Ramentic

-- Thirty kisses challenge #24, good night

She loved to watch him sleep.

Granted, she wasn't a stalker. She didn't stand by his window and stare at him all night long. She didn't breathe heavily and compare his hair to gold or look creepy or anything of that sort. She simply watched him whenever she was lucky enough to be assigned on a mission with him.

It didn't happen often, and the missions hardly ever lasted longer than a day. But on rare occasion, they had no choice but to hitch a tent for the night. It was nights like those when she enjoyed being who she was, being a Hyuuga.

Kiba grunted and rolled over, startling Hinata in her seat. She glanced at him, waiting anxiously for his loud snoring to resume. It didn't take long, but the passing seconds meant less time could be spent watching her beloved Naruto-kun.

Watching, not staring.

She turned her eyes back to his slowly rising and falling chest. It was interesting to watch Naruto sleep. Usually, his eyes were squinted shut and a large, infectious grin covered his face. But when he was asleep, his face looked unruffled, almost serene. He seemed more mature and more handsome.

She loved him when he was loud and cheerful, but she also loved him when he was like this, though he might never know it.

Hinata was grateful to the sleeping arrangements. She had been placed right beside Naruto. Closer than ever before, she listened to the soft snores that sounded quietly. Each one drew her closer to his face.

She startled herself when she traced a finger over one of his cheeks. She traced each of the three scars he had and sighed to herself. She wanted so much to tell him how she felt, but it was impossible. She would never be able to gain the courage to voice her thoughts, especially when he had feelings for someone else.

Hinata's eyes travelled past Naruto's half-parted lips to the sleeping young woman beside him. Sakura was beautiful, confident, and smart. Hinata knew she could never compete with someone so outgoing, so perfect.

She began to yawn, and realized that it was time to try and sleep.

Swallowing, Hinata brushed her hair from her face and leaned over Naruto. With a half-smile, she whispered quietly, "Good night, Naruto-kun."

Her lips brushed against his lightly, "Sleep tight."

-- Short, simple, hopefully a little enjoyable. I figured I'd do the thirty kisses challenge on my own for my thirtieth fanfic.