Naruto:
Hyūga Pilgrimage
Chapter 4
-Shoka Village:
Hinata's Prayer-
By Geor-sama

"Doi."

The crouching young man, dressed in the ragged garb of a missing nin, looked up as his brother appeared beside him on the tree branch. "Doppo?"

"Why are we still waiting?" The older man said his brown hair uneven from the self-given haircut.

"Because we need the money." Doi answered, scratching at a scared cheek. "Besides, if we help these Clouds out we might be able to join their village." Doppo scowled but didn't say anything.

Doi knew the only reason Doppo couldn't come up with a legitimate objection was that the only true safety for a missing ninja was to be taken in by another village. This was a very difficult task to accomplishment, due mostly to distrust of foreign ninja, but it was possible.

"How long do we have to wait though?" Doppo asked testily, crouching down next to his younger brother. "I still say we could try Konoha-"

"Do you really want to live where he does?"

"I didn't think so." Doi deadpanned, allowing the silence to settle between them. Doi was lost in memories of the Hidden Waterfall, where he would be seeing his girlfriend about now. He shook those memories off, along with the ensuring memories of Doppo's rash actions that had forced them to leave the village in the first place.

In all honesty Doi really did want to go to Konoha, he trusted their employers as far as a Genin could throw them. Still, they were missing ninja and without a village, they had to do what they could to survive. The original plan had called for entering the Rock, but six and a half months later, both Doi and Doppo had been wandering missing nins and starving.

Doi had been the one that lucked into this job and the chance for a new village. Three Cloud ninja had entered a hidden bar and started searching among the clients for missing nin's that were willing to work for them. Payment was whatever the ninja wanted, within reason of course. Several had offered services but had been brutally beaten and rejected on grounds that they were too weak.

Doi hadn't been, thus in exchange for helping them to kidnap a Hyūga -extremely difficult but not impossible- he and his brother would be given permission to join their village.

"How many others did he say we had on our side?" Doppo asked finally, breaking the silence and Doi answered without looking at him.

"Fifteen, er...seventeen including us." Doppo whistled in appreciation while Doi nodded. Yes, that number was very large for a kidnapping. Even the Cloud ninja had admitted that, but they had said it was only to be safe because of the two Konoha escorting them.

'An overrated, burned out has bin and a snot nosed, underfed brat' was the only description they had received last night which was why they were even in the tree in the first place. They're employer had promised to present two photos, the plan, and two new Cloud forehead protectors.

"If one of them doesn't show up soon, I say we leave." Doppo said, scratching his ear. Doi nodded, seconds before one of the Cloud arrived upside down on the branch above them. He was dressed in midnight blue and wearing a half animal mask so that only his cold blue eyes stared at them.

"Sorry for the wait. There was a minor complication."

Doppo shrugged, while Doi raised an eyebrow. That could have meant many things, but more than likely it meant they're spy had been discovered and killed. Not unexpected, no matter how burnt out or snot nosed, any ninja that was selected to escort what amounted to Ninja nobility would notice spies.

"Here." Kibi -at least that's what the ninja said his name was last night- said his voice still emotionless and then after a moment of rummaging in his midnight outfit produced two headbands with the Cloud plates. "I trust you can wait for the official welcome until after we get back to the village."

"Yea..." Doppo said taking the offered item. "Hope the Raikage doesn't mind me snoring though."

"...The plan is simple." Kibi said, shifting his gaze to Doi. "In fifteen days they'll arrive at a small mountain where a small family shrine resides. Before they reach it, we launch a large attack to distract the two escorts. While we do that you two grab the girls and head for the Sound borders where more of our comrades reside to help you."

"Right." Doi said, pocketing the forehead protector. "So who exactly are we going to be running from?"

"Hn?" Kibi snorted then fished in his outfit before producing two pictures and showing them one. "Our early scout managed to hide these. This white haired burnout is Hatake Kakashi aka the Copy Ninja."

Doi felt his breath catch and saw the way even Doppo paled.

"He's a burn out overrated ninja." Kibi continued, missing their reaction. "Nothing to really worry about, after all any Cloud Chunin could beat him."

"A-and the other?" Doi managed, struggling to maintain his composure. If they had the numbers then it wasn't exactly a suicide mission, they had a slim chance of success.

"We...don't really know." Kibi said holding up the other picture. Doi suddenly felt death's putrid breath on his neck. The boy staring back at him was slightly older but he still had that same wild blond hair, those innocent yet intimidating blue eyes, and cheeky grin.

There was no mistaking that face, especially not for any Waterfall Ninja.

"T-that's..." Doppo stuttered taking an instinctive step back. "...U-Uzumaki Na-Naruto!"

"That's the name on the back of the picture." The Cloud ninja said clearly unimpressed, though he did sound curious.

"Y-you want us..." Doi said, wetting his lips obviously trying to get himself under control. There was no way in hell they could really expect to survive an attack against both of those ninja.

"You want us to fight both the Copy Ninja AND the Number One Unpredictable?" Doppo managed, taking over for his brother.

"Number One Unpredictable?" Kibi said blandly. "What does that mean?"

Doppo and Doi shared a look, almost as if holding a private conversation and then Doi answered turning away. "You're on your own."

"You can't just stop now!" The Cloud ninja shouted at the two brothers. "You've taken our head-" He caught both forehead protectors then stared in surprise at the two brothers.

Doi shook his head. "We don't need a new village or money that badly."

"Good luck with that kidnapping attempt though." Doppo added sounding sickly amused. "If you survive feel free to hunt us down."

"Wait! Why are you so freaked out over this?" The Cloud ninja anxiously asked. "What is the big deal? It's just some blond brat!"

"Kibi-San..." Doi said turning slightly stare at the ninja overhead. "We don't do suicide missions." Then without waiting, he took off, leaping from branch to branch. Doppo was hot on his heels.

Doi felt something cold race up his back, those Cloud were utterly insane. To face Kakashi was almost certain death; to face both him and Naruto was a pointless suicide. Frowning he put on an extra burst of speed talking to his brother who was just slightly behind him.

"We'll go south-west then north...the Rain will probably take us in."

"Yes." Doppo agreed. "Should we tell Konoha...?"

"Why?" Doi asked his voice serious. "Those Cloud baka's won't be alive much longer."

"Good point." Doppo chuckled. "Almost tempted to follow them to see they're faces when they realize what they're fighting."

"You do that...but I'd rather die of old age." Doi said humorously. There was silence at that and then they started moving even faster.

Shoka

It is often said that a human could get used to anything and Hyūga Hinata could almost be held up as a prime example of this fact. She had grown up rejected by her father, considered weaker than her little sister and barely worth notice by anybody. Hinata had long ago learned to accept those facts along with the knowledge that she would mess up missions.

The key word is almost.

Because no matter how much she had gotten used to those facts she could never get used to the fact that her one goal, her one dream, to one day have Naruto love her was impossible. She refused, in no uncertain terms, to accept that Uzumaki Naruto would never turn his eyes away from Sakura and notice her.

That was why, alone with her sister inside the drab room of yet another Inn, Hinata had pulled her legs into her chest and started staring at the far wall blankly. She was trying desperately to understand the turn of events; was it something she had done or said without realizing it? Could she have whispered something in her sleep that night of the roof to upset him?

Hinata had finally gotten him to notice her. To talk, laugh and smile with her; she had been consumed with more joy and pride then at any other point in her life. She had been on cloud nine, unable to believe her luck. He even started flirting with her -though since nobody had ever done that she didn't know for sure-.

Then for some unknown reason Naruto had stopped; he distanced himself and her entire world felt like it had shattered into a million pieces. When he started avoiding even being in the same camp with her at night, all her hopes and dreams were swept away as if they had never existed. Hinata couldn't understand it and even though there was little more she could do she refused to accept things.

No matter how much it hurt she couldn't give up on him, no matter what she couldn't accept it.

"Do you understand now Hinata-Neesan?" Hanabi asked suddenly, her gaze cold and intense. "Have you finally realized that he is not suitable?"

Hinata closed her eyes, fighting to keep from crying. She refused to cry. Besides how could she answer that question? Trying to speak to Hanabi about how she felt would be unbearable.

"Good." Hanabi said, her tone holding a hint of satisfaction at Hinata's silence. "There are other's more suited. When we return Father will ensure that you are engage-"

"No." Hinata whispered, not opening her eyes. No matter what Hinata still cared for him. Naruto had helped her to become strong. Hearing the expectant silence, she continued. "O-only Naruto-Kun. No one else."

"Don't be foolish!" Hanabi argued evenly. "Naruto-San is much too brash."

"He is forceful." Hinata answered just as evenly, though it took a great deal of effort for her. She was aided however by picturing how Naruto must've looked when he swore in her blood to defeat Neji.

"He is presumptuous." Hanabi replied, her voice gaining strength.

"Naruto-Kun is courageous." Hinata argued, voice gaining strength as well. She could see him, standing bravely, clutching his forehead protector. Shouting that he would be Hokage at the man named Zabusa he had told her about meeting on his first real mission.

"He is stubborn." Hanabi retorted darkly.

"He perseveres." Hinata shot back, picturing how he continued to get up no matter what Neji did to him during the match. How he trained so hard in the academy, even though he was ignored and hated.

"Naruto-San is insulting." Hanabi said with absolute finality.

Hinata however answered quickly with just as much finality in her own voice. "He is Honest. He never goes back on his word and he always protects those he cares about." There was a moment of silence and then the sound of her sister taking a slow breath.

"You are far too blind." Hanabi said, her voice holding disapproval. "Even Neji-San has said this. You refuse to see the obvious, to see that he wi-"

"Hanabi-Neechan, the heart can sometimes see things that even our eyes can't." Hinata interrupted, opening her eyes to stare serenely at her younger sister.

For the first time, Hinata saw how beautiful her younger sister was. How much more the Hyūga heiress Hanabi was than she was. Hanabi was everything Hinata had always longed to be for her father and sadly, all Hinata could feel for her younger sister now was pity.

Hanabi was silent for several long minutes and then she frowned ever so slightly.

Hinata, her gaze unwavering, watched as Hanabi turned away. It was then, in that mysterious moment, that everything crystallized for her. Hinata suddenly understood why she could never accept Naruto's lack of feelings toward her. Why she had always, in her own way, struggled to change things. Yes she was shy, yes she was timid and yes she could never be like Naruto.

Yet, they were the same in one aspect. They both refused to accept things they disagreed with.

That was why Naruto's sudden coldness toward her bothered her so much, because he was giving up and seemed to be asking her to accept it. Hinata refused to do that. Maybe she couldn't do anything at this moment, but she would keep trying. Because to give up on what she felt for him would be a betrayal. Hinata nodded to herself closing her eyes.

Her decision was made, she'd take time and heal her feelings and then she would continue to try to change her situation. Enough faith, her mother had once told her, could move a mountain.

In some ways, that was exactly what Hinata was doing.

Hinata

The great thing about villages -besides the protection they offered- was that they often had reflection ponds in semi-hidden areas, where people could go for privacy. Sometimes children would skip school and play ninja; sometimes lovers would meet there for late night trysts.

For Uzumaki Naruto, who was scowling while skipping rocks, it was an attempt to get his mind off other matters.

"Stupid."

Naruto watched as his rock splashed beneath the surface. Jiraiya had -in a desperate effort to get the boy to meditate- told Naruto that skipping rocks relaxed the mind. Naruto hadn't believed it then and he didn't believe it now. It had never worked for him and yet, at moments like this, he had to try.

Naruto had learned that he had to keep his emotions in a sort of balance; the Kyubi used them against him after all. So mediation -skipping rocks- was the only option, Sadly, all it did was allow Naruto's mind to circle the same thoughts repeatedly. It had been that way without fail, always circling and never resolving anything.

He had no answers; he couldn't even get close to any, especially not for Hinata.

Hinata had always been a distant friend, an acquaintance at most, until this trip. Now something in his chest felt tight every time he thought about her. Every time she spoke, part of him strained to savor the sound, every time his hand brushed hers he tingled.

Snorting he threw two more rocks quickly, watching them both sink without even bouncing.

He wasn't sure what scared him more, that tightening in his chest when he thought about her or the casuallness his thoughts toward Sakura were taking. Frowning Naruto tossed another rock, watching as it skipped once before disappearing into the underbrush.

This was stupid and pointless!

Skipping rocks wasn't helping him at all, he kept thinking about Hinata. He was definitely confused by what he was feeling and he didn't like that. He much preferred a fight to this whole boy/girl thing; at least in a fight you knew what was going on.Without meaning to, he threw another rock with too much force causing it to ricochet sharply and imbedded itself in a nearby tree trunk.

Hinata was just a friend!

Hell, the only reason he was even having this sort of problem was because had seen her in the bath. So he'd seen her naked, big freaking deal! He'd seen Ino naked once and he wasn't confused over his friendship with her. Sometimes he just wished he could beat his head against a wall. What he wouldn't give for things to be as simple as they used to be.

Snorting Naruto threw another rock only this time it bounced off the water, hit the base of the tree and came back at a sharp angle striking him dead center between the eyes. Yelping in pain he slapped a hand up there dancing around cursing, trying desperately to stop it from hurting.

A small voice suggested briefly that maybe he was just denying the obvious but Naruto brutally killed that voice and snorted. "She's just a friend." Turning he started back for the Inn, unfortunately, he was so distracted that he didn't see the root that snagged his foot.

Suddenly, arms pin wheeling at his sides, he went face first into the trunk of a tree almost knocking a tooth loose. Twisting he landed with a thud on the ground and stared into the clear sky, then before he could recover he saw a bird on a branch over head in the middle of a natural act.

This was the moment that several new, creative, curses were invented.

Naruto

Landing in a crouch, he scanned his surroundings before nodding in satisfaction. Standing he strolled across the roof to the edge before leaping to the next roof and activated his bloodline, allowing his vision to take in every thing that so much as stirred in the dying light. Satisfied once more that nothing was out of place Neji let his eyes return to normal before taking off to finish his patrol.

Reaching up Neji gingerly touched his temple, frowning. He was going to have to do something about the pounding in his head, but that could wait. He would be at the Inn soon and then Kakashi could switch off with him, then he could rest and hopefully get a real meal. Seconds later, he left the rooftops joining the crowd in the street before darting into an average looking Inn.

Ignoring the seedier people present he calmly made his way through the lobby and up the stairs on the right before reaching the door across from Hinata and Hanabi. Entering quietly he found Kakashi propped up against the door engrossed in his small, red book and Naruto stretched out on his bed near the only window in the room.

Both presented an air of relaxation but Neji could feel their attention focus on him.

"The village is quiet as ever, the Shoka ninja are alert though they didn't even notice my presence." Neji reported while crossing the room to his bed kneeling quietly.

"Guess it's my turn huh?" Kakashi asked cheerfully before climbing to his feet and leaving the room, all without looking up from his book.

Neji waited until he was sure they were alone before he turned his attention back to the blond who had still yet to move. The Hyuga prodigy considered the apparently dozing boy for several long minutes, trying to decide if he should speak about Hinata or not.

As her self-proclaimed protector, it was his duty to try and stop her from getting hurt. As a friend of Naruto he had the responsibility of keeping his opinions about the other boy's private affairs to himself. Still…Neji had seen the way Naruto and Hinata had been acting. It was obvious to him that they both cared a great deal for each other; he had even expected Naruto to admit such to Hinata on this trip.

Neji studied the boy carefully then shook his head, sighing as he closed his eyes in an attempt at meditation. He could say nothing; or rather, he could but to do so would be improper and rude. Two things that Neji could never be, not even to his enemies. Besides, it would be best to allow the blond time to process things before Neji tried to talk about Hinata.

After several minutes he was drawn out of his mediation by Naruto's cautious voice. "Hey Neji...uhmm...what was the Jōnin test like?"

Neji remained silent for several moments then opened his eyes to stare serenely at the boy across from him. "Very difficult." He stopped then closed his eyes continuing his explanation. "Not many Chūnin's actually particpated in the first exam."

"What was the test like?"

"The exam was designed to test our ruthlessness."

"Ruthlessness?" Naruto echoed.

"Yes." Neji nodded slightly opening his eyes once more. "As a Jōnin sometimes your missions are political and thus you can not let bystanders or morals get in your way. The exam was to hunt down five captured politicians that had betrayed the Daimyo, who were being held in the Forest of Death."

"Geez! So how many guys passed that test?"

"All of us." Neji answered without pride. "There are not many Jōnin candidates; it is a highly selective process."

"Ahhh..."

"Naruto-San may I ask you something?" Neji asked his eyes searching for answers to a long unasked question.

"I guess." Naruto said uneasily.

"Why haven't you taken Hinata-Sama for a walk through the village?"

"Didn't feel like it." Naruto answered lazily without opening his eyes.

Neji felt something inside him bristle, but he quickly soothed it. Naruto was obviously not the most capable where women and relationships were concerned. Admittedly, Neji still had problems, but he at least had learned a few things over the years, things that Naruto was still ignorant about. "You don't talk with her much anymore."

"Meh." Naruto managed rolling over on his side in the opposite direction. "We don't have anything to talk about."

"Naruto-San, what is Hinata-Sama to you?" Neji asked as directly as he could without pushing too much.

"She's just a friend." Naruto muttered still not rolling over, but Neji saw the way his shoulder muscles tightened. A lie.

"You treasure her...and all your friends." Neji stated evenly. "Correct?"

"Yes." Naruto answered flatly rolling over and sitting up to stare at the boy, his eyes filled with suspicion. "Why?"

"Kiba-san and Shino-San are like her older brothers, they watch out for her." Neji said slowly. "You do know that she does not fit in among the females, though both Sakura-San and Ino-San have tried to include her in things." Neji answered his gaze blank.

Naruto was silent.

"Hinata-Sama has no close friends." Naruto's gaze was changing, it was subtle but he was no longer attempting to hide behind his anger. Neji could see clearly concern, fear and...other odd emotions. "She has only guardians and those people that are friends with you. For her, the time you've taken to talk with her, to walk and joke, that has been very precious."

"Uhh..."

"It's all she has ever wanted." Neji said, then added "To have someone enjoy her company and not treat her like a third wheel."

"I...er..." Naruto looked very uneasy now and Neji continued driving home his point.

"You have noticed changes in her since you've quit speaking with her haven't you?"

"No."

Neji saw the telltale signs of another lie. So the boy was attempting to hide behind denial? Neji would not allow that, especially since both Tenten and Ino refused him that luxury. "It is obvious. No matter what you say, it is clear that without your friendship she is suffering."

"She's just my friend!" Naruto shouted apparently sensing the truth behind Neji's outwardly benign words.

"Then act like one to her!" Neji shouted back, his face still calm. Both fell silent and it was several moments before Neji spoke again, this time however, he chose a different tract. "I know she has told you much about the pilgrimage, much about herself. How much have you told her of your travels?"

"A bit." Naruto admitted, crossing his arms. "I told her some of what it was like having Ero-Sennin as a teacher."

"And how often did she smile or laugh?" Neji probed gently.

"A lot." Naruto muttered uneasily, sensing a trap.

Neji however didn't spring it; he knew he'd said more than was appropriate. Anything else he could say would only ensure more raised voices and denials. So instead he closed his eyes and began meditating once more until, leaving the blond alone with his thoughts.

Neji

Naruto jolted up, his bear cap falling across eyes. "Eh?"

For a brief moment he sleepily tried to remember what had woken him up but he quickly collapsed onto the bed, trying desperately to return to the sweet embrace of sleep. Sadly this was denied him when he started coughing, which forced him to sit up once more. Once the coughing fit had passed, leaving him with a mild headache, Naruto yawned while stretching.

Knocking his cap aside he scratched his messy blond hair, musing about sleeping so late. His stomach added it's to this and he remembered that it was dinner time...he hoped Hinata wasn't worried about him. He was halfway standing when he remembered that they hadn't been eating together for the better part of two weeks. That took the energy right out of him and he sat down heavily, staring at the far wall.

He stayed like that for about another three minutes and then stood up, fake smile in place. He wouldn't let anyone know that he was a stupid moron, besides he didn't entirely like what Neji had been hinting at earlier. Stretching once more he ran a hand through his hair and then slapping his cheeks crossed the room and stepped out into the hallway, thinking about his ramen.

Naruto was brought up short however when he saw Hanabi emerging from the room she was sharing with Hinata, scowling. "Hanabi?"

"Naruto-San." Hanabi returned, her face turning clam as she started walking past him without even slowing down.

Turning Naruto watched her curiously, then looked back at the closed door before reaching up to scratch the back of his head. "Er...isn't Hinata coming down?"

"No." Hanabi answered, descending the stairs leaving the boy alone in the hallway.

Well hell. Scowling he stared at the closed door, what was wrong with her? Was Hinata sick or hurt? How could she be, the weather had been fine for a long time and no one had tried attacking yet. So what the hell was wrong with her? Was she sleeping?

Sighing he ran through several different thoughts then leaned against the wall to thump his head against it. Well screw it, he wasn't going to make an ass out himself, especially with the confusion he was feeling about her. Shaking his head he turned to leave but stopped. He couldn't just leave her alone, what if she was sick?

Yeah, he knew he was just trying to justify seeing her.

Turning he strode the short distance to the room and then squaring his shoulders knocked. He heard someone mutter something and he took that as a sign that he could enter. Opening the door he stepped inside and found it dark, the window shutters were closed and they hadn't turned on a light other than the one in the bathroom.

Scanning the room he paused seeing Hinata sitting against the wall, her head bowed.

"Hinata you ok?" Damn! He sounded too concerned. He saw the way her shoulders tensed when he spoke and that worried him. "Hinata?" Walking over he flopped down on the foot of her bed casually.

She didn't even look up at him. Frowning he lowered his head and moved in, trying to make eye contact with her. "Hinata? Anyone home?"

She finally seemed to notice him, but she looked far from happy. "Hinata, is something wrong?"

"...No." She murmured looking away.

"Hinata?" Naruto tried to keep a seriousness in his tone but he had no way of understanding what was going on. Hell it was obvious something was wrong even if she wouldn't admit it. "Come on, you can tell me if something's wrong."

"I'm fine..." Hinata mumbled again and Naruto scratched the back of his head.

"I can't help if you won't tell me what's wrong." Naruto prodded only to receive silence. His temper broke and he jumped to his feet. "DAMN IT! Will you just tell me what's wrong already?"

"N-Naruto-Kun." Hinata mumbled and Naruto looking down at her making a noise of attention. Hinata stayed quiet for a few more minutes and then continued. "C-can yo-you leave?"

"Huh?" Naruto managed, then blinked. "You want me to leave?" What was wrong with this damn picture? Oh! OH! Ero-Sennin had told him once that women give guys tests and Hinata was a girl! "I get it!" Sitting down he stared at her, nodding. "Yep. Alright...It's Hanabi isn't it? Yea, I bet she's really picking on you! Well don't worry, she doesn't know a dam..."

"Naruto-Kun...please." Hinata looked at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I...I just want to be alone."

"I...come on, no one wants to be alone." Naruto said, confused. "If you need help or want to talk, I can help ou-"

"Naruto-Kun."

Naruto fell silent and just stared at her, then sighed standing back up. "Alright...but I'll bring you some dinner. No matter how upset you are, you need to eat!" When she never answered he shook his head, walking back out into the hallway sparing her one last glance over his shoulder.

"Well that could have went better." He mumbled miserablely, wondering what had her so upset.

Breathing heavily he turned heading for the stairs only to stop when he saw Hanabi standing there watching him. Her look was far too penetrating for his liking and ten to one odds, Hanabi was the source of Hinata's problems. Well he could issue a blanket warning. Stomping over to her he glowered down at her. "I don't know what the hell your saying or doing to Hina-"

"I merely remind Hinata-neesan of her responsibilities to the Clan. If anyone is hurting her, it is you." Hanabi cut him off, her gaze level and knowing.

Naruto felt like he'd been slapped, even Hanabi was saying stuff like that? What was going on here? Ok, sure he wasn't talking with her or anything but come on, they were just friends! There was no reason he could be upsetting that badly.

At least...he didn't think there was, but what if he was wrong?

No! She thought of him as just a friend, just like he did of her. That was it, nothing more and nothing less. It was Hanabi's fault that Hinata was crying, he'd make sure to get her some Senzai and something else sweet.

Storming past Hanabi he started down the stairs.

Naruto really hoped Hinata would cheer up soon. Hell, maybe since he finally understood that they were just friends that it was time he spent time with her again. Hopefully she'd cheer up at that, he hoped...prayed...cause he really couldn't stand seeing Hinata so hurt. Especially when he wasn't sure what had hurt her in the first place. At this the rational part of his mind from earlier shouted that he was a blind prick.

Naruto promptly ground it to dust again.

This was followed with him tripping and falling down the stairs hitting elbows, knees, back, legs, shoulders and head. Then finally he landed in a painful heap at the base of the stairs, unfortunately knocking a vase off a stand so that it crashed over his head. Groaning he stared at the world around him as it swam in and out of focus...

"Damn, that hurt."

Naruto

Hinata walked in a measured pace, trying desperately to forget about the fact that Naruto was watching her. He had attempted to apologize that morning, explaining that he had been worried about her. Hinata had fought to keep from crying, she forgave him from the core of her soul, but...he had hurt her.

She loved him, she couldn't change that...but he hurt her and she couldn't bring herself to look at him.

Still he was watching her and she was acutely aware of it. She tried desperately to focus her attention somewhere else, like the early morning fog that was swirling around the underbrush and their ankles. When that proved futile she focused instead on the towering red Torii, so much so that she stumbled on the jagged gray stone stairs.

Letting out a noise of panic, she flung her hands out to take the impact and keep from hurting her face. Instead of pain however she was caught at the last minute by an arm wrapping around her waist. Her panic subsiding she straightened herself and turned to thank whoever had caught her, but found herself facing a nervously grinning Naruto.

She looked down, then away trying to keep from leaning into the arm around her waist. Pulling away she started walking once more whispering a thank you.

"No problem Hinata." He answered, sounding lost.

She ignored the stares she knew she was receiving from Hanabi and Neji. She nearly tripped again, but caught herself. It wouldn't do her any good to focus on Naruto and her feelings, she still had to pay her respects to her family ancestor. That would require all of her concentration and she was never so happy to cross the shrine entrance as she was when she entered the shrine for Hyūga Hiruma.

Hinata took a steadying breath coming to a stop on the edge of the flagged stone ground that surrounded the simple structure. Hiruma had been a very practical man after all, and thus any shrine to him would be simple as well. Hinata noted that the Hyūga clan symbol looked very rough, as if it hadn't yet been fully defined when this place was built.

Taking a breath, she glanced at both Hanabi and Neji then moved forward, around the small chipped headstone bearing Hiruma's name. Kneeling she made sure her clothes were perfectly arranged and then gracefully cupped her hands placing them in her lap. Now all she had to do was concentrate on her required prayer.

Which proved trickier than Hinata had believed it could ever be.

Her mind kept flashing the image of a smiling and blushing Naruto. She closed her eyes, organizing her thoughts once before opening her eyes and refocusing on the headstone. Her prayer was very eloquent and proper, befitting a Hyūga heiress, but her heart and soul were not in the words.

Her prayer died on her lips and she stared for several long minutes, unseeingly. Then her mouth started moving again, her voice far to low for anything other than a god to hear. "I am not a proper Hyūga, I ask that you forgive me this but I must ask that you grant what my heart desires."

Hinata stopped only long enough to see a flash of a apologetic Naruto.

"I am in l-love and though he does not care for me, I ask that his eyes might someday turn. That you help me...that he might l-love me as I l-love him."

Another pause, a beautiful smile flashing at her from a memory.

"Please."

Taking a breath she fell silent a cold chill running up her back, Hinata knew that she had just done something that was strictly forbidden. To ask ancestors for help over personal desires and longings went against everything that was Hyūga, went she hadn't been able to help herself.

All she wanted was Naruto to love her and she would do anything in her power to change the situation so that he did.

Glancing at him she studied the way his eyes, so intense now, never left her face. For one brief moment they locked eyes and Hinata felt something in her tremble. She quickly looked away, a nervous knowledge filling her; for one brief instant...she had seen Naruto's feelings...

AN:
You know, to be perfectly honest, I'm not happy with this chapter. It just seemes to lack something to me, but that could just be me. Either way, I didn't get it out as early as I had planned (March 15th was the target date) but it's still out a bit early.

Next update will be around the 15th of April I think.

Hopefully I didn't mess up anything to badly so hope ya enjoyed it.

Sincerely,
Geor-sama