FISH TALK
chapter nine
Sasuke massaged his temples and sighed. He sat alone by a window in a small cafe, dressed in all black and looking rather emo with his ruffled, uncombed hair and sullen eyes. An untouched cup of coffee was before him. He didn't even like coffee.
His night had been sleepless due to the events that took place the previous day. In truth, he felt a little bad about what he had said to Naru, but was also upset over how dense she could be. The girl was a blond in more ways than one: simple hints eluded her and common knowledge wasn't common at all in the bare wasteland of her mind. But were those facts enough to justify his harsh words?
What am I thinking? It's just the way I am. She's the one who's too senstive and stupid, he thought as his frown deepened into his trademark scowl. I'm not the one at fault...
"Are you alright, Sa-Sasuke?" asked the instantly recognizable voice of Hinata Hyuga. What was she doing there?
"Hn." he grunted without bothering to look at her. He wasn't in the mood for talking, let alone company.
"Do you m-mind if I sit here?" She received no response from him that time. After waiting a moment she decided to sit on the opposite side of the table. "S-Sasuke-"
"Don't stutter." he rudely interrupted her. She swallowed and shifted in discomfort.
"I'm s-sorry."
He sighed. "Stop apologizing; It's giving me a headache. And what are you doing here anyway?"
The hot chocolate she ordered moments before was brought to her and she sipped at it. "Well, I c-come here often." she said. "Do you?"
"Have you seen me here before today?"
Realization caused her to blush. "S-Sorry."
Sasuke sighed once more and turned to the window. Feeling that his attention was no longer on her, Hinata dared to look at him. The sunlight streaming in lit his features. It revealed his skin's somewhat lack of color and the rings which were beginning to form beneath his eyes. He's not sleeping right, she saw. Perhaps he just needs a relaxing day to clear his mind. In that case...
Hinata reached inside her pocket, but before she could pull whatever she had out-
"Oh, Sasuke!" someone called in the most disgustingly cheerful, annoying tone that could only belong to a certain pink haired fangirl-Sakura Haruno. And it just so happened that the blond, brash, and boisterous Ino Yamanaka was with her. Oh joy.
"Ah, Sasuke, what are you doing here?" Sakura asked, coming up and sliding in next to him. "I've never seen you around this area."
"For good reasons to..." he mumbled.
"Don't get so close, forehead!" yelled Ino. "You're making him uncomfortable!"
"You're the only one who's making him uncomfortable, pig!" Sakura retorted.
"E-Excuse me." interposed Hinata. The two girls acknowledged her with frowns, taking notice of her presence for the first time. Their piercing gazes caused her pale cheeks to turn a light shade of pink, and she diverted her eyes. Any confidence that she might have had a second ago sunk to the pit of her stomach right then.
"You're the girl who's been trailing behind Sasuke lately." stated Ino, glowering.
"Y-Yes..."
"You're admitting to it? What are you? Some kind of stalker?" said Sakura. As if she was one to talk.
"N-No! It's not l-like that at all!" Hinata exclaimed. The pink on her cheeks darkened. She hadn't meant to raise her voice.
"Then what's with you? It's not like you're actually dating, right Sasuke?" Sakura asked him and scooted closer. He glared at her when she took hold of his arm. "Our relationship is none of your business." he growled. "And, if I remember correctly, we didn't invite you to sit with us."
"So you are together?" Ino asked. She glared daggers at Hinata, and the way the small girl flinched you would think she literally felt them.
Sasuke had had enough. He ripped his arm out of Sakura's hold, looked at her with the most sinister expression, and said, "Move now." She obeyed without question and stood from the booth. But Sasuke wasn't finished with them yet.
"I'm only going to say this once, so pull the stupidity out of your ears and listen up." he ordered. Both Ino and Sakura gulped, appearing like a couple of kids who knew they were in big trouble and about to get punished. Sasuke was that scary when he was mad.
"Leave. Me. Alone. Stop hanging on me, stop grabbing me, and stop acting like a couple of annoying twits. You're nothing but two irritating, worthless mosquitoes and the sight of you sickens me. I don't care what you think of me, but quite imposing your girlish nonsense on my life. I have no feelings for either of you nor any other girl, got that?"
Silence. They nodded slowly, taken aback by his stern words. The sight of his intense onyx orbs was enough to send shivers crawling up their spines. Sasuke never spoke that much and he was was never so upset. He was always annoyed, yes, but angry?
"I...I see." Hinata spoke. Head low and bangs hiding her face, she stood and made a quick exit. Sasuke stared after her, confusion written across his furrowed brows until it dawned on him.
Damn...
-
Naru's blond locks flowed out behind her as she swam gracefully. They caught the rippled sunrays and flashed golden yellow, along with her fins which shimmered a bright, blazing orange. But the frown on her face was anything but serene.
Stupid Sasuke! Choosing that Hinata girl over me after all the time we've spent together, and he thinks my brain is waterlogged?, she thought. He didn't make any sense at all. What was so wrong about other people knowing she was a mermaid? Nothing had happened when he and the Hinata girl learned of it.
Sheesh, what a pufferfish!! He just blows up for no good reason at all! The image of an inflated Sasuke brought a smile to her lips, but it didn't last long. Her thoughts soon turned melancholy and her inner voice wondered, thinking, What if this is the end of us? Will Sasuke stop coming? Will it be because of this Hinata girl? But I...I don't want to be left alone...No!, she abruptly shook her head. I can't give up just yet! I didn't leave home just to lose to some stuttering octopus with its tentacles in a jumble! If this Hinata wants to steal my Sasuke she's gonna have to get through me first!
Pumped up and grinning, Naru headed for the beach with a new resolve. She would win back Sasuke no matter what.
Hinata what's-your-name, the challenge is on!
And in all of this, she failed to realize what she really sounded like...
Sorry for the long wait. Had a bad case of writers block and kept getting distracted. I couldn't include all that I wanted in this chapter because it was becoming lengthy, so expect the rest of the drama to unfold in the next chapter!
It amazes me how this story has grown in such a short time. What started as just a random idea about a mermaid Naru has turned into this. It's like watching your baby grow and mature...sniff, wipes away tear...
But aaanyyyway! Review please! It pumps me up and fills me with youthful vigor when I read your encouraging words! I only got two reviews for the last chapter and it made me a little sad...You guys still like my story, right? I hope you do. I'm trying my best to make it a fun and interesting read.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and tune in for the next update!
P.S. Isn't that new Reader Traffic thingy cool! I get to see all the different hits from different countries! Sweet!
