Alrighty guys, here is chapter two! I hope you enjoy – let me know what you think in a review! I always reply – if you have messaging enabled ;)
And a quick shoutout to scarecrow09 who left a review that I couldn't reply to – thanks for reading and reviewing~
Chapter Two: Sasuke
Tuesday dawned the same as any other day. Students at Konoha High were still discussing the matches, and after having a day to plan, some were acting on them.
"Aw, come on Sakura!" Naruto pleaded. "Just come with me to the dance, just for the night, and I'll leave you alone!"
"No way, Naruto," Sakura said with a sigh, shutting her locker door with a snap. Unlike yesterday, her temper wasn't fired up. If anything, she just seemed tired. "I'm not going to the dance with you."
Defeated again, Naruto walked away to build up steam for another attempt.
Ino gave her best friend a worried look. "Hey, you okay? You're acting kinda funny, Forehead. Is this about who you got as a match?"
"I don't want to talk about it Ino," the pinkette murmured back.
This really got the blonde's attention. Sakura only used her name when she really wasn't in a good mood. "Sakura..."
"Just drop it, okay?"
Sasuke eavesdropped from his locker. Huh...something's really got Sakura down. I wonder...
"Hey Sasuke," Naruto greeted, already perked up a bit from his latest rejection. "You gonna ask Hinata out today?"
The Uchiha rolled his eyes. "What's it to you, Idiot? Besides, even if I did, she'd probably say no. She likes you, remember?"
Naruto pinched his eyes shut, thinking. "Well...what if she forgot about me?"
"And why would she do that?"
The blonde grinned foxily. "Oh, you know...out of sight, out of mind?"
This made Sasuke pause. "What are you talking about?"
"I have an idea! Just wait here!" With that, the Uzumaki boy dashed into the crowd of students, disappearing from Sasuke's view.
Idiot...
A few moments later, screams broke out, spreading down the hallway. Sure that their cause was Naruto, Sasuke tried to get a better look, forcing his way forward through the other students.
He then wished he'd stayed back.
Naruto was on the floor, apparently freshly beaten, just outside the door to the girl's locker room. A female Sasuke didn't know was standing in the hallway in a towel, expression furious. "You little pervert!" she shrieked. "I'll have you suspended for peeking in the locker room!"
Only a moment later, the crowds on the other side parted to let the principal through. She looked anything but happy.
"Naruto Uzumaki!" she yelled, crossing her arms under her enormous cleavage as her amber eyes blazed in anger. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Sitting up, Naruto rubbed the back of his head, muttering, "Ow ow ow..."
Even more enraged at his lack of attention, Tsunade stomped forward and picked the boy up by his shirt front. "I won't have little perverts running around my hallways! Suspended for the rest of the week! Pack your bag and go home, and don't you dare come back before Monday – I'll deal with you then."
A collective shiver went through the crowds as they felt the severity in the woman's voice. "He's so dead," a girl near Sasuke muttered. "What was he thinking?" another mused.
Sasuke merely slapped his hand to his forehead. What the hell, Naruto?
Dropping the boy, Tsunade stomped back through the hall, leaving the crowd to stare as Naruto rose and started walking back to his locker.
"What the hell were you thinking?" Sasuke hissed as he walked beside his friend. "You're lucky you only got suspended – you know how much Tsunade hates perverts after dealing with Superintendent Jiraiya all the time!"
Naruto just grinned. "Eh, she won't be that hard on me – she knows me well enough. Besides, now you'll have all week with Hinata, and I won't be around to distract her!"
Sasuke froze in his tracks. "You...what? You did that just so Hinata wouldn't see you?"
"Yup!" Naruto grabbed his bag from his locker. "Totally worth it!"
The Uchiha stared at the blonde in complete disbelief. "You are so stupid..."
"Eh, that may be true, but at least I'm helping you out. I'll be waiting to hear all about Hinata on Monday!" Walking past his friend, Naruto waved one hand as he exited the school.
After a few moments, Sasuke actually chuckled. You crazy fool...I owe you one.
Hinata was in her math class early when she heard the screams. Alarmed, she made her way to the door and ran down the hall to see what was going on. When she saw her beloved Naruto cringing in pain, she gasped. But then, she saw the older female standing in nothing but a towel in front of him.
"You little pervert! I'll have you suspended for peeking in the locker room!"
Peeking...in the locker room? Hinata blushed. Naruto wouldn't do that...would he?
Tsunade brushed past her, anger radiating from her aura. She proceeded to yell at the younger blonde, and Hinata wasn't sure what to think.
"I won't have little perverts running around my hallways! Suspended for the rest of the week! Pack your bag and go home, and don't you dare come back before Monday – I'll deal with you then."
At this, the Hyuuga girl gasped. The rest of the week? But that means...
Tsunade charged back up the hallway, calling for the crowds to disperse.
Hinata was crestfallen. Now she wouldn't be able to tell Naruto how she felt! Another Valentine's Day without a confession. Tearing up, she slowly made her way back to math.
Now what am I going to do?
.oOo.
All through his math class, Sasuke considered his options. After glancing at Hinata several times, he saw she was clearly upset from Naruto being forced to leave. That made him unsure. Would she be more open to someone else now that she'd seen Naruto behaving that way, or would she be more defensive for her crush? Frustrated, he ran a hand through his messy hair with a sigh. This is stupid, he thought. I don't even know how or when to ask her, and she'll probably say no even if I do try it! But Itachi's smirking face entered his mind, and his resolve solidified. No...I have to prove to Itachi I can do this! Making up his mind, he decided to ask her right after school. No use beating around the bush – he'd just ask her to go on a date today after classes, and see what she said.
Now he just had to decide what they'd do if she said yes.
He knew nothing of her interests, or her dislikes. Where do you take a girl on a date that you hardly know?
All through the day he had no idea what to say. The final bell seemed to ring earlier than usual, and Sasuke was still out of ideas. Before he knew it, he was shutting his locker. Just do it!
Putting on a cool face and putting his hands in his pockets, the younger Uchiha made his way down the hall to where Hinata was standing, still putting away her books. Heart racing but face neutral, he leaned up against the closed locker next to hers.
"Hey."
The girl jumped, apparently unaware of his presence until he spoke up. "O-oh! Hello, Sasuke." Glancing at him, she thought, What does he want? He never talks to me!
"So, are you doing anything after school today?"
Hinata froze, eyes wide. Is he...?
Sasuke shifted a bit. "I just thought maybe we could do something."
She just stared. "Um...I don't mean to be r-rude, Sasuke...but...may I ask...why?"
A small blush lit across the boy's nose. "I got you in the data match," he replied bluntly. "I just thought...we could give it a shot."
Hinata blinked several times as she considered this, thinking, I got Naruto...but...if Sasuke got me, then maybe... Another thought entered her head, and she blushed. I didn't think anyone else would get matched to me...
"So...is that a yes or a no?"
Hinata let a tentative smile take over her face. "O-okay! Sure!" Why not?
The boy blinked in surprise. "All right then. What do you want to do?"
"Don't you have a p-plan?"
The boy pouted to one side, blushing again. "I wanted to let you pick."
Hinata giggled. "Well, um...how about a movie?"
"Sure."
The pair walked through the hallway, garnering stares as they went as well as whispers.
"Is that Hinata Hyuuga...with Sasuke Uchiha?"
"No way! She's the least popular girl in the freshman year! Why would be be with her?"
"Yeah, they're just walking together...it's not like he'd actually date her..."
Hinata's head bowed as the weight of their words fell on her. They're right...not even Naruto notices me...why should someone like Sasuke?
"Don't pay them any mind," Sasuke murmured. "They don't know what they're talking about. Besides, they're just jealous." To prove his point, he reached out one hand and took hers, ignoring the small squeak she uttered. Pulling her closer, he kept his grip as they made their way outside the school to catch a train downtown.
"S-Sasuke..."
"Hm?"
"Um...did you really get me as a match?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Oh, just curious..."
"Who did you get?"
Glancing at the boy, she quietly replied, "Naruto..."
"Hn..." Sasuke didn't show it, but her answer irritated him. The one girl he decides to take on a date is the one girl in his class that doesn't like him, and to make matters worse, she likes his idiot best friend! I'll just have to show her that I'm better...
The train was crowded, and Sasuke made his first move. Tugging her close, he held Hinata against his chest away from the strangers around them. Tucking his chin against her scalp, he allowed himself to breathe in her scent. Lilac...and vanilla. It suits her.
When they made it to their stop, Sasuke led the way, his grip firm on the girl's hand. He didn't relax it until they were out of the station and on the sidewalk. Stopping, he looked back at her to make sure she was all right. She smiled at him, and asked, "So, w-what movie do you want to see?"
"Doesn't matter to me. I don't even know what's playing right now."
Hinata considered this. "Well...I'm going to assume you wouldn't want to watch anything cutesy...o-or mushy."
"Probably not."
"Um...I think the rest of the movies out now are s-scary ones. February is mostly a love movie month...for V-Valentine's Day and all."
"Scary it is then."
Hinata paled. "B-but-"
"Don't worry, Hinata," Sasuke said, bringing his face close to hers with a grin. "I'll protect you."
She had a feeling she was going to regret this. "O...okay."
The ticket taker gave them odd looks, wondering what a young couple was doing watching a horror film only a few days before Valentine's Day, but didn't say anything. Leading her by the hand, Sasuke took Hinata into the theater, which was empty.
"All to ourselves," he noted. "Good time for makeouts."
Hinata squeaked again.
"Just kidding. Gosh, you're such a prude, Hinata."
Why was he teasing her? The only person Sasuke joked around with was Naruto. Was he really already comfortable with her enough to relax? The boy pushed the thought from his head, deciding not to think about it.
They were a bit early, and sat in an awkward silence during the previews. Sasuke had chosen seats right in the middle of the room, and with no one else there, there were no distractions.
Hinata glanced at the boy, who was staring at the screen. She knew she should try and break the silence, but she just didn't know what to say! She had never really spoke to him before, besides the occasional greeting or run-in. Hinata had no idea what made the mysterious Sasuke Uchiha tick.
"What's your favorite class?"
She blurted it before she could think, and colored darkly once she said it. What a stupid question!
He looked over at her, surprised at her trying to make conversation. "Literature," he replied. "I like reading. It's quiet, and interesting, and you can do it by yourself."
"O-oh. I like literature too, but not quite as much as math."
"Math? No one likes math."
The girl giggled. "I know, its silly. But I like it because there's one right answer. Sometimes I wish the r-rest of life was like that. I hate science, though."
"Why?"
"I don't know. When I think a-about it, I should like it, because it's a lot like math. But...I just can't seem to enjoy it very m-much."
"Hn. I don't like it either. Or math."
The dam had finally broken. They managed to hold up menial conversation during the rest of the previews, and by the time the lights began dimming, the awkward air had faded. Clasping her hands in her lap, Hinata tried to keep her view on the screen. But her eyes kept sliding over to the boy beside her, just like they had out the window, and at the match results. Something about him drew her gaze.
About half an hour into the film, Hinata was definitely regretting her decision. She was trying hard not to show it, but the movie was terrifying her! She had never liked scary things, and sitting through a two-hour horror film was going to give her a heart attack.
But just as another frightening scene started, the chair arm folded up, and a comforting weight found its way around her shoulders. Looking over, she saw Sasuke still looking straight ahead, his arm wrapped around her. "It's just a movie, Hinata," he murmured. "Don't be scared."
Before she could stop it, a smile blossomed on her face. You're always letting your fear stop you, she thought to herself. Just like with Naruto. But maybe you need to try something new. Just put your fear aside and act! Before her shyness could fight back, she snuggled down against the boy's side.
Sasuke looked down at her in surprise, but smiled gently as he stared at the crown of her head. Pride swelled in him as he saw the fragile girl going to him for reassurance. Before he knew it, he thought, Take that, Idiot...
The movie ended with the pair still cuddled together, and as the lights faded back into being, Hinata sighed. "That was...d-different."
Sasuke chuckled. "Scary movies aren't your thing then?"
"N-not really..."
"You should have said something before we got the tickets."
Hinata's conscience immediately went to the worst. Oh no, he's mad for spending money on it, and then having me ruin it! "I...I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. I'm just sorry you had to sit through a movie you didn't like."
This caught the girl's attention. "So...y-you're not...angry?"
Sasuke blinked at her. "Angry? Why would I be angry?"
"You bought the tickets...and...I must have ruined it for you."
This made the boy roll his eyes. "Hinata, you didn't ruin it. I actually enjoyed the movie, and having you so close. Do you always assume you've done the wrong thing?"
Hinata turned her eyes to the floor. "I...usually do do the wrong thing..."
"Hinata...listen to me." With one finger, Sasuke turned her face toward his. "It's true I don't really know you very well yet...but I can tell that you're someone who has no confidence. Just because you don't believe in yourself doesn't mean that others don't believe in you. And after just spending a little bit of time with you, I can tell you I definitely wouldn't mind doing it again. You're a good person, Hinata, and you should have more confidence in the person you are."
Hinata's eyes had never been bigger. No one had ever said anything so kind to her! Tearing up, she said, "I...I don't know w-what to s-say...no one...has ever..."
As tears fell down the girl's cheeks, Sasuke realized that what he had said had really impacted her. Embarrassed, he blushed lightly and added, "Look, don't worry about it. Let's go get something to eat, and then I'll take you home, okay? Just...don't cry. I hate it when girls cry."
Wiping her cheeks, Hinata turned her watery gaze to her companion. "So...you want to go do something else? And g-get dinner?"
"Sure. Like I said, I've enjoyed spending time with you, so why not a little longer?"
The girl blushed beautifully, eyes closed as she smiled widely. Sasuke couldn't help but smile back, leading her out of the theater and back out into the winter chill.
The pair made their way further downtown, trying to find a decent place to eat. Hinata hadn't been to most of them, and Sasuke found himself having to make the decision.
"Well, this place is pretty good, and not too expensive," he said, pointing to a small cafe.
"Whatever you w-want to do," Hinata replied, clinging to his arm. She was trying to be more relaxed, and just enjoy the afternoon. "I don't m-mind. I'm sorry I don't have any money with me today – I wasn't expecting to g-go out."
"S'fine," he said. "I get a pretty good allowance from my parents, anyway. Might as well spend it on you. The only other thing I really buy is video games."
Their meal was spent in pleasant conversation. Though neither were usually too talkative, they managed to keep speaking most of the time, with a minimum of awkward moments. Sasuke had to admit he was enjoying himself, and Hinata was starting to wonder how much she had missed by remaining blinded by Naruto for so long.
The walk back to the metro to take Hinata home was a bit more quiet, neither really wanting the night to end. But both had homework, and parents that were probably wondering where they were.
"I'm sorry if your dad gets angry with you," Sasuke said as he once again held Hinata close on the crowded subway. "Tell him I kidnapped you, and you had no choice."
This made the girl giggled. "As much as I don't want him to be angry with m-me, I don't want him to angry with you either."
"Hn."
Unlike most of her classmates that lived in apartments, Hinata actually had a decent-sized house a bit outside the main part of their city. The walk from the metro station was a bit long, but Sasuke insisted that he didn't want her walking alone that late at night. She didn't refuse, and when they reached her house she turned to thank him, taking both his hands.
"I had a r-really good time," she murmured.
"Then maybe we'll have to do this again sometime," the boy replied with a typical Sasuke smirk.
"S-sure!"
The air turned a bit awkward, and Sasuke slowly backed away, hands slipping from hers. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah..."
The ride home for Sasuke was lonely. Standing on the train, his gaze was distant as he thought. He had really had fun that day. Part of him wanted to tell his brother to call the deal off and leave Hinata to him, but he knew that his brother deserved a chance. Hinata, from what he had gathered that day, was a sweet girl with a pleasant disposition. As much as he hated to admit it, he could easily picture her with his brother. Itachi was more polite, quiet, and kind than Sasuke, and their personalities would likely meld much better. So when Sasuke stepped into his own home, he went into his room without a word and stayed there the rest of the night.
Alrighty guys, that wraps up chapter two! Chapter three will be out tomorrow. I've been trying to update around noon, but there may be some complication tomorrow, so it may end up being at a different time.
Review, pretty please? *puppy dog eyes*
