Chapter 6: Her Resolve

"Where have you been?"

"A lot of different places…"

"Why are the Kages giving you missions?"

"Hinata, I shouldn't…"

"-You know, I've been so worried about you! Seeing you in the newspaper, being so reckless… What are you thinking!"

"Well, Sasuke, Sakura and I are trying to-"

"—Change the world? You're going to get yourself killed! You know what would happen to me if you weren't here?"

"You're being dramatic—"

"—I would be…s-so m-m-mad at you for leaving me alone in this cruel world." She tried to hold back her snivels, but was unsuccessful.

"You really feel that way about me, Hinata?"

Hinata hid her face so Naruto couldn't see her pitiable expression. Hinata nodded her head as she swept away the loose water from her eyes. Yes, she felt that strongly, even more so than she suggested. The fact is, if Naruto wasn't around anymore she would feel the world rip from underneath her. 'Naruto, I would die.'

"I see…well, I will have to make sure I'm extra careful then! For you, Hinata." His face lifted into a sincere smile and Hinata believed him. He had a way of brightening a dark situation.

They had walked about a mile through the forest, talking and sharing their experiences. Hinata had lost count of how many times she became teary-eyed while Naruto rambled about his near death escapades and Sasuke and Sakura's tragic past. 'They truly are remarkable ninjas,' She thought. They stopped at an opening in the forest where it lead into a small field filled with a couple dozen different flowers and plants spread along its surface. The wind picked up as dark clouds filled the sky, omitting a light shower of rain and thunder. The suns beams peeked through the clouds leaving a couple spot-lights on the ground. Hinata stepped in one of the glowing areas and closed her eyes, taking in the scent and enjoying the coolness on her skin. Her long ebony hair started to sway in the wind and the bottom of her dress danced in delicate motions. Upon hearing Naruto's stories she had begun to form a new resolve. She swiped her long hair out of her face as the wind picked up. Her lips curved into a smile as she turned to look back at Naruto. His eyes were staring intently at her and his mouth was slightly open.

"What?"

Naruto immediately turned his face and scratched his head. "Err, I was just thinking is all, dattebayo."

"Naruto."

"Yes, Hinata?"

Hinata felt a wave of euphoria as her resolve came clearer. "Don't die on me."

Narutos stared in wonder at her, his eyes glistening from the sun. His mouth opened and closed again as if attempting to come up with the right words. His feet took a step toward Hinata, with an extended hand; his fingers came to a halt as they nearly grazed her cheek leaving goose bumps on Hinata's skin. She tilted her head up at the tall man before her, his eyes demanding contact with hers. Hinata noticed his face was twisted with a troubled appearance as if he was having an internal conflict with himself while his hand remained hovering next to her cheek. As if finally coming to a decision, his hand lowered and rested on her shoulder as his lips curled into in a true smile.

"You can count on me."

The walk back was quiet and awkward. Naruto seemed to be lost in his thoughts, his eyes drifting to Hinata and immediately forward again. She began to think she had something on her face and pretended to swipe her bangs as she checked for any flaws. 'Perhaps he's thinking about his upcoming mission or he's tired. That must be it! I haven't seen him sleep once yet, he must be exhausted. I'm such an idiot.' "Naruto, you need some sleep! Please, use my be—"

"He's here."

Hinata stared at that empty space where Naruto was. The trees swayed in the wind, eliminating any sound that could have been made by him. Hinata was about to use Byakugan to locate Naruto when a familiar voice called her name.

"There you are."

"T-Tamaki!" 'No! Why now?!' She put on a fake smile as he approached her, his face forming into a frown as his grey eyes became hollow and cold.

"Was there someone with you?" His tone was demanding and hard making Hinata flinch. She was becoming increasingly irritated now.

"No, I am alone." Her voice just as hard.

"I could have sworn I sensed some-, never mind." Tamaki's face lifted with a fake smile to match her own. 'He's not buying it.' "So, I'm not sure exactly how I woke up on bench in the street with a bottle of sake in my hand, feeling drunk as hell, but I apologize for leaving you." His mouth curved into a slight smirk as he took a step closer. "Especially since we were having so much fun."

Hinata scratched her head nervously as she tried to play it cool. "Umm, yes, we both had a little too much to drink last night." She cared deeply for Tamaki, but she came to an agreement with herself that it was just too soon, and she had yet to share those feelings or expose herself with someone that she can call special yet. She needed time to think and process her feelings, although her body sometimes seemed to do things on its own.

"I have to leave on a mission in about an hour." His eyes narrowed as he stepped even closer, making Hinata uncomfortable. "And I was thinking, before I go…" His face fell inches from hers while his hand snaked around her waist, "We could pick up where we left off."

Hinata brought her hand to her mouth and started to cough. "I'm sorry…I'm just so sick….I think I have a f-fever!" She said in between her fake coughs. "I can't imagine…getting you sick before your mission! I-I…will never forgive…myself!"

Tamaki's expression changed to disappointment. "I guess that poses a problem." He let go of Hinata's waist and lifted a hand in goodbye.

"Well, I guess I'll be seeing you, Hinata. Get well." His body flickered and disappeared. She felt guilty for lying to him, he deserved better. Unfortunately, this was all bad timing and unusual circumstances. She took a step forward, her house only yards away at this point, but stopped as she sensed movement behind her.

"He's good." Naruto's face was rigid and sinister. He stood next to her while glaring off in the distance.

"Naruto! Y-You didn't listen to that, d-did you?" Hinata's cheeks started to burn in embarrassment. She knew by his cold demeanor that he had heard it all. "Don't eavesdrop, Naruto! And good at what?" She waited for him to answer, but he didn't. He stood there, eyes still fixed on nothing. "Naruto?"

Naruto turned and looked at Hinata while his hands turned into fists. "He knew I was here."

Hinata swallowed hard. "He doesn't know who you are, so it shouldn't matter, right?"

"I guess not, lets head back. Sasuke and Sakura should be done by now." He replied.

His face was still firm even after they met up with Sasuke and Sakura. Hinata decided to replace her worries with happiness as she cooked for the three of them. She watched them intently, witnessing the strong bond they shared as they ate. Sasuke had a barrier around himself, but seemed to be at ease when talking to Sakura, Hinata noted. Sakura often gave Sasuke a look of praise. 'I would assume she still holds great admiration for Sasuke ever since he saved her.' Hinata thought, remembering the stories Naruto told her. Hinata's thoughts drifted to Sakura. She was thankful such a brilliant medic-ninja was among Naruto's group. She had heard of the multiple times Sakura had used her skill to save both Sasuke and Naruto from near death. Hinata watched as Naruto and Sakura conversed effortlessly with each other. 'I wonder if Naruto feels the same way Sasuke does about Sakura.' She felt happy that her friend could find love in someone so beautiful and talented. However, a small part of her was uneasy. A dull pain was gnawing at her, prodding her, until she felt bitter. A pain that she couldn't pin down or describe. Her hand rested on her chest above her heart as it started to feel heavier.

"Thank you for this delicious meal, Hinata!"

Hinata was pulled from her thoughts as Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura stared at her with looks of pleasure. "Thank you, y-you all are too kind!"

"Maybe you can give Sakura a lesson or two..." Naruto blurted out while realizing his own mistake.

"Heh." Sasuke scoffed as Sakura's fists connected with Naruto's jaw, sending him flying off his chair.

"YOU FOOL, IF I WASN'T SAVING YOUR GUYS' ASSES ALL THE TIME, MAYBE I WOULD HAVE MORE TIME TO COOK!" Sakura said while fuming.

"Saaakurrraaa, that hurt! I was just kidding, dattebayoooo!" Naruto jumped up from the ground, rubbing his bruised jaw.

Hinata started to laugh, catching them all by surprise. She was laughing so hard, her stomach began to hurt and her eyes started to water.

"Err, Hinata? I could have sworn you were just telling me that I needed to stay alive. At this rate— Sakura will…" Naruto started to say jokingly as Sakura gave him a deathly glare.

Hinata continued to laugh hard. 'This was the feared and loathed Three Yaban.' She giggled to herself. Yesterday, they had seemed invulnerable and dangerous, their appearance intimidating. Although, she knew they were possibly the most fearsome and powerful trio in the world, right now they were just…themselves. Her laughing decreased as she caught her breath. "I'm sorry Naruto, but you m-might have deserved that." She said in-between chuckles. While Sakura shot the dejected Naruto a satisfied look, Hinata concluded her binding resolve. 'I will protect them!'