A/N: Warning, this Chapter contains Adult situations, if you don't like it... tough shit, There is a reason for the rating.

PS. I hope I did a decent job, I've always been a little uncomfortable writing Risque' scenes, but I think that the ones in this chapter turned out fairly well...
Enjoy,
Manatheron

Without stopping to think He jumped foreword to catch her, stopping her mere inches above the carpeted floor. The last thing Hinata saw before she blacked out was a bright flash, and Naruto's worried face.

"You should really stop doing that to her you know."

Startled, Naruto looked up from where he had been staring in concern at the fainted Hinata.

"Kenchi? What are you doing here?"

The diminutive Phoenix gave a shrug before he flashed over to Naruto's shoulder

"Following you around. Like I said, the nest is rather boring, all the others do is talk about how superior we are to all other species. Well, that and gossip. 'The first' is the only really decent one up there, but he's always busy."

Naruto paused for a moment before shrugging.

"Alright, I guess that I have no problem with you sticking around for a while… Since you're here can you give me a hand with her?"

Kenchi shrugged at Naruto again before swooping down and then flashing Hinata onto his (Naruto's ) bed. Naruto Paused only to take his fathers battle gear back off before he walked over to check on the sleeping Hinata. Leaning over he rested a hand on her forehead to make certain she wasn't sick. After a moment he leaned over a little further and, Blushing again, lightly brushed his lips across hers. As he pulled back he was a little surprised to see Hinata's eyes Flutter open again. He was slightly more taken back when she looked a little disappointed before she muttered

"I knew it had to be a dream."

Naruto hadn't moved since she had woken up, his mind trying desperately to understand what she meant.

What was a dream?

His mind shut down however when Hinata suddenly grinned at him, her gaze no longer sleepy but hungry.

"Well, if this is a dream, I can at least do what I've been wanting to do for the last couple of days."

Naruto had no time at all to react as Hinata swiftly reached both arms up and pulled him into a kiss so intense, so purely emotional, that his arms and legs trembled for a moment before he collapsed (as softly as he could manage) on top of her. After Hinata finally broke the kiss, there were several long seconds while the two of them tried to catch their breath, looking him in the eyes Hinata said

"Oh WOW, My Imagination is getting WAY better, I just hope you kiss half as well in real life."

Naruto's mind was still on overload… The kiss had guaranteed that, but sluggishly he tried to comprehend exactly what she meant when she said 'In Real Life' Once again his train of thought was broken however as Hinata grabbed his arms and pulled him close before rolling them both over and then sitting up. She was now sitting on top of him and Naruto fervently hoped that she wasn't able to feel what her kiss had done to him. Ironically, fate had other plans.

"What have we here?"

Naruto was shocked as Hinata reached down and caressed him though his pants.

"Well, at least I have this affect on you in my dreams"

Hinata's face momentarily fell

"I just wish you'd notice me that way in real life."

Naruto was getting an Inkling as to what was happening now

She still thinks she's asleep! She thinks that today has been nothing but a fond dream!

Naruto was about to open his mouth to tell her that it was no dream when Hinata bent over and gave him another soul shatteringly sweet kiss. Again Naruto had a hard time catching his breath when Hinata finally broke away for air. He was about to speak up again, but of all the things that could have happened next, what actually did shocked him into silence. Hinata gave him that predatory grin again and then slowly removed her heavy coat. Underneath she wore a white formfitting shirt, which buttoned down the front, her white bra faintly outlined beneath it.

"Lets see how far I can make it this time hmm? I don't think I've ever made it to the last button before waking up out of embarrassment, but perhaps tonight…"

Naruto's mouth went dry as Hinata, her eyes never leaving his face, reached up and Undid the first button.

"H…. Hhhhhhin…."

Naruto knew that he needed to stop her, before she did something that would REALLY embarrass her when she realized she wasn't dreaming, but he just couldn't seem to form the words he needed, and his eyes followed her hands as they unhooked the second and third buttons, He knew his face was glowing, and they could both feel his body responding.

"H… Hina…"

The fourth and fifth buttons followed a bit more slowly, Hinata's face heating up as her shirt began to open up in the front.

"Hin… Hinata?"

"Yes Naruto-kun?"

The sixth button came undone, only one left and her shirt would be completely open, not that it was hiding much as it was.

"Y…. your not."

The seventh button came undone, and both Hinata and Naruto were blushing like twin sunrises. Kenchi of course had been watching the whole scene with interest, if it went much farther, he intended to flash out and give them some privacy, but for now… well, this was MUCH more interesting than sitting around the nest. Idly he wondered what Kyuubi would be willing to trade him for this story.

"Not what Naruto-kun?"

The last button came undone, and Hinata slipped out of her over shirt, her face as red as flames as she reached for the catch to her bra.

"Y… your not d…dreaming."

Hinata froze, her face going from bright red to pale white, her voice little more than a whisper

"What?"

"Y… you're not dreaming. Th…This is all real. Y… you passed out when I said that M… My father was the f… fourth and w...when you w...woke up…."

Naruto didn't have a chance to finish the sentence; Hinata's eyes had suddenly gone wide in fear.

"Then… Then you know everything? W… what I think…. H… how I feel… What I D…Dr…"

Suddenly Hinata had to get away, glancing around she could see her discarded shirts, Naruto's folded cape and Weapons in the corner… it was to much to take in all at once, especially when it finally registered that she was currently shirtless and straddling him. For a moment Naruto thought she was going to faint, but suddenly she was out the door and running down the hall, Naruto could hear one of the bedroom doors slam as she ran inside, and he was at a complete loss about what to do.

"Go after her Idiot!"

Naruto jumped at the sound of Kenchi's voice

"B…but."

Kenchi drew himself up to his full height

"If you ever want to see that girl again, go. NOW!"

And Naruto went

Sighing Shikamaru lay back again,

Life is good

Beside him lay Ino, and he causally reached out and ran his fingers though her hair. She smiled but didn't respond, not vocally at least.

Oh how I love it when you do that… I never knew how… erotic watching the clouds could be.

Smiling Shikamaru scooted a little closer, and he blushed a little when Ino moved close enough to rest her head on his chest. Down the hill Shikamaru's former fan girls were sniffling to themselves as they watched the rather touching scene, but neither of the two noticed them, they were too wrapped up in each other. Thoughts randomly drifted though Shikamaru's head. This was usual of course, why else would he watch clouds if not to clear his mind?

I never knew that shopping could be fun… Hmm, Is that a new shampoo? I like it… I wonder what she's thinking… I suppose we'll need to get up for dinner soon…

Ino however wasn't really thinking much of anything; this isn't all that surprising though as she had drifted off to sleep while listening to the sound of his heartbeat, after a while the fangirls drifted away, leaving the two relaxed. Content in each other's presence

Running down the hall Naruto's mind tried desperately to catch up. As I said before, he wasn't stupid; he just had no Idea what he was supposed to do. Suddenly he pulled himself up short, he was certain that this was the door Hinata had gone into. For one thing it was the only door that wasn't open a crack, and for another… he could hear her soft sobs from the other side of the door. Knocking gently he pushed it open. There lay Hinata, stretched full length on the bed, sobbing as though her heart were broken.

"Hinata?"

Naruto was sure that she could have heard his soft whisper, but she didn't so much as flinch. Quietly he walked closer. It appeared that she had indeed heard him however, because as he approached she suddenly scrambled to the top of the bed, and there she sat, still sobbing, her knees curled tight to her chest. Naruto was again at a loss, she looked so beautiful sitting there that even the tears couldn't detract from it.

Like a broken angel…

Naruto's heart went out to her, and the love for her that had slowly been building since Suna compelled him to move forward. Nothing mattered anymore. Nothing except helping his Hinata. Carefully he moved forward, noticing that the cold air was causing her to shiver. Pulling the quilt off the bed he carefully came farther forward and wrapped it around her shoulders, both to warm her, and to hide the fact that she was still shirtless.

"Hinata-Chan?"

Brokenly Hinata tried to stifle her sobs... He knew now. He knew, and nothing would ever be the same.

"Hinata-Chan? Say something please."

"Just… just go away."

Hinata already knew what he was going to say, 'Sorry, but I love Sakura-Chan. We can still be friends though'. She knew he would say it, and she dreaded hearing the words come out of his mouth, because once he said it. Once he voiced what he felt. She knew that her heart would break along with her spirit. She knew that once he said it, she would finally give in to her father and allow herself to be married off as a diplomatic gesture to clear the way for Hanabi.

"I can't Hinata. Not while the women I love is crying like this. It would kill me."

"I don't want your sympathy Naruto-kun, I know you don't love me, I know that you probably never will."

She didn't know why she said it aloud, probably to keep him away if nothing else, he was sitting by her now, and she had drawn the blanket as tight as she could around her shoulders.

"Why wouldn't I love you Hinata?"

His voice was confused, but that didn't really mean anything. She knew that he would say anything to help a friend. He was an excellent actor after all.

Hell, he has to be an excellent actor. Fifteen and a half years and nobody but me has ever seen behind that smiling mask of his.

Tears dripping off of her cheeks she replied

"You don't have to pretend Naruto-kun. I already know, and it's only making it worse."

"Tell me Hinata. Tell me what you know."

He was playing with her! Hinata had never felt so embarrassed nor humiliated in her life. He knew Exactly how she felt, Exactly what she was talking about… but he still pretended ignorance. For the first time in her life Hinata lost her temper.

"STOP PLAYING WITH ME! I know all right! I know all about how you think I'm some 'dark little timid girl' OK? I know you could 'Like' but never 'Love' some weird person like me."

Hinata's voice dropped to a whisper

"I know that Sakura is the only person you will ever see as worthy of you. But please, don't patronize me. It only makes the heartache worse."

The words had hardly left her mouth when she felt Naruto's arms go around her, and he drew her into a tight hug. The first one he could remember having ever initiated.

"My poor Hinata-Chan. Is that what's bothering you? Sakura?"

Hinata opened her mouth to retort, but Naruto kept talking.

"If that's all then set your mind at ease. I do love her, I have for a long time…"

Hinata's heart dropped... Here it came, the rejection

" but not like that."

Tears had begun to pool in her eyes again, and images of a loveless marriage flashed before her eyes for a moment before what he said sunk in. jerking her head up she stared him in the eye, searching for any hint of falsehood.

"In fact, I haven't thought of her like that for quite some time now."

Seeing nothing but sincerity Hinata felt the weights on her heart begin to lessen

"You see, I found someone else."

Hinata's heart sank. She had known that it was too good to be true.

"Someone who I love so much, that to compare the two loves would be to compare a candle to the sun."

Hinata's heart sank even lower

"Someone whose face seems to cloud my every waking thought, whose beauty is outshone only by her compassion and Hopefully, her love for me."

Tear again fell from Hinata's eyes. She didn't want to touch him anymore, but she buried her face in his shoulder anyway, drinking in his scent for what would probably be the last time.

" A girl whose kisses steal my breath away and leave me weak at the knees… Do you want to know her name?"

No!

"yes."

"Her name is Hyuuga Hinata."

Hinata froze again, stunned. Lifting her head off his shoulder she sought his eyes out, intent on searching his gaze again, but the moment their eyes connected she froze. The love she saw there was like a beacon, it radiated out from those stunning blue eyes and seemed to fill her with warmth, spreading in a hot wave from her head to her toes. Slowly he leaned forward, his eyes never leaving hers, and brushed a feather light kiss across her lips. The second kiss was deeper and she felt as though electricity was spreading it's self though her entire body. With a soft sigh she fell backwards pulling her newfound love with her.

"And then they kissed again, the blanket falling from her shoulders, and both of their hands started to wander a little."

"Um hmmm… and then?"

Kenchi sighed

"And then they realized that she was still shirtless. He brushed a thumb across her collar bone and deepened the kiss, and then."

"Wait! Wait a minute."

Kenchi stopped his story, slightly flustered at the white haired old mans interruption.

"You mean to say that my student went 'All the way' with a Hyuuga?"

Kyuubi frowned slightly as he looked at Jirayia.

"Your right, I know the kid could be a charmer if he wanted to, but that last bit seemed a little… off from the rest of the story."

Kyuubi gave Kenchi a penetrating glance

"Up to now she's always been the aggressor, now he's making the moves?"

Kenchi shifted uncomfortably before replying.

"Oh alright, after he brushed his thumb over her collar they both blushed and he looked away and muttered something about her needing to get dressed again. It was at this point that she realized that she was still shirtless and wrapped the blanket a little tighter around herself before hurrying back to his room to get dressed… satisfied?"

Kyuubi looked at Jirayia… Jirayia looked at Kyuubi… they both looked down at their notes… They both looked back at each other... then as though thet were one person, they both looked back at Kenchi. After a moment Kyuubi spoke up

"So, after he deepened the kiss…."

Kenchi smiled and continued his tale. His improvements on reality coming readily to mind.

"As I was saying, he deepened the kiss, lovingly brushing his hand across…"

"Lovingly brushing his hand across her breast before he reached around and undid the clasp on her bra. 'I love you' He whispered in her ear, the words sending chills up her spine…"

Jirayia snapped the mostly completed book shut and sat with his eyes closed for a moment.

"It's perfect Kyubito-san, Our best work yet!"

Kyuubi smiled in appreciation

"You know if they end up getting married we might just have to have Kenchi spy on them a little more… just to ensure accuracy of course."

Jirayia grinned

"Of course! I have to admit that I wonder what happened though; I mean Kenchi was at the bar with us all night… I wonder when they got back."

"A word with you daughter."

Hinata's posture immediately dropped the half dreaming expression and she sat bolt upright, fear seeming to radiate out from her before she slowly climbed to her feet, wincing at the smirk on her sister's face

"Of course father, right away."

It took only moments for Haishi to lead Hinata to his office, and seating himself behind his desk, he motioned for her to approach.

"You were seen arriving last night."

Those words were all it took; Hinata's face fell at the news as she remembered

---Flashback---

"Come on Hinata-Chan. It's time to go"

Knowing he was right but resenting it all the same Hinata picked up her heavy overcoat. She hadn't bothered putting it back on when she put on her shirt, what was the point? He had already seen everything. She did put it back on now however.

Naruto may have seen, but that doesn't mean I intend to show anyone else.

Walking slowly, the two meandered past the testing room and down the dimly lit hallway that Sasuke had traversed only the week before. Exiting the tunnels the two re-appeared behind Naruto's usual entrance near the Ramen shop

"I had a great time tonight Hinata, I hope that we can still hang out together after I get better."

Hinata giggled slightly, and with a small shrug she leaned forward and planted a little kiss on his lips. This had become a favorite game of hers in the last hour because every time she did it he would stop and blink as though amazed.

"I hope so to Naruto, after all what are girlfriends for?"

Naruto blinked again and then smiled at her.

"If this is what having a girlfriend is like then I'm thankful that I have you Hinata."

Blushing Hinata turned and started walking toward the town's center.

---End Flashback---

"I don't much care for the company you keep daughter"

Hinata lowered her head a little more, She had protests and explanations, but she couldn't seem to find her voice.

"However"

Hinata raised her eyes; oddly her father was smiling a little. It was the first smile she had seen on his face in years.

"For one of the princes of Konoha I suppose I'm willing to make an exception. I didn't expect you to be the one to finally reform him, but if it is your wish to try then you have my blessings."

Hinata could hardly believe her ears! Her father didn't mind? She had been certain he would be coolly disapproving, she had been certain that he would demand that Naruto prove his parentage.

"Then you D...don't disapprove?"

Haishi frowned a little.

"Of course I disapprove, the boy is far to headstrong and willful, but if you are willing to try then I am of course behind you. Were he not one of the Princes I would probably disown you for even thinking about him but... Don't fail me in this daughter. Find a way to tie him to this village... no matter what it may cost you personally! Also your curfew has been repealed, no need to rush back anymore. You are dismissed."

Hinata wandered the halls of her home; there was something odd about her conversation with her father. It was almost as though they had been talking about two entirely different people. But that wasn't possible was it? He said that he knew... Hinata's thoughts were interrupted a moment later by a familiar voice

"Moping cousin?"

Looking up Hinata saw Neji leaning in a doorframe just a little further down the hall

"Nii-san."

Hinata inclined her head slightly as she passed

"Well, aren't you going to answer me?"

Answer? What do I need to... oh right, moping

"No cousin, I am not depressed, just... thinking."

"Thinking? About the boyfriend you're not allowed to see anymore?"

Hinata stopped short

"How do you know about him?"

"Who do you think told Haishi? I saw the two of you, Prince or no prince, you're far to good for him."

"How did you know that he's one of the princes?"

"Who doesn't? Not that it matters, I'm sure Haishi-sama ordered you to stay away from that bastard Sasuke anyways."

"Sasuke? Why would he..."

Suddenly it was like a light bulb had turned on in Hinata's mind

"You and father think that Sasuke is my boyfriend?"

Now it was Neji's turn to look puzzled

"Why are you acting like he's not? It won't change Haishi-Sama's orders."

Hmmm. Now this is funny, what was it father said? 'Bind him to the village no matter what it may cost you personally' oh this is rich, he thinks that I'm dating Sasuke so he wants me to...

Hinata blushed as she finally realized what her father had been implying. It burned a little to that he cared so little for her that he would nearly Order her to sleep with that... that... Carefully Hinata banked her temper, saving it for later as Naruto had taught her to do last night.

There is an opportunity here if I'm careful, after all father basically ordered me to throw myself at him... I can't be blamed that he received false information. But for now I need to get rid of Neji for a while... I need to keep him guessing to...

"Uchiha-san?"

Hinata said, nearly laughing as she studied the effect her words were having on her cousin

"I admit to dating a prince of the fire country, but I never said that it was Uchiha-san."

"But…I… You… He…"

---Flashback---

Standing at the gates to the Hyuuga manor the group of four shifted, slightly uncomfortable in each other's presence. Naruto of course was still glaring at Sasuke, and Sakura didn't dare say anything in his defense as the Uchiha was obviously in the wrong.

"A word with you Sakura?"

Hinata, Sasuke, and Sakura all jumped slightly as Naruto broke the silence.

"S…sure"

Walking about twenty feet away Naruto turned

"Do you know what you're doing?"

Sakura was slightly puzzled, but before she could open her mouth to ask what he meant, Naruto continued

"Because if that bastard hurts you again I'll kill him."

Sakura, now realizing what he was talking about, started to get angry

He's JEALOUS of my relationship with Sasuke? I thought he realized that he and I would never work! If he thinks for ONE minute that he can dictate who I am and am not allowed to…

Sakura's internal rant, much like her question, was cut off though

"Sakura, I love you…"

Oh Shit…

"And I refuse to see my sister hurt by that bastard anymore."

S…Sister?

"So I want you to look me in the eyes and tell me that you know what you're doing, because although I held back for you once, I won't do it again."

A short distance away (and just barely inside Neji's Bykuggan range) there was a similar conversation going on.

"So, you're dating the Dobe eh?"

Hinata, startled, looked up and blushed slightly

"Y…yes."

Sasuke's eyes, which had been so sharp a moment ago softened a little.

"Good, he needs someone like you in his life. Stupid Dobe would probably bleed to death of a paper cut otherwise."

Hinata smiled back, glad to see that Sasuke still cared, even though Naruto didn't much like him at the moment.

"Thank you for your support Sasuke-kun, It means a lot."

Just then Sakura walked back over

"Naruto would like to see you for a moment Hinata."

Impulsively Hinata gave Sasuke a hug before turning to walk over to Naruto. Neji, who had been watching the whole exchange, (Though he could only read Hinata's lips) lost his Bykuggan in surprise the moment Hinata hugged Sasuke.

She said 'yes' to something, thanked him for his support, and then HUGGED him? That bastard asked her out… Haishi must hear about this.

So thinking, Neji sped away to inform his uncle what he had seen, completely missing the (once again) chaste kiss Hinata planted on Naruto's lips before walking back to the mansion.

---End Flashback---

Hinata laughed aloud at the look on Neji's face

"Whatever you thought you saw Nii-san, I'm afraid you saw wrong. To the best of my knowledge Sasuke-san is dating Sakura."

"Then… then who?"

Hinata, who was enjoying the look on Neji's face FAR too much, wasn't about to give up her game that easily.

"I'm afraid that, THAT is for me to know, and you to find out… Now, if you'll forgive me I need to train… Bye Nii-san"

Well… THAT should buy me a little time. He doesn't dare go to Haishi now in case I'm bluffing, but at least he's puzzled

Smiling again Hinata wandered off making plans while Neji tried to figure out exactly where he had lost the upper hand in the conversation.

--sniff--

--Sniff sniff--

Silently the shadow coalesced. It moved slowly and silently across the ground pausing to sniff the air every so often. The target had been here… they could feel it. They could also smell the unmistakable scent of fox… Moving more swiftly now, they followed the trial to a well-lit building, but not wanting to draw attention to themselves they did not enter the light.

-A place of healing-

--Are you sure? --

-Yes, the smell is right-

---What do we do now? ---

-We wait of course-

---How long? ---

--As long as we need to stupid—

-Both of you relax, he'll be back-

Silently the shadow slid away from the brightly lit building. The temporary leader thinking

Perhaps not tonight Uzumaki, but tomorrow… tomorrow is a whole new day.

The next day Naruto was woken to the sound of an argument just outside his bedroom door. He tried valiantly to shut out the sound until a name caught his ear.

"So you didn't manage to trace it Kyubito-san?"

Hmm, that's Granny Tsunade

"I told you already woman, the damn trail seems to vanish. Besides, I never much cared for their kind."

And Kyuubi

"Tell me again how you know what this thing is?"

Jirayia

"Simple, the Cerberus is the only one of us that leaves no footprints on anything but solid stone. (1)"

"Cerberus… are you sure your not drunk Kyubito-san? Cerberus is from mythology, his story was around back in the old world."

There was a slight pause, as though someone was trying to keep back their temper

"So was mine Jirayia-san"

Again there was a brief pause

"So, do we tell the kid?"

Naruto's reflexes were barely enough to get him out of the way as Jirayia came flying though the wall of his room. A second later Tsunade stepped in,

"Stupid, Ugly, Perverted, Idiotic… PERVERT! 'Do we tell the kid?' Of COURSE we do you moron! He has the right to…"

Tsunade trailed off at the sight of Naruto leaning against the wall, laughter shining in his eyes at the plight of Jirayia. Turning to her, he gave a short bark of a laugh.

"Let me guess, Footprints on stone, trail disappeared, Probably a hellhound, Kyubito isn't sure of it's intent?"

Kyuubi poked his head in the hole in the wall and grinned at his former container.

"I knew I had the right Idea when I tuned your hearing up to a decent level. Here's the catch though, Cerberus and I… we never got along the best. His type are loyal as they come, and dangerous as hell (No pun intended). In a straight match between one of my kits and one of his pups, they would probably have the advantage. Like I said though, loyal as hell, and smart too, they are considered slightly dark by the rest of us, but that's only because they don't like many people, and they have been known to attack people who even THINK about turning traitor. If you do find him, be polite above all else, and whatever you do, don't show him ANY fear ok?"

Naruto nodded,

Sounds like the teme on a good day

Walking over, Kyuubi picked up Jirayia

"Well, gotta go! Have a good day kid."

With that he jumped out the window taking his perverted co-author with him. Tsunade, nearly forgotten in the exchange, watched as Naruto's face took on a thoughtful expression for a moment before he turned to her.

"Well, since those perverts are out of your hair for a moment, how about you give me that damn physical so I can quit taking up space here."

Tsunade smiled again, today was looking up already.

Naruto whistled as he walked down the street, after a cursory scan Tsunade had announced that he was the picture of perfect health before releasing him with instructions to find Hinata.

I would have anyway, but this way I at least have an excuse.

Walking up he knocked on the door to the Hyuuga manor. After a moment's wait the door opened and Neji looked out. The moment he saw Naruto though he looked slightly confused

"Can I help you Naruto-san?"

Naruto gave him a half bow before handing over the scroll that Tsunade had given him.

"I need to borrow Hinata-Chan for a moment, apparently she is designated to lead me to my new dwellings."

Mentally Naruto wiped a drop of sweat off his forehead and thanked Tsunade for telling him to be as formal as possible. Neji studied him for a moment before glancing at the note.

"Yes, this seems to be in order, wait here, I'll go get her."

Turning away Neji was about to leave when he suddenly stopped and turned back

"Do you know who Hinata-Sama is dating?"

Naruto was shocked

We've only been going out for a day! How did he find out!

Neji of course mistook his silence for confusion.

"I didn't think so, just a moment and I will inform her."

Naruto frowned a little as he concentrated

How on earth could they have found out that Hinata and I were dating? Sasuke! I'll KILL him, I'll rip his…Wait… Neji doesn't know who, so either everyone is trying to keep her family from finding out, or else this is only a rumor… Yes, that must be it… it's just a rumor.

"She will be with you in a moment"

Naruto was startled; he had been so wrapped up in his thoughts that he hadn't even heard Neji return

"Thank you Neji-san."

With a short bow Neji turned and walked back down the hall leaving Naruto standing at the door.

Now that was odd…

Let me think. Assuming Hinata was telling the truth about not dating Sasuke who would be left? One of our own? No… the parent would have reported it by now… Hmmm let me think. Uchiha… Hyuuga… Nara…and… NO!

Neji stopped dead suddenly it all started to fit together and Hinata's words seemed to echo mockingly in his head. 'I admit to dating a prince of the fire country, but I never said that it was Uchiha-san.'

Shikamaru was recently seen with Ino, Hinata said that Sasuke and Sakura are dating…

As quickly as he could Neji activated his blood limit.

OK, he's still standing there… there is the door… and here comes Hinata.

Once again Neji was shocked, blushing Hinata stood behind the closed door and tried to smooth out her coat and fix her already immaculate hair. The moment she opened the door Naruto's face lit up and he blushed slightly as well. For a moment Neji started getting mad, but then Naruto offered Hinata an arm, and a giggling Hinata threaded her own though it, and the two walked off, Hinata for once being the person talking animatedly.

I've never seen her that happy. She almost looked…Content.

Neji stood with his back against the wall and watched the pair for a little longer as Naruto opened the gate for Hinata with a little bow and she laughingly curtsied back before leaving the compound.

Well… I don't really know for certain… and jumping to conclusions is what may have gotten me in trouble in the first place here… Perhaps…

Nodding to himself Neji walked quickly back down the hall and slipped out the door,

Perhaps I need to gather some more information first… after all It's only my business if she's making poor choices.

Trailing the two and being careful not to look obvious Neji had to smile a little. Very seldom did he mis-read a person, but hopefully this was one of the times he was wrong.

Hinata giggled again. For some reason just being around Naruto was very humorous today. It was like the knowledge her father had unknowingly ordered her to do this had become an aphrodisiac, and it was making her giddy. After walking a couple of blocks Naruto paused and Hinata looked up at him slightly confused.

"I don't know where we are going Hina. (Doll) You'll have to lead."

Of course her good mood could also be contributed to little phrases like that, Back at her home he had been so overly formal that she had laughed aloud, and now… now he was just being endearing.

"Of course Naruto, just keep walking and I'll do the steering."

Smiling Naruto did just that. Trailing perhaps half a block behind the happy pair Neji was now gritting his teeth

Can she walk any closer?

Oddly the thought of ten-ten doing the same to him drifted though his mind and it took him several seconds of vigorous shaking to dislodge the pleasant thought.

No, NO! I'm not a Pervert! Clean thoughts Neji… Clean thoughts… don't think about the water glistening on her bare…

Immediately Neji wiped his mind blank, something that took considerable effort with what he had been thinking about, and it was several seconds before he raised a slightly trembling hand to wipe away the trickle of blood that was coming from his nose. By the time he could focus on the present again, Both Hinata and Naruto had disappeared.

DAMNATION! Let me think… last I saw them they were headed east toward the ramen stand. If I hurry I may be able to catch up.

Shikamaru let out a small sigh.

Man, what a day! Shopping, dinner with her parents, cloud watching, Carrying her home… I must be the luckiest man alive.

"So, who are you thinking about?"

"Ino"

"…"

There were several moment of silence before both the question his father had asked and his response registered in Shikamaru's mind. When they did he looked up, and was startled when his parents burst out laughing.

"How… how did you know?"

"I've been talking to you for almost a minute now and you just kept nodding your head and sighing. Even when I asked if you had decided to Kiba's advice and announced to your fan girls that you were now open to the Idea of group sex."

Shikamaru blushed a bright red and his mother gently swatted his father across the back of his head.

"Oh hush you. He never asked that. What gave you away… well apart from the glassy eyes and sighing… was the fact that your resting your elbow in the rice and that you keep running your hand though your hair… and with the butter you collect on the way it's standing straight up."

Blushing again Shikamaru tried to clean up a little bit, and after a moment his mother asked

"So, what's got you thinking about Ino like a love-sick puppy."

"We went on a date earlier today."

"Oh? Did you have fun?"

Shikamaru's father had to break in at this point however

"Oh to heck with that! What did the two of you do that has you sighing like that?"

Startled, Shikamaru dropped the napkin he had been using to try and get the butter out of his hair.

"W… we didn't do anything!"

"You know son, you're acting awful defensive."

"It's not like that!"

"Mmm Hmm. Tell me, is she a good kisser?"

Shikamaru looked to his mother for some support, but she just shrugged as though to say 'Don't look at me'. Blushing horribly Shikamaru muttered

"Triples my heartrate."

Having said that he bolted out of the room, his face a shade of red that only Hinata usually reached, and his father's laughter lingering in his ears.

"Ino… Ino hunny… come on dear it's time to wake up for supper."

Blinking Ino sat up and stretched.

"Mom?"

"Yes dear?"

"… How did I get home?"

Ino's mother poked her head around the corner and immediately wished she had a camera. Her daughter's slightly confused face looked back at her, and with frazzled hair and a white rose tucked behind her ear made her look so innocent, so… cute.

"Your boyfriend carried you home dear. He didn't want to wake you up."

"Oh… that was nice of him."

Obviously Ino wasn't quite awake yet, and her mother took advantage of the situation immediately.

"So, how's his kiss?"

"Tastes better than chocolate and feels like he's setting my blood on fire… wait."

Suddenly wide awake Ino Blushed and glanced around to see who was watching. With a small smile Her mother walked back into the kitchen. Behind her Ino suddenly shouted

"MOTHER?"

I really shouldn't do that to her… but it's so fun to abuse the privileges of being a parent sometimes.

And with a small grin she went back to preparing dinner.

"But Hinata…"

Giggle

"nope, no peeking."

"Fine… are we getting close?"

"yup, just a little further and we'll be there."

Naruto kept walking slowly foreward, grinning indulgently at the girlfriend he couldn't see.

"OK, stop."

Naruto came to a stop and stood still, waiting for Hinata to remove the blindfold, he was a little bit surprised when she kissed him suddenly before removing it.

"Mph?… Hinata? What was that for?"

"Cause your cute when you blush!"

"Well I'm sorry, but that one just didn't take…"

Hinata was a little stunned

Didn't take? He… he didn't like me kissing him?

With a grin Naruto finished the sentence

"… I'm afraid you're going to have to do it again!"

Hinata laughed aloud before she complied, and when they broke apart it was naruto's turn to sigh.

Better than candy… hell her kisses are better than Ramen!

"Ready to see your new house Naruto-kun?"

"well…"

"I'm not going to kiss you again till we're inside"

"Oh… then yes, I'm ready!"

At his response Hinata laughed again before untying the blindfold. There were several seconds pause before Hinata couldn't contain herself anymore.

"Well? Do you like it?"

"It is pretty, but…"

"But?"

"You outshine it by far."

Hinata giggled again

"Well then, lets get inside so I can kiss you again for the complement."

Neji stood hidden behind a tree and watching the two, he had been lucky to catch up when he did, they had turned onto a nearly invisible trail though a dense patch of trees a few blocks short of the ramen stand, and had he not seen them do so He would probably have lost them all together. Then of course there was the kissing. The moment the two of them had moved out of everyone's sight (Except Neji's of course) Hinata had wrapped her arms around Naruto and given him a very thorough kiss. Neji of course had frozen in shock and had nearly been run down by a cart for his troubles. Now of course he was trying to decide what to do about it, If Hinata Had been lying about dating a prince he would probably have been obligated to go straight to Haishi, but if the size of the manor was any indicator Naruto might very well be a prince as she claimed.

There is only one thing to do. I need to talk to Tsunade-sama, she's the only one who can authorize letting me look at the genealogy book for the village, That'll tell me if he really is, the Automatic updating Jutsu on it will let me know.

(1) Concept Borrowed from Robert Jordans wheel of time series, Modeled after the darkhounds.