Chapter 2

Hanabi watched Hinata closely as she whisked the tea powder in the bowl. The older Hyuga sat across from Hanabi, her plum colored hair tied back to prevent it from falling on the table. Purple and blue flowers decorated her white kimono with green lily pads. Open shoji doors allowed soft sunshine to warm the room. Light fragrance from the flowers outside floated in the air.

Hinata-neesama is so graceful with everything she does. Hanabi smiled. Even when she's training, she moves as if her body is gliding through water.

"Hanabi-chan, it's ready," Hinata said. She placed the porcelain cups on the tray.

"It smells amazing. Thank you." Hanabi took one cup in her hand, inhaling the scent of the tea. This tea she was eager to try. The tea leaves were from a new plant her sister had been given on a mission several months ago. Hinata had taken special care of the plant in the Hyuga gardens and as a result it flourished. Leaves from the tea were said to relax one's chakra and release any negative feelings that a person struggled with. She sipped it. It's delicious. The taste is smooth and earthy.

"How is it?" Hinata asked.

"It's good."

Hinata smiled. I'm glad."

"Chiaki-san says my tea making still needs a lot of work." Hanabi huffed, hanging her head. "She says I'm too forceful."

Hinata giggled. "Not everything can be solved with fighting spirit, Hanabi-chan. Somethings need a gentle hand. A light touch. A soft caress." She blushed. Naruto-kun is gentle.

Hanabi eyed the redness in Hinata's face. She must be thinking about Naruto-san. She set the tea on the table. She desired Hinata to be happy. Her sister deserved to have someone love her, not because of her pedigree, but because of who she was as a person. Hanabi wasn't completely convinced that Naruto loved her sister for the right reasons. After all, he hadn't noticed her until after she'd protected him from Pein. It took Hinata almost dying for Naruto to acknowledge her. If he thinks he can ride Hinata-neesama's coat tails to become Hokage, he'll be disappointed. I want let him use her like that...and neither will Neji-niisan. Thinking of Neji brought some irritation. She remembered bringing up her concerns to her brown haired cousin awhile ago. She'd been less than happy with his response.

"Hinata-sama is 18. She is an adult and is capable of making decisions about who is worthy of her affection."

Hanabi crossed her arms, frowning. "I don't trust him."

Neji smiled. "You don't have to, Hanabi-sama, as long as Hinata-sama does. Please excuse me." He bowed and turned away.

Hanabi frowned. She wanted to protect her sister from getting hurt. Hinata-oneesama is too soft. Too forgiving. Some guy could take advantage of her for sure. She took another sip of her tea. "What do you have to do today, Hinata-oneesama?"

"Neji-niisan is training me today, since Father is gone. Then I have calligraphy with Mitsuki-san. Flower arrangement with Ao-san. She won't be happy if I miss another meeting. I might go into town with Shino-kun and Kiba-kun for train too," Hinata said.

Hanabi brought the tea cup to her lips. "You won't be seeing Naruto today?"

Hinata smiled, grabbing the pot to pour more tea. "Hmm...I might. Why do you ask?"

"Does Father know you're seeing him?"

Hinata set the pot down. "Hanabi-chan..."

"I won't tell. I would never do that. I don't want you to get hurt." Hanabi inhaled deeply. "Naruto didn't even notice you until a couple months ago! He never returned your affections and now, suddenly...suddenly he wants to be with you? I don't trust him. What if he's using you?"

"W-what?"

"What if he's using you? He wants to become Hokage. Maybe he thinks that by being with you, you can help him achieve his goal quicker?" Hanabi watched her sister. Hinata's face remained blank and unreadable, save for widened eyes. Then, slowly the tips of Hinata's mouth curved. Her shoulders began to shake.

"Ahahaha! Haha! Hanabi-chan!" Hinata doubled over, wiping tears from her eyes as she continued to laugh. "You're giving Naruto-kun too much credit. He isn't that smart or cunning!" She held her stomach as she rocked back, unable to stop the laughter.

Hanabi frowned. "You're taking this too lightly!"

"If I may ask, what's being taken too lightly?"

The girls turned to see Ko standing in the walk way. He bowed. "It's time for your calligraphy, Hinata-sama."

Hinata nodded and stood. "I'll see you later, Hanabi-chan."

Hanabi watched Hinata depart. I'm not crazy. Naruto isn't as stupid as people think he is.

Sakura stood outside the butcher shop, eyeing the prices for beef and pork. She picked out several packages and handed the money to the owner. She looked at her grocery list. I need vegetables and noodles next. Walking down the street a bit led to her favorite produce stand. Several potatoes and carrots, apples and onions filled her basket. I better get extra in case Naruto comes over too. She reached for more. Maybe he'll bring Hinata. She smiled, thinking about her friend. Seeing Hinata and Neji at the gate had surprised her. She hadn't seen the girl much even before her team left on their long mission. From what Shino had told her, Hinata had been taken off many assignments over the past several weeks because of her clan duties. Hiashi and Tsunade had come to an agreement to allow Hinata to stay at home for awhile so she could formally begin her training as Hyuga leader. Sakura sighed. That poor girl has so much to deal with. I don't think I could do it. I'd end up punching everyone. She thought of Naruto. I never thought he was boyfriend material, but he's actually not that bad from what I've heard from Hinata. She laughed. Naruto, the blonde headed nobody had managed to steal the heart of someone like Hinata Hyuga. She's practically a princess. Her shoulders slumped as she remembered Neji's comments about his cousin's relationship with Naruto.

"It won't last. Hinata-sama could never marry Naruto and have the approval of the Elders."

"Why not?" Sakura asked. "If Hinata is happy, isn't that all that matters?"

Neji's brows slanted, his arms crossed over his chest. "Not when you're the heir to one of the most powerful clans in Konohagakure."

"Naruto defeated Pein. He's beaten half the Akatsuki! He's a hero now. That's not enough?"

"No."

Sakura could feel irritation building in her. She glanced at the brown haired ninja. "Does your uncle know about Naruto and Hinata?"

"No."

"Do you plan on telling him?"

Neji looked away. "It's not my place to tell Hinata-sama's secrets."

The noise of the busy town surrounded her as she continued down the street. Clouds nowhere to be seen in the blue sky. Sakura turned down the road that led to the Uchiha district. I shouldn't keep Sasuke-kun waiting.

The clash of metal rang through the woods as several birds flew out of the trees. The occasional spark of metal clashing popped through the foliage as the two ninja continued to spar. Tiny forest creatures had left hours ago, their once quiet and still forest no more. The two intruders jumped back from each other, their chests rising and falling with heavy breaths.

Naruto ran forward, holding the kunai in front of him as a shield from the needles thrown. He stepped to the left and ducked, swinging his leg out to swipe his opponent's feet from under him. Sasuke fell backwards and twisted himself around to fall on his hands. He sprung back, nearly catching Naruto's chin with his feet before reaching into his leather pouch. Grabbing a shuriken, he threw it. The metal star flew past Naruto, scratching his cheek.

"You're distracted," Sasuke said. He threw his arms in front of him to protect from Naruto's kick. "What's going on?" He caught Naruto's foot and flung him back. "You're no use to me if you won't go all out."

"Oh shut up," Naruto said. He picked up a kunai and placed it back in his pocket. "I've got a lot I'm thinking about."

"You don't tend to think a lot anyway."

Naruto's troubled expression twisted into anger. "You're not helping, idiot."

Sasuke rolled his eyes and began putting his weapons away. "You're not saying much."

"It's hard."

"Hinata?"

Naruto nodded. "She hasn't told Hiashi about us yet. I think she's afraid. She's going to be the clan leader, you know? She's got responsibilities and everything."

"What did you expect? She's a Hyuga, you're a nobody."

Naruto slouched against a tree, crossing his arms. "I am a nobody. She's someone important, Sasuke. Hinata is the heir to the Hyuga. You know, after I defeated Pein I couldn't stop thinking about her. She almost died for me...because she loved me." Naruto sighed, hanging his head. "I visited her everyday in the hospital and when she got better, we talked a lot. I...learned so much about her. Hinata is smart, and kind. She's strong. She's so many things." He smiled sheepishly. "I knew she had been disinherited so I had hopes that we could be together...but now I'm not so sure."

"Are you thinking of breaking up with her?"

"No! Never! I don't think I could find any other girl that'd take me," Naruto said, grinning. "I'm worried about her, Sasuke. After so long, Hiashi finally acknowledged her. She was so happy. I don't know what's happened...but somethings changed. Hinata said she thought her father had changed...but lately, she hasn't looked so happy."

Sasuke continued picking up the shurikens on the ground. "Some times parents let a little progress excite them, and they get greedy for more. Now that you're safe, Hinata doesn't have to push herself like she did. Hiashi is probably wondering why she isn't showing the same drive she did to protect you."

"Maybe." Naruto stood and stretched.

"You guys are still out here?" The boys turned to see Sakura standing on the path. Several shopping bags hanging off her arms.

"We're just finished up, Sakura-chan," Naruto said.

"Are you coming over for dinner? I thought maybe you'd invite Hinata."

"She's...she's busy tonight."

Sakura's gaze softened. "I'm sorry, Naruto. You're more than welcome to join us. Sasuke-kun, didn't you invite him?"

Sasuke shrugged.

That's not an answer! Sakura rolled her eyes. "Well, I'm headed back. I'll see you guys later."

Sakura stood over the stove and placed a pot on the top. She hummed as she cut the vegetables, listening to the steady chop of the kitchen knife against the cutting board. Naruto's and Sasuke's voices were muffled in the next room, but she could make out "idiot" and "jackass". I can't believe those two are still fighting. I thought they'd grow out of it. She shook her head. This was Naruto and Sasuke she was thinking about. Those two are worse rivals than Kakashi-sensei and Guy-sensei. She smiled, hearing laughter from the blonde ninja. And the best of friends.

Tonight, she'd decided on curry and rice for dinner. After their long mission, they hadn't eaten anything home cooked and hot in awhile. The boys especially needed something filling and healthy. Especially that idiot, Naruto. He'd eat ramen for the rest of his life if he could. She opened the cabinet above to take salt and pepper. After seasoning the quartered beef chunks, she threw them in the pot along with the vegetables and placed the lid on top. It should be done in an hour or so.

Sakura took off the apron and hung it on the hook next to the pantry. She grabbed the tray with tea on it and headed for the living room. Naruto and Sasuke sat opposite each other, the coffee table between them.

"Thanks for inviting me over, Sakura-chan," Naruto said.

"No problem. Consider it thanks for doing the paperwork for the mission."

"Ugh..." Naruto slouched into the sofa. "Is that why you invited me over? Because you felt guilty?"

"Haha..." Sakura placed the tray on the table. "Tea?"

"That is why you invited me over!"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Just drink the damn tea!"

A knock came from the foyer.

"Sasuke-kun, are you expecting someone?"

Sasuke shook his head. "I'll see who it is." He walked down the hallway, out of sight.

Sakura turned to Naruto, her voice soft. "Sasuke-kun told me about Hinata-chan...Naruto..."

The blonde ninja frowned, resting his hands behind his head. "Yeah. I don't know what to do."

"You love her, don't you?"

"Yeah. I think I love her more than I've loved anyone."

Sakura smiled. "Hinata-chan is good for you. You guys go well together. I hope it works out for you. Naruto...after everything you've been through, I think you deserve to be happy."

"Thanks, Sakura-chan. That means a lot to me." They looked up as footsteps came from the hallway. Sasuke entered, follow by a white eye young woman.

"Hinata-chan!" Naruto and Sakura exclaimed.

"Hello, Naruto-kun. Sakura-chan."

Naruto stood. He felt as if his heart skipped a beat. "Hinata-chan, what are you doing here?"

"I-I went to your apartment, but you weren't home. I ran into Iruka-sensei and he said you might be here."

"Yeah, but...I thought you would be busy all day. That's why you canceled our date this morning."

Hinata nodded. "I thought if I spent all day finishing my work, I could see you this evening."

Naruto smiled, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Wow." His face turned red as he met her eyes.

"Why don't you sit down, Hinata? I can get more tea," Sakura said, taking the tray.

"Thank you, Sakura-chan."

"I'll help you," Sasuke said.

Hinata sat next to Naruto, folding her hands in her lap. He smells like pinewood. He must have been training. She scooted closer.

"Hinata-chan...can you tell me about your day? I'd like to hear how it went," Naruto said.

"R-really?"

"Sure! I haven't seen you all day...and I'm always telling you about my day. I'd like to hear about yours."

"Of course!"

Hinata recounted what she'd had for breakfast that morning. Her father hadn't been home, as he was having a diplomatic meeting in another country. Hinata thought it was with distant relatives of the Hyuga. Hanabi had joined her along with her great Aunt. After breakfast she had worked in the garden and trained with her sister. Naruto laughed as she told him about Hanabi's doubts. They continued to conversate, Naruto listening to her every word, noting every smile or furrowed brow. With each funny story they relaxed further back into the sofa until Naruto's arm was around her shoulders. I could listen to her forever...and I think I want to. Her smile made his heart jump. Her voice made him dizzy. I want to hear her voice, everyday, forever.

Thank you for revisiting, "If Only You Knew". I'm so excited to be rewriting this story. I hope you all can enjoy it too.

Painterofemotions