Wow! It's been almost two years since I've updated. Isn't that ridiculous? Haha. Recent watchers and boring summer have influenced me to start up again. So, enjoy!

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Most people wouldn't understand, but being alone is one thing Hinata absolutely loves. It was the morning after Hinata's busy evening; and the last thing she wanted to do was be around people. Luckily, her mission this morning did not include this.

Her mission, actually, was to do a favor for Ino. Collect unique, beautiful flowers for her to use at her flower shop. Hinata happily accepted, knowing she would spend her morning in a pasture with nature.

She was, however, oblivious to the fact that she had suitors, and they were now aware of each other. And despite their personalities, the male species had a tendency to be competitive in their pursuit.

"SHINO! What the hell are you doing?!" Kiba screamed, pointing his finger. He was crouching on a tree branch, now fully aware of his rival-companion Shino, behind the bark of said tree.

Shino looked up at the sound of his name. He wasn't surprised; he knew the Inuzuka was above him.

"Kiba... do you know how long I have been here?"

"Too long! Probably hours! Creeping on poor Hinata!"

Shina pushed up his sunglasses with his forefinger.

"This is a great place for letting free my bugs. There are no people around. Hinata just happens to be out there, picking flowers- and I didn't want my bugs to frighten her, so I chose to stay back here."

"Oh, I'm sure." Kiba leaped down. "Not that you're defensive or anything. Well, I'm here to protect Hinata from creeps like you!"

"Shouldn't I be suspicious of you?" Kiba scowled. "Besides, I am confident that there are no stalkers of Hinata. She is safe."

"Well, Shino," Kiba leaned in closer, eyes wide. "Last night, I think..." He leaned in closer. Shino leaned away. "There were... dudes."

"..." Kiba's face was still as intense as before. Shino raised an eyebrow.

"So you were near Hinata last night? You call me the stalker."

"Just on a walk!" Kiba hastily defended. "But for real- I sensed a whole bunch of chakra." They were quiet for a bit.

"So there really are people."

"She really does need to be protected, Shino." He paused. "Y'know what?" Kiba looked out to Hinata. "We should protect her." Shino looked at him.

"...Because we care for her." The quiet boy replied.

"As friends, course!"

"Yes. Teammates, even."

"Yeah! Nothing more!"

There was an awkward air to their agreement. They both had their own thoughts on how much the really are concerned for Hinata, and like her more than a teammate. And they went their separate ways.

Shino thought of his incident last night with her, the tears he saw, and the pain she really has. Hinata was the only girl he has mentioned to his father at dinnertime... The only girl he really had conversations with. He could really be himself.

Kiba, on his way home, thought of her also. Before, he has only been interested in a certain type of girl. One who was hot, loud, concerned with her looks, and adventurous. And Hinata was the opposite. She was beautiful, but quiet, shy, and spent little time on her looks. This is the first time he had fallen for this type, but it felt so natural, and pure.

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Hinata was very proud of the arrangement she had picked out by hand.

Ino will love this!

She continued her way to Ino's shop, through a busy street of Konoha. There was a small smile on her face as she admired the happiness of young families picking out their dinner, and children running around, playing games.

"Those are some nice flowers you got there. A girl as pretty as you deserves them."

Hinata looked up and around to find herself looking into the eyes of a stranger. Her afraid and embarrassed eyes made eye contact for about three seconds.

"Ano... Th-thank you..." She started to turn to walk away. She wanted to forget that comment was ever made!

"Are those for me?" He grabbed her shoulder.

"N-no, I'm sorry... I need to go now!" She tried to turn again, a little faster, a little more afraid.

"Hey! We should-" The stranger froze, and struggled. Hinata tensed, and stared. She was at a loss for words. The stranger turned, walking away silently. Hinata, terrified and confused, quickened her pace to Ino's shop, looking at the ground in front of her.

If one were to look further down this busy street, through the crowd, he would see Shikamaru. He was walking in sync with this stranger, in the same direction. No pedestrian noticed the single connecting shadow between them.

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Yup, pretty pointless... Just adding some fluffy drama. I have no idea who Hinata should actually end up with. You guys have any ideas?

R&R! It makes me motivated! xD