Dog and the Butterfly
"N-Naruto-kun..."
I slam my fists on the bed, the soft sheets absorbing the blow. My teeth grit in frustration and I clench my fists angrily as I try to drive Hinata's soft voice, almost pleading, out of my head. But it doesn't work. It hasn't worked in the past and it probably never will, until she will finally stop muttering that blonde idiot's name over and over in that tone of voice I wished she reserved for me, only me. I miss her already, even if it had only been a few hours since I had last seen her face; and I mentally curse myself when I realize it was my fault I was here right now, not out training with Hinata. If only we hadn't ran into Uzumaki... I can't blame him forever, but my soul needs an excuse even if it's one so easily overused.
Hinata likes Naruto.
Not me.
... Even so, my stubborn heart can't accept it, because it still flutters at her accidental touch, at her quiet presence. It kills me inside every time I see her approach him, trying so hard to get him to notice, yet he still ignores her. And I know, deep inside, it hurts her just as much as it hurts me, because she can't stop loving someone she shouldn't. She is special, angelic, caring, loving, fragile, and so much more that is wasted on him and his ignorance.
Today I walked home slowly, the wind softly tossing my auburn hair as I wonder why I deserve this. Not only does she not love me, but she is so far ahead of me - an heiress to the Hyuuga throne, a princess. And who was I? A lowly mutt. Why would she care about me?
In front of me the path turns, leading past a small tranquil meadow some nin use for training. Staring down at my feet, lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice anything there until I heard playful barking. Looking up quickly, I settled my dark chestnut eyes on a puppy, not more than four months old, with fur the color of sand and large, warm brown eyes. My heart twinges a bit, because the puppy has a tie around it's hind leg, chaining it to a nearby tree. I start to go after it, to help it; but I stop as I notice a small butterfly flutter in front of it, teasing and seemingly laughing with it's shimmering lavender wings. The puppy rears up with a doggy smile, pouncing playfully at the butterfly; but it soars just out of reach, landing again a few feet away.
Intrigued I watched, fascinated at this simple scene before me. The puppy panted, diving again at the beautiful insect; but once again the butterfly fluttered just out of reach, it's pale wings catching the wind. Over and over this happened, the puppy trying, the butterfly teasing; until suddenly the small dog let out a yelp as the rope kept it sustained to the tree. The butterfly glided over it's head, just out of reach, and soared away, leaving the puppy whimpering.
Suddenly I couldn't watch any more. Walking slowly across the grass to help the animal, my heart sank as realization set in. I was the puppy, struggling, trying so hard while Hinata was the butterfly, always fluttering just out of reach, one step above me. And no matter how many people try to set me free, I think, it won't make a difference. She'll already be gone.
Silently I released the warm animal, and it licked my hand gently in thanks. I patted it's head softly, feeling it's silky fur, and trying to get Hinata's voice out of my head.
"N-Naruto-kun..."