A/N: First off, I am sorry that it has been so long since I have updated this story, but a lot of things have been going on for me lately. My daughter was born a few weeks early and adjusting to a new member to the family is taking most of my free time, along with an increase in the workload at my job. Future updates will be taking longer than it used to take me, but I have no plans on dropping this story.

I had thought about putting out a small ~1200 word chapter a couple of weeks ago, but I did not like where I would have broken this chapter up. Instead, I decided to keep working at it slowly until I felt I had a finished product that I felt was worth publishing. Actually, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter so hopefully you will enjoy reading it as much as my proofreader.

I want to thank Serious Sam for his shout out in his recent update of "My Precious People". If any of you found this story because of his review, then I hope you enjoy what you have found.

Ayrmed, I want to say thank you for your review that you wrote some time ago in "Love's Never Easy". My apologies, I am totally backed up on my reading list and I completely missed your review when it initially came out and just recently read that chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

After watching one more performance, with one arm tightly around a happily snuggling Hinata, Naruto starts rubbing his stomach to try and ease the increasingly loud growling sounds issuing from his abdomen. "Man, I really worked up an appetite doing that dance number. I don't know about you Hinata, but I think that I am ready to go try some of that special ramen at Ichiraku's." Even if he had not been so hungry, the mystery of this year's special was driving him crazy. If he had not been on a date with Hinata eating ramen would have been the first and last thing on his schedule for the night. 'Oh man I wonder if he is going to be using a new ingredient like that year he had those large prawns shipped in from the coast or like that year he served the ramen with those tiny quail eggs on top?'

Hinata had really not paid much attention to the last performance, her mind was filled with thoughts about her recent public performance with Naruto. No longer was she simply hiding at the edge of his spotlight, but instead she was right there in front of the entire audience dancing with him like a couple, sharing the spotlight together. She was sure that some people might find the dance they had performed to be a little too much for the unwed heir to her clan to be dancing publically. Maybe they should have danced something a little more traditional where they did not touch so much, but the memory of how it felt to have his hands touching her as they moved to the music was nearly overwhelming her with excitement. 'Forget it, let them say whatever they want, I would not trade what happened for anything.' Now that it was over she wished she had thought to use that genjutsu to mentally record the memory of that dance to relive again and again whenever she wanted. 'There will be more dances, believe it, and I will make sure that the next time I will remember to use the jutsu. I will worry tomorrow about whether father and the elders are going to approve or not when they hear about the dance, tonight I am just going to be happy that it did happen.'

She had also been doing her best to try and quell the increasingly insistent demands that her stomach was making, and was sure that everyone nearby would have heard it's sounds if Naruto's stomach had not been growling like some sort of hungry beast. "I think that is a good idea Naruto-kun. I was starting to regret not letting you buy me something to eat earlier." She wouldn't say it out loud, but she too was very curious about what they were going to get at Ichiraku's tonight. Naruto had been bringing up the subject practically every day since they announced their plans to do something really special for this year's festival and Ayame would go back and forth between amused smiles and being completely clueless when Naruto would ask about their plans.

While she really does not love eating ramen, she does love watching Naruto as he eats his favorite food, and how eating something so simple can bring him such joy. 'That's why I will never ask him to stop eating ramen, I'll just try my best to keep him away from the less healthy instant ramen. Maybe one day I can be the one preparing his meals… in our own place.' Hinata tightens her grip upon his arm and rubs her cheek on his shoulder while letting the happy daydream play through her thoughts.

Naruto looks down with a smile at the beautiful girl clinging to his arm and then at their gathered friends. "That settles it, we are going to get some ramen, do you guys want to come along?"

Ino shakes her head and laughs at the predictable statement coming from the blue eyed shinobi. "No, the four of us had dinner together before we hit the festival, so I am not hungry." She looks over at Kiba with a sly smile. "Besides, Kiba here promised to take me apology shopping earlier and I am thinking something nice and expensive."

"How about some nice earrings?" Shino asks as he gives Tenten a slight nudge.

Tenten, catching on to what Shino is suggesting, snaps her finger and gestures towards Hinata. "That's a great idea Shino, I was admiring how those earrings that Hinata got for her birthday sparkled when she was dancing tonight. That jewelry store is not too far from Ichiraku's, so why don't we go check that place out while they eat?"

Ino lets out a squeal of excitement, grabs Kiba's hand, and drags her suddenly reluctant boyfriend down the street. Before they are swallowed by the crowd Kiba looks back and glares at Shino and Tenten.

"One day he'll learn that if you play tricks on your friends, you shouldn't be surprised when you get burned in return." Shino nods to Hinata and then to Naruto before holding out his arm to Tenten. "Would you like to join me in watching him squirm as Ino will most likely go to the expensive side of the shop first?"

Tenten hesitates for only a moment before placing her hand on the offered arm. "That sounds like fun, if we are lucky Ino might even browse through the engagement rings before she is done, just too really freak him out. Do you think I should point them out if she somehow overlooks that section of the shop?" Tenten smiles when Shino nods silently. Just as they are about to walk away and watch what should be nearly as entertaining as the performances they had just seen, she looks over at Hanabi. "How about you, do you want to come along with me and Shino? If you are hungry we can pick something up along the way."

Tenten had been keeping an eye on her student ever since Naruto and Hanata danced together and had watched as the poor girl slowly wilted as her plan completely fell apart. Instead of getting Naruto's attention for herself, she in truth may have helped to strengthen the growing bond he has for her sister. 'Hanabi is stubborn just like Neji was and she is probably going to need a little time away from Naruto to come to grips with the truth that Hinata may have finally won what she has wanted for so long.'

She laughs to herself at the thoughts of the Hyuga clan. 'Who am I kidding, everyone in that whole damn clan can be so completely stubborn. Otherwise Hinata would have given up on Naruto a long time ago, for somebody who had a clue, instead of following what is in her heart. Also, the clan would not still be adhering to their rigid, nearly impenetrable, isolationism from the rest of the village if they were not so damn inflexible and resistant to change. Naruto, the uncontested champion of stubbornness, may one day fit in perfectly with the Hyuga clan. Either that, or there is going to be one hell of a mess one day. I feel sorry for whoever ends up being the sensei of their kids.'

Hanabi looks up at Tenten and blinks as if she had been lost in her thoughts and not really paying attention to what was being said. "What? Oh, I don't know sensei." She looks over at her Naruto, who was smiling at her, and then over to her sister. She half expected to see Hinata looking at her with a smug look of victory, or at least in relief that somebody was willing to take her away so the two of them could be alone, because that would be what she would have been thinking. Instead Hinata was giving her a gentle smile that said she was welcome to stay, as long as she behaved.

Hinata had been glancing over at her sister since the dance had finished and could see the defeat in the young girls face and she knew that her sister would be trying to find a way to salvage the situation. 'It might be best if she stays where I can keep an eye on her, for a little while at least, so that she doesn't come up with any more surprises before the night ends.'

Naruto looks over at Hinata, and seeing her nod, looks at Tenten shaking his head. "I promised her father that I would be escorting both of these ladies tonight and I won't go back on my word." Naruto was also thinking to himself that he would not give Ko any reason to accuse him of breaking his promise, even though what he wanted more than anything else tonight was to just spend a little time alone with Hinata. 'Besides, I want Tenten to focus on her date with Shino and not use Hanabi as an excuse to not have the fun she deserves. I feel responsible for her broken heart and she deserves a second chance to be happy.' He leans down and looks into Hanabi's eyes with a smile. "So how about it Hanabi-chan, are you ready to go have some ramen with me and Hinata?"

Hanabi feels elated that he still wants her around and has asked her to join him for some ramen. "I am sorry sensei, I cannot ask him to break a promise to my father. You should hurry and catch up with Ino because I want to hear all about it tomorrow afternoon during our team meeting. I am sure that Ookami would love to hear all about it too." She walks over and stands beside Naruto and gives her sensei a wave.

Tenten just gives a shrug and heads off with Shino to catch up with Kiba before Ino has finished damaging his bank account. "We will catch up with you guys after Ino is done shopping."

Naruto leads Hinata and Hanabi down the street towards Ichiraku's to see what sort of special the old man has made for tonight and when they reach the ramen shop they see that there is one person waiting in line outside the shop. As they stand there waiting for enough seats to come available Naruto sees a familiar spikey brown head walking through the crowd and waves as Konohamaru notices them standing in line.

"Hey boss, is this your first trip or the third time in line?" The two share a fist bump and a smile when he reaches their group.

"Nah, this is my first time tonight and man am I looking forward to seeing what he has done that is so special this year. Have you eaten yet, and where is Moegi and Udon?" Naruto looks around the crowd to see if he can spy Konohamaru's teammates.

"Moegi wanted some big stuffed animal at the arcade and Udon promised her that he would win one for her, but I think the thing is a waste of money so I decided to come and get some ramen while I wait on them to finish." He gives Naruto an admiring smirk when he notices Hinata on one side and Hanabi standing closely at the other. "Looks like you are having a busy night."

Naruto looks at the girls and then back at Konohamaru with his eyebrows raised as an idea of how he might be able to keep his promise to Ko, and be able to have some less interrupted time to spend with Hinata tonight. "Would you like to join us for some ramen, my treat?" When the boy seems reluctant Naruto steps out of line and pulls him off to the side for a private chat. "Listen, I really need your help tonight. You see Hanabi is kind of joining my date with Hinata, and she has been a little disruptive. Hinata is trying to hide it, but I can tell Hanabi is starting to get on her nerves a little, so could help me out for the rest of the evening?" He gives Konohamaru a big 'please help me' smile, and then looks over at the girls with a friendly smile to make sure they have not left the line and come close enough to hear his conversation with Konohamaru. When he looks back, Naruto can see an unfamiliar look on the boy's face, uncertainty. "What's wrong?"

"If it was just about anybody else I would probably say yes without hesitation, but with Hyuga Hanabi I just don't know boss." Konohamaru looks at Naruto, eyes wide in concern. "You've been on a mission with her so you know what I am talking about."

Naruto just shakes his head. "Nope, she is one of the sweetest people I know, so I honestly have no idea what you are talking about." He can see by the boy's body language that he is truly nervous about something and under better circumstances he would have asked what was the matter, but now in the middle of a crowded street was not the right time, or location.

Konohamaru just stares and blinks for a moment. "I said Ha-na-bi, not Hi-na-ta, everyone knows that Hinata is one of, if not the nicest person in the whole village." He lowers his voice as if afraid of being overheard. "Hanabi is like the complete opposite, she is like totally serious and if you make her mad she will hit you without any mercy." He cannot suppress a slight winch of discomfort as recalls the last time he and Hanabi had seen each other. "She hardly ever talks and basically just stares at people in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable."

Naruto puts a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "You've got her all wrong, and to be honest I think that everybody has been misunderstanding the Hyuga clan, because they are just very reserved kind of people. I've been hanging out with Hinata closely for a while now, I have went on missions with Hanabi, and I have had dinner with their dad a couple of times and they all have been really nice. I guess I really should say that old-man Hyuga has been polite, saying nice might be pushing it a little too far. Neji was a very serious person, but Tenten has told me that he had a nice side too and they would have long talks when it was just the two of them alone."

Naruto lowers his head and looks the boy directly in the eyes. "So, why don't you just try being nice to her and talk about stuff other than jutsus. Why don't you ask her about favorite foods, other than ramen of course, and see what she likes to eat for dessert. Maybe we can stop by her favorite place and get something for dessert after we are done eating ramen. Anyways, I'll bet if you give her half a chance, and just listen to what she has to say, that you will see the person that I have gotten to know recently."

Konohamaru gives an unhappy shrug. "I guess I could give it a try, but if she ends up hitting me then you seriously owe me, okay?"

Naruto chuckles at the mental image of Hanabi losing her temper at some offhand remark made by Konohamaru and taking a swing. "Okay, how about this? If you help me out tonight and keep Hanabi company, by talking with her and stuff, I will pay you back for any of your expenses like food and entertainment once we are done tonight. Plus, no matter how good or bad things go tonight I will show you my new rasenbomb jutsu that I tested out not too long ago against Gaara."

Konohamaru's face splits into a huge grin at the chance to see a new jutsu from his self-appointed rival. "You got it boss. One day you have got to show me how you are able to infuse chakra into a rasengan so I can start doing the same trick. I would totally own the chunin exams if I could do that jutsu." They share a quick fist bump to seal the deal before walking back over to where the girls are standing in line.

As they approach Hinata gives Naruto a slight smile hoping that he has asked Konohamaru to keep Hanabi busy, but decides to act like she has no clue. "Is everything okay Naruto-kun?" When he nods Hinata's inner self starts jumping up and down happily at the thought that they might finally be able to have some less interrupted time together tonight.

"Uh, yeah, I was just concerned that Konohamaru and the others might have had a fight or something since I always see them together. Thankfully I was wrong and everything is fine." Konohamaru winces a little at hearing the story Naruto tells, but covers it up with a very similar grin to his mentor.

Hanabi knows immediately why Konohamaru was asked to join them for ramen and her heart feels like somebody has just kicked her in the chest. 'So, I guess that I really am nothing more than a nuisance to him and he has decided that he needs somebody to keep me out of their way. I really should have just gone with Tenten-sensei and avoided this whole thing.' She looks over at the nervously smiling face of Sarutobi Konohamaru and turns her head away unhappily when their eyes meet. 'If he was going to find me a baby sitter why not find somebody like Kodi, instead of sticking me with the class pervert?'

Konohamaru just keeps smiling as Hanabi turns her head away unhappily and just shrugs. 'I guess she is still mad about what happened at the hot springs.' He rubs the back of his head nervously and chuckles. "Happy New Year Hyuga-sama." When she doesn't even glance in his direction Konohamaru just looks over to Hinata and Naruto with a shrug. 'I told her it was an accident, and still she air palmed me so hard into the wall that my vision was blurry for two days. I lied to Meogi and Udon later and told them that I had slipped and hit my head.'

Hinata, shocked to see her sister act in such a manner, gives her younger sibling a stern glare. "Hanabi-chan, apologize immediately for your rude behavior." The two sisters stare at each other in that special way that only siblings can truly manage.

Naruto, seeing that things are not going as easily as he was hoping, looks over at Konohamaru and whispers in his ear. "Is there something that you forgot to mention, and is that why you were so hesitant to join us for ramen?" He lets out a heavy sigh and lowers his head in exasperation as the young boy gives him a guilty nod as a reply. 'Man, can't just one thing go smoothly tonight?'

As if in answer to his silent prayer Naruto sees a small group leaving Ichiraku's and then the old man's voice calls out for the next customer. 'I guess I should have expected something was up when Konohamaru seemed reluctant to help me out. When this is all over he and I are going to have a serious talk about why Hanabi is acting this way.' He gives Konohamaru an irritated glance as he steps between the two Hyuga sisters and wraps an arm around each girl's waist. "Come on ladies, it's our turn and if I don't get some ramen soon I might just faint." He gives Hinata's waist a little extra squeeze as he leads both girls towards the entrance.

Knowing that he is making a little joke at her well known problem with fainting, Hinata smiles as she playfully slaps his hand. "I am pretty sure that missing out on eating ramen for one night would not cause you to pass out, Naruto-kun." She giggles as he looks back at her with a fake look of fear and then places her head on his shoulder. "Though I don't think that I want to put that theory to test tonight, just in case."

Konohamaru, following Naruto's example, steps just inside Ichiraku's and bows deeply as he holds back the curtain. "Ladies welcome to the famous Ichichiraku's ramen shop." As they enter he glances up at Hanabi and gives her his friendliest smile, and is relieved that even though she does still glare at him she at least doesn't look away. 'This might be the beginning of a great year, maybe I can help Naruto out and make up for my stupid blunder with Hyuga Hanabi. I really don't need her still holding a grudge when the chunin exams start in the spring.'

As he steps into his favorite place to eat Naruto inhales deeply the rich scent of Ichiraku's broth that permeates throughout the entire restaurant. He can't help but sigh happily as the memories that smell invokes catapults him back to a younger time when this little ramen shop was one of his few ports in the stormy sea that was his childhood. Seeing the old man in his familiar place in the kitchen preparing the bowls of broth for the addition of the noodles and other components, brings a smile to his face. He gives Konohamaru a nod before walking over and pulls out a seat for Hinata. "Hyuga-sama, please have a seat and the waitress will be with you shortly to take your order."

Hinata smiles as she lightly places her hand in his and notices that his thumb lightly brushes across the tops of her fingers as she takes the offered seat. "Why thank you, Uzumaki-san. Would you like to join me for dinner this evening?" She wanted to burst out laughing at how much fun it is to act a little silly, in public. 'This is why I love him. Not only does he give me the desire to be the best I can be, but just being with him gives me the courage to let myself go and have some fun.'

As they are sitting down Naruto can see a dejected look on Hanabi's face and feels guilty, because he had promised Tenten that he would not hurt her and that is just what he seems to have done. 'Man, this relationship stuff is so complicated. How do you tell somebody the truth without hurting their feelings? I like Hanabi, but just not in the same way as I like Hinata.' So to try and sooth her hurt feelings he pats the seat next to him and looks over at Hanabi with a smile. "Would you like to sit here beside me Hanabi-chan." She gives him a happy smile and slides her seat a little closer before sitting down.

Hinata flinches a little but says nothing as she hears Naruto once again add an honorific at the end of her sister's name. She wants to ask him why so badly, but is afraid to cause a fight on their second date. 'I'll ask him tomorrow or maybe the next day after our training session. She needs an answer, but deep down she is afraid that she might not like the truth, even after how well things have been going for them lately.

When Ayame sees their most faithful customer coming into her father's ramen stand, along with Hinata, her face lights up in a happy smile. "Naruto, I had started to wonder if you were not going to come by and see us tonight." When she notices the other couple sitting down beside him she cannot hide her surprise.

"Hey, no way I am going to miss having a few bowls of Ichiraku's ramen before the year ends." He emphasizes his point by snapping his chopsticks together loudly. "Okay, four or five bowls of ramen, please." He looks over at Hinata with a smile and a nudge. "How about you Hinata, do you want some ramen too." That question triggers a round of laughter from everyone in the shop.

Teuchi looks up from his work and gives them all a big smile. "Happy New Year Naruto, and to you Hyuga-sama I am honored that you are dining with us tonight." When Ayame steps aside he sees Hanabi on Naruto's other side and Konohamaru beside her and he gives them a bow. "I am sorry; I am honored to have both daughters of the head of the Hyuga clan dining here tonight, as well as the grandson of the Third Hokage. This truly is a great end to the year for my business and a good omen for the year ahead."

Ayame looks at Konohamaru and Hanabi and smiles. "Father, don't the two of them make the cutest couple?" At hearing the girl's observation Konohamaru and Hanabi look at each other wide-eyed and then quickly away as their faces turn a nice bright pink.

Teuchi just laughs and gives the now blushing youngsters a wink before returning to his cooking.

Very proud of her mischief, Ayame looks over at Naruto. "So, let me guess you are here for the special ramen?" After Naruto nods hungrily she holds up a finger, and then waves it at all four of them. "Your first bowl of ramen is what I am going to call 'Ayame's choice' and if you want additional bowls I'll explain your options after you eat your first bowl."

As Ayame steps back to help her father, the four shinobi can only look at each other in excited confusion. Hinata is the one who breaks the silence. "What do you think that was all about? It sounds like they might have more than one ramen special on the menu tonight."

Konohamaru asks, "I am not sure if I should be excited or if should be worried?" He cranes his neck to try and see what is going on in the kitchen. The whole time wondering just how many options there might be tonight and if he should not have had the dango earlier. 'This could end up being really painful if there are a lot of options to try and eat.'

Naruto puts both hands behind the back of his head and tries not to drool. "Don't worry about it, Teuchi and Ayame were some of the only people to be nice to me when I was a kid. So, if they have several options they will all be really tasty, believe it."

Hanabi was about to activate her byakugan, and take a little peek when Ayame and Teuchi turn around, each carrying two covered bowls. They put the bowls down, one in front of each customer and then simultaneously remove the covers of the bowls in front of everyone except Naruto.

Naruto looks over and just stares down into Hinata's bowl, his mouth wide open in surprise. "What the…"

Hanabi just covers her mouth with both hands and shouts in excitement. "No way!"

Hinata just stares down into the steaming bowl smiling brightly. "Kawaii!" Is all she can say before looking over and giving a stunned Naruto a kiss on the cheek. "It's absolutely perfect."

Konohamaru just grabs his stomach and starts laughing so hard that he loses his balance and swings his arms about wildly in a failed attempt to remain in his seat. As he begins to fall Konohamaru feels a small hand firmly grab one of his and he looks over to see that Hanabi has saved him from falling and is looking at him with the barest trace of a smile on her face. 'That's weird, I don't think that I have ever seen her smile before. She is not scary at all when she smiles.'

Hanabi is trying not to laugh at seeing what is in her bowl, but the sound of Konohamaru's laughter is too infectious and she cannot stop herself from giggling, a little. When she hears Konohamaru's laughter suddenly end she looks over and sees him tittering on the edge of his stool, her instincts take over and she reaches out grasping one of his flailing hands to stop his fall. As he looks at her with relief, she smirks a little at how funny it would be to now let him go, and take her final revenge for him walking in on her at the hot springs.

Konohamaru feels a cold shiver go down his spine as the happy smile on Hanabi's face becomes crooked and her eyes narrow mischievously. 'Oh man, I take it back she is twice as scary when she smiles, is she still mad and is going to dump me in the floor? I don't know what the big deal is, it's not like she was naked, or anything, all I saw was her in some purple underclothes.' As he waits for her to punish him once again for his innocent mistake he notices for the first time that her eyes are the same color of the undergarments she was wearing that night. 'Wait, does the fact that I still remember the exact color of the panties she was wearing that night make me a pervert? Or the fact that as I am about to get dumped on my head all I am wondering if she is wearing them again tonight?'

"Hey, the ramen is going to get cold and soggy, the two of you can hold hands later." Naruto starts laughing as Hanabi's posture stiffens before she slowly turns around and looks at him with a blush that could rival any he has ever seen on Hinata's face. He also feels a slight pressure on his back when Hinata presses her forehead between his shoulder blades and lets out a tiny snort of mirth. 'I almost got her to laugh out loud with that one. Man, what does a guy have to do to get a Hyuga clan girl to actually laugh out loud? Oh well, I guess I will just have to try a little harder.' The thought of spending more time with Hinata, trying to make her laugh out loud, made Naruto heart ache happily. 'I can't wait to hear what she sounds like when she laughs.'

Hinata had to use Naruto's back as support when she saw the results his little comment had on Hanabi and was a little embarrassed that while trying not to burst out laughing a little snort escaped instead. The last time she had seen her little sister nearly this shocked was the night that she had caught Hanabi spying on her first kiss with Naruto. She had been too mad at Hanabi that night to notice just how precious she looks with her face all red and her eyes wide in shock. 'Does Naruto think that I look that cute when I blush? Is that why he has been teasing me so much lately, to make me blush?' She allows herself to enjoy that thought, and the feeling of his back muscles pressing up against her forehead, before looking up to witness the aftermath of his joke.

Hanabi could not believe that Naruto was accusing her of holding hands with the class pervert and feels her face go red hot as she turns to make sure she heard him correctly. As she looks into the bright blue eyes she knows that he was joking and was on the verge of a stammering response to explain herself when she hears a snort of mirth coming from her sister. She was about to say something harsh to Hinata for laughing at her when she feels something touching her hand gently and looks over to see that Konohamaru is slowly trying to extricate her fingers off of his hand. 'Is he trying to peel me off like I am some sort of parasite? Fine, I don't want that pervert touching me either.' She jerks her hand away suddenly catching him by surprise.

Konohamaru was also shocked at Naruto's comment and so did not immediately notice the crushing grip of Hanabi's hands until he felt something pop. He looks down at the white knuckled grip she has on his hand and how the tips of his fingers turning a deep purple. He reaches out and tries to gently peel her fingers away, so that he can restore the circulation to his now throbbing fingers, while she is looking at Naruto. Konohamaru feels a sudden chill as her grip changes and looks up to see her pale eyes staring at him intently before she jerks her hand away violently.

Ayame and Teuchi's laughter at the two young shinobi pulls everyone's attention back to the three uncovered bowls of ramen. "So what do you think?" There before them floating on top of Teuchi's rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles was Naruto's face. Ayame and her father had used scrambled egg to make blonde hair and sliced ham for his face. Kelp, nori and jakoten were used to make the hitai-ate. Nori slivers were used to make his whiskers and eyebrows. Slices of hardboiled egg swirled with blue food coloring had been used to make his blue eyes and a rasengan. In Hanabi's and Konohamaru's bowls the eyes were replaced with narutomaki that gave the Naruto ramen a crazy swirly eyed look.

When Naruto looks up with a 'you got to be kidding me' look smeared across his face, Teuchi just smiles proudly. "I call it my future Hokage special, so I hope you like it Naruto, your first bowl is on us tonight."

Hinata just squeals as she lifts up her chopsticks. "It's almost too cute to eat."

"I know, right." Hanabi holds up one of the narutomaki for a second before popping it into her mouth.

Naruto looks over at Hanabi in mock surprise with one eye closed. "Hey, quit that. That was one of my eyes." He laughs out loud as Hanabi chews vigorously and he then looks curiously at his still uncovered bowl. "So how about me, can I have my ramen now?" He lifts the lid in excitement when the old man nods and sees a familiar face looking right back at him. He can't blame Hinata when she gasps at seeing her own face floating there in his ramen bowl.

Nartuo just stares at the image for a little while before Ayame asks, "Is there something wrong with the ramen, Naruto?"

He just shakes his head and stares for a moment longer memorizing every detail of his meal. "No, it looks amazing, Ayame. It is really just too pretty to eat."

Hinata, surprised at seeing her image captured in such careful detail, cannot stop herself from blushing a little at Naruto's comment. "It's okay Naruto-kun, go ahead and eat the ramen it would be rude not too. Besides, weren't you saying something earlier about feeling faint from hunger?" She reaches down with her chopsticks and lifts up one of the boiled egg slices that are being used for her eyes and holds it up to his mouth. "Now open wide." She almost drops the egg slice when he tilts back his head and opens his mouth wide like a little bird and she nearly snorts again trying to not burst out laughing.

Naruto chews slowly, savoring the flavor, before giving a contented sigh. "Mmmmm, tastes as good as it looks."

Hinata just turns away and focuses on her own ramen, not wanting him to see how badly his comment has made her blush, again. "Will you please stop teasing me and just eat your dinner, Naruto-kun. Are you trying to make me faint?"

Hanabi watches the whole thing and just nods slowly when Konohamaru whispers, "Kind of makes you feel a little queasy doesn't it, Hanabi? I never thought that I would see the boss act like that over a girl." She just turns away to eat her ramen, wishing the whole time that it was her that was being teased with instead, and hoping one day she could be as happy as her sister looks tonight.

After Naruto finishes his first bowl Teuchi explains that this year they are doing the likeness of the Hokages and several notable shinobi of the leaf village. They have also setup enough generics so that they could do a caricature of just about anyone that comes by for ramen tonight if they were to request one of their own. It turns out the whole thing was Ayame's doing and she had been working hard the last few weeks making sure that everything was perfect for tonight.

A little later, as Naruto is finishing his third bowl, a Fourth Hokage special, and both girls are starting to eat their second helping of the Naruto special, Kiba walks into the shop and looks into Hanabi's bowl. "Wow, now if that is not a way to ruin a person's appetite I don't know what could. At least they got crazy-eyed look right."

Naruto slowly turns his head to look at the smirking shinobi. "You know they tried doing one with your face, but they could not even get a stray dog to eat it till they scrambled it up a bit."

As the two friends continue to trade insults, Ino seeing a chance for some fun motions to Tenten and they both lean closer to Hinata so that the three of them could talk semi-privately. "So how does Naruto taste Hinata, hmm? I am guessing just like ramen."

Tenten leans in from the other side. "I bet you never thought Naruto could taste so good, did you Hinata?"

Hinata is so shocked by the questions that she nearly face plants into her ramen trying to hide her face. Her mind suddenly flashing back to earlier in the day when she had bitten the tip of Naruto's finger suggestively and she nearly drops her chopsticks as her hands come together, index fingers touching rapidly. She has to close her eyes as well, because her nose is nearly touching her Naruto ramen, and seeing his smiling face so close makes the images of earlier today even more intense.

Tenten cranes her neck to try and get a closer look at Hinata's face, which now looks hotter than the steaming broth of the ramen in front of her. "I don't know Ino, that is an awfully guilty face. I heard from a little bird that they have been kissing, so who knows what else they might have been up too lately."

Hinata looks up in surprise at Tenten, thinking that after tonight she may become an only child.

Ino's eyes light up at the news. "Did you find out when they first kissed?"

'No, please don't say it Tenten.' Hinata's eyes plead, but to no avail.

Tenten leans in closer and whispers to Ino just over Hinata's head. "He gave her a big goodnight kiss on the first date. Sounds like Naruto just couldn't control himself after their dinner date."

Hinata lets out a small sigh of relief. 'Hanabi didn't tell them it was me who kissed Naruto-kun that night? Okay, I'll just cripple her, just a little.' Hinata smirks just a little as the image of Hanabi walking around on crutches flashes momentarily through her mind.

"I own Kiba now. He said he didn't think even Naruto was gutsy enough to kiss Hinata goodnight right there in the Hyuga compound, because you just never know when someone might be watching." Ino looks over at Kiba's back with an evil gleam in her eyes and then back over at Tenten. "I knew that any student of the village's most notorious pervert would not be able to resist forcing himself on a girl, even on the first date. Aren't you glad that you didn't take that bet now?" She pats Hinata gently on the back. "Don't worry, I won't say anything to Kiba, yet. I know how protective of you he can be and he might act stupid if he found out Naruto forced himself on you, on the first date. I'll save this info for when I really need to mess with him one night." Ino clinches her fist victoriously with an evil gleam in her eyes. "Maybe I will tell him on your wedding day, or even better just before the bachelor party."

Hinata was starting to turn and admit the truth, that it was she who kissed Naruto first, and to inform Ino that Naruto has been a perfect gentleman. Her desire to defend Naruto's name was interrupted by Ino's last sentence. Hearing someone else voice her greatest dream felt surreal, like they too believe that she might one day walk beside Naruto as his wife. A sudden thought crosses Hinata's mind as she thinks about their first kiss and one day of being married to Naruto. 'I did kiss him first, and I am heiress to one of the strongest clans in the village, so maybe I should try being bold again. What if once I become the leader of the clan I take the initiative and offer him the chance to join our two bloodlines?' Hinata smiles at the thought of the surprised look on Naruto's face, if she was to invite him into her family's audience chamber and sit upon her father's chair and formally propose marriage. 'I bet it would look a lot like it did when I kissed him on my birthday.' She smiles as she remembers the look of shock on his face as she had pulled away from her first ever kiss. 'I think he was more shocked by what I had done than I was that night.'

She looks past Ino and sees Naruto looking around Ino and casting a glance in her direction. He gives her a wink and smile, a smile that she has begun to notice that he only gives when looking in her direction. The corner of his mouth turns upwards a little differently when he smiles at her and his perfectly blue eyes soften when she sees him looking in her direction. 'That's my smile, a smile that he only gives to me and nobody else.' She feels her cheeks go warm, not in shy embarrassment, but a flush of happiness that makes her heart flutter.

Hinata becomes aware that Ino and Tenten are looking at her with knowing smiles. "I bet I know what that smile is all about Hinata and I am so happy to see that smile on your face. You both deserve to be happy." Tenten then gestures down towards where Hanabi and Konohamaru are seated and eating their ramen, while at the same time listening to the insult war going on between Kiba and Naruto. "What I really want to know is when and how did that happen?"

Ino, noticing who was seated beside and talking to Hanabi, smiles at the new bit of gossip she has just acquired. "Wow, that was quick? Tenten's right when did that happen and how?"

Hinata smiles and nods towards Naruto. "We ran into Konohamaru about the same time we arrived here and Naruto-kun invited him to join us and then had a private talk with him about something. When they got back Konohamaru accepted the offer and has been sitting with Hanabi ever since." She cannot help but let a little sigh of relief out that maybe for the rest of the night Hanabi will not be interrupting their date. "Hanabi-chan was not happy with the change and was a little rude at first to him, but at least she is not completely ignoring his polite attempts at talking anymore."

"I have to give him credit, that was a pretty slick move on Naruto's part." Ino watches as Konohamaru sits and listens patiently as Hanabi, while describing something, draws in the air with her chopsticks.

The sound of Akamaru letting out a loud bark draws everyone's attention and Kiba's nods in approval. "He's right we only have a little while left before the fireworks, so if you are done stuffing your face, why don't we all go see some more of the festival."

Naruto, knowing that there were a few specials that he hadn't tried yet, looks up at Teuchi hesitantly who just laughs loudly. "Go on and come back tomorrow for lunch and you can try the rest of the specials." Naruto lets out a happy yell, along with a fist pump in the air before diving into his last bowl of ramen for the year.

After everyone finishes eating Naruto pays for their meals, with a healthy tip and a note, and the whole group heads off together to see more of the festival. They walk about looking and shopping for a little bit before Hinata stops and points ahead to where Moegi can be seen standing behind a kneeling Udon, who seems completely focused on some festival game. When they get closer they can see that Udon is unsuccessfully playing the goldfish scooping game. He seems to be focused on one particularly large orange goldfish with black lines down its body like stripes.

After Udon lets out a grunt of frustration Moegi places a hand gently on his shoulder. "It's okay Udon, nobody is having any luck catching that fish. We can go and see more of the festival if you want?" It is obvious by the sound of her voice that she is disappointed that he has not won, but her concern for her teammate and friend can be clearly seen on her face.

Udon looks up with a determined look on his face. "Nope, you said you thought the grand prize was awesome and all I have to do is catch that fish to get it for you, so give me a little more time and I promise that you will go home with that tiger." Udon points to the back of the stall where hanging from the ceiling is a large stuffed toy tiger that is nearly as big as Akamaru.

Udon and Moegi both turn as the others approach and it seems that Udon looks a little frustrated at seeing the group and mostly in the direction of Konohamaru. 'Great, now even more people are going to stand around and watch me continue failing at catching that stupid goldfish.'

Moegi herself stares when she notices who is standing next to Konohamaru and looks back and forth between him and Hanabi before frowning just a little. 'What the heck, is this why Konohamaru suddenly walked away tonight?'

Hanabi, after the disappointing night she has been having so far was in no mood to be frowned at by another female tonight. She turns her head slightly towards Konohamaru and then back to Moegi with a cold smirk as she moves slightly closer to him, daring Moegi to ask her about why she was walking around with Konohamaru tonight. 'I bet his next team meeting is going to be a little awkward.'

Naruto walks over and kneels down beside Udon. "So what is going on Udon?" After the boy explains the situation Naruto gives the game a closer look. "So, all you need is to catch that big goldfish to win the tiger for Moegi? Give it a couple more tries I am sure you'll win the prize." He gives Udon one of his signature big grins and cheers the boy on when he resumes trying to scoop up the big goldfish.

After a few more failed attempts Naruto's hands begin to twitch and he pays for his own scoop to try and help Udon by catching the goldfish himself. From there it became a game of people cheering and others jeering at the two boy's attempts at catching the big and oddly fast goldfish.

Not too far away a familiar couple is making their way through the crowd, a young man with dark hair and onyx eyes, while the girl at his side has bright pink hair and jade green eyes. Their path is setting them on a collision course to where their former teammate is trying to help a young friend win a prize.

A/N: I want to thank Kawaii Kakkoii Sugoi on youtube for the inspiration of tonight's special ramen. If you have time, check out the channel to get an idea of what the Naruto ramen kind of looked like in the story and how much work really goes into putting something like that together.

Also, for all of you who have been asking about Sasuke and Sakura, well the next chapter will finally answer at least a few people's questions.