Summary: She had always wanted to walk by his side. But, to do so, she had to run to catch up first. When she finally did, she would tell him. That she always had, when no one else would, loved him.
Disclaimer: Do not own. Why else do you think NejiTen isn't canon?
Running
He was always running ahead. And he never looked back. She longed to catch up to him, and to walk by his side.
But once, he did look back. He looked back and she caught a glimpse of his smile. Perhaps it had not been meant for her, but she was happy that she saw his smile. It only encouraged her to run faster. She longed for his smile to finally be directed at her.
– x – X – x –
He thought her weird.
"N…N…Na—"
"Nani? Did someone say something?"
She could only flush in embarrassment.
"Daijoubu, Hinata-chan?" He reached out to feel her forehead. "Do you have a fever?" (1)
Then, a dull thud was heard by everyone within a two feet radius. (2)
She fainted.
– x – X – x –
But he was still friendly toward her.
"Go…Go…Gomen," she cried. (3)
But Naruto had helped her. He distracted those bullies but got beaten up. Because of her. He had saved her. Just like his smile always had.
– x – X – x –
He stood up for her.
"Hinata-sama, people don't change."
"You are weak. You can never become strong. That is what fate has determined."
"NO HINATA, DON'T LISTEN TO THAT BASTARD!"
– x – X – x –
"N…Na…Na—"
He walked away. Perhaps he hadn't heard her?
– x – X – x –
But, one day. One day she would be able to catch up to him. And walk beside him.
He was so close. She was almost there. Right behind him. So she leaped. She finally found the courage to confront him. Her fierce determination was obvious on her face as she fought to defend him.
– x – X – x –
"Watashi wa… Naruto-kun ga daisuki dakara." (4)
"…Hinata."
"Hinata! Hinata!"
She blacked out, sinking into the darkness, but, this time, a smile graced her features.
Author's Note: I really wanted to write something with the theme of Hinata catching up to Naruto and walking by his side. I also really wanted to write something about how Naruto's smile saved her (Hinata). I have yet to do the latter. But this is what happens after watching Hinata's Confession, thinking back, and wanting to write. I don't think it's quite that well-written, but I hope it will pass… Leave a review if possible?
And, for those who need further explanations—
(1) Daijoubu, when asked in a question, usually means "Are you okay?" or something along those lines.
(2) Added in for humorous purposes for grunty07. If you don't find it that funny, I don't care.
(3) Gomen means sorry.
(4) "Watashi wa… Naruto-kun ga daisuki dakara." A direct quote from the anime. AKA, her confession, meaning "I love you." … I think. :P
Scene #1 was just a random scene I made up, but probable. If it's in the anime, that's nice. Whatever. xD
Scene #2 is during the Chuunin exam when she fought Neji.
Scene #3 was her confession. (Episode 166)
And no, his walking away and her leaping is not a scene. Nor is the intro. But I suppose that's self-explanatory. Or maybe not. This is just for clarification for those that need it.
Oh. And I need to mention this so you don't kill me. Yeah, I know, the single-spacing annoys me, but the double-spacer hates me... Doesn't work for me. Just mentally add an extra line in between each break and such. It looks less clumped-together a bit like that. Yes, FanFiction is where you Unleash Your Imagination, ne? Okay, I know, it's not meant that way, but bleh... stupid spacing. *Goes off to mutter and curse at the spacing thing*