Things between us are completely platonic. So utterly and completely platonic that it makes me want to cry. He never notices me, not that I expect him to. I'm imperfect, I'm not strong like Sakura, or beautiful like Ino. I'm plain and I'm not as skilled as others in my clan. I've been told this many times.

I'm flawed, more than I should be with who I am. But I can't help it! I try so hard, I train all the time, trying to better myself! It seems that no matter how hard I try, it just doesn't matter. Because no matter what I do, I'll never enough. Not for my father, not for Naruto. And oh how I want to be enough for them. For once I just want me father to look me in the eye and tell me he's proud of me. And just once I want Naruto to look at me the way he looks at Sakura.

I want him to notice me.

"Hinata?" I looked up, hearing the voice of my old friend and team mate. "You okay?" his voice was gentle, something that normally people didn't get to hear. I nodded quickly, so he wouldn't notice my pain any longer.

"I am fine, Kiba-kun," I murmured, twiddling my thumbs. In a flash his arms were around me, I looked up, a blush staining my cheeks. That typical grin plastered on his face.

"Well, then let's get going!" I nodded, a small smile playing across my features. Shino sighed and followed our lead. And it was then that I realized, maybe I don't need anyone's approval other than my team. They were the people I would do anything for. What more could I have truly asked for? Akamaru barked, bringing me out of my thoughts. "That's the right attitude! No need to be sad here!" he shouted.

Why was he always so caring? I couldn't fathom. But I knew that I was glad to have these two men by my side. Because even with the lack of approval from others, I would always have them.

They were my team mates.