Eight

Naruto was finally free from the dull confines of the hospital room—but he didn't feel completely free.

He was constantly waking up from bothersome dreams or nightmares about…her.

Hinata…I can't help but feel like I'm missing something very important about her. Or, I'm still not in my right mind.

It didn't help that he wasn't allowed to go on any missions anytime soon. Any sort of training was out of the question as well. He didn't want to cross Lady Tsunade, no matter how much he wanted to do these things.

At first he planned on heading to his place, since it had been a while. But then he got an idea, and the thought of it made him smile.

I should bring Sakura-chan some flowers, since she helped me feel better and all! Maybe it'll also make her like me even more

He found some daisies and tulips, and was making his way back to the hospital when suddenly someone accidentally bumped into him. The flowers almost fell out of his hands, but held onto them tightly and reach out with his other hand to catch whoever had walked into him.

"Oh no, I'm s-so sorry—"

"Hinata?"

"N-N-Naruto-kun?"

He was still holding onto her, and she was looking up at him with wide eyes, her face flushed. He broke their momentary trance by slowly helping her back onto her feet.

"I'm sorry, I-I wasn't l-l-looking—" Hinata looked down at the ground, embarrassed.

"It's okay! At least you didn't fall, right?" Naruto grinned at her, and she nearly melted.

It was then that she noticed the flowers. "T-Those are lovely."

"Oh, these? I just found them…they aren't anything too special! I wanted to give 'em to Sakura, since she did take care of me and all."

Oh…they're for her…of course. Hinata felt her insides churn, the good feeling of running into him now fading.

Naruto peered closely at her, noticing her sudden change in demeanor. "Are you okay?"

Hinata gulped and plastered a smile on her face. "O-Oh yes, I'm fine. Don't worry about me! She'll love them."

He was still looking at her. Then he smiled back and waved, already beginning to walk away. "Great! I'll see you later, Hinata."

Once again she found herself left in the dust, watching him go, unable to run after him or tell him her true feelings—or even do anything.

I wish I was as brave as I thought I was.

I'm foolish. A coward.

Maybe this is all meant to happen, so that Naruto-kun will be with someone better.

I don't deserve you.


"Thank you, Naruto! This is really sweet." Sakura admired the flowers for a moment, and then began to search for something to put them in. Naruto grew quiet for a bit as she did so, nervously scratching at his arm.

"Um—Sakura-chan?"

She turned around and looked at him. "What?"

"Ah, never mind." He nervously laughed it off, rubbing his head. "I guess I'll get going."

That was when Sakura remembered her dream last night. It was when she had healed Hinata, and realized how much she loved Naruto.

"You know," she said, as her face fell a little, "about that girl—"

"Who, Hinata?" Naruto put his arm down, confused by the sudden change of subject.

"Yeah," Sakura replied, and took in a deep breath. "Well…she was your girlfriend till you lost some of your memory…she really loves you, Naruto."

"W—What?" He was taken aback, eyes widening.

"And I'm sure you really love her…you did, you just can't remember right now…"

Naruto is beyond shocked. He stood there for a bit, and then shook his head. "No. No—you must be joking." He was starting to shake a little.

Sakura slowly shook her head, her face still serious. "I'm not, Naruto. Hinata has been hurting because you don't remember her, or what you guys have been through."


Author's Note: Sorry my chapters are starting to get shorter...I've been quite busy with school! Life is crazy. But thanks a bunch for reading my stuff, I really appreciate it! Even though it isn't the best. I've been enjoying it for sure, and hope you guys have been as well! (: