Disclaimer: Naruto's not mine
If it were, I'd be wealthy
I'm not, so don't sue.

First of all, I LIVE! I know some of you were wondering what was going on... Well, I had some issues with writers block, then work... So I apologize for dropping off the radar like I did.

I really appreciate all of your reviews... I'm glad my story is so popular. I hope I can live up to your expectations. And I hope by the time this is all said and done, I win you all back. Don't worry; it should never take this long for a chapter again.

Well, on with chapter ten! Booyah!

To Hell With the Consequences
Written by PHreek-Boi

Chapter Ten: Wallflower Tears

I charged out of the Ichiraku Ramen Bar before I broke into tears. Naruto-kun's words assailed me as I ran, the image of he and Sakura holding hands causing a painful ache in my chest. "We're dating," his voice played again, forcing more tears free of my eyes. They were together. I had lost him to Sakura, and that was somehow more painful than any torture I could imagine.

You knew it was just a matter of time, Hinata-san, a voice played in my mind. You always knew that someday she would realize she wanted him, and he'd give himself to her willingly.

Yes, I knew it would happen. Though truthfully, I had always hoped he might spend at least some time showering me with his affection, that I might be the first to feel his bare flesh pressing against mine, first to hear him moan my name in the throes of exstacy...

Such impure thoughts! the voice in my head marvelled. I knew you were into him, but this is something I didn't expect!

I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks as I stare down at the ground. I can't help how I feel. I suppose it's mostly hormones. I am seventeen, after all, and according to Neji-kun, the teenaged mind is driven primarily by lust. And Naruto-kun is my object of desire. I've loved him for so long... Why did he have to pick Sakura?

Because he loves her, the voice replied. You've known that for as long as you've known Naruto.

It doesn't change anything. I want him to love me. I want him to hold me. I just want him. But... I'll never have him, will I?

Nope. I know it's harsh, but get over him. He's finally got the girl of his dreams. So Try to be happy for him, and move on.

I suppose that would be best... although maybe it'd be alright to hope their relationship doesn't work out... Then he would realize that he should have picked me, that Sakura was no good for him. He'd be mine... He would love me, like I love him...

I know it's just wishful thinking. Naruto-kun has never showed any interest in me. He's always had eyes for that pink-haired witch, Sakura. It's her fault I'm miserable. Why'd he pick her instead of me? I loved him! I would have done anything for him! She all but spit on him, yet he still loved... loves her.

More than I could ever hope for him to love me.

I know she makes him happy, and I can tell they really love one another. But I can't help but wish it was me whose hand he was holding.

You make it sound like it's the end of the world.

It is, in a way. It means I don't have a chance in hell of getting him to even notice me. And it was always a constant in out world, Me pining after Naruto-kun, who pined after Sakura, who pined after Sasuke-san, who lusted after the power to defeat his brother and avenge his clan. Now Naruto-kun and Sakura are together, and it means everything is different. It's hard to accept.

I understand, Hinata-san. But you're all growing up. Even Naruto.

That in itself is a disheartening thought. One of the things that attraced me to Naruto-kun was his perpetual youth. He was always out playing tag with the village children, or pulling pranks on Hokage-sama. Even when the older villagers treat him like dirt, he's always got another cheek to turn. And I bet that abnormal level of energy leads to great sex...

It's too bad Sakura sunk her claws into him...

I suppose standing here pining over Naruto-kun doesn't help much. Neji-san would tell me I'm being childish, and that such things are a waste of my time... Of course, Neji-san doesn't know that I found those dirty books he hides in his bedroom...

Knowing I've lost Naruto-kun before I even had a chance is hard. But, I suppose as long as I know he's happy, it's alright. And I know that as long as he's with Sakura, he'll always be happy. Dammit. Since there's nothing else I can do, I might as well accept it. I'm sure I'll love again, someday. Maybe I'll give Kiba-san a chance.

On second thought... Nah.

I should go back and apologize for running out like I did. It was kind of rude, and I'm sure they know I was upset. I was being foolish. Naruto was never mine. I never even had a chance. So I'll try to make my peace with it, and I'll try to be supportive.

But if Sakura ever dumps him, I'll be right there to snap him up. A girl's gotta have priorities, after all. It's not my fault my priorities involve a gorgeous, bronzed god of a man, with golden hair, eyes that on on forever, and an amazing ass...

Mmm...

Wow. Maybe I should be writing those dirty books Kakashi-san is always reading. I could make a fortune, since the only thing I can concentrate on is the mental picture of me and Naruto-kun, tangled together and glistening with sweat as we...

Easy, girl. You're not making this any easier on yourself.

I can't help it. I need something to take my mind off of Naruto-kun. Well, I could concentrate on my studies. Neji-san always tells me I need to concentrate more. Concentrate... Concentrate... Neji-san always says I should imaginei'm in a boat on a tranquil pool... There are no interruptions... Except for that hot blond boy, who seems to be skinny dipping. He pulls me out of the boat into his arms, and carries me to the shore, where we...

Maybe I could go find a pool of cold water to sit in for a while. That might help.

I wonder what all those medics are doing at the Ramen Bar? Maybe Ichiraku-sama picked up some bad miso.

Or maybe...

Oh no! Naruto-kun!

A/N: Another short chapter, but the hardest to write so far. How do you express the feelings of a character who you are barely aware of? It's not easy, for sure. If Hinata seems out of character, keep in mind that these are her thoughts. So she'd probably sound a lot like a regular seventeen-year-old. Anyway, I promise the next chapter wuill be longer. Read and review! If you're nice and review lots, I'll get the next chappie out sooner! Until next time.