Author's Note: I actually cried a little typing this chapter. Happy holidays, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and I hope you also have a wonderful new year. I imagined Hinata's mom to have a heavy Italian accent like Linda from Bob's Burgers lol but yeah I hope you guys like this chapter, it is longer than usual and full of feels. Be prepared.

P.S. Thank you to everyone who comments and lets me know their thoughts on the story, it means so much to me because, not only do I write for my pleasure, but to paint this beautiful picture in you (the reader's) head and make it so that you are immersed in my picture and feel like you are witnessing it, feeling it, just taking it all in. It means a lot. Thank you!

Chapter 13:

when we learned a life lesson (or two)

Our date ended in a way almost too harmonious for me to believe. So many horrible things have happened so far, that the peaceful moment between us in his car, parked in the meadow, staring up at the starry night, was something out of a daydream.

"Did you have fun?" He asked, breaking the silence that had settled for over a minute.

"Yes." I giggled, it was ridiculous to even ask, it was so obvious.

"I'm glad. This place is full of happy memories, and you're one of them now." He turned his head and softly smiled, his eyes in a very slight squint, reflecting the bright lights of the amusement park in the distance.

"That's a comforting thought…" I whispered, reaching to feel his cheek and its warmth under the palm of my hand.

"Why do you like me?"

Naruto's question was so out of the blue, I couldn't gather my thoughts to respond correctly, so I simply blinked a couple of times and re-winded our trajectory all the way to the beginning. I went back in time to the day when I had arrived to school with a glum look on my face, not even aware of the people that walked past me in the hallways, and entering that chemistry class. It wasn't the first day of school, but it felt like my first day in that class with him, standing by my side, looking down at me with his playful blue orbs. I was so dazzled by him, yet it wasn't overwhelming, it was a growing feeling. First the strong impression, then the electrifying attraction, then the powerful warmth that overtook my body; something so sudden but welcoming.

That's when images of every single time we have exchanged stares, smiles, playful looks, jokes and laughs, the heartache, every touch, just every moment encountered with Naruto flashed before my eyes.

I smiled to myself knowing exactly what my heart was trying to tell me, and although I never knew this sort of thing actually happened to people, I did go through a sort of epiphany. I didn't just like him, and this whole time trying to hide my feelings from him- from myself- was all pointless.

"I don't like you…" I began, pausing for a moment to read his panicked reaction in amusement, "I love you, Naruto."

I took my hand away, very gently, placing it over his. He was blushing, his eyes were widened, and very faint smirk was on his lips.

"Y-You're serious?" I don't think I ever heard Naruto so nervous before, it secretly pleased me, it let me know he wasn't just going to brush my confession off. He was taking me seriously. Then again, why wouldn't he? He confessed he was falling for me, although I didn't take it as him being fully in love with me since it's probably impossible at this rate, but he felt something towards me and I felt it too, that was all that mattered to me.

I nodded, feeling my cheeks become hotter, much like his, maybe more.

"Hinata, I risked so much confessing to you yesterday...and I mean it when I say I've never been more scared in my life." He closed his eyes and let out a soft breath as he inched closer and leaned forward until we touched foreheads. I closed my own eyes, relishing in his scent. He sighed and his breath brushed my lips, "I am so relieved to hear you say those words...because last night I didn't get a wink of sleep, simply tossing and turning in my bed wondering if you felt the same after all the shit that has happened...but now I know. Hinata, I...I have driven myself crazy thinking about you, I never over-think things like this, and I guess it's because I care for you and because I don't want to keep hurting you like I've done in the past-I guess all I'm trying to say is, Hinata...I love you."

My eyes shot open and met his own pair of deep, tantalizing azure. He was staring at me with deep worry, but I could look past that and also see he was serene; here, with my fingers interlocked with his, looking into my eyes to his heart's content.

This night would go engraved in my memory for the rest of my life. There was nothing more beautiful than feeling his arms around me, hearing his heart beat, feeling it against my chest. He felt so warm, so soft, yet firm, and he held me in the most comforting way one could imagine. I swore, I would never forget this day, this moment with Naruto. I told myself for so long that I shouldn't trust him, or anyone for that matter. I guess love does this to you.

I broke away from his embrace and looked up at him knowing that at any second a tear would escape.

"You wouldn't leave me, right?" I asked, my quiet voice cracking as a tear slid down my cheek and over my trembling lips. But Naruto was there to catch it before it dripped, drying my cheek with his thumb as carefully as possible. I felt like I melted into his touch and let myself go at one of his looks, the kind pleading for me not to cry, but I couldn't help it. The tears just let themselves roll without me even making a sound.

"No, no, no, no, never, Hinata. I would never. Look at me, don't cry." He looked so sorry and guilty that I was shedding tears over him, probably wondering how he could be deserving of my tears. He didn't know just how much he meant to me at this point.

"I just never felt these kinds of feelings toward someone before. It's scary to think that there is a possibility of losing you…" I could barely breathe as I tried to hold back sobbing.

Naruto didn't say anything, he just hugged me tighter and let me cry into his chest all I wanted. I guess he felt the same way and was letting me know he understood.

"I know, it's a scary feeling, but you can count on me…"

"Thank you…" I whispered, finally ceasing to cry.

I guess it's better to enjoy the moments when I do have him in my arms. I need to appreciate his embraces, his kisses, his hands firmly holding on to mine, because no matter how much I fear losing him, he is mine now. He is here, in body and spirit, and that is all that should matter.

Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep in his arms. It was so peaceful out in the meadow. The crickets, the night breeze that wheezed as it blew against the car. When I woke up again, Naruto had cradled me in the backseat with one of the blankets I had brought. He even put the bunny he won for me as a pillow.

He was driving down the highway, I could see the tall street lights flashing by and hear the engine slightly purr. But when I looked over at Naruto's face, I could see his cheeks damp and glistening. He had been crying. I couldn't just get up and check on him so suddenly while he was driving, he must be just as tired too. I found myself staring at him for the rest of the ride home, until the car finally came to a stop and I closed my eyes, feigning to be asleep.

"Hey, Hina...we're home…" He whispered, gently shaking my shoulder.

I faked a groan and sat up, stretching my arms and legs out. "Oh...how long have I been asleep for?"

"Maybe an hour or two. I didn't want to wake you up, you looked so peaceful."

"Thank you. What time is it?" I looked around for my backpack and began folding the blanket I was using.

"It's around midnight. Don't worry, I'll walk you in." He gave me a reassuring smile and helped me out of the car, holding the giant stuffed bunny under his other arm.

I lost feeling in my legs after the long ride, so the tickling sensation made it hard to walk. Thankfully, Naruto held me up by the waste as I we neared my front door, and we were surprised once my dad opened the door in a hurry.

"Were you drinking? What's up with the limp?" He asked, sounding concerned, but still in his joking way.

"No, dad, it was a long car ride." I scoffed, letting go of Naruto and leaning on the doorway.

"Sorry we took so long, Mr. Hyuga. The traffic was horrible." I knew Naruto had lied because we were driving at full speed down the highway the whole time, but I blushed knowing he was trying to save me from getting in trouble.

"It's alright, I'm just glad my girl is home safe." He smiled at him, and I knew he was starting to like Naruto. My overprotective father was actually approving of a boy, my boyfriend, no less.

"Alright dad, could you let me say goodbye? I'll be right in."

"Okay, but make it quick. It's late."

I watched him walk inside and out of sight before turning around and wrapping my arms around Naruto's neck, getting on my tip-toes to reach his lips with my own.

"Thank you." I pulled away, nearly breathless.

Naruto looked flushed, "No, thank you, Hina." He leaned down, this time making sure he delicately placed his lips over mine with utmost care and love. His hands cupped my face and I could feel their warmth envelop me. I wanted time to stop so I could savor this moment forever. But I knew better, and broke the kiss just as gently as it began.

"See ya later, then?" He asked.

"Yes." I whispered, looking down with a blush as he handed me the giant bunny.

I waved goodbye from my front door and watched him drive off after a dream-like day.

I had fallen asleep so easily that night that I didn't even realize it until I woke up the next morning. I thought that our date was just a dream, but when I saw a "Good Morning!" text from him on my phone, I realized that Naruto and I were a real couple. It wasn't just another one of my pathetic dreams.

I replied to his text and ran downstairs for some breakfast, but was stopped by a note on the fridge in my mother's handwriting.

"Hey honey, we tried to wake you up but you were sleeping like a rock! We're out grocery shopping with Hanabi, we'll be home soon!"

I sighed, loving the workings of my family and opened the fridge to continue with my morning routine. Naruto had replied my text and asked if I had tutoring today, which I did, although I didn't understand exactly why he wanted to know. He then replied with a sad face and I figured he was looking to hang out today. His constant attention and desire to be around me was something I loved about him. I was always alone before I met him, my only friend being Kiba, and even then I rarely went out or even texted before him.

I smiled to myself, munching on my cereal, thinking to myself about all the things I could do with him. There were so many places I wanted to visit and see, so many different kinds of experiences I wanted to try out with him, the possibilities were endless.

"Hinata! We're home! Come help bring in the groceries!" My mother's voice cried out from the front door, and as much as I hated carrying groceries inside, my date with Naruto had put me in such a wonderful mood that I didn't care.

"Well, aren't you a little giddy today. Won't you tell me what happened with that Naruto boy yesterday?" Mom was taking out some vegetables and putting them in a large pot in the kitchen sink. I walked over and helped her wash the vegetables while she took out a cutting board and began slicing the clean veggies I handed her.

"It was a fun date. I guess it's good to go out with other people, for a change." I responded.

She eyed me in a way only a knowing mother could, "He seems like a fine gentleman. You know, your father was such a clown when we were younger. He would take me to similar places when we dated. I know from experience that a man who makes you smile, is a man worth while."

I blushed, "Gee, thanks mom." I wasn't used to her asking me or giving me advice about boys. I never showed much interest, and at some point she asked if I was a lesbian or asexual, which was awkward, nevertheless I appreciated her concern for my lack of romantic interest.

"Mom…" I turned off the water and looked over to her, catching her attention.

"What is it, hon?"

"How did you know dad loved you?"

She let out a loud cackle and put her knife aside, leaning over the marble counter with one hand resting on the edge, and the other on her hip in her signature mom-style.

"Your father is not perfect, and he may tell pretty corny jokes at times, but he has pure feelings. We have been together for over ten years, and not once has he stopped loving me. We have gone through thick and thin, but not once has he gotten up and left. I guess I just knew he was the right man for me, and he still is." She smiled, looking over her shoulder to point at dad who was now with Hanabi, joking with her and giving her that eye smile he always does when he thinks his jokes are hilarious. Hanabi, being younger, still laughs at them, and I realized that maybe one day she'll stop laughing at them like I did. That glow in my father's face to see her genuinely laughing and going along with his playful attitude made me feel guilty. I don't want to see that sparkle in his eye fade away.

Maybe dad wasn't just an overprotective, corny father, and maybe his jokes and his overbearing nature isn't as bad or annoying as I used to think.

"Thanks, mom. That actually really helped."

"I know."