Thanks for the hits and reviews. I'm almost done CH 5 now and hopefully, by later today, I'll have posted another one-shot as well. So, as much as this story is SasuNaru - you have to get through Naruto and Hinata's date first. Sorry everyone. Besides, every great story needs context right. I want everyone to focus on Hinata - I personally do not like her as a character but that doesn't mean that her character personality shouldn't be good. So let me know if you all agree with the flow now and direction.

Disclaimer: Nothing.

-=Chapter 2 – Inside and Outside=-

There was no way for Naruto's brain to process what had just happened. There was that word. Gay. Was he gay? That was a big question. Plenty of people were gay. Kakashi was very happy with his uncle. Ten years now together.

But was he…

The conversation he had with Iruka later that night helped organize and clarify his thoughts.

''Wow, Naruto… that is quite the bombshell,''

His blonde nephew was silently staring into his cup of tea, completely drained. He explained everything. It took almost forty five minutes and a solo monologue of dysfunctional phrases but his heart felt lighter and the blinding confusion in his chest began to dissipate.

Sasuke was his brother. Family. The only brother he ever had. But had Sasuke ever asked for this bonded kinship? He wanted a best friend. Naruto was his best friend and always would be; he could not stress this enough to Iruka. This was the first trigger. He would do anything for Sasuke. Earlier that day, he was ready to go with him to space and fight aliens. Or bury some corrupt judge's body. Disappear to Panama with new identities even. Naruto confessed that he was even prepared to lose to Sasuke in the World Championships. They were like brothers… nothing had really changed yet.

But being gay… Iruka knew how Naruto felt about this. This topic was broached many years ago. It provided Naruto with a better insight into his own beliefs about the world and its inhabitants. Iruka was proud of him for possessing such a caring and loving soul, open to differences in races, ethnicity, and gender.

Love knows no boundaries. It defies all.

''I respect everyone, Iruka. I don't judge anyone for their preferences or interests. That's not really fair. Everyone, to me, is equal. I guess if love is like that, then I should give everyone the same chance…''

Hinata. He really liked Hinata. Five minutes before Sasuke wandered over earlier, he was texting Hinata some flirty messages. There was no denying his instant attraction for her. He brought up the topic of girls to Sasuke, in order to talk about Hinata. So soft, and delicate, but he was hoping that she was mysterious and coy, not too innocent underneath it all. He wanted to cuddle up to her and steal a kiss, so audaciously… but Hinata had approached Naruto first, a blushing exchange student, lost in the crowd of students. He was polite and smiled a lot. She was really pretty. Before they departed, she asked to have lunch with Naruto. But he had detention. Then, she was lost to him. Neji, her cousin intervened and kept them socially apart by the next morning.

After a year of passing smiles and small courtesies, Naruto decided to ask her out for lunch. Sakura and Hinata were class partners and that gave Naruto the perfect excuse to saunter over and chitchat habitually with them. She was thrilled. Instantly, all his fears of rejection flooded from his pride and after their meal, he bought them ice cream before returning to class. It was perfect. He wanted so badly for it to be amazing. No lack of conversation, he kept making her laugh and smile. No talk of fighting, because most girls are not interested in that stuff. Don't seem too desperate…

Hinata gave him her number. Naruto was celebrating inside, as he entered her digits into his cellphone. Best afternoon ever. And that was Friday.

Bad timing Sasuke, he mused loudly over tepid tea. Iruka laughed.

This date was much anticipated. Up until now. It was hard to think of Sasuke, when it seemed so natural to think about the blushing Hinata, but he knew that no matter what, he would go out with best friend as well and try to find an answer that way. Then, he would decide.

''I am proud of you Naruto, this is a great way to make a decision.'' Iruka approved. But he warned Naruto that being fair and open may not be as easy as he believed, on each date. ''I know you're excited about Hinata. That's good. Don't let it overshadow your decision though. I am not going to lecture or scold you about this, you're just so young…and dating is…well, different at my age, but Naruto, when you sit with each of them, think… does this person make me smile a lot, are they interesting to talk to? Do they make my heart skip a beat or stir up a flutter of butterflies in my stomach? Do they understand me and I them? Is there chemistry? If you judge them each on similar ideals and qualities, that may help you see if either of them is right for you. Maybe you won't date either, kiddo.''

Naruto had never thought of that.

''Thanks Iruka. I understand… I feel a lot better now. And you're right, I'll probably have to date a hundred people before I find that one special person like you.'' He finished his cold tea, rinsed the cup, and headed for bed.

But he did not sleep most of the night. Not good. He wanted to be well rested and chipper for Hinata. Before training, he stopped and bought two energy drinks. Of course, this made him late, and Kakashi was not impressed, especially not when Naruto burped out loud from chugging his carbonated drink. Monday mornings with Kakashi were always the hardest. He was subjected to extra laps to sweat off the caffeine and he did not see Sasuke in the locker rooms before class. That, he sighed in the showers, was preferable.

He was late for his languages course and miserable the entire time. His stomach hurt. His eyes felt heavy. His head was throbbing. After class, he begged Sakura for pain relievers and ate a muffin she bought for him. She was his savior. He would see Hinata in mathematics and he eagerly arrived as early as possible. There she was, as expected, chatting with her colleagues. Naruto strolled over to say good morning. It made her blush. Her friends giggled. She promised not to be late for their date, which made it public knowledge, he realized.

Lunch. And then Neji. Another bad thing. The senior did not seem pleased with the gossip. His looks were menacing and eyes dangerously narrowed at one target. Naruto sighed and he headed outside the cafeteria, to the front of the school yard. If they were going to do this, let it be outside. Hopefully, his detention for this would be tomorrow, not after school.

''I thought I told you to get lost. Hinata is not worthy of your time, Uzumaki.'' Neji yelled at his underclassmen and drew a small crowd of onlookers from the ruckus.

''Then why did she give me her number?'' Naruto rolled up his bright orange sleeves and raised his fists.

Hinata appeared behind them just then but remained silent. Her face was already stained in dark scarlet reds of embarrassment and anger. Neji was dragged away unwillingly by his furious cousin. Their argument was not very private, even at a distance. He had to admit, Hinata yelling like that was kind of sexy. Naruto smiled sheepishly as he watched her defend him. He was so happy and intrigued in that moment. She was fighting for him. It was nice.

Neji did not return to face Naruto. The blonde only watched the senior's back walk away from him and inside again. Hinata hurried over and began apologizing profusely for Neji's behavior. She then muttered lowly about her family and winced at how pathetic she felt before the love of her heart.

But there he was, Naruto Uzumaki, smiling at her, regardless of everything else. This was so exhilarating. Her father would be hysterical. Neji already was beyond hateful. She felt freedom with Naruto and it pleased her knowing that the misogynistic men in her life were utterly revolted by her decision. She would make her own decisions from now on.

Naruto never suspected that Hinata could ever harbor such strong emotions; she was a sweetheart, so fragile and honeyed. He did not understand that Hinata wanted to rebel against her lineage and responsibilities. Naruto wanted a flower he could caress and care for. He liked awing her with his stories. The admiration in her eyes was overwhelming. Hinata did admire Naruto; he was outgoing, boisterous, energetic, and loudly outspoken. He would crush her tyrannical father and manipulative cousin. Naruto would save her. But Hinata did not want to be a princess or a damsel in distress, she wanted to free her spirit and find a new, brave voice for the world to hear. That message was clear – she loathed her oppressor's ideals. But she needed a knight to stand behind her values and enforce them.

His name instantly drew a smile to her lips. Naruto Uzumaki. Kendo World Champion. She knew he would win. The first official championship title in four years would be his. She knew exactly who he was. His genuine heart and caring nature would nurture her soul into something beautiful and serene again. If only she could be his girlfriend, when he won the tournament – that would instantly earn their approval. If only he would fall in love with her…

Naruto…she would whisper to him softly. Naruto…

''Hey Hinata!'' Her translucent eyes opened to the very sight of Naruto himself.

''Naruto, hi,''

The date began on a high note. Naruto was bold and fearless. He dared such a trick early on and embraced her in his arms without any hesitation. She furiously blushed a deep scarlet into his chest, where she smiled deliriously to herself. But his antics did not end there; he ended the hug with a sneaky kiss against her cheek.

Naruto asked to meet away from the school, away from the gossiping of their peers. Hinata agreed, even if she wanted everyone to see them. There was space between them again. He smiled brightly at her and she continued to shyly grin in embarrassment. His hand took hers as they walked and he began their conversation on a casual tone.

''How was your day?''

''Oh, it was fine, Naruto. Thank you for asking.''

The first moment of silence struck them instantly.

He could not help but chuckle. ''You're supposed to ask me how my day was too, silly''

She echoed his laughter but felt awkward doing so. ''Sorry, sorry, I wasn't thinking, I just…''

Naruto did not let her effort go to waste. ''I get it, you're nervous. If we're being honest, so am I. I don't really know how to impress a nice girl like you, and I really don't want to bore you with kendo training stuff, so I hope that this little restaurant we're going to is okay with you. I love ramen, I always want ramen. It's amazing!''

Hinata burst out laughing. ''I know that you love ramen Naruto, everyone knows.'' He was adorable to her, so open and free, ''I would like that very much. Thank you.''

At the restaurant, he pulled out her chair like a gentleman. Their table was in the corner, near the window. Low lighting. Nice music. He asked the owner to set the mood and he definitely pulled through for his best client. Usually the television would be on, showing a movie or a sports game. Being a regular sometimes paid off. Hinata ordered the seafood platter; Naruto merely nodded at the waiter and like magic, he understood. Again, she laughed at his antics. The waiter knew exactly what he wanted. The chef's delight. Only Naruto could order such a bowl. He loved telling her these things about himself, as if his connections were impressive. She found him utterly entertaining. The restaurant, she thought, was very nice, quaint, and the food was good. Although he found his bowl utterly delicious and the second one as well, Hinata's reaction was rather impassive and meek. She always thanked him.

''Yes, it is good, thank you.''

But he continued to impress her with every new statement or opinion. Their conversation was very limited though. Hinata was relatively quiet as she ate and Naruto was too hungry to talk more than he found necessary.

Another topic struck him. Hinata, like Sakura, was a genius. Surely, school would be a topic that would interest her.

''How did you do on Gai-sensei's anatomy quiz yesterday?'' Naruto for the sake of conversation.

''Excellent, the anatomy of a human being is very interesting to me.''

''Ahhhh, I see. I just can't seem to get the hang of the names. It's usually close, but wrong!''

''I could help you study, Naruto. I am good at many subjects.''

''Why thanks, Hinata. I know you're very smart, and you're so nice too. I could use some help… with everything.''

They both laughed.

''Which class should we start with, then?''

They walked and talked about school, as they headed for dessert. Of course Naturo had room for dessert. His appetite, she noted, was ravenous at times. He simply winked at her.

Naruto brought Hinata back down to where they shared their first ice cream cones together. Different flavors this time. He insisted upon tasting hers. Very flirty. She liked how audacious he became at times. It still made her blush though and breathe a little faster. Naruto was eating a mango and pineapple delight, whereas Hinata chose a mixed coffee bean flavor. Their tastes differed, it seemed.

''Do you like yours more than last time's choice?''

Hinata pondered the question. ''No, the espresso tasted much better than just coffee and vanilla bean.''

''Huh, I see.''

Again, Naruto noticed that Hinata did not continue their conversation. He wanted to tell her that his mango pineapple sorbet was amazing but she did not ask him. This disappointed him. The conversation was becoming increasingly hard for him to sustain or begin, without seeming random and desperate. Not good. He touched based on the basics, asked her about her interests, spoke of school with her…now what?

Then, he also remarked that Hinata kept smiling at him, even during their awkward silences. He often caught her staring at him and he would laugh it off ashamedly. But she would not speak. Only giggle and sigh.

''So,'' Naruto hesitated, as they sat down with their treats, ''are you interested in kendo?'' He hated bringing up the topic because more often than not, his female peers would get annoyed with his chats about epic legends, past battles, and ancient warriors with incredible techniques.

''I do. I find you very talented. Your battles are always so inspiring and incredible.''

Naruto's face instantly lit up. The cloud of woe above his head dispersed. Her words touched every part of his heart. Everything felt amazing again. A spark ignited. He knew it all along; she was the complete opposite of all of them. Hinata was unique. She was passionate about different sports and her school work, not makeup and social status.

''I love it when you and Sasuke battle. Those matches are always the best. Everyone in school gets excited for those. It's all anyone talks about when you guys are competing.''

The blonde began to chuckle, clearly trying to hide his embarrassment. ''Thanks Hinata, I really appreciate your enthusiasm for kendo. It means a lot to me.''

However, Naruto realized that he also felt awkward just then, because Hinata mentioned Sasuke. If only she knew how weird it was to hear her speak of him… that was the point of the dates, he knew, to decide. She did not need to know. She need only stay interested in him.

Hinata happily smiled at Naruto, across from the top of her half eaten cone. ''You know, Naruto, I think that you're going to win the tournament.''

Naruto was quite surprised when Hinata voiced her opinion first, for the first time that evening. He felt encouraged by it; the topic, nonetheless, was hard for him to talk about, let alone to boast a supposed victory. He could not flaunt himself, until after he won. If he won. But his opponent was still his best friend…and again, it felt uncomfortable inside Naruto's stomach, a churning of sorts. ''You're such a sweetheart Hinata, cheering me on already, the tournament is in nine months, lots of things could happen before then.'' He protested humbly with a much weaker smile.

There it was. The only reason why people talked to him. He was someone. Popular. Almost famous, as Kakashi told them. On the cover of magazines, in articles, and newly plastered on buses, trains, and on the subway. Naruto sighed again, to try and dispel his negative thoughts. Not now. This was supposed to be a great date. It became perfect just a minute ago. No one understood how he felt about the tournament. Naruto was fighting for himself, not other people. Not even for Jiraiya's pride or Sasuke. He respected the sport too much to pay attention to the gossip of his peers or the flash of the camera after his qualifying matches.

''Do you not like talking about it, Naruto? You look strange. You should be happy. Everyone is voting for you.''

''No, I don't like talking about those things, sorry. I like talking about the fights, the moves, and the stances, how I read my opponent, those things. This tournament… I know it's a big thing, but I have to think of that every morning, and during every practice, so with you, I just want to think of other things, you know.'' Naruto finished his ice cream and cleaned his hands with a napkin. He offered one to her.

She accepted. ''I'm sorry Naruto, I didn't mean to upset you. It must be so stressful, always training, and school work on top of your load. I can always help you with school too… I just really wanted you to know that I think you're amazing and that you're much better than that spoiled rich snob Sasuke Uchiha. You'll win, Naruto Uzumaki, I know you will.''

Her smile was perfect in that moment and he accepted the honesty and pure intentions of her words. He smiled as well, but not in pride, like she wanted it to be. He forced one, for her sake. It was genuine in feeling though, sadly laced with a touch of underlying pity. She did not understand him at all it seemed. He realized that then.

Hinata pushed forward though. She was slightly confused as to why Naruto was suddenly reserved about the reason for his success. He should be confident and intrepid. Was her gallant knight suddenly hiding behind his modesty? She knew he loved kendo and so did she. She wanted him to know that.

''Perhaps you could tell me how you plan on defeating your foes? Your moves? Would that make you happy? I want to know how good you are. I want to see the next champion perform.''

Naruto repeated to her that he did not like speaking of the World Championship Tournament. And it bothered him that Hinata shared the same mindset as their peers. They were choosing sides. Who would win? Naruto or Sasuke? Jiraiya's descendant or the younger brother of the former retired champion? The friends chose to opt for silence instead, when pressed for their opinions. The match would definitely be close. But to predict it? To brag or gloat beforehand? He respected Sasuke more than that. Hinata did not. He also realized that.

It struck Naruto that the most interesting conversation that he and Hinata shared was about kendo and it almost ruined her, in his eyes, because it hurt him deeply that she managed to find his sore spot. The poking and prodding never ended. Now from her.

''Naruto…Naruto… are you in there, Naruto?''

Hinata was standing in front of Naruto, a look of concern splayed across her brow as watery rivulets began to well in her eyes. It took a few seconds, but Naruto realized that he had completely zoned out for several minutes. His thoughts were devouring him, preoccupying him… he found it hard to focus now that he felt shaken and stirred with doubt.

'Sorry, Hinata, I kinda spaced there. I didn't mean to upset you…''

''If you're not feeling well, we can go, Naruto…''

''Oh no, Hinata, I'm good. Come on, let's go, I wanted to take you to the arcades, if you don't mind, there's a surprise for you there.''

''A surprise for me? At the arcade? I must admit, you are strange, Naruto, but very charming.''

She watched him frown, grit his teeth, tense his jaw, and blink a lot, for two minutes and three seconds, before he responded to his name. She pronounced it four times in total. He was gone. This surprised her. She became nervous. At least he smiled again, she thought, although she also noticed that the creases in his brow remained present. He was thinking a lot…

It made sense once they stepped up together to the claw machine. There were hundreds of stuffed animals inside.

''Which one would you like, my lady? I guarantee that I can get anything in there!'' Naruto's confidence returned. She could see his vitality reappear. He held up his tokens for her to see.

Hinata's eyes lit up with joy. She wanted to believe that he was happy again. It seemed so cliché that he would win her a prize but it filled her with so much energy and excitement again. There walk was a silent one that lasted only several minutes. The arcade was just up the road. He held her hand as they crossed the street and she indulged in the soft feel of his larger hands.

She pointed to a lavender colored turtle with a pink heart on its shell. Naruto inserted his first coin and maneuvered the electronic claw over to the desired plushie. She was cheering loudly already. But it missed. Naruto's jaw almost hit the floor. It was impossible. His eyes narrowed dangerously at his new enemy.

''I swear, I swear I never miss. Ask Sakura! Ask Sasuke! This is a fluke! Arrrgghhh! I always get the prize!''

He jammed his token in the second time and resumed his hunt with a vengeance. This time he captured the target and the turtle hung there, very loosely in the claw. He moved it slowly.

Hinata applauded as it gently approached the chute and before them, in that moment, the turtle swayed, fell, and onto the edge of the chute. Tilting, it slipped back inside the machine though and both teenagers screamed at the turtle through the thin glass. And then they laughed.

''Oh Naruto, I believe you, trust me. I don't need a silly turtle anyways.''

''But Hinata, I have one token left, I'll try one last time.''

''Actually, Naruto, can I try?''

Hinata's question made Naruto happy again. She seemed absolutely enthralled with the game and that made her cute. He could fetch more tokens easily for her prize after. If it made her smile, then he would smile. She eagerly took the chip but hesitated before starting.

''What would you like, Naruto?''

''I want the fox one, at the back, but he's at the bottom, with so many on top of him…so try for your turtle, Hinata.''

She frowned at Naruto and ran to the back of the large bin of stuffed animals. She saw it. Bright orange with several red tails. One of its eyes was slightly crooked, but that made it special. Now, she was determined to claim it for Naruto. The last token echoed down the slot and the game lit up. She moved the claw to the back and released the lever. Naruto watched as it disappeared amongst the plushies and reemerged… empty. But her gesture shook up the placement and Naruto could see his fox right at the top.

''There, now the amazing Naruto can get his fox himself!''

No sooner did Hinata pronounce her words, did her cellphone begin to ring loudly in her pocket. Naruto had no time to react. He wanted to thank her; he would definitely catch the fox now. Her face, however, turned downcast and she began to mutter into her phone, before walking away from him. He hesitated to follow.

''Naruto,'' Hinata hung up her phone and jammed it back into her pocket. ''I need to go. Right now.''

''Can I walk you back then?''

She stood waiting at the arcade's entrance and as Naruto approached her, she hugged him. He smiled triumphantly; nonetheless, many geeks were glaring at his success, for Hinata tilted her head up to Naruto and kissed him. It lasted seconds, tasted delicately sweet and ended so abruptly, as she hurried away from him. He stood there, almost dumbfounded.

''Byeeeeee! Naruto!'' She waved from outside. He seen her face, splayed in hot reds; she was the audacious one, in the end, stealing a real kiss from him.

''Bye Hinata! See you tomorrow!'' Naruto called back to her and waved as well.

Once out of sight, he shook his head, grumbling to himself. How did that happen?

-=TBC=-

Next chapter will make you all happy again, I promise.