Hinata And Naruto: After The Kiss

Chapter 24

It was about three weeks after the dinner with Hiashi at the Hyuga compound and Naruto was still trying to figure out the best way to go about the mountain of task he faced. How to ask for Hiashi's permission to marry Hinata. They had talked it over some that day at his place. They actually managed to get quite a bit talked about before they both turned into blushing embarrassed messes. They both agreed that they didn't need to get married soon but there was that little picture Naruto had in his mind. He wanted to be able to call Hinata his forever. Selfish as it might seem he wanted to have that claim that Hinata was his. He wanted to be able to say that he would be there for Hinata no matter what. When it came to that his resolve was solid. When it came to trying to ask Hiashi.... he crumpled like paper.

He felt bad that he crumpled so easily around Hiashi but he knew that having his approval was huge to Hinata. As much as she denied it he knew that she would like to have his approval. He was scared that Hiashi would flat out tell him no. He didn't know how he would respond if that happened. There was a knock at the door that stopped him mid pace. Hinata was here. They where going on a date. he planned to take her somewhere nice but who knew what would happen. He had gone to consult Sai and his books of knowledge again and had reread the part where the guy pays for the meal. He would be out of money if it was too expensive but anything for Hinata. He opened the door to see Hinata standing there in her relax clothes. It was a uncharacteristically (that is a really long word) warm day for the end of January. The warm spell had melted almost all of the little snow they had and had left it feeling like spring.

He grabbed a jacket from by the door and smiled at Hinata. "How are you doing today?"

Hinata smiled back. "I am good. How are you?"

"To be completely honest. I have been better."

Hinata pursed her lips. "Are you still worrying about asking my father?" Naruto didn't say anything but Hinata knew she was right."Why are you worrying? I don't care about being m-married. I am happy just being with you." A little blush had crossed her faced when she talked about getting married.

"I know." Naruto sighed.

"Why don't you stop worrying and let's just enjoy this date!" She grabbed his hand and started to pull him through the street looking for restaurants to eat at. They walked around for a while oblivious to the looks they where getting. They stopped in front of a restaurant to check the prices. Naruto was obviously shocked at the prices for a simple meal. It made Hinata wonder how much money Naruto had with him. A quick, covert byuakugan! told her that he didn't have much money with him. But as he had proven on their few official dates, he always insisted on paying. Only one thing to do. She didn't even mind. She actually preferred this option.

She grabbed his arm. "I want to eat at Ichiraku Ramen."

Naruto looked surprised but relieved. "I see. Okay."

"You like Ichiraku's don't you?" She was taunting him. He knew it. He gave a smile that told her he knew what she was up to. She gave an smile worthy of an award for how innocent she looked. He smiled and let Hinata pull him along to Ichiraku's. They made it to the shop and sat down. Ayame came out immediately and took their orders. She went to go relay the order. Hinata needed to go to the bathroom so she stood up and walked out after giving Naruto a quick little kiss on the cheek. She walked away and was unaware that Naruto was watching the way her hips swung as she walked. Not even a minute after Hinata left the vultures descended. Naruto was sitting playing with a pain of disposable chopsticks waiting for Hinata to return. Someone sat in the spot next to Naruto where Hinata had been sitting. At first he thought Hinata was back already but when he looked up it was a girl he didn't recognize.