A Tale of NaruHina
So, this story really shows how much I love the NaruHina pairing over about any other Naru one. It really made me happy to write.
As the sun began to fade behind the clouds at the conclusion of another day, a boy—wearing orange and black, eyes blue like the river, hair golden, and smile warm as the sun—walked alone through the emptying streets. He was unaware he was being followed.
Another, careful to only cast the necessary shadow, followed the boy with skill. When he turned in suspicion, the person flew into a hiding spot. The boy blinked and headed on.
"Hi there, Naruto!" someone greeted the boy. She had short, pink hair, dim in the dying light.
"Oh, hi, Sakura," he said, waving. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"I just thought we could go grab dinner together or something," she answered.
"Like on a date? As much as I would like to, I just want to have dinner by myself tonight. Maybe another night," he answered. And this is mostly because I forgot my wallet… I don't want Sakura to have to pay. Anyway, she'd punch me through the wall if I did ask her, like last time…
"Oh, okay, see you tomorrow then," Sakura said and turned away towards her house.
The person pursuing the boy stopped and blinked. Oh, well…maybe I'll catch Naruto-kun alone tomorrow… Silently, the girl walked from her hiding place and headed to go get some ramen by herself. She didn't notice someone walking up from behind. "Oh, hey Hinata!"
"H-h-hi," she stammered, her face turning red. It was Naruto. She turned around slowly.
"Were you heading to Ichiraku Ramen?" he asked and flashed his signature radiant smile.
"Y-yeah, I was planning on getting dinner there…" she said quietly. She pressed her fingers together out of habit. I wish I wasn't so shy around him…
"Cool," he acknowledged, "I was heading over there too!"
"W-would you l-like to have dinner with me?" she asked shyly. Hinata raised her head to look him somewhat in the eyes, yet trying not to get lost in them.
He blinked in surprise. "Sure!" He took her hand and started to walk down to the restaurant.
Hinata shot him a small smile. "You know, this is nice."
"Yeah," Naruto agreed, giving her hand a friendly squeeze, "I was surprised you asked me. I always thought you were too shy."
Even though it was true, Hinata felt saddened. "—But now, I'm happy that you have opened up to me a little more."
Hinata brightened. "Y-you mean i-it?"
Naruto laughed. "Hinata, you are one of the coolest kunoichi I know! You can always find a way to make me happy or make me stronger!" He smiled again.
"Y-you deserve the inspiration, N-Naruto-kun. You also give me hope," she said quietly.
"I do?" he asked confused. He slicked back his hair in thought.
"When I watch you… I know we'll all be safe with you protecting us…"
"Hey, don't leave yourself out! Everyone lends a hand," he said modestly, but added, "but of course, I'm a great ninja, too!" They neared the restaurant, and Naruto moved the draping fabric out of Hinata's way. She sat down on a stool, Naruto following right after.
"Hey, Hinata, I've been wondering…" Naruto said, looking at his hands.
"What is it?" she asked, her heart lifting.
He scratched his head. "Uh… can you pay for my ramen?" He laughed.
"S-sure…" Hinata said, her face dipped. For a minute there, I thought he was going to—
"Thanks!" he said and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Hinata turned red. "N-no problem, Naruto-kun…" She felt like she was going to melt in happiness. The sun finally fell, to rise again next morning. I wouldn't have today any other way.