A/n: First, my deepest and most sincere apologies for neglecting fanfiction. Especially my story. I guess I got over Honey and Clover... sorry! But, if it makes you feel any better, my angst is still with me. So there will be angst ". Anyways, here's a HinataxKiba story... one that I've been planning for a long time. Here's the prologue... hope you enjoy!
Hinata smiled tenderly, gently wiping Naruto's feverish forehead with a wet towel. As always, he had pushed himself too hard during training, eventually collapsing into a heap at Kakashi's feet while gasping, "I'm not done yet!" Under his carefree demeanour, Hinata knew that Naruto was still suffering from his last encounter with Uchiha Sasuke. Within seconds into their confrontation, Sasuke had proven himself to be stronger, faster, and more ruthless than before, while Naruto stood, shell-shocked at first, then angry that Sasuke would actually kill him and break their bonds. But had they fought, Naruto knew that he would not have stood a chance against Sasuke without releasing the Kyuubi. So he trained, pushing his limits hard. Sometimes too hard. Every time Hinata peered from behind a tree at Naruto (or "spying", as Kiba accused her, but Hinata preferred "peering". And anyways, she deliberately refrained from using the Byakugan… if she did use it, then that would be called "spying" – or so she tried to convince herself), his forehead was heavily creased with determination, his bright blue eyes sparkling with something not unlike obsession.
Hinata plunged the now-dry towel into the basin, twisting it clear of dripping water before placing it once again on Naruto's brow. He just never learned his lesson. Or maybe these were the costs of his hard-won lessons. But whatever it was that Naruto was doing, Hinata loved him for it. His determination seemed to flow into her whenever he was near, filling her with confidence that she would never have known. He was her life force, her source of energy and hope. Without him, she would never be where she was now. She'd probably still be hiding behind Shino and Kiba, not in Naruto's apartment, nursing him while he slept fitfully. Hinata blushed, there was no doubt about it.
"I love you."
----------------------
Yet another A/n: Just so you know, I have NO idea where this is going. Unless I get struck by a brilliant idea (which is unlikely), or unless you have a brilliant idea that you want me to give me (which is even more unlikely), I think this is just going to be one of those outlets whenever I feel angsty or fluffy. Anyways, much thanks to nostalgicmaiden and SilverMatter for egging me on to finally get this down! R&R please!!