Here's chapter six, in record time. Sorry about the last chapter. I felt that it was too rushed and had too many errors and mistakes. That's because I was up at three in the morning finishing it (that's true devotion). That's also why I put that lame-ass cliffhanger at the end of the last chapter. Hey, I was half dead, so cut me some slack. Now I have to work with it. Hopefully, it won't be too god-awful. Remember, I'm just wingin' it. I am just going wherever the story takes me.

I also wanted to get it out ASAP so everyone can know that I am still alive (for better or for worse, I guess).

As promised, I posted this chapter super fast to make up for the long break, and I hope to at least update two more times this week. Hope everyone loves it!

-G.S.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto (that's actually a good thing)

"W-What?" said Hinata disbelievingly. She really didn't know what to do or say. Going out and having the best day of your life while your father is on his deathbed is not exactly a frequent occurrence.

"H-Hokage-sama said t-that it doesn't look good," cried Hanabi. "F-Follow me."

Naruto also didn't know what to do. He wondered if he should try to comfort her or just leave her alone for a while. He didn't really know how it felt to lose a family member, since his family died when he was too young to remember them. He decided that he should stick by her and comfort her if she needed to be comforted.

"Where is he?" asked Hinata, who was stll trying to recover from Hanabi's shocking news.

"Konoha Hospital!" cried Hanabi.

Naruto stayed silent as the three ninja ran full speed through the village. It was awkward and uncomfortable. He wanted to say something that would cheer up Hanabi without coming off as an insensitive asshole.

In a matter of minutes, Naruto, Hinata, and Hanabi burst through the doors of Hiashi's room. Tsunade and Sakura were both in the room next to Hiashi's bed and were having a grave conversation.

"What's wrong with him?" asked Hinata. Almost shouting in Tsunade's face.

"Calm down, Hinata," Tsunade said quietly. "Yelling won't help anything."

"What's wrong with him?" repeated Hinata in a quieter voice.

"He has contracted an unknown disease," explained Sakura. "I haven't seen anything like it. His organs appear to be shrinking. We do not know the cause of this strange reaction."

"How long does he have?" asked Hinata through tears.

"We still do not know- it can be anywhere between a week to a year," Tsunade said as she scanned through some papers on her clipboard. "We should find out by tomorrow."

"I'm sorry, Hinata," said Sakura. "You three will have to leave. We are trying all we can, and we need some space."

Hinata and Hanabi both ran out of the room crying. Naruto just stood in the doorway, not knowing what to do.

"Damnit," cursed Naruto quietly. "I've never felt so powerless."

"She needs you," Sakura said encouragingly as she put one of her hands on Naruto's shoulders. "You should find her, Naruto-kun."

Naruto just shook his head and gave a fake chuckle, which sounded unusually hollow.

"Me? Don't you think I'll just screw it up?" Naruto said bitterly. "When was I ever good with people?"

Before Sakura or Tsunade could answer, Naruto disappeared in a flash through the door.

"The fool," Tsunade said quietly.

Hinata walked through the village, soaked by the sudden rainstorm that hit. Even though it was early in the afternoon, the sky was dark and laden with gray and black rain clouds. She really didn't mind it, though. Since it was rainy, less people were outside. She just needed a moment to think about what was happening.

Any other person besides Hinata would hate their father for putting them through hell all their life. Hiashi forced Hinata to learn the Gentle Fist when she was young, only to be thrown out when he found out she was weaker than Hanabi. At best, Hiashi wouldn't even acknowledge her existence. It was better than being yelled at about how much of a disgrace you were to the family. HIashi even openly declared that both he and the Hyuga Clan would not even care if Hinata died.

But even after all of Hiashi's failures at fatherhood, Hinata couldn't bring herself to hate him. Sure, she would admit that he was not exactly fun to be around, buteven after all of Hiashi's abuse, Hinata still remembered the time when his mom was alive. Back when Hiashi wasn't the stuck-up asshole he is now. Back when he actually smiled and laughed along with Hinata. When he would praise her and encourage her on anything she did. Hiashi didn't used to believe that strength was first priority. Then, shortly after Hanabi's birth, Hinata's mother, Hiashi's wife, died. Ever since his wife died, Hiashi closed himself off in an emotionless shell. In fact, Hinata does not remember HIashi smiling at all after her mother's death.

Hinata didn't hate Hiashi because she still believed that the real Hiashi, the man that loved her more than all of the clan politics and bloodline mumbo-jumbo, was still somewhere in that emotionless shell.

Hinata found herself walking into the secret clearing in Konoha Forest. Normally, the clearing was colorful, bright, and warm. Currently, it was cold, wet, and gray.

I feel so alone, she though to herself as she just sat in the pouring rain.

Meanwhile, Naruto was sitting at Icharaku's Ramen, safe and away from the heavy downpour. Naruto was so lost in thought, he forgot to order. This was certainly a first.

"Hey, Naruto," said Ayame warmly. "What's on your mind?"

Ayame and her father have known Naruto for an extremely long time, and could tell that he was in distress, especially because he didn't even place an order.

"N-Nothing," Naruto said as he snapped back into reality.

"Naruto, I've known you long enough to tell when something is troubling you," the old man said. "You didn't even order your ramen yet."

"I just don't know what to do," Naruto said finally. "One of my friends is losing her father, and I don't know what to say or do. I'm completely stuck."

Ayame just smiled warmly. "I am sure that you will make the right choice, Naruto."

"Yes, do what you think is right," said the old man.

Naruto smiled. "Thanls, guys. I love you guys like family. By the way, can I get a bowl of pork ramen, old man?"

"Sure, Naruto," the old man chuckled. "This one's on the house."

As the two got busy making Naruto's order, Naruto heard someone walk in and take a seat next to him.

"Hi, Ino," greeted Naruto.

"Hi, Naruto-kuuuunnn," purred Ino.

Naruto didn't know how to reply. He shuffled uncomfortably in his seat.

"So, you doing anything today?" asked Ino sweetly. Yes! Finally I can have Naruto all to myself without Sakura to interrupt me! Time to make my move!

"Uhhmm, yeah," Naruto stammered. "I was going to go see Hinata…"

"Wait!" shouted Ino, interrupting Naruto. "Your already going out with Hinata?"

"Y-Yes. I mean n-no," Naruto said. He was now very confused.

"Aha!" shouted Ino. "But wouldn't you rather be with me, hmmmm?"

"N-No, I mean yes, I mean maybe…" Naruto said, trying to think of a good answer to her question.

Damn! Thought Naruto. Ino sure is scary! It's freakin' impossible to talk to her!"

"I see how it is," Ino said coldly. "I won't be rejected again! I'll make you love me if it's the last thing I do!"

Ino left, leaving a very confused and uncomfortable Naruto.

"What the hell?!?" Naruto shouted out loud, scaring Ayame, which almost made her drop the bowl of pork ramen Naruto ordered.

Naruto left Icharakus and headed straight for his apartment.

Looks like the rain isn't going to let up soon, thought Naruto as he unlocked his apartment door and quickly rushed into his dry apartment.

"Finally, a dry place where I can-"

"Hey, Naruto! What's shakin?"

"What the hell?" shouted Naruto. "Pervy Sage?"

"I told you that I am the great Toad Sage Jiraiya!"

"What are you doing her?" asked Naruto angrily. "I am not in the mood to deal with uninvited guests."

Jiraiya's smile vanished and he placed one of his hands on Naruto's shoulder. Before Naruto could protest, Jiraiya began to speak.

"I already know what's going on," he said quietly. "Believe me, Hinata really needs you right now. Even though Hiashi's an ass, Hinata probably doesn't want to lose her only fatherly figure. Hinata's too innocent and nice to hate that man. She just blames herself."

"How do you know so much about Hin-" Naruto began to say, but he was cut off by Jiraiya.

"Something like this happened to me once. A woman I loved lost two of her dearest, closest people. I wanted to be there for her, to comfort her, but I was just too damn afraid to."

Naruto didn't know what to say. Then he smiled at Jiraiya. Even though Jiraiya was sometimes a foolish old pervert, Naruto knew that he was actually a great ninja who was actually quite wise. He was the closest thing Naruto had for a father.

"Thanks, Pervy Sage," he said softly.

"Hurry up, now," said Jiraiya. "I overheard at the Hyuuga compound that Hinata never came home. Wouldn't it suck if she caught a cold in this rain?"

Without another word, Naruto sprinted out of his apartment and down the steps. He has a hunch about were she could be.

Jiraiya smiled as he watched his favorite knuckleheaded ninja bolt out the door and disappear into the rain.

"Young love," he sighed to himself. Before leaving Naruto's apartment, Jiraiya made sure he took out all of Naruto's cup ramen and replace them with fruits and vegetables.

Naruto ran straight for the forest, hoping with all of his might that Hinata was at his old training spot.

Naruto ran full speed into the clearing. He spotted a pale, dark-haired girl sitting in the rain against a tree trunk.

"Hinata!" Naruto called out. "Are you okay?"

Hinata looked up to see her love running at her with a look of concern on her face. Naruto looked doen at the kunoichi and moticed that she was sopping wet and shivering violently.

Naruto didn't know what he should do, but he did what he thought was best. He took Hinata into his arms and held her close to him. He felt her small frame shuddering from the cold.

"It's okay, Hinata," Naruto whispered in her ear. "Your not alone."

Hinata felt warmth spread through her body as Naruto held her close to his body. She returned the hug and wept into his chest, releasing all of her fears, worries, and loneliness. It felt like a heavy weight was removed from her shoulders. She instantly felt lighter, happier.

The two felt the rain stop pouring and looked up. The sky was clearing and the sun was shining through the clouds. It felt like everything was all right again. They just sat in each others' arms for a couple minutes, enjoying each other's warmth and company.

"I think we should go home and change," Naruto said after a while. "My apartment's closer-we can go there."

Hinata nodded as she and Naruto stood up. Hinata felt her legs ache and give in under her own weight. At the same time, she let out a little sneeze.

"I think you have a cold, Hinata. We should take care of the quickly," Naruto said, blushing as he picked her up.

That looked so cute, he thought to himself.

Hoped you liked the chapter! I had a bit more fun writing this one than the last one. If you liked it, please review! I will take any suggestions under consideration. If you don't like a part of the story, or even the story as a whole, please tell me where or what I can improve on, since I'm still new to the whole writing thing. If you loved the story, or part of the story, let me know so I can keep doing it.

NaruHina forever!

-G.S.