A/N: Welcome to Omake: Hinata's Rainbow.

This isn't really a chapter, it's just a scene between Naruto and Hinata. Because this is so short, I'll probably do two other omakes/epilogues.

However, you may have to wait a few days because my arm is hella sore from tennis. I played for a few hours straight and now it's numb. I'm pretty much forcing myself to type this before my arm completely dies on me.

Remember, this short omake is completely in Hinata's POV. It occurs when Sakura's painting the billboard for the festival.

Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters are not mine.


I was struck by Sakura's sudden request to draw the entire billboard singlehandedly, but complied with her request. Sakura was a shy—albeit beautiful and spunky—girl, and usually didn't ask for things unless she was certain.

And I, for one, was certain this had to do with Sasuke.

Uchiha Sasuke, the unsociable, stubborn bastard who'd toyed with Sakura's heart.

"Hina-chan!" Naruto called after me as I left the clubroom for a break. I could tell Sakura wanted to be left in peace.

"Naruto-kun…"

Naruto. I loved his name, his personality, his optimism. In fact, I'd loved him ever since I first heard his voice. Everything about him made me happy, but I could see why he fell for Sakura. Sakura was gorgeous, pure, and too sweet for her own good. Exactly the type of girl Naruto needed.

I didn't have an ounce of bitterness reserved for Sakura, of course. She never wanted to hurt or betray me; in middle school, she'd rejected a guy we both liked because she felt I liked him more. Our friendship was too deep for a boyfriend to ruin. Sure, every pair of friends says that, but I knew that in our case, it was true.

I supposed I was just jealous, pure and simple.

"Wanna go get something to drink? My treat!"

I forced a smile. "Baka! You still owe me from last time!"

"Oh. Oh well, still my treat!"

"How about this—let's race to the vending machines. Loser has to buy the winner lunch tomorrow!"

Naruto grinned, his eyes shining at the prospect of a competition. Or better yet, a free lunch. "You're on!"

As he spoke, I took off, the cool wind flitting against my face. I could hear him yelling in protest behind me.

He got closer and closer, but I could already spot the line of vending machines. With a final spurt of energy, I reached out and touched the machines a split second before him.

"I win!"

"Awww, no fair, Hina-chan!" Naruto sulked.

I smiled, for real this time. "Don't be a sore loser!"

He griped and complained as I bought a bottle of water and slowly sipped it. After a few minutes, he calmed down and scraped his pockets for loose change.

"Aww crap. I left my wallet in the clubroom!"

"I'll buy, silly," I sighed in faux annoyance. Naruto beamed gratefully at me. I managed to keep down the blush I knew was coming; I was much better at poker faces than Sakura. She never could defeat me at poker.

"So," he sighed, sitting down beside me on the cracked concrete. "I guess Sasuke and Sakura are going to start dating?"

I shrugged noncommittally, pressing the ice cold bottle to my forehead. It felt good.

"I didn't have a chance anyways. There was no way I could just butt into that world of theirs, you know?" He sighed again, not out of spite, but rather out of resignation.

This was my chance. What was I waiting for? If Sakura, the girl I'd protected since preschool, could rise to the challenge, so could I.

"Well, Naruto-kun, it's okay, isn't it…?"

He turned sideways to look at me, perplexity in those blue eyes I'd gotten to know and love. "Hina—"

"They say one man's trash is another man's treasure…right?"

I reached out and grabbed his hand. It was warm, surprisingly so. I looked away from him to disguise my blush. I fought to regain control of my emotions before looking back and staring him straight in the eyes. Determined lavender on bewildered sky blue.

"I'm the one who thinks you're a treasure."

Naruto just stood there. For a moment, my heart sank. Had it not been enough?

But then he squeezed my hand in return, an unusual blush staining his cheeks and a faint smile playing on his lips.


A/N: I enjoyed writing this short, drabble-like omake. I really like the Hinata character in this story. It's what she's always wanted to be with Naruto—strong, loyal, and outgoing. Keep strong, Hinata!

Remember, you can still vote on the other two omakes. Leave a review stating your choice(s).

Choice 1: An overview of Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, and Naruto enjoying the festival—until both couples sign up for the Best Couple competition. Who will win?

Choice 2: Sasuke and Sakura plan to go on a date, but Naruto hears about it and convinces Hinata to help him spy on them and interfere with the date.

Choice 3: A guy who has a crush on Sakura gets on Sasuke's nerves.

Choice 4: Your opinion! Offer an idea, and I'll get back to you!

Please vote; it'll take a minute of your time at most. I will reply to each and every review, fo'sho'.

Thanks for reading & reviewing!

~HauntedMoonlight~