-Naruto?...-

A hand on his face woke him up from that trance, only to find himself wrapped in a bigger one: in front of him, a short distance away, Hinata was staring into his eyes, her silver orbs fixed on him trying to hide the slight tremor the blonde's presence provoked to her.

It was like having discovered the beloved flavor of ramen all over again that rainy afternoon, the for the first time in his life someone had shown an act of humanity towards him, when Mr. Teuchi seeing him wet and cold going to buy stale bread with what was left of the meager allowance he received, he had invited him to eat at his restaurant.

Hinata presented herself to Naruto under that captivating gaze like a divine gift that life had thrown his way, a gift that he was completely sure he would want to receive every day from that moment on, something precious that deserved every beat of his heart

.

A treasure for which to give life, a woman to conquer every night.

He saw himself for an instant running through her body again, giving himself permission to savor those sensations that he had denied so much, adoration, tenderness and the purest affection. If touching her before had been extremely pleasant, reaching her bed now seemed the closest thing to reaching heaven.

And he could imagine even beyond the bed, the days together that piled up became their lives. Her smiles, the afternoons of cinnamon rolls, her dinners, her belly full of life carrying their children...he could see crystal clear their future.

He was speechless, even knowing Hinata had affectionately called him a few minutes ago. So many were the emotions crowded into the blonde's eyes and slipped crystalline down his cheeks.

Her hand brushed against the tears, subtly trying to brush them away.

-I… I made you go through a whole sea of sensations, I apologize. I just hope it helps you understand yourself better-

His hand rested on hers, squeezing hard, with the need of someone who wants to cling to never let go of what it holds.

-I perfectly understand that I identify with each of the feelings that you showed me, Hina. Now I am convinced, what I feel is love, and it is thanks to you that I can understand it.

-Now that you know, you can enter into peace with your heart…Loving also means letting go with a smile , hoping the other person is happy. Sakura-san…she seems to have taken another path, I'm not telling you not to fight for her, but…if she's happy elsewhere, maybe one day you'll let yourself heal and love again. The pain of loss begins to subside at some point, and new paths are formed to your heart if you allow it.-

Still intoxicated with emotions, Naruto undid the woman's transformation, he wanted to feel all the love that Hinata was capable of emanating seeing him as he was, as a man.

-I know that I am willing to do anything for this love Hina, from giving the greatest of struggles to leaving with dignity, I am prepared-

-That makes me happy- she said.

Lie! He could feel the tightness in her chest, of course! She still thought they were talking about Sakura.

Nervously Hinata pulled away from him and began to take steps backwards.

-I'm really glad I helped you, now if you'll excuse me I'll go inside- she curtsied slightly and turned around to start walking. In a second she felt herself wrapped in strong arms, holding her close to him, her back pressed against his chest.

-Stay with me Hinata-

Silence

He still hadn't cut the sage mode and he felt the emotions mix inside her, hope and doubt in battle.

"Please stay with me," he insisted. -I… I need you, stay with me tonight-

The battle ceased to give way to a strange cold. Hinata turned to look at him, her face stricken.

-Naruto… you know I can't be your comfort for one night-

Damn, he hadn't explained himself well…he had offended her.

Hinata released her grip and began to walk faster.

-No no, wait I didn't mean….-

-Naruto Senpaiiii- a group of girls who had been hunting the hero quickly came to cut him off, surrounding him with no escape.

Hinata retraced his steps, taking in the scene.

-Ladies, our hero's heart is under the effect of pain and melancholy ... maybe one of you can help him fill that void" he looked at Naruto's eyes again to address him -I leave you in good hands, Naruto-senpai-

And he watched her go with a heavy heart. He was fighting to get out of the group of girls, he wasn't going to let her go, he had to make it clear to her that his poor choice of words didn't represent the honor of newly found feelings. He needed to make it clear to her that the woman he was going to fight for was her and only her!

Hinata had not taken more than a few steps when they heard Ronin's voice approaching.

-Hinata-san I finally found you, I wanted to ask you to come with me, it will only be a moment, I promise-

It was Naruto's turn to grieve, because even with the active sage mode he noticed the slight leap of joy that Hinata's heart gave in the presence of Ronin, a presence that awakened in her a taste of hope, and the innocence of the feelings that she had described to Naruto in the first steps of their love.

What had previously been a suspicion for Naruto was now a certainty: Hinata was starting to fall in love with Ronin.

XXXxxxXXX

Hey there! I am very aware this is a short chapter (got some critics in the original version), sorry about that, is simply I like the cut in the story at this momentum.

Hope you enjoyed and as usual, feel free to give me your feedback :)