CHAPTER 1

Hyuuga Hinata's glass of beer feels really cold in her hand, and the ice cubes jangle around on it as she drinks. They clink together as they fall into her drink and she sighs deeply, leaning back against her chair a bit before placing the now empty mug onto the table.

She never liked the bitter taste of alcohol. It burned its way down the esophagus and into her stomach, setting her teeth on edge for days after. It made her feel dizzy, and she had to take deep breaths until everything went away. It was easier than dealing with the conversation that came along with it.

"...I am one hundred percent sure." Yamanaka Ino said to her two friends. She leaned forward onto the table, arms folded across it. Tenten looked up at her, then quickly turned her gaze back to her half empty glass of sake. Beside her, Hinata still had not moved from her seat.

"Naruto definitely confess to Sakura. Just before she sets off with Sasuke. I mean... we know he had a crush on her since forever." The blonde girl spoke as if Hyuuga couldn't hear her.

Hinata's grip on her glass tightened. Her knuckles turned white. She felt like her blood was freezing solid in her veins.

"Yeah, but..." Tenten spoke this time. She turned to face Ino and placed a hand on the table as well. "Isn't it too late? Sakura decided to go with Sasuke, afterall. Leaving Konoha behind... a huge decision indeed."

"Yes. But you know, that Naruto. Maybe he's betting it on his last chance." Ino's smile grew wider as she spoke. "Ugh, when will I got to experience a hot, passionate confession like that? I envy her."

She paused, glancing over at Hinata, who was sitting next to them. Tenten stared directly at her. "Oh my god. Hinata. I am so sorry. Shit, I forgot you've been crushing on him since forever too."

"N-no... It's okay." Hinata responded, trying to wave it off.

"No, really." Ino reached out and grabbed her arm, giving her a warm look. "I'm really sorry I make you uncomfortable."

Hinata's head tilted. She shook her head and forced herself to smile. "It's fine. Really."

Tenten realized the awkwardness between her friends and trying to change the subject. "Hey, can we get more drinks?"

Ino let out a laugh, standing up and grabbing their empty glasses. "Sure! Hello, waiter? We need more drinks here, please!"

It's been years after the Fourth Shinobi World War. Konoha is rebuilding, slowly but sure, and most of the villages were doing the same. The once tattered down buildings are being renovated into what would be called a "modern building". Many of its old buildings had been destroyed during the war and rebuilt, but a few are still left untouched, and they're being used for new construction.

Under Hatake Kakashi as Sixth Hokage, the village has recovered considerably. It has been hard, but everyone manages to keep things running smoothly. People work together, making changes without hesitation or fear.

As the hero of the war, Naruto Uzumaki has been acknowledged as one of the most successful shinobi that Konoha has ever seen. He had helped lead the attack on Madara Uchiha, the greatest threat to the village ever. He also managed to save the civilians, saving many of them. He helped bring peace and unity to the countries, as well.

Like any other shinobi, he also helps with the rebuilding efforts. He helped build some new structures, as well as help with reconstruction. His handywork wasn't the best, but he's always willing to lend a helping hand. There isn't anything that he refuses to do.

He couldn't help but feel proud contributing so much to the society, to the place he always called home. But peace always comes with a price to pay. Of course, The Jinchūriki couldn't just save everyone. Many has lost their lives at the war.

Naruto stand tall in front of a grave. It's actually empty, since Jiraiya's body was never been found after he died during his final battle. His heart clenched as he stood there.

He took a step towards the stone, gently placing his palm over the surface. A soft wind blew past his hair, caressing his cheeks. He sighed.

Losing Jiraiya still take a toll on him even after years passed. But he doesn't realize it.

Last week, his teammates Uchiha Sasuke and Sakura Haruno set on a journey. Although he didn't show it, he was sad, knowing that his best friends had sacrificed themselves so the village could survive. As much as it hurt him, it was their choice. They believed in peace, and they knew how important it is. Even though he knows they have done it for the sake of the rest of Konohagakure, he couldn't help but feels a little lonely.

Just when he turned his back, ready to go back home, something caught his eye. Somebody is entering the cemetery complex. As soon as the figure got closer, Naruto recognized the person. It's Hinata.

The girl with indigo hair also noticed him, as she stopped dead in her tracks. They stared at each other for quite a while, neither moving an inch or speaking. After some moments passed, Hinata's eyes widened slightly and she began walking towards him.

"N-Naruto kun." She greeted him quietly, voice strained due to the cold weather.

"Hi, Hinata. Are you visiting Neji's grave?" He asked, smiling sadly.

Hinata nodded shyly.

"Perfect timing. I was just about to go there, too." He added, gesturing for her to follow him. She did.

A comfortable silence fell between them as the path to Neji's grave became visible. They walked side by side silently, hands swinging slightly.

When they reached the area where Neji's body lay, knelt down and gently laid a bouquet of flowers at the foot of the grave.

"It's been years, huh?" Naruto breaks the silence.

"Y-yes, it is." She agreed to him.

They stayed silent again, but it was somehow comforting this time. She take a glance on her company, watching him as he watched Neji's tombstone, a melancholic expression on his face. She could tell that he felt lonely and sad.

"Are... you okay, Naruto-kun?" Hinata whispered softly.

Naruto flinched at the sudden question. Turning to face the girl beside him, he stared back at her. He gave a slight grin.

"Huh? Don't worry about me. Why wouldn't I be?" He answered, although his voice cracked a little at the end. His voice sounded hoarse, too.

"I was wondering... S-since Sakura and Sasuke-san left, too." She trailed off, looking at the ground.

Naruto remained quiet. When she turned her eyes to look at him, his expression hadn't changed. He seemed almost frozen, as if he wasn't quite sure what he should say. Then again, he didn't seem to mind her asking such a question, either.

"Well... To be honest, I... I don't think I ever thought about what I would do now that Sakura's gone." He replied.

So, Ino's right. I really doesn't stand a chance, She told herself.

But Hinata couldn't stand seeing the man beside him looked pretty sad like this. "Y-you can always talk to me, you know. We're f-friends afterall." She offered, offering him a small, nervous smile.

Naruto smiled at her offer. "Thanks, Hinata. Yes, you're right. It's nice to have you near..."

She blushed slightly. She averted her eyes away and lowered her head, hiding her red blush in the long strands of hair covering her face.

"... and also all of our friends. I guess I'll ask Shikamaru or Kiba to hang out later, too. To be honest I'm a little lonely and doesn't have much to do." Naruto continues. He laughed a little and scratched his cheek. He then turned towards Hinata and flashed his usual signature bright smile, his blue eyes sparkling with joy.

"But I'm so happy you came with me today, Hinata. Thanks."

A week of B-rank mission got Hinata exhausted, despite her determination to continue working even harder, especially as she saw how busy her friend's missions were getting these days. She's usually a keen ninja, being born with a bloodline limit and having great stamina, but sometimes missions come in very demanding. One second of carelessness and somehow she ended up with a twisted wrist. She was lucky it wasn't anything life threatening. Shino performed first aid for her by using bandages he carried along the way.

"We'll do the report thing. You need to go the hospital." Kiba said, putting an extra emphasis on 'hospital' in his sentence when they arrived at the Leaf Village's Gate.

Hinata pouted. She wanted to stay and finish up the reports. "But..."

"No buts." Kiba insisted firmly. Akamaru also barks at her, as if it told her to go quickly.

Being cornered like that, she didn't get another choice. The long haired girl bids farewell to her friends and turned her back. She made her way towards the hospital, but stopped halfway.

This isn't serious, she thought to herself. Better I go home and rest properly. Maybe it'll heal by itself tomorrow.

Satisfied with that decision, she continued walking down the street.

It's already late in the afternoon. The clouds drifted in between the trees, casting shadowing shadows across the streets. Leaves crunch under her feet as she walks through the town square. The sky is darkening. Soon, it'll turn completely black. It'd be better to hurry home.

Hinata just passed Ichiraku Ramen when she heard a familiar voice called out for her.

"Hinata!"

She turned around to see who it was, although she can recognize the voice from anywhere. Naruto waved his hand enthustically from behind the ramen shop's curtains. Her eyes widen in surprise and a hint of happiness blossomed inside of her chest.

"Hi, N-naruto kun." She responded, stuttering slightly due to surprise.

"Just got back from your mission?" The blonde boy inquired.

She nodded her head. Behind Naruto, she could see another fellow shinobi, Shikamaru and Chouji. They greeted her with a nod and smiles, which she returned.

"Have you had dinner yet? Come join us."

"Well, I..."

"What happened to your hand?" He notices the bandage wrapped around her wrist and walks towards her.

"I-I'm okay... just sprained my wrist on the mission. But nothing serious." She tried to play it off, but her heart was beating rapidly.

"Are you sure?" He frowned and took a look at her wrist. His hand now holding hers while examining it, making Hinata's heartbeat increased tenfold.

She can hear the sound of her pulse pounding in her ears, causing her dizzy.

"Yes..."

He slowly released her wrist. "You look flushed too. Do you have a fever?"

Her heart stopped beating. Her mouth went dry.

"No. I am fine."

"No, you obviously aren't." Naruto says, shaking his head and letting out a sigh. "Shikamaru, Chouji, sorry but I think I'm going to have to call it quits. I think Hinata needs to go see a doctor."

Chouji and Shikamaru were quick to catch on to what was happening and nodded their heads in understanding.

"Okay."

"Yeah, we understand. Luckily we haven't order anything yet. Take care, Hinata. See you around." Shikamaru gave a friendly smile.

Hinata couldn't say anything before Naruto swoosh her out of the ramen shop, pulling her along by the hand. She could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"I told you i was f-fine, Naruto-kun." She muttered, looking away bashfully.

They walked out of the clinic after a doctor told them her injury is light and prescribed some ointment.

"I just concerned about your well-being." He replied. His words were sincere. His warm gaze never leaving her face.

"I'm perfectly fine. But, thank you. And sorry to have wasted your precious time. I will go home."

"I..."

He was cut off by a loud noise of stomach grumble. Naruto groaned, rubbing his belly, embarrassed. He turned to Hinata with a sheepish look. "Sorry. I probably should eat something before going home too."

She giggled, "In that case, let me repay you, Naruto-kun."

"What?"

"I'll treat you to... dinner." She offered shyly, turning a shade of pink as she did.

"Really? Okay then."

The two headed towards an Izakaya near the clinic. It was bustling with customers. The smell of food wafted from every corner of the place, giving people a craving urge. Naruto manages to squeeze them in front of one particular booth where the owner was wiping the table top. They both order food and drinks. It wasn't much; just some sake, pork, pickled vegetables, and rice bowls. Hinata sat opposite of Naruto, trying hard not to stare at him too much.

As soon as the waiter delivered their meals, they started eating. Naruto began gobbling his food eagerly, devouring everything he was given. After finishing his first bowl, he leaned back against the chair, exhaling heavily. A satisfied smile etched upon his lips.

"Ah, it's really good to have some drinks after a hard days work." He reached for a bottle of sake in front of him before pausing and glancing over at Hinata. "...Do you want any?"

"Y-yes, I guess." She replied shakily.

Naruto lifted the bottle of alcohol and poured some into each of their glasses, placing the bottle carefully on the table in front of them.

"Here ya go."

Hinata took it, thanking him politely. She doesn't immediately drink it, but instead watch her company gulping down his entire glass and taking another one without missing a beat. He finished that one within less than five seconds, his breath heavy after it.

"Are you having a mission today too, Naruto-kun?" She asked.

"Hmm... I was just doing some errands for Kakashi-sensei. Not sure if I'm done. But I've already completed half the list anyways." He shrugged.

"I see..."

"It's better to be busy anyway. To take my minds off... things."

Is he talking about Sakura?

"Mm... Yes." Hinata looked down and took another sip of her own liquor. The taste of it made her throat burn slightly, but it wasn't unpleasant, so she kept drinking. Again, and again.

Author's Note

Hi! It's babyquiche again. It's been a while since Plus Three and I decided to write another Naruto fanfiction. I hope you'll enjoy Rumor too, since NaruHina is my another favorite ship of Naruto universe. Comments and critiques, reviews, are greatly appreciated.

I'll try to update this story like once in a week, or maybe more. Thank you very much!