Hospital Visits- Chapter 6

When Hinata had asked if he would like to train with her, Naruto had presumed- like anyone else would- that she had meant at the usual training ground outside the Leaf, and reasonably so. What he had not expected was for the young Hyuuga to lead him up the Hokage monument into a beautiful clearing, surrounded by trees and spring buds. The small river running along the outer edge of the clearing was a nice touch, in comparison to the training dummies stacked in the corner, looking slightly out of place.

"I found this place a long time ago. When Kurenai-sensei would send me home because of training too much... I would come here and train instead.

"I started using it after the chunin exams. I needed to get better... I still do."

Naruto turned to face the view of Kohona below, a thoughtful aura surrounding him as the peaceful setting sunk in.

"The chunin exams brought a lot of unexpected things. It was the first time I made a proper connection with you, during your fight with Neji. I believed in you and you didn't back down. You proved you had guts. And now, risking your life for a friend and coming out on top... you're strong, Hinata. You proved to be worth believing in. I will always believe in you."

"If I was strong I would be able to tell you I love you."

Naruto whipped round to face the Hyuuga heiress, his eyes full of confusion and... And hope.

Hinata's expression turned mortified as she realised she had spoken her thoughts aloud.

He surged forward and clasped her hands in his own, stopping her from getting away as she looked like she wanted to run.

"Really? Even though I have the nine tails inside of me?"

She couldn't avoid his gaze. He wouldn't let her. Maybe there was even a part of her that just didn't want to look away.

"I-I-Yes."

As soon as she had uttered the words she felt his lips on her own, chapped, warm and eager met smooth, soft and shy. It was addicting: the contrast. She barely noticed as Naruto shifted one of his hands to the back of her neck, preventing her escape- not that she was going to, of course. For Hinata it was unthinkable,

Wow...

----

Naruto pulled away first, elation clearly marked across his features.

"I love you too, Hinata."

Hinata couldn't speak for shock so Naruto spoke instead.

"Would you like to... Y'know... go out with me, Hinata?"

At this point the bluenette was still fighting her blush.

"Y-you mean, as a couple?"

"Yeah as... As a couple."

I could get used to this. She's so cute. I wonder if she would mind a bear hug right about now...

----

The Hyuuga only nodded her head vigorously in reply as Naruto took her hand in his.

"Great! Let's go get some ramen!"

Hinata's smile widened.

That is so Naruto!

The young Hyuuga continued to listen to her boyfriend babble all the way to Ichiraku's.

But isn't that the most charming thing about him.

She could get used to this, she decided.