This is really just me rambling on about some headcanons I have had. Nothing deep. This could be a one-shot or more. It depends on the reception. Tell me your thoughts.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

SIMPLY, PERFECTLY

Hinata felt the cool caress of the wind on her cheeks and she inadvertently increased her speed. She was on the lead running through the forest with Kiba, Akamaru and Shino on her heels. It was the end of a week-long mission and the prospect of home was as exciting as it was comforting. Letting her thoughts wander, she didn't notice the dried portion on the tree branch as she stepped on it. There was a loud crack as she felt her footing give way. She quickly shifted her position midair, landing nimbly on the forest floor.

She turned around to see that her teammates were still a good distance from where she was. Kiba reached her first, riding on Akamaru's back.

"Geez Hinata. Are we being chased by something only you can see?"

She made a sheepish smile. "Sorry. I didn't notice I was going too fast."

"I know you're excited to get home but let's all get there in one piece, okay?" Kiba chided.

"Kiba. You're being ridiculous. Hinata is not so fragile as to be wrecked falling of a tree." Shino said in his monotone voice.

"Thanks buddy. I can always count on you to point out the ridiculous." Kiba answered.

Hinata hid a smile as she turned around and started walking forward.

"Let's go. Keep up." She called out.

"Hold it. We've been running for the past hour. We need a break." Kiba said.

"But-"

"But nothing. I'm pulling rank here. I'm team leader remember?"

"Kiba-kun-"

"Hinata. You look red in the face by the way." He said, hushing her up. He got off Akamaru's back.

"Get on." He said as he gestured at the hound's broad back.

Hinata realized that she was indeed winded at this point. And resting on Akamaru's soft back did appear enticing. She smiled gratefully at her teammate and did as she was told. She sat astride and gently rubbed the dog's furry neck. Akamaru made a pleased yip and started walking forward. The boys followed and fell into step on both her sides. Quietly, they walked at a normal pace.

Shino cleared his throat and spoke. "I must ask. Hinata, what is your hurry to reach the village?"

Hinata bit her lip at the question. Truthfully, she would have preferred that she remained discreet in her haste. So she answered in the most roundabout way she could manage.

"Oh you know. Lots of things." She said with a shaky laugh.

"Don't you mean your boyfriend?" Kiba laughed teasingly.

"I don't have a boyfriend." Hinata protested though weakly.

"Oh sorry. I meant your husband."

"Kiba-kun. Why would you say that?"

"Because you act like a couple. Come on. I can't be the only one who sees it. Back me up here Shino."

Shino had a thoughtful look on his face. "I'm sorry. Did you get married without my knowledge, Hinata?"

"Oh my god." Kiba face palmed. "I'm talking about Naruto. I'm saying him and Hinata look like a couple."

"They do spend a lot of time together. And I believe that is a precedent to most relationships."

"See. Thank you." Kiba said.

"But I spend plenty of time with the both of you as well." Hinata argued.

"It's really not the same." He pressed.

"You can't say that for certain."

Kiba turned to look at her closely. "Hinata. Why are you fighting this?"

Hinata made a weary laugh. "I understand that you're trying to encourage me but you may be very wrong. So Kiba-kun, please don't tease me around Naruto-kun. He gets… confused about these things."

"Okay… But what about you? Doesn't he confuse you?"

"I'm okay." She smiled. "And I'm happy with the way things are. I am."

Kiba sighed. "Okay. I'll back off. For now, anyway."

Half an hour later and they can see the entrance to the village. Hinata got off Akamaru with a light pet as they walked through the gates.

"Look." Kiba motioned through the street. "Case in point."

Running towards them was a familiar figure in black and orange. He had a big smile on his face. Upon seeing him, an equally joyful smile broke on her lips as she walked faster ahead. He was suddenly in front of her and before she could say a word, she was in his arms. He lifted her off her feet so easily, still holding her in a bear hug.

"Hey. I sensed your presence so I came looking. I'm glad you're back." He said happily as he set her down.

Hinata was speechless for a moment, staring at that beautiful face she missed so much. Right now, it was close to hers. She could feel the warmth of his golden hair, the cool blue of his eyes.

His hair is longer. She felt an impulse to run her hands through them. Before she could do something so daring for her, Kiba's voice brought her back.

"Naruto. Don't I get a hug?" He asked.

Naruto turned to him with a scrunched face. "Don't be weird, Kiba."

Kiba chuckled lightly. "Yeah. That would be weird. I mean we're not a cou-"

"Kiba-kun. Do you mind submitting our report without me?" Hinata quickly interrupted, giving her teammate a knowing look.

The rascal smiled sweetly at her. "Of course. You kids go have fun. Or whatever it is you do."

Hinata's stomach clenched with apprehension as she glanced at Naruto's raised brow. Kiba was not keeping his word at all. It made her anxious thinking what he might do next. She felt relief when he and Shino finally turned to leave. But before they could, Naruto called out to them.

"Hey guys. If you're free tomorrow evening, I wanna treat everyone out to ramen. Can you come?"

"Free food? You bet." Kiba answered immediately. "What's the occasion?"

Naruto smiled. And it was a small shy smile that intrigued those who were looking. "I can't tell you. Not yet anyway. Just come okay?"

"All the same. We'll be there." Shino answered.

Before the two could leave, Akamaru jumped up excitedly licking Hinata's face affectionately. It was the dog's way of saying goodbye to her. One that never failed to make her laugh. She tickled him on the belly and he run off.

When she looked up, the first thing she saw was Kiba's mischievous face. She warned him as subtly as she could with her eyes but he only smiled at her. He approached her and quickly planted a kiss on her cheek.

"Hey hey hey! What the hell Kiba?" Naruto almost yelled.

"You guys are too easy." Kiba said laughingly. With a final mocking look thrown their way, he finally walked away.

PAGE BREAK

"Man, what is up with dog-boy today?" Naruto asked with slight annoyance.

Hinata laughed softly. "Don't mind him. He's in a mood."

"I'd say."

"So, Naruto-kun. When did you get back?" She asked as they started walking.

"Oh just yesterday. Do you need to go home right now?"

"Not really… I have time to spare."

She almost laughed at her choice of words, knowing that she was rushing home to see him just earlier. And now she's making an effort to save face. From her own self.

It wasn't that late anyway. The sun had already dipped just above the horizon. But the afterglow is a beautiful rose color that bathed the sky with a mellow touch.

"I'm glad. There's something I've been dying to show you."

Hinata felt excitement well in her chest. Still, she managed to keep a neutral face.

"What is it?"

"Not here. No one can hear this." Naruto said as looked around.

His demeanor and words raised her curiosity.

"I have an idea." With that, he raised his hand and a black sphere appeared floating in front of them. Then it started reshaping into a flat surface, ultimately forming a wide disk. Before she could ask, he took her hands in his.

"Neat, right? These are called Truth-Seeking Orbs." He said proudly.

Hinata drew a deep breath and smiled. It seems impossible to keep track of Naruto's range of abilities. Last month, she discovered that he could do all elemental techniques now.

"Let's go." He said as he pulled at her hand, leading her towards it. He moved atop the smooth black surface and she followed.

"Uhm… Are we-"

He answered her by gently pulling her close, wrapping his arms around her. "Hold on tight, you'll see."

She could barely gather her thoughts when the disk suddenly shot through forward. Upward and fast it left her breathless. She held on tightly to Naruto. Air was in her ears but she thought she could hear him making a whooping sound. She wanted to close her eyes but she couldn't tear her sight away from the ground which was getting farther and farther away.

When the larger structures became a blur down below, the motion stopped. She steadied her breathing and released her hold on him.

"That was fun huh?" He asked with a big smile.

"Deadly fun." She answered.

"Hey. You weren't scared, were you? You know I'll never let anything happen to you."

She smiled to ease his worry. "I know that."

He smiled back. "No one can hear us here." He said as he sat down.

She sat beside him as they both looked at the beautiful view, with the wind lightly whooshing through.

"I really shouldn't be telling you this. It's confidential information but I can trust you." He started, his voice suddenly more serious.

She stayed silent, waiting for him.

"Before that, I wanna give you something." He said taking something from his jacket pocket. It was a small box.

Hinata's eyes went wide and her heart leapt inside her chest. Could this be…

He handed it to her with a somewhat shy look on his face. "Open it."

It was all she could do to keep her hands steady. The top of the small wooden box came off completely, revealing not what she expected. She took it out as she set the box down.

She held it on her palm, trying to figure it out. It was perfectly round, smooth and clear as glass. Encased within is a dark irregularly shaped piece.

"What is it?" She asked curiously.

"It's a piece of meteorite preserved in crystal. It's a gift for you."

"What?"

"That's why Gaara called me to Suna last month. We were investigating this. It's really interesting. Did you know that rocks from outer space burn upon entering our Earth's atmosphere? But some manage to withstand that. Some actually end up in here."

"Naruto-kun…" She urged on as she sensed his hesitance.

"They think it's from the moon Hinata. They think the moon may be moving too close to Earth. The reason is unknown; it's never happened before."

"Are you saying there's a possibility the world is ending sooner than we realize?" She asked softly.

"Yes. And when that time comes, I'll do anything I can to stop it."

There were no words. She was still processing the disconcerting information he just told her. She silently scolded herself. Naruto was the one who had the world on his shoulders and she's the one brooding. She summoned a smile. But it came out sad, something he didn't miss.

"I've upset you."

"No. Not at all." She quickly denied.

He turned around to face her. And then he reached for her hands, which were holding the crystal ball.

"This may sound silly, but this little thing kinda reminded me of you."

"What?" She couldn't help but laugh. "How come?"

"It's a survivor. Just like you." He said simply. "So. Don't look so down. Everything's just an assumption at this point. I promise you, we will survive this."

"Yes. We will." She said. With a real smile this time.

He smiled back. "Don't let this keep you down, okay."

"I promise. But you know you're not alone in this. You can come to me about anything."

"I know."

"Okay."

A calming silence settled on them. She dropped her gaze to her hands, which were still being held by his. They were warm and comforting, like they always were. It just occurred to her how this had become a normal thing for them.

"Hinata."

"Hmm?"

"It just came to me. If it does come to the end of the world, I want you there with me. Just like this."

Her heart, with all its imposed cautions, soared with his words. And for that moment, nothing else mattered.