AN: Hahaha wow. Okay, I understand if you're mad, cause yeah, I said I would update a lot more once summer hit. See the thing is, I expected to become an antisocial recluse who did nothing but stay in my house and feast on ramen. That didn't really happen. Well the first part didn't. All of my friends actually want to do stuff with me, which is nice, but also not cause fanfiction. In other words, I'm really, really sorry!
Anyway, after about two months of waiting, I hope you enjoy chapter four of Naruella! While I was writing this I was listening to the song Sugar You by Oh Honey and it just added to the fluffyness of this chapter. I thought it was really cute~ Just thought I'd suggest it.
Chapter 4-
' and without a word of goodbye she slipped from the Prince's arms and ran down the steps. As she ran she lost one of her slippers, but not for a moment did she dream of stopping to pick it up!'
"Miss Haruno should be here soon, shouldn't she?" Itachi asks.
"It seems she wasn't able to make it." I reply carelessly.
"Oh? And why might that be?"
"She's not feeling well."
"I see, so you didn't invite her after all?"
"No."
He sighs, "What will Father say?"
"He won't know."
Which is true. He's been getting increasingly ill and will more than likely be locked away in his room for most, if not all, of the evening.
"So what do you plan on doing this evening?"
"Who knows?"
"You could try to socialize among the Hyuuga. Lady Hanabi will most likely need someone to keep her company."
"No no, I don't think that will be happening again anytime soon."
"Again?"
"Yesterday at the festival I let her cling to my arm for a few minutes. I think I'd rather poison myself than do that again."
"Oh, it couldn't have been that bad."
"She's fake. She slaps a smile on her face when she see's me and slaps servants in the face when she feels like it. She's disgusting."
"Prince Itachi," A servant enters bowing towards my brother, "Prince Sasuke," then he bows towards me, "the Hyuuga family have just arrived at the palace."
"Excellent," Itachi says, "send them in."
The servant bows and exits the room silently.
"Well, I suppose that's my cue to leave." I mutter.
"Where will you be?"
"I thought I'd take a stroll around the maze. Why?"
"I need to know where to send that servant boy, don't I?" Itachi smirks at me.
I scowl in reply before casually making my way towards the royal gardens. Who said I wanted to see that idiot anyway?
…
Itachi greets us in what seems to be the seventh living room of the palace. Every Hyuuga family member, save Hanabi, has been more than excited to come here. So excited, in fact, that Lord Hyuuga almost forgot to enforce my punishment. This is, until Hanabi brought it up. So in other words, I haven't eaten since yesterday's lunch and it's killing me.
"Excellent, you even brought your servant boy. If you would, follow that young lady over there?" Itachi says, motioning towards a maid in the corner.
"Of course, your highness." I bow before moving away from the Hyuuga family and towards the maid who is now moving into the hallway.
"Hey," I say once I've caught up, "so what are we doing today?"
"I'm simply escorting you to the royal gardens, nothing more."
"Oh okay. So am I going to learn how to garden or..?"
"I was not informed, I was only told to take you there."
"Oh..."
The rest of our walk is in silence while the maid leads the way through the maze that everyone refers to as the palace. Once we reach the outdoors, the maid turns around and leaves without a word.
"I didn't think you would show up."
Oh you have got to be kidding me.
"What, did you forget how to talk? Well, it certainly makes you more pleasant."
There in front of me stands Prince Sasuke, haughty as ever. His stupid smirk just makes the raised eyebrow even more annoying.
"Why the hell are you here?!"
"I live here, idiot."
"No, I mean, why are you talking to me? Aren't you supposed to be meeting your fiancé or whatever?!"
Of course my stomach sees this as the perfect opportunity to make itself known.
"You haven't even eaten yet?" He snickers.
"Hey, that's your fault!"
"My fault?"
"If you wouldn't have made a big deal with Hanabi, then everything would be fine!"
"She needed to learn her place. She can't treat people like they're trash. Even if it's you. Come on."
"Where are we... Hey! What do you mean 'even if it's you'?"
"Just shut up." The smirk fades and eventually is replaced with a look of sheer boredom. I shouldn't bother me... But it does.
"Hey, look at me! I'm Prince Sasuke and all I do is mope around all the time and act like an antisocial prick!" I say in a deep voice, marching forward ridiculously.
Sasuke scowls over at me, not at all amused by my imitation. At least, not on the outside anyway.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"I'm being you. It's fun." I get a scoff as a reply and a small shove.
"Oh I wouldn't start that if I were you." I say, pushing the Prince lightly.
"Moron." He shoves me harder this time and I stumble but keep up.
"Jerk." I shove back.
"Peasant." Push.
"Jackass." Shove.
"Loser." Shove.
"Bastard." Push.
This time I shove a bit too hard. Sasuke stumbles backwards, threatening his balance. His hands shoots out for something to grab onto and the only thing in the vicinity is me.
We tumble onto the floor, me on top of the Prince, limbs tangling together in an attempt to soften the fall. I take a moment to notice that my mouth is pressed to his neck in a way that makes my face ignite and I try to scramble off of him, but to no avail. I can't get enough leverage to push myself up.
Sasuke keeps completely still. I don't know if he just doesn't care or if he's still in shock.
Eventually I manage to get high enough to see his face. I've never seen him look at me like that before. The worst part is, I don't know what it means. It doesn't matter though, because my hand is slipping on these stupid floors. Which means-
Both of our eyes widen as I fall again, only this time out mouths connect. It makes my heart stop and race at the same time. I can't understand what this is. It's like I'm on a mountain with no air, but I know fully well that I can breathe.
This time Sasuke pushes me off of him, much to my relief, and strangely, my disappointment. It takes him only a second to stand before he's walking again, leaving me sit for a moment and try to take in what just happened.
I can't describe how embarrassed I am. Yet, I'm less disgusted than I might have imagined. Besides, it was only an accident, right? So it shouldn't be that big of an issue.
I stand too, not quite sure if I should keep following Prince Sasuke or not. I decide I might as well, because it was an accident after all and honestly, I'm still hoping for some food.
...
My heart is racing so fast I think it might explode. That imbecile! I can't believe he... That we... And I just laid there...
I want to hate him for doing this to me. For making me turn into a flustered girl with only the simplest form of intimacy. I can't look at him, no matter what I do, I can't. But I told him to follow me, so he will most likely do so.
I have to calm down, get a grip. It was only a kiss after all. I've had to fake a couple for Father, and that was merely an accident. A slip up. It meant nothing. For both of us.
Sure enough, I hear the sound of distant footstep trailing behind me.
"Keep up, idiot, or you might get lost." Did I say this only to keep him close?
Eventually Naruto catches up. He doesn't look flustered, or even disgusted. Has he forgotten already? Why does this bother me so much? I... Damn you Itachi, why do you have to make assumptions that end up being correct! Yes, I have come to like this idiot. But why? Why a servant boy, of all people?
...
Prince Sasuke has been pretty tense since the... 'Accident'. He didn't look at me at all during our late lunch and was quiet as he led me back through the castle gardens, including the mazes. I don't know if he's still embarrassed or if he's just normally this quiet. A couple times I almost tried to leave but he'd tell me not to wander off, so this whole time we've been walking around silence, and it's almost dinner. I haven't really thought of anything to say, even after all this time. Maybe just a random conversation would work?
"So… where's the girl you invited over?"
"She isn't coming."
"Oh… why?"
"I didn't invite her."
"What? But you said-"
"I lied."
"Is it because you don't like women?"
"Yes."
"But, some of them really aren't that bad. Lady Hinata is nice."
"That's not it."
"Huh? But I thought-"
"That was true. But that's not the only reason."
"So you didn't answer my question fully! I answered your question. You know my name, so I get to know why you don't like women."
"I'm sick."
I stop. "You're what?"
"It's not like Father. It's… different."
"So… what's wrong with you?"
"I can't like women. I've tried, but I can't seem to like them."
"Well maybe you just haven't met the right one?"
"That's not it."
"Well how do you know?"
"Because I like men."
I freeze. Okay, maybe talking was a bad idea. Let's go back in time and pretend this didn't happen. I can't believe this is actually happening. That's why he's been so quiet! He… Does he like me?! Oh my… We… I… Shit! He's looking at me… He's…
"I don't like you. Don't be an idiot."
...such an asshole!
"I didn't ask you!"
"You were going to."
Okay, yeah, I was going to ask. But I was worried! Come on! I just… Well… Wait. Is it… wrong? I mean, everyone thought that I was a problem child. Someone to be avoided. Someone who isn't trustworthy… But everyone also thinks that a guy liking another guy is wrong. So… maybe it's possible that they could be wrong again. I mean, if you love someone… should it matter who it is?
It's still a weird thing to think about, the Prince of all people liking guys. It will certainly take some getting used to. But… as of right now, it's still really weird.
"So… who do you like then?"
"That's none of your business." And with that, he turns around and begins walking the hallways again. "Come on, it's almost time for dinner. We will be eating apart from the Hyuuga for your sake."
"...Thanks." I mumble, before following him at a distance I know I didn't put there before. I don't want to, but I'm suddenly uncomfortable being close to the Prince. I know he said he didn't like me, and I don't like him, so it shouldn't matter, but it's still weird. Thinking that he could potentially like me is new.
"So… why are you so nice to me?" I'm still curious. What are we?
Prince Sasuke doesn't answer immediately. Maybe he doesn't know either.
"It started out I was curious about you. You're different. You don't treat me like I'm different, even though I am. You treat me like you would anyone else. Then I began to understand your situation. I realized you needed help. I not saying you can't do anything for yourself, but if your current position, I imagine it could be difficult. I don't like the way those people treat you. When that girl slapped you… Does everyone treat you like that?"
"Not everyone. Hinata is nice. And so are you. Well, you are when you aren't being an asshole. So, I guess that means it's just Hinata who's nice to me." I earn a glare for that, and it makes everything feel… next to normal. Enough for me to take stride next to Sasuke.
"Awww, poor Prince Sasuke. He doesn't like it when I call him mean." I coo at him, laughing.
"Shut up, idiot. I don't care what you say about me." He retorts.
"Do you like me?"
"We already went over-"
"No, no! Not like that! I mean, like friends."
I get a raised eyebrow at that. "Are you seriously asking a prince if he is friends with a servant boy?"
"Yup!"
He sighs. "Well, I obviously like you enough to keep you around."
"So is that a yes? That means yes, right?"
"Think what you like."
"Oh, come on! Don't be like that. We're friends."
"Is that what you want us to be?"
"I guess." I don't really know what I want us to be. But I know I like Sasuke. I like being around him, and even though he's a jerk, I really like talking to him. So I guess, yeah, that means I want to be his friend.
"Too bad."
"What?! Why?"
"I can't be friends with someone as stupid as you. It reflects on me."
"Hey! I'm not stupid!"
"Can you read?"
…Damn him.
"You can't read?"
"No, I can't. Stop asking."
"Did no one teach you?"
"There was no one who wanted to talk to me for most of my life, let alone teach me."
He looks at me for a long time after that. It's making me pretty uncomfortable, but it's not my fault that I can't read! There was no way for me to learn.
"Come on." He grabs my wrist, pulling me along with him.
"H-Hey! I know how to walk, ya know!"
"Shut up."
He ends up taking me to the library. I've never seen so many books in my life. I've been in a bookstore before, but I never knew that a place could have such a large selection of books.
"We'll start with the ones that were read to me as a child." Sasuke says as he pulls me over to a table and forces me to sit in one of the empty chairs. He then begins pulling different books scattered throughout the library before setting them in front of me.
"Sasuke, I… I thought we were going to eat dinner?"
He looks at me a little surprised. I don't know why, it's just dinner.
"Did you just call me Sasuke?"
Crap! "Sorry! Sorry, I meant to say Prince Sasuke."
"No. Don't say Prince… You shouldn't have to if we're friends."
"Ha! So we are friends!"
"Shut up, I'm trying to teach you how to read."
"But you never answered me about dinner."
"They'll bring it to us. Now hurry up and focus."
Sasuke reads a couple of the books to me, and I'm starting to see where the squiggles can make sense. It starts out with the smaller words, I start to recognize them. Once we reach book three Sasuke starts assigning me words to read, like 'it' and 'that'.
"How do you know how to say the word? Do you just have to memorize all of them?"
"Each letter makes a different sound. No one even taught you that much?"
"I already told you, no."
He sighs. "Alright, we'll go over the alphabet then."
The door the library opens. "Prince Sasuke? We've brought dinner for you and your guest."
"Set it on the end of the table."
"Yes, your highness."
"We aren't eating now?"
"We are going to finish this book first." He replies, pointing back to the book we're on.
I honestly don't think I'll be able to remember all of this… but I really like that he's trying to teach me.
…
We spend a lot more time in the library that I originally thought we would. It's almost dark and the fireworks are probably about to start.
"Hey, stupid, we're going to miss the fireworks if you don't hurry up." I call, making my way for the stairs leading to one of the taller towers of the castle.
"Fireworks?"
"Don't tell me you don't know what they are."
"I know what fireworks are! I just didn't know there were going to be any."
"They are to celebrate the end of the three day festival."
"Oh. Cool!"
The blonde eagerly follows me up the seemingly endless flight of stairs until we reach the top. This tower has a perfect view of the lake behind the castle as well as the gardens. And it seems like we're right on time.
The first firework goes off, leading to several others.
"This is so awesome! I've never seen fireworks this close before."
I can't help but smile a little. He's not used to luxuries like this, and it seems to make the fireworks that much better.
After a while I realize I'm not even really watching the fireworks anymore, but how Naruto is taking in the experience.
"Naruto."
He looks at me, he looks like he's glowing in the light of the fireworks.
"Thank you."
It throws me off a little, but the desire inside of my chest just grows with the comment.
"I lied."
He looks confused. "Huh?" I like every expression his face can make.
I like him.
I know this is stupid and impulsive, but if even for a second, I want to be close to him. And so without any hesitation, I lean forward, bringing my lips to his and let my heart swell. I've never felt like this before. Like a fire's been ignited inside of my chest. Is this what it's supposed to feel like? Is this what everyone feels when they like someone like this?
It takes about five full seconds before Naruto realizes what's going on, and he jerks away from me like he's been burned. A hand reaches up to cover his mouth and wide blue eyes can't leave mine.
"I thought you said…"
"I told you, I lied."
"I…" That word hangs in the air for a long time as the fireworks blaze in their finale. Even when the fireworks end and tower is now dark, Naruto is still quiet.
"Naruto?"
"I… I can't. Not… Not with a guy." And with that he turns around, and bolts down the stairs.
…
I run blindly, trying desperately not to trip on the stairs. It takes me back to two nights ago at the night of the ball. Last time I was running to get somewhere. This time I'm running to get away from someone.
On the way down I feel one of my shoes start to come loose. This can't be happening right now! It continues to slip until it's completely fallen off. I can't stop to get it. I don't know if he's following me, but it doesn't matter. I can't be around Sasuke right now. I make it to the bottom of the stairs and bolt in the direction that I hope leads to the front doors. After a few turns and some confused looks by some maids, I make it back.
For once, my luck is good, because the Hyuuga family are also just entering the room, which means they are probably ready to leave.
"Oh, Naruto, perfect timing." Hinata says as I approach them.
"What happened to your shoe?" Lord Hyuuga asks.
"Ah… I… I lost it…"
"... Ok, would you like to tell me how?"
"I… went for a swim! In the lake. And I took off my shoes to swim, but when I came back one of them was gone. I think an animal took it."
"...I see."
Prince Itachi turns to me, looking amused. "Naruto, have you perhaps seen my brother at all?"
"No!"
Everyone's looking at me like I just swallowed a horse.
"I mean, I saw him a little after I got here, but it was just in passing. I haven't seen him for the rest of the day…"
"Hm. Thank you."
I bow in response.
"Thank you for having us, Prince Itachi." Lady Hyuuga says, pulling the attention back onto the Hyuuga family.
"Of course. You'll have to visit again some time soon when Father is feeling well. I'd like him to meet Hinata before the wedding."
"We would love that." Lady Hyuuga replies.
"I'll see you soon." Itachi says to Hinata.
She nods in his direction and with that the Hyuuga lead the way out of the palace.
I don't think I've ever felt so relieved to be going to the Hyuuga home.
…
I follow down the stairs a minute later, going slowly as to not trip in the darkness. Near the bottom I step on something. Bending down, I pick up what feels like a shoe. Once I reach the hallway I confirm my suspicions and realize that that blonde idiot is more stupid than I originally thought.
I quickly make my way towards the foyer where I hope to find the servant boy only to be stopped by my brother just outside the room.
"They just left."
"Naruto forgot his shoe." I say, trying to move around him only to be stopped by a hand circling my wrist.
"He already made up a story to cover it. You'd only get him in trouble if you tried to give it to him now."
I stay still for a while before turning around to leave.
"What happened?"
"Nothing happened."
"Did you tell him?"
"Tell him what?"
"That you like him."
"...Yeah."
Itachi turns me towards him, giving me a small smile.
"Just give him some time. He probably needs a little in order to take it in."
I hope that's all he needs…
I wish… I wish I could have him. I wish he could feel the same. I wish I didn't kiss him. I wish it wasn't him that my heart beats for. And… a small part of me wishes we had never met. Just so I didn't have to worry about what will happen if I've lost him.
AN: Yay! It's done! Again, I'm really sorry this took so long! I'll try to get chapter 5 done and out of the way as soon as possible! I won't take two months, I swear. I will force myself to finish this in a timely manner! I'm hoping to finish Naruella before school starts back up so I can start a new series. I'm thinking of doing something similar with other Naruto pairings and mixing them with Disney themed plots. Of course I won't do that until I've finished Naruella.
Anyway, thanks for reading! Please comment, follow, and/or favorite. I love everyone who has already done any or all of these things. Seriously, I absolutely adore you.
