Disclaimer: Written for all the fans out there. I own none of the things. Hope you enjoy this silly little chapter! This takes place the day after Choji's event.

~Double Date~

Konohamaru was exhausted. It had only been a few days since he returned from his 'mission' to Kumogakure. After filling out a bunch of paperwork, and not getting much sleep the night before, he was pretty worn out. All he wanted that lazy Sunday was to walk over to Ichiraku's and have a nice, warm bowl of ramen.

But it would seem that fate had other plans...

As Konohamaru approached the stand, he caught sight of his long time crush; the beautiful, and very much unattainable, Hyuga Hanabi. She was slumped over an empty bowl of ramen, glancing at a small bench a few feet away from the restaurant. Curious, he turned to see what she was staring at. Apparently, Naruto and Hinata were sitting there, laughing as they shared two halves of a twin Popsicle.

Hanabi let out a sigh of longing as Konohamaru took the empty seat next to her. "Why the long face?" he asked, seeing this as a prime opportunity to get closer to her.

"Them!" declared young teen, clearly exasperated. "They're so 'lovey dovey' sometimes, it almost makes me sick!"

It just so happened that at that moment, Naruto dropped a chunk of the icy treat onto his pants. "Aw, man! I'm such a klutz," he exclaimed, trying to rub out the mark. Causing, Hinata to breathlessly laugh.

"It's fine, silly," she reassured him with a gentle smile. "Besides it's the same color as your clothes. No one will be able to tell once it's dry."

Naruto blinked in confusion and looked back down at his pants in shock. "Huh! It is, isn't it? I never noticed that! You sure are observant. Thanks Hinata-chan!" he said. After which, he quickly kissed the side of Hinata's cheek.

"Ugh! See!" the girl insisted with a defensive pout. "I wish I had a boyfriend as sweet as Naruto-kun. It's not fair!"

Konohamaru immediately perked up hearing this. She was looking for a boyfriend! His chance had finally arrived! Quickly, he took a moment to fix his hair, and then proceeded to reach over and discreetly place an arm around Hanabi's shoulders. He opened his mouth to use one of his Grade A pickup lines: 'You already do, he's sitting right here.' But what Hanabi said next, stopped him cold.

"And they are only going to get worse," she mumbled under her breath, "when he finally gets up the balls to do it."

"It?" questioned Konohamaru with a confused blink.

This made Hanabi turn and stare at him in confusion. "Yeah, it. And the sooner, the better. Tou-chan and the council are getting impatient."

"What the heck are you talking about?"

"You know. I'm sure Naruto told you. You guys are like brothers," Hanabi huffed in irritation, clearly starting to get annoyed.

"Tell me what?" The teen had no clue what she was talking about.

Hanabi glanced quickly back and forth to make sure no one was around to overhear. "That Naruto's planning to propose to nee-chan!"

"WHAAA?" Konohamaru yelled in shock, almost jumping out of his seat. Drawing the attention of said couple, seated across the way. They glanced questioningly at each other for a second and then back at the ramen stand.

"Shhhh!" Hanabi scolded, physically pulling him back into his seat. "Do you want to spoil the whole thing? Keep your voice down!"

Konohamaru caught the quick glare Hinata sent him for being so close to her sister. He gulped in remembrance of the threat she made after the 'incident'...

*We quick cut to an over stylized image of Hinata with blue chakra fire burning brightly in her hands and eyes."If you ever disrespect my little sister again, you will live to regret it," she says in a demonic voice. After which, chibi Naruto pops up from behind flashing the victory sign.*

The scene then cuts back to Konohamaru sitting dejectedly in a corner, rocking back and forth as shame lines come down around him.

Hanabi simply sweatdropped in return. "Konohamaru? Why do you keep getting like that whenever you see nee-chan?"

"ACK! Um! Uh, n-no reason!" his cracking teenage voice betrayed him, as he leapt back to his feet and retook his seat next to Hanabi. "Anyway, that can't be true."

This statement caused the girl next to him look utterly shocked. "What, why not? My sister's not good enough?"

"What? I -no! I didn't mean it like that at all!" the teen denied with pacifying hands. "It's just... Naruto nii-chan would have told me if he was planning something like that!"

"Hmm..." Hanabi pondered as she placed a finger to her chin in thought. "That is a little odd. But remember, you were away on that diplomatic mission to Kumogakure with Choji-kun..."

*We quick cut to Bee-sensei holding up a mic and walking onto a large stage.*

"Welcome all of you, and 'Believe It,' too!" he sings as the crowd goes wild with enthusiastic cheering. Karui and Choji can be seen sitting next to one another in the front row, whooping at the stage. "Do your best everyone!"calls out Choji while Karui threatens, "Do Bee-sensei proud and beat Konoha or I'll kick your sorry asses!"

The team from the Land of Lightning sweatdrops as Bee once again addresses the crowd. "Now let's remember Kaguya's misery, with the first annual, 'Epic Rap Battles of Ninja Historyyy!'"

The curtain behind Bee opens to Udon, Konohamaru, and Moegi all standing under spotlights. Each are dressed like Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura as they appeared during last battle of the Fourth Ninja War. Udon and Mogei can be seen beatboxing into their respective mics, as Konohamaru takes center stage.

"Yo, yo!" Konohamaru cries out with exaggerated hand gestures."Hello, everybody! I'm here to say, everything I can, about my ninja way! Kaguya thought she could put us all to sleep! But in the end, it led to her defeat!"

"HEEY! YOOO! HEEY YOOO!" hollers back the crowd in return.

"Now open your ears and listen well, of how Team 7 kicked her back to hell!" Konohamaru then drops the mic and starts doing a warped version of 'the running man' dance.

*We quick cut back to Konohamaru coughing nervously into his hand.*

"Yeah... diplomatic..." said the teen with uncertain eyes, as he brushed off the memory. "I suppose you have a point... But I just don't think Naruto nii-chan is ready for something like that yet."

"Well... care to make a wager?" suggested Hanabi with a sly grin. "Naruto and Hinata are going on a date today. Let's follow them around and see if something happens. If he is planning to propose, you have to be my slave for a week. And if he isn't, I'll be yours."

Now that got Konohamaru's attention, turning bright red at the very thought. But the terrifying image of Hinata-chan stopped any dirty thought he had cold. "I- well..." he replied nervously, wondering what the consequences would be if he did end up winning this bet.

"Do we have a deal?" Hanabi asked in a cunningly smooth voice, while extending him her hand.

"Aw, screw it! Consequences be damned!" thought the teenage boy as he pushed away his fear. "I get to spend time with Hanabi, total score!"

"Hai!" he exclaimed, reaching out and shaking it in return. Neither of the pair noticed that a crow suddenly chose that moment to fly by them crying out "CAW! CAW!"

Slowly, Naruto and Hinata finished their Popsicles, enjoying the warm sunny day. Every once and a while, the blond would trick Hinata into glancing at something in the distance. Giving him the opportunity to steal a quick nibble of her orange pop. When she'd turn back, the sight of the big bite would make her giggle. And Naruto would then lovingly nuzzled her hair.

After they ate their fill, the couple decided to go for a walk in the park; oblivious to the two teenage ninjas following stealthily behind. Arm in arm, the pair leisurely made made their way down the path. They stopped from time to time to skip stones by the lake, watch some goofy squirrels fighting over a nut, and lastly, to help an elderly woman get her cat down from a tree.

Almost immediately, Hinata had spotted the furball with her byakugan. But getting the cat down was another story. "Here kitty, kitty!" called Naruto for what felt like the hundredth time. His face and hands were all scratched up from repeatedly trying to catch the wily feline. And honestly, the whole affair was giving the blond Tora flashbacks.

"Naruto-kun..." said Hinata uncertainly as he once again dove through the branches in an attempt to catch it. "Maybe you should back away from him for a moment..."

"No way!" Naruto cried as the cat once again pounced on his head. "I've beaten countless enemies over the years! And I will not be bested-" The feline once again magically slipped through his fingers and leapt two trees over. "BY A STUPID CAT!"

"I don't know, Naruto," laughed Kurama in his mind. "I think the furball's clearly proved he's your superior."

"SHUT UP, BAKA-FOX!" he growled aloud as the cat continued to repeatedly dodge him.

From behind the bench where Konohamaru and Hanabi were hiding, the pair were practically rolling on the ground in hysterics. They immediately hushed when Hinata seemed to glance in their direction with suspiciously narrowed eyes.

Sweating profusely, Konohamaru once again started rocking back and forth as the fiery image of Hinata filled his mind. The sight simply made Hanabi roll her eyes.

Meanwhile, the orange cat was about to take on the blond for the dozenth time... when a curious scent seemed to catch it's attention.

It sniffed the air for a second, before suddenly darting through the branches, back down a tree trunk, and landing on the ground. After which, the feline ran full steam to... a saucer of milk, set out by a very pleased looking Hinata.

"There you go, poor little guy," she cooed gently petting the cat.

Naruto plopped dejectedly back to earth with a pout and leaves stuck in his hair. "I could have caught him you know..."

"Aw, I know," Hinata reassured him, as she walked over and gave the blond a comforting hug. "But you're both safe and that's all that matters, right?"

"I guess," he grumbled, sighing to her hair. "Let's just return the hell spawn back to it's owner."

And so the couple did just that. Hanabi wiggled her eyebrows at Konohamaru as they came out of their hiding spot. "See how perfectly they fit together! And that was the kind of hug that says, 'I never want to let go.'"

"Ehhh... I'm still not convinced," he replied, subconsciously grabbing Hanabi's hand as he passed. "Come on, we're going to lose them if we don't hurry."

Konohamaru pulled her along behind him, missing the slight blush that alighted Hanabi's face the second their hands touched. The young girl wasn't sure how she felt about Konohamaru, but she had to admit, it was nice spending the day with him.

Next, they followed Naruto and Hinata to the local movie theater. Apparently, the latest of the Princess Gale movies was playing and the couple seemed very excited to go. Once they had purchased their tickets and were well out of sight, the young teens immediately got into line.

When they reached the ticket booth, Hanabi took out her wallet, but Konohamaru stopped her hand. "Hey, I can cover it. Don't worry about it."

"You sure?" Hanabi raised her eyebrow. "It's not that much. I don't mind."

"Tell you what, how about you cover the snacks?" he offered in compromise. "Deal?"

The dark-haired girl looked at him curiously for a moment. "Does Konohamaru paying mean this is a date?" she wondered, but then shook her didn't seem like that was his intention... but Hanabi wasn't sure if she felt happy or sad about that. "Well... okay."

After agreeing to his terms, Hanabi quickly went over and bought two drinks and a large popcorn. The pair then gave each other a nod and went into the theater. Stealthily, they moved through the darkened room and sat close to the front so not to be spotted by Naruto and Hinata sitting several seats back. They took turns glancing through the crack between their seats to spy on what the couple was doing. Naruto and Hinata were cuddled close, and appeared to be quite content to be alone together. Hanabi gave Konohamaru another look that clearly said, "See I'm right and you know it!" The young teen let out an irritated huff. "I'm still not convinced."

Naruto then began to tell Hinata a very animated story, with lots of hand gestures that made her smile. After that, the lights in the theater dimmed and the trailers finally started playing. Both teens sighed, knowing that Hanabi would be the only one who could see what they were doing now. But if she used her byakugan in here, Naruto was sure to sense the chakra flare and they'd be busted. So with a pair of shrugs, the two of them turned and began to watch the movie.

As far as the movie went, Konohamaru had to say it was one of the better Gale films he had seen. The romance and the action were both timed well and one didn't seem to overshadow the other. Every once and a while, the teen would glance at the profile of the young woman sitting next to him, studying her delicate features. He had dreamed a lot about what it would be like to take Hanabi out on a date. And while this wasn't exactly like how he pictured... he found it to be quite, nice.

At one point, Konohamaru reached over into the popcorn bag at the same time Hanabi did, causing both their hands to lightly brush. The gentle touch made them slightly jump in surprise, since neither had expected it. Nervously, both teens stuttered out apologies while trying to hide their embarrassment.

When a scene near the end was becoming a little too corny, Konohamaru leaned over and whispered a quick joke into Hanabi's ear that made her to let out a very unladylike snort. Which in turn, sent Konohamaru into gales of laughter. They got an angry "SHHH!" for the small out burst, but both teens felt it was well worth it.

Hanabi had to admit, she never thought hanging out with Konohamaru would be quite so... refreshing. It was nice to have someone just treat her like a teenager and not the future head of a prominent ninja clan.

After the film, the sun began to go down as Naruto and Hinata finished off the day by window shopping in the sales district. The teens glanced at each other from their hiding spot upon the rooftops and sighed. It didn't seem like Naruto was going to show them any proof of what he was planning tonight. The blond then suddenly glanced at his watch and bowed his head in apology to Hinata, saying something about having to run a few earns for Kakashi-sensei before the stores closed.

Hinata was understanding as always, and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before waving him good-bye as he sped off into the streets.

"Well, that's it," the teen shinobi said dejectedly. "Guess we call it a draw?"

Instead, Hanabi's eyes narrowed in thought. "Hmmm..." she muttered to herself activating her byakugan. "Let me check one last-"

The young Hyuga froze mid-sentence, instantly catching Konohamaru's attention. "What? What is it? What do you see?"

"Come on!" Hanabi exclaimed with an almost wild grin as she grabbed Konohamaru's hand and sped off into the night.

Eventually, the pair came to a stop in front of... oddly enough a jewelry store.

"Okay," Konohamaru said as he eyed the establishment warily. "What are we-"

And at just that moment, Naruto came merrily walking out the door with a small white bag in his hand.

Konohamaru was floored. The blond would never set foot in a shop like that, except for one thing; to buy Hinata-chan an engagement ring. "NARUTO NII-CHAN!" screeched the astonished teen, because that's when he finally knew, his friend was actually planning to propose.

The blond was so caught of guard that he dropped the bag in shock. "Konohamaru! What-"

"I- how could you?" asked the teen shinobi with tears welling in his eyes. "I- I mean, I always thought... we were close- w-why didn't you tell me?"

The very apparent pain in Konohamaru's voice instantly wiped the victorious grin off of Hanabi's face. "Konohamaru-kun," she sadly whispered. This was not the reaction she had been expecting at all.

"Konohamaru, I..." Naruto started but quickly stopped with a sorrowful shake of his head. "Gomen'nasi. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"I-It's okay... You didn't want Hinata finding out, I understand," the teenager replied while roughly rubbing at his eyes.

Naruto, seeing that this wasn't going to cut it, turned to Hanabi. "Could you give us some time alone?"

"H-Hai, gomen Naruto-kun, Konohamaru-kun," she stuttered out nervously. "I never meant to-"

The blond nodded his head in understanding as the teen shinobi replied, "Yeah, I know. Don't worry about it Hanabi-chan."

The young girl bit her lip for a moment in thought. She then quickly rushed forward and gave Konohamaru a brief hug. "Listen to what Naruto-kun has to say, I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it."

"I-I yeah," he shyly replied as Hanabi pulled away. "Sure. Don't worry, everything will be fine."

"I... had a lot of fun today," she added with a light blush gracing her cheeks. "Uh, maybe we can do it again sometime."

Konohamaru glanced up at her with eyes filled with hope and excitement. "Um- sure! Yeah, whenever you want!"

"Okay, cool. I'll... see you around." And with that, Hanabi sped off leaving the guys alone to talk.

"Konohamaru," said Naruto with a heavy sigh once the young girl was out of sight. "I was planning to tell you at Ichiraku's with Iruka and Kakashi-sensei, but you were still out on that mission and I couldn't risk waiting any longer."

The dark-haired teen shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "Cool, it's no big deal."

"Yeah, it is..." Naruto grumbled seeing the angst a mile away. He approached the teen and placed his hands supportively on his shoulders. "I... just wanted to say, that you're like the little brother I never had."

This made Konohamaru sniffle a little and glance shyly at his friend. "You- you mean that?"

"Of course, I do," the blond said reassuringly. "You were one of the few people who talked to me, back when everyone else treated me like crap. It was nice, to have someone actually want to be around me for once! I mean, I taught you the Rasengan for pete's sake. I wouldn't give that jutsu to just anybody."

This made the teen shinobi snort a little and blush. "Yeah, I guess so... You know, when we were younger. Of all the older kids, you were the only one who took the time to play with me. You never treated me some little annoying brat, that had to be tolerated because the Third was my grandfather. And I've never forgotten that..." Konohamaru then looked straight into Naruto's eyes. "So yeah, you mean the same to me... nii-chan."

Naruto choked up a bit hearing that as well. "Thanks, that means a lot..." he replied, clearly trying not to get too emotional. "And I've been meaning to ask you something."

Konohamaru raised an eyebrow at him in question.

"Would you mind- I mean, would you accept the job of being ring-bearer for the wedding?"

"I- yeah! I'd love to Naruto nii-chan!" he exclaimed with shining eyes. "You can count on me!"

His reaction caused Naruto to give Konohamaru an affectionate noogie for good measure. "Sweet! I've also got lots of other stuff to tell you about the proposal plans, but that can wait until later. What do you say we go get some ramen and talk it over? Sound good?"

"Sounds awesome!" the teen exclaimed as Naruto reached down and picked up the jewelry store bag.

As they started walking, the blond suddenly turned and said, "Oh! I never even had a chance to ask, how did your diplomatic mission go?"

"Um..."

*We quick cut back to Kumogakure when Bee-sensei announced the results.*

"The winners will be awarded an exclusive album recorded by me and Konoha's newest music sensation, DJ BeaTallz!" Bee gestures to the poster hanging behind him of a man wearing a beetle mask with large insect mandibles sticking out the top.

A bunch of girls swoon in the audience. "He's so dreamy!"

Bee then opens the results envelop. "The hokages must be smiling down from heaven, because the wining rap is of Konoha's Team 7!"

"Woot! We won!" cried out Konohamaru as he and his teammates began enthusiastically celebrating on stage.

"WHAAAT?" screams an outraged Karui from the audience. "The judges were bribed! This competition was rigged! I demand a recount! How dare you insult Bee-sensei!"

Karui starts to rush the stage and Choji immediately grabs her around the middle, attempting to pull her back into her seat. "Karui-chan, please calm down!"

"No way!" she growls, trying to escape Choji's grasp. Or at least it seems that way, the golden-eyed woman doesn't appear to be fighting him that hard. And under the larger man's face paint, his cheeks look rather crimson as he holds her at bay.

Konohamaru and the others simply sweatdrop at the bizarre scene, wondering when they were finally going to admit they liked one another.

*We quick cut back once again to Konohamaru coughing into his hand.*

"Yeah... uh, about as well as expected, I suppose," he responded vaguely with a bit of nervous laughter.

To which, Naruto gave him an odd look. "Okay... then why don't you tell me what's going on with you and Hanabi?"

"Huh? What?" asked Konohamaru with a confused blink. "Nothing's going on."

In return, the blond gave him a sly, foxy grin. "Hinata-chan and I saw you both at the ramen stand earlier. And Hanabi was just with you again now when you found me. Remember? So what were you doing all day, together?"

"I- UH! Think I hear my mom calling!" screeched the teen, already imagining Hinata's demonic blue wrath coming down upon him. But Naruto held the boy back by his blue scarf, preventing his escape.

"Not a chance! Now spill!" he demanded as Konohamaru confessed all about the bet and the events that had transpired that day.

And so, Naruto has found another person to help in his proposal plans. As he informs more people, the stakes grow even higher. Will Hinata be surprised? And will all of it work out in the end?

Only time will tell...

To Be Continued...

Author's Notes: Well with this chapter, we are officially halfway through the whole story! YAY! In total, there are 16 chapters planned with the epilogue. Hopefully the next chapter won't take too long to write. This one just had so many little things to add in that it seemed to take forever. And let me know if you thought my rhyming turned out okay. I did my best! XD

And now! Next time! A little something from Sai's point of view as Naruto begins to fully start his recruitment phase. And as always...

Please remember to read, fav, and review! Feedback helps fuel the muse! Feed the fanfic muse!

Japanese Word Key:

Nii-chan: Brother

Nee-chan: Sister

Hai: Yes

Itadakimasu: It's a traditional Japanese phrase that means: "I thank you for the meal."

Otousan: Father (formal)

Tou-chan: Dad (informal)

Kaa-chan: Mother

Oba-chan: Granny

Arigato: Thank you

Kami: God or spirit

Chibi: Short, cute style of drawing

Baka: Idiot

Gomen'nasai: I'm sorry

Gomen: Sorry

Bento box: the Japanese term for a lunch box, or a boxed lunch of some kind.

Shogi: Japanese chess

Kunoichi: Female ninja

Shinobi: Ninja (not sure if it's just used for males though)

Sensei: Teacher

Dattebayo: Naruto's catchphrase in Japanese. It doesn't actually translate to "Believe it!" It's just an exclamation like: Yippee! or Huzzah!