...8 weeks ago...
Dinning out
Temari glanced at her watch. 7.05. She sighed. She was late because all the men she'd asked about silly Pixie restaurant had no idea where it was since nobody has been there.
Although she was practically living in Konoha as Gaara has been busy with Jichuuriki annual meeting for months now, she didn't get to know the village yet. She didn't complain as she could carry on with her specialization here and with Shikamaru as Hokage's close consultant, she was doing missions at the same time he did. But she didn't intend to get to know about Konoha's restaurants that serve food on pink plates.
If she could only spot a single cute looking girl! It sounded like a girlie place, after all, so she expected young girls should hang out there. Or mothers with children. But it was too late for them to be out. She turned left on the next crossing and ended up in front of the flower shop which was closed. But she wasn't a quitter and she refused to admit she's lost. Suddenly, she heard wind chimes sound. She heard it because the flower shop door had opened. A dark haired woman was walking out of the shop, having her hands full of flower bouquets. She was obviously very busy, but she was also Temari's only hope to find pinkish restaurant.
''Excuse me!'' Temari shouted.
Woman turned to her. Now Temari could see that woman was actually a girl. A very pretty one. She was looking like a princess with all those flowers in front of her.
''I'm sorry to bother you, but I got lost,'' Temari began.
''Oh, good evening, Temari-san!'' the girl greeted cheerfully.
Temari came a bit closer to her.
''Hinata!'' Temari finally recognized her. ''I'm sorry, you're obviously in a rush, don't mind me.''
Temari was about to leave, but Hinata stopped her.
''Where are you heading, Temari-san? I can walk you if you want,'' Hinata proposed politely.
Temari smiled.
''No, that's not necessary. But do you, by any chance, know where is restaurant called Pixie's dreamworld?''
Temari was slightly uncomfortable; she got lost and she was looking for a place with the stupidest name ever.
Hinata smirked.
''Of course, it's not far from here,'' she said happily. ''And I will walk you, since it's in my direction.''
''Oh. Thank you very much.''
Temari was very grateful for Hinata's kindness, so she decided to return the favour.
''Do you need a hand with those?'' Temari pointed at the bouquets.
''Oh that! If you would be so kind,'' Hinata said humbly and Temari took couple of very nicely arranged bouquets.
They left the flower shop street and turned left.
''Wedding preparations?'' Temari asked, trying to be friendly.
''Yes,'' Hinata replied quickly, like she was a bit embarrassed by Temari's question.
''They are all very nice.''
Hinata nodded. They continued to walk in silence. After awhile, Hinata stopped.
''Down the street, on the left,'' she was showing direction with her head as her hands were full, ''pink façade, you can't miss it.''
Temari nodded.
''Thank you so much,'' Temari began as she was handing bouquets over to Hinata. ''You are the only person I asked who knew where the damn place was!''
''Well, of course, I go there often,'' Hinata grinned. ''The food is great and the ambient is so-''
She refused to say cute and childish in front of Temari.
''Well, I never thought you would look for a place like that!'' she finally said.
''I will probably hate it, but Ino and Sakura wanted to meet there, so I had to go along with their wish.''
Hinata smiled.
''I hope I didn't spoil your plans for tonight,'' Temari said as she could see Hinata was a bit nervous.
''Don't worry, Temari-san. I am late, but that's not your fault.''
''Well, I don't want to keep you up any longer,'' Temari said gratefully.
Hinata nodded and started to amble.
''And good luck with the flowers!'' Temari said loud enough for Hinata to hear as she already disappeared behind the corner.
Temari sped up towards the Pixie's dreamworld.
Temari knew she would hate that place. It was pink and blue with cute looking waitresses who were talking to everyone like they're toddlers. But she had to admit one thing - it was a perfect place to gossip as nobody was there except Ino and couple of very young girls who were about to leave. Temari wondered how expensive the food must be if they were the only customers.
Ino waved at her. She was sitting at the one of many isolated tables. She has chosen small table for four on the left and very far away from the entrance. Temari sat opposite of her. She expected scolding for being late, but she got an apology instead.
''I'm sorry for bringing you here, the brightness will become smoother and this will turn into a really cosy place soon!''
''I hope so,'' Temari said looking around, totally blinded by too many happy colours.
The waitress with a pink apron came to take an order the moment Temari took the menu in her hands to check the offer.
''What are you drinking?'' she asked Ino.
''I have no idea,'' Ino admitted. ''It was expensive and forbidden for kids, so I gave it a shoot.''
''I will have the same,'' Temari said to the waitress.
She nodded and left.
''Sakura's late?'' Temari was now checking specialities.
''She is in a restroom. She spilt some ice tea all over her skirt, so she went to clean herself.''
''Clumsy,'' Temari chuckled.
''Yeah. The clumsiest girl and the shiest girl are getting married before us.''
Temari raised an eyebrow.
''I never thought of you as the one who wants to settle down,'' she said plainly.
''I don't,'' Ino snapped. ''I'm just saying.''
''Hey Temari,'' Sakura finally showed up and sat next to Ino. ''How do you like it here?'' she asked happily.
Temari was just about to began her monologue on how sexist is to decorate a dining place like this, but the waitress ruined her plan by delivering drink she had ordered.
''Have you decided about your meal already?'' she asked politely.
''How about barbecue mix for three? ''Ino suggested. ''It's delicious and low-fat,'' she added.
''Sounds great!'' Sakura accepted.
''Fine,'' Temari didn't care.
The waitress nodded and left.
''Well? Do you like the place?'' Sakura was persistent.
''I think this place suits better to someone like Hinata,'' Temari said plainly.
''Hinata?''
''Yeah,'' Temari tried out her drink. ''She walked me here. And this is great!''
''I know, right?'' Ino raised her glass as a signal to order more. ''I think there's some honey in it.''
''Yeah. Sweat, but strong,'' Temari agreed.
Sakura was silent.
''Hey, Forehead, don't be like that!'' Ino scolded her and looked at Temari. ''You mentioned her mortal enemy too soon, I guess.''
''Mortal enemy? Purple-eyed girl?''
''Well, the only person hating this wedding more than Sakura is certainly Neji.''
''The other young Hyuuga?''
''That's right. He tried so hard to become jounin before Hinata and fascinate everybody by becoming an ANBU captain. However-''
''Hinata ruined everything just because she is becoming an Uchiha,'' Sakura added.
''Merging clans is quite important, Sakura. You know, to keep things calm and balanced'', Ino explained.
''Maybe Neji should get married to someone more important. Like Temari, she is the princess of Suna!'' Sakura jerked.
''Hilarious. I'm not into purple-eyed guys.''
''Too bad for him,'' Sakura added.
''You shouldn't look at everything as it was a competition of some kind. Hinata is an heiress of her clan and with that title she is doing the right thing,'' Temari said bluntly.
''Yeah, yeah, I know,'' Sakura said hastily. ''You said she walked you here?''
Temari nodded.
''It was impossible to find this place, so I asked for directions random woman in front of the flower shop. I didn't recognize her at first.''
''Flower shop, huh? Did she have bouquets with her?'' Sakura asked.
''She did. And they were all very nice. I could never decide!''
Sakura frowned. She knew very well which bouquet she'll choose for her wedding.
''Forehead, if you continue to be angry, you will have a wrinkled forehead and that's much worse,'' Ino teased her.
''Hinata says she comes here often, maybe you should join her in this totally-''
Temari was interrupted again as she wanted to say her opinion on this outrageous decorations. The waitress brought their meal, but now she was wearing purple apron. Temari looked around again. Ceiling lamps were turned off and the place was looking completely different: blue cushions were purple and pink looked as they were white. With a few candles, this place could be pretty nice.
And the food was looking tasty. Ino noticed Temari's surprised face.
''There's been a rumor Jiraiya-sama bought this place to turn it into a night club, but Tsunade-sama forbade it, so this is a compromise. During the day it's a girlie hideout and at the 8 o'clock transforms into this.''
''So Jiraiya-sama, when he's in Konoha, stares at young girls from that spot,'' Sakura pointed the table opposite of their's, ''and in the evening Tsunade-sama joins him and they drink and gamble till dawn.''
''The man has a plan!'' Temari commended.
''We are humbly accepting this meal!'' Ino said hastily and put meat on everybody's plates. Pink ones.
''There's no need to pretend we are decent after this mission we went on,'' Sakura chuckled.
''No one said working on a farm with pigs will be easy,'' Temari scolded her.
''But it tastes so good!'' Ino said with her mouth full.
They all giggled.
''So, Temari, I'm not paying for all this delightful food for no reason,'' Ino reminded her. ''Let's hear about Gaara-sama and Hinata!''
''Well, there's not much to say. I asked him if he felt old now that his childhood crush is getting married,'' Temari said plainly.
''No, no, no,'' Ino shook her head, ''I want to hear why he liked her in the first place.''
''Well, I believe it was because of her unconditionally love for Naruto back then. He witnessed it during chunin exam,'' Temari explained.
''I don't get it,'' Ino admitted.
''Nobody was running after Gaara screaming "Gaara-kun" in a such adorable way Hinata did for Naruto. And it was all before Naruto became a village hero,'' Temari revealed. ''I think he was a bit jealous of Naruto.''
''I remember that time!'' Sakura said happily. ''You were here all the time, every time with some lame excuse!''
''Because Gaara-sama wanted to see Hinata!'' Ino added. ''I bet you enjoyed it!''
''Well, I wasn't opposing,'' Temari admitted.
''But now Gaara-sama has loads of girls, right?'' Sakura asked.
''Being the young Kazekage and all,'' Ino added.
''It's even harder for him now,'' Temari said anxiously. ''So many girls throwing themselves at him just because he is Kazekage.''
''Hey, don't say that! Gaara-sama is so much more than just Kazekage!'' Sakura scolded Temari.
''Yeah, he is quite a hottie,'' Ino said rashly.
Temari raised an eyebrow.
''I mean,'' Ino coughed, ''he is not my type,'' she said quickly and took a sip of her drink.
''So Gaara-sama is not against the marriage?'' Sakura asked.
''No. As long as it's not for practical reasons only. He is against using people for other people's wishes. You know, being a Jinchuuriki and all.''
Sakura nodded. Every Jinchuruuki was supposed to be a tool, a secret weapon of it's village in order to protect it. Nobody cared how those protectors felt while being used like they were not real persons. Well, it was very hard until Naruto. And Gaara. Together they were trying to change people's perception of a Jinchuuriki and it was going really well so far. Even now they were in Suna on a special Jinchuuriki training along with Killer Bee,the Eight tails and Raikage, who was in charge of keeping them under control if they go too far with using their power.
''Yeah, it wasn't easy for Naruto either,'' Sakura sighed.
''Especially when you broke his heart!'' Ino taunted.
''Hey! At least I was honest with him! I never tried to hide my feelings for Sasuke and I never gave him false hope!'' Sakura defended herself.
''It's so hard to be you, Forehead,'' Ino said sarcastically. ''The Konoha hero and the cutest Uchiha fought for your heart!''
''And that wasn't enough to have a privilege to get married before Hinata!''
''Stop whining!'' Ino exasperated.
Sakura sighed. Temari tried to get her in the better mood.
''Tell us how Naruto reacted when he'd found out about your engagement!''
Temari ordered more drinks for her and Ino.
''He is Naruto, wild and impulsive,'' Sakura rolled her eyes, ''so he told Sasuke he would kill him if he hurts me.''
''Oh, that's so sweet!'' Ino squealed.
''No, it's not!'' Sakura snapped and ate last piece of meat on her plate. ''It's annoying.''
''Easy with that! You'll get fat and you won't fit in that dress you bought for the wedding!'' Ino teased.
''I don't care since I don't feel like going anyway,'' Sakura complained once again.
''I guess that's the reason why Naruto is in Suna so much,'' Temari concluded.
''Well, it's not easy to watch your best friend with the girl you liked way before he did,'' Ino explained.
''But she got who she wanted,'' Temari smirked.
''And she owes it all to Tsunade-sama!''
Sakura giggled. It was all part of her plan to force Sasuke to reveal his feelings for her.
''Do I have to beg for some more information?'' Temari asked, tired of their conversation where Ino and Sakura were omitting important parts.
''Tsunade-sama sent the two of us on a mission and we were supposed to seduce two serial killers who had stolen a secret scroll,'' Ino began.
''Sounds interesting.''
''It was, for this virgin here,'' Ino teased,'' And when we got back, after we had done the job successfully, Sakura found out Sasuke-kun was as furious as Naruto when he heard that some old creep might have touched Pink-haired princess,'' Ino chuckled.
''Just to make it clear, nobody touched me!'' Sakura exclaimed.
''But she had tortured both Sasuke-kun and Naruto before she admitted she was still a complete virgin,'' Ino added.
''Good plan,'' Temari commended Sakura.
''And in no time, Sasuke-kun was caught in her web and she let him touch her for the first time!''
''Ino!'' Sakura hissed.
''What? You did! You told me everything about it and,'' Ino turned to Temari, ''it sounded completely innocent.''
Temari grinned. She hated to admit it, but she enjoyed spending time with these two vixens. But she knew she couldn't live with herself if she didn't add something about this "innocent" thing.
''Well, Ino, I can assure you that things between them are pretty much unchanged.''
Ino flinched. Sakura gave Temari glare.
''Sakura? No way, Forehead, not with Sasuke-kun!''
Ino couldn't understand why would anyone avoid being touched by sexy Uchiha. Hinata was shy and princess and all, but Sakura was a total disappointment.
''Yeah? And how should you know?'' Sakura snapped.
''Well, Sasuke told Naruto, Naruto told Gaara and Gaara told me,'' Temari said plainly.
''And what, what exactly did your brother tell you?'' Sakura stuttered.
''You see,'' Temari began, ''Uchiha brothers were casually talking about future, family, and one thing led to another, they mentioned having kids!''
Sakura startled. She could feel she was starting to blush. Fortunately, there wasn't enough light for them to see her red face. Or at least that's what she was hoping for.
''So what? That doesn't mean anything!'' she jerked.
''Of course, but they wondered who will become an uncle first, and I would put all my money on Itachi, and,'' Temari paused to annoy Sakura even more, ''and I would lose!''
Sakura was staring at the table. She should have ordered an alcoholic drink too.
Ino sighed.
''Sakura, I really don't understand. Hinata, well, she has more problems than you so I kind of sympathize with her, but you! And it's Sasuke-kun!''
''Yeah, I bet you would be so much better fiancée for him!'' Sakura hissed.
''Hey,'' Ino began comforting her,'' I'm not saying that because I want you to feel bad, but I want you to be happy. I mean,'' she turned to Temari, ''life is so short.''
''Too short!'' Temari repeated. ''Especially to waste it on a bad alcohol and bad sex!''
''That's the spirit!'' Ino praised her and waved at the waitress to order the whole bottle.
''I'm sorry, we have just a half of bottle left,'' the waitress came immediately to apologize. ''It's the most popular drink.''
Temari frowned. The place was pretty crowded now. She was so into girls' issues she didn't notice people coming in.
''Then we'll take that half,'' Ino said sadly.
The waitress nodded and left to get only a half of the bottle of this ambrosial alcohol.
Sakura was still silent.
''Forehead, we might help you out if you tell us what's the problem,'' Ino said honestly.
''And why don't you advise Hinata? She is getting married first and she should become perfect mother and wife before me, anyway,'' Sakura replied bitterly.
''Well, you are here and she isn't.''
''In fact,'' Temari pointed towards the entrance.
Ino and Sakura turned around. Hinata was looking surprised for some reason. She slowly approached their table.
''Good evening,'' she greeted politely. ''Sakura-chan, do you have a minute?''
Sakura stunned. Ino prodded her.
''Yes, sure. Have a seat,'' Sakura jerked.
Hinata nodded and sat next to Temari. She was looking around like she has never been there before.
''What's wrong, Hinata? I thought you were here before.''
''I was, Ino-chan, but it was a bit different,'' she said quietly.
''Well, that's how it looks like at night, so old people can also come and get drunk,'' Ino explained.
''Speaking of the old people,'' Temari pointed her chin towards the entrance once again.
Two legendary Sannin were walking towards their table.
''Tsunade-sama, Jiraiya-sama!'' Hinata greeted cheerfully.
''Oh, how convenient, you're all here!'' Tsunade began. ''I just wanted to tell you that you have a morning off at the hospital as I'll be needing your assistance in the evening,'' Tsunade said, looking at Sakura and Ino.
''And how is the pretty bride?'' Jiraiya teased.
Hinata blushed and deflected her gaze to the floor.
''If that husband of yours doesn't turn out right, you just need to let me know and I will-''
''He will turn out fine!''
Jiraiya was interrupted by the third legendary Sannin.
Temari flinched. Ino and Sakura turned around to see Orochimaru approaching as well.
''Don't let him talk about Itachi-san like that,'' Orochimaru scolded Hinata. ''He will be the best husband ever.''
Orochimaru looked at other girls at the table.
''How sweet,'' he smirked. ''Hanging out while waiting for your beloved ones to come back. They are returning tomorrow, unharmed.''
''Yeah, they are cleaning up the mess you caused,'' Tsunade taunted.
''Come on, let's leave them alone,'' Orochimaru said quickly. ''I bet they have more interesting subjects to discuss than some unimportant mission.''
''That's right. Hinata, the wedding is in six weeks, right?'' Tsunade asked.
Hinata nodded.
''Well, have fun, girls! And don't drink too much!'' Tsunade advised and followed her friends who already started to fight about the bill.
''Acting like teenagers,'' she sighed and turned to leave,'' I will pay the damn bill for smashing the glasses!'' she yelled and left.
''That was awkward,'' Sakura said quietly.
''Yeah, Orochimaru-sama never got back earlier than the others,'' Temari said, a bit worried.
''Maybe they are injured and Tsunade-sama didn't want us to be upset!'' Sakura jerked.
Hinata shook her head.
''That's right, Hinata,'' Ino commended. ''Tsunade-sama would never lie to us, and if that's the case, why would she say we have to be at the hospital tomorrow night?''
''I guess you're right,'' Sakura said bluntly.
''It is strange, though,'' Temari added.
Hinata nodded.
''Never mind them!'' Ino said cheerfully. ''Hinata, you were ready to ask Sakura about something!''
Hinata raised her head. She was completely red.
''Well, spit it out,'' Temari rushed her.
Hinata sighed. She gave Sakura a quick gaze and then deflected it.
''What is it? You can tell me everything,'' Sakura said softly.
Hinata met Sakura's gaze.
''Sakura-chan, will you be my maid of honour?''
Sakura flinched.
''Maid of honour? Me?''
''Please, Sakura-chan, you're the only who understands how difficult things are for me right now! Our families are arguing over everything, from flowers to napkins, there is even a ritual problem we have to discuss! It would be so much easier for me if you were there with me!''
Ino and Temari were fixed on Sakura's face which was showing her reaction instantly. It was a struggle between emotions and duty.
''It's a demanding job, Hinata,'' she said bluntly. ''I have to think about it.''
''Please, can you make up your mind till tomorrow night? We're having dinner at Uchiha's and I would really like to tell them I will have you by my side!''
Sakura knew this was very important to Hinata, but she wasn't sure she could handle the task Hinata had decided to give her.
''I need some time. I will tell you tomorrow,'' she said plainly.
''Ok, but whatever you decide, don't blurt I asked you tonight.''
''I don't understand.''
''You're invited too! And you know how scary Fugaku-san can be,'' Hinata explained.
Sakura stunned. She has to attend the dinner to decide about the wedding ceremony?! She felt proud and angry at same time. They wanted her to hear about their decision, but they were also preventing her from spending some more time with Sasuke! How convenient.
Hinata was looking down, as she was waiting for Sakura to say something. Sakura was too astonished to speak, so Temari decided to break this gloomy mood.
''So, Ino, you and Sannin, huh? For how long?''
Ino choked as she was drinking water at the moment. Hinata and Sakura were more surprised than Temari expected.
''Ino, is she joking?'' Sakura asked carefully, a bit concerned about possible answer.
Ino gave her glare.
''Sorry,'' Ino coughed and turned to Temari. ''What?''
''You can't fool me, you little flirt!'' Temari giggled.
Hinata wanted to leave, but right now she was too shocked to move one bit. Maybe she was a little curious too.
''Ino,'' Sakura said seriously, ''I know how much you like trying out new things, but Temari is joking?''
It sounded more like an order than a question. Ino gave her another quick glare.
''Sakura, don't be a baby,'' Temari taunted. ''I mean, he is an experienced man.''
Ino sighed, looking very annoyed.
Sakura let out a muffled scream. Ino put a hand over her mouth and turned to Temari. She had her winning smile on; she wasn't bluffing.
''Fine,'' Ino finally said, ''but first, you're telling what gave me away!''