GOMEN GOMEN GOMENOSAI!!! I'm So super sorry that it took me this long to update. But there's good news! It's getting closer to the end. Only a couple more chapters left. So... Enjoy!

Aishiteru, Hinata-chan

Chapter 23

"Hmm?"

The jounin at the desk next to the gates squinted into the distance, where he saw figures speeding toward him at a very frantic pace. "Hey, Kiko, check this out."

"What do you mean, Shojo?" His female partner followed his line of vision before letting out a sigh. "Oh, that's just Kakashi, Kurenai, and their teams. Demo… They are moving kind of fast…"

Kiko jumped over the desk and moved toward the open gates. With a gasp, she leapt back right before being trampled by a girl with long black hair and a purple jacket. The girl kept running at the same speed, followed by a girl with pink hair and a boy with oddly styled hair shaped like a… chicken? She breathed out a breath of relief when Kakashi stopped in front of her. He was followed by Kurenai, a wild looking boy, a dog, and 3 other ninja that she had never seen before. Apparently they were no threat to the village. Although, the older man kept looking around with a weird emotion in his eye.

"Kiko-san," the silver haired man greeted with an eye smile.

"K-Kakashi-san, may I ask what just happened?"

He sighed. "I guess Tsunade-sama didn't inform the entire staff of ninja."

Kiko's head tilted to the side in confusion. "Nani?"

He sighed yet again. "All will be explained soon. But now Kurenai and I have to get to the hospital immediately."

Left. Right. Down this street. Over this house. Without slowing, I reminded myself of the directions to the hospital. I was well aware of Sakura and Sasuke, who were trailing behind me. But I paid them no mind.

The only thing on my mind was Naruto.

When I came to the last turn and saw the hospital getting close, I added an extra burst of adrenaline to my system. The small distance that was between me and the tall building was closed within a few seconds. I burst through the doors, not once breaking my stride or speed, and sprinted down the hall and up the stairs to Naruto's room.

213. 214. 215.

Here it is. Room 216. Without even thinking, my hand reached out and flung the door to the side. Then my hand flew up to my mouth as I gasped.

Naruto was passed out in Tsunade's arms. The beautiful blue eyes I had been waiting for were closed, and the tanned skin I had come to love was pale and sickly looking. Tsunade's face was white as a ghost, tears running down her cheeks and landing on his chest below. She turned, just noticing me, and shook her head.

I almost fell to my knees. I almost let out a scream. I almost cried my heart out. I almost gave up.

Almost.

With a newfound determination, I crossed the room in 3 strides and pulled Tsunade back from his limp body. After retrieving the vial from my pocket, I raised my hand and took a deep breath.

SMACK.

It brought tears to my eyes to have to hit my Naruto-kun, but I had to wake him up so he could drink the medicine.

As soon as the sharp sound had emitted from his cheek, his eyes opened in fear. I gasped and all but dove into his chest. I almost stayed that way, to savor the moment. But I reminded myself that I was on a time schedule.

With only a moment's hesitation, I gripped the vial's top and ripped it off with my teeth before spitting it across the room. "Naruto, you have to drink this."

His eyes were unfocused, letting me know that I only had his attention for a few moments more. He nodded his head slightly before looking in the direction of the antidote.

I lifted it to his lips and tipping it slowly. When he made a gurgling sound, I tilted it back into the bottle. "Naruto?" He continued to cough and sputter for a second, then went quiet. "Naruto?" He didn't respond. With an unintentional growl, I poured some of the potion into my mouth and tilted his head toward me. After taking a deep breath through my nose, I brought his lips to mine.

The sensation was soft and smooth; nice and warm. Although he was unconscious, I felt that he was feeling this just as much as I was. But I had to cut the moment short. Using my hand, I pried his lips open and let the antidote leak into his mouth. Then I pushed both of our heads back, allowing it to travel down his throat. He made a small whimper-like sound, but was fine otherwise. When I could no longer feel the liquid in his mouth, I pulled back, closing his mouth in case there was any excess liquid. Then I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Tears formed in my eyes. 'I failed. He's… He's dead!' For the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to weep, not caring who was around to see me cry. My arms curled around his torso and my face buried itself into his chest. I sobbed so loud I was no longer aware of the presence that was with me already, or the ones that were just arriving.

"… My God," I heard Sasuke mutter as Sakura gasped. A sob escaped her and I heard the ruffling of clothing. Without having to look, I knew that Sasuke had his arms around her.

'Well, at least Sasuke-kun and Sakura-chan will be able to be with the one they love,' I thought. After releasing a shuddering breath, I lifted my head to whisper in Naruto's ear.

"Aishiteru, Naruto-kun."

My eyes closed and I let more tears escape from under my eyelids. My mission had failed. My nindo, to never go back on my word, had been broken. My most important person, my reason for wanting to become a stronger kunoichi, was gone. Along with him went my confidence, my strength, my drive, and my heart. My sobs returned, louder than before, shaking my entire body.

Then I felt arms around me and a hand rubbing my back. With a sharp gasp, I shot up and found myself staring into open, beautifully sky blue eyes. They were twinkling with happiness and concern.

"N… Naru…to..kun?"

So... How was that?

Good? Bad? In the middle?

I need feedback!

An I WILL UPDATE ONTIME NEXT WEEK!!! There will only be like 2-3 chapters.

So until then peeps!

ja ne,

-Tsunei-chan