Author's Notes:
I'm back with a new chapter! =)

Hope I didn't scar anyone with the last line of last chapter.. Have any ideas about it? =P

A bit of warning, the beginning of this chapter has a bit detail to it.. still within the T rating.

*Drum roll and curtains open*


Sasuke

I lay on my bed, wearing only a pair of black shorts, and stared at the ceiling, with my arms behind my head. My first official day with Hinata played through my mind like a silent black and white film.

There was so much more to Hinata than what I had assumed. Before I had approached Hinata, or even made myself known to her outside the bookstore, I had silently watched her during my seven-day grace period.

A quiet thump outside my door had me on my feet in an instant. I lived in this house alone. I pulled my door open and frowned. Nothing. My eyes drifted down the hall to the front door. Pale light filtered through the frosted window set beside the door. A shadow moved across it.

I tilted my head, listening. The sound of knuckles on wood had me moving to open the front door. In the pale moonlight stood a mythical being. Her lilac nightgown glowed softly in the light, and her eyes were the colour of moon dust.

"Hinata?" I forced myself to speak although I was lost at words. "What are you doing here? How did you know I lived here?"

She smiled shyly. "I followed you."

"Is something wrong?" I felt a little intimidated in my shorts, although I knew my body was in good shape.

She shook her head slowly. "No. I just wanted to see you…"

I swallowed hard. Then before I knew what was happening, the shy and timid Hinata, was in my arms, and I was kissing her. Somewhere in the back of my mind I wondered if I had grabbed her or if she had pushed herself into my arms. But it was her fault – appearing on my doorstep looking so vulnerable and achingly beautiful.

A fire simmered deep in the pit of my stomach; a fire of longing and desire. Her skin was silky beneath my fingertips and her lips soft and bitable. I shut the front door and dragged her into my room, never stopping the kiss. I felt like a hungry man, just taking and being overwhelmed by the emotions and sensations. What was this feeling? The roar of blood in my head, and the pounding of my heart against my chest – what was it? And the feeling of Hinata's body pressing against me…

We fell onto my bed and I the bed gave way. The sensation of falling shocked me awake. My dream left me cold. Leaving a gnawing pit of emptiness behind.

I sat up, head in my hands. What was I doing? What was I thinking? Did I just have a dream? Shaking the thoughts from my head, I realized it was morning. It was Day Two. Kicking off my blanket I made my way into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Although I was still clothed and the water was cool, I stood beneath the spray. I closed my eyes and prayed for the water to wash away everything that I was – to wash away my dream and my feelings.

Hinata
I smoothed out my new dress with my hands, watching my reflection in the mirror. I hated to admit it, but the dress that Sasuke picked and my new hairstyle really made me look like a different person. The dress was a pale peach colour with a design of flowers on the hem that looked as if they had been painted in indigo and cream watercolours. I still felt a little uncomfortable showing off my arms and legs so I decided to wear a cream cardigan as well.

The sun was warm and a light breeze gently tousled my hair. It made me feel more confident and sure of myself. Sasuke had gone through the trouble of helping to enhance my physical appearance, and I decided that I had to make an effort to talk to Naruto. Lucky for me, I knew Naruto would be practicing in the park during this time.

The sound of a basketball bouncing on the court sent my heart into a thundering pace. The sight of Naruto's golden hair made my palms sweat. Then seeing him shirtless, with beads of sweat running down his toned body, my mouth went dry. I couldn't even talk to Naruto at school. How could I even start a conversation with him when he was half naked!

His smile made my knees weak and then he was dribbling his ball towards me. I looked around, bewildered, wondering if Sakura was behind me.

"Are you new in this neighbourhood?" he asked, wiping his forehead with an orange sweatband on his wrist.

I couldn't speak.

His smile faltered, "It's just that I haven't seen you around. I'm Naruto by the way." He stuck out his hand. I shook his hand and felt myself blush. I was touching Naruto!

"Hinata," I finally replied, proud that I didn't stutter.

"Nice to meet you," he replied with a friendly smile. Then it became mischievous. "Do you play ball?" he spun the ball on his index finger before letting it rest in his palm, spinning like a ball of chakra.

I laughed, "I do, but I can't play in a dress." I silently cursed the dress.

He nodded to his bag that lay on the bench. "I have a spare change of clothes in my bag if you're up for a game." His grin widened. "I promise to go easy on you. We can even play a half court."

I'm not sure where my confidence came from but I found myself agreeing and changing into his clothes in the bathroom.

His clothes smelled like sunshine and ramen. Did changing my clothes and hairstyle make me so different? I was a little crestfallen that Naruto didn't recognize me and didn't know that I existed before today. I shook my head. It was okay. What mattered now was that we were friends.

Naruto grinned at me as I approached the court. His shorts hung past my knees and his shirt was too big, the sleeves brushing my elbows.

"Nice," he commented, then passed the ball to me. "Ladies first."

I smiled and bounced the ball to him to 'check'. "Half court, right?" I asked as I slowly dribbled the ball towards him. He nodded, relaxed.

I paused at the 3-point line. He raised an eyebrow and then both as I took the shot. The ball sailed through the air and neatly fell through the hoop.

"Wow," he approved. "Guess I don't need to take you lightly."

I retrieved the ball, "Winner's ball?" I asked with a grin, so huge it probably took up half my face.

"Sure. It'll be my ball next." He responded, bouncing the ball back to me.

This time, instead of Naruto hanging back, he was on the defense. I ducked past him and he spun to mirror my move. He loomed over me and I laughed and took a shot, the ball hit the rim and Naruto snatched the ball with one outstretched hand. He laughed as he took the ball to the baseline.

I surprised myself as I became a little aggressive. My arms outstretched, dancing on my toes as he weaved around me. I spun and tried to block his shot, but lost my balance. His arms came around me, and the ball dropped to the ground.

"Are you okay?" he breathed. He was so close that I could smell him and feel the heat radiating off his skin. I was aware of his bare chest and arms.

I felt my blush travel from my neck to my face up to my ears. "Sorry," I mumbled, pulling myself out of his embrace.

He rubbed the back of his head, "No problem. I didn't get any sweat on you, did I?"

I shook my head, embarrassed. Naruto was such a nice a caring guy.

The sound of his stomach growling caused us both to burst into laughter. "How bout we grab something to eat? Since you won that game, it'll be my treat."

"That's not really fair…" I protested.

"You can treat me next time if you really want."

I smiled, "Alright."

Sasuke
I had thought that a walk would clear my mind. But as soon as I approached the park, I had saw Hinata. Feeling guilty over my dream, I hid behind a tree and watched her. She looked lovely in her new dress. The dress I had bought for her. My stomach dropped when I saw her with Naruto. I should have been glad that he approached her. But I felt agitated. Especially when I heard him asking if she was new. My agitation evolved into something like jealousy when I saw Hinata wearing his clothes, and then panic when they embraced.

I punched the tree. What was wrong with me? Taking one last glance of Hinata's flushed face, I turned my back and retreated.


Sooooo.. what did you all think of the chapter? Too much mush? Unrealistic? Are you torn between Naruto and Sasuke?