Authors Note: Ok 10 is up and I have a feeling you will enjoy very much :) Thanks for reading and reviewing. Read and enjoy.

Chapter 10 Love

Naruto slowly opened his eyes to the mourning sun. As he slowly sat up in bed his body ached all over. He felt mental and physically exhausted. He slowly got out of bed and went over to the window. As he walked over his legs were wobbly and he staggered a little. Wow I've never felt so weak before, I definetly don't want to use that technique again.

Naruto put his hands on the window and opened it. Then he sat down on the edge and looked outside. Naruto looked outside but was in deep thought. That technique is too dangerous to use again I almost lost it. I need to get stronger. Naruto was thinking when a noise averted his eyes to the door. Naruto watched as Hinata walked in carrying a tray with food. Hinata shocked stared at Naruto. Naruto looked at her and slowly raised his hand.

"Yo"

Hinata looked at Naruto for a bit before she dropped the tray and ran to him.

"Naruto you shouldn't be up you need to rest" she stopped next to Naruto, a worried look in her eye. Naruto waved his hand a little up and down.

"Don't worry I'm fine, I'm fine" Hinata was still looking at Naruto. Naruto got down and stood up straight. "See I'm fine" Hinata started forming tears in her eyes. She fell to to her knees and started crying.

"Oh thank God" she said in between a sob. Naruto got down and held Hinata. "Hinata comon now you don't need to cry I'm ok" Her tears stopped slowly as Naruto held her. Hinata looked up and saw Naruto smiling. Naruto brought up a hand and wiped the tears away. Hinata blushed at a little at the contact and smiled a little.

"Thats better, you know I love when you smile it makes me happy to see you happy" Hinata blushed alot and looked away smiling a little more. Naruto smiled and looked at her, then he noticed a bandage on her cheek. Naruto slowly raised his hand and touched her cheek. Hinata looked at Naruto blushing but then was worried when Naruto had a sad look on his face. Naruto's eye started getting watery.

"Hinata...I'm so sorry, I tried to stop him but I couldn't. I said I would protect you but I ended up hurting you I'm so sorry" Naruto started crying repeating "I'm sorry". Hinata was sad, shocked, and happy. She was sad to see Naruto sad, but was shocked and happy he cared so much. Hinata smiled and took Naruto's hand.

"Naruto it's ok, it w-wasn't y-your fault you w-weren't y-yourself" Naruto looked at her for a couple of seconds and smiled.

"Thank you Hinata you always know what to say to make me feel better"

Hinata smiled and blushed. Naruto got up still holding Hinata's hand. He put on a smile and a happy look.

"Comon lets go do something, we have to leave tomarrow" Hinata nodded and followed Naruto out of the room still holding hands.

Naruto and Hinata went down stairs and headed for the door but were stopped by Tazuna, Inari, and Tsunami. Tazuna spoke first.

"Naruto your an amazing kid you know that, I want to thank you for what you have done. We can't thank you enough for giving us back our village, thank you"

"It's no problem it's what I do and besides I don't think I deserve all the credit" Naruto said nodding his head to Hinata, Tazuna smiled.

"Your right, Hinata thank you for everything you two are great ninja" Hinata blushed and nodded her head.

"Thanks Naruto" Inari said cheerfully.

"Hey it was no sweat for someone like me right"

"Right"

"Naruto come back tonight for dinner we are going to have a big celebration" Tsunami said.

"Alright" Naruto said and headed for the door. He was halfway out the door and noticed Hinata wasn't with him.

"Comon Hinata" Hinata nodded and followed him. Tazuna got a smile and said to the two.

"Behave yourselves" Hinata got a blush and had a thought. Why is it that where ever I go with Naruto people have to embarrass me. She let out sigh and followed Naruto.

Naruto and Hinata walked around the town side by side talking. They were interrupted alot as everyone in town stopped them and thanked them for what they did. Hinata noticed that Naruto was really happy. She was glad that at least here the people saw Naruto as she saw him.

Naruto and Hinata entered a tea shop that they have been going to alot lately. The waitress recognized them immediantly. She took them to the booth they usually sit at and asked them if they would have the usual. Both Naruto and Hianta nodded. Naruto looked out the window out to the sea.

"I love this town" Naruto said. Hinata smiled and looked at Naruto as he watched the waves come in. She wished he looked this happy all the time. Naruto noticed out of the corner of his eye that Hinata was staring at him.

"Something on my face" Naruto said not looking at Hinata. Hinata immediantly looked down blushing. Naruto smiled and looked at Hinata.

"We've been through a lot together haven't we Hinata"

"Y-yeah"

"You know I'm glad" Hinata looked at him questioningly.

"I'm glad you were here with me I don't know if I could of done it without you" Hinata blushed of course.

"I want you to know something" Naruto grabbed Hinata's hand. Hinata looked at Naruto a mild blush on her face.

"I want you know to know that I'll always be there for you and I promise to protect you for as long as I live" Hinata blushed and smiled. Naruto then squeezed Hinata's hand.

"Also I want you to know that...that" Naruto had a hard time trying to say what he was trying to say. Hinata's heart was in overdrive. That, that what. The waitress then dropped Naruto's and Hinata's order on the table. Naruto jumped a little and let go of Hinata.

"Here you are and its on the house today" the waitress said before leaving. Naruto muttered a thank you. Hinata was still in overdrive and dieing from anticipation.

"Uhh...umm...never mind I'll tell you later" Naruto said bringing Hinata down. She muttered ok and they went to eat their meals.

Coward

Shut up fox.

Naruto and Hinata finished their meals and went outside. Then a little boy came up and pulled on Narutu's jacket.

"Umm sir I have a message from the mayor"

"Oh umm go ahead and tell me then"

"He is asking you to see him before the day is up says its important"

"Ok here this is for the message" Naruto gave the boy some money.

"Thank you" the boy ran off happily. Hinata smiled at Naruto's kindness and was reminded of all the reasons she loved him.

"Well shall we then" Naruto said. Both Hinata and Naruto made there way to the mayor's house. When they got to the house a man was waiting for them.

"Welcome welcome" the man said "Its an honor to have the hero's of the land of waves here"

"First off I wish to thank you for all you have done on behalf of the entire village. Second I want you to know that there will be a celebration in your honor at the town hall tonight before you leave, so please enjoy your last night here"

"And lastly know that you will always be welcome here and will have a house here if you ever need a place to stay, once again thank you for all you have done" the man bowed and walked away.

"You know I'm going to miss this place" Naruto said "But I think the village needs us so lets enjoy tonight and then work harder then ever when we get back"

"Right"

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Naruto was having a blast. They had great food and music and the people were all having fun. Hinata was also having fun but stayed by Naruto's side most of the time. She watched as people came up thanked Naruto sometimes giving him gifts but mostly just expressing their gratitude. She also got her fair share of gratitude.

Over the next few hours Naruto and Hinata enjoyed the party. Naruto told tales of his adventures and had children and adults alike sitting on the edge of their seats. Hinata also listened even though had heard all the stories.

After the stories were told it seemed that Naruto had got even more famous in the eyes of the villagers. She heard coments like "we are so lucky to have such a famous hero" and "Naruto has to be the greatest ninja alive". Naruto was talking and laughing with the villagers when he suddenly stopped. Everyone looked at him waiting for him to say something when his stomach grumbled loud enough so the entire room could hear it. Everyone started laughing and Naruto said "guess I'm a little hungry".

The chefs made ramen for their hero and brough it out in giant pots. Servents then made tables and chairs in the middle of the room. Then a guy with a mic came out.

"Anyone wishing to take part in the ramen eating contest please take a seat we will begin shortly everyone else please take a seat at the tables behind me"

Tazuna was watching as people got to the tables and sat down then saw Hinata looking at Naruto. He then got a crazy idea. He walked over to Hinata and told her his plan. After a minute she blushed and agreed to it. Tazuna then walked over to the announcer and whispered something to him.

After 10 minutes everyone was seated. The announcer then had all the lights cut out and a light shown on him with someon sitting behind him.

"Ladies and gentlemen welcom to the ramen eating contest, these are the rules. You must eat as many bowls as you can in the next 30 minutes the person who eats the most get 1000 ryu as a reward and also the winner will recieve a special prize"

The light moved over to reveal a blushing Hinata sitting in a chair. "The winner will also recieve a kiss from the hero of the land of waves, Hinata Hyuuga"

Hinata got up and looked at the crowd. "I w-wish y-you all the b-best of l-luck" and sat back down. She sat back down and wondered why she ever agreed to this.

"You want me to what"

"Comon Hinata you won't get a chance like this again and besides you know Naruto like he would lose a ramen eating contest"

"I-I d-dont k-know"

"Comon Hinata you know you want to and who knows maybe this will make you and Naruto, a little closer"

"Well...umm...I...guess..."

"Great, you'll see you will be glad to have done this"

As Hinata sat there she had to think what was I thinking letting Tazuna talk me into this.

Naruto sat there getting ready to eat and heard the prizes. A...a..kiss. Naruto blushed at the thought of that. With Hinata. That thought made him blush even more. He looked at Hinata and had to admit he wanted to win. As the food was being passed out he heard many coments. Most within the range of "I'm going to win" and "She is so pretty I have to win". Its too bad I'll have to end their hopes and dreams.

Over the next 29 minutes there was ramen served, people passed out from too much food, and a lot of ramen cooking. Only one minute Hinata thought nervously. A couple of seconds later a bell rang signaling the end of the contest. Over the next few minutes bowls were counted and people were moved to stretchers to take them home.

A man brought a note to the announcer. He opened it up and said "now for the moment we have been waiting for the winner is...Naruto Uzumaki with a...my God...an oustanding 82 bowls, comon Naruto get up here"

Naruto got up and moved to his left out of the wall of bowls that was in front of him. He got on the stage and stood in the light.

"Now for the contestant to get his prize, Hinata if you will" Hinata got up and inched her way to Naruto. They got close to each other and stared at each other. They moved their heads closer to each other and got ready.

Naruto gulped nervous as hell and Hinata was breathing hard. Their faces were inches from each other and were slowly moving closer. Naruto closed his eyes as did Hinata. Their lips were mere centimeters away. Their lips slightly met sending a tingling sensation through out Hinata's and Naruto's body.

They connected and pressed closer intensifying the kiss. Through out the room there were cheers and awws. Their kiss lasted mere seconds but seemed like minutes for them. Naruto pulled back first and looked at Hinata. Hinata opened her eyes and looked at Naruto a slight blush on her face. Naruto then cupped Hinata's cheek with his hand.

"You know your beautiful when you blush" This was too much for Hinata and she passed out, with a huge smile on her face.

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Hinata opened her eyes slowly feeling slightly cold. She saw she was outside the stars above her. As she looked around she was on the roof of the city hall with many people around her. She also felt a pressure on her hand. She looked over to see a smiling Naruto sitting with her holding her hand. They were sitting on top of the roof above where the door was. People were all looking out to the same direction.

"So your awake and just in time too"

"N-Naruto w-whats g-going on"

"You'll see just watch it will start any second"

"What w-will"

"Just watch"

Hinata looked at him and remembered the kiss they shared. Hinata blushed and raised her free hand to her lips. She touched them and blushed. We..we..kissed. She blushed more and thought of what that meant.

"Its starting" Naruto said looking at the sky.

Hinata looked at Naruto then looked at where he looked. Fireworks started exploding in the sky. Hinata watched mesmorized. They watched together in awe. Hinata then leaned against Naruto and rested her head on Naruto's shoulder. They sat and watched the diplay.

Hinata was thinking while watching. Comon girl now is your chance its three words you can do it I love you, I can do it I can do it.

"Naruto"

"Yes"

"I...I...I...I'm glad to be here with you"

"Me too"

Damnit, well its not what I wanted to say but its a step closer. With that in her mind she sat there head on his shoulder. Naruto then made a move and wrapped his arm around her. Hinata watched the display untill it was over but continued to sit there. They sat together untill everyone left. They sat with each other until Hinata fell asleep.

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Naruto and Hinata were on the bridge getting ready to leave. Tazuna, Inari, Tsunami, and the whole village were there to see them off.

"Well its been fun but we have to go our village needs us" Naruto said a little sad.

"We understand, just remember your always welcome here" Tazuna said.

"Yeah, you guys take care. I'll come back when I get a chance"

"You mean it" Inari said.

"Of course, I never go back on my word"

A old man stepped forward holding a box and walked up to Naruto. "Here is the item you wanted" he handed the box to Naruto.

Naruto took and put it in his pocket. "Thank you I was hoping it would get done before we left"

"You just make sure to take good care of her" the old man winked and went back into the crowd. Hinata saw Naruto smile and wondered what that meant and what was in the box. Naruto then started waving.

"Alright we'll see you later take care" Naruto turned around and left. Hinata bowed and then followed. As they started to dissapear Inari ran forward and yelled at them.

"Come back soon Naruto" Naruto turned around and waved at Inari.

"You protect the village until I get back ok Inari" Inari stopped and waved.

"I will"

Naruto and Hinata walked leisurely back to the village in no hurry. They spent the whole day talking and enjoying the walk. They would make it back to the village by night. Hinata throughout the trip was curious of what Naruto had in the box. She thought about using her byakugon to see but decided against it.

It took all day but they made it back to the village. Naruto and Hinata went through the main gate and was greeted by the gaurds.

"Welcome back" Naruto nodded and continued to head to the hokage's office.

"Its great to back home"

"Y-yeah" Hinata said in a sort of sad voice. Naruto noticed that Hinata was sad the moment they saw the village.

"You ok Hinata"

"Umm yeah" She wasn't she was sad that the mission ended and now she and Naruto wouldn't be with each other any more.

They went to the Hokage, the night sky filled with glowing moonlight. They went inside the office to be greeted by Tsunade and Shizune.

"Naruto, Hinata welcome back. I assume the mission was a success"

"Of course, it was a piece of cake" Tsunade smiled.

"Alright I'll get the debriefing of the mission tomarrow, why dont you get some rest"

"Alright" Naruto then walked out Hinata following him. Naruto then turned around and looked at Hinata. Hinata saw that Naruto was sad.

"Hey Hinata could you meet me at 'the spot' in an hour I have something really important to tell you"

"Umm...o-ok" then Naruto turned around and went back into the Hokage's office.

Tsunade was in her desk looking over some paper work when she noticed Naruto.

"You need something Naruto"

"Yeah we need to talk"

"Whats up"

"Well.."

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Naruto and Tsunade were at Ichirukas eating some ramen.

"I see, are you sure you want to do it"

"Yes, I think she has to know"

"Well if your sure, I think what your doing is the right thing. I'm proud of you Naruto I know it must be hard for you"

"Yeah, hey thanks for listening I really appreciate it"

"My pleasure and one more thing"

"You take care of her Naruto, its a very special thing you two have, protect it with your life"

"I will and thanks"

"Yeah yeah, I have to go so you take care ok Naruto"

"Yeah" Tsunade got up and left leaving Naruto by himself. Naruto then paid for his meal and headed to meet Hinata.

You sure of this brat.

Yes she has to know she has the right to know.

Alright if your sure

Naruto went up to the spot he showed Hinata not all that long ago. He found her looking out to the lights of the village. Naruto slowly made his way over to her nervous as hell. Hinata sensed someone was behind her and turned around. She smiled when she saw Naruto.

"H-hey N-Naruto"

"Hey Hinata" Naruto said.

"S-so w-what did y-you w-want to tell me" Naruto gulped and decided that just being direct was the way to go.

"How long" Naruto asked

"H-how long w-what"

"How long have you loved me" Hinata's heart skipped a beat. Her mind went blank and she felt like fainting.

"Hinata, Hinata, hello earth to Hinata" Hinata snapped out of her blank state and looked at Naruto.

"Well how long" Hinata looked at Naruto nervously and stuttered.

"How long h-have y-you k-know"

"Since the first night of the mission"

"B-but h-how"

"You told me" Hinata looked at Naruto with a questioningly face.

"You umm...talk in your sleep, you said 'Naruto I love you' while dreaming" Damnit Hinata what were you thinking. Hinata beat herself up mentally for what she did. Naruto knew this whole mission she was in love with him. She felt like deing from the embarressment.

"Hinata please I need to know" She looked at Naruto and stared into his blue eyes. Then looked down at the ground.

"Ever since I met you" This answer shocked Naruto.

"That long" Naruto looked up and sighed. "Damn I am blind"

"No no I didn't give any sign that I did"

"No you gave plenty of signs I'm just too damn stupid" Naruto let out a long sigh. Here goes nothing.

"I think..I...I...love you too" Hinata's heart skipped two beats and she would fall over if even the slightest breeze were to blow by.

"But we can't be together not..." Naruto didn't get to finish his sentance.

"Why" Hinata almost shouted. She started crying and repeated "why"

Naruto walked forward and wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear.

"You didn't let me finish, we can't be together untill I tell you something" Naruto felt Hinata calm down and stop crying sobbing every couple of seconds.

Naruto slowly dropped Hinata to the ground and sat down with her.

"Hinata what I'm going to tell you is between you and me you can't tell anyone about it, and...don't hate me"

"I could never hate you Naruto" she said a sniffle in between every few words.

"I'm glad to hear that but still" Naruto then looked at the ground.

"Hinata you know that the fourth defeated the Nine-tailed fox right" Hinata was a little surprised at the question but nodded.

"And you know about how a monster was sealed inside Gaara don't you" again Hinata nodded, "well the Fourth didn't exactly defeat the fox, it was too strong so he sealed the fox's power inside a new born baby"

"Naruto w-where are y-you going with t-this"

Hinata saw Naruto lowered his head even more. "The person who was that baby was...me"

With that statement, it felt like Hinata hit a brick wall. It all came to her, why the villagers looked at Naruto like that, that monsterous form he became at times, the intense and seemingly infinite chakra he had, it all made sense.

Naruto looked up tears in his eyes. "I'm the nine-tailed fox" Hinata also started crying, but only because she finnally understood all the pain he had to endure. She felt his pain and cried because he told her something he wanted no one to know.

"I can see if you think differently of me, I won't blame you" Naruto said crying.

Hinata whispered something that Naruto couldn't hear. He looked at her and listened carefully.

"I don't care" Hinata said and jumped at Naruto and pulled him into a hug.

"I don't care" she said again, "I don't care, I don't care"

Naruto was shocked beyond all reason, that and he was happier then he had ever been.

She then looked Naruto in the eyes tears in her eyes. "I don't care whats inside of you, you are Naruto and thats all I need to know. Your not some demon fox you are Naruto"

Naruto pulled her into a hug and whispered "thank you". They laid there in each others arms for a couple of minutes. Then Naruto got up, Hinata got up off Naruto so he could get up. They stood up holding each others hands. Naruto then pulled out the box he got from the old man.

"This is a present for you" he said. He let go of her and opened the box. Hinata's eye grew wide as she saw what it was. It was a sunflower with a white jewl in the middle.

Naruto took it out and put it around her neck. Hinata looked at it and then flipped around to see something engraved on it.

"It says 'To my sunflower, to my sunlight, to my love'" Hinata read. She looked at Naruto to see him smiling. Hinata looked over the necklace again.

"Its beautiful"

"Yes, you are" Naruto said getting closer to Hinata. Hinata was looking at Naruto's blue eyes. Naruto then moved his head closer to hers. Naruto put his forehead on hers and moved his lips closer to hers. A couple of centimeters from hers he stopped and whispered something to her.

"You better not pass out" and then closed the gap between their lips. Hinata felt like she was flying she never felt so happy in her life. Naruto was having the same feelings. They kissed for what seemed like minutes before Naruto pulled away.

Naruto looked into Hinata's eyes, Hinata's beautiful eyes.

"I love you" Naruto said, he saw that Hinata had tears in her eyes.

"I love you too" she said and moved closer bringing Naruto into another kiss. Naruto happily responded. The two stood there above the village in each others arms, both feeling more alive then they had ever been.

Authors note: Woot what a chapter. I think this is my favorite chapter so far. Hope to hear some reviews from you guys so please review. I'll get to work on 11 soon. Hope you enjoyed. Once again please review I'd like to hear from all of you.