Chapter Two- Finding the Girl
When the boys went and told the Hokage what had happened he had already sent ANBU teams out. All they could do was wait around for them to get back. Who knew when they would be back and if the girls were even alive. None of them spoke of that but they all cared for their girls. No one even spoke of the possibility of them not getting out of Orochimaru's grasp. Sasuke knew he wanted him but he would not go to him. Not to leave Sakura. Sakura, he realized was important but he would have to find his brother and kill him first before he could settle down with her. He wanted his life to be so much better. He didn't want to have to avenge his family but that is what he has become and avenger. He would make her happy until he had to leave hopefully he could leave for only a couple of weeks and be back.
-X-
It had been two weeks since the girls had gone missing. ANBU had not reported back to the Hokage and people were beginning to notice that the girls were not around. Kakashi even noticed that they had disappeared. They had to explain to all their families. Since Neji lived near Hinata's family they already knew. It would be one more week before the girls were classified MIA until found. They guys sulked around Sasuke's apartment since it was the biggest out of everyone's room. Naruto tried to convince the guys that they wanted to go and search for the girls themselves but everyone decided against it. They didn't need to injure themselves. They had a feeling the ANBU would bring them back and everything would be fine again.
Sasuke went to sit on the main gates watching and hoping that the girls would be all in tack and safe. He would surprise the girls. He got the Hokage to grant him permission to allow the girls and guys to stay out at the newly renovated house. The Hokage himself came out to make sure it was suitable for everyone. He was amazed at how well it looked and granted it. Now all that need to be her were the girls to see where they were going to be staying for a while.
Sasuke looked up and saw movement and saw pink hair. He jumped down and ran at them. When they got closer Sakura came to a stop and waited for Sasuke to come to her. When he reached her he picked her up and twirled her around. He set her down and just held her. He picked her up and followed after the ANBU taking the girls to the Hokage tower to tell him the girls were back then to the hospital to get checked out. When Sasuke left Sakura with the Hokage he went and got the other guys to tell them the girls were back. They rushed back to the hospital and waited for their checkups to get done. When everyone was cleared to go they left. They boys covered their eyes and led them the way to the Uchiha manor. Upon arriving they dropped their hands and waited for a reaction. The reaction they got was not what they wanted.
"Sak what's wrong?" asked Sasuke
"This…this is the place… This is the place Itachi killed your clan." stated Sakura
"Yes, but I've been cleaning it up."
Neji, Shikamaru, and Naruto grabbed their girl's hands and walked in. Sasuke went over and picked Sakura up bridal style then walked in. When they got to the main house he placed Sakura down to let her look around. When Sakura saw the inside she almost fainted. The walls were a light shimmering red. The furniture was all-new. The floor was hard wood with a little rug in the middle of the room. The kitchen was a light green with countertops that were granite. It had all new appliances. Everything else was blue, red or black. From the door you could tell that it was a mostly open concept except for the formal dining hall.
"Sasuke this is so pretty!" Sakura went up and hugged him
"So far I've been working on it for a year or two now. This part of the house is finally finished. We got the Hokage to come and make sure it was okay for everyone." Stated Sasuke
"Can we see where we are staying?" begged Ino finally able to see what the boys had worked on while the girls were away
"Okay this is the only part of the house that is perfectly clean. So let's go. Also I'll tell you where you don't want to go." Stated Sasuke
Sakura smiled and put her arm around Sasuke's waist and put her head on his shoulder. Sasuke put his arm around her and pulled her as close as he could. When they came to the first room, Naruto looked in and bolted in. It was a light purple almost like a pansy for the walls and blue material with black highlights. Hinata walked in after Naruto examining it closely. She only saw one bed; however, she loved the colors of the room.
"Hinata want this room?" asked Naruto
"B-but, there is only one bed." Hinata stated
"Well that's to make sure you stay safe." Explained Naruto
While Hinata and Naruto were 'discussing' things, Tenten was leaning on Neji. He had his arm around her waist and her head was on the side of his head. They had a long few weeks drained chakra and almost no food. They were becoming worried they would be left; however, when they saw the ANBU their spirits soared. After a minute they moved on. Naruto and Hinata deciding that it would be okay to be sharing the bed, maybe realizing they both liked each other. Sasuke stepped into a dark blue room with pink and light blue bedding.
"Ok this is mine and Sakura's room." Stated Sasuke
Sakura didn't argue it was a beautiful room. The wall color was a little dark for her but she would get used to it. The next room they came to had purple walls again but these walls were like a grape with light blue and dark blue bedding. Ino ran in and jumped on the bed not allowing anyone else in the room before her. Shikamaru followed in after Ino and stopped to look at the room.
"Troublesome…" mumbled Shikamaru under his breath
Ino got up and hugged Shikamaru. Shikamaru already knew what she wanted.
"Yes we can have this room…You are so troublesome."Shikamaru stated
Ino jumped into Shikamaru's arms. Ino caught him by surprise that Shikamaru almost dropped her. Everyone laughed and moved on.
"I guess we get the last room." stated Neji
Tenten just giggled, while they walked in the room. It had red walls and had black and aqua colored bedding. She looked around and liked the color match. They stepped out and continued to listen to Sasuke. He told them they had bathrooms in their rooms so they didn't have to share a bathroom. But if they need one he showed him where one was. After that, they walked to the kitchen. Hinata and Sakura started to look through all of the covered.
"Who chose all the colors?" Asked Ino
"My mother used to keep a book of colors and fabrics that would go good together. I found it while cleaning and I decided using. I didn't want to hear you girls fuse over it." Sasuke stated he looked over to see that Sakura had come out of the Kitchen
"Okay, we have enough food here we just have to get some cloths." Sakura said.
"Okay everyone whoever you're rooming with is to go with them." Stated Neji
Everyone nodded and headed for their homes. Sasuke and Sakura were the first ones back then Neji and Tenten, Naruto and Hinata, then last to arrive was Ino and Shikamaru. They all went to their rooms and put their cloths away as quickly as they could. Then they all met up in the kitchen where Hinata and Sakura were already starting to make dinner. When they finally finished eating Ino, Tenten, Sakura, and Hinata took the dishes to the sink to wash them up quickly so they could go back to the table. They walked back to the table with coffee.
"'Yawn' I'm going to hit the sack." Said Naruto walked to his room
"I'll g-go with you Naruto." Said Hinata standing up
"Me three. It's been an interesting day." Said Sakura walked towards her room with Hinata following
When Sakura and Hinata walked pass the main door, they saw shadows outside lingering. Sakura got a kunai knife out and opened the door. She was going to throw it but stopped when she saw whom it was. It was Kiba and Choji standing outside. She let them inside and closed the door. Sasuke heard a door close and hurried to the front door. Naruto also came running to the door to see what was going on. They saw Kiba and Choji. Kiba had Akamaru in his coat and Choji with a back of chips in hand like always.
"I'm surprised to see you two." Sasuke stated moving closer to Sakura
"Well we heard what happened and thought we could help." Said Kiba
"Well if you want to stay here you have to sleep on the couches. All the rooms are taken." Stated Sasuke
"Ok that's fine with me." Said Kiba
"Well I'm going to bed night everyone." Said Sakura going to bed with Sasuke following her
"Yeah I'm going to hit the sack too. Night!" said Naruto picking up a blushing Hinata
They all followed except Kiba and Choji.
XXX
"Ow!" yelled Kiba
"Sorry… I thought you were on the couch." Said Sakura
"No it was too soft." Explained Kiba
"Oh…Ok."
"What time is it?"
"It's 7:30. Why?"
"Oh, I just wondered." Said Kiba sitting up
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Let me get it." Said Kiba pulling out a kunai knife
Sakura stepped back behind a chair and waited. Kiba opened the door and was about to throw a knife but was stopped by Kakashi and Gai sensei.
"Woohoo! You are a bag of youthfulness! Such a lovely personality you have there and to have this early in the morning!" Yelled Gai
"Oh good it's only our sensei's." Sakura stated coming out of hiding and walked into the kitchen
Kiba invited them inside and took them to the kitchen where Sakura was cooking. Kiba heard footsteps and went to see who they belonged to.
"Get the hell away from me Kiba!" yelled Sasuke walking into the kitchen and started the coffee
"Hmm. I want ramen. Sasuke do you have ramen?" whined Naruto
"Why would I have ramen and it's time for breakfast." Said Sasuke
"So I. Want. Ramen!" yelled Naruto
"Shut up both of you. You're going to eat what Sakura is cooking! Understand." Said Kakashi-sensei smiling under his mask getting out one of the famous perv books
"Fine, but what is he doing here?" Naruto questioned plopping down in front of Gai
"Sasuke, Sakura, the Hokage wishes to see you after breakfast along with Neji and Tenten." Gai said
"What is the meeting about? And before you answer that can someone get everyone else up, breakfast will be done in about ten minutes. That will allow everyone time to get up."
Naruto got up and first headed to his room. When he opened the door he found Hinata getting dressed. Hinata screeched when she saw Naruto in the doorway. Naruto turned quickly away. Neji and Tenten were walking by so they decided they would see what was happening. When they reached Hinata's room Neji turned around quickly so he wouldn't see his cousin half-naked. Tenten giggled at the sight.
"W-will you close the d-door please?" asked Hinata
"Ok." Giggled Tenten
Hinata came out a few minutes later. She saw Ino and Shikamaru heading towards the kitchen. When she got to the kitchen, Ino and Shikamaru were already eating. Choji was already on his fifth or sixth plate. She sat down and grabbed what was left of the food. Everyone was finished before her. Everyone was either going to change or to take a shower. Naruto was the only one who stayed with her. Every time either of them was going to talk, they both would just close their mouths.
"Naruto?" Hinata asked above a whisper
"What's wrong Hinata?" Naruto asked pulling himself closer to her
"I'm sorry I made you get embarrassed." Hinata said pushing her plate away
"I wasn't embarrassed; I just didn't know what to do." Said Naruto hugging Hinata
"Ok."
Hinata stood up and started to clean of the table. Naruto got up and surprisingly helped Hinata. When they were washing the dishes they were whispering to each other. They did it very quietly so nobody could hear them.
"Naruto, we're heading to The Hokage's to see what our mission is. We'll be back as soon as we can."
"Please wait here while I see if he is busy." One of the assistance said
"Ok." Sakura and Tenten said simultaneously
They waited a few minutes and the assistant
"He will see you know." they smiled
They walked into the Hokage's office. The desk was clean and free of any papers. There was a pitcher of water and a couple of glasses. It looked like there wasn't a speck of dirt anywhere to be seen in the room.
"Ok the mission is that you need to go under cover as couples and help the Kazekage for sand. He will be the only one knowing what is going on. They have had spies from sound coming in and out of the village and he asked for you four to come and help. Don't ask me why you guys. We don't know how long it will take. Maybe days or even weeks. Make sure you make it look believable. Also Sakura you and Sasuke will be a couple and Tenten you and Neji will be a couple. You only have an hour to be ready and be at the village gates ready for the signal. Therefore you know what you are doing right. Thank-you and good luck. Oh and for now the mission is rated B rank. And Neji will be your captain. This is your chance to show us what you have. We have ANBU team ready for if it becomes carried away. Have fun" said the Hokage said sending them out
They nodded and hurried back to the house. They told everyone while they were packing. They were at the gates with time to spare. They got the okay and started out. It was going to be a three days journey. They would stop for only three things like water, food, and sleep. It started to get dark. The guys suggested to the girls if they were tired they could stop for the night. However, they declined. They wanted to show them they had become stronger. Sakura knew she would have to stop worrying so much about herself and now for her friends on the mission so they could get this done and over with. Neji stopped abruptly and looked around.
"This will be a good place for camp tonight. Next time girls tell us you need to stop; or this will be a failed mission. If you don't let us know how you are. Got it." Yelled Neji
"Don't be so rude we knew you guys want to get there so we didn't bother you. We know you don't want to be here you would rather be off training, but you are here so. Next time try to be nicer about it. Oh and another thing stop being a fucking jerk right now." Said Tenten jumping down to the ground
"What did you just call me?" asked Neji jumping down in front of Tenten
"You heard me I called you a fucking jerk!" yelled Tenten prodding a finger into his chest
"You're going to pay for calling me that." Neji said grabbing her arm and squeezing it
"Hey that hurts let go of me." Yelled Tenten with tears in her eyes
"Leave her alone!" yelled Sakura jumping down and pushing Neji away from Tenten
"Hn. She deserves it."
Sakura focused her chakra in her palms and applied it to Tenten's bruised arm. While this was going on, Sasuke went to gather firewood. He came back to Tenten in tears and Sakura fixing her arm. Then he saw Neji sitting on the other side of the open space.
"Uh… This may be the wrong time to ask but, what happened?" asked Sasuke
"Neji is a fucking JERK! J-E-R-K! JERK!" yelled Tenten
"Fuck you Tenten."
"No thank you." Said Tenten putting her nose in the air
"Okay. I really missed something here; this is going to be a long mission." Said Sasuke thinking he said it to himself
"What did you say?" asked Neji and Tenten said in unison
"Nothing."
Sasuke placed the wood down and started a fire. Sakura finished healing Tenten's arm and sat down near Sasuke. Even if it wasn't the best heal job in the world it would do until they got back.
"Sakura I hear water do you want to come with me so I can fill my water bottle?" asked Tenten
"Sure." Sakura said then got up and walked away into the woods with Tenten
Neji looked over and saw she left her bottle there. He smirked to himself.
"Sasuke I'll be back." Said Neji jumping out of site
Sasuke sat there alone wondering what to do. Therefore, he went through his bag and found a book to entertain him for the moment. However he didn't know how long that would be so it was a good thing it was a large book.
Sakura and Tenten
"Look at that, it's so pretty!"Said Sakura looking at the waterfall
"Yeah it is." Stated Tenten
"Hey where's your bottle?"
"I left it at the camp site. I wanted to get away from Neji. He under estimates you and me, because we're girls. Neji thinks that we can never become strong like him and other men. We were meant to do house work, clean and do other things. I knew I should have never told anyone. Now look at me now I'm crying over a guy."
"Tenten its ok I'm sure he's just looking out for you."
"We'll if he's looking out for me; he's doing a lousy job at it. You saw what he did to my arm. Sometimes I hate myself for liking him. I'm so fucking stupid!" Tenten then started to sob uncontrollably
"It's going to be ok. I promise. One way or another, but it'll be ok." Sakura smiled hugging Tenten
"If you say so, then I will believe you."
"I know so… Since we're here and I can't sense the guys' presence around here. Maybe we can take a quick bath…"
"Ok that's a good idea."
They didn't know that Neji was nearby listening to everything they said. He thought to himself that he hurt the only girl he ever really liked and might have just blown it with her. Sakura jumped in and screeched. He thought she saw him but then heard her say the water was fucking cold. He watched Tenten get undressed. Her back was turned and could barely see her through her long hair. She jumped in but never screeched or whined about the water.
Tenten had forgotten to take of her ring she got from lee for her birthday. It fell to the bottom of the pond. She dove under to get it but couldn't find it. She came back up and told Sakura. She knew Sakura could hold her breath longer than her. So she asked Sakura to see if she could find it. Sakura nodded and went under. It took her a couple of minutes but she saw something sparkle and then grabbed it. It was Tenten's ring. She went back to the surface and handed it to Tenten. Tenten thanked Sakura. She sat on the side of the pound getting dressed then she got up and dressed the rest of the way. Sakura got out and put her clothes on, both of them still not knowing that Neji was watching them. They started to walk back to camp. Neji disappeared from the branch and reappeared at the campsite. They heard the girls coming. Both girls were laughing and talking. Neji went over to a tree then went to sleep. He and Sasuke were going to take turns standing watch through the night. Sakura and Tenten got back to camp; they laid out their sleeping bags, and talked. Sakura laid her sleeping bag next to Sasuke's. Tenten placed hers way from every ones else's. Sakura gave her a worried look but Tenten smiled and lay down then went to sleep. Sakura whispered to Sasuke that she was worried about Tenten. He told her she would be fine. Sakura nodded and lay down. After thinking about many things, she dosed of. The next thing Sakura knew she was being shaken slightly she opened her eyes to see it was Neji. She looked over to Tenten who was already up and packed. Sakura turned to Sasuke and kissed him softly on the lips. He woke up. She smiled and got up and packed up her stuff. They left camp a little after 8o'clock that morning. They ate breakfast on the go so they could get there sooner and take a break maybe. By noontime, they stopped to eat some lunch but hurried to get back going again. Neji stayed to the rear of everyone. Tenten stayed in front of Sakura and Sasuke. It was getting dark and they needed to find a place to stay. Sasuke looked around and saw a nice place. It was right next to a river. They stopped and Sasuke went to get wood for a fire again. Sakura dug through her bag and found some soup. She poured it into a little bowl and waited for Sasuke to come back. They sat in an eerie silence.
"Hey Neji how long are we from the sand now?" asked Sakura
"Another day and we should be there." He stated
"That's great that means some nice relaxation when we get there." Sakura smiled
"I need a long hot bath. My hair is starting to feel really nasty and look it too." Tenten said giggling
"Mine too. But first we have to go and talk to the Kazekage then we can go take our baths." Tenten giggled
"Yeah one thing I'll miss is sleeping under the starts and having someone watch over me… Sakura first thing we have to do after our baths is going to investigate things. You and Sasuke can be a couple like the hokage said and Neji and I will be a couple. We need to go to different places then meet up somewhere. If we can't find information us two have to go to plan B." she said when Sasuke got back
"What's plan B?" asked Sakura
"We would have to go undercover as some stage dancers. But if that happens I might punch one of the guys that lay a finger on my body." Tenten said
"I won't let Sakura do that! She's mine and no one can touch her except me!" said Sasuke
"Sasuke, it comes to that I'm going to have to, or it will jeopardize our mission with helping the Kazekage. I know you don't want to hear that but that's what might happen. So if it comes to that, don't come to the place we have to do that. Ok. I'm sorry but I can't jeopardize the mission just because of you not wanting guys to touch me. I won't like it either. However, I'll do what I have to do. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to bed. Night everyone." She looked at Sasuke
She leaned in to give Sasuke a kiss but he got up and walked away. Sakura looked like she was about to cry but she held it back. Tenten saw the look of pain that had struck her. She got up and walked over to Sakura, and gave her a hug. She could feel a wet spot forming on her shoulder. She sat there until Sakura's breathing had slowed down and didn't hear any sniffling from her. She laid Sakura down then walked over to her sleeping bag. Before she should say goodnight, Neji spoke.
"That was nice of you to do that." Said Neji
"She's my friend; I can't stand to see people pain. Like right after a guy has done something to upset them. She is only trying to show him that she is strong also that she wants to do it for him. She wants to know if they'll take it way out of proportion or make them feel like they are useless to them; or they are trying to see if they will understand their thinking. They only want them to see that they're doing it for love understanding, and lastly for respect to show they are not weak anymore. That is why girls do the things they do. For the one they truly care for. Well good-night Neji."Said Tenten laying down
"Good-night Ten." Said Neji
Tenten smiled to herself letting him know how she felt in other terms then telling him about what happened between them.
(Okay another chapter done. YA! Please tell me how i'm doing please and thank you. Like i said last time still working on it)