Confessions of a Kunoichi in Love

chapter XI: My Super-Sweet 15!

(Next day : about 1:00pm at Hyuuga Estate )

The twittering sound of birds chirping added a happy melody to the already cheerful environment surrounding Hinata's party. And everyone made it; Neji with Tenten, Sakura with Sasuke, Ino with Shikamaru, Gaara with Temari and Kankuro, Chouji, Rock Lee, Kiba and Shino, and finally; Kurenai-Sensei. But there was still one more person missing from Hinata's list; Naruto. But it's not like she could blame him, he was, after all, still in the hospital. ' I should be thankful, all the other people on my list were able to come. even Sasuke made it. And all the beautiful decorations...Oh, but I would give it all up if I could have Naruto here.' Hinata felt bad for thinking this, but never the less, it was true. Just this morning the newly appointed fifteen-year old was giddy with glee; putting on her new kimono from Goto's, getting ready to perform the traditional dance of becoming a woman, there was much to celebrate that day! Although, Hinata didnt feel much like celebrating at all. She wanted to be with Naruto.

Knowing there was little she could do about Naruto now, Hinata put on the bravest face she had and started to mingle. She talked mostly to Sakura and Temari, who praised her and congradulated her. But also moved along to her team, Shino and Kiba. Shino had given Hinata a hug and smiled at her, untimingly blushing along the way. But that posed no problem, Hinata's mind was sticky-noted to Naruto, which made her blind to almost everything else. And before anyone knew it, the clock had struck four, and it was time for presents.

The first gift Hinata recieved was from Sakura; a bouquet of Aoi roses with a card that plainly read, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY".Hinata gave a hug and a thanks to Sakura and started on to her next one. It was from Shino; A white-gold heart locket with violet roses etched into it. Hinata gasped and thanked Shino with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Shino was red for the rest of the party. Her third gift was a new set of purple zori from Gaara, Temari and Kankuro. She had also recieved chocolates from Sasuke, ribbons from Kiba, a violet purse from Ino and Shikamaru, and a new, purple Hitai-ate headband from Kurenai-Sensei. But There was one more gift that almost went unnoticed. A small, square present wrapped in white hospital bandages. It read the name "To Hinata" on the front, but the gift was so poorly wrapped, no one would have thought it an actual present. Hinata carefully unraveled the bandages revealing a small, neatly-sewn, book with purple and yellow flowers on the front. And with each flower, vines coming out spelling the name beautifully, "Hinata "

"My..diary?" Hinata didnt know what to think, who was this gift from? And why would they send it like this? Could it be...from Naruto? Just then, a loud screeching from a microphone was heard.

"(clears throat) Uuuuhh, excuse me everyone, but, I've got something to tell you." It was Naruto, he was standing on the stage dressed in his normal attire of orange and was ready as he'd ever be to talk.

"Uhh, well you see, a couple days ago, a book was accidentally put into my bag and I found it, and read it. Heh heh, more precisely you could say that this book was a diary. And when I read that diary, I found that someone who I didnt even know was there, really cared for me...And one day after the diary was found, that someone came to my house and asked if I'd had it, I felt awful about lying, but it just didnt feel like the right time to give the book back yet. And I know that sounds dumb and like a crappy excuse but, I...I liked reading good things written about me, especially when it was written by someone other than myself." Naruto laughed, " Within these couple days keeping the diary, I got to know the author more and more, I even developed a fond friendship with her, and saw her good points as well; she's caring and kind, gentle and loving, yet strong and confident in herself. Not to mention she's beautiful too. And I started thinking about this person more and more, and realized that I really cared for her too. And to finally have someone recognize me for my confidence, my strength, and love me for it, it feels..like the most wonderful thing you can imagine! She doesnt see me as obnoxious or loud or annoying, she loves me, and I love her. Right, Hinata?"

Hinata's pearl-white eyes were now so full of tears, no bearier could hold them back. They were flowing down her face like a cascade of crystal clear waters, but they were happy tears, for the only other thing that took over her face was a smile. Naruto jumped off the stage, dropped the microphone, and ran as fast as he could to where the beautiful Hinata stood smiling. When the orange blur reached her, he picked her up, twirled her around with him, and gave her a long and very satisfying kiss.

"Happy birthday, Hinata-chan. and thank you." Naruto wiped an on-coming tear from Hinata's face and held her in his arms. "shouldnt I be the one thanking you, Naruto-kun?" Naruto just laughed and shook his head playfully. " If it wasnt for you, I wouldnt have found this new happiness that I've been missing all this time. And now that I know you, I'm changed for good." the two new lovers closed in for another kiss, and when they finished Hinata lovingly whispered in Naruto's ear,

"But I'm the one who's been blessed with you."

Thanks for reading, Hope you liked it!