Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. It is the property of Masashi Kishimoto, and as such not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.
A Closer Look - The Last – Naruto and Hinata
"Hey Naruto how are y..." Begins a passing Iruka before realising that his former pupil had already barrelled passed him, a quick though sincere "Sorry Sensei can't talk right now!" The only words uttered before he rounded a corner and was out of sight.
Rubbing the back of his heading in confusion for a moment, Iruka shrugs with an bemused chuckle as he carries on his way, "Heh that Naruto, always full of energy..." hearing a startled cry of "Watch were you going!" followed by Naruto`s distinctive bellow of "Sorry!" in the distance the scarred Chunin can't help but add with a rueful smile "...And still causing trouble. How I ever survived teaching him ill never now."
Recalling the brief look he got of the former prankster before he shot passed him, his fiery eyes radiating determination, Iruka muses thoughtfully, "Still whatever it is I'm sure it's important. I haven't seen him that set on doing something in years."
Iruka had no idea how true is words were for Naruto was on a very important mission for which he was determined to complete no matter the cost. A mission the Uzamaki had taken up this very morning after deciding that he would no longer let chance dictate his meetings with her. Hence the reason he was currently going against his usual nature by blowing past every individual who happened to cross his path, no matter who they happened to be.
Hope Iruka-sensei doesn't chew me out later for running through the streets like this. Naruto prays with a shiver as he narrowly avoid a heavy set woman carrying a basket of produce, recalling the Chunin`s freaky ability to expand his head in aid of yelling at him. Something that the blonde is almost ashamed to admit these days happened frequently during the academy. Yeah I really don't want to have to face that again though it be worth if I can finally talk properly with Hinata.
Naruto`s mission was simple. Ask Hinata if she wants to meet up with him at Ichiraku`s ramen so they could finally have a proper catch up. Something that he had tried to do multiple times in the past but had somehow managed to bungle at every attempt. Although to be fair it's not like I'm the only one that seems to be getting in the way of things. He muses sourly as he leaps over a low wall and into a wide dusty clearing, the austere white walls of the Hyuga compound finally in view. Hinata still has that feinting issue of hers sometimes and even when things seem to be finally on track someone shows up to somehow ruin it. Not that I really mind of course. It's definitely better than being ignored all the time.
Indeed, he would rather give up ramen then go back to being the village pariah. However if there was one thing he had learned from his recent attempts at getting to know Hinata better was that she wasn't comfortable in large crowds. Especially if the gathering was filled with people she didn't know all too well. A major issue given that the very act of standing still seemed to draw crowds to him like a moth to a flame these days.
I don't really understand the reason why but Ill respect it just like I do all my precious peoples... habits. He reaffirms while suppressing a grimace as he nears the wooden gates to the Hyuga compound, remembering the carnage another friend unintentionally unleashed upon Yakiniku Q last night. Sai really has to learn that Choji does not think "Fatso" is an endearing nickname.
Putting last night's disaster to the side, Naruto takes a deep steadying breath before approaching the emotionless Hyuga clansmen guarding the gateway. No need to worry Naruto just act like old man Hokage used to when the Daimyo visited and you will be fine.
"Hello... eh...Hyuga-San." Naruto fumbles with an awkward bow, the Clansmen`s emotionless stares and his own lack of experience with such formality harrowing his nerves. Smooth Naruto, real smooth. Get it together or I am going to look like even more of an idiot than I already do.
"Greeting Uzamaki- San." The clansmen on the right, who Naruto recalls is named Iroha, replies stoically, his compatriot mirroring the formal bow, "How can we be of assistance to you today?"
Channel old man Hokage .Channel old man Hokage.
"I was wondering if Hinata-San was available to speak to me." Naruto declares formerly his mantra consistently playing in his head as he draws upon his years of loitering in the office of the Third Hokage "I have something urgent I wish to discuss with her."
For the first time that Naruto can ever remember the Hyuga guard's facade breaks, a sliver of a bemused smile appearing on their normally cool demeanours. Yet all to quickly it`s gone, their features schooled once more as Iroha gives a subtle nod to his compatriot, "Yes Lady Hinata is in residence at the moment. Hoheto-san could you please see if she wishes to speak with Uzamaki-san?"
"Of course, it will only take moment." Bowing to Naruto the newly identified Hoheto leaves, striding with the efficient grace that Naruto had noticed was present in all Hyuga giving the Uzumaki barely enough time to say "Thanks".
Those guys really don't like to waste their energy. I suppose it's kinda impressive, though it also seems to make them real stick in the muds. Naruto muses with a degree of frustration as he paces around aimlessly, growing un-comfortable in the resulting silence that Iroha seemed perfectly happy to maintain. Maybe a little bit of the trademark Uzumaki small talk will make things more bearable.
"So..."Naruto begins as he comes to a stop, his voiced laced with uncertainty as he realises he has no idea what things a stoic Hyuga would actually want to speak about. " ...Eh... what times does your shift guarding the compound end?" LAME.
Iroha looks at Naruto quizzically, like he was some bizarre puzzle that he wasn't quite sure is worth solving. Yet with a measured look he replies politely, "I have two more hours left before I am relieved."
Silence reigns once more, Iroha having apparently decided that the conversation was at an end, his gaze set firmly ahead and not on Naruto. "Right... So do you have any plans for after it's finished." Naruto offers, not quite ready to give up despite his mind telling him it was a lost cause. "I've got some training to do myself."
Turning his gaze slowly to Naruto, his pearly white eyes showing a flicker of annoyance, Iroha replies, "Training is a good use of your time, I do not however have anything currently planned." And with that his attention is once more fixed straight ahead, Naruto firmly forgotten.
Well that didn't work. Naruto acknowledges dejectedly as he visible deflates. Kami if you rescue me from this situation I will give you all the money in Gama-chan .
"Naruto-Kun?" Comes the sweet voice of his rescuer. Well I hope you will let me take a rain check on handing over Gama-chan. I kinda need the money if my plan is going to work out.
When Hoheto-san had informed her that Naruto has something urgent to speak to her about, Hinata`s first instinct was to rush out to meet him. Her drive to thank him for so thoughtfully returning her to the compound yesterday almost overwhelming. However reason quickly reasserts itself in the Hyuga, Hinata taking great pains to make herself presentable.
Kami I must be more tired than I thought. The teen frets as she moves to the bedroom mirror and takes in the shadows clinging to the underside of her lavender eyes. I'll need to cover that up somehow. How did Natsu-san say it was done again?
Hinata was not normally that interested in her appearance, but remembering her latest dream all too well she wasn't about to jinx herself. With that in mind she manages to recall the Hyuga maid's advice on the matter and sets about concealing the signs of fatigue before brushing her long dark blue hair. Happy with the result she turns her attention to the outfit she had not longed changed into.
It was a simple yet pleasant enough pink blouse with a dark grey undershirt and black bottoms. Complete with a light grey skirt with rosy stripes along the bottom half and middle. The perfect ensemble for her meet up with Sakura later on in the day. Is this good enough or should I change? Hinata muses nervously as she plays with her right sleeve, her confidence beginning to wane. Hanabi did say that it was a little conservative but nice all the same and I think it looks good...I think...
Taking a furtive look towards her wall clock she realises her stalling had already made Naruto wait for a few minutes. I've already made him wait more than enough and to leave it longer would be rude. Oh why does this have t be so difficult? Letting out a frustrated sigh, Hinata makes up her mind and marches purposely out to meet Naruto, Hoheto trailing in her wake. I think it looks good and Hanabi agreed so I should just believe it's the truth for a change. No more hesitation. Reaching the compounds entrance she stops as she spots Naruto, confused as to why he seems so uncomfortable.
"Naruto-Kun?" she ventures softly, hoping to alleviate whatever was making him act so uncharacteristically if she could. In an instant Naruto`s eyes light up and dart to hers as a relief filled smile spreads across his face. The sight sending flutters through Hinata`s heart as she can't help but revel in the fact that she had caused it. Naruto-Kun seems so happy to see me and so different from how he was a moment ago. Maybe today I can finally start to change things between us.
"Hinata!" He exclaims energetically as he closes the distance between them, ignoring or possible not noticing how Hoheto and Iroha tense at his approach. A subtle waving of Hinata`s right hand stops her guardians from acting on their impulse to get between them, though the reluctance on their part is plain to see.
Seemingly not noticing the brief exchange, Naruto comes to a stop a few steps away from her and continues cheerily, "I'm glad you were in. I've been meaning to ask you something for a while but things seemed to keep getting in the way all the time you know."
Knowing all too well, but not having the courage to agree, Hinata replies with a soft smile, "Of course I`ll help in any way I can. What did you want to ask?"
Suddenly looking sheepish, something Hinata can never recall seeing before, Naruto begins slowly as if he was struggling to find the words, "Well its not's a favour or anything like that you know. It's just that I have these coupons for Ichiraku Ramen and I really want spend some time with you so you know I was hoping you'd be free tonight?"
As Naruto`s last few words register in Hinata`s mind the Hyuga stiffens, her face reddening in shock at what he was asking. I-I can't believe it is he really asking to go out with me...just to two of us like a...like a date? I must be mistaken, but that's what he said and Naruto-Kun wouldn't lie like that. Oh Kami he's asking me out what do I say in this situation?
Ironically despite the many fantasies Hinata had regarding this scenario she finds herself speechless and experiences somewhat of a crisis. I`m so happy right now I just want to shout out `Yes! 'and kiss him like I always wanted to. But I know that would be weird and make me look desperate so I need to give a simple but sincere `Yes I would like that`. Oh I hope I don't feint again.
The telltale signs were already there. Her face an inferno as her heart beats ever quicker. Yet her resolve is firm and with a steadying breath she prepares to give her answer. Unfortunately for Hinata her shock and anxiety had been so evident during the resulting silence that even Naruto had picked up on it.
Moving to assure her having evidently misinterpreted the cause of her distress Naruto adds clumsily as he rubs the back of his head in nervous habit, "But you know it's ok. It's not a like...ehhh a date or something you know. I'm going to invite the other guys as well so it will be like a proper reunion for everyone...with ramen." Having seemingly regained his composure he concludes with what would normally be a reassuring smile for Hinata, "So if you have the time I would really like it if you to come and hang out with us."
Of course it wasn't a date. How could it be? To say Hinata was crestfallen would be a monumental understatement. Indeed a big part of Hinata wanted to cry out in frustration at having her dream dangled in front of her only to have it cruelly snatched away moments later. The fact that it was Naruto who was responsible for it made the resulting pain all the more sharp. Yet, Hinata was used to disappointment and was honestly more annoyed with herself for jumping to conclusions than Naruto. The moment was nice while it lasted I guess and Naruto-Kun isn't the type to purposely hurt someone. I should have known better.
"Y-Yes I would like that Naruto-Kun." Hinata replies with a false smile and cheer, trying her best to hide the disappointment she truly felt. "What time were you planning to meet up?"
A feint frown that mars his features comes and goes in an instant before Naruto perks up and replies "Oh well I hadn't gotten anything nailed done you know but say sometime around seven if that's ok with you?"
"That should be fine." Hinata replies with a nod, glad she would have some time between meeting Sakura for tea and needing to meet up. Not to mention having the chance to finish your present. "It will be nice to see everyone again."
Nodding along with an ever broadening smile, Naruto replies thoughtfully, "Yeah it's been a while that's for sure." He pauses as if he wanted to say something more but thinks better of it. With a shake of his head he continues instead. "Well I better be off. Knowing how busy everyone is these days it will take a while to track them down. I'll see you tonight Hinata." And with that he gives a cheery wave goodbye that Hinata returns with equal measure and turns to leave, creating a dozen clones to likely aid in his task.
Watching him about to leave a sudden thought strikes Hinata. Not wishing to miss this chance and leave things too late she shouts with desperate sincerity. "Naruto-Kun thank you for taking me back yesterday! I really appreciated it!"
The original Naruto stops and turns, confusion turning into a bright smile as he realises what Hinata was referring to. With a enthusiastic thumbs up Naruto`s declares with a cheery chuckle, "Dont worry about it Hinata. I'd do anything for you, you know."
"T-Thank you N-Naruto-Kun." Hinata replies with a shy but now genuine smile, doing her best to calm herself as a she feels a blush blossom. He probable doesn't realise what he's implying but it's nice all the same to know he cares about me. Even if it's only as a friend. Forcing her eyes, that had turned to the ground in embarrassment, to meet his she responds brightly. "I would do anything for you as well Naruto-Kun."
As her word leave her lips and their eyes meet Hinata notices that Naruto appeared to blush at her statement. I actually made Naruto-Kun blush. Hinata cheers, a small bubble of joy rising up within her at the sight. Oh Kami have I finally been able to get my true feeling across to Naruto-Kun without him misunderstanding. Maybe I am making progress.
All further thoughts on the matter comes to a halt as Naruto awkwardly stammers, his hand scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. "A-ah w-well I better be going I guess. Lots of people to see and not enough time you know."
Suppressing giggle at the sight but cheered all the same by the knowledge she had finally returned the favour, Hinata replies with a glowing smile, her enthusiasm clear."Goodbye Naruto-kun and good luck. I can't wait for tonight."
Stumbling as he leaves, Naruto offers a quick "Y-yeah me too. I'll see you later." before he heads off into the village with what can only be describes as reckless enthusiasm. So much so that he almost bumped into a returning Hyuga clansmen. A clansmen that was none too pleased to have his course corrected for him in order to avoid the orange blur.
Well it wasn't quite what I wanted but it's more of a chance then I've had in months. And seeing him act like that because of something I said means I'm getting better at talking to him at the very least. Hinata acknowledges with a fond sigh as she watches him run off before eventually making her way back into the compound. And Sakura has been trying to help me make progress with him for months now. If she's there then maybe a chance will present itself to be alone with him again.
Sakura had been a welcome, though sometimes overbearing, ally in her efforts to tell Naruto how she felt. Whether it be inviting her to the increasingly rare meals with team seven or somehow engineering time alone with Naruto, the pinkette had increased Hinata`s opportunities.
Not that I have been able to do anything with them. Hinata can't help but acknowledge, a myriad of awkward silences, stuttering and feinting spells, despite Sakura`s best efforts, flashing before the dejected Hyuga`s eyes. I wonder if I can say I'm sick and avoid the whole thing? It would certainly save me the embarrassment.
Hinata knew of course that she would end up going regardless of how potentially embarrassing or pointless it may be. The simple fact being that she said she would go and would hate to see disappointment in Naruto`s eyes. Secondly Naruto was right in saying that the group hadn't seen each other in a while and Hinata was looking forward to seeing them. Finally however, Hinata had made a promise to try harder and this was an opportunity she could not pass up.
"I wonder how many times I will go through this same argument in my head before I actually go?" Hinata grumbles to herself as she reaches her room, knowing with weary experience that she would likely go back on forth on the matter many times today before going.
Retrieving her nearly completed knitting project from the cabinet she sits down to continue, Hinata`s resolve strengthening with each stitch. I have an hour before I have to meet Sakura and a few more in between. I might as well make the most of the opportunity and finish this for when I ultimately decide to go. Hinata decides, smiling serenely as she decides to imagine how good things could go rather than how badly they may end up for a change.
She sees herself enjoying the night with her friends before Sakura casts her magic and suddenly they are alone. Confidently she hands him her scarf and he smiles that brilliant smile of his. They chat the night away, talking about everything and nothing before he walks her home. Under the moon light, she works up the courage to finally confess which he accepts and returns with the same conviction as her. They lean in and...
"Kiss..." Hinata mumbles dreamily, enjoying the fantasy despite knowing it would never likely go so smoothly. Still if nothing else the image gives her strength to put her doubts to rest for now. Indeed, despite knowing that it may be a struggle Hinata was looking forward to tonight. Tonight she might finally be able to understand Naruto a little better and hopefully get that much closer to him as a result.
"Idiot, idiot, idiot!" Naruto recites for must have been the hundredth time since leaving the Hyuga Quarter, the Uzumaki frustrated with himself for failing in his self appointed mission. "And now I've got to invite everyone else like I said I would or risk looking like an even bigger idiot. Man, how'd I manage to screw this up so bad?" The image of Hinata stiffening at his request, flashes of panic breaking past her calm exterior, comes to the forefront of Naruto`s mind. The reasons for his failure clear in his mind.
Dammit I really did want it to be just the two of us you know but when I saw how she reacted I panicked and just said the first thing that came to mind. I should have rehearsed more and not make it sound like a date. Naruto acknowledges irritable as he enters the Nara district in search of Shikamaru, his thoughts turning guiltily to his past experiences with such matters. Sakura always hated it when I asked her out of the blue when we were younger so maybe Hinata is like that too. Especially if she already likes someone and was worried me appearing to ask her out would spoil her chances with them.
For reasons unknown to Naruto the thought of Hinata liking someone causes a rather unpleasant feeling to rise up in him. A feeling that, if Naruto was forced to put a finger on it, almost reminded him of how he felt watching Sakura fawn over Sasuke at the academy. Yet, it was different from that and rather dwarfed that feeling in its intensity.
Stopping his mental investigation of the strange feeling to knock at Shikamaru`s door, Naruto isn't surprised that Temari answers giving their poorly concealed relationship with one another. Giving a warm smile, Naruto greets the former Suna Kunoichi with his usual boundless enthusiasm despite his inner quandary, "Hey Temari how's it going?"
"Oh not so bad." Temari replies with a fond smile, amused as ever by his antics before a frown develops as she replies irritable, "Though lazy seems to have disappeared again despite it being his turn to feed the deer so I'm a little annoyed right now. You haven't happened to have seen him today have you?"
Tough luck Shika it seems you`re in the dog house again. Naruto muses with an internal shake of the head, knowing that his friend had known full well that it was his turn and chosen to ditch it instead. The Nara`s laziness for tasks he deemed too `Troublesome` well known to Naruto. As such it can't be said that Naruto had much sympathy for him regardless of the likely `Troublesome` punishment he would receive when Temari caught up to him . Sorry pal but you should know by now that annoying Temari is way more `Troublesome ` than just doing your chores. I can only hope that it doesn't stop you coming out tonight.
With that in mind he replies, "Nah can't say that I have. In fact it's kinda funny but I was here to see if you guys wanted to come out to Ichiraku`s for a catch up with everyone around seven."
Humming in thought for a moment, Temari responds uncertainly, "Well unfortunately lazy and I have been roped into a meeting tonight about the next Chunin exams." Looking suddenly annoyed she continues with a sigh, "If its anything like the last ones it will probable run over time but I'll try to make it if I can."
"No worries." Naruto nods in sympathy having heard about how certain members of the committee liked the sound of their own voice far too much, "Hopefully it's not too bad and you guys can make it. Ill maybe see you later. "
Seemingly in good spirits once more, Temari bids farewell. "Well ill certainly try. Goodbye Naruto". Preparing to leave, Naruto stops as a thought occurs, "Oh and would you do me a favour and pass the message on to Shika when you get the chance? I've still got to invite everyone else and the guy can be hard to find when he puts his mind to it."
"Sure no problem." Temari replies cheerily as she begins to shut the door. Yet before it fully closes she adds with a sinister smile, one that promised to take great delight in her actions "But given the how hard he's going to have work to make it up to me lazy might be a little too busy."
Suppressing a shiver at the remark, Naruto offers a silent prayer for Shikamaru`s continued survival and renews his journey. Girls can be really scary and Temari diffidently ranks highly, though despite his complaining Shika seems too really like being with her for some reason. Naruto ponders with a hint of bewilderment, not sure if he could handle someone as bossy as Temari. I mean Temari is a really good friend and all but I don't know if I could survive an in relationship with someone who smiled like that. But each to their own I guess. And to be fair I'm kinda the worst at understanding woman anyway so there's probable something I'm missing there.
Speaking of not understanding women, he had yet to figure out the bizarre feeling from earlier and decided to drop it for now despite his frustration.
Its probable nothing like that anyway. Naruto decides as he heads to the Yamanaka district to try and find Ino, dismissing the idea that Hinata would be annoyed with him for asking a question. Hinata`s too nice too do that and she's never been like most of the girls I know. I bet she just didn't like the idea of being in such a busy place without a few more people to back her up. Thinking on it more closely he recalls how, accept for a few rare occasions like yesterday, he rarely saw Hinata without the company of their friends or her clan. That was especially true for crowded places that seemed to make Hinata withdraw into herself even more than usual. Yeah that has to be it; she was just a bit nervous about not having more people about during the busier times.
Pleased with himself, he was about to figuratively pat himself on the back for his clever deduction before a confusing thought occurs. But if that's true why did she seem so disappointed when I tried to say it wasn't a date? Naruto wasn't the most observant person in the world, but he could have sworn that Hinata looked downhearted for a moment. The breath flashes making Naruto can't help but wonder if he had gotten the wrong end of the stick entirely. And then there's that smile. That fake smile I've seen in the mirror so many times. She was definitely putting a show of being happy for my benefit.
Naruto stops in his tracks to lean against a nearby wall with a frown, determined to figure it out as he concentrates on her reactions in those moments. I can't be certain that I saw what I think I saw. But if she was disappointed then does that mean that she actually wanted it to be just the two of us? Did that mean she wanted it to be a date?
Letting out a loud frustrated growl as he hits the side of the building with more force than intended, causing a passerby to jump in fright, Naruto shakes his head.
No it can't be that. He affirms as he takes in the small impact crater he created, making a mental note to pay the owner for the damages. Surprised at the ferocity of his outburst he offers an embarrassed apology to the passerby and goes back to brooding. Though Naruto would never admit that was what he was doing, the thought of emulating Sasuke too painful to contemplate. She's like a princess and would never like me like that anyway. It has to be something else that's bothering her. Maybe her crappy family are causing trouble for her again or she's worried about making Jonin or something.
Knowing that there was nothing he could do about it now Naruto pays the confused, though too star-struck to be annoyed, shop owner for the damages. Resuming his task he vows to try and find out what was bothering her, determined to help his friend if he could. That fact being that seeing that smile from her made his gut wrench and, if he was honest with himself, angry.
Even if I have to crack a few heads to do it I'm going to make sure she doesn't have to hide her troubles behind fake smiles. He affirms as he reaches Ino`s door, annoyed more than he understood at the idea that someone was causing Hinata trouble. And that's a promise ill keep no matter what.
Having completed his task Naruto was now getting ready to go out to meet the friends he had managed to track down. Reasonable happy with himself given the short notice, he managed to secure agreement from Sakura, Ino and Chōji. Shikamaru and Temari being a tentative maybe.
"Well things didn't go exactly as planned." Naruto concedes as he throws on an orange hoodie over his white shirt before pulling on his black three quarter length pants and sandals. "But ill still get to see Hinata tonight and hey I can always invite her next time to what I originally had planned."
Despite his partial failure Naruto was now in good spirits and could honestly say he was looking forward to the meet up. Especially as knew that Hinata was looking forward to it also.
"That smile..." He sighs happily as he heads for the door, thinking on the last few moments talking to her before he left. A smile which combined with her words made his heart pleasantly tingle like never before for reasons he had yet to truly figure out. "That smile and way Hinata looked at me when she said that, damn I never thought a girl could make me blush so hard. She looked so...so cute I guess. "
As a blush rises up once more as his thoughts go down a more Jiraya approved line, Naruto lets out a frustrated sigh. "Hinata probable thinks I'm some kind of a weirdo now. Damn pervy sage, why did you have to put those sorts of ideas into my head."
Putting his fears of becoming the next Jiraya to rest for the moment, Naruto concentrates on the most important part. What she said at the end was genuine, I'm sure of it. If nothing else I know Hinata is looking forward to tonight so I better not mess this up.
And with that the Uzumaki heads into the night, determined to better understand Hinata. Little did either of them know that tonight would not go as planned due to an unfortunate misunderstanding and the machinations of Toneri Otsuki. Yet, it would also mark the beginning of a journey that would help them truly understand each other.
End
Thanks for reading.
