Behind The Veil

Chapter Fourteen

Her body shook as she was dragged behind the boy. This talk was months late. What would they talk about now? The cold wind caressed her body and she silently hoped they'd go somewhere warm.

Little heat radiated to her through his palm, but it wasn't enough. Her body ached, she'd barely rested today. But she'll push through it for this boy. His grip tightened as she pushed his name through her lips.

He turned, admiration deep in his eyes. He yanked her in for another hug, her face pressed against the rapid beat of his chest. His bodyhead settled over her like a blanket. They stayed their for a moment, in sillent darkness, holding on to each othe rlike their lifes depended on it.

Maybe it did.

"I'm sorry, Hinata," His heart was a loud thunder against her ear. Her name on his tongue sent shiver down her spine as she gave him a questioning gaze, why would he be sorry?

"I promise I won't leave without you again. I'm so sorry." Her body froze as his grip tightened around her. As if he was trying to keep hold on her if she decided to pull away.

"What are you talking about?" Her voice was steady and clear, "You're leaving again? You just got here!"

Her voice rattled in his ear and he clenched his teeth, "I can't stay here."

She felt her heart crash. He is leaving again. This is her home, she can't leave! She has a duty to her people. Again, she'll be longing for him. Again, she'll be haunted by the horrid thoughts of wether or not he is still walking the earth.

"Naruto," Her voice streamed through the air, "I can't leave."

"Hime."

The endearment warmed her core. He slid his hand over the curve of her hips, her pulse sky rocketing. Her nerve ending were on fire, "Why can't you stay?"

"I just can't." He said with a frown. She yanked her body from him. Immediatly missed the warmth he supplied.

"I'm not going with you." Her stomache flipped at the words, she couldn't go and that was that.

"Please. I can't be here and I need you." He reached for her but she took a step back. He huffed a breath at the small action, clearly upset by it.

"Why not!" She let out a gasp as her back was shoved agaisnt a wall, his head came to her shoudler. She stared out into the darkness as she slowly tangled a hand into his sofy heap of blonde hair.

"Please, I can't live without you. Your the only one who wants me." His breath was warm against her neck and she couldn't control the scorching heat rippling through her body.

"Who doesn't want you?"

"They don't want me here Hinata. They adore Sasuke. Why would they chose me?" He gulped against her shoulder and she pondered if she's ever seen the boy so vulnerable. He was showing this side of him to her of all people.

Sasuke's name replayed through her mind. She hated him, despised him with a passion. They way it rolled of his tongue pained Hinata and she new he still cared about him, deep down. Even after all the bastard had done to him, Naruto continued to amaze her everyday.

His hands squeezed her waist, only adding fuel to the fire burning withen her, "Please." A silent chant.

She knew her face was crimson red, with just a thought of the boy rose tinted her cheeks, and here he was, clinging to her. She couldn't imagine what she looked like. She silently pleaded with god that he wouldn't look up.

Dampness suddenly touched her skin, Was he crying?

Hinata slowly pulled her heavy arms up, wrapping them tightly around the hunched teen and hugging him. Like all the times she wanted too. All the times she thought about it, dreamed about it.

"Naruto", he relaxed against her body. She rubbed her fingers in soothing circles along the flesh of his arms. Another hand snaked up to the nape of his neck, gently tugging at the hair there.

"I love you"

She froze, was that? No..did she mishear him? "H-huh?"

He pulled back, his lips grazing her neck, "I love you Hinata Hyuga."

Tears pooled into her eyes, silently falling down her pale face, leaving streaks of warmth. He kissed each one away, "Tell me, Do you love me too?"

Without hesistation she gave a nod, "Yes," up, down, up down, "I love you." He kissed all up her neck, his lips freezing mere inches from his lips.

"I love you Naruto", she repeated before his lips crashed into hers, a gentle mess. Seconds pass, minutes, before he pulls away.

"Do you forgive me for leaving you?" He had his head turned slightly, his lips reddened. She gave a small nod, how could she ever be angry with him?

At my confession a boyish grin overtook his face and she bathed in the glory that she was the one who put it there. Suddenly their surrounding changed. The cool night air disapeared and walls morphed around her.

She glanced around, her eyes landing on a picture of team seven. She gave a faint smile at the picture. Of course he would keep it. Her eyes widened as she realized that she was in his home. His room to be specific.

She squirmed out his hold, "I love you Hime", his voice filled the void as he approached her, running a warm finger across her cheek. He lowered his head to her chest and her blood boiled, embaressment coating her face as he leaned up and placed a kiss on the fabric of her shirt.

He kissed her scar.

"I love all of you. I'm sorry I let your beatiful skin get scarred, it's my fault. I should have protected you." Another kiss. His voice was a soft whisper.

How many times had she stood infront of her mirror staring at the ugly red gash? How many times had she wondered if Naruto would think she was hideous now. The horrid scar tainted her confidence even more.

How many times had she cursed Sasuke for marking her? Damaging her.

In seconds, her worries were eased, because Naruto didn't care. He loved her.

He rubbed his hand down her side, across her stomache. She leaned into the touch, loving the glimpse feeling of his rough fingers across her soft skin when her shirt rode up. It was evidence of his hard work. A soothing feeling.

"I love you Hinata.", He smirked before taking over her lips again, not even allowing her a reply.

Of course, she would always love him too.