--Two Weeks Later--
Risu: -exits the hospital with Naruto next to her. He never left her side while she was in the hospital. The only time he ever left was when he went to go get ramen for her. Other than that, he always cheered her up and made her laugh. It was great! But one thing was bugging her. She looked over at Ryume who walked out of the building silently with Neji trying to catch up with her. She turns to Naruto- Hey, Naruto-
Naruto: You've noticed it too? About Ryume-Chan?
Risu: Erm, yeah. How'd you know?
Naruto: I've noticed that I could never make her laugh while she was in the hospital. She only smiled then put a frown back on whenever I turned back around. It's like she's been thinking a lot.
Risu: She has. I know her too well to know. –she squinted as she saw Neji put a hand on Ryume's shoulder, making her jump- She's been thinking about Sasuke and Hikuro. It's gotta be it. I mean, they haven't visited her ever since. Everyone else did except them. Kiba, TenTen, Hinate, Rika, Kakashi, everyone, heck, even Shino.
Naruto: Yeah you gotta point. –looks over at Ryume also-
Ryume: -puts a hand over her chest- Oh my goodness.
Neji: Oh, Ryume, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you! Are you okay?
Ryume: -puts her hand up- Oh, don't worry about it, I'm fine. Just a little shocked. –tries to smile-
Neji: -says softly- Oh, Ryume…
Ryume: Hm? What's wrong?
Neji: You keep thinking about them, don't you?
Ryume: Who?
Neji: You know whom, Sasuke and Hikuro. They haven't seen you ever since then. They could've at least apologized! Ryume, please stop making yourself unhappy because of them.
Ryume: But I'm not unhappy.
Neji: -grabs her shoulders- Ryume, I know you. Please don't lie to me. I know. It's okay. You can tell me your feelings.
Ryume: -looks away- I'm just a little stressed.
Neji: I know, I know. But you mustn't let that take over you. Fix the problem and then move on. You're not finding a solution.
Ryume: -smiles softly then whispers- You're acting like Kasaigaru.
Neji: Isn't that a good thing? –chuckles-
Ryume: -puts her head down and hides her face- I… I guess so…
Neji: Ryume? –lifts her head and sees her sad eyes- Ryume, what's wrong?
Ryume: Kasaigaru left for a mission… again.
Neji: Again? What do you mean?
Ryume: He's always busy. I… I'm not… I'm just not comfortable with it! –she shakes out of Neji grasp and runs off, unsuccessfully because of her wounds-
Risu: -approaches Neji- What was that all about?
Naruto: Yeah, Ryume-Chan would never run away from you. And, yes, Risu-Chan, that was a compliment.
Neji: She's worried about Kasaigaru. I can tell. She misses him.
Risu: Whoa, whoa, whoa. This is all about Kasaigaru?
Naruto: We thought it was Sasuke and Hikuro.
Neji: It's all three.
Risu: That would make sense.
Naruto: Yeah, but Ryume-Chan's getting all worked up over that?
Neji: -sighs- Naruto, Kasaigaru is all she has. He's her only family and she doesn't like being alone. She does at the appropriate times, but she has a good reason for it. Before she became a ninja, and he became important to the village, he never left her side. Now, he's off doing his job and leaving her.
Naruto: But isn't she a kind of person to understand? I mean come on; this is Ryume we're talking about.
Neji: It's not just that. Ryume senses that Kasaigaru is angry which makes her feel guilty because she can't do anything to help.
Risu: And why's Kasaigaru angry?
Neji: Because whenever he leaves, he always has faith in Ryume's friends that they'll keep an eye on her. Sasuke especially. Kasaigaru counted on Sasuke to help her when she needed it. But since he hasn't been doing his job very well, he gets upset.
Risu: Well why can't Kasaigaru just ask Tsunade for a break? He needs one. And so does Ryume.
Neji: It's not that easy. Like I said before, he's an important figure in the village.
Naruto: Seriously? That important?
Neji: It would seem so. Well, I'm not really comfortable talking about this, so I'll let you two go. See you around.
Risu: See ya Neji.
Naruto: See ya.
Risu: Well that was weird.
-Later-
Neji: -stops and checks the address again. Thinks; This must be his house. Hikuro's house. –he hesitates before he knocks on the door. It was about two minutes later when he had to knock again. Everyone had been saying that they hadn't seen him in a while. He must be on a mission. Then Neji heard footsteps and the door opened a crack.-
Hikuro: What do you want? –his dark brown eyes tired and weary-
Neji: -raises his eyebrows as he looks a Hikuro from the cracked open door. His eyes were dazed and tired and his clothes were loose and dirty.- What have you been doing for the past two weeks?!
Hikuro: That's what you cam here for? You nosy little-
Neji: No I didn't come for that. I came because of Ryume.
Hikuro: -eyes look away- I'm not supposed to see her.
Neji: But she needs to see you.
Hikuro: Yeah right.
Neji: It's true.
Hikuro: Tsch.
Neji: -angrily says- You nor Sasuke have visited her yet! She's crushed! Everyone's seen her except you two.
Hikuro: Then go tell her boyfriend that.
Neji: -opens the door and grabs his collar making him jump- Do you not care for her? Because she cares for you. Is this what she gets?
Hikuro: -looks away- Get out.
Neji: -growls then stops and looks at Hikuro's tiny apartment. It was a huge mess. Clothes were all over the floor along with papers and photos. His kitchen was full of dirty dishes and the trash hadn't been taken out. Neji let go of Hikuro and looked at him strangely- What have you been doing??
Hikuro: None of your business now get out!
Neji: No one's seen you in days. You're saying you've been in your house this whole time? Doing nothing?
Hikuro: I never said that.
Neji: -shakes head and walks out door- I'm bringing Ryume over.
Hikuro: LIKE HELL YOU'RE NOT!!
Neji: I'm bringing her over.
Hikuro: Yeah right!
Neji: -continues to walk away calmly- I will. And you don't even have to open the door if you don't want to. But all that'll do is hurt her.
Hikuro: Tsch. I don't believe you. You wouldn't drag her down here anyways. I bet she doesn't wanna see my face! Ha! Like I'd care anyway!
Neji: I bet you would. –closes door-
Hikuro: -growls then punches wall- That nosy brat! He wouldn't drag Ryume in this. She won't come. I know it.
Neji: -knocks on Ryume's door and waits-
Ryume: -opens door slightly- Hi Neji.
Neji: Ryume, I have a favor to ask of you.
Ryume: -opens door wider- Sure. What is it?
Neji: May you please come with me to see Hikuro?
Ryume: -the question catches her off guard- um, well; I'm not allowed to see him.
Neji: I think your limit's about up by now, don't you think?
Ryume: -shakes head and holds her arm nervously- I doubt he even wants to see me.
Neji: You know, that's exactly what Hikuro said. –smiles as Ryume looks up surprised. He reaches out and holds her hand- Trust me. You need to see him. –smile fades- He's not doing so good.
Ryume: -suddenly worried- What do you mean? Is he okay?!
Neji: Not mentally.
Ryume: -hesitates then after a few moments, she finally answers confidently- I want to see him.
Neji: -nods and still holding onto her hand, walks her to Hikuro's home-
Hikuro: -is lying on the couch when he hears the door knock. He freezes.- No… It has to be someone else. Not Ryume. She wouldn't come. –another knock- Dang it. –gets up and walks to the door but then stops and remembers:
Neji: I'm bringing her over.
Hikuro: Yeah right!
Neji: -continues to walk away calmly- I will. And you don't even have to open the door if you don't want to. But all that'll do is hurt her.
Hikuro: -stops in midair when he reaches for the knob. Thinks; I don't have to open it if I don't want to. But… Ryume… What will she think if I…? –then he hears Neji's voice from the other side-
Neji: I told him he didn't have to open the door if he chose not to. I apologize, Ryume. Let's go. Do you want to go out somewhere? –his voice drifts-
Hikuro: -suddenly flings open the door and cries out- WAIT!
Ryume: -is close to tears as she stops-
Neji: -still holding her hand, looks back also, almost smiling-
Ryume: -looks away-
Hikuro: Ryume I… I didn't mean it I… It's just… -he shudders-… I'm sorry.
Ryume: -looks at him in the eye and tears build up. She says softly- Hikuro… No, I'm sorry. I-
Hikuro: -cuts her off- Just shut up! –out of nowhere suddenly grabs her and hugs her tightly, making Neji let go of her hand.-
Ryume: -gasps and for once doesn't turn red-
Neji: -after a moment, says playfully- Ryume, you're not blushing.
Hikuro: -loosens his grip on her and looks into her eyes. Then he grins- Yeah, for once you aren't!
Ryume: -now blushes and looks away, arms crossed- Oh be quiet! I don't blush all the time. And besides, I can't help-
Hikuro: -hugs her again and shuts her up. Then he starts to chuckle- You little idiot. But you're my little idiot.
Neji: -eyebrows rises as he hears last words. Then he starts to laugh softly as Ryume's face turns red- All right, Hikuro, I think she gets it. Don't collapse her lungs again.
Hikuro: -mutters- Oh, sorry. –lets go of Ryume but leaves an arm around her shoulder. He feels the two stare at him when he looks away but doesn't put his arm down.-
Ryume: -smiles then starts to laugh- I don't think Hikuro's fully healed yet. –she laughs again-
Hikuro: -leans in at eye level with her (he's pretty tall) and raises an eyebrow with his hands on his hips- And what's that supposed to mean?
Ryume: -smiles then rolls her eyes- Oh, nothing. I just think you're head's still a little messed up in there. –she ruffles his hair making it messier-
Hikuro: -pats his hair down again-
Neji: How about two get cleaned up then go out for a bit?
Hikuro: Huh?
Ryume: That sounds great! Maybe we could get Risu and Naruto, too. Just the five of us…
Neji: Four.
Hikuro: You're not coming?
Ryume: What? Why not?
Neji: -smiles apologetically- I'll leave you guys alone.
Hikuro: -suddenly smirks and he grins evilly down at Ryume- Oh I get it. It's kinda gonna be like a double date.
Ryume: WHAAAAAT!? –comes free from under Hikuro's arm and waves her arms around, nervous and confused- W-What are you talking about?! A double date?! No, no, no, way!
Hikuro: -pouts and looks away with his arms crossed-
Neji: -laughs- I don't think he aggress with you, Ryume. –leans in and whispers- He really wants to go out with you for a while.
Ryume: -turns red and stops waving her arms about-
Hikuro: Hey! What the heck did you tell her?!
Neji: It's settled then. You two get cleaned up, and then meet somewhere. How about Ryume's? All right, I'll see you later, Hikuro. Let's go Ryume. –grabs her hand and walks her back home-
Hikuro: -stands there and blinks- What the hell was that? –shrugs- Oh well. –then he freezes once he's inside his apartment.- Wait a minute! I'm gonna be with Naruto?! AWW CRAP!!
-Later-
Ryume: -has finished drying her hair after her shower and puts on her dark blue capris with a light blue shirt on top. She brushed through her long brown hair and walks out of the bathroom and out of her room to the kitchen/living room. Once she opened the door she jumped.-
Hikuro: -sitting on her couch patiently (for once), waiting for her. He looks up then stands automatically and rubs the back of his head- Oh, Ryume, uhh, hey.
Ryume: -smiles- Hey. Neji left?
Hikuro: -still acting strange- Uhh, yeah. He went to go tell Risu and Naruto about today… -he sneaks a glance at Ryume who was in the kitchen organizing a few things. He blushes then turns away- Uhh… You ready?
Ryume: Yep! –smiles then walks with Hikuro out the door. She stops as she notices Hikuro acting strange- Hikuro? Are you okay? You look… nervous.
Hikuro: Huh? Oh, no, of course not. Why would I be nervous? –walks ahead of Ryume covering his face-
Risu: -giggles and follows beside him. Then she talks to herself- Hikuro's nervous about today. He's afraid he might slip something. –she stifles a laugh-
Hikuro: What?! Of course not! I'm not nervous! And what do you mean might slip something?
Ryume: -laughs and runs ahead to the ramen bar- Oh, nothing!
Hikuro: Hey! –runs after than her, much faster, then grabs her hand and drags her-
Naruto: Ryume-Chan!! –calls from the ramen bar.-
Ryume: -waves back- Hey Naruto! Hey Risu!
Risu: -peeks from behind and grins happily-
Ryume: -sits next to Risu with Hikuro on the other side of her.- Hey, what's up?
Risu: Wow, your mood changed since this morning when you came out of the hospital.
Ryume: Yeah, but everything's fine now. –smiles at Hikuro who had a confused look on his face-
Hikuro: Hey, wait, are you talking about me?
Risu: I think so. Ha ha.
Ryume: -smiles and orders ramen for both of them-
-Once they're all done, they walk around the village together and enjoy themselves. With Naruto and Hikuro nervously trying to grab Risu or Ryume's hand.-
Ryume: Looks like it's getting a bit late. We should head back. It was fun you two!
Risu: You bet! –gleams and slings an arm around her buddy-
Naruto: See ya, Ryume-Chan! So long Hikuro.
Hikuro: See ya. –turns around, eager to leave-
Ryume: Well that was fun. –notices Hikuro's expression- But it looked like you didn't.
Hikuro: Huh? No, I did… sorta. –he mumbled
Ryume: Well, it's not exactly that late. Wanna do something together?
Hikuro: -blushes and looks away- I don't care.
Ryume: Oh, okay. Well I guess I'll see you later.
Hikuro: -looks back and says nervously- Uh, wait! I meant I don't care where we go… -then he mutters- If I'm with you, I'm fine…
Ryume: -blushes- Okay then. Well, how about we walk on the path in the woods for a bit? It'll be peaceful at night.
Hikuro: Uhh, sure. –follows Ryume to the woods-
Ryume: -enters onto the path-
Hikuro: -after a few moments finally grabs her hand and brings her to him.-
Ryume: Hikuro? What are you-
Hikuro: -brings his face close to her ear and whispers- I'm glad we're alone.
Ryume: -turns red- Umm… me too… I guess.
Hikuro: -sighs- Sorry… -starts to walk but keeps his hand around Ryume's.-
-Meanwhile-
Naruto: Hey, look! A full moon's out tonight!
Risu: It's so pretty.
Naruto: Wanna go see it from the roof?
Risu: Sure! –grins-
Naruto: -grins back and they both go to the rooftop. They both sit there for a while with Naruto keep sneaking glances at Risu. Then he couldn't take it.- Risu-Chan?
Risu: -meets his eyes and looks at him questioningly.- Yeah Naruto?
Naruto: Risu-Chan, I wanted to say that… that I… I've always… -sighs then says quickly- I just wanted to say that I've always liked you a lot! I mean a lot!
Risu: -blushes in confusion-
Naruto: Don't you understand?! –grabs Risu's shoulders and bring her face inches away from his. He leans in and hesitates. Finally, he brings his lips to her and kisses her-
Risu: -eyes widens in shock then does an automatic reflex and punches him square in the face- WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!
Naruto: -holds his cheek and stammers- W-what are y-you talking about?? I just said I liked you a lot!
Risu: -turns pink- Yeah but-!
Naruto: -suddenly hugs her ad whispers- Risu-Chan… Sorry for that but… but I just wanted you to know my feelings for you…
Risu: Na-Naruto…? This is a joke right?? Just a joke!?
Naruto: No… -gazes deep into her eyes- This isn't a joke. I'll even prove it to you. –he kisses her again-
Risu: -stiffens but then chills and relaxes.-
Naruto: -separates- Well…?
Risu: -blushed then hugs him tightly- Oh, shut up you baka…
Naruto: -smiles and hugs her back, enjoying the moonlight with her for most of the rest of the night…-
--
Ryume: Well maybe we should head back home. It's pretty dark out.
Hikuro: Sure.
Ryume: I had fun though, thanks for staying. –smiles-
Hikuro: -blushes then looks away. He never let go of Ryume's hand and when she turned to leave, his grip stayed the same, making her look back at him confused.-
Ryume: Hikuro?
Hikuro: -doesn't say anything as he stares into her emerald eyes.- Ryume… -his grip on her hand loosens. Ryume takes a step back but then gasps as she's being grabbed again and hugged tightly.-
Ryume: Hikuro, what's wrong? You've been acting strange.
Hikuro: -whispers- Ryume… I… I like you a lot. I mean… a lot. You have no idea.
Ryume: -eyes widens and she stands still- Hikuro… -then she gasps as Hikuro's lips meet hers. They were gentle and meant no harm. She relaxes then closes her eyes.-
Hikuro: -separates from Ryume- Hey, what the heck?! –he panics as she starts to sway and falls into him, her face red.- Ryume? Hey, yoo-hoo, Ryume? Are you okay? Helloooo?! What the hell was that?
Ryume: -mumbles with eyes still closed against his chest- Sorry… Wasn't expecting it.
Hikuro: Oh… -then hesitatingly, wraps his arms around Ryume and holds her against him, holding her up.- You okay, though?
Ryume: Yes. Sorry. –tries to lift herself up straight-
Hikuro: You don't have to push yourself. –looks at Ryume, thankful for the darkness so she wouldn't see him blushing, and put his forehead against hers, closing his eyes, still holding onto her.-
Ryume: -mumbles after a few moments- I'm really tired. Can you take me home, please?
Hikuro: I can.
Ryume: -mumbles- May you please take me home?
Hikuro: Sheesh, I can barely hear you mumbling. You really are tired. –chuckles and tucks Ryume under his arm and wraps his arm around her waist, supporting her, and walks to her house.-
Ryume: -flops down on the couch once they get home and curls up on the armrest, eyes getting heavy. She hears Hikuro close the door behind him and sit next on the floor in front of Ryume.- Thank you, Hikuro.
Hikuro: No problem. Whoa, it's almost eleven thirty. Guess we really were out late. –looks back at Ryume who has her eyes closed. He smiles to himself and puts his hand to her cheek. He whispers- Ryume… I'm so sorry I caused you pain. I feel like a fool.
Ryume: -barely a whisper- Don't…
Hikuro: -jumps back startled then turns pink and turns away. Looking back, Ryume's eyes were still closed and her breathing was heavy. He gets on his knees and leans in towards Ryume. Very gently, his lips met hers again and he hugs her gently. Letting go of her, he got up and drapes a blanket over her. Before he leaves, he looks back and smiles at his best friend.-