Victorious

"Hey! Hinata-chaan!" Naruto called, dragging out his vowels.

The timid Hyuga looked behind her and couldn't help but smile at the sight of the blond boy chasing after her. She stopped and patiently waited for him to catch up.

"Hello, Naruto-kun," She said politely when he appeared at her side.

"Eh, Hina-chan, where are you headed?" He questioned, his face seemingly glowing with his radiant smile.

"Ano, I was visiting Ino-chan this morning, and now I'm on my way home."

"Hmm," Naruto pondered, furrowing his brow and squinting his bright blue eyes: a face that Hinata deemed extremely cute. "How about, instead, you come with me, and we can do something together?"

Hinata looked away, and bit her bottom lip, unsure of herself. "I'd love to do something with you today, Naruto, but Father is expecting me back. There is a lot of work to be done to prepare me before I become head of the clan, and I don't think I can get out of it today . . . I'm sorry."

Her violet eyes were now hidden behind her dark bangs, trying to conceal her sadness from Naruto. She hated it when she had to lose precious time with Naruto. It took no effort for the blond ninja to notice her dejection. He knew her too well.

Naruto lifted Hinata's face with his rough hand so he could see her eyes. "Okay, but I can still walk you home." He stated, not even asking for her permission. Hinata nodded, and they continued to walk towards the Hyuga compound.

A silent minute passed by before Hinata took hold of Naruto's hand, and a smile emerged on the girl's face. She looked up at him, and she decided that it was good that she at least got to spend this time with him, even if it was shorter than she had wanted.

It was then that Hinata was struck by an idea, and she couldn't pass it up.

"Ne, Naruto-kun . . ." She started, letting out a giggle when she began tugging his arm playfully. He gave her a quizzical look, raising one of his eyebrows teasingly. "Let's have a race!"

Hinata only waited for the flicker of comprehension in Naruto's eyes before she shot off in full sprint, Naruto following her lead. Blurred scenery passed by with each bound, and their laughter began to fill the air with a joyous warmth.

It wasn't long before the blond got ahead of the heiress, but as he did he grabbed her hand to pull her along with him.

She remembered how for so long, she always seemed to be chasing after Naruto, never quite reaching him. But now, here he was, grasping her hand in his. She was finally walking side by side with him– no running alongside him. Hinata felt as if she were flying.

They finally arrived at the gates of the estate, almost out of breath. Hinata squeezed Naruto's hand, and his smile softened.

"Hina-chan," He started, slipping his arm around her, "I think I won."

"No, I don't think so Naruto-kun. I was surely the winner." She retorted deviously, pulling him closer.

"Oh, really? Well, let's just call it a tie, and say we're both victors." Naruto concluded as he gently stroked the side of her blushing face.

Then, standing on her toes, Hinata pulled Naruto into a tender kiss.

When they parted, she let out a breathy sigh. "I suppose I can agree with that, Naruto-kun."

The blonde squeezed her hand once more, and then she left, quietly entering the noble residence of her clan. Naruto let out a small laugh, and ran his hand through his hair, before turning around and departing also.

Both of them couldn't help but feel just a little victorious.

A/N: So, I kinda of like this one, but I kind of don't. It was pretty difficult for me coming up with an idea, but I felt this one was ok.

I tried to focus on actions/dialogue a bit more this time, rather than thoughts/descriptions just because I feel like these are almost writing exercises :) Sorry of you don't like it! But this was fluffy, no?

I also felt a got a bit sloppy at some points, and it wasn't my best writing overall, so please forgive me! This was a longer one, so it took a bit more time to complete (that, and I'm a notorious procrastinator). But I have a long weekend this week, so expect another update fairly quick!