Fox…or Dog?
Hinata awoke to light filtering through the mesh of her tent. Everyone was still asleep. 'Good…I need some time to myself…for reflection…' She thought to herself as she slipped out of the tent. The sun was just coming over the top of the trees. She shivered in the damp morning air. Trying not to wake the others, Hinata climbed up into the highest tree and settled down.
'I love them both. Kiba is so sweet and he's willing to help me with anything. But Naruto is so charismatic. He brings out the best in me. But Naruto is also in love with Sakura…and he'd only be truly happy with her. Does that mean I have to give him up for his happiness…? Kurunai-sempai says you sacrifice everything for the ones you love…' Hinata thought helplessly. Her heart ached every time she thought of losing Naruto, but it ached just as much at the thought of making him unhappy. And what about Kiba? He's so sweet…and if she went with Naruto, he'd be hurt. and that would be so cruel. He's always been there for her.
Suddenly, Hinata was aware of noises coming from the camp. She looked down and saw her fellow shinobi just waking. Naruto was looking around for something. She hopped down and landed lightly. He whipped around and looked at her in shock.
"Oh-! There you are Hinata...listen. I want to talk to you…" He walked over to her. "About what you said yesterday…"
"Forget it Naruto. I must have had some bad ramen ok?" She tried to look smooth, but inside her heart was throbbing. Naruto looked at her, his face a mixture of pain and shock.
"But…Hinata…I…"
"NO! Naruto! Just forget it…I hate you!!" She screamed at him. Kiba looked over at them. He growled at Naruto. Hinata looked at both of them, the tears she'd been holding back threatening to break through. She ran to her tent and slammed herself down on the ground. The tears came forth, a raging flood.
She had lied to Naruto. The pain in her chest flared as she thought about how hurt he had looked. She knew he would hurt for a bit, but he would be fine sooner or later. Hinata let her tears fall until there was nothing left. She sat up when she was done and exited the tent.
The team was waiting for her. They all their tents packed and ready to go. Kiba walked over and smiled gently.
"You want some help, Hinata?" He gestured to the tent. Hinata nodded mutely and they both started untying the ropes. It didn't take too long to pack and soon they were on the road. She stayed clear from Naruto and his team. Kiba kept sending angry glares at him, but most of the time conversed with her on anything. Shino sat there staring at her oddly.
"Hey...Hinata…what did Naruto do to you yesterday? I'm m-mean I'm not trying to be pushy but…" Kiba blushed furiously. Hinata chuckled lightly.
"Don't worry Kiba. I was just setting something straight." She looked back at Naruto who looked miserable. He wasn't walking with Sakura like she had expected. She shrugged and turned back to talk to Kiba again.
…………
It wasn't long before they set up camp again. Once all the chores were done, Hinata climbed up onto a nearby rock to see the surrounding area. The trees had been left behind. Now everything was a barren desert. The moon made the sand look dark and beautiful. She could see Suna's gates not but a days ride ahead. She looked up at the stars and prey for some help.
Suddenly a hand covered her mouth from behind. Hinata cried out in shock.
"Shh…Hinata…It's me…Naruto." The form hissed. Naruto came into view and smiled. She looked at him angrily. "Don't look at me like that. I just wanted to talk to you about something, but you've been avoiding me." He took his hand off her mouth.
"I told you to forget about me Naruto!" She said angrily. He put a hand up to silence her.
"I know what you told me Hinata. But… after what you said I couldn't stop thinking about you. I know…in the past I kinda ignored you…but what you said this morning…was a bit harsh. Why?" He looked at her pleadingly.
"Well…I...I knew you loved Sakura and I decided that if I took you away from her, you wouldn't really be happy. And that's all I want…for you to be happy…" She blushed and looked away. Naruto looked up at the stars. Hinata looked back at him and smiled. "Naruto…go with Sakura..I know she loves you too…she just doesn't show it." Naruto shook his head.
"What ever.." He sighed and jumped off. Hinata looked after him and realized something. 'That really didn't hurt..' She thought, confused. She thought about the past couple of days. Then she realized why it hadn't hurt to finally let him go…she was really INLOVE with Kiba. She smiled and went to join the rest of her team. That night she finally had a peaceful rest.
…………
The next morning Hinata woke up fully refreshed. She stretched and yawned. She was the first one up. She packed up her tent and sat near the dead fire. Kiba stepped out of his tent and yawned.
"KIBA-KUN!!" She squeaked and jumped up to hug him. He blushed and patted her back.
"Umm…hi..Hinata.." He said awkwardly.
