Summary: Naruto finally asks Hinata out on a date, but when two of Konoha's most nosey girls find out, they're set on teaching Hinata the ins and outs to dating. Unfortunately for Hinata, she ends up learning more than just simple dating techniques. InoSaku NaruHina
Warning: Mild yuri
A/N: This is my first attempt at anything yuri, but I'm keeping it mild, so hopefully I won't ruin it too terribly for anyone. I intend for the fic to be more funny than sexy, but if it strikes both, then kudos to me.
As always, reviews of any kind are welcome and highly appreciated.
Make Out Tactics: Ino Style
Chapter 1: The Ploy
It was the day before one of the biggest festivals in Konoha; the Yozakura Festival. The festival was a time to watch and appreciate the blooming of the stunning cherry blossoms. This celebration was significantly different than a typical flower viewing festival, as it was held at night and usually entailed a romantic date between young and old lovers alike. Dimly lit lanterns were spread throughout the cherry blossom trees, and couples would gather beneath the trees just after dusk, laying out blankets and picnics.
People already flooded the streets, hanging the brightly colored paper lanterns in preparation for lighting the following evening. Much of the younger generation scurried about, rushing to find a date for the upcoming event.
Sakura, a pink-haired young woman coincidentally named after the beautiful cherry blossoms, made her way into a small flower shop situated beside one of the main streets. Ino, a young blond close to the age of Sakura, stood up from behind her desk to greet her.
"Hey! Forehead!" Ino called out teasingly as she watched Sakura stroll inside.
"Ino-Pig!" Sakura called back.
Both girls smiled playfully as Sakura stood before the desk that separated them. Ino rested her elbows on the desk, resting her chin in her hands as she cocked her head to the side, giving Sakura a quick once over. "What brings you here?"
With her hands on her hips, Sakura furrowed her brows. "Did you forget already?"
Ino gave her friend a puzzled look, straightening back up as she scratched her chin thoughtfully. "Forget? Forget what?"
Sakura released a long sigh, letting her hands fall back to her sides theatrically. "We were supposed to go out for lunch today, remember?"
"Oh, yeah!" Ino finally blurted out, "And you said it would be your treat!"
"What?! I said no such thing!" Sakura hollered, but as she finished, she realized Ino wore a mischievous smirk. "Stop messing around Ino. Let's get going."
Ino chuckled as she hurriedly finished wrapping up a bouquet she had been assembling before Sakura's arrival. "I'll be out in just a second!"
Sakura rolled her eyes and spun around dramatically before heading back outside the flower shop. She leaned back against the wall of the shop, impatiently crossing her arms across her chest and tapping her foot.
Moments later, Ino appeared beside Sakura, still wearing a playful smirk. "Did you really think I would forget a lunch date with forehead girl?"
"Of course not, pig!" Sakura gave Ino a mock shove before the two linked arms and began walking down the street.
As Ino and Sakura took their seats inside the barbeque restaurant, they were surprised to find Kiba walking past them. He caught sight of the girls, and stopped just before their table, offering them one of his suave, toothy grins.
"Hey, girls. It's strange to see you here without Chouji."
"Well, we were hoping to actually be able to eat some of the food we cook for once," Ino joked.
"Mind if I take a seat with you two for a couple of minutes?"
Ino and Sakura exchanged glances, looking for the other's approval. They both shrugged their shoulders. Ino turned back to Kiba. "Sure, why not."
Sakura quickly scooted out from her seat at the booth, moving to sit beside Ino as Kiba took a seat across from them.
"So are you girls going to the festival tomorrow night?"
"Of course!" Ino and Sakura replied in unison.
Kiba flashed another toothy grin. "So do you both have dates?"
Ino and Sakura exchanged devious glances, as though the two knew something Kiba did not.
"We sure do. How about you?" Ino replied.
"Nah. I'm not really into flower viewing. It's just not my style." Kiba paused for a moment, scanning the restaurant before lowering his voice. "But what I really wanted to talk to you two about was Naruto and Hinata."
The girls both gave puzzled looks, earning a small chuckle from Kiba.
"Heh. You'll never guess what I did for those two today."
Ino and Sakura were starting to pick up the vibes Kiba was playing, but they waited patiently for further explanation.
"I finagled the two into going on a date to the festival!"
Jaws dropped nearly to the floor.
"How in the world did you accomplish that?" Sakura shouted, nearly jumping out of her seat.
"Yeah, really. How did you convince Miss Timid and Mr. Naive?" Ino questioned with equal enthusiasm.
"Well, Shino, Hinata, and I were just wandering about this morning when we came across Naruto parading down the street shouting some of his typical nonsense. Hinata, as always, took quick shelter behind a street lamp and began fidgeting with her fingers. I knew they both did not have dates to the festival, and both probably wanted to go, so I just felt inspired to take action on the two. I grabbed Hinata and drug her over to Naruto, and stated it simply, 'Hinata wants to go to the festival with you. Will you take her?' Naruto was of course slow and dumbfounded at first, but after he realized what I was asking him, he finally said 'Sure! Anything for Hinata-chan!' I'm not even sure if he realizes I meant a date, but oh well. I'm sure things will fall into place easily enough."
Sakura and Ino were still floored. After the initial shock wore off, Ino spoke up again. "Are you kidding me? Things won't 'fall into place' between those two. Hinata would faint if Naruto tried anything, and Naruto, like you said, probably doesn't even realize it would be a date!"
"I doubt either of them even knows the first thing about dating," Sakura added.
Kiba chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows. But they're definitely going out on a romantic night, so something is bound to happen."
A sudden commotion outside caught the group's attention. A familiar bark of a dog clued them in on the matter.
Kiba stood back up, smiling one last time before saying his goodbyes. "Just thought you girls might like to know. If you're going to the festival, you should definitely look out for them. I'm sure it would be amusing. But, it sounds like Akamaru got tired of waiting for me out there, so I had better take my leave. See you ladies around!"
Shortly after their lunch, Sakura and Ino wandered the streets, arms linked despite their constant bantering back and forth. Both smiled enthusiastically as they took in the sights of the mad rush of elders setting up for the big event to come.
"I love festivals," Sakura stated as she took in a deep breath of fresh air.
"That's just because you don't have to go on missions or study medical jutsu with Tsunade," Ino replied teasingly.
Sakura's head spun 90 degrees as she gave her friend a look of utter appall. "What?!" she shrieked. "Are you calling me lazy?!"
"I never said that."
"But you implied it."
The two had stopped now, their arms no longer entwined, as they glared daggers at each other. Moments later, the two broke out into hysterical laughter, shoving one another as they bolted down the street, fighting for the lead.
"Sakura! Wait!" Ino suddenly blurted out, just before Sakura was about to pass her. Sakura halted quicker than Ino expected, and the two collided, sending both tumbling to the ground. Ino landed on top of Sakura, their legs entwined. Both panted as they tried to catch their breath and restrain the giggles that were sure to burst from their throats.
"Get off me Ino!" Sakura huffed, shoving her hands firmly into Ino's shoulders.
Ino laughed mockingly. "You're just upset 'cause I'm on top." She stood to her feet, taking one last heave before continuing. "But hurry and get up! You're not going to believe what I just spotted!"
"What?" Sakura questioned as she allowed Ino to offer a hand in pulling her to her feet.
"Look over there!" Ino whispered, extending her arm to point a finger at something behind Sakura.
Sakura was about to turn around, but Ino grasped her arm, pulling the both of them just behind the corner of a nearby building.
As Ino released Sakura's arm, Sakura spun around eagerly, surprised to find the spectacle Ino was talking about. Hinata and Naruto sat on a park bench, sharing some hanami dango. Sakura and Ino's jaws dropped as they watched Naruto lift the last remaining piece of dango to Hinata's quivering lips.
"Oh. My. God. Ino! Is Naruto feeding Hinata?" Sakura forced under her breath.
Both girls stifled a giggle as they watched in anticipation of Hinata's reaction.
"You think they'll kiss?" Ino whispered, clinging onto Sakura's shoulder as she peered from behind her.
Sakura turned her head, giving Ino a quick glance before returning to her spying.
"Are you kidding? Naruto, the most naive boy of his age, kiss Hinata, the most consciously unstable girl around Naruto? Hell no!"
The girls gaped, leaning forward with increased anticipation as they watched Naruto lean closer and closer to Hinata until only the dango remained between their lips.
"She's going to faint," Ino whispered, nearly digging her nails into Sakura from so much eagerness.
Sure enough, just as Naruto's eyes fluttered close and the dango pressed lightly against Hinata's lips, she fell limp, nearly falling off the side of the bench, had it not been for Naruto's surprisingly quick reflexes.
Ino and Sakura both burst into laughter, catching the attention of the baffled Naruto. Ino quickly pulled Sakura further back against the wall, just out of Naruto's sight before he could spot them.
"Let's..." Giggle. "...Get out..." Snort. "...Of here!" Ino could hardly speak as she tried to refrain from laughing boisterously. Sakura was no help, as she laughed without shame. Her giggles and snorts were loud enough to gain the attention of a large percentage of the villagers she passed as Ino drug her along.
Ino finally released Sakura when she was certain they were far enough away not to be heard by anyone. Both rested their hands on their knees as they panted, exhausted from the run and hysterics.
"Those two are pathetic!" Sakura exclaimed, finally calming her laughter to mere random snorts.
"You know, I actually think Naruto was going to try to kiss her!" Ino exclaimed as her breathing returned to normal.
Sakura's expression turned suddenly sorrowful.
"I feel sort of sorry for Hinata. She probably doesn't know the first thing about kissing, or dating in general."
The two stood back up. Ino scratched her chin thoughtfully. "You know Sakura... We could probably help her out."
Sakura cocked her head to the side. "What do you mean? How?"
"Maybe we could teach her the dos and don'ts of dating... you know... show her the right way to kiss and whatnot."
Sakura crossed her arms over her, just below her breasts, her brows furrowing slightly. "You really think Hinata would be willing to take lessons from us on that stuff? I mean... she's so damn shy."
Ino smiled deviously. "Exactly! She's shy... but she's also insanely obsessed with Naruto, so she'd probably do anything to get advice on how to please him."
A smile spread across Sakura's face. "Ino, you're crazy... but... I love the idea!"
Ino gave a quick nod. "Then it's settled. We'll catch Hinata after she parts from Naruto and we'll set her up with a free session on Make Out Tactics with the highly experienced Ms. Yamanaka and her lovely wide-forehead assistance Ms. Haruno!"
Early that evening, just before the sun began to set below the horizon, Sakura wandered the streets in search of the prospecting student, Hinata, while Ino made preparations back at her apartment.
Sakura finally spotted Hinata sitting beneath an evergreen, her back leaning against the trunk and her head hung limply. Sakura slowly made her way closer, cautious not to startle Hinata, as it seemed she was... sleeping? No... Resting...? No... She was passed out!
Sakura stood before Hinata, gazing down in pity at the poor girl who had obviously fainted again, most likely due to another close encounter with Naruto. She crouched down, reaching out a hand to push aside the loose strands of dark hair that fell over Hinata's face.
Hinata awoke, startled by the sudden touch. She lifted her head, and her look of surprise turned into a soft and gentle smile. "Oh... h-hello S-Sakura-chan!"
Sakura smiled kindly, straightening back up as she offered a hand to Hinata. Hinata reluctantly took it, allowing Sakura to help her to her feet.
"So what are you doing sleeping in a place like this?" Sakura teased.
Hinata began to blush, stuffing her hands into the pockets of her sweatshirt. She looked to the ground, embarrassed that she had been caught in such a pitiful situation. "I... I was with Naruto j-just a minute ago."
Sakura tried to hide her growing smile of anticipation, wanting to play along like she didn't know what was going on between the two. "Oh really? So what were you two up to? Sparring?"
Hinata's blush deepened and she began to push her right foot into the dirt nervously. "No... uhm... well... we... we were just s-sort of hanging out I guess."
Sakura stifled a giggle. Hinata was so damned shy.
"Oh... So... are you going to the festival tomorrow night?"
"Y-Yes."
"Really? Who are you going with?"
"N-Naruto."
Sakura spotted an astounding phenomenon as Hinata said Naruto's name. Hinata actually smiled confidently, showing what Sakura found to be a slight hint of pride.
"Wow! Really? Are you two a couple?" Sakura so deserved an award for her acting.
Hinata's foot began to dig more erratically in the dirt, creating a small divot in it's wake. "Uhh... Well... We're just... We're just going to the f-festival together."
"Sounds to me like you two are an item," Sakura replied, giving a firm nod of her head. "So have you two kissed yet?"
Hinata's head lifted, her eyes wide with horror. "W-What?!"
Sakura again tried to refrain from laughing. She knew well that Hinata was taken aback by her forwardness.
"Well, if you haven't yet, tomorrow night will certainly be the right time."
"I-I..." Hinata stammered, at a complete loss for words.
"What's wrong?" Sakura questioned, though she knew damn well what was wrong.
Hinata forced her fists deeper into her sweatshirt pockets, her face nearly aflame from her burning embarrassment.
"I-I don't... I don't know how to kiss!" she finally blurted it out.
That was exactly what Sakura was waiting to hear. She put a hand on Hinata's shoulder in a friendly gesture. "You know, Ino and I have quite a lot of experience in that area. Maybe we could help you out."
Hinata looked up, her eyes watering, pleading, begging for help. "W-Would you really do that? I-I mean, wouldn't it be too much trouble for you and Ino?"
Sakura shook her head slowly, smiling sweetly. "Nonsense! No trouble at all. I'm sure Ino would love to help you as she helped me!"
"R-Really?"
"Definitely."
"O-OK."
Sakura glanced over her shoulder towards Ino's apartment, smiling to herself as she thought of how proud Ino would be of her smooth operation. She turned back again to Hinata, who was wearing a soft smile of hope on her rosy cheeks.
"Alright, I'll go talk to Ino. Why don't you meet us at her place tonight at, say ten o'clock?"
"O-OK."
Sakura tucked a few strands of her pink hair behind her ears and gave Hinata one last bright and uplifting smile before saying her goodbye. "Alright, it's settled then. See you at ten!"
With that, Sakura spun on her heel and paraded down the street towards Ino's apartment, wearing a proud smile on her face. Ino was sure to be impressed.
Hinata stood beside the tree she had been resting beneath just moments ago, looking rather flustered and awestruck as she began to have second thoughts of Sakura's kind gesture. It was too late now though. Sakura was already out of sight.