-Naruto-
My hands were cold. The rain poured down my back, into my hair, my eyes. I had to reach her before it was too late. Sakura ran beside me, worry written on her face too. As fast as we travelled, it seemed like the cave was still so far away, and getting farther. I growled as I thought of her alone, the fire probably dying, her body shivering in the cold darkness of night, the wetness of rain clouding her tears. I tried to speed up, slowing only slightly when Sakura said she couldn't keep up. I almost didn't care. I wouldn't lose her because I ran too slowly.
-Sakura-
I panted heavily, trying to run faster to keep up with Naruto. His mind was clouded with fear. I could tell from the urgency of his movements. As much as I cared for her, I couldn't help feeling a bit jealous.
I know it was wrong of me, but it wasn't fair. Sasuke never cared that much about me, and here Naruto was, barely dodging trees in his hurry to get to Hinata. My heart felt a twinge of pain as I thought of Sasuke. His abandoning the village, and ultimately, me, still burned. I wiped at the tears in my eyes, watching Naruto. I instantly felt regret.
He used to feel that way about me, always trying to make me smile, always being my friend when I was feeling depressed. I wish I had never pushed him away, because now I can't have him. It was finally too late, and it was all my fault for not seeing him as the great guy he was. Why did I always have to be so stupid?
-Naruto-
I finally saw the mouth of the cave, facing the river flowing from the waterfall. I leaped into the air quickly. I barely landed before I started running again. From this distance, I could just see the low fire, flickering menacingly and casting long shadows on the walls of the cave. I tried to walk quickly to the entrance, afraid of startling her. She was laying on the sleeping bag, breathing heavily. Hatred burned at the thought of the rogue shinobi that did this to her. I approached her slowly, calling her name.
"Hinata? Hey, I'm back. I've got the medicine. You'll be okay now." She didn't respond; she had taken off her jacket and was sweating. Strands of her long hair were glued to her face. I knelt by her side, feeling her cheek; it burned my hand before I even touched her. The black taste of pure fury scratched at my throat, fighting to get a growl out. I wouldn't let it this time. I was not going to let my demons control me anymore. Hinata's stirring form brought me back to reality.
"Unh? Naruto?" Her eyes were still closed, but her hand reached out weakly. I grasped it in both of mine, kissing it softly. "Yeah, I'm here. Don't worry, I won't leave you."
"Naruto, were you here before?" Her question confused me. "No, why? When?"
"I heard someone moving around earlier. I thought it was you coming back for supplies. You wouldn't answer me though." She was so tired from sickness she didn't even notice when my body locked up and my teeth clicked together, welding my jaw shut.
"Oh yeah, that was me back then. I forgot some stuff. Sorry I didn't say anything; I was in a hurry." I reassured her by brushing my lips across her forehead. Sakura came in behind me.
"How's Hinata?" Sakura looked around the cave, a disturbed look on her face. Her senses must have been sharper than mine.
"She's not doing too well. I have the medicine, but I'm no medic ninja. You'll have to do this." I wouldn't let go of her hand as Sakura kneeled down next to me. Before, having her this close would have made my head spin out of control. Now it seems like she's my sister.
I used to chase her around all the time, wanting to be close to her, to have her look at me the same way she looked at... him. Back then, she couldn't even see me. Everything was always about him, for him, with him. It used to make me so angry, feeling left out when she tried to sit close to him. Now it doesn't bother me at all.
Ever since I started noticing Hinata, things have been different. She was always nervous and red-faced around me, but I never paid attention. Now I couldn't stay away from her. I finally realized just how perfect she was for me.
-Sakura-
When I ran in and saw Naruto on the floor next to her, I almost couldn't take it. I tried really hard to put a normal face on, fighting the tears threatening to fall. I had to look away to regain composure. I focused on my medic training, blocking everything else out. Still, I was unable to resist getting close to him. He shifted his weight onto another leg, bringing him closer to me. I pretended to study my scorched hand, resting on Hinata's forehead. I was so close I could smell his woodsy scent. He smelled of rain and leaves. It clouded my thoughts. As much as I didn't want to, I had to get him to move so I could do my work right.
"Naruto, you're going to have to move. I can't work like this. It's too cramped. Go clean up around here, and build up the fire; not too much though. She's still burning." I almost didn't know what I was saying, I was in such a hurry to get him to move away. He didn't seem suspicious of me though, he just got up and did as he was told. I focused on grinding the medicines.
"Here, Naruto, put this on her forehead; it should bring her fever down. She'll be okay. The poison from the needle will wear off soon." I stood up and walked to the cave entrance. Naruto didn't look once at my face, he just focused solely on her. I sighed as I watched the rain fall outside. It's smell was relaxing. The river coursed a little stronger than before, swollen from the excess water it recieved.
XXxx
AN: Just putting little indicators of POV change lol. I should've just done it earlier, but I was lazy.