Redemption In Your Eyes

One Day

The sun was perfect. It fell over the bridge in supple waves, gently running its fingers over the wood and water alike. Naruto leaned forward, pressing his elbows into the worn railing. His faced was illuminated and his hair and collar fell around him haphazardly. Oblivious to his attentions, Sakura peered into the stream flowing beneath them. Her reflection stared back. Its face was taught with worry.

"Ne... Sakura-chan...?" She turned to him. "What's a matter?"

Sullenly, she sighed and gave the river a questioning look.

"Hello," The boy drew out the word, as if calling from an insurmountable distance.

When she met his gaze finally, hers was piercing. He winced. "Naruto... Can I ask you something?"

"Anything!" He made the offer with a smile.

Sakura shifted uncomfortably, once more unable to look him in the eye. "How do you feel..." She knew what she was doing. It was something akin to suicide, but she couldn't resist. She had to know; had to pray for affirmation; had to know this was alright. "How do you feel... about Sasuke?"

She didn't need to see him to watch his face fall. The disappointment took hold of him, cradling his body and invading his posture. He didn't answer for the moment. Sakura gripped the bridge. I shouldn't have asked... I know what his answer is going to be! What is God's name possessed me to-!

"You still love him." The blood drained from her face. Naruto's blue eyes were trained on her; he didn't miss her blanch.

Her fingers delved into the elbow of his sleeve suddenly. "Naruto-"

Exhaustion filled his voice where she was expecting anger. "Look... It's your choice... It's your heart. Not mine." He detached her hand from his arm.

"Naruto!" Panic made her voice shrill and weak.

He shook his blonde hair, his eyes deeper than she could ever remember them. "Just be careful... I can't keep him from hurting you..."

The rest of the sentence hung in the air. The words were constricting and sharp as the creak of Naruto's steps receded.

Like he did to me.

The fence was smooth against her back when it should have been weathered. Too bright... Too bright! Her heart thudded in her chest. I'm so stupid! Hinata groaned audibly, begging the clouds with her silver eyes. I'm sure this is considered some kind of stalking... "Oh God..." She hugged herself.

The nearby training grounds were beckoning, but the idea of Naruto was commanding. That was HIS hair I saw, I know it! She shook her head violently, uncaring that her hair whipped her arms, trying with everything she had to dispell her thoughts. I need to train... I need to do something- anything! The hours had passed too quickly in the alley across from Ichiraku. Her traitorous eyes drifted to the dulled red barstools. Oh no, no, no, NO! His broadening shoulders were impossible to miss. It didn't help her that he wore orange constantly.

Her stomach flipped in delight and her heart fluttered. Damn it! The curse was aimed at the weightless feeling budding inside her. One step, two steps, three steps. The man walking even moved aside, as if he knew her purpose and intended to encourage her by refusing to impede on her course.

And she was there. He was horribly and wonderfully within arms reach. Hinata froze, trying to draw breath and searching for a greeting. He saved her the trouble when he sensed her and turned around.

"Hinata," He nodded in an unusually cordial manner. "Are you here to eat?"

No, I've been standing across the street for about three hours waiting for you to show up. "Yeah." Her voice was weak and soft, but she silently thanked Sakura that it didn't waver.