Three: Aftertaste

For both Naruto and Hinata, it felt like time had stood still just for this moment. Hinata stares at the blonde haired boy as if she had seen a ghost. Surely, her eyes couldn't be playing tricks on her considering they are made to not do so.

"I had to see you." Naruto repeated, finally catching his breath. He steps closer to her and embraces her tightly.

Feeling his arms wrap around her waist and his chin tucked in her neck, once again left her in shock. There was so much emotion waving over her that her eyes filled with tears. Naturally, she hugs him back with her eyes shut tight. Although Hinata was confused, there was no way she would allow herself to pull away from him. As long as she knew Naruto, he had never came in contact with her like this yet alone touch her.

"Naruto-"

"Please. Can we just... stay like this a little longer?"

"... O-okay."

Naruto inhales, holding her comfortably in his arms. He couldn't believe he's holding her like this but even this bit of contact was enough to calm him down. If this was what he needed, not seizing such an opportunity would be silly. Even the scent of her hair had soothed him.

But suddenly realizing where they were, Naruto's eyes flash open and pulls her away. Confused, Hinata's eyes look over to his blushing face. Their eyes meet and he smiles nervously. "Sorry. I didn't mean to scare ya like that."

"I-It's okay."

"No, it's not. Those guys over there are watching us."

She looks over at the workers and she flushes in embarrassment. Realizing he had placed her in a bit of an uncomfortable situation, he grabs hold of her wrist tugging her away from the scene. "I need to speak to you, Hinata."

Of course, she doesn't protest and allows her love to guide her elsewhere.

So we walked. Neither of us had said a word since I pulled her away for privacy. I hadn't realized my hands were so clammy until I noticed I was still holding Hinata's wrist. She must be confused as hell but considering how calmly she's taking this, it must not be bothering her as much is it's bothering me.

"Where are we going, Naruto?"

The tone in her voice sounded unsure now and I look up to notice that we were now standing in the forest. How the hell did we get here? Am I really that out of touch? I finally released her from my hold and laughed nervously. Boy, this must be really awkward.

"Hah, sorry I don't know what I'm thinking." I said loudly, rubbing the back of my head.

By the look she's giving me, she must be feeling out of place as well. I mean, I know why I came looking for her but now that I have her standing in this forest, it's like I had no idea what I wanted to say to her now. And for some reason, I can hardly look her in the eyes for long. Maybe it was this outfit she has on.

She looks really pretty. Wait. Did I seriously just think that? Did I just call Hinata pretty? Er, it's not that she was unattractive or anything... I just didn't expect for a thought like that to come from me.

"You look very cute today, Hinata."

What the hell?! Why did I just say that out loud?! Her eyes widen from my sudden outburst. I don't blame her. I'm acting so weird right now!

"Thank you." She answers, looking down at her shoes.

Was this really the same Hinata from my dreams? The one before me seems so timid and frail. What about the Hinata that has been haunting my dreams? Why was she so bold and courageous in my dream? I suddenly felt even more confused than before. The dreams I have been having... I thought they really did happen.

Didn't she jump in front of Pain when I was pinned to the ground? Was it Hinata that stepped in for me? Was it?

The memories of my dream had washed over me suddenly and the current Hinata that stood before me had disappeared. In its place, was Pain looking at me. Before I knew it, I found myself on the ground, eating dirt. Am I dreaming again?

Then Hinata appears by my side in defense.

"No!... I'm just being selfish right now." She yells at me. I find myself getting upset again.

"What's that mean?!" I yell, doing my best to look up at her. "Hinata, don't put yourself in danger like this, just go!"

No matter how many times I yell at her in this dream, she never wants to listen to me.

"I'm here because I want to be. This time I'm going to save you, Naruto!"

This is where I get confused. She goes off saying all of these meaningful things to me and I just don't know how to register them. I didn't want to be saved by her. It was my duty to protect her and the others, so why should I feel okay with the words she's spewing out?

"I always chased after you, wanting to catch up... Wanting to walk with you together forever..."

Oh God, I didn't want to hear these words again. Please, no. Get me out of this dream. I thought seeing the real Hinata with my own eyes would change things. But now, I can't even leave the dream. I want to open my eyes but they are stuck in my unconscious memory. I was fixed to hear this over and over again.

"That's why I'm not afraid to die here! If it means I can protect you!"

No, I don't want to be protected by you...

"Because I love you... I always will..."

It was those words that kept aching my heart. Every time I hear that line, it just breaks my heart. To be honest, her words scared me. Growing up, I didn't know what love was. While I was too busy hating everyone because I was the sore thumb of the village, not once I dreamt that someone would ever say those words to me. Hearing it constantly through a dream... it terrified me. And now all I can see is darkness.

"Naruto..."

Where was that voice coming from?

"Naruto!"

Someone was calling me from somewhere... Who was it?

"Naruto! Wake up!"

Naruto opens his eyes from his unconscious state, confused as all get out. One moment he was standing before Hinata and now he finds himself on the floor with her big doe-like eyes looking over him. She had her small hand resting on his feverish head. "Naruto! Are you okay?"

He doesn't answer. Instead, he stares at her with furrowed eyebrows. "Why do you keep haunting my dreams?"

"Wh-Wha...?!"

Hinata fumbles with words as the blonde sits up from the ground. "I keep having nightmares about you. And-and I don't like it."

Unsure of what to say, she remains silent. Clearly, something was bothering Naruto but she had no idea how to make him feel better

"The reason I came running to you earlier on was because I thought maybe if I saw you in person, the nightmares would go away." The look of uncertainty was no longer in his eyes and the look of seriousness took its place. Hinata grew nervous, getting a feeling that the rest of this conversation won't be a pleasant one.

Being careful on what to say, she murmurs, "What were the nightmares about?"

Those piercing blue eyes of his continued to gaze down at her. A part of her wanted to look away because this tension was beginning to suffocate her. Ironically, the atmosphere was just as suffocating for Naruto. But there was no way either of them can back down now.

"I dream about you getting pummeled to death by Pain." He finally says.

There was a long pause after that. The only noise was the chirping of birds that perched in the branches above. Naruto places his hand over his heart, clenching his jacket. "I'm so afraid to close my eyes at night, Hinata..."

Just watching him like this was hard for Hinata as well. Seeing an unhappy and pained Naruto was something that just seemed unnatural. If there was anyone in the world who had doubts about themselves, it would be Hinata herself. Or that's what she thought. When she was down, the only person she looked up to as her light, was Naruto. So what would her life be if her beloved was lost in the dark was well? Just the thought feared her and she suddenly sprung into action.

With her small hands, she grabs hold of his clenched fist. The sudden cool touch of her hands to his fevered skin made him snap out of his trance. He looks at her with glassy eyes, the expression on his face completely indescribable. Hinata smiles slightly before looking away from him.

"I don't want you to be afraid. If you are afraid, then I will be afraid as well." She admitted.

"Hinata..."

As much as she would like to admit her love to the boy again, Hinata feared that her words would not reach him this time around either. It wasn't just Naruto who constantly thought of that day. It took a lot of courage, strength and power for her to stand up against Pain. Being aware that she was no match for him, it didn't matter as long as there was some sort of effort made. If Hinata was to die that day, there would be no regret. Her heart would be at ease and her death would not be in vain.

She would happily die if it meant protecting someone she might not have been victorious, but dying like that might not have bothered Hinata too much.

"Naruto... I will do anything to make you feel better." She said, finally returning eye contact.

"A-Anything?" He repeated.

Her light eyes soften and her smile turns sweeter. With a short nod she answers, "Yes, anything."

It was as if there was a quick shot of relief in Naruto's heart when she smiled. It wasn't just a simple gesture or a symbol of trying to just make him feel better. He knew that Hinata meant every word she said. He might not always be around her to confirm her common behavior but the thought of Hinata not being genuine wasn't something that ever crossed his mind. Her smile was like a warm cloak around his body. His limbs weren't stiff anymore and the feeling of nightmares subsided. Naruto felt good. And he wanted to thank her in anyway possible.

Naruto's bland expression softens and a small unsure smile appears on his face. She said she will do anything, he reminds himself. With that statement in mind, he looks at the pretty girl before him. It was obvious that Hinata had grown into a beautiful young lady but this was the first time Naruto had really taken a look at her. The small things like the light hairs that stood on the back of her neck or the way how her lips part slightly when she is in deep though had stood out before him. Naruto felt wonderful and he thought, maybe the only way to keep this good feeling is to bring her just a little bit more closer.

Slightly, he leans in closer to her hoping that maybe if he kissed her, maybe this could all end. Surprised, she naturally tilts back in uncertainty. "Naruto, what-"

"Hinata, please."

Hinata's palms grew clammy. She couldn't believe that this was really going to happen. It what she always wanted. The dreams of kissing Naruto on a bright sunny day and in her best yukata had come true.

"Naruto-"

He silences her with a quick press to the lips. Hinata gasps slightly, forgetting to close her eyes.

While Hinata's mind exploded into a billion thoughts, Naruto fended off the thoughts of enjoyment. He knew that he was kissing Hinata but a part of him was beginning to enjoy this little kiss too much. Maybe it was a moment of desperation attempting to take over him but he was starting to feel a bit confused. The point of kissing her was to make him go back to his normal self. But now, the atmosphere was too pleasing to leave this with just a kiss, he thought.

He found himself resting his hands on her tiny waist and parting her small lips with his tongue. Hinata responds by flicking her tongue timidly at his. A part of Naruto wanted to laugh at her uncertainty. It was cute and he was pleased.

He pulls away from her lips to leave a soft trail of kisses down to her collarbone. Even the scent of her skin was making Naruto's fingertips burn in desire. It was supposed to be a kiss but now he just wants to engulf her with the flame that suddenly burned inside of him.

"Na...N-Naruto." She whimpered, resting her gentle hands on his shoulders. "W-wait, please."

As much as he wanted to listen to her, his lips were hungry for the remaining of untouched skin. He grazes his lips on the tracing of her collarbone, wandering off in the direction of her breast.

"Naruto, no!" She whimpers, pushing him away a bit.

Ignoring her again, his hand snakes up her leg, almost reaching to her panties.

Hinata gasps again, this time pushing Naruto with complete force. Almost falling on his back, he looks at her in confusion.

His eyes examine her face, realizing that the expression of fear was painted onto her face. "I-I thought you were enjoying it, Hinata."

Hinata stands to her feet, quickly tidying herself. "In the beginning I did. But it felt wrong."

Her feared expression diminish quickly but it was clear that her mind was made up. Naruto remained seated on the floor, not sure why this method didn't work. In his dreams, all he could envision was Hinata by his side, dying for him. But the Hinata that stood before him didn't feel like the one from his dreams. Sure, it was unfair for him to compare that to current reality, but he just just puzzled.

"You said you loved me." He mumbled, loud enough for her to hear.

Her eyes widen for a moment. It wasn't just Naruto who is confused. Naturally, Hinata wanted to be with Naruto but her dreams of being with him wasn't supposed to be this way. She thought it would be a bit more romantic. It might have been asking for too much, let alone he barely sees her in that sort of way, but it was how she felt.

Hinata bites her lip momentarily before deciding she should go. "Naruto, I see you are unwell. And this may be selfish of me... but... I have to go. The Naruto that is before me isn't the one I fell in love with. I want to help you but perhaps..."

She froze. She didn't want to say that there was someone else out there that would ease his pain. If there was anyone in the world that she wanted Naruto to lean on for help, she wanted it to be her.

"Perhaps..." Hinata repeated.

Naruto continued to stare her down, waiting for her to get her thoughts together. "Hinata-"

"I'm sorry!" She yelled, turning and running away from him.

The boy was at a complete loss. What exactly happened here? Why did Hinata pull away form him? Why does he suddenly feel worse than before? He watched her until the color of yukata was no longer visible.

"I'm such an idiot!" He growls at himself. The only lead he had to fixing himself was gone. Who would have imagined what little Hinata would have the will to push away Naruto. Just thinking about it, made him feel worse. His eyes wandered onto the ground before him. "I'm such an idiot..."

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A/N: Gah, don't kill me guys! I'm sooooooooooo sorry! As of right now, I'm still on my vacation as I predicted, getting internet connection was a hassle. Not sure if my memory is playing tricks on me or not but I am sure I promised you guys that I would have had this chapter up pretty soon. Sadly, I have neglected you all

I will do my best to update soon. I love you all and I hope this chapter was a bit longer than the last chapter.