Hīrō*

"Back in school, when we were asked who we want to spend our last day on earth with… I couldn't write anyone's name, I didn't know my parents, I didn't have any friends but now… I know who exactly I will choose… "

"… "

"I want to be with you until I die."

If it was anything he wanted more than to be acknowledged and accepted, was to someday become someone who inspired people. Even though he didn't shout it out loud constantly, like that dream of his to one day become a Hokage but deep inside, it was his eternal wish. Maybe he didn't know it back then, when he was just an ignorant brat but then slowly he realized what the soul of being a Hokage was.

And no… to be a hero wasn't as easy as it may had sounded. Naruto's responsibilities had been growing each and every day. What is it people say? with great power, comes great responsibilities and Naruto believed in that.

Even before the war, when Pein was defeated, he'd been called a hero. It wasn't anything new for him but to be able to be trusted all around the globe; that was definitely new.

He was praised, worshiped even, just like his old man. What he always wished for and after saving everyone from infinite tsukuyomi- thanks to members of his team 7 being at his sides- it was somehow confirmed, the living legend, Uzumaki Naruto.

Not that any of these mattered to the boy- now the young man- that much; he was deeply delighted not only because he had protected these people but because he had a chance to show them a different world. And although he might have lost some of his closest comrades along the way, he could save others.

In the end, when all said and done, the hero could find a little time for himself as well, to collect his thoughts and emotions and of course expand them to a higher level and to move on from adolescent to adulthood.

It was surprising how even he had missed some details in his life, here and there. So from now on, he ought to learn about those details that could catch him off guard any time. For instance the sight of a very familiar individual, over there.

In the training field, near the river, a delicate figure was sitting on a stone, gazing at the crystal clear water. The light beams of the setting sun, falling on her long dark blue hair. Her naked feet touching the cold water with her eyes closed, obviously enjoying the moment, just like him.

He didn't exactly know, for how long he had been hiding behind the bushes and watching her. Sure he wasn't stalking her! He wasn't like pervy sage who would hide behind bushes and stare at naked women! Not that the girl beside the river was naked anyway.

I wonder how she looks like naked!

He literally punched himself because of the perverted thought. No! He wasn't going to think of Hinata-Chan that way but then again… she is quite beautiful, isn't she?

With that dark blue hair and serene face and those pink full lips of hers which were glowing under the gentle touches of the crimson light, needed to be caressed and kissed once again by his own… WHAT! What was he thinking again?!

He shot open his closed eyes. When did he even close them? Desperately trying to wipe away the earlier image from his mind, he focused on the main reason which drew him here. With the sound of his stomach growling, he slightly jumped, finding out the actual reason.

After he came back from a mission, he was too hungry to even walk and when he passed Ichiraku restaurant, he was dragged incautiously towards his favorite place but then he stopped, his thoughts distracted by something… bizarre.

Sure it was strange for him, to let go of the love of his life, and take another path leading to Hyuga's household. Why was he doing that? Honestly He had no clue. He just had this weird feeling inside. There were butterflies in his stomach and he didn't know if he needed food or… something else.

After his very first kiss, under the new moon, Naruto was getting different. He was constantly being caught deep in thought- fantasizing as Sai put it- or even got jumpy. Sakura had announced a few days ago, apparently the hero was in… love.

Maybe that was why the blonde caught himself, in front of the Hyuga's mansion empty-stomached. Trying not to blush in front of the very curious and keen eyes of Hanabi, Hinata's younger sister, he asked for her childhood friend. And when Hanabi said she's at the training field, head over heels, Naruto ran to where she was supposed to be.

And to do what exactly? I mean he wasn't here to stalk her for sure, huh? But then again why was he hiding in the bushes?

"Byakugan! "

"Kuso ̄…" he jumped out before Hinata could gentle fist him everywhere possible, holding his hands up in defense." Hinata-chan… don't get too excited… it's just me!" he whined.

"Na-Naruto-kun…? " although she blushed a little, a gentle smile appeared on her face, leaving Naruto with flushed cheeks "What are you doing here Naruto-kun?" She asked, somehow amused by the sight of the blushing young man.

"I-I-I… you know… I j-just wa-wanted… " Great! Now he was stuttering. He looked away from Hinata's lavender eyes. "You know… asking you to-to… " His heart was beating too fast, he couldn't even breathe. For a second he thought he was about to faint but really? Could he, the great hero, really faint in front of his girl? So he coughed and scratched the back of his head, thanks to the high branches' shadows darkening his features, he didn't have to cover his now full-red face.

Hinata knew. It was always other way round and now seeing Naruto like this… yes sure she sympathized for him but to say it wasn't amusing at all? She would have lied to herself. So she bent closer, face only inches away from Naruto's.

"What, Naruto-kun?" She grinned widely. And there, no matter how much the boy tried to hide his frustration, he knew it was useless with Hinata so close to him.

He had kissed her before after all, hadn't he? Naruto's azure eyes flashed into hers. Now she was blushing, trying to pull away, Naruto held her arms and kept her close to himself. Then before she could even realize what was going on he put his lips on hers, pulling her into one passionate kiss, she couldn't and absolutely didn't want to break free.

As sun hid behind the gray mountains, leaving only traces behind. The couple finally broke apart, smiling at each other.

Not a second had passed when Hinata finally processed what had had just happened, she stole her eyes and stepped back. " Di-did you wa-want an-any th-thing Na-Naruto k-kun? "

There she was! His Hinata again. Although he had already forgotten about his stomach, he couldn't help but to smile softly and taking the girl's hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. " I wanted to ask if you're hungry ? " His remarkable grin spread all over his face. " There's a great restaurant downtown, I wonder if you've heard of it before? Ichiraku Ramen shop?"

Hinata only nodded. Honestly she was a little hungry herself and what was better than Icharaku's Ramen?

"Su-sure… "She stuttered but this time, looking directly into the young man's eyes. As the night's gown covered the sky, both shadows took the path back to the village.

"You know that was my plan all along dattebayo! "

"Huh?"

Naruto wasn't wrong, he knew as she was his inspiration, he was her inspiration too. And how did he know that? well... go figure.

*meaning : Hero

Aww... I just love these two! Gosh! they're just too adorable for words! When I started this chappie I didn't know how it will turn out! I mean you've read and seen Naruto's thoughts and desires all in both manga and anime so I wanted to try something new! something Kishimoto hadn't shown us much! and there it came out! And I'm happy with it!

Hope you enjoyed and liked it as much as I!

Thanks for reading.