A/N: Hi everyone! Sorry for another late update, I've been on writer's block lately, again. NEW CHARACTER in this chapter, but it's pretty obvious who it is. Have fun reading and please leave me some feedback. I'd like to get your thoughts on the story so far.

Chapter 14: The Blue-eyed Knight

"You have a friend returning from America? Are you serious?!"

I smiled, expecting the shocked look on Sakura's face. "Yup, and it's been about...three years since I last saw him I think?"

"Wait a minute; your friend's a...boy?"

I nodded.

She turned on her heel and walked over to the door. "Well, I guess our conversation ends here."

I watched her, while still in the middle of changing.

Just as she was about to turn the knob, it suddenly rattled and was pushed open, slamming into her face.

"Ow!"

"Oh, sorry!"

It turned out to be Uchiha-san on the other side.

Sakura sat there in a rather un-lady-like position, dazed.

Uchiha-san got down on one knee and leaned in closely, staring hard at her face.

"Hey, you okay? You're not bleeding or anything are you? Because I really don't want to hear you blame me later," he muttered.

Realizing that Uchiha-san was in front of her, and rather closely at that, Sakura's face flushed red as she ran out the door.

I quickly pulled on my shirt before Uchiha-san could turn his attention to me.

"What was that all about?" he asked, jabbing his thumb in the direction Sakura had ran.

"Um...I'm not sure myself, maybe she's sick."

I quickly strapped on my wristwatch, checking the time as well.

Ah, I'd better hurry.

Tightening the belt around my waist, I made sure it held up my jeans. They had a habit of sometimes slipping off.

Meanwhile, without my noticing it, Uchiha-san had been observing me...I think.

"Once we finish classes, you usually get started on your homework right away." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Is there a special occasion or something that I didn't hear about for you to get dressed up?"

"Oh, w-well actually, I'm going to go pick up a friend of mine at the train station."

"Huh? For what? Can't she get to wherever she has to by herself? She's not someone that needs any babying, is she?"

"Well a-about that-"

"Hinata-chaaaaaaan!"

We both looked to the doorway to see Haku-san enter, a smile on his beautiful face.

He stopped the minute he saw me and asked "Oh, are you going out?"

"Um yes, but Uchiha-san, about-"

"Really? Well in that case, why don't we go with you?" He slipped his arm around Uchiha-san's shoulders, earning himself a smack on the head from the other boy. "It'll be a lot more fun that way."

I turned to Uchiha-san. "Do you...want to come?"

He seemed occupied with Haku-san at the moment, trying to land a hit on him, but gave a grunt.

I didn't understand what he meant by that. "Uh..."

"He says 'yes'!" Haku-san answered for me. "Wait here Hinata-chan, we'll go get changed."

Before I could say anything, they left the room, Uchiha-san being dragged along.

"I didn't even give them an answer yet..."

"WHY DO I HAVE TO WEAR THIS?!"

Haku-san ran behind Uchiha-san and put him in a head-lock.

"Calm down Setsuna-chan," he said, using his most feminine voice. "The dress suits you, and pretty girls should wear pretty clothes."

"But I'm not a-!"

I clamped my hand over Uchiha-san's mouth.

"Shh, we're in public Uchiha-san!" I whispered to him. "Please don't do anything that'll attract the attention of others."

He had an upset look on his face, but strangely calmed down.

"Fine..." he muttered.

"So where's your friend at Hinata-chan? Didn't you say she'd be here?" Haku-san asked, looking around excitedly.

"E-Eh? Well-I was told that the next train stopping would be-"

Coincidentally, the train slowed down and stopped.

The three of us stood under the shade of the roof, watching as passengers got off.

"Oh, so she get's off this train then?" Haku-san asked, pointing at it.

I nodded my head.

Through the swarm of the passengers, I spotted the spiky blond hair I saw so often in my childhood, and just as I expected, there he stood.

The tears came to my eyes faster than I thought it would. It was hard to hold in, but I couldn't.

He was here. He was really here.

I ran, and as if on cue, he turned his head to see me, a warm smile spreading on his boyish face.

"Hina-"

Before he could say anymore, I threw my arms around his neck, pulling him down for an embrace.

My heart pounded like it had never done before, a warm feeling spreading through my chest.

The people around us were staring and whispering. Haku-san thrashed around wildly on the ground with Uchiha-san holding him down by sitting on top of him.

I drowned out everyone, their voices fading.

It was as if we were the only ones there.

"Wow...you're really here." I held onto him even tighter, feeling the solid figure against myself. "It's not a dream...is it?" my voice came out in a whisper. It was hard to talk while trying to distinguish an illusion and reality.

He put his large hand on top of my head, ruffling my already-unkempt hair.

"Don't be so cute, you know it's not good for my heart."

Sniffling, I wiped away the tears with the back of my arm, allowing me to see his face up-close clearly.

Those beautiful blue-eyes of his still held the glow he'd had the day he left.

Unchanging.

Beautiful.

Clear.

"Naruto..."

For me, Naruto had been my first friend, and...my first love.

It was almost as though we were connected by the hip. We were always together as children, no matter where we went.

When we were seven, he had made a promise to me.

"I promise I won't go anywhere. I'll always be by your side."

Those words had completely encaged my heart.

I'd never plan to tell him my feelings. I thought if I did, our relationship would take a turn for the worst and he'd come to soon ignore me.

Just thinking about it pained me.

As for Naruto, he'd always been the popular type in school. He was cute, cheerful, and energetic. I couldn't think of anyone who wouldn't like him.

In our second year of middle school, he became even more popular with the girls. It was hard to get near him without being trampled over. I kept my distance and the only times we met were after school at our houses.

One day, because of a certain incident, I ended up confessing, but...things didn't turn out the way I thought they would.

Hyuga Hinata-13 years old:

What I loved about Naruto were his clear and unchanging eyes.

They were a deep azure-blue color, blue like the sky.

They were frighteningly beautiful.

I loved the way his voice was gentle and unfazed, the way he smiled at me, everything.

He was all I thought about, whether it was day or night.

My alarm went off, buzzing like the annoying contraption it was. Underneath my covers, I reached for it and pressed the snooze button, finally shutting it off.

"Ugh...It's time for school already?"

The sudden realization just then hit me.

"Wh-What am I saying? I have t-to get ready!"

The reason as to why I was rushing, which happened almost everyday should have been obvious by this point.

"Oi-Hinataaa! Hurry up or we'll be late!" he cried. "Old-man Asuma's gonna close the gates on us!"

"C-Coming Naruto!"

It took me two minutes to brush my teeth, one minute to wash my face, three minutes to change into my uniform, and thirty seconds to brush my hair.

The minute I finished, I squeezed myself through the opening of my window and jumped out.

Naruto came forward and jumped up, catching me flawlessly in his arms.

We landed safely on the ground.

"Hey, did you gain weight or something? You're a little heavier than before."

I was ready to smack the side of his head with my school bag, but he suddenly grinned at me.

"Just kidding," he said jokingly. A kind smile replaced his grin. "You're as light as ever, Hime-sama."

My ribcage was about to be shattered if he kept up the sweet-talk any longer.

Stupid heart, calm down!

I noticed the blond checking the time on his wrist-watch.

"Well, it looks like we might be late again," he sighed. "Ah, I guess the only way to get there on time is if we ran." He turned to me, a look of doubt on his face. "You're pretty athletic, but not as fast as me..."

I started to sweat bullets.

"You...don't tell me you're going to-"

"...so...I guess I'll have to carry you the whole way!"

When he said that, he really meant it.

"And off we go!"

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

"Hang on tight Hinata!"

I did as he said and wrapped my arms tighter around his neck, being careful not to strangle him.

Naruto was fast, and I mean REALLY fast. It was enough to scare me.

The high speed at which he went caused my bangs to whip against my face. Even though it hurt, I knew I was in no condition to complain.

I shouldn't ask for anymore, this is good enough itself.

During my moment of bliss, Naruto suddenly yelled "Hey old man, why are you closing the gates?! Can't you see I'm running my ass off here?!"

Asuma-sensei, one of the teachers with a rugged look and build stood behind the school gates as usual with a cigarette in his mouth. With the press of a button on his small remote, they closed automatically.

Naruto frowned. "Damn, if we don't make it on the other side of that gate before the bell rings, we're done for! Looks like I have no choice but to-"

He suddenly began picking up his speed, holding onto me tightly.

What is he doing? The gates are already closed!

"-jump over!"

In that split second, he leapt high into the air, grabbing onto the safer part of the iron-gate with one arm for support before propelling himself forward.

It was only for a short moment, but...I felt as though we were flying.

Asuma-sensei stared up at us, his eyes popping out of their sockets.

Naruto stared down at him and smirked in triumph.

"Morning...ASS-suma-sensei."

Landing on both his feet, Naruto quickly set me down and held my hand, pulling me after him.

"Come on, hurry it up or that guy will really punish us!"

I glanced back to see Asuma-sensei fuming with raging anger as he strode towards us.

Not wanting to get into anymore trouble, I followed Naruto.

"Heh, so we were late after all."

The two of us stood outside of the classroom in the hall, holding a bucket of water in each hand.

"Ahhh, my arms are getting tired." I couldn't help but complain. They were heavy.

"Well we have Kakashi-sensei to thank for our punishment. At least he didn't make us stay after to clean up the school gym. That's even worse compared to this."

I sighed. "I guess so."

The door slid open with Kakashi-sensei's head popping out as well.

"Hey there you two," he waved. "So, did you guys learn your lesson?" A wisp of his silver hair fell over one eye.

We nodded our heads and said in unison "Hai."

He smiled, or at least I think he did, though I couldn't really tell since he wore a mask over the bottom half of his face all the time. "Good, you guys can come in now and start from where we left off."

"...and so, that's how I got my silver hair."

There were groans from everyone in the class.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"That has nothing to do with today's lesson!"

"Moron!"

He cleared his throat.

"Anyways, I think we left off during the Heian Period..."

I turned to look at Naruto who sat across from me, his head on the top of his desk, snoring peacefully.

He's so cute.

"Maaaaaaan-that was one boring lecture!"

He fell down on his back, arms spread out, sinking into the softness of the grass.

I began to unwrap the boxed lunch I prepared for the both of us everyday, removing the lid.

Naruto immediately sat up at this, running a hand through his spiky blond hair before reaching out to snatch a piece of rolled egg.

Popping it into his mouth, he grinned at me childishly with sincerity. "It tastes great Hinata!"

Why did he have to be so adorable?

I stared into the mirror hanging on my wall, stretching out my cheeks.

"Maybe my skin will get softer if I do this everyday..."

I'd read about it in an article for massage and therapy. Pinching your cheeks and stretching them out stirred the chemical process within your skin, softening it. Whether it was true or not was something I didn't know, but I'd eventually find out.

I plopped down on the edge of my bed, unbuttoning my uniform.

"Now that I think about it, all those girls were staring at us today..."

But...it also felt like they were staring more at me.

The sound of tapping broke me from my thoughts.

I turned around to the source of the sound to see Naruto at my window, waving. He gestured to me with his hand to let him in.

I complied by walking over and pulling up the window.

He fell down quietly, landing on his knees.

"I wasn't too loud was I? If your cousin finds me in here, he'll beat the crap out of me."

I shook my head. "You're fine as long as you don't walk around too much."

He stretched his arms above his head, letting out a silent yawn.

"That so? Well then, I guess I'll have to get on your bed."

"That's tru-w-wait a minute, my B-B-BED?"

"Yeah, why? We've slept together tons of times. Don't tell me you're actually still embarrassed about it?" he laughed. "Like I'd try anything on you, you're like a sister to me!"

Sister...

I shook my head. "O-Oh, you're right. There's...nothing to be embarrassed about."

"Exactly. Well, since that issue's over with, let's get to sleep." He jumped onto my bed, and crawled over to the pillow to lie down, pulling the thick floral-decorated blanket over himself.

"W-Well I guess I'll get out the extra futon-"

"Come here."

I stopped in my tracks, and turned to him, not believing my ears.

What...did he just say? "Naruto..."

"Didn't you hear me? Get in. You don't think I'm so rude that I'd kick the owner out of their own bed do you?"

"B-But-there's not enough room for two people and-"

"Then we'll just have to make the room now won't we?" he cut me off, not leaving anymore room for an argument.

He stared at me, his clear-blue eyes emitting impatience and mild anger.

I couldn't refuse him when he did that.

Gulping, I slowly walked over to the bed. I climbed in hesitantly beside him, our shoulders touching from the lack of space we had.

"Ah, actually...I think I'll fall off."

This was my chance. "I-In that case, I'll get out-"

"No, wait."

I remained still.

"Hinata, try turning on your side."

"L-Like this?"

"Yeah." He scooted in and snuggled up against me, wrapping an arm around my waist. Our bodies were in an even more intimate position than before.

My heart was slamming against my chest.

This can't be happening.

"N-Naruto..."

"This is much better. You're really warm Hinata."

"Um, don't you think this position is a bit...?"

"Hmm? Did you say something?"

"It's n-nothing."

I couldn't believe it. Naruto, the Naruto that I'd had a crush on for years was sleeping right next to ME, embarrassing as it was.

It suddenly feels like I can die happy.

I closed my eyes and went to sleep, trying hard to ignore the feel of his breath on my neck.

"Oh, looks like you two have decided to join us." Kakashi-sensei sat at his desk and looked up at us from his small pocket-sized book. "As your teacher, I think I have the right to know. So, where were you?"

I rubbed at my eyes sleepily and stifled my yawn. Naruto on the other hand looked as energetic as ever, full of vitality.

"We both woke up late this morning," he answered in place for me, not that I would've been the first to say anything anyways.

"Is that all?" sensei asked, raising an eyebrow.

Naruto nodded.

"Ah, well then, you two will have to stay behind today and clean up the classroom, by yourselves," he said, returning to his book.

I was so tired; I didn't think I could handle it.

Alone with Naruto again.

"This sucks," he muttered under his breath.

I turned to the blond to see him pushing the tables up against the wall, while grumbling about it.

"Stupid Kakashi-sensei, just because we're five minutes late, he makes us clean up the classroom...damn, and I wanted to watch the new drama airing today too..."

I yawned once again, accidentally letting it slip.

Oops.

Naruto turned to me with a look of surprise.

"You okay Hinata? That's like what-the tenth time you've yawned all day?"

I waved my hands for him to dismiss the matter.

"I-It's nothing, I just didn't fall asleep until really late last night."

He cocked his head to the side as if to think about it. "Are you sure that's it? Ah, was it because I was hogging the blanket last night? Or maybe because I was snoring loudly?"

"No, it's not that."

"Then what was it?"

It's because you were there.

"I watched another horror movie."

Is it okay for me to be like this?

The feeling was painful. Having to lock up everything inside, the way I felt about him.

"Idiot! Why'd you do that?"

It's painful, but...

"I'm sorry, are you mad?"

He sighed, and slapped his forehead.

"No, it's not that, but...sometimes, you make me worry too much."

"Sorry..."

He came over, and patted my head.

"Don't apologize, just take care of yourself." He reached for the broom in my hands and snatched it away. "Here, I'll sweep. Just go sit down and rest."

"O-Okay."

I'll have to keep these feelings locked up.

"U-Um, excuse me!"

Closing my shoe box, I turned around to see a girl standing behind me, holding out a white envelope with her head down.

Is that...what I think it is?

"I-I've noticed that you and U-Uzumaki-san are really close. If p-possible, do you think you could make sure my letter gets t-to him?"

"A l-love letter?"

She became so embarrassed to the point that her ears had turned red, even if I couldn't see her face.

"Y-Yes! I'm s-sorry to bother you, b-but I heard that the two of you are childhood friends so I thought m-maybe it would be better to ask y-you to deliver it for me."

Childhood friends...

My head was throbbing with pain.

The realization of it just came to me.

"S-Sure, I'll deliver it for you."

"For...me?" he asked, pointing at himself as if not believing it. His face turned bright red as he stared down at the envelope in my hand.

I held it out for him to take. "It's a love letter."

He took it from me and gripped onto it so tightly that I was so sure it was about to rip.

"Ah! B-Be careful! A kouhai asked me to give that to you so don't-"

"Wow! It's my first love letter from a girl!" he cried, running around enthusiastically. His blue eyes sparkled with joy as he began ripping it open to take out the letter. "Ne, you saw the girl, right Hinata? Was she cute? You said she's a kouhai right?"

My heart was twisting in more than one way. It practically felt like I was being stabbed. To see his adorable face light up over another girl was heart-breaking itself.

I wish he wouldn't get so excited about it...

"...Hinata?"

His voice broke me from my thoughts. "Y-Yes?"

"Did you hear what I said? You kind of looked like you were spacing out there for a minute."

"Oh, sorry, I'm just...a little tired."

He had on an exasperated look on his face. "Not enough sleep again?" he sighed. "Geeze, didn't I tell you to take care of yourself?"

"That's...not it," I muttered more to myself than him.

"What did you say?"

"That...THAT'S NOT IT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING!"

I ran away from him as fast as I could, not turning to look back.

I should have expected it. After all, it was my decision not to tell him, but how dense could he be?

After that incident, I hadn't attended school for at least two days. My family was worried about me and asked if I needed to go to the hospital, but I told them it wasn't anything serious and that I was only feeling a bit under-the-weather. I wasn't so sure if they noticed, but they seemed to be able to tell that I wanted to be alone.

The past two days had gone by quicker than I expected. All I did at home was lie down in bed and read some of my manga, which usually cheered me up.

Time only seemed slow whenever I was with him, but that's what made it so meaningful. It felt like we had an eternity to be together.

I tossed the book aside on the third day that morning and finally got up.

"I can't be like this all the time. I'll have to go to school eventually anyways."

As soon as I finished getting ready, I went downstairs to put on my shoes and leave. Everyone else in the house was still asleep.

I closed the door as gently as I could, careful not to disturb them until I heard the click that it had locked in place.

Turning around only made me jump in surprise.

"Yo." He raised a hand in the air to wave at me. "You feeling better Hime-sama?"

I frowned at the sight of him, the reason for my absences. "What are you doing here?"

"Aw, c'mon, don't make that face! I came here especially just to see you," he smiled.

I turned away, not wanting to be taken in by him.

"Please...leave me alone."

"I don't want to."

"Why not?"

"Because you're important to me."

"What you say and do are two different things."

"Huh?" he looked confused.

I couldn't take it anymore.

"Just...Just leave me alone."

I started to walk away, but he grabbed onto my arm.

"Wait, come with me first. I have something to tell you."

"It can wait can't it? Besides, I have to get to school."

"No, it can't wait. It's something I have to tell you, now."

It hurt.

"Fine then."

It hurt so much just from being near him.

"What is it that you wanted to talk about?"

We were at a park near the school. The both of us sat on the swings, a thick air of silence hanging over us.

"Um...before I say anything, promise me you'll stay calm."

"I'll...try."

He took in a deep breath. "Okay, well, the thing is...I'm going to a different school."

"Is that it?" He brought me all the way here to tell me something like that? I couldn't deny the fact that I would be a bit sad without his presence around, but we could always see each other once classes were out, right?

He dropped his head and put his hand on my shoulder, baring his teeth with a forced grin. "No, I don't think you get it. I'm going to a different school, but...not in Japan."

That last sentence had me on the edge of my seat, only to fall down.

"Y-Y-You're going to another country? Where?"

He stood on his feet to help me up, as shocked as I was.

"Actually, I'm going to California."

This only became an even bigger shock for me. "You m-mean in the US?"

He nodded.

"Yeah. My grandma's sending me there for about three years to study, get an understanding of a different culture, you know?"

"B-But why so sudden-"

"About that...this was decided beforehand a month ago."

"When...are you going?"

"Today," he answered.

My whole world felt like it had shattered just then. Exactly how many secrets had he been keeping from me?

"You..." I muttered.

"Huh?"

"HOW CAN YOU BE SO SELFISH?!"

He drew back in surprise. "H-Hinata?"

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?! Why keep it from me up until now?!"

The tears came to my eyes so fast that I wasn't sure at all about how to stop them. They were warm and salty in my mouth.

My heart felt like it had been stabbed at with a knife and ripped out.

I didn't understand. What was the point of loving him throughout all those years? Did it mean everything I did had been a waste? Arriving at school late with him, sharing boxed lunches, letting him sleep in my room with me, had it all been pointless?

I was angry, angry for loving someone as selfish as him, angry that he'd forgotten our promise, angry that I couldn't get my feelings through to him.

He reached his hand out to me. "Hinata..." I didn't reject him. That was something I could never do.

"I hate you Naruto. I hate you so much." My voice was just above a whisper.

Angry...that I didn't tell him how much I loved him.

"I'm really sorry," he apologized holding me, while stroking the back of my head. "I didn't think you'd take it so hard. You're usually the calmest and mature out of the both of us."

I whimpered against his chest, trying to calm myself down.

"I'm...not as mature as you think I am."

"Well, you could've had me fooled," he laughed, tilting my head up for me to look at him. "You're the most amazing girl I've ever known."

Those words had my heart racing.

I hesitated, clutching tightly onto the front of his shirt.

"Do you...like me then?"

"..." he said nothing and closed his eyes, a thoughtful look on his face. "No, I don't like you one bit."

I was ready to cry again, until he put a finger to my lips.

"Actually, I love you," he smiled. "I love you more than ramen and sleeping."

My face didn't turn red or burn even after hearing the words I'd always wanted to hear. My embarrassment was beyond a level of just blushing.

I was so happy I could die.

Naruto looked flustered for a moment and scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I-I'm sorry! Girls don't like being compared to an item, right? I probably should've used a better comparison-"

"Its fine," I cut him off, putting a finger to his lips. "You don't have to say anything else."

"So...are you still mad?" he asked. He tried to hide it, but I could tell he was troubled.

He really was sweet.

I wiped at the tears in my eyes, no longer overcome by sadness anymore. The feeling had passed as fast as it had come.

"No, I'm not mad."

He breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank god, I didn't know what I was going to do if you still were."

The both of us were finally back to normal, facing one another.

"So, is there anything you want?"

"Shouldn't it be the other way around?"

"Think of it as my apology for not telling you earlier. It can be any present. I'll send it to you from my new address."

"Anything?"

"Anything."

"Stay here."

"Denied."

I dropped my head. "You said anything."

"Yeah well, you know I don't have a choice, so pick something else."

"You're such a liar, you broke our promise."

"Promise? We made a promise?"

I shook my head. "Never mind."

"Uh...okay then, but more importantly, did you think of anything yet?"

What kind of present could I ask for from Naruto? He'd already said he loved me, though I know he didn't mean it in that way. It was enough, wasn't it?

Now that I think about it...what if...it was something from him?

The one thing I'd always wanted.

"I know what I want now." I gestured for him to lean down since he was taller.

He leaned down and listened closely. "You do? What is it?"

I moved forward to kiss him on the lips.

We kept still like that for about five seconds before Naruto jumped back in surprise falling on his butt. His face was red. This was rare for me since he hardly ever blushed.

"Y-Y-Y-You-! You just-!" His face turned even redder at this, confusion written all over it. "Why did you-?"

"Didn't you say 'anything'?"

"I-I did but...that was just too much. It's more than my heart can handle." He put a hand over his chest. "Is this some kind of punishment game or something? Cause it's working..."

"Something like that, but...just to make it even more memorable, I'll say this."

I picked up my schoolbag from the ground and dusted off the dirt.

I had to get to school soon or I'd be in even more trouble than the last time.

Turning to him, I put on my best smile.

"I really loved you."

A/N: Oh, sorry if Hinata seemed a little OC in here. But think about it, I'm pretty sure YOU wouldn't be shy around someone you've known for years. And I also apologize for the lack of SasuHina fluff or whatever, I'm just trying to get some things straightened out like I did with Sakura in the last chapter. SasuHina fluff WILL be in the next chapter along with other pairings. Just try hanging with me until then.