The Path To Love.® (Another NaruHina story...?)

Chapter 21: Departure.

The past couple days had been incredible for the new couple, but of course smooth sailing had to come to an end as Hinata was assigned a mission. Naruto sending her off, he was worried and knew he would miss her, though he knew she was strong and could hold her own.

Having their small goodbye, which may have been much due to her just going off on a simple mission, or that's what Kiba thought, as he went on the mission with Hinata. But both Hinata and Naruto knew that this would only be a one-time thing, Naruto even joking about it. So, she was off, but Naruto still had the memory of the day they spent together not long ago.

The day Naruto promised to pick Hinata up

Naruto arriving at the Hyuga compound a while before noon, rather early, he figured Hinata would be training with her Father, after she told him yesterday about how she overslept. He felt kind of bad about that, since it was him that kept her out so late but relieved that her Father was so kind about it. Kind. Naruto did not think that would fit her Father up until now. A guard had noticed Naruto, going off to make his presence known. It did not take that long before the guard came back, letting Naruto know that he would just have to wait a bit for Hinata to get ready. The guard suggested that he should enter and wait but Naruto merely chuckled and assured him he was good outside. And soon, Hinata came outside, in her casual wear, Naruto smiling brightly as she approached, Hinata doing the same. Naruto's hands in his orange hooded jacket, though his hands left his pockets, spreading his arms to hug her. Hinata gladly accepting the invitation.

"Good morning, Hinata-chan." He greets as they hug, Hinata squeezed more so at the greeting "Good morning, Naruto-kun." She says, the training was a little rough, though the hug seemed to relieve all of it, the rough training was because she missed yesterday's. "Having trouble breathing~" He chuckles teasingly, Hinata squeezed even more at that, Naruto laughed, poking her sides causing her to flinch and pull back, giggling and looking up at him. Still finding herself marveling at being with Naruto, or rather in this close proximity.

"So, anything in particular you'd like to do today?" The blonde asks, his hands laying gently upon her sides, Hinata closing her eyes, humming lightly as she pondered "Does Naruto-kun have enough groceries at home?" She asks in turn, her cheeks flustering up as her mind focused on the hands on her sides, realizing they were in broad daylight, which was different to the date, where it was night and Hinata got swept away by everything. Moving back a little, holding both his hands now and starting to look down shyly. 'I'm really not good at being forward...' She thought to herself in a mental sigh. Naruto noticing this, chuckled lightly "Hmm, now that I think about it, I am running low." He states, Hinata smiles brightly, knowing what they would be doing.

"Th-Then let's go." She says, in a nearly chirpy tone.

Naruto grinning as they went on their way. Hinata making Naruto aware of the mission she was called for, at least happy she got to have this day with Naruto. The blonde in turn making Hinata aware of Sasuke's soon departure. Hinata hoping Sakura would be okay hearing the news. While Hinata wanted to ask as to why Sasuke wanted to leave, she figured it was something personal and important, plus Naruto had no complaints so there was no real use in asking. They were back again at the market together, reminders for the both of them of their little shopping trip, however this time they were a couple. Gathering a few things. Hinata definitely got reminded constantly of certain instances of when they first came together, leaving her flustered and embarrassed yet happy. After all, she did not have it in her to mention those details but was relieved to hear him bring them up.

"Does Hinata-chan not remember anything from that day~?" He teases again, catching her out on the fact that she was not bringing up any moments the way he had been doing. Hinata shook her head "N-No, I do." She states rather adamantly, Naruto scrunches his nose a little, leaning forward "Hmm. Then tell me one." He requests, his sly smile turning into a grin, Hinata looked down, nodding her head.