My longest chapter. Sorry for taking forever, I only have a limited amount of time to write, and it's on Sundays, at night when I'm super sleepy.

Disclamer: I do not own Naruto at all.

Last time with NaruHina…:

"I'm fine Naruto-kun, I'm great." she whispered back.

"Well alright then." smiling, Naruto kept on walking, carrying Hinata on his back to wherever fate led them next.

Now to continue….

Rice Pudding.

Arroz Con Leche

Chapter: Go-Cinco-Five

Fate led them to a grocery store.

Letting Hinata down, and idly missing her warmth, Naruto asked why they stopped.

"We need to get groceries for the ramen. We just need a couple of things, and we'll be on our way."

"All right! We're going to make ramen! Believe it!"

XxxxxxxX

Though she looked calm, Hinata had a major case of the butterflies. Naruto stood in front of his door, carrying the groceries bags -he insisted on carrying them all- flumbing in his pockets for his keys. Almost dropping the bags, Naruto let out a curse and turned to Hinata, smiling sheeply. "Hinata, mind getting the key out for me, they're in my pocket."

"O-of c-course N-naruto-kun," reaching into his pocket Hinata felt the gesture was too intimate. Closing her eyes praying she wouldn't faint, Hinata grabbed his keys and held them out to him.

"Um, Hinata, can you open the door."

"Oh. Y-yes." Hinata did what he asked. "Thanks."

Following him, she noticed his place was a bit…untidy.

Naruto placed the bags down on his table. "Sorry for the mess," he rubbed the back of his neck, a habit of his, "I'm not very organized, I guess."

Trying to make him feel at ease Hinata smiled, "It's okay Naruto-kun. I-I don't mind."

"I'll unpack the stuff, you just make yourself comfortable."

Hinata moved to sit on the chair, looking around, she tried to memorize everything, his pictures-the one of team seven on his bedside- every poster, empty ramen cups, color of the walls. She didn't want to seem obsessive, but she wanted to know every little bit of Naruto. She wanted to feel closer to him. Looking at his room she wondered if this is how he lived all his life, since childhood he was all by himself. No parents, no friends, no one to help him out, to teach him how to clean or cook. She was lucky enough to have her mom for awhile, to love her and to know the love of a mother. She was lucky to have Kaoru to teach her how to cook and clean, and to have all the maids clean for her. Naruto had to learn everything all by himself.

"All right Hinata, I'm ready to start making ramen! Believe it." Naruto interrupted her from her thoughts. Getting up from her seat Hinata pretended to put up her invisible sleeves. "Okay Naruto-kun, lets get working!"

XxxxxX

The silence that filled the tea room was nerve-wrecking. Sakura dared not breathe for fear that either Lord Hiashi or Neji would attack her if she made any sudden movement. Beside her she felt Shikamaru still, he too hasn't taken a breath since Lady Tsunade revealed the fire prince's news.

How is it possible that the fire prince, the next in line to rule over the fire country want to marry Hinata? Not that there's nothing wrong with Hinata, Sakura told herself. It's just that, it's Hinata! Sure Hinata was beautiful, a dark beauty she always thought, but she's extremely shy and is just starting to get a control on that stutter of hers. How did the fire prince ever come to know of Hinata anyway?

Unbeknownst to Sakura, Lord Hiashi was thinking the exact same question. How did the fire prince know of his daughter? The ninja files the Fire Lord keeps? No, there's to many files and those are guarded day and night. Maybe he's heard of them? Of course he's heard of the Hyuugas, and he would hear of Hinata since she is the heir to the clan or is supposed to be. But if he's heard of Hinata, wont it be disappointing news? As sad as it was, Hiashi couldn't think of anything else.

"Hiashi, what do you think?" Tsunade finally broke the silence.

"How did the fire prince come to know of Hinata?"

Tsunade smiled. "It's all in this pretty letter of his, want me to read it out loud for you?"

Narrowing his eyes at the hokage, though Tsuande knew it really didn't mean anything, Hiashi answered coldly. "No, I'll take it."

Tsunade shrugged. "Fine by me, just don't give me that look. I am the hokage you know."

Standing up, with Shikamaru and Sakura rising too, Tsunade remembered something. "Oh, I almost forgot. The fire prince will be here in 3 days."

Everyone froze.

Hiashi was barely able to move his lips. "Thank you Hokage."

Tsunade, with her back to him, waved. "I'll be back later with all the details. Until then." Tsunade left with Shikamaru and Sakura following.

XxxxxX

Once outside the hokage let out a long sigh. "That was uncomfortable." She gave the two chunnins a wry smile. "Now time to see about the escort party and paperwork."

"Lady Tsunade" Shikamaru paused, "How….I…don't understand."

"It's very simple Shikamaru." Tsunade raised an eyebrow at the boy. "To make it even simpler the Fire Prince wants to marry Hinata, and you and some ANBU men are going to escort him here."

"But m'Lady that's not fair! Hinata doesn't even know about this yet!He hasn't even met her yet! I doesn't make sense!" Sakura yelled.

"Honestly, I don't know." Tsunade replied quietly. Sakura clenched her fist.

Shikamaru sighed, "I guess I'll go home and pack."

"Shikamaru, Sakura, if you see Hinata don't tell her anything."

"But m'La-"

"I mean it Sakura! Not one word, that's an order."

They both nodded. With a wave, Shikamaru jumped up on the rooftops towards his home. Silently Sakura followed the hokage back to her office.

XxxxxxX

The old cook crept down the hall carefully, not making a sound. After the many years of living with one of the greatest ninja clans in the village she picked up a few skills herself. Smiling, Kaoru carried the big black bag to her room and hid it in the secret compartment she found in her room when she first started working here as a young gal. That room has come in handy the past over the years, from extra closet space to hiding things she broke by accident, and even hiding lovers. Placing the bag inside, and making sure to cover it with some old blankets, Kaoru locked her room and went to start lunch. Her plan was in motion.

XxxxxxxX

"A-A-ACHOO!"

A puff of white flour covered the kitchen with Naruto's sneeze. Using her byuakugan to see where Naruto was, Hinata did a semi-rotation to clear up the kitchen. "Oh wow Hinata-chan! That was amazing, you didn't even turn anything upside down. If I would have used my rasengan, this place would probably be destroyed…"

Giggling Hinata dusted herself off. "Lets get back to the ingridients. Is the water boiling?"

"Water boiling, Check! What else?"

"All right, we just have to mix these ingridients together, and add a little of this and a little of that and were almost done. Haven't you done this before, with the owner of Ichiraku?" Hinata asked, grabbing the nearest rag to wipe her hands with.

"Yeah but I don't remember much, it was a couple years ago." Turning to face her, Naruto looked for an extra rag, then he heard Hinata giggle. "Na-haha-Naruto, mm, Naruto you.." Hinata pointed to her cheeck with an amused look on her face.

"Hmm?" with that adorable confused look on his face, Hinata couldn't help it, she started laughing. Calming herself down, she said "Naruto-kun, here let me." Grabbing him by the chin she tilted his head so that she could wipe the flour on his face.

Naruto's breath froze. She was close, super close. The hand holding his chin felt like fire against his skin, but the good kind of fire that did something deep in your belly, and she had the softest hands he has ever felt. They didn't feel like ninja hands at all. Naruto studied her, her head reached his shoulders, she was pale, like snow with a hint of red across her cheeks. Her lips also had a hint of red, like if she spent a lot of time biting them. They looked soft too, he wondered how soft they felt. If he were to…..

"There you go Naruto!" Smiling up at him, Naruto was able to see the brightness of her eyes. He also noticed something else.

Hinata raised her eyebrow when Naruto chuckled, he grabbed her chin with his hand and tilted it upwards towards him and with his other hand he grabbed the rag. "You too missed a spot Hinata-chan." he said soflty. If it wasn't for the fact that she didn't want to embarrass herself in front of him, she would have melted into a puddle. Instead her insides turned to jelly, yet she still remainded standing. Unfortunately, she did blush tomato red. "T-thank y-you N-naruto-kun."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Hinata you okay? You're red! Let me bring you some ice" letting her go he rushed to the freezer to get ice for the kunoichi. Good thing he didn't see her fall.

"Oh Naruto-kun."

XxxxxxxX

Oh what am I going to do, how can I not tell Hinata? I cant keep this a secret from my friend, its too damn important. But if I say anything Lady Tsunade will kill me. For the hundreth time that day, Sakura felt torn. Should she confess to her friend and fellow kunoichi, or keep it a secret as the hokage ordered her to? What is a ninja to do! It is her ninja duty to stay loyal to the hokage and do as the hokage says, but it is also her duty as a friend to Hinata to tell her of what is going to affect her in a HUGE way!

"To tell, or not to tell. That is the question."

"What do you have to tell forehead?" The blond asked from behind. Sakura should have heard her coming. "Nothing Pig." Sakura growled.

"Gosh, what's with you? Is there like a grouchy bug biting people today? I mean first Shikamaru and now you." scowled Ino.

Sakura grabbed Ino by the arm. "Shikamaru? What did he say?"

"Ow. Sakura." Shaking her hand free, Ino glared. "He said nothing, only that he had an escort mission. No biggie. What is up with you?"

Damn, I cant overreact. If I slip up again Ino will know something is up. Shaking her head Sakura apologized. "Sorry Ino, my heads been full. I'm just tired I guess." She continued down the hall until she reached her office. Ino followed her, "No wonder you're forehead seems bigger than usual." Another growl from medic ninja. "But I have a feeling you're lying to me."

The pink-haired medic froze, only for a second. That was all Ino needed, "Well, not lying, but you're not telling me the whole truth, and I'm pretty sure it has something to do with Shikamaru's mission."

Sakura clenched her fist. Damn Ino and her curiosity. "Don't worry, Im not gonna bug you about it, yet. I have more important news to report. Guess what Kiba told me? You'll never get it. Are you even listening forehead!"

"Yes Ino I'm listening." Sakura sat on her desk and looked at Ino, motioning her to continue. Ino happily obliged. "Well, first he told me about Hinata! And Oh My Gawd you will not guess what she is wearing!" Eyes widening at the mention of the dark-haired kunouchi, Sakura payed closer attention. "Turns out she was wearing a very revealing tank top and some very tight capris."

"Reaveling? That dosen't sound like Hinata." Sakura said

"I know right? But it gets better, while they were grocery shopping they ran into Naruto-"

If Naruto said anything, he's dead, Sakura told herself.

"-and Hinata offered to make him ramen, so Naruto thanked her and she fainted, of course." Sakura nodded, yeah that sounds like Hinata.

"So then Kiba tells me Naruto carried her off and she's been with him ever since."

"Naruto and Hinata? Well that's unexpected." Sakura said.

"I know right? I mean we all know she like him A LOT except him of course."

"Of course."

"But what if they're really secretly dating? Or they hook up? Oh my god how cute will that be?" Ino squeeled with hapiness, probably imagining their wedding. Sakura paled at the thought. What if Hinata and Naruto are dating? What if they like each other? No, this is bad timing! She can't stand the thought of Hinata getting hurt, but Naruto too? She wont allow that to ever happen.

Interrupting Ino from her daydream, Sakura walked towards the door. "Ino you're in charge for the day. I have something to do." and with that Sakura was gone leaving a perplexed Ino behind.

"Ahh, sure?"

XxxxxxxX

Egyptian cotton. Silk. The covers wrapped around the female's body outlining her curves perfectly and seductively. He watched the the woman sleep, watched as her chest rose up and down with every breath she took. He was aroused, unfortunately he had more important things to do. Rising from the bed silently not wanting to wake his guest, he dressed and left the room. Glad that his guest didn't waken, it would have been akward, he knew his personal assistant would take care of the problem. Speaking of personal assistant..

"Ohayoo Yahiko! I'm glad to see you."

Yahiko, a boy around fifteen with short brown hair and big brown eyes greeted his master, clumsily. "F-fire prince! Ohayoo gozaimasu." The young boy bowed. "How are you this morning?"

"Good good, just go and take care of my guest. After, meet me in the dojo."

Yahiko winced, how he hated taking care of the prince's guest. With a sigh he reluctantly agreed.

The Fire Prince headed toward the dojo. "Be quick about it."

Yahiko watched the prince dissapear and headed to the room where the prince's guest, who was probably waking by now, stayed. Ignoring the looks of pity from the guards, he stood outside the door and prepared for what was about to come. No matter how many times he did this, it never got easier.

XxxxxxxxX

Tsunade had her full bottle of liqour next to her and a new brush and ink set. She was ready to write the letter of response to the fire lord and prince. She first planned to send a quick response, explaining the delay and that she did as she was told. The second would be longer and a little more detailed. For the second though, she would need Hiashi to write. Good thing she had her liqour.

XxxxxxxxX

Sakura layed on her bed depressed. She had to do something, but what? Turning on her side, she brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. She needed to think of something fast, she had to have a plan since like yesterday! Sakura closed her eyes and allowed her mind to wander, it was a weird technique, but when she needed a plan this always helped. Letting her mind wander, she thought of her work, training, what to cook tonight, team seven, Sasuke, how to make her pills tastier, the delicious cookies she had yesterday, also she could kill for a milkshake right abo-

Jolting upright Sakura thought up of a plan! That's it! All she needed was a little help form her friends.

XxxxxxX

"Well that's that. Now to send it off." Sealing the scroll with the hokage's seal, Tsunade wrapped her first letter in a carrier pouch. "Shizune!"

Quickly at her lady's call, Shizune appeared in the office. "Yes m'Lady."

Tsunade tossed the scroll to her. "Make sure they get send with the fastest bird we have. Be quick about it too, it's already 3 days over due."

"Of course, It'll be there in no time."Shizune left to personally take care of the task. She returned to the office a few minutes later and found Tsunade in the middle of drinking. "Lady Tsunade, really?"

Giving her a glare, Tsunade swallowed another shot. "Did you send it?"

"Yes, it should be there in an hour."

"Good, Good." With another shot, Tsunade prepared for the second letter. "Shizune, send in Hiahshi Hyuuga. I need him in my office as soon as possible."

Shizune nodded. Pausing at the door on her way out, she bit her lip. "Um, m'Lady?"

"Yes?" asked Tsunade still looking at the letter.

"Does this have to do with the Fire Lord's scroll?"

Tsunade looked up at her. "And if it does?" Terrified, but not showing it, Shizune asked, "Can I know whats going on or.."

Staring at her, Tsunade weighed her options. Finally she came to a conclusion. "Well, you will find out eventually, so it's better that you know now." Tsunade told her of what was in the scrolls and the proposal to Hinata from the prince and of informing Hiashi.

"What? he wants to marry Hinata? Bu-b-b-but…." She tried to wrap her head around it.

Studying Shizunes reaction, and waiting for an opening, Tsunade spoke, "Shizune, this is top secret. You are not allowed to tell this to anyone, that's an order. Shikamaru and Sakura know this too."

"But m'Lady, what about Hinata? She has a right to know! You cant just expect me to keep quiet if I were to see-"

"I do. You will keep quiet. That's an order."

Stumbling back Shizune nodded, not wanting to angry the hokage further. Something still bugged her though. "How does the fire prince know of Hinata though? I don't recall her ever meeting him."

Tsunade grinned. "You'll find out soon. You're going to be here when Hiashi and I brake the news to her."

Shizune froze. Oh damn.

"Whaaaaaaaaaat!"

XxxxxxxxxX

Placing her hands on her hips, Hinata smiled at the blonde boy next to her. "That's all Naruto-kun. We'll just leave if for a few minutes and the ramen will be ready to eat."

Naruto smiled in anticipation. "Oh man I can't wait! It smells so good." Wiping the drool form his mouth he helped Hinata clean up. "Thank you so much Hinata. You saved the day."

Hinata blushed, "It's nothing. I like cooking and I'm glad I can help." Moving over to the sink, Hinata washed her hands and prepared to make a side dish. "I'm going to make something extra to go with the ramen. What would you like to drink Naruto-kun?"

"I could really go for a coke right about now. I'll run off to the store real quick to get us some. Do you want anything while I'm there?"

Hinata shook her head no. "I'm good Naruto. Hurry back soon, I want you to taste it while it right off the stove."

"I wouldn't miss it for a thing."

XxxxxxxxX

Hiashi arrived at the hokage tower. The ANBU escorting him told him to go right on up to the hokage office, dissapered in a puff of smoke, and left the Hyuuga all alone.

Hiashi headed up to the office without a second to spare. Arriving at the office he srode right on in without even knocking.

"Good, you're here. You could have knocked though." The hokage said not even bothering to look up at him.

"I suppose you need me to write to the Fire lord."

"I already wrote to him a quick response, but I need you for this one. Have you read the letter he sent you?" Of course he read it, and she knew that. Looking the hokage in the eyes he nodded. "Well, what is your reply Lord Hiashi? Do you agree or decline."

Hiashi glared at the hokage. "You read the letter, you know what my answer is."

Tsunade stood up and looked outside the window. "He doesn't leave you much of a choice."

"No, he doesn't." Hiashi walked up next to the hokage, "Lady hokage, what is his plan? What does the fire Lord and Prince want with Hinata?"

Tsunade glanced at Hiashi then return to stare outside again. "Honestly, I don't know. Maybe the Fire Lord likes the idea of having his son close to the village, marrying Hinata, heir to the strongest clan in the village will be very convenient."

"I agree with you, but what of the Fire Prince? Will he be so willingly?"

"I honestly don't know Hiashi."

The two ninja's stayed quiet, absorbed in their own thoughts. "Alright lets start this letter shall we?" Tsunade interrupted. "Have you told Hinata yet?"

"No." Hiashi sat down. "I will inform her after we write the letter."

"Well, if it's any help I will have Sakura and Shizune here for support."

Hiashi nodded in agreement. "That will be best. Let's hurry with the letter then."

And so they began to write.

XxxxxxxX

Naruto hurried home to Hinata. Hoping he hadn't kept her waiting long, he rushed inside. "I'm sorry I took so long. It seems like everyone wanted to buy something at the same time."

"Naruto! You're home!" With a wide smile, Hinata placed the bowls she was carrying onto the table and hurried over to Naruto. She grabbed the coke's from his hands. "You made it back just in time! I was a bit worried to tell you the truth, but you're here now. Let's eat."

For some reason, Hinata's greeting warmed Naruto to his bones, causing a bit of red to appear on his cheeks. He never came home to find it smelling nice with someone eagerly awaiting him. It felt wonderful.

"Alright then! Lets have us some ramen!" Naruto seated himself down while Hinata served him, again Naruto's bones warmed at the gesture. He wasn't used to this type of attention, it was very, what's the word for it…loving?

He shook his head, no that couldn't be it. It can't be loving, can it?

Hinata finished serving and sat across from him. "Okay Naruto, time to eat."

"Itadakimasu"

"Itadakimasu"

Hinata bit her lip as she saw Naruto taste the ramen. Please let it be good, she begged silently. She saw him swallow, and then he was still, she held her breath and waite. Oh no, it's terrible!

If only Hinata tried for herself the ramen she made, she would understand why Naruto stood still. It was the best ramen he had tasted. Ever. In like his whole life. Not even the old man at Ichiraku's could make a bowl of ramen that would come close to this wonderful piece of pure bliss Hinata cooked. His taste buds were having a fiesta in his mouth.

"OISHII! Hinata, this is…amazing! It's the best ramen I have ever tasted in my entire life! Man oh man can you cook!" He finished his bowl of ramen faster than usual, while hinata only had her first taste. "T-thank you Naruto-kun. I'm glad you enjoy it, but it wasn't just me, you helped too, give yourself credit too."

Naruto handed her his bowl, Hinata refilled it without hesitation. "Nope, I gotta disagree. I mostly did what you asked me to do, you were the brains behind it all. It was all you Hinata."

Handing him his bowl, Hinata blushed. "T-thank You naruto-kun."

With his mouth still full, Naruto smiled. Hinata giggled at his action.

They both fell into a comfortable silence, enjoying their delicious ramen. Afterwards, Naruto helped in cleaning up while Hinata cleaned the dishes. They chatted about training, sharing mission stories (Naruto got the chills when they brought up the haunted caslte one, while Hinata cringed in embarrasment when he reminded her of when she attacked him), what they liked to eat (Hinata blushed deeply when Naruto said her cooking.) their sensei's (Hinata showed respect for Kurenai, while Naruto talked about his annoyence with Kakashi's reading and lateness) and much more. They laughed, they blushed, they shared training secrets, Hinata and Naruto had gotten closer and gotten to know each other on a newer level.

After awhile, they were interrupted by a knock on the door. "I wonder who that could be." Naruto murmered. Opening the door, he was surprised to see an ANBU (A/N: man, these guys are everywhere.)

"The hokage request to see Lady Hinata Hyuuga immediatly." the masked ninja said in a deep voice.

From behind Naruto, Hinata listened. The hokage? Why would she want to see me?

The ANBU disappeared and Hinata prepared to leave "Thank you Naruto for having me over."

"I should be thanking you for cooking me a delicious ramen and saving my day. How can I ever make it up to you Hinata?"

"Iie, Naruto-kun. You don't have to do anything, it was nothing and I enjoyed it."

Naruto wouldn't take no for an answer. He suddenly got an idea. "I'll take you out! Anywhere you want to go, my treat. I promise."

Hinata couldn't believe her ears. Was Naruto asking her out? "L-like a d-date?"

"Sure, we'll call it a date." The blonde ninja grinned.

Hinata was beyond estatic. "Y-yes! I would like that Naruto!"

"All right, a date it is! How about tomorrow?"

"Perfect."

Naruto escorted Hinata to the door. "I'll see you tomorrow for our date. I'll meet you in front of your house, is that okay?"

With stars in her eyes, Hinata agreed. "Oh wait, do you know where it is?"

Naruto answered yes. Hinata said her goodbyes and headed off to the hokage tower, daydreaming of tomorrows date with Naruto the whole way there.

I'm going on a date with Naruto!

XxxxxxxxX

Jumping over roofs, Sakura keept her eyes opened for a specific roof, she only hoped she remembered correctly. Luckily for her, the person she was looking for happened to be on his roof, cloud watching.

Landing softly next to the boy she waited for him to speak.

"Sakura." he greeted.

Sakura got down to business, "Shikamaru I have a plan. I need your help."

Cloud boy sighed. "Troublesome."

"Will you help me or not?" Sakura asked.

"Does it have to do with Hinata?" he asked.

Sakura gave him a 'well, duh.' look. He sighed again and she gave him an expectant stare. Giving in, like she knew he would, Shikamaru agreed to help.

Smiling widely, Sakura wasted no time. "Okay, here's what I have, but were going to need help."

"What a drag."

XxxxxxxxxX

Yahiko ran down the halls, startling countless maids and butlers, towards his master's dojo.

"Your majesty, your majesty!" the young assistant shouted, barging in breathing heavily.

The fire prince, not fazed by his assistants grand entrance, attacked and defeated the training opponent before him. Handing his sword to one of his men in waiting, the fire prince took off his mask revealing his handsome face, making the lady's in waiting swoon. "Yahiko, why are you shouting?"

"I have wonderful news sire! We received a letter from the hokage about your proposal!" Upon hearing the words proposal, the lady's in waiting started to cry. The fire prince, on the other hand, was content. "Finally we receive word, let me see the scroll Yahiko."

"Of c-course sire!" Awkwardly retrieving the scroll, he preceeded to read it out loud but was interrupted by the prince. "No Yahiko, I shall read myself in my bed chamber."

"Y-yes sire." Handing him the scroll, he followed the prince to his chambers and waited for the prince to finish reading the scroll. "Is it good news, sire?" Yahiko asked the prince folded the scroll. The prince smirked. "Yes Yahiko, it's excellent news. The Hyuuga lord has been informed of my proposal to his daughter, the young Lady Hinata."

"Sire, if you don't mind my asking, why do you want to marry the Hyuuga girl?"

The prince glared at the young boy. "I do mind you asking, but I will tell you anyways. It's all part of my plan Yahiko. My fool-proof plan."

AN::Dun duunn duuuuunnnnnnnnnn. Oh gosh I am tired. I still have more writing to do though, well I hoped you like this chapter, 15 pages on MWP. My longest chapter. Please review and the next Chp. should be up in about 2-3 weeks. I'm going to try to keep them long like this one.

*Oishii = delicious.

Review o kudasai.