Day 3: Lakeside Confession

Tuesday morning was nothing when Naruto and Hinata woke up and they were just smiling at each other.

"Good morning, Naruto." Hinata said with a yawn.

"Good morning, Hinata. How was your sleep?" Naruto replied.

"It was great, actually. You?" she asked kindly.

Naruto chucked. "I feel a lot better."

As Hinata realize the position she was in, she didn't blush one bit. But still, she had to because she was really close to Naruto's face. In her thoughts, Hinata enjoyed being up-close to him.

"You know, I do have to believe my clone about you: you look so cute with those whiskers on your face." She moved one of her hands and started stroking and rubbing his facial features.

Naruto then blushed red after seeing this kind of reaction from Hinata right now. He expected this from her clone before, but not the real sweet, innocent Hinata. But then, he felt something coming up to him as Hinata stroke some more. Until finally, Hinata heard a sudden purr that came from him.

"Naruto! Did you just... purr?" Hinata gasped as Naruto turns like a tomato.

"Y-Y-Yeah, I... kinda h-had that problem since a month ago. Is that creepy to you?" Naruto asked with concern.

Hinata then smiled and giggled at Naruto's remark. "No, silly! I actually... think it's... kinda cute."

Naruto was surprised to hear that from Hinata and grinned. "Well... thank you."

"Do you mind if I hear some more?" Hinata asked kindly. Naruto nodded as she continued to stroke his cheeks and hear him purr.

But just then, Naruto heard something growling. "Aaahhh! What was that?" he panicked. But in a different way, it was more of a growling sound that was close to him.

"Naruto," Hinata spoke in a soft tone, "that 'growling' came from my stomach."

He looks at her and sees her cute blush rose on her face. Naruto couldn't help but laugh a little and come close to his friend. "Aww! Your tummy is starving! What do you think I should do, Hinata?" Naruto went down on her and places his hand on her stomach as he began to rub it.

Hinata squeaked a bit and felt like giggling when she knew she was easily ticklish. "N-Naruto, please! You're m-m-making m-m-m-me l-l-laugh!"

But then, Naruto had an evil smirk crept up to his face. "Oh, so you must be ticklish! Huh, Hinata?"

And with that, Naruto got up and started tickling her on the sides as Hinata was trying not to laugh. He was still moving up and down to see if she has to surrender and give up to him. He chuckled himself to see how Hinata has not even given up so easily. But it has failed as Hinata felt his fingers going up to her underarms and burst with laughter.

"Hehe, N-Naruto! P-P-Please, I-I s-s-surrender! I s-s-surrender!" laughed Hinata under her breath.

"Oh, come on, Hinata! I just begun this tickle fight, and I'm not going to let you off that easily." Naruto grinned evilly as he then grabbed a hold of her feet and tickles them. This was then making her laugh a little more loudly.

"HAHAHAHA! Y-YOU ARE S-SO MEAN! OKAY, OKAY!" Hinata then kept on laughing and trying to break free until her and Naruto then fell on the floor. Even though they fell, Naruto kept on tickling her.

After a couple of minutes, Hinata was tired and breathless because of what Naruto did. In fact, he actually loves the way Hinata laughed like she does. Naruto just bent down to aid the fallen girl.

"You know what? I bet you've never had any fun like this in years, huh?" Naruto inquired as he picks up Hinata off the floor.

"Well, me and my sister did some stuff whenever we leave the house for a while. Things were great between me and her: Sleepovers, trainings, shopping, and more! Plus..." She then paused as she got closer to him, "she has crush on someone she likes."

"Like who?" Naruto curiously asked.

"I think... it was the Third Hokage's grandson." Hinata pointed out.

"You mean Konohamaru?" he quickly answered.

"Yeah, that's him!" Hinata replied. "She always talks about him and wanting to know if he was ever experiencing the same way about her."

"I can see to that if he is. I know they're young for love, but I think they could be a great couple." Naruto said.

'I was wondering the same thing, too.' Hinata thought as she was wondering something else. "Naruto?"

"Yes, Hinata?" he replied.

"Have you ever gone swimming before?" Hinata asked again.

"Hmm, it's been a long time since I've done that for a while. Why?" Naruto stated.

"Well... I was hoping you and I could just relax near a lake for a little bit. Just to know each other more, of course!" Hinata suggested.

Naruto just stood there and smiled. "You know what: That's a great idea! I mean, we are living together. And it's about time we can just talk about ourselves and just enjoy everything by the lake. Hinata, you are the smartest girl I ever know! But don't tell the other girls, okay?"

Hinata just giggled softly and nodded her head. "Okay, I promise."

"Great! Let's get something for our stomach and we'll be on our way." Naruto said as he was fetching something for him and Hinata.

-Naruto-

While making some bowls of cereal, and getting a picnic set up, Hinata left to her room to get a few things in the afternoon for when they are going swimming. Naruto, on the other hand, took a quick peek to look at her and notice how she became so amazing. He can barely stop gazing at her until she closed that door.

'Hey, kid, are you alright? If not, I'll smack you if I have to.' Kurama implied.

'S-Sorry, I...I-I just couldn't help it. I mean... She's so many things to me, and I feel like being by her side for some time now. I just feel I...I...' Naruto paused.

'It's okay. I get what you mean. Hell, I use to be like you when I soon fell head over heels to a former mate of mine.' the fox explains.

'What was she like to you?' Naruto asked.

'She was like your friend: shy, happy, sweet, and funny to talk to! But at that moment, I really like her more than just a friend.' replied Kurama.

'I bet you really miss her, huh?' Naruto added.

'Yeah, kid, I really do. But for some strange reason, I was starting to feel her presence a while back.' Kurama said with curiosity.

'Hmm, seems she might be closer than you think.' reassured Naruto as he may have gotten Kurama a little happier at the moment.

'Maybe...' Kurama agreed as Naruto finished preparing the meals.

-Hinata-

Hinata checked on everything to make sure she has all the supplies needed while going to the lake. Still, she thought about how Naruto may notice her swimsuit again like last time and faint. But she got rid of that thought and move onto the positive side that if she can impress Naruto, it may be the time to confess to him of how she loves him.

'I just really hope he likes me with this swimsuit on me this time.' Hinata thought as she then face the mirror to check herself out. For the record: it's not that bad on her! 'You know, I didn't appreciate the way you've done that to poor Naruto. My clone was very perfect, until you made her a seductive mistress.'

She suddenly heard a voice of laughter coming from another place as Hinata looks closer into the mirror. And from another side, she sees something with a fox-like face, white fur all over, fox ears, and seven tails with a lavender tip.

'Oh, come on! I was just trying to show him your most feminine side! Yet, he seems so cute all of a sudden. I can tell why you love him!' the fox beast said with glee.

Hinata just blushed red and gain some composure. 'Yes, well, I just didn't want him to know the truth just yet about you or how I really feel about him, Izumi.'

'Hinata, deep down he is bound to know about your feelings sooner or later, but I can tell he's really into you.' Izumi complied in a caring tone.

Hinata just sighed deeply and realize that Izumi may be right. 'You must've had someone in your life you were in love with.'

The female fox giggled softly. 'Why yes, dear! He was actually more like your friend there: brave, handsome, a little clumsy, and shows great responsibility towards others. Now that's a guy I would love to see again.'

Hinata just smiled and put on her summer dress over her swimsuit. 'I know your true love would find you. Just be patient, you'll see.'

'Why, thank you! So, about that trip to the lake...' Izumi added as she helps out Hinata with her things.

-Unknown Location-

Naruto and Hinata didn't do much but walking a little bit until they would spot the lake. Recently, they never said anything along the way and probably didn't at least had one conversation to begin with after speaking at the apartment. Although, they secretly think that they were on something, like a date.

"So, how far are we from the lake, Hinata?" Naruto asked.

Hinata then uses her Byakugan to search for the location. She pointed it out that it was not that far now. "Just about a few inches away and we'll be there in no time."

And after a few more feet, Naruto and Hinata arrived to a scenic lake that was actually beautiful. The water was clear and clean and seems to have fish swimming inside. It has flowers all by a nearby tree and have a pier so they can enjoy their picnic.

"Wow, Hinata! I didn't know this place was amazing!" Naruto exclaimed.

"I found this by accident one day after I was training so hard. I just come here mostly to practice some water-style jutsus and take a swim." Hinata replied.

"That's cool, Hinata!" he complimented as she was blushing. "I'll be right back, ok? I just need to change into my shorts."

Hinata nodded as she walks up to the pier. As Naruto disappeared, she began to take off her summer dress and reveal her swimsuit. Hinata felt embarrassed about at first. But it could be a chance to show Naruto her new look.

'Well, since Naruto's going to change, I might as well dance before he comes back.' Hinata approaches the water and allow herself to walk onto the lake and took a deep breath.

As Naruto was finished getting in to his orange-and-black trunks, he came back to the lake and saw something more graceful than he has ever seen before. He was now watching his friend just doing ballet in the lake as he can see the water cascading around her body. He is also looking at Hinata's swimsuit as his face blush bright red. Who knew Hinata would look so peaceful and beautiful as he was just staring at the amazing sight.

'Hinata... You're so... beautiful!' thought Naruto as he smiled warmly at his friend soon came close to her as Hinata is about finish her dancing.

Hinata then sense a familiar chakra presence coming towards and looks around to find it. But what made her blush was that Naruto was in front of her and clapping his hands. "N-N-Naruto! H-How long-"

"That was beautiful, Hinata! I didn't know you could dance like that! And with the water? Man, you can never stop surprising me!" Naruto shouted happily.

Hinata blush bright red and started to giggle. "I had some free time just doing something like it."

"You know, I kinda portrayed you as a 'Water Maiden'. You're like the girl who has the power to control the water with elegant beauty and stuff like that." Naruto explains.

Hinata laughed at the happy moment to what Naruto said to her. "Thank you, Naruto! You're the sweetest boy I've ever met."

Naruto blushed to what Hinata said and feels a little off-balanced at the moment. "Ready to go swimming?"

Hinata nodded. "Sure, Naruto."

They cancelled out their jutsu and dived right in to the lake. For a couple of minutes, Naruto and Hinata were swimming around and having fun as they also dove into the lake and see some amazing stuff down below. But mostly, get into some happy times as one of them starts splashing water onto each other. Naruto was the first to spray water on Hinata as she received some 'payback' at Naruto. But for a while, they really love having some fun.

A few hours went by as the sun sets, the lake glistens at a loving sight. Naruto and Hinata were lying down by the pier and watching the clouds go by.

"I've got to say: this has been the best day I've had in years! And it's all thanks to you, Hinata." Naruto said with a warm smile.

"It was nothing, Naruto. I was glad we could have some fun together." Hinata replied as she was looking at him. But she then notices a strange tattoo on his belly. "Say, Naruto?"

"Yeah, Hinata?" he answered back.

"Do you mind if I ask you something?" she said with curiosity.

"Sure, Hinata, you name it." Naruto replied.

"I was wondering where did you get that tattoo from?" Hinata asked.

Naruto then put on a frown and knew she was going to ask that. He thought she may not notice it, but nothing escapes her. Naruto couldn't bear to lose Hinata after the past few day they were hanging out and having Hinata staying with her. Maybe it was time for him to see how reacts to his secret.

"Actually, it's not a tattoo; it's a seal mark."

Hinata was curious to know why Naruto has a seal on his stomach. But as she notice it a little closer, Hinata knew it was the same thing she has on her back. "Naruto, why?"

Naruto sighed and explains it to her. "Well, it all started about 13 years ago when the Leaf Village was attacked by the Nine-Tailed Fox. The villagers and the ninjas were no match for him until the Forth Hokage came through to help the village and defeat the tailed beast. But he knew he couldn't kill it, so he had to seal it away inside someone. And that someone was an infant. And that infant was me."

Hinata then finally get why the whole village was being cruel to him when he was young, when he lived in an orphanage, and when he never had any parents. And since they both felt like outsiders from both the Leaf Village and her old Hyuuga clan, they may share the same thing in common.

"Hinata, I can understand if you don't want to see me again. I don't-" But Naruto got interrupted when he felt some lips pressed against his cheek. But what he didn't expect this coming from his most closest friend. Naruto turns to see only Hinata, but not with a scared look. In fact, she was smiling with a mixture of love and compassion.

"Wait, are you mad at me? Hate me? Ashamed of me?" Naruto said with concern.

Hinata just shook her head. "No, Naruto. I could never, not even in a million years, be mad at you. You're the most kind and generous person I've ever met. The whole village is wrong about you. The only thing that attacked this village is inside you. Since when was the last time you attacked this village? Never! Because I know, you are too nice to ever do something like that. I like you for only you, Naruto. Believe it!"

Naruto's heart was beating at a faster rate than any other after hearing that speech from Hinata. He was beginning to wonder how he ever had a great girl to enter his life right now. "Is that true, Hinata?"

"Every last word, Naruto." she said sincerely. "And besides: I think I have a secret to share with you."

"You do? Like what kind?" asked Naruto. But then, he was then watching Hinata take off her swimsuit from the top, making him want to freak. "H-H-H-H-HINATA?!"

"It's alright, Naruto, I just want you to see my back." stated Hinata as she turned to her backside.

Naruto couldn't tell if she needed him to see something important, or she was being flirtacious at the moment. But it was started to become something much more than that as Naruto was shocked to see the exact same curse seal like his. "Hinata...?"

"You see, my father and the Hyuuga men found a legendary fox beauty with seven tails. It was before the attack of the village, to what my father explained. And the reason he told me that, is because he punished me by forcing the seal on me. Naruto, you're not the only exile in the village; I'm just an exile of the Hyuuga clan."

Naruto never thought that the Hyuugas would be so cruel to her, but now she is the container of another fox demon. Naruto knew that deep down, he really feels like protecting her with his life.

But when Hinata try to say anything, Naruto quickly reacted and gave her a big hug to know he cares about her so much. Hinata never felt this way at Naruto's point, but it did gave her a hint that he may have true feelings for her and didn't care, even if she has a tailed beast inside her. Hinata smiled and hug Naruto with the same feelings he has.

'Oh, Naruto! Thank you for accepting me.' Hinata thought.

'Hinata, I knew there was a reason fate placed us together.' Naruto thought as he relaxed and enjoy the sunset with his best friend.

-Naruto's Apartment-

While carrying the now carefree girl, Naruto and Hinata were just laughing as they were close to the apartment door. But before they would head inside, Naruto heard something like a movie was playing. Naruto to know until he notice his doorknob was unlocked. He decided to carefully open the door until he couldn't believe who it was:

"Konohamaru? Reiko? Hanabi?" In the living room was none other than the three Naruto remembered. The two little ones were asleep as Mitsunari, the silent Shinobi, watched over them. Mitsunari Oda had short black hair and blue eyes, wears a navy green Shinobi vest, black shirt, blue jeans, and black sandals.

Mitsunari just got up and greeted them with a smile and a wave.

"Hanabi! Oh, my goodness! What is she doing here?" Hinata said in a worried tone.

After that comment, Mitsunari digs into his left pants pocket and hands out a note as he gives it to Naruto. "What is this?"

"It's an important letter from someone. It's the Hokage!" Hinata stated as Naruto unfolds the letter. It says:

Dear Naruto & Hinata,

I know you might be surprised to why Hanabi is in your home. Well, you may not like it, but here it goes: Hanabi's father, Hiashi, was almost close to killing her with almost too much of the 'Gentle Fist' technique. But somehow, Mitsunari was just right on time just before the incident occurred and any harm would be done to the poor girl.

And due to Hiashi's actions, I sent ANBU Ninjas to send him away from Hanabi, and from the Leaf Village. Plus, I had no regrets to what Mitsunari had to do to protect Hanabi for that matter. Don't worry, she's alright; just having a hard time to have Hinata exiled and tortured by her own father.

But there's good news: I wanted to ask if she wants to stay with you two until we figure some things out, but instead she actually wants to stay with Mitsunari. In a weird way, Hanabi believes he could a great father figure than her real dad in her heart. Also, I'll let the both of you know that Hinata and Hanabi are no longer considered Hyuugas and are free from many of Hyuuga laws.

Naruto, I believe that you can promise that after reading this letter, and I know that Mitsunari will do the same. Just take care of yourselves, okay?

Sincerely,
Lady Tsunade

After reading the letter, Naruto and Hinata look at Mitsunari and noticed he sees Hanabi about to wake up from her slumber.

"Mmm, where are we, Mr. Oda?" Hanabi yawned as she turns around and couldn't believe who she was looking at: "Hinata? Sister, is that you?"

Hinata graciously opens her arms out and have Hanabi running up to her and having tears in her eyes. Both of the girls were hugging out all their feelings as they were happy to see each other again.

"Hinata, I thought you wouldn't come back!" sobbed Hanabi.

"Don't think that, little sister. You're here and that's all that matters." replied Hinata as tears were coming down her eyes.

Naruto couldn't help but feel happy for the two sisters right now after what they've been through. Mitsunari just watched as he knew what it is meant to be in a family like that. It was also the fact that he is going to babysit the girl until further notice. Hinata and Hanabi stayed into position until let go and look at each other in the eyes.

"So, Hinata, I see you're with Naruto now." the little girl said.

Hinata blushed. "I am, Hanabi. Me and Naruto were just having some laughs and relaxing by the lake."

"Really? Because Konohamaru and I were playing Hide-and-Seek with Mr. Oda and went out for a treat!" Hanabi replied.

As they were enjoying some laughs and what they've been up to, the guys notice it was getting pretty late. Mitsunari picks up Konohamaru as Hanabi prepares to say goodbye to her sister.

"Promise me we will meet again soon, okay?" she asks kindly

Hinata nodded. "I promise, Hanabi. I know you'll do the same." Hinata gave her sister a big hug and smiled with pure happiness. As they let go, Hanabi turns to Naruto.

"Thank you for helping my sister, Naruto. You're the best!" Hanabi came up to him and kissed him on the cheek. Naruto was surprised to see this action from her, but Hinata giggles to see that Naruto has a fan.

Mitsunari and Hanabi waved goodbye and they left the two teens all by themselves in the living room.

"So, Hinata! What are we going to do today?" Naruto asked slyly.

"Hmm, popcorn and a movie?" Hinata suggested.

"Excellent choice, Hinata! But let's change out of these wet clothes and into our dry ones." Naruto said as he swept Hinata off her feet.

Hinata gasped and laughs as Naruto takes Hinata into her room and helps her change into her bed clothes.