A/N Would love your thoughts and input, I took quite a few creative liberties with Hinata's personality and those around her. I'm surprised by how much traction this story has gotten so far thank you to all my readers.

We reached our destination the next day. It was a village in the Land of Tea.

"Boy, am I glad to see some civilization!" Naruto stretched dramatically as we walked through the city gates causing me to giggle.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes, "We're looking for a man, Shima Etsuya, let's find him so we can go home."

The village was beautiful. Elaborate architecture stands tall, characterized by gracefully curved roofs, intricate wooden facades, and vibrant red lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. Most of our journey since I returned to consciousness I had pondered how to repay them both for taking care of me.

Shino and Kiba were easy. Shino appreciated hugs over anything else. Shino is different. He spends most of his spare time watching his bugs, and often making analogies to insects when talking, people have come to identify Shino as "creepy", and tend to dislike being in his company for prolonged periods. Shamefully when I was first introduced to him I had the same thoughts clouding my judgment.

I remember the first time Shino came to my aid, it was silly, I had fainted. He never touched me, afraid to scare me off, but he stood guard over my resting body. And when I came to, I tentatively embraced him; it wasn't until months later he had told me how much that hug meant to him. Shino craves touch, he craves acceptance.

Kiba was harder to read surprisingly. He would always smile appreciatively when I would greet him with baked goods in thanks, but I knew it wasn't deep enough, it wasn't what he loved the most. One day he was late to training, which wasn't unusual for him. Kurenai sensei was tired of it, "If you keep up that work ethic expect to stay a Genin."

Kiba didn't flinch, he actually enjoyed arguing and shot back his own comment, however his reply lacked the general fire it always had, "My sister… she's sick."

I was nauseous with worry for the rest of the training session, after we were finished I couldn't run home fast enough. I made a care package for Hana, Kiba's sister; I had never met her before. The next day I knocked on the door of the Inuzuka household, Kiba answered. His expression was quizzical, I held out the basket in my hand, "I made it all myself, it should help her." I looked down feeling the flush of my cheeks, "I-It's hard to train when our family needs us."

He pulled me into his chest, the basket pressed awkwardly into our stomachs, "Thank you Hinata." Kiba valued family, anything done for his sister or for Akamaru was what meant something to him.

But what would Shikamaru value? How could I show my thanks and appreciation to him for lugging my bothersome body around? And Naruto… Is there any way I can thank him for all he's done for me? He has no idea the effect he has.

Blossoming cherry trees line the pathways we walked, their delicate petals creating a vibrant contrast against the wooden structures. A breeze weft through causing many of the petals to rain down on us, "Troublesome." Shikamaru muttered.

As the cherry blossom petals delicately find refuge in my hair, I'm enchanted by their soft descent. I could have pulled my hood up, or dodged them, but I was transfixed on their beauty. They're beautiful like Sakura, soft like the spring. That's why Naruto loved her.

"Hey Hinata you got som-" Naruto was suddenly very close. His touch is considerate, fingers moving with a gentle grace as he navigates through my hair, freeing it from the beautiful confetti of cherry blossoms. "N-Naruto," I breathed out trying to calm my nerves.

Shikamaru shoved him aside, "Give her some space to breathe." He then took over the task of combing through my hair with his fingers, I was suddenly very embarrassed. What kind of Shinobi needs their teammates to pick out petals from their hair?

"O-oh Shikamaru it's ok, I can get it." I backed away from his touch.

He scoffed, "Yeah, whatever it was troublesome anyway."

It was indeed very troublesome, as we continued walking the wind would whip my hair into tangled clumps wrapped around stray petals. We found the man who was to get the scroll shortly after lunchtime, only after Naruto complained about Shikamaru's methods.

"You can't expect to find him like that, just walking around and looking, you don't even know what he looks like," Naruto growled.

Shikamaru shrugged nonchalantly, "You suggest something better?"

Naruto grinned, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Seven Naruto's took the place of one. "First one to find Shima wins," he held his thumb out with a cheesy grin that made my heart skip.

Shikamaru smirked lazily, "Have fun kid." Naruto furrowed his brows in determination before vanishing in a dash.

"What happened between you and the Uchiha?" Shikamaru pointedly asked after all the Narutos were out of earshot.

I looked down, "What do you mean?"

His sandal slid across the ground grinding against the sand and sediment there. "He only dodged, I watched him."

"I don't know why he did that… I've been thinking about it too." I answered honestly.

Shikamaru flexed a hand at his side, "I don't think Naruto was the only one he was after."

A Naruto returned then, "Found him!"

The vibrant streets of the village lead us to a quaint bookshop, its entrance adorned with wooden carvings and traditional lanterns. "Hurry up!" The clone urged us on.

The scent of ancient paper and ink wafts through the air as we step inside, finding ourselves surrounded by shelves that stretch to the ceiling, each one laden with a myriad of books. The real Naruto stood there with a bald man, both wore comical expressions.

The atmosphere is hushed, filled only with the soft rustling of pages and the occasional creaking of wooden floors. Lantern light illuminates the cozy nooks, creating a haven for bibliophiles amid the lively village outside. Shikamaru stepped forward holding the scroll, "Shima Etsuya?"

I zoned out then, taking in the atmosphere of the bookstore. I love books. I run my fingers along the spines. The shelves seem to whisper tales of adventures, mysteries, and ancient wisdom. My favorite books are history books. A princess must know of their ancestry, a princess must be able to quote their lineage.

The textured bindings, some smooth and others slightly worn, bear the marks of countless readers who have wandered through this shop. "What!" Naruto shouted causing me to flinch slightly as I turned my focus back to them.

Shima, the bald man held his palms out. Naruto was red-faced, "I can't believe that! Grandma Tsunade sent us on a mission to pay her gambling debt!"

I glanced at the now open scroll and noticed the gold coins that lay in the midst. "Naruto, let's go." Shikamaru chided.

"We spent all this time! To pay that guy-" Naruto pointed accusingly at the innocent shopkeeper.

"A mission is a mission, come on Naruto." Shikamaru's voice was louder now.

Naruto only relented when Shikamaru promised to treat us to ramen; he shot out of the store passing both of us with a shout, "I saw a ramen joint not far from here."

"You a reader?" Shima hollered pointing a finger at me as Shikamaru and I made our way to the door. I swallowed and nodded, he smiled, "What's your poison?"

"H-history." History and textbooks were the only books I was allowed to read, Father didn't see the point in fiction.

Shima tilted his head to the side, "I would have taken you for a romance reader."

I flushed chewing on my bottom lip. "Here," he took long strides toward us; Shikamaru narrowed his eyes at the man but said nothing. He pulled a book from the shelf I was just fondling, "On the house."

I bowed deeply accepting it, "Thank you."

I couldn't help the giddy skip in my step as we searched for Naruto after that. It was enough for Shikamaru to notice, "You act like you've never read a book before."

I flushed, I've read many, but none were fiction, none were meant to be enjoyed.

Naruto was already on his third bowl when we found him, "Hey guys!" He waved at us then sheepishly tried to hide his stack of bowls, "I got an early start." The air is infused with the sizzling sounds of ingredients meeting the hot woks, and the quiet giggles of waitresses as they observed my Naruto.

He was sitting at a booth, which was a predicament. Shikamaru stood behind me politely, his hand resting against my elbow to urge me forward but my feet remained frozen. Should I sit next to Naruto, no that's too close I wouldn't be able to handle it, I'd make a fool of myself. But across from him was just as bad.

Shikamaru sighed, and before I could disappoint him further I willed my body to move. I took a seat across from Naruto scooting myself as far into the wall as I could. Shikamaru said nothing of my antics, passing me a menu. The menu, displayed with hand-painted characters, offers an array of choices – from classic ramen to more adventurous variations. I used it to hide my flushed face and calm my breathing.

I ordered a simple miso ramen, the cheapest on the menu. "Say Hinata what's that?" Naruto leaned over the table his breath fogged against the menu. His gaze trailed from my face down to the book that sat in my lap. The steam wafting from his bowl wet his hair enough to force it to cling to his skin. His hands reach out across the table aiming for the book; I let out a yelp as Shikamaru intervened yanking Naruto back by the collar. "You can't just go digging in a woman's lap." He chastised.

Naruto flushed and began stuttering, "It- Hin- you know I wasn't trying," and that was when I fainted.

My head hit the table with a thud and the menu fell out of my grasp. I came to shortly after, luckily our food had arrived and Naruto was preoccupied with another bowl. Shikamaru however scrutinized me with his gaze, he was smart, it took Kiba about two weeks to find out about the intensity of my crush, Shikamaru probably already has it figured out.

My heart quickens, and I can't help but feel a gentle heat rising to my cheeks. A mixture of emotions — affection, admiration, and a hint of bashfulness — swirl within me. Naruto was everything I wish I could be. I broke my chopsticks quietly and began eating all while Shikamaru stared at me with those narrow eyes of his.

He thought me weak I'm sure. I've always fainted; when I was young Mother said it was due to my heart. "Your heart is just too big," she'd rub my chest harshly as if trying to press it and shrink it manually. My heart is too big, no jutsu or medicine can fix it. The Hyūga heir was born defective. It works how it should normally; I wouldn't even know it was the wrong size. But on occasion, if I don't keep my emotions in check it'll lead to arrhythmia, beating either too fast or too slow. The fainting is my body's way of resetting, it's normal for me, but it doesn't change how weak it proves I am.

There were tricks she would try to teach me before she passed. "Never lock your knees," she whispered while kneading at my chest. "Water- always." She spoke in fragments, I wasn't sure what she meant then but now I do. My mother knew what was to come, she knew the life I needed for my heart condition didn't fit the life of a shinobi. I'm a fragile doll.

"Hey, Hinata you ok?" Naruto asked, peering at me with concern-laced eyes. "She's fine," Shikamaru answered for me. I nodded my appreciation trying to eat more even though I was no longer hungry. A princess never wastes food or takes advantage of the charity of others.

The journey back to Konoha was uneventful; we made quick time with my Byakugan. Even so, I still felt like a disappointment to both Naruto and Shikamaru. Naruto convinced both of us to not mention Itachi in our report. "Come on, we want to convince Grandma we're a good team and can handle anything." He had said.

Shikamaru scowled, "I thought you didn't want to be a team?"

"If we tell her Itachi came for me again she won't let me leave." Naruto's voice was broken and dejected.

"A-again?" I gasped.

Shikamaru threw his hands up in the air, "Fine, but if she finds out you're the one in the hot seat."

Lady Tsunade didn't suspect a thing and dismissed us with a wave after we gave our reports. I lagged behind the others Shikamaru and Naruto both planned on meeting with their old teammates. I too wished to see Shino and Kiba, but was that appropriate? Would that slight my new team? A princess must be aware of every consequence of her actions; a princess must be a diplomat in every sense.

I nodded to myself deciding it would be ok to see them briefly. Shino's house was empty; I left him a note on the door. I tried Kiba's house next.

After the second knock with no answer, I withdrew my hand and pulled a piece of paper out of my pocket to leave him a note as well when the door opened.

"Hinata!" Hana smiled down at me. Hana was the image of warmth, her hair was a similar shade of brown to Kiba's and she had the same fang-like tattoos on her cheeks making her look as though she were constantly blushing.

She's a medical-nin who specializes in veterinary health. She can suture with her eyes closed, she's amazing. "Come in, Kiba isn't back from training, is that why you're here?" She asked opening the door wider and stepping to the left to allow me access inside. The air is filled with the joyful barks and playful antics of dogs, I missed it desperately.

I nodded stepping inside trying to calm my emotions. The basket I had brought so long ago when she was sick wasn't full of any medicine, not that I knew she was a medical-nin then, I just didn't know how to make it. I did what I could, making soups and teas, including things of comfort my mother would for me when I was sick. It wasn't until later getting to know Hana I found that it was the perfect thing for her. Hana doesn't have any domestic skills.

Once a few months ago Akamaru attacked Naruto, Naruto was able to escape a true bite but his pants were torn in the process, Hana offered to mend them. After she was finished, he had to find a tailor after all. But despite not being good at anything domestic, she's warm, warm like a woman who spent her whole life at home.

"Did you just get back from a mission?" She asked gesturing to my appearance. The walls of the house are adorned with pictures of various ninken, and dog toys are scattered across the floor. I've never been in Kiba's bedroom but I've always wondered his way of decorating, does he have walls full of photos of Akamaru? I nodded tiredly, "Hai."

She glanced over her shoulder, "Go shower. I might have something that will fit you; Kiba should be getting back soon."

I panicked fumbling with my hands, "Ano, I-"

She laughed, "Hinata- I am not trying to be rude, you should shower." Dogs of various shapes and sizes approach us with wagging tails and curious sniffs, it was then I understood her hidden meaning. I stink. The Inuzuka clan have powerful noses.

I flushed, "Thank you Hana-san."

She shook her head, "Just Hana."

I walked passed her and entered the bathroom. As I turn on the shower, the water cascades down, its warmth enveloping me in a cocoon of comfort. Hana knocked on the door, "I'm just gonna set these on the toilet and I'll throw these in the wash," I heard her voice echoing off the tiled walls as she shuffled and grabbed my old clothes and switched them out.

"T-thank you." I managed before the door shut again. The warm water, like a cascade of liquid silk, envelops me as I work the shampoo into my hair. It was scentless; all soap I've found in this household was scentless. The shampoo I used at home was an oatmeal honey scent; it was barely noticeable but still there.

When I stepped out of the shower I noticed the clothing laid out for me was oddly familiar and it wasn't until I was fully dressed I realized I was wearing Kiba's clothes. I flushed but quickly shook my head, it's just clothes and he's your old teammate, your clothes are in the washer, he won't mind. The hoodie I wore was baggier than the one I normally wore and the neckline was far too low for a princess. The pants fit snugly almost too snugly on the hips yet the legs needed to be rolled up.

When I exited the bathroom I made my way back to the living room, I felt so much better already. Hana smiled up at me from where she sat on the couch and patted the spot next to her. "Do you know who is on Kiba-kun's team?" I asked quietly looking down. It was rude to pry, to ask questions without a prompt. Hana's canine companion lounging nearby, let out a huff of disapproval, either at my question or the answer, I'm not sure.

Hana nodded, "Neji, and Chōji."

I frowned; Kiba was with Neji the perfect Hyūga. Would he not wish to be my friend now that he saw how truly weak I was? Hana brought her knees up to her chest repositioning her body on the couch, "How is your team? You're with the Nara and the kid right?"

I nodded, "It's different. I miss Kiba and Shino, but I do not wish to doubt Lady Tsunade."

Just as I answered the front door swung open, "Hana you want to order out toni-" Kiba hollered then paused as his gaze landed on my form. Was he offended? Did I slight him by visiting?

I stood up quickly and bowed, "F-forgive me." I managed to squeak.

Kiba scratched the back of his neck, "She is in my clothes." He stated giving a pointed look to his sister who only grinned in reply.

"I-I Hana-san- I," I stuttered trying to think of anything to say. A princess doesn't stutter or stumble with her speech; she knows exactly what to say and when to say it.

Kiba stalked toward me Akamaru trailed behind him, when he stood in front of me he surprised me by wrapping his arms around me in a deep embrace. "I missed you." He muttered into my hair inhaling deeply. Akamaru barked in agreeance rubbing against my leg. Hana threw a pillow from the couch hitting Kiba in the face and me in the back, "Get a room!" She teased.

She always teased us but I knew Kiba saw me as a sister just as I saw him as a brother. He pulled away and ruffled my hair playfully, "So how was it being on the same team as Naruto?" He emphasized his name making me flush deeper.

Hana made herself scarce mumbling an excuse and going to her bedroom leaving the both of us alone, well not truly alone, there was Akamaru and a few other dogs to keep us company. Kiba snaked his arm around my waist leading me back to the couch, "I'm just teasing." He stated as we both sat down.

"I seem to only be able to make a fool of myself," I mumbled leaning into his touch, his arm stayed around me as we sat next to each other. "It can't be that bad," Kiba offered patting his lap to signal Akamaru to join us.

I shrugged and bit my lip, "Do you like your new team Kiba-kun?"

He grimaced, "I don't know what Tsunade was thinking, Neji is an asshole, and Chōji he's as lazy as Shikamaru."

I fumbled with my fingers I wanted to encourage him, to find a silver lining; it's what a princess would do. "Lady Hokage is wise, I'm sure we'll find her decisions were the right ones," my voice was weak and unsure, not at all convincing.

He gave me a sideways glance, "You're only saying that because your dream came true."

I frowned looking down; it's true I always wanted to be on a team with Naruto. I don't function on his team, I'm spacey and weak. I don't think it's something I'll be able to overcome. "Hey, did something happen?" He asked tilting my chin up with his finger so I looked at him. His eyes were sharp thin slits.

The tears well and there was no hope of stopping them as they began to run unabashedly down my cheeks, Kiba growled wiping at them in a fury, "What did he do? Did he touch you?"

I shook my head quickly causing one of his hands to poke me in the eye, "I miss you and Shino." Without hesitation he wraps me in a comforting embrace, pulling me into his lap and cradling me there. "How is he, who is he with?" I mumbled into his chest as he smoothed my hair down.

"Sasuke and Ino." His answer made me cry harder, no longer was it simply silent tears now the rain was accompanied by sobs. "Hey I'm sure Shino is fine," Kiba rubbed my back.

He didn't understand. Ino was repulsed by Shino's bugs and was very vocal about it. Sasuke would see no one as a teammate; he's so focused on revenge and himself. Shino will feel so alone.

The gentle beep of the washer interrupts the emotional embrace, I shift to stand but Kiba holds me down. I hear the bedroom door open and know Hana is going to switch the loads. Akamaru laid on top of my legs gently whining. "I'm going to order a pizza," Hana whispered above me to Kiba, both were trying to be polite concerning my state. I continued trying to sit up and push away from him but he held me tightly to his chest, he nodded in reply to Hana who exited the room retreating to her bedroom.

A princess can control her emotions. Kiba continued to hold me close until I was sure I'd fall asleep. He was so warm and safe. When he finally loosened his grip and I was able to peer up at him, his expression was less worried. "You are the perfect comfort Kiba," I said softly trying to smile.

He was, he always knew I was going to faint before I even did. He would always jump to catch me, and he seemed to know when I was sad even if I tried my best to hide it. "How do you always know?" I asked, I was still sitting in his lap, one of the other dogs climbed on top of me; Kiba glanced at it as if considering shoving it off, "What do you mean Hinata?" My gaze inadvertently fixates on his pronounced canine teeth. They were distinct and almost feral in appearance. What would it feel like to get bitten by those teeth?

I pet the dog, stroking through its fur was much preferable to fumbling with my fingers, "You always know when I'm sad, even when I try to hide it." The triangles on his cheek were undeniably cute. I told him once they made him look like he was blushing from far away he scoffed and declared it was a rite in his clan, we were both children then.

He smirked pulling back one of the arms that held me and pointed at his nose, "Thanks to this."

I paled and felt my pulse quickening in horror. "Y-you can smell my emotions?"

He barked out a laugh, "No, you just smell differently depending on your mood." He scratched the back of his neck and adjusted his hood, a single canine pooped passed his lip, "I don't know how to explain it, when you're sad it smells sad. When you faint, you release adrenaline and you smell almost like," he wet his lips, "Like electricity. And when you're happy, you smell like serotonin."

I knew he was teasing me then and playfully shoved him, "You can't smell serotonin."

He narrowed his eyes, "How else should I describe it? Your smell makes me happy, you smell like serotonin."

I wrinkled my nose, "Hana made me shower, you wouldn't think I smelt good when I came here."

A knock sounded at the door causing the dogpile surrounding us to scramble toward the door, "I'll get it." Hana yelled exiting her bedroom and striding toward the door.

I scooted off of Kiba suddenly hyperaware of our proximity. "So you-" I couldn't form a coherent thought, Kiba could smell me, and he enjoyed smelling me.

The dogs crowded Hana who stood at the door holding several pizza boxes, "Back you beasts." She chided carrying the boxes to the coffee table. She bent down opening each of the boxes up and peering inside until she found the one she wanted, "This one is mine, see you kids later." She carried an entire pizza box with her to her room and shut the door.

"Hinata you don't need to be nervous," Kiba stated pulling a slice of pepperoni from the box. How does he know I'm nervous? "What does it smell like?" I found myself asking. A princess doesn't pry.

He had grease trailing down his chin; he tilted his head to the side thoughtfully, "like static."

I wrinkled my nose, I would hate to smell what everyone smells like constantly, poor Kiba. I reached into the box and grabbed a slice, I ate it thoughtfully, I would need to remember to thank Hana. "Is that how you knew… About Naruto?" I asked not meeting his gaze.

"Hinata it's really not a big deal, my whole clan can smell like I can."

The dryer beeped and I stood quickly before Hana or him could argue or stop me, I made my way to the laundry room and grabbed my now clean clothes. They were warm and soft; I held them to my chest as I walked back to the living room. "I'm going to change," I announced softly, walking passed an amused Kiba and into the bathroom.

When I exited I felt much more comfortable in my own clothing, I held Kiba's clothes awkwardly in my hands. Do I give them back? Or do I take them home and wash them first?

Kiba grinned at me from the couch, "Just set those down over there," he pointed to an armchair. I nodded and obeyed mumbling a thanks under my breath. We spent a few hours in each other's company before I needed to go home. "Thank you Kiba, my father will know I'm back from my mission and will be expecting me." I stood and bowed.

He ruffled my hair, "I'll walk you home." Akamaru barked jumping against Kiba's legs, "We'll walk you home." He looked down slyly at the dog as if to ask, 'Are you happy now?'