Ch. 20

Kurini

Hinata was walking from Kurini's new apartment back to her house. It had been a while since she visited her and her baby boy. She felt a particulary close bond with her sensi, Kurini always pushed her to do better and always believed she would be a strong shinobi.

They talked about training and juitsu and then Kurini brought up boys.

"So, what are you planning to do now that we have some peaceful times in the leaf. You might look for a boyfriend to occupy your time Hinata."

"What, um, that's okay. I'm not worried about that so much right now." Hinata added

"Really, is that why you visit Naruto every day? Because you aren't worried about it? I'm just trying to understand Hinata, that's all."

Hinata blushed, she guessed everyone could probably tell she liked him. She made sure to express her feelings for him is very public ways so he would notice her, which was a stretch from the introverted person that she really was.

"I guess my feelings for Naruto haven't diminished, in fact all they do is grow stronger. I've told him how I feel but it hasn't changed anything. I overheard him talking with his guy friends and he only likes me as a friend. I'd rather be his friend than nothing, and I don't feel that way toward anyone else." She gave a quick reply while continuing to blush.

"He will come around Hinata, give him time," she added.

"I have, I'm okay with friends." She smiled and started to change the subject.

She wanted to ask Kurini if she had met anyone but didn't want to come off as being insensitive, it had only been a year since she lost Asuma. "So, what about you?" was the best she could come up with.

Kurini paused "Are you asking if I'm interested in anyone?" she asked

"I'm sorry sensi, that was impolite, please forgive me." Hinata added, regretting her choice to ask her sensi about something so personal. Although Kurini did start it.

"Not at all Hinata, don't worry. There is someone that I kinda like, but I'm not sure it will work out either." She sighed.

"Who is it Sensi?" Hinata pushed

"Well, I won't say who just yet, but I can tell you how it happened. I was walking around the village looking at areas to help with rebuilding and he was there working too. Then when we were done for the day everyone in the group wanted to go out to have a drink and I said that I would just be heading back home and he offered to walk with me. He seemed very sweet and we both talked about missions and rebuilding the village. You know the 'Make Out Paradise' series, right Hinata," she asked

"Yeah, I think I've heard of them, those are the perverted love-sick romance novels, right?"

Kurini had a surprised look on her face and blushed "Perverted I guess some would call them, but yes, those are the ones. Anyways, one dropped out of his pocket on our way back and he was so embarrassed. He tried to put it away but I caught it first. He looked like he was afraid that I was going to make fun of him but…I love the series," she admitted to Hinata's disbelief. "I've read them all several times over!" She added.

"Sensi" Hinata whispered, her head in her hands as Kurini went on.

"And then I handed him his book back and we talked about the series all the way home. I didn't invite him in though because I still had to talk to the sitter and check on the baby. I don't think it will go anywhere Hinta, it's just a crush." She smiled. "Just friends," she added.

"Just friends," Hinata repeated, the same as her and Naruto. They both sighed.

"I need to go pick up a couple of things in town, is there anything you need Sensi," Hinata asked.

"Oh no, Hinata, but thank you. I'll see you later, okay." Kurini got up to give Hinata a hug before she headed out the door.