First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for over one-hundred reviews! We're closing in on one-hundred faves so please hit that favorite button if you haven't already, I hate asking for it but it would be pretty awesome.
Secondly, I would like to apologize to you all for this unacceptable wait. I have had a really rough two weeks to say the absolute least that have included a pretty serious injury and a few personal issues, and this really hindered how much I was able to write. Hopefully you guys understand and know that I will do my best to get this next chapter out as soon as I can. I truly appreciate your patience and support.
Also, I would like to very much thank The Crafty Cracker yet again for not only being an amazing editor who points out all of my many boneheaded mishaps, but for also being a good friend and freaking out and worrying over me and my injury. Be sure to check out her fics, they keep getting better and better.
And lastly, to those who are questioning the lack of Hinata's confession being brought up in her conversation with Naruto, just recall the note at the end of chapter one. If something seems out of place or like it doesn't make sense, bear with me because it will soon enough. All I ask of you guys is to please have patience and bear with me here. Sorry for such a long note, and please enjoy.
A satisfied sigh escaped my smiling lips as I somewhat strolled away from the building. Words could not even begin to express how I felt. My happiness peaked and my mood was at an unfathomable high. I was breathless, speechless, and lighter than air, one might even say. I wanted to skip, to prance about the village and make a fool of myself without a care toward anyone's opinion. However, I kept my pace steady as I meandered through Konoha, unwilling to head home and confine my emotions to the large house that harbored me the majority of the time.
I had no clue what I was doing, or where I was going even, but I knew that I had to move. Everything and everyone around me seemed strangely fresh, a new life being breathed into my surroundings as a result of what had transpired between me and the love of my life – the same man who had nervously asked me to dinner. A large grin graced my lips as I recalled him, standing awkwardly in front of his desk and desperately attempting to form the words necessary to ask me out. I had stood in shock and disbelief as he managed to speak. Even now as I hummed confidently and strode away it still struck me as unbelievable.
Of course I had said yes. I had played the scenario in my head at least a hundred times now and my answer was the same. I had been asked what I always had dreamed of being asked by the likes of him. I couldn't help but picture ahead, like a fool I pictured ahead without a care. He would come over and a marvelous feast would be prepared as one was necessary to combat his enormous appetite. Afterwards we would talk, relax and maybe even partake in a bit of wine as we wasted the night away. Perhaps he would even go so far as to wrap his arms around me, and hold me close to him. I would tell him yet again how I felt and this time he would smile and nod. Those sparkling blue eyes would meet my own, and slowly he would lean in. His soft lips would press against my…
"Hinata-chan?" I was snapped out of my self-induced sexual coma and turned my head, my pale lavender eyes resting on bright azure ones that awkwardly flitted away upon meeting my own.
"Yes, Naruto-kun?" I held my composure and kept my voice firm as he readjusted his gaze to meet mine. I was unsure of why he had followed me outside, however I was not going to complain. Rather, my elation reached new heights as he opened his mouth to respond.
"I was just… wondering if maybe you wanted to head to Ichiraku's with me? My treat. I mean, I know you just left and we said our goodbyes and whatnot, I just sort of wanted to know if you'd like the company. You certainly haven't eaten lunch, have you? I was just going out to lunch and saw you were still nearby so I just figured I'd ask you. Damn it I'm rambling, I'm just nervous and a little shocked with myself and a little amazed by you and you look really pretty right now and you have this look in your eyes that's freaking me out and I'm not really sure how to handle a scenario like this and – "
"Calm down," I giggled and ignored the heat that coursed through my face. I could see the blush that dusted my cheeks reflected in his sparkling eyes that currently held my gaze as he waited for me to continue. He began nervously chewing his thumbnail as I regained my normal skin tone. "Wouldn't going with you now sort of ruin our date?"
"Date?" he croaked. "Oh, the dinner. Sorry, that word just sounds so foreign to me."
"It's a date, right?" Unintentional nervousness crept into my voice upon asking the question.
"Oh, um… yeah, totally. It's a date, we should probably call it that. And how would lunch ruin it? I don't mean to press or anything, I just sort of want to know."
"Well if we waited I would have time to prepare, and look nice, and not blush and faint and make a fool of myself. I was sort of looking forward to the wait. If we went on a date now… I don't know. It wouldn't be right."
"Oh…" he frowned slightly and I almost considered changing my mind, however I kept my lips pressed together as a mischievous gleam made itself apparent in his eyes, accompanied by a lopsided grin that made me want to laugh hysterically.
"Well then, Hinata-chan, you don't have to think of it as a date. You see, as my personal bodyguard, I am going to need your assistance. I feel my life is threatened by going to Ichiraku's all alone, and I am in need of your ability to keep me safe. However you can't go hungry on the job. So I will permit you one bowl of ramen on me to tie you over. Sound good?" My mouth gaped open and his grin returned. He seemed rather proud of himself as he crossed his arms in mock authority. "And that wasn't a request. That was an order from the Rokudaime Hokage of Konohagakure, Uzumaki Naruto himself."
A wide smile graced my lips as I nodded eagerly. "Guess my mind has been made up for me," I said and matched his pace as he strutted alongside me. He rested his hands on the back of his head as he walked, and I managed to stay as close to him as possible without brushing against his exposed side. His tactic was quite clever. I had to give him credit. He seemed happy with himself, the grin that seemed permanently etched onto his features shone brighter under the autumn sun which currently peeked its head out from one of the many clouds that littered the sky.
"So," he started as we continued on toward the restaurant. "Do you eat ramen often? I've never really seen you eat very much of it. I always assumed you just liked that fancy Hyuuga food and a few common dishes. Don't you guys look at ramen as cheap and gross?"
"Way to stereotype us all," I said through a chuckle.
"I didn't mean it that way, I swear! I just… gah, sorry, I didn't mean to offend you or anything. I always just assumed, you guys are so prim and proper. Guess that came out wrong."
"Don't worry Naruto-kun, just relax. You didn't offend me at all." He breathed a sigh of relief at my words. "Some of us really enjoy it, but most of the elders frown upon it for unexplained reasons. I really enjoy it and so does Hanabi-chan. I haven't been to Ichiraku's in a very long time though. Too bad I'll be too busy defending you from all of the threats to really savor it." He grinned as I played along, and I released a few silent, yet deep, breaths. I needed to make certain that I didn't revert back to my blushing nervousness. It was imperative that I be calm and collected under this barrage of fantasies being played out in front of me.
"Well then you're in for a treat! Being the Hokage and all, I get special treatment that no one else gets. I get my own room to eat in to make sure that I don't get bothered by civilians who want autographs and photos and stuff like that."
"But don't you love that sort of thing? I thought you liked the attention."
"I do, but you don't understand how much more I like ramen. There isn't much I'd take over a nice bowl of Ichiraku."
"Is there anything at all," I asked jokingly.
"Well, eating Ichiraku with you seems way better." My level-headedness was put to the ultimate test by his last remark, and I seemed to fail as I felt the heat leak through my cheeks.
"Thank you," I breathed the words as a small genuine smile slowly made its way across my mouth.
We arrived at the building, which had relocated a few years back due to the booming success after Naruto became the Hokage and everyone wanted to eat at his favorite restaurant. The owner, a rather kind man named Teuchi and his daughter who I had met once and who was also a very lively person to be around, had become quite wealthy off of the business. Admirably, they refused to open in multiple locations and stuck to the originally implemented recipe that had made them so famous to begin with.
"Home, sweet home!" Naruto exclaimed as he threw open the doors and flashed his trademark smile. I followed him to the counter, where we were greeted by Ayame who looked rather cute in her work clothes.
"Good afternoon Hokage-sama," she dipped her head and offered a smile, "what can I get for you this evening?" She averted her gaze to me and retracted rather quickly, fixating Naruto with a peculiar look. "Did you happen to snag a date? Wow! Let me go get father!" She turned to scamper away but was quickly stopped by Naruto's voice.
"Calm down, she's just my bodyguard and I insisted she accompany me."
"Really? That's a bit odd. Last time I checked you were one of the greatest shinobi of our era, do you really need backup? Especially over something as trivial as lunch at Ramen Ichiraku? A place you have frequented since you were a kid doesn't seem like a likely location for you to be attacked or anything. And even if you were, I doubt that –"
She was cut off when Naruto clasped a palm over her mouth and whispered something discreetly into her ear. She gave a small nod and turned to me, offering a friendly smile as she readied her hand to scribble on the notepad.
"And what will you be eating?"
"Just give me the usual," Naruto answered before I could even manage to open my mouth, "and give her the same. Trust me, if she's got working taste buds she should love what you guys have in store for us." Ayame gave a curt nod and headed to the kitchen, which seemed to be the source of the sinfully delicious smell that had enveloped the restaurant. My stomach growled audibly as Naruto motioned for me to follow him, leading me around the counter and into a door that appeared unnoticeable unless you were previously aware of its existence. Upon entering I discovered its only items were a table and two chairs neatly pushed underneath. It had no decorations, unlike the previous main room which was lined to the wall with photos and knick-knacks that really made the place feel comfortable.
"And this is where the magic happens. And by magic I mean I get to privately consume the absolute best food in the world. And now you get to as well!" He pulled out one of the chairs and patted the seat with his palm, which I assumed to be a signal for me to sit. I smiled as he took the seat across me, appreciating the odd courtesy he expressed. I figured that it stemmed from the fact that this was his first time eating a meal with a girl and it being somewhat of a date. I couldn't help but smile, appreciating the effort he seemed to be putting into the meal.
"Here you are," Ayame slid the door open with her foot, her hands preoccupied with two bowls that emitted a mouthwatering scent. She set one down in front of me and a considerably larger one down in front of Naruto, who bowed his head curtly in thanks and began shoveling the food into his mouth without another word.
"Thank you," I returned the smile and she left the room, quietly pulling the door shut behind her and leaving me with Naruto. The steam rising from the bowls made the room a bit more humid than I would have expected, however it was worth it if it meant being confined with him.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Go on and try it out!" He looked at me anxiously as I carefully lifted a few noodles, desperately attempting not to cover myself in broth. I slowly brought them to my lips, and had to open my mouth awkwardly so as not to spill anything onto myself.
"Mmm," was the only sound that escaped me as I ate.
"It's great isn't it?" He punctuated the statement by slurping his food quickly, scarfing the meal down as if it were his last. I was perplexed – watching him dig in was unlike anything I had ever seen before. I was confused as to how a human could manage to eat so quickly. Had he developed some sort of ramen ninjutsu in order to finish his meals quickly? He noticed me staring and he suddenly began eating much more slowly, a light shade of pink now barely visible on his face. "Sorry," he mumbled through the mouthful he had yet to swallow. "I forgot I'm in the presence of a lady and what not. I should be less ravenous when it comes to the stuff."
"It's fine Naruto-kun," I assured. "You can eat however you'd like. It doesn't bother me." I couldn't help but laugh as his eyes lit up.
"Really? Wow, thanks Hinata-chan! You're the coolest lady ever!" He resumed his rather unsanitary eating habits and had the bowl drained before I was able to take my fourth bite. Unexpectedly, the door swung open and Ayame placed another bowl down, leaving the room without another word.
"What was that for?"
"That's the usual!" He grinned and resumed eating. "It's pretty nice, I've been coming here for so long that she knows the time it takes for me to finish a bowl."
"I don't think I could eat more than one," I admitted. "It's so filling as it is."
"Maybe you could come with me more often then! Pretty soon you'll be eating as much as me in no time. And we're shinobi, it's not like we're gaining weight anytime soon. Might as well enjoy our unnaturally high metabolism and active lifestyle while we still can, right?"
"I suppose that's a point," I giggled and took another bite. I covered my mouth as the liquid dribbled down my chin, my hand instinctively reaching out for a napkin or cloth to wipe my face with but there were none to be found.
"What is it Hinata-chan?" He gave me a puzzled look as my eyes darted around the room in search for something to remove the broth.
"I spilled a little," I admitted, "do you have anything I could perhaps wipe my face with?"
"Hinata-chan, this room was specifically designed for me to eat in. Of course there isn't anything for you to wipe it off with."
"Well what am I supposed to do?"
He examined the small room and upon realizing there was nothing, he sighed and pulled his sleeve over his hand. With one hand he pulled mine away from my face and with the other he wiped away the offending liquid. "There," he smiled. "That wasn't very sanitary but it was better than you being all messy and embarrassed. I am Uzumaki Naruto, Rokudaime Hokage and apparently now a human handkerchief."
"Thank you," I said after a sudden giggle. I went to take another bite but Naruto placed a hand on my wrist, stopping me from doing so. I stared as he pulled his hand away, my eyes following the trail of his fingers on my skin.
"Just stop right there, you're getting it all over yourself for a reason."
"Excuse me?"
"You're eating your ramen wrong. You don't hold your head up, that's how you get broth everywhere. You keep your head down, so all the excess juices fall back into the bowl. Jeez, you Hyuuga's really don't know your fine dining do you?"
"I wouldn't really call this fine dining," I said as I now looked down at the bowl. Desperate to maintain eye contact, I strained my eyes upwards to meet his despite my head being dipped at such an awkward angle. I had to admit that the next mouthful of ramen was much easier to eat from this position.
"No, guess it's not fine dining. Dining is too fancy. It's just food, you should eat and just enjoy it. Table manners and stuff of the sort just hinder your ability to enjoy the meal." As if on cue, Ayame entered the room again and set down yet another steaming bowl. Her gaze turned toward me and she nodded at Naruto.
"So you taught her how to eat ramen, hm?" Naruto nodded and beamed at the waitress. "Is there anything else I can get for you?" she asked as she turned back to me. I shook my head no and she gave another small nod and left.
"I don't understand how you can eat so much of this stuff and not gain a single pound," I said after a small chuckle.
"I dunno. I guess I've just sort of gotten used to eating the stuff in large amounts. My body thinks nothing of it. I don't recommend everyone eat as much as I do though. I'd hate to accidentally make someone explode." He made me laugh and the sound evidently brought a small, sincere smile to his face.
"So do you really eat in this place by yourself whenever you come here? Doesn't it get lonely?"
"Nah. I'm used to being alone. It doesn't bother me all that much, and besides I'm a Jinchuriki. So I'm never really alone anyway."
"Well anytime you want fetch me just do so, and you'll never have to eat ramen alone again." His eyes widened, and I wasn't certain whether it was a result of surprise or happiness. Simultaneously, we smiled at each other and I wanted nothing more than for the moment to last forever. I was eventually the one who broke our stare, lowering my head so as to continue my meal. Out of my peripherals, I could see him looking at me for a few seconds longer before he too resumed eating.
"And… done!" he exclaimed, food still in his mouth as he lifted the bowl and slammed it down proudly.
"Me too," I slid my bowl next to his and within a few minutes Ayame greeted us to take care of the dishes. Naruto led me outside with a gentle hand wrapped around my wrist, which I found to be odd since I had followed him into the restaurant and knew my way out.
"Thanks for defending me back there, bodyguard," he said after a laugh upon stepping outside. "I really felt that I was at risk back there. What would I have done without you?"
"I am glad to be of service." I stared into his eyes and he stared into my own. It dragged on until he realized how long we had been stuck in that position, at which point he opened his mouth to speak.
"Well I really should let you head home now. If I'm gone for too long, Shikamaru is gonna send another search party. As if I wasn't embarrassed enough the last damn time he did it. The guy is my friend but he gets on my nerves sometimes, ya know?"
"I get it. I really enjoyed defending you today, maybe we should do it again sometime." He gave a nod and as I turned to leave, he placed a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to face him and on doing so I felt a soft pair of lips gently press against my cheek. He pulled away with the largest grin and most intense blush I had ever seen.
"That's payback, Hinata-chan. Now we're even. Don't forget about our actual date!" Before I could respond he turned and strutted away, leaving me blushing outside Ramen Ichiraku.
I was rendered speechless and immobile for quite some time afterward, and felt on the verge of combustion as an intense heat traveled throughout my body. He… he kissed me. Upon feeling my skin cool and regain its usual pale tone, I began walking. It was the same as it was before. I had no intention of imprisoning myself in my own home just yet and simply had to move and enjoy the village. I didn't make it very far however, before I was yet again stopped.
"Hello, Hinata." I turned and was now staring at none other than Hatake Kakashi, jonin commander of Konohagakure. He sat perched on a seemingly inconveniently placed boulder a few feet away, and I was surprised I hadn't seen him sooner. His eyes met mine as he offered a friendly wave. Well, one eye. The other was still strategically covered by his low hanging headband.
"Hello, Kakashi-sama," I said in a sing-song voice. His mask covered most of his features, but based on the look in his visible eye I could tell he was looking at me in a rather perplexed manner.
"I'm sorry to bother you," he replied with a curt wave, his typical relaxed drawl accompanied by a tinge of confusion. "You just seemed rather lost in thought, I felt compelled to check if you were alright."
"I apologize." My smile was persistent as I continued, "I've just had a really good day so far." My headache and nausea from earlier had seemingly been wiped from my memory, not even a trace remained of the ill effects caused by a night of drinking.
"That's good to hear. Forgive me for asking, but what exactly was it that Naruto wanted to see you for? It's unlike him to request the presence of random shinobi, ne? Especially those who are off-duty. It simply struck me as… intriguing, that the Rokudaime Hokage would do such a thing. Care to enlighten me?"
"Oh," was the only word that escaped me. Kakashi raised his visible eyebrow as I furrowed my own brows in thought. I felt my lips purse and open slightly shortly after as I contemplated my response. I assumed that it would not be wise to admit that the Hokage had invited me in so that he would have some company while he worked and some company for lunch. However, I hated lying, and two lies in a day would shatter my record. Despite this, I didn't want to have Naruto be scolded because of my good nature. "He just wanted to inform me of a mission I have coming up, put on hold specifically for me. Those were the only details I was given."
"Odd, I have yet to be informed of such a mission. But you're no liar, Hyuuga Hinata. I suppose I'll take your word. And also, if it's no trouble, perhaps consider having a chat with your friends Kiba and Tenten? More than one shinobi has complained about their rather distracting disputes. I figured if anyone could be the voice of reason, it would be you."
"I will do that." I gave a nod and turned away, but stopped when behind me he spoke yet again.
"And Hinata?"
"Yes?"
"I don't mean to disrupt your schedule, but if you don't mind I would like to see you in my office tomorrow morning. Skip the Station and come straight to me. I have something I would like to discuss with you, I believe you will find it is of the utmost importance. Can you do this?"
"Of course, Kakashi-sama. I'll be there." I gave another nod and turned to walk away, slowly at first in case I was again stopped. I was relieved when not another word was spoken and I resumed my planned walk of unimportance. I couldn't help but wonder what he wanted with me, his remark of it being 'of the utmost importance' still struck me as rather odd. I shook the thoughts away and continued on, passing the turn that led home and deciding to stay out for a bit longer.
The weather continued its trend of being immaculate, the gentle autumn breeze kissing my skin as it flowed past. The pale sky was caught somewhere between a light shade of blue and a calm gray, clouds of white being pulled with the wind. I struggled to find a flaw with the day so far. Even my hangover seemed worth it when compared to what came next. I was still unsure where my destination was, but figured that was just a lame metaphor for life and allowed myself to simply walk and enjoy the company of myself.
After a few minutes of silent contemplation, the Hyuuga compound made itself visible in the distance. It was at this moment I recalled the promise I had made to my younger sister, that we would see each other more often after years of separation. To be truthful, I was very much looking forward to the encounter since I hadn't seen her in years and missed her more than I had realized. I was still uncertain as to when the meeting would be, but I was more than excited. And perhaps she could elaborate on the Konohamaru situation, giving me even more to talk about with Naruto.
Following a moment of concentrated thought, I made the decision to visit the memorial stone. I had made it a mission to visit once a week, to make certain that the brave shinobi who died during the war were remembered. It took weeks to engrave the names of all the casualties as a result of the war. I made it my mission to guarantee that no one would forget what they had done and what they had given for not only Konoha, but for the ninja world as a whole. Their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
As I walked I also decided to let Hanabi know that our meeting would have to be put on hold, at least for a few weeks. I had my doubts that she would be permitted to leave the compound over something so trivial, and I was not yet ready to waltz in out of nowhere and confuse my family.
The journey between where I was to the memorial stone was roughly twelve minutes, give or take depending on how fast you chose to walk and whether you stop to talk to the little old lady selling handbags and wallets like I had. Most of the day, I had been in a blissful state of confidence and happiness. It remained that way, until I arrived at the memorial stone.
This place always had an odd effect on me, I have never been sure how to describe it. This intense feeling of… sadness? No. Sadness certainly wasn't the right word to describe it. An overbearing melancholy would perhaps be the best description. Upon my arrival I knelt at the base and as I always had I slowly began reciting the names of those added after the war. I had memorized most of them, and even had a few memories with those who had fallen. I couldn't help but picture my name. If it weren't for Neji my name would undoubtedly be where his is now. I grazed my fingers over the smooth surface, closing my eyes as my fingers traced over the engraved letters.
Hyuuga Neji.
Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes and it took all I had not to let them fall. My breath became shallow as I stared in silence, blinking back the pain that demanded to be felt. I missed him so much.
I wondered what he would say if he were he alive now about the situation involving Naruto and I. I would still be living alone if he was still alive as I am quite certain that he and Tenten would be living together. He never told her but I could always see it in his eyes, I could tell he had feelings for her. I couldn't even begin to imagine how she felt. Neji would probably have stood by me at the previous day's celebration, refusing to let me out of his sight and certainly refusing to let me drink as much as I had. He would tell me to plan out my attempts to make Naruto realize once again how I felt. He would tell me not to succumb to peer pressure and to go about things at whatever pace I'm the most comfortable with. He would argue with Kiba and scold Tenten. He would make sure Hanabi knows all she can and he probably would have convinced me to stay and keep my position as heiress. If he were still alive, everything would have been different. Everything.
My eyes stopped staring at my own surname and traveled down, passing a few familiar friends before my eyes stopped on the final name. I was still quite surprised Naruto had fought so hard to add it, and after some retaliation from higher-up shinobi, the Hokage allowed it to be added anyway.
Uchiha Itachi.
I could still vividly recall a time when that name would result in hushed whispers and gasps from those nearby. That time when the elder brother who purportedly massacred his kin was still considered a villainous traitor, to be dealt with as a member of Akatsuki. Naruto had backed the idea of adding his name after learning the truth behind his deeds, and with the support of the Hyuuga's and what was left of the Uchiha clan (whose sole member made up the entirety of it) and a few other higher-up shinobi like Hatake Kakashi and the head medic Haruno Sakura, it was allowed to be engraved. To this day some are still against it, and many who refer to Itachi as anything more than a monster are scowled at and frowned upon.
I gave the stone one last glance before standing to my feet. I dragged my hand across its surface another time before turning around, evidently at the right time as none other than Uchiha Sasuke was visible a few dozen yards away, undoubtedly heading to the stone as well. I decided that now would be a good time to leave, as I didn't want to bother anyone and figured I'd be more useful elsewhere. However as I left, something in me changed.
The moment I passed Sasuke, I could see him glare, his eyes boring holes into me as I walked past him. I had no right to do what I did, however, I stuck out my arm as he walked past, holding him in place for a moment. The air grew thick with tension but I stood anyway, hardening my stare as I turned my head toward him.
"Sasuke-kun," I finally spoke. I was unsure if my surge of confidence was to blame for my rash decisions, however at the moment I couldn't have cared less. I could feel his eyes lock onto me, and from the change in his posture it could be inferred that he wasn't necessarily happy with me at the moment. Still, I ignored this and kept my arm outstretched. In theory he could have pushed it aside and walked past, however he too stood and allowed me to continue.
"I… I don't know what your problem is but I'm going to have to ask you to do something about it. I feel I've been nothing but friendly, and I deserve from you at the very least a little courtesy." He now blatantly stared at me, a scowl masking his features as he glared.
"Courtesy?" I was amazed, I had wrangled a total of five words out of the man since the start of the day. If I recalled correctly, this was a new record. "Just because you act differently doesn't mean I am obligated to treat you as such."
"No, it doesn't mean you have to. But you still should. Being nice won't tarnish your reputation of being cold and distant, trust me. But it would at the very least show that you weren't a complete…" I cut off here, wanting to curse but simply couldn't.
"I don't care what you think," he countered, "nor do I care what anyone else thinks. I know who I can trust and who I can't. I'm not an idiot. I'm not going to be used as some bridge for you to walk over to get closer to the Hokage."
"Excuse me?" I blurted, dropping my arm and now facing him with my body.
"Drop the sincere 'good-girl' act. I'm not an idiot and you're a fool for thinking I wouldn't catch on sooner. Being my friend won't get you any closer to Naruto. I suggest leaving me alone." He punctuated his statement with a dignified "hmph," and for the first time in my life I wanted to slap someone.
"If you think even for a second that's what I was trying to do, you're more jaded than I thought." My reply was sufficient enough to acquire his attention once again.
"Oh really?" he muttered haughtily.
"You shouldn't just assume that everyone is out to get you. Maybe everyone would stop being so distant if you would try to be anything but an emotionless jerk." That did it. He turned toward me and his eyes flashed, his rinnegan piercing into me like a dagger that for a moment almost intimidated me. I quickly regained his composure and readied my response.
"You ha –"
"For once, I don't care Sasuke-kun." His jaw snapped shut as his eyes continued to shine brightly in anger. "You can take my 'good-girl' act however you will. I just think you need to get your priorities straight before throwing your stones and shunning the few people that actually want to care about you. I figured someone who was so hated would be open to friendship or general kindliness. You can pretend not to care all you want. But you just need to understand that when it comes to how I treat others, I don't do anything for the sole purpose of looking favorable in Naruto-kun's eyes. Because if I did I would wind up like you, hiding my true self in a shell of hardened bitterness."
Sasuke opened his mouth to retort, but as soon as he did Kiba made himself visible in the distance, followed by Akamaru as he headed over.
"There any trouble?" he called as he quickly closed the gap between himself and me. He flashed Sasuke a hard-eyed stare but softened his gaze when he turned to me. "This asshole giving you any trouble?"
"No, but I think you should go before you start any trouble Kiba-kun." Sasuke's stare darted between me and the Inuzuka, but he said nothing as Kiba stared him down. A small smirk formed at the corner of Sasuke's mouth, resulting in a throaty growl from Kiba.
"What the hell are you smiling at," he snarled. "I oughta wipe that look right off your stupid face."
"Kiba-kun, stop it." I gripped his arm as he continued to glare at the Uchiha. Sasuke turned to me, his eyes meeting my own as he spoke calmly despite the tension Kiba was undoubtedly causing.
"I think it would be best if you got him away from me. Now."
"Don't talk about me like I'm not here!" Kiba stiffened, but before he could act I pulled him behind me.
"Forgive him, he can be a bit impulsive."
"Oh?" Sasuke chuckled. "Has impulsive suddenly become a synonym for annoying?"
"Fuck you!" Kiba barked from behind me. Akamaru's hackles raised, the dog following his owner as his teeth bared.
"Kiba-kun, stop it!" I turned around and pressed my hands against his chest, keeping him from charging into a fight he couldn't win.
"No, I'm settling this right now!" He shoved past me and lunged, but didn't make it far as I gripped the neck of his jacket. Sasuke placed one hand on the hilt of his blade, steadying himself in case Kiba came at him. "Gak!" was the sound Kiba released when his jacket was pulled against his throat. I yanked him back beside me and glared.
"Stop," was the only word that escaped my lips. He slid his foot forward and prepared to burst out of my grip again, and I held onto his jacket tighter. "Kiba-kun, stop." I softened my voice and that seemed to do the trick. He grumbled something but stood up straight and stopped baring his teeth. "Thank you," I breathed.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to go," he muttered and turned away.
"Go with him, I want to be alone anyway," Sasuke said, his hand still on his sword. I nodded without protest and followed my friend. If he didn't want me around then so be it.
"Kiba-kun," I called after him. He and Akamaru stopped and allowed me to catch up. I started to speak but was quickly cut off.
"Why do you even bother with that guy? I don't understand it. He's such an asshole. I understand wanting to be nice to everyone and all, but what the hell has he done to earn your favor like that? I heard him running his mouth. He's lucky I didn't jump in and kick his ass for back talking you immediately. You shouldn't put up with him or anyone else talking down to you."
"I can stand up for myself," I reminded him. I smiled faintly, glad that he at least cared so much. "And right now, I don't know why I'm trying. I guess that's just who I am."
"Well if I hear of him doing it again I'll blacken those fancy eyes of his." I couldn't help but laugh at his remark.
I recalled what I had said to Kakashi and Naruto about talking to Tenten and Kiba. I made the impulsive decision to do the task today. Not just today, but right now.
"Kiba-kun, I think you should come home with me." He gave a peculiar look. "It's sort of important. Can you do it? I doubt it would shave too much time off of your schedule, after all."
"Sure, I can make it. Tenten better not give me any lip though. And first you have to tell me what Naruto wanted. I'm morbidly curious, just fill me in a little bit. Hey! You can fill me in about him filling you in."
"Kiba-kun! Inappropriate!" I shoved him playfully as he roared with laughter.
"I'm just joking with ya. But seriously, what did he want?"
"Alright, it's sort of amazing though, are you sure you want to know?" I began to feel giddy all over again just thinking about it.
"Don't toy with me! Just tell me, damn it!"
"Alright, alright. I walked in and he wanted to apologize about leaving me alone at the party last night –"
"Oh, I left you back there too. Damn. I suppose I should apologize as well," he interrupted me with a chuckle.
"It's fine. Anyway, he apologized and when I turned to leave he stopped me and told me about a mission he had set aside for me. And then he stopped me from leaving again and asked me to stay. So I stayed and helped him work and we talked and it was… nice."
"Is that it?" He raised an eyebrow. "From the way you were building it up I expected a little more than that."
"I'm not done," I said with a broad smile.
"Then stop dancing around the details and just tell me already!" He shouted and made me laugh further.
"So I helped him out and I'm feeling really good about myself. We finish up and it's time to go, and then he…" I stopped here and saw Kiba's eyes widen, anxiously awaiting me to finish the story. I flashed him another smile that made him growl in his most friendly manner.
"You damn tease, stop toying with me and finish the story!"
"He stopped me for the third time. He wants to have dinner with me next Saturday. At my place." His eyes widened further and my smile followed suit. "Then he stopped me again as I left, and said I was pretty and we went out for lunch at Ramen Ichiraku. He taught me how to eat ramen, and when we were outside he kissed me on the cheek. It was probably the best moment of my life."
"For real? Hell yeah, Hinata-chan! That's awesome! I can't believe the dolt finally kissed you. And come next week you totally have to gussy up. Be the most brazen of hussies and reel him in before he runs off and replaces you with a fangirl who doesn't have creepy, blank Hyuuga eyes."
"Kiba-kun! No! And that was mean!"
"You can make those eyes look all pretty, sure. But could you imagine those eyes on Ino or Tenten? That would be terrifying! You Hyuuga's manage to pull off those horrifyingly lifeless eyes and I have no idea how. Seriously though, me picking on you aside, I'm extremely happy for you Hinata-chan. I hope all goes well. Just make sure you play your cards right with the fool. I'd hate to see you settle for someone other than him. Don't even try to throw yourself at me."
"I would never date you Kiba-kun, you're a pig."
"And I would never date you because you have soulless eyes that haunt my nightmares." I gave a playful shove and laughed again. "Speaking of soulless and haunting, how's living with Tenten? Want to kill yourself yet? I know I would."
"She's fine, why do you ask? I swear everyone seems to ask me that."
"That's easy," he said after a chortle. "I once knew a woman who had never been with a man and lived secluded with her female roommate. You can put two and two together and figure out that she's not really into guys. I'm just saying, people are going to start jumping to some false conclusions."
"Why does everything have to boil down to sex when it comes to you?" I sighed heftily. "I know you're supposed to be close to your dog but you don't have to become one." Right on time, I felt a snout press against my thigh and I stopped to pet Kiba's loyal companion. Sometimes, I preferred Akamaru to Kiba.
"Oh don't give me any of that 'sex is inappropriate' social justice crap. Sex is everything, Hinata-chan. The sooner you realize that, the happier your life will be."
"Care to explain?" I asked with a roll of my eyes.
"Are you kidding me? You're a bright girl. You should have figured this out long ago. Sex is the driving force behind every decision we make as people."
"Really? Please do enlighten me some more oh wise, creepy dog guy."
"It's basic human instinct. We're programmed to eat, drink, and fuck until we die."
"Really mature wording there," I replied sarcastically. I never understood why I was so much more calm and playful around Kiba. I just assumed it was the air he gave off. Relaxed in the most intense way imaginable. He was one of my best friends and despite his piggish nature I couldn't help but love him like family.
"I'm just saying it like it is. We're sexual beings, we're hardwired to continue the species and nature made sure it feels damn good to do so. Thankfully, humans are intelligent, and we've found a way to make it a recreational activity."
"What about love, hm?"
"Oh don't even get me started on that 'true love' stuff."
"So you don't believe in true love?"
"Oh I believe in it. I just think society completely misrepresents it. Love is a product of sex, like most other feelings we have towards people."
"Seriously?" I threw my hands in the air in frustration. "Is there any hope left in you?"
"You asked! Sex is, like I just told you a second ago, the driving force behind all things. Love is just nature's way to make sure that even the most reserved of us have sex. Take yourself for example; little miss shy and nervous wouldn't sleep around, which is admirable, I suppose. But you know for a fact that if Naruto asked you to spread your legs you'd do it in a heartbeat."
"Kiba-kun, stop talking about me like that!" I squealed and shoved him again, this time as hard as I could and he stumbled away a few yards. He casually regained his composure and matched my pace again as we turned the corner leading to my house.
"Oh calm down, if it makes you feel any better it's not like you're exactly a female in my eyes anyway."
"Excuse me?" That time I found myself almost offended.
"Stop being so touchy, it's not an insult. Of course you're a lady, just not in my eyes. You might as well be a dude. You're my teammate and my best friend. You became biologically unacceptable for mating as soon as we were put under Kurenai-sensei's wing."
"So what, I'm not a woman in your eyes just because there's no chance we'd ever have sex?"
"Now you're getting it."
"I can't tell if I should be offended or not," I said with a sigh.
"Nah. It's not like I'm trying to hurt your feelings. If it makes you feel any better I still think you're one of the prettiest girls in all of Konoha."
"I'll never fully understand how you manage to balance being such a good friend and such a terrible person so well."
"It's a gift, Hinata-chan. It truly is a gift."
I opened the gate that would lead us to the porch. I mentally braced myself for what was to come, however it absolutely had to be done. I couldn't have Kiba and Tenten at each other's throats on a constant basis. If I had to be the catalyst that would lead to their friendship then so be it.
I opened the door slowly, not wanting to attract any attention until I was ready for it. Kiba followed, surprisingly silent as I led him through the foyer and past the kitchen.
"This is a pretty nice pad, Hinata-chan. How come I've never been invited here before? You're my best friend. I know you have your catty girlfriends and they're your 'besties.' But you're my best friend and I feel that should at least count for something."
I opened my mouth to make a joking remark about being Kiba's best friend because I was his only friend, but was cut off when just who I wanted to see popped around the corner with a smile on her face. It vanished quickly when she noticed the unannounced company, and a look of thinly veiled disgust was plastered across her face.
"Hello there, friend-o." Kiba offered a merry wave and a cruel grin as Tenten's face reddened, a mask of silent anger covering her features.
"What the hell is he doing here?"
So just a few quick things down at the bottom here. If you feel that the ending was abrupt or a bit sudden, it's because the scene that follows was originally going to take place during this chapter. However I didn't want to drag it on for too long, and so instead I'm saving it for the next update. Hopefully that's fine with you guys!
And the other thing, I sort of have a question for you all. Would you rather me go about the previous schedule of shorter chapters posted at a faster rate, or longer chapters with a few added days between updates? I can do both and so I figured I would just go along with what you wonderful people wanted. Please let me know either through a PM or in the reviews, and as always have an amazing day!
Please Review!
