Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Into the Woods	By : kyubiteaser Category: Naruto > Het - Male/Female Views: 1577 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 19
- 20
- 21
Alright, I had promised this up, and here it is, the stunning conclusion. Three months of hard work and sleepless nights (not that I sleep at night anyways, that's what the hours between 7-12 are for in the morning) all leading up to this moment.

I thank you all for your reviews and kindness, your words of encouragment, and your interesting ideas. I hope you've enjoyed this twisted tale I've lead us down, after all, I never would have made it to chapter 20 without you guys (remember, this was originally started as a 5 chapter smut fic till i was pestered and badgered into continuing it into a full series.)

Those of you who've been here from the begining, it's been a true pleasure.

For those we've met along the way, I'm glad you came along.

I hope you will come with me again on the next adventure, as our young lovers head off "Into the Desert" to test themselves and their love.

So now, with a heavy heart, I give you the final chapter of "Into the Woods"
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As she lay there in that dark period of consciousness, just before you�re truly awake, Hinata realized how hungry she was. There was a gnawing emptiness in her belly, and this heavenly aroma of miso tempting her so that she couldn�t tell if she was still dreaming or not. As she rolled over lazily, her stomach let out an unusually loud gurgle, causing her to let out a sleepy giggle.

�You�d better wake up and do something about that, we just started fattening you up again.� came a deep voice from her side. Her eyes shot open, surprised to see her older cousin sitting there, his features sad and softened. �Didn�t I tell you that you needed your rest?� he chided her quietly.

Hinata sat up slowly, surprised to see him here. �Neji-niisan, you�re back from your mission already?� he nodded once in reply. She looked to her window, finding it dark and full of stars. �What time is it?�

�Almost 10:00. I�ve been told you slept all day after they found you.� He watched as she looked quietly down at her fingers, guilt creeping slowly across her face as the digits poked and fidgeted. He couldn�t hold back the smile, as seeing that old quirk of hers warmed his heart again. She was still the same old Hinata, nothing really had changed.

�Anou... niisan... maybe I should have listened to you... a bit more.� She felt him fussing with her pillows, propping them up so she could lean back more comfortably on them. As she settled back, he picked up the tray of food some the night stand and placed it across her lap. She smiled as her stomach growled again at the site of half a sandwich, warm tea, and that miso that had been teasing her.

�You must forgive me, Hinata-san. I got hungry waiting for you to awaken, so I ate the other half of your sandwich.� he smiled slightly as he watched her get started on her soup. He let her go in silence for a while before he couldn�t bear it anymore. �Hinata... I know what really happened last night.�

She froze for a moment before setting the spoon back in her bowl, staring at the cloudy liquid as the broth swirled and settled. There was a lump in her throat, and she fought hard to swallow it down. �H..how did you find out?� she whispered, trying to hide the shame she didn�t understand why she was feeling. She certainly wasn�t ashamed of what she�d done. Or was it just because he had found out at all? She sighed, afraid of what his answer would be.

�I had quite a long discussion with Naruto.� he stated simply. Her head shot up, watery eyes questioning him. Neji sighed as he stood, heading towards her closet. He pulled out a simple yukata and placed it over the chair he had been sitting on. �Please... finish your meal and then get dressed. I�d like you to join me for a short walk in the gardens. I promise not to wear you out too much.� He placed a hand gently on her shoulder, his eyes gazing down at her with a mixture of sorrow and what almost appeared to be pity, before he turned and walked out of her room.

�He�s going to yell at me.� she thought as the tears slid down her cheeks to drop into the bowl in her lap. �He�s already beaten Naruto into submission, and now he�s going to yell at me so badly he has to do it outside so as not to wake the house.� She stared at the rest of the food, not really wanting to eat it, but unable to deny the fact that it was needed to stop the discomfort in her stomach. She quickly forced it down and changed, sad to remove the articles of his clothing she had been sleeping in. She tucked them safely away in the bottom of her pillow where they wouldn�t be found by others before she went out to join Neji in the hallway and then head out.

Once outside in the cool night air, Neji lead her silently away from the houses to a secluded section of the garden. He turned from the main footpath onto a small worn trail that led back through the brush to where the family shrines were kept. Once they reached the small, private clearing, he turned to her and brought her to sit on the small bench there. She closed her eyes, waiting for the verbal onslaught to begin. Instead, she heard the quiet foot falls of him walking away, and turned to watch as he moved a good distance back down the trail, stopping about 30 yards away and leaned back against a tree there. �I swear, Uzumaki, if you hurt her I will make you pay in blood.� he called back as he folded his arms across his chest and turned his head away.

Before she could ask what was going on a voice rang out behind her that made her heart stop. �If I hurt her, Neji, I will be more then willing to shed it.�

Hinata sprang to her feet, spinning around to see Naruto standing there with that beautiful, stupid grin on his face that made all her worries melt away. Before he could say anything further, she had stepped on the bench and launched herself into his arms with an ecstatic �Naruto-kun!� He caught her, letting out that carefree laugh she loved so much, spinning her to keep from being knocked over by her leap. When he finally stopped and set her down she wasn�t sure what had thrilled her more, the dizzying ride or the fact she was back in his arms again.

Neji smirked quietly from his position, watching their display of affection nonchalantly over his shoulder. �Those two are too cute for their own good... if this keeps up I might have to commit seppuku.�

The couple kissed tenderly for a moment, mindful of the watch guard. Even still it left Hinata breathless, and with her mind swimming she finally managed to blurt out what she�d been wondering since she first came out here. �Naruto... what�s going on? What are you doing here?�

A sadness filled those cerulean pools that gazed back at her, and she suddenly found herself trembling, afraid of what was happening. He scooped her up quicky, setting her gently back down on the bench as she had been before he sat down next to her, his legs facing the other way so that he could pull her close to him. She allowed herself to be folded into those arms, a dreaded feeling taking over that this may be the last time. The whole scenario was wonderful, but at the same time wrong. He should not be here with her, Neji shouldn�t be so unconcerned with this. Hinata turned her head to rest it over his chest, listening to his quickly beating heart and waiting for the words she knew were coming.

�Hinata...� his voice was soft and pained. �You know that I love you, don�t you?� She looked up, her heart swelling at this. He finally said it, the words she�d waited a lifetime for had finally left his lips. Her opaline eyes gazed upward, and she smiled, her cheeks flushing gently.

�Of course I do, Naruto-kun... and you know I love you as well.� He melted, and kissed her softly, running his fingers through her soft hair. When they finally broke, she ran a hand gently over his whiskered cheeks, drawing a tear from his eyes. �Neji... he�s making us end this isn�t he?� A surprised laugh escaped her love, and he squeezed her tightly.

�I wish it were that simple, but I�m afraid this is goodbye, for now.� His chest ached at those words, and more so at the confusion coming from his beloved�s eyes. �I�m being sent away on a long term mission... I don�t know when I�ll be back.�

She looked at him blankly for a moment. A mission? You mean, Neji and her family wasn�t trying to tear them apart? He mouth curled slowly upward in amusement, and her shoulders twitched in a giggle. �You�re leaving on a mission?� He stared dumbfounded at her reaction, causing her to laugh more. �That�s it? A mission?� He nodded slowly, concern creeping across his face.

�Hinata...are you feeling ok?� he watched as she buried her face in his chest and giggled in a fit of hysteria. �Oh great... now I�ve done it... I�ve turned her into a raving lunatic...� Looking back over his shoulder he saw the older Hyuga also looking concerned. Naruto shrugged back at him, this was certainly not the reaction he expected from her. Finally she lifted her head again, tears streaming down her cheeks as she laughed.

�You...you mean to tell me... that you two drug me out here in the middle of the night and scared me half out of my mind thinking that he,� she pointed back at her waiting cousin, �had threatened you,� poking Naruto firmly in the chest, �into breaking this all off, when all you�re doing is leaving... on a MISSION?�

Naruto looked down at her and thought about it. �You know... when you put it that way, it does sound kinda... stupid.� He watched her again, this time amused as she nodded and laughed into his chest again. He held her close till she could calm down again, smiling quietly to herself. He spoke up again when she finally managed to regain her composure. �You were really worried about that weren�t you?�

�Terrified.� she replied. �I�ve been a mess all day over this.� She snuggled back up against him, relief washing over her. �So... when are you expecting to be back?�

He sighed against her and squeezed gently. �Don�t know, they�re saying at longest two or so years.� She tensed in his arms and turned up to look at him, all mirth gone from her face. �This is why Neji brought me here. It�s not a normal mission.� She nodded slowly before settling back onto his chest. He was amazed at how calm she was over this. Sakura had broken down, even Neji had been frustrated over this. But Hinata, the emotional roller coaster of the group, was ok with this? �Don�t...you have something to say?�

She fidgeted with his shirt, thinking it over in her head. �Well, you�re only leaving me because you were ordered on a mission, right? You still love me, and want to be with me...� she gazed up at him. �Right?�

�Yes, I want to be with you.� he said softly. She smiled back.

�So what�s the big deal?� she replied. �We�re shinobi, it�s what we do. Sometimes we�re ordered to be gone for long periods of time. Husbands leave wives, Mothers leave children, it doesn�t mean they stop caring just because they are apart. I�ve waited years to finally be with you, I... think I can wait a few more.�

His heart ached at her words, so simple, but so much truth behind them. Sometimes he wondered why he had wanted to be a ninja so badly when it seemed to bring so much more pain to his life. �It�s not going to be easy, I don�t know how often I�ll be able to write you, and I won�t be able to tell you where I am, so you can�t write back. I�ll... I�ll understand if I come back and you changed your mind.�

�I don�t think I�m going to.� she said softly.

The two sat there under the stars, clinging to each other till the silence was interrupted by the harsh sound of Neji clearing his voice. �I hate to interrupt, however it is getting late... and we all need sleep.�

Hinata turned to Naruto, her voice softer then usual. �When are you leaving?�

�Just before sunrise.� he replied, kissing her tenderly on the forehead, breathing deeply the smell of her skin and hair.

�Neji-niisan,� she called sweetly to her cousin. �Can we go to see him off?� As he approached them, he could see she was making that face... the one that always used to win him over when she was a toddler, eyes big and sad, lower lip pouting just so, and of course, those nervous fingers. He smiled warmly down at her.

�We�ll see. I don�t know if I�ll be able to sneak you out twice in one night after what happened.� He watched as she sank back and nodded slowly. �Besides,� he thought, �you�re handling this for now, but you�ll probably be a blathering idiot come morning. I wouldn�t be surprised if you break down before we reach the house. Better to let him see you like this instead.�

�Well, in case I don�t see you then, I have something for you. But you have to promise not to open it till you get back to your room, k?� Naruto smiled mischievously as he reached under the bench and pulled out a box that was tied with string. Hinata beamed as he handed over the package, she certainly wasn�t expecting anything from him. She nodded and set it down as they both stood to say goodbye.

�Thank you, really Neji. This means a lot to me.� Naruto said gratefully as he took the other mans hand for a firm shake.

�You can thank me best by hurrying home. If you make Hinata wait to long, I might have to come looking for you.� He smirked back for a moment before clapping a hand to his shoulder. �Be safe, Uzumaki.� And with a swish of his flowing hair, he turned and headed back down the path and out of sight to wait for his cousin.

When he had disappeared into the brush, Naruto turned and scooped Hinata up desperately, pulling her against him as he finally kissed her as he had wanted to all night. She returned it happily, eagerly, as their lips met and tongues danced across each other. Their hands wandered briefly as desire flared, both wishing to say goodbye in a more intimate way, but knowing they would have to settle for this. Tears began to fall as slowly the passion faded and was replaced by heartache. Bruised and swollen lips parted, placing small, pleading kisses over eyes and whiskers as hushed voices declared undying promises of love and devotion. Finally that too took to much energy, and in the end they clung abjectly together.

�You come back to me, Uzumaki Naruto.� Hinata whispered to him as he finally started to pull away.

�I will... I promise.� he said firmly, brushing the last tear from her fair cheek and kissing the trail away. Tracing his finger along her face one last time, he took a deep breath. �I love you Hinata.� And with that he vanished off into the night like a dream.

She stood there, staring off into the darkness until she felt a hand at her elbow. Turning, she found Neji with a concerned look on his face. He put a comforting arm around her shoulders. �Are you alright?�

�No...� her shaky voice said softly. �But I will be... eventually.� He handed her the box he had picked up, and turned her back to the house. As he predicted, she was in tears again by the time they reached the door.

~*~

Naruto was shaking by the time he got back to his apartment. He was exhausted, and knew he needed to get some sleep before he and Jiraya left in the morning, but he doubted he was going to get any. He still had to get all his gear packed up, and while Sakura and Neji had been a big help sorting it out, he had no idea how he was going to get it all stuffed into his rucksacks. That and now he was worried about Hinata. He hated himself for just leaving like that, but if he had stayed any longer he would have lost it completely in front of her. He couldn�t do that to her, especially after she acted to strong and sure of herself while declaring her loyalty to him. Angrily brushing back tears, he fought to keep control of his emotions. He�d already stopped once to cry and scream to the universe how unfair this was, begging the stars and moon above to forgive him for crushing her like this. He was still so worked up as he walked in, he tripped over something. To his surprise, he found Sakura had already taken care of all his bags, having packed and placed them by his door where he had so unskillfully bumbled over them. The lights were all still on, and everything had been cleaned and put away. As he checked around to see if there was anything she had missed, he found her curled up on the couch where she had fallen asleep waiting for him.

He sat for a moment and watched her, how peaceful she was. His thoughts wandered back to all the missions they�d been on and all the things they�d been through together. He�d been so happy to have her on his team and fighting by his side not only because he got to be close to her, but because he could keep her safe. He never had to sit up nights and worry because he knew she was alright, sleeping peacefully while he took his turn at the watch. She had hated how the boys had looked after her, always protecting her, but the truth was neither of them had minded. Naruto had even caught his rival up at nights trying not to make it too obvious, but the look on his face as he watched the sleeping girl was unmistakable.

He sighed to himself. Her training at the hospital would probably be over by the time he came back, and she would be a fully trained field medic. Unless she petitioned Tsunade to specialize her for something at the hospital, she would be released. As such she would be sent on more and more dangerous missions where her skills would be needed, especially as she progressed in rank and ability. And he wouldn�t be there to protect her anymore. Without a word he retrieved the blanket from his bed and covered her with it. She sighed, her lips curving slightly in a smile as she snuggled underneath it. Then, sitting down on the floor next to her, propping his arms and head on the cushions, he watched her one last time before he fell asleep himself.

When the alarm went off, Sakura grabbed it out of habit and threw it across the room. �It�s way to early for this� she thought as she rolled over, and off the couch. She jumped up with a shriek as the floor groaned and a hand reached around and grabbed her backside. Looking down she saw a red and flustered Naruto glaring up at her.

�What on earth are you doing in my room!� she shouted.

�Your room!� He growled back. She stopped for a second, suddenly realizing that she most certainly didn�t own such an ugly brown couch. She turned her own shade of red as she reached down to help him up off the floor.

�Oh...that�s right...I had fallen asleep waiting for you to come back last night.�

�Why didn�t you go home?� he asked, pulling himself upright.

�I dunno... I guess I just...didn�t want to.� she said with a shrug. �I guess I thought you might have needed someone nearby after you got back from Hinata�s.� She watched as his face drooped at her name, and the tears started forming in his deep blue eyes. �How did she take it?�

Naruto sniffled for a moment, clenching a fist to try and keep himself together. �At the time she held up pretty well... but she�s probably a complete wreck right now.� he said softly, angry at himself again. Sakura came closer and wrapped her arms around him, letting him squeeze her tightly till he could calm himself down.

�She�ll be ok, Naruto. She has Neji and Tenten, and I�m here to help her too... we�ll be ok. You�re the one I�m worried about.�

�I�ll be ok� he said with a fake laugh, pulling back from her a bit. �I�m used to being alone, always have been... and apparently always will be.�

That statement made pain shoot through her hands and chest. �Does he really think that? Oh Naruto.� Before she realized what she was doing, she pulled him close and pressed her lips to his softly, chastely. It was only for a brief moment and then she was looking away, ashamed at herself for it. She turned her back, not wanting him to see her own tears forming. �You�re never alone, Naruto. You have so many people here who love you... we just don�t all know how to say it.�

He stood there, shocked for a moment, not sure what had just happened. He could see her shoulders trembling and reached out for her. He pulled her back, wrapping his arms around her firmly as she tried to push away. A sob escaped her as she finally gave in, letting him hold her close. He hated himself again for bringing tears to another precious persons eyes. Naruto reached into his pocket, and took the item he found there and pressed it into her hands.

�Sakura, I want you to take this and use it. I�m serious.�

She opened her eyes and looked back at him before glancing down at the small, metal key he�d just given her. �Wha...what is it?�

�It�s a key to this apartment.� She looked at him again confused, as he smiled softly and brushed the hair out of her eyes. �If you ever need a place to hide from people, or just miss me that much, you�re welcome here. Eat my ramen, sleep on my couch... just try not to steal all my clothes.� he said with a giggle, causing her to blush. When Sasuke had first left, the two had gone back to check his home for anything he might have left behind, a note or explanation, anything. He had been amused to find out she�d gone back later on her own and snuck out with a few of his shirts and a couple pairs of boxers. He knew she used them to sleep in every now and again. Between her and Hinata, he might need a new wardrobe when he gets back.

�But...Naruto I..� she started to protest and give it back, but he closed her fingers over it.

�No buts...besides... it�s just going to be sitting here empty. You can at least come over and open the windows every now and again.�

She nodded then, slowly and silently, unable to really argue with that logic. She pushed him away again gently, still not looking at him. �You�d better go get ready, it�s almost time to go. I�ll... find you something to eat.� Naruto looked out at the lightening sky and agreed, heading off to the bedroom to get dressed. He paused down the hallway and looked back at her, still standing there staring at the key in her hand, and wondered again to himself if things would be alright without him.

~*~

Hinata was a mess at this point. She hadn�t gotten any sleep, and while she hadn�t cried all night, she certainly had spent most of it sobbing quietly into her now saturated pillow. She turned a weary eye to her clock, noticing the time and wondering if she should bother trying to go see him off, or if she should just accept it and stay here to wallow in her grief. That�s when her gaze fell upon the gift he had given to her before he left. She sat up, slowly pulling it to her, deciding maybe it was time to open it.

After cutting off the string with a random shuriken she had sitting on the nightstand, she took a deep breath and pulled the lid off. A small laugh escaped her, finding it filled with several of his t-shirts. As she picked the top one up to smell it, holding it�s soft fabric to dry her cheek, she noticed a small folded note that fell out of it. Still cradling the shirt to her, she picked it up and began to read

My Hinata-chan,

At this point you�re probably crying , or have been for a while, and it�s killing me to know that it�s my fault. I really wish I could stay here by your side, but at the same time this is going to be a great adventure for me. I only hope you can understand. I know you will be alright without me, you�re a strong and kind person. Don�t ever think badly about yourself, Hinata. I might not be there to watch, but I�m still cheering for you. Shine for me, I want to hear all about your own adventures when I come back.

Your #1 hyperactive knucklehead fanboy,

Uzumaki Naruto

PS- take good care of that house key I left you (Hinata looks down and finds it sitting on top of the next shirt) as you and Sakura now have the only two copies I own. Feel free to use it whenever, my house is your house. And as for the other thing... well... it was the only real �Naruto� thing I could think of to leave for you to remember me by.

�Other thing?� she thought to herself, rummaging through the box. �What on earth...� she stopped as her hands grabbed something oddly shaped. As she pulled it out, a soft tapping came at her door frame. Neji slowly slid her door to the side and peeked in.

�Hinata-sama, do you still want to go and see him?�

She looked up, fresh tears forming in her eyes. �I wouldn�t miss it for anything.� she said, grabbing the shuriken and something else while shoving his gift in her pocket before taking off for the village gates, her cousin close behind.

~*~

The traveling pair were making their way out of the gate just as the first golden rays of sunlight began to warm and color the horizon. Farewells had been brief and awkward in an attempt to not prolong each others suffering. Now Sakura stood there alone, staring at the back of the boy she never thought she�d miss so much, and he wasn�t even out of sight yet. Suddenly she was distracted by a commotion behind her.

The teacher and his young student paused at the noise, wondering what was going on. As Naruto turned his heart leapt at the cause of the disturbance. Dropping the bag he had slung over his shoulder he took off, leaving Jiraya to shake his head and laugh.

Hinata was on the verge of panic. Sakura was staring down the road, and there wasn�t any sign of Naruto anywhere. She cried out, causing the other girl to turn and then start screaming frantically herself past the gateway. It was then that the Hyuga had noticed them heading away and she tore off as fast as she could after them, reaching into her pocket and pulling the object there out and onto her head, her fist clenched tightly around something else. She beamed, seeing her love turn and come racing back to her.

There was laughter as they flew into each others arms, both amazed that they hadn�t missed their chance for a final goodbye.

�I thought you weren�t coming.� he said breathlessly into her ear, his heart pounding as he squeezed her tightly.

�I wasn�t going to, then I read your letter.� she sighed, wishing she could lock her arms and plant her feet into the ground and force him to stay.

He chuckled back, finally realizing there was something hard pressing uncomfortably into his cheek. As he pulled back to look, his face stretched into a bemused grin. �I didn�t expect you to actually wear them! Just keep them nearby as a momento!�

Hinata stood there for a moment, blushing sweetly, with his old goggles perched on her head in much the same way Sakura wore her hitai-ate. He found her so adorable in the moment he turned and yelled for his friend to come over and started fumbling through the pack on his back for something. As she reached them, a camera was produced and pressed into her hands, causing Sakura to laugh as she watching him put his arm around the reddening girl and beam like an idiot.

�You better get extra of this one and send it back for us! I want a copy, and I�m sure she will too.� she bubbled, green eyes twinkling in amusement at the couple as she snapped off three pictures. She was startled then when it was pulled from her fingers and she was shoved next to the dark haired beauty.

�I want one of you both too, so I�ll have something to look at while I�m gone.� he said simply, waiting for them to pose. The girls giggled and hugged each other while he snapped another picture. �Alright... now make this one sexy! Show me some leg or cleavage!� he teased, eliciting a gasp from Hinata and a slap from Sakura. �Hey! What? I need SOMETHING to get me through this trip!� Naruto joked back.

�I will not have you turning my sweet little cousin into a pin-up.� came a calm voice. Neji blinked for a moment, spotting her new headgear. He had to admit it was cute, for the moment. He just hoped she wasn�t going to make it a new accessory. He was pulled from his musings when the blonde ran over and handed him the camera.

�Just in time!� he yelled as he handed it over and put an arm around the girls. �This is the last one I swear.�

�Well in that case, we should make it a good one.� Hinata piped in shyly, motion for the rose haired girl to lean over so she could whisper something to her. Sakura giggled at the suggestion as she moved back to his other side, nodding her agreement.

�Alright everyone, on the count of three... one... two... three!�

Before he knew what was happening, Naruto found his face sandwiched as the two beauties grabbed him and pressed a big kiss on each cheek in perfect synchronicity. He could feel his cheeks burn, unable to help it as a blush and a big, silly grin worked their way over him. There was a sudden, blinding flash and it was all over. He stood there in a daze till their laughter brought him back to his senses. Their antics were interrupted by a cool but amused voice.

�I do hate to break this up, but we really do need to get going, Naruto.� Jiraya was leaning against the perimeter wall with a smile on his face unable to help himself after watching them carry on like that. He was relieved actually, as he had been afraid he was going to have to spend the next few weeks listening to the boy whine about missing his girlfriend and asking when they were going back home.

Hinata turned quietly, eyes averted and fingers twitching together nervously. �Umm... Naruto...I have something for you too...to remember me by.� Before he could say anything she pushed it into his hand and turned shyly away, her hands folded behind her in an attempt to keep from fidgeting as she waited for his response, nibbling her lower lip in anticipation. �He�s going to think this is silly... I shouldn�t have done it...� she fretted to herself.

He looked at her for a moment before glancing down at the soft thing she had given to him. As he opened his fingers, he startled at what he held. In his hand was a thick lock of her deep indigo hair tied tightly in a silver ribbon. He lightly ran a finger over it, amazed at how long it was. �Where did she manage...� and then he stopped, looking back at her. He reached out gently, and turned her back to face him. She dropped her gaze and blushed, keeping the left side of her face tucked away from him. Naruto placed a finger on her chin, lifting her to look at him directly. There it was. He finally noticed the uneven hairs, and even a slight scrape on her left ear where she had cut off the long side lock that had so perfectly framed her face.

�For luck.� she whispered, seeing the tears welling up in his eyes.

Naruto tucked it carefully into his left breast pocket, patting it over his heart before pulling her in for a hug. �I�ll treasure it always.� he whispered back.

�Oh yuck...get a room you two.� Sakura teased when they were still standing there a few minutes later. She squealed as she was suddenly pulled into it as well.

�You two look out for each other for me, ok?� he said, trying to hide the cracks in his voice. He stepped back, cupping each of their faces in his hands. �My two favorite girls.� he sighed for a moment before pulling back from them, watching as they both smiled. �I want you guys to kick ass and take names... make me proud.�

With that he turned, grabbing the other bag from his sensei, and with a final wave they started down the roadway. He looked back only once, just before the path sloped down and out of site. Sakura was standing behind Hinata with her arms wrapped tightly around her, both with quiet tears drifting down their cheeks. Neji was beside them, having managed to recover his normally stoic expression. He sighed to himself, wondering what the others would think when they awoke to the news that Uzimaki Naruto was gone, god knows when to return to the peaceful village of the leaves. He looked back at the road ahead of him, wondering what kind of glorious adventures awaited him. With that thought in mind, he continued on his way out of the village and into the woods.

fin

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*bawls* So that's it! The gutwreanching conclusion! But don't fret! I'm not done with these two yet! Here's your sneak peak at the next installment in the series: Into the Desert! Which i will probably post the first chapter this coming weekend. (ps-the teaser you are about to read has not been beta'd. hey! i gotta keep some secrets, ne?)

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There was a light dusting of snow falling on the quiet village of Konoha. Hyuga Neji was making his way back through the gate to the family home after a very long and difficult mission when he heard the familiar flapping sound of a messenger falcon landing behind him. He let out a weary sigh. All he wanted to do was get inside, get out of his gear and have a long, hot bath. He reluctantly turned around to look at the bird who was chittering expectantly behind him.

�Please don�t tell me you have another mission for me from the Hokage.�

It cocked it�s head curiously at him before making another soft noise, shifting it�s wings with a flutter, wanting to get rid of the message in his harness. Neji sighed and motioned for it to follow him to the house. Once there it flew over to the perch near the door and turned to let him relieve it of it�s burden. As the young man pulled out the bulky envelope, a smaller one dropped out unexpectedly. Feeling remarkably lighter, the falcon let out a grateful squeak and took off for the aviary. Neji watched it fly off before checking the items in his hand, amused to see a familiar spiral mark placed along the seal.

�So, you�re still out there Uzumaki? I was beginning to wonder...� he mused to himself, placing the smaller envelope with his name into his own pocket for later, wondering where he could find his younger cousin.

In the center part of the main house of the Hyuga clan was the family library. This large room contained many written treasures, including the entire clan genealogy (or at least, as far back as to where people cared to start keeping track of such things.), various property deeds and titles, marriage declarations and business contracts, alliances and family treaties, scrolls containing special jutsus and combat techniques, and the best collection of historical documents on the village as well as a good portion of the Land of Fire itself. Buried here amongst the scrolls and texts and ancient dust, was the pretty young heiress.

Pretty was an understatement. Even in her current state, laying on the floor, her lower body tucked under the large mahogany writing desk and surrounded by a magnitude of documents, it was hard to not notice her startling beauty. Hinata was wearing a simple house kimono of silver and blue, colors that accentuated not only her flawless ivory complexion, but her large opaline eyes and long dark locks. She had begun to grow her hair long starting with her 16th birthday, as was tradition for the women of her family. The indigo tresses were currently twisted and knotted back from her gentle face, held in place by a calligraphy brush and writing pen, a few errant strands having snuck out. Her chin was resting on a delicate looking hand, pinky finger thoughtfully being chewed as she immersed herself in her studies. In fact, she was so intent on the one scroll before her that she was not prepared for the sudden harried interruption.

�Hinata! Are you hiding in here again!�

The girl startled, kicking the desk and knocking a large pile of bound texts crashing to the floor. As she jumped to her feet, she spun to face the intruder. Hinata�s face flushed a light pink seeing it was only Hanabi, her younger sister.

�Of course I�m in here...where else would I be if I�m not training?� she said with a sigh, bending to pick up the mess off the floor.

�Maybe in fathers audience chambers... where you were supposed to meet him 15 minutes ago.� the thirteen year old replied with a mischievous grin, watching the dawning realization spread across her sisters face. Hinata turned to the clock, eyes wide and cheeks turning dark with claret. Hanabi found herself pushed gently, yet firmly aside as the other tore out of the room and ran down the hallway. With a laugh, she turned to follow.

With a hand clutched across her chest to try and hold her clothing in place, Hinata ran as fast as you possibly could in a kimono, which wasn�t terribly fast if you didn�t want it flapping open in the breeze. She shouted a quick �Gomen Nasai!� as she spun to avoid a confused Neji and ducked out a screen door to the inner courtyard. His eyebrow quirked up in amusement, he simply pointed out the open door as Hanabi came racing behind with a smirk on her face. She mouthed the word FATHER at him and he nodded in acknowledgment, deciding he had time to bathe and change before he surprised Hinata. Besides, now he was curious at what Hiashi could be up to that had both his daughters in a mad dash across the house. With a shake of his head, he continued to his room to wait on the whirling dervishes.

Hinata moved quickly around the covered walkway, taking the corners easily till she suddenly planted her feet and slid on the polished surface, pulling open another screen with her and leaping nimbly inside. She ran down the larger corridor, making a quick right before sliding to a stop just outside of an ornate entranceway. After another moment she felt a set of hands on her as Hanabi had caught up and was now working to straighten her robes and tighten her belt. The older girl pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve pocket and wiped the sweat from her brow, trying to calm herself and even her breathing. With one last tug, the smaller girl stepped back to look her over.

�Alright, your kimono is straight... now...� but she was cut off as Hinata turned quickly.

�Thank you... wish me luck with whatever this is about...� and she ducked through the doorway.

�But Hinata!� Hanabi called at a loud whisper, �You forgot about your hair!� She giggled to herself. �Ah well...� she thought, �It doesn�t actually look that bad... and besides, I know father will have a good laugh over it later. I just hope there�s not someone important in there with him.' With her search and rescue mission a success, the teenager turned and headed off to find her teammates and get some real training done.

The branch member waiting by the door smiled quizzically as she approached him, but he maintained his courteous voice as he announced Hinata and received permission for her entrance. She was startled to see the form of the Gondaime kneeling patiently on the tatame mats before her father, and groaned inwardly. �Why didn�t he tell me we were meeting with her... and what on earth could this be about?� She bowed her head as she entered, making the perfunctory greetings and excuses for keeping them waiting. She was surprised when, instead of allowing her to take the place next to Tsunade, he motioned for her to join him at his side. As she kneeled in her place, she noticed the way the corners of his mouth twitched, as if trying to hide something.

�Hinata, were you in the library again?� he asked cooly, managing to maintain his serious look.

�Yes, Otousan. I was studying those documents you suggested, and just lost track of the time.� Hinata heard a muffled sound come from their guest, and turning saw Tsunade trying to hide behind her tea cup, her eyes sparkling merrily.

�Yes... I suppose you did.� He replied, trying to keep his voice even. While his face may have managed to hold up, inside the family head was fighting to keep it together. �Here it comes... 5... 4... 3... 2...�

Hinata had obviously missed something. �What on earth could have their attention?� she wondered, looking back and forth between the two. �Did Hanabi leave something on me? I�m gonna...� at that moment she had dared to actually look down at herself, a strand of hair falling down to her eyes as she did. Suddenly, the realization dawned on her, her eyes widening in shock and her face beginning to burn. �Oh no! I forgot to take down my hair!� Tsunade exploded in giggles, and even Hiashi allowed a polite chuckle to escape as he reached over and pulled the writing implements from his daughters hair, allowing it to cascade down her back to rest at the bottom of her shoulder blades. She snatched them back quickly from him and tucked them underneath her, eliciting more laughter from her elders. As she began to apologize, the Hokage cut in.

�Well Hiashi, I see some things never change. This is exactly why I want her for this.� The blonde grinned, watching the expression on the girls face. �She may have grown up a lot, but she�s still the same Hinata, and that�s just who we need for this.�

�Anou... Otousan, what exactly did you want from me?� the quiet young woman asked, fighting to keep her hands folded demurely in her lap. These two were planning something, and she was beggining to wonder if she should be worried.

�Don�t worry, Hinata. The Hokage has just taken notice of a certain skill you have, and wants to put it to good use. She has a request for you, an opportunity that will bring much honor to not only this family, but the village as well.�

~*~

I know you're dying for more... you'll just have to keep an eye out.

So long and thanks for all the fish!

Teaser

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Into the Woods