In The Training Field (Naruhina)

Part 4

Naruto's POV

Naruto surged forward, pressing his body against Hinata's back, and grabbed her wrist in mid air.

"Stop." He said, his voice low and gruff (you know the one). "Please. Why are you doing this to yourself?"

The blood flowing from Hinata's knuckles glowed a bright red, as if taunting him. He watched her eyes widen as if she hadn't even noticed she'd been bleeding. Being so close, Naruto could feel Hinata's heart rate speed up. He felt the urgent need to calm her down. But before he could, she spoke up.

"Th-the mission." Hinata stuttered. She started shivering and Naruto had to tighten his grip on her wrist as Hinata fought to hit the pole again. "Neji got h-hurt on the m-mission, and it was m-my fault."

This caught Naruto by surprise, but he should've figured Hinata would only get in such a state if it concerned her family. Hinata was so caring, so kind to anyone and everyone who crossed her path. She didn't deserve whatever torment was going on in her subconscious.

Guilt was a burden Naruto knew all too well. He tried not to show it but it was the truth. He knew how that guilt could mess with your head, but he couldn't see how Hinata could possibly sink so far into the darkness so fast. It must've been really bad.

"Whatever happened," he said calmly. "I'm sure it wasn't your fault."

Hinata suddenly slumped against him and shining tears started to trickle down her face.

"It was! It was all my doing! I- I couldn't stop the attack. Neji had to save me, but he was the one who ended up getting hurt! If I had just been stronger-"

Her voice broke.

Naruto felt a strong pang in his chest. Hinata was in so much pain and he wanted to tear the guy who made her feel like this limb from limb. He knew Hinata had felt self conscious about her contribution on missions, but he never could've fathomed this result.

Slowly but surely, Naruto let go of Hinata's wrist and used both arms to wrap her up in an embrace. He placed his chin on her shoulder and used one hand to wipe away some of the tears that had fallen.

"Listen to me." He whispered gently in her ear. "No matter what anyone says, I'm telling you, you're strong. One of the strongest people I know. Not stopping one attack doesn't define you. Neji took that blow because he loves you. And it's clear that you love him or you wouldn't be so beat up about it. Don't let his sacrifice of love be a waste. There are always ways to get stronger. But please, don't hurt yourself. The people who care, the people who love you won't let you pay that price. I won't let you."

He hadn't even been thinking about what he was saying. Only that he needed Hinata to know how incredible she was and how hard he'd fight to protect her. Then he realized the implication of his words and he felt his own face flush red as Hinata's had done on multiple occasions. .

Before he could splutter out a probably stupid response, Hinata said "But my father said-"

Naruto couldn't take it anymore. He spun her around so they were now facing each other. Then he hugged her properly, his arms draped over Hinata's shoulders and hers around Naruto's waist.

"Whatever he said, forget it. At least for now. He loves Neji too and I'm sure your dad was distressed to see him in that condition. He needed someone to blame, a coping thing. But that thing shouldn't have been you." Naruto tightened his grip slightly and nuzzled his head into the crook of Hinata's neck. "I don't care that he was worried. You don't take that kind of anger out on those you love. It's just not right."

Hinata was sobbing into his chest now, and Naruto felt himself tear up a bit too. They stayed like that for some time, until Hinata's stomach started to rumble. Naruto slowly pulled away, just far enough so he could see her clearly. Her face was lightly flushed and her eyes had a rim of pink from her sobs, but she was beautiful.

"Come on. I'm treating you to Ramen." Naruto stated matter of factly. He lightly grasped Hinata's hand and started guiding her out of the field, until she stopped in her tracks.