Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. This is a purely fictional piece written for the entertainment of myself and others. Don't sue me over FanFiction. That is not a proud lawsuit.

Hi there. So you've made the decision to click on this story, out of hundreds of thousands of others to choose from, and for that I thank you. Please enjoy.

I would also like to take a quick moment to recognize my wonderful beta The Crafty Cracker, who gave me the core plot and has helped me more than anyone else on here. She's astoundingly amazing, and you should immediately go read her stories. Well, not immediately. Finish this one first.

The moisture in the air was dense, clinging to my skin as I knelt by the water's edge. The cool humidity filled my lungs with every slow breath I took. The waterfall was a place I found myself returning to more often, and was a spot I'd frequented in since the end of that war.

The war took more from me than I could ever imagine— my cousin Neji, my sense of security with the world, and it certainly took everything that everyone had to win. I came close to losing him too. A cold shiver ran down my spine at the thought. I tried to push it away by tossing a smooth stone, disrupting the peace of the pool which had inadvertently become a second home to me. No one understood me quite as well as the water did. Not even him. Especially now.

I let out a loud, full-bodied sigh and dipped my fingertips into the current. Ever since he became the Hokage, he had grown harder to talk to. It wasn't his fault, becoming the Rokudaime was accompanied with duties. Friendship sadly wasn't one of them. I remembered every little moment we shared before and during the war. I was so foolish to run down there and spill my guts like I did during the battle with Pain. I think I surprised even myself. It was certainly a step in the right direction, or so I thought. I remember how crestfallen I was when he didn't even address what I had said.

"Baka," I muttered to myself. What was he to do? I shouldn't have expected him to scoop me up in his arms and carry me away. My life was no fairy tale, and I certainly wasn't his princess. Rather, I was his shy, timid friend who fainted like a goat and stammered every word. Luckily for me, I had dropped the habits. However, it was far too late. A foolish flicker of hope in me remained due to the fact that he had not yet married. However, at his age and position, it was unlikely he'd marry anyone at all. And if he felt the need, surely he'd find a wife more suitable than I. Ever since attaining his dream, he had become Konohagakure's idol and had more fangirls than I had strands of hair. It sickened me whenever I saw one of those girls shrieking like an idiot and waving some sort of undergarment for him to sign, or keep, or smell or whatever the hell those crazy fangirls wanted.

I took one more glance at the glassy surface of the pool before I stood and turned to leave. The cool autumn night brought a smile to my face, and every tedious step I took was accompanied by the satisfying sound of fallen leaves crunching beneath my feet. Most shinobi viewed travel as hindering and blew through it, rushing around from destination to destination, every second spent traveling viewed as one more off of their oh so busy schedule. I, however, had grown to enjoy the walks between the waterfall and Konoha. Especially on nights like this, where the opalescent full moon made the forest glow as if it were lit from within.

I arrived at my spacious home faster than I thought I would have, and entered silently despite being the only person who inhabited the roomy building. A solo S-Rank mission I had done set me up with more than enough cash to pay for the expense of living in such a nice place. I moved out from the Hyuuga compound after the war, passing the title of heiress onto my younger sister, who graciously accepted the position. I thought that eventually I'd have a family to fill the empty rooms. Unfortunately, the still unoccupied spaces taunted me and reminded me of the fact that I had not yet settled down despite my age and wish to.

Ino was happily married to Choji, which came as a surprise to anyone who had known Ino since she was a child. Her vanity was a blemish on her personality that had thankfully been wiped away over time.

Sakura was engaged to her childhood crush Sasuke, whose name was met with off-putting remarks and hushed whispers of disapproval. The person who seemed the most upset about Sasuke's return was Kiba, who would constantly go on about how he could still smell the 'traitor' on him. I myself was overjoyed with Sasuke's settling down in Konoha. Not only was he an asset in battle, but he was Naruto's best friend. Seeing the now Hokage's face light up when Sasuke agreed to stay cheered me to my core. The way those deep blue eyes sparkled...

Tenten, bless her poor heart, had fallen hard for Neji and didn't take it very easily when he died. I recalled sitting by her side night after night after the event. She was trying to get back on her feet and move on, but it seemed that every time she'd come close to finding a new man, guilt would force her to break it off.

Even Temari had settled down, moving to Konoha to be with her husband, Shikamaru. They already had two children, and were discussing the possibility of another the last I heard. They were such a sweet couple, despite Shikamaru's unfaltering lazy nature and Temari's explosive anger issues.

As I lay in bed I couldn't stop thinking about my own love life. I had never even so much as kissed a man. I didn't want anyone but him. I couldn't even so much as picture myself with someone else. No one made me feel the way he did. That spark, those knots in my stomach when I saw him, the way my heart raced when someone spoke his name. I thought about those sparkling cerulean eyes, the way his smile seemed to light up everything around him, the way his hand felt in mine when he held it. Before I knew what happened, I had lulled myself into a calm sleep.

—

Dawn broke over Konoha and the pale light filtering in through the window was enough to force me from my slumber. A yawn escaped my lips as I stretched my limbs under the comforting warmth of the blanket. Strangely, I was a morning person. I always found myself confused whenever Shikamaru would gripe about wanting to sleep in, or when Sakura would complain about how her hair was messy in the early hours. I found something peaceful about the beginning of a day. Nothing bad happened yet to sadden or anger me, nothing great had happened to make me forget about important things. The morning was when life was most raw. No one but me, nothing to worry about, just a bright sun and the hope that today wouldn't bring troubles or hardships in my way.

I gracefully bounded down the stairs, a routine which I had practiced multiple times to efficiently get to the shower room from my bed as quickly and efficiently as possible. In the confines of my home, I could move however I pleased with no one to judge me. I could smile and dance and skip and jump and laugh, all within the company of myself. Some days I wouldn't even leave, I'd just lie about, reading or thinking pointless thoughts. The mission I had done recently had granted me a break – a privilege that I was abusing with glee.

I continued said routine with a cleansing shower, donning the flak jacket that Konohagakure ninja had become so famous for afterwards. Despite the break I was on, it was required that I be present at the Jonin Standby Station every morning on the off chance that I was needed in an emergency situation. I didn't mind though. If it wasn't for this requirement I would have absolutely no social life to speak of. Occasionally, the Hokage would take a break from his work and pay us a visit – these short interactions being our only communication most of the time.

I took one more glance at myself in the mirror before I headed out the door. The cool breeze was met with a smile as I traveled toward the Station. The citizens of the village were packing the streets and bustling about, taking advantage of Konoha's prosperity.

The state of the shinobi world since the war was excellent, with each village holding a newfound respect for the others. Kage summits now occurred more frequently, and were used to quietly resolve small disputes and exchange information amongst themselves. I had successfully petitioned to be one of Naruto's bodyguards alongside Umino Iruka, who had been made jonin shortly after the war. I accompanied him to the Land of Iron every few months, and enjoyed the experience greatly. Honestly, I enjoyed any scenario that involved Naruto and I being anywhere near each other.

The Station was a whirlwind of activity upon my arrival, as it was every morning. Many of my fellow jonin were grouped up, discussing strategy for upcoming missions and conversing about their new teams of freshly appointed genin.

My arrival was met with a few curt greetings from acquaintances, before everyone became preoccupied with actual work yet again. My lips released a sigh as I fell into obscurity, seated in a chair pushed into the far corner of the room. My morning from this point typically consisted of jumbled thoughts as I studied my busy peers, most of them hard at work, and a few off-duty like me scattered about the Station trying to fall into the background as to not interrupt anyone. Occasionally one of my comrades would finish their tasks earlier than expected and come to chat. Other times I would find myself making small talk with another off-duty shinobi. These spurts of conversation were the foundation of my laughable social life, a truth which I was oddly fine with. I never was the person with a lot of friends and I had no intention of changing that. I had bonded with the people I grew up with and never really branched out from there. Most of them were on a different schedule than I, and those that I was around often were much too busy to chat.

Today the only other person in their lonesome was Uchiha Sasuke. It was a sight I had grown accustomed to, seeing how he was still thought of by many to be a rogue nin at heart. Some weren't as forgiving as others, and Sasuke seemed to be the individual most commonly on the receiving end of mistrust and scorn. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. I genuinely believed that he had changed, and with good reason. He was an asset to Konohagakure now despite his rather shady past. He had proven his loyalty during the war, however to some it just wasn't enough. The way people looked at him now was the same way they would look at Naruto before he saved each and every one of them, on multiple occasions. The Uchiha stood in the corner opposite me, a scowl masking his features as he took my habit of silently studying the surroundings. His arms were crossed and tightly pressed against his chest. I thought for a brief moment about talking to him, but my idea was forgotten upon a familiar voice meeting my ears.

"Hey, Hinata-chan!" A gravelly greeting forced me to perk up. My eyes were met with a fanged grin, an expression which I copied as I offered a short wave.

"Hello, Kiba-kun," I said cheerfully as I readjusted myself in the chair. Kiba, without permission, sat on the arm and continued on with his smile. His knee pressed uncomfortably against my side. However, I ignored it and cast my gaze at Akamaru, who was standing dutifully a few feet away. His tongue lolled out of his head as he panted, and bounded over when I offered out my hand to pet him.

"So what's up? We haven't talked in forever," he exaggerated, but it had indeed been too long since I had spoken with my friend.

"Nothing's up," I replied. "Sort of my problem."

"Working hard then?"

"No." I turned in the chair so that my back was against the opposite arm, looking him in the eye as he raised a brow. "It's just..."

"Go on Hinata-chan." I couldn't help but giggle when he grinned again, a wide, goofy expression that I had found humorous since we were young.

"Sometimes I just worry about the future. It kind of feels like I'm not putting enough thought into the present." I let out a small sigh.

"What are you worrying about?" he asked, his balance slipping and his knee pressing harder into my side.

"I don't know," I spoke softly. "I just feel like it's moving a little too fast for me to keep up. I'm worried I'll blink and the next thing I know, I've missed everything."

"Sounds like you need a hug." I rolled my eyes and it was his turn to laugh. "You think too much, Hinata-chan. You never were the impulsive type though. You should just stop worrying so damned much, it's a bit annoying."

"You're just the nicest person, aren't you Kiba-kun?" I didn't usually use sarcasm, but I felt it was appropriate. I might have been offended if I hadn't known him for as long as I had. The guy just didn't have a filter between his mouth and his brain. Sometimes I wondered if the brain was missing as well.

"Hey, I'm a one-stop shop for honesty. Just putting my opinion out there. Speaking of putting it out there, you know what you really need?" I felt the heat run through my cheeks as I anticipated the next sentence. "A man."

"We're not having this conversation again," I started, "you always say that's what I need and it's not true."

"Really now?" He sat up with a glimmer in his eye, removing his knee from its uncomfortable resting position as he crossed his legs and balanced precariously on the arm. "True or false, you're still a virgin?"

"True or false, you're an asshole?" A voice spoke from behind Kiba. I peered over his shoulder to see Tenten, who stood a few feet away with her hands placed on her hips.

"Oh lovely," Kiba grumbled and crossed his arms against his chest. He huffed and turned to look at the kunoichi, who offered a smirk in response. "Just who I wanted to show up. Don't you have someone else to make miserable?"

"Oh bite me, Kiba-teme."

"Watch what you say there, I just might do it." He chomped his teeth together, prompting a look of disgust and a sigh from Tenten.

"Hello, Tenten-san," I greeted my friend, drawing her attention away from the man who sat inches away, baring his teeth in a miserable attempt to make her leave. Upon realizing it was futile, he just frowned and sat glumly with his hurt puppy eyes. I could never understand why Tenten and Kiba were always at each other's throats. I had assumed it was some past conflict, however I had never heard of such a story. Any time I'd ask, I'd just receive something along the lines of 'I don't know, 'I just think he's immature,' or 'I dunno, I just think she's a bitch.' I always figured they'd get along, maybe even make a nice couple. I thought the idea was cute. They thought it was disgusting.

It was odd how I always found myself in that position— always the helpful friend who would help someone find the love of their life or help them through turbulence in romance. However when it came to my own love life, it just seemed hopeless. I self-identified as a closet romantic, I was the little girl who dreamed of her crush falling for her and sweeping her off her feet in a majestic show of love. And then I'd blush and tell myself that it could never happen, knowing that was true, but still foolish enough to let that flicker of hope remain that perhaps that dream would come true one day. And like the Will of Fire Konohagakure had become so famous for, that flicker just wouldn't die. I had no intention of finding a man because I had already found him. I was in love with the Rokudaime Hokage, always had been and certainly would be until my last breath.

"Hinata!" Tenten's voice made me jump in my seat, sending Kiba tumbling to the floor with a thud and a growl.

"Sorry!" I gulped. "I was just lost in thought."

"What the hell was that about!?" Kiba stood and pointed an accusing finger. "Maybe you should warn a guy before you throw him on his ass, ever think of that!?"

"Will you shut it, dobe?" Tenten shot a scowl at him, and he responded with another throaty growl.

"You shut it, loud-mouth!"

"Idiot!"

"Widow!"

"Teme!"

"Ugly!"

"Jackass!"

"Guys, stop," I pleaded, but it was useless as they were already face to face and had the attention of everyone in the Station. And it was during the fierce screaming match that Konoha's current Jonin Commander, the respected Hatake Kakashi, decided to enter the room.

"Perhaps you two should consider calming yourselves," he offered, his sudden appearance resulting in a collection of gasps and a suddenly silent Kiba. "It'd be a shame if we had to trouble the Hokage with a couple of quarreling jonin, now wouldn't it?" He chuckled as all the color drained from Tenten's face.

"Forgive me, Kakashi-sama," Kiba apologized and dipped his head.

"Showoff," Tenten muttered under her breath, loud enough to be audible but not loud enough to result in another reprimand. I found it humorous the way they had reacted. I hadn't seen them look so scolded since they had been genin.

"I just came to let you all know that in celebration of Uzumaki Naruto's fourth year as Rokudaime Hokage, all jonin will be released early. If you would prefer to stay to finalize anything important you may, and the rest of you are advised to take your leave."

The jonin began filing out of the large space, Kiba and Tenten close ahead of me as we exited.

"I can't stand you," Kiba grumbled at her.

"Inuzuka Kiba, I advise you to learn to cooperate with your fellow jonin, and perhaps apologize," Kakashi scolded him again.

"Hmph." Sasuke smirked from a few feet away. Kiba's hackles visibly raised and he snarled at the Uchiha.

"You got something you want to say to me you damn traitor?" He growled. I placed my hand on his arm in case he thought about lunging. Kiba had grown into a powerful shinobi, however I had my doubts whether he could defeat Sasuke or not. Even if he could, this certainly wasn't the place to do it.

"Kiba-kun, please." I gripped his arm tighter and upon hearing my words he immediately loosened up.

"He has no right to look down on anybody." He sounded bitter, however he let me walk ahead of him, distancing himself from Sasuke.

"Why do you always have to argue with everyone?" I asked as we reached outside, the breeze in the air kissing my skin and sending shivers down my spine. "Maybe you should try to be nicer, Kiba-kun."

"I can be nice; I just choose to call it like I see it. And no matter which angle you look at it from, that guy is an asshole." He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, forcing my lips into a frown. "But the good news? Tonight's all about celebration! Your knight in orange armor is celebrating a milestone, so you should be happy Hinata-chan."

"I guess..." I said, a noticeable redness spreading rapidly throughout my face.

"You really still have the hots for him after all this time?" He laughed uproariously when my mouth dropped open.

"Kiba-kun!" I practically squealed. "Don't say things like that!"

"Say things like what?" His grin widened and my face somehow turned a deeper shade of red. "Say things like," he cupped his hands over his mouth, "Hinata has the hots for the Hok—"

"Shhh!" I clasped my hand over his mouth, forcing him to laugh louder despite my palm muffling the sound.

"In all seriousness though, it's been years. Why haven't you said anything? You better start before he picks up one of these fangirls and forgets all about you."

"He wouldn't do that," I said, taking on a more serious tone. "He's a better person than that."

"I'm just trying to help, geez." He put his hands up defensively. "I'm sorry, I just hate to see you beat yourself up over one guy. Even if that guy is the Hokage, I hate to see anyone leave you in such..." he stopped and struggled to find a fitting word, "…disarray."

"I'm fine, Kiba-kun. Really." I offered him a warm smile and he sighed.

"Just make sure you mean it, alright Hinata-chan? I have to head home. See you tomorrow." He gave one last worried look before jumping away, Akamaru following him.

My eyes were fixated on my feet as I continued toward my house. I appreciated Kiba's concern, and I couldn't shake what he had said out of my mind. I knew that I should just try to be a normal person and ask Naruto on a date, or invite him over, or even talk to him. I just couldn't do it. As much as I had matured since my confession, I still couldn't confront him. Perhaps one day I would be able to just give him a smile and ask if maybe he'd want to go out for ramen sometime, however now certainly wasn't that time. I was becoming an accomplished shinobi, and should be focusing on that. I chuckled to myself upon realizing the cliché about focusing more on my career than romance. It was the truth though. Naruto needed to be pushed to the back of my mind. Uzumaki Naruto, from this moment forward, would be the last thing on my mind.

I almost fell down when my shoulder connected with another, barely catching myself before I hit the ground. Dang it! I scolded myself. Look where you're walking! I turned to apologize to whoever I had run into, and gasped when my eyes were met with deep pools of blue.

"Sorry about that, Hinata-chan!" the Hokage apologized.

So I do hope you enjoyed reading this first chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was a bit of a challenge, because I'm striving for this Hinata who has matured enough over time yet still has the majority of her base character traits that make her Hinata. Somewhere in the middle, and it's a bit difficult but I think I'm getting the hang of it. And to those of you who are new to my work, I write in a way where everything makes sense in the end. So if I write a scene that seems odd or off to you, it'll make sense soon. You just have to let progression happen guys. If you have any questions or comments please leave a review, each and every one is appreciated. Let me know what you guys think, and do have a wonderful day. Until next time!

- Hendrixson