Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Closer ❯ Misunderstandings ( Chapter 11 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

By: Lynns

Series: Naruto, belongs to Kishimoto-Sama

Pairing: NaruHina

Beta: Narai Moroha

Author: Lynns (Inu-Hugger and Mysteriousgirl)

Misunderstanding

Sweat rolled down Naruto's forehead as he bustled around his apartment, trying to get it organized before Hinata arrived. His place was almost completely dark, aside from the odd ray of sunlight creeping in through the black window shades. The soft buzzing of the two fans in his living room and bedroom were the only source of `air conditioning' in his apartment, and they did little to help him deal with the heat. Summers were always hot in Konoha, sometimes it was so scorching outside it was better to just stay inside your home. Even though Naruto was only wearing a pair of shorts - and nothing else - his place still felt like an oven.

A soft frustrated sigh escaped his lips while he put the last of his dishes away before moving into his bedroom. Standing there for a moment, he looked briefly around before striding over to his closet. Sliding the door open, his eyes scanned the contents inside before nodding his head approvingly. Yup, there's enough room in here, but what about the dresser? In two steps he knelt beside the brown dresser that was located across from the end of his bed. In a few seconds he examined the contents in each of the four drawers, paused to think for a moment, but then shrugged his shoulders. Pulling out all the stuff in the bottom drawer and combining it with the third. With the bottom drawer completely empty, Naruto closed it with his foot before moving onto the bathroom. He checked the shower first before moving over to the small bathroom cabinet that had a mirror on the front. I don't have much in here in the first place, so there will be plenty of room in here too.

Feeling satisfied with his work, Naruto walked over to his bed and flopped on top, sighing softly as he felt the air from the fan blow across his hot body. The soft buzzing from the fan almost made the blonde ninja fall asleep, but a quick reminder that he was expecting company kept him half awake. It was simply to hot to really do anything today, and since it was one of the rare days he had off from missions, he decided he could be as lazy as possible. Or at least he could be lazy until the festival started later in the evening, and he hoped that once the sun set, the temperature outside would cool as well.

Knock Knock

Naruto smirked and leaped out of bed. Quickly he scanned his apartment one more time to make sure it was neat before he opened the door to reveal his beautiful and . . .hot girlfriend. Hinata was wearing a pair of shorts and a dark blue tank top, her hands clutching a back pack and her hair had been pulled into a lose bun. Hot damn, I've never seen her wearing clothes like this before!

Seeing Naruto's wide grin and hungry gaze made Hinata blush, but it also didn't help that he was standing in front her half naked! “Hi Naruto-kun.”

“Afternoon Hinata-chan. Come on in.” Naruto moved aside and opened the door wider. “Is it hot at the Hyuuga estate?”

“No it's actually really cool, but that's because we have air conditioning.”

Naruto almost didn't catch what Hinata had said, he could not keep staring at her, “So, um . . . there's plenty of room in the closet and bathroom for your stuff, and I emptied out the bottom drawer in my dresser.”

“Are you sure this is okay?”

“Of course it is! You're over here at my place all the time, so it makes sense for you to keep some of your stuff here, unless you don't want to . . .” Naruto rubbed the back of his head.

“I do! I mean, I do want to keep some of my stuff here. I just don't want to be a bother . . .” Hinata couldn't finish her sentence. Naruto had grabbed her arm and enveloped her in a tender, sweet kiss.

“You're never a bother Hinata-chan, don't ever think that okay? I don't mind at all if some of your stuff is here. Plus, it's a bonus for me if you keep some of your underwear here so I can . . .”

Hinata playfully smacked his arm, “Hentai,” she whispered softly before heading towards his bedroom, “I also brought you a yukata for tonight's festival.”

Naruto frowned, “A yukata? Aw, come on Hinata-chan, do I have to wear one?”

Whining got the blonde ninja nowhere - Hinata turned around and gave him a rather stern look that dared him to argue with her again. The two of them very rarely fought about anything, hell he wouldn't even call it fighting; perhaps light bickering would be the correct definition. However usually Hinata won their small fights and it was obvious she would win this one too. “Yes. It's traditional to wear one, plus it will be a lot cooler then your orange jump suit.”

“I like my orange jump suit . . .” mumbled Naruto, crossing his arms. He was about to start complaining again, but stopped as he watched Hinata pull the yukata out of her bag. It was almost completely black except for orange flames that covered the bottom and the hem of the sleeves. The obi was orange as well and when Hinata turned it around it had an orange swirl on the back. His jaw dropped, never before had he seen a yukata like this before! Usually the ones he saw were just so bland it wasn't worth buying or wearing one. “Where . . . did you find one like this?”

Hinata blushed, “I made it myself. It was a bit difficult trying to find the right material and I had to ask Gamakichi for a little help, he's the one that got most of it for me.”

Taking the yukata from the heiress, Naruto slipped it over his shoulders and made a poor attempt to tie the obi. It was a losing battle for the blond ninja and he was very thankful when Hinata stepped forward, her skillful fingers tying the knot, “I take it you've done this before?”

“I help Neji-niisan and father with their obis for special occasions. There we go, all done.”

Naruto stepped away from Hinata and examined himself in the full length mirror on the back of his bedroom door. Hot damn I look good! The garment reminded him of his red sage coat that was hanging in the closet. “Thanks Hinata-chan. What's yours look like?”

Her hands slipped back into the back pack and she pulled out a dark blue yukata covered in purple butterflies, “I found this the other day in my mother's collection.” Hinata whispered more to herself as her hands ran over the material.

“Beautiful,” muttered Naruto, taking the few steps forward so he could caress her cheek with his hand before kissing the tip of her nose, “And the yukata is pretty too . . .”

Hinata giggled softly and sighed contently as Naruto captured her lips in another kiss.

Knock Knock

Naruto growled softly at the interruption, but chose to ignore it. Instead he lightly pushed Hinata backwards until the backs of her legs hit the edge of the bed. They fell together and Hinata giggled softly when he started kissing her collarbone.

“Y-You're not going to get the door?”

“Not important . . .” mumbled Naruto against her skin, sliding down her body and pushing the material of her tank top up so he could kiss her stomach.

“B-But we . . . this morning, we . . . and it's only afternoon . . .”

“In-sati-able . . .” Naruto sang softly against her belly button, “Plus these are the consequences you get . . .” kissing her lower abdomen, “ . . . for being with the apprentice . . .” his hands sliding up to caress her breasts, “ . . .of Konoha's biggest pervert . . .”

Hinata whimpered softly.

“Besides I want to see how fast your nimble fingers can untie this obi for . . .”

KNOCK KNOCK

Another growl escaped his throat as he eyed the door in frustration, but chose to ignore it once again.

“Damn it Naruto, I know you're in there! And I know Hinata's in there too! Put some clothes on and answer the damn door!”

Naruto cringed and sighed in defeat at the sound of Sakura's voice. Pulling down Hinata's tank top so she was decent, he quickly kissed her one more time, “Don't think you're out of the woods yet my princess, I'll capture you again later . . .”

Hinata giggled and lightly pushed him off of her, “You better answer the door or Sakura-chan will break it down.”

“Good point and I don't want to replace the lock again,” he mumbled before jumping off the bed and scurrying towards the door. He quickly opened it before Sakura could pound on it again, “Can I help you Sakura-chan?”

The pink haired kunoichi stood there with her arms crossed and a rather annoyed look her face from being forced to wait, but it quickly became a look of curiosity when she eyed the yukata, “Where did you get that?”

Naruto smirked, “Hinata-chan made it for me! Isn't it awesome?”

Sakura nodded, “It is. Can I talk to Hinata for a while?”

“Um, sure I'll just get her for you - whoa!” Naruto stumbled over his own feet as Sakura pulled him forward, forcing him outside while she stepped inside. “Hey! Wait a minute!”

The door slammed shut and Naruto ran face first into it, his nose cracking from the force. Stumbling back the blonde ninja clutched his face and tried to deal with the pain from his throbbing nose, head and also the boiling heat, “Damn it Sakura-chan open the door now!”

“I just want to talk to Hinata alone for a while. Can you please just give us some space?”

Sakura's muffled reply made his blood boil, and it wasn't because of the heat, “You expect to walk around in this heat wearing a yukata!? I'll cook to death!”

Silence followed his angry outburst and for a moment he thought he was being ignored, but finally the door opened and Hinata stepped outside with one of his T-shirts draped over her arm, a guilty look on her face. “I'm sorry Naruto, but Sakura needs to talk to someone, do you think you could give us a few minutes?”

Naruto sighed in defeat and grumbled under his breath while Hinata untied the obi and slipped the yukata off his shoulders, “I guess I can . . .”

Passing the shirt over to him, Hinata pecked him on the cheek. “Thanks. Why don't you go pick up a few groceries? I noticed you are low on milk.”

Nodding softly, Naruto turned and walked down the stairs, his head hung in defeat.

Hinata watched Naruto for a moment before turning around and heading back inside, walking through the kitchen and back into the bedroom where Sakura sat waiting. “Is he angry?”

“A little, but I'm sure he'll be fine later on.”

Sakura nodded, but didn't say anything else after that. Hinata waited for a moment, but when Sakura still remained silent she started working on the task she had first set out to do when coming here. Folding hers and Naruto's yukata she placed them on the dresser since they would be wearing them later on. Picking the back pack up off the floor, she began pulling out her stuff and that seemed to catch Sakura's attention. She watched as Hinata pulled out a tooth brush, a hair brush, shampoo and conditioner, some clothes for sleeping in, a set of her ninja outfit and a few under garments.

“Are you moving in with Naruto?” Sakura asked quietly.

Hinata shook her head. “No, but I do spend a lot of time here and some . . . nights as well. So Naruto-kun and I thought it would be best if I have a few of my things here.”

Silence followed again, so Hinata started to put her stuff away and wait patiently for Sakura to open up on what she wanted to talk about. When she reached the bathroom and placed her tooth brush in the same holder as Naruto's, a sort of warm feeling felt over and for a moment she wondered if this is what it would feel like if she actually did move in with him. However her thoughts were interrupted when Sakura finally spoke.

“Lee-kun, hasn't asked me to the Tanabata festival.”

Stepping out of the bathroom, Hinata noticed that Sakura's eyes were brimmed with tears. Fingers clutching the sheets below her until her knuckles turned white, “He hasn't?”

Sakura shook her head, “No. I think he's still mad at me from when I . . . when Sasuke-kun . . .” Tears started to roll down her cheeks and her words weren't coming out in full sentences, “What have I done?”

Seating herself next to her friend, Hinata enveloped Sakura in a hug, “Shhh. It's alright, don't cry Sakura-chan. Why don't you start over? I haven't really talked to you since that time we were at Shiso's.”

She wiped the tears from her eyes, “After I talked with you guys, I immediately headed to where Lee-kun was training. He was so worn out I couldn't figure out how he was still standing, but at the very least he was shocked to see me there. At first he couldn't look me in the eye and asked why I was there. I finally told him that I had been a fool for thinking I still had feelings for Sasuke-kun and that it was really him that I wanted to be with.

“He didn't believe me at first, but after I told him I had talked to all of you he finally looked me in the eye and he . . . he . . . he told me how much I had hurt him. How after I was going out of my way to avoid him how crushed and heart broken he felt. He honestly thought I had just used him since Sasuke-kun wasn't around and then he asked me if I was sure of my feelings. He heard from TenTen that I once had feelings for Naruto too and . . .”

Sakura lifted her head and turned to Hinata, “I have to tell you something Hinata . . . something that I should have a long time ago. When I first found out I had feelings for Naruto . . . I confessed to him.”

Hinata nodded, “Naruto-kun told me.”

“Did he tell you I tried to kiss him?” Seeing Hinata's pale violet eyes widen slightly, Sakura continued on, “I did. I know you two were dating, but I . . . I just wanted to show Naruto that I actually meant what I was saying. But before I could he pushed me away and told me that it would never happen between us, because - he was with you.”

The Hyuuga heiress remained silent.

“Do you hate me?”

“No. I don't hate you Sakura-chan. You were just trying to be honest with your feelings. I'm a bit surprised that you tried to kiss him and I'm a bit curious why Naruto-kun didn't tell me, but I'm sure he had his reasons. He's never kept secrets from me, so maybe he thought it wasn't important to tell me.” And it's not like they actually kissed, Hinata reminded herself. “Besides, it happened over a year ago, so it's all in the past.”

Sakura nodded. “Anyways I told him that I was one hundred percent sure that it was him I wanted to be with. I went on how much fun I had on our date and that I wanted to continue seeing him. He was hesitant at first, but finally agreed that we could try going out again. However he wanted to go slow and not just jump back to where we were.

“That was three months ago. Everything was starting to go smoothly for us, and even a couple weeks ago he started holding my hand again. Then a few days ago when he got back from a mission, I was so sure he was going to ask me to the festival . . . but . . .”

Tears once again started to roll down her cheeks and Hinata patted her back comfortingly.

“He saw Sasuke-kun and me together, but it was all just a misunderstanding! Sasuke-kun was at my place to get some medical treatment and he hates going to the hospital so he sought me out. He took off his shirt so I could heal his shoulder, but when I went to get the medical cream I tripped and Sasuke-kun caught me, and then Lee-kun walked in! I tried to tell him what was going on but before I could he left. I've been trying to find him but I don't know where he's gone, I can't find him!”

“Did Sasuke-kun say anything about the situation?”

“No. I don't even know what happened to him, I immediately took off after Lee. What am I going to do Hinata? I want to explain to Lee-kun what happened but do you think he'll believe me? I know I was horrible to him the first time, but this time . . . I like him, I really do! I have so much fun with him, I trust him, he's always honest with me and . . I don't want to lose him, I can't lose him!”

*******************

Naruto grumbled under his breath and continued his attempt to eat his Popsicle before it could completely melt in the heat. He had almost done a complete lap around Konoha in an attempt to keep himself occupied and he hoped by the time he made a full lap, stopped at the convenient store to pick up some milk and cereal (he figured he'd pick up Hinata's favorite kind) and made his way back to his apartment that Sakura would be gone and he could spend a few hours of alone time with Hinata before the festival started.

For as long as he had been in Konoha, the Tanabata festival had never interested him before. Since it was based on a heavenly couple, he figured it was a festival for couples only, or at least that's how he saw it from his point of view. However, now that he was with Hinata, he couldn't help but feel a little excited to go with her. They could play some games, watch the fireworks, check out the decorations and then head back to his place for some more alone time. He snickered softly to himself and wondered if Hinata would like to play `Heavenly Lovers' when they got back from the festival. Naruto was so distracted that he almost walked right into Sasuke.

“Ooi, dobe! Watch where you're going!”

Naruto skidded to a stop, “Ooi, you watch it! Who stands in the middle of the street?”

Sasuke sighed, “Look I need your help.”

Blue eyes widened? “Eh? What did you say? Uchiha Sasuke needs my help? Holy shit! Alert the media!”

The Uchiha thwacked Naruto upside the head, “Stop being such an idiot. Do you know where Lee is?”

“Lee? Um I haven't seen him since I left for a mission a few weeks ago. Have you tried asking Sakura? She usually knows where he's . . .”

“This is about Sakura, so I know he's not with her.”

“What are you talking about? What do you mean . . .”

“Just shut up and help me look for him okay?!” grumbled Sasuke, grabbing Naruto by the shoulder and dragged him along.

The two teammates looked through out the village, but there was no sign of the taijutsu master. Even Tenten and Neji didn't know where he was at.

“He wears a fricken green jump suit, damn it! How hard can it be to find this guy?!” cursed Sasuke as they made their way to the training grounds.

“I know I've probably asked this over a dozen times, but I'm going to ask again. What the hell is going on? Why do you need to talk to Lee?”

“Naruto, shut up already. When I talk to Lee you'll get the full story there, I don't feel like repeating myself.”

Naruto rolled his eyes. “Alright, but let's do this my way this time around. Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!”

Sasuke's eyes widened as he was surround by more than a thousand Naruto clones, it never ceased to amaze him how Naruto could produce so many. He watched as the blonde ninja relayed instructions to the clones to find Lee before they all scattered to check every training field.

“Instead of us checking them one by one, those guys will find him in no time!” Naruto said matter-of-factly, a huge grin on his face.

“Why didn't you just do that earlier? We could have found him by now, dobe.”

“I didn't exactly hear you come up with any . . .” Naruto froze, his eyes widening, “Found him.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Training ground 50, but . . .”

“But what?

“He's practicing his drunken fist.”

Both of them were silent.

“You're kidding right?” Sasuke hoped that Naruto was just joking.

“Nope, and Training Ground 50 looks like a war zone so it's obvious that he's mad about something. What did you do?”

“What are you talking about? What makes you think I did something?”

“Two reasons! One, you never talk to Lee, so obviously you're seeking him out for some reason other than to just have a light chat with him. Two, Lee only drinks when he's really upset and trust me, I saw a few sake bottles so you really did something bad to him!”

Sasuke stared at the blonde ninja for a moment, his eye brow arched. “Since when did you get so smart?”

Naruto growled, “Ooi . . .”

“Alright fine, let's go to Training Ground 50. How long does it take for the Sake to wear off?”

“As long as Lee is fighting, it burns through his system pretty quickly so usually about fifteen minutes. But since he's down about two bottles, my guess is an hour.”

Sasuke froze. He didn't want to admit it, but he had heard some pretty ghastly stories on what happened when Lee used his drunken fist. He would have much rather faced Madara and his brother again with one hand tied behind his back. “Perhaps we should come back later.”

“Yeah, I don't want to fight him either. That guys crazy when he's using the drunken fist.” Sasuke sent a death glare to Naruto. “However, there's a full sake bottle sitting in the pile and if he drinks that too you won't be able to talk to him until tomorrow, and he's probably going to have one major hang over.”

“Which means . . .”

“You have to fight him.”

“Me? You're not going to help your teammate?”

“I'm not the one who's ticked him off! Besides I would like to be in one piece for the festival and be able to function normally tonight when Hinata-chan and I . . .”

“Don't. Say. Another. Word.” Growled Sasuke, his finger tips brushing against the hilt of his sword.

“Oh you're just jealous because I'm getting some action. You probably haven't gotten it on . . .”

“I swear Naruto, one more word and I will tie you up and toss you into ground 50. I'm sure Lee will gladly use you as a punching bag.”

Naruto chuckled under his breath.

The two ninja cautiously made their way to where Lee was, and sure enough the taijutsu master was just about to start downing his third bottle of sake.

“Oh shit . . .” Sasuke drew his sword and in the blink of an eye disappeared from Naruto's side. Just before the bottle touched Lee's lips, Sasuke cut through the glass. Sake spilled onto the ground and before Sasuke had a chance to turn around Lee was right in front him. The Uchiha raised his arms in defense, but was saved by one of Naruto's clones who took the blow. “Guess there's no helping it; I'll have to fight him.”

Two Hours Later

Naruto groaned loudly and tried to walk in straight line, but with the way his head was spinning from being thrown through two threes he wouldn't be surprised if he was still seeing stars tomorrow. Damn it . . . I am never fighting Lee's drunken fist again . . . or at least I'm not without my ninja gear and forehead protector . . . I can't believe I went through two fucking trees before the third one stopped me.This is what Sasuke and I get for deciding to take turns fighting Lee one on one and underestimating how tough he can be. I can't believe I had to use sage mode and Saskue had to use his Sharingan on him . . . fuck that guy is tough. Slowly he released sage mode and turned to Sasuke who looked just as banged up as he did.

“Don't say a word Naruto. I don't need you flaunting this in my face . . .”

“Actually I was just going to say you might want to get your hand looked at, I don't think your fingers are supposed to bend that way.”

Sasuke cursed under his breath and made an attempt to sit up, but heard a crack on his left side and sharp stab of pain. Fuck. Did he crack my ribs too?

“So both of us are scraped up with lots of bruises, looks like two of your fingers are dislocated and sounds like you have a few cracked ribs. Meanwhile I have a dislocated shoulder and I'm missing a tooth . . . this is the last time I help you with anything, Sasuke”

“Oh, quit your eternal bitching and help me up,” grumbled Sasuke, making another attempt to sit up.

Sighing, Naruto helped his teammate to his feet before they both stumbled to where Lee was laid out flat on his back. He was back to normal, but hadn't said a word.

“Ooi, are you just going to lie there all day?” asked Sasuke, trying really hard not use this opportunity to give Lee a swift kick in the ribs.

“What do you want? Shouldn't you be with Sakura-chan?” mumbled Lee, making an attempt to sit up, but failed. Despite how Naruto and Sasuke looked, he looked even worse than the two of them combined together. It was a miracle that Lee was still conscious.

Sasuke didn't say a word at first; instead he dropped down beside Lee and looked him in the eye. “There's nothing going on between Sakura and me. The one she wants is you.”

Lee's eyes widened even more if that was physically possible. “That's . . . but I . . .”

“What you saw was nothing more than a misunderstanding. She was simply going to heal my shoulder and tripped, I caught her and then you walked in. That's all that happened.” Sasuke looked down at Lee with such intensity in his eyes, that it was very clear he was telling the truth. “I don't like hospitals, and Sakura is the only one I trust to heal my injuries so that's why I was at her place.”

Naruto eyed his teammate suspiciously. Since when does Sasuke go out of his way to help others? It seemed that Lee was thinking the exact same thing. “Why are you doing this? I thought you liked Sakura-chan too.”

There was a flicker of emotion that passed through the Uchiha's black eyes that made them soften a little bit. “Perhaps I do like her, perhaps I don't. I have no idea what it is I feel for Sakura. However what I do know is that at one point she loved me with all her heart, but now her heart belongs to you. I treated Sakura horribly when we were genin, so I at least owe her this much to clear up a stupid misunderstanding with her idiot boyfriend.”

Lee glared at him for being called an idiot.

“So now you know the truth. I suggest you clean yourself up and go find Sakura; she's pretty upset and thinks you're mad at her. I know for a fact she doesn't want to lose you.”

Lee said nothing, but Sasuke felt he had said all there needed to be said and stood up without too much trouble. “You coming dobe?”

Naruto nodded. “Yeah I'm coming. Are you coming to the festival tonight bushy eyebrows?”

He received no verbal response, but Lee did nod his head.

“Good, I'll see you there!”

*************

Sakura couldn't help the tears that ran down her cheeks, but unlike earlier in the day these were tears of happiness. “Thank you so much Sasuke-kun! You too Naruto.”

The blonde ninja nodded, but still winced when Hinata tied the obi around his waist. “Ah! Not so tight Hinata-chan, I think Lee bruised a few of my ribs too.”

Sasuke on the other hand didn't say anything or nod his head while Sakura healed his hand. He was too embarrassed since he had almost cried out in pain when she had unexpectedly snapped his fingers back into place. On three my ass, she snapped them back on two and I wasn't ready for it.

“Naruto are you sure you don't want me to heal your ribs too?” asked Sakura as she stepped away from his table. “I'm all done Sasuke-kun.”

“Nah, I'll be healed up by the end of the night, besides you better get home and get ready. The festival starts in an hour, plus you better make sure Lee put his yukata on right, I don't think I've ever seen him wear one before.”

“I'm completely amazed you even know what a yukata is dobe.” Mumbled Sasuke.

“You want me to dislocate that hand for you again?”

“Just try it and I'll knock you into next week.”

Naruto growled.

“Will you two give it a rest? If you keep it up, Hinata and I will be forced to give both of you a smack down. Which hurts more boys? Cracked bones from my fists or pasted internal organs from Hinata's gentle fist?” threatened Sakura.

Both of them shut up immediately.

“Good, that's the correct answer. Now if you'll excuse me I have to get ready. I'll see you later Hinata!” Sakura waved goodbye to her friend before running out the door.

Sasuke stood up from the kitchen chair and adjusted his robes, “I have to be going as well, I'll be acting as security tonight for the festival.”

“Security? Aren't the ANBU supposed to be in charge of that?” asked Naruto.

“Most of them are away on missions and there is only a handful here in the village. Hokage-sama just wants to make sure nothing happens while everyone is having fun.”

“What could possibly happen? It's not like the Akatsuki are around anymore.”

“You obviously have forgotten about Kabuto. He's still around and no one knows what he's up to. It's possible that he could attack Konoha to get revenge for Orochimaru.”

“I thought Anko had some leads on where the bastard was hiding.”

Sasuke shook his head. “Every time she gets a lead, he somehow slips through her fingers. So until we know what the scum is planning, Hokage-sama is making sure someone is on watch at all times. Well I'm off; I'll see you two later.”

************

His brow furrowed in concentration as he stared down at the blank slip of paper before him, twiddling the pen in between his fingers. No matter how hard he stared at the paper, nothing seemed to be clicking in his mind.

“Ryo for your thoughts?”

Naruto looked up at Hinata and smiled, “I just can't think of anything that rhymes with Hokage.”

Smiling back Hinata placed another slip of paper on the bamboo and stared up at the clear night sky. “No rain. Looks like Orihime and Hikoboshi will be able to see each other tonight,”

A lustful smile spread across Naruto's lips as he pulled Hinata close to him on the bench, “Perhaps later on at my place you and I can act out their encounter together?”

Hinata blushed, “M-Maybe . . .”

“Ooi, get a room,” grumbled Shikamaru, watching with a lazy expression as Temari placed her wish on their bamboo. “You should keep those ideas in the bedroom, Naruto.”

The blonde ninja paid no attention to his friend, “Hey Temari, does Shikamaru even stay awake for anything after you two make it to the bedroom?”

Shikamaru almost choked on his roasted corn and Temari sighed, she didn't seem to be bothered at all by the comment. However she did shoot Naruto a glare that guaranteed intense pain if he said anything else of the sort.

Ino giggled as she watched her teammate try to catch his breath, “Lighten up Shika, it's the festival for the heavenly lovers, everyone here is allowed to be lovey dovey.” She leaned her back against Chouji's chest to look up at the stars, “So romantic . . .”

“Troublesome . . .” grumbled the shadow user.

“You're such a stick in the mud Shikamaru. Lighten up and enjoy the romance in the air!”

Both Shikamaru and Neji rolled their eyes from TenTen's outburst and continued trying to think of wishes to hang on each of their bamboo.

“Well while the boys try to figure out their wishes, what did everyone here get for prizes from the stands? Chouji won me this cute bunny!” squealed Ino, lifting it up for everyone to see.

“That's nothing, Neji got me three goldfish.” TenTen smiled.

“How come you didn't get me anything?” Temari asked Shikamaru, almost tempted to push his head off her lap.

“You want something useless like that?”

Temari frowned and looked away, “Baka . . .”

Shikamaru sighed and reached up to brush his hand against her cheek, “I'll get you something you'll really like later okay?”

A blush dusted Temari's cheeks as she stared into Shikamaru's hooded gaze and smiled.

“Get a room you two!” Naruto mocked, but immediately shut up from the stern look Hinata was giving him.

“What about you Hinata? Did Naruto get you anything?” asked Ino.

Hinata nodded, reached behind their bench and pulled up a two stuffed animals, a fox and a frog, “Naruto-kun got me two actually, he was surprisingly good at throwing darts.” She smiled softly at Naruto, silently thanking him again for the gift.

“When do the fireworks start?” asked Neji, trying to change the subject.

After everyone had written their wishes, they brought their bamboo stalks over to the Hokage tower and at midnight they would be burned on top of the Hokage monument. Everyone went their separate ways to watch the fireworks privately with their significant other. Naruto and Hinata made their way towards the outskirts of the village so they could sit on the outer wall, close to the north gate. Luckily no one else had the same idea as them, and they were completely alone. Hinata sat down first, her feet dangling over the edge of the wall and Naruto lay down beside her so he could rest his head in her lap. The couple remained silent as they watched the stars, their hands interlocked as they enjoyed each others company.

“Sakura-chan told me something interesting today,” Hinata whispered softly, but it still caught Naruto's attention, “She said that the night she confessed to you, she also tried to kiss you as well.”

Naruto paled slightly and averted his gaze from hers.

“Why didn't you tell me?”

Silence was his answer for the moment, but as she watched him Hinata could tell that he was trying to find the right words to explain himself. “I was afraid . . .”

“Afraid?” Hinata tilted her head to the side.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Naruto gripped her hand tighter and continued his explanation, “I was afraid that, you would think I wanted to be with Sakura-chan instead of you. I know maybe that sounds a bit silly, but today is a good example of how misunderstandings can escalate.” His eyes finally met hers again, “If she had kissed me, would you have been angry?”

Hinata smiled down at him, her free hand moving up to run through his blond spikes and trace light patterns across his face, “No. I would not be angry with you.”

“How? How could you not be angry? Wouldn't you be jealous? Or, does it not matter to you if other girls look at me?” Naruto sighed and looked down at their interlocked hands, “I get jealous if other guys look at you . . .”

The smile still remained on her face, her fingers now tracing over his lips, “I remember something my mother once told me when I was a little girl. I asked her once what love was after hearing her say that word to my father. She said, Love is always patient and kind, it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited, it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end.

“I know you're the apprentice of the biggest pervert in Konoha and I don't know if you've noticed but you do flirt with other girls from time to time. However, I know that it's harmless. I know that you love me and that you would never consider cheating on me or look at another girl the same way as you do with me. You are always true to your word, so I know that when you tell me that you're happy being with me, you mean it from the bottom of your heart.

“You're all I want, you're all I need . . . you are everything . . .” Hinata finished off in a whisper before bringing their intertwined hands up to her lips, kissing the back of his like he would do so many times to hers.

Naruto could not help but simply stare up at her in awe, “I sometimes wonder how you can love an idiot like me. You're so wonderful to me and I can't keep track of how many bone headed mistakes I've made, but yet you forgive me each time. Have I told you you're beautiful lately?”

“I think the last time you told me was before you left for your mission . . .” Hinata reminisced back to that day in her mind.

“You're so beautiful . . .” his free hand reaching up to gently caress her cheek before running through her dark midnight hair. “Some days I just can't believe that you've been in love with me since we were kids. It just shakes my whole world to think that . . . when I thought I was alone, there was actually someone who cared for me.”

Slowly Naruto sat up and pulled Hinata closer to him, “I know I can be really dense at times, especially when it comes to stuff like this . . . but I know what it is that I feel for you. You make me feel happy, needed, wanted and loved. I was a fool to think I was ever in `love' with Sakura-chan, because this feeling for you is so much more. I'll always want you in my life and to copy your words . . . you're all I want in life, you're all I'll ever need and you are everything to me. Sometimes I feel like I need you more than air. I know we're only seventeen - well, I'll be eighteen in a few months - and I know some people think we are too young to know what true love is, but I know that's what I feel for you. I love you, Hinata.”

The sky erupted in bright lights as the fireworks began, marking that the festival was coming to an end. After a moment of watching the light show, Naruto turned to Hinata and chuckled softly.

“What's so funny?”

“Is it just me or does this kind of feel like a corny romance novel? We tell each other how much we love one another and then the fire works go off?”

Hinata giggled “Good point, it does feel like a romance novel.”

Naruto was now smirking, “So . . . are we at the part in the novel where the main characters, admit how much they want each other and head to the bedroom?”

She slapped his shoulder, “You are so insatiable . . .”

“I am, and it's all your fault. After I started seeing you my sexual frustration went through the roof. I can't help it if you're so hot and sexy and beautiful.”

“You're just trying to make me forget how much of a pervert you can be?”

“What? No I'm not! Unless it was working then maybe . . .”

Hinata sighed softly, her fingers brushing through his blonde spikes before slipping around his neck, grasping his hair and pulling him in for a deep kiss. “I'll let you in on a little secret Naruto. I know I sometimes tease you about being insatiable in the bed room, but I am grateful that you do know what you're doing.”

“Should I feel flattered?”

Hinata shrugged her shoulders, but suddenly shrieked with laughed when Naruto started tickling her sides. She fell onto her back as her lover continued his merciless assault on her sides. “Admit it! You like it that I'm a pervert!” whispered Naruto against her neck. After tears started to leak from Hinata's eyes and both of them were panting from laughing so hard, Naruto pulled his hands from her sides and kissed her tenderly.

“Oh! That reminds me, I have a surprise for you!” cried Naruto, jumping off of her and then leaping over the ledge of the wall.

“A surprise?”

“Yeah, wait here for a moment and I'll be right back!” Naruto disappeared in a flash, the grin on his face widening when he reached his apartment in a matter of seconds. After completing a successful `S' class mission, the pay from it was more than he had expected. However, he was unsure of what to do with his hard earned money but after seeing an advertisement for a new hot spring resort that had opened up in the Land of Fire had sparked an idea. It was a two day journey from Konoha and after being on so many missions for the last six months, a vacation was something he desperately needed. After getting permission from Tsunade-baachan, he was able to take time off the week of his birthday and had even managed to sweet talk her into giving Hinata time off too. Grabbing the brochure from his nightstand table, Naruto immediately headed back to where Hinata was.

Literally in a flash he was back . . . but Hinata was not there.

The two stuff animals that he had won for her were lying on the wall, there was a few torn pieces of Hinata's blue yukata nearby, but what shook him to the very core was the small puddle of blood . . .

“Hinata-chan?” croaked Naruto, his eyes frantically searching for her. “Hinata-chan?”

The brochure dropped from his shaking hand, his mind reeling as he tried to figure out what happened to her. Immediately he took off into the trees, focusing on his energy as he shifted into sage mode and desperately tried to sense her chakra, but felt nothing. As another set of fireworks went off in the distance, a movement in the trees caught his attention. Leaping to his right, he immediately recognized the garment caught on the tree branch, it was the sleeve of Hinata's yukata. His blood boiled, teeth grinding together and hands clenching at the thought of the kidnapper stripping his beloved . . .

However, he soon realized that there was piece of paper attached to the yukata sleeve. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he unfolded the letter.

Do not let anyone know what has happened. Do not ask anyone for help. Come alone to Orochimaru's old hideout. Follow these instructions and no harm will come to Hyuuga Hinata.

-K

Naruto read the letter once more before crunching it in his hand, his blood boiled in anger. Kabuto did this? But that doesn't make sense why would he take a hostage? Deciding he would ask questions later, Naruto was about to head back to his place to change however he stopped when he heard a familiar voice.

“Looks like Kabuto is finally making a move.”

Sasuke emerged from the trees, but what caught Naruto's attention was the man slung over the Uchiha's shoulder. “It's unlike him to take a hostage, but I suppose under the circumstances he wanted to be one hundred percent sure you came alone and weren't followed.”

“What are you doing here Sasuke?”

“I was simply making my rounds and checking the perimeter. But more to the point, I saw some of what transpired here.” Sasuke grunted as he tossed the man on his shoulder to the ground.

“What?!”

“I'll explain more on the way, but right now go home and change. We don't want to keep Kabuto waiting. I know you are worried about Hinata, but really you shouldn't be. She took down this guy . . .” Sasuke nudged the man on the ground with his foot, “All by herself, but unfortunately for her when she started fighting him in the trees she didn't notice Kabuto in time.”

“T-Then the blood . . .”

“From him. I don't think this guy realized who he was dealing with exactly, but one blow from your girl and he already started coughing up blood.” Sasuke was about to remind Naruto that he should head home and change so they could leave, but the way he was staring at the torn yukata sleeve, he decided one more explanation wouldn't hurt. “No they weren't stripping her. The idiot here kept trying to grab her and in the process her clothing was a bit torn.”

Naruto looked down at the man Sasuke was standing over, and he had to admit the guy had probably seen better days. “Wait a minute . . . how do you know all this?”

Sasuke kicked the man on the ground again, “I used my sharingan to make him talk. So do you want me to stand here talking all night, or shall we head out and face Kabuto?”

Determination spread across Naruto's face and his trademark grin appeared, “Let's do it!”

To Be Continued . . .

A/N:

Edited ending:

At first the ending was different and I had a worried Naruto running after Hinata . . . but then my beta pointed out that Naruto wouldn't act like that. Which I must thank Narai Moroha for; because after I re-read the ending I must say I did have Naruto a bit OOC. I was trying to go for a little drama, but I reconsidered.

Shiso:

I completely forgot to mention this last time, but in this chapter and `Realizations' I use a restaurant called Shiso and that is a real place. It's a Japanese restaurant in the city I live in and they have the best BBQ, which I'm sure Chouji would really enjoy.

Tanabata Festival:

At one of the Anime conventions I go to, ever year the event falls on the week of August 7 and so we celebrate Tanabata. Usually we just play games and then a skit is put on about the heavenly lovers. Now what I wrote here was from a bit of my own experience and I did some research (Thank you Wikipedia!).

Beta:

I want to thank Narai Moroha so much for editing this chapter for me. He stayed up I'm guessing maybe half the night to look it over. I must say I wasn't expecting that at all, but I am extremely grateful to him for getting it done so quickly and to point out I had Naruto acting OOC like I mentioned before.

Thanks for reading! Comments, suggestions and critiques are welcome!