When I opened my eyes, I didn't rec

When I opened my eyes, I didn't recognize my surroundings. But I did see my beautiful sunflower. It was standing proudly in a large cup full of water. The glass wasn't quite the vase that I might put it in, but whoever saved the flower obviously did so with very careful attention. My perfect sunflower was the only thing that was sitting on a square table in the middle of the room.

Where was I? The room did not look familiar at all. I wasn't lying in my own bed. And the room – it was the size of my bedroom, but it had a small kitchen to my right. Plus, it looked like it hadn't been cleaned in ages.

That's right! I fainted at Ino's flower shop. Could this be the back room? No – it couldn't be. Ino's family had a nice house right outside the center of town. This was a small-sized apartment. Besides, the back room of a florist would be full of cut flowers. This couldn't be it.

At that moment, the front door slammed open. I flinched at the sudden noise. If the sights of this room didn't signal that I wasn't at home, that intrusive noise would have. But I wasn't expecting the person who walked through that door. He was completely out of place.

"Kiba-kun. What happened? Where am I?"

His familiar smile stretched across his face as he answered, "You fainted again. What did you think happened?" Akamaru barked in agreement and came over to lick my face. I love that dog. That white, humongous animal has saved my life more times than I care to remember. He was a ninja, just like his human counterparts, but his love and loyalty far surpassed that of any human I have ever known. Except Kiba, perhaps.

"I kind of remember that. But I am not in Ino's flower shop. Where am I?"

"The reason for your fainting spells brought you back to his apartment. He couldn't just leave you on the floor of Ino's flower shop – could he?"

My mind was racing, and I fought to catch my breath. "I'm in Naruto-kun's apartment? Why would he bring me here?"

"It was the closest place. Your house is much farther, and besides, who knows what your father would do to him if he brought you back home unconscious. The outcome would be hilarious for me, but maybe not so much for Naruto."

"Oh… well … where is he now?"

"You really like him don't you?"

"Wha-what makes you say that Kiba-kun?"

"The fact that you started stuttering again when I mentioned his name. Or that you faint every time you see him. You don't faint every time I walk into the room."

"I didn't faint because Naruto-kun entered the room!"

"Yes you did. I saw Naruto carrying you down the street and asked him what the hell he did to you this time."

"Oh Kiba-kun, he didn't do anything to me."

"I know. He told me what happened, and - knowing you – I believed him."

I looked down and bit my lip. What could I say to Kiba? I think that he had always hoped that we would end up together. He was a nice guy, and he was certainly good looking. But I guess you can't help how your heart feels. I would never be able to get over my feelings for the one man who brought the sun into my life.

"Hinata. I know the truth. I have always known. Why couldn't you tell me? We are friends – right?"

"Of course Kiba-kun. Always! You know that."

"I still can't believe you would pick that idiot over me, but I won't hold it against you."

"Kiba-kun – you shouldn't call Naruto-kun names like that. He doesn't say mean things like that about you."

"Of course not! Why should he? I didn't steal Sakura away from him."

Okay, that hurt.

"Kiba-kun, will you be alright?"

Akamaru looked up at his best friend, and in return, Kiba smiled back at him. "Of course I'll be alright! I look like this…" He spread his arms out for effect. "Don't you worry about me! I'll find some hot chick someday. But in the meantime, I'll help you get Naruto."

"Please don't Kiba-kun! I don't want to force him."

"No one will be forcing anyone. He's just too dumb or blind to see what is right in front of his face. He would rather get punched by Sakura than be loved by the most beautiful girl in the world. Well, someone should straighten him out. Don't you think?"

"Kiba-kun – please – if it was meant to be, then it will happen. Let him figure things out on his own."

"Well, if you insist. I have to get going though. See ya around Hinata!"

"Wait! Kiba-kun, you never answered my question. Where is Naruto-kun?"

"Oh – well – he had to go training with Sasuke and his cousin Sai. It figures that those two ended up being related. They look alike and both are mighty weird."

Kiba-kun kept talking about Sasuke and Sai and their newfound familial connection, but I stopped listening.

I blew it again. I had the opportunity to talk to Naruto-kun, but lost it because I fainted. I can't blame Naruto-kun for never talking to me. It has been my fault all along.

I looked up as Kiba was walking out the door. He gave me one last smile and waved as he exited Naruto's apartment. Akamaru raised his head and barked as he left. Then the door closed behind them.

What should I do now? I was in Naruto-kun's apartment! I could certainly stay until he came home. But wouldn't that be weird? He would probably be training all day long. He just brought me here to be nice. I should probably leave …

So leave I did. I left his glass, but I wrapped a wet paper towel around my treasured sunflower. How did he carry me, but also keep my flower in such pristine condition? Well – I guess that is why he is a ninja. I just never thought of him as the careful type before. Oh well, that man never ceases to amaze me. He truly is my ray of light.

Along the way, I passed by Kurenai-sensei's apartment. I thought of stopping by, but she would just be busy with the baby. I didn't want to interrupt her. But then I saw Shikamaru walk out of the entrance to her building.

"Hinata, are you coming to see the baby too?"

"Um – Shikamaru – I wasn't going to see Kurenai-sensei today. I was on my way home. How are they doing?"

"Very well. He's getting so big! He'll be a fine ninja someday."

"Um, he will have the best Sensei, right?"

Shikamaru gave me an uncharacteristic smile, "I have to live up to my promise to Asuma. So I'll do my best."

I nodded and tried to go on my way. But evidently that wasn't Shikamaru's plan.

"Hinata, that's a beautiful sunflower you have."

I looked at my prized possession. I then looked up at Shikamaru and nodded again.

"It kind of reminds you of Naruto, doesn't it?"

I froze in my tracks. How did he know that?

"Ino told me what happened in her shop today."

I knew that panic was written all over my face and showing through my eyes. What should I say to him? How could I possibly respond to that?

"I don't want to meddle in your relationship. I know how troublesome relationships can be. Try spending time with the Princess of the Sand. She's more troublesome than my mom and Ino combined. Why do I intentionally do that to myself? Why would I pick a woman so much like the other women in my life that give me such grief? But the heart doesn't always follow the brain, does it Hinata?"

I had no voice! I couldn't say anything. I couldn't even move.

"Hinata, don't be so scared. I won't tell. But… Ino might. And I can't really stop her."

I wanted to cry. I was about to cry right in front of Shikamaru. I couldn't do that. I could not allow myself to show emotion like that. I am a ninja, and ninjas are supposed to be able to hide emotions.

Shikamaru raised his eyebrows as he took in my demeanor. He obviously didn't want to see me cry either. "Look Hinata. It'll be okay. That lunkhead will notice you and everything will work out."

I started to whimper. I was losing the battle and breaking down. "He-he doesn't even think of me that way."

"Troublesome. I've really stepped into it this time." Shikamaru put his arm around my shoulder and led me towards my house. "I don't know what Naruto thinks, but it took a lot of effort for him to bring you to his place. Besides, even he isn't that blind. You're a beautiful woman Hinata, and a strong kunoichi. He would be beyond lucky to end up with you."

Between sobs, I struggled out, "But what about Sakura?"

"What about her? She couldn't make it clearer that she's interested in Sasuke. Now he's back. Believe me, there isn't even the slightest possibility of Naruto and Sakura getting together anymore."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Geez, I should've kept my mouth shut and let Ino talk to you. She's much better at this girl stuff than I am. It's interesting though. I guess I never realized how much us guys affect you girls. Interesting. I'm going to have to remember this."