Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Unas Damas(Some Ladies)
—On a hunt for Mr. Right
Oh, it's been long. I got busy with school, juggling this and that is never easy. Also, I found myself writing more and more about environmental conservation and sustainability, raising my stand on the matter. I love Mother Earth and I want to get more involved in raising environmental awareness. So I was totally surprised when I found out I haven't updated this long. And I even promised to update every Friday. BUT HERE IT IS NOW! I HOPE YOU GUYS ARE STILL WITH ME. ^_^
For all those who reviewed, sorry I wasn't able to reply. I'll just thank you all here. So, THANK YOU SO MUCH! :))
Warning: I don't proofread. Seriously, I think I need a beta. Anyone? :(
I could be locked in a room with a number of men, and I'd probably still be single.
Chapter 9
"Just practicing."
Two words rang across the suddenly quiet office of the well known dating coach, Might Guy. Weirdly enough, the atmosphere seems to always drop to a very unforgivable discomfort during their sessions.
Everyone continued to stare at Ino not exactly sure of what they are going to respond to lift the corners of her mouth.
Sakura pursed her lips, "So…" She awkwardly began.
Ino quickly shifted her attention to her and lifted a brow, "So? Don't you 'so…' me! Don't you get it? That man is playing with me! He keeps on rejecting me. Every time, Sakura. Every time! He shatters my pride and crumples my ego. Just when I thought he's finally asking me out, he erupted into a fit of laughter and told me he was just practicing!" She panted after finally finishing her very long point.
"Calm down, Ino." Sakura sighed. "I completely understand what you're trying to say." She rolled her eyes and looked the other way, "You can't accept the fact that a normal, boring man is completely taking control over you. You can't accept the fact that a guy, who earns lesser than you, could also be less intelligent than you are, completely had you in the palm of his hand—"
Ino scoffed, "Please, that statement of yours is so wrong. That's not even close to reality."
"And you're also in denial." Tenten added, slouching on one of the leather sofas in the room.
Ino glared at the two of them and shook her head, "None of you bitches really know me. How sad."
"Hmm..." Might Guy's stood from his comfy position beside Lee and slowly walked around the room, "Ladies, ladies, listen… A woman is just like a painting. The outer appearance is a blank canvas; her heart would serve as the painter and her mind, the brush. Life throws her many colors, some vibrant and some dull. In the end, it is the painter who paints and it is the finished paintings which are sold. The price depends on how well the colors are mixed, blended and portrayed together. Either it will sell well, or it will not."
Guy looked around and sighed, "Why are all of you playing with such neutral colors? Is that all what 'life' has given you, or are you just scared to go out of your comfort zones and play with bold ones?"
"Maybe I just don't know how to paint." Tenten answered.
Guy's brows shot up, "Have you tried?"
She shrugged. "I've been trying since I started dating, but the outcome isn't remarkable…or sellable."
"Maybe you're just targeting the wrong market." Guy smirked. "For example, some are into abstract, while some are into impressionism. Somehow the seller and the buyer should have the same interest in the art style."
"That's really beautiful, Coach Guy! You express everything beautifully." Lee spoke with enthusiasm, clenching his palms on his lap, "If the whole painting concept works the same way with men, I can't help but wonder why you aren't sold yet."
Guy's left eye twitched, "You still have a lot to learn, Lee." He coughed, "Life isn't that easy."
"Then please teach me more, Coach Guy!"
Guy gave him thumbs up and Lee grinned, eyes burning with happiness.
Hinata clapped her hands and smiled slightly, she really does enjoy her sessions with Might Guy, she learns a lot.
Ino rolled her eyes and shifted her gaze to Tenten, "I need the thong back."
"What?" Tenten chocked.
"I need it back. I have to wear it the next time I'll visit that coffee shop." She snapped, folding her arms and crossing her legs.
Tenten blinked once… twice… "Uhh…"
Guy shook his head, "A thong can only boost a woman's confidence, but never her market value." He looked at the floor, looking very hurt. "Haven't you learned a thing from our sessions?"
"I am not trying to get him to fall hard for me; I just want to give him a sweet distraction… or a heart attack." Ino spat.
"Why must you wear a thong?" Sakura asked, "I don't see how it makes sense."
"I don't have to explain it to you in detail. It's either I'll wear that thong, or I'll go naked." Ino suddenly felt like screaming, but she kept her composure. She had the perfect plan in her head. Her eyes fell on Hinata who's blushing madly. "What's with you? Are you really that conservative?"
Hinata shook her head, "N-no, I just remembered something."
"What?" They asked in unison.
She seems to be having an internal debate before she finally spoke up, "Th-this morning m-m-my cousin c-confronted me and asked me if… if I was the owner o-of the red th-tho-thong my fa-father f-found in... in his car."
Tenten froze and the others gasped.
In a tiny voice Hinata continued, "My c-cousin was very m-mad a-at me, while my sister k-kept on asking m-me for more de-details…" She closed her eyes and sighed.
"Did he give you the thong?" Tenten asked, her face pale.
Hinata shook her head, "It's in my father's possession."
Tenten's jaw dropped.
"That thong better not be the one I lent you, Tenten." Ino said, voice dangerously low.
Tenten awkwardly laughed, "No, no, of course not. I'm wearing it right now."
Sakura slapped a palm on her forehead, shaking her head.
"Is that's so?" Ino asked, "Show me then."
Tenten crossed her arms, "Why should I? Are you going to sleep with me? As you can see, that thong is solely for that purpose. I'm not up for a free show."
Ino growled, "Show me that you're really wearing it or I'll strip you myself."
"Okay enough!" Sakura cut in, 'Seriously fighting over a thong? Perhaps this is one the many reasons why we are single.' She bitterly thought, clicking her tongue and glaring at everybody in the room. She's seriously not in the mood for stupidity.
~O~
Tenten leaned in the red Lamborghini, exhausted. She begged Hinata to tell her Neji's car's plate number just so she could stalk him. Careless of her, she forgot to ask what car he's driving and had spend almost an hour roaming around the Hyuga Towers' parking lot looking for it. She was just happy the security isn't out to get her yet; she's probably looking very suspicious in the cameras.
Hinata told her Neji would come out at exactly 6:45 PM on Thursdays, and the moment Tenten's watch turned 6:45, there he really was. Checking his watch and phone, with his perfectly pressed suite. Tenten could only swallow the lump in her throat.
Neji frowned and didn't even appear the slightest bit surprised when he saw her.
Tenten smiled sweetly, "Hello, Neji." She greeted.
His eyes narrowed, shoving her away from the car.
"Hey!" Tenten yelped. She then grabbed onto his body and pressed her face in his chest, wrapping her arms around him, "Don't push me away. You seem to be forgetting our moments together."
Neji groaned and gripped her arms tightly, yanking her almost harshly away from him at an arms length, "What do you want?" He demanded, glaring at her.
Tenten's playful pout disappeared and was instantly replaced with an equally hard glare. She smirked, "Something, of course. I would never meet you out of interest, and I know you feel exactly the same. You have something I want."
Neji raised a brow urging her to continue.
"Your body." Tenten's expression didn't change at all.
Neji mirrored her smirk, "You dreaming?"
Tenten scoffed, "As tempting as it is to make it a reality, I'm only kidding…" She paused, "Okay I'm not; I do want that, however, that's not why I'm here."
"Then what? Don't waste my time."
"A thong. A red thong."
Neji's eyes widened a little and he looked to the side in disbelief, "Really huh? Did you purposely leave that in my car?"
"No. Remember when you farted in the trunk? That feeling when you didn't really expect something to happen, then before you know it you're suddenly marinating in shame?"
Neji glared at her only look away again, this time with a light tint on his cheeks.
"Good, you remember." Tenten chirped. He shook his head, opened his car, but Tenten stopped him, "Wait!" She exclaimed, "You better give that back to me or else I'll act like a clingy whore girlfriend who won't leave you alone. And mind you, I watch porn." She snapped at his face.
Neji laughed, "Are you threatening me? I could fuck you in this car right now. And what can you do? No one's around to help you."
"You are practically offering me heaven on a platter, why would I do anything about it? I'd gladly kneel." Tenten replied, raising a fine brow.
"On second thought, I don't want any diseases, so go away."
Tenten laughed, "Gay."
"What?" He asked through his teeth.
"Aha, now I know why you won't return it."
In a flash, Tenten found herself being slammed into the car. She winced and glared up at Neji who was cornering her with his hand, while the other held her jaw firmly, lifting it up, her lips were just a breath away from his.
He smirked, "What now? You scared, hm?" He whispered.
She felt his hot breath on her face and she almost shivered, "Yes." Neji rolled his eyes and let go of her, stepping back. Tenten straightened herself and looked straight at him, "I can be your friend though…"
"No."
Tenten sighed, "Look, just give it back. It's not mine and the owner's already willing to put up a fight for it. I hate cat fights. I could punch her right in the face, but she also happens to be my friend, so I can't do that."
"Move." Neji's voice was cold as usual, and it was obvious that he's pretty much irritated by her presence already.
"Like I said, in the meantime, I can be your friend." Neji was about to respond, but she stopped him, "Don't worry, I'll be the kind of friend that will only be around whenever you need my company. If you won't, then it'll be just like I don't exist at all."
"Wouldn't it be better to remain strangers?" Neji asked, "Because even if you become my friend, I don't think I'll ever need your company."
Tenten smiled, a genuine one for the first time, "It's okay. At least we're friends. Maybe not by practice, but it's nice to have the thought."
"Yeah, fine. I'll lose nothing anyway." He said with pure disinterest in his tone.
Tenten took a deep breath and stepped away from the car. Neji got in and drove off without even bothering to ask her if she'd like a lift. She shook her head and conditioned herself that nothing will change. She got the clean slate she wanted from her friend's cousin, and soon enough she'll get the thong back, as well. Besides, it's her fault for being so careless to begin with.
~O~
Ino bitterly stared at the laughing man from outside the café window. She disguised herself in an oversized, dark blue hoodie. Ino scowled at Shikamaru's light and playful expression while playing with a little boy. The toddler's really well behaved. He would just sit patiently while Shikamaru prepared some coffee. He carefully placed a cup of warm chocolate for the little boy, and Ino bit her tongue when Shilkamaru smiled gently. He was never like that when she's around. She swore and hated herself for feeling a little bit jealous of the attention he gave to the toddler.
She looked around and thanked the fact that there were a lot of people passing by outside, it really helped her awkward and embarrassing situation. Shikamaru was a little too busy, so he didn't notice a thing. 'Well, that's what it looks like.' She thought and rolled her eyes.
Clenching her fist, she dumped them in the front pockets of her hoodie and bit her lip at the thought that the toddler could be Shikamaru's son. It may also be the reason why he never shows the slightest interest in her. He ruffled the boy's red hair and went inside the storage room behind the counter to probably get some stuff.
The boy looked around and his eyes widened a bit when he saw a man with colorful balloons. He jumped down from his seat and ran outside, happily eyeing the different colors.
Ino suddenly felt a hot rush in her veins, her hands were shaking a little, and her mind went on and on about the payback she wanted. She looked at the counter again and felt a little relieved that Shikamaru's still not there. 'A heart attack…' The moment the words crossed her mind, she stooped down, grabbed the toddler in her arms, and ran.
The boy cried, but he didn't struggle. She took a turn on the next block and bumped into someone. The boy shrieked at the impact causing Ino to panic more. She looked up and was faced with a troubled looking Tenten.
Tenten gasped and pointed at the crying boy in Ino's arms, "Who's that kid?" She must've taken in Ino's panic since she too was looking around as if someone was watching them.
Ino rocked the boy and desperately tried to hush him, "I snatched him—"
"You snatched him?!" Tenten exclaimed. The boy cried louder, and for a moment the two of them felt like crying too.
"Let's talk later." Ino said, before waving hurriedly for a cab. One parked in front of them and they went in as quickly as they could. Ino blurted Sakura's address before she could even think, and the cab drove off.
"Daddy! Daddy!" The boy yelled.
"No, no, it's okay. It's gonna be alright." She cooed rocking the kid on her lap. "Daddy!" The kid yelled louder. The driver looked at them suspiciously through the rear view mirror and a sweat fell from Ino's forehead. She gulped and patted the toddler's lap gently, holding him close she said in a very soft motherly voice, "Mommy's here, sweetheart. Mommy's here. Daddy is busy with his work." It seemed to work since the toddler's cries went down a little. Ino smiled sweetly at him and wiped off his tears, "You will see daddy again later." The toddler stopped crying and nodded, making Ino sigh, "Good boy."
She glanced at Tenten and they shared a knowing look. She too had been running a cold sweat. Tenten nodded at her and patted the boy's head gently. "Mommy Ten is here too, so don't cry." She said, forcing a sweet smile, all for the sake of not going to jail.
~O~
Sakura heard the 'ding' of the microwave and carefully took out the hot meal she reheated. It was a lazy day for her and she frowned at the thought of getting ready for work in a few hours.
There was a rapid knock on her door and she quickly went for it. She opened the door and was surprised to see a sweaty Ino and troubled looking Tenten. Her eyes traveled to the toddler in Ino's arms and her eyes widened. "Ethan…" She said without thinking.
They got in and Ino frowned, "Ethan?" She asked.
"Yes. Me." The toddler replied quietly. He stretched his arms out to Sakura, "Aunty Doc!" He said with a small smile, eyes still red from crying.
"Aunty Doc?" Ino asked, handing the toddler over to Sakura, "He knows you?"
"Somehow…" Sakura shrugged, "He calls me Aunty Doc, I might be familiar to him." She then frowned again. "So how did Ethan end up with you two?"
Tenten looked at Ino as well, demanding for an explanation.
Ino laughed nervously, "I saw him on the café where Shikamaru worked, and uhh… I was… too caught up in wanting to give him a little scare… so I … kidnapped him when he wasn't looking."
"What?!" Tenten and Sakura both yelled. Ethan cringed and buried his head in Sakura's neck.
"Did you know that Ethan's daddy is a very, very scary person?" Sakura hysterically asked.
"No!"
"If you think he is Shikamaru's child then you are dead wrong!"
"Well, thankfully he's not." Ino snapped.
"What has gotten into you to kidnap Ethan?" Tenten asked.
"I don't… I DON'T KNOW. I JUST DID!" Ino replied defensively.
Sakura groaned, "Tenten, Ethan's daddy is that bastard who kicked as out at CLAUDIA's…"
Tenten's jaw dropped. "Oh no." She breathed.
"We're in trouble?" Ino asked.
Tenten and Sakura groaned, and Ethan giggled.
Tenten glared at the kid, "Look at him enjoying our misery. If this is the Tudor period, I'd say we'll be beheaded soon… very soon."
~O~
The three ladies sat lifelessly on the couch while watching Ethan run around. Ino had stripped him off his sweaty clothes and tied an animal printed scarf around his waist.
"Tarzan! Ooyyeeeeoyeeeeooooooo!" Ethan yelled, running around Sakura's small living room area.
They sighed in unison.
"So Tenten…" Sakura started.
"Yeah?"
"Hinata's cousin is friends with Ethan's daddy?" Sakura asked, eyes following Ethan as he climbed up the couch opposite them and jumped to the carpet.
Tenten blinked, looking awkwardly at the energetic little boy who seems to be having no problem at all, like we wasn't kidnapped about an hour ago, "That Naruto guy is friends with Neji and I heard he was pretty close to Ethan's daddy."
Sakura frowned. Somehow, they couldn't say his name out loud and they eventually settled to calling him 'Ethan's daddy'.
"We're doomed." Sakura groaned, running a hand through her messy pink hair. Her green eyes filled with worry, more to herself and her friends rather than the toddler they kidnapped.
"Hinata better not know then." Ino suggested, her eyes not leaving Ethan as well. The three of them followed the kid's movements, lifelessly sitting side by side, their bodies feeling heavy so suddenly.
"Why so? She's the best mother figure out of the four of us." Tenten reasoned, "She's kind, gentle, caring, well-mannered, patient, calm, and so on. If we're keeping the child longer than a day or two, then she should be the one taking care of it. I don't know anything about these monsters. For all I heard, they could kill people just by crying and looking all cute…" She muttered, nodding at her own sentences as if she's proven a really good point.
Ino sighed in exasperation, "She's also bad at hiding things, lying, not to mention easy to scare and easy to read." Sakura raised her brow, and shook her head along with Ino, "Her cousin might ask her about it and she'll probably piss her pants. Let's not take the risk shall we?"
Tenten finally moved her head to the side to look at the other two, "How long are you planning to keep the monster anyway? His face is probably all over the area by now. Plus, that taxi driver could give us away. He saw our faces and there's pretty much some reward money for the rascal. Daddy's rich, remember?"
They shared glances and sighed.
"Now I don't feel like going to the hospital anymore." Sakura groaned.
"I don't think I'll ever be a mother…" Tenten muttered.
Ino rolled her eyes, "Shut up, bitches."
Ethan stopped running around and looked straight at them. He tilted his head a little to the right and cracked a wide grin.
"Oh look how happy he is." Tenten said sarcastically, making Ethan laugh.
Sakura groaned again and flopped, face down on the couch.
~O~
Hinata placed her arms around her frame as a slightly chilly wind blew her long sleeve dress. She went out for some late night shopping, feeling the need to just roam around and get some air.
She feels unusually happy and free. His smile would always creep in her mind and she couldn't help but smile as well. He is charming and very down to earth. Seeing as how he's always happy makes Hinata want to always be happy too. She would really love to get to know him more as a person and as a good friend. She believes she'll truly enjoy having him around.
She decided to walk at the park a little before going home. Her expression brightened at the colorful lights that are carefully designed like fruits on the trees. 'It looks magical.' She thought as she scanned the huge area. On the corner, she saw two men walking slowly. One had dark hair, while the other had lighter hair. She squinted and found them to be utterly familiar. And when it hit her, she let out a small gasp. It was Sasuke and Naruto.
Sasuke had his head down looking so broken. He was shaking his head from side to side, while Naruto had his hand on his shoulder, his lips moving—talking. His eyes held the same worried look, and they were walking strangely close to each other. Too close. Then they stopped… Naruto stopped and gripped Sasuke's shoulder making him stop as well.
He looked angry so suddenly. He made Sasuke face him and he place his other hand on his other shoulder. Shaking him, he yelled loud enough for Hinata to finally hear what he's been going on about. "It will all be okay, Sasuke! Trust me!"
Hinata felt her heart beat quicken, her eyes growing wide and her palms sweaty, almost loosing their hold on the shopping bag she held. The two men remained silent, and then Naruto hugged him.
Her hand went up to her mouth. She didn't understand what she saw, but she knew one thing for sure, "He's gay." She shakily breathed; clutching her wild heartbeat as she slowly backed away, her eyes refusing to leave the seen before her. She clenched her eyes shut, shook her head violently and ran away from the park as fast as she could.
'He's gay. He's gay… I can't believe he's gay.' Her mind kept chanting until she reached the highway. She didn't know what, but she's positive that the heavy feeling on her chest is absolutely disappointment.
~O~
Thanks for reading!
Let me know what you think. :)
Ooh and let me know if you're interested to BETA the upcoming chapters. I know this story is nothing compared to those great ones, but I would really love the help. Just... to those only who's interested. :)
Aaaanddd I'm back with the weekly updates.
Chapter 10 will be updated next weekend.
