The Date - Part 3

Naruto and Hinata walked arm in arm to Ichiraku's Ramen shop, as perfect as the moment was for her, Hinata couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. She wondered if her father had ordered someone to follow them, but as she looked around she saw a few passers by gave them odd looks, it was probably a strange sight for the Hyuga heiress to be on a date with Naruto, but Hinata didn't care what they thought. She had dreamed of this for years and she wasn't going to let anyone get in the way.

“Hey Old-man!” Naruto yelled as he walked in, Ichiraku turned round and gave him a big smile.

“Evening Naruto... well, well, well...” Ichiraku rubbed his chin and grinned. “Naruto my boy, are you on a date?”

“Yup!” Naruto grinned.

“She's a looker too.” Ichiraku's comment made Hinata blush, her embarrassment was soon replaced by surprise as Ichiraku yelled in pain as his daughter slapped him on the back of the head.

“Father! Stop ogling the young girl and take their order already!”

“But...”

“No Buts!”

“Evening Oneesan!” Naruto called to Ayame.

“Evening Naruto.” She smiled before returning to the sink to finish washing dishes.

“Geez... Okay then you two, what do you want to eat?”

“I'll have my usual!” Naruto replied loudly. “What do you want Hinata?”

“Ummm... I'm not sure... I'll... just have the same as Naruto.”

“Okay then, two serving of your finest ramen with extra pork Old man!”

“Coming right up! And since it's you, it's on the house!”

“Awesome!” Naruto yelled as he fist pumped the air.

“Thank you sir.” Hinata replied politely with a bow.

“No problem sweety, I'm happy to see Naruto on a date. I've been telling him that he should find himself a nice girl and I'm glad he has.” Hinata blushed and glanced at Naruto who was sitting there smiling and couldn't help but smile herself.

“Father, stop it! You're embarrassing the poor girl!”

“Ayame, I was only saying how happy I am for Naruto since he's like a son to me! I've watched him grow up to be the man he is now.”

"I know what you meant, but that's no reason to embarrass his date, even though that's what parents normally do." She scolded her father. "I remember my first date, he completely embarrassed me and was lucky I didn't dunk his head in the noodle pan!"

"I wasn't that bad!" He defended himself.

"Go make their ramen before I really do dunk your head!"

"Ha-ha! Don't worry Oneesan. Hinata is just a little shy, it'll take more than that to scare her away, she is a ninja after all!" Naruto chuckled putting his arm around Hinata's shoulder making her blush even harder.

"You two make a cute couple."Ayame smiled sweetly.

"Th... thank you..." Hinata blushed. After that Ayame and Ichiraku left the couple to talk amongst themselves while they busied themselves preparing their meal. Soon enough their meals were ready and they both began to eat, Naruto immediately began to guzzle his food while Hinata took dainty mouthfuls. By the time Hinata had nearly finished her meal Naruto was just finishing his third portion.

"MAN! That was so good!" Naruto cheered as he finished his ramen.

"Glad you enjoyed it Naruto. How are you enjoying yours sweety?" Ichiraku asked Hinata.

"It's very tasty, thank you." Hinata replied with a slight bow of her head. She then placed her chopsticks down and lifted the bowl to drink the remaining broth as Naruto had.

“So what are you two going to do now? The night is young!”

“Well I was thinking of heading over to that club... club...”

“Oh you mean club Shuriken!” Ayame announced.

“Yeah! Apparently they let in ninja regardless of their age.”

“Yes, I remember hearing about how some young ninja saved the owner and his family from some bandits. He was so grateful he allows all ages of ninja into the club so long as they are wearing their headband.” Ichiraku explained.

“Have fun you two, but no drinking! You're still under-age!” Ayame warned.

“Yes Ayame...” Naruto replied sarcastically. “Well thanks for the meal! Hinata are you ready?"

"Yes Naruto-kun." Hinata took Naruto's arm and the couple began to make their way to their next destination.

"Our Naruto is growing up."Ayame sighed.

"Yes he is, yes he is."