NaruHina: Consequences

The Third Date

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"The rules of fair play don't apply when you're romancing a girl. Just be prepared to get your ass kicked when shit falls apart. All you really need to learn is how to duck—and how to do it fast."

Jiraiya, Icha Icha Tactics, Chapter Two

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For some reason, Naruto found himself seeking different sources to help him woo Hinata. He knew he was out of practice with relationships, and even though talking with his friends was probably the better option, he did something that tested his intelligence. He knew it was a bad idea to consult the books his godfather had written, but searched through them he did.

Maybe because this whole thing with Hinata started at his godfather's place. Or maybe because he just wanted reassurance that what he was about to do was okay—and he knew that his friends would probably dissuade him from going ahead with this plan.

Which was why a few days later, Naruto found himself alone sweating under the spotlights and subtly fanning himself. He shifted uncomfortably on the stiff couch and tried to keep his smile in place. It was really difficult because he was so hot under the lights of the studio.

His host, a well-known personality in the news industry, was laughing at his joke, brown eyes twinkling as she sat opposite him on her sofa.

Hers looked plush, soft, and cushiony, while his couch was making his butt hurt. He shifted to a more comfortable position but found none.

Obviously, her guests were meant to be uncomfortable when she grilled them during her interviews.

"Okay, Hokage-sama," she was saying. "I guess you're right. There will be more time later to discuss the policies that recently just got passed. I completely believe that Shikamaru would kill you if you discussed it in excruciating detail on TV."

"Yup!"

The older woman then moved on to the next topic she really wanted to cover. "So then the question everyone in Konoha wants to know is who your date for the upcoming Rinnegan Gala will be. Would you like to enlighten us or is that information a state secret?"

He took a deep breath. It was now or never.

"Actually, I have a woman in mind."

The tv host's eyes flashed with excitement. She leaned further. "Oh, how wonderful!"

He raised his hands in the air as if to calm her down. "But I haven't asked her yet."

She frowned in surprise. "Really?!"

"Nope. I haven't even talked to her about going to the gala with me yet."

She smiled. "But I hope she's watching this so whoever this mystery woman is will have a hint, at least!"

He laughed. "That's why I need your help. I hope she'll say yes."

She gave an even bigger laugh. "Once you ask her, I doubt she'll say no now since you've called her out so publicly."

"That was the plan," he murmured. He turned his head, found, then flashed a smile directly into the camera.

His host was enjoying herself and even became a conspirator in this game he was playing. "Hokage-sama, are you guilting her into becoming your date?!"

He laughed again. "You could say that."

Her look was eager as she asked, "Are you allowed to tell us her name?"