A/N: Sakura gets bashed. Be warned!

Chapter Three: Watching You

-----------------------------------------October 11th, 11:45 AM--------------------------------------

Naruto lay on the couch, wide awake, unable to sleep after the events of last night. So much had happened in just one day after he had returned to the village. He had found out that his father was the Fourth Hokage, and Hinata had moved in with him. He thought he did it because she was a friend. Now he wasn't sure. Having a second voice in his head didn't help much. He was still arguing with the Fox.

'Baka! Admit it! You did it because you love her!'

'Stupid Fox! Hinata is my friend!"

"Baka! You forget that I see everything you see. That girl has always watched you. She loves you. And if you still haven't figured out 'her big secret' that's what she's going to tell you tonight at the lake! You better figure out your true feelings and fast, because she's waking up. It's almost noon. Now leave me alone!"

With that the Kyuubi fell silent, and Naruto was left pondering his own true feelings for the Hyuga that was asleep in the next room. He heard her stir, and he laid there, eyes wide open. He heard the bedroom door creaking, and he saw her graceful form emerge from the room, still in her loose nightgown. She rubbed her eyes sleepily, and she sat next to him.

"Naruto-kun, you didn't sleep last night did you?"

The blonde was obviously shocked, but he knew he couldn't lie to Hinata, nor did he have any desire to. He sighed and nodded.

"I couldn't. That baka fox wouldn't stop partying in my head. When he starts getting excited, there's no stopping him."

Hinata giggled at the thought of a demon fox throwing a party. She was curious as to why the Kyuubi would be excited. Hinata was known for her curiosity.

"Why was the Kyuubi excited? Do you actually have conversations with him?"

Naruto smiled that big dopey grin and chuckled.

"Well, he talks to me, but he's not much of a conversationalist really. He mainly gives me insight into people. You know, true emotions and stuff. And of course he likes to party."

"I heard that kid. Just because I'm not talking to you doesn't mean I don't hear you. Just look at the way she's watching you. She's in love with you. Better figure out something fast. By the way, try something besides ramen once in a while. It makes me sick in here…"

'Baka fox. Alright, what do you want me to eat?"

"Anything but ramen for once. You can't see it, but it's starting to corrupt your stomach. At least try some veggies now and then."

'You sound like Kakashi-sensei. Alright fine. We'll go have a salad or something for lunch. Happy now?"

Hinata was looking into his eyes softly as he conversed with the Kyuubi, and she slowly realized that the Fox might have delved into her emotions and told Naruto. She loved him, but did he love her? I'll find out tonight. I just hope he doesn't freak out and run away.

Noon brought about a new conversation. They turned to each other and smiled.

"Hinata. Are you getting hungry?"

The beautiful Hyuga nodded, and Naruto watched her beautiful pearl colored eyes surveying his new home. I love your eyes Hinata. I'll tell you tonight how I feel about you.

"Want to go get a salad at the restaurant? Kyuubi said I should stop eating ramen for a while. Stupid Fox."

Hinata smiled at him, and stood.

"Naruto-kun, let's go, but I need a shower first. Could you show me to the bathroom?"

The blonde nodded, and took her hand, giving her some indication that he liked her. He led her to the back of the house, where a private bath awaited. He slipped his hand away from her, and smiled.

"This is your own private bath Hinata. This is the Uzumaki clan house. As long as you stay with me, you're an Uzumaki. You don't have to worry about anyone peeking on you either. I give you my word that I won't, and Ero-sennin won't either. Have a good bath Hinata."

She smiled and stepped inside, much to shy to tell him just yet. Tonight would be the night that would change their lives. She smiled and slipped her nightgown off, and stepped into the warm water. She enjoyed it immensely, and she quickly washed her body. Stepping out, she reached for her day clothes, and realized she had forgotten them. She saw a robe her size, and quickly put it around her dripping curvy form, and smiled as she stepped out.

"I could get used to this. Naruto already treats me much better than Father… I mean Hiashi treated me. I even have my own private bath. Maybe after I tell him…"

Hinata was lost in her thoughts. She was growing up. How she wanted to stay here forever. She just hoped that everything went as she planned it. She quickly retreated to her room, and changed. She sat on the couch, and smiled. The Uzumaki clan house was a grand and elaborate building, spanning three floors. Each was as magnificent as the last. Naruto entered the room and smiled, motioning to the door.

"May I escort you, Lady Hinata?"

She had never been called Lady before, except by Neji, and he always called her that as a demeaning term. She giggled, and stood, and slid her arm into the one he held out for her. Such a gentleman. No one ever taught him manners, and despite the three years he was away with Jiraiya, he still is the pure and gentle boy I fell in love with almost ten years ago.

Naruto was waging an internal battle with the Kyuubi.

"Ha! I was right! You do love her! Say it!"

'Alright already! Baka! You were right. I do love Hinata. Now help! What do I do?'

"Wait until you get her under the stars tonight. Bring a blanket, and a pillow. When she says she loves you, tell her you love her too. But don't rush the first kiss. Play it slow and take your time. You only get one first. Now go eat before you starve. No more advice from me."

So the pair left, arms intertwined. A few heads were turned to see the seemingly new pair of Konoha. The word on the streets of Konoha was that Hinata was with Naruto. They walked into the restaurant of Konoha, and sat near the fountain they had implanted in the middle of the stone walkway. They ordered the chef salad. One was big enough to share. Even with Naruto's notoriously large appetite, Hinata knew he would let her have as much as she wanted. The Hyuga was a good judge of character. A familiar voice to them both spoke.

"Hinata? Naruto? Are you two on a…date?"

Hinata's heart sunk. Sakura.

The Hyuga girl turned a fiery red, and Naruto looked past Hinata, and saw Rock Lee sitting across from the pink haired kunoichi. An evil smile creased his lips, and he could not help it. He was happy for the first time in his life with Hinata. Hinata saw his smile, and traced his eyes to the ninja in green, and she also smiled evilly.

"Well well. So you finally succumbed to Lee. I hope Sasuke doesn't come back. Jiraiya tells me he can be jealous."

Sakura had never been more hurt in her life, especially by one of her closest friends. Hinata was laughing as Sakura ran from the restaurant in tears, closely followed by Lee. Naruto and Hinata burst out in laughter.

"Hinata, that was amazing! I've never seen you do that."

They sat and laughed until the food came. They ate in silence, and Naruto let Hinata eat first, before he finished what she left. Their eyes met numerous times, and they reached across the table and held each other's hand softly each time their eyes met. Naruto would smile, and Hinata would blush.

"Naruto-kun, let's go up to the lake now. I can't wait any longer. We'll stay until dark."

The blonde nodded, and paid for the food, and walked with her arm in arm back to the Uzumaki clan house. They quickly collected their swim gear, and Naruto brought a blanket and a pillow, just like the Kyuubi instructed.

'If this works, you can party all you want. I really owe you one."

"Kid, you owe me a lot more than that. But let me throw a big one, and we'll call it even. Just don't blow it like you usually do. I've grown attached to this place. Just know when I do get out, I'll spare you and that girl. Good luck kid."

Hinata came out of her room with her normal clothes on, and her swimsuit underneath. They walked at a slight distance until they got up to the lake, and Naruto just took his shirt off, completely comfortable around her, now that Hinata knew the truth. The shy Hyuga easily slipped out of her clothes now that they had shared a few days together. She stood before him, and his eyes alighted on hers. They both waded into the cool water, as the sun set below the mountain peak. They splashed each other and laughed, until Hinata sat by the bank, and Naruto joined her. She turned to face him, the clear blue eyes she loved staring into her own.

"Naruto-kun. I want to tell you what I've been hiding for the last ten years."

Naruto nodded, and the Kyuubi offered his last advice.

"This is it kid. It's now or never. You get one chance to tell her, so be a man and do it, but not until she tells you."

'Thanks. I will.'

"Naruto-kun, did you ever notice me watching you train, or following you around no matter where you went? The reason for that is because…I love you. I always have, and as far as I'm concerned, I always will. Your courage, you determination, they have always inspired me. I was able to tell you this finally after ten years. I was wondering… do you… feel the same way about me?"

Hinata's eyes filled with tears as he took a long time to answer. She wasn't expecting a yes answer. What he said next utterly surprised the young woman.

"Hinata, the last day since I've been back with you, has been amazing. I always told myself not to get involved with you, because of your father. But now that you aren't under his care anymore, I can safely say that I love you too. You make me happy. Not the kind of happiness I feel when Iruka-sensei buys me ramen or not the happiness I felt knowing my father was a hero. You make me feel needed, like I belong with you. I want you to be with me, always."

The raven haired young woman broke into happy tears as he reached for her hand, and she gave it to him, and they pressed their palms together, intertwining their fingers lovingly. A smile creased both of their mouths as he leaned in to hug her, both of them in happy tears, palms still touching. The Kyuubi smiled to himself and whispered to Naruto.

"Good job kid. You did it."

TO BE CONTINUED…

A/N: Well, this one was probably the most touching thing I ever wrote. I actually cried a little writing this. For those of you, who do have that special someone, don't let that one go. Most people don't realize what they have until its gone. I want to dedicate this chapter to all the people who have reviewed Love Among Shinobi so far. Please, continue to review, and spread it around. It's the reviews that make me want to write for you. I truly enjoy writing this one. Sorry, I'm not giving a preview anymore. I want this story to be a surprise.