Hey, sorry I made a mistake when putting the document in. Instead of putting The Pirate.doc I put The Good Life.doc
Oh yeah, to all of you flamers who obviously have no lives (unlike me who spent my weekend partying like a rock star): next time you want to flame me, at least grow a spine and log in. How dumb are you? That's a rhetorical question don't answer it. Morons.
To my regular and kick ass reviewers, I love you guys. Just thought I'd say that. Especially to my friend Mari.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
AU. Hinata's POV Slightly OOC
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When my best friend Sakura said that she had a birthday surprise for me, I was almost certain that she was talking about concert tickets, or a new book, or even new strings for my acoustic guitar. Therefore, it stands to reason that I was somewhat surprised when she pulled her Red Volvo (she's a rich kid) in front of the restaurant.
My first words were "You have got to be kidding me."
One look at her earnest green eyes and I knew that tonight was going to be hell. This had to be a practical joke. Why else would she bring me to a place like this?
The bright lights, the cheesy music, the robot parrot…. It had to be a joke.
"Nope!" Sakura's grin grew even more "Happy Birthday Hinata!"
My eye twitched. Twice. "Sakura…" I groaned "Why are you taking me here?"
"For obvious reasons."
"What obvious reasons?"
She dramatically flipped her short pink hair back as she scoffed at me. I recognized the gleam in her eyes and could almost mouth the words that were about to come out. "Hot guys in pirate costumes. Who could pass that up?"
I blushed lightly. She had a point…almost. I still didn't want to go to this Pirate Themed Restaurant that looked like a little kid's wonderland. All they needed was a guy in some giant parrot costume. I caught sight of something large and green. Too late.
Sakura noticed my discomfort and smiled pleadingly "Please? For me?"
"I thought this was MY birthday…" I mumbled.
"Oh! Right! Um, for me since it's your birthday present and I wasted money getting reservations?"
"This place has reservations?" I asked doubtfully.
"Stop being so cynical! You used to be so cute back when you were twelve!"
"Well that was four years ago. Things change." I folded my arm and glared out the window, which proved to be useless since it was kinda dark outside. I glanced back at my best friend whose eyes suddenly got large, watery, and pitiful. Her lower lip trembled as she put her famous puppy dog look into full use.
I glared. "Fine! Just stop with the face!" I hate to admit it, but I have a major soft spot for all things cute and cuddly. I clenched my fists in order to prevent myself from suddenly glomping her. That would take a long time explaining.
"YAY!" She kicked the door open, making me wince. Her constant abuse of her resources always left me feeling nervous. It was no lie that she was tons richer than me, especially since my Dad kicked me out of the house and all for 'disgracing the Hyuga name'. Well who needs him anyway?
I took a deep breath. Today was MY day. I wasn't going to worry about my Dad, or the rest of the stupid clan. It's 2008. Who calls themselves a clan anymore? With their tough rules, they sound more like a cult than anything else. I'm glad that my cousin and I were born different. Well…besides the freaky gray eyes and stuff.
I was inside the doorway before I knew it. I wondered if Sakura had a secret power or something.
My train of thought suddenly switched tracks as I caught sight of the awful paint job. The walls were painted to resemble the ocean. There was several 'authentic' pirate junk hung up on the wall such as hats, maps, wheel's, flags with Jolly Roger's, boots, etc. It was horrifying. It was almost worst than the time I went to the circus and a clown approached me. I think I screamed for two whole minutes. The embarrassing thing was that I was 14 then.
Don't laugh.
Clowns are evil.
A pimply, tired teenage boy in full pirate getup approached us. "AVAST!" he yelled, scaring the crap out of me and causing his fake eye patch to slip. He quickly followed up with a "YE SCURVY DOGS!" and brandished a plastic sword under our noses.
I glared at Sakura.
So it begins.
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One thing you should know about me is that I am very self conscious. I blush easily and always care what others think about me, despite my friend's comforting advice. Therefore, it would stand to reason that I'd feel embarrassed.
Seriously! Sakura and I were the only 'willing' teenagers. I felt ridiculous. Sakura was wearing a light lavender halter top, black shorts, and strappy (is that even a word?) high heels that made her look incredibly sexy. Me, I was wearing a fluffy white peasant top, light blue jeans with a sequined butterfly on the side, and my favorite sneakers. The difference between us two was so obvious it was painful. I couldn't help but feel…well somewhat insignificant compared to her. To top it all off we were seated in a booth decorated to look like a lifeboat.
Wow, I feel so grownup.
Not.
To make things worse I could hear cheesy 1600's pirate music playing on the jukebox.
I glanced down at my menu which was made to look like some ancient treasure map. I scanned through until I reached the 'Booty' section. I then decided that I did not want any seafood. I thanked my lucky stars that they served burgers and prepared to order the largest one on the menu, assuming our waiter hadn't forgotten about us.
I turned to Sakura "Where is our waiter?"
She shrugged "I don't know, but he/she is seriously pissing me off! We've been here for five minutes now! I'm thirsty!"
I smiled. She could get real bratty when she's hungry. I reached inside my purse and pulled out a snack-sized Snickers bar. "You want it?"
The look on her face betrayed her before her voice could. "Please?"
I laughed and tossed it to her. My aim sucks but she has excellent reflexes. Well it's somewhat of a necessity, you know with her being the captain of the volleyball team and all…
A throat cleared.
We both turned in unison.
My jaw dropped. I literally saw stars in Sakura's eyes, although I'm sure my expression wasn't much different.
Three words.
He.
Was.
Gorgeous.
Period.
Wait, is that four words? I stink at math.
"I think I died and went to heaven." Sakura murmured dreamily, her eyes shining extra bright under the fake lantern that suspended above the middle of the table. That stupid lantern was a death trap. I've been here for fifteen minutes and already hit my head on it like twice.
Back to the subject at hand.
He was amazing. His midnight hair was somewhat mussed, I guess it was to complete the look. Long dark locks framed his face making him look roguish and like an angel all at once. His skin was a similar shade to mine, only with a little more color to it. His chin, his ears, his nose, everything was perfect down to the muscles that were painfully obvious due to his thin white top.
He was dressed accordingly, a fluffy white pirate shirt, a red sash hanging off his hips at a jaunty angle, black pants, boots, a gold hoop earring, a sheathed sword hung near the sash making him look even more dangerous.
Onyx eyes (how cliché) stared at us impatiently, nearly making my best friend swoon.
Okay let me back up a little! Ever since two years ago I sorta had something of a pirate fetish, which might explain why Sakura brought me here today. I swore that I grew out of it but just seeing him made me love pirates even more.
Hoist the mainsails!
Okay that sounded kind of stupid.
"Arrgh…" he grumbled half heartedly. I felt myself flush. Not again! I thought that I grew out of blushing too! Something about his voice was so… wow. "Welcome to Captain Pete's where we sell the best grub on the seven seas. Me name be first mate Sasuke and I'll be afixin' ya with something to eat. Would ye like a little rum to whet yer whistle while the cook prepare's ye a meal?"
Sakura, being as gorgeous as she was, has always been the center of almost every boy's attention. Standing right beside her, I look very much plain. She's like a ray of sunshine. Instead of being humble about her looks she uses them to her advantage. It's almost amusing watching boy's turn to putty in her capable hands. I watched as she prepared to put the charm on the disgruntled boy.
First she gave her most charming smile. I grimaced inwardly. I secretly wished that he would somehow prove immune to her superpowers. I hated to sound selfish, but I just didn't want him to fall for her too.
I glanced up at him to see that he was very much immune to her. He cocked an eyebrow (very sexily I might add) and stared back at her as if to say 'that's it?'
I could've sung the Hallelujah Chorus.
Sakura seemed somewhat surprised but pressed on "Hi, my name's Sakura." She said in that very familiar tone "I love your outfit. It's so…becoming."
Since when did she use words like becoming? The only thing that he was becoming was irritated. I could tell by the flash of annoyance in his dark eyes. Great, I was starting to read his moods.
"Hn."
She blinked. I don't think that's part of the Pirate Vocabulary.
"U-um…" I winced at my helpless stuttering. It used to be so much worse, but now I can talk to everyone but good looking guys. "I-I'd like a root beer."
The boy, Sasuke, seemed somewhat relieved as he jotted it down. Sakura shot me a death glare. I bit my lip and shrunk back.
She leaned forward so that he could get a good… um view… of well… you know… "I'll have a diet Pepsi. Easy on the ice." She practically purred.
"Hn."
Once again, another amazing silence.
"I'll be back." He grumbled as he quickly turned and made a somewhat hasty yet dignified retreat. Judging by his behavior I could tell that this wasn't the first time something like this happened. I bet that girls hit on him every day.
Sakura smiled as she kept her gaze fixated downward. Well not straight down, more like at an angle. Mainly at Sasuke's butt. Yes my friend is somewhat perverted. I flushed at her lack of well… shame.
"I am definitely digging that booty."
I bit back a laugh at the use of her pirate lingo. Sometimes she says stuff like that that leaves me rolling on the floor.
The cheesy song in the background switched to a recording of some men with bad pirate accents singing. I winced. Could this get any lamer? I mean, despite the fact that my love for pirates has rekindled, I was still horrified at the way Captain Pete's made it something akin to Chuck E. Cheese's.
That mouse is evil.
Speaking of things evil Sasuke returned, making me relax slightly. Sakura and I had been waiting in a somewhat awkward silence as she formulated a plot to get Sasuke to fall in love with her. Was I selfish to hope that he didn't?
"Your drinks." He said so softly it was hard to hear him.
Sakura reached over to relieve him of a drink, making sure that her hand brushed his. Instead of breaking the contact she let her finger slowly rub his. My eyebrows raised as he stiffened and quickly placed the drink down.
The look on Sakura's face was priceless.
I did something completely out of character.
I burst out laughing.
Not the normal 'tee hee' laughs, but a full laugh. A laugh that I had thought disappeared.
I don't even know what was so funny. I think it had something to do with the fact that until now, every boy has loved her. When I was about thirteen I fell in love with a blonde boy named Naruto. Naruto, instead of returning my somewhat shy affections, turned around and fell in love with my best friend. Let's say that didn't settle too well with me
It felt good laughing like this. I loved knowing that this boy, Sasuke, didn't like her at all. I clutched my stomach as I tipped to the side, laughing so hard that it hurt.
Sakura looked angry, which was pretty normal since she gets made fast. I'm not really scared of her. We're too close for anything bad to happen. "What's so funny?" she half hissed, her face the picture of death.
Sasuke stared at me in a curious and somewhat amused fashion. Well if I can't attract boys, the least I can do is amuse them. Not that way you sick minded individuals.
"Sakura…" I gasped, still laughing, "you hit on him!"
I fell over; cackling like that was the funniest thing on earth.
"Yeah? And?" she huffed, obviously insulted.
I pointed at Sasuke like I was a five year old, still laughing. "HE'S DRESSED LIKE A FREAKIN PIRATE!"
She flushed angrily, probably planning ways to kill me. "So?"
It was getting pretty hard to breath "You got rejected by a pirate!"
I bit my lip as her pointy heel hit my poor ankle. That was gonna leave a mark. "Stop laughing." She hissed vehemently. Sakura quickly turned from evil mode to charming. She smiled up at Sasuke who looked more amused than ever. The corner of his lip quirked up faintly.
"Thanks, I think we're ready to order." She fluttered her eyelashes which caused me to burst into giggles.
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Sakura was death glaring me.
I was chewing my burger.
A little kid in a too-large pirate hat ran by waving a sword. I winced as he ran straight into a wall.
"Sorry?" I offered weakly, hoping to break the silence. One thing about Sakura is that she is never silent. She always is talking about something, and if she isn't talking she's texting.
She glared but a little weaker this time.
"C-come on Saki." I said, using her childhood nickname "You have to admit, it was kinda funny. Now you can tell people on your blog that you got rejected by a pirate."
She bit even harder into her catfish, but her eyes flashed in amusement. I knew that I had her there. She gets mad easy but only stays mad when you really do something to hurt her. In addition, I was her best friend and apparently 'utterly adorable'. I rolled my eyes. As if.
I placed my burger down and stared at her with as much conviction as I could muster up. "Look, if you forgive me I'll hook you up with Neji,"
Her eyes lit up. Bingo. "Fine." She grumbled, trying to sound mad but miserably failing.
I smiled and quickly gulped down the rest of my burger. I looked around the restaurant, catching sight of a couple members of the staff as they drifted by in their pirate costumes, looking ridiculously out of place. I had to admit it; Sasuke was the only one who could pull it off. Speaking of the devil…
"Would ye like some dessert?" he deadpanned, not even putting forth the effort to get a proper Pirate Accent.
I gave a small laugh and quickly turned away in embarrassment as his eyes locked with mine.
"Actually…" Sakura began with a wicked grin on her face. I gulped. I recognized that face. That was the face that she made whenever she tricked someone. The face that she made before she utterly humiliated Kin in front of the whole school. This was the same face she made before she snuck out of the house, leaving me to act as the grown up and stay home alone. It was her mischievous face and I wasn't liking it one bit. "Do you think you could do me a favor?"
Sasuke stiffened once more "What kind of favor?"
"Well…" she drew the word out as her eyes met mine. She was about to do something and I was powerless to stop her "Today is Hina's birthday."
I gaped in horror. She wouldn't!
"I was wondering if you could do a little…something for her. Some cake, a song or something like that." Her words were casual but the laughter in her eyes was not. She was getting revenge! NO!
Sasuke paused to consider it. He visibly relaxed as he realized that this was a fairly normal request. "It depends on her age. How old are you?"
I blinked.
"Huh?" Sakura and I said in unison.
"For children six and under we have a balloonist make a balloon parrot for them." He said dully, obviously wishing that he were somewhere else "Children seven through fourteen get a sword and a cake. Anyone older gets just a cake. Unless…"
"Unless what?" I asked, dreading this moment. I was getting a bad feeling about this. Every instinct screamed to run.
He shrugged as if he knew the idea were ridiculous. "Unless it's a special occasion. Then that changes everything."
"Today's her sixteenth birthday!" Sakura chirped before I could stop her. I banged my forehead on the table. I swear I saw Sasuke smirk at my reaction, but maybe that was a trick with the lighting. He was probably wishing that he were off the clock and as far away from these psycho teenage girls as possible.
"Sweet sixteen?" He mused, there was definite amusement in his voice, as though he were in a private joke or something. How could my sixteen birthday be amusing? This was the turning point of my teenage years! "In that case you get an extra special surprise."
"Extra special?" Sakura and I said in unison again.
Jinx!
Not.
Sasuke folded his arms as he leaned his weight towards his left foot. Everything that he did was just plain hot. I know I sound like a hormonal teenage girl but that's only because I AM ONE! Well… not really hormonal, but I am a teenager and subject to such thoughts. One thing I would never do was bother him. He probably gets enough female attention without me making his life worse.
"You get to perform in a skit."
"Great!" Sakura crowed, "Hina is an awesome actress!"
I glared. What she said was true, well mostly. I don't think I'm all that awesome but it's true that I love acting, almost more than I love music. Okay I sound like a typical whiny girl but I really do love music and acting. They're my passion along with all things cute and cuddly. I don't like kids too much. I've had too many outfits ruined by their random barfing.
"Really?" Sasuke looked somewhat interested "Would you like to…"
"No!" I cried.
"Yes!" Sakura yelled above me, totally drowning my weak voice out.
I mentally cursed her and her powerful lungs.
Sasuke nodded "Okay. It's a basic skit. Just some guy trying to kidnap you, he'll probably carry you up to the stage." He paused to point, showing a rickety and very pirate-oriented stage. "From there the 'hero' will come and challenge him to a duel. They'll fight, you'll scream in the background, the hero wins, we're all happy. Easy enough?"
NO! It's not easy enough! I don't want to play in this dumb skit! I just want to go home to the comfort of my small apartment and my… wow my life really is boring. Somehow in the midst of all my meaningless thinking I managed to nod.
He raised an eyebrow, obviously surprised by my sudden burst of courage. There must've been something in the Root beer. I eyed said drink suspiciously. It was kind of cool how they had it in one of those old giant coffee mug thingy's that pirates used back in the day at taverns. I almost wanted to take it home with me. Emphasis on almost.
"Good. I'll tell Ken. He'll come by to kidnap you at any minute. Make sure your foods on the side and that you're not drinking anything. Things can get a little messy." He warned as he cleared a couple of the spare plates.
I nodded again. It must be something about his eyes that has me agreeing to everything he says. There's no other logical explanation.
Once he left Sakura turned to me and grinned triumphantly. "Have fun." She said with a snide laugh. Oh she was so going down.
I sighed and propped my elbow up onto the table as I awaited my kidnapper. I just wanted to get this over with.
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"AVAST!" a deep, strong voice bellowed beside my ear, causing me to shoot up five feet into the air. "I'VE COME TO KIDNAP THE PRINCESS!"
Congratulations captain obvious. I looked up to say something sarcastic but instantly froze. The man was HUGE! I mean he must've been a good seven feet. To top it all off he was very burly, and hairy, kinda like a real pirate. He almost had me fooled for a second there. His hair was dark brown and curly, the same shade as his obviously fake beard.
With grand flourish, he bent over and scooped me up in his arms. I couldn't hold back a very mouse-like squeak. He lifted me up like it was nothing! Suddenly I didn't feel to sure about this whole thing. I found myself missing the impedimenta of the twenty first century.
My kidnapper took long, dramatic steps toward the stage which was designed to look like a pirate ship. I dimly noted that the entire restaurant was now watching us. In the background I could hear dramatic music. Oh great.
"Play along." My kidnapper, Ken whispered.
"Help!" I cried somewhat lamely.
"Sasuke said you were an awesome actress or something, you can do much better than that!"
I blushed. Sasuke told him that? I certainly didn't want to let him down. Closing my eyes briefly to concentrate, I gave my best stage scream. I felt Ken chuckle and knew that I did the right thing.
"Keep on kid!" he whispered encouragingly "You're doing great!"
"Help! Someone save me!" I cried, beating on his back with my fists and flailing my legs "Somebody, please!"
There were a few chuckles all around at my performance. I found myself grinning and quickly hid said grin as I buried my face in his shoulder.
"The vixen bit me!" Ken cried, even though I didn't. Still it covered my sudden… um cuddling of the pirate.
We were on the stage and just as I wondered who the hero was, Sasuke approached. I blinked uneasily at him before remembering to act. "Help me!" I cried pleadingly "Please!"
Sasuke eyed me with approval before masking everything with his stone cold glare. "Release her." He growled. "Wow was he good or what?"
"Arrgghh!" Ken rumbled, "What's this? A pewee pirate comes to play with the big boys! Leave, afore I make you walk the plank!"
I hated to admit it, but Ken had an awesome pirate accent. It was one of those accents that you only found in really good movies or in video games. So what if I have a few pirate video games? It's not like I have a life.
"Leave her, lest I cut you to ribbons!" Sasuke whipped out an impressive looking (plastic) sword. Wow, his acting was really good. I wondered if he took classes. Maybe he's even played in a movie. I mean he was really good! Not to mention hot. (ahem) Back to the story…
"Please save me!"
He turned and did something unexpected.
He winked.
AT ME!!
I could die happy.
"Big words for such a small man!" Ken rumbled, even though Sasuke is anything but small. Have you seen his muscles? Oh god am I an annoying fan girl or what? It's not like I'm boy obsessed, it's just that Sasuke is the very picture of male perfection.
I blinked. He was perfect and I was just… ordinary. Still, I'll have fun acting while I can. I'll probably never see him again anyway.
I gave a small scream as Sasuke suddenly lunged. Ken parried gracefully and soon the two were caught up in a flurry of ducks, dodges, and attacks. The movements were so quick and graceful that I couldn't help but feel out of place. They both had to have received lessons. They were amazing.
Ken's style was similar to a bear. Somewhat clumsy but lethal, while Sasuke was like a panther, quick and dangerous. My jaw hit the ground.
The fight went on for a few minutes while I sat there like a sack of potatoes, occasionally giving a small scream at the right moments.
La, la, la…
Ken clutched his heart dramatically as Sasuke 'skewered' him. "NO! It can't be!"
Sasuke smirked triumphantly and twirled his sword a little before sheathing it. For a minute there I could really believe that he was a pirate. He was amazing. Judging by the looks on the faces of every female in the restaurant, I guessed they were thinking the same thing.
He turned to me and gave a small smile. I swear my heart nearly gave out. I returned it, a little more shyly now. It took me a couple of seconds to realize that he was approaching me. I hid my nervousness by lightly clutching my jeans and looking at my shoes.
I looked up and gasped.
He was right in front of me!
He ducked his head slightly so that the difference in our heights wasn't so obvious. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice sounding soft even though I knew he projected it so that most of the restaurant could hear.
I nodded, still too shocked by his sudden nearness. "Um thanks…"
His smile softened "Happy Birthday Hina."
Oh.
My.
God.
He called me Hina!
Well probably because he doesn't know my real name, but just hearing him say it made it sound all the more beautiful!
The crowd burst into applause and cheers. I knew I should've turned but something about his gaze kept me locked on him. His eyes were so dark. So beautiful… so mysterious…
"Are you alright?" He asked again, this time sounding more concerned about my current mental state.
"Yes!" I cried suddenly, scaring him a little "It's just… um… thank you."
Then I did something totally out of character.
I leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
-insert girly squeal here-
What? I am a girl!
Sasuke looked surprised but not appalled as I thought he would. Maybe it was the lighting but I could swear his cheeks turned a little pink.
I smiled one more time before lightly walking back to my seat. My grin grew as I caught sight of Sakura's dropped jaw.
It then hit me.
I kissed him.
My face burst into flame.
Oh crap how was I going to explain it to Sakura? Her expression changed from shock to murder. I doubted that I'd go home alive again.
Why, oh why did I do it? I mentally kicked myself again and again.
On instinct I turned around to look at him. His smoldering eyes were locked on mine. I blushed and turned around.
He really does have pretty eyes.
That still doesn't explain why I did it. I slid into the booth and kept my eyes fixed on the ancient table. Sakura was probably too shocked to interrogate me now. I wondered if I'd ever see him again…
I wondered how I'd explain it.
He came up to our table.
Sakura passed him the bill, too shocked to flirt. His eyes met with mine and I turned the other way quickly, trying to hide my embarrassment and possible infatuation.
"Thank you." He said softly "Come back soon."
When I glanced up I found that he was looking at me, his gaze intense.
Suddenly the whole world seemed like a beautiful place. I found myself appreciating the glories of the earth. I even felt like hugging a couple of children. I could feel my heart leap and take wings, beating erratically as I soared.
I think I'm in love.
I blame the root beer.
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el fin
There you have it folks, my half-baked attempt to apologize for not updating lately. Maybe I should turn it into a twoshot/threeshot? You know, with them meeting up again, not necessarily at the restaurant. Let me know what you think, k?
Oh I have sad news. I think I've grown out of anime/manga. I walked by that section of my bookstore and felt no interest, even when I as reading Naruto or Fruits Basket! My new love is Twilight and trying to finish and publish my book. I even feel apathetic about fanfiction. I might quit. –cries-
Anybody want pizza?
Review or else!!