Hello darlings, it's me again. I decided to go ahead and make this a two shot. I like Hinata this way and was delighted to know that you did too. I know, I haven't written in ages. Would you believe me if I told you that life just got really difficult? Oh well… I didn't ask you to.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, only this current storyline and a freakish obsession over Sasuke. I can't even watch the stupid fillers/movies anymore because he's not there.
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For the rest of that summer, all I saw was Sasuke.
Yeah right, I wish.
What I really saw were people who I thought were Sasuke. Believe me, that lead to a lot of embarrassing incidents.
I did get a lot of productive things done. I got myself a new job at a local music store. It was really cool because I got to talk with people who shared similar passions, create new mix CD's to play over the radio, look sophisticated, and best of all it was right beside a cookie shop. I was in heaven. Oh yeah, I also got a really nice employee discount which I used to buy new sheet music.
Every now and then Sakura, Shikamaru, or Tenten would stop by to see how I was doing. I love the employee uniform. I'm supposed to wear black jeans, dark colored sneakers, and a T-shirt with the store's logo. I was allowed to wear my hair whatever way I wanted, so I always stayed comfortable.
Despite my more than satisfactory job, and my argument with my Father I was not happy. I was pretty pissed. This city is only so big, how could I not 'accidentally' run into him?
Sakura suggested just going back to the restaurant.
Yeah right.
I'd look like a stalker then.
No comment.
Neji and Sakura never did hook up, although they flirted with the idea. Honestly, their whole 'love game' was sickening enough.
I finally moved out of my apartment and into a decent sized dorm at our Academy. I share it with a strange girl named Temari who really isn't that bad.
I was stepping out of my dorm one afternoon when I ran into Naruto.
Literally.
I stumbled back, my vision filled with stars and dancing cows.
"ARE YOU ALRIGHT HINA?" he bellowed from way above me. Apparently he had knocked me over. Great, just great.
"I think so." My voice came out unsteady. All I wanted to do was just lie there and maybe take a nap, but noooo he just had to pull me up. I'm not a doctor, but I know you should treat head-injury patients with a certain level of gentleness.
"HINATA? SPEAK TO ME!" he yelled as he shook my shoulder and effectively rattled my non-existent brain.
I shoved him "Get off me!"
He blinked and gave me that puppy dog stare of his, you know the one where his big blue eyes get large and watery, and his lower lip trembles slightly. "I was just trying to help…"
Despite my total lack of a crush on him, I blushed anyway. I couldn't help it. He looked so cute! "It's okay." I said after a few moments of struggling with my sudden urge to hug him "I didn't get much sleep last night."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Oh… well maybe I shouldn't…" his voice trailed off in disappointment.
"Shouldn't what?" Now I was curious. I'm not a really nosy person, but once you get my curiosity stirred I'm not satisfied until I find out.
Naruto gave me a weak smile accompanied by an equally weak shrug. What's with him? "I was going to ask you if you wanted to…well…" he blushed. Now I was worried. Naruto has no shame which equals him never blushing. Why would he, of all people be blushing? I didn't realize that while I was analyzing his blush that I was frowning, causing him to take a step back.
"No wait!" I grabbed his arm "I was thinking. What is it?"
He looked relieved that I was not…. Um… what was I doing? "I was wondering if you wanted to go out to see a movie this weekend."
"I always want to see a movie." I said stupidly. I blame my head injury. Sometimes I can be even denser than he is.
"I meant with me." He added, his blush magnifying.
That caught me off guard. Naruto was asking me out? After years of pining for him? After spending almost every day of my life dreaming about how he and I would get married, have a romantic honeymoon, buy a large house, have fifteen children, and spend the rest of our years together and eventually die and have our graves put side by side?
Shut up.
"Wait, what?" I shook my head, a dumb idea since it began spinning again. I leaned against the wall for support and scanned his face for any dishonesty. All I saw was nervousness. I really felt bad. If he had have asked a couple months earlier, I would've literally dived on the idea. Now… well… my mind was on other things… mainly Sasuke.
"Will you go out with me?" he asked point blank. He seemed to have gathered more of his courage during the time it took for me to make up my mind.
"Naruto…" I said softly, my voice breaking slightly. I didn't want to break his heart, or disappoint him. Still, I couldn't imagine myself with him anymore. "I'm sorry. If you asked just a couple months earlier I would've gone out. I've moved on now."
His head lowered. I felt like such a jerk. "Sorry." I whispered as I ran by him, feeling like the worlds biggest meanie.
Okay so my vocabulary isn't impressive.
Sue me.
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"Hinata! HINATA!"
My head snapped up.
Bad idea.
"Ow…." I moaned, rubbing my sore neck. "What?"
My manager, a freaky guy named Kankuro who wasn't that much older than me, glared down at my sorry little self. "Pay attention! We have customers that need taking care of!"
"Yeah, yeah… paint faced freak." I mumbled under my breath.
"I HEARD THAT!"
Did I mention that he has excellent hearing? Scowling at his turned back I faced the customers. I blinked in surprise "Neji? Hanabi?"
Today was a day full of surprises. First Naruto, now my family. I see Neji almost every day at school, but I haven't seen Hanabi in almost a month. She stood there with her hands on her hips, a playful smirk on her face. She hadn't changed much besides growing an inch or two.
"Hey sis." Her smirk grew.
I threw myself at her and hugged her hard.
I can't help it; I'm an emotional creature.
"I've missed you." I whispered, squeezing her even harder just to show how much I missed her.
"I missed you too sis."
Neji cleared his throat before taking an awkward step back. I grinned at him "Come on!" I said my arms open wide "Give your darling cousin a hug!"
He rolled his eyes "I'd rather kiss a porcupine."
"Ouch!" I clutched my heart dramatically "Neji… I thought you loved me! Was it all a lie? How could you!"
"Stop the dramatics Hina. I thought you wanted to be a music major."
"A girl can change her mind can't she?" I asked in my best southern accent while fluttering my eyelashes.
Hanabi giggled before running off towards the Heavy Metal section. I gaped at her choice in music. Neji, seeing my expression chuckled "What can I say? She's going through that rebellious stage. Today she wanted me to shop for eyeliner."
"Oh god."
"That's what I said."
"HINATA!"
I jumped three feet in the air as my manager yelled into my ear. "WHAT?"
"Why aren't you paying attention to any of your other…who's this?" he asked suggestively as soon as he caught sight of Neji. I followed his glance and had to chew on the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing at Neji's disgusted expression.
It was a bad day for Neji to be wearing a pink blouse and blue jeans, courtesy of Hanabi who is a fashion maniac. "My cou-cousin…" I coughed, trying to hide my laughter.
"She's hot." Kankuro whispered, making me snicker even harder.
Neji unleashed his full-powered Hyuuga glare on the poor unsuspecting manager. "I'm a guy." He growled, his unclenching fists showing his urge to punch something.
Kankuro's eyes got wide and he took a step back. "Oh for real? Sorry man… you'd make a hot chick, you know that?"
I quickly turned around to talk to another customer. This conversation would not end out pretty. I spent the next few hours snickering.
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I sighed heavily. Outside looked like hell, if hell were rainy. It was raining harder than I'd ever seen it rain in this city before. The wind was blowing at a rate of about 18 mph and the radio announced a severe thunderstorm with the possibility of nickel sized hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes.
Great, just great.
I looked around the store, its sturdy structure would stand well against a storm, but I couldn't say this is exactly where I wanted to spend my afternoon. I was already working one hour overtime and the lack of activity was making me restless. Usually during this time I'd take a walk around the small park just across the street. I could see the gazebo from here and was filled with the powerful desire to go there instead. Anything would beat sitting inside a crowded store, even if it was a music store.
Kankuro, after getting cussed out by Neji (go Neji!), was taking advantage of the elements. He yelled out the storm warnings and invited several people to take shelter here. As soon as they entered the door he'd use a sale's pitch on them.
The store was getting stuffier as more people huddled in for shelter. The wind whipped by with the howl of a lonely wolf. Hey I could be a poet!
Or not.
A tree across the street fell with a heavy thud. A couple people in the store shrieked as it fell, and two guys ran over here from the direction of the park. Kankuro fought against the wind to open the door for them. That was pretty noble on his part.
Behind the two males were a group of three, two males and a female. The female looked strangely familiar…
"Sakura!" I cried out, delighted to see her. I thought I was going to lose my mind in the store which was growing more crowded by the second. It was the only sturdy structure within a couple hundred feet, unless you wanted to be in an aluminum building of course.
"Hina!" she shoved past several people to hug me, I laughed.
One of the two guys who had came in before her group jerked his head up sharply and turned in our direction, but I was too preoccupied to take note of that. I let go of my best friend "So what are you doing here?"
"Correction." She said, waving a finger under my nose "What are WE doing here."
I looked behind her to see Kiba and Naruto. I gulped. He was the last person I wanted to see now but I smiled at them anyway "Kiba!" I hugged my childhood friend. Despite the fact that we attended the same school, our schedules were totally opposite preventing us from seeing each other except for on weekends or lazy days.
He patted the top of my head fondly; over his shoulder I could see that guy from before staring at us intently. Well, I could only guess because he was still hooded and all. "Don't get too excited, there's enough Kiba for everyone!"
Sakura smacked the back of his head sharply. I giggled, "I keep on missing you! How's Akamaru?"
"He's pretty good. He had a cold so he's with Hana right now." I nodded; Hana was his older sister and an excellent veterinarian.
"Tell him I said get well soon."
Sakura nudged my ribs with her elbow, her eyes confused "Aren't you forgetting someone?" she loud whispered, jerking her head in Naruto's direction "I brought him just for you!"
Judging by the glitter in her eye, I guessed she wanted me to be excited. I really should've called and told her instead of facing the music right now. Sucking in my breath I faced the blonde "Hi Naruto..." I said warily.
"Did you change your mind?" he asked, his eyes full of hope.
Now I really felt like a jerk.
"Uh…"
"Change her mind about what?" Sakura and Kiba asked in unison.
Whoa. Freaky.
"U-um…" I was starting to feel uncomfortable, and it wasn't the crowded store, or the group of nearby people who were obviously listening in on our conversation. That one guy just wouldn't stop staring.
"I asked Hinata out this morning." Naruto said, being his usual brutally honest self "But she said no. So I want to know if she changed her mind."
"SHE SAID WHAT?" Sakura shrieked at the same time that Kiba yelled "YOU DID WHAT?"
I covered my ears. Both of them had abnormally strong lungs. "G-guys quiet down…"
"Why did you say no?" Sakura demanded, shaking my shoulders "I thought you liked him!"
"She likes me?" Naruto asked, his eyes filling with new hope. I couldn't believe it.
"Correction, liked." I said.
"What do you mean?" he and Sakura asked in unison.
I glanced at the group of people who were now just staring at us like we were a television show. "Uh, jinx?" I joked weakly.
"Why didn't you say yes?" my best friend asked, her voice frustrated. She folded her arms tightly, something she always does when she's mad "Haven't you liked him since like sixth grade."
"Liked." I said, reinforcing my previous statement "I moved on now. Besides, I've got better things to do than pine after guys, or date or whatever."
"What could be more important than guys?"
"My education maybe?" I asked sarcastically. Sakura was a great best friend, but she really needed to get her mind out of the gutter. Kiba watched both of us with his jaw unhinged. He obviously hadn't prepared for this soap opera.
"But you and Naruto look so cute together!" she pleaded persistently. She sure had a lot of stubbornness behind that forehead.
I shook my head, my jaw tightening "Then I'm sure he'll look good with another girl."
Understanding dawned on her. She smiled slowly, her arms loosening at her sides "Is it because of… him?"
"Him who?" Kiba and Naruto asked.
"Jinx!" I yelled.
"Shut up Hina."
"Sorry."
"Who?" Naruto said again, his eyes angry. Why did this have to happen now? In the middle of the store, in front of a bunch of people including a creepy guy who wouldn't stop staring? I pleaded that God would just strike me down.
No luck. Maybe the line's busy.
"This guy she met at a restaurant." Sakura said smugly "She was crazy about him."
"At least I didn't flirt like a cheerleader on speed!" I snapped, my cheeks heating up at the attention of other people.
Kiba did a double take "Whoa! Hinata… in love?"
"I never said-!"
"It's love alright." Sakura confirmed.
"Is no-"
"I never thought I'd see the day…" the dog-lover said looking dumbfounded.
"Will everyone just stop talking over my head!"
A loud roll of thunder silenced us immediately. The winds grew stronger causing several people to panic. A lady began crying. Above it all I could hear a noise that could strike fear in anyone's heart.
"HINATA! HINATA!" Kankuro bellowed.
I sighed. Even in the crowd he could still find me. He pushed past a couple people until he was right in front of me, his eyes full of concern. The look was strange on him, especially since he usually looked downright evil.
"Yes?" I asked impatiently.
"You play music right?"
That was a strange question. I glanced at my friends who shrugged; well Naruto was brooding in the corner. "Yeah."
"Play something to calm them down. If they panic, they'll make things worse."
"What?"
Kankuro held my by the shoulders firmly. People sure like grabbing my shoulders these days. They must be really soft or something. "I know you can do it." He said, looking me in the eye "I've heard you sing before, you're really talented. Do it for these people and for the frightened children."
"I didn't now you liked children."
"Just do it!"
I looked around wildly. How was I supposed to? Kankuro pushed me towards the cash register. I stared at him blankly until he motioned towards the guitar leaning behind it. It was a brand new acoustic guitar, freshly tuned and everything. I had played around with it once. I swear I thought I had died and gone to heaven back then. Now I'm pretty sure I went the other way.
"Okay, okay!" I held my hands up defensively "Let me think of a song!"
The idea flashed in me like lightening.
Please pardon my storm analogies.
"Naruto! Naruto! Over here!" I waved my arms looking like one of those stupid marooned people on television.
He was at my side in a second. Shows what crushes can do for you. I blanched at the mere thought "You're a drummer right?"
He nodded.
"There's a pair of drumsticks back there and only a few pieces of a drum set but you'll just have to make do. We're going to do a song to calm people down." I explained, feeling rushed since the worried voices grew stronger "Here's the song…" I whispered it in his ear. He pulled back and gave his biggest grin.
"Awesome, man."
He took a seat near the cash register, leaving me standing there with the guitar in my hand and looking like an idiot. I took a few deep breaths as I seated myself on the edge of the cash register, my legs dangling down comfortably.
I struck a few practice chords, grabbing the attention of almost everyone present. My heart beat grew louder and louder and the feeling of dizzying panic struck me but only briefly.
This sounds like something from a cheesy romance movie, but I swear I heard Sasuke's voice say, "You can do it, Hina."
"You're right." I mumbled.
I began the opening bars and prepared to sing.
I don't practice SanteriaI ain't got no crystal ball
I had a million dollars but I'd
I'd spend it all
I was almost thrown off track as a deep voice joined in with my singing. I looked up and saw it was the hooded guy from earlier. He clapped with the beat, making me smile. My smile turned to a look of shock as his hood slid from his head.
Oh.
My.
God.
It was Sasuke.
Sasuke was here! Right here! Looking as gorgeous as ever, clapping and singing along with me. My heart was beating so fast it sounded like a hummingbird's heart. I wanted nothing more than to fling my guitar aside and wrap my arms around him but two things kept me back.
Pride. (Hyuuga pride)
And the fact that several children still looked frightening. Pushing my emotions aside I switched up the chording a little, adding new keys and becoming creative. I was going to give my best performance ever.
If I could find that heina and that sancho that she'd found
Well I'd pop a cap in sancho and I'd slap her down
Sakura's voice joined in with mine and Sasuke's, along with her clapping. I smiled faintly at my best friend. Kiba quickly joined in along with a teenage girl behind him.
What I really wanna know,
My baby
What I really wanna say I can't define
Well its love that I need, oh
But my soul will have to,
By now several other people who were familiar with the song joined in heartily, their voices coming almost stronger than mine, but I pushed on. I saw a young girl clap and smiled, it was working. Kankuro was a genius.
A freaky paint-faced genius, but a genius nonetheless.
Wait till I get back and find heina of my own
Daddys gonna love one and all
I feel the break,
Feel the break,
Feel the break (one kid cheered) and I got to live it up
Oh, yeah huh, well I swear that I
What I really wanna know, baby,
What I really wanna say I can't define
That love make it go,
My soul will have to…
I strummed faster during the guitar solo, Kiba and Sakura whooped loudly making me grin. By now more than half the store people were clapping, swaying, and/or singing along. I scanned the crowd till I found Kankuro's face and I smiled; I would have to hug him later. Despite the fact that the storm still raged on, these people were no longer panicking and instead were just enjoying the music.
"GO HINA!" Sakura punched a triumphant fist into the air, making me chuckle.
I found Sasuke's face again and smiled. He continued clapping but tilted his head to the side and arched his eyebrow, a sexy smirk on his face. I swear I thought I was going to pass out right there.
I was jerked into reality as I realized that the guitar solo was almost over.
What I really wanna say
I was almost blown back by the strength of everyone's voices by now. They were really getting into it. So this is how a professional musician feels…
My baby,
What I really wanna say is I've got mine
And I'll make it, yes, I'm comin up
Tell sanchito that if he knows what is good for him he'd best go run and hide
Daddy's got a new .45.
And I won't think twice to stick that barrel straight down sanchos throat
Believe me when I say that I've got something for his punk ass
I bit back a laugh as I sang. The people who knew the song shouted 'punk ass' rather than singing it. It was really cool.
What I really wanna know, my baby
What I really wanna say is there's just one,
Way back,
And I'll make it, yea,
But my soul will have to wait,
Yeah, yeah, yeah…
I strummed the final chords triumphantly. The whole store instantly burst into cheers, applause, cat calls, and whoops. My heart was pounding fast, but in a good way. It was like an adrenaline rush. I had never felt better about my choice in career as I did just then.
I blushed bright red as Sakura lead a chant of "Hina! Hina!"
I felt just like a rock star, and I have to admit… it felt pretty good. It felt even better knowing Sasuke was standing there looking at me with that little smile on his face. Even though I'd only met him once, I knew that there was something special. I could feel it. Tenten always said that I have the best instincts of any of the Hyuuga; I only hope that they're right.
I climbed off the cash register with my blood still full of adrenaline, and approached Sasuke. "So how'd I do?" I asked, yelling to be heard above of the crowd.
"You were awesome." He said, "Although I think I could do better." He added jokingly.
"You play guitar?"
He nodded.
"I guess there's a lot I don't know about you." I admitted sheepishly as the adrenaline slowly wore off and was replaced by an entirely different feeling.
"Same here." he said, "We have plenty of time to learn more. If you're willing." He added, watching my face carefully.
I could get lost in those dark, dark eyes of his. I nodded eagerly, unsure of what to say. I bit my lip and glanced down at my white sneakers which were against the standard dress code. "Where were you?"
"What do you mean?" his voice was softer now that the voices had eventually died down. They found a new form of entertainment. Us.
"Well… you weren't anywhere that I thought you'd be…" I blushed, feeling and sounding like a stalker. He probably had billions of those already, no need to add me to the fray.
"Neither were you." Sasuke said it so seriously that I couldn't stop my jaw from dropping.
I blinked "You mean you were…"
"Looking for you?" his cheeks turned a light shade of pink. He looked so adorable I felt the urge to hug him again. "Yeah I was…"
Must not glomp Sasuke.
I clenched my fists tightly.
He was very perceptive. He raised an eyebrow and folded his arms "Something wrong?"
"Um…" My arms were trembling now. He looked so adorable, looking sexy and yet his cheeks still pink at the same time. I saw Sakura swooning in the background. I couldn't hold it anymore. I lunged forward and wrapped my arms around him, almost knocking him over.
Sasuke looked baffled, his eyebrows furrowed "What was that all about?" he asked, leaning his head down so that he could see into my eyes clearly. His arms wrapped around me carefully. I noted that we were barely inches apart.
"I couldn't help it."
"I guess I can use the same excuse for this."
Before I could ask one of my brilliant questions he leaned down and kissed me.
Me!
Hinata Hyuuga!
-swoon-
I guess that Saturday wasn't so bad after all. We still had a lot of things to ask each other, and I'm sure he'd be less than thrilled to deal with my stupid Father, but I think we'll hang on anyway. You know why? Because there's a connection. I can feel it. I have a feeling that this will last for a very long time.
Unless some random girl tries to steal him, because then I will show no mercy.
And we both lived happily ever after.
I hope.
I pulled back to look him in the eye and smiled "Drink up me hearties yo-ho."
End Story
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I'm not sure if it was as good as the previous chapter, but I've had that Santeria scene playing in my mind for some time, I just had no idea which story of mine to introduce it in. Since I'm going to stop writing fanfiction soon I figured I'd write it in a story I have already. Don't worry; I'm not stopping that soon. First I'm going to finish my current stories. The Good Life will take a while so while I'm writing it I'm going to write a SasuHina whose summary I will introduce later, so do keep an eye out for it. This time it's going to be a long one!
Please Review!
