Define Destiny

A/N: Well, I'm back from vacation, and I have to say...I'm disappointed. The amount of reviews for the last chapter was really low. I suppose most of you are off on splendid vacations now. Are you? I just hope the response for this chapter is more encouraging. Kudos to all of you who did review, helping me with that little issue I had and all. This chapter is another filler of some sort; more character development and stuff.

Story Edits: Minor changes were made to all the chapters of the story, such as the honorifics and some grammer/spelling. There is no need to go back and read them again.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, Hinata, or any other character.

Chapter 10

"Rise and shine, hime!"

Hinata blearily opened her eyes, squinting into the bright light filling her room, trying to see who the speaker was. She gave up and rolled over on her futon, burying her head in her arms.

"Go away," she mumbled, dismissing the person with a feeble wave of her hand.

"I'll dump water on you," threatened the person. The threat was met with silence. "Come on, nee-san!"

Hyuga Hanabi was getting frustrated with her sister and was quite ready to carry out her threat when the dark haired Hyuga heiress began the slow process of dragging herself out of the warm comfort of her futon. "What t-time is it?" asked Hinata, stretching as she stood.

Hanabi shrugged. "I have no idea. But otou-san wants to eat breakfast with us."

This immediately woke her up. An eyebrow rose. "What's with the s-sudden interest?"

Again her sister shrugged. "They don't tell me much."

Hinata sighed, running a hand through her knotted hair. "T-tell otou-san I'll be there in a f-few minutes."

The younger girl nodded and turned, walking out of the room. She paused on the threshold and glanced back at her sister. "Neji-nii-san's team is here too." she smirked. "I suggest you dress properly."

Hinata's eyes narrowed. "I always dress p-properly."

"I'm sure you do."

The girl hurriedly closed the door just as a discarded sock from the night before came flying towards her. She looked back in, stuck her tongue out at her sister before sprinting away, laughing all the while. She was lucky her ninja reflexes were so developed, thought Hinata. If she had been slower, she would have been smacked in the face by the sock. Hinata let out a tiny chuckle before moving into her bathroom.

Looking into the mirror, she realized that she was really feeling like a big sister for the first time in her life. Smiling, she began washing. As she was slipping into her usual jacket, Hinata remembered her sister's words. With a sigh, she placed the jacket back and looked through her clothing. After much thinking and criticizing, she decided on a pair of shorts that weren't too short, just so her father wouldn't say anything, and a black shirt.

She put on her shoes and picked her hair up into a loose ponytail, long strands framing her face. She noticed that she looked a lot like a normal girl her age after a short glance in the mirror. The only thing that set her apart was the headband she placed around her neck.

Hinata, satisfied she looked presentable, left her room only to collide with her sister outside.

Looking annoyed, arms crossed, Hanabi said, "Finally! I was starting to think you'd fallen asleep again."

The Hyuga heiress sighed, replying, "I t-told you I was coming, Hanabi-chan."

Together they began their way to the dining room, walking side-by-side. Hanabi glanced at her, a smile slowly spreading over her face. "Nice clothes, nee-san," she said. "I like those shorts."

She had no reply for her sister, simply a smile of her own.

They stopped at the dining room door and slid it open, bowing briefly to the people inside. "Ohayo, otou-san," Hinata said. "Ohayo, Neji-nii-san, Lee-san, Tenten,"

She stood with her sister and moved to sit at the table. She could feel her father's eyes upon her yet she ignored him, avoiding his gaze. She knew, actually thought, her father was aware all about what Hikari was doing and felt slightly angry with him for it. He had never really cared for her, so easily giving her up the moment she became a genin.

Later he had attempted to fix the family, tried to heal wounds so deep. He had taken her back in as his daughter, accepted Neji proudly as his nephew despite the fact that he was in the Branch family. But she knew he had always been ashamed of her and always would be.

She was the weak one in his eyes, just the one who needed to be married in order to have a man to rule over the clan while she was only seen not heard.

Her chopsticks broke in half in her hands, the wood splintering under her tight grip. Silence fell in the room, all conversation coming to a halt. All eyes were on her now and her cheeks heated up.

"Uh, I'm s-sorry," she mumbled, fumbling to grab another set. "It s-seems I don't know my own strength."

"It's alright, Hinata-san!" said Lee loudly. "It happens to me all the time." As if to prove his point, his own chopsticks broke in half, falling to the table. "Hmm, it happened again!" He laughed boisterously.

A frown hovered over her lips as Tenten and Hanabi began laughing at Lee's antics. Neji was rolling his eyes, saying something about how immature Lee was. The Taijutsu user was struggling to use his new chopsticks properly. They kept sliding out of his hands, making it difficult for him to eat. She made a mental note to thank him later for helping her get out of such an embarrassing situation.

Hinata looked up from the table met her father's eyes.

They weren't cold or looking at her with disdain, surprising for her. They were gazing at her with just a hint of respect, caring, like how a father looked at his daughter.

She felt a sudden urge to break down and start bawling like a child. Hinata took a shuddering breath and pushed aside her food, signaling she was finished. A maid hurried into the room and took her plate, taking it away to be cleaned.

"Excuse me, I h-have to go t-train," she said, standing from her place. Glancing at Neji, she saw his inquiring look. She shook her head the slightest bit, knowing he would go and question her later anyways.

"Very well," spoke Hiashi. "I'll see you for dinner then." Hinata looked at him sharply, surprised. Since when did he specifically make time to eat with her? But her father was back to eating and she couldn't find the courage to ask him why. She sighed and moved to the door.

"I hope you don't believe everyone is against you, Hinata," said her father softly so only she could hear. The others were back too busy eating and talking amongst each other. "After all, every story has its happy ending. Just like your mother used to say."

Tears welled up in her eyes and she sped from the room, the door sliding shut with a slam behind her. She missed the sadness in her father's eyes as he gazed at her, finding it so difficult to decide such a fate for her.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&

The sound of water splashing gently against the rocks on the bank calmed her. She didn't know whether it was the silence or simply the atmosphere but, regardless of the season or time of day, it always just did.

Now, sitting in the shade of a tree, only a few feet away from the river, she felt at peace. She gazed around at her surroundings; admiring the gifts nature gave away so generously. The flowers blooming on the trees were picture perfect. The vibrant colors of the foliage made her look plain. The forest had boundless energy.

She smiled and wished she had a camera to be able to preserve such things and keep them as treasures. A frown replaced the smile as she recalled why she was even there in the first place.

Hinata had rushed to the spot in tears, running away from the words her father had spoken, afraid to face him. One day she would have to do it but that day was not today. She was sure of it. But, even so, she had absorbed herself in thinking of nature and nature only to prevent unwanted thoughts from forming.

She was a coward and she knew it.

"Fine day for relaxing, isn't it?"

The unexpected voice set her scrambling up from the ground, her heart pounding. Arms wrapped around her from behind, she was ready to throw a fit. The scent of pine needles assaulted her senses and she recognized the stranger.

"Naruto-kun!" she breathed, turning to face him.

Their eyes barely met and he was kissing her. He held her tightly as if he were a ruined man, cradling his only and most precious possession in his arms. He lifted her in a hug with her toes barely grazing the ground and walked a few steps forward. Hinata let out a shriek as they tumbled to the earth.

"It's been a while, Hinata-chan," he murmured, face pressed to her hair. She bit her lip, hands fisted in the fabric of his shirt. He seemed to realize how tense she was and pulled back to look down at her. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"We-I-," she sighed. "If w-we're seen together, it would be d-disastrous."

Naruto gave a half laugh, shaking his head. "It doesn't matter anymore," he said. "I thought about it and I just don't care anymore."

Hinata let out a sound of distress, sitting up and moving out of his embrace. "I have to care, Naruto-kun!" she wrapped her arms around her knees, her gaze distant. "It-I really do w-want to be with you b-but—"

She struggled to find words to describe the situation. It was impossible, it always would be. "We're l-living in two d-different worlds," she whispered. "T-two worlds too far apart,"

"Have you thought about being a poet, Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked jokingly, appearing in front of her.

"Naruto-kun…" It wasn't the time to be playing around.

He sighed. "I understand; I really do. But we could make the most of the time we have together before…you know."

Before the arranged marriage was definite and she chained to a man she didn't know for the rest of her life.

She knew he really did care. Yet she couldn't help but be the slightest bit resentful it had taken him so long. They could have had days, months, and years even. She took a deep breath, knowing that her decision could have many different outcomes.

"We could try."

A brilliant smile spread on his face. "But," The brilliance faded. "We h-have to be c-careful. The b-bad people can't know."

"Alright!" he shouted, his smile coming back full force.

It all seemed like a game, a very dangerous game. But Hinata was willing to take a chance, just for him. They had days, maybe months, now. And she was sure she would never forget those days, months, spent with him.

"Can w-we start now?"

"Really?" He seemed surprised. Perhaps it was because of her boldness? "Sure, Hinata-chan!" He paused to think for a moment. She could almost see a light going on over his head as he nodded, apparently having thought of something to do. "Have you ever just splashed around in the water for no reason?"

"Only a few t-times when I was little,"

Naruto stood from the ground suddenly, pulling her up with him. "Then let's go do that right now!" he exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. Hinata nodded, "Okay!"

"Let's go a little more downstream to a better spot." he said. They began walking, hand-in-hand. Naruto hadn't bothered to let go of her when he pulled her up and Hinata wasn't about to start complaining. Being this close to him, it was wonderful.

They arrived to a part in the river where it was wider and ended in a waterfall. The water cascading into the river was clear as glass, shining with the light from the sun reflecting off it. Hinata couldn't believe she had never ventured this far. He must come here often, she thought.

"How do you like it?" Naruto looked ready to just jump into the water.

"It's beautiful!" He looked pleased by her answer.

"Come on!" He began walking into the water, clothes and all, pulling her with him. Hinata hesitated at the edge, her expression worried. "I'll protect you so don't worry," he proclaimed, tugging on her arm. She shook her head. "It's not that."

"What is it?" He looked almost annoyed at her reluctance.

"I have n-no change of clothes," she told him.

Naruto looked at her blankly for one moment, and then bent forward in uncontrolled laughter. His face, nose almost touching the water, turned so red that Hinata thought he was going to stop breathing.

"W-well, I never knew I w-was so funny." she said, trying to seem offended.

That didn't help. He motioned for her to come closer, stepping out of the water himself. She frowned, crossing her arms. But she couldn't really be angry with him, though.

"I'm sorry," he gasped, his laughter dying down. He wrapped his arms around her, ignoring her protests of, "Stop it, you're wet!" Hinata gave him a soft shove and he calmed down. "I'm sorry," he said again, his eyes meeting hers. "I just thought it was something more serious. I expected you to tell me you were afraid of water or didn't know how to swim."

"It's alright." She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "You're f-forgiven."

"Thank you, your Highness." Naruto mock bowed, making her laugh. "I'll lend you my jacket later, if you want."

"You're v-very kind." She slipped out of his arms and into the water, leaving her shoes behind on the bank.

"Hey!" he exclaimed. Naruto left his shoes by hers and dropped his jacket on them. He ran towards the water, pumping chakra into his feet at the last minute so he was standing on the surface instead. He towered over her, grinning mischievously. "Can you handle extreme splashing?"

She laughed at his words, nodding. "Of c-course I can!"

"Then get ready!" He jumped up from the surface, falling into the water with a tremendous splash. She was engulfed in water, pushed under by the force. Hinata was sure that was a chakra enhanced leap. She emerged, sputtering, wiping water from her eyes.

"Naruto-kun!"

He popped up from the water suddenly, a grin on his face. "That's my name," he said cheerfully. "Come on, I'll race you to the waterfall."

"I'll win!"

Seeing his overconfident smirk, she dove into the water, struggling to swim properly with her clothes holding her back. A glance to her right showed her that Naruto was gaining on her. He quickly got ahead and she knew she had lost already. Hinata reached the finish just a few seconds after him.

"You win," she said, gasping for breath, her wet hair in her eyes.

"Piece of cake," He brushed off an imaginary speck of dirt from his shoulder, pretending to be the arrogant winner. She was so taken with the sight of his lean form as his wet clothes pressed to him that she let him have his moment of make-believe glory with complain.

"Hinata-chan?" He was close, standing only inches away in front of her. She felt her cheeks heat up at the sudden lack of space between them.

"Y-Yes?" She looked up at him from under her lashes.

"You're beautiful," he whispered, and kissed her, one hand on the back of her head, the other resting on the small of her back. He pressed into her, as if he had to make sure she was real and that everything was actually happening.

Next moment, they were playing again, laughing and splashing. But she wasn't really concentrating. All she could think of was how many more moments like that they would have in the near future. It brought a blush to her cheeks and a small smile to her lips just imagining it.

A/N: Like I said: nothing spectacular. Just some Naru/Hina fluff at the end. Remeber to review! Oh, and I've got a MySpace where I expect to be putting up some chapter/oneshot previews for all of you in the blog section. If you want to check it out, the link is in my profile. Thanks and until the next update!