Disclaimer: There is a thin line between owning and loving. Therefore, I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.

The Angel, The Torch and The Stock Room

Picturesque

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Naruto took an empty bin from the stock room and went to the nearest sink to fill it with water. He sighed as he took a rug and drenched it with the clean water, fell down on his knees and started to work on the smudged floor.

There was not much to do in the hospital when the kids were sleeping and the dirty floors seemed to appeal for some scrubbing. He woke up early this morning, just like the days before to give some help to the children's ward. As much as he wanted to lounge around with old friends, his missions were priority.

The spot on the floor slightly gleamed and he was proud, until he saw the reflection of his darkened eye. Before kindling the flame of his temper, he quickly put the dank rug over it and proceeded with his scrubbing.

Working was a stress-reliever -a forget pill for Naruto. There had been too much stress and disappointment these past few days and the only release he could find was to get busy and get tired. He decided to train after dinner so that he'd immediately fall asleep and wouldn't give way to disheartening thoughts and memories. Besides, the children were fabulous, in spite of their sick condition. Now he knew why Hinata loved to work in the hospital.

The thought of Hinata sent a rush of different feelings throughout his body along with the remembrance of different people, Hyuga Hiashi, Neji, Sakura and Kakashi -all those people and all their senseless rash decisions. But being hopeless, he resolved, was never in his list of things-to-do or things-to-feel.

It was just now that he realized what he has become of this whole affair -a diehard. A really desperate diehard. But his mind was made up about having Hinata. No one could change it, even the heiress herself or that stupid, airhead, always late jounin Hatake Kakashi. The mere thought of the ninja made Naruto grimace with revolt.

There's no use getting mad, there's no use getting mad, he repeatedly told himself as he focused on the movements of his clenched fist against the floor. There's no use getting mad…

His heart skipped a beat as he felt someone a feet from where he kneeled. Naruto was sensitive enough to feel that she was staring at him, probably feeling sorry for the black eye her cousin gave him. He wanted to smirk but was too lonely to do it before her eyes.

"Naruto…" she began and it tore his heart. How could she call him like that? It was empty and void but her voice alone allured his heart and soul. He wanted to look her in the eyes and let her see that he, Uzumaki Naruto, was deeply in love with her. He was falling for her every single day, even without seeing her or hearing about her. But he kept his head down, scrubbing and scrubbing.

"I… I'm sorry for what Neji-niisan did to you," she said softly, bowing her head down to show that she meant her words. "We both know he shouldn't have done that."

Naruto left the dirty cloth on the floor and risen from the floor. He wanted to look away but he couldn't deny himself of her loving, pure demeanor. "But I'd sure hell accepted his punch if it had been true."

He watched her smile gently at his humor, but knew her too well that she was nervous just talking to him. But just because she was ashamed of her cousin's actions. But Naruto noticed too much that she stood perfectly poised with no stammering and no fingers fumbling. This made him frown and he had the smallest enticement to reach out and touch her face to check if this exquisite lady was Hyuga Hinata. It made him want her all the more. But one thing confirmed that she indeed was the same person -that signature blush of hers was painted on her cheeks.

Yep, clearly wanted her.

Hinata turned to leave and he let her. He stood there for a moment, watching her every move, wondering and pondering of how this woman was supposed to end up with that Hatake Kakashi. As far as he knew, both were too detached. So how the hell did they become them?

Surprising both teens, they managed to work without sparking whatever could have. They talked but no topics related to themselves and Naruto made sure that nothing of Kakashi would be spoken of. He talked with her and he was at ease with every word he told her. It was so good, so right to talk with her now that she wasn't murmuring -not that he wouldn't like her if she still did.

They laughed together and it made Naruto distracted with whatever emotion he felt against her engagement to Kakashi. She was not absurd, had a good head on her shoulders, had the heart of an angel, and had the body of a damn sex goddess.

It was then Naruto found it extremely hard not to feel aroused by the scent that was clearly Hinata. Their innocent closeness as they talked and rearranged some supplies on the stock room, the view of her pretty inviting lips that ignited the memory of their kiss and the unadorned reality that she was there alone with him. It would take at least three seconds and one bite-of-tongue before Naruto could take his eyes from her and resume what he was doing.

"So how'd you and Kakashi hit it off?" The words slipped off from his mouth and it was too late to take it back. He knew he shouldn't have asked and would have put his index fingers in his ears before she answered but hesitantly decided to himself that he had to know.

"Hmm?" she asked, looking at him with question, as if to ask, are you sure you're asking this? Or are you supposed to be asking this.

"I asked if… um," Naruto said, trying to repeat the question. "How did you and Kakashi, you know…"

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The moment Naruto repeated the question, Hinata's heart raced. Did she hear him right? How did Kakashi and she…? Oh my God, it's as if he knows! She thought guiltily inside her head.

Now she was all green minded. But they were in the stock room and it sure hell brought about a little hot memory. Her eyes quickly darted on the table -it was where Kakashi… She looked at the floor and it did not help, it was where Kakashi… She sighed. Everywhere was a memory of Kakashi. She bit her lower lip and prayed to God Naruto did not realize the reason of her wild blush.

"Hinata-chan… are you okay?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

Hinata nodded blindly, unable to collect her thoughts to give him an answer. What did he ask again? Oh, it was too hard to think straight when she remembers perfectly how Kakashi… Ah! she shook her head quickly and took a deep breath.

Glancing at Naruto, she found his face bewildered. Before she could give him a clue about what was going on inside her head, she made a quick bow and apologized. Not that she was feeling bad, it was in fact that she felt too okay about her recollection of Kakashi's wonderful… Hinata knew she had to get out of the room. "I have to go. I'll tell you some other time, okay?" she said quickly, turning for the door.

She knew he was too surprised of her actions that he couldn't help but ask, "Hinata-chan? What's wrong?"

"I have to get some air," she replied, taking her leave. She hurried further until she knew that Naruto didn't know where she was. Seeing that a nurse had left a room, she slid inside and closed the door behind her. Her eyes gazed over the sleeping boy in the room. She sighed.

Hinata cringed, remembering her friend's question. If they had not been in the stock room, what answer could she have given him? She closed her eyes and tried to think.

So how'd you and Kakashi hit it off?

How did they, anyway? Was it because of that kiss on the way home from the ramen house? Was it during that night in her room when she was punished? Or was it since she took notice of him noticing her? What if it was since that heated moment in the stock room that triggered it all?

Hinata clenched her fists as she tried to produce the right answer to the question that everyone, even she herself, has been wondering about since they have been engaged. She knew that if they had not had sparks for love, everything might as well should have appeared as an arranged marriage. Because it mostly did not help to know that her own father was willing to give her away.

A marriage of convenience, more likely.

"Hinata-chan," someone moaned before her, lonely eyes drawing her closer.

Hinata instantly brushed aside the selfish thoughts and walked over to the boy who awakened. She lovingly smoothed the top of his head as she gave him a comforting smile. "What is it? Do you want me to get anything, is something painful?"

The boy shook his head and touched her face. "You look so much like the angel in my dreams, nii-san."

Hinata laughed softly and kissed the boy's top. "And you are the cherub I play with in dreamland."

The boy blushed and shrugged. His eyes slowly closed and soon enough, he fell asleep, surrendering to Hinata's light strokes on his head.

As she knew he was asleep, she slowly withdrew from the room of the cancer patient, and went on her way back to the children's ward. Her thoughts drifted again to what she was pondering about earlier.

"Hyuga Hinata," someone interrupted again, and this time, Hinata found herself looking at two crimson eyes. Hinata smiled and quickly smiled. She loved this woman. "Kurenai-sensei!"

Yuhi Kurenai laughed softly and eyed her from head to toe. She smirked and crossed her arms across her chest. "I must say, you really change every time I get to see you. Why do you look so happy?"

The thought of Kakashi made her blush. "I change, I agree." She smiled and gave her former teacher a quick hug. It has been awhile since she last seen the woman, both occupied with responsibilities and obligations. Though she was busy with something way much more interesting than missions.

Something hit her secretly, something quite acceptable yet forbidden. It would be a joke if she would look like she didn't know that there had been few rumors that reached ears that this woman, her beloved sensei, was linked to her lover long ago. But those were rumors. Though...Hinata felt quite absurd and young all of the sudden and she couldn't help ask, "Sensei… do you know?"

Kurenai snorted and nodded, knowing what her student was talking about. "Of course, Hinata. I am perfectly aware of the hot news going about town. Do you know how much Konoha is into your engagement with Hatake?" She laughed. "Too much, I must tell you. They have never been too intrigued with such a whimsical pair."

The little flash of jealousy disappeared suddenly. Now she was wondering what the town thought of them. Hah, Hinata chortled in her mind. So they were odd after all, just as she suspected. Hinata knew everyone else was wondering how the hell did they get connected. She wished she knew why too. The student instinct suddenly caught her, taking the chance, knowing she had little opportunities like these. Talking to her sensei privately was not everyday. "Sensei. Could I ask you something?"

"Anytime."

Hinata motioned the older woman to follow her to a private place, to make sure that their conversation be held confidential. As they stood silently across each other, she took a deep breath. "Its just that… Are things supposed to be like this with me? Everything isn't close to my reality. I mean, here's this man who supposedly is in love with me but there are all these people who appear to be against it, that I cannot help but wonder if they are my warning signs for another heartbreak, are they my conscience? Its so baffling, sensei. I am lost." She kept her head on the floor.

The woman took a deep breath and sighed. Placing a supportive hand on the girl's shoulder, she smiled. "I'm here not because I was your sensei. Now that you're engaged, I am here as a woman and as a friend. Let me tell you something, Hinata. When I told you that you've changed, I meant it. I, of all people, am supposed to know, don't you think?"

Hinata nodded but tried to see the point she made.

"I meant that positively." Kurenai snickered. "Look at you. You're not stammering or playing with your fingers anymore! You actually spoke clearly and my God, in sentences!"

The younger woman giggled and looked away blushing. "So they say."

"I've never seen you happier either," Kurenai said seriously. "That blush of yours is still there but with so much meaning and intention. You told me once before that you didn't like your eyes because they looked so empty but what I see now is a different Hinata. Your eyes are full of something deep and solemn. You're in love."

Hinata blushed even more as she bit her lip.

"These people may be 'warning signs' as you say but they are not your conscience. Besides, what is right and wrong in love? Believe me, there is no such scroll that states such standards or limits with regards to love," Kurenai said. "Let me tell you, I like you this way. Not just that you're happy in love but I like the way you handle things. Indeed, my student, very mature."

"But if I were mature…"

"You know what you want and what makes you happy," Kurenai said, finishing the sentence for her. "You, just like everyone else, deserve happiness and all that old fashioned fancy. And you are happy so stick up to that. Accept the fact that good things can happen to you. See yourself this time, Hinata. Maybe its time you give a little more love to yourself."

Hinata nodded, considering her sensei's words. "I'll try."

"Don't try. Do it instead," Kurenai said, cheering her on. "Kakashi is a fine man. Believe me, he doesn't fall easy. And when I say 'doesn't fall', it means a lot in different ways."

"I agree."

"You see? You're starting to know him too well already," Kurenai said with a laugh. "And I must say this again, Hinata. Don't let anything bother your happiness. I've seen you strong but now, its like you're ready for any fight that may come your way." She stared at the Hyuga again. "Yes, definitely so much happier. Happier than you've been with that silly crush on Naruto."

Hinata laughed softly but she did not say anything. Everyone never seemed to get that out of their system. Well, the time will come when they will know who she really ought to be with. She let out a breath of relief, the words of her sensei a firm support for her. She bowed and thanked her sensei. "Thank you so much."

"Anything for a friend," the woman said with a smile. "Before I go. Could I ask you something?"

"Sure…"

"What does Kakashi look like under that stupid mask?" she whispered. "Is he a good kisser?"

Hinata's breath cinched and she felt she was about to faint as she bushed deep crimson. "A-ano… I can't tell you about the face but… I can t-tell you he's a g-good kisser…"

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His heart fell a thousand floors to the ground. He was numb and wondered why he was still breathing. He wanted to shut his eyes close forever, cover his ears and drive the voices away, to drive her voice away but he was alive and sensitive, he was forced to bare the burden of truth.

It was painful. His heart ached with so much pain it was difficult to move from the spot where he stood against the wall. He didn't want to shame himself if ever they'd catch him of eavesdropping but his body and feet did not cooperate.

The air thickened around his surroundings and things felt like a blur.

Naruto wanted to leave and run away from Konoha for good but he knew it was impossible to do. He wanted to break down, fall down on his knees and cry like the twelve-year-old that he used to be. His clenched fists were weakly held on his sides, unable to think and muster of what to feel and what to do next. He knew he shouldn't have tried to follow her.

His heart gave a loud thud as he felt the women nearing where he was and his quick senses was good enough to let him escape the situation unseen and unheard. Using the teleport jutsu, he stood back inside the stock room, feeling lonely as ever.

Kurenai, that woman, he thought angrily. How could she have assured Hinata of such feelings?

True feelings, he corrected himself, suddenly regretting his thoughts. But it was true. Everything that Kurenai said true it hurt him proudly. Hinata was bold and a woman that she did not back down even when he himself was insistent about his feelings, and her stupid cousin's temper, and walking confidently even if the whole town was full of doubts.

It was sad that he tried to be a lover to her, fighting for her affections, instead of a friend that could have stayed by her side giving her words of comfort against her doubts.

But Naruto knew it was too late. His love for her had been ablaze and he would fight, fight until he himself would die of his own flames.

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A.N. Thanks everyone. Love you all still. Before I forget, here's a little message:

To everyone!

Discover, enjoy and digest.

Don't forget to breathe.

But hear yea, hear yea.

The end is near.

Teehee. Don't mind the silly words.

Love lots,

Goshikku Seirei