I saw this silent movie called Laugh, Clown, Laugh & I really liked the scene where Tito – the clown – sees the love of his life kissing his best friend (sadistic, I know). When Tito's show partner comes to find him so he can have his final bow, Tito does it reluctantly. He sheds his depression and goes on stage for final show. He's everything a good clown should be, and the audience laughs and applauses uproariously. His show partner watches from back stage, and the words come up on screen, "Laugh, clown, laugh – even when your heart is breaking."
Disclaimer: The Naruto characters are not mine. The movie Laugh, Clown, Laugh is not mine. This story is inspired by Laugh, Clown, Laugh, but it is not the same plot.
[:_:]
"You should definitely tell him, Hinata!" Tenten encouraged her friend.
"Yeah! With the makeover we've given you, he won't be able to resist!" Ino added smugly. Of course, she had done the majority of the makeover herself.
"Y-you really think so?" Hinata asked shyly, twirling a piece of her hair. Ino decided she needed a new hairstyle.
*Flashback*
"You're always hiding behind those bangs of yours! I think it's time you show Naruto how much you've grown since he left!" Ino commented.
"Ah… o-okay…"
Poor Hinata was terrified when she saw those scissors and almost passed out when she saw steady snippets of her hair falling to the ground in a cluster – the pile growing larger and larger with each snip of the scissors.
"Calm down! You look as if I'm cutting your skin instead of your hair!" Ino joked.
In the end, it was worth it. "There. All done."
Hinata's hair was now shoulder length when it was straight; her bangs were parted at her left temple and curled into a swoosh on the right side of her head; the rest of her hair was in loose and bouncy curls, stopping just above her shoulders.
"Wow, Hinata! You look great!" Tenten complimented.
"Yeah! Who would've thought Ino-Pig could actually do a good job!" said Sakura.
"Can it, Billboard Brow!" Ino shot at Sakura before handing Hinata a hand mirror. A small gasp escaped her lips at the sight of her own reflection. She had never liked her appearance before, but now… "I… I look beautiful! Thank you, Ino!"
Ino softened a little and smiled. "Well. Just promise us you're gonna be a knock-out."
*end of flashback*
"Let me know how it goes! He should be arriving pretty soon!" Sakura said with a wave as she headed towards the door. It'd been so long since she'd seen her friend; she couldn't wait to catch up!
"Yeah, I've got to meet up with Lee for laps. See you guys later!" Tenten suddenly announced.
"You two have been practicing a lot lately," Ino said slyly.
"Huh? O-oh, I… uh… we… uh…" Ino and Hinata giggled. "Whatever. See you later!" Tenten jumped out the window and was gone.
"Do you need me to stick around, Hinata?"
"No thank you, I'll be fine. But thanks!"
"Kay. Let me know what happens!" Ino grinned.
As soon as Ino left, Hinata headed to the bathroom to wash up. She had taken a shower prior to the makeover, so all she needed now was to freshen up and change her clothes. Her favorite dress lay on her bed, and she had a pair of sandals to match with it.
"Wow, Ino really did a great job!" she smiled at herself while pinning her hair slightly out of her face so it wouldn't get wet when she washed it. 'He won't be able to resist… you're gonna be a knock out.' I sure hope so, Ino. She patted her face dry, unpinned her hair, changed, and headed out to where Sakura said she'd meet Naruto.
I'm so nervous! I hope he… I hope he likes the new look!
She could hear his voice… he's only around that corner! She gulped nervously. My… my stomach is filled with butterflies! She stopped in her tracks and closed her eyes, sending up a silent prayer to God. Her prayer was interrupted when someone knocked her down. "Woah! Sorry!" it was a man's voice. Naruto? "Woah… hey Hinata. I didn't recognize you with those clothes!" What a first impression! Her cheeks burned in embarrassment as she stared at the ground. A hand was offered to her, and as she took it, she looked up. "K-Kiba!" she stuttered in surprise. "I-I thought you were… um…" she brought the forefinger of her unoccupied hand to her mouth and averted her eyes to the ground. She couldn't bare to tell him she thought he was Naruto! How rude!
Kiba's jaw was slightly ajar as he held her hand, and his eyes were wide as saucers. Beside him, Akamaru cocked his head in confusion and whimpered. The man and beast were one, but this was one expression that left even Akamaru at a loss.
Should I say something? Hinata asked herself. He's still holding my hand, and I really have to go. Naruto is right around the corner! She looked back into her friend's eyes, and he seemed taken aback as he blinked a few times.
"Ano… I really have to go, Kiba."
"Oh. Uh… okay. See you later, then." It seemed like he was finally back to his senses, but he was still clutching her hand.
"Y-you're still h-holding my hand," Hinata said shyly. Kiba blushed and immediately let go. "Sorry Hina-chan!" he grinned, rubbing the back of his head, "I forgot!"
"Okay! S-see you later, then, Kiba!" With a surge of courage, Hinata rounded the corner to meet the man she thought she was in love with.
There he is! Instinctively, her finger rose to her mouth. Sure enough, Sakura had kept her word. She'd held Naruto in the same spot until Hinata had arrived. Jiraiya and Konohamaru and his friends were there, too. They were all laughing, and they looked like they were having so much fun. Hinata was starting to think she should just turn around and head back home. But not after Ino and the rest spent so much time prepping me! I can't let them down! And I can't let Naruto down! He's the one who taught me that you have to believe in yourself. Sakura glanced back, and when she noticed Hinata standing there, she gave a quick thumbs-up.
"H-hi Naruto!" Everyone stopped laughing and turned to look at her.
"Hinata!" Naruto's face broke out in a grin. He walked towards her and gave her a brief hug. "Hey, Hinata. Something's different about you…"
"Y-you t-think so?" She was shy on the outside, but inwardly, she was rejoicing.
"Yeah, definitely." Naruto struck a thinking pose and studied the girl. He walked a full circle around her, analyzing and still thinking.
What an idiot! Sakura thought, sighing heavily.
Suddenly, Naruto's face brightened in realization, and he slapped his fist onto his palm. "AHA! I got it! Your hair's gotten longer, hasn't it!"
Jiraiya mentally face-palmed, and Sakura sent her right hook to his jaw. "Maybe I should've taught the kid more than just jutsus while we were traveling," he commented out loud.
"Hey, we oughta get out of here, gang! It's getting dangerous! See ya later, Boss!" Konohamaru called as he and his friends ran away. "You're smart to run, kid! I'm thinking bout getting out of here, myself," said Jiraiya.
"Another one!" Naruto whined. (AN: In Shippuden episode 1, Sakura already hit Naruto once before for trying to perform The Pervy Ninjutsu) Naruto was in a heap on the ground, rubbing his swollen cheek. 'If I stay down, maybe she won't hit me anymore' was his logic.
"Hmph! Sometimes I wish I could pummel you even deeper into the ground!" she muttered angrily as she stomped away from the scene. Bystanders stopped and stared in amazement and horror.
"Oh no, Naruto! Are you okay?"
Hinata rushed to his side, and grabbed onto his arm to help pull him up. "Yeah. Sakura's got one heck of a right hook, though. That one's gonna be red for a while." Hinata stifled a giggle. "I-I have a first aid kit at m-my a-apartment," she offered. "Thanks."
Kiba and Akamaru watched from the sidelines. "So that's who she thought I was, huh, Akamaru." Kiba was sitting atop Akamaru, and Akamaru wished he could see Kiba's face. Instead he barked. "I don't know, either. I mean... I'm not sure why I froze up like that." Akamaru had a theory. He'd seen it with humans many times, including with the scene they'd just witnessed. He explained it to Kiba.
"What?" he was astonished. "No way. I don't like Hina-chan like that. We're just old friends." Akamaru barked sarcastically as if to say, "If you say so!"
Kiba scoffed. "Let's go, Akamaru. I've gotta pick up some bread from the store."
:]_[:
Back at Hinata's apartment, Naruto was seated on the couch in the living room. "Woah…" he looked around the room in amazement. "Hinata, you must be loaded! This place is amazing!" Hinata smiled, "My father pays for it." She put some antiseptic on some cuts Naruto had 'received' from Sakura's blows. Naruto winced from the sting.
"Thanks for doing this. You're a great friend."
Ah… what do I tell him? What do I say? WHAT DO I SAYYY?
As Hinata cleaned his cut, Naruto got a good look at her for the first time in years. She's even more beautiful than Sakura. His stomach and heart both leapt at the mysterious thought, and his cheeks tinged pink. Wha – ? What was that? Whatever. I don't have time to be thinking stupid thoughts. I've gotta focus on training and on finding Sasuke. Her voice broke his thoughts.
"There! All clean. Now you just need a band-aid over the cut."
She's so kind, too. She's always been like that… STOP. You can't keep thinking this way... Why not? There's nothing wrong with thinking she's kind. "She's kind, she's beautiful"… what's next? "She's a great friend, her pale lavender eyes make me want to pick flowers and frolick…"...?
He ignored the opposing voice.
I can't remember a single time she was ever mean to me, or to anyone. Not even to Neji, back when he hated her. She reminds me of a foreign saying I came across while traveling with Jiraiya. Something about love… err… (mentally scratching his head)
Something like about love being patient and kind. Sigh. Unfortunately I know exactly what you're speaking of. Ah! Who ARE you, anyways? Not important. The foreigners said this, 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (If anyone's wondering, that's 1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Ah! That's the one! Wait… does Hinata love me or something? But she's nice to everyone! Only one way to find out… ask. Now you're supporting me? Ahh, shaddup, and do it already!
Hinata had long taken the first-aid kit away. "D-do you want a s-snack," she called from the other room. Naruto followed her voice into the kitchen. "I would really like some ramen! Wanna go to Ichiraku's with me?" Hinata nodded profusely. "Hai! Definitely!"
[:_:]
"Alright, boy. Anything else we need?" Kiba asked. He and Akamaru had just finished grocery shopping – which only consisted of buying a loaf of bread – at the local market. Akamaru spotted Hinata and Naruto walking into Ichiraku's together. She was laughing at something he'd said. "They look pretty chummy to me," Kiba noted with a hint of glum. Akamaru whined, "So, you noticed it, too."
"If you ask me, boy, I don't see what she sees in that guy. Don't get me wrong, he's a great ninja and all, but he's such a dunce."
Akamaru silently agreed. He barked to say, "She'd do better with you." Kiba blushed and looked around avidly. When he saw no one was looking, he leaned down to his dog's ear and whispered harshly, "Shhh! Someone could have heard you!"
Akamaru cocked his head in amusement, and when Kiba got the notion, he erupted in laughter. "You're right. No one here knows what you're saying."
From a distance Ino spotted a lunatic riding the largest dog on earth and laughing like a mad man. Kiba, no doubt. What the heck's wrong with him? "Hey Kiba; hey Akamaru," she greeted when she was closer. Kiba sat up straight on Akamaru skittishly and then slowly, nervously peeked behind him.
"H-hey I-Ino."
"Sheesh. What's wrong with you? You're starting to sound like Hinata!" Ino joked light-heartedly with an easy grin.
"H-H-H… how long have you been behind me, exactly?"
"Not long. I just got here."
Kiba let out a breath discreetly, and his tensed shoulders drooped back to their natural set. Nothing could escape Ino's eye. Especially when it came to her friends' love lives. She raised an eye brow instinctively, and Kiba grimaced slightly at this. Oh, no. I know this look. She knows something's up. Gotta get out of here, gotta get out of here!
"Talk to you later! I have to... uh... put this bread away!" he grinned. Thank You God, for bread.
"Na-uh!" Ino caught Kiba's shirt tail and wagged a finger at him knowingly. "I think it's time you had a nice, long chat with yours truly!"
"Hey! Is that Shikamaru?" Kiba pretended to scan the crowd behind Ino.
"Huh? Where is that lazy bum? He owes me a favor!" In her distraction, her grip got weaker, which allowed Kiba and Akamaru to make a run for it. When Ino realized that Kiba had broken away, she immediately snapped her gaze back in his direction. "Hey! I'm not done with you yet!" She yelled as she chased after him. Akamaru is fast, I'll give you that. But he's too big to move freely in the town square.
Altering her strategy, she jumped on the roof tops, and ran ahead of the duo. When she found a good opening, she landed in front of them, causing Akamaru to skid to halt. "Come on, boy, make a left!" Kiba instructed. "Oh no you don't!" She contemplated what to do... and then she saw her answer strolling right in front of the dynamic duo.
"Shikamaru! Quick, shadow possession on Kiba and Akamaru!" she ordered.
The poor boy looked very confused, but obeyed immediately. Argueing with her to find out a reason would be such a drag. He managed to seize control of the man and beast before they zoomed past him. He sighed heavily and gazed into the clouds. Even on our off days, she has to pull stunts like this. What a dra - "A drag, I know," Ino interuppted his thoughts.
Shikamaru's eyes snapped to Ino's. "Huh? How'd you know what I was thinking?"
"It's kind of obvious. Anything that involves you doing anything remotely strenuous is 'such a drag'," Ino replied nonchalantly. It came out sounding mean, but her teammate knew her well enough to realize she wasn't implying it in that way. For the first time, Shikamaru soaked in the situation in front of him and cracked a small smile. What's she gotten herself into this time? And why does Kiba look so terrified. I have to admit, it's kind of amusing.
"So, Kiba. Ready for that chat?" she asked triumphantly. Kiba couldn't control his actions, but his eyes shone with defeat. "What? Here?" It was his last ditch attempt.
"I'll strike you a deal. I'll tell Shikamaru to let you go, and then we can go somewhere more private to discuss some things."
"But Inoooo," Kiba whined like a kid, "Do I haveee to?"
"Trust me. You'll thank me later."
"Do I even want to know?" Shikamaru questioned, surprisingly becoming increasingly bemused by the situation.
Ino glanced at Kiba, as if asking his permission. Kiba didn't seem to protest.
"I'm not exactly sure what it is, yet. But Kiba is acting really weird."
Akamaru barked. At that moment, he wished he could speak in human dialect to explain the whole situation. After all, even though Kiba had agreed, it didn't mean he would tell his friends what's going on... willingly.
"There's nothing wrong with me, Ino! Let me go!"
Ino gave him a skeptical eye before deciding, "No. There's definitely something going on here... and it's my job to find out." Akamaru barked happily and panted in excitement. If it weren't for the shadow possession, his tail would be wagging, too.
"Me and Scooby, that is!" She glanced at Shikamaru briefly. "And Shaggy, too."