It had been a few days since Naruto had saved her and, she had to admit that it had been surprising finding out about what he was. There was no way that it should have been possible yet, the way he had transformed yesterday said everything. It had been rather strange that Naruto thought that she would fear him, when he had done nothing wrong. He had, after all saved her life. Sure, there were times when he had cross boundaries but that couldn't be helped since he didn't know any better.
Sighing softly, the young woman knew that it must have taken a lot of courage from Naruto to have told her his story, that he was part of some lab experiment and that he had escaped… It had explained why she found him near death's door when she saw him… Just thinking about that made her heart ache, thinking about what could have happened had she not saved the young man that she had come to know and care for.
Taking a deep breath, Hinata rolled over in her bed as she tried to think on what she and Naruto could do for today. She had gotten another day off, mostly because of the stress that she had been feeling since she was almost raped the other day. Running a hand through her hair, the young blue haired woman wondered if there would be something, anything exciting that she could do though, so far nothing did come to mind for her.
Crossing her arms under her chin as she lied on her stomach, Hinata was thinking maybe since Naruto did need to interact with people maybe she could come up with something for herself, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura… whatever that could be… "Nothing is easy…" Hinata mumbled before burying her face in her pillow and groaned.
She just didn't know what they all could do…
Lifting her head, Hinata peeked out the window and saw that it was sunny. Maybe she should get up; it wasn't like there was much that she would be able to do anyway. Hell, there wasn't really much that she and Naruto could do that he wouldn't really understand though it wouldn't hurt to try to figure out though what they would all be able to do. Sadly, it also depended if Sasuke and Sakura weren't busy today with something. 'I should call them later… knowing those two, they're asleep…' Hinata thought with a sad sigh.
It was still pretty early, so she couldn't really bother them yet. If she knew correctly, it was their anniversary last night so knowing those two they had their 'play time' last night and may be sleeping until around eleven. In a way, Hinata was a little jealous of their relationship. They were so deeply in love that they were even going to marry and yet, she was still single. No guy found her, herself, interesting. Instead, they only wanted her for her body and nothing more and nothing less.
Sometimes, she hated that she was well developed; maybe that was why Sakura didn't have to worry about Sasuke leaving her… because he loved her for her no matter what. "Great, now I'm jealous of my friend…" Hinata whispered softly. She should really stop doing the self-pity and just get on out of bed, get dressed and do what she has to do in order to get everything settled and make sure that Naruto has something to eat for breakfast.
Maybe something to eat would cheer her up a little bit. Didn't hurt to try after all to see if the reason why she was so down was because she hadn't had anything to eat all morning and that she was just cranky from lack of nutrition.
Yawning into the back of her hand, Hinata pushed herself from her bed so she could sit up before walking over to her dresser and started to grab the first things that she set her sights on. The news yesterday had said that today was going to be a warm day so maybe a pair of shorts would be good for her today.
Throwing on a pair of white shorts and a black muscle shirt, the young woman checked herself over in the mirror and placed her hands on her hips for a moment before grabbing her brush from her nightstand and started to brush the long silky yet very tangled locks as she wondered what she could do for Naruto, to cheer him up. Even though she hadn't rejected him, she knew that he was still worried about her screaming at him and calling him a monster.
There had to be something that she could do, to show him that he isn't a monster no matter what people say. Frowning at the memory, she remembered those guys had called Naruto a monster… she saw the way he winced, like it had hurt him deeply. Shaking her head, the young woman knew that it would have had too, he isn't human. At least not fully… He had the heart and soul of a human, even if his DNA had been tampered with, he was still, and always will be a human man to her.
Shaking her head, the young woman knew that she would just have to make sure that Naruto knew that she would never think of him as a monster. Of course, she couldn't do it through her words since from what she has seen with Naruto, he was a man of action. Not to mention, that old saying echoed its way through her head. Actions speak louder than words. Smiling with that resolve in her mind, the young woman stretched her arms above her head before setting her brush down and started to make her way to the living room wondering if Naruto was even awake. She didn't think that he would be since he did seem really tired last night. Though didn't hurt to make breakfast before waking him right?
Yawning softly, the young woman knew that she was going to have to be able to do something… though; she couldn't really be sure what more she could do to make sure that Naruto stayed happy…
Suddenly, the phone started to ring, causing Hinata to yelp a bit from surprise only to sigh in relief when she realised that it was only her cell phone ringing. Picking up her cell phone, the young woman calmly said "hello?"
"Hinata, its Sakura. I thought that since me and Sasuke are going to the beach you and Naruto would like to come. I thought that since you said Naruto needed to interact more with other people that he'd like to come." Sakura said with a bright smile on her face.
Hinata frowned a little… Would Naruto like the beach? Or would the ocean bother him too much? She couldn't really be sure though maybe it wouldn't hurt but… "Me and Naruto don't have swim suits." Hinata said with a frown before running a hand through her bangs. Of all the things for Sakura to ask her to do it was to go to the beach when her swim suit had too many holes in it that she had no choice but to throw it out.
"Oh don't worry! I bought Naruto some trunks and there is a beach house at the beach that we can get you a suit in." The pink haired woman said with a giggle, one that made Hinata shake a little… her friend had something in store and for some reason she had a feeling that she wasn't going to like it… not one bit.
Hinata had told him about going to the beach. Of course, Naruto didn't really understand the whole thing but… it made Hinata happy. Looking out the window as Hinata drove them both in something called a 'car' and it had Naruto very interested. Were they moving or were they just in one place and everything was moving by them on their own? He didn't really know but in a way it was very interesting, that's for sure. The young man couldn't help but smile at the thought of what they would do though he didn't mind it all that much.
Looking over at Hinata, he tilted his head as he asked "so, what are we doing when we get there?" The young man couldn't help but look at Hinata with that innocent look of his, and with those blue eyes of his it made it even cuter. The young man had noticed that Hinata never looked at him while she drove the car; it had him curious as to why that was though he didn't complain about it for the time being. Maybe he'll ask her later though he wasn't going to complain about it all that much.
Hinata though smiled, he didn't know why but her smile made his heart beat quickly in his chest. "We're going to meet Sasuke and Sakura at the beach. Sakura was nice enough to buy you some swim trunks and she's going to help me shop for a new bikini." The young woman answered her voice cheerful. In a way, the young man was happy to see Hinata so happy. Though, he couldn't help but wonder what these 'swim trunks' were. It had him a little curious though maybe he would figure out what they were when they got to the beach.
"Also Naruto," began Hinata, causing the young man to just stare at Hinata with his innocent blue eyes. What would she need to add now? Was there something more that he had to be aware of or what? "Don't tell anyone about what you are okay? Sasuke and Sakura may not understand like I do… Let them get to know you first before we tell them… and, of course when you're ready."
Naruto nodded, he could understand why Hinata wouldn't want her friends to know about what he was or what he could do. After all, he hadn't wanted to tell Hinata what he was either but sadly, it had come to that when he had to fight those two men from hurting her. The young man vowed to make sure that nothing would ever harm Hinata ever again, but he would have to make sure that he wouldn't use his powers or abilities again. Fearing that if he relied on them too much that he would end up becoming a mindless monster. That of course, scared him very much.
Turning his head back to the window, he just watched as everything went by him. Naruto had to admit though that everything was nice… the weather was perfect. Though he couldn't help but wonder what more he was to do, what life would hold for him. Maybe he would be able to have a nice and simple life now that he was staying with Hinata. Yet, something deep within himself is saying that this was only a fantasy, a dream that he wants to remain in. Letting out a deep sigh, Naruto knew that nothing could last forever and at some point he would lose himself to his darkness, to the monster that dwelled deep inside his soul and he would end up hurting those he held dear to him… Mostly Hinata…
Closing his eyes for a moment, Naruto knew that for now… he should enjoy the time he has right now. Just wanting to make sure that he could just enjoy the time he had with Hinata and those that surrounded her that wanted to help her in her life. Though, maybe this was all just a dream that he was dreaming of but then again… would a dream make him feel this way? To make him feel something that he had never felt before so he would never understand? He didn't think it was possible.
Inhaling softly, Naruto closed his eyes as he just enjoyed the car ride. Right now was the time to be happy, to have joy in his life and just make sure that he could be happy for as long as possible before he had been found.
"We're here." Said Hinata, causing the young blonde haired young man to open his eyes and looked around. He must have been in deep thought for him to not notice that they had arrived to the beach place. Naruto had to admit, it was beautiful… just like when he had first arrived. The water was blue, almost like his eyes but the water sparkled. The sky was a lighter shade of blue that made him smile a little… then of course, there was the soft sand that was on the ground. Well, he remembered that it was called sand anyway from what Hinata had told him.
Squinting his eyes, he saw a few people making their way toward the car. The one he knew was the pink haired woman that Hinata was friends with. Sakura… then of course, there was the man that was next to her. Tilting his head, the man was tall, just as tall as he was. Black hair with the back spiked outward and two locks of hair framing his face. Skin was pale, at least compared to his… Even from this distance, Naruto would tell that the man had black eyes. What confused him was the weird shorts the man was wearing and lack of shirt.
"The guy's name is Sasuke, see what Sakura is holding? It's a pair of trunks for you to wear. They are the same length as Sasuke's so you don't have to worry." Calmly said Hinata as she shut off the car and started to make her way out after unbuckling herself. Now that she mentioned it, looking more at the shorts that Sasuke wore, they reached his knees and they were black. On the left leg was a red and shite fan; while on the right leg was something that he thought resembled white flames.
Sighing softly, Naruto unbuckled himself and got out of the car before he started to walk with Hinata toward the two young adults. It made him wonder what was to happen while they were here though maybe it was just to have fun? At least, that was what he thought was to happen. The pink haired young woman smiled at Naruto before holding out the trunks to him. "There's a changing area over there. Sasuke will show you while me and Hinata here will do some shopping okay?" With that said and done, Sakura grabbed Hinata and dragged her away after giving Naruto the trunks. Naruto wanted to follow them but Sasuke grabbed his shirt and pulled him back.
"Sorry, but the girls need their girl time. You, well you need to change into those trunks or you'll sweat to death." Said Sasuke before dragging the blonde haired young man to the changing tents. Naruto sighed before walking in and closing the curtain behind him. He saw that the space was small, mostly just big enough for one person but enough room to at least allow him to change. Poking his head out, Naruto was about to ask the black haired young man about what he was to do with his clothes, until Sasuke handed him a bag. "Put your clothes in here."
Nodding, Naruto accepted the bag and went back into the tent as he started to strip. As he started to remove his clothes, Naruto wondered what Hinata would end up wearing. Sure, since he was a guy he didn't need to cover up what Hinata did so maybe it would be like a shirt and pants? Since he was wearing something like shorts though that was just what he was thinking.
Shaking his head, the young man set his button up shirt and t-shirt in the bag before he started to remove his pants, shoes and socks. Looking at the trunks that Sakura had handed to him and stared at the design. They looked simple yes, though the left leg was orange while the right leg was black. The draw strings were orange and black as well though the left one was orange while the right one was black so they could easily be seen. Looking inside, Naruto saw that they looked like netting fabric was used inside so maybe he didn't have to wear boxers? Would make sense so he wouldn't go home with wet boxers on…
Sighing softly, the young man removed his boxers and slipped on the trunks. He couldn't help but notice that the trunks were a little loose on his waist. Maybe that's why there were draw strings on the trunks? To tie them up to prevent them from falling? Sighing softly, he started to tie the knot, happy that Hinata had taught him how to tie knots so that was something at least. Though, it did have him curious as to what he, Hinata, Sasuke and Sakura would be doing while they were at the beach.
Shaking his head, Naruto finished tying up the waist band before walking out of the change tent and stared at Sasuke. "Am I wearing it right?" asked Naruto with a tilt of his head. He wasn't sure if he was wearing this right since, he wasn't sure if it was just like shorts or even like pants for that matter though at least it didn't hurt to ask right? It was after all never too late to learn something.
Sasuke looked at Naruto for a moment before crossing his arms as if he was in deep thought. The young man knew that Sasuke was just making sure that everything was on properly though it still made him nervous… "Yeah, though… I'm amazed at how thin you are. At least from what Sakura tells me from how much you eat of Hinata's cooking. I know she's an amazing cook and all but damn." Sasuke said with a smirk.
Blinking in confusion, Naruto looked down at himself and wondered if being fat was a bad thing. Sure, he knew that he wasn't… in fact, now that he thought about it when he was allowed to pig out at the lab he never gained weight. He kept the muscular body that he has had for a while, thinking that he gained it when he was smaller… Not really sure how old he was though he figured he was only a few inches shorter than what he was now when he started to get more muscular.
Shaking his head for a moment, Naruto looked over at Sasuke as he asked "so… what do we do at a beach besides swim?" He was truly curious as to what they do at the beach; it was easy to see just how naïve he really was to the outside world, even if he had learned to adjust to it.
Sasuke scratched the back of his head as he started to explain. "Some people swim, play in the water… uh, some people play games on the sand. Some people even try to flirt with some people."
"Flirt?" asked Naruto in confusion.
"Yeah, flirting. It's hard to explain but it's like where you talk to someone you like and try to get them to like you too." Naruto frowned in confusion that did make some kind of sense. Tilting his head, the young man just nodded before looking around. It made him wonder what Hinata and Sakura were up to. Sighing softly, the young man leaned against the metal rods that kept the tents up and frowned a little as he tried to think on what he and Hinata could do… maybe they could play in the water?
An image of him and Hinata flashed in his head. Though it was of her wearing the clothes that they arrived. Anyway, Naruto and Hinata were splashing water at each other like he had seen a couple do while he waited. Hinata tripped in the water and would fall against him. Naruto stared deeply into her lavender coloured eyes and he ended up starting to lean closer to her…
Blinking quickly, Naruto shook his head, his face so red and hot that it felt like his flesh would melt from his bones. Shaking his head again, Naruto tried to get himself to relax. He had to stop that, hell he didn't even know why that had happened. "You okay?" called Sasuke's voice, causing Naruto to look over and saw the slightly concerned look on his face.
Nodding, Naruto looked away from the black haired man only to blink when he saw two people walking toward them. Blinking in confusion, the young man looked over at Sasuke and tilted his head when he saw Sasuke's smirk. Okay, something was up… why was he smiling like that? Either way, he was a little worried as to what the black haired young man would be smiling about though he didn't say anything… yet.
Soon, Naruto moved his gaze toward Sasuke was staring. He saw Sakura with her hair pulled back in a high ponytail. Her suit made him think of those bras and panty things that Hinata wears. Though it seemed a little more ruffled on the top piece. The bottom piece just looked like a simple pair of panties that just slip on though they clung to her hips perfectly like no other. Naruto just gave a mental shrug; he just thought that Sakura wasn't wearing enough clothes.
Thoughwhen he stared at Hinata his heart was beating so loudly he was sure that any normal human could hear it. Naruto couldn't help but stare at Hinata; her face was tinted pink as she looked away. Her long blue hair was loose and flying around thanks to the winds that blew around the beach. Though it was what she was wearing that seemed to have gotten him to really stare. Hinata's swim suit was almost like Sakura's… well in a way anyway. It was a two piece like Sakura's. The colour though was dark lavender. The top tied around her neck and from what he could see there was a thin strap that wrapped around the back and held the two triangles over her breasts though he could still see quite a bit. Her bottoms were a little low on her though still kept her covered though it, like her top were tied. At least, at the sides of her waist since he saw bows on the sides of her waist.
His face went redder than it had ever been before and he didn't think that was possible. Naruto couldn't look away from Hinata; it was as if he was in some kind of trance though he didn't know what he was to do while he stared at her… Suddenly, he didn't just feel like his pants got a little tighter, but he felt something hitting him in the side.
Blinking his blue eyes, Naruto turned to stare at Sasuke and frowned a bit. "You better go back in the tent for a bit… you have… a friend down there." Sasuke whispered so that only Naruto could hear him. The young man didn't understand what Sasuke was talking about though he looked down either way and blinked in shock. Shaking his head, he ran into the tent and groaned softly. Why was this happening?! Sure he didn't know what it was but even he knew that it was rather embarrassing to have something like that poking out from his trunks. Could this day get any worse for him or was that just speaking way too soon?
Well, if it was speaking too soon, he hoped that it would disappear since he really, did not want to deal with it at the moment. It felt so awkward for that to be happening to him though he knew that it may as well be part of being a normal man… at least he thinks it is.
"Sasuke, where's Naruto?" asked Hinata.
"He's in the tent… if I may ask Hinata, why are you wearing that kind of bikini?" asked Sasuke.
"Um… Sakura convinced me to wear it. I was gonna go for a one piece suit." Hinata answered, her voice sounding so shy yet cute sounding.
So it was Sakura that made Hinata wear that huh? Hm… Maybe he would have to thank her or something… in some weird crazy way he liked seeing Hinata in that swim suit of hers. Though he just didn't know why that was. Looking back down at himself, Naruto saw that he didn't have that 'friend' or whatever Sasuke called it before coming out. Looking at Hinata, the young man felt his face redden once again. Though this time he didn't feel his trunks tighten so maybe nothing bad will happen this time.
"You look nice Hinata." Naruto said with a calm voice, trying to make sure that he didn't sound weird. Though he couldn't help but wonder what he and Hinata could do while they were at the beach. Hinata looked at Naruto and smiled slightly, her face still tinted in a blush though the young man couldn't help but wonder what they could do to enjoy themselves.
"Let's play some volleyball." Suggested Sakura.
"Sure." Said Sasuke with a smile as he stared at Sakura.
For some strange reason, Naruto thought that Sasuke had some kind of ulterior motive for playing that game though for the time being he didn't really care. Shaking his head, Naruto went along with everyone toward the net so they could play the game, though the young man just listened to what Sasuke, Sakura, and Hinata told him about the game so he would know what to do, and what not to do though that was a little hard since he couldn't help but stare at Hinata's chest.
Blinking quickly, the young man turned his gaze away from Hinata and went back to focusing on what was being said and done. He saw Sasuke serve first since it was going to be boys VS girls, so he was on Sasuke's team. The ball went over the net; Sakura jumped up and hit the ball, causing it to go back to the boy's side of the net. In a way, Naruto was happy that they could play a normal game, though he couldn't help but wonder why Sasuke would turn and smirk at him, as if he was expecting something to happen.
Soon, the ball was heading toward him, Naruto hit it with what he hoped was a normal amount of energy and strength that a human would do. After all, he had learned to control some of his body's strength. Taking a deep breath, the young man looked up and watched as the ball went over to the net and headed toward Hinata. He thought that maybe he would be able to just keep himself though that is until Hinata jumped in the air causing her breasts to bounce from the motion. Naruto just stared as if he was once again in a trance.
It was as if time had slowed down for him as he just stared at Hinata's chest. His face was bright red as he just stared at her; his face was getting redder and redder as he just stared as her breasts finally fell back against her chest as she landed back on the ground. Naruto didn't know what happened next; it all seemed to have happened in a blur of motion.
He felt something spurting from his nose, causing him to fall over and land on his back. "Naruto?!" shouted Hinata's voice as she ran toward the fallen young man. Naruto moaned softly before he blinked his confused blue eyes and looked over at the young woman as she knelt in front of Naruto. Naruto of course stared at her face, only to look down by some strange force before his nose started to bleed even more. "Oh my god your nose is bleeding!" shouted Hinata as she covered her mouth in shock.
"It's bleeding?" Naruto said in shock, not sure what was going on.
"I'll take him to the bathroom to wash him up." Said Sasuke as he helped the blonde haired young man up onto his feet before making his way toward Naruto and helped him up before they started to walk away from the volleyball net. When they were out of ear shot, Sasuke stared at Naruto and grinned as he said "so Naruto, enjoyed the view?"
"View?"
"Hinata's chest. Sakura had a feeling you would have liked Hinata by now so she got Hinata to wear that and of course for us to play volleyball. Though, didn't think you'd get a nose bleed that bad." Sasuke looked at Naruto with a bigger and wider smirk before he started to make his way to the bathroom so Naruto could clean up. Of course, the blood had also dripped down his nose, over his face and down his chest. Man, Naruto never knew that his nose could bleed like this from nothing…
"Why did that happen?" asked Naruto.
"It sometimes happens with men who are… um… I guess you can say fighting some urges." Answered Sasuke as they made their way into the bathroom and Naruto started went to the sink and filled it up with cold water. Naruto dove his face in the water for a big, managing to wash some of the blood off his face and grabbed some paper towels before soaking the paper in the water and started to rub his chest so he could get the blood off.
Sighing softly, Naruto looked over at Sasuke as he said "I don't know what you were trying to do but… I have nothing for Hinata but I'll be her protector." He glared at Sasuke for a moment, only for him to calm down and looked away only to throw out the paper towel and checked himself over to make sure that all the blood was off.
Though, as he was making his way back to where the girls were, Naruto blinked as he stared at Hinata and Sakura. Though, his sight went red when he saw some big muscle head talking to Hinata. The look on her face showed that she wasn't happy. Naruto growled softly as he flexed his fingers as if he was ready to slice through that guy like ribbons.
The guy smirked as he said "how about you and me… go and have fun?" As soon as those words escaped that guy's mouth… Naruto felt like his entire body was on fire with rage. He had the desire to kill, for it made him think of when those guys had tried to 'play' with Hinata. It made him angry, more so than he had ever thought was possible for him. Something deep inside him told him to walk over there and punch that guy in the face and make him pay for ever trying to flirt with Hinata.
"Hey, you okay?" asked Sasuke as he walked over to Naruto and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Let go of me or I may break your arm." Growled out Naruto, his voice deep and menacing. A sure sign that he was angry and would lash out at anyone that got in his way. He didn't want to hurt Sasuke, the guy was nice and was of course Hinata's friend so he wouldn't hurt him, or risk upsetting Hinata. Inhaling deeply, Naruto felt his fangs growing in, as were his claws.
Soon, he started to march right up to the man. He could hear Hinata telling him that she wasn't interested. That she didn't want a boyfriend or to be with anyone that would only think to do only one thing. For that, Naruto was proud with Hinata, even if he didn't really understand what was going on. Though the man just wanted to get what he so desired from Hinata. Soon, his arm shot out and grabbed a hold of Hinata's elbow in his tight grip as he tried to drag the blue haired woman away, Sakura of course trying to get the guy to let go of Hinata.
"Let go pinkie. This woman is coming with me and we'll party until dawn. Or… until I've had my fun." He said with a smirk before he gave Hinata a creepy smile.
Soon, without thinking Naruto zipped by and grabbed the man's elbow, his eyes glowing red as he growled. The man stared with wide eyes, wondering where this guy came from. Naruto growled darkly as he said "touch Hinata again… even come near her again… and I'll rip you from limb, from limb, until you can no longer be put together again understand?!"
The man just stared at Naruto as he smirked. "But this woman wants me, what are you? Some kind of freak or something? Or a monster?" As soon as those words were spoken, Naruto's eyes glowed brighter, glowing darker… He lifted the man in his arms and threw him in the ocean with all of his strength, wanting to make sure that he was as far away from Hinata as possible. Growling, the young man turned to Hinata when he saw that her skin went ghostly pale. The horror in her face caused Naruto to stare at her before the power started to fade from him…
"I… I…" he stuttered, not sure what he was to say or do… Looking away, unable to stare at Hinata at all. The young man turned away from Hinata, not wanting to stare at her anymore… thinking that if he looked at her, that she would only stare at him in horror. Sure, she had seen him fighting before and he had almost killed someone but he had said nothing about it…
Taking a deep breath, the young man started to walk away, thinking that he had started to make a fool of himself. Running a hand through his hair, Naruto started to walk on away though thinking that he would make sure that he would stay away from Hinata. Though the thought of being away from Hinata made his heart ache even more… even more than when he had first fought someone. Tightly shutting his eyes, Naruto started to make the first dozen steps away from Hinata and the others.
"Naruto don't go!" shouted Hinata. Frowning in confusion, Naruto turned around and yelped in shock when Hinata had tackled him to the ground. He didn't know what was going on though when Hinata had tackled him he felt not just her chest pressing against his but Hinata's lips pressed against his. He didn't know what had happened though he didn't think he would have been able to do anything else… he felt that her lips were soft and… well he didn't know what the word would be for this but… a word 'supple' had entered his thoughts.
Blinking in shock, Naruto watched as Hinata pulled back, her face a dark red as she just stared at him. "Naruto I… I didn't mean to… I'm sorry." Naruto just stared in shock, unsure if he could speak at all. The only thing he could do was stare at Hinata, her face was… amazing… If that was the right word to use anyway.
Suddenly, Naruto's gaze went back to her breasts and blinked in shock at just how close they were and… of course of how deep he could see. The blonde haired young man just stared for what felt like forever… until his nose started to bleed again and of course his eyes rolled back into his head and his head fell back onto the sand. Hinata screamed out Naruto's name as she shook his shoulders, trying to get him to wake up. Though, Naruto had a soft smile as these words went through his mind.
'Today was a fun day…'