Truth

Truth

As the darkness covered Konoha with a blanket of purple and blue, silence fell over the sleepy village. The nights had become cooler as Fall started to approach with it's chilly grasp.

All the villagers were in their cozy homes, settling in for the night except for two shinobis. A young boy with dark brown hair and red marks on his face was walking with a girl with hair as dark as the night sky and as pale as the moon.

They had gone on these walks before, but each walk was special in its own way. "Kiba-kun...isn't tonight a beautiful night?" the dark haired girl asked.

"It's even better with you, Hinata. God..I didn't mean to sound corny," Kiba put his hand over his face. A red tone started to cover his face showing how embaressed he was.

Putting her hand to her mouth Hinata giggled, "Thats alright Kiba-kun, that was a sweet thing to say." Feeling a bit relieved Kiba took Hinata's free hand giving it a loving squeeze.

Walking along the path the pair could see a dim light shined in the distance. "Kiba-kun, I'm getting a little bit hungry, would it be to much trouble to stop and have some ramne?" Hinata asked looking up at Kiba with a hopeful face. Her eyes shined in the moonlight giving them an opal like glow.

Looking into Hinata's now opal eyes,, he couldn't say no. Giving her hand another squeeze Kiba agreed, "And of course its my treat!"

***

Ichiraku Ramen Bar was the staple of everyon'e diet in Konoha. The smell of the ramen filled the air giving it a rich meaty aruma. Lifting the curtain with his left hand Kiba waited for Hinata to enter. They were both were greeted by familiar faces.

"Hello! Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen Bar, please take a seat, I will serve you in a moment," Ichiraku said as he turned back to the ramen noodles getting them ready for the hot water bath. Six bar stools ran along a low counter, inviting people to seat themselves for a hot meal.

While taking their seats Kiba and Hinata saw another familar face sitting in the last seat to the right. "NARUTO! How are you?" Kiba asked excitedly. Hinata blushed at the sight of her old crush, as he turned to their directions.

"Naruto-kun..." Hinata whispered, while playing with her fingers.

"Kiba! Hinata! Its been a long time, how are you both doing?" Naurto asked after slurping up some ramen into his mouth.

"I'm doing great! We both have great news. We're going to be getting married in the spring." Kiba announced taking Hinata's hand.

"Thats so great, I am so happy for you both!" Naruto's smile was truly genuine, making Hinata feel a wash of relief come over herself.

"What about you and Sakura?" Kiba asked after placing an order of miso ramen for himself and Hinata.

"Oh..we aren't talking about marriage right now. She is still doing a lot of medical ninja training. Baa-chan has kept her really busy with new research," Naruto said with a sad tone to his voice. Looking down at his now cold ramen, Naruto truly looked depressed. "But hey! We aren't in any rush, besides I just got into Anbu and right now our jobs take us away from each other. But you two are getting married and that is something truly special!" Naruto's manner had changed but as Hinata looked she could see his sadness.

"Congratulations on that Naruto, that takes you one step closer to your goal,"Hinata whispered softly.

"Did you say something Hinata?" Kiba and Naruto asked.

"Oh no no, just waiting for the food. Sorry.." Hinata blushed looking back down at the counter. Naruto tilted his head unsure of what just happened. Within seconds the smell of fresh ramen filled their noses. Ichiraku placed two miso ramen bowls infront of them. Loads of assorted tofu, sea weed and noodles covered the bowls, that were filled to the brim with juice.

"This looks great! But before I eat let me pay.." Kiba reached into his pocket and found it to be empty. Checking all his pocket again and again. When suddenly Kiba realized her didn't have any money on him, "Ooh crap!"

"Kiba-kun, whats the matter?" Hinata asked putting down her chopsticks.

"I forgot to bring money..I am so sorry Hinata. Listen I will be right back, it wont take me long," Kiba said, as he stood up from his stool.

"Kiba-kun, you don't have to I can pay for it this time," Hinata instisted, reaching into her jacket pocket pulling out her wallet. Just as she was about to pull out the money, Kiba put his hand on her's.

"No, that is your money. I am not going to accept you paying for the meal. I will be right back," Kiba said giving her a squeeze her around the shoulders before running out of the ramen bar.

"That was really good of him to say to do that, Hinata. It just proves he only wants the best for you," Naruto said softly as he slurped more noodles into his mouth.

"Yes, I am very lucky." Hinata smiled as she looked into the ramen bowl sealing her reflection.

"Listen Hinata, I just want to tell you again how happy I am for you. I know for the longest time...this is going to sound crazy but...I wanted you to know that I have always cared for you," Naruto's eyes were looking at the wall infront of him not making eye contact with Hinata.

"Naruto-kun?" Hinata's face was blood red, unsure what to say. "But why...didn't you ever?"

"Because I was fool. I didn't realize that you had tried your hardest to prove your worth to me. And for that I am sorry. I only saw it after you became Heiress. It was a big step for you," Naruto said, while pushing his ramen to the side. Turning in his chair he was looking directly at Hinata now, with true passion in his eyes.

"Naruto, I don't know what to say, I mean I have always had admiration for you and a slight...well..you know," Hinata started to play with her fingers, taking her gaze off Naruto.

"Listen, I am not trying to say I am better for you or that I don't love Sakura. I am just sad I didn't realize it sooner. Please understand and except that I am happy for you," standing up from his seat, Naruto reached into his pocket pulling out some money. Placing it down on the bar he called to Ichiraku, "Hey old man, this should be enough for all three meals!"

"Naruto! You don't have to do that," Hinata blurted.

"No, I should have been the man for you along time ago. I was to late, and now you have a real man to be with you." Taking his leave, Naruto smiled at Hinata one last time before leaving the bar.

As Naruto left, Hinata looked at her now cold bowl of ramen. "All this time he truly cared...why didn't?" Within seconds Kiba returned.

"I am so sorry Hinata, I just forgot to grab some money before we left. Hey, where is Naruto?" Kiba asked taking his seat back on the stool.

"Oh, he left a few moments ago...and he paid for as meal too..."