Naruto didn't know what he was to expect from this. All he knew was that Hinata was needed in the study, and for that it had him nervous. What was he to do? He already felt nervous about his new found strength, and for that it had him a little concerned for Hinata's safety. Closing his eyes, he tried to calm himself, knowing that if he got himself worked up then he would certainty hurt her in some way.
Opening his blue orbs, he made his way to the study wondering what it was that Lord Hiashi would need of them there. Tilting his head a little in curiosity, he couldn't help but think of the worst. Had he found out that the young blonde had gained some kind of super strength? Or was it something else? Dear god he hoped that wouldn't be the case.
He almost started to have a bit of a panic attack, though knew that he couldn't allow that to consume him. That was one thing that he had learned over the years. He couldn't allow himself to be consumed by anything other than his own focus. If he did, then he would risk Hinata being hurt or worse.
Taking a deep breath, hoping to calm himself, he hoped and prayed that he would be able to keep himself from having another attack like that while he was in Hiashi's presents. The risk of him knowing wasn't as bad as it could be since only himself, Hinata and Iruka knew about this. The possibility of Hiashi ever learning was little to nothing at this point, unless Naruto himself slipped up somewhere along the way.
Though, he also hoped that he didn't have anything more to worry about down the road. That he only had to worry about this strength and nothing more. Letting out a soft sigh, he tried to keep himself calm and relaxed.
Soon, the young man found himself in front of Hiashi's study, though it had him rather curious. Reaching up, hoping to hold back his strength this time around, he knocked as gently as he could. Thankfully, it sounded like a real knock instead of him banging on the door like when he woke up Hinata. A calm "Come in" was heard, Naruto opened the door and closed it behind him before he made his way toward the wooden desk that resided near the back of the study.
"Naruto, Hinata, I have called you here because as you know I am arranging a ball for Hinata within a three months' time." Three months? "Because of this, there are a few things I would like to prepare ahead of time. Hinata, I will need you to learn to do some slow dances." Naruto blinked and he turned to Hinata as he saw her sigh softly. There was one thing that he knew, it was that she didn't like to dance because she always stepped on the men's feet when they danced. "As for you Naruto." That caused Naruto to turn back to Hiashi. "As Hinata's guard, you are to attend, but you will need to dress accordingly."
"Sir, I would rather keep dressing up like this. It allows me free movement so I can better protect Hinata better." Naruto pointed out.
"I am not suggesting to change how you dress, just the colour. I would prefer you to match Hinata at the ball when it arrives. That is all." Hiashi calmly pointed back before pushing himself onto his feet. "Now, we are going to the ball room, we will begin your dance lessons, or to at least dance so you do not make a fool of yourself Hinata."
Naruto wanted to growl at that, only to squish that down. How was it that he was feeling the desire to do such a thing in the first place? Taking a deep breath, Naruto looked at the Lord as he asked "Who will be her dance partner Lord Hiashi?"
"Well, since no one wants to dance with Hinata due to her stepping on their toes in the past, I will have to have you dance with her."
As soon as those words left his lips, Naruto felt like his entire life had just shifted on him. Had he just heard him right? He was hearing things wasn't he? Had Hiashi just asked Naruto, him, Hinata's personal guard and best friend, to dance with her?! "Um, sir, did I hear you right?" Naruto asked, he just wanted to know, he had to make sure that he wasn't just hearing his one of many wishes coming true at this moment!
Hiashi raised an eyebrow at the blonde as he said "I did, I said you could be Hinata's dance partner. She does have to learn how to dance properly. Though I will only have soft music playing." Honestly, he felt like he had just died and gone to heaven right now. He was going to dance with Hinata, the one woman that he loved more than life itself! Damn, he knew that good things happen to good people!
Naruto bowed slightly as he said "Yes sir." Honestly, he was trying to keep his excitement out of his voice. If Hiashi knew that Naruto was so very happy about this, he may take it wrong and remove him from his post as Hinata's guard.
With those words, Naruto and Hinata followed Hiashi out of his study and made their way to the ball room. Honestly, he didn't think that this day could get any better, though he just hoped and prayed that he wouldn't regret-no, he would never regret this. This was the one thing that he had always wanted to do. To hold her, to have her close to him and for a moment, no matter how brief it may seem to be, to call her his. It would have been better of course if he could kiss her and confess his feelings for the blue haired princess but… he knew that he couldn't do that.
His love would forever be kept to himself.
Turning to Hinata, the young man couldn't help but tilt his head at her. She seemed rather confused or, concerned. Did she think that he would regret being her partner? Or, was she against it in the first place? That she didn't want to dance with him because she only saw him… no, he knew that she only saw him as a friend. Nothing more, and he had come to accept that.
He wasn't happy about it but had accepted it.
Once they had arrived to the ball room, Naruto couldn't help but gaze at the room in awe. It was truly amazing. He's only been in here a couple times in his life, mostly when he had no choice but to be here because Hinata was here, or because Hinata was too ill to attend the grand balls and because of that, he would attend to her and make sure that she was okay.
Otherwise, no one wanted to dance with the blue haired princess because of her habit of stepping on their feet. Though, Naruto always felt like there was a reason for her doing so. She took the same lessons as him and yet, she never stepped on anyone's feet regardless of what happened. Every dance she's ever done with someone, always ended up with her stepping on their feet, and them of course wanting nothing to do with her in the end.
But why?
Shaking his head, he looked at the room, the floors, like the rest of the manor was wooden, but polished to the point of seeing your reflection. The candles that lined the walls, dimly lit as they may, still brought the right kind of lighting to this place. In a way, Naruto couldn't deny that it had a bit of a romantic setting to it. Wait… why was he thinking of the setting in the first place? Nah, he shouldn't be over thinking this.
"Alright, as you can see in the corner there." Hiashi pointed out, showing Naruto and Hinata the small band that was there. When did they get there? "They will play some music that you both will have to dance too, I hope that for Naruto's sake that you don't step on his feet." God Naruto was fighting the desire to growl at his Lord right now, but knew that he couldn't risk that. Humans didn't growl… right?
"Now, go to the center of the room and wait for the music to begin." Hiashi instructed.
God Naruto was so damn nervous. He's never really danced with anyone before, when he would attend, he wasn't allowed too. He knew that, he knew that he couldn't dance with anyone because of his position. But, he also couldn't allow this one chance in his life to let this pass him by!
Taking a deep breath, he walked with Hinata to the center, turning as he gazed at her. God, the lighting itself made her appear so beautiful. Truly, she had a natural beauty both inside and out and that… that was the one thing that he loved about her. Her heart, kind and gentle to those who deserved it but, even those who he, deemed unfit of her kindness would still receive it. Taking a deep breath, Naruto pulled Hinata close to his chest, having one arm wrapped around her waist, his free hand holding her right hand while her left was placed upon his shoulder.
Swaying to the music that reached his ears. Naruto couldn't help but imagine the lyrics within his mind. The music, soft, lovely really made him almost hope with all of his heart that it would be possible for them to be together. He stared at Hinata, a calmness almost seemed to consume his entire being. He started to spin around as he held her, his hold almost seemed to tighten around her… as if he was afraid of losing her.
Hinata stared up at Naruto as he held onto her. She couldn't help but see a flash of fear within his blue orbs. What reason would he be scared? Did he really think that she would step on his toes? Of course she wouldn't do that to him. The only reason why she ever did to the others was… because of what they would say to her. Hinata felt Naruto's hold on her tighten a little more, causing her to look up at him in concern.
Why was she staring at her like that? Was he hurting her? Frowning a little, he looked down briefly at his arm that was circled around her waist. He didn't feel that much pressure but maybe that was due to his new strength. Loosening his grip a bit, Naruto gave her a soft smile before he just let go of her waist and twirled her a moment, only to pull her back to him, her back now pressing against his chest. Honestly, Naruto felt like his heart would beat out of his chest right now, he's never had her this close to him before.
Hinata felt her face heat up a bit as she found her back now pressing against Naruto's chest. His arms circled around her waist as they just seemed to sway with the music. His heart, it was beating so quickly that she felt like even her soul itself could feel it. Why did she have to feel like this for her best friend? She always felt like this with him around yet, tried to hide it from him. Turning her head to gaze up at him, Hinata felt herself wanting to reach out to her friend, to just touch his face with her fingers for a brief moment. His smile, his eyes showed a kindness that he has only ever shown to her. How could anyone look at her like this before in her entire life and yet, she just doesn't know the reason behind it?
Naruto spun Hinata back and dipped her with only his one arm holding onto her. Wrapping it around her shoulders as he just gazed upon her. Her eyes, they almost seemed to sparkle like pearls to him at this moment. It surprised him that she would gaze upon him with such beautiful eyes. Yet, he knew that someday, her stare, her eyes would look upon another. A flash of pain reached his eyes and his expression. Causing him to let out a soft pain filled gasp.
Hinata stared at him, her expression was confused. Had she hurt him in some way? Feeling Naruto pull her back up, she couldn't help but gaze at his face. He looked so lost, as if he was lost in his own memories. Memories, that he only had from the moment that she had found him as a child. What had happened to him to have lost all of his memories in the first place? Tilting her head to the side, Hinata went to reach out to Naruto, wanting to cup his face against her palm in the hopes of getting some kind of reaction out of him.
Naruto looked down at Hinata, coming out of his memories as he felt her skin upon his cheek. Gazing down at her, he couldn't help but close his eyes as he leaned into her touch. A part of him wanted to bask in this moment. Wanted to remember the feel of her palm against his cheek for the rest of his life. Knowing that she would truly be, the only woman he would ever love in his entire life. Letting out a soft content sigh, he was about to open his lips until someone had spoken.
"That is enough for today!" shouted Hiashi, causing Naruto to back up, a deep scarlet blush on his face before he released Hinata from his hold. "You did good Hinata, though I think you may have stepped on Naruto's foot." It seemed he was gesturing to the pained gasp he had let out earlier. Naruto wanted to speak, wanted to say that she hadn't done such a thing but, before he could say anything Hinata spoke for him.
"I am sorry father. I thought I would have gotten it right this time." Hinata said calmly, a small smile on her face. Turning to stare at her in shock, Naruto couldn't believe that she would have her father believe such a lie. HE wanted to say something, but Hinata calmly said "I think I'll go to my room to rest, Naruto you can do the same. You seemed rather red…"
Naruto reached up and touched his face. How he wanted to say something but again, he never had the chance to do so. Hinata had already walked out of the room with a bit of a stumble though when he went out to reach her, Hiashi held him back. "Let her rest Naruto. You may as well, I'll have someone else take over for you for a bit." Naruto couldn't help but lower his hand as he gazed at where Hinata once stood with sadness within his gaze. Did he do something wrong or… was it something else?
Hinata didn't know what was coming over her. Honestly, she knew about her feelings for Naruto long ago. Maybe when she turned seventeen. She didn't know, but knew that she couldn't be with him. Her people expected her to be a real princess and she had to marry a prince. Whom would become the next Lord of the land. Hinata knew, that she couldn't be with Naruto because of his own status.
Rubbing her face, the young woman didn't know what she could do. She didn't know who she could turn too, but knew that she had to do something.
If she did have to marry someone, she would want to marry them out of love but, how could she even do that when the man she loved was so far out of her reach? Not to mention, he may not even feel the same. Despite… what she thought she felt from him while they danced.
She felt something from him that she couldn't really explain to herself. It felt like… he felt something for her but, was that just wishful thinking on her part.
Hinata sat down upon her head, her hand over her beating heart as she remembered how quickly she had felt Naruto's. It was beating so quickly, and roughly in his chest that she could feel it through her back. Closing her eyes, she remembered how Naruto was when they were younger. He had been so full of life and joy, yet as he got older… the smiles. All of his smiles, no matter if they were directed at her or not they almost seemed, rather forced. Sometimes, she could see the trace of a true smile on his face but mostly, she couldn't.
She knew that he cared about her, that he would do anything in his power to keep her safe but, at the same time she knew that it wouldn't be possible. There was no way for her to know what she could do to help bring out the old Naruto. The Naruto that she did, and still loved dearly.
Of course the new Naruto still made her laugh and brought joy to her life but at the sake of his own. She knew that he didn't want to kill demons unless he had too. A part of him, still held some kind of compassion for demons, that much she knew but what more was there to it than that? Was it involved with his past memories that they didn't know about? Had a demon been kind to him in the past so he could live?
"Naruto, what am I to do?" Asked Hinata, not really expecting any kind of answer from anyone. All of his smiles, still fresh in her mind, she couldn't help but think back to it. To the days when she would laugh with her about the silliest of things. Yet, the older Naruto became, the less it happened… at least, a true laugh, much like his smile was forced. What had happened to Naruto to have made him change so much? Was it because of all of his training to be her guard? Had they told him not to show any kind of emotion around while he was around her? No, she would have to put an end to that. Naruto would have to know by now that he didn't have to hide what he felt around her. Right?
Unless, he wouldn't even listen to her and just do as he was instructed, how it was pretty much forced into his mind around his training.
Iruka though, she knew that it hadn't been him to have installed that thought into his head. After all, Hinata had the same training as Naruto growing up and knew that Naruto hadn't been told to have his emotions hidden from her. It had to have been some of the other guards that had told him that. "But they won't tell me that even if I am the princess." She mumbled to herself before curling up in a ball on her bed.
Tears started to build up in her eyes. She had nothing against the new Naruto, he was still himself in a way just under the surface. But, she still felt like no matter what she did, no matter if this Naruto would return to normal or not, they still wouldn't be able to be together. Burying her face in her knees, Hinata sobbed, she couldn't help but allow all of her pent up feelings to flow forth from her. Why did she have to be a princess?
Why did Naruto have to be her guard?
If only he was of royal blood, than they could have been together.
But she knew, that no matter what she did or said that they wouldn't be together. They couldn't be together because of how the people would view it as. "Oh Naruto, what can I do?" Sobbed Hinata, pulling herself away from her knees as she started to wipe at her eyes. Honestly, she knew that there would be nothing happening.
Suddenly, she heard a commotion, causing Hinata to shoot out from her bed. Making sure that she had cleaned up her face before leaving her room. She saw people running to the front gate, near the gardens that would lead to the forest. Hinata rushed, following them as she wondered what it was that could have happened. Grabbing a hold of someone, she asked "What has happened?" asked Hinata with a frown on her face.
"A man was found by the gardens, he looked like he had been through an ordeal. We're trying to get to him to the healer but, it seems that he won't let us help him."
Hinata frowned a little at that. He wouldn't let them help? Hm… "Take me to him, maybe I could try." Hinata suggested, the man seemed nervous but knew that there was no denying the princess if she wanted to help someone. He couldn't help but nod his head before leading the way.
It wasn't much of a run though, at least from her room. Yet, it still had the young woman's heart pounding within her chest. Who was it, who could this mystery man be? In a way, it made her think back to when she found Naruto. Only difference, she wasn't a little girl nor was she in a carriage this time around.
Soon, the young woman found herself at the gate and couldn't help but stare in shock. It was a man, at least from what she could gather. He was awake as well, telling everyone to leave him be! Hinata, careful made her way over to him in slow, careful steps. "Let me through." Hinata ordered calmly, everyone backed up and when they did, she got a better view of the man.
Sitting on the ground, was a man in a white torn up shirt and torn black trousers. His hair was sticking up, defying gravity, it was a silvery grey in colour. His eyes, well… eye, was dark in colour. It almost made her think of the darkest of nights. The other, was covered by a cloth. His skin was a bit pale, though she wasn't sure if it was due to the blood loss, from all of the wounds that she could make out, and that had stained all of his clothes… Or, if his skin was naturally pale in the first place.
"Let me help you. I'm the princess of this manor." Hinata said calmly as she made her way to him. The man glared at her and tried to back away. He refused to speak though she just frowned at him. "Please, let us help you. You are badly wounded."
"Hinata!" Shouted Naruto's voice, causing her to turn around and saw her friend rushing to her. "Stay away from him, he may attack you!" shouted Naruto.
"Naruto, it's fine he's hurt." Hinata calmly said.
"Naruto?" said the man, causing Hinata to turn and stare at the man with a frown. His eye was wide for a moment, as if he knew Naruto from somewhere. Was that possible? No, Naruto had no family, no one who could look out for him after she and her father found him. What was going on here? Yet, before she could ask more, the man passed out. Naruto, running all the more she couldn't help but wonder if this man, could have possibly known Naruto before he lost his memories. Could there be more to this man's appearance at her home meaning something or was there something more to this that she wouldn't be aware of? Though, first thing was first. This man needed help and fast!
"Quick! Get the healer!"
had this finished yesterday but wanted a friend's input, I hope you like it and if you want the song I used for this chapter, I used A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. Later
