Much Awaited

Finally, finally she'd said it. All those pent up emotions, unspoken words, all of it restricted within those three words.

I

Love

You

Good job, Hinata! Now the hard part.

Waiting for a response.

Her fingers shuffled nervously, anxiously. She carefully studied Naruto's expression, from the raised brows to the wide eyes to the slightly hanging mouth. She decided those weren't very good signs.

Her heart thudded so loudly and uncontrollably that for a second, she was afraid he'd hear it. For a short moment, regret resided on Hinata's mind. She shouldn't have done it, she should've just let his days pass, with her watching discreetly on the sidelines. Her hands were trembling now, her eyes blinking back threatening tears.

Suddenly, a faint, warm, cheeky smile crept up his lips and his eyes, those beautiful blue orbs sparkled under the moon's gaze. She could feel the warmth, and care emanating from him. And a huge wave of relief washed over her. A burden lifted itself from her chest, and it was like she could breath again.

"Come on, Hinata-chan!" He smiled that cheeky smile of his. "I'll treat you to some ramen!" He announced, before grabbing her wrist and dragging her off to Ichiraku's.

– – –

"So that's why you were always fainting everytime I saw you." He laughed, not meaning for her to feel embarrassed about it. Once he realized her pink cheeks and sheepish behavior (more than usual), he acted quickly. "Oh, gomen Hinata-chan!" He flailed his arms in apology. "I was just joking. I didn't mean for it to sound like that!" Staring at the flustered Naruto, she giggled sweetly.

"I-it's alright, N-Naruto-kun." She smiled genuinely at him. He stared at her for a brief moment, before assuming a contemplative expression.

"Hinata?"

"Y-yes, N-Naruto-kun?"

"Did you really, truly mean what you said? That you.." He swallowed. "Love me?" She stared at him, a dreaded feeling lingering at the pit of her stomach.

She nodded, unwavering. "Hai." His brows shot up once more, shock evident on his features. Her breathing hitched and her mind was hazy and chaotic, like a storm had just gone past it. That dreaded feeling spread, and slowly, that burden was returning to her chest once more. Breathing had become a struggle for her now.

"Hinata.." Gingerly, he lifted a hand and placed it on her cheek. She froze. The warmth emanating from his palm.. it was definitely there. She felt his thumb caress a spot below her eye. Slowly, carefully, he advanced. She panicked. He was gonna kiss her! Oh dear Kami, what was she to do?!

They were inches apart now.. A hair's breadth away..

And then they touched. Or more specifically, their lips. She let her eyes droop and she could taste the faintest ramen lingering on those luscious lips.

And the fireworks, the passion, the spark, it-

Wasn't there?

– – –

Knock knock.

"Just a minute!" Kiba cried, flicking the gas stove off before dashing towards the door. "Hey!- Hinata?" Instantly, concern and worry etched itself into his features. "What's wrong? Do you want me to walk you home or something?" She shook her head, her eyes darting for a sign of his canine companion.

"No, no, K-kiba-kun. I just.. I-I confessed to N-Naruto-kun today." Shock, mixed with curiosity replaced worry.

"Really?! What'd he say?" Side-stepping, he guided her into his small complex.

And that's when it dawned on her. He never really said 'I love you' back, did he? She smiled. He'd planned this. He planned it all.

Her respect for him intensified. Naruto was definitely growing..

"H-he took me o-out for some r-ramen." Kiba's shock only grew.

"Oh." Was all he could muster, without exposing his painfully breaking heart. He felt so strangled and hopeless and.. just generally lonely.

"Well, I'm happy for you, Hinata-chan!" He smiled that cheesy smile. Unfortunately for him, Hinata could see right through his fake grin. Frowning, she shifted towards him.

"Kiba-kun?" She didn't stammer, he noted. He liked that. He relieved himself from the feigned smile and stared at her.

"W-what would you.. Umm.. What would you say if I.. If I asked you to kiss me?" Just like that, he was stunned. This was the courageous side of Hinata, rearing itself outside the battlefield. He loved seeing her brave and strong, as opposed the usually shy and timid Hinata. It proved everyone wrong. It proved that she was worthy of, not only the Hyuuga name, but its most prestigious honor as well, to become the clan's head.

And to top it all off, she was so, painfully beautiful.

And here she was, asking him to kiss her?

"Hell yeah." He smiled toothily, before pulling her close, smashing their lips together. And for that moment, he didn't think of the hindrances. Not of Naruto, or Neji or anyone else from the Hyuuga clan. It was just them in his open apartment. Just his smiling lips against hers. And she could just feel the passion and longing he'd been enduring. And she'd probably be scolded for coming home so late, but she wouldn't dare break the most blissful moment of her life, of their life.

But after a few minutes, they'd realized that breathing was inevitable. They broke apart, both gasping for air. But despite that, visible smiles danced on their lips.

"What about Naruto, though?" He inquired hesitantly. She smiled warmly at his query.

"He's no you."

Well, this has been collecting dust on my 'BETA' folder. I REALLY NEED A BETA-READER! Please?

Oh, and constructive criticism as well. Thank you.