Summary: A series of violent rapes and murders targeting long, dark haired, young women have caught the attention of the Hokage. Her plan? Use a qualified, long, dark haired kunoichi as bait. The only one that fits the criteria? Hinata. NaruHina.

Warning: Rated M. Contains violence, rape, cursing, sex and murder.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or anything associated with it. That belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. (However I believe I have a claim to the idea I wrote about).

White Kunai

Chapter 12- Return

Their journey back to Konoha was a silent one. None of them were really willing to leave but leave they did, although reluctantly. They packed their bags in silence and left the hotel as discretely as they could. The journey back to their village was faster than the journey to the Village of Ash because they didn't have to stop and walk. They ran and jumped from tree to tree, a dejected aura hanging from them all.

Now they were in Tsunade's office. Naruto was standing to the side, a pout on his face, eyebrows furrowed and arms crossed. Ino was in the middle, back straight, eyes hard, and an almost indiscernible frown on her face. Hinata stood at the other end, fighting the urge to press her fingers together, her eyes constantly flicking to the floor. Tsunade was at her desk, elbows on the table with her fingers pressed together. Fortunately the debriefing was almost over.

"I realize you three really wanted to catch the killer-" Tsunade said.

"No doubt," Naruto mumbled.

Tsunade paused, looking at him with a neutral expression. "But the elders," she continued, "seemed very keen on having some say on this mission. I believe one of them knows the leader of The Village of Ash, Sora, personally and would really like this White Kunai Killer to be captured." Naruto opened his mouth to say something but Tsunade narrowed her eyes and he let out a frustrated sigh and looked away. "As do we all. But the decision was made for you guys to return."

"I don't see why," Naruto muttered darkly.

"You have been there for approximately a week on the guise that you will be attending a wedding, which, I believe, has been postponed due to this unfortunate situation. You were supposed to be undercover," Tsunade said sharply. "The killer has specifically targeted Hinata, which was not exactly part of the plan. He knows who you are. Maybe not Ino, but Naruto and Hinata, your disguises were compromised. Because he knows who you are, I highly doubt he would appear before you while Hinata was out on patrol, and because that was one of the main objectives of your mission, it was declared a failure. It was supposed to be covert. And in the end…it was not."

Tsunade waited for Naruto's angry outburst. It didn't come. "Naruto. You, from what was explained, flew in, chakra and clones blazing, to save Hinata. That was most likely when the killer recognized you two as undercover ninjas."

"That wasn't his fault, Hokage-sama!" Hinata exclaimed, taking a step forward. "If I didn't get myself in that situation he wouldn't have had to save me. It's m-my fault our mission failed."

"Hinata," Naruto started to say with a frown. "You-"

"You followed directions," Tsunade stated, pushing back from the desk and standing up. She walked around and stood in front of the trio, arms crossed. "I told you myself not to use your chakra and abilities unless you were positive it was the killer. An unfortunate mistake on my part, perhaps, but either way I believe he would have found out," Tsunade said grimly. "No. You did as you were told."

"Lady Tsunade," Ino piped up. "Naruto did as he was told too. He was assigned guard duty and he did just that."

Naruto looked at his partners gratefully.

"You three are reading me wrong," Tsunade said, crossing her arms, a small smile forming on her face. "I don't blame Naruto. I don't blame any of you. This killer was tricky. Is tricky. I have half a mind to think that he knew who Hinata was all along but that would be a big assumption to make."

"But we failed-?" Ino asked, confused.

Tsunade sighed. "You did fail. The mission was to be covert about all this. Lure in the killer. Identify the killer. Take down the killer if you could. All disguised. That would have been perfect but things hardly ever work out. No, you three did fail, unfortunately." The three young ninjas sulked. "But…" Tsunade continued. "I, personally, wanted you three to continue your stakeout there."

"But then-" Naruto said, confused.

"But you failed the mission," Tsunade said abruptly. "You failed this mission. This undercover mission. And so I was forced to ask you to return." Naruto still looked upset, Hinata was confused, but Ino brightened, Tsunade's words fitting together in her head. "Sora," Tsunade went on, "was told about your call back and begged us to send more ninja and the elders are doing just that. A new team is going to be sent out but none fit the criteria as nicely as Hinata does. We will have to wait and see how that turns out." Tsunade looked at them all. "I'm sorry you couldn't complete it."

"Me too," Naruto said, frustrated. "I don't even know the guy but I have a bone to pick with him."

"He did horrible things to that woman," Hinata said softly. "I wish we were able to catch him."

"This is sort of personal now," Ino said, with a lazy shrug.

"Well, hopefully this next team is more successful than you three were," Tsunade said seriously but teasingly. "We don't know how his request for Hinata will effect their mission. We'll have to wait and see. That's all. You're dismissed."

Naruto grumbled and spun on his heel, glancing at Hinata. He started heading towards the door and Hinata followed in suit but Ino stayed behind. The two looked at her questioningly but she shook her head saying, "I have to talk to Lady Tsunade about something. You two go on."

Naruto shrugged and slipped his hand into Hinata's, who blushed at the pleasantly surprised look on the Hokages face. The orange ninja didn't notice and instead tugged at her arm and the two left the building in comfortable silence.

It was still light out, but the sun was beginning to set.

"What're you gonna do now, Hinata?" Naruto asked, swinging their arms.

"I guess go back to the Hyuga compound," she said slowly.

Naruto looked at her from the corner of his eye, his cheeks slightly pink. He scratched his head sheepishly before saying, "Ya know, you can stay over at my house whenever you want." Hinata went red and Naruto felt himself get flustered. "I mean not to do anything just-just to sleep or whatever. Oh man. I always say the wrong things don't I?"

Hinata shook her head quickly and laughed a little. "N-no, I would l-like that." Naruto brightened. "But I should probably go home for today. At least to tell my father and Hanabi I've returned."

"Your dad would be okay with you…uh, staying over?" Naruto asked a bit nervously.

"I th-think so," Hinata said, tightening her grip on Naruto's hand. "He's been much better after the war…after Neji-niisan…" she cleared her throat. "I've stayed over Kurenai sensai's house before to baby-sit," she added. "And he trusts me. I'm sure it would be alright."

Naruto nodded understandingly and gently rubbed his thumb against the skin of her hand in a small attempt to comfort her. She smiled at him as they continued to walk the streets of Konoha.

"People are looking at us," Naruto whispered as he noticed the glances the villagers of Konoha were throwing at them. He felt uneasy, remembering those horrible looks he got as a child.

Hinata scanned their environment and gave a light laugh. "They're smiling at us, Naruto-kun."

Naruto raised his eyebrows. "Why?"

Hinata looked at him fondly. Because you've gone from the village troublemaker to the village hero, she thought to herself. "Because-"

"Probably because I'm with you," he exclaimed, nodding to himself. "Yup. I'm with the closest thing to a princess this village has."

Hinata blushed and looked down at the ground, her hair framing her face. "I don't think-"

"Oi, Hinata!"

The couple's conversation was cut short at the sound of a familiar voice. They turned and saw Kiba, far off but getting closer, bounding towards them on the back of Akamaru.

"Hinata. Naruto," A deep voice said from beside them. Naruto turned quickly, eyes wide, and saw Shino standing beside them. "You've returned."

"I didn't even notice you were here!" Naruto said in surprise. Shino seemed to tense at those words. Naruto often did this. The insect user remembered well that the orange ninja had practically forgotten him when he returned from those years of training with Jiraiya.

"Oh, Shino-kun, he didn't mean it like that," Hinata said, knowing her teammate well.

"Mean it like what?" Naruto asked but was ignored by the other two.

Shino wasn't very openly affectionate but it was different when it came to Hinata, whom he considered someone very close to him. Years of being on the same team tend to bring people closer together. Hinata let go of Naruto's hand and gave the Aburame a hug, which he stoically accepted. "Because I see you back here, I trust your mission went well?" he asked, hands in his pockets.

"If well means we failed," Naruto grumbled.

"That's not what I meant," the bug user said seriously.

Naruto opened his mouth and looked at him in puzzlement. Shino stared at him through his black tinted glasses and Naruto tried to keep eye contact but failed, a shiver running through his body.

"No, Shino-kun, we had to return," Hinata said, noticing the strange stare down between her two friends. "We couldn't catch the killer."

"You are alright?" he asked.

Hinata nodded and smiled. That's when they heard the pattering sound of footsteps in the snow behind them. The rest of Team 8 had arrived. Akamaru was rushing towards Hinata and he leaped up into the air causing Kiba to fall backwards and sprawl into the snow. Akamaru landed on Hinata, dropping her to the ground, licking her face lightly and snuggling into her with quiet whimpers.

Hinata laughed and pet the large dog on top of her. "I missed you too, Akamaru!"

The dog barked, wagging its tail.

"Alright, that's enough," Kiba said, grinning. He grabbed hold of his partner and pulled him off of the kunoichi. He smiled, fangs showing, and helped Hinata to her feet. Kiba wasn't oblivious. He noticed Naruto holding Hinata's hand before he called her name. Time to have a little fun, he thought to himself.

"Thank you, Kiba-kun," Hinata said with a smile.

"I missed you Hinata!" he said with an impish grin. He embraced her tightly and raised her off the ground.

"K-Kiba-kun!" she said with a yelp. She clung to his shoulders in surprise as Naruto watched on, feeling uncomfortable. Kiba noticed. Kiba placed her back on her feet but didn't let go. He left his hands on her waist and kept himself close to her. Hinata reddened and placed her hands on his chest, wanting to be polite, but pushed against him softly.

He tightened his grip and smirked, noticing Naruto's slightly frown. "I heard the mission didn't go that well?"

Hinata relented and dropped her arms to the side. She didn't question Kiba's strange behavior. "No, we couldn't catch him."

"Oh well, glad you're back safe," he said, hugging her again.

"Kiba-kun!" Hinata said, starting to get confused. He was being very affectionate and she felt the heat on her face. Then it hit her. He was teasing her! He always did weird things when it came to Naruto and she figured that's what he was doing now. She couldn't help but laugh out loud. She loved her teammates.

"What?" Kiba asked, throwing brief glances at Naruto from the corner of his eye. "You've been gone a whoooole week!" he exclaimed, releasing her waist and gripping her shoulders. "What was I supposed to do without you?"

She giggled, deciding to just play along. "Whatever you do when I'm gone," she said.

"All I do is think about you," he flirted playfully, winking at her.

Naruto kicked at the snow on the ground, hands stuffed in his pockets, waiting impatiently for them to finish with their little reunion.

"Kiba-kun, you're being silly," Hinata said with a slight shake of her head, gently removing his hands.

She backed away towards Naruto who, Kiba noticed, looked relieved. That won't do, Kiba thought. Gotta get him riled up. Before Hinata reached Naruto, he whipped out his hand and grabbed hers. "Aw Hinata, spend some time with Team 8!" he said. "You've had enough time with Naruto," he said slyly, finally fully acknowledging the other ninja.

Naruto frowned. "Hey what's that supposed to mean?" he burst out, waving a fist.

"Can't you tell?" Kiba said, pulling Hinata to him, snaking his arm around her waist. "I'm stealing Hinata from you."

"I don't think so dog-boy!" Naruto said, looking outraged. He quickly formed a small rasengan and Kiba looked pleasantly surprised. Kiba always considered Naruto a sort of rival and was ready to have what he considered a playful brawl.

"N-Naruto-kun!" Hinata said with a gasp. Kiba's teasing escalated much more than she thought it would.

Suddenly bugs surrounded the orange ninja and Shino walked towards him. "Naruto, Kiba is trying to rile you up," he said with little emotion. "Why you ask? Because Kiba enjoys creating mischief. He isn't really trying to steal Hinata from you, I believe."

Kiba laughed as Naruto's rasengan dissipated. The kuubi muttered to himself, saying he knew that. "You're so gullible Naruto," the red, triangle tattooed ninja said, relinquishing his grip on Hinata's waist. "But if you wanna fight…" he said, baring his teeth. "I'm ready." Akamaru barked eagerly.

Naruto's mood changed from grumpy to excited. "Oh, you're on!"

Hinata looked at Shino with a silent plea for help. They've been back in the village for perhaps an hour and already Naruto was going to find himself in some trouble. Shino gave her a brief nod and stepped in between the two young men, his bugs buzzing threateningly around them. He said nothing but gave each guy a direct look. Naruto grimaced and edged his way behind Hinata and Kiba just grinned, climbing onto Akamaru's back.

"Next time, Uzumaki," Kiba said with a grin.

"Bring it on Inuzuka!" Naruto bellowed with a laugh.

"I'll see you guys later," Kiba said, giving them all a nod. He paused as he got to Naruto and Hinata. "Hey, you better take care of her, alright?"

Naruto put his arms behind his head and looked at Kiba with a slight frown. "I feel like people don't trust me with this," Naruto said, his eyes shut and a small frown on his face.

"Maybe because it took you years to even acknowledge Hinata." Kiba laughed and Hinata looked away, her cheeks pink. Kiba's protectiveness was welcome but she couldn't help but feel a bit flustered and embarrassed.

"Kiba-kun…" she said softly.

Naruto glanced at the woman next to him. She avoided his gaze and he sighed. "I resent that," he said, referring to Kiba's previous statement. "Better late than never?"

"Never late is better but I'm sure you can make up for the lost time," Kiba said with a wink. He left the two blushing ninjas behind him, laughing as Akamaru bound off into the growing darkness.

As soon as Kiba and Akamaru disappeared from view Naruto turned to Hinata and scratched his head, looking at her with a nervous smile. "Now what?" he asked.

"Um…well…I guess I'll be heading back the to Hyuga compound," Hinata said, pressing her fingers together.

Naruto noticed she was feeling a bit uncomfortable and groaned. "Stupid Kiba!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms up in frustration.

"Naruto-kun!" Hinata said with a gasp.

Naruto grumbled, crossing his arms. "Shino said he did all that on purpose…"

"That is correct."

The two whipped around and saw the said ninja lurking about.

"Oh…Shino…" Naruto said, scratching his cheek. "I didn't realize you were still here."

Shino said nothing but Hinata knew how he would take it, just like before. He was silent for a while. "Well, I'm glad you two have returned safely," Shino said. "And Naruto don't fret over what Kiba said," the Aburame continued, starting to walk away. "Also, as he said, take care of Hinata."

They waved goodbye and Naruto dropped his arm slowly. "Your team is…"

"Weird?" Hinata said, thinking of what he said he had considered her on the training ground years ago.

"Yea," Naruto said with a shrug. "Buy why're you saying that like it's a bad thing?" She smiled at him gratefully. He took her hand into his once again and started walking. "Well, c'mon then. To the Hyuga Compound," Naruto said. He glanced down at her, looking happy. "Mind if we take the long way?"

She smiled broadly, eyes shut. "Not at all!"

Naruto and Hinata could see the twinkling lights of the Hyuga Compound in the distance. They arrived at Hinata's home just as the sun was sinking below the horizon. Faint moving shadows darted about as a few Hyuga walked the grounds some distance away. Before they arrived at the entranceway Naruto grabbed hold of her by the waist and gave her a quick kiss.

"What was that for?" she asked with a giggle.

"Well you once told me I don't have to ask for permission to kiss you," he said with a sheepish grin.

Hinata blushed. "That's true."

"And I think that's what people do," Naruto said, chuckling. "Give a kiss goodbye or something."

"Sounds about right," Hinata said, playing with the zipper of his jacket.

"My offer stands, ya know…" he said, his voice low. She looked at him in confusion. "You're welcome at my house," he explained. "For anything. Someone's chasing you? Come right over, I'll protect you."

She giggled. "You don't think I can protect myself Naruto-kun?"

"Oh, I have no doubt you can," he said. "But helps boost my ego, ya know?" he gave her another soft kiss. "Tired after a mission?" he said, continuing with his reasons. "Take a nap at my place. Need to borrow some sugar? I'm sure I have some stored somewhere." Hinata gave a tinkling laugh, shaking her head. "Bored? Maybe I can entertain you. Hungry? I probably have some ramen somewhere." He grinned, watching her laugh softly. "Miss me? You know where I am. No reason? That's fine. Come on over anyway."

"Hm," Hinata said, pretending to think. "Those sound like appropriate reasons."

"Mmhm," Naruto said, gently pushing her against a tree hidden in the shadows. "I thought so too." He placed his lips on hers as she curled her fingers into the fabric of his jacket. He held her waist firmly, tilting his head as he brushed their lips together. This satisfying feeling he got feeling Hinata squirm beneath him and tasting her skin left him wanting more. He knew he should stop before he got too overly excited. He trailed his kisses along her jaw and she turned her head slightly as his lips moved down to her neck.

"N-Naruto-kun," she stuttered. "Someone might see."

"No one's around," he said, his hot breath against her skin making her shiver.

"The Hyuga…" she said with a purr. "Byakugan…"

Naruto reluctantly pulled his mouth away from her with a groan. "You're right," he said, giving her a quick peck on her lips before peeling himself off of her. "As always." She giggled. "Will I see you tomorrow?" he asked.

"Do you want to see me tomorrow?" she inquired.

"You ask that like it's a question," he said with a chuckle. She smiled and started towards her home. "Tomorrow!" he shouted. He heard her laugh and left only after he saw her enter the compound.

Naruto Uzumaki craved ramen. So here he was, heading to Ichiraku Ramen as usual. It was some time in the afternoon and after the war Hinata and himself got into a habit of meeting there around lunchtime every few days and he wondered if she remembered. As the shop got closer he saw a familiar face slip through the curtains. He grinned.

She remembered.

He followed her inside and saw her chatting amiably with Teuchi and Ayame.

"Ah, speak of the devil," Teuchi said, wiping some bowls with a rag.

Naruto greeted them cheerfully and gave Hinata a quick kiss on her cheek as she turned around.

"Finally!" Ayame exclaimed as she watched their interaction.

Hinata blushed but Naruto just grinned, seating himself next to his girlfriend. "Two of our usual please!" he shouted, holding up two fingers.

"Loud as always," Teuchi said with a chuckle, throwing some noodles into boiling water.

The couple ate slowly, laughing and chatting with the owners as minutes ticked by. Naruto had ordered himself a few more bowls claiming he had to eat vegetables during the mission. Time passed by without them noticing and soon the two found themselves walking the streets of Konoha once again.

"Where are we going?" Hinata asked curiously.

"Dunno," Naruto said, his arms crossed behind his head. "What do you want to do?"

"Oh, it doesn't matter to me," she said sweetly.

Naruto thought to himself and then smiled. "I'm going to buy you something."

Hinata looked surprised and shook her head. "Oh no, Naruto-kun, you don't have to buy me anything!"

"But I want to," he said, grabbing hold of her hand and dragging her in the direction of a pastry shop. "I'm going to get you something you really like."

"B-But-" Hinata stuttered.

"Cinnamon rolls!"

He pushed her into the cozy little shop, smelling of brown sugar, and walls adorned with shelves holding beautifully decorated sweets.

"Ah, Hinata-san!" Naruto heard a strangers voice say.

Naruto peeked over Hinata's shoulder and saw a brown haired man around their age he guessed at the register. "You know him?" Naruto whispered into her ear.

She nodded and walked towards the counter, smiling broadly. She greeted the man whose name Naruto didn't bother to catch. Naruto looked at the pastries on display as the two caught up. Hinata called him over and introduced him to the freckle faced, glasses wearing, and kind of attractive guy Naruto thought.

"This is my friend," Hinata said.

"Yup," the brunet said, smiling kindly at Naruto. "Hinata-san here would always come and buy the cinnamon rolls my mother baked when we were younger. We've been friends ever since!"

"That's nice," Naruto said, not unkindly but a little bit stiffly. "That's exactly what we came here for."

"Cinnamon rolls?" the man asked with a laugh. "Of course! Two?"

Naruto nodded mutely, paid for the rolls and dragged Hinata back outside into the surprisingly warm weather, even though snow still lay on the ground.

"I never thought you had friends outside of…well Team 8 and stuff," Naruto said between bites of the gooey cinnamon roll.

Hinata didn't know whether to be offended or not. She just laughed, shaking her head. "Naruto-kun, I do talk to other people," she said, smiling. "I'm sure you've made many acquaintances and friends while on missions."

Naruto shrugged. "I guess so."

"You're very…" Hinata looked at the ground.

"…I'm very…?" Naruto pried.

"You're very protective."

Naruto blinked. Then he started laughing. "Well, yeah!" he exclaimed. "Hinata you're much more than a friend, of course I'm protective." Hinata blushed. "Actually I think I've always had at least a small protective feeling for you ever since the chunin exams. Ever since you told me I was a proud failure or maybe with your fight with Neji."

Hinata felt her breath catch in her throat. "I never knew," she said.

"I guess I never really thought about it much either back then," Naruto said. "But yea, I realize I can be a bit protective."
Hinata giggled. "I like it."

"Good," he said, grinning. "You're going to have to get used to it." They had finished up their cinnamon rolls and Naruto leaned in and gave her a kiss on her lips. "Mm, sweet," he said, making her go red. Suddenly he looked very aware. "Let's go!" he said, grabbing her by the arm and tugging her towards the Hokage Monument.

"N-Naruto-kun!" Hinata yelped, as she ran along beside him. "Why-what-?"

"You'll see! I'm making a claim!"

As soon as they reached the top Hinata waited towards the back as Naruto bounded towards the very tip. "Claim? Naruto-kun, what're you doing?" Hinata asked gently.

Naruto didn't say anything and instead faced the village. "KONOHA!" he yelled causing Hinata to squeak in surprise as birds left their perches and flew into the sky. "I, NARUTO UZUMAKI…AM IN LOVE WITH HINATA HYUGA!" he roared, arms on his waist, smiling proudly. He laughed to himself and turned to see Hinata's reaction and saw her lying on the ground. "Oh no," Naruto cried, jumping beside the fainted Hyuga. "Aw man… Hinata," he said, smiling slightly and chuckling. He gathered her in his arms and headed towards a close friends house. Been a while since she fainted because of me, he thought to himself with a laugh.

"What did you do to her now, Naruto?" Sakura asked with a groan when she opened her apartment door and saw her teammate holding an unconscious Hyuga in her arms.

"Well you heard his little confession," a familiar voice said from behind Sakura.

Naruto invited himself in and lay Hinata down gently on Sakura's couch. "What're you doing here Sasuke-teme?"

"Hn," Sasuke mumbled, sitting down on a chair with his legs out and arms crossed.

"Never mind that," Sakura said, feeling Hinata's forehead. "Naruto, I think you killed her."

"WHAT?" Naruto asked frantically.

"I'm joking, you idiot," Sakura said, rolling her eyes and letting out a huff of laughter. She moved away from the couch towards the direction of the kitchen to get water for when the Hyuga came to. "She just fainted. She's fine."

Naruto looked relieved and sat on the floor, leaning against the couch Hinata was on.

"How was the mission dobe?" Sasuke asked.

"We failed," Naruto stated, picking up a brightly wrapped candy from a small, decorative bowl on the table in front of him.

"What did you do?" Sakura asked suspiciously, coming back with a clean glass of water and placing it on the coffee table.

"Whadya mean, what did I do?" Naruto asked, cheeks bulging from the round sweet. "Nothing. Hinata got in some trouble so I helped."

"Sure…"

"Really!"

Sakura laughed. "So what happens now?"
"A new team was sent out," Naruto grumbled. Naruto hesitated, picking at the candy wrapper. "And the White Kunai Killer said he wants Hinata."

"What?" Sakura asked, eyes sharp. Even Sasuke raised an eyebrow in interest. "We are talking about that infamous rapist right?"

"Yes…" Naruto growled.

"And he wants Hinata," Sakura continued.

"Yes."

"And you're okay with that?"

Naruto looked at her like she was crazy. "Why would I be okay with that?"

Sakura leaned away from the ninja who looked irritated. "I mean at least you guys are back now. So no worries right?"

"I guess…" Naruto said with a sigh. "We really wanted to catch him though. But you're right."

"Course I am," Sakura said teasingly.

Naruto laughed and Sasuke, who said nothing throughout the conversation, harrumphed.

Soon Hinata stirred and Naruto turned and stared down at her as she slowly opened her eyes.

Hinata saw blue. Lots and lots of blue.

"Hinata!" Naruto exclaimed, his face just inches away from hers.

"Naruto, get away from her!" Hinata heard a recognizable voice.

She realized she wasn't alone. She sat up and looked around nervously. She saw orange, pink, and black. She blushed. How embarrassing! She was basically knocked out while they were all here. Oh well…I'm sure they've seen me faint before.

"Hinata, you feeling alright?" Sakura asked gently. "Stupid Naruto surprised you didn't he?"

"I…I'm fine," Hinata said. "And he did surprise me…but…it was a very nice surprise."

Naruto grinned. "Sorry Hinata," he said with a laugh.

"Dobe…" Sasuke muttered.

"Don't know how you handle him, Hinata," Sakura said with a smirk.

"I-I mean it hasn't been long-" Hinata started to say.

"Hear that," Sasuke said, "She's not planning on staying forever."

Naruto looked at Sasuke surprised. "Listen Sasuke-teme-"

"Boys…" Sakura mumbled, smiling at Hinata who just giggled, starting to feel a bit more comfortable.

Sakura invited them to stay for dinner at her apartment and so they did. The four attempted to make food together and it was…interesting to say the least. Surprisingly Naruto and Sasuke weren't that bad in the kitchen. Hinata felt very relaxed while cooking and ended up taking charge. Sasuke was very helpful, having lived alone he picked up a thing or two. Naruto was…capable…but he was only really good at boiling water, not surprising considering all he ate was ramen, but Hinata didn't tell him so. Sakura wasn't very good and frankly her teammates were scared to see her in the kitchen, and they kept mumbling things about her medicine balls or pills which Hinata didn't understand.

After an hour or two, a few small fires, a couple spills, and broken plates, the four sat down to eat a nice homemade dinner. The conversations were mainly led by Naruto and Sakura. Hinata commented a few times but Sasuke mostly grunted throughout the feast. Either way it was a surprisingly comfortable and fun event and Sakura eagerly invited them to come again.

Sometime later Naruto and Hinata were at the door, about to leave.

"I'm glad you guys returned home safely!" Sakura called, waving goodbye.

The couple waved back and Naruto wrapped an arm around Hinata's waist as they left. "Nice to be back," Naruto said with a smile.

What they didn't know was that they wouldn't be here long.

Please review so I know people would like me to continue and I'll attempt to update as soon as possible.

-Magma E.

Up Next: Fox

"When I was kissing Hinata, he said quickly before the fox could interrupt him again. I went all…jinchuuriki!

And?

AND? Naruto bellowed. AND I COULD HAVE KILLED HER"