I do not own Naruto.

Hopefully this lives up to the expectations! Sorry if I underachieved.

#25. Question

(sequel to '#7. Desk')

I've been dreaming again.

This dream, Naruto proposed to me.

And he became Hokage.

No, that part wasn't a dream. I remember that.

And said he loved me.

I sigh. Maybe if I weren't so shy every time I talk to him, something would happen.

I can hear a familiar beeping noise, and the faint echo of footsteps, which can only mean…

I blink, fluttering my eyelids a few times as the world comes into focus.

White walls, filmy curtains…

…I turn my head to the side and see Naruto grinning back at me. Swallowing, I smile back at him.

"So you're awake," he says.

He's nervous. His eyes always become hidden from squinting them. The next thing he'll do is run his fingers through his hair.

"I t-told you, y-you didn't have to t-take me to the c-clinic every time this h-happens."

My stutter is bad right now, a side effect from the fainting.

I want so badly to be able to talk normally to him. He's the only person this happens with now.

Clenching my fists, I sit up slowly.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

Great! I managed not to stutter.

He runs his fingers nervously through his hair.

Did something happen when I fainted?

"So, before you fainted. I uh…I asked you a question," he says.

Naruto is looking at me, but he's leaning away as if I'm going to hit him.

A question? What question?

He sighs, running his fingers through his hair again.

His Konoha headband is tilting over, nearly obstructing one eye, like Kakashi-sensei's.

I would find it funny if he wasn't acting so weird.

"N-naruto-kun? Are you okay?"

Only one stammer, although it's on his name. I'll never be able to say his name confidently.

He makes a face and leans over me. I resist the urge to shrink back and hide. Obviously, something is bothering him. As his friend, I'll try to help him any way I possibly can.

"I love you," he says.

I can't breathe.

He wraps my hands in his.

I can't breathe.

This has to be a dream.

He squeezes my hands.

"Hinata-chan, I'm going to be Hokage but…"

There's a 'but?'

I grasp on to this sentence, still unable to process the one before it.

Becoming Hokage has always been Naruto's dream, hasn't it?

"…but, I need your help. I need…," he pauses and runs a free hand through his hair. It's the third time.

"…I need your help. I love you."

Suddenly I realize that he has moved to a much lower level than me, kneeling at the side of the hospital cot.

"Hinata-chan, will you marry me?"

I squeeze his hands tightly.

Don't faint.

I can't breathe properly.

Please don't faint, I have to answer him.

He needs to know much I care.

He deserves to know.

He's been alone all his life.

He needs my help.

Don't faint.

I continue to squeeze his hands.

"Naruto-kun," I say.

I did it!

I said his name!

I said his name correctly.

"I've loved you for as long as I can remember," I say.

Finally.

I feel a tear roll down my cheek.

He's grinning at me and it's blinding.

Okay, now I'm going to faint.

No, I still have to give him an answer.

"Yes," I say.

Everything goes black.

A/N: Wash, you're amazing. I don't know what I'd do without you. Your comprehensive knowledge of grammar astounds me, as does your equally comprehensive knowledge of Fullmetal Alchemist.

We're technically at the halfway point and I want to take the time to thank everyone who has read and/or reviewed this story! Clempson, Kasuchi, Koichi, Rose Tiger, D Unkown, southdakotaboy, son of a peach, HikariZaichuYami, Terminus purgo opes, Naruhina 4ever, GONaruHina, ShadowFaux, korbaton, Shawny Wong, Hinarako-chan, Derrow, nezumi, Sos-chicken, ebonyShadowed, wiseman, and Anzer'ke. Thank you!!

Most Popular Thus Far (by hits*)

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*The first three chapters were eliminated because they had such a large advantage due to placement.

I'm surprised 'Panic' made it up so high! I can definitely relate. Boys are scary to approach sometimes. ;)

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Isn't it weird that only two of the most popular chapters are also the most reviewed? It's also funny to see what stories readers like, versus what stories I like. If things keep going this well, I may write the drabble collection up to 100!