerated gasp. "Traffic must be terrible," he groaned out dramatically. "We may even be fifteen minutes late!"

Hinata then paused and deadpanned at Naruto. His cheeks turned a soft red as he pulled Hinata with him, a bit of rush in his steps. "Okay, thirty."

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"Where were you two?" Kushina asked after she welcomed them into Naruto's graduation party which was well underway when they arrived. "I knew you two would be late with the traffic, which is why we left early, but nearly an hour?" She huffed out.

"Sorry, mom," he kissed her cheek. "We took the backroads to try to avoid the traffic and we got stuck behind a train." Naruto said, perfectly rehearsed. "But it looks like we weren't missed." He commented, motioning towards the party that was already begun without the guest of honor.

Kushina waved him off. "Oh c'mon, it's been awhile since everyone has seen each other. All you kids are growing up and going your own ways."

With that she walked off to mingle with the guests. Hinata pinched Naruto's side.

"At least no one cares why we were late," she said coyly which caused Naruto to snort. "C'mon, Naruto-kun, let's go say hi to everyone." The bluenette tugged his hand into the crowd. It was of course then that everyone noticed his appearance and rushed to congratulate him on his big honor. 

"Look at us," Kiba strutted up to Naruto after his grandparents had pinched his cheeks thoroughly and left him red. "Graduated." He punched Naruto lightly in the arm. The brunette then directed his vision to Hinata. "Hm, you're really gonna stay with him?" He joked.

Hinata had actually come to be very fond of Kiba over the past couple years. He always made her laugh and was a great friend to cheer her up from the few fights she had with Naruto. Of course, Naruto was a bit hesitant to this but figured Kiba was well behaved now that he had Tamaki.

"Of course, Kiba-kun," Hinata giggled. "We've been married for nearly three years now."

"Oh right," he snapped his fingers as if he really had forgotten. "How could I remember when no one was invited to the wedding?" He then huffed at Naruto.

"Listen, it was her birthday and it was in the spur of the moment. Wouldn't have changed a thing." Naruto slung his arm protectively around Hinata's shoulders.

Kiba then faked gagged and made his way to the punch bowl where Tamaki was.. Hinata laughed as Naruto shoved him as he walked off. 

Dinner was now served buffet style in the kitchen and Hinata served herself and Naruto before sitting with their friends and family. "How does it feel to finally be done with school?" Sakura asked as she sat next to Hinata.

"Hm, I'm alright actually. I've already got a great job and now that I've gotten my degree I could probably get a promotion soon." Naruto said as he slurped down his noodles. "Maybe I could buy a house for me and Hinata soon."

Hinata's eyes began to glow for a moment at that but she quickly blinked it away. "A house? Really?" She asked. Hinata wanted to stay with Minato and Kushina since she didn't really like apartment's and all the people. But she understood why Naruto wanted more privacy and independence. Especially since they were married.

Naruto nodded. "Yeah, we can afford one here in the suburbs."

"Oh that's wonderful!" She exclaimed and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "When?"

"Not for another few months," Naruto laughed at her eagerness. "But probably before the end of next year."

Hinata beamed for the rest of their meal and Naruto had to remind her every few minutes to please control your eyes because of how excited she was.

The party went on and everyone danced and mingled. Although, Hinata was growing tired much more quickly than she normally did. Hinata kissed Naruto on the cheek as she left the makeshift dancing floor on the patio and left him to act like a fool along with the other boys, including Neji. Hinata giggled at the sight but was relieved to see that most of the guests had moved outside so she could get a moment to herself.

"What's wrong, Hina?" Sakura asked as she plopped next to her on the sofa. "You looked upset so I came in to check on you."

"The party is hardly over but I've grown quite tired already," she sighed out and slouched into the cusions. "I don't know what's wrong."

Sakura hummed. "Have you eaten?"

"Yes, too much actually. I've had three servings of ramen." Hinata patted her stomach. "Perhaps it's the summer heat."

The pinkette eyed her for a moment. She had a feeling for the past couple weeks but didn't want to push anything. Although, maybe Hinata didn't know.

"Hey," she poked Hinata's arm. "Have you considered that you might be pregnant?"

The bluenette paused at her words. She then squinted her eyes and slowly turned to the pinkette at her side. "I couldn't be pregnant... my tail would have grown to support the added weight that I will be carrying." She said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. 

Sakura opened her mouth then closed it. She thought for a second before trying again."Hina, when is the last time you transformed?"

"Maybe back in March in Hanabi's birthday," Hinata said. She then gasped and grabbed Sakura's hands. "In March! It's May! I haven't transformed in two months!"

Sakura shushed her as her outburst caused a few people to turn their heads at them. She then fished Sasuke's car keys from her purse. "I'll be back in ten minutes."

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"But what if I do it wrong?" Hinata cried helplessly from Minato and Kushina's bathroom. The other two bathrooms in the house were much too busy right now with the party.

"How can you pee on a stick wrong?" Sakura asked. "Just pee in a cup and I'll help you."

There was a heavy pause before Sakura heard Hinata let out an embarrassed noise. "Well don't listen to me pee!"

Sakura giggled and walked to the bed and sat at the end of it. She waited patiently for a few moments before Hinata slowly opened the door. While Hinata washed her hands, Sakura uncapped the test and dipped it in the disposable cup before recapping it and washing her own hands.

"What now?" Hinata asked, fidgeting with her fingertips.

"Now, we wait." Sakura said with a sigh as she sat down on the carpet right outside of the master bath. Hinata sat down next to her and let out a shaky breath.

Silence engulfed the two of them but Sakura could tell that Hinata was anxious. She chewed her lip for a moment before turning to the bluenette. "You-"

"How long do we have to wait?" Hinata asked before slapping her hand over her mouth. "'m sorry, please continue."

The pinkette let out a laugh before wrapping her arm around Hinata's shoulders. "Three minutes. I was going to say that if you are pregnant, what will happen?" She asked.

Hinata closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the wall before letting out a shaky exhale. "I-I don't know..." she mumbled. "I have never thought about raising a child. Least of all a human one. It is so easy in the ocean to raise children but here on land... well I watched Ms. Kurenai the past few years." Hinata said, a heavy sigh punctuating her sentence. Kurenai was a family friends of Naruto's.

The Uzumaki raised her hands to her face. "Naruto just graduated. As he mentioned earlier at dinner, we are doing well financially but I don't know what all a human baby entails. And there is a possibility that it could be born with a tail. And if that's the case then I need to get it to the ocean as soon as possible or their tail will begin to dry out very quickly which could end up being fatal." Sakura could hear the stress in her voice. It sounded as if she was holding back tears. She discreetly got her phone and texted Naruto to please come to your mom's room.

"Hinata," Sakura began, poking her cheek to make her smile. "You and Naruto would be great parents. Plus, you wouldn't be doing it by yourself. You know that me and Sasuke and your family and Naruto's would be more than willing to help. I know that this is scary but... I think you'll do great."

Hinata slowly uncovered her face and saw Sakura's bright green eyes shining back at her. Hinata finally let her tears fall freely and let Sakura wrap her arms around her as she let out the heavy set of emotions that had been placed on her. After what felt like much longer than three minutes, Hinata finally lifted her head and wiped her tears.

"Thank you, Sakura-chan." she sniffled and wiped her cheek with her palm.

"Anytime," The pinkette kissed her cheek. She pulled back and became very serious. "Are you ready?"

They both stood up and put on stern faces. Hinata walked back into the bathroom and looked down at the test faced down on the countertop. She stared at it before letting out a sob. "I can't look! You look!"

Sakura nodded and let out a snide chuckle. "You probably couldn't even tell the results anyways."

Hinata let herself let out a shaky laugh and she walked back to the bedroom, gaining distance. She wrapped her thin arms around her frame and nodded, putting her game face back on. Sakura moved her bangs from her eyes and turned over the pregnancy test. Hinata chewed on her lip while Sakura examined the stick and tapped her foot impatiently.

The pinkette turned to her with a soft smile on her features. "Y-you're pregnant, Hina."

Hinata froze. "I... I am?" she asked quietly to which Sakura nodded. The Haruno didn't dare move until Hinata did, she didn't want to scare her.

Her foot had stopped tapping and she felt as though she stopped breathing. Pregnant. As in she had a tiny living being in her. As in she and Naruto were going to be parents.

But as much as it terrified her... she couldn't even feel any negative emotions. Rather than stress and fear washing over her, Hinata felt... okay. She felt even better than okay, actually. She felt as though she was floating.

"I'm pregnant?" She asked again after a few moments. Sakura nodded again. Hinata then let out a breath of laugher. "I'm pregnant." She said flatly, surely. And once those words left her mouth she felt a wave of pure joy wash over her a fire ignite in her limbs.

She jumped at Sakura, beginning to laugh hysterically. "I'm pregnant!" She screamed to which Sakura finally let out a shriek of excitement. 

"You're pregnant!" Sakura screamed back and began to jump as well. They hugged and began to jump around Minato and Kushina's bedroom, unable to physically contain their excitement. They laughed and began to cry somewhere along the way but were mostly laughing.

"You're gonna have a baby!" Sakura yelled and tossed a pillow at Hinata. Hinata quickly threw it back.

"I'm gonna have a baby!" She giggled and shook her shoulders. "I'm gonna be a mom!"

At those words, the bedroom door opened to reveal none other than Naruto himself. "Hey, sorry, I just saw-" He paused at the slight disarray of his parents bedroom and slowly turned his gaze to the panting girls on either side of the bed. "What's going on?"

Hinata didn't even wait before screaming and launching herself over the mattress and into Naruto's arms. He caught her quickly and was taken aback by the kiss that Hinata planted on his lips as soon as she was in his arms.

"I'll leave you two..." Sakura said before slipping out and closing the door behind her.

Naruto leaned into the kiss and pulled Hinata even tighter against him as she wrapped her arms around his neck and legs around his hips. She pulled back with a wide smile on her lips. Naruto looked her with a hazy look in his eyes.

"Wh-what was that for?" he asked and she kissed him again. "Look, I'm super into this but we literally just did it and we're in my parents-"

"Shut up," Hinata laughed and pushed his face with her hand as she wiggled down from his grip. "Put me down, I don't want you to drop me when I tell you." she said. Naruto wrapped his arms tighter around her waist and kissed her ear.

"I would never drop you," he said. "and tell me what?"

Hinata paused for a moment before locking eyes with him.

"That you're going to be a father."

Time stopped around them. Naruto kept his word and didn't drop her but his grip faltered slightly. "Shut up," he said, an incredulous tone lacing around his words. "N-no way. No I'm not." Naruto said before gently placing Hinata down and turning around to gather himself.

"Aw, Naruto-kun, look at me," she grabbed his sleeve and pulled him so he would turn and face her. "What's wrong?"

"You're lying," he muttered, eyes welling up with tears. 

"I promise I'm not," she said gently and cupped his cheek. "I just took the test and Sakura said it was positive. We're going to have a baby."

Naruto's bottom lip trembled and tears began to fall from his eyes. "You're pregnant?" he asked, still in disbelief. Hinata could feel herself beginning to cry as she watched Naruto. She had no idea he'd be this emotional.

"I'm pregnant." She whispered. It was as if that if she said it too loud it would no longer be true.

He lowered his head onto her shoulder and sat down on the edge of the bed with her still in his lap. She felt him shake quietly as he sobbed and just hugged him tightly and pressed a kiss on his blond hair. "Are... are you okay?" she asked after a minute or two. Hinata was a little confused but still understood he was either extremely happy or extremely upset.

Naruto pulled away and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand before looking up at her. "Are you kidding?" he asked, a grin already forming on his lips. "I'm better than okay. We're going to have a little baby!" he exclaimed and stood up, swinging Hinata in his arms. Hinata let out a shout of laughter as he put her down and moved his hands up to her jaw. 

"I'm so happy," he whispered as he pressed their foreheads together. "This is the best day of my entire life."

Hinata scoffed lightly. "Even better than our wedding?"

"Yup," Naruto said jokingly. "Because today, I got to wake up next to you as my wife and then go graduate. Then I got to spend a great hour with you and have a great time with my friends and family and now..." he let out a deep sigh and sank down to his knees in front of Hinata. The blond wrapped his arms around her waist. "We're going to be a family."

Hinata placed her hands on the top of his head and looked up to try and stop the tears that sprang to her eyes. "Y-you're right," she croaked out, looking back down at the blond. "Way better than our wedding day."

Naruto laughed and laid his head down on her stomach. They stayed like that for a moment, just taking in the moment. They could hear the party going on downstairs and the boisterous laughter that came with it. Nothing but happiness surrounded them all they could ask for and more.

"Naruto-kun, I don't believe I've ever thanked your for this wondrous life you've given me," Hinata said after a moment. Naruto looked up at her in confusion but she continued. "You took a chance on this incredibly abnormal girl and helped. If you hadn't done that... I don't know where I would be right now." She sniffled out, incredibly emotional. "We- we were so different and yet... you welcomed me into your life and n-never once looked away from me."

Naruto let out a soft chuckle and rose to his feet. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead before bending so he could be completely eye level with her.

"I could've, or maybe still can, name a million different things about you and I," he said with a soft smile. "But it doesn't matter what the difference between us ever was, Hinata. What matters is that we found each other."

Hinata smiled and wiped her nose ungracefully. "I love you, Naruto Uzumaki Naruto." she mumbled as she buried her face in his chest. Naruto let out a laugh since she hadn't called him that in so long.

He wrapped his arms around her and hugged tightly. "I love you too, Hinata Uzumaki Hinata."

thank you <3