Hinata sat on a stairs of the Hyuuga household. mentally practicing the byakugan when Sakura ran up. "hey!

Hinata, here ive got something for you." Hinata looked up shocked. she suddenly wanted to run away. not because

she hated Sakura, but because she thought it was a prank for anyone to be so kind to her. Sakura reached her

steps and handed her an envelope. "I hope you can come to my all girls sleepover." she said with obvious

excitement. Hinata smiled gingerly as she played with the invitation in her hand. im..invited, she thought

with belonging. Sakura oblivious to Hinatas thoughts flagged her hand in front of her face. "Hinata?" Hinata

came to as Sakura regained her happy expression. "you coming right?" Hinata didnt know how to respond. "uh,

sure, Sakura." Sakura smiled triumphantly. "all right! ive got you, Ten-?Ten, Temari, Ino,"she said

distastefully," And Neji!" Hinata looked puzzled. "nejis not a girl." she said softly. /Sakura

laughed and started walking away. "i know but he looks like one until you hear him speak." she said playfully.

Hinata watched her go and proudly held the envelope. she opened it with anticipation and pulled out a card. she

read it carefully. Hinata you are invited to my party along with the other konoichi in the village. please be

there on time. bring pajamas its a slepover!, the card read. Hinata smiled and pushed her waist length raven

colored hair from her face. "ive actually been invited."
she said to herself.

Hinata dressed qiuckly into a pair of comfortable jeans

and a red v-neck shirt. she tried to slip out quietly so

as not to arouse suspicion. but thats exactly what she

did. as she stepped out the door she turned around and

looked up into nejis ashen eyes. she wanted to

dessapare. "where do you think your going,Hinata?" he

asked sharply. his voice almost demanded an answer. "I,

I,...I was in-," she trailed off. she desparately wished

Neji would go away, but a wish isnt the same as

reality. "You what?" Neji asked. she wanted to avoid the

answer fearing he would go back and tell her father. " I

was invited."she blurted out. Neji cocked an eyebrow,

dumping a bucket of quilt over Hinatas face. " Invited

where?" he asked losing patience

fast. "IwasinvitedtoSakurasforasleepoverwiththeotherkonoi

chiofthevillageandimustgopleasedonttellfather!" she

ducked around him and ran from the Hyuuga clan house.

Neji watched after her angrily. "a ninja does not run

from her problems." he recited to himself. "i wonder

where she was going anyway." he shrugged it off, turned

on his heels and headed into the house.

Hinata finally stopped running next to the ramen shop

and hung her head down to catch her breath when a

familiar voice called her name. "Hinata! wait up!" a

fiminine voice called. Sakura stood with Sasuke, Naruto,

and Kakashi. Hinata looked up. "hello Sakura." she said

in an almost inaudible voice. Naruto put his hand to his

ear. "What did you say!" Sakura hit him over the head as

Sasuke shook his head shamefully. pathetic, he thought.

Sakura went up to her dragging Naruto with her by his

ear. "i know the party is tonight, but ive got a quick

mission." she explained. "there are still things for the

party i need to get but i wont be here. i was wondering

if you could handel the errands for me." she said

sweetly.

Hinata smiled. "sure Sakura." Sakura smiled as kakashi

lifted his face from his ichi-ichi paradise

book. "Sakura i doubt she'll be able to carry all the

things on the list." he said plainly. Sakura put her

finger to her chin. "i guess your right...." she pushed

Naruto forward. "so Naruto can help you!" she said

smiling. before Naruto could protest the fifteen year

old konoichi was off with Sasuke and Kakashi. "good luck

loser." Sasuke called back. Hinata blushed as Naruto

handed her the list. "well, i guess i have to shop like

a girl." he mumbled looking agrily to his groups

dessapearing form. Hinata at a loss for words, smiled

sheepishly. "Naruto?" she said just below a whisper. he

turned his head towards her. "yeah, hinata?" she stared

at her toes as the blood rushed to her face. "um,

I, ...." "yeah?" she turned away. "I mean we should

start on the list...soon." she said lowly. "yeah sure.

whats the first thing?" he asked. " she handed him the

list. she waited as he read it over and handed it

back. " whats the first thing?" she asked. he

shrugged. "i dont know. Sakuras hand writing is like

chicken scratch." he said. she read it herself. "

streamers." she said. Naruto pointed towards the gift

shop. "right there. and they have video games too!" he

took off in the direction of the shop. Hinata sruggled

to keep up but ran in after him. moments later they left

the shop with the first thing on the list. Naruto walked

ahead of her for the simple fact that she walked slow

and she was afraid of being next to him. she looked up

as he suddenly stopped. "what is it, Naruto?" he

intwined his fingers in hers and kept walking. "nothing

now. you walk kind of slow." he said. she blushed bright

red and clasped the bag of streamers she was carrying to

her chest with her free hand. Naruto is holding my hand,

she thought. as she adjusted to his pace she walked side

by side to him. While she felt like her body was on fire

Naruto looked at it as a way for her to keep up with

him. in moments they reached a gift store. Naruto let

her go. "second thing?" he asked. " baloons, and i think

we can get her a gift here." Hinata said catching her

breath back. Naruto found the baloons in no time and

threw them onto the counter. "one down." he said holding

her hand again. "one more to go. lets get her a gift."

he said pulling her towards the racks of feminine gifts.

As he looked up and down the racks, Hinatas eyes were

focused on their hands. the blonde had no idea what she

was looking at. he kept his cerelean eyes on a teddy

bear. "we should get this for Sakura." he sugessted.

Hinata looked up. "we?" she said confused. Naruto gave

her a charming kool-aid smile. "yeah, a gift from both

of us." he said. "unless you want to get her your own

gift." he said. she immediantly protested. "no, no. we

can give her a gift from the two of us." she said. he

smiled and hugged her tightly. "great!" he yelled. "now

we wont have to spend as much money." he yelled.

suddenly a familiar voice interupted them. " dont be so

loud and obnoxious. your so troublesome." Shikamaru said

dully. Ino and Chouji stood behind him. Choujis face was

buried into a bag of chips and Ino had her eyes on

Naruto and Hinata. "well well. you two are finally

together." she said. Hinata and Naruto blushed releasing

each other. "aww, it was just a hug, dont make such a

big deal about it!" Naruto yelled her. Hinata was

grateful for the excuse but was a little dissapointed

by "just" a hug. Inos face was filled with rage. "what

did you say?!" Shikamaru but his head down. " what a

drag. you two are humliating." he said. "what do you

know? your not a genius!" he said loudly. "quit yelling"

shikamaru said. "im not yelling!" he said. Hinata

realized in a way he was telling the truth. "please

excuse him he just talks loud." she said. Shikamaru

sighed. "whatever." Ino jumped on it. "dont flirt with

him!" she accused Hinata. Hinata stepped back from the

finger in her face. "I, I.....wasn't, flirting, I-." Ino

rampaged further. "yeah right." she said. Hinata put her

head down as a loud voice stepped up for her. "What does

it matter to you, Pig?! Nara isnt your man anyways, hes

Temaris!" Naruto cried withunknown defense. Ino crossed

her eyebrows. " Temari? the sand girl?" Shikamaru turned

and left with chouji as the store clerk came up. "buy

and get out." he ordered them. Hinata took down the

teddy bear and grabbed the baloons, handing them to the

clerk. meanwhile Ino ,felt betrayed and was not about to

lose an argument so easily. she was the boss, not

him! "Naruto you take that back! Shikamaru has no

intrest in her!" she demanded. "why do you think he left


stupid?!" the store owner immediantly kicked them out.

they stood facing opposite directions as Hinata walked

out with the supplies. she gave the store manager a

polite wave as he returned to her a smile. Naruto

quickly grabbed Hinatas hand and started off in the

other direction. "come on Hinata," he said with

irratants. she followed after him looking back into Inos

spiteful gaze.

Hinata was the last to arrive with everything on the list. as she set the stuff on the table Sakura ran

over. "Hinata you did great! I guess sending Naruto with you wasnt such a bad idea." she said to herself. the

other girls as well as Hinata were all dressed in their nightgowns and sitting on Sakuras bed. Ino wore a purple

short and spaghetti top pajama set, Temari wore a hot pink gown to her knees, Ten-Ten wore a large "ninjas

rock!" t-shirt and pink shorts, Sakura wore a frilly red nightgown, and Hinata wore a light brown gown like

Temaris that read, " buetiful but deadly" on the front. not her typical style but she was trying to become more

confident and she liked the color. "cute outfit!" Ten-Ten said with excitement. Hinata blushed

brightly. "thank you, Ten-Ten." Sakura laughed. "Ten-Ten, leave her be." she plopped down on the floor and

beckoned the girls over. they all laid down or sat up in a circle. "first game!" Sakura said. "is truth or dare."

their girls shared exicted laughs as Hinata felt her heart drop into her stomache. "um Sakura can, we....play

a different game?" she said so low noone heared her. "okay....Ten-Ten!" Sakura turned to her. "truth or

dare?" she asked. Ten-Tens face was racked with pride. "truth!" she said loudly. Sakura and the others

girls couldnt help but feel as though she was walking into a trap. "okay....well, whats up between you

and..Neji?" Ten-Ten immediantly wished she had said dare as Hinatas head snapped in her direction. Neji and Ten-

Ten?, she thought. Shes way too fun for Neji. Ten-Ten took a deep breath. "well, i...really like him and..."

Temari and Ino laughed. "well?" they said together, causing Ino to give her a hate look. " i would like to

go out with him but he doesnt show much intrests in me. he probably thinks im loud and annoying like Naruto."

she laughed with Ino, Temari and Sakura. "tell me about it." Ino said, intentionally trying to provoke

Hinata. "Hes a complete moron. and he seems to have a knack for looking stupid." She luaghed. "you were the

one who looked stupid in the gift shop earlier Ino." The girls immediantly turned to Hinata as she threw her

hands over her mouth. "i mean,....I.." Ino looked confused. she hadnt heared her. "what? what did she

say?!" she asked. Hinata immediantly covered her outburst. "i said truth or dare." the girls said

nothing, not wanting to hear Inos mouth. "oh, well

Truth."she said.

Hinata really wanted to fly out the window

but "truthed" Ino. " Do you like shikamaru?" she said

smiling. now it was Temaris turn to give hate looks.

she turned to Ino. "uh.....well.., i..kind of..NONE OF

YOUR BUISNESS!" she yelled at her. Hinata istantly

felt slapped. Sakura noting the hurt look on her face

turn to Ino angrily. "cut it out porker! you hurt Hinatas

feelings." Ino forced herself to comfort Hinata who

was already near tears. "sorry, the truth is...i do. but

that secreat stays just that and it stays here!" she

warned the other girls who hastily agreed. Ten-Ten

looked excited. "i have a game! lets mimick the boys

of the village!" they looked at her stupidly. "what?"

Temari said feeling the game was immature. "you

just.." she turned to Sakura." look ill show you,

sakura give me a name of any boy in the village."

she said happily. Sakura nodded. "sasuke?" she

said. Ten-Ten stood up, lowered her eyes, and

crossed her arms. "im too good for any of you girls.

like my brooding good looks. too bad, im more

intrested in myself." she said as Temari and sakura

started laughing. Ten-Ten smiled that her game was

excepted and turned to Ino. "okay ino you get Neji."

she said smiling broodly. Ino stood up and put one

foot on top of the bed post, like some victorious

warrior. "youll never beat me, im way to strong. you

cant change that. when you looked up you said you

were a loser with your eyes. when you go to sleep

you dream of me kicking your ass. your a failure.

youll always be a failure! bwa hahaha!" the girls

giggled, even Hinata. Ten-Ten looked to

Sakura. "Sakura, you get chouji." Sakura stood up

embarassed. "hes gross do i have to?" Ten-Ten

resembled a beat kitten. "yes." Sakura sighed and

picked up a pillow, puffing air into her cheeks and

stomache. she waddled around the room. "must eat

chips, must eat chips, must eat chips!" she said

pushing imaginairy chips from the pillow and into

her mouth. she stepped behind Hinata and picked

up her hair. "yummy."she laughed as the girls joined

her. "Temari you get the Nara boy." Ten-Ten said.

Temari smiled and immediantly hid it. she leaned

onto Hinata and pretended to sleep. "wake me up

when the world is as uneventful as me." she said.

Ten-Ten turned to Hinata as the laughter died down and grinned. "Hinata, you get...Naruto!" she said smiling.

Hinata felt her stomache tighten. she went to say something but lost her nerve and headed towards the

door. Sakura ran in front of her."Hinata, wait. please
dont go."she pleaded. suddenly Hinata threw her fist

into the air. "Believe It!" she cried with confidence. the other girls laughed and cheered for her. "that was

the best one tonight, great Hinata!" Ten-Ten yelled happily.


Meanwhile outside of Sakuras house Neji turned off his Byakugan and turned to the other boys. "i think the

partys over." he said plainly. "im not that boring, troublesome girls." he said dully. Naruto smiled. "bet

you guys are happy i dragged you here huh?" everyone but Chouji and Lee gave him a skeptical look. "they said

nothing bad about me! i am still their favorite!" He said with a fire in his eyes. Sasuke and Naruto smiled

fakely. "They didnt mention you at all." Sasuke blurted out. Lees smiled died as Naruto piped up, "but they were

gonna! im sure bushy brows!" Lees smile gradually returned. "really?" "yup, believe it!" Lee continued his

triumphant walk as they walked behind the others. "so thats where Hinata was."Neji said to himself. Choouji

overheared him and looked up from his bag of chips. "the Hyuuga girl was with Naruto earlier." he said. Shikamaru

hushed him. "what?!" upon hearing Hinatas name Naruto uncousiously smiled. Sasuke smiled sadly. he's so caught

up, he thought. Shikamaru sighed. "i wish hed wipe that smile off his face." he mumbled. "what was she doing

with you Naruto." Neji half asked half demanded. Narutos smile didnt leave. "we were shopping for Sakuras party."

he said honestly, adding to Nejis fire. they stopped and made a circle around Naruto. "thats all?" Neji asked

suspiciously. Naruto kept his smile. "yup." "then why are you smiling?" the boys fought back laughter as

Naruto became aware of the smile on his face. "i was smiling?" "yes you were smiling." Naruto blushed. "oh.."

Neji started walking ahead of them as they joined him. "Naruto?" Naruto looked up. "yeah?" "stay away from

Hinata." He ordered. Naruto clenched his fist. "What?! Why?!" He yelled. Neji turned back to him. "you really

think she needs a failure like you to become the next leader of the Hyuuga clan?" Naruto went to cuss him out

but Shikamaru put his hand on his shoulder. "calm down,Naruto. Hell probably change his mind." Naruto

believed that as far as he could hug Sasuke. but was easily persueded, eager to get of the subject. Neji

however, had his own plans. and he would not be so

easily persueded.

for those who read (confusion and jealousy) it before it got erased im sorry and to those who didnt, ill tell you what happened. Naruto was eating noodles when he heared Kiba and Hinata argueing. Kiba was trying to get Hinata to go out with him but he said something bad about Naruto and she cussed him out. she felt horrible for hurting Kibas fellings and started crying but Naruto went over to her and told her she wasnt wrong for what she said and that she did awsome for standing up to herself. then they ate noodles together then Naruto said he would teach her confidence and to meet him at Kakashis old training grouds after her mission.
thats it. once again extremely sorry. i love all of you for reviewing any way, special thanks to:
RandomGuy
Shadow_Dagger
SammyChan
IluvHinata
Romance Chik
XenaAdamana
Crystal Tears
Chloe_Hyuuga_Uzumaki
Cooksies_crew
Nekonaru
And
Naomi_Sama.

Hinata and her group had just finished their
mission. they all panted hard and finally Kurinai sat

them down on a bench. "take a break, you all did very
well today. you deserve a break." they all took the

invitation and sat down. seeing his chance Kiba decided to woo Hinata. she had become

increasingly attractive lately. her body was nicely shaped and her soft features looked even softer with

long hair. and even wearing her plain short sleeve lavender v-neck shirt and just above her knee length

black skirt she looked extremely attractive. her rain colored ashen eyes seemed to glow with radiance

and innocece as she sat exhausted and panting. "hey, uh,Hinata?" she turned to him as a

piece of her hair slid off her shoulder and hung by her face. "yes, Kiba?" he smiled at her and

scratched the back of his head nervously. "um, you, wanna maybe hang out later...or." she blushed. "im

going to meet Naruto later. im sorry Kiba." she turned back to her fingers and began uncounsiously

playing with her hair. Kiba immediantly became jealous. "why are you meeting with him?" he asked

rudely. she tried to ignore him but he asked again. "its a secreat. please don't tell." she said. he

looked away." i wont but why him? hes a-" she cut him off since Shino and Kurenai were watching

them argue. "Kiba i dont look at it like that between us, youll always be my best friend....nothing more."

she whispered. Kiba turned away. Naruto, Naruto, he thought, how can i prove to her that im better?

Kurenai looked at the two of them. "we have another mission in ten minutes." she said. Hinata felt her

excitement die as she slid over to Kurenai. "but i wanted to see someone, ...and" Kurenai smiled at

her. "its fine, ill tell your family your with us." she said with a gentle wink. Hinata smiled and got up. "thank

you sensei." she took off in the direction of Kakashis old training grounds. when she got there she

peeked through the bushes. nothing. She felt tears come to her eyes before she saw a familiar lock of

blonde hair in the distance. as she got closer she saw he was asleep. oh,naruto..how long did you

wait? she tapped his head. he turned his head towards the sun as his cerealean eyes slowly

opened and glowed from the sunlight. he looked up at her and shot up."Hinata?" he wiped his eyes and

sat up. "hi naru-" "your late." he said. she lost her expression of happiness and felt as if he were mad

at her. "are you....mad,at me?" she asked. Naruto shook his head. "no, just a little tired." she helped

him up as he stared at her body. "Naruto?' he transfered his eyes to her soft face. "hmm?" "are you

okay?" He grinned." yeah, Hinata i never noticed before but youve got more curves than a circle!" he

laughed. she blushed at having so much attention on her body. "um..thank you." no problem! now for

your confidence." He dragged her over to a post. "okay, Hinata, im Ino." He stood in front of

her. "im better than you and you were flirting with Shikamaru!" he said shrilly laughing at his own

imitation, causing her to laugh.
meanwhile at the Hyuuga household Neji searched

for Hinata. While walking through town he saw Kiba, who had also asked to be let off the mission. "kiba

wheres Hinata." Kiba half wanting for Hinata to get in trouble felt as though he should tell. "shes with

Naruto at Kakashis old training grounds." he said. Neji stared angrily at the ground and startedin their

direction. Kiba frowned angrily, still upset at Hinata.
Back at the training grounds Hinata yelled

at "Ino". "im not flirting, your just desperate! and you
look like a......." "pig"Naruto finished for her. she

giggled shyly. "right." "okay now.."Naruto smiled. "Lets do Neji." He straightened up as Hinata

stood up tall. "im better than you. your weak and your a failure!" Unintentionally Naruto sounded a lot more

serious than he was. Hinata went to say something but she choked and started crying. Naruto rushed to

her. "whats wrong? did i do something?" she shook her head but couldnt stop crying. He felt like he

should do something but he didnt know what. he had never seen a girl cry besides Sakura and she

didnt need comforting. He went forward and embraced her. holding her head on his shoulder

she continued to cry. not sure what to do he did what he would do to a cat. "sshh,sshh. Hina. please stop

crying." she wiped her eyes and looked up at him. "you okay?' she shook her head. "oh, well..." he

trailed off thinking of something else to say as she started crying against her will. " Hinata, really, please

dont cry . i like seeing you smile, please smile." She stooped herself slowly but surely. "smile for me."he

said. she wiped her eyes away. "im sorry, n-Naruto. i must seem weak to you but,.." He patted her

shoulder. "no, no! you seem much stronger to me. youve been sticking by your nindo and training and

you stood up to Kiba. Your awesome Hinata, awesome." She smiled and looked up. "your right."

she said to the setting sun. the moonlight came over both of them. "i have to go Naruto." "oh,okay." she

could hear the drop in his voice. "but ill meet you again tommorow." she said. he nodded as she

turned and started walking away. she suddenly felt a hand on her wrist as Naruto pulled her back to him

in a kiss. To his suprise she returned his kiss and pushed herself against him. when they finally pulled

apart they both blushed. "thank you." Hinata said blushing brightly. Naruto laughed. "anytime." they

smiled at each other as a voice interupted them. "so,

Hinata. This is what you do when your not under my watch." they both turned in shock as Hinata and

Naruto blushed with shame."Neji, you.." she stopped as he interupted her. "and you Naruto. you

said that was all you did at the gift shop, looks like you were planning something else, like taking

advantage of Hinata." "shut up!" Naruto yelled, not about to just let Neji win. "Dont tell Neji." he

demanded. to his suprise he agreed. "Fine fight me and ill let it slide, if you win that is." Naruto took the

challenge seriously. "how can i say no." He said defiantly.

Hinata looked at Naruto oblivious to a boys I-must-accept-a-challenge attitude. As she turned to Naruto he

had a look on his face that said you-cant-change-my-mind. While her eyes turned away from Nejis gaze,

Narutos never left it. Without warning Neji charged forward with a gentel fist punch which Naruto dodged and

countered with a red chakred kick. Neji fell backwards and stood wobbly. Naruto charged again but Neji bloked

all his hits and socked him into the nearest tree. He stood over him and mocked his dream. "you will never be

hokage. your impatient and you charge blindly at your oppnet. your a failure, Naruto." He said smiling. "and

you always will be." Hinata ran to Narutos aid. "Naru-" before she could finish, Neji shoved her to the ground.

Before she hit the ground Naruto rushed Neji. since he was fighting out of rage, he was throwing punches

blindly. Neji couldnt keep up with so many random punches. as Naruto started getting in hits Neji

backflipped away from him. as soon as he landed Naruto appeared behind him and tripped him. before Neji could

hit the ground Naruto grabbed him by his neck and threw him into the tree Neji had thrown him into. Neji

suddenly felt Naruto standing over him. "that is not the way a Hyuuga clan leader fights. those are not the

characteristics of a good leader." he mocked in an inhuman voice. At the sound of his voice Neji looked up

outraged into Narutos peircing slit like red eyes. Neji threw a punch but Naruto caught it and pushed his arm

back against the tree. Neji cringed as his arm broke. "sit down bitch." Neji hissed in pain as Naruto

smiled. "aww, did that hurt?" He lifted Neji into the air by his neck. "I'll make all the pain stop." he said.

Naruto cocked his arm back and formed a red ball of wild chakraed Resengan. as Hinata watched she realized two

things, one, Naruto was not Naruto and two, he was gonna kill Neji if not mortally wound him. she looked up at

Neji dangling from Narutos grasp. Narutos arm glowed with red chakra as he smniled wildly, reavealing his

sharp fangs. his arm shot forward as Hinata screamed at the top of her lungs, "NO, NARUTO DONT!!" his fist

stopped inches from Nejis face as he looked at her. her beutiful ashen eyes were watered over and wide with

worry. he dropped Neji as his eyes returned to their normal bright blue and his claws retracted. he looked to

Neji. "i won." he stated. Neji stood up embarassed. "yeah so?" "so keep your mouth shut." Naruto

snapped. Neji grabbed the bloody claw marks on his neck and looked to hinata with shame. " so you choose him

over family?" he said distastefully. Hinata stood proudly by Naruto who smiled down at her with equal

proudness. "when was i family Neji?" She said softly but firmly."when you tried to kill me? when you doubted

every move i made? when you tried to make my life your own? Im sorry, but your a stranger to me Neji and that

is how you have treated me. when you treat me like family, ill be that. but right now," she grabbed Narutos

hand. "hes more family than youve been for the past fifteen years." she said. Neji put his head down and

mumbled something then put his head back up. "fine, you win." he stood and vanished into a cloud of smoke.

Naruto turned to Hinata. "how did he know we were here?" he asked. Hinata shrugged. "i dont think i told

anyone..." She suddenly remembered. "Kiba! i told Kiba. but why would he want to...." Naruto crossed his

arms. "me and Kiba need to have a chat tommorow." Hinata smiled taking "chat" to a different meaning. "with my

fists." Naruto added.Hinata stopped him. "forget it. im sure he had good reason." Naruto smiled at her. "yeah,

what matters is that you stood up to Neji!" he said. She smiled. "i guess i did.." she said realizing it herself.

He put his fist out in front of her. "you stood by your nindo Hinata, our nindo." She smiled and put her fist to

his. "we dont quit and we dont run away." she said. "belive-" a vioce interupted them. "Naruto!"

Sakura called. Kakashi called him too but he sounded like he really didnt care. He went towards his group so

they wouldnt see him with Hinata. "Believ it." Hinata whispered slipoping out in the other direction. Naruto

laughed and joined his group. "did you have fun?" Sasuke said sarcastically, suggesting theyd been looking for

him for a while. Naruto smiled slyly. "yeah, actually."

Hinata woke up with an odd feeling of pride. she felt brand new. as she stretdhed out she pulled her pillows

to her chest and smiled. Naruto, Naruto! she couldnt shake him from her mind. She quickly got dressed in a

pink collar shirt and some jean capris with her typical sandels but pink. She left the house sucessfully

avoiding a very spiteful Neji. as she hit the streets she walked with a pep in her step smiling to herself.

her eyes closed because of the smile across her face. she continued forward when she felt someone pull her

backwards. she opened her eyes just in time to see a crowd of people wizz by her face towards the new video

game store. "you should watch where your going. how troublesome." A dull voice said. Shikamaru let go of her

collar as she thanked him. "whats got you in such a good mood?" he asked lamely. She blushed and shook her

head. "Nothing... i just.." "is it about Naruto?" he asked surely. She shook her head furiously. "No, no no!

its not him im just happy because..." Shikamaru frowned as she looked up into his eyes. "aw, nevermind. it

doesnt matter." She smiled grateful for the excuse. "well actually,.. Shikamaru can i trust you with

a seacreat?" She said, wanting to get the excitement of her night off her chest. Shikamaru

shrugged. "whatever." "well, me and Naruto spent the whole day together yesterday.." she said suddenly losing

the nerve to tell him the full details. He smiled slyly. "oh, really. what did you guys do?" He asked.

Hinata blushed and hugged him releasing her embarassment. " We...uh.." She said letting him go and

smiling to herself. "Hey, Hyuuga!!" Hinata and Shikamaru turned thier heads down the road where Ino was rushing

up. Hinata waved at her as Ino gave her a hateful gare. "I thought i told you not to flirt with

Shikamaru!" she yelled. Hinata cringed at the pitch of her voice. " i wasnt flirting, I..." she suddenly

remembered She and Narutos lessons. " I wasnt flirting, your just desperate, you pig!!" Ino backed up in shock.

as Shikamaru slipped away from the scene. "what did you say?!" "i dont like Shikamaru, i like someone else...."

Ino smirked tauntingly. "you mean that moron Naru-" Ino was cut off by Hinatas hand which slapped her so hard

across the face the sound echoed. "Wha-...." Ino turned her head back to Hinata and slapped her back twice as

hard. Hinata socked her in her face, causing her to fall back wards. before Ino could sit back up Hinata pushed

her back down with her foot. "dont you ever talk about Naruto like that!" she said fiercly with unknown

defense. she pushed her foot into Inos chest. "got it?" Ino said nothing as Hinata lifted her foot and ran

home. "i cant believe i just said that!" she went directly into her room afraid Ino would come out of no

where and try to hit her. she was a lover not a fighter, but for some reason when Ino said Narutos name, just

coming out of her mouth sounded like a curse on him. She
put her head down. "what is wrong with me?" she said.

Team Kakashi walked along the outskirts of the town upon returning from a mission and went to Narutos choice

resturant, the noodle shop, of course. As they all sat down and waited Sakura sighed loudly. "Hey Naruto what

were you doing over there last night anyway?" He looked down than back up at her. "nothing." he said. Kakashi

didnt look up from his book but said," why was Hinata with you?" Naruto almost fell out of his chair. "how did

you know?" he asked astonished. Kakashi and Sasuke grinned. "i didnt, it was Sasukes hunch." Kakashi

said. "and you just confirmed it baka." Sasuke laughed. Sakura smiled. "you were with Hinata?" she said hapilly.

Naruto blushed and turned away from his teammates. "none of your buisness." he said coldly. Kakashi got back on a

serious note. "Naruto your fifteen and i really dont give a damn what you do but i dont want Hinatas father

running up to me saying things like "Kakashi your student got my daughter knocked up." understand?" Naruto

fell over with Sakura. "What?!" they yelled together. "Kakashi you know i wouldnt do that to her, im

not that fast!" he yelled. Kakashi said nothing as Sasuke grinned. " so you guys go out now?" he asked.

Naruto gave him the finger. "Shove it up your own ass." Sasuke said rudely. Naruto frowned as Sakura prevented a

fight. "come on,you two. theres no need to fight." she said. The owner gave them all their bowls. while

everyone else began to eat Naruto was thinking about one person. after a pause of silence he looked up to

Kakashi. "hey...can i see Hinata after this?" he asked. Kakashi gave him a serious face. "sure but remember what

i said. nothing more than kissing." Kakashi said. "you might have to sneak that in too with Hinatas family."

Sasuke said non-chalantly. Sakura looked at Naruto. "when did you get intrested in Hinata?" she

asked. he smiled oddly. "when you sent us shopping i guess." Sakura smiled. "i oughta be the new hitch!" she

said. Naruto turned back to Sasuke. "i kissed her before teme." Sakura smiled. "aww, how cute. did she kiss you

back?" "of course she did." Sasuke said. Sakura shyed away shamefully. "Naruto,how are you gonna see her if

Neji said stay away?" Naruto pummeled his fist. "Me and Neji came to an agreement." He said. Sasuke

smirked. "what is that supposed to mean? what happened." Naruto ignored him. and got up. "Im going to Hinatas."

he called back. Sasuke frowned. "that idiot." he mummbled. Naruto walked out of sight as Kakashi watched.

i dont think hell do anything, he thought, but he is a
teenage boy.

As Naruto made his way to Hinatas house he heard a male voice and stopped along the gate. " so do you wanna go?"

Naruto waited to hear Hinatas response. " well i... i dont know, Kiba..im kind of...sort of.." Kiba?!, Naruto

thought angrily. "kind of busy? what else does Neji and Your father let you do besides go on missions, eat, and

breath?" Kiba asked, laughing. "i was going to ask...someone..el-" "dont worry Just me and you can go,

Naruto doesnt even know about it." He said. Hinata hesitated before finally answering. "i guess, i would

love to help but..dont we have a mission tommorow?" Kiba nodded. "well, yeah but "it"s not until the day after

tommorow so you dont have to worry about it." Kiba coaxed her. Naruto had long since stopped listening and

began walking back. "what the hell was she doing with Kiba?" he asked himself. he stopped along the path back

and suddenly felt as though his chest was on fire. he grabbed his jacket in confusement. "whats wrong with

me?" he thought back to their conversation. "what are they doing that i dont know about? what happens the day

after tommorow?" he asked himself. as the fact that Hinata was going somewhere with Kiba in secreacy from

him sank in, he felt like his heart had been ripped up, put together by a 2 year old, and put back. he could

hardly catch his breath. he didnt understand, hed never felt this way about a girl. was he in love? he tought

about it as another fact came to mind. He hated Kiba, no he didnt hate him, he was jealous. he was jealous that

Kiba was going somewhere with Hinata and he didnt want him to know about it. he considered spying but brushed

it off. If she wants to be with Kiba, fine. let her. He realeased his jacket and continued down the path to the

noodle shop refuseing to let this bother him. as he reached the shop only Sasuke was still there. as he sat

down Sasuke noticed his irratating attitude was gone. although he liked Naruto this way he missed his random

outbursts. He turned to him. "whats up baka." Naruto was lost in his own thoughts. "Loser." Sasuke said slowly

flagging his hand in front of his face. "huh?" Naruto looked up. he looked lost. "We've got a mission. All the

old rookies will be apart of it. Everyone else is already there. i was told to inform you and then go

there." he said. Naruto, temporairliy side tracked from his problem, cocked his eyebrows. " granny Tsunade?" he

asked. Sasuke sighed and jumped down from his seat. "duh." Naruto followed him to the hokages office

and up to Sakura and the others. Naruto waved at all of them except for Kiba and Neji. he avoided eye contact

with Hinata. As Tsunade began to explain the mission
Naruto noticed the sand siblings. "Garra!" he grinned

wildly and ran over to him. Garra gave him a simple wave as Naruto hugged him. Garra let him until Naruto let

go. "what are you guys doing here?" Naruto asked. he suddenly noticed Garra didnt have his gourd on his

back. "wheres your giant peanut?" he asked. They sighed hopelessly. "its a gourd Naruto." Garra informed him.

Naruto scratched the back of his head. "right, so where is it?" "back at our village." Temari said. Shikamarus

head shot up when she spoke. Inos head would have too if she wasnt so concentrated on her death glare at

Hinata. Hinata returned her look with an innocent stare. "well whats it doin' there? you always carry it."

he said. "I know but im getting another one." he said. Naruto shook his head. "than why is everyone here?" he

asked. Garra smiled slightly. "i just thought you guys might wanna chill back at the sand village." Garra said

with no excitement. "take a mini vacation!" Temari said excited. the girls smiled. "For real?" Naruto asked.

Garra nodded. "we leave tonight." he stated. "you all have twenty minutes to pack." everyone but Hinata and

Naruto sprinted back to their houses. Hinata walked over to Naruto. "Naruto whats wrong?" he overlooked suprise

that she knew and shook his head. "nothing." he said. " did i do something?" He shook his head wanting to drop

the subject. "please tell me." she said. Naruto couldnt take it anymore. "what happens the day after tommorow?!"

he yelled. she blushed. did you hear me and Kibas conversation?" she asked. he nodded angrily. "you

misunderstood Naruto. she smiled and started laughing. Narutos anger grew. "whats so funny?!" he said

annoyed. "Naruto, when kiba asked me to go i said i was going to go to the party with you because i thought you

knew." she said. he cocked his eyebrows. "knew about what?" "your birthday, it was going to be a suprise

party but you already know." she laughed. He suddenly came to realize. he had spent so many birthdays alone he

hadnt even noticed. "how did you all know about my birthday?" "i knew and i talked the others into a

suprise party." she said. "Garras in on it too." she said. "the only people who know are me you and Kiba. and

Garra of course." she said. "so my partys at the sand village?" she nodded. "everyone else thinks its a

vacation." she said. "but why Kiba, why'd he want to take you?" he asked. "to make up for our argument." she

said. Naruto smiled relife. "didnt doubt you for a second!" he lied. she smiled. "good. well wed better

pack for the party." she said leaving. he watched her go with a dreamy look on his face. "Well,well." Tsunade

said. Naruto looked at her. "what?" he asked. "i might have to keep you two apart for your little party." she

said. Naruto jumped on the defense. "hey ive got control over my hormones! just cause im Jaraiyas student doesnt

mean i act like him!" He yelled."well not completely..." Tsunade laughed. "okay i trust you. dont get hot headed

blondy." Naruto calmed down and smiled at her. "so your in on this too huh?" she smiled back at him. "wheres my

birthday present?" She frowned. "dont push it."

Garra led them throught out the forest area with the others following in a large group behind him. Temari and

the girls walked together while Kankurou and Garra walked with the boys. as the moonlight spread over them

the girls all turned in on Hinata. She blushed from all the attention on her. Sakura was the first to pess the

issue. "so, Hinata whats up with you and Naruto?" she asked. Hinata blushed. "n-nothing." she said

frantically. Sakura and Ten-Ten smiled at each other as the boys watched them in confusement. Garra in

particular was intrested in what they were saying. Temari turned to him angrily. "you need something little

brother?" he shook his head. "what are you talking about?" he asked bluntly. she frowned. "none of your

business! talk to the guys!" she said. Garra turned away confused. "their talking to Hinata." Kiba said. Naruto

gave him an annoyed glance as the others shrugged it off. Naruto spoke up. "why are you all in her

conversation?" Naruto said. Kiba mad dogged him. "whats it to you? she aint your girl." He said gruffly. Naruto

cocked his eyebrow. " shows what you know." he said calmly. although he actually hadnt asked Hinata out yet.

the other guys looked up in suprise except for Sasuke and Garra. Naruto looked at their curious stares. "what?

Shikamarus' got two girls and nobody says anything." Naruto said loudly. " Nara only has one girl." Temari

said, dareing Ino to do something. "yeah, me." She spoke up. the girls looked at her as Temari fingered her

fan. "little girl,please,you need to calm down and see who your dealing with." Temari challenged. Ino growled

as Garra looked over to them. "Temari quit it. this a a vacation not a battle ground." she calmed down and kept

walking. as Ino masked her anger with a calm face. Hinata was still on gaurd around Ino ever since their

episode in konoha. Suddenly she felt Sakura by her ear. " i think Naruto wants to ask you out." she

whispered. "really?" Hinata blushed. "yeah, your all he talks about lately." Hinata smiled as they looked ahead

to the narrow path. "get into groups of two." Garra ordered. they did so one behind the other. Garra and

Kankurou, Temari and Shikamaru, Ino and Lee, Ten-Ten and Neji, Sasuke and Sakura, Kiba and shino, and Hinata and

Naruto in the very back. they held hands as Ino fumed behind Temari who merely laughed it off. As the path

ended they broke back into a group. they stared over a hill at the sandy lands below them. "welcome to the

outskirts of the village hidden in the sand!" Temari cried. Hinata smiled and kissed Naruto on his

cheek. "happy birthday, Naruto." she whispered as she clung to his arm. he blushed and scratched the back of

his head. "thanks."

As the group reached the sandy ground Gaara lifted his
hands as a ball of sand encased them. everyone looked

around in the darkness as the sand ball went under ground. the only sound heard was the rough grinding of

sand against sand. noone spoke since Garra was concentrating. Naruto struggled to keep his balnce as

the sand ball began to shake more. Hinata and Sakura held him down as the ball stopped. suddenly the ball

around them collapsed and they looked out past a beutiful white sanded beach filled with palm trees and

crystal clear water strecthing further than the eye could see. Everyone marveled at the sight except for

Sasuke who had noticed the building behind him. "hey, loser." he tapped Naruto. "hmm?" Naruto turned to the

building as the others followed suit. "sweet!" Naruto exclaimed. his outburst was followed by many other

excited remarks. Garra handed everyone a card. Naruto looked at the number on his card. " 12?" he looked at

Hinatas. "12!" he yelled as he read her card from over her shoulder. she smiled and looked at the others who

were already making their way to the Inn. she and Naruto were the last to enter the air conditioned building. the

floor was paved a buetiful blue. Ino stared down at her reflection in the floor and smiled. "whos sexy? you are

Ino." she whispered to herself. Temari snickered. "the only person who might think your sexy is Jaraiya and he

falls for any two bit ho." she said just loud enogh for Ino to hear. before Ino could say anything Gaara spoke

up. "take your cards and find the door numbers that match. meet back down in the lobby in the morning at

ten." he said walking off somewhere. Temari smiled and finally noticed her card. she turned to Shikamaru who

was holding his card just above the trash can. "what are you doing?! for a genius your kind of stupid." she said

snatching the card from him. After looking it over she practically shoved the card down Inos throat. "Ha! im

number 10 and so is Shikamaru! chew on that!" Ino sulked angrily and read her card. "3..." she held the card

up. "Who has card number three?!" she yelled. Sakura raised her card then suddenly put it back down. "i have

to room with that pig?!" she screamed. Ino smirked. "i might not even fit in the room with that forhead." she

said smiling maniacally. Sakuras eyes caught on fire. "What did you say dobe?!" Ino sneered. "you heard

me, i didnt stutter or speak low." she laughed. Sakura got over her anger and felt her heart drop. "then whos

with Sasuke?" she asked sadly. she suddenly noticed Neji and Sasuke glareing at each other. Ten-Ten stood by

Shino as they began walking to their room. Ten-Ten chatted excitedly to him as Shino focefully half

listened. Naruto laughed. "poor Shino. i bet she'll talk Shino into an early grave!" he laughed loudly as Lee

laughed with him. Kiba frowned. "well id rather be with the better of the two losers." he said smiling weakly at

Lee.

As everyone headed to their rooms the night fell more and more. Naruto practically broke the door down

trying to open it. Hinata gently pushed the door open as Naruto flew to the bed and jumped on it. he stretched

out as Hinata turned around to close the door. when she turned around Naruto was fast asleep. he wore a child-

like look on his face. he looked like a baby. Hinata smiled and quietly put their bags away. she showered and

got dressed in the bathroom fearing she would be too loud. when she came out of the bathroom with a matching

blue wifebeater and silk shorts Naruto was on his

stomach and half his body was hanging off the blue bed spread. he was snoring softly and drooling. Hinata

fought back laughter and climbed into the adjacent bed.

Hinata woke first and sat up slowly. she remembered Gaaras will for them to be dressed and downstairs at

eight something. she turned to the sun wich was now gleaming in her eyes. feeling the urge to rest more she

laid back down. though she tried her eyes wouldnt shut. after a few minutes of just lying there she got half way

out of bed and rubbed her eyes. she looked to Narutos bed only to find it empty. she immediantly felt herself

snap awake. "Naruto?" she shot over to his bed and threw
the covers to the floor. empty?, she thought. she backed

up as a low groan sounded from beneath her feet. she looked for the source of the sound as Narutos muffled

voice came from below her foot. "Hinata your stepping on my face.." She jumped up and looked

down. "Imsosorryithoughtyouwouldstillbeinbed!" she apologized quickly. he sat up from the floor and gave

her a confused look. "hey, hold on a minute, slow down." she blushed as he stood up stretching. "now," he yawned

as his blue eyes opened slowly," dont we have to be downstairs?" he asked. she nodded slowly. he went passed

her and into the bathroom. "then ill take a shower since i didnt take one last night." he said. as the door shut

Hinata thought about what she was going to get him for his birthday. he likes ramen, she thought as she dressed

in jean capris and a red cotton tube top wich mached her red ninja sandles. as she continued to look she thought

about what the others could be getting him. as she became more and more in thought she suddenly realized

something. would if Naruto still has a thing for..... she cut herself off believing that if he did, he would

still choose her over Sakura. wouldn't he? she felt as though her dreams had just been destroyed. she found a

red chain belt, that Temari had given her after the party. i cannot try to make him like me more than

Sakura, she thought to herself. she stood up and headed for the door. she opened it stepped out quietly and

pressed her back against the wall. she waited patiently as random people walked through the hallway. she was def

and blind to all of it as she thought about the perfect gift for Naruto. she became lost in her line of thought

and began daydreaming when someone tapped her on the head. she looked up into Narutos bright curelean eyes.

He wore jean shorts and a bright blue hoodie. he pulled her up from the wall and smiled. " and i thought i was

the tired one." he laughed lightly. she felt her spirit rise and her heart flutter after every word he

spoke. "good morning." she finally spoke. He held her hand as they walked to the elevator. "i dont know whats

so good about it." he said. She tilted her head in confusement. "w-what do you mean?" she asked. she had

had a great morning besides her suspicions of Sakura. Naruto frowned. "i've got to spend the whole damn day

with that mut." he sneered. "Akamaru?" "yeah, him too." he said as she realized he was talking about Kiba. "what

did Kiba do to you?" she asked. its what he did with you that bothers me, he thought. he still hadnt gotten over

his jealousy...that, and he hadnt gotten the courage to ask Hinata out. any other time he would have just said

it but being in her presence made everything pretaining to their relationship embarassing. "he didnt do...its

nothing, nevermind." the elevator stopped as they stepped off. the others were all already downstairs,

dressed, and eating. Shikamaru looked up from his table of Ino, Temari, and Chouji. "well,well,well..look who

decided to show his face." Temari smiled at Naruto. "good morning sleeping beauty." Gaara had no

expression on his face as he looked up from his own table of Kankurou, Kiba, Ten-Ten and Shino. Ten-Ten

jumped up and showed Naruto to his table. "Here ya go birthday boy!" She sat Hinata down beside him. "and a

seat for his lovely lady." Hinata blushed and Naruto smiled causing an ignorant smirk from Kiba. Neji,

Sasuke, Sakura, and Lee sat randomly across Narutos table. Sakura smiled at him. "well, your birthdays

tommorow; what do you plan to do?" she asked. he had an akward feeling in his chest. he no longer felt much of

anything for Sakura besides loving friendship. talking to her without being shy felt weird. He stopped thinking

and answered her question. "i,um...i really dont know. but im thinking a big party!" he said slamming his fist

on the table. Sasuke frowned. " well it doesnt matter. you have to spend the day with Hinata tommorow, so we

have time to set-" Lee kicked him from under the table. " what Sasuke ment was time to set you two up."

He lied. Naruto suddenly remembered his plan to ask Hinata out. " oh right...may i be excused..for just a

sec?" Sakura cocked her eyebrows as Neji gave Hinata a suspicious look but agreed. "sure." he stood up and

pushed in his chair, leaning over Hinatas shoulder to whisper in her ear, "can i talk to you outside for a

minute?" she nodded and followed him outside. after the heat set in Hinata turned to him. "yes?" He held her

hand and led her along the edge of the sand where it met the water. "Hinata i.....li-.." she blushed. "Naruto.."

Naruto began turning red himself as he tried to say what he had to say. "I really like you...and ...and i

think...we should go..and i was wondering if you wanted to be with me...like in a relationsh-" Hinata threw her

arms around his neck causeing him to stumble but quickly regain his balance. She smiled widely. "of course!" she

exclaimed. he pulled her to him as she rested her head in his chest. under his loving embrace she felt as

though the world didnt matter anymore. Naruto held her hands in his own and grinned at her. "Hinata for the

past few days you've been a huge help to me. you even emembered my birthday and took it upon yourself to throw

this party for me." he said. she watched his gleaming eyes in anticipation. He let her hand down as he reached

into his hoodie pocket with the other. he pulled out a small box laced with red ribbon. Her eyes lit up as much

as the sunlight on the two of them. As she took the box into her hands she opened it slowly, wanting the moment

to last. as she removed the lid she slowly took out the silver chain and fingered the cusive 'H' and 'N' that

dangled from it. she felt like she was on cloud nine. she suddenly felt the necklace being lifted from her

hands and placed gently around her neck. "oh Naruto,..i dont know what to say!" she said regretting she hadnt

gotten him a gift yet. Naruto put his hands in his pockets and half smiled. "you dont have to say

anyhting." he said turned his head from her to the setting sun. he suddenly felt Hinatas lips on his cheek.

he turned his head quickly so his lips landed on hers. she let him run the kiss as she got over her suprise and

returned the kiss. as they pulled apart Hinata smiled wildly as a red tint spread over her face. "what was

that for?.." she asked quietly. "that was for my birthday." he said. "and this," he kissed her again. "is

for being my girlfriend." she blushed brighter as he took her hand again. "we better get back." he said. as

they got back inside and sat down they laughed and looked away from each other. "Whats so funny?" Neji

asked. Naruto looked at him intent on keeping his good mood. " nothing Neji, you dont trust me?" he chuckled.

Neji frowned. "stop playing games." he said. "im not." he said inocently. Neji blew it off as Temari sat a

drink in front of Hinata. "here ya go. the waiters told
me they were out of juice. but i found a pitched in the

back. only enough for you though." she sat back dow at her own table as Hinata toook a sip. after the cup hit

her lips she downed the drink. Sakura watched Hinatas eyes get lower and leaned over to Temari. "Temari where

is that pitcher?" she asked. Temari handed her the large bottle. "Temari this is not a pitcher! this is a bottle

of vodka!" she whispered loudly. Temari cringed as they both turned to Hinata. "opps." Hinata stared at Naruto

slyly from across the table as she poured herself a third cup. her eyes were an even lighter ashen color and

her movements were slow and uncontrolled. she traced her fingers in a circle on his chest and bit her

lip. "Naruto...." she slurred.

Hinata continued to trace a circle on Narutos chest, making him feel increasingly

uncomfortable. "Naruto...lets go somewhere where we can be alone." she said. Naruto blushed as she slid into his

lap. "um Hinata....." he couldnt think of what to say. she pressed her cheek against his and smiled. "whats the

matter?....you dont want to be with me..lover." Everyone at Narutos table shot their eyes wide open as accusing

looks went in Narutos direction. "what?!" Neji yelled. "you heared me. i said lover. NARUTO IS MY

LOVER!" she yelled squeezing the life out of him. Neji and Kibas eyes lowered into a glare. "i knew you would

take advantage of her." Neji claimed as the others realized what was happening. Naruto tried to put his

hand over her mouth but she took his hand into her own. "see, Naruto agrees." he shook his head violently

as Nejis rage flared. "no i dont." Kiba wasnt any happier about it than him. "what the hell does she mean,

LOVER?!" they yelled togehter. they looked at each other suspiciously before looking back to Naruto. "we never

did any thing!" he yelled. Sakura blushed as she yelled, "Naruto Kakashi said not to!" Naruto almost

passed out from embarassment. "i didnt! why isnt anyone listening to me?" he whined. Garra calmed everyone down

as they started getting strange looks from the other guests. "Naruto take her to your room." He instructed.

Neji stood up. "im going with him." he said as Naruto lifted Hinata from him. He held her up and supported her

to the elevator with Neji behind him. before the doors shut Kiba ran into the elevator. The three boys stood

there with Hinata as the elevator reached their floor. Naruto stepped off fist supporting Hinatas dead body

weight. he kicked the door open as Kiba and Neji sweat dropped. As they all walked in Naruto laid Hinata down

on the bed. it was still pretty early and Naruto was just as tired as Hinata. as he pushed her raven silky

hair out of her face he smiled down at her. "dont get too comfortable." Neji said coldly. "when Hinata gets

home her father will never let you 'hang out'." Naruto glared at him and blew it off. Kiba watched Hinata,

wishing he had taken the chance Naruto had. he should have asked her out a long time ago, he realized. "you

and Hinatas relationship is all right with me Uzumaki." he said grinning. Naruto smiled at him as they went to

leave the room. Neji stopped and starting cleaning up their room. "Naruto?...." Naruto turned to Hinatas

voice. "yes, Hinata?" she blushed. "lay with me please." he cocked his eyebrow and repeated her statement. "lay

with you?" she nodded. "why?" he asked. she pull the covers to her. "because i want to feel you next to me.

dont leave me alone." she whispered. he couldnt tell if that was drunk Hinata or his girl Hinata. none the less,

he climbed into the bed beside her laying on top of the
covers. she rolled over on top of him and fell asleep in

a heart beat. after listening to her soft breathing he couldnt help but fall asleep beside her. his head

dropped onto the pillow as he started snoring with her. "look at your cousin and Naruto." Kiba said. Neji

looked and noticed the necklace around her neck. Kiba stepped out as Neji walked up to the two sleeping

teenagers and reached down and fingered the necklace. "N and H." he repeated. it was at that moment that his

suspicions of Naruto being her lover increased. He thought about it. "ill ask her when shes not drunk." he

said as Naruto turned his head so he and Hinatas forheads touched. their relationship is getting serious,

he thought solemnly. he quickly overlooked the idea of breaking them apart as the memory of he and Narutos

fight came to the surface. he remembered Hinatas words. your a stranger to me, Neji. he had to start treating

her like family. he finally let the necklace fall back inbetween the two as he turned and walked out.

Niether Naruto or Hinata woke up on time that morning. by the time they did the entire party was set up. they

went down stairs expecting it to be breakfast time, only to have everyone jump out at them yelling, "SUPRISE!!!"

Naruto and Hinata jumped back in suprise. "oh yeah,...your birthday, Naruto. we forgot." he nodded as

Sakura ran up to him. "come on Naruto come see your cake." she took his hand and led him away as Hinata

fought the urge to snatch him back to her. When he reached the cake he looked at it akwardly. "what is this

for?" Sakura almost fell over with shame. "Naruto, for your birthday your supposed to have a cake." she said.

he smiled."so can i eat it?" "well, sure aft-" she stopped as she noticed he was shoveling cake into his

mouth. half the cake was already gone. "Not yet! your supposed to save some for everyone else you moron!"

Everyone but Sasuke, Neji and Gaara laughed. When Narutos bottomless pit of a stomache was full, he looked

to Sakura. "what now?" she sighed. "ill tell you, but you have to let me fini-" Naruto darted across the room

to Temari and Kankurou who were standing by a table with a bottle of champiegne. "hey guys." Temari smiled down

at him. "hey birthday boy." Kankurou passed him a cup. "here take a sip kid." Naruto hesitated. "dont

worry," Temari assured him,"you should be able to hold your liquor better than your partner in crime." she

laughed. he downed the cup. "i dont feel any different.." he said. a slight pinge of dizziness

crossed his features. "nope, kind of...the same." Temari and Kankurou laughed and passed him another cup only to

have Sakura pull it away. "first Hinata and now Naruto? geez give it a rest Temari." she pulled Naruto away from

them as Temari sighed. "how does Naruto deal with her?" she asked no one. Sakura dragged Naruto over to a table

and sat him down. "now its time for gi-" he stood up and went to go to Hinata who was being told something by

Kiba. Sakura pulled him back down. "Naruto! sit down its time to open your gifts!" she yelled. he turned to her

and temporaily forgot Hinata. "gifts?! well why didnt you say so?!" he sat back down as Sakura gathered

everyone to the table stacked with boxes, neatly wrapped. After everyone was around him she handed him

the first gift. blue wrapping paper and a big pink bow. "ooh, ohh! that ones from me!" Ten-Ten yelled over

the group. Naruto ripped it open. "hey, thanks Ten-Ten! its a.....a..what is it?" she took the paper from

him. "why dont ya try reading it?" he took it back from her and read the paper. He read it silently. "hey this

is a list of hokage level ju-" Ten-Ten hushed him. "thats really from Tsunade, she really wants you to

follow your dream." she whispered to him. he nodded and put it in his lap. "thanks!" she smiled. "any time."

Sakura handed him a velvet black box. "sweet! jewlery." he took the diamond earing from the box. "whos this

from?" he said trying to put the earing in. " i thought you'd look nice with some jewlery kid." Temari said.

Naruto smiled and took the next box. "this one is from Sasuke." Sakura said. Naruto frowned and opened the box

anyway. "the last "gift" i got from Sasuke was his middle finger." he mumbled. Sasuke remained stoic as

Naruto pulled out a black t-shirt that read, "go ahead, say something else so i can fuck you up". Naruto

laughed. "my personality in one phrase." he said. Sasuke smirked. As Sakura passed him Kibas gift. "this ones

from dog boy." she grimaced. Naruto opened the little glass case and pulled out a two chain necklaces. they

were connected in the shape of two sleeping puppies. one half said "puppy" and the other half said "luv". Naruto

smiled and passed the one that said "luv" to Hinata. "thanks Kiba." Kiba smiled. "for you and your

girl Uzumaki, you better enjoy it." "we will." Sakura passed him another box. "this one is from Lee and

Shino." she said. "Lee and Shino? why'd you guys buy me a gift together?" Lee smiled proudly. "well we were

roomates and Shino and i were out of money so we put what we had together and bought you this!" he explained.

Naruto opened it. "hey thanks Lee and Shino! you guys got me a ramen bowl! thanks." they nodded as Sakura gave

him another box. "this is from Shikamaru." she said. "and the box is from Chouji." he took the slip of

paper from her hands. "sweet, a free pass to the noodle shop! my wallet is saved!" they laughed as he opened the

box. he sweat dropped and turned to Chouji. " chips? how original, thanks." Chouji grinned. "this ones from me!"

Sakura said handed him a bag. "hmm?" he pulled out a body wash set. "sweet, thanks Sakur-ass." "what did you

call me?" "Sakura. why?" "oh. nevermind. you like it?" he smiled. "i love it thanks!" He looked at the last

three boxes. he snatched one of them and opened it up. He looked at the poster that was in the box.



"thanks, Gaara." he laughed. "really out of your

character." Gaara looked the same. "Temari said it would be nice." he mumbled. Naruto smiled as he grabbed the

other of the two boxes left. he opened it. "Damn!" he pulled out a black jacket with the Hyuuga clan symbol on

the back. "wow! this is from you Neji?" Neji cocked his eyebrow at hearing his name. "is what from me?" he

looked at the jacket and blushed. "yeah, yeah but dont touch m-" Naruto hugged him and then let go. "thanks!"

he took the last gift into his hand as Hinata smiled deeply. Naruto lowered his eyes. "judgeing by your

expression this must be from you." he said smiling to Hinata. she blushed. "open it, Naruto." she was more

excited then him. "okay okay." he pulled out of the box a smaller box decorated just like the box hed given her

the necklace in. he smiled to himself as he pulled out the identical chain with the letters "U" and "H". she

smiled. "our-" "last names." Naruto finished for her. "thanks, love." he stood and hugged her as she put

the necklace on him. "i thought you would like it." she said blushing. "thanks everyone!" they smiled at him.


hours after drinking and playing games and tricks on people they all returned to their rooms. everyone fell

asleep easily except for Naruto and Hinata who had stayed up all night talking about the party. their chat

was interupted by a loud knock on the door. Naruto answered as Kiba rushed in with his ninja outfit

on. "Hinata we gotta go. therea an emergency mission for us back at the hidden sound village." he said. Hinata

and Naruto exchanged worried looks as Hinata got ready to go. he watched her get ready but fell asleep on the

floor. by the time he woke up Hinata was gone and Sakura was waking him up.

upon returning home Naruto remained confined to his apartment. Hinata and her group werew not back from their mission for a week. no one had seen him and Sakura was growing worried. It was a foggy, grey afternoon and after a mission so she Kakashi, and Sasuke were lounging by a lake. Sakura pulled her feet out the water. "Kakashi, why didnt Naruto come to the mission today?" Kakashi looked up from his book. "he called out sick." he explained."hes been sick for three days, now." Sauke interupted. Sakura thought about it. "he must have a bad fever or something." she let it go as a voice interupted her. "hes not sick." They all looked up at Guys team. Ten-Ten stood in front of Neji and Lee. "what do you mean hes not sick?" Ten-Ten scoffed. "dont you get it? hes sick all right, love sick." she giggled. Sakura looked up with Neji and Sasuke in suprise. "love sick? Naruto?" she repeated. "yes, he misses his girl. and hes probably worried about her." she explained. Neji turned away. "hes got another thing coming if he thinks shes coming back to this village." they all looked towards him confused. "what do you mean, Neji?" Ten-Ten asked. "our clan leader, Hinatas father is moving the entire clan to the village hidden in the waterfall."he stated. Ten-Tens facew dropped. "oh,no! poor Naruto, he'll be so upset..." Neji turned away. "oh well, he'll just have to find a new girl." "but, why is the clan moving?" Sasuke asked. "Hinatas father saw that necklace Naruto gave her and was appauled to find out his first born was dating the nine tailed fox." he said gingerly. "how cruel," Sakura seethed. Sasuke frowned. "doesnt her father know that the nine tailed fox is good inside Naruto?" "obviously not." "Hinata will be back from her mission today thanks to a false alarm," Lee said," this will be Narutos last chance to see her." he looked to Kakashis group. "someone needs to tell him." Sakura sighed and began her walk to his apartment. after all this time of being alone, he found someone who made him happy and whole again, and now shes being taken away too.

Sakura reached his door and knocked. when he didnt

answer she tried again. Naruto slid the door open to the

foggy, grey outside and looked at her with empty dark

blue eyes. "what?" she smiled at him weakly. he hadnt

even had the courtesy to get dressed. he stood in the

doorway with a white sligshot and black

shorts. "Naruto...you look..." she stopped, not wanting

to say the wrong thing. "how are you?" she finally

asked. he gave her an irratated look. "did you want

something Sakura?" "Naruto, Hinata will be back today

but-" he lifted her off her feet in a tight

hug. "serious?!" Sakura nodded and calmed him

down. "Naruto please listen to me!" "what else do i need

to hear?!" he dessapeared into his apartment and

reamerged moments later dressed in a blue t-shirt and

his shorts. "come on Sakura!" he ran down the stairs

with no shoes on and tied his head band around his

waist. "hurry up!" she watched him get a three mile head

start before finally hurrying after him. "Naruto wait i-

" She stopped as she realized he couldnt hear her. he

reached the entrance to the village only to find a large

crowd of Hyuuga clan members alreay there. he stopped

and let Sakura catch up. she skidded to a halt beside

him and used his calf to pull himself up. "Na-ru-to,

please hold-on..."she caught her breath. he looked down

at her in utter suprise as his blonde hair fell around

his head, unholstered by his head band. his spark had

returned to his eyes. "what is it Sakura?" Sakura opened

her mouth to say something as Hinatas father interupted

her. "Hinata!" Naruto forgot Sakuras existance and

dashed through the crowd, pushing and shoving people out

of the way. when he got to the front Neji looked at him

from beside Hinatas father. the clan began to talk to

each other as Hinata, Kiba and Shino came into view. as

soon as Hinata saw Naruto she uncousiously smiled. she

wondered why her family was there for a second before

Naruto became her number one priority again. she smiled

at the idea that he had rushed to see her, based on his

appearence. she and her team were in normal apparell for

their home coming. Hinata wore a violet slingshot with a

netted lon sleeve grey undershirt and violet

capris. "Naruto!" she took off down the road, forgetting

her father was there. he met her half way as she jumped

into his arms as he spun her around and held her to him.

they stayed like that for a moment as Sakura and Neji

watched, along with Hinatas outraged father. Hinata and

Naruto happily gazed into each others eyes before their

lips met in a deep kiss. Hinatas fingers went through

his hair as he held he waist. Neji and Sakura exchanged

glances before looking to Hinatas fathers expression.





Neji laughed under his breath as Naruto and Hinata

pulled apart. Kiba whistled from behind them. "damn!

somebody missed his girl." he said smiling. Naruto

blushed as Hinata giggled. "how'd your mission go?" he

asked her. she hesitated. "false alarm, but there is

still a warning of the sound village." he wasnt actually

listening so he just nodded. Kiba laughed. "she missed

you too. we had to constantly remind her what we were

doing or where we were." Naruto smiled. "same here."

they were interupted by a deep voice. "Hinata, i am

moving the clan to the village hidden in the waterfall.

say goodbye to Kyubi." he informed her, eyeing Naruto

hatefully. Naruto and Hinata looked at each other with

sorrow. "what?! father, please no! why?" she

cried. "this village has had nothing but trouble and i

will not have the future of this clan seeing that

demon." he said pointing to Naruto. Naruto looked up at

him with confidence. "i saved this god damned village!

you think i chose to have Kyubi inside me?!" as his

temper flared Hinata tried to calm him down. "Naruto...

dont listen to him." she said. Neji and Sakura watched

as Hinatas father smirked. "beasts and monsters cant be

calmed down, their filled with rage." more people began

to join the crowd out of curiousity as Narutos living

hell of a past flashed in his mind. "Hinata get away

from it." Hinata looked up angrily. "Father, stop it!"

Naruto lunged forward as Neji and Hinata did the same

and held him down. "Father please stop it!" he looked

down and frowned at Naruto. "full of rage; he's only

proving my point." Naruto broke their hold on him and

shot forward as someone caught him. Kakashi held him

captive as Tsunade stood next to him and looked from

Hinata to her father. "thats enough." she ordered. He

looked from her to Kakashi and beckoned the clan. they

moved forward and out of the gates of Konohagakure. as

they left he turned to Hinata and Neji. "lets go." he

turned and walked away as Neji followed. Hinata turned

back to Naruto who was using everthing in his power not

to cry. she mouthed to him good bye as a silent tear

slid down her cheek. Naruto struggled against Kakashi

who held him tighter. he wanted to hold her hand, do

something, but touch her one more time before she left.

Hinata turned away slowly and followed her clan out of

the gates. Kakashi let him down as he ran to the gates

and watched her go from behind them. "Hinata!!" she

turned around and smiled at him as he forced a smile

onto his face for her too. "I love you.." she said

softly. he couldnt hear her but he read her lips. "I

love you too.." he whispered back to her. Tsunade

appeared behind him and put her hand on his shoulder.

Hinata awoke in her new bedroom with a feeling of emptiness. she sat up in her pajamas and sulked over her pillow. Naruto.... she couldnt get him out of her head. she desparately wanted to jump out of the window and sprint back to the land of fire, but she knew she couldnt do that. she sat back and stared out the window at the sunset, unaware that Naruto was thinking the same thing and looking at the same sunset back in the land of fire. she snapped her head towards her door as Neji opened it. she eyed him suspiciously. "what is it?" she mumbled. she wanted to be left alone. Neji didnt answer so she turned back to the sunset. after a moment the door shut and she felt a small thud on the bed beside her. she looked down at the little stuffed animal. she lifted it up and noticed it was actually the nine tailed fox, just a chibier version. she smiled at it. it reminded her of Naruto. she hugged it as tears came to her eyes. "i have to thank Neji." she got out of bed and looked on her dresser for her chain. she found it and put it around her neck, remembering the day she got it when Naruto put it around her neck. she smiled at the memory and left her room. walking up and down the warm hallway she looked out the window at the snow. she didnt mind it, actually she kinda liked it. the sun would have reminded her of Naruto. she walked quietly until she reached Nejis new room. she knocked as he opened the door. "your welcome." he said quickly. he went to shut the door as she put her foot in the way. "why Neji? where did you get this?" he blushed and held the door as if the moment she moved her foot, he was gonna slam the door in her face. "i made it..to make you feel better.." she blushed in shock. " thank you...so much." he nodded and went to crush her foot in the door but she hugged him before he could. he pushed her off after a little while. "thank you Neji. thats proof enough that your family." she smiled. he half smiled back at her and let her move her foot before shutting the door. she turned with her chibi and started back to her room. she picked out an outfit and showered and changed. she had on a blue tank top and white shorts. she took off her head band and layed it beside her on the bed. as she layed back down she imagined that she and Naruto were still together, walking and holding hands, celebrating his birthday..it didnt matter. she fell asleep with a smile on her face as chibi fell from her lifless hand and hit the floor.

Back in the village hidden in the leaves Naruto was sitting in Tsunades office. she had asked that he come in that morning, and now she wasnt even there. she had left and told him to wait here. he sighed and continued to wait patiently. after a fiew minutes he got impatient and stood up to go. just as he reached the door Tsunade pushed him back into his seat. Naruto groaned as he fell into the chair. he wished she would hurry up. "Naruto?" he looked up at her. he wasnt in the mood to drag out a conversation. after one day without Hinata he had become very irritable. "what is it Granny? why the hell did you call me in here if you didnt want anything?! i cant stand the elderly.." she socked him over his head and frowned. "language young hokage, language." he growled and looked down at his feet. "whatever." she passed him a letter. "this came in for you today." he glanced at it and looked away. "so, what?.." "its from, the Hyuuga household, thats what." Naruto jumped up and snatched the letter from her. "Hinata?!" he opened it and immediantly recognized the neat cursive hand writing. he read the letter slowly.
Dear Naruto,
I really miss you. It's not the same as the land of fire but It's okay out here. It is very cold and the snow is sometimes a problem. Neji made me a little chibi Kyubi doll. i really like it and it reminds me of you. I'll never forget you, and as soon as i get the chance im going to try to run away from here and back to you. I love you, very much.
Hinata Hyuuga
he smiled at the letter and cocked his eyebrow at Neji giving her a stuffed animal. he turned to Tsunade. "but this isnt all you wanted me for is it?" Tsunade shook her head. "Hinatas serious about coming back, but its a dangerous journey from there to here." Naruto tilted his head. "and?" "she cant make it alone, she'll need your help."

Hinata sat in her room quietly, thinking about how she was going to get Naruto back. She thought hard as running away came to mind. "run away....." she turned to her stuffed animal and stared at its bubbly red eyes. if Naruto were here...he'd help me figure something out, she thought. she fingered her chain. "but also, if Naruto were here i wouldnt need a plan." she felt a tear fall down her cheek."Naruto....if it were'nt for my father...you'd still...we'd still..." she buried her face into Kyubi and started to cry. As she let out her despear, she hoped Naruto wasnt as miserable as her.
On the flip side Naruto was just as miserable as her. he paced Tsunades office as he waited for her to return. once again she had told him to hold on and left out. he thought about just leaving and finding the land of waves himself. he eyed the window of her office. after rethinking it over and over agian, he attemted to pry it open. he pulled harder as a voice came from behind him. "i thought you might try that, its locked." Tsunade explained. he turned to her angrily. "well, give me the damn map." she frowned and handed him the map, understanding his anxiety to see Hinata. "it snows over there so bring a jacket. be careful!" she said as he nodded and walked out the door. Tsunade watched him with a heavy heart. stay safe, she thought to herself. Naruto however, had only one thing on his mind.

As he reached his apartment he folded Hinatas letter and put it in his pocket. he searched through his draws for his jacket, his Hyuuga jacket. he found it and put it on. he looked into his bathroom mirror. this might be the last time im alive.
He ignored his thoughts and went to the door. he locked it and jumped onto the roof. he stared into the sun and opened the map. after a moment he looked up from the map, put it in his jacket, and jumped from the roof to the forest. as he leapt from tree to tree his memory from the village gates came back to him. as he tried to block the memory he picked up his pace. Am i really in love? Hinata cried for me, she stood up for me, she looks up to me. he smiled tohimself. "now I've got two dreams," he said as he reached a grassy clearing," To become Hokage and protect the love of my life."

Neji stood just outside the new Hyuuga teritory and

brushed the snow off his shoulder. he had on a hoodie

identicle to the one he'd given Naruto, but his was

white. he frowned up at the sky, thinking about his

friends.

Lee...Naruto...Kiba...Gaara...Temari...Shino...Chouji...S

hikamaru...... "Ten-Ten.." he said aloud, surising

himself.


He thought the birthday party and sharing his room with

Sasuke at the inn. He sneered and turned towards the

front door of the Hyuuga clan household as he heared the

back door shut he cocked his eyebrows and waited for

anymore sounds so he could pinpoint the identity of the

person.

yea i had to type this twice because i kept deleting this chapter cuz i didnt how to use this.

he heard the loud crunching of snow as a girl came into view. she had on her mission backpack and she held her stffed animal. as she walked forward and past neji he notices she was wearing emu boots. the brown ones, made for snow. where does she plan on going?, he asked himself, with the answer in the back of his head. he watched as she got her foot suck in the snow. she grunted and tries to pull it out. " hinata ?", she looked up and blushed not only had she blindly not even seen him, but she couldnt pull her foot out. " neji....... neji i have to ...", she start. she looked down at her feet, waiting for him 2 lecture her but instead felt a strong arm pull her out of the snow and set her on her feet. she looked inot neji's eyes as he smiled at her with a determined face. " i'll help you." he said. she opened her eyes wide in disbelief. "really? why?" he blushed and turned away " well you said i had to treat u like family and thats what im trying to do" he explained . she smile at him. as he wipe the smile from his face, almost instictively he looked at what she was wearing ; her tight fitting violet fur coat and bandages wrapped around her thighs. she smiled as he looked up. " thank you so much. i'll never forget this." he smirked. " yes you will, the moment i lecture you again." she ignored him and pulled a map out of her pocket. " hod you get that from your father's roomwith out geting caught?" she shrugged. " i have gotten better at being silent you know.," " noticed.: he said slowly. they studied the map and ploted their course. "naruto had better love you as much as you love him." he said. "otherwise this is useless",she blushed." you mean....you dont mind me with ... with naruto, then?", he gave her a serious face. " not as much...." he put his hand on her shoulder. "i still dont understand how you managed to fall in love with the weirdest ninja of all the village.", she giggled " hes not that bad when you get to know him, cousin." "you seem to have forgotten that we fought over you.", she suddenly remember. " you were... that was the first time id ever see you so... so loud, so ... determined and confivent," he said as she rememberd yelling at naruto to stop. "yeah....., she looked up at the sky. i guess its just something about naruot that brings that out in me, like my inner. the stronger part of me.