48. Bed

"There's a war…it's uh…hard to explain."

She nodded, guessing that she knew about half of the story from stories passed down through Hyuuga family members and childhood rumors.

"I can't say much about it, well honestly I don't really know much about it myself."

He punctuated this statement with a weak laugh, nervously running his fingers through his already untidy hair.

Sometimes, Hinata liked him best this way; without the proper way to express the abundance of emotion that seemed to pour out of him constantly. It was haphazard and endearing and somewhat reassuring to know she wasn't the only one who had trouble expressing herself.

"I understand."

Her voice was calm, measured, and practiced. Lowering her eyes to where the sheet was folded over her waist, she smiled. It too, was well-practiced.

"You need not–"

"I can't–"

Her smile flashed genuinely, crinkling the corners of her eyes.

"Please, continue."

A corner of her bed sheet rustled from the wind. Without thought, she tidily pressed her hands down, smoothing it over. Soft to the touch, it was a bit more than she had expected from their facilities in Konoha, although she wouldn't have put it past her family to pull a few strings.

Naruto took a deep breath, looking straight at her. She resisted the urge to physically flinch.

"I can't tell you…anything until I get back. And I don't know when I'll be back."

She heard between the words easily, the hidden message that one was bound to receive from a friend, a lover, a family member, if they had chosen their so-called noble profession:

I don't know if I'll be back.

"I'll be back!"

His voice boomed, echoing off of the sterile walls. She couldn't suppress her reaction this time, shrinking back into her bed.

"I promise."

He said this in a lower voice with no less conviction, taking her tiny hands into his.

"I…don't know what to say, well, that's actually pretty normal for me, but I really don't know what to say to you after–"

"I don't need a response!"

Shrill, her voice squeaked and crackled through the tension.

"It's fine. I d-don't need…"

Trailing off, she slipped her hands from his, gripping the sheets tightly, steadying herself.

"I don't need my feelings reciprocated." she finally said.

"As long as you're happy."

He lunged forward, wrapping his arms around her tightly. Her injuries still not completely healed, Hinata winced.

"I'll be back."

His voice was muffled against her shoulder.

"I promise."

A/N: I'm not as familiar with Naruto continuity as I used to be; however, this is meant to follow Hinata's confession during the fight with Pain. Previously, I had written a few other drabbles that revolved around this storyline. This one has a tenuous continuity with those, as well. It is also a response/writing prompt for a friend. Thank you.