Frozen Past (A Naruto FanFic/Gaara Love Story)

Intruders

"Kiba! He's slobbering all over my head!"

Kiba cracks up laughing, ignoring my shouts of disgust. Don't get me wrong, I love Akamaru. But he's recently taking a liking to sitting on my head instead of Kiba's, and whenever we pass a restauraunt he drools. A lot.

"I see why you wear the hood," I mutter, pulling Akamaru down into my arms. He barks happily, sniffing the air for the source of the good smells.

It's been a few weeks since our training as a team began. We've done quite a few D rank missions, much to my chagrin. D rank basically includes carrying groceries for little old ladies and trimming yards and walking dogs.

Though Kiba did seem to enjoy that one.

Anyway, I'm not complaining... out loud. But I wish Kurenai Sensei would trust us with a more difficult task. Even Hinata's been getting better, her Gentle Fist technique improving all the time.

Oh well, at least we get treated to food after each mission.

"I hate moving boxes," I mutter, handing Akamaru off to Kiba, who zips him into his jacket. He says, "What are you complaining about? That old guy made me and Shino do most of the work."

"Yes, and he was sexist so I complained and helped you two, didn't I?"

"Ah well, I guess I should say thanks then."

"You think?" I say, smirking at him. He grins back, dashing ahead of me to reach to restauraunt. I think Shino picked ramen this time. I don't know where we're going, but it already smells good. I rush after Kiba, leaving Shino, Hinata and Kurenai Sensei in the dust.

I duck under the hanging signs displaying the ramen stand's name, not bothering to read them. It's a small place, with only a few stools and a small kitchen in the back. Kiba's already sitting down, tapping his fingers impatiently on the counter. I sit next to him, swiveling in my stool like a five-year-old, laughing while doing it.

The others arrive soon, settling down in their own stools. Hinata slides in next to me while Shino sits beside Kiba. Kurenai Sensei sits on Hinata's other side. She orders for all of us, already knowing our preferences and soon we have steaming ramen in front of us. Kiba licks his lips in delight before grabbing his chopsticks and digging in. Hinata eats slower and with more care and Shino eats like a normal person, though somehow doing it without letting me see his mouth behind his collar. I grin at Kurenai Sensei. "Thanks, Sensei!" I chirp before going after my ramen as wildly as Kiba. He pauses to smirk at me before attacking his bowl again.

"Hey Hinata," I say, wiping my mouth with the back on my hand. "I was thinking we could do some training later. Just you and me. I want to practice countering your Gentle Fist, in case I ever have to fight another Hyuga, like, in the Chunin Exams or something."

She freezes, her chopsticks halfway to her mouth. I'm shocked to see the sudden pain in her eyes, threatening to spill over as tears. I choke, having already taken another mouthful of ramen and unable to swallow properly.

What's gotten into her?

Kiba and Shino are oblivious to Hinata's change in attitude, but Kurenai isn't. She looks at me sadly before placing a hand on Hinata's back comfortingly. "Are you alright, Hinata?" she asks softly while I watch on in confusion. Hinata nods slightly, staring at her hands clasped firmly in her lap.

"Hinata," I say, my voice as soft as Sensei's, "I'm so sorry. Did I say something to upset you?" She shakes her head, her blue hair falling into her eyes. What have I done?

"Hey Kakashi Sensei! You're treating today!"

"Uh, but I never--"

"Yeah, Sensei! Naruto's right for once! It's your turn to pay!"