Hinata awoke peacefully from the sunlight shining through her window and onto her face. She couldn't remember a time in her life when she had slept even half as good as last night. After washing up and preparing for the day, she began to wonder what Naruto was up to.

Was it too early to see him again? She didn't want to be too clingy, but she also wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. For as long as she could remember, she had always wanted to stand at his side, to be an important part of his life just as he was in hers. Now that they were together, this feeling to be next to him had only grown stronger. It didn't help that she was practically addicted to him. She simply couldn't get enough of him and his embrace, the way she could take in his scent as her head pressed against his chest. She missed his loving affection, the way he treated her... and his eyes, the way he looked at her. Her cheeks turned pink as she remembered the intense hunger that she had seen within them.

She didn't blame him for taking this long to notice her feelings, but she had to admit that she did want to make up for all of the time lost. They had both exchanged phone numbers... should she call him?

She decided it couldn't hurt, but as her hand reached for the phone, it suddenly began ringing before she could even pick it up. Someone was calling her. What were the chances that they had the same idea at the same time?

"H-Hello?" She answered nervously. She mentally scolded herself for her stuttering. She wished it would just go away so she could speak with confidence.

"Hey Hinata! It's Sakura. What are you up to today? I was hoping we could chat." Sakura replied.

"Oh, um, I don't have anything planned yet. What did you want to talk about?"

"Great! How about you meet me at that new cafe in town? I heard they have great cinnamon rolls. Unless, of course... you were planning on going to see Naruto?"

Technically she had planned to see him, or at least call him, but nothing was set in stone yet.

"No, I'm free. When did you want to meet there?"

"About twenty minutes. Sound good?"

"Okay, I'll see you then."

Well then, if she wanted to see Naruto, she'd have to wait a little longer. No worries, a little girl time never hurt.

Hinata approached the table that she found Sakura sitting at and took her seat, eager to see what was on her mind.

"Hope you're hungry." Sakura said as she pushed a plate full of delicious treats toward her.

"You know me, I'm always up for cinnamon rolls. So, what did you want to talk about?"

"Nothing super particular, just thought two friends could spend some time together... Well, now that you mention it, there is one thing."

"... I'm listening."

"Oh come on, are you really gonna make me say it?"

"What are you talking about, Sakura?"

"You. Naruto. Details. You promised, remember?"

"Oh... right. Well, I did make a promise. Where do I start? The day we got back home, we had another campfire at the top of Hokage Rock."

"I was wondering where you disappeared to."

"It was so beautiful... you could see all of the camps people set up across the entire village. I bet it looks even more beautiful now. Anyway, I took your advice again. I was bold toward him. Things kind of... escalated. We talked for a while until Naruto asked me if I felt a certain way about him, the same way he felt about me. We got a lot closer that night. He didn't really know what it meant at first, but I could tell he was starting to understand. He asked me how I felt, and I told him. I told him I loved him."

"You did? How did he react? What did he say?"

"His eyes turned red for a moment, and when he came to, I knew that he remembered me telling him before. Everything seemed to click for him at once, and then he asked me to explain how I knew I loved him. I explained it the best I could, and then he told me he felt the same way about me. He told me he loved me."

Sakura's emerald eyes had widened further with every word Hinata spoke.

"Wow, um, never really took Naruto for a romantic person. I mean, are you sure he understood what he was saying?"

"That's the thing, Sakura. When he told me that, I could see the truth in his eyes. I saw the same love in him that I had always felt within myself. I really wish I could explain it better, but I just knew he felt the same. I knew that he finally understood how to love. He poured his heart out to me, and I... I..."

Hinata began to choke on her words as tears fell down her cheeks. They weren't tears of sadness, but of unrelenting happiness. That night had been the start of a whole new world for her. To know that the only person she ever loved had finally loved her back was greater than anything she could ever dream or wish for.

"It's okay, Hinata, take your time."

Hinata wiped her tears and continued after recollecting herself.

"He poured his heart out. I watched him break down and sob harder than I'd ever seen anyone cry before. The guilt was overwhelming him, I could see it. But when I told him everything was okay and that he didn't need to be sorry, he looked at me with a different passion in his eyes. I saw a happiness in him that I had never seen in anyone before. He looked so happy to not be confused anymore, so happy to know that I had always loved him. I'll never forget the look on his face. After that, we... we kissed. I think that was the most beautiful moment of my life. It was perfect, Sakura. All these years waiting for him, they were worth it. I'd do it all again."

"Hinata... that's... wow." Sakura was speechless. She was almost jealous that Hinata got to experience such a wonderful connection with someone like that. She had always hoped that Sasuke would connect with her that way, but so far her heart had only been broken further. But, if Hinata had waited that long and claimed it was worth it, then Sakura would wait too. The world was only so large... she would see Sasuke again.

"I'm sorry Sakura, I didn't mean to get emotional. I just... I can't explain how happy I am now. I love him so much, and when I look at him, I can see that he loves me too. Yesterday, he asked me to be his girlfriend. Officially."

Sakura nearly squealed in excitement. They were just so damn cute together!

"I guess that knucklehead did come around, even if it took him all this time. I'm really happy for you, Hinata! Seriously, that sounds like a dream come true."

"You've always been so supportive of me and my feelings. I can't thank you enough for that. You're a true friend, Sakura."

"You don't have to thank me. You deserve this, Hinata. I know your love for him is true. And from the sounds of it, Naruto's love is true too. I'm happy for both of you. He's a lucky guy." Sakura said as she smiled brightly at her friend.

It was about damn time.

"T-Thank you. But, um, yeah, that's pretty much all that happened." Hinata continued. Her voice wasn't very convincing.

"Hmm... I don't believe that, but you've given me enough for now. I won't pry." Sakura replied, causing Hinata's cheeks to flush slightly.

"Sakura, um, do you think today is too soon for me to see him again? I mean, would it make me clingy? Should I give it a day or two? I don't know what to do..."

"Give it a day!? Seriously!? After all that, I'd want to spend as much time with him as possible! If it were me, I would've snuck out and stayed the night at his house."

"It's funny you mention that..."

"Oh, Hinata, you didn't!"

"No, but I definitely thought about it." Hinata said with a laugh.

Sakura could only assume that other stuff had happened between them, but she knew it wasn't really her business. Either way, she was happy that both of her friends had found their way to each other. It even gave her hope that her time would come sooner or later.

"Call him, Hinata. I'm sure he misses you already."

"I... I will. Thank you, Sakura."

The girls chatted a while longer about nothing particularly important, enjoying the delicious pastries that they got from the cafe. When they took their leave, Hinata went back home and mentally prepared herself to reach out to Naruto.

She went for the phone once more but stopped herself as she realized she wouldn't know what to say when he answered. She could see herself now:

'Hello N-Naruto. Um, just checking in.'

Yeah right, like he'd believe that even for a second. They had just seen each other last night. She was sure he wouldn't mind her calling so soon, but at the same time she feared that she might overwhelm him.

Well then... what would she tell him? She began to pace her room anxiously as she searched for an answer.

'Dammit, why is this so hard!? Just pick up the phone!' She said to herself. She knew she was overthinking, for Naruto himself had stated that he wanted to spend more time with her. So, why was she freaking out over being clingy? For all she knew, Naruto was pacing his room as well, looking for a reason to call her.

She wished there was some sort of special occasion going on that would provide a better reason to see him other than simply because she wanted to. A holiday maybe, or even a birthday.

Wait... yes! His birthday!

She knew Naruto's birthday by heart. October 10. Unfortunately, they had been in the middle of the war at the time of his birthday, which meant he hadn't gotten a proper celebration. To make matters worse, he was put to work almost as soon as they got home.

Sure, it was over a month late, but she hoped Naruto would appreciate it if she helped him celebrate his birthday. She decided she would surprise him with a homemade meal at his apartment. First, she had to make sure he was actually home.

She could feel her heart nearly beating out of her chest as her hand anxiously reached for the phone once more...

"Your smile is my salvation, Naruto. I'm very glad I made you my student."

Naruto's eyes shot wide open as Jiraiya's words echoed in his head. This had happened before. Occasionally while sleeping he would randomly remember a few words from someone close to him who had died, and it almost always woke him up with a start.

He quickly sat up and looked around for a moment as he calmed back down. His alarm clock displayed 10:00 AM. He was surprised to find that he had slept later than he usually did. He managed to smile to himself as he remembered why he had slept so well. Most nights he tossed and turned until exhaustion forced him to sleep, and even then he would wake up earlier in the morning. However, last night he had fallen asleep almost as soon as his head hit his pillow. Hinata was already making his life better, in more ways than one.

"I wish you could see me now, Pervy Sage." He said solemnly.

Naruto crawled out of bed, and as soon as his feet met the floor, his phone started ringing. His apartment was usually very quiet, and he had yet to receive a call since the phones were installed so the sudden noise caught him off guard. He nearly slipped from a stray sock he left on the floor last night as he stumbled over to the phone.

He picked it up and looked at it for a second. Was he supposed to press a button or something?

"Uh, hello?"

"N-Naruto?"

It was Hinata. Naruto smiled at the sound of her voice. He wondered what she could be calling about...

"Hey you. What's up?"

"N-Nothing much, um, just wanted to know what you were up to today?"

"I don't have anything planned yet. To tell you the truth... I just woke up."

"Oh no, I didn't wake you, did I? I'm sorry..."

"No no, I mean I woke up right before you called. It's weird actually, I never sleep this late."

"Oh, okay then. So, I know it hasn't been long, but I was wondering if I could come over later today? Maybe around 5:00? There's something I want to give you. Unless you're busy..."

"Of course, you don't even have to ask. I told you, Hina, you can come over here whenever you want. I don't bite."

"Well... you do a little bit." Hinata said with a seductive tone. She had quickly taken a liking to the nickname he had given her, and to his voice when he was tired. Even over the phone, his voice was deeper from him just waking up.

"So, you don't want to come over?"

"I didn't say that!"

"Well then, I'll be waiting for you. 5 o'clock?"

"See you then, sleepy head."

Hinata hung up the phone and Naruto nearly screamed in excitement. He had hoped she would want to see him again soon, even if it was the very next day. He knew he'd spend every second of every day with her if she let him. He was starting to believe that she actually might.

After showering and preparing for the day, he began to wonder what his new life would be like if he hadn't seen her feelings, if he had remained oblivious. Would the fame be enough to distract him from his loneliness, or would the silence of his own home be enough to suffocate him in his solitude?

It didn't matter. He did see her. He found her. And now, even if they were the only two people left on the planet, Naruto would never feel alone again for as long as she was with him.

Naruto let curiosity get the best of him as he remembered that Hinata mentioned bringing something to him... a gift maybe?

"Oh yeah, that reminds me."

Naruto had planned on getting something for Hinata as well: a key to his apartment. He was completely serious about her being welcome whenever she wanted. He would have no problem with her coming and going as she pleased, even if he wasn't there. He hoped that giving her a key would encourage her to make herself at home, no matter the time.

Naruto entered a small hardware store that had recently been added to the village and hoped that they had a key maker. He walked around for some time until he found a self serving key machine. He inserted the original copy of his apartment key just before he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Surprised to see you here. Didn't take you for a home improver." It was Shikamaru.

"I could say the same about you. What're you up to?"

"Accidentally put a hole in my wall." Shikamaru said as he held up a small container of drywall repair.

"Let me guess, Temari got mad at you?"

"Not this time. I fell backwards and my elbow went right through the wall. Since my dad isn't around anymore, my mom decided it was time I learned how to fix things, so here I am. Total drag."

"How are you holding up? I mean, how are things at home?" Due to Shikamaru's typical relaxed demeanor, Naruto had almost forgotten that he had lost his father during the war.

"Could be better, but we're managing. I think we're both just happy to still be alive. Anyway, what are you up to?" Shikamaru said.

Naruto could tell that he wanted to change the subject. Not much of a surprise, Shikamaru rarely talked about his feelings. He decided he wouldn't pry further but would still keep an eye on his friend.

"Nothing really, just making a key copy."

"Ah, my turn to guess, giving one to Hinata?"

"Yes, actually. I guess there's no point in trying to hide it from you anymore."

"Or anyone else for that matter."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Dude, everyone has known about her feelings for you for years. We all saw the way you two were whispering to each other last night. Sure, I might have seen more than them, but everybody knows something is up."

"Wow... I guess I really was the only one who didn't know it." Naruto replied with guilt in his voice.

"Yeah, you were. But the important thing to remember is that you did eventually find your way to her. If she was willing to wait this long for you, I would hang on to her. Girls like that are hard to find."

"I really don't deserve her..."

"Don't beat yourself up over it. You're a good guy, Naruto. Just dumb."

"I guess I can't really argue with that at this point."

"Wouldn't do you much good anyway. Hey, once we're finished up here, you wanna grab lunch? I could use an extra distraction before I have to go do housework. Or, if you were about to see Hinata, we could try another time."

"Sure, I'm down. I'm not seeing her until a while later. Where did you want to eat?"

"Actually, I've kinda been craving ramen lately."

"I like the way you think, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru watched in awe as Naruto demolished bowl after bowl.

"I'll admit, this ramen is pretty good, but I still don't understand how you eat it as much as you do. Seriously, you could probably set a record if you haven't already. Don't you ever get tired of it?" Shikamaru said.

Naruto slurped up the last remaining noodles from his sixth bowl of ramen just as Shikamaru finished his first bowl.

"You kidding me? I love this stuff! Hinata and I came here yesterday for our first date. I've been craving it ever since we left!"

"Wow, from first date to giving her a key the next day. Moving kinda fast, aren't you?" Shikamaru replied with an eyebrow raised.

"It's not like she's moving in with me. I just want her to know that my home is her home, and that she's always welcome. I wouldn't say we're moving too fast. I mean, we haven't even really... you know... done much."

"What, you mean sex?"

"K-Keep your voice down!"

"There's nobody else here, idiot. So, what all have you done? I know, not my business, but I could give you a few pointers if you want. You know, man to man."

"Right, 'cause you're so experienced."

"Actually, I am, for your information. Temari is the only one I've been with, but we've been seeing each other for a while now. I've also heard a lot from friends who have had different experiences with their partners. Friends that I trust not to talk a bunch of shit just to look cool."

"Okay then, I'll bite. Like I said, uh, we haven't done much. We've kissed and made out a couple times. So, what kind of 'pointers' did you have for me?" Naruto asked.

"In your case, I would focus on keeping it slow and learning how to have fun with each other. There's no need to jump right in and get to the 'good' part. You can still have fun without having intercourse. The main thing to remember is that sex should be enjoyable for both of you. It may take time for you to both figure out what you like, but to me that's the best part, especially if you have no previous experience."

"I did tell her I wanted to take it slow, and she said she felt the same. I'll tell you one thing though, she makes it really difficult.

"Temptation is a fun part as well, as long as you can control yourself."

"That's the hard part. But, wait, you mean girls don't all like the same things?" Naruto said with a confused look on his face.

Shikamaru chuckled for a moment and continued.

"Hell no. Guys are a little more simple, but almost every girl is different, and they all like and dislike different things. Some girls like being touched in certain ways. Some girls like gentle, passionate sex. Some girls like rough sex. Others like a balance between both. There's also a very long list of different kinks."

"Hinata doesn't seem like she would want to be rough... or kinky for that matter. She's just so timid, ya know?"

"I wouldn't be so sure of that just yet. From what I understand, the quiet ones are the most surprising. That's why you should take your time and learn what she likes. You never know, you might learn a thing or two about yourself as well."

"I'm listening."

"That's it, really. Just take it slow and have fun together. Sex can be a really intimidating thing at first, but it's far more enjoyable if you learn to trust your partner and just enjoy yourselves."

"I see... Ya know, I never thought I'd be having this conversation with you. Actually, you're the last person I'd expect to talk about this stuff with."

"Me either, to be honest. I don't think I've ever given advice on this stuff before. I hope you learned something though."

"What you said makes a lot of sense to me. Not gonna lie, I've been kind of nervous about the whole thing."

"I'm sure Hinata is too. It's completely normal to be nervous. Hell, I know I was, even after a couple times."

"That makes me feel a little better. Thank you, Shikamaru."

"Anytime."

After eating, they both bid themselves farewell and went their separate ways. Naruto decided to take a nature walk, for he still had some time to kill before Hinata came over. As he walked through a grassy clearing, he found a large tree with a trunk wide enough for him to sit against. He looked up and stared through the leaves as he thought back to everything Shikamaru had told him. It seemed he was already off to a good start by keeping things slow. Still, he was thankful that Shikamaru was there to support him and give him advice. He looked forward to exploring his relationship with Hinata and discovering what they liked to do with each other in private.

He got home a few minutes before 5:00 and mentally prepared himself to see Hinata again. They had proclaimed their love for each other and done things with each other that they'd never do for anyone else, yet he still found himself becoming more and more anxious as the clock ticked. He sat in his kitchen and caught himself fidgeting with the new key in his hand.

He smiled to himself as he remembered his childhood memories with Shikamaru and Choji. Even if they never understood his loneliness, they had both usually been nice to him, even when nobody else was.

He wasn't proud to admit it, but there had been times when Naruto had sat alone in his apartment and thought about enacting revenge against the people who treated him so poorly. He had just wanted to feel something different, like he was in control for once. There were hard times where he wanted to let everything go, to let his rage run wild. He had once feared that his heart would turn cold and he would go against everything he stood for.

But there was nothing to fear now. Even if he didn't have the friends he had now, the love that Hinata expressed toward him was enough to drown out every bit of hate he had ever felt. He really felt that he didn't deserve her... but he was more than thankful for her commitment to him. He only wanted to return that commitment to her, to love her as she had always loved him. That was what she deserved.

"I love you, Hinata." He whispered to himself as he observed the key in his hand.

As if on cue, he then heard the sound of her knuckles against his front door. He quickly hid the key in his pocket and nervously made his way to the door, his heart racing with every step he took...

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Next one is on the way!

Please please PLEASE keep it up with the reviews. They give me so much more confidence in my writing skills, and I always look forward to reading them. Any criticism or comments are happily welcomed.

See you soon!