Yay, new chapter! Finally, right? As per the usual I apologize for this taking so long. I've been trying to finish Shadows on the Horizon since it's so close to being done. And I'm sorry this chapter is so short, especially considering how long you've waited for it. However, I didn't feel I could add more to the scene without it seeming drug out. I hope you still enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Foolish Little Brother

Chapter 4: Bridge

"Greetings, Naruto," the figure's soft voice addressed him.

"Hey, Hinata," Naruto returned warmly.

The beautiful Hyuuga heir smiled shyly at him, her gray eyes shining tenderly with happiness. Moonlight made her pale green, form-fitting robe glow with a celestial aura, and the breeze swayed the long sleeves a little. Unlike Naruto having to traverse the dark forest Hinata had to cross the meadow illuminated by the moonlight most nights. As she pushed back her hood, Naruto saw she had her long, ebony hair pulled up in a bun with some of the strands framing her face. Jade pins crossed parallel through the bun to keep it in place while a comb with amethyst lilac blossoms added support as well as decoration. Even though she wore no make-up, Hinata's pale complexion held a naturally rosy tint to her cheeks and her features were soft, seemingly accenting her shy personality. Despite her gentleness, Hinata was surprisingly usually the one to break away from propriety. She quickly gripped Naruto's hand, her eyes glimmering with relief and happiness.

"I was worried something had happened when you didn't come to meet me all month. I prayed for you and your family," she told him quietly.

"Thanks," Naruto replied, genuinely grateful. He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "I got injured during one of our missions—but I'm okay now," he added quickly seeing her worried look. He relaxed a little when she did. "Everyone had me on bedrest for the last month; I finally got to go train today so long as I took it easy. I'm sorry I couldn't get word to you."

Hinata slowly shook her head. "I'm glad you didn't come to meet me. I would have felt terrible if you pushed yourself too far for my convenience. Are you sure you should be out right now?"

"I'm fine, Hinata," Naruto assured her. "I've been taking it easy, don't worry."

Hinata gently led him to sit down on the bridge. "Still, let's sit down just to be safe."

Naruto smiled. That was Hinata for you, always putting others before herself. Naruto knew she'd make a fine ruler one day for her people. Hinata was the eldest heir to the Hyuuga clan. Her people resided past the forest on the opposite bank and across a meadow beyond the trees. Naruto smiled at her and chuckled quietly. Hinata gave a soft giggle as she shyly returned his smile. Sometimes the two of them would sit and chat for hours; other times they simply enjoyed each other's presence. This seemed to be one of the nights where both proved to be the case. Naruto leaned his back against the bridge's lower railing and stretched his legs out lazily. Hinata's legs remained curled around her as she rested her hands on her lap. She didn't lean against the bridge but rather kept her back straight like a proper lady. Naruto always admired her regal countenance that surrounded her no matter the atmosphere in which she currently found herself. Naruto tended to save his regality for formal occasions.

At length they began conversing quietly together. Naruto told her about his encounter with the Uchiha brothers and his recovery ordeal. He noticed how Hinata listened to his every word as though she planned to cherish them forever no matter how idiotic he knew he sometimes sounded. She had told him once that she loved his ready smile and genuine heart. Naruto tried to possess no pretenses. He presented himself honest and true to others, and yet he still managed to surprise people. The only time he hid anything was when he wanted to protect something—like his and Hinata's relationship. They'd been able to keep their meetings secret for the last several years, and Naruto hoped they could continue to do so. However, he prayed every night for the day when their clans might find peace with each other and live in harmony. Naruto's smile widened as he gazed at Hinata. Perhaps the two of them could make that happen. Hinata blushed, ducking her head some.

"Why do you keep staring at me?" she asked gently.

Naruto wrinkled his nose at her. "Just appreciating God's craftsmanship," he answered truthfully. He leaned his head back and stared at the moon overhead as he continued to smile. "We're the sun and the moon, you know; we both light up the world in our respective ways. My sunlight obnoxiously reminds people of a new day while yours gently reassures people that they're not alone."

Hinata blushed a little more as she watched him shyly. "I don't see it that way. Your light represents Christ's glory and warmth. My light reminds people that the dawn is coming soon."

Naruto glanced at her and smiled softly. "Maybe we're both right." He chuckled brightly when Hinata giggled. His eyes grew more solemn though as he turned to look at the moon once more. Sighing he commented, "Man, why can't it be this easy for our clans to get along? I doubt anyone even remembers what our initial feud was. But still, why can't we all just...I mean, look at you and me! We're talking and having a great time like it's just natural." He growled in slight frustration. "Do you know why our clans can't get along?"

"No. I've only been told that the Senju would kill me if given the chance, and so I should kill them first," Hinata explained. Shyly, her hand slid across the bridge's smooth, wooden planks to touch Naruto's hand. "But you have proven that is not the case with all Senju."

Naruto smiled gently at her as he turned his hand over to lightly grasp hers. "And you're not as heartless as my people make yours sound. So both sides are wrong about each other. I wonder…if maybe someday we can show them that it is possible for our peoples to form an alliance and live as friends."

"J-just friends?" Hinata murmured, looking away in slight embarrassment.

Naruto's smile spread into a gentle grin. "Well, maybe more than just friends for some of us."

Hinata's soft smile returned, filling Naruto's heart with warmth. That same muscle suddenly pounded harshly against his chest with the feel of her hand in his. He wanted to tell her how he felt. But should he risk making such a confession? His affection was rather apparent, but something about putting the emotions into words made it more official: a statement rather than a hunch. But what if she didn't like him—okay, so it was painfully obvious she did, but still! Even now, she looked away in embarrassment, and Naruto could tell she was thinking along the same lines as he. He felt his cheeks tighten painfully in a blush as he watched her intently. His clan practiced that the men were the ones to initiate advances of those type. But…when faced with telling her, his gut twisted. He'd almost rather face an Uchiha again. However, he daren't push this responsibility on her—what kind of leader would that make him if he did? Naruto huffed softly, forcing his resolve to harden as Hinata turned back to him.

"Naruto—" His lips catching hers smothered her confession. He didn't open his eyes, partly afraid he'd offended her. She remained stiff at first but then slowly, softly she returned his kiss. Naruto's heart beat faster as he savored the feel of her warm mouth gently pressed to his. His fingers rested affectionately against the side of her chin. It was a simple gesture this kiss. But it spoke volumes more than words.

With the moon illuminating them, the two heirs cherished this fleeting, breathless moment. No feuds or doubts reached them now, washed away with this simple retreat into each other's confidence. After several seconds patiently ticked past, Naruto slowly pulled away. Hinata's breath brushed his face lightly and mingled with his as they both worked to catch their second winds. The shy girl's eyes fluttered open to meet his gaze.

"I love you too, Hinata," Naruto told her quietly, smirking gently.

The young heiress blushed deeply to match the tint of Naruto's usually otherwise tan cheeks. Naruto couldn't help the growing grin on his face. She just looked too adorable. His fingers remained touching her chin as he leaned forward and brushed their foreheads together.

Smiling brightly suddenly, Hinata ducked her head but didn't lose eye contact with him. "Oh, Naruto," she whispered happily.

Naruto lowered his hand and twisted so he leaned against the railing again, but his arm slipped around her shoulders and pulled Hinata close. The girl gave no resistance, seeming quite content to lean against him. The two of them watched the night sky in silence for a while. As the moon reached its zenith Naruto stood, gently helping Hinata stand with him. He lingered as their eyes met once more.

"You'll see. One day our clans will find peace, and we can be together outside the shadows too," he encouraged her with a soft smile.

Hinata nodded. "Yes. I pray the day arrives soon. But I know we have to be patient and trust God to work things according to His plan."

Naruto leaned down and kissed her again. As much as he didn't want to leave, he knew his brother would grow suspicious if Naruto appeared too exhausted. Reluctantly he turned them so they stood on their respective sides of the bridge. As Hinata started to walk away, Naruto held her hand until the very last second, remaining where he stood even after she returned to the opposite shore. He watched her step into the trees' shadows and fade from sight. Still he didn't move.

"Someday, Hinata, we'll both stand in the sun," he commented, "side by side."

A/N:

Well, what did you think? Still good or is it getting boring? The chapter will heat up soon, I promise. Please review! Let me know if the story is still interesting or not and whatev. I like getting reviews; don't be shy.