Heart Like Yours

by hopeisahorizon

What're they supposed to do, when the only thing they've ever wanted was the one thing neither can have? AU Naruhina

Author's Note: To be honest this one has been nagging at me for months, so here you go.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.

The first time he laid eyes on her it was a Tuesday in the middle of a café. He had been sitting in a corner booth, waiting for one of his friends. She walked with an air of cautious elegance; he hadn't known that was possible before watching her retreating form. The way her hips swayed with each click of her heels had his mind reeling. Desperately trying to find fault; any fault he could. No one should be allowed to look that perfect he argued, so it seemed only logical he be the one to find a blemish.

She wore a skirt, neither long nor short. He wasn't a designer like Ino; he had no clue what the length was called. All he could wrap his head around was the way black leather contrasted nicely against her skin; the way it hugged her curves. Reluctantly he forced his eyes to keep scanning upwards. She also wore a long sleeve shirt tucked in, it was an interesting shade of purple. Mauve maybe? He didn't know, he never paid attention when Ino tried explaining these types of things to him.

It looks nice, he thought. Very Pretty.

Next he noticed long flowing pin straight hair; dark tresses spilled down her back like unfathomably exotic cascades. Each strand moved fluidly with the bounce of her steps and settled easily back into place when she halted. It gave him more time to look, to observe. They looked silky; vaguely he wondered how delicious they would feel beneath his fingertips.

Yeah, he decided; she was very pretty.

He hadn't noticed just how hard he was staring until she turned around, no doubt feeling his burning gaze on her back. His immediate reaction was to look away, to look anywhere but her face no matter how much he wanted to. Naruto could feel the heavy beating of his erratic heart; he held his breath.

Eventually curiousity won out and he spared a glance; she wasn't looking at him. Instead she was smiling at her companion. The breath he had been holding left him instantaneously. She had unknowingly delivered a swift kick to his lungs, rebooting his entire system.

Had they come in together? He honestly hadn't noticed anyone else with her. Not that you were looking, he reminded himself.

She had a nice smile though, the type you definitely wouldn't mind waking up to in the mornings. It was small, demure. There was an air of politeness that hung around her, clung to her. He had never met anyone who simply exuded grace by sheer presence.

She also had nice skin; soft (he assumed, at least it looked that way), almost porcelain. Her eyes though, he racked his brain for a better word to describe her eyes. Nice just wouldn't do them justice; pretty seemed to pale in comparison too.

I should read more, or at least listen to Ino when she describes pretty things…pretty people.

He couldn't think of a single adjective that would fully encompass the type of attention they elicited within him, almost claiming it entirely. They were big, took up quite a bit of her face. They were light, almost milky white but he could tell they just weren't. They were a colour he had never seen before, a shade he wasn't familiar with. And yet he felt something familiar about them; something in the back of his mind trying to tell him he knew exactly what shade they were.

His thoughts dismissed themselves as soon as she glanced his way, two sets of eyes meeting awkwardly. Instinctively he smiled at her; slowly but surely a small smile grazed her features and it seemed as if his entire being lit up.

No, pretty certainly did not do her justice.

_

The second time he saw her was less of a coincidence. As shameful as it was he had hung around that café way too often for it to be considered luck to see her again. This time she wore more casual clothing, dark wash jeans and a light grey hoodie that seemed to eat her alive. It dawned on him with relative speed that it probably did not belong to her. The thought brought a scowl to his face, his eyes engulfed with flames. Whose sweater was she wearing? He watched with unreasonable and unfounded anger as a tall dark haired man who appeared to be around her age placed a calming yet firm hand on her unsuspecting shoulder. He guided her out with such caution that it left Naruto dazed.

Of course a girl like that already has a boyfriend.

That didn't seem to stop him though, from visiting the café more than what was socially acceptable in order to see her again. To maybe get a chance to talk to her, to have her impenetrable gaze solely fixed on him. Heat rose quickly from his feet to the tips of his ears with that thought. He reasoned he really couldn't help it at this point. For the better part of 3 weeks since he had first laid eyes on her she was all he could think about. He definitely was the definition of a creep at this point.

I don't even know her name.

The third time he ran into her was entirely a coincidence. He had been at Ino's parents' flower shop. Stopping by to get some lilies. He staggered back in utter surprise to find someone grabbing a lily same as him. The sheer effort it took to control his facial features and breathing when they had accidentally brushed hands was immense. He was however, happy that he hadn't been the only one to blush. But, it did look a lot more endearing on her.

"S-sorry." He heard her sputter out, clearly embarrassed.

God, even her voice is pretty.

"N-no, it's my fault. Sometimes I'm really bull headed ya know, like a one track mind without the ability to really take in my surroundings. My friends think it's hilarious, but I always seem to put myself in really embarrassing situations because of it…." Great he was fucking rambling.

Girlish giggles peeled elegantly past her lips and his heart skipped a beat, maybe two; he honestly couldn't tell. No one ever thought his rambling to be funny.

"Go ahead." He said, allowing her the space to grab the flowers she wanted. She looked at him for a few seconds, unmoving. He had been right in his previous assessment about the shade of her eyes. They weren't white, more like a very pale lavender.

So goddamn pretty.

The sight caused unwarranted goosebumps to bloom on his nape. He would graciously get lost in her curious gaze for hours without end. He hadn't realize he was holding his breath until she smiled at him, it was small but so powerful.

So warm.

He could feel it engulfing him, almost as if the only thing keeping him standing was the warmth she unintentionally provided him. He hadn't known such a warmth existed.

"Thank you." She bowed slightly and picked up a couple of lilies. "They were my mother's favourite." She spoke up and he was completely enthralled by the lull of her voice, even if her tone had seemed a little sad.

"My mom's too." He heard himself say. They had been. At least that's what his dad told him. He really couldn't remember much about his mother. He vaguely noticed that his tone was just as downtrodden as hers was.

"Do you know a lot about flowers?" She inquired and he'd honestly been more ecstatic that she was trying to converse with him than having the brain capacity to process her question.

"Not really." He admitted, almost bashfully. Long, bulky fingers itched to reach out and caress porcelain cheeks, if only to prove to himself that she was real. He held back. "I just know those were her favourite, so I get them."

She nodded at his answer and her smile widened. Tanned cheeks seemed to burst at the thought of being the reason behind her smile, his own following close after.

"Lilies symbolize motherhood a lot of the time. Different colours can mean different things; the pink stand for love, the yellow for joy, the orange for warmth, and the purple for pride."

He really hadn't known, he had just been grabbing white lilies and that's that.

"Wow."

That was all his shallow breath allowed him to say. How is it that she, a complete stranger, could leave him so asthmatic. He had been staring at her the entire time, not missing any of the subtle changes her eyes and face had made during her explanation. Naruto couldn't get over how fascinating this girl was, how mesmerized he seemed to become in her presence. Almost as if there was nothing beyond her.

He watched her turn back and pick up two of each colour. An array of different coloured lilies in each of her hands. Naruto waited with bated breath. He watched completely enthralled as midnight hair was replaced with glossy eyes, so deep and so warm. She was looking right at him, and yet he couldn't stop himself from gawking. He towered over her small frame.

She is so fucking cute.

The girl offered him the bunch of lilies protectively held in her right hand. It felt more like a gift to him.

"I'm sure much like my mother yours was everything I just described, so here."

Again he felt like the wind had been knocked out of his lungs, but took the flowers without hesitation. Before he had a chance to thank her, she had turned to walk towards the register where Ino stood, hands on her hip, eyebrows so high it seemed like they would get caught in her hair.

He tried his best to ignore the blonde's curious gaze as he stalked closer to the smaller of the two females; still taken aback from their conversation. Heart beating painfully loud, he was sure both of them could hear it. By the time he wiped his clammy hand against his jeans she was already heading towards the door, lilies in hand.

"Wait!" He had no idea what possessed him to yell at her, knowing full well they were the only people in the shop. Nervously he rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand.

"What's your name?"

He could see her hesitate for half of a moment.

"Hinata," she supplied. The same small smile on her face.

"I'm Naruto," he exclaimed excitedly. "Maybe I'll see you around?" It definitely came out as a question. He watched her nod, exit the shop and get into a matte black vehicle. The windows had all been tinted so he really had no idea who had been driving. He didn't care. He was beaming. This interaction was sure to keep his dreams vivid.

"Um…" The voice behind him startled him back to reality. He had totally forgotten who had been witness to the scene that had just occurred, to his painfully obvious crush.

"I can't wait to tell Sakura!" Ino beamed. Pale blue eyes shining with something akin to mirth. He couldn't even find it in him to refute or argue. Fuck it, he would tell all his friends if this ended up going in the direction he wanted it to.

Chuckling more to himself Naruto went to dig through his pocket for his wallet. Although he and Ino had been friends since childhood he still felt bad whenever she offered him free flowers for his mom's grave. It just didn't feel right if they didn't come from him.

"She already paid." Ino's voice registered in his mind, she sounded completely amused.

"Paid for what?"

"The lilies," she answered; this time there was a hint of annoyance. He had apparently asked a dumb question. "Your lilies." She kept speaking, making his already shaky hand tremble with… with what?

Admiration.

"You know you shouldn't." Naruto looked up to the owner of the voice. Shikamaru, a brown eyed tall man stood in front of him. He already knew what his comment was referring to.

"Ino told you already huh?" His question was rhetorical, yet Shikamaru nodded. Squinty chocolate eyes looked at him deliberately, something about his glare unnerved Naruto. Suddenly he found himself missing lavender tinted eyes.

Here we go.

"I haven't even done anything!" Naruto sounded exasperated, already getting in shit before he had even been able to make a move.

"Maybe you should reconsider before making a move." Shikamaru always had a way of making it seem like he could read his mind. He bet all his money it was because of that engineering brain of his. "You know the type of life we live."

He did know, he knew better than almost anyone the type of life they lived. The sacrifices that came with it, the hurt.

"I know." He answered tersely, not at all interested in having this conversation.

He heard his friend sigh and pull out a cigarette.

"All I'm saying is be careful; you really don't want to get her involved if she's as sweet and innocent as Ino had described."

He knew that too, that a girl like that wouldn't be able to last in their line of work. That's what made her all the more interesting. She had absolutely nothing to do with all of this shit.

"I just want to get to know her," he admitted. A longing in his voice he hadn't heard from himself in a very long time. He could tell Shikamaru had heard it too from the way his calculative eyes dilated.

"Do you want her to know you?" The question hung in the air, basking in the discomfort it had provided.

No.

He most definitely did not want her to know him, all of him. As if getting his point across the brown haired boy put out the cigarette and walked away.

"Hinata this is the third time this week you've asked me to stop for coffee." The voice sounded annoyed yet amused. Leave it to Sasuke to mix two very contrasting emotions into a single tone.

"It's literally on the way back to the compound!" she defended, accentuating part of her response. "You drag me out every day to train. The least you could do is treat me to coffee." She eyed him carefully, almost as an afterthought she said, "and cinnamon buns, I feel like actually staying in the café for a bit today."

She heard her companion groan and knew she had won. Sasuke was never much of a talker. She knew he hated public settings; mostly due to his good looks as conceded and stupid as that sounded. Everywhere they went Sasuke had girls callously fling themselves at him. Not even when he wrapped a protective arm around her did they stop. Which in all honesty was quite insulting; if they had actually been dating other women should at least respect that.

Knowing this she simply accommodated him. They always grabbed coffees to go, always trained in an isolated facility and always at the crack of dawn. Today though, today she wanted to sit in a café and eat her cinnamon bun.

"Is it the blond again?"

Hinata felt heat dust her cheeks. "N-no!"

"Yeah right." The voice sounded totally annoyed, no hint of amusement this time.

"Sasuke, school starts up in a couple of weeks. It's our last year and you know as well as I do that once we're in….. we're just in. Silly things like grabbing coffee and enjoying it at the café won't be a possibility." She noted the sadness that tinged her voice. She had been thinking a lot about this lately. What the end of their university careers would actually mean.

"Hn." Dark eyes looked at her intensely. She knew he knew she was right, even if he didn't want to admit it.

Without another word Sasuke parked his car and unbuckled his seatbelt. Hinata wordlessly followed his actions and walked past the café door he had just opened.

Subconsciously she found herself looking out at the sea of people, she remembered vaguely seeing him here once, or twice. Who knew? She wasn't counting.

Yeah, right. She sighed internally, annoyed with her own admittance.

After the short conversation she shared with him whilst buying flowers she couldn't quite keep her curiousity at bay. He was a breath of fresh air, so unlike anyone she had come in contact with. His gaze, his features…they were all so openly honest. His eyes though, they were an impossible shade of cerulean that put the sea to shame. So unlike the ones on Sasuke, or Neji or even herself.

"Back corner." Sasuke whispered. Instinctively she followed his eye sight and watched enthralled as warm blue eyes stared at her, dare she think excitedly? Her reaction had been proof enough for her companion to know the blond was the sole reason he was being dragged into this mess of a place.

"What can I get ya?" they both heard a familiar bubbly voice ask. Hinata turned to smile at the younger girl while Sasuke rolled his eyes, she knew he hated fake politeness. He didn't seem to notice the girl recoil from his look and Hinata frowned uncomfortably at the scene unfolding.

"I'll have a medium chai tea with a shot of espresso, 1 cream and 1 sugar please." Hinata took a quick breath, willing her heart not to persuade her mind to look back at the blond man in the corner as she continued their order. "He'll have a large black coffee and lastly we'll take 2 cinnamon buns please!"

The girl in front of them expertly typed in a bunch of keys while asking if that would be all to which both of them nodded.

"$15.75" she spoke up, Hinata noticed a bit intimidated. Probably by Sasuke she mused. He was the very definition of intimidating. Abysmally dark eyes that seemed to devour everything in their path paired with a menacing glare that could rival any horror movie villain. She found herself smiling, if only people actually knew him.

Hinata went to grab her wallet in her jacket pocket but before she even had the chance to look up she heard the clerk quietly mutter a thank you as Sasuke tapped his card against the machine.

"Thanks Sasu!" His scowl deepened. She knew he really hated that nickname.

They stepped aside waiting for their order, which surprisingly took no time at all to make. She took hold of their drinks while her best friend grabbed the sweets. Hinata could almost see a hint of red in his eyes as they glittered in total amusement while he lead them to a table right beside the booth in the back corner.

The petite girl threw her companion a heated glare before cautiously sitting down in front of him. Past his spiked up black hair she could see a pair of baby blue eyes and adorable whiskered cheeks. He wasn't alone this time though, and she kicked herself for even considering the idea that he would be "available".

Beside him sat a very pretty girl with short pink hair and sparkling green eyes. The type of girl that you would notice right away in a crowded area. The type of girl who probably earned a lot of attention. The type with a bubbly personality she thought uncomfortably. Hinata was decidedly not that type of girl. She snapped out of her stupor as soon as dark eyes looked at her critically, a pale arm much the same shade as hers tilting her chin up.

"You're being dumb." He always had a way of knowing when she became self-deprecating, insecure.

She smiled, big; not entirely happy but genuine nonetheless. She didn't know how she could ever go through life without Sasuke.

"Yeah, yeah." She waved off his concern and delicately bit into the cinnamon bun. Her small nose scrunched up and brows knit together in disgust. It was awful. She painfully swallowed the lump of undercooked dough.

"Maybe we shouldn't come here anymore." She winced at the knowing look from the man sat across from her. He had already bitten into his treat and spat it out into a napkin. Complete shock took over her system as soon as his deep chuckle filled the tense atmosphere. Sasuke almost never openly laughed. Her eyes widened in amazement as he continued to laugh, at her no doubt. She pouted.

"Quit it, Sasuke!" she admonished, still pouting. "People are staring."

That only served to make him chuckle louder. It was a nice sound, she knew. She also knew that almost every single girl in that café was wishing for her to choke on her food. Especially now that they had caught a glimpse of the person he actually was.

She amusedly watched the girl sitting beside Naruto look at Sasuke in a way she had seen many girls before her.

Hah!

At least she could one up her just by being near Sasuke. As soon as the thought entered her mind she frowned; jealousy really did not suit her personality. Plus, if she was staring at Sasuke like that it meant that her feelings for Naruto did not run deep. That made her frown turn into a grimace, he deserved better than that.

As if her companion finally noted her sour expression he stopped chuckling. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm just really over this place." Her words had a finality to them she rarely used.

"Good." He retaliated. Quickly and effortlessly, he picked up the unwanted sweets and chucked them into a grey waste bin conveniently placed to his left. "Ready?"

"Yeah." Her voice didn't waiver, even as she locked gazes with the man who had been constantly running through her thoughts. Whatever arrangement he had with the pink haired girl was not any business of hers.

Sasuke and Neji were right; she had no right hoping for something as stupid as love considering their lives. She didn't even bother smiling his way before turning around and grasping the hand Sasuke had extended, no doubt to keep his fangirls at bay.

She didn't show up to the café after that day. He hadn't even seen her at the flower shop, and to be honest he had no other clue as to where he could find her.

He groaned, frustrated with the fact that he was frustrated at not being able to see her.

Who gives a shit?

So what if she was pretty, so what if she was kind, so what if she was easy to talk to. So what if she almost always hung around a guy Sakura had bluntly described as "dreamy". He didn't care. He shouldn't care. Except he knew himself better than that. She had piqued his interest so damn much that he rarely went a day without looking for her, without thinking about her. He was so screwed.

Looking up from his bathroom sink and straight into the mirror he couldn't help but notice the stark difference between him and Mr. Dreamy as Sakura had dubbed him. His tanned skin, exuberant blue eyes and wild yellow hair were the opposite of his pale skin, dark eyes and charcoal hair. They looked good together he mused with a grimace. They both kind of looked like royalty. Flawless skin.

He thumbed over the marks on his face.

Most days he could get away with telling curious people they were birthmarks. Reality was they were not. They served as an unwarranted reminder of what he had lost, of how fucked up his life actually was. They were scars, and that's all they would ever be.

"Listen here blondie, if we're late for the first day of our last year I will personally skewer you alive. I know of at least 3 different ways to do so." The threat hung in the air for a few short seconds before Naruto haphazardly stepped out of his room. He really hated upsetting Ino, not more so than Sakura but she was a close second.

"Shino and TenTen already left. We were just waiting for you." Sakura called out, already ten steps ahead.

"Right, thanks. Sorry." He muttered quietly and followed along.

He climbed into the driver's seat and waited for his friends to pile in. Sakura and Ino sat in the back while Shikamaru took the passenger seat to his right. He looked at his friends once, noting silently what they were wearing, just in case anything were to happen.

Shikamaru wore light wash faded jeans, a forest green hoodie and a black vest. No doubt to fight the chilling September air. Ino wore a short form fitting black skirt, some sort of see through tights underneath. She also wore a light grey chunky sweater, only the front of it was tucked into her skirt. Her knee high boots were a darker shade than the sweater and she finished off with long blonde curled locks under a -what most would probably consider- stylish black corduroy hat. She always put a lot of thought into her outfits, he knew. She was graduating as a designer pretty soon, so it made sense he supposed. Though he couldn't bring himself to care so much about things like that.

Lastly he glanced at the person he probably considered his best friend. Sakura's hair was too short to curl, so it hung inching close to her shoulder blades. She wore black ankle high boots, grey and black plaid pants and a nameless band t-shirt tucked in. She threw a leather jacket on top to help keep heat in. She was definitely the most 'punk' out of any of them.

"All good?" He voiced aloud before turning on the car. They nodded back at him.

It was a long ass drive from the compound to their university. Not for the first time he wished they were allowed to live on campus. He knew better than to voice his desires out loud though, so wordlessly he drove while listening to Ino and Sakura gush about what their last year at Konoha University would entail.

Naruto found himself wondering the benefits of their degrees a lot recently. He was pursuing a business degree which made sense considering the legacy that would be left to him.

But,

He loved to draw, to sketch. It didn't matter whether it was black and white or colour, he loved designing things. He had designed pretty much all of his friends' tattoos. He let his mind wander to the pretty girl with moon-like eyes. She would look good with a tattoo, a tattoo he would design especially for her.

Lavender lilies…

"Hey lover-boy. Stop acting so damn love struck, you've spoken to her once."

Naruto chuckled, it was the only thing he could do to keep his blush at bay; he hadn't known he had made it so obvious who he was thinking about.

"Walk ya to class?" He asked shortly after, beckoning his flailing heart to settle. His pink haired friend nodded warily.

"So, what's a pre-med student's schedule look like her last year at uni?"

Sakura was smart, not like Shikamaru smart because he was in a league all on his own, but smart-smart. The type of smart that graduated high school three years early, immediately got accepted into Konoha's prestigious medical program and managed to be able to graduate as a specialist in her own field in the same amount of time it took the rest of them to get their masters degrees. Which was saying a lot considering they had also graduated high school a year early.

"I stopped being pre-med years ago," she answered. He already knew, but he liked to bug her.

"But if you must know, it's just specialized classes really, thesis and experiments…" her eyes shone with the promise of something he didn't quite fully understand.

Although they had been best friends for as long as they could walk he never was able to fully understand Sakura. No matter how hard he tried. There was always a barrier between them, it had been the main reason why the crush he had had on her so many years ago fizzled out so easily. They were meant to be friends, best friends. Almost brother and sister like, but definitely not romantic.

"Are you finally taking the class your dad has been begging you to take?" Her voice woke him out of his trance.

"Yeah, I mean I put it off for as long as I could, no use now." He shrugged but inside he felt helpless. This class would certainly mean his acceptance to his fate. A future he couldn't choose for himself.

"That's fair. Well, this is me." She pointed to a building that was bland. He nodded at her while watching a well-dressed red head walk in after her.

He looked intimidating.

Shrugging he walked away, Sakura could handle herself amongst her competition.

"Hina!" A sandy blonde screeched happily. "I am so fucking sick of hanging around them I swear." She continued to talk loudly, clearly fed up with her companions.

Hinata let her amusement show in the form of laughter, airy and quiet. "Ne Temari, none of them really speak…." The comment hung silently, challenging every single one of the members of their squad to argue. None did.

Temari sighed. "That's exactly why I'm so sick of them! Sasuke sulks," she spoke pointing an elongated finger at him. "When Neji speaks it's condescending as fuck." She continued, now moving her finger towards a long light brown haired boy, the same height as Sasuke. His pale light eyes narrowed in annoyance. "And don't even get me started on Gaara." She warned, placing a careless arm around a red head, teal eyes looking as bored as ever at his sister's outburst. "I'd never think I would see the day that I say this, but I miss Kiba."

At that Hinata smiled fondly, she too missed Kiba. She really wished he wouldn't have spent an extra week in that exchange photography program out of country.

"If we're not good enough then why don't you fuck off?" The words were bitter, a common level of annoyance for Sasuke. Temari didn't budge, she waved her hand dismissively at his rude tone.

"Hinata," she explained. "She is the only reason I put up with your stoic asses." She reasoned mostly to herself and laughed as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Hinata loved Temari. They had been friends since they were children, really the only girlfriend she had ever had. Her boisterous and blunt personality had given Hinata a great deal of confidence in her youth, something she would always be thankful for.

She also had a great sense of style; it was her own. Today for instance, she wore dark jeans with slits at the knees, a chunky red belt and matching red ankle boots. Her shirt was an off-white, it hung loosely off one shoulder and reached barely past her belly button, allowing some skin to be exposed between the high rise of her jeans and the shirt. She made sure to wear a small red jacket.

"I'm honoured." Hinata beamed, placing a dramatic hand at her heart. The group burst out in laughter.

She looked back at her friends, silently taking in what they were wearing while wishing it wasn't protocol for her to do so. Sasuke was the easiest to spot, his hair while spiked in the back and loose in the front was easy to see due to his height. He wore ridiculously baggy navy blue jeans, a black and white long sleeved sweatshirt on top. He hung his pack off one shoulder, it was a violent red. His left sleeve was rolled up to expose the many tattoos he had down his arm.

Neji's jeans were a faded light blue. They were ripped at the knees much like Temari's; he also wore a plain beige long sleeved shirt. It had a very simple design of a ying-yang sign on the front. He wore his trademark white bandana across his forehead and most of his long hair was tied in a low pony tail behind him. Neji actually wore his brown back pack appropriately.

Gaara was easy to tell apart because of his hair. It was a fiery red; she actually found Gaara to be attractive. Not that she would ever mention that to Temari, the older blonde would be making fun of her nonstop. His outfit consisted of tight navy jeans and a black dress shirt tucked in. He was the type to bring a cross bag instead of a back pack so that hung off to his left.

"I'm kind of glad classes this year are so minimal," Gaara spoke.

"Yeah, we have quite a bit of free time compared to last year." Hinata agreed with a smile. She had barely made it through last year without a mental breakdown.

"Seems like the same shit to me." Sasuke argued and grasped Hinata's hand.

"I'm starving though, you guys coming for lunch." It didn't even sound like a question but the rest followed suit.

The university campus had many lunch spots, however, every semester they always had to find a new one. Sasuke, Neji and Gaara were constantly hounded by what Temari called 'fangirls'. It was bothersome to say the least and an absolutely fuckery of annoyance – according to Temari- to say the most.

"Uchiha and I found this lunch spot the last day of our last semester." Neji told them, as they followed Sasuke and Hinata. "It really shouldn't have many unwanted people."

They walked into a semi opened area. The glass ceilings provided an exquisite view of the sky, the glass walls doing the same for the trees surrounding them. It was almost as if they were stuck inside of a snow globe.

"Beautiful." Sasuke and Neji smirked at Hinata's response. They knew she would love this place. Not to mention it was hidden so well within campus that it was almost always empty.

There were exactly three round tables in the room, each table could only accommodate a maximum of 8 people. Even if the room was full there would only be 24 people in here, a stark contrast to their last lunch spot.

"It's perfect." Gaara sounded relieved and took a seat at one of the empty tables. Another table was currently occupied by what seemed like 4 people, 2 guys and 2 girls.

All at once her friends turned to Hinata with big eyes. Laughing she took out a bag that seemed to be specifically filled with food.

"We're late Naruto." She was mad. He could tell.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry Sakura but I literally have classes across the campus. Maybe we should consider a new lunch spot? Something a bit closer?" He pleaded, not that he didn't enjoy eating lunch there. It was incredibly peaceful, but if she was going to get mad at him every time he was late then this was going to be a long semester.

"Just hurry up." She called, not outwardly rejecting his idea. He smirked, it would take a little convincing but he was sure he could do it.

Quickly and rather carelessly Naruto opened the heavy glass door as Sakura rushed in before him.

"Sorry, sorry!" he exclaimed boisterously, not at all caring that there might be other people in the room. He was smiling so big it made his eyes crinkle. A small gasp caught his attention and blue eyes opened swiftly. Instant recognition flashed through him as he openly gazed at the petite woman clearly having lunch with her friends.

She wore a plain white long sleeve turtleneck shirt, a grey skirt with straps that went above her shoulders and crisscrossed at her back. It ended about 3 centimeters before her dark grey thigh length socks began. She wore a pair of knee high black boots on top. Her normally pin straight hair was slightly curled in a half up, half down look. Her pretty bangs still framed her doe like eyes. He offhandedly wondered how it was possible for her to get more beautiful each time he saw her.

A loud and harsh "troublesome" could be heard from one of his pals. It was enough to momentarily break eye contact between him and the girl.

"Fucking great." He heard the male he had seen with her at the coffee shop bite out. He was clearly pissed off at seeing the blond.

"Sasuke!" Hinata reprimanded, looking in a different direction than him. He found himself already missing her eyes on him, the warmth they inexplicably brought him. Charcoal eyes rolled in disdain and continued eating his lunch. Leaving the rest of their friends in utter confusion.

"What the hell was that about?" Sakura questioned, not one to sit back and take things as they were.

"That's the girl!" Ino whispered low enough for only their friends to hear. "That's the girl Naruto failed miserably at flirting with." Glee was apparent in her tone. It made TenTen, the most sane of his girl-friends chuckle loudly.

"I didn't fail!" Naruto began, recalling the disastrous event at the flower shop and then at the coffee shop.

"Okay, well not miserably," he corrected. The entire table aside from Shikamaru laughed. He seemed to be the only one concerned.

"You hadn't mentioned she had so many….friends." Naruto could tell there was some sort of hidden implication and glanced over at their table. The blonde seemed to be telling them a story, quite animatedly. Hinata seemed to be the only one truly paying attention. He smiled, he knew she was really kind.

"So what?"

"They seem…protective." Again Shikamaru sounded concerned. Sakura was rudely staring at one of the other group's members.

"Oh!" Naruto watched as recognition flashed through green eyes, no doubt finally identifying 'Mr. Dreamy'.

"They were the ones at the café! Oh, holy shit, was she the reason you spilled coffee on your pants?" She asked, obnoxiously loud. Naruto paled when every single person at the other table turned to stare at him.

He laughed awkwardly to hide his embarrassment. "She's just kidding." He assured the strangers and elbowed Sakura behind his back.

Shikamaru sighed in frustration and began to get up. "My class starts in 10." Not caring about the incredulous looks thrown his way. Naruto watched from the corner of his eye as Hinata got up shortly after Shikamaru. She spoke just loud enough for him to eavesdrop.

"My class is starting pretty soon, so I really should get going." He still couldn't wrap his mind around her soft voice.

"We'll walk you there." He heard a long haired guy answer her, fleetingly looking towards who he assumed to be her boyfriend. Now he had known, from her admonishment earlier, his name was Sasuke. She shook her head telling them it wasn't necessary since it was nowhere in their general direction but both stood up anyways. They did seem quite protective of her.

They almost always ended up having lunch in the same room. He certainly no longer wanted to convince his friends to move spots, and plus Hinata's friends were actually decent company. Well as decent as two groups of strangers could be.

In the 3 weeks since school started he had learned many things about Hinata. He had learned that she was an engineering student much like Shikamaru. He had beamed very openly when his friend had told him; he knew she had to be amazing. He had also learned that she was taking some business classes because she had two classes with him. Well, he amended in his mind; her and who he came to know as Sasuke and Neji had 2 classes with him. Not that they ever let her out of their sights long enough for him to actually strike up a conversation. Sakura had also mentioned that she was taking one of her specialized classes about human anatomy. Apparently both Hinata and her red haired companion were in that class. She was very versatile.

It was a Friday today; he normally liked Fridays. Knowing he wouldn't have to drive such a long way for the next couple of days was nice. He had come to heavily dislike Fridays this year though, knowing he wouldn't be able to see her for the weekend bothered him. Bothered him to the point where he sluggishly woke up on Fridays now.

He had left his last morning class a little early in order to not be late when he went to grab Sakura after her class on their way to lunch. He was not expecting her to be engaging in what seemed like a really friendly conversation with Hinata. Both girls seemed to be laughing so hard there were tears coming from their eyes, while the red head, Gaara he believed his name to be, stood beside Hinata smirking.

"Hey!" he spoke up, picking up some speed to reach the group. He could already feel himself smiling broadly.

"Hey Naruto, you know Hinata right?" Sakura questioned rhetorically and then proceeded to point at the guy. "This is Gaara. They're both in my class so we figured we could walk to lunch together."

"Nice to see you again, Naruto." His heart threatened to burst through his ribcage at hearing her say his name. He had never heard anyone say his name quite like that.

"Yeah, you too Hinata!" He was naturally loud but even he could tell that had been louder than he anticipated it to be. He watched as Gaara narrowed his teal, pupil-less eyes slightly; it made him gulp. "It's nice to officially meet you too, Gaara."

"Like wise, Naruto." Meh, if he had to score it, it would be a 3 out of 10. Not that impressive, nowhere near as nice as Hinata saying his name.

"You know I heard he actually ate a live frog once to see if it would do anything to his digestive tract." Sakura spoke and he watched mesmerized as Hinata's body shivered at the thought.

"I think I would rather inject myself with frog DNA and find out that way." Sakura blew out a laugh he wasn't even sure came out of her. He watched as Gaara openly chuckled as well. Something about Hinata made them both comfortable enough to be vulnerable. He smiled. He didn't quite get the joke but man was he happy today.

Fall had come and gone, now it was nearing the end of their semester. With December just having started university students from all over were preparing for finals and written reports.

"We're just going to stay late and study for our exams at the atrium right?" Temari questioned her friends on a Monday morning while Sasuke drove them to campus.

"Yes," her brother responded. "I need to ask Sakura some questions."

Hinata looked at him with interest.

"She's incredibly smart," he admitted.

Sasuke scoffed. "Smarter than you?"

"In some ways." Came the vague response.

"Are they all staying late to study?" Lavender eyes looked almost pleadingly into teal for a response. Neji's eye twitched slightly at her tone.

Gaara looked confused. "Am I supposed to know?" He asked, completely uncertain. Hinata knew he wasn't very good with social cues and shrugged good naturedly. She didn't think before actually asking the question.

"I suppose not. I was just curious." She feigned mild curiousity while noticing Temari raise a knowing brow.

It would be their last week of official classes before finals and she had wanted to at least spend some time with the blond boy. Over the past few months she had gotten to know him a lot better and realized she craved his attention. Fed off his smile, or the excited glitter in his eyes when he spoke about things he liked, things he loved. She wanted to know more, was dying to unravel the mystery that was Naruto.

"We still have to hammer out that presentation for business," Sasuke spoke, gaining everyone's attention. "Obviously Naruto will have to be there for that at least."

"He's a lot smarter than I originally thought," Neji tuned in. "From the carefree way he acts I assumed he was an idiot."

Hinata didn't know why she suddenly felt the need to stand up for him. Because Naruto was most certainly not an idiot. If anything he had been the one to explain difficult concepts to her that neither Neji nor Sasuke had been able to explain to her.

"Maybe you shouldn't go around making assumptions, brother."

Neji looked back at her absolutely stunned. Pale white collided with light lavender. She held his gaze, silently letting him know she would not back down from this one. Finally after what seemed like an eternity he faced the front muttering a quiet "I guess."

Hinata walked into her highest level engineering class tired from that morning's car ride. She almost never opposed her brother, but something about how openly he expressed disdain towards Naruto irked her to no end.

"Hey Hinata." She heard a bored voice call out to her. Looking towards her normal seat she saw Shikamaru lazily lift up a hand in greeting.

"Ah Shikamaru, you're early!" She beamed up at him while she spoke. He was almost always late, it was always her who saved him a seat in class.

Brown eyes looked at her somewhat calculatedly and her smile fell. Sometimes she got the feeling that Shikamaru didn't like her. But then just as suddenly he chuckled softly and shrugged as a response pulling out her chair for her to take her spot.

"Most of us are going to spend a lot of time studying at the atrium for the next couple of weeks in preparation," Hinata spoke up again, pulling out her notebook, pointedly not looking at Shikamaru. From her peripheral she saw him nod slightly for her to continue.

"This class is probably the hardest one for me. If you want….we can study together." She sounded incredibly uncertain, even to her own ears. She knew how smart he was, highly doubted that he would need her help in studying but she always figured two brains were better than one.

A decent amount of time passed by without him moving, or even blinking for that matter. It stressed her out. Had she offended him?

"Yeah, that sounds like a good plan. I'll take you up on the offer," he finally answered; seemingly unphased with how long it took him to respond.

Hinata nodded in response, not bothering to say anything else.

"This will be your last day of class," their professor confessed. "Your final will be cumulative, so I figured I would be nice and give you extra study time. Don't bother coming to class unless it's to study with your peers, I won't be here. Feel free to email me any questions."

Hinata grimaced and looked straight into Shikamaru's similar expression. Looks like they both had quite a bit of studying to do.
_

It had become a semester ritual for Naruto to leave his last class before lunch a few minutes early and jog to meet up with Sakura, Hinata and Gaara. More times than not he and Hinata would walk slightly slower than their companions and chat amongst themselves. They were the best 10 minutes of his day.

"Hinata!" He yelled excitedly while he neared her. He could tell her apart regardless of her jacket, messy high bun and earmuffs.

She looks so cute! His heart thudded against his ribcage in total excitement.

"Naruto!" She reciprocated his excitement in her own sweet way, making both Gaara and Sakura pensively look at the scene unfolding.

"Hi to you too Naruto," Sakura spoke, sarcasm heavy.

"Ah," the blond began, hand already rubbing the back of his scarf. "Hey Sakura, Gaara!" He sounded nothing as excited as he had just a minute ago. His pink haired friend scoffed in response, completely ignoring his statement.

"Hina, Shikamaru mentioned you and him were going to study in the atrium the next few days to prepare for finals." Bright green eyes looked over at her as Sakura spoke. Her pink hair could be seen from the tip of her dark grey toque and not for the first time she noted how pretty Sakura was.

"Mhmm yes, Molecular Engineering is, umm, well as Sasuke would say 'fucking hard,'" she admitted, looking almost bashful at using such language.

Impossibly sky blue eyes lightened up in absolute mirth at hearing her speak and he laughed openly at her bashful nature. Gaara seemingly following his lead laughed as well.

Sakura placed an arm around her shoulder and chuckled at her friend.

"I was hoping I could join in on the study session? I have a lot of questions about this anatomy class both you and Gaara would probably be able to help me with."

"Oh, yes of course Sakura. I figured both of our friend groups would just study together and help each other out." Hinata lifted her gaze towards Naruto and he felt the breath leave him instantly. Vulnerability was always something that was frowned upon within their compound. It was dangerous. On her though, it was stunning.

"You know I'm in, despite how mean Neji and Sasuke can be they are incredibly smart. Not to mention you Hinata, I would be crazy not to accept your help." Naruto winked cheekily at her as he spouted the words, feeling accomplished and flirty. It was short lived however, as Gaara had walked right between them and slightly pushed Hinata forward, casually accelerating their pace towards the atrium to meet up with the rest of their friends.

He heard Sakura blow out a laugh at his useless attempt to impress the bluenette and shoved her carelessly while catching up to their companions.

_

For the following weeks two sets of friends could be seen day and night studying religiously. More often than not they would be divided into mini cliques in order to study for certain finals. Sakura and Gaara were always sitting together, Hinata would join when they studied for anatomy. Neji, Sasuke and Naruto all sat together as well, seeing as they shared almost every single class. Periodically Naruto would watch Neji move closer to Tenten and ask her some questions regarding a class they shared. He didn't care enough to find out what the class actually was. He also often noticed Ino and who he had come to know as Kiba sitting together, although they did not share a degree in common both of their respective careers required so much creativity that they fed off each other. Shino seemed to never want to study with any of them, but since he shared the same degree as Temari they almost always studied side by side. Lastly there was Hinata and Shikamaru. Somehow Hinata had been able to borrow a huge whiteboard on wheels and they did most of their calculations on there.

If he thought Shikamaru and Hinata were smart before, these past couple of weeks had taught him that he had not truly known just how intelligent his friends were. Because yes, at this point he most certainly considered Hinata to be his friend.

Amusedly he watched Sasuke look towards the two, solving some sort of math equation that looked like absolute bullshit to him.

"You ever feel dumb compared to your sister?"

Neji looked up scandalized by such a statement. "No," he spit out venomously towards Sasuke. Briefly he looked up at what he was talking about. A single equation took up most of the board and although Shikamaru looked just about ready to lose his mind Hinata calmly walked him through the steps, eventually getting him to the correct answer. Naruto watched all of this in amazement, pride filling him up in a way he hadn't known was possible.

"Sometimes." Naruto heard Neji speak again and laughed loudly at the admittance earning a scowl from said man.

"Shikamaru could run circles around all of us in terms of intelligence, so it's really refreshing to see someone beat him out, even if only for one question." The blond's voice held nothing but amusement. At that he heard Sasuke laugh too, catching him slightly by surprise.

Today was the last day for Hinata's finals. All other finals had gone well, she felt. However, today would be the toughest day for her. Not only did she have her Molecular Engineering final with Shikamaru, but she also had the presentation for her business class with Neji, Sasuke and Naruto.

Hinata had never liked public speaking so both were stressing her out for very different reasons. She had told her friends that she would be driving herself to university today, she wanted to get there extra early to have time to at least review some harder concepts before her final. She didn't know if she would ever feel truly prepared for this final, but she would certainly try her best.

Throughout the last few weeks she had been even more enamoured with Naruto's personality, his never giving up mantra. In moments of absolute weakness she would recall tips he had given her for the classes she shared with him and instantly shaped up. No one had ever had that type of effect on her, she could feel how, as Sasuke would put it, 'fucked' she truly was in terms of her feelings for him. They had bloomed so quickly and they hadn't stopped growing ever since.

She grimaced slightly as she parked in one of the empty university lots. There had been so much snow on the ground already, it being mid-December. She liked the snow; it was extremely beautiful, but she knew how much damage it could do in a city like Konoha where snow typically did not occur in abundance. It appeared this year it would be different.

She opened up the heavy doors to the atrium and breathed out, dropping her bag, books and coat. Not even ten minutes had passed before the door opened once more, jolting her. It was too early for any of her friends to be there yet.

Pale lavender eyes looked up blankly only to be met with cerulean. The smile that bloomed across her features was completely uncontrollable. Though, Naruto appeared to be in more shock than she was.

"Hey Naruto!" She decided to speak, if only to break the silence that had encompassed them. She watched the enthusiastic boy shake off the surprise and respond in greeting with a grin that took up most of his face. She loved this smile.

"What are you doing here so early?" She heard him ask, taking a seat in front of her. She wasn't entirely sure but concern seemed to lace his voice, for what she did not know.

"Molecular Engineering," she responded with a slight shrug. "It's so challenging; I just wanted to review some stuff before the final this morning." She had no problems in telling him her issues, her insecurity regarding this class. Something about him always put her at ease.

Insecurities, vulnerability and generally emotions were frowned upon at the compound. They seemed to eat people alive, changing them to a point beyond recognition, guided them so far from a path that they ended up sacrificing missions. She was not allowed such luxuries… but she wanted them. She saw no harm in having them with Naruto. He didn't know, had no clue who she really was, who she was expected to be.

He shot her a sympathetic look and nodded to show her his understanding. "You're the most hardworking person I've ever met." He sounded so incredibly sure, steadfast. "You're going to do well." He assured again, no shred of doubt.

She was entirely thankful for this, for the vote of confidence she very rarely received at home. Timidly she peered at him. Blue eyes shone with gentility and sincerity, enough to leave her absolutely breathless.

Breathe!

"Ah, Thank you Naruto!"

They spent a couple hours studying together, words of encouragement shared along the way. It felt natural to her, more natural than studying with Sasuke or her brother. She liked this more, she was able to laugh; to openly feel joy. She exuded enough emotion with him that would have had Neji rolling his eyes in disgust.

She cherished the subtle glances, the shared smiles and the lingering touches. It all elicited so many emotions within her heart. She never was one to run away from her emotions, no matter what her compound had taught her. And now, being here with Naruto, a warmth so unlike anything she had ever experienced encompassed her entire being. Although she knew. She knew he would never truly be hers.

"I didn't know you and Neji were siblings." Naruto's voice was filled with so much curiousity she had to look up while putting her book away. She was about ready to head over to the engineering building.

"Mhmm," she heard herself say. "We're actually twins," she clarified, knowing that most people wouldn't discern that information independently. They were just too different.

Blond tousled locks moved as he whipped his head to look at her in what she assumed was disbelief. It took a lot of self-control not to laugh at the face he was making.

"No fucking way!" He exclaimed loudly. "There's no way you're twins."

"Ah, I know we're quite different." She saw him open his mouth, no doubt to express just how differently he saw them. "But, we did share a womb for nine months so…" she let her words die on her lips as she finally released a laugh.

"Naruto you look like you're going to pop a blood vessel. I can show you our birth certificates if you would like."

Suddenly he smiled, and then laughed. Loudly, just the way she liked. The type of laugh that made his chest heave.

"I might need that proof." He agreed and suddenly she laughed too. "But, I guess there are more pressing matters today."

A tan arm was held out in front of her, offering her assistance to get up from her seat. She didn't need the help, but she would be absolutely crazy not to accept the offer. Jolts of electricity flooded her skin as soon as she made contact, a feeling she hadn't ever felt before.

"Can I walk you to your final?" he spoke again, hand letting go once she was completely upright.

"As long as it's not troublesome."

He blew out a laugh, muttering something about how she was hanging around Shikamaru too much and opened the door for her to walk out of the atrium.

It only took a few minutes to get to the designated building; they watched in surprise as a brown haired boy stood there waiting for them.

"You're on time?" Hinata heard the genuine surprise in Naruto's voice and smiled.

"Yeah well I need the whole time to maybe finish the test," Shikamaru spoke. She could tell he was as nervous as she felt.

In a bout of confidence, only standing beside Naruto could probably provide she grinned cheekily up at him. "Ne, Shika…" both males' eyebrows rose at her use of the nickname but she continued unphased. "We're the top two students in that class, if we fail that means everyone else undoubtedly did even worse…" she took a quick breath before continuing. "In that case, the bell curve will really help us out and we end up with an A anyways."

Her logic was sound, she knew he knew that too. Brown eyes shifted up to look at Naruto while lighting a cigarette. Hinata could tell they were speaking without words and she very desperately wanted to know what was said but she held her tongue.

"I told you so." Naruto finally spoke up, boasting about something Hinata was not privy to. She pouted while looking at the ground, she wanted to be that close with Naruto. To be able to have conversations with just a look.

"I guess so." Shikamaru answered back after a while, letting the half smoked cigarette drop and stomping carelessly on it. "Alright Hinata, it's time we ace this shit then." His shoulders seemed nowhere close to as tense as they had been when she first arrived and she smiled, glad that she could help him out a bit. God knows he had been a saving grace for her this semester.

Hinata turned slightly, looking up into a beautifully whiskered face. She waved goodbye as she started to walk inside with Shikamaru, something akin to heat pooling in her stomach at the look he was directing at her. Naruto was so incredibly charming, she really did not think she had ever stood a chance against her growing sentiments.

Then Naruto did something completely unexpected. He pulled her wrist back towards him, effectively knocking her off balance and steadied her as she drew closer to his warmth. One strong arm encircled her waist while the other tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. She was sure he could see how flustered she felt, she didn't think her eyes could go any more wide than they currently were.

He chuckled softly at her expense and due to their proximity Hinata felt it vibrate through his chest. "You're perfect y'know." He certainly had not phrased it as a question and she felt her insides melt, completely enthralled by his words, his proximity. Just him.

"Let's go." Shikamaru spoke behind her causing her head to turn to him. He looked slightly surprised but nowhere near as surprised as she felt.

"Good luck." He had whispered it so low she would've missed it were it not for the fact that she was literally glued to his chest. She felt a featherlight kiss placed on her cheek and suddenly the warmth was gone.

"Goodluck to you too, genius." Those were the last words he spoke before walking away from both of them. Leaving shocked pale lavender and irritated chocolate brown eyes staring at his back.

_

"How'd your final go?" Naruto heard Sasuke whisper to Hinata while they waited their turn to present. She beamed and gave him a thumbs up.

Ah, so fucking cute.

He had to look away hastily, doubting he could control the blush rising to his cheeks. He had been thinking about her all day.

As opposed to? He heard himself question internally. Well, more so than usual. He looked over to his right at Neji, whose eyes were already on him.

Shit.

"You better not fuck this up, Naruto." He could hear the accusatory tone brimming behind his stoic voice.

"I still can't believe you're her twin," he muttered under his breath.

"What was that?"

"I said, I still can't believe you don't think we'll win," he decided to respond instead. His usual air of confidence surrounded him. He would not let Neji take this from him, from her.

For the past couple of weeks Hinata had confided a lot in him, letting him know that she would much rather die than partake in public speaking. Unfortunately for her, one of the classes they shared required an end of term presentation. It had been some stupid task to win a debate. Business law was the one class he absolutely fucking despised. The one class his father had begged, even forced him to take. But now, now it was almost over.

They had spent so much time preparing for different possibilities, things the other team would argue against them in an attempt to win. He wasn't willing to let her down, Hinata had impeccable grades he came to learn while studying for finals.

She had pulled out various assignments for different classes to review and not a single mark fell below a 97. He had been surprised, not because he didn't think she deserved it, but because it had seemed almost entirely impossible to upkeep with school to the point where your GPA stayed a constant 4.0.

"I know Molecular Engineering is hard, but this is the class I don't think I'll survive." She had told him once, near the start of the semester. So he had made it a point to explain things to her when she looked overwhelmed, when neither Sasuke or Neji could help. He took pride in being the only one who had found a way to explain difficult concepts to her. Now she looked at him, a tight lip smile, eyes shining with nerves.

Even now she's breathtaking.

Putting those troublesome thoughts away he showed her a genuine smile, he would make sure this class was a success for her.

"We won?!" Hinata had sounded so surprised it made him chuckle.

"Did you think we would lose?" He playfully retorted, well aware of Sasuke and Neji standing behind them, no doubt eavesdropping.

"Yes." It wasn't Hinata's voice that responded. Neji walked up to him, something like gratitude lurking in opalescent eyes. "If it weren't for you Naruto we would've lost the debate." He spoke with sincerity, causing discomfort to bloom in Naruto's chest. He hadn't done it for him.

"Yeah, it wasn't a big deal." It had been though, he had spent the better part of a week and a half solely focused on hypothesizing all of the different possible arguments the other group could potentially throw at them. It seemed like his hard work had paid off.

The argument brought up had not been one that their team had discussed amongst each other, solely because it seemed unlikely that the team had evidence to back up the claim. Except they had found evidence and it had been brought up. Naruto had taken the slightest of pleasure in watching both Neji and Sasuke pale, desperately and quickly trying to come up with a retort.

And then there had been Hinata, who had widened her iridescent eyes an unreal degree. She almost looked proud of the other team for coming up with such an argument and not for the first time since he's met her he realized she was way too kind for her own good. Still, winning this debate guaranteed them all very high marks and he would not let her down.

So calmly, and somewhat eloquently (as Hinata had tried to show him during their practice debates) he countered their point effortlessly. Already having found (through research) the perfect case to dispel theirs. It had been an easy win after that.

"You were incredible, Naruto!" He heard the softness behind her tone, eyes so bright and staring right into his soul; he could do nothing but stare. Butterflies bloomed in the pit of his stomach and seemed to get caught in his throat as he attempted to waive off her praise. It elicited way too much emotion in him.

"Good job, dobe." The nickname was nothing new, but the fondness behind it startled him coming from Sasuke. Still, he couldn't bring himself to look anywhere but at her.

Finally after what felt like an eternity she looked away, making him frown. He wanted her to look at him like that. Like he was a beacon of light in an eternal darkness. He wanted to be that for her. He grimaced.

What the fuck am I saying? I literally just met her last summer.

"I heard you didn't suck idiot." He recognized that voice anywhere. Before he could fully turn to look at Sakura a palm slapped his ass, laughter echoing all around him.

"Good job Naruto!" Tenten spoke in between spouts of laughter at his incredulous look. "That's how athletes say good job." She pointlessly pointed out. Tenten was an incredibly talented athlete. There were very few people who were as adept to their surroundings as Tenten.

From the corner of his eye he noticed Neji cover up a smirk. He didn't like the way white eyes had been looking at Tenten lately, but he knew better than to try and get involved.

"Hinata, can I ride home with you?" Temari's voice was soft, a lot softer than he had grown used to. He noticed Shikamaru wasn't anywhere near them. He was supposed to give him a ride home.

"Was Shika with you?" His question had been directed at Temari, though she looked just as surprised as he felt for asking her.

"I saw him near the engineering building. He said he had one last final and would meet up after." He noticed Hinata look intrigued, almost as if she hadn't expected Temari to know. But then again, why had he expected her to know?

"Thanks," he responded, a grateful smile plastered on his face. "I should go find him, he's riding back with me." He told them, even though no one had really asked.

"We'll walk with you, my car is parked in that direction." Hinata added, seemingly happy to be walking with him. He shook himself slightly, urging his heart to settle down while nodding at her.

"We'll meet you back home." Sasuke's voice held authority. "Gaara and Kiba are already there." He saw Hinata nod in understanding and wave them off, going up to Sakura and Tenten.

"We're still on for next weekend right?" Green eyes shone with excitement as she spoke.

"Ah, yes! Temari and I are looking forward to seeing you three!" Hinata beamed and he felt a pang of jealousy that her smile wasn't directed at him. "Text me tomorrow?"

"Girl, you know we will. That group chat will never die down." Tenten spoke up, mirth apparent on her facial features. "You can leave that up to Ino."

Sakura, Hinata and Temari chuckled along with her and suddenly Naruto was hit with a wave of relief. She had become friends with his friends. She was incredibly well liked by them in fact, even Shino had mentioned he enjoyed her presence.

"Ready?" She turned back to spare him a glance, he had barely noticed he was the one to speak.

"Mhmm," she hummed in agreement, waving one final time to her friends. Sasuke and Neji looked as menacing as ever, but it died down as soon as Sakura and Tenten spoke in their direction.

It didn't take long for the three of them to find Shikamaru, lighting a cigarette right outside the engineering building.

"You know for someone so goddamn smart you sure are an idiot." Temari had absolutely no qualms in calling him out.

"What a drag." Came the bored response, nonetheless he put it out and waved them over. Hinata giggled at the exchange while he looked incredulously toward his best friend.

"Oh shoot!" Midnight blue hair framed a frowning face as she stuck her tiny hands in multiple pockets. "I can't find my car keys." She sounded worried.

"You didn't have them during our final this morning." Shikamaru provided.

"How do you-" Naruto began to ask but discarded it as soon as he caught sight of chocolate eyes, narrowing in an attempt to shut him up. "Maybe you left them at the atrium? We were there most of the morning," he said instead.

She perked up at his idea. "That's right! You're so clever Naruto," she complimented. "Temari it's snowing incredibly heavily, I'll run over to find my keys so you don't have to walk any more than you should in this weather." Then she turned to look at the guys. "Do you mind keeping her company until I come back, it's already pretty late and dark out."

He saw Shikamaru nod, not a hint of an argument on the tip of his tongue. He had a complaint though.

"Ne, Hinata. Umm like you said, it's dark and late already. How about I go and help you look for your keys. Two sets of eyes are better than one?" Why had he sounded so insecure at his offered help.

She brightened even more. "That would be so helpful, thank you!" He breathed out in relief at her acceptance of spending even more time with him. He was starting to realize he absolutely feared her rejection more than anything he had feared in the past.

"It's cold, Temari and I will go inside the engineering building and wait for you to come back." He pointedly looked at both of them. Naruto took comfort in knowing Shika had agreed with him.

"Kay," Hinata answered nonchalantly, looking back at Temari for approval. The older female nodded her consent.

The snow had only gotten worse in their attempt to reach the atrium. Naruto was barely able to open the door. He didn't even want to imagine Hinata trying to do this on her own.

The atrium was incredibly 'high-tech'. LED light fixtures illuminated it while the door locked in cases of emergency. Though, most of the doors on campus did that. "Ah," a voice disrupted his thoughts and he glanced towards who was undoubtedly Hinata. "I found them!" She looked so relieved that he smiled. She was really too cute for her own good. "Thank for your help Naruto." Her smile was massive, it's a smile he saw often.

He chuckled bashfully. "I didn't do much," he admitted while shrugging. Though he did take a step closer, wanting to feel her in his arms just as he had that morning, when he boldly kissed her. She didn't step back and again he was floored with how relieved he felt at her acceptance of this closeness.

Before he could fully encircle her waist an alarm rang amidst them. "Emergency storm. Please stay indoors. Do not leave the premises. All locks will be automatically set in 15, 14, 13, 12…" He watched his surroundings shocked as the automated voice counted down to 0. The normal lights flickered off and emergency dim lights took their place.

He walked over to the door and pulled; it wouldn't budge. "Ugh, Hinata... I think we're stuck." He sounded nothing akin to panicked, but he expected a reaction out of her. She probably wasn't used to being in any emergency situations.

She surprised him by sighing heavily and letting her coat slump to the floor with her pack. She was nowhere near as panicked as he assumed she would be. "You good?" He questioned, not at all convinced by her demeanor.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She waived a hand dismissively at his question. "You okay?" She retorted, once again catching him by surprise.

He couldn't help the laugh that escaped him, it was hollow. "I'm used to being in shitty situations…" he noticed her eyebrows rise in curiousity or suspicion. He wasn't quite certain yet. "But, it's not every day I get stuck in them with someone I want to be."

A very pretty blush overtook the bridge of her nose and he watched completely transfixed as it spread like wild fire across her cheeks to the tips of her ears. Had he always had this effect on her? Probably not. She was way too good for someone the likes of him. It was probably due to the sheer absurd situation they were in.

He thought he heard a phone buzz and simultaneously he watched Hinata pick up hers. "Neji," she greeted, rather stoically he noted. She chanced a look at him and smiled slightly, deciding to put the phone on speaker.

"Did you make it out?"

"Ah, not exactly," she responded, her voice held more softness now.

"Alright, where are you and Temari? I'll see if we can come get you." A lot of the buildings at Konoha U were connected by passageways.

"Well…." She hesitated, he realized almost immediately why. "Temari is actually in the engineering building with Shikamaru." Hinata's response was as honest as it could be.

"I'm in the atrium." She finished speaking, a little breathless. The atrium was for all intents and purposes a snow globe in a forested area, not connected to any other buildings.

"Why are you on your own!?" Neji seemed to be trying to yell while whispering at the same time, probably not trying to rise panic wherever he was. Suddenly anger flared up in his heart. How dare Neji think he would leave Hinata alone.

"She's not alone!" He shouted back at the phone before truly analyzing his words.

"I beg your pardon?" The stoic voice sounded just on the verge of anger now.

"Umm, yeah brother. Naruto is here with me."

"WHY?" Now Neji was shouting and he could tell Hinata was annoyed.

"I lost my keys, he was nice enough to come find them with me and then the lockdown occurred.. so really it's my fault he's stuck." She looked sadly up at him. Was that guilt he saw lurking behind her gaze?

"It's really okay Hinata, I wanted to help you. Plus, I'm glad I'm here. I wouldn't want you going through this alone." Bashfully he rubbed the back of his neck with his left hand. He wasn't very good at expressing these types of emotions.

"I see." He had completely forgotten about Neji. "The doors are sealed shut, the same with all the windows… we're stuck at least until the storm dies down."

Hinata nodded and a second later realized Neji wouldn't be able to tell. "Yes, I figured as much. Are you and Sasuke okay?"

"Yes, we're still in the business building…. with Tenten and Sakura." The admittance had Naruto sighing in relief. He had been very nervous about Sakura and Tenten heading back in this type of weather.

"Can you let them know I'm good? My phone isn't with me."

"Yeah, Naruto we can hear you! Just take care of Hinata okay?" Typical Sakura to be so upfront. Seriously, did they all find him incapable of doing something so important?

"Ah, Sakura. Naruto is being very nice, there is no need to remind him. He has taken very good care of me." Naruto felt himself blush at her words.

"Anyways," he heard Sasuke cut in. "Save your phone battery, tell Temari we're fine too. If anything happens just call us."

"Got it!" She responded and quickly hung up, already dialing another number.

"Hey Hinata, I've been trying to reach you."

"Sorry Temi, I was on the phone with Neji and Sasuke. Are you and Shikamaru alright?"

"Yeah yeah, lazy ass and I are stuck in the most boring building but whatever. I guess we'll just wait it out until morning. By the way, I have the blond idiot's phone. It must have fallen out of his pocket earlier."

Ah, that would explain that.

"Okay, let me know if anything happens."

"And take care of my phone!" Naruto added, not entirely happy at being called an idiot but letting it slide considering the situation at hand.

"Will do, night. Try to keep warm out there, you and Naruto might have to end up using body heat at this point."

"T-temari!" Hinata's tone was reprimanding though she seemed to look as flushed as he felt.

"You're too goddamn crude." Naruto berated and heard her laugh on the other end. "Bye," he spoke up again effectively ending the call. He was too flustered to deal with her teasing right now.

"Naruto?" The voice stirred him awake slightly. Looking down he was able to see the top of Hinata's midnight hair. She was comfortably lying on his chest. At some point during the night they had decided to use their coats as a blanket to lie on, which meant they had to use each other for warmth. Much like Temari had joked about.

So now here they were, it was nearing 1:00 a.m. and he had never slept as well as he had with this petite girl safely tucked under his chin. He absolutely adored the feeling of her, how his body seemed to engulf hers.

"Um, I just wanted to say that… I, well I guess I just…" He waited patiently for her to finish her sentence, although he had begun to twirl the ends of her long hair to let her know he was in fact listening.

"I just feel really safe with you so thank you!" It had come out so rushed it took his brain a few seconds to register what she had actually said. And he felt it, again. The constricting in his chest, the shallowness of a breath he couldn't quite let out. The tingling sensation that started off in the pit of his stomach and spread like wildfire across his entire body.

"I'm um sorry if that's a weird thing to say." He heard again, this time her voice was barely above a whisper, it seemed to tremble past her lips.

"You know, my family and friends really care about me…" He began to speak, her body stiffened in response. He slightly wondered if she had been expecting him to chastise her for saying such an amazing thing. He promptly ignored that thought with a small frown and continued speaking. "I know I'm important to them, but…" He was hesitating now, not entirely sure if he wanted her to know what he was about to share with her.

He absolutely loathed discussing this side of his life. It would for sure drive her clear out of his lane. Not that she was in it to begin with. He couldn't quite wrap his head around how Hinata, the girl who was always protected by Neji, Sasuke, Gaara, Kiba and Temari would feel safe around him… in his arms. It was perplexing, unfathomable.

Dainty fingers distracted his train of thought, he felt them glide along his jawline, causing goosebumps to bloom every place her fingers traced. It seemed almost ridiculous how quickly his body reacted to her touch, her voice, her presence. She was sitting up now, straddling his legs while her fingers continued to move slowly, almost agonizingly slow. They halted at his chin and he was finally able to break free from the trance she had unknowingly trapped him in.

He could clearly see big, lilac eyes widen at her own courage. It was comical how shy she could be. He really wished he could read her mind, to know exactly what she was thinking.

"Of course you're important to your family and friends," she assured, "but?"

He cleared his throat, desperately trying not to let the blood rush to his face or anywhere close to his pants, though she was really making this rather difficult.

"But… no one really feels safe…with me," he admitted quietly.

"Oh? How come? All of your friends seem very comfortable in your presence."

"Ah, yeah. Comfort and safety are umm different?" He wasn't sure how he was actually going to broach this subject with her. She had willingly gotten this close with him physically and emotionally. And now, he was surely going to ruin that.

He watched with a small lopsided grin as her eyes narrowed and a cute pout adorned her features. She was clearly thinking about his rhetorical question. Instead of speaking though the fingers that were delicately placed on his chin moved to his right cheek. Again he was enthralled by her actions, not daring to move even an inch.

He felt a warm palm cup his cheek and then it happened. Purposefully, her thumb gently brushed over his whisker marks. It took every ounce of self-control not to shiver at her touch. Naruto's eyes widened, that feeling was certainly new.

"They're smooth?" He heard her question, though he could tell by the immediate blush that followed that she had not intended to speak aloud. He couldn't help but chuckle at her expense.

"It's all those facemasks Ino and Sakura make me do, y'know?" He was only half kidding, but she giggled anyways, sweet and soft.

He wouldn't even begin to try and decipher the feelings that bloomed when he heard her laugh. They weren't worth the amount of time it would take him to figure them out. Not right now at least, not when he had her right in front of him. Not when there was no one else around, not when he didn't have to hold back.

"They're not birthmarks though." It sounded like Hinata was talking to herself now, trying to solve an equation. Her left hand joined her right and cupped his other cheek to brush along the whiskers on that side of his tanned face. This time he had to fist the jacket under him to stop himself from letting them roam across her back.

"No," he agreed.

"Mhmm, so… they're scars." This didn't sound like a question, and it took him by surprise how she could get to answers as quickly as she did.

He was about to respond before a blinding smile overtook her features. He had no idea what had warranted such a smile but it elicited one of his own, completely bashful and content. Even if they were discussing a topic he hated beyond anything else, it felt okay. It felt alright because it was with her.

Just as quickly as her smile appeared it left her porcelain face. A serious expression overtaking her features. Even now she looked so incredibly stunning. The hands that had been on his cheeks left as well. Pale, thin arms drew back to protectively hover over where her heart would be. He watched her chest rise and fall a few times before Hinata began to unbutton her blouse.

"What…" Was all he managed to croak out in his desperate and sudden breathlessness before she pinned him with her gaze. Her eyebrows creased in an attempt to get him to understand, and he did. So he kept quiet and nodded at her to continue. She only loosened two buttons before sliding the shirt to expose her left clavicle and part of her cleavage.

There was a scar that began fairly close to the top of her breast and ended across her shoulder blade, it almost looked like it wrapped around to the back as well. This time he couldn't help himself when his hand instinctively went to trace the gruesome mark. It looked so out of place on a body like hers, so milky white and pure. He wanted desperately to ask where she had received that from, because this was no ordinary scar.

He knew from the many years of training at the compound what different wounds and scars looked like, what they were caused by. It was jagged, and had been deep. He could tell from the way her tissue had tried to heal over it. It had been deliberate; someone had done that to her. Had more than likely tried to assassinate her with a dagger. It infuriated him, how someone could hurt Hinata. How someone thought they had a right to do that.

"Who?" The question was short and aggressively asked. He could feel himself losing control of his emotions, by now his eyes were sure to be red.

She didn't answer. Instead she snaked his wondering hand and brought it up to her cheek. Sneakily she placed a kiss atop one of his fingers and let him settle it there. Just as suddenly as his anger had come it dissipated. Leaving him feeling empty.

"I don't think that matters, the way it doesn't matter who left you with those." Her voice was as soft as always, the graceful smile he was used to back on her face. "This made me who I am."

He nodded in agreement, he knew what she was saying. The day he had received those scars had changed his entire life, had altered it to a point where he felt almost as if reborn.

"Why don't you think people feel safe around you?" Although random he couldn't stop himself from answering her question quickly and honestly.

"Because when I lose control of my emotions I'm out for blood, I don't care whose."

He had fully expected her to flinch at his response, to pull away from his embrace, because somehow with one hand on her cheek he had found the courage to place the other along the back of her waist. He had been the one effectively keeping her in place.

What Naruto did not expect was for an airy laugh to blow past her lips. For her to say "I think we're entitled to lose it sometimes. I can't imagine the pain those must have caused… must still cause." And from that he knew that she understood. The memory still hurt, the damage was fresh even if the scars were not. Things like these took an eternity to heal from.

Maybe it was coming to that understanding that prompted him to explain.

"I lost my mother the same day I got these, she was killed by the same knife that carved them. I-I tried to save her, but she ended up sacrificing her life for mine."

He heard Hinata inhale sharply, a hint of sympathy lurking behind opalescent eyes. But even then, he could still see the mutual understanding. Like she knew exactly how he felt.

"You lost your mom to the knife that gave you yours too." It wasn't worded as a question. He didn't have to ask because he knew.

"Mhmm," she responded. "I'm avidly trying to stop Neji from finding the man and killing him." The severity of the statement sounded so completely contradicting to her nonchalant tone. So much so that Naruto found himself choking on his own spit.

"Ah, I'm sorry Naruto. Too much?"

"No," Naruto admitted, "I've just always wanted to kill the man who took my mom."

"I can see the merit," she nodded softly, letting him know she was not judging him. "It just won't change anything for me you know? Like, my mother is dead. The scar is already there, it will always be there. Nothing I do will change that, no one I kill will change that. So what's the point in bringing more hatred into the world?"

Amazed. He was completely amazed by her. Here stood a girl who probably held the same negative emotions he did, the same ones that had driven him time after time to hurt anyone within 5 meters of him.

And yet this girl, this tiny little mouse of a girl could handle them with more finesse than he could ever dream was possible. He wanted to know, wanted to be able to feel that weight off his shoulders, he wanted her to…

"Can you teach me?" He could tell he had taken her by surprise from her reaction. The way her eyebrows lifted up, and the way the hands she had rested on his chest clenched at his shirt. "Teach me how to forget?"

She shook her head. "It's not about forgetting Naruto, I will never forget what happened to her, what happened to me…" She trailed off, looking intently at her hands. Then she looked straight into cerulean eyes, a new confidence he hadn't seen in her shone through. "But, I can help you try to forgive. Try to not let the vengefulness eat away at who you are until the only thing you can feel is rage."

He could tell she spoke from experience, like she too had been like him. Had been victim to her emotions, had been a safety hazard amongst her friends and family. He couldn't quite understand how someone like Hinata would ever even come close to how disgusting he was as a person. Yet, the way she looked at him made him shake, gave him no hesitation about her being able to help him. It felt like she was the only person that would ever be able to help him, and there was nothing he trusted more than his gut instincts.

"I want that, I want to feel okay. To not have to continuously control the feelings of anger, to not have to worry that I'll blow."

"I can help." She sealed that promise with a kiss on the tip of his nose.

Hinata groggily woke up the following morning. Bright sun shone through the clear globe that surrounded her. It didn't take long for her to remember the events of last night, the connection she and Naruto had experienced. At least she hoped Naruto had felt that connection as well. She had never discussed her scar with anyone aside from her family and Sasuke. It was a taboo subject around the compound.

Although she had meant what she told Naruto last night, that she knew more death wouldn't make a difference to what had already occurred, it didn't mean she sometimes didn't feel resentful. Of course she did. It had thrown everything she had ever known into chaos. It had altered her life indefinitely; she had lost her mother, disappointed her father and almost lost her life in the process.

She knew the anger lingered, but she had found a way around it. A way to deal with it, without having to sacrifice much of who she was. That, that exactly is what she wanted to show him. To let him know there was another way.

"What's got you so deep in thought so early in the morning?" Naruto teased. Hinata giggled while simultaneously thinking about how his voice would make an amazing start to all her mornings.

"I guess…I'm just a little sad the night ended so quickly." She hadn't noticed she spoke aloud until she watched blond brows lift in what she assumed was surprise. She panicked. Of course she was the only one who had felt that connection last night. She had probably imagined the whole stupid conversation.

"I just mean… it was fun is all." God she probably looked so dumb to him right now. Without even letting him take a breath to answer Hinata rapidly got off his chest and stood up. She grabbed her phone off the table she had set it on and checked for any missed calls or texts. It was barely 6 in the morning, so she wasn't surprised to find nothing pressing alerting her. Damn, now she really had to face Naruto after making a fool out of herself.

"No messages," she informed him while finally making eye contact. He looked dazed, like he still hadn't actually woken up. A serene smile lit up his features. She liked this smile on him, she didn't see it often, and she never was able to get a glimpse of it while they were around others.

It felt like it took him ages before he stood off the ground and stalked closer to her. She held her breath, not at all prepared for the rejection he was definitely going to deliver. She could already hear him say it in her mind. "Ah yeah, last night was a mistake. I really didn't mean to lead you on…." Blah, blah, blah. Why did she always get herself into these types of situations, just speaking her mind without thinking about the heart break?

She hadn't broken eye contact with him but she really wasn't focusing on the words coming out of his mouth. She was still thinking about her impending doom.

"I don't think I've ever…" She heard him speak, effectively gaining all of her attention. "I mean, I've just never felt this way about anyone before." He was blushing now, a tan arm coming to rub the back of his neck in a nervous habit she had noted he had since the flower shop incident.

Hinata felt her tongue tingle, she licked her lips in anticipation. Is he talking about last night?

"I don't want to freak you out though, I know you probably are already involved with someone… I mean, I thought Sasuke for so long. I don't think it's him anymore but I also haven't actually asked so maybe it is? I don't know, he'd probably kick my ass regardless of if he was or wasn't."

Hinata was having a hard time keeping up with his rambling. Why was he talking about Sasuke and involvement?

"Naruto, I don't really understand."

"Of course you don't because I'm an idiot and I talk way too much about things that don't make any goddamn sense without the ability to check myself…"

Hinata had finally had enough, so she did something she typically would never do. She closed the distance between them and grasped his hand, effectively shutting him up.

"You're not an idiot Naruto, and I really like your stories. You're fun to listen to!" She encouraged softly.

"You like my stories?" He questioned, his tone incredulous. "Wait no, that's not my point. Damn it. Okay Hinata, just listen."

He had moved both hands and placed them on her shoulders, making sure she stayed in place. He took a big breath before continuing. She watched amazed at the heave of his chest. She had no doubt that if he took off his shirt she would she see chiseled features.

He asked you to listen Hinata! She chastised herself, this was not the time to get lost in a fantasy.

"I know I'm not eloquently spoken, and I know this is going to sound fucking insane because you've only known me for a while, but I honestly can't hold this back. If I don't say it now I'm scared I'm never going to be able to say it and then it would eat at me because this feeling is so intense and it's demanding." She was sure he wasn't breathing at this point from how fast he was speaking.

"This feeling, I think. I mean I know I am but maybe saying I think will be less shocking to you… but anyways, Hinata, look, I think I l-"

"Hinata!" The loud interruption made them both jump. She turned towards the disruption and noticed her brother, Sasuke, Sakura, Tenten and Shikamaru and Temari pounding on the door desperately. That didn't seem good.

"Ah Naruto, they seem rather desperate. Maybe we can continue our talk later?"

She watched him nod dejectedly and pull himself away from her. It was him that walked toward the door to let their friends inside. Not even a second after opening the door, Sasuke's fist went full force into Naruto's unsuspecting face.

"What the fuck Sasuke?"

"Sasuke!" Hinata hurriedly went to Naruto's aid. Pressing her hand to the swelling of his cheek. Before she could do much more Neji yanked her away from him. She was completely dazed.

"What the fuck is happening?" She heard Naruto yell. He was reaching for her, concern laced over his facial features.

"Stay the hell away from her." Sasuke bit out, a venomous tone Hinata hadn't heard him use with Naruto in a long time.

"You didn't have to punch him you jackass." Sakura sounded just as pissed off as Sasuke and Neji seemed to be.

"I…I don't understand," Hinata spoke up, voice frail and lips quivering.

Sakura looked at her sympathetically, a coldness still present. Not a look she ever thought Sakura was capable of. Were they not friends? It seemed that Naruto had noticed the icy glare as well.

"Why are you looking at her like that?" Blue eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"She's not who you think she is Naruto." It was Shikamaru who answered his question.

"She's not who she says she is?" Temari spoke up agitatedly. "What about poster boy over there. Acting like he's not the son of one of the most prestigious gang leaders in this entire fucking country!"

Time seemed to have frozen for Hinata at that point. She was so confused. Were they still talking about Naruto? The boy she had come to know and probably love. The boy who had not only a few hours ago sheltered her and took care of her? Who were they talking about? It certainly could not have been the Naruto she knew. She looked to Naruto for an explanation, for any sort of comfort. He was pointedly not looking in her direction, instead he was looking at his fists. Each one curled tight enough to draw blood.

"What the fuck is happening here?" His voice sounded so incredibly different than before. She watched alarmed as Sakura, Tenten and Shikamaru took wary steps away from him. How could they leave him by himself when he sounded so….broken.

She wanted more than anything to go to him, to provide what little comfort she could. She didn't care if his family was in a gang. She didn't care about any of that. She just wanted him. However, Neji had a tight hold of her wrist and Sasuke was positioned protectively next to her, ready to charge at any moment. Even Temari was standing between her and Naruto.

"Naruto you need to calm down." Shikamaru spoke up. "This isn't the place to lose control."

"Look up Naruto." Sakura begged.

Sasuke and Neji tensed. "What's wrong with him?" Neji voiced.

After what felt like an infinity Naruto's head rose, eyes roaming around the room looking for something. They seemed off, Hinata noted. They looked empty. They also seemed to teeter between cerulean and red.

"Naruto." She called out, hoping to ground his aimless stare. Confused eyes snapped in her direction. It took a moment for his eyes to settle and yet his rage did not dissipate.

Realizing this Sakura immediately called out. "Naruto, you need to stop. You're going to hurt us. All of us." Her tone was all business like and suddenly the conversation they had shared the previous night popped into her mind.

"Because when I lose control of my emotions I'm out for blood, I don't care whose." That's what he had said.

She knew that aura. She had felt it so many times with herself. She knew what would happen next. How uncontrollable the rage would be.

"Neji you have to let me go," she begged. "He's going to lose it like how I used to."

She watched him tense, hesitate and let go of her not even a second later. Without another thought she dropped down to Naruto's level, making sure to speak in hushed, even tones.

"It's okay Naruto, it's a misunderstanding. No one is going to hurt you, or them." She reassured, nodding toward his friends so he knew she was talking about them. Naruto shook his head aggressively, not looking up at her.

"They're fine," she tried again. All she received was a low growl. Something nagging at her that his concern didn't stem from his friends or himself. "I'm okay too," she spoke up.

This seemed to make his fists loosen their grasp. "No one is going to hurt me Naruto. You're here right? You would protect me anyways." This time he looked up at her, eyes the colour of blood. Still she did not shy away. "Remember? I feel safe with you. I know nothing will happen."

She could tell everyone in the room had heard her. If she was in her right state of mind she would've blushed. She did not feel comfortable with everyone knowing about her feelings. Especially not Sasuke or Neji, but here they were.

"You're safe." Naruto repeated. "Safe with me." Previously red eyes reverted back to sparkling blue and she released a heavy breath. From her peripheral she watched all of Naruto's friends release the tension in their shoulder blades. Offhandedly she wondered how destructive Naruto could get.

She stood after a while, making sure to help Naruto up with her. He seemed back to normal, only exhausted. She knew why. It took a lot of energy to do what he had just done. She should know.

"What happened last night?" She questioned, needing to know what had caused such a ruckus. If she were to look at Sakura she would see a look of utter amazement.

"Show him the tattoo behind your ear." Sasuke instructed Hinata. Her eyes widened and she felt herself panic at the prospect. "Why would I?"

"Just do it." Neji responded, no shred of emotion.

"Fine," she muttered under her breath. She gathered all of her hair to one side and showed Naruto the area of skin behind her left ear.

Not even a second later she watched him tense and exhale harshly against her neck. Although she knew it wasn't the time she felt her insides tingle at feeling his breath tickling her skin.

"You…you're apart of them?" His voice was low, lower than a whisper.

"I…" how did he know what it meant? "Yes."

"Shit," his voice sounded pained. "Shit. Shit. Shit." Before she could even ask him what was wrong he diverted her attention to his arm. He grasped the end of his shirt and lifted it up slightly. A sour expression forced its way onto Hinata's face as soon as she laid eyes on it. A tattoo perfectly placed below his belly button. A sun, with the Uzumaki emblem inside. She knew exactly what it meant.

"Uzumaki," she muttered. She knew Naruto had heard her though. "You're a member?"

"My dad…" He responded. She didn't need to know more.

"My name," she began. "It's Hinata Hyuga."

"I figured. Not much else would've made them react that way. They must have found out about Sakura and Tenten." He looked toward them for confirmation. They both nodded their heads solemnly.

"Now you know," Neji sounded terse. "You can't. We would all die." It sounded like he was trying to convince himself too.

"Do you get that Naruto?" Shikamaru shoved himself into the blond's face. "We would all die. Including her."

Naruto pushed Shikamaru out of his way, roughly grabbing his bag and his coat from the ground. "I get it." He spit out.

Blue eyes momentarily locked with lilac. She tried to be brave, to not look so heartbroken. But she was. She knew what she felt for Naruto probably wouldn't be reciprocated, but knowing she wouldn't be able to be with him even if it was, was heart wrenching. It killed her.

"I'm sorry," Naruto whispered while speeding past her, he had shut his eyes in what looked like pain before kicking the door open and leaving her behind. She felt her breath leave her instantaneously.

He would never be hers. Little did she know, he was thinking the exact same thought. She would never be his.