Life's not a race.

Nor should it be one.

The finish line, after all, is less than favorable.

Take it slow.

She's happy.

Happier than she's probably ever been in her life.

There's room for more happy, but she's content.

Things are going well at work, she's more fit than ever before if the sleek lines of her arms are any indication, she's got Argus, her friends, her sister, and she's with Naruto again.

So why then is she sitting up in bed wheezing her way through tears?

Why can't she just be happy? She wonders, rubbing at her face.

She's not even sure what woke her or why she's upset.

In complete truth, she can't think of one logical reason for it.

She thinks it's probably her 'Charlie Brown' factor (a nickname that causes Inoichi to chuckle a little whenever she brings it up)...her fear of happiness. What a stupid fear.

Who in the heck was afraid of happiness?

She knows it's not that simple.

She's talked it through. She's aware that it's not being happy that bothers her...it's the fallout. This is her childhood trauma rearing its ugly head.

She sighs, getting up and padding her way into her bathroom.

Argus follows at her heels.

She washes the teartrackes off of her face.

At least it wasn't a panic attack. She hasn't had one of those in awhile.

She looks up into the mirror and is mildly surprised to see that the eyes staring back at her aren't defeated...not even a little. She looks determined. And still happy.

She smiles a bit, feeling a warm sense of pride.

She's not quite the person she wants to be yet, but she's getting there. She knows that her issues will always be a part of who she is, but she also knows that they don't define her-nor what she's capable of.

"Slow progress is still progress," she tells herself.

She glances down at Argus who is panting and relaxed. Even he can sense the difference. She rubs his ears. "Come on, back to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow." Three meetings and a trip to Eight Gates. She wouldn't get the chance to see Naruto, between his schedule and hers, so she made plans to meet up with Ino after her workout. Argus would be spending the day with Kiba at Fang over Fang. He needed his booster shots plus it was kind of a 'play date' between him and Akamaru, so she wouldn't worry about him being alone too long.

Once back in her bed, with the covers pulled to her chin and Argus curled at her side, she picks up her phone. It's just after two in the morning-Naruto would be home and probably still up. He used to shower after Teuchi's to get the smell off of him and the city grime. She could call, but she doesn't quite trust her voice. She texts him: Hope your night was good. I miss you.

His reply is almost immediate. Miss you too. Why u up? You ok?

She presses her lips together, considering. Yeah, she was. She smiles at the screen.

I'm ok. Bad dream, I think. Going back to sleep now. Argus says hi.

She watches the typing indicator for nearly a full minute. She suspects he's typing and erasing his replies, when finally she reads: Hey buddy. Call me tomorrow?

She smiles again, wider this time. Of course. Goodnight.

Sweet dreams, Hina.

She tucks herself against Argus, feeling the goofy grin she's now wearing. She falls asleep thinking of Naruto and her dreams are, indeed, very sweet.

There are many things that Hinata adores about both Lee and Guy-Sensei, but their very awful fashion sense is not one of them, which puts her in a bit of an awkward predicament when she is presented with a surprise gift when she arrives for practice.

A brand new green leotard with the Eight Gates logo on the back.

"Oh," she says, lifting the garment from the tissue paper. "This is...so unexpected." That was the truth. She stares at the material, both touched and horrified.

Sensei clasps her shoulder, his eyes glittering-looking suspiciously like tears. "Lee and I are both so proud of you," he tells her, giving her one of his super wide smiles.

Lee nods. "You have proven to be a splendid fighter and an inspiration."

Guy flashes a thumbs up at Lee. "Our little lotus blossom has come so far!"

Hinata flushes, tucking her chin for a moment, but she lifts her gaze to his-curiosity getting the better of her. Sensei has often called her his little lotus blossom before, and she's never really questioned it. "Why do you call me that? Lotus blossom?"

Sensei's smile doesn't change, but his eyes are definitely tearful now. "Because lotus blossoms bloom with remarkable beauty, despite adversity. They remain pure and lovely, rising above the muddy waters."

Hinata feels her own eyes sting, misting up. She always suspected that Guy Sensei and Lee knew more about her struggles than they let on. "Oh." She sniffs, bowing to him and then to Lee, holding the leotard close to her chest. "Thank you."

When she stands straight again, Sensei leans closer to whisper. "You do not have to wear it. It's mostly symbolic."

Oh thank God.

Still…it means a lot to her. They mean a lot to her. So she puts it on. Just for this practice.

Sensei insists on a picture.

She also takes one. It'll be one to add to her family wall.

Her family was so much larger than she ever imagined it could be.

She can't help but feel lighter and happier.

She's still rising.

After practice, she meets Ino and Sai for a light dinner. While they are there, Hinata considers Sensei's words. Nearing desert, Hinata bites her lip and asks Sai if he would sketch something for her. "I'll pay you, of course," she tells him. "But, if possible, could I commission a design from you?"

One of Ino's perfect brows arches. "What kind of design?"

Hinata tugs her bracelet a bit, but smiles. "A tattoo."

Ino inclines her head, but if she's surprised it doesn't show. She simply smiles and sips her wine. Sai takes the request, but refuses the payment. He'll have some sketches for her by the following weekend.

She's excited and nervous about it.

She talks to Kiba a bit about the idea when she picks up Argus. He's the only other person aside from Naruto that has tattoos-at least, that she knows of-so she has a few questions. He recommends a couple of places to her, but adds, "You know, Naruto would be a better resource for this."

She nods. "Oh, I know. He's working right now, though, and I kind of...wanna surprise him with it. Is that dumb?"

Kiba chuckles. "Depends on where you get it." He waggles his brows. "That could be quite the surprise."

"Kiba!" She flushes bright red. "You pervert. I'm thinking on the back of my shoulder. My god!"

He shrugs. "I can't see Naruto complaining about it, no matter where you get it," he responds truthfully. "How are things going with you two, anyway?" It's said off-handedly, but she has known Kiba almost as long as she's known Ino, and she can read the subtle tension in him.

"Things are good," she tells him, watching his expression. "We're taking it slow."

"That's good. I'm happy for you." He means it. She knows he does. But there's something he's not saying.

"Kiba?"

"Sorry," Kiba mumbles, rubbing his neck. He looks at her and gives an apologetic smile and shrugs "I'm just a little paranoid, with what happened last time." He takes a breath. "I can't-I can't find you like that again."

She nods, touching his arm. It's a bitter realization to know that she hurt him so deeply, but she understands where he's coming from. His worry stems from love and she can't fault him for that. "I'm sorry that I put you through that," she tells him. She feels the need to clarify something of her own, though. "You know that wasn't Naruto's fault, right?"

One side of Kiba's mouth kicks up and he rolls his eyes at her. "Believe it or not, yes, I do know that. I'm not an idiot. I was just really scared and pissed at the time. I know that knucklehead loves you. Shino and I both knew that you two found your way back to one another. That doesn't mean I'm going to stop worrying." He pauses and his smile turns teasing. "Or giving him a hard time."

She returns it with one of her own. "I wouldn't know what to do with myself if you two didn't butt heads."

She takes a photo of Kiba with Akamaru and Argus.

Another one for her wall.

Naruto's exhausted.

She can tell by the pull of his shoulders, the slightly hunched posture he walks with. She can see it in the way his eyes droop, even as he watches her routine. She knows he's pushing himself a little too hard, but she's trying to be less "parent" and more "partner" so she doesn't pressure him about it.

That doesn't mean she can't help him out though, and tease him a bit in the process. She waves him over from her practice mat when she sees him fighting to keep his head upright.

"Come on sleepy head."

"...not sleepy." Naruto mumbles. So convincingly.

"Of course not." She gives him a knowing smile, her lips quirked in amusement. "But you might want to do some jumping jacks before we walk over there." She gestures to the ring where Lee and Guy Sensei are set up.

Naruto blinks at her sluggishly. "Wait, are you done already?" He yawns through most of that question, arms stretching.

Hinata makes her way over to him, holding out her hands. He takes them immediately, but stands up on his own. Once on his feet, he pulls her closer to him and she feels a thrum of energy surge through her.

This is new.

Being openly affectionate.

Well, new for her.

Naruto has always worn his heart out for the world to see.

"Ready for practice?" She asks, leaning back to look up at him. She appreciates the strong line of his jaw, the slope of his brow. He's so handsome it stops her heart.

He nods at her, answering her question.

She uses their laced hands as leverage to pull herself up a bit, to get a better look at his eyes, searching his gaze. "Are you sure?"

He gives her a little eye roll. "Yes. I'm a thousand percent ready for Eyebrows to put me in a triangle choke for the thousandth time."

He sounds so defeated before even stepping onto the mat and a little bitter. She reaches up to snag his chin, pulling down so that she can actually see into his eyes and he into hers. "Lee and Guy Sensei are very important to me. They are helping you. You need to be respectful to them." She pinches her lips together. "And you are very good, I don't like when you talk about yourself like that."

She was proud of him.

He stares a little. She can't tell what he's thinking, though, so she presses, "Got it?"

He smirks at her and nods even as he tightens his hold on her hand while his free one snakes around her waist and lifts so just the very tips of her toes touch the mat. He presses a quick little kiss on her mouth and she feels her whole system short circuit.

"Naruto." She blushes, eyes blazing.

"I got it." He promises, letting her go...slowly.

They make their way to the set up area and Hinata bows to her Sensei. He winks at her, nodding in Naruto's direction. Both Guy and Lee had been teasing her mercilessly since they figured out that Naruto was more than a close friend of hers.

She still blushes every time.

She takes her spot at the edge of the mat and watches as Lee and Naruto square up. Being as tired as he is, she knows that he's going to struggle through the whole thing, but he doesn't quit. Never asks for a break. He gets up after every take down, ready to go again.

If that wasn't a prime example of what made Naruto Naruto she didn't know what was.

"Fucking Christ kid. You know how to box. You have to strike when he steps in." Jiraiya's voice grates on her nerves, but she presses her lips closed and lets him do his thing.

"We're practicing. I'm not going to jab him in the face." Naruto defends, waving a hand.

Jiraiya snorts something off color and pushes to his feet, leaving the bench to meet with Guy and Lee-who are being typical Guy and Lee and encouraging one another (loudly). Hinata steps into the ring, handing Naruto a water bottle.

He squirts a bit into his mouth, swishing before swallowing. "Any of your profound wisdom?" he teases.

She does see some areas that he can improve on, but he's so tired now that she doesn't want to overwork him. So, she decides to tease him back. "Mmhmm."

"Yeah? Come on." Naruto nudges her playfully.

She leans closer to whisper. He does the same-honestly interested in her advice. "Have you thought about... winning?"

"Oh yeah?" He laughs at her little jest. "That's your great advice? Win?"

"Yeah." She smiles up at him, unabashed in her open adoration.

Still more new for her.

But it felt so right not to hide from him anymore.

Her heart tumbles a bit when his hands move to rest on her hips, his thumb tracking tingling paths. She lets her own hands wander up his biceps, fingers flexing on the insides of his arms. As she does, she travels back down and comes across tape and bandages.

She frowns, glancing up at him. "Are you hurt?" How had she missed that?

Naruto's gaze skirts hers, but then returns. He looks contemplative for a few seconds, but then he shakes his head. "Not anymore." The words feel like a promise.

Hinata knows there's more to them than he's sharing at the moment.

But she's going to hold the promise of them.

They wrap up practice with some stretches and Lee gives Naruto some pointers for "Next time, rival."

Naruto looks completely confused by that statement, but Hinata grins. "Trust me," she tells him. "If Lee views you as his rival-you're doing great."

He shrugs, taking her at her word.

"So," he rubs his neck as they make their way outside into the cool air. "Want some company later?"

"Don't you work tonight?" She asks him.

"I do, but I could come over after."

She raises one brow.

"Hinata, I don't have Netflix. We need to see the next episode," he reasons. He turns to face her, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Come on Hina."

"I have work tomorrow." It's such a weak excuse. She knows it.

"I do too," he counters. "I'm opening."

"She's going to die and wake up in her friends ridiculously decorated bathroom again. We haven't made any progress so far." She toes the ground. She can be a responsible adult and resist him...she could. Just as long as she didn't look into those blue eyes of his.

"I'll bring you that cinnamon dessert pizza," he cajoles.

Well...so much for that, she thinks, looking up and getting lost in his gaze.

Let him think it was the delicious dessert pizza.

It wasn't.

It was him.

Always him.

So despite the fact that she had two meeting in the morning, and she had to be up early, she finds herself up at two in the morning for the second time that week. Except this time she's curled up with Naruto and Argus and she honestly can't think of a better reason to be awake.

"Who the fuck is this random dude? He's dying too?" Naruto questions around a yawn. He's leaned against her heavily, his hand crossing her lap to reach Argus to half-heartedly stroke his fur.

"You picked this show." Hinata reminds him, sleepily.

"Nuh-uh. You said someone from work told you it was good."

"They lied."

"It is good." .

She glances at him to ridicule his taste when she notices that his eyes are shut. "Your eyes are closed."

"No they aren't." He nuzzles closer into her.

She smiles, leaning her head back. "You're going to fall asleep," she whispers.

"Am not."

He does. Not even a minute later.

She watches him sleep for a few minutes, brushing her fingers through his hair much like he had done with Argus. She closes her own eyes.

She is pulled from sleep a little while later when her very warm blanket is removed. It takes her several groggy seconds to realize that she's on her loveseat and that she can hear Naruto's voice-low and hushed-nearby.

"Are we done here?" He's asking.

There's a pause and sleep tries to pull her back, but she can hear the edge in his tone.

"It was good talking to you, too."

Whomever he was speaking to, that was certainly not the case, she thinks.

Another pause and then Naruto's voice loses all pretense of calm and quiet.

"If you don't keep Hinata's fucking name out of your goddamn mouth, I'll put my fist in it. Got it?"

She places a hand on Argus who is also roused, to ease him.

In her kitchen, naruto is still on a tirade. "I don't give a single fuck about Sakura or whatever bullshit runaround you two are still doing. Go fuck yourself."

Oh. So, Sasuke, then.

She swallows back the bitter taste just thinking his name leaves her with. She wishes, wishes, wishes, that Naruto could shake free of that dead friendship...that was never really a friendship. But she knows how Naruto loves and despite everything-or maybe because of it-he loved Sasuke.

She pushes the negative away, and focuses on this moment. On Naruto, maybe hurting. Sasuke always had a way to get to him. "Everything okay?" She asks him, quietly.

"Of course." Naruto smiles, alleviating some of her worry as he makes his way back towards her. "I'm with you." He stoops down, kissing her lightly on her temple.

She smiles at that, letting her eyes close at the contact-savoring it.

"If you didn't need to lock your door, which you definitely do need to do, I'd tuck you in." Naruto does exactly that to a strand of her hair, tucking it behind her ear. "But you definitely do need lock your door."

She doesn't want him to leave. She doesn't want this moment-this quiet, happy little moment-to be over. "Don't go."

He responds by kissing her again, this time on her cheek. "I'd stay anytime you wanted me to," he tells her. "But I don't actually have the gym keys on me right now."

She nods, rousing herself slowly, keeping her blanket cocooned around her. It smells, just a bit, like him. It'll have to do.

"Will you be safe, going home now?" She asks at the door, checking the time. Yes, he can kick a serious amount of ass, but perps didn't carry just fists.

He shrugs easily enough. "I'll bring you a coffee in the morning." He promises instead of false platitudes and assurance. He bends his head, this time his lips finding hers. She leans up a bit. Morning breath be damned. He pulls back reluctantly.

She gazes up into his sleepy face. "That's too early."

"I know. I just want to see you."

She blushes at that, but it feels good. It's nice to know that he enjoys being around her. Not simply sharing their space. Sometimes, when they lived together, it was hard for her to determine if it was her he wanted to be around, or that they simply lived together, so he was stuck with her.

He slips his shoes and coat on, zipping them up. He pauses long enough to give her one last kiss. "Go to bed." He says and the door shuts behind him.

She presses her fingertips to her mouth. "Stay safe," she whispers.