Chap 8

Aru wasn't used to the weather. Once they got passed the gates, she began sweating within the walking distance of a city block. She was used to endurance training, but not like this. This was just plane torture for the snow kunoichi. She hunched over still walking with her jacket lop-sided and panting, until Kiba tapped her shoulder.

He grinned, "Your coat madame?"

She smiled and slipped off he coat like a second skin. She sighed as felt her skin breath once more. She took in the moment until she heard Sakura scream 'nani?!' and Kiba whistle. Aru blushed three shades of red and noticed that every curve of her body was shown through the sweat drenched clothing. As she tried to cover herself of up from prying eyes, she felt Sakura's familiar arms wrap around her. When she looked up, she was in a small, white apartment. With a small garden box on the window sill, she realized this could only be her sister's place.

She smiled up at Sakura, "Gomen nii-san and arigato. I hope I didn't embarrass you."

Sakura bent over her window sill, "It's not your fault Aru-kun." She leaned over the bar even more, shouting into the street, "THIS TOWN FULL OF PERVS!!!"

Sakura turned around to Aru with an unamused face and a thumb pointing back out the window behind her on time for them both to hear whistles and 'you got that right, baby!'. Aru giggled while Sakura just shook her head and sighed. Aru smiled, "I think I better take a shower and borrow some of your clothes until we go shopping tonight."

Sakura suddenly had the most enthusiastic look on her face, to which Aru gave a confused arched eyebrow. "Wait here!" Sakura said. Aru just stood there as her sister could be heard fumbling through her room for something. A few moments later, Aru turned to see Sakura giving her a wrapped present. The paper was brown and had the texture of a paperbag. There was no bow. The only sign that this clothing box was a gift were the words written in Sakura's curvy hand writing "Welcome to Konoha Baby Sis!". Aru's eye glittered as she took the package, bowing her head in thanks. She neatly unwrapped the paper, as to make sure not to rip it. She took off the lid and her eyes went wide. She took the item out and held in front of her to see it. She had noticed the name on the box. Shang Way & Co.. They were a prominent silk company that specialized in robes and fancy attire. Aru's wide eyes grazed over the beautiful object. It was a silk black robe. The material was nearly feather light and had painted designs which Aru recognized as dragons and phoenixes, dancing in intricate formation. The designs were chinese but the sleeves were kimono-fashioned. However, Aru eyed the shortness of the fabric. She brought it up against herself, but still smiling. It was short. Very short. In fact, it just came past Aru's supple behind. She was a bit conservative with the length but was still too busy admiring the painting of gold, red and green on the lucious black fabric.

"Like it?" Sakura asked eagerly, with her hands cuped in front of her face.

Before Sakura knew it, Aru had tackled her onto the floor in a large embrace. They both laughed while rocking back and forth, still in one anothers' arms. They were joyous. It had been a while for either of them. Aru now had a big gapping hole filled with sisterly love while Sakura had that little piece of her heart that longed for family since her mother died, filled to the brink. Over ridding any happy moments she had had in the years past. They looked at each other until they both popped up.

"Go in the shower and come out so I can see it on you!" Sakura said happily. Aru nodded a few times and rushed into the bathroom closing the door behind her. It was just then that Sakura cursed herself. She ran over to the door.

"Aru?" she yelled over the sound of rushing water.

"Yeah?"

"I need to run to the store quickly for a few things. You want anything?"

"What are we doing about dinner?"

"Me and Naruto are treating you to sushi. We want to introduce you to the rest of the Rookie 9 and Team Gai."

Sakura didn't hear a response. Suddenly she remembered Aru's small tiff with Neji at the Daimyo's office.

She sighed, "Don't worry about that Hyuuga-baka-teme. He has a cousin who I think you'll really like. Besides, there are gonna be plenty of people for you to meet."

Aru smiled, "Thanks Sakura-niikun." She heard the front door lock and she sighed happily. Sakura always knew what to say to make Aru feel comfortable, even in their letters.

ONE HOUR LATER:

Sakura sighed in defeat. She hadn't expected to bump into Lee in front of the market. He had lost his bushy eyebrows and bowl-cut hair. But he was still the loud flamboient Saku-fanboy that he had been so many years ago. He always challenged Naruto to try and win her heart, but he never attempted to cheat with Sakura. Lee was going to be honest and noble till the bitter end. And Sakura was happy that there was something to admire him for. Moreover, when he wasn't trying desperately to woe her, Lee would give Sakura very handy advice on how to strengthen her taijutsu. Yes she was very thankful for her friends, her beloved Naruto, and now her baby sister. As Lee held open the door for Sakura she walked in stumbling over an extra pair of shoes. Her face went pale as she realized that her sister was still probably indisposed.

"Is something wrong my sweet blossom?" Lee asked cooingly. Sakura cringed because she only rarely let Naruto call her that. And that was only for...intimate purposes, for a lack of better terms.

"Lee, you're gonna have ta get out." She said simpathetically.

"What?! But why my sweet?! Have I offended you in some way?" But before Sakura had time to respond, she and Lee turned their heads to see a disterbing image...well, at least for Sakura.

Aru stood there with her long white hair passing a few inches below the end of the robe. She was smiling shyly and blushing softly as she found herself in a modest position in front of a slightly goofy but charming shinobi. Lee's eyes went wide as he looked her up and down. He finally was a fine cherry red before Sakura's voice reached his ears.

"Lee! Earth to Lee! Are you ok?"

"Huh? Oh. Yes. I'm just fine Sakura-san. But who is this beautiful woman?"

Sakura became a little flustered at Lee complimenting her baby sister in such a way while Aru just stood there and blushed. But before Sakura could respond, Lee and Aru had met each other half way to shake hands.

"I'm Arunanda Haruno, Sakura's little sister. You must be Rock Lee. I've heard some impressive things."

Rock Lee brought Aru's soft hand up to his mouth and kissed it. She blushed and giggled while Sakura began to fume at the numerous hits on her sister.

"Hola, senorita. Si, me llamo es Rock Lee. Pero tu puede me dice Lee." He wiggled an eyebrow. ((Translation: Hello, young miss. Yes, my name is Rock Lee. But you can call me Lee.))

Aru giggled, pulling her hand gentlely away from him. "Yo se. Hay fantastica. Yo tengo muchos amigos buenos ahora." ((For lack of better spanish : I know. That's fantastic. I have many good friends now.))

"Alright" Sakura interupted, "Enough with the spanish!"But before Lee or Aru could protest, Sakura kicked him out the window and Lee landed into the pavement below. Aru just shook her head and smiled up at her sister. Sakura looked Aru up and down, "It looks great!"

Aru smiled "Thanks again Sakura!"

"No problem! Now get ready so that we can go shopping. I told Naruto to reschedule for tomorrow night."

Ary nodded and rushed to get her clothes on. She was about to go on her first leisurely outing with her older sister. It was going to be a good day after all.

But one thing still came to Aru's mind as she got herself prepped in some of Sakura's clothes.

Neji.