My Favorite Night
By Violet
A/N: This chapter is in Naruto's point of view, sorry for the hectic scramble of views here, and the first chapter was sloppily put together, I realized that right after putting it up; I'll edit things when and or after I finish this chapter—this time with a little more ease (perhaps)
Thank you so much for your reviews!!! It gave a chance to consider my story, and what it could become. I already had an image of where this story would take off, but I'm pretty confident that readers would like to read about it instead of imagine it up all on their own… so here is my attempt. Again, I thank you, and really appreciate reviewers.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto—OBVIOUSLY! If I did, I wouldn't' call it 'Naruto', I'd call it 'Hinata', and I would constantly have Angst, Drama, and ROMANCE in it. It would be so awesome in my standards. It would be… very much like this FAN fiction.
Chapter 2: Four months back
Hinata started acting strange even before I started dating Sakura.
If I had to pinpoint it exactly, it would be the time I accidentally suggested us going out on a date four months back. She looked at me, and I was totally ready for that rejection—even thinking up the words to what I would say to her refusal.
She surprised me with a smile and a "Yes! That sounds like fun!"
I've never been accepted to go on a date before—by a girl, no less…
I must admit, I sometimes forget that Hinata was a girl, since she was with me all the time. I considered her as a person… not a single sex… I never categorized her as just a 'girl'… My mind's engraved by the idea that girls can distract even the most powerful of men, and thus—they need more respecting… but still, I should have known better than to ask Hinata… because her answer mattered more to me than any other girl I've asked.
So that's why I quickly told her afterwards that I was joking. I saw her face screw up in a sign of obvious irritation, and I left it at that—turning my back towards her, and heading off to train.
Hinata and I've lived together since… I guess since four or five years ago? It feels like forever since so many things happened for the past years, and she was always there with me to experience all those happenings.
She's my best friend.
She's my roomie.
My buddy.
And it's my secret, but she's also my little miss. I never tell her this the same reason I told her I was joking about our date; I didn't want to ruin what we have, because to me, this relationship is the deepest thing I'd ever had with anyone… it's just… she doesn't know it. I rather not have her know, and me being happy with her for a little while longer.
You see, I've wanted to have someone's hand to hold onto ever since I was a kid. I'd have to watch as kids my age were dragged away from the swings from their parents to enjoy warm comfortable beds with their family. They would loudly protest and fight with their parent's firm grip…when I would have happily taken their place. Their parents would soon notice me staring, and hush the kid up—lifting them up into their arms and carrying them away from me. My chances to go home with one of them… that strange daydream that one day I'd be able to be dragged back to a patiently waiting family… winked out by the time I became a genin.
I never had to share my toys with anyone, I never had to worry about coming home 'late', I never had to worry about making sure I get to bed on time. I always lived by my own rules, so when Hinata joined me in my little apartment; she cannot imagine what kind of life she opened up to me.
I remember officially feeling like I had a roommate a month after Hinata had already moved in…
Hinata was grading papers with a pink pen—biting the tip of it while holding up a piece of paper that was littered with drawings, but very little answers from the test. I just got home, and was surprised to hear her say, "Welcome back! You're late…"
"Late?" I answered back, alarmed—"what? What did I miss?"
"Oh…nothing—you're later than usual." She said simply—not even looking up to give me her usual placid smile. She was too busy tapping at the piece of paper. "I went ahead and made us dinner, it's on the counter—just wait…" she sighs to herself, too caught up in her own world to realize she reached over the coffee table to pick up a drink that I left out for myself that morning.
"Wait!" I shout—trying to stop her before she sipped the day-old water.
It was too late; she took a sip and then finally looked at me with curiosity.
"What's wrong?" she puts the glass down, not realizing that she was the first person who actually shared a drink with me—and didn't seem to notice.
"You—you took a sip from my water." I slapped myself mentally when the words came out, it sounded too much like a excerpt of a conversation that a three year old would have.
"Oh…" Hinata went on slowly, "… I'm sorry—It won't happen again." She was blushing and I could tell she was feeling a lot more embarrassed than I did—we both stared at the magical cup that sent us in this uncomfortable situation.
"No…no… not that, I don't mind—I just… I hope you don't… mind…"
Hinata finally broke her gaze from the cup and looked at me square in the face, "It's just a sip of water, Naruto."
And she was right. It was just a sip of water, and I overreacted… it's then that I realized that she was exactly what I needed to learn how families started, and how interactions continued between people that I loved to watch so much from the sidelines. I realized that I had started a little 'family' for myself when I offered Hinata a place to stay. I was so proud of myself during our dinner that time—casting her long gazes while she quietly ate herself.
I may have pushed things along too far. Trying to copy things that I saw families do out in public with my own roomie. Such as eating off of her plate, reaching out to mess up her hair in the morning, asking if she wanted me to do her laundry… all of the things started getting too much for us both, I guess we finally got stuck four months back.
I could tell I had hurt her feelings; after living with her so long, I could read some basic emotions… she felt as if I was playing some kind of unfair prank on her… and I had to apologize in some way. These days, I feel like she's so fragile—both emotionally and physically… she's been quieter than usual lately, and she isn't feeling too hot—she thinks I don't know, but she's been having some kind of flu for the last few weeks already.
I remember feeling horrified if she thought I was making fun of the fact that she has never been on an official date—ever. The thought scared me so much… I remember coming home a few nights afterwards—with flowers for her. She took them and gave me a strange glance before thanking me and putting it in a vase. The light orange flowers complimented nicely with our furniture, and before I knew it, I believed she wasn't angry with me anymore as she brightly suggested that we buy more flowers later on in the future.
Yes… the future—I remember thinking… the future of buying more flowers for Hinata, and enjoying the simple pleasures of family life.
Yep. Family life.
That's what I think whenever I come back home—like right now… I know Hinata would be asleep during this time at night (or early morning, whatever), but it feels good to come into an apartment that I get toshare. The mission left me tired and hungry for some ramen… and since I've been eating a lot of Hinata's cooking, I'm kinda looking forward to eating simple ramen for once.
I open the door, and before I could stop myself and remember that Hinata would probably asleep—I say in a loud voice—"I'm home!"
I was surprised when I heard the answer, "Welcome back."
I whipped around from locking the door to the living room—I saw her figure hunched up and leaning against our large living room window.
"Woooo," I start—a grin quickly appeared on my face when I realize I would be having company while I ate my really late dinner, "It was a long day, let me tell ya—" I unzip my Chuunin vest and peel it off of my shoulders, feeling the sweat from today make my turtleneck permanently uncomfortable. I scratched at it before turning around and throwing my vest aside—ready to join Hinata.
I wasn't surprised to see a bowl of ramen already out for me; she knew I liked to eat ramen when I didn't want to bother her… I give her my best—biggest smile, "You didn't have to greet me; I'm sure you're tired from all that teaching…"
She was gazing off at the opposite wall, "I'm fine…fine…" she doesn't realize it, but she looked sad when she said it, "I just… wanted to know you came back safely." Her eyes capture all the little light that was in our small apartment—and looked at me all cute and innocent-like. My mouth suddenly ran dry and I was about to lean downwards to ask her why she looked so sad, when she looked away.
Sheis mad. It's almost too obvious—she has to be…what did I do… I mean-- Hinata doesn't hold a grudge.
I bow my head and pat my head quickly trying to remember what I did… just then I remembered what I said a day before leaving for my previous mission and I suppressed a groan.
"Your boobs… they look great today…"
I completely forgot about that… poor Hinata, she must have been miffed… we agreed not to… to look at each other that way.
She must think I'm playing a mean prank on her again.
I realize I was still looking embarrassed and hurriedly decided to voice out how starved I was before digging into my ramen. I took notice that when I asked if the ramen was for me—she wouldn't look me in the eye and give me her usual caring smile. I watched as she just nodded—enraptured by the reflection of the apartment in the window she rested on.
I notice there is a healthy glow of color in her cheeks.
"Hinata." I hear myself speaking aloud, my eyes still searching for some trace of upset in her face, "You…feeling ok?"
"Huh?"
She isn't angry?
Usually, whenever I ask that question to Sakura, she always has a speech ready. Hinata was always different… I didn't know which reaction I preferred better, but now I'm curious as to what's on her mind.
"I feel fine."
"You're not sick anymore?"
There it was—that look of shock. She looked as if I wasn't supposed to know that she was having problems keeping her breakfast down. She looked horrified by the idea that I would be concerned over her and it made me slightly offended as I continued to stuff my mouth with her noodles.
"Huh? Wha—uh…no." she shakes her head.
"Well then why do you look so cold? Come over here—get away from the window. You just got over a cold, didn't you?"
"I'mfine."
There it was—that tone. Now I'm certain that she's mad at me.
"Uh… are you mad at me?" I feel so stupid—of course she was! We've been avoiding each other for months now, and I said something about her breasts during that one peaceful moment we had together! I would be upset too!
"What? No—why wou…"
"Oh good." I keep forgetting that Hinata doesn't get angry as much as other girls do—thank god. Something lifted off of my shoulders… I think it's called relief? "I thought you were angry at what I said before I left for my mission a day ago."
"What did…"
"You know, the comment about your breasts?"
I was busy eating my ramen but I saw in the corner of my eye her look of absolute horror, and then very quietly I heard her response.
"Let's put that behind us." She says hiding her mystic gaze.
"Ok." I intended to say, but it was hard to speak through my mouthful. It gives me time to observe our surroundings yet again—the light from the kitchen made it easy for me to read the clock.
"Whoa, man—it'll be hard to get up at five in the morning, Hinata—you really should go to bed."
I see her smiling at me, and I take this as a cue that she has a day off—and I can't help but get excited. "Don't you have a class to teach tomorrow?"
"No."
"Oh?" I'm all ears now, "Then we can goof off before going to bed!" I am already completely and mentally prepared to beat her butt on my game station, "Let's—"
"I'm not really up for it, actually." I hear Hinata's voice softly say—whatever 'it' was, I could tell she wasn't really up for anything except staring out the window and being a rare mystery in our apartment. "I wanted to talk to you…"
I am no fool, any man knows what thatmeant. Despite what Jiraiya used to tell me about my lack of knowledge on women, I'm not that dense not to know when a women wants to 'talk' to you, and she was quiet for the first half of your conversation. Why am I such a sucker when it comes to the ladies? I'm totally gonna get pummeled by some sort of argument I'm not ready for!
Why can't we just play game station?
"Youare angry at me!" I accuse knowingly.
"No." she surprises me by giggling a bit, "No, Naruto—I'm…I just want to talk to you." The next thing she says seems to echo in my head, "I've missed you."
My chest swells with what seems like warm liquid, an uncomfortable feeling that makes my ears erect and a smile spread across my cheeks tightly. It's the kind of feeling that is hard to take away, and the kind of feeling that I find myself looking forward to feeling… the feeling that I feel familiar with around Hinata.
Shemissed me.
I have someone who can clearly tell me that.
Not even Sakura tells me that.
"You missed me…" I steal a glance at her, realizing my hands had found hers and was touching it to my cheek, and my heart starts to race like wild horses in my chest. "Ok, so what do you want to know?" I put my elbows on the table and lean up against them.
"How have you been? I couldn't have a decent conversation with you for…"
"Three months." I say, though I originally meant to say 'four', that wouldn't be exactly true…
It was three months when things got complicated because…
Well…because…
Because like I said, I crossed boundaries that weren't supposed to be considered.
Because three months ago I told her we wouldn't be having that awkward moment any longer because of Sakura-chan.
"It kinda got awkward after I told you… after I started dating Sakura-chan." I confess.
No—that's not true. I know I'm lying to her, and she knows it too—I could almost read her eyes as well as any man could. I don't feel that dense when I'm around her, unlike when I'm with Sakura—who is truly a puzzle in a whole different level.
It got complicated after I kissed her… after I tried to feed the warmth that was burning in my chest after I would see Hinata.
I was just trying to understand how a person was supposed to feel… and Hinata got hurt.
She has a right to be angry—and if she isn't… she should be.
"Your right." I look up into her eyes and realized there wasn't even a drop of jealousy in her pretty face. The guilt I feel about that night three months ago can't simply be brought up again—we promised we wouldn't think about it much. If she found out I thought of it even when I was going out with Sakura… she'll hate me. "How is that going?"
"Not that great." I'm not afraid to answer, Hinata was a great source to tell secrets to, and you'll realize she would keep it safer than her own life. "Don't tell Sakura-chan." The warning doesn't mean anything—of course she won't tell Sakura-chan.
"I won't." she assures anyway.
"She just… doesn't understand me like you do, Hinata. She's always getting frustrated at me, and I don't blame her…" I start, I realize I'm saying a little too much but it's hard to stop once your eyes are locked with Hinata's trustful ones. "I'm hard to deal with. It's different when I spend time with her…"
I don't like it very much as much as I like spending time with you.
Damn, why is it so hard to say that? She would have liked that, I'm sure…
"It's barely starting, I'm sure things will warm up." She suggests sweetly.
"I hope so. I love her, so much." I admit yet another thing that I don't want her to hear.
"She loves you too."
"I wish I knew how much she liked me, you know?"
Hinata finally breaks our gaze, and I'm free from rambling about stupid things that I don't want to reveal.
"Oh yes."
"Have you ever fallen in love?"
Damn it. I said it—I just wanted to say it to… maybe see her smile again, not look so awkward around me.
After that night three months ago… we haven't talked about what was in our hearts.
Was it the right time to bring it up again?
It probably wasn't, because I could see the pain ripple across Hinata's face.
"No, I had a crush… but I've never been in love." She says calmly, but I was shocked by her words… not because I didn't believe it, it's because I couldn't believe a girl like Hinata would feel casually about loving even a crush. She wasn't looking at me—another reason for me to suspect she was lying.
"Really?" I prod her, "You seem like the type of girl who'd hold secret desires… I should know." I know I'm bringing up a taboo subject, but I felt like I needed to find out something from Hinata… She's been so distant from me lately… I can only think about the time we were close… and the last time we were close—we were really really close.
"Don't tease me, Naruto—you'll make me cry."
She doesn't know how much her words frightens me—I juggled my dishes to the sink and quickly rushed back to where she sat, quickly defending my previous actions with a "Woops, sorry, sorry—forgot…" to try to hide what I was insinuating—I realized it was too late, and that she wasn't going to look at me… I also realize that I've created a good reason for us to start a debate…or worse… a fight…
"Are you crying?" I whisper in concern.
She looks at me, and gives me a look that says, 'oh, please,'
"I'm not." She answers simply.
"Are you wishing that you slept with your crush for the first time instead of with me?" I had to ask—and things sort of crumbled around me as I watched her eyes… I dove back to the night three months ago.
We were already touching each other—her legs were across my lap as she was reading a silly cooking book. I was telling her she didn't need it—and instead, needed to play my current game with me. She was ignoring me—so I was trying to get the book from her.
"Naruto, stop—" she says, in a voice that tried to imitate a whine.
"What was that?" I grin towering over her. "I can't heeeaaar you." I found myself loosing interest in the game that I was so preoccupied with seconds before tossing it aside and pulling the rest of Hinata onto my lap.
"Oh—ow, Naruto—I'm trying to read." She says in an almost playful voice. I was amused while I wrapped my arms around her—nights like these were pretty common around here…we always had senseless arguments—and she let me touch her, but these touches weren't supposed to actually lead to anything important.
"Play with me." I whined a lot louder than her warnings to let her go.
"Naru—" I pressed her closer to my face than I intended, and our lips accidentally brush… out of nowhere, I see red blossom across Hinata's cheeks like fire. I felt how warm she got in my arms all of the sudden… and realized…
That was her first kiss.
I didn't even give it to her properly, so I brush it aside with a chuckle. "Sorry, Hinata—here." I put an arm around her shoulder and bring her whole torso closer so I could press my lips against hers. I was surprised to find myself heating up as well—and I imitate what Jiraiya did when I had to watch him kiss his admirers—tilt her head to the side slightly—and have our lips properly taste each other. "There—a proper kiss. Can we play my game now?"
She bats me away like an annoying fly and gets up in a huff.
"Whoa—Hinata." I've never seen her so upset before and before I could apologize—she was bolted into her room and I had to awkwardly follow her and pry the door open.
"If you touch that doorknob, I'll shock you." Hinata warns from the other side right when the tip of my fingers were about to slide the doors to her room open—sure enough—I felt an electric shock prickle my finger and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Was this an attempt to get me to stop? I almost throw the entire door out of its wedges as I slide it open.
"Hinata…"
"Stay back! I'm warning you—I'm really… really… angry right now."
"You've… never been angry at me before!" my eyes widened and I finally realized my terrible mistake. "Hinata—I'm so sorry, I… I only meant it as a joke."
"Well stop joking with me! You… you have no idea…" Hinata collapses onto her bed her hands tending to her burning cheeks. "That was my first kiss."
Wow… I was right…for once.
"It was mine too, what's the big deal?" Well—I don't consider my kiss with Sasuke a 'first kiss', so I had nothing to hide when I stared straight back at Hinata.
Hinata turned around to look at me, as if trying to see if I was telling the truth. My face told her that I wasn't lying and she was left biting her lip and soul searching at a fast rate.
"Are you sad that I was your first kiss?" I never thought about it until I actually said it, and it fueled a new fire in me as I went on, "Because I don't regret having you as my first kiss. Well? Is it?" Why was she so reluctant to get close to me this time? She never minds when I hug her and--
"What if it was? What if I was saving my first kiss for someone? Can't I feel a little betrayed that my roommate didn't respect my boundaries?" she snapped back with tears starting to collect on her lashes.
My defensive stance had been completely demolished, and I realize that she was right—I had to try to apologize now.
"Hinata—"
"Just—go!"
"Hinata, I'm sorry! Let me make it up to you…"
"Don't! Naruto, I'm warning you, if you—"
"I can't sleep if you're angry with me." I countered with a strangely shaky voice.
"I can't sleep either—thanks to you!"
I was now feeling more than guilty enough—it wasn't like Hinata to drive me into the depth of my guilt. I slowly approach her and sigh when I hear her silent sobs.
"I'm so sorry—I was out of line. I didn't know you thought so much of it."
"Of course I do! And you're in love with Sakura!" she blurts. "You shouldn't go kiss another girl!"
My eyes widened… when did Sakura fall into this conversation?
"Huh--? Hinata, it was just a kiss…"
"I'm not just a kiss." She whips around and stars me with her large—wet eyes.
Our eyes met and I realized it was so hard to look away… it was always Hinata who had to look away. It was easy when we were younger, she wouldn't stare like she does now—she daringly stares back into your eyes till you felt that warm feeling in your chest you get confused all over.
"I… I never said you were just a kiss. Hinata—I care about you, you should know that… I was just feeling really comfortable around you, and I took it too far. Look, I'm sorry…"
Her eyes dripped like a leaking faucet, and I felt even guiltier as I looked back at her pouting face. Something inside of me willed myself to make it better—so I leaned in close to kiss her cheek.
The minute I touched her cheek, and she didn't slap me away, I took it as a cue to hug her close.
"Please, Naruto—" she whispered, causing another warm feeling to start up inside of me.
"I'm sorry, Hina."
I felt her relaxing into my arms and I assume it's time to let go when I feel her move forward and press a warm hand to my cheek. It happened really slowly, but I saw her eyes—and was caught up in them again. It wasn't until I tasted her lips on mine again that I realized something was going on…
The first two 'kisses' weren't real. To me—that was my very first kiss. The kiss from a girl who cared for me, and that I cared for just as deeply. We took care of each other… it was normal for us to want to hug and kiss when we were upset…
But I wanted more.
I think I realized I liked her then.
I should have been afraid, but another feeling rippled through the warmth within me—and I realized it.
It was happiness. I took a hold of the euphoria that was coursing through my body and enthusiastically jumped onto Hinata's bed—groping for more of the kiss that was making all of those lovely feelings awaken inside of me. Imagine what it would be like if I had kissed her a few months back. A kiss for every day… making me happy…every day…
I got lost in the smell of her, and the feel of her, and before I knew it—I let whatever instincts take over and enjoyed crossing that boundary.
We were adults then… I understood exactly what I felt toward Hinata then, I felt like everything was out in the open, and nothing else was hidden from me, but when I saw her expression when she woke up the next morning--At how she felt like we had done something horrible to ruin our friendship. I remember never feeling so betrayed when she begged me never to touch her in the same way again.
Did I do something wrong?
I thought everything was amazing that night…
But maybe it was all… a one-sided thing.
I remember wishing I had someone to talk to—seeing as the usual person that I discuss my feelings to was the person I slept with and made into an impermeable ice cube that didn't want to be touched—I bitterly decided it was for the best that we didn't touch our special 'bond' as Hinata liked to call it.
I thought it was for the better to show Hinata that I cared about her opinion when I told her Sakura accepted my proposal to a date. She looked at me as if I had just kissed her again—stunned and confused… I wasn't really sure which, but it left me wondering what I should do yet again… Sakura was right—once I get someone angry, I continue making them angrier till they completely push me away.I'll fall for Sakura again, and I'll show Hinata that our relationship means the world to me.
I hug Hinata from behind, pressing her up close and personal like we used to do before we slept with each other and I felt my head clear after breathing in her scent again.
"Do you feel all alone now that I've found someone? Do you feel I forgot about you, Hina?" I whisper into her ear—I hear no response, not even a headshake, "You gotta know…" I gulp—getting ready to tell her what I could to express myself to her. I've always expressed my feelings so clearly in the past, so now that I'm with a person that's as delicate as Hinata… I wanted to make sure I don't scare her off like the night I kissed her… I want her to feel comfortable with me again. I don't want to fight with her anymore. "I care for you so much, Hina. You're like… the only family I've got. My only family—Hinata, you'll always be a part of my heart. I hope you know that."
Out of all the silence, I hear her clearly say—without a tinge of emotion in her voice, "Thank you. But…" she turns around—escaping my grasp and not realizing I felt slightly deflated after she turned my hugs away for the whatever-hundredth time. "I'm—I have to talk to you about…something…"
"Oh." I was still slightly dazed by being broken away form our hug to realize what she said—it took me a while to straighten my smile back on my face, "Oh yeah, you wanted to speak to me about something important, right?"
"Yeah." She nods," It's kinda hard to say…"
"Just say it." I grin with encouragement.
"It's not that easy."
"Is it about the night three months ago?" why did I keep pressing that?
"No."
"So what's it about?"
"Promise not to…get angry?"
"I promise, I promise… Hina—what's wrong?" I start panicking despite trying to sound composed after she made me promise not to get angry.
"I was called by Tsunade-sama this morning…"
Damn it—the old woman must have scared her with something—"Hinata… did she… say something to hurt or scare you? I'll talk to her, I'll tell her to lay off of you. Man! Doesn't she know you have a classroom of kids to deal with already? The nerve of her! Thinking she can drag you away from teacher's duty again! You tell her it's your dream- Hinata…If she did anything—anything at all—" I stop when I hear her voice say in a trembling voice—
"I'm being transferred."
I heard her loud and clear, but it seemed like everything from my previous nightmares had just morphed into one huge monster and come true.
Like many ninjas say—when they die, they see their life flashing in front of their eyes before accepting the undertaker's invitation to the depth. For me, I saw all the memories that Hinata had given me over the years of being my roommate, and I couldn't help but realize that her words felt like a knife to my throat.
"Huh? No… uh…" I tried to laugh, but it sounded more like a cough, "Hinata, what did you say?"
Sakura's words were humming in my head,
"You just keep upsetting the person once you rile them up, Naruto—it's not usually your fault. You just don't understand, the only time you do, is when the person is permanently pushing you away from them."
Was Hinata… leaving me?
I see her face scrunch up into a tearful gaze before dropping her head and slapping a hand over her mouth.
"HINATA?" I couldn't help but shout—my fingers slipped as I tried to hold onto her, like someone trying to pick up a bar of soap—I let her limply get shaken in my grasp. "What--?"
"The village of the sand," her shaky voice cuts short of my questions, "they're short teachers for their academy." I knew she wasn't lying—it was true, I talk to Gaara often, and in fact told Hinata this once before… it was nothing knew to the both of us. "And they need help with better ninja programs."
"NO!" I stop her before she could finish her explanation. "I'll talk to that baba! You can't go—look how unhappy you are…" she started shaking her head, willing her crying to go away, "she'll reconsider it—Hinata, come on…" I lift my hands to try to hug her again, but she stops me.
"DON'T! It's already done—I agreed to it yesterday after you left. It's for the children."
"W…what about… us?"
"Us?" she doesn't know how that simple word that she questions shakes me up inside. I guess she'll never see me as 'us' material… "We… won't be room mates anymore."
She doesn't realize how much she just tore my heart open—"How can you agree to that?" I found myself yelling at her—grabbing at her again and towering over her like the monster that I was born to be. "You can't leave me in this village alone!" I could almost hear myself saying—I don't know if I even said it or not, but I saw Hinata's hurt and concerened expression and found myself slithering down from my stifled position.
"Naruto." She coos, I put my head on her shoulders and freely let my tears fall all over her jacket. "Naruto-kun… you're not alone…"
"Don't go. Stay with me." forever.
"No."
"NO! Did you agree to this because you're mad at me?"
"I told you—I'm not mad at you!"
"Don't lie—you've never lied to me!"
"Naruto…" I realize I'm holding her in my death grip—squashing her small frame and causing her breath to hitch, "you're hurting me."
Disgusted at myself, I comply by loosening my grip on her—and slowly weaving my arms around her into a loose hook as my eyes continued to leak bitter tears, and my throat ran dry with a cry that I hadn't heard since the time I lost my good friend Sasuke a few years back when he ran away…just like Hinata was doing. Only now, I'm more experienced on the pain it will sure to bring, and I'm not ready to let her go. No… She won't leave me ever…
Hinata herself had grown as limp as my arms that strayed around her back—her eyes were glazed with what looked like tears… her lips hidden in shadow, but I'm so familiar with her face, I don't even need this stupid moonlight to guide my lips toward hers.
I grab both sides of her face—and take her lips.
It was… just like our first kiss once I felt Hinata kiss me back. We both weren't thinking again… we were just being our usual selves around each other. Both needing something out of each other… me wanting Hinata… and Hinata…
Hinata being the mystery that she so naturally was.
She's so weird… and dark…
And I like it…
No—I think I love it. This has to be love.
I was more than ready to just reenact that uncomfortable night which caused her to shoo me off in the first place. She was kissing me back, and it was something I've wanted ever since I woke up next to her with our legs tangled up together in that foreign bed. It just wasn't fair that she was trying to take off and leave like this… she wasn't going to leave me alone…
I've had one friend try to leave me already…
I'm not going to loose Hinata.
"Don't."
I hear her huff but I quickly smothered her words with a kiss. I felt her neck viciously turn away from my lips so she could break away yet again—
"Just stop." She begs.
"Hinata…" I wanted to tell her I loved her—what was so hard about it? It's easy—I've been able to say it over and over again to people I've never really meant it to. Why was it so hard to say it to the one person who made me realize how wonderful it was?
The only person I've ever fallen in love with?
"No. This isn't right." I think I hear her say.
"You're wrong." I growl as I try to slide my kisses down toward her jaw. "It's so right."
Suddenly Hinata's muscles bunched up underneath me like a taut rubber band. She almost felt like wood and it was no use kissing her now—her grip on my arm told me to stare into her eyes. She relentlessly gave me the look of betrayal and hurt, and I just couldn't understand what it meant. I wasn't good at girl-related things… now it was a good time to try to…
"What about Sakura?"
Sakura?
My face twisted in confusion—Hinata realized I wasn't thinking about her—and I found myself holding air right before hearing her tear-strung words, "How could you?"
I didn't even notice the door slamming.
I didn't even realize I was still kneeling over the spot where I had Hinata pinned under my kisses.
She was gone.
I gripped my hair—only feeling defeat plummet down in my stomach—it was worse than the feeling of waking up with horrifying scars and bruises all over yourself in a hospital bed, with news that someone you cared for left you with all those bruises as a fare-well gift.
No, Hinata made sure her wounds effected me internally…
Her fights always left me feeling as if my heart was bleeding.
Ironic, maybe?
I couldn't help my bitter thoughts try to muster a pathetic laugh in my shaking chest. Doubling over completely over the spot where Hinata was a few seconds ago—I rest my palms on the warm spot Hinata left behind…
"I love you, Hinata." I croak, knowing it was way too late.
To be continued…
I totally understand if you hated this chapter—it feels like a repeat, but I think it makes Naruto more dynamic in this story if we played between the roles of viewers— I really love Naruto—he's such a great character when Kishimoto isn't too engrossed in his love for Sasuke (I'm sorry, now I'm being unintentionally bitter toward another great character). I really do love him, and this chapter was my tribute to him. All hale Naruto and his dense-ness, and his large heart.
I'd really appreciate it if you'd review—I'm still shifty about this story because this is by far my favorite scene I've written of my favorite Naruto pairing, and I'm afraid to ruin it with the continuing story. As for the people who reviewed already or Hinata's POV—thank you SO much—I love you guys!!!