Author's Note: Hi guys thank you for following this series. I've had a lot of fun writing it and I've loved reading your comments and getting your reactions. It's sadly almost over one chapter remains. 26 was going to be the last chapter but I wrote way too much so I had to split it up. The last chapter will be posted tomorrow. Happy holidays.
Winters icy grip had finally fully consumed the trees hung Icicles and sheets of crystals covered just about every surface. The crisp air filled Hinata's lungs with agonizing cold burst, forcing her to stick her hands in her pocket and huddle her duffel coat even closer against her. Though being a winter baby herself, Hinata couldn't stand winter. Despite her layers of clothing, hat and gloves she never seemed to stay warm. Her nose and ears had began to redden as the wind nipped at her skin. She never wished she owned a car more than in this moment.
The only thing that prevented her from sprinting to her destination, was the anxiety that sat at the base of her stomach.
It had been a few weeks since what she and her friends now called the " Incident." The news stations went wild, everyone from everywhere wanted some sort of interview with Hinata and her family. Hinata said goodbye to her old life as an uninteresting former heir and now was in the spot light. Even when she went to the hospital to have surgery she was trailed by the media and had to be escorted.
Hinata hated every bit of it. One of the reasons she was grateful for not being the heir anymore was that she had her privacy. And after everything she had went through that was something she needed more than anything. So her father who had years of experience being on the front pages of magazines gave her an escape route. She would lay low for bit and soon the media wouldn't care anymore.
So far it was working. She was seeing her face on tv less and less. But to truly in force this Hinata had to move back in with her father for a bit and today she would quit her job.
Hinata had to admit it made her a little sad, she liked her independence for a while now everyone knew her as just Hinata. Hinata Hyuga however couldn't go anywhere with out a camera flashing. She would miss her little job at the Sweet delights cafe, despite her annoying boss the place had a warm environment and customers with stories that were more entertaining than any tv show.
She'd miss gossiping with Sakura and stealing cinnamon buns from the display case. She'd miss jamming out to the latest hits on the radio while closing. She'd miss hiding her boss's purse every time she pist her off. But one of the things Hinata would miss the most was working with her handsome co worker who brought joy and laughter to every shift she worked.
Just thinking about Naruto made her stop in place. Her heart ached in remembrance of the kiss she had stolen from him. With things being so hectic lately she hadn't had time to see him or even talk about what happened. His reaction played in her mind on repeat. She swore she had messed things up between them again. So many times she had dialed his number on her phone with her finger hovering over the call button. He had tried all forms of ways to get in contact with him but she had rejected each one.
She had to admit she was a bit ashamed of herself. She had grown too much to get back into bad habits. But to fall back in love with him yet again and still be rejected was a hurt she wasn't sure she would be able to bare. Yet Hinata knew things could not go back to the way they were before.
She began walking towards the cafe once again. It was late, the shop would be closing soon which meant less people. She had chosen to go in person to get her last check even though it was risky. Hinata had to say one last goodbye to the cafe at least. She was torn between secretly wishing Naruto would be there and her not wanting him to be.
Hinata stood in front of the shop with limbs heavier than a brick. Her trembling hand reached for the door handle with hesitation. The "Ding" sound the door made when it opened scared her as she stepped in. Immediately the sweet scent of coffee filled her nose, it was laced with nostalgia. It felt like for ever since she'd been here. As she thought the store was almost empty, no customer paid her any attention as she walked around. Still she pulled her beanie down and her hoodie over her head. Her heart drummed in her ears as she looked around for someone to talk to. Now standing in front of the register, she waited patiently.
" How can I help you miss?"
That voice, was irrefutable. Hinata felt a mixture of happiness and a need to run hit her body hard. She bravely lifted her head slowly meeting the blue orbs of the charming barista.
Naruto looked at her with wide eyes, she no longer felt the need to keep her hoodie on.
" H-hi " Hinata managed to say.
His silence and change in expression did something horrible to Hinata's insides. He looked away from her and his lips formed a straight line as if he was irritated.
" I called, I texted, I emailed, I visited both your apartment and your dads house. Heck I was even thinking about writing a letter. A letter Hinata who does that anymore!?"
Hinata was taken aback by his reaction. Anger, now that wasn't something she was expecting.
Hinata took a step back and looked at him. She was at a lost for words. She realized she had done it to him again. She left with out a word leaving him hurt and confused this time worst than ever before. What an idiot she was for getting wrapped up in her emotions yet again.
Naruto stared back at her with furrowed brows " Well? aren't you going to say anything."
Hinata felt super small compared to him. Her mind ran rampant. She was an anxious guilty mess. She could hear him walk around the counter, he now stood in front of her.
After no response Naruto sighed. " I'll just get your pay check that's what you came here for right?"
Hinata grabbed his apron causing him to stop in place.
" How are you?"
Naruto looked at her completely puzzled. He hadn't seen her in weeks, she had blatantly avoided him and NOW she wanted to ask how he was doing.
" What?" was all his shocked form could muster.
" Did you ever go to the hospital? Are you in any pain? Have you reflected on the situation? Have you cried ? Are you eating? Have you've started smiling again?" Hinata said to him.
" These are just some of the questions I wanted to ask, but was too afraid to. I wanted to see you."
Hinata nervously looked up at Naruto to see his reaction. His eyes were a lot softer than before. He seemed to be really processing what she was saying.
" I was scared, everything had happened so fast and I hid like a coward again. But that wasn't fair to you and for that I apologize. I hurt you and I'm sorry Hinata continued.
The silence that followed washed over her body tensing her muscles and filling her mind with doubt. His blue eyes silently interrogated her. The guilt that plagued her made her want to look away, to give in and run, but she knew she couldn't, not when she felt so strongly about him.
Naruto's mouth slowly molded into a small smile. He took a few steps forward, before wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pulling her into him. The knots in her stomachs undid themselves as she absorbed his warmth.
" How many times are we gonna play this game Hinata? When are you going to stop running from me huh?" he said. " Even a fitness god like myself gets tired"
Hinata relaxed hearing the usual playfulness in his voice. She giggled and held on to him tightly
" I've got issues. These past weeks have done more than proven that. Guess i should give you a break huh?"
" Uh YEAH" he responded. The two lost there seriousness and bursted into a fit of laughter. Gone was tension and it's replacement was bliss. Though he didn't say it with words Hinata couldn't be more grateful that he was so forgiving.
Naruto suddenly released her, surprising her. She immediately missed his warmth, but she played it off and looked at him again in question, He looked off to the side rather than at her face and scratched his neck. His cheeks were tinted red as if he had been outside as well. This was a reaction she knew all too well. Naruto was uncomfortable.
Hinata almost questioned why when the remembrance of her previous nervousness came flooding back. She had kissed him. No explanation, no warning. She just kissed him and ran away, ignored him for weeks and now here she was hugging him probably longer than she should have and who knew if he even felt the same way as she did.
Soon she mirrored him in redness.
" I uh..I'm s-sorry"
" N-no don't apologize!" Naruto said a little to demandingly.
Hinata's eyes widened slightly in response, which caused a rapid cycle of word vomit to spew out of Naruto's mouth.
" I-I mean I was the one who hugged you so I didn't mind"
Hinata continued to look at him in question.
" I-it's just I hadn't seen you in so long and I was worried so I wanted to hug you" Naruto
stuttered.
Hinata's eyes only widened further in response.
" N-not in a creepy way of course. In a oh I really missed Hinata I'm glad she's ok kind of way" Naruto corrected once again.
With no words coming from either person they were left in awkward silence.
" How about some hot chocolate it was cold out there right?"
" Hot Chocolate would be great" Hinata responded.
" Coming right up!" Naruto said before practically running behind the counter.
Hinata laughed to herself and all her nervousness and anxiety melted away.
The two chatted away just like old times. Almost as if tragedy had never fallen upon them and they were teens again. Of course Naruto told her about his recovery, throwing in a few jokes to lighten up the subject. Hinata as well swapped updates with him. The two reminisced about the pass and all subjects except one.
Though Hinata laughed away at Naruto's funny antics, in the back of her head she questioned over and over again why he hadn't brought up the kiss. A part of her was nervous to talk about it because of what he might say, but it was something she needed to know. After all that probably was one of the boldest things she had ever done.
Did he forget about it already? She asked herself before quickly shooing that idea way. How could he after his reaction to it. Was he trying to spare her feelings? That was more plausible but not addressing it seemed to hurt more than not talking about it. Still she didn't want to ruin there friendship so should she play along?
" Hinata?"
" Huh?" Hinata said snapping out of her thoughts.
Naruto looked at her with furrowed brows. " I was just asking if you wanted a refill on your hot chocolate. Are you okay?" He said now taking a seat next to her.
Hinata was about to nod her head when she felt her phone buzzing in her pocket. She reached in pulled it out. Twenty total messages coming from both her father and Neji practically screamed at her from the phone.
" Worrying people seems to be my thing these day's" she said before turning her phone for Naruto to see.
" Yikes your a dead woman" he said in response.
" That's what I get for sneaking around, I'd better tell them where I am" Hinata said dialing the number.
Hinata glanced in the corner of her eyes to briefly catch Naruto pouting. Their time together was going to be cut short. It made her sad too.
After talking to a very angry Neji she hung up the phone and turned to Naruto once again. " He'll be here in five minutes apparently. He guessed I'd be here, since I was begging him earlier."
Naruto looked at her sympathetically. " I'm worried about you. Things have been pretty tough with the media hounding ya huh? I've seen your family on TV and in the paper i can't imagine what your going through."
Hinata played with the helm of her jacket " Yeah I've got eyes on me all the time. I'm regretting that wish I made in high school to be popular."
Naruto gave her a sad smile and reached out and placed his hand on top of hers that rested on the table top. " It won't be like this forever. Remember what I told you, your strong you will get through this. You also have people like me who will always have your back."
Hinata smiled at him and placed her other hand on top of his. " Thank you. Knowing that people like you have my back IS what makes me strong Naruto-kun" she responded.
A smile of Naruto's own slowly spread onto his face hearing her response. Heat filled Hinata's gut as she felt the air between them shift. He must have read the deeper meaning in her words, he now looked into her eyes as if a whole other world was in them. Then after checking to see if there was anyone left in the shop( there wasn't), flipped her hand over and connected his fingers with hers.
" Hinata... there's an elephant in the room."
Hinata could feel ever hair on her body stand on end, yet she felt herself squeezing her fingers against his just as tightly.
There was almost this silent exchange between them. Naruto leaned closer and now it was Hinata who reddened, she tried to look away but he stopped her.
" Hinata look at me" he demanded softly.
" I-I can't " Hinata stuttered back.
Naruto reached out and pinched her chin between his thumb and pointer finger and turned her head, shocking her a bit. Her pale lavender eyes scanned his handsome face.
" We need to talk about this" he said.
Hinata knew exactly what he meant, but she wanted to hear him say it. She wanted to know that he'd thought about this just as much as she did.
" Talk about w-what?" Hinata asked.
She almost smiled at the sigh he let out. His complexion reddened further.
" You know. Why are you struggling to look at me if you don't know what I'm talking about? And your red, like feverishly red" Naruto argued.
" Your red too, m-maybe it's just hot in here" Hinata said back.
" Hinata you kissed me!" Naruto finally blurted out in annoyance.
He had said it. It was out in the open, There was no more jokes or changes of subject that could hide it. She had to address it now.
There was a quicken of her heart beats pace. She felt exposed under his questioning gaze and felt the need to remove his hand from her chin.
" Oh yeah that.." Hinata found her self saying clumsily.
Naruto's eyes were widened with outrage. " Oh yeah!?" His hands slapped over his face and slid into his hair, where he gripped a few strands.
He looked at Hinata as he recomposed himself and he could see she was beyond nervous. She had even retorted back to her old ways of playing with her fingers, which meant this was something big for her too. Which also meant he needed to calm down.
" Hinata I've been thinking about this just about everyday since I've last seen you. So believe me " Oh yeah" was not the response I was expecting."
" I know..sorry i have too. It's just I-I thought that maybe.." Hinata struggled to get her words out.
" Maybe what? I'd forgotten?" Naruto tried to finish for her. Hinata racked her brain trying to explain her self better, but found herself nodding her head.
Naruto chuckled slightly " Well it's not everyday that my best friend plants a kiss on me. How could I?"
Hinata wanted nothing more than to bang her head on the table. She was so nervous and embarrassed her words were a jumbled up mess. This was a lot more nerve wrecking than she had expected.
" Your right I'm just scared ok. I-I did something so brash and surprising and now to talk about it is a little difficult" Hinata explained.
Naruto sighed and relaxed his crossed arms. " I'm sorry I'm coming down on you a little too hard, I understand why this may be tough for you. I'm just a little wound up because this has been sitting on my mind and with you not answering me it's made me a little crazy."
" Why?" Hinata asked.
" Huh?" Naruto said being caught off guard.
" Why has it been sitting on your mind like this? Granted I'm your friend and I did something some people may consider outside the realm of friendship, but you've probably been kissed by dozens of girls. Couldn't my kiss be perceived as a thank you for saving my life kiss. What has caused you to be so hung up on it? It couldn't be just the fact that I'm your friend." Hinata rambled.
" Was it really just a thank you kiss though Hinata?" Naruto questioned.
Blush flooded Hinata's cheeks and for a moment she thought she was on fire. Naruto appeared to notice and smiled slightly.
" Your so easy to read sometimes" Naruto said in response.
" I-I didn't even say anything!" Hinata snapped back. Naruto laughed whole heartedly, slightly irritating her.
" You didn't have to silly." Naruto was now beaming and Hinata found herself unable to look at him her heart beating wildly in her chest. She couldn't tell if this was embarrassment she was feeling any more.
No longer laughing, Naruto looked at Hinata with a seriousness that held her attention. His gaze was captivating and though she feared his next words she listened attentively knowing deep down her heart had waited long enough.
" This might be a long shot but I've been thinking about this for while now. And if it's true I'm gonna really kick myself because i fucked up super badly. But if it's not this might make things a little weird between us for while" Naruto rambled.
" I just can't get what you said to me during high school out of my head after you kissed me like that and well.. I could be wrong I-"
" J-just say it !" Hinata ordered, unable to stand it anymore.
" Are you in love with me Hinata?" he blurted out.
It had been years. So many tears and false promises, so many prayers. She had given up, she had returned to konoha wanting a new life and to completely eradicate her past. He would become an after thought, a past love and would no longer haunt her thoughts. But no one told her the past couldn't ever be completely killed. Like a wave it hit her once again and no matter how hard she fought how fast she ran she gave in. She could never give up on him because she hadn't allowed her self to heal. Burying away your problems was only a temporary fix, to fully heal she had to address it. And before she even had the chance she had found herself in love with him yet again and it was even stronger this time. So this time she had to address it properly right?
" Yes" Hinata said. She was determined this time, she threw away her self doubting and told her nerves to shut up. She stood tall in front of him.
Naruto's silence this time didn't even unnerve her.
" And No I wasn't caught up in the moment or was just thanking you. I kissed you because I've been so freaking In love with you I couldn't it take any more. This is not some friendly kind of love or puppy dog love either I love you as a woman does a man and I have since high school damn it. I ran away to another continent because I didn't know what to do with my love for you. I came back hoping that I was over it, but guess what? I fell even more in love with you. Imagine that!"
Naruto's eyes were as wide as saucers at this point.
" I'm in love with you Naruto-kun. I can't be clearer about that and I should have been honest from the start, but I ran and I'm threw with doing that."
Hinata was now as red as a tomato. She had said it all. She couldn't believe she did that but it happened and now she couldn't do anything but wait.
" Well now it's your turn to speak" Hinata said to the shocked Naruto. " This time I won't run I promise "
Naruto said nothing. He seemed to be racking is brain. His mouth opened and closed. He then stood up surprising Hinata. She feared it would be him running away this time. But she soon found herself being engulfed by his arms once again. Butterflies filled her gut.
" You have no idea what your words mean to me" she heard him say.
She felt his grip on her tighten " I never thought it could be true, that you could ever share the same feelings as me" he whispered.
Hinata was filled with happiness and confusion. She wondered why he would ever feel that way, but then she remembered. Love was something he had been searching for ever since his parents past away. Blindly getting into relationship after relationship, getting involved with the wrong people, just to feel that way once again. What she felt for him, someone who had been there for him for so long and had his back, had to be impactful.
Hinata didn't hold back she held him tightly and rested her head against his shoulder. " It's true I love you " she whispered to him again.
" Hinata I-"
Naruto abruptly separated himself from Hinata. There was a enamored heat in his eyes that made Hinata want to explode. His hand traced her cheek pulling lose hairs behind her ears. She shivered at his delicate touch and felt his other hand snake around her waist. She peered up at him from between her lash's. His eyes stared at her lips and his mouth is half opened.
His mind went blank suddenly words were a struggle for him. " Let me show you how I feel" he finally said.
Hinata didn't even have a chance to respond before, he was lowering his lips to her's.
The jingling of the door however froze them in place. Naruto swore still holding Hinata in his arms and she her self wanted to rip the head off of who ever was at the door.
" I should have locked that damn door" Naruto growled. " Sir we're closed"
" Sorry we open tomorrow at 8 for breakfast" Hinata added, making Naruto smirk.
" I'm afraid I'm not interested in any of your pastries or sweet beverages" the man said.
The man took off his hat and Hinata and Naruto separated as if they were on fire.
Neji crossed his arms and stared down the two like a disappointed parent would their children.
" Looks like you came here for more than your check" he said sharply to Hinata.
Hinata felt embarrassment wash over her once again. " I-I can explain"
" Yeah this is all a misunderstanding" Naruto stammered.
Neji glared at Naruto and he shut up completely. Naruto knew one more word and he was done for.
" Do you really want to be talking to me right now Uzumaki?"
" Me? no no no why would I want to do that?" Naruto responded back nervously.
" Good. Hinata we are leaving" Neji said. He turned his back and began exiting the cafe, when Hinata called out to him once again.
" Neji-Nisan w-wait I still haven't gotten my check yet" Hinata said.
Neji whipped around and glared at Hinata hard. " You haven't gotten it yet?! What have you been doing this whole t-
Neji stopped himself and took a deep breath. " Never-mine. I don't know why this check is so important to you but you have 5 minutes. I'll be in the car"
Hinata felt inclined to give him a bow as he exited the cafe. Through the window she could see him glaring at Naruto, who stood beside her shaking.
" God he's pist. I'm so sorry Hinata" Naruto said.
" No I'm sorry, he's probably gonna kill you the next time he see's you" Hinata responded.
Naruto gulped. " Yeah your right, lets go get your check before he gets even angrier."
Hinata followed Naruto to the managers room in the back. It was so weird for Hinata to be in the room with out hearing the managers voice screaming at her. Even when she told her she was quitting the manager felt she had to yell at her. Hinata would bet money that she was happy she was leaving though, because she could enjoy Naruto with out any obstacles. Or at least she thought so, Hinata would never let that happen.
" It's weird not seeing her in this room huh?" Naruto said as he searched through some papers on the desk.
" Yeah she really trusts you, she would never let me close alone" Hinata said taking one last look around.
" Well, What can I say, I'm a lady killer" Naruto said. Hinata picked up an eraser and chucked it at the back of his head.
" Ow, hey you want this check or not" Naruto said rubbing his head, making Hinata giggle.
" It's not the check I want" Hinata mumbled under her breath. She instantly slapped her hand over her mouth, shocked she let that slip out. It was all his fault, look what he had turned her into.
" What was that?" Naruto said spinning around with her check in his hand.
" Nothing. I said nothing" Hinata responded.
Hinata turned towards the door with red cheeks and pouted. She wondered where they stood now. She poured her heart out to him, and it appeared he felt the same. So what now? Why wasn't he saying anything. Were they just gonna pretend that he wasn't just about to kiss her.
" I'd better hurry my five minutes are just about up " Hinata said to test the waters. She looked over her shoulder at Naruto who looked at her as if he was trying to figure out a puzzle.
She walked towards him and gently took the envelope from his hand. As she did she looked for answers in his blue orbs. Getting no response she awkwardly looked away and faced the door again in disappointment.
" I guess I'll be going then" she said once again. She hesitated, but took a step towards the door.
" Did you really think I'd let you go just like that? " She heard Naruto say. Hinata felt herself being turned around and pulled against his chest once again. His scent was tempting, a mixture of forest and baked goods jumbled into a delicious mess of Pheromone. Hinata felt the muscles under his shirt tense as she gripped his arms to stand up straight.
She stared at him as if daring him to make a move, her teeth pulled at the edge of her bottom lip. He had changed her, she was under his control unable to resist the temptation.
Naruto smile slyly as his hands cupped both of her cheeks. He knew exactly what she wanted because he desperately wanted it too.
Hinata's toes curled beneath her fur boots in anticipation. She closed her eyes as he brushed his warm lips against her's. It was a kiss she had yet to experience. Far from innocent like the quick peck she had given at the manor. This held passion, it was demanding, like he was marking his territory.
Hinata desperately gripped his biceps to prevent herself from becoming a pile of mush on the ground as his mouth moved against hers. The caress of his lips were softer than she could fathom, her mind clouded. He was definitely more experienced than her. His hand trailed down her side to her hip sending chills of delight along with it. He hungrily pulled her even closer against him causing her to let out a sound into his mouth that surprised the both of them.
They separated for air. And thankfully so, Hinata needed to process what just happened. Breathless, Hinata looked at the ground redder than ever before, while Naruto looked at her with a new look in his eye.
Boy, when Ino found out about this she was going to be proud.
Hinata put a hand to her mouth " W-what did we?...what did I..?" She stammered for the right words.
She looked back a Naruto who no longer seemed shocked at what happened. In fact he smiled at her in a way that screamed lewd. He rubbed his chin and casted a spell on her with his eyes.
" Well wWell Well" he said tauntingly.
Hinata immediately went on defense " No.. " she warned, anticipating his teasing.
" You sure poured ALL of your feelings into that " Naruto continued rubbing his chin.
Hinata lit up in embarrassment." Well... I-I'm going to go find a hole to die in now" she said before heading towards the door once again.
Naruto followed behind her laughing like what just happened was the funniest thing in the world. Hinata marched to the front door of the cafe ignoring his antics.
" Hinata I'm sorry wait a moment I was just teasing you" he called out to her. Hinata turned around and pouted at him with her arms crossed.
Naruto's smile softened " Come on don't be that way. "
Hinata stopped pouting and looked at him slightly sadly. " Your forgiven. But I'm serious I really have to go now Neji's probably ready to kill me." Hinata hated those words as soon as they left her mouth.
There was a cold silence that fell between them.
" Okay" Naruto said mirroring her sadness. " Back into hiding you go I guess" Naruto rubbed his neck and gazed off to the side. He was trying to be strong but he knew he'd really miss her.
Hinata felt herself tear up seeing him.
" Don't look at me that way" she said as she slowly approached him, again.
" What? Your just going off to the manor where I'll rarely get to see you. It's not like I'm sad or anything" he responded grumpily.
Hinata lifted a hand to his cheek, making him look at her. He frown desperately trying to retain his tough guy act.
Hinata smiled with tearful eyes " I'll miss you."
She then threw herself against him one last time. He held her in his warm embrace swaying in a way that was soothing to Hinata. It filled her with both comfort and longing.
" Were not done talking about this so make sure you come to the Christmas party" he whispered softly into her ear
Hinata had completely forgotten about the party after everything that happened.
" I almost forgot after all the effort the girls put into it too" Hinata responded she said looking up from his chest.
" So you'll be there?" Naruto almost pleaded.
" Of course" Hinata said.
Naruto separated from her and smiled. " Good you better be."
He then leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Hinata's cheek making her smile like a little kid.
" Goodnight get home safe and if you can convince your cousin not to murder me that'd be great " Naruto said as he opened the door for Hinata.
Hinata giggled in response " Sure if he doesn't murder me first."
The two laughed and gave each other one last look. Hinata didn't want to leave him. Now that she knew there feelings were mutual she wanted to be glued to him. The way he looked at her told her he felt the same. Stupid reporters.
" Get out of here already " Naruto said playfully shooing her away. He looked to the ground as if to restrain himself
Hinata smile coyly at him.
The honking of Hinata's family car shook the two back into reality. Loterally. Hinata waved to Naruto before finally turning her back on him and entering the car.
Her heart still pounded loudly and not because Neji was glaring at her from the seat next to her. Her finger tips lightly traced her slightly swollen lips. Naruto had felt the same as she did. He had kissed her passionately in the office of the lady she hated as if to seal a contract.
Though Neji yelled and ranted about her risky behavior and being more careful she remained on cloud nine. A smile plastered on her face and a certain man on her mind.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
The beeping of an alarm clock at 8 in the morning usually would send Naruto in a raging storm of annoyance and curse words. He would have smashed that snooze button so many times he'd miss out on his whole day. Yet today he woke up with a soothing stretch and a smile on his face. Why? because Yesterday wasn't a dream. He no longer had to question his feelings or search for answers. Hinata loved him.
Naruto sprung out of his bed and was ready to start the day. He showered, had breakfast and even tidied up his apartment. That's how good his mood was. And he wasn't about to let anything or anyone kill it either.
He wiped down his kitchen counter, singing out loud to what ever song was playing on the radio. He barely knew the lyrics but that didn't stop him. He heard a hard knock on his door and slid over dramatically with the beat drop.
Kiba and Sasuke stared at him like he was some sort of alien.
" What can I do for you gentlemen?" he said still jamming out to music that played loudly in the back ground.
" Dude were you just singing?" Kiba said watching Naruto bob his head like some idiot.
" Yes.. Yes I was " Naruto responded. " And dancing wanna join?" Naruto said extending his hand to his friends.
Kiba and Sasuke looked at his hand in disgust.
" It's a little early to be drinking isn't it?" Sasuke said as he pushed passed Naruto and entered his apartment. Kiba followed him and began looking around.
" Sure come on in guys" Naruto said sarcastically closing the door behind his friends.
Kiba turned and faced Naruto after studying his apartment.
" The floor looks polished and.." Kiba took a moment to smell the air, a sweet scent filled his nose and startled him. " Is that French toast I smell? "
" Yeah I found this great recipe online and it came out prett-"
" Ok dobe what the hell is going on with you" Sasuke said cutting him off.
Naruto collapsed on his sofa and reached over to grab his cup of coffee on the table. " I'm just in a good mood alright" he slowly took a sip of his coffee and glared at his friends. " Is that ok? Because if not your free to leave."
Kiba sat across from him and furrowed his brows. " A good mood? Dude you've been moping around for weeks like Ichiraku's closed down for good or something. What gives?"
Sasuke sat next to Kiba nodding his head.
" Yeah every phone conversation has been oh I fucked up. Oh I think Hinata hates me. Hey have you heard from Hinata? Hinata. Hinata. Hinata" Sasuke added.
Kiba laughed at Sasuke's Imitation, but Naruto was far from impressed.
" So what? I'm better now. You two should be happy for me and stop trying to kill my good vibes" Naruto replied.
Kiba raised an eye brow at him, " Listen I'm not tryna kill anything I just think it's weird that you went from Mr grouchy to Mr. sunshine in a day."
" And I think it's weird that you guys showed up at my apartment uninvited. Why are you here anyway?" Naruto replied.
Sasuke sighed and ran a hand through his hair. " Don't tell me you forgot. The girls wanted us to help hang decorations. You know, for the party tomorrow. We're supposed be there now actually."
" Yeah, we came to get you" Kiba said.
Naruto raked his brain, when a light bulb when off and guilt began to sink in. " Oh shit that's right. Sakura is gonna kick my ass."
Sasuke picked up Naruto's coat off the rack and tossed it to him. " Not if we hurry dobe."
Naruto caught his coat and scrambled to put it on. He managed to put one boot on and hopped his way out the door struggling to put the other one on.
They all rushed out of the apartment building and hopped into Kiba's truck.
Naruto prayed they'd make it on time.
KNSKNSKNSKNSKNSKNSKNSKNSKNSKNSKNSKNSKNSKNSKNSKNS
The group stood out side of a tall building. It's fancy gold details and tall glass windows just screamed expensive and important. At the top of the building, Hyuga was spelled out in Illuminated cursive font.
Naruto could see his breath as he let out a gasp of amazement.
" Some times I forget just how important the Hyuga's are" Naruto said looking up at the building.
Next to him Sasuke spoke into the phone letting the others know they were here. While Kiba opposite to him rubbed his hands together trying to stay as warm as possible. At there feet sat many boxes filled will decorations. Naruto wasn't exactly excited about the task of decorating but was happy he'd at least get to hang out with his friends.
A low " Psst" could be heard and the three men looked all around them to figure out where it was coming from.
" Over here" they then heard the voice say and the 3 approached the side of the building.
Sakura stood peeking out of a door they had no idea existed. She looked at them, her annoyance evident by the crease in her brow.
" What the hell are you guys doing? Get over here! " she whispered harshly.
The boys picked up there box's and quickly met her by the door.
She ushered them into a room that led to the stair well and slammed the door shut. The men all looked at her with confusion.
" Did you guys really think taking the front entrance was a good idea? Have you seen the news? The last thing we want is for anyone to know there's anything else happening but business here" Sakura lectured.
Naruto put his hands up in defense " Hey it's my first time even being in this building I was just following them." Naruto then pointed to Kiba and Sasuke who immediately became defensive.
" Yeah well he completely forgot we were even meeting today we had to go get him" Kiba said in response. Naruto lifted a hand to hit Kiba but restrained himself.
" Alright zip it both of you" Sakura said shutting the men up. " I'm in a good mood let's not ruin that. Plus Christmas is almost here and I want us to have fun so I'll over look this."
" I was in a good mood too" Naruto mumbled in annoyance.
Sakura then began to climb the stairs, " Follow me" she said looking over her shoulder.
" There are a lot of box's, aren't you going to-"
Sakura sent a glare to Naruto that told him he shouldn't say anymore.
" Never-mine" he said quickly.
Traveling up the stairs was like pure torture. Rather then scaling steps it felt as if they were climbing up the side of Mount Everest. The heavy box's filled with different assortments of decorations didn't help there arms either. By the time they had climbed all the steps Naruto and his friends felt like they just had a full body work out.
" And we couldn't take the elevator why?" Naruto said completely out of breath.
" To avoid suspicion. What if a news reporter saw you? We are not taking any risk" Sakura said stretching her arms as if the whole experience was a relaxing stroll.
The group could now clearly hear the sound of Christmas music coming from the room at the end of the hall.
" Come on everyone else is already here" Sakura said walking backwards.
The men let out a Unanimous " Ugh" sound and trailed behind a very content Sakura, who hummed along to the Christmas music.
The door to the room opened and the Christmas music, as well as the laughter from there friends penetrated their ear drums. Rolls of tape, markers and scraps of paper littered the floor like a children's arts and crafts room.
The other half of their friends eyes all fell on Naruto and the rest with surprise, before they were warmly greeted with " Heys" and hugs.
Naruto was a bit disappointed not seeing Hinata there, despite understanding the risk. Her promise to be at the Christmas party was the only thing that kept his smile from faltering.
Ino came out from around a corner holding a tray full of snacks and plopped them down on a table. Her bright smile was filled with excitement.
" Good everyone's here. You guys have no idea how happy I am to see you all" she said.
" I've made some snacks so we'll all be fully charged, let's try to have fun you guys and make this party look great. Also be sure to tell me what you think of the snacks there the testers for tomorrow" Ino said.
" God she's smiling so hard I think her mouths gonna fall off" Kiba whispered to Naruto.
" You know how Ino is with her holidays. She goes all out. Let her live." Naruto said putting a box down on the counter.
" Yeah were gonna be her bitch for the next few hours don't let the cookies fool you. I think I'm going to need to do a bit of living myself, I smell brandy in that eggnog excuse me" Kiba said heading towards the snacks.
Naruto shook his head at his friend. He had no shame.
" Lee the pattern is red, gold, green not red, green, gold! Take down those Ornaments and do it again" Ino yelled as she stomped over to Lee.
Maybe Kiba had the right idea after all.
Everyone began working on the decorations and the once almost empty room was quickly becoming a Christmas wonderland. With Ino's stern watch after all.
Naruto, decided to take a quick break and snuck out on the balcony to watch the snow fall. He had managed to keep up with the happy act for a while now but, his desire to see Hinata had slowly began to eat away at him. He wished she was here to enjoy the laughter and joy that filled the room. Instead she was stuck locked up in a house, just like she was before. It was like there was this invisible force that was preventing them from being together.
Suddenly tomorrow seemed too far away, and his fingers were dialing her number.
" Hello?"
Her sweet voice was better than any song he'd heard today. A smile slowly crept onto his face.
" Hi there!" he responded cheerfully.
Her giggle made him smile to the point his mouth hurt.
" What's so funny?" he asked.
" Nothing" she said regaining her composure. " You just sounded so happy that's all. Your voice cracked and everything."
" Wow you really no how to take away a guy's masculinity" Naruto teased.
" Yeah? and how would you describe your high pitched " Hi there!" huh?" She responded.
Naruto began to walk around feeling a bit energized by there playful bantering. " Not gonna lie I thought it was pretty downright sexy."
Hinata nearly choked on her tea laughing. She was currently at home in her old room curled underneath her covers also enjoying the snow falling from her window. Hearing from Naruto was the highlight of her overall boring day.
" Wouldn't be my word of choice but I'm sorry I'll refrain from making fun of you. So what's wrong? Aren't you having fun with the others?" Hinata questioned.
Naruto let out a deep sigh, to which Hinata responded to with a " Oh no."
" It's not that I'm not having a good time.." Naruto said.
" Oh god is Ino over doing it again? Christmas is her favorite holiday. She's been that way since high school I thought she might have grown out of that. She means well I promise" Hinata explained.
" No, it's not that" Naruto said.
" Do the decorations look bad? Was there no food? I told Sakura to make sure there was. Did some reporters see you? Oh please tell me no one found out. You guys worked so hard! We can't cancel it after everything that's happened."
" No everything is fine I'm having fun, it's just... its all just missing something" Naruto said.
" More booze?" Hinata asked.
" No YOU. You silly girl. I miss you and I wish you were here with me" Naruto said.
Hinata was silence by his words. She could feel heat rising in her face. " Oh" she said in response.
" You know you really have to stop doing that" Naruto said.
" I'm sorry I'm not use to you being so sweet. Well..being sweet out side the barriers of friendship " Hinata said.
Naruto chuckled in response.
" What about you?"
" What about me?" Hinata responded. Naruto couldn't see but Hinata smiled mischievously on the other end of the phone. She knew exactly what he was asking.
" God your really gonna make me say it" Naruto said with irritation.
Hinata laughed loudly into the phone. " Say what? I'm confused"
" You know you play so innocent all the time it's hard to believe there's this side to you. Fine. you win. Do you miss me?" Naruto said. He could feel himself blushing like a little boy. He quickly looked around to see if anyone was watching him as he awaited her response.
" Of course I do. I wish I could sneak out to see you, but ever since yesterday's stunt my father has increased my security" Hinata responded.
" You'd risk your father's wrath to see me?" Naruto responded.
" I'd risk more than that" Hinata said.
A comfortable silence fell between them. Though in different areas both smiled as if they were facing each other.
" I bet your bright red right now" Naruto said.
" Shut up, your the one who wanted me to validate my feelings for you" Hinata said back.
" I'm a greedy man what can I say. I'll never get tired of hearing that" Naruto said.
Hinata heard her name being called in the distance.
" What's that? your guards are letting you out for your daily exercise" Naruto joked.
Hinata chuckled. " Close. it's feeding time, I have to go sadly."
Naruto frowned. He had been enjoying there conversation.
" Don't pout I don't have to be there to know your doing that " Hinata said, though pouting herself.
" One more day" Naruto said.
Hinata smiled, as she held the phone to her cheek. " Yes one more day."
Naruto ended the call hanging his head. He was embarrassed by how desperate he was to here her voice, after all he had just seen her yesterday. Yet, he didn't regret his decision it was like she had given him an extra life and he was determined to get through the rest of the day. Then tomorrow he would say it all with words.
He turned around to head back inside, but froze in place when he saw Sasuke standing there looking at him blankly.
Naruto glared at him. " You son of a- how long were you standing there!?" Naruto yelled.
" Long enough. I feel like throwing up that amount of cringe should be illegal" Sasuke said handing him a decorated cup filled with eggnog.
Naruto snatched the cup from his hand and took a long swig " Well no one told you to stand there stalking me."
Sasuke said nothing as he approached the railing of the balcony and rested his arms on it. Naruto stood next to him and stared at the snow falling.
" So you and Hinata huh?" Sasuke said.
" Great introduction, but yes me and Hinata" Naruto responded sipping his egg nog
" Looks like you both finally got your shit together. It's been a long time you guys have been chasing after each other since high school and didn't even realize it. Everyone knew you were bound to end up with each other we just didn't know when" Sasuke said.
" Even you thought so?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke looked at him with a slight smile. " You'd have to be blind not to see it. I've never seen you look at any woman the way you did her."
" You were just really stupid and couldn't see it." Sasuke flicked Naruto's forehead, making him cover it.
" You were pretty dense yourself" Naruto said.
Sasuke looked at Naruto with question.
" You know with Sakura, you guys are together right?"
Sasuke almost spit his egg nog out. Naruto laughed watching his friend struggle
to swallow.
" Who told you that?" Sasuke said wiping his mouth.
" No one did, but I noticed how close you guys are these days. Looks like I won't have to crash my car over the subject anymore" Naruto jeered.
" Hn." Sasuke didn't say anything he just looked off into the distance.
" Your silence says enough, don't hurt her Sakura's a great girl" Naruto said.
" You bet I am."
The two men turned to a familiar pink hair woman who leaned against the door.
" And don't you too forget it." Sakura approached the two and wrapped an arm around each of them.
" Touching what did I say about the touching" Sasuke said stiffening.
" You were listening too weren't you?" Naruto said with a sigh.
Sakura's smile gave him all the answers he needed. " I feel like a proud mom that's been waiting for her baby to leave the nest way longer than she was supposed to."
" Can't get any privacy in this damn place" Naruto mumbled.
Sakura pulled the men even closer towards her. " I remember when it was just us three. As happy as I am for you Naruto don't get too wrapped up with our beautiful little bunny and forget us."
" Oh course not, after all I have you guys to thank for opening my eyes" Naruto said.
" I guess I've got to say it too then. I'm happy for you dobe" Sasuke said.
Both Sakura and Naruto looked at Sasuke with shock.
" What?" Sasuke said completely confused by there reaction.
" Ok now I might have to cry, Teme I didn't know you had that in you bro" Naruto said as he put a arm around his friend.
" Not you too" Sasuke said in annoyance.
" I'm already crying, I love you both so much" Sakura said sniffling.
A group hug was then formed, despite Sasuke's very vocal protest.
" God that egg nog was too strong" Sasuke muttered.