Disclaimer: I don't own this story, or the characters (canon or OC). This is a story written by mattwilson83 from deviantart for his fan comic of the same name, I am simply writing it as a fanfic.

All characters belong to Kishimoto; most of the OC's are Matt's (except where otherwise stated, and I will say when there is a OC that is not Matt's and whom it belongs to)

Written with permission from Matt, but not from Kishimoto.

I don't get paid for this either.

Naru-Hina Chronicles

Chapter Three: Date

Together, alone. Is it meant to be?

The following day was just as beautiful as the previous. Birdsong and a fair few clouds filled the otherwise clear blue sky.

Despite how perfect the day was for what was planned, there was a person standing alone in the village who could not help but feel nervous.

Today was the day of Hinata's first, hopefully of many to follow, date with Naruto. She dressed in a simple, modest lavender dress that covered down to her knees. Over that was a light violet jacket.

Her head was bowed slightly and her eyes downcast as she leaned against a wooden fence that seemed to line many of the villages alleys. She had a slight blush gracing her visage, as she worried.

They had agreed to meet in this location; at least she hoped this was the right place. 'Naruto-kun is running a little late. I hope that everything is ok. Maybe he changed his mind and wont show up…is this even the right spot?"

As she continued to give into her doubts and worries a voice called out that caused her to feel more light-hearted (and light-headed) than she ever had. Perhaps the happiness in 'his' voice as he called her name caused this?

"Hey! Hinata-chan!"

She raised her head to see him striding toward her, wearing a white shirt, black jacket and blue jeans.

Her blush intensified, he always looked so…so handsome to her. But there was just something about his relaxed looked that was that much more dashing. Hinata cast her eyes downward again, so as not to quail under his piercing blue eyes. "N-Naruto-kun…"

He came right up to her, with a big grin and with a chuckle said, "Sorry I'm so late Hinata-chan."

"Uhm, Th-that's ok…" she replied timidly, simply overjoyed that he actually showed up.

He scratched at the back of his head, an embarrassed air about him, "It took longer than I thought to get everything ready."

"I-it's fine…really."

"Um…heh…so, are you ready?"

She gave a slight nod, "…yes."

The pair walked at a leisurely pace though a path that snaked through the trees; it was a few minutes before Hinata broke the silence.

"Um…Naruto-kun? Where are we going?"

Naruto glanced over at her, then closed his eyes and kept walking…his feet finding their own way. He began to explain, "Well…I tried to follow Ino's advice and get a table somewhere nice. But everywhere I checked was really expensive…" he trailed off a bit before continuing. "I even looked into some shows, but they were all booked up for today."

"I mean, I really did try to set up something nice for us," he insisted. Then he continued on in a low voice, "I guess I should have saved up a bit more and planned it better."

Hinata blushed, 'we're going to Ichiraku…' not that she minded, as long as it was with him.

They continued walking and the sound of running water was soon heard, and Naruto finished up his explanation. "But then, just as I thought 'to hell with it, I'll take her to Ichiraku', I was passing a book store. On the cover of one of the books was…" he lead her through some trees, "…a couple on a picnic, so I figured why not us?"

"N-Naruto-kun…" Hinata trailed off, the sight before her caught her breath. Beside a calm little stream was a large blanket, with a basket sitting next to it. It was a truly picturesque sight, and to think that Naruto thought it up…

The two of them sat on the blanket that Naruto had laid out previously, Naruto was rooting through the basket her had prepared and Hinata sat down, her legs folded beneath her, as she shrugged off her jacket.

"I…I wasn't sure what you liked," Naruto began nervously with his back turned to Hinata. "So I just made some sandwiches…but I have some cake, and umm…of some fruit and juice."

Hinata smiled at him, "that sounds nice…"

Naruto turned to her, his cheeks turning red, "are you sure that's o…umm…ok?" he trailed off, completely losing his train of thought at the sight her smiling happily at him, realizing just how adorable the girl with him looked. 'Oh man, she looked so cute right now. I've never seen her in a dress before…what was I doing?'

He turned back to the food, scratching his head in confusion.

Hinata watched him worriedly, 'maybe I should give Naruto-kun a hand? He went though so much trouble for this, so it's only right to help him out.' She convinced herself and quietly made her way over to her date, reaching out to poke his shoulder…

Naruto, completely unaware of the girl right behind him, smiled. 'Ok, that's everything. Hope that Hinata likes it," he thought. He turned quickly back to her, "Here you go Hina…"

There was a sudden loud crack followed quickly with blinding pain, and both of them were left sprawled on the ground, their foreheads red and throbbing from the impact.

Naruto was the first to come around. He moaned in pain, clutching his head. "Ohhh, Oww. What happened? I feel like Sakura-chan hit me." He glanced over to find Hinata unconscious on the ground before him. "H-Hinata-chan!?" he leaned over her, worry covering his face, "she's out cold…" Naruto mumbled to himself.

Hinata slowly started to regain consciousness; he eyes drifted open and the first thing she saw was… 'Naruto-kun…so close…'

"Oh, hey. You're ok!" Naruto said happily, as his face was bent closely right over hers… "Hinata-chan?! What happened!?" he body went limp again.

A short while later the two sat in silence, enjoying the food Naruto had prepared. Hinata watched him from the corner of her eye. 'Naruto-kun had gone so quiet…maybe because our date is going well?' she tried to convince herself. It was no use, the tension was palpable…she had to say something.

Turning her head toward him she managed to stammer out, "N-Naruto-kun…um…these sandwiches are…um…very good."

Naruto visibly brightened, he turned to her smiling and blushing, "oh, um…thanks a lo…" he trailed off when he felt a drop of water strike his nose.

The rain came quickly, and several minutes later Teuchi greeted a thoroughly soaked Naruto and Hinata.

"Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen pl… oh it's you two?" he smiled at the drenched couple. "Iruka was in here before; I thought it was strange that he was without you Naruto." The old man chuckled at his own little jib, "He said you two were on a date, shame about the weather."

Naruto shook the rain from his matted hair, "yeah and on a picnic and everything." He gave a forced laugh, "but I guess we were always destined to end up here huh?"

The pair ate in silence while the rain slowly dissipated. Then walked in silence along the rain-soaked roads.

Eventually Naruto stopped, "so um…I guess this is it then?" he asked quietly. "I'm sorry that it wasn't a very good date. I guess a picnic wasn't such a great idea."

Hinata didn't really like where this was heading, "N-Naruto-kun…I…um…"

Naruto sighed, "I guess I'll see you around Hinata-chan." He turned and slowly began to walk in the opposite direction.

'Naruto-kun, I wish I could cheer you up. But what can I say?' Hinata was left wondering. 'I know the date fell apart, but you tried your best for me. You could have taken me anywhere…I just wanted…I only wanted to spend time with you…' Her eye went wide.

"NARUTO-KUN!!!"

Naruto immediately halted, never having heard her shout like that caused him to freeze, "H-Hinata-chan?"

He was further thrown off, but pleased when she latched onto him. "Don't go yet! I want…I want to be with you a little longer, please. I…I don't care where we go. I just…I just want to be with you, Naruto-kun!"

He gave the biggest grin, and a blush that surpassed hers at the feeling of her pressed against him. "Oh, um ok…"

OoOoO

In a wooded area of fire country, five figures occupied a clearing. Four of them stood around the fifth, a dead Konoha Jonin slumped against a tree, his body beaten and riddled for kunai.

Rokuro surveyed the damage, and then spoke in a condescending tone, "I told you that Konoha would be sending people after us."

Hotaru eyed her teammate then the leader wearily, "Rokuro, be quiet. This isn't the time. Besides, you know that you shouldn't get Masaru angry."

"Shut up Hotaru!" Rokuro snapped. "You should be on my side. Out of the four of us, you were the one who left family behind. Or did you forget about the rest of the Yamanaka clan back home?"

The blond woman looked down depressed, and Rokuro continued. "You should hate him for dragging us into this, but I guess sharing his bed make you more forgiving!" he scoffed. "But it is also his affection for you that got us into this trouble to begin with. If he hadn't made us wait while you rested, we would not have been caught!"

"ENOUGH ROKURO!" Masaru shouted. "I have had enough of your whining today!"

Rokuro started up again, "AND WHY THE HELL SHOULD I STO…"

It happened insanely fast, Rokuro was silenced as an arm consisting of red, bubbling chakra deftly grabbed him and slammed him roughly into a tree.

"Did you forget who it is you are talking too!?" Masaru bellowed. "And just what I could do if I wanted to!?" His voice became calmer, "now I am going to take this as a minor lapse in judgment. But, I don't want to hear another word…understand?" he finished dangerously.

The chakra arm released Rokuro, and Masaru turned and began to walk from the clearing, talking over his shoulder. "Now, if you are quite finished, we should get moving. Before more show up."

Rokuro glared at Masaru's back, seething and growling. "Yes…sir!" he then followed his 'leader' out of the clearing.

"Hotaru, may I speck with you?"

She turned to see Jun, only him and herself being left in the clearing. "Sure Jun."

The massive, yet kindly man spoke. "I was wondering if you had told Masaru about what I found when I examined you after that last battle? Because you really shouldn't put this off, this fight could have been a lot worse."

She sighed, "no…not yet, I…I can't. I will soon, but we are getting closer to our goal and Masaru is focused on that. I…don't want to take his attention away from that right now."

She placed a hand on her on abdomen, letting it rest gently. "Especially since news of this kind tends to cause people to shift the focus and attention. And…well, if keeping this a secret for now, will help him focus on his goals. Then I will keep it a secret…for him."

OoOoO

On one of the many park benches scattered throughout Konoha, a silent couple sat.

Hinata was blushing furiously red, 'why did I say all that?' she wondered. 'I am completely embarrassed, and why did I jump onto him like that?'

She glanced over at him…the silence was uncomfortable, and drove Hinata to break it once again. "Umm…Naruto-kun?"

Naruto responded dully, "Yeah?"

She took a deep breath, "about what I said and um…did earlier. I am sorry for jumping on you like that."

"Oh," Naruto sighed. "Well, if you need to apologize for that, then I should apologize as well."

He head snapped up to gaze at him, "Huh? But…for what?"

He sighed again, and began his explanation. "I wanted today to be so great, a perfect date. I tried to do everything Ino said I should do. I set up something romantic, and knock you out. I tried to be a gentleman and not open my big mouth to say something stupid, but we ended up not saying anything at all. And to top it all off, it rained, we got soaked and I took you to the one place Ino said I shouldn't." he recapped.

Hinata just stared at him.

Naruto continued, "I felt like I had let everyone down, especially you. But then, you came running up to me and said that you didn't care where we went, that you just wanted to be with me. I realized that I hadn't been 'me' all day."

He turned to grin at her, "so I'm sorry that I was late for our date, Hinata-chan," he laughed. "Oh and by the way, I've never seen you in a dress before…you look pretty in it."

"You think…I look…pretty?" Hinata questioned timidly.

Naruto shifted himself, drawing closer, "Yeah…I do."

Hinata, despite the light-headed feeling she was getting, shifted closer to him, "oh…"

Naruto leaned over to her, "Hinata-chan, can I…"

He never finished his question as their lips met.

After what seemed like forever, and yet not long enough for either of them, they broke apart. Both smiled shyly at the other, their foreheads resting against the other.

"Hey, you never let me finish asking," Naruto joked.

He stood and helped her to her feet, and continued on, hands still held. "So what'cha wanna do now?"

Hinata leaned in, and rested her head on his shoulder as they walked. "Anything, as long as it's with Naruto-kun." She replied happily.

Naruto gave a joyous cheer, "alright, Ichiraku's ramen it is then!"

OoOoO

In another part of fire country, not far outside of the village of Konoha there was a team of three that happened across a couple of injured fellow leaf ninja.

The older male Jonin spoke to the Chunin medic under him as she worked on one of the injured, "Mina, how's it going? Is he going to be ok?"

The young spectacled female Chunin, didn't look up, her vision focused on her hands glowing, slowly mending the wounds. "Ummm, I've done nearly everything I can here, sensei." she wished she could have someone helping her; she was not as skilled as Sakura-sempai after all. Despite her light brown hair being tied up, it fell before her eyes, but those few strands were ignored.

But she would not lose focus. Suddenly she noticed something, "oh sensei? I…I think that someone already gave him emergency treatment before we got here," she said nodding to her patient. "I mean that…his injuries on the outside don't match up with his internal ones."

The ninja on the ground moaned softly, "it…it was…the big…the big guy."

"Huh?" Mina started, "please stay still, and try not to talk."

The bearded Jonin sensei was shocked, "the big guy? Could he mean Jun? But why would they attack us and then heal us, that makes no sense."

Mina nodded, "still it's a good thing they did. If this guy was left without, he'd have been dead before we got here. Even so, with these injuries, if we don't get him to the hospital he could get worse and still could die."

Her sensei inhaled sharply through his teeth, "Mina…not in front of the patient…"

Her patients eyes went wide, "d...die!?"

Mina looked over to him in worry, and 'tried' to reassure him. "Um…sorry, I…I didn't mean…don't worry. You will be just fine, honestly!"

"BUT YOU JUST SAID THAT I WAS GONNA DIE!"

"No…I said you could die. You could live too…"

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN 'COULD'"?

"Ah sorry, that's not what I meant."

Her Jonin sensei gave a slight chuckle, and shook his head at her thoughtlessness. His demeanor changed abruptly, he quickly snapped a kunai into the trees. The sound of it being deflected off of metal rang throughout the clearing.

Mina and her teammate suddenly snapped into a ready position, "oh no, are they back?" she asked nervously.

Her sensei shook his head, "no, not them."

A lone shadowy figure became visible under the canopy of the trees, a calm, deep voice called out. "I am not here to fight you."

The Jonin responded, "People who just want to talk don't skulk around in the shadows. If you truly wish to 'just talk' some out…slowly. Make any false moves and we will be forced to defend ourselves."

There was a short pause, "fair enough…I'm coming out."

The mysterious figure stepped out into the light. Mina looked from him to her sensei, wide-eyed. "Sensei? Is that…?"

OoOoO

At Konoha hospital, Ino made her way though the halls ending up where the nurses told her that her friend was. She poked her head into the room, "Hey Sakura, are you ready for lunch?"

The pink-haired Konoichi looked up from her work with a smile, "no, not yet."

Ino walked into the room, "well hurry it up. I'm hungry and I want to get there before Chouji eats it all."

Sakura gave a slight laugh, "sure, just let me finish with Kiba."

It was at that point that Ino noticed Kiba in the bed, with a grimace of pain on his face. "So what happened to you Kiba? Get injured in training."

"Don't say it…" Kiba growled at Sakura in a warning tone.

Sakura could not keep the humor from her voice and her response was punctuated with stifled laughter. "He…he just injured his knee a little, nothing to worry about…"

Ino heard the laughter in her friends' voice and gave Sakura a stern look, "that's not funny Sakura. What's wrong with you?"

"It's just…just that he…he," she chortled.

"What?" Ino asked, her curiosity peaked.

And Sakura explained just how Kiba, wanting to look super cool, leapt onto Akamarus' back and promptly fell off when the dog began to run, resulting in his 'injury'.

Kiba crossed his arms and his face took on a childish, petulant look at their uproarious laughter. "That is NOT funny!" he insisted.

Sakura finally got her laughter under control, "I…I know, I'm sorry (giggle) I'm ok now Kiba."

There was the sound of running coming form outside the room and the door burst open again, "Sakura-nee chan!"

Sakura looked around, "Mina?"

Ino chuckled, "oh look! I guess the Sakura fan club is back home."

"Ino," Sakura said reprovingly.

Mina didn't notice Ino's words. "Sakura-chan, I just had to tell you something really important. You'll nev…" she trailed off noticing ho was in the bed. "Eh? K-Kiba-kun? Why are you here." She was soon kneeling at his side, her eyes wide and watery, "Are you injured? Does it hurt? Can I get you anything? Do you feel faint?"

Kiba looked at the girl who was firing off the questions with discomfort written all over his face. "Um, I'm…I'm fine Mina."

"Mina? Didn't you have something important to tell me?" Sakura asked, saving Kiba from the inquisition.

"Huh? Oh yeah..."

OoOoO

Emanating from the Hokage tower came a shout that spread to most of the village, "SASUKE!?"

Sitting at the desk, Tsunade sat with her hands folded. A dark-haired young man standing beside her.

Sasuke glanced over at the woman who had just kicked the door in, and nodded his acknowledgement, "Sakura."

She could hardly believe her eyes, and in an effort to make sure this was not a dream, "you…you're home…"

Authors note: another chapter down. And I know that in my last one I said I would try to make this a bi-weekly update. I'll use the holidays as an excuse this week for the one chapter, but to be fair it may not be that consistent. While this story is easier to write because it is already pretty much written, the truth is, I will work on this every chance I can. But that would take up a lot of time, so maybe bi-weekly or weekly, or should inspiration strike, I will ignore this one in favor of writing one of my other stories.

All the same, hope you liked this one.

Thanks for reading.