A/N: :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter Twenty-Three: Failure
"How...?" Sasuke was at a loss for words
"You're not the first to tell me off for it." Then he looked directly at Sasuke, his face open and vulnerable.
"It's not like I haven't tried! I just...I can't break Hinata-chan's heart." Naruto said, hanging his head.
Before the two could say anything else, they both heard an intake of breath and watched as the woman in question stepped out from behind a tree.
The tears on her face sparkled in the light and Sasuke realized there was something worse to see than the hope in her eyes.