words.
Words.
Words make her want to scream.
A scream isn't a word, is it? It doesn't matter. Hands twisting in her lap, she thinks of the handkerchief in her pocket but she doesn't dare reach for it. No one uses them nowadays, so it sits hidden in her pocket.
Words words words for the worse.
She didn't know that many, and watching the boys carry on long, intelligent, intense discussions make her feel left out and damn! She hates feelings too. Feelings are complicated.
"Hinata?" Naruto's gentle voice breaks through, and her heart flips and soars and she feels faint.
"N-N-Naruto," Something as simple as his name, she can't even say without stammering! She tries to smile, but can feel it slipping on her face. "H-how are you?" She practically croaks.
"I'm fine." Naruto says cheerfully, and is wise to do most of the talking. "Just waiting for Sasuke-chan, he's with Suigetsu right now, I think, about some project for Chem class - doesn't Chem suck? - and hey, Sasuke!"
Sasuke Uchiha, resident Ice King has approached, with Suigetsu behind him. Suigetsu was friendly enough, but Hinata would never admit she was terrified of his teeth. So pointy.
"I missed you!" Naruto teases, giving Sasuke a kiss on the cheek. Hinata's heart flops again, lies on the ground, and sobs.
"Tch. Idiot." Sasuke says before kissing him full on the mouth, managing to find a comfortable position in Naruto's lap.
Suigetsu snickers and takes his place at the table. "They just can't keep their hands off each other. Kar- Kar!" He throws a packet of cookies at Karin, sitting next to Sakura. "I AM THE TROLL FEEDER." Karin rolls her eyes and goes back to talking to Sakura.
"Like a boss," Kiba cries, and Hinata's face softens. Kiba is enthusiastic and bright, and he has always been a friend to her.
"Ah, shit!"
They all turn upon hearing Sasuke's cry.
"I bit his tongue, nothing serious." Naruto announces as Sasuke smacks him.
"Don't announce that!"
"Why not?" Naruto takes a deep breath and bellows, "S'UKES AND I MAKE LOVE."
Sasuke smacks him once more. "Not anymore, dumbshit."
At this, Naruto wails, and Hinata's heart constricts.
"Hinata-chan?"
Shino has selected the seat next to her. The table falls quiet, for Shino is the mystery man of their grade. He has always been kind to Hinata, and she's been fascinated with his fascination of the insect world.
"Hallo, Shino!" Naruto, bright, friendly Naruto says as always.
Shino nods and says, "Are you all right, Hinata?"
All right? Of course she is. She has a wealthy family, a cute sister, doting parents, and goes to a nice, clean school. She has good grades.
What wouldn't be all right?
What does all right even mean?
And yet, a small voice in her head cries, he noticed! He noticed, he noticed, he noticed.
He's waiting for a response.
She can't find the words, so she takes his hand and smiles softly.
He smiles back, and there's a magic wrapped around only them.
She doesn't need words for this.
end.
for soul, you've inspired me to finish this.