Hello! Chapter three is here. Thank you for all the reviews. You are all very supportive and it keeps my motivation up. To answer your question blackman: It is not exactly a HinaNaruSaku, it is just that after Sakura dies, Naruto has problems letting go and forgetting her, which leads to a wall between him and Hinata. That wall is Sakura. That is how I thought at least. This chapter reveals the mission's details and how things will progress. There is also a little bit of NaruHina. I hope you enjoy and please review!

Chapter 3 Unfallen Snow

Hinata sat in her room and stared out of the window, pensively. The velvety clouds covered the sky like a thick blanket. There was no sun, no sky, just clouds. She waited expectantly for the snow to fall. The snow was so beautiful and it gave her hope.

Some days had gone by and Hinata could not stop thinking about Naruto. She could smell his precious scent from his jacket and it soothed her. It was as if he was right next to her. She clutched the jacket and decided to give it back to him. Hinata discreetly stepped out of her room. She made her way through the long hall, before noticing her father looking surprisingly worried. His pale eyes were staring flatly at the dusty ground. She stopped and stared at him questioningly.

"Hello, father… Is there something wrong?" She asked, politely. Her voice was woven with concern.

"Hinata… It's Neji…" He uttered, seriously. She looked at him with worried eyes, afraid of the news he was about to tell her.

She proceeded down the road to reach Naruto's house. The wind was strong today and the world was wrapped in an unbreakable veil of greyness, which radiated a strong mournfulness. The air was bitter and it seemed like it would snow, although no frozen tears fell from the endless heavens filled with clouds like thick ribbons. She looked up, worry gradually filling her eyes.

She approached his house and encouraged herself several times to knock on the welcoming door, which seemed like a challenge in itself. She hesitated frequently, raising her hand and lowering it as if she was merely exercising in front of the door. She even considered leaving, but she told herself to be brave.

'You're friends, remember?'

Hinata finally found the courage within her to knock on the door. It was more like a tap, soft and barely audible. She regretted knocking that way. Her hand was trembling in the air. The door opened swiftly and she immediately shut her eyes with shock. She quickly opened them and saw a surprised Naruto staring at her.

"Ah, Hinata…!" He blurted out. His face was adorned with puzzlement, before a smile appeared on his lips.

"I-I just came to return the jacket to you." She informed, presenting the jacket which was neatly folded in her hands. Naruto stared questioningly at it for a moment, before accepting it silently.

"Well, I'll see you later." She said, growing embarrassed and shy. Before she could turn around and leave, Naruto stopped her with his soft voice.

"Hey, why are you leaving?" He asked. A red carpet covered her cheeks lightly.

"Let's go for a walk or something." He suggested, cheerfully. She stood there speechlessly for a moment, before agreeing to his proposal. She nodded gently as she watched him put on his protective jacket and close the door, locking it securely.

"So, what have you been doing lately?" He asked, curiously. They found a lonely bench under an old tree, waiting patiently for a visitor to arrive. The tree was covered with a blanket of sparkling snow, which caused it to bend slightly. It radiated a protective aura. It acted almost like a faint barrier against the unbeatable cold, for its exceedingly long branches hung low, swaying gently over them. Her eyes that matched the whiteness that consumed the world stared softly at the seat, before she sat down. The mournful greyness enveloped her, but Naruto's warmth caused her heart to lighten and she did not feel so cold.

"I have been relaxing and training in order to be ready for any mission to come up." She answered, meekly. She stared at the short, golden blades of grass that seemed to poke through the bitter snow.

"How have you been?" She asked, gently.

"I've been okay, except that I have been really bored." He said with a complaining tone. He thought about Sakura's absence.

"Are you worried about Sakura?" She asked, abruptly. He looked at her questioningly, before staring blankly at the dreary skies.

"Yeah, kind of, but she is really strong. I believe in her." He answered, sincerely and spiritedly. He smiled weakly, but it was so real. His presence and radiance was so strong she felt her heart jump wildly.

Suddenly, she grew distant, thoughts dancing through her worried mind. She thought about Neji and the troubled look on her father's face. A thick silence appeared, causing Naruto to gaze at her worriedly.

She thought about…

"What's the matter, Hinata? You seem spaced out." He said, looking at her with an uplifting smile. She leaned forward, bringing her hands to her face. Her curtain of ebony hair fell forward, wispy strands covering her eyes.

"Neji is injured…" She whispered, weakly. Naruto widened his azure eyes, alarmed to hear that Neji was wounded. Naruto had just been teamed up with him and all he could picture in his mind was his strength.

"Is he okay?" Naruto asked. Worry mercilessly filled his heart as he though about his friend's safety. Hinata nodded faintly as she raised her head and looked at him with sparkling eyes. Her face was painted with uncertainty. It was as if she was searching for something to say.

'Is she...?'

"He'll most likely recover. What worries me is that…" She managed to say. Naruto looked at her inquisitively, not knowing why he felt a strange sensation swirl through his stomach. It was truly incomprehensible. Her eyes strengthened this feeling. He waited patiently for her to continue, giving her a serious gaze to encourage her to proceed.

"His injury occurred during an ANBU scouting, which has a relation to Sakura's mission. I don't really understand, but they are somehow linked. However, Sakura's mission continues as we speak. His group retreated after their encounter with the enemy." She informed, slowly. Naruto consumed every word, trying to comprehend. An explosive feeling burst inside of him, causing his heart to beat wildly. His cerulean eyes widened slightly, realising that Sakura could be in grave danger.

"How do you know this?" He asked, calmly. Hinata shifted her deep gaze to the golden leaves that seemed to flutter in the air, falling from the mighty trees. Her ebony strands of hair caressed her face.

"My father received this information from the other ANBU from Neji's team. I thought you should know, since…" She whispered, not managing to fulfil her sentence. He instantly reacted by standing up. She mirrored his movements; not knowing what kind emotions that were tearing him apart. She could not see him properly, for his golden locks partially concealed his face.

"Naruto…?" She asked, worriedly. She looked at him with apprehension. Her voice was benevolent, which caused him to awaken from his deep concern. She carefully moved to face him. As expected, his face was unsmiling and his sapphire eyes were staring blankly at the ground.

"Should I have not told you?" She asked, softly. Naruto finally met her white gaze, a frown still adorning his face. His eyes though, radiated a sincerity and seriousness.

"No, I am glad you told me. Thank you." He said, truthfully. She was penetrated by the softness of his words, causing her to stiffen. She was stuck in his voice and presence. A gust of wind was born, causing their hair to flutter lightly. She slowly broke out of her entrapment and lowered her eyes, not knowing exactly what to say. They were quite close, causing her heart to leap and her cheeks to blush.

Light tears developed in her eyes and slowly danced down her cheeks. It was now she realized that she was upset over the entire situation. Thing were happening and developing so fast, that she found it hard to cope. Naruto noticed this and hated to see her like this. Tears were so painful to observe, no matter what. She brought a hand to wipe them away, so they would not stain the situation she was in.

She did not want to cry in front of him.

'I don't want to cause him to worry even more…'

"Don't cry. Everything will be okay." He consoled, gently. He was so calm. She nodded vigorously, trying to seem convincing. She wanted to be strong too.

He came closer, wanting to pull her close, but he did not know how she would react. Instead, he briefly stroked the side of her neck, gently catching a wisp of hair. She looked up at him, cheeks flushed with a vibrant redness.

"It will be okay." He repeated, encouragingly. She smiled weakly as he removed his hand.

"M-m..." She managed, bravely.

"You know, my worry is not that strong when I'm around you." He said, clearly and suddenly. She looked up at him. Her face was painted with pure astonishment. He showered her with kindness no matter what she said that triggered a concern or excessive weight in his heart and mind. He was always kind to her, no matter what.

No matter what…

She was completely speechless, so she could only nod affirmatively, but she hoped that her extremely grateful face could speak for her. He tried his best to smile appreciatively. A silence enveloped them briefly, before he broke it gently.

"Hinata, may I see Neji?" He asked. She nodded, knowing that his concern for both Neji and Sakura was growing uncontrollably. The thought of Naruto loving Sakura so much weakened her spirit, but she wanted to help him find her. She was worried too. She did not want to see Naruto unhappy and concerned.

"Thank you…" He said, gratefully. When he said that, she sensed that there was something more behind his words. Not only his words, but his face radiated an ambiguity, which was mixed with a sincere gratitude. It seeped into her, mercilessly.

They entered an empty room filled with an indescribable gloominess. The winter light crept through the open window, creating a hollow feeling. Neji lay lifeless in a bed tucked away in a discreet corner. His locks, which had darkened considerably, hung loosely, framing his face like an ebony halo. He was visibly in peace, which pleased Hinata, for she had seen him recently in pain, which was a rarity. His eyebrows were no longer furrowed and his eyes were shut gently. She approached him with soft footsteps and Naruto mimicked her movements.

"Neji…" He whispered, studying his injured body and noticing scars that adorned his torso. Bandages were wrapped securely around his arm.

"He has been asleep since morning. He should awaken shortly. We should wait until then." She suggested, carefully. She played absently with her raven coils of hair, a habit of hers which she thoughtlessly executed when she was extremely worried. Her frail fingers trembled slightly. Naruto seemed to notice this, including her snowflake eyes which were staring emphatically at the ground. She felt her heart ardently beat. Suddenly, she felt a light touch on her frail shoulder.

"Don't worry, He'll pull through, remember?" He assured her, cheerfully. She looked up at him, her eyes wide. He was smiling, brightly.

How could he be so positive at a time like this? It was something she would never comprehend, but she admired this rare strength that he possessed. Sakura could be hurt and Neji was injured, yet his hope did not die, nor falter. She smiled weakly, appreciating his belief.

They waited for thirty minutes, before Neji began to shift softly, groaning slightly from the piercing pain that surged through his body.

"Neji…!" Naruto and Hinata said simultaneously. She lent over him. He ceased his movements and paused briefly, before gently and slowly opening his vibrant eyes. They were like crescent moons.

"Hinata… N-Naruto…" He muttered, weakly.

"How are you feeling?" Hinata asked, worriedly. She stroked a wild strand of hair from his face.

"I'm fine." He answered, softly. He insistently sat up, leaning forward so his arms were resting on his legs.

"Naruto… There is something I must tell you." He admitted, seriously. Naruto came closer, so he would not have to overexert himself.

"Our scouting encountered the enemy which Sakura's team is pursuing in order to retrieve a stolen item from our village. They are a strong band of outlawed ninja." He informed, clearly. His tone was grave. Naruto narrowed his eyes.

"What kind of item is it?" Naruto asked, quietly. However, he found it difficult to stay calm in such a disquieting situation.

"It is a scroll which contains confidential information. Tsunade-sama will not even inform us. However, I believe it concerns forbidden techniques." He answered, truthfully. His face was as hard as stone.

"How was the scroll stolen?" Hinata asked, curiously. Naruto looked at her, appreciating her concern and interest in getting to the bottom of the situation as well.

"They stole it in the middle of the night, eliminating the guards easily. Tsunade-sama acted immediately, so they sent my ANBU group to investigate and another ANBU group to retrieve the scroll. They probably needed Sakura's healing abilities." Neji continued, slowly. Naruto felt a strange sensation swirl in his stomach; an extreme worry. The only thoughts that ran through his mind were what can I do and more importantly, is Sakura alright?

"What can I do, Neji?" Naruto asked. He had to intervene now, not only for Sakura, but to aid Konoha in preserving its secrets and safety.

"Tsunade-sama is probably planning to send out reinforcements soon. She may summon you. If not you must only hope for her safety." He said, looking directly at Naruto with sharp eyes. He winced slightly, before Hinata persuaded him gently to lie down again, which he obediently did. His breathing increased heavily and he looked up at Naruto with hopeful eyes.

"Don't lose your strong hope now, Naruto…" He whispered, before falling into unconsciousness. Naruto jumped out of his chair hastily, as if wanting to prevent him from doing so, but it was futile. He sat down again, lowering his head. His golden strands of hair hung flaccidly, covering parts of his face. He rested his forehead on his folded hands, clenching them tightly as he pondered.

"I have to go." Naruto said, lowly. Before Hinata could respond or comfort him, the door opened callously and her father approached, a hard look painted on his face. They both turned around in alarm.

"Hinata, Tsunade-sama requests your presence." He stated in a smooth tone. Hinata looked at him, confusedly. A link was connected within her as she realized that this may have something to do with Sakura's mission. Her eyes widened and she hesitantly shifted her gaze to Naruto, who gave her a serious, yet encouraging look. He nodded.

"I'll leave at once." She answered, reflecting her father's hard stare. It was forced, but strong. Naruto accompanied her wordlessly. When they entered the courtyard, which lead to an exit, he watched Hinata stop discreetly.

"It should have been you. I can't save Sakura." She said, softly. She turned around now, showing her worried face. Naruto was so impressed by how she valiantly wanted to prove to her father that she was strong. The look she previously wore was one she only showed to him. She was usually as soft as the snow, but around the man she wished acknowledgement from, she was like ice. She looked rather nervous now as he absorbed her words.

"Do you want me to come with you?" He asked, warmly. Hinata, with a grateful look on her face, nodded. They made their way to the Hokage's office, each carrying a feeling of worry, anticipation and heaviness.

She stood there nervously leaning against the wall, waiting for Tsunade and a few others to call her in. She heard their eager whispering. They wondered deeply if there had been any casualties or deaths. She grew more worried inside and she could not hide it. Naruto had gone with her, which she appreciated greatly. She blushed just by thinking about it. She did not know if it was for her or for Sakura, but she knew it meant something. The door opened suddenly.

"You may enter." Shizune stated and everyone immediately followed her order and walked in.

"I'll… I'll ask her... If…" She managed to say, before Naruto interrupted her.

"It's okay." He said and gently urged her to proceed. She nodded again before continuing towards the door.

"I'll wait here." He called to her. She looked back and he only caught a glimpse of her, for the doors closed. Her pure eyes were full of trust.

He believed in her, the same way he believed in Sakura.

He leaned against the wall and looked up at the empty ceiling, which filled his heart with that familiar feeling of loneliness. He was falling apart, not able to maintain the hope which usually resided within him. Why? He believed in Sakura… Suddenly, his calmness collapsed.

"I'll make this quick. You are to depart for the northern forests, where an ANBU team needs aid. They were sent to retrieve an item of high value from a band of ninja. However, we have not heard from them. They must have encountered the enemy. It is an A-class mission, which consists of high danger." She paused, staring at the six ninja, absorbing their scattered and mixed feelings.

"Once you find them, you must report back to us immediately. You have 30 minutes to get ready. Meet by the gates. Questions can be given to the team leader, who is Hatake Kakashi. Hurry…" She continued, slowly. She nodded affirmatively, indicating that she wanted them to leave at once. All of them hurriedly moved out, except for Hinata, who remained unmoving.

"Hokage-sama…" She whispered, nervously.

"What is it, Hinata?" Tsunade answered, seriously. Hinata put on her brave face and looked up, her eyes sharp.

"Why didn't you choose Naruto?" She asked, narrowing her eyes with mild curiosity. Tsunade sighed deeply, playing distantly with her wispy golden hair.

"Naruto has just finished a mission and is assigned for a different one now. Besides, his emotions always get in the way in it comes to Sakura. It is too dangerous for him. We cannot risk him being taken over by the fox demon." Tsunade said, sincerely. Her face was usually unbreakable, but when she looked at Hinata's pure and soft face, her features suddenly softened as well.

"I am just as worried about Sakura and Naruto as you are. You are the strongest piece in the group, so do your best." She admitted, whisperingly. Her voice was encouraging, which gave Hinata a small strength. It was not whole though. She bowed, before walking out of the door.

Naruto noticed her and looked at her strongly. He was waiting for her to tell him… Her voice was lost for a moment. She searched within herself and found it again, but it was weak.

"We're going to find her." She said, simply. She sighed, preparing herself to say the next words carefully.

"Tsunade-sama does not want you to go because she is merely worried about you." She whispered. Naruto reacted badly, as if he had expected that answer. His aura was stronger now.

"That is so typical of the old lady." He said, almost irritably. He impulsively approached the door, opened it and entered the room to confront the Hokage. Hinata hesitantly followed him, wanting to prevent him, but felt like he deserved to unleash some anger or at least a demand for a full answer. He even felt untouchable at that point.

"Tsunade, why won't you let me go?" He asked, angrily.

"Naruto…" Hinata whispered, worriedly. Naruto's gaze was burning as it stared directly at Tsunade.

"So, you know about everything… I assume Neji told you? I knew you would react like this. Listen, Naruto… You are in no emotional condition to go on this mission. I know how much Sakura means to you and it could trigger the demon within you. I won't let you go. I can't risk it." She answered him, strictly. Her eyes reflected the same glare Naruto expressed.

"He did. What happens if I go?" He questioned, loudly.

"If you leave, I will not allow you to be a ninja of Konoha any longer, for you are disobeying me." She answered, sharply. She was quick. Maybe she had foreseen this. Naruto found no argument to throw back at her. He was stunned with emotion and almost let it control him. He was being ripped apart inside. He felt something burn within him.

"So you are already assuming that she is in danger? What kind of Hokage are you?" He muttered. He lowered his head, before walking hastily out of the room. Hinata bowed awkwardly, before following after him quickly.

They came outside, where the sky was being engulfed with a fiery pinkness. The stars were being born, shining preciously above them. Night was approaching, covering its endless cloak over the heavens.

"Naruto…!" Hinata called, gently. He stopped walking and she mirrored his movements, stopping confusedly.

"I should not have said that…" He whispered, regrettably. It was Hinata's turn to counter. She wanted to help him.

"You never hide your feelings, Naruto. That is why you are so strong." She said, walking over to him so that she could face him. She acted meekly, for his presence always caused her to shiver. Her white eyes stared up at him, full of concern. She was smiling softly. Naruto slowly moved his blue eyes directly to her gaze. Their eyes met.

"Don't worry. I'll try my best, just like you would." She whispered. The undying wind appeared and blew past them. It was true; Naruto turned his feelings into an indescribable strength. She was going to adopt this method.

"Now I have to worry about you as well." He admitted, with a frail smile on his face. Hinata widened her eyes and an inerasable blush appeared on her face.

"Don't worry. I'll come back." She said, with an uplifting smile.

"Hinata, be careful, okay?" He said, seriously. His eyes were narrowed, hard and unbreakable. Her smile vanished as she stared at him, feeling his sincerity.

"M-m… I will." She admitted, meekly. She lowered her gaze, staring at the snow. Naruto turned around, giving her one last look, before leaving for his home.

She would treasure this moment forever. She realized that their friendship was blooming, which she wished for.

However, it was her who was watching him walk away. As she stared at his back, she realized that she was only getting herself hurt. She did not want to accept it and he did not directly show it, but she knew that the only thing that was on his mind was Sakura. His face could not betray his feelings. She could see through his smile. He was letting her in, but at the same time, Sakura was standing in the middle. And he could only see her. She wanted him to be happy, but she wanted to listen to her heart too. She was stuck. Being with him only made her feelings stronger, and she could neither deny nor resist them. Why? Because Naruto needed her.

Her white orbs looked up and the sky darkening considerably. She could not understand her situation properly, but she knew one thing:

'I am so close, yet so far away.'

And the snow never fell.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. Next time there will be a lot of action and realization of feelings. I hope you liked this chapter. Please review for me. Thank you very much!

-Curlybear