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Naruto remembers the academy well, though not for many happy memories. Friends were not his forte, and no matter how he tried he was not quite capable in accomplishing his goals. He was last in class and many of his classmates reminded him of that, often. And though they had all grown and become as close as family, his childhood was one filled with days spent desperate for anyone’s acknowledgement and nights of ramen for one.
One thing that now brought that signature, toothy grin to his whiskered face was the thought of one friend, one dear and kind soul that he never thought too much about, not until lately. Pastel orbs and a shy expression entered his mind’s eye, reminding him that she had been there. Whether he was chasing off her bullies or she was cheering him on from the sidelines, she’d been there.
Oh how he’d taken her kindness for granted. Or maybe not for granted; he just had not considered her in the way she had considered him. Not until now. Not until she had resolutely spurned his confessions and taken the hand of one cold, calculated moon being.
Why hadn't he recognized the depths of his feelings for her sooner? Whether it was immaturity or ignorance, he didn't know. But he sure as hell was kicking himself for it nonetheless.
His eyes had always been on things louder than even himself. Goals that seemed impossible to reach, those were the ones a young Uzumaki Naruto sought to grasp with his own two hands. If only he had seen what was right in front of him sooner. Had seen that his future stood beside him so many times throughout his young life.
But what use was this mental self-flagellation he was performing. Shikamaru and Sai had already ribbed him for his idiocy. Sakura, the dear friend that she was, healed his body and tried to soothe his mind with words meant to lead him in the right direction. Towards a woman so pure of heart.
No, his compunction would not accomplish anything. He had to go after her, to save her from Toneri and his malignant plans, and to stop her from making a massive, though well-intentioned, mistake. One they both would regret for the rest of their lives.
No, his contrition would not be sitting in this dank cave. He had a moon to save, he had a heart to recapture.
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Standing next to him was always awe striking. Not only because of how he was, but who he was. The level of strength and fortitude, the amount of sheer confidence in the face of danger, he was a force to be reckoned with. And standing next to him made her feel strong too. Hinata felt his warmth and vigor and wanted to share in that fiery exuberance.
She’d always felt small. It could not entirely be helped, what with the way she was raised. Or broken down would be a more apt description. But she always felt invited to share in his light when he looked at her, spoke to her, reached out his hand for her to grasp. Oh how she felt safe, seen, and supportive when holding that hand.
And now, with the moon saved and Hanabi’s dojutsu safely back where they belonged, she wondered where that left them. He had confessed to her previously, hadn't he? What was in his heart? Though she knew his head and convictions well, she had struggled to root a special place in his heart. Who was in his heart?
Taking his hand once more, they descended the puce globes and stalagmites. She had many questions ruminating in her head, but they were silenced by his own ponderings.
The musings of a realized man.
She listened as he expressed himself, confessed once again but more earnestly this time. She recalled that academy assignment about who you’d spend your last day with if given the chance, and hearing that he would choose was astounding.
As rock began to dismantle and disintegrate before them, he scooped her into his arms. A bit confused by this incredulous act, she could all but do nothing but hold on to him tightly as he soared through the debris.
Trusting in him, she softly laughed at the others’ shocked pronouncements as they broke through the barrier into their world. Blowing through the rock ceiling, they landed amongst stars and an endless sky.
Looking into his eyes, she saw what she’d always hoped for. Eyes that looked back at her with deep admiration, with love. And as their lips brushed each other’s, she knew that her feelings, her longings, were returned. That the pure and enduring love she felt for him matched what he felt for her.