Okay, here's the deal. This chapter was actually apart of another chapter. The problem is, If I had kept them together, it would have been really, really long and you'd have to wait that much longer. So, I broke it off here for the sake of economy. The rest is under construction, but it may take about a week and a half. For one thing, I have to figure out my direction. I am also starting finals soon. So, boys, try not to cringe at the title. Girls, this should seem really familiar.
I just wanted to say thanks so much to you guys for all of the reviews on chapter 8, I was so happy you didn't feel like you wasted your time. I hope you don't think that now either. Unfortunately for Edward Eluric, this is a cliff hanger. Sorry I'll try to make it up to you in the next chapter. If you read, please review!
Chapter 8: Girl Talk
Sakura watched as TenTen began to stir and come from under her anesthetic. She stared into laughing, dazed, chocolate brown eyes as the girl came back to herself.
Laughing eyes, Sakura thought. Just like…..Naruto's. Laughing cerulean eyes.
It was true, after all. Unless Naruto was angry or being serious, his eyes always radiated good humor. That humor had been her savior in some of the darkest situations and she had always been grateful to him for it. She was grateful to him for so many things….
Naruto.
Sakura traced her fourth finger on her left hand. It had been feeling oddly strange as of late, like it was missing something, like she was missing something. After their…encounter….Naruto had placed the ring he'd bought her on her dresser.
"It'll be here when you're ready…. If you ever change your mind."
That's what he had told her. All the while, she'd been starring out the window too much of a coward to look him in the eyes and see the sorrow she knew would be there. She was the cause of it, and she knew that. But she wasn't brave enough to try to fix it because….fixing it would just encompass too many things…. Too many personal complications…
"Well?" TenTen said yawning and attempting to sit up, "I'm fixed, can I go now?"
Sakura pulled up a chair to her bedside.
"No TenTen-san. You cannot go yet. You lost a lot of blood, and while it's been replenished, I think that it would be best to keep you for the night at least. That gash was really deep and you severed a lot of tissue. So once you are back to yourself, it's going to burn like fire. That's another reason why I want to keep you, you'll need consistent dosages of pain killers through the night."
"This is unbelievable, so much of a fuss over nothing. Oh well, I guess it can't be helped. I am REALLY going to get it from Neji about this one."
TenTen's face lit up at the mention of Neji's name. Sakura envied the peace that came over her features at the thought of her significant other and wondered whether or not a certain blonde ninja ever looked that way when he thought about her…
After everything that you've done to him, probably not, she thought.
In the beginning, she had thought to use pain against him to force him to let her go. It had seemed the only logical course of action. " Hurt him to save him" had been her mindset, but now it just seemed stupid. She had hurt him all right, she'd done everything but physically tear his heart from his chest….and yet, he still loved her. She had been cruel to him, avoided him, ignored him, but he remained ever so kind…so remarkably giving. But that was why Naruto would rule the world someday, he wasn't afraid to give. While everyone else , shrouded in greed, would be trying to take, Naruto would give….anything that he had, to whomever would take it. Just like he was trying to give to her now…
"So…" TenTen said, breaking the silence. "You and Naruto, huh?"
Do we really have to do this right now? Sakura thought in mild agitation.
"I'll just be that the two of you are in wedded bliss! And I'll bet you feel dumb for telling him no all the time when he was trying to take you out! HA! But that's okay, you married him instead. I'll bet it must have been SOOOOO romantic when he asked you! I didn't hear the proposal story, but you'll tell me, right? I must admit, when I first heard, I was shocked that you'd said yes. After all, you turned him down flatter than a pancake every time he asked you for a date, but I guess fate is like that. SO SPILL!"
Sakura was caught off guard by TenTen's curiosity and enthusiasm. It was definitely refreshing, but she was going to be very disappointed when she heard the account.
"No TenTen…..It was not romantic."
"Huh? What do you mean? It had to have been something remarkable that made you say yes."
"It was something…..remarkable… He was dying. He'd been attacked on his way back from the Land of Waves by Sound ninja and he was fatally wounded. Nothing we did seemed to help him. Shizune gave him less than twenty minutes to live. That's when he asked me to marry him, it was a last request. I couldn't refuse, so I said yes. The Lady Hokage joined us in marriage, and then he died….or so I thought."
TenTen was in awe. Wow. What a way to propose. Neji couldn't be that colorful or dramatic if his life depended on it, but his cool nature was one of the things she adored about him. She could be such a hot head at times. Leave it to Naruto, she thought.
"OH WOW! But you must be so happy! He lived! Now the two of you can finally be together!"
Sakura turned her head.
"Right?"
TenTen was confused, Sakura didn't even look remotely happy, let alone blissful.
"Sakura?..."
"I didn't want to be married to Naruto."
TenTen sat back in stunned silence.
"Once I knew that he was going to be all right, I tried to have the marriage annulled, but the Hokage wouldn't let me without his consent. I asked for it when he woke up, but he refused. So lately I've been being horribly obnoxious to him in the hopes that he will let me go…."
A tear slid down Sakura's cheek. Her explanation sounded so ….inadequate. There was so much in between each and every word that she'd spoken it was comical. So many feelings, so much passion, so much fear…everything that she'd done to him seemed so pointless, now, so inhumane… She had hurt the most important person in her life, tried to destroy him even and for what? A twisted sense of freedom… Naruto was right, for someone so smart, she was remarkably dumb. She wasn't free, she was still trapped behind the iron bars of her fear. Only when she was willing to tear them down would she be able to fly. So why couldn't she do it?
It was then that Ino chose to walk into the room, but she was not alone. The white eyed blue haired Hinata followed her. Her calm features were painfully reminiscent of the beauty of Neji's, especially since his disposition had improved. They were closer than siblings now and could often be seen together when Neji was not with TenTen and Hinata not with Hitaru, her betrothed. But Sakura was somewhat shocked to see the disappointment that clouded Hinata's gaze when it fell upon her. Both she and TenTen looked to Ino.
" Glad to see that the surgery went well, TenTen. I can tell by the way you're looking at Sakura like you could wring her neck that she has told you what the situation is. You have my personal permission to give her the tongue lashing of her life, I was rather lenient and a tad bit too nice when I told her off since she wanted me to be an adult about it. Hinata is here as a reinforcement to do the same. Don't worry, Sakura, I filled her in on the way over here. She's so angry she could Gentle Fist you, and that's saying something."
Oh Ino, Sakura thought as she allowed her head to fall into her hands.
"Well don't have the sense to be ashamed now! I am so looking forward to giving you that tongue lashing," TenTen yelled.
Hinata grew wide eyed at her outburst and gently pushed Ino inside the room, closing the door behind her.
"Lower your voice, TenTen-san. We are still in a hospital", she said as she and Ino brought chairs and placed them next to Sakura.
"I would Hina, but I'm so mad!" TenTen said as she attempted to punched Sakura in the shoulder. Sakura caught her fist and glared at her.
"Now now, stop acting like children before I Gentle Fist you both. Please spare me, TenTen. I would really hate to lose the relationship that I've gained with Neji because I had to stop you from killing Sakura."
"Even though she deserves it!"
"That's right, TenTen! Let's all go at her!" Ino said.
"Stop!" Hinata said, activating her byakugan.
The room was unbelievably still. If Hinata was activating her byakugan, she meant business. It never ceased to amaze Sakura how unshy Hinata had grown over the years. She was still quiet and thoughtful, but she had become a force to be reckoned with. She spoke her mind in a respectful way, although sometimes she could be a tad bit biting when really upset. Sakura figured that was a trait that she had picked up from Neji. No one tried to tread on her anymore. Hinata was still merciful in regard many things as she had always been, but the same could not necessarily be said for Neji and Hitaru. Hinata, peace lover that she was, fought only when she had to, but Neji…well, he had absolutely no problem using the Gentle Fist on someone that he felt as though deserved it…. While Hitaru was simply lethal. Sakura was sure that she would be an excellent leader when the time came. She had grown strong and would have a lot of good help in her soon to be husband and Neji.
"Well" she said smiling, allowing the excess chakra to leave her eyes. "Since I have all of your attentions. I think that we should lay down some rules for this meeting. Number one, there will be no hitting or causing bodily harm to ANYONE."
"Are you serious, after you just threatened to Gentle Fist-"
"Be quiet TenTen," Hinata laughed. "Number two, we are all friends, and this is what friends do, they are there for one another. We should offer constructive criticism, but in a loving way. Number three-"
"After we are finished solving Sakura's marital problems, she has to promise to tell us whether or not Naruto really did set their apartment on fire when they did it!" TenTen said with a haughty look.
Hinata blushed, Sakura looked as though she would drop dead, while Ino was shaking with suppressed laughter.
"What? I want to know! And as the only married person in this room, Sakura is the only one in a position to tell us whether fire is involved in the procedure or not."
At this, Hinata turned even a deeper shade of red, Sakura did fall out of her chair, and Ino's laughter was so loud she was sure that she could be heard down the hall.
"W-w-w-well, t-that's Sakura's c-c-choice, TenTen…."
Regardless to and in spite of how much she had grown as a person, Hinata still stuttered religiously when she was embarrassed. Now was definitely one of those times, given the fact that her own marriage was a little more than 3 months away. The subject was bound to come up sometime… Out of all the HELPFUL rules that TenTen could have come up with….
"Well, I like it!" Ino said.
"Good! Then that's rule number three. So now that we've gotten all of that out of the way. Let this 'I think it's cute how we come together to solve our problems' meeting commence! Now Sakura, what's your problem? Don't you know how many women would kill to have someone like Naruto by their side?"
"Be nice, TenTen," Hinata said.
This is going to be So, good, Ino thought. Grownup or not, girl talk could get anybody excited.
Tsunade laughed aloud. She had known the mischief that Ino had been up to when she had sent for Hinata. Both she and Sakura should be working right now, but Sakura needed this. She was going to find no allies among her friends, all of them were on Naruto's side. They knew how much he loved her and they would walk through Hades to force her to admit her own feelings. This would be good for her, they would be good for her. Pleased by the turn of events, she made her way from the lobby. Afterall, TenTen was Sakura's patient, and she did need to be looked after. What better way to pass the time than to make her see that she was in love.
"Don't you ever get tired?" Neji huffed. "We've been at it for three hour straight now!"
"Hee hee hee! Wow Neji, it seemed like you needed this way more than me. I'm not tired at all, I could do this all day!"
Neji smiled. After their conversation, Naruto had definitely been more energetic. It seemed that his unnatural stamina had returned to him. Naruto was no easy win and having to deal with him and his energy for three hours straight was nothing short of suicide, but Neji would be lying if he said that he wasn't happy. The fire had returned to Naruto and if he was still wanted to train, Neji would train with him.
"I mean, we could stop. So long as you are willing to admit defeat!" Naruto said slyly.
"In your dreams!" Neji laughed.
"That's what I thought."
He reveled in the sound of metal clashing against metal as his and Neji's kunai met in mid air.
"Well?" TenTen said expectantly. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
Sakura glanced guiltily at her friends. Her reasons had seemed to hold such conviction, but after her talk with Ino, she'd seen how petty and ridiculously childish they were. She would feel remarkably unintelligent voicing them now, but TenTen was not going to let her out of this.
Ino watched Sakura, she could see the struggle in her eyes and figured the cause of it. Yes, her reasons for putting Naruto through hell were stupid and though not all insubstantial, but this was no time to be quiet about it them. Her fears would never be alleviated if she didn't voice them. She refused to voice them to Naruto, so she was going to have to tell someone. Ino figured she would rather do it in front of her friends than total strangers.
"She's afraid," Ino said.
"Afraid," Hinata said pensively. "Afraid."
Afraid, Sakura thought.
"I've felt it too Sakura…."
She knew the fear that Sakura was talking about. She had been afraid to love once herself. When her father had deemed her worthy to lead the clan, she'd know that marriage would have to come with it. She'd had no love interest since Naruto, and that had just been a girlhood crush. Her only request had been that her father choose someone who had previously been a branch member. After abolishing, the cage bird seal and the separation of the houses, she'd thought that it would show good faith. Obedient to her wishes, her father had chosen Hyuga Hitaru. Hinata had never really seen him before, but she'd heard his name. He was an exceptional ninja, a genius like Neji, about five years older than her, and had been in Anbu since the age of 17. At first she'd been afraid, regardless of how strong she had become, no doubt all of her accomplishments would seem insignificant to an Anbu commander. She didn't want to spend her life being thought of as weak by her husband. She'd been sure that no love could ever blossom between them, but all of that had changed when they'd first met. That day she had been given a totally different something to fear…loosing him…..
*******Flashback*******
Hinata agitatedly ran her brush through her long blue hair. This was it. She was finally going to meet him. The marriage contract had been approved and set in stone. There was no way to avoid it now. All she could do was hope that they could at least be cordial to one another. Surely, she and an Anbu commander would have nothing in common.
She was not satisfied as she studied her reflection. She looked nice enough, she supposed. Her white dress fit like a glove showing off her womanly curves. It was embroidered and studded with pearls at the hem, it had no straps giving a pleasant view of her creamy shoulders. She'd slung a simple strand of pearls around her neck for completion.
"You look stunning, Hinata. Come on, he's waiting."
Hinata jumped at the sound of her sister's voice.
"Hinabi."
"Well? Come on."
Hinata was led through the mansion by her sister to one of the state rooms. Behind this door was her betrothed…the man that she would spend the rest of her life with….Goodness she was nervous. Tired of waiting, Hinabi all but shoved her to the door. Her hand drew it back slowly as the most encompassing fear that she had ever felt in her life threatened to consume her. What if he didn't like her? What if she found him unbearable? What if she was making the worst mistake of her life?
But all of her questions came to naught when she saw him.
He was standing by the window and was surrounded by light, his face turned away from her. He was tall, beautifully muscled, and his posture exuded deadly grace. He must have been something to watch in battle. His beautiful pitch black hair was unbound and fell softly on his shoulders. He was rather impressive and she was entranced by how still he was. He seemed to be in deep thought, he hadn't even heard her come in. She cautiously stepped into the room further…..and then he turned to look at her….
Breathtaking, Hinata thought. He was gorgeous. But that wasn't what caught her attention. It was his eyes. Despite who he was and how many people she knew he had to have killed, she could feel the most profound kindness and gentility radiating from him. It was like she had known him forever. She could feel all of the doubt leave her as it was replaced by the beauty of the moment. Everything she was, everything that she had ever hoped to be had simply been waiting for this man. He smiled and her heart nearly stopped.
"Hinata-sama" he said, bringing attention to his wonderfully rich voice.
It was at that time that Hinata was put at ease. She was still afraid, but she knew that this man would help her overcome her fears. She was really going to have to thank her father.
******End Flashback*******
Hitaru, Hinata smiled. She had been afraid of his strength, afraid that he would think her weak, but he hadn't. Instead, he'd been smitten with her. Since then, they had grown to love one another…deeply. But every time Hitaru left the Hyuga compound, her heart grew heavy. More than once he had come back almost dead, and more than once he'd been healed again, but that still didn't stop her worrying.
"Don't worry, Hinata-hime," he would laugh, "I will always come back to you."
His attempts at reassurance only made her worry more, but she wasn't about to stop loving him just because there was a chance that he might die. In her opinion, that was all the more reason to cherish every moment that they had together.
"Sakura," she said, " I know the fear you speak of. Even with Hitaru close to me and at home, still, I feel it. It's true, one day, fate could turn against him and I never see him again, but that is no reason for me to keep my love from him. That is all the more reason for me to give him as much of it as I can while we are together."
Sakura's eyes filled with tears at Hinata's words. Sure enough, being a ninja, it was an occupational hazard, but it was never something that you really thought about when you were first starting out. It was different after you'd learned the truth though. It had become all too real for Sakura after becoming a medic. She'd watched countless people die, both civilian and ninja. It was horrifying to watch the light leave a persons' eyes as they passed on, but that was just the way life was…or so she supposed. Her tears began to flow in earnest at the thought.
"It would kill me if anything happened to him, Hinata. I would die right along with him. I wouldn't be able to go through that. Not again. I would miss his presence in my life too much. It would be like all of the light being sucked from my world. I JUST CAN'T. What would happen if I were to stay married to him and we have a family together? What would I tell our children if something happened to him? How could I make them understand that they would never see their father in this world ever again? How would I be able to go on? I'm not strong enough…" she sobbed.
Both Ino and TenTen looked on in sympathetic silence as Hinata ran a soothing hand over Sakura's back. TenTen was glad that she was seeing this, she was honestly beginning to think that Sakura didn't feel anything for Naruto. It was just the opposite, however. She felt too much. All of their hearts bled for the pain she was feeling.
"No, Sakura, you would not die. You would live, and though you would be sad for a time, you would be happy again…..someday. You want to know why? You would have been touched by a love so pure, so selfless that even if you weren't able to have Naruto physically with you, his love would still heal you…it would comfort you. You would be blessed, not cursed, to have known such love. It would live on through his children, through you, and all of the lives that he has touched. It won't die with him, such things are not made to be contained by the grave. Such things are meant to be free, and it would be. I'm not saying that your fears are groundless, I have the same ones, but there is no way that I am going to let them keep me from one of the best things that ever happened to me. Love saves, Sakura. It doesn't destroy. It heals, comforts, restores and so many other wonderful things. It saved me. It lifted me up when I was in the deepest despair. It remembered me and was patient with me when everyone else turned their backs. Love made me stronger` and it could do the same for you."
Hinata spoke of the brotherly love that she had gained with Neji, the passionate love that she'd found with Hitaru, and the familiar love that she'd developed with her united clan. Love had made her stronger, stronger than she had ever thought she could be and she desperately wanted Sakura to experience it's healing power.
"…Hinata is right, Sakura…" Ino whispered. It devastated her more than words to see her best friend this broken.
"Besides, Sakura, think about what this is doing to Naruto. He loves you more than anything. Nothing is more important than your happiness to him. Just think about it, when you thought you were in love with Sasuke and he ran away, you asked Naruto to bring him back to you. He didn't exchange any words, didn't ask why you wanted him back after he deserted you. All he did was promise you that he would. Even though he knew what that would mean. He knew you wanted Sasuke, now that he was finally out of the way, he might remotely have a chance with you. But Naruto didn't think like that. He wanted you to be happy, and if your happiness depended on Sasuke, he was going to do everything in his power to see to it that you had your way. He was willing to step aside and allow the two of you to be together with his blessing, although it would probably kill him. That's the love Hinata is talking about Sakura, and it's not always easy to give. It's hard to love someone when they keep pushing you away."
Sakura looked at TenTen through tear blurred eyes.
"I had loved Neji forever. I'd always wanted to take away his pain, but he wouldn't let me. He was drowning in a sea of self made sorrow and I was constantly reaching my hand out to him, trying to save him, but he never would take it. Even though I knew he felt the same way about me, that was little consolation when he wasn't even willing to try. I was so angry with you before because I know how Naruto feels…It feels like someone ripping your heart out of your chest…"
TenTen said as she clutched at the spot over her heart, a tear running down her cheek.
"So much pain he caused me. I cried over him, for him, so many nights. But the joy that he brings me now…" TenTen said smiling"…..undescribable. All because he was willing to try. He was willing to set his pain and fear aside to see if there was anything better in the world. You will never know unless you try. Some of the best things in life are bypassed because people are too afraid. Dare not to be one of those people. It's okay to love him, Sakura."
"All this time…I've been such a fool," Sakura said.
"Yes, that's true," Ino said wryly, "But you're human, and you make mistakes. Big ones…."
"We forgive you this time," Hinata said humorously.
"No guys! You are making this too easy!" TenTen said, her jovial attitude returning. "We'll forgive you under one condition."
"What," Sakura said curiously, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"A, we lay the ghost to rest. B, you confess."
"Huh?"
"You are going to go to Sasuke's grave today. You'll take him flowers. But when you leave that cemetery, every cloud that he has ever cast over your life will be left there with him where it belongs. Ino will walk you to the compound, but you have to go into the graveyard alone. You need to say goodbye to him by yourself. As far as your confession, you will admit right here and right now that you are in love with Naruto, and you will promise to tell him before the sun sets today. You will not give him anymore problems, and you wont be afraid to show him how much you love him. But before we get into all of that. Let's exercise rule number three…"
Ino and Hinata laughed as Sakura stared at TenTen in awe. Oh how she thanked God for her friends.
Sakura clutched the flowers she and Ino had chosen in her hand. White roses…they were stunningly beautiful, Sakura thought as she studied them. They were absolutely flawless in shape and form. The petals were dewy soft and smelled wonderful. They were perfect…. She just had to send him off right…..
She had been given a lot to think about, and she was going over nearly all of it in her head now. Her concentration was broken by Ino.
"Well, Sakuchu, here we are. I take it you know where the grave yard is."
"No, Naruto was the one that brought Sasuke here and buried him. I didn't want to come. I just wanted to forget. I'm sure I'll find it though. These clan burial grounds are almost always located in the same place."
"Take your time," Ino said lightly touching her hair. "I'll wait for you."
"Thanks", Sakura said hugging her…and then she was off.
As she strolled through the streets of the dilapidated compound, she noticed the hair on the back of her neck stand straight up. She felt like she was being watch. It was almost as if the compound was trying to speak, like it had something to say. The place practically screamed profanity at her and all she could think about was getting out of there. Symbols of white and red fans over blue backgrounds littered almost every wall, a testament to the clan's dedication to the fire style. She saw the remnants of old markets, the police station and countless homes. In a lot of places, she saw dark smears that she knew could be nothing but blood. The compound had not been cleaned after the massacre. The Hokage and village elders had simply ordered all of the Uchiha to be buried in their burial ground while making the compound a restricted area to honor the dead. What a joke…since Danzo and the elders had ordered the clan's annihilation. Even as much as she had loved the Third, he was not blameless.
After wandering for what seemed like hours she came to it. The gates were reminiscent of those belonging to the village burial grounds where most Leaf ninja were buried. The only difference was that they were blue and was adorned with a huge fan and Japanese characters that read "the will of fire". This was it. As much as she didn't want to do this, she knew TenTen was right. If she ever wanted to be free, she was going to lay Sasuke to rest. So she gathered her courage and entered.
"Neji is on his way, TenTen…. He is not pleased…"
TenTen slid down in the bed, hiding her face beneath the sheet. Oh, she was really going to get it!
"What! Who told?"
"I saw Shikimaru on my way back from your apartment. I brought you some more clothes, by the way. Anyhow, he mentioned that he'd seen you bleeding and walking to the hospital and asked if I knew anything. I told him that you were fine and that Sakura and Ino had already stitched you up. Apparently, he ran into Neji and Naruto coming from the east training grounds and told them. So…he is on his way…"
DAMN Shikumaru, TenTen thought. That'st just like him to be so lazy and nosey. I am really going to let him have it when I get out of here.
"Don't be angry with him, TenTen."
"That's easy for you to say, you're not going to have to face Neji, I AM."
"Oh? I beg your pardon, but if there is anyone in this room that should be worried, it's me. You're the invalid he loves, I'm the cousin that didn't send for him sooner because you didn't want him to know. If anyone is in trouble, it's me. But that's okay, I'm not above Gentle Fisting Neji if I have too."
"Ha ha ha! Please don't," TenTen laughed.
Naruto tried to keep up as Neji practically flew to the hospital.
TenTen is gonna get it, Naruto thought.
Generally, Neji was a relatively calm person, in all situations. A calm Neji was enough to deal with as it was, but an angry Neji was simply lethal. He was really angry now, but Naruto wasn't surprised. TenTen had always been one of his soft spots, and she was even more so now that they were together. He'd volunteered to come along and make sure that she was alright. Hopefully….he might even get a glimpse of Sakura…
When they arrived at the hospital, Neji hit the ground running, his dark unbound hair whipping across his back. Naruto was close on his heels. They were chided by several nurses for running before they reached TenTen's room. When they finally did, Neji unceremoniously burst through the door to find a startled Hinata and TenTen. His eyes fell first on Tenten, when they fell on Hinata…..
"Hinata-sama! You knew about this?"
Some things never changed, Naruto thought. True, the separation of the Hyuga houses had been abolished, but Hinata was still the clan leader's daughter and heir.
Hinata looked ready to defend herself, but Tenten interceded.
"Oh Neji, please. CALM DOWN BEFORE YOU HAVE A STROKE. I'm fine. I was a little careless with the new weapon Guy Sensei gave me, but I'm alright now. Sakura and Ino patched me up rickety split, and they just want to keep me overnight for observation. So, now that's out of the way, stop being ridiculous and come give me a hug."
Neji was not satisfied with her explanation. He activated his byakugan and gave her a look over himself to the embarrassment of TenTen. When he was sure that she was fine he took her in his arms and held her, laying his head on top of hers. They looked so perect together that it hurt to look at them….Naruto sighed as he wondered if he and Sakura could ever be that way.
"Naruto," Hinata whispered, "Let's give them some privacy."
Naruto followed Hinata out of the room. They wouldn't be missed, Neji and Tenten only saw one another.
"Hinata"
"Hmmm?"
"Have you seen Sakura, is she here?"
"Well, she was here, Naruto, but she left some time ago. "
"Why?"
"She had to take care of something."
"What?"
My, my, my he is full of questions today, Hinata thought.
"She went to go run an errand with Ino. She should be back soon. Don't worry. In the mean time, we'll just sit out here until the 'Neji and TenTen lovefest' is over and they feel the need to invite us back inside."
"Oh…..okay….."
"So, how did your training session go?"
Naruto smiled, Hinata had always had a soothing presence. He was glad that out of all the things that had changed about her over the years, that had remained the same.
"It was much needed Hinata, Neji and I had a great time."
"I am glad!"
Don't worry Naruto, she'll come back. When she does, she'll be the woman you always wanted, Hinata thought.
Happy in that knowledge, she sat back in comfortable silence patiently waiting for Neji and TenTen to relinquish their privacy rights.
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