Thank you to those of you who reviewed. Reviews really do mean a lot to me, and I appreciate the time you guys take out of your busy lives to review. You wonderful people let me know people actually read my story- (and liked it!) And Raven, yes, reviews do inspire me and help me to continue!
So, this chapter is dedicated to you awesome people who review! This one goes out to you guys.
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Watching Naruto gave her courage, and hope. When he picked himself back up, when he laughed, when he ran a hand through his tousled blonde hair, his blue eyes shining in the sun, caused a warm feeling to spread throughout her. If Naruto could do it, then maybe she could, too. He was her hope, her dream. She wanted to soar like him, not cower in the nest.
Hinata watched Naruto walk away from the Ichikura ramen shop. He was smiling, head high, shoulders squared and a bounce in his step. He was ready to face the day, whatever it may bring. Even his way of walking shouted his presence, his belief in himself to the world. Naruto was here, and he wouldn't back down from any challenge.
How she envied him! She wanted to walk like him, with sure footsteps. She hunched in on herself, trying to make herself as small and unnoticeable as possible. She didn't like attention, being in the spotlight. But she wanted to. She wanted to be strong, like Naruto.
Unknowingly, he gave her hope, gave her strength. He inspired her. Whenever she was down, she thought of how Naruto would handle things. What Naruto would do. And she tried to emulate him. Slowly, very slowly, she could feel herself changing. She'd only taken a few, tottering steps in her quest to change herself, but, by watching Naruto, she felt- no, she knew- she was capable of change. She just had to believe, and work hard. Like Naruto.
Now, she was going to face her first hurdle. This time, she wasn't going to back down. She was going to actually say "hi" to Naruto, her crush and her inspiration. He was walking away from the ramen shop. Hinata darted along, several paces behind him, trying to muster her courage. Today was the day. She could do this.
"N-Na-" He paused, turning his head slightly, thinking he heard his name. Hinata's face turned red; her heart fluttered, and she ducked behind a telephone pole, clutching the splintered wood tightly, her eyes shut.
After several moments, she peeked out; Naruto shrugged and kept on walking. Hinata bowed her head in defeat. So much for today.
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The sun was setting, painting the sky brilliant shades of pink and orange. Hinata slumped against the porch railing of the grand, elaborate Hyuga clan compound. Tears stung her eyes. Why? Why couldn't she do it? Was she doomed by fate to forever be a timid mouse, constantly squeaking in fear?
She made a strangled sound in her throat, tears slipping down her cheeks. Why couldn't she be like Naruto? Why? She placed a clenched fist on her chest, her body starting to shake with sobs. Before she could fully break down crying, she heard a giggle from the side yard.
Curious, wanting to be distracted from her own pain, she snuck along the porch to the side of the house, peering round the corner. Perhaps Hanabi had snuck in a lover? Getting kissed first wouldn't be the only thing her younger sister beat her at. But it wasn't Hanabi…it was Neji!!!
Neji sat with Tenten on a blanket under a cherry blossom tree. His hair was unbound, and they both had their headbands off. It meant nothing for Tenten to bear her forehead, but for Neji to bear his, his curse mark bare for all to see…
His heart was open; this was Neji at his most vulnerable. He ever rarely showed that to anyone. But here, with Tenten…and, most remarkable and shocking of all; he was smiling. Neji Hyuga actually smiled! Ask anyone in Konohoa and they would swear on the fourth hokage's grave that Neji Hyuga didn't know how to smile, didn't know what happiness was. Neji was a miserable, caged bird longing for freedom, longing to fly.
But Neji was smiling. He was open, and he was smiling. At Tenten. She straddled his lap and rose up on her knees….
TBC..
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Before you skewer me on a stick, yes, I know I'm evil for that horrible cliffie…I wonder what TenTen's gonna do with our blind lil Neji-bird?
Oh, and don't forget to click the pretty purple box! Review and I'll give you a cookie! (er…well, if I knew how to e-mail solid objects, I would…) Or how about a Naruto plushi of your favorite bishie? Hmm…what's better, Naruto plushie or a cookie?
