Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
Written by: Moon's Phantom38
Couple: Akimichi Choji x Hyuuga Hinata
Jam
Chapter Three: Jittery
Her hands were shaking, she wasn't sure why she was so nervous and stealthy hid them under the table. She didn't want Choji to see, she feared that if he saw her nervousness he might get the wrong impression and return to his pervious mood. It was awkward, yes but he wasn't worrying himself. So it wasn't that bad.
This was strange; as genin, their instructors had always 'conveniently' been given joint missions and she remembered how bright their smiles had been or how Ino would gush excitedly over them. At twelve, she had seen a lot of his team…she just hadn't ever talked to him beyond a hello. Her timid nature hadn't helped either, saying that felt like an excuse now because she often played shoji with Shikamaru and Asuma. Ino enjoyed inviting her over to watch the flower shop and sleepovers (still did). In fact, she and Shikamaru went shopping for Kurenai-sensei last week.
She continued to spend time with his former teammates and had grown out of her timid nature. It was an excuse.
"Gomen-"They tried, a little surprised then laughed it off. The tense atmosphere melting into something more comfortable and relaxed, she didn't notice her hands stopped trembling. He politely gestured for her to speak first. "I never spent any time together as children, I had every opportunity to. Even now…I'm sorry Choji-san."
He smiled, leaning forward and chuckled. "Don't be, I knew you were shy and didn't bother. As for now, well…it just never happened. After our mission together, I can understand why Ino and Kurenai-sensei talk about you so much. I wouldn't mind…errr, hanging out?"
A pleasant blush rose to her cheeks and she giggled, she wouldn't know what to call it either. She nodded in agreement; it was nice to know her loved ones talked about her. She knew it was all good things. They were loyal friends, though Kurenai-sensei was more of a mother figure.
"Again, I'm sorry for what you had to go through Hinata. I was feeling pressured and made a decision without thinking. We were supposed to work as a team and I just took over, I didn't mean to make you feel less or put you in that situation. It was a simple spy mission. It didn't have to be more." Choji explained, looking at her dead on and very intense. It warmed her that he cared so much but he didn't seem to have listened to her.
"Choji-san, I understand why you did that but I'm a ninja. If I couldn't handle that, I shouldn't be in the field at all. Don't feel bad." She said and watched him closely, hoping he heard her this time. She was capable – she hadn't worked hard for nothing. All those tirelessly hours, bloody knuckles and bandages weren't for nothing.
The guilt in his eyes remained.
She opened her mouth to explain better however the waitress interrupted them, serving them their tea and meal. The young man distracted her by shouting in delight and cheerfully inhaling the food, his conversation focused on their meal. She'd have to try again another time.
A/N
Thank you!
Moon's Phantom38