This is my first Naruto fanfic, and it's about Hinata and Kankuro (duh). I'd appreciate any feedback, especially if anyone seems OOC or it's just too far-fetched in general.

Also, it's set about six years before the time skip, or four years after the time skip. If that doesn't make too much sense, everyone (with a few exceptions) is nineteen years of age.

Thank you. :D

"I'm telling you, Sakura, I think that shade of orange would look great on you!"

Naruto, Sakura, Lee, and Ino were in the marketplace. Every time they passed a clothing stall, Naruto felt the inexorable urge to scream out his opinion to his friends. He was still reeling with his attraction to the pink-coiffed shinobi, and was intent upon making her his next (and first) girlfriend.

Lee's own attraction to Sakura had waned over the years. Instead, he focused his attentions elsewhere—that "elsewhere" being the beginning of the end of his physical therapy. His and Gaara's match still affected him, and while he could go for a run here and there it was difficult to do much more. But, being Rock Lee, he wouldn't let it bring him down.

"Naruto, I do honestly believe you are correct!" Lee exclaimed and brought the article up for comparison to Sakura. She glanced desperately to Ino for help, but being her frienemy, Ino did nothing other than grin devilishly.

Naruto crowed triumphantly, "Of course I'm right, Lee! Since when am I wrong?" he added with a wink to Sakura.

She rolled her eyes and groaned inwardly. After six years, you'd think he'd be interested in someone else. But noooo—he had eyes only for Sakura. Which was a shame, considering.

A flash of white and blue attracted her attention. Sakura leaned around the edge of the stall and caught sight of Hinata. Before she called out to her, Sakura made a few observations.

Hinata had grown up nicely. She was always a cute girl, in an elfin way, but now one could say she was very pretty. Her hair had grown out and was drawn back in a ponytail. Her eyes as pale as ever were bright and almost happy.

"Hinata!" Sakura cried out, smiling.

The pale girl looked up, blushing slightly, and smiled back. She made her way over.

"Hello," she greeted.

"Join us, Hinata, we're shopping," Sakura said warmly. She led her back to the others.

Lee welcomed her heartily with the help of Naruto, and Ino hugged her. After they made Hinata feel comfortable, they moved on.

"Hey, Naruto, is it true that the Kazekage is visiting soon?" Ino asked after they went to eat.

"Sure is," Naruto replied, hands in pockets.

"Is he bringing anyone?" Ino asked, hinting at something.

"Not really sure. Probably just Kanky and Temari," Naruto said, oblivious.

Growing frustrated at his blindness, Ino snapped, "What about Shikamaru?"

Naruto grinned, "Of course he's coming!"

Ino crossed her arms. "Jeez, was that so hard?" Then she sighed. "I kinda miss him. He was one of my best friends."

Sakura patted her arm.

They arrived at the small café at high noon. After they ordered and were settled, Sakura casually asked, "So, Hinata, how's life on the farm?"

Hinata set her teacup down and replied, "Same as always, Sakura-chan. Training every day, almost all day. But I'm not complaining." She sipped from her teacup again.

Sakura nodded banally before asking, "Are you a better ninja than before?"

Hinata choked and Lee burst out angrily, "Sakura-chan, that is a very rude thing to ask of Hinata!"

Sakura trained her gaze on the pale girl clearing her throat. "I just meant that—I wanted to know if your training got any better," she added hastily, desperately trying to show her attempt at hiding the false guilt.

Hinata's face was bright red and she spoke very softly. "My training is going very well now, thank you. Father says I may not be a complete disappointment after all." The hope in her voice was subdued, but somehow raw. Sakura began to feel honestly guilty.

Naruto chimed in, "Way to go, Hinata! You can show 'em all!" He laughed and downed the rest of his tea. "Now it's off to the bathroom."

After he disappeared, Sakura said quietly, "I'm sorry, Hinata. That was unkind of me."

Hinata looked up and blinked at her. "It's fine, Sakura-chan. Really. I thank you for your concern." She looked up at the clock on the wall. "And I'm sorry, but I have to go now. Thank you all for inviting me." She bowed and left quickly.

"Way to go, idiot," Ino snarled. Lee was still glaring.

Sakura now felt miserable. How could she do that to someone like Hinata?

-- -- -- --

Hinata rushed home, brushing past civilians and their children. Apologizing to those she bumped into, she eventually made it to the mansion without being too late.

When she got inside, a messenger waited for her instead of her father. He handed her the note and she took it outside. Unrolling it, she read,

Hinata,

You've heard that the Kazekage and his siblings are going to be visiting Konoha soon. I have offered them a place to stay during their time here and they have accepted. They expect you to welcome them, seeing as you know each other. That is all.

Hinata's good disposition soured. How was she supposed to "welcome" them? So they took part in the same activities sic years ago—she didn't actually talk to them. And she was no social butterfly. What was she going to do?

……………

It's short, I know, but it's the first chapter only. I'll update ASAP, depending on how many reviews I get. :P

Thank you for reading. Pleeeease be so kind as to review for me.

-Heart