I'm in a relatively good mood now, so I had enough enthusiasm to finish and proofread (hopefully well). So, YAY!
I had a lot of writters block at first for this half of the chapter, but I had a lot of inspiration from school. On a good note, me and my best friend made up, sort of. He's not as hung up over his break up anymore, and I'm back on my feet from a huge... thing. So yeah, the two of us are good. But he inspiration came from when we were hanging out after school together to catch up on like a month's worth of ignoring each other, and the rest of our guy friends followed us to a nearby fast food restaurant and spied on us becuase they though we were 'SECRETLY DATING'.
Ah that was horrible... I freaked out and caused a scene, and then my aunt showed up and I was like all 'NO NO NONE OF THEM ARE BY BOYFRIEND NO' and I was like, hey, this would be a pretty good scene for this story!
So, turn embarassment into entertainment. And well, I stayed up all night working on this. So, here's the finished product! Hope you like it!
UPDATE: 2015
Also working on a comic version, with original characters and everything. Proj. in progress
Come and support!
Tumblr: sammakesamess
DeviantArt: MemorySoul
Step 3: THE 'MOM'S FIRST IMPRESSION' Pt2
Sakura's mom has arranged for a meeting with Sasuke, and the 'couple' is anything but ready to do just that. Can the two manage to actually learn how to act like a decenty convincing couple for Kana Haruno or will this be the end of their fake relationship?
The next few days were a bit hectic, almost as much as Tuesday was with Ino's 'Compliment Training' at the mall. I really don't want to go into the torturous details of the next two days of practices, but I'll try and sum it up for you.
On Wednesday after school, Ino had us practice 'personal contact', or in other words, touching each other. Again it sounds just as easy and outrageous as the whole complimenting thing, but this proved to be a lot more difficult than the latter.
"Come on guys it's just holding hands," Ino urged, all of us at the local burger joint with Sasuke and I forcibly seated together in one of the booths, just barely touching shoulder to shoulder. "Any time today." Apparently it had taken us a good half hour to manage holding hands for more than three seconds. Ino also had us practice hugging, forehead-touching, laying my head on his shoulder, any of those typical couple stances one could imagine.
Along with all the emotional awkwardness to accompany it.
The day after, Thursday, the gang and I went to the park so Ino could train us on the most simplistic thing. Sasuke and I were situated on a park bench with the group surrounded us in front. "Stare into each others eyes," she instructed.
"Huh?"
"Stare into each other's eyes," she repeated, receiving odd looks from the other guys as well. When we didn't do anything, she groaned to herself and forcefully used her hands to turn both our heads. Well, we stared at each other alright, with all the hate and distaste we could muster up in the form of starring.
"How... cute..." Shikamaru commented to Ino, who sighed in frustration again.
It took just as long as the last two exercises this past week to get down 'starring into each other's eyes'. First we had to stop glaring. That was a big no-no in Ino's book. After managing to push out glaring, we had to smile at each other, which was even worse for the two of us. You can already imagine our initial outbursts of opposition, which Ino apparently knew how to control. By the end of the day, Sasuke and I (sadly) had learned how to stare into each others eyes (while smiling) and while holding hands, and while making fake compliments of lovey-duvy mush that according to Ino would have to only be ten percent mushy to seem realistic.
Wow, who knew these three days of lessons would actually pull off into something sensible?
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
FRIDAY / DAY OF THE DATE / HELP?
Well, today's the day. The dreaded first date... and with Mom. She of course had gotten me something to wear for the said date(coughcoughalotofthingstowearcoughcough) But Kakashi and I were able to persuade her to let me wear something more... simplistic compared to what she had in mind, but apparently according to Kakashi, that would be his only meddling done in this whole thing. For the rest of the day on my own, he says.
School's first half of the day went by way to quickly, but I more or less just blamed my anxiety. Four hours to lunch felt more like ten minutes as I made my way to the cafeteria with my bagged lunch, my ever-present nervous frown glued to my face.
"Hey kid!" Naruto greeted, jumping up behind me and slinging her arm around my slugish figure. "Hey don't look so down! You're going on a date with Sasuke Uchiha today, you lucky gal you!"
"Dear God..." I frowned, feeling sick in my stomach as Naruto put on a nervous smile of his own. Way to go, Naruto, for reminding me why I decided to wake up today.
"Are you that nervous?" he asked me with a scratch of his head.
"Kind of! What if Sasuke and I mess up and my Mom figures out we've been faking it!" I panicked to the blonde. "And this being my first technical date doesn't help. Gah, I bet Sasuke's gonna laugh at me by the time we reach our table."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Naruto laughed. "To be truthfully honest he seems just as nervous as you."
My head jumped. Did I hear right? Sasuke? Nervous? "You're joking right?"
"Haven't you seen how pissed off he's been acting today?" Naruto laughed with a wide grin. Flashbacks of the past four periods came to mind. Sasuke snapped at Shikamaru for asking for an extra pen, he had shut Naruto's locker in the morning, he even shoved Kiba when he teased Sasuke about the forcoming date. Neji, well, he knows how to steer clear of OBVIOUS trouble so nothing really happened to him.
"Oh," was all I had to say.
"See? You're both on the same page already! You'll be fine," Naruto assured as we entered the lunch room. We saw our table in the distance, with Ino directing some loud order too the guys, all not listening or focusing on other things.
"Hey, Naruto?" I asked, taking comfort in the assuring arm that was still weighing over my shoulders. "You think you can do me a favor?"
"What is it?"
"You think you could somehow, like, come with us on the date?" I asked hesitantly, instantly catching Naruto's full attention. "You can be like our back-up for something, should anything happen or if Sasuke and I need anything."
"Uh, s-sure. If you want," Naruto replied, trying to picture the situation.
"Hey you two," Ino greeted as we finally got to the table.
Kiba smirked. "Hey, it's Sakura and Sasuke who're the couple not you two."
Naruto more or less reacted than I, so he instantly removed his arm and cleared his throat. "A-Anyway, Sakura here had a plan and I think we should hear it."
"How professional sounding of you," Shikamaru remarked with a dragging tone, lifting his head from his nap. At that moment, all faces turned to me, including that of Sasuke's all the way on the other end of the table.
With an embarrassing blush I looked down at my hands. "Well, uh, you see, I was wondering if that, uh, while Sasuke and I are on the date, you guys could somehow come with us... you know, somewhere behind the scenes? As back up?"
There was a long trying-to-comprehend-what-I-just said silence. After about three ticks worth of a clock, Neji muttered first, "Is she serious?"
Instantly, Ino came up in front of me with the most opposing look on her face. "Do you WANT to ruin your first date?" I more or less expected this kind of reaction from Ino. "Bringing more of these lunatics is practically a death wish to your mom's first impression to Sasuke! Is that what you want! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING?"
"No. I sincerely think that they'd help us if we needed it." Or rather if I needed it.
"So, what do you guys say?" Naruto forwarded, trying to get everyone on my side.
Shikamaru shrugged, leaning back in his seat. "Well, nothing else better to do."
"I'm in. Who knows? This could turn out to be some hilarious shit," Kiba laughed, only to earn glares from Ino, Naruto, and discretely Sasuke. "Heh, sorry. Just sayin' the truth."
"Neji?" Naruto asked.
The studious teen remained eating his lunch in silence, but he put down his chopsticks to give Naruto a proper reply. "Well it'd certainly be a waste if everyone were to go but me. Might as well go."
Naruto grinned in victory. "If Neji's in then it's definitley a plan. Count us all in, Sakura!"
I smiled and nodded in thanks before turning to Ino, my dear best friend. "Ino?"
She looked like the most uncomfortable in the group, what with the plan we've now formulated. Finally she gave a loud obvious groan. "Alright, I'll go. Someone needs to control these clowns to make sure they don't mess up your date."
"Us mess it up? Just who do you think we are?" Kiba provoked.
Anime vein. "You know exactly what I think you all are."
I smiled and clasped my hands. "Well then it's settled. Looks like we're all going then!"
"Just one question," Neji interrupted. "Where is it exactly?" Leave it to the Hyugga to ask the most important and most left out question. Sasuke looked up again as well, not even knowing himself.
I placed my finger on my chin, trying to remember my mother's exact words. "It's at 6:30 tonight at the Higurashi Bar down town."
"The Higurashi Bar?" Ino exclaimed. "Geez you guys are rich!"
"Don't look at me. It's all my Mom's idea-" Ino and I stopped midway our conversation as we realized a scary silence befall the rest of the guys at the table. Sickly pale and ill expressions on all of them, even Neji who looked relatively uncomfortable in all of their frozen positions. Ino and I sweatdropped.
"Now what?" Ino muttered into my ear.
"D-Did you just sat the Higurashi Bar?" Kiba stammered with a hopeless look. I nodded slowly, to which he sighed in defeat to. "See uh, this is what happened-"
"What the hell did you douche bags do," Ino demanded in an almost demonic tone, seemingly scaring the rest of the color out of Kiba's face. Meanwhile I anticipated their story. What could possibly have happened to get them all like this?
"Y-You see guys, it all kind of happened a while back," Naruto started, seeing as no one else would talk up. He was also putting up a trying expression to hide his nervousness, no help from Ino. "Believe it or not the gang and I went there ourselves once." Oh my God what did they do. "Let's just say we're all kind of, um, 'banned' due to unexplainable reasons-"
"Including Sasuke?" Ino and I both asked.
"Uh, hehe, yeah..."
I sank down into a metal chair, grasping my head. "Oh man oh man oh man we're screwed. My mom's gonna find out about our charades and my life's going down a toilet...!"
Ino, now in a fit of fury, grabbed hold on Naruto's shirt, blue fireballs in her eyes as Naruto shook. "You better be prepared to give some alternative plan unless you expect to have me rub your skull against this wall with a brick or two."
"Don't worry don't worry I have a back up plan see? See?" Naruto panicked, trying to release himself from Ino's grasp.
"This ought to be interesting," Kiba sighed as I lifted my head. Desperation. That was the only word to describe me right now.
"Seriously!" Naruto barked, smoothing out his shirt. "Look, lunch is almost over. Let's just all get through the day and you (points at me) You and your Mom go to the Higurashi Bar."
"And Sasuke?"
"He's going, too."
I made a face. "But he's banned."
"No he's not."
Ino and I blinked. "But you just said-"
"I have a plan, alright? Don't worry about it! We'll have everything run smoothly, I promise!"
Ino's suspicious eye refused to leave. "Just what exactly are you going to do, Uzumaki?"
Naruto grinned, confidently this time. "You'll see!"
And well, that was how our lunch period went. Planning. Half way, anyway. Only Naruto seems to know the real plan, which doesn't really seem to make me feel any better... Yeah now I feel worse. The rest of the day - goes without saying - went by just as fast, as did my anxiety.
I skated home the long way with Sasuke straight after school, as we both had to 'prepare' for this over-extravagant first date. And according to my mom, I would need all the time I could get. We reached our end of the culdesac way too soon, though. At this end were we both to split up. Still, I always find the setting so weird looking : a normal house on the right, and a HUGE mansion and garden and gates on the left... that's it.
"Well, good luck drama queen," Sasuke said, looking at me.
I scoffed. "You too, duck head."
We stayed like that for a moment before erupting into a fit of small laughter that we failed to have the entire day. "Man, I needed that," Sasuke sighed, calming himself down.
"Yeah. Turns out I can't go a day without insulting you after all."
"Ditto." We shared a good short laugh again before turning towards each other, the two of us holding ut skateboards in possession. I guess we've gotten a little to good at acting civil towards each other. This is kind of weird. Though, it's probably a good thing we're in this good mood with each other now. It's good for the date... assuming it'll go well. "So uh, I'll meet you there?"
"Yup. See ya." Taking my skateboard I went to glide down the road towards my mansion, wearing a somewhat confident look on my face. I am so prepared for this date. We'll handle it just fine, like Naruto said. And besides, he's been a reliable friend so far. He won't let me down... on purpose.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
"Oh, you look so handsome, Sasuke," Mikoto complimented as she tied Sasuke's tie for him.
"Mom," Sasuke laughed, trying to hide his forming smile.
Mrs. Uchiha made a face. "Is that a smile? Gosh, this girl must really be making you happy. I've never seen you act so cheerful before." If only she knew the past three days of non-stop training.
"Ah I wouldn't pick the word 'cheerful', Mom," Sasuke laughed as he checked his phone.
"Want another corsage, little brother?" Itachi teased, walking into the kitchen where the rest of his small family was.
"Very funny," Sasuke stared, taking hold of his tie himself. Then he went to put on his watch from the counter onto his left wrist. 5:45PM it says. Not long now, he thought.
"You know, Sasuke. I don't believe I've ever really seen you go on dates before," Mikoto said thoughtfully.
"Mom I've had girlfriends before."
"Well yeah but you've never dressed up for an occasion like this. And you seem so happy with this one. Who is she anyway?"
"No one you need to know Mom-"
"It's Saku-" Sasuke elbowed Itachi before he could say the full name, to which Itachi and Mikoto laughed a little from amusement.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
"Mom, don't you think this is a bit much?"
"You think anything is a bit much," Kana replied as she put on my make-up. "Besides, I'm going by your father's orders. Simplicity only. You should be thankful I'm not doing things my way otherwise you'd be-"
"Please don't finish that sentence, Mom," I chuckled, sitting still on the stool in her room.
"There, just a little bit of blush... and you're done. Have a look."
Time flew by quickly here, too. And seeing as Kakashi wasn't around (probably busy 'hiding' at one of his friends' places) Mom had us take one of the chafers. It took me everything I had to make her not use the limo. That's just too much, don't you think? At this point I was glad I wasn't taking Sasuke with us. We agreed he'd meet us there instead.
The entire drive to the restaurant, I kept my hands clutched around the small handles of my purse, sometimes toying with the end of my dress which reached just up above my knees. This was a new type of dress Mom introduced to me. It looked like something Ino or other high school girls would wear, but still, it was a change from the 'elegant' look Mom usually makes me go for. She lent me some of her more simple jewelry, and she let me leave my hair down as it was, short and messy, her saying it looked 'natural'. And the shoes, don't even get me started on those.
The car pulled up to what I assumed to be was the Hugirashi Bar, where Sasuke was patiently waiting in a full black tux with the white collared undershirt. Whew. At least we both look decent enough for Mom.
"Is that him? He looks cute, Sakura! Good job!"
"Mom," I whined.
"Of course she has a driver..." Sasuke muttered, starring at the shiny vehicle. It was no limo, but it was still a pretty expensive looking car he knew he'll never be able to afford himself. He watched the driver from the front seat exit the nice sleek black car as he went around to open the other door, first letting out me, to which Sasuke tried his best not to act too amazed, or astonished. His surprise grew all the more when Mrs. Haruno came out, looking almost just as young, and just as rich as the mansion she lived in. "Wow."
"Hi Sasuke," I greeted shyly, snapping him out of his thoughts. I quickly left my mom to 'kiss his cheek'. (Ino had 'trained' us to make us look like we were kissing.) I merely pressed my face, nt facing my mom, against the right side of his face. But I took the time to whisper a message. "Did you hear from Naruto? Aren't you still banned at this place"
"Yeah, but I didn't hear from Naruto yet," he whispered back as I stepped down, seeing as my Mom was coming our way.
"Sauske Uchiha, I presume," greeted my mother into her infamous 'I'm a higher status than you' tone. She held out her hand, to which Sasuke shook. "My name is Kana Haruno, Sakura's mother."
"I've heard so much about you. It's so good to finally meet you," he said. "Why don't we step inside?"
"Wonderful idea." Mom led the way as Sasuke and I dreadfully followed, forcing ourselves to hold each other's hands. That was more or less for assurance and comfort for each other rather than for acting in front of Mom, though. It turns out the entire inside of the restaurant was empty, but still functioning. the sound of the running fountains, the lit candles and dim lit lights, the music - where was everybody?
"Weird. This place is usually packed," Kana commented, Sasuke and I just as lost.
"Hello. Sorry for the wait." My eyes and ears twitched. That voice. No way.
Sasuke and I slowly adverted our attention to the left, and disbelievingly we saw Ino, dressed in that tacky uniform of the Higurari Bar. Black flats, black mini skirt, red vest, white button down, red bow, brunette wig. Mom isn't going to fall for that!
"Let me show you to your seats," she said.
"Thank you very much," my mother nodded, only for me to drop open my mouth as the two walked ahead. No way...
"Was that...?" Sasuke began.
"Don't say anything. Just go with it." Hand in hand Sasuke and I hurried to catch up with Ino and the 'waitress' Ino. Oh Naruto you are a dead man.
'Naruto you are a dead man...' Ino thought with a sickly face as she led us to our table, deep within the middle of the restaurant. Stepping aside from our table, Mom took her seat as Sasuke (as Ino instructed earlier on) opened my seat for me. Mom starred approvingly before taking up a menu. Meanwhile in the background I recognized a piano piece replace the mood music from the speakers. A grand piano I saw in the distance. And playing it was none other than Neji.
If Neji's here, then where are the rest of them...? "Will that be all?" Ino asked, all of us seated.
"Yes. Thank you," Mom said in a business fashion.
While she was busy looking at the menu, Ino walked over to me as I signaled for her with a desperate and silent plea. She bowed her head towards mine from behind my seat and I hid our faces behind my menu. "Go with me to the bathroom!" I whispered urgently.
"And leave Sasuke with your mom? No way. Remember what I told you on my list? Never leave the date with the parent." Ino took a quick look around. "Try and not to worry. The guys and I will try to cover for you."
"They're here too?" I whispered in an almost panic.
"Believe it or not yes," Ino scoffed. "No go on and keep up a good show." Ino stood up right with a bright fake smile that I know all too well. "Your waiter will be here shortly. Good evening." I scoffed as well. I wonder who that'll be...
After Ino left, we all decided on our orders and waited for our waiter to show up. In the mean time, the 'small talk' had begun. "So Sasuke, when'd you meet Sakura?" Mom asked with intrigue.
"At school actually. We had a couple of classes together and I guess we just clicked," Sasuke said with that infamous player charm mixed in. Hmph. Dog.
Mom's face looked skeptical, in a good way though. "Mm, you must've done something to catch Sakura's attention." You bet he did. "It's not easy to catch her heart."
"No kidding," Sasuke muttered behind his hands, only for me to slap him on the arm. Force of habit, but Mom only saw this as a lover's quarrel, to which she smiled approvingly at.
"I know she's a handful sometimes. Believe me, I know." Please don't start on embarrassing stories in front of my fake boyfriend please.
"Are you guys ready?" asked our waiter's voice. My savior! Though, that voice I knew - but I didn't believe it. With the most deranged scared look played out on my face, I looked up and saw Shikamru, wearing a guys' alternative to Ino's uniform.
Plus a mustache...I resist the urge to laugh.
"Holy shi-" Underneath the table I stomped on Sasuke's foot, shutting him up instantly. Luckily Mom didn't notice.
"I'll take your order when everyone's good," Shikamaru said, trying his best not to sound like he didn't want to be here.
"Oh yes thank you sir. I'll have-"
"Don't tell me that's Shikamaru," Sasuke whispered to me as he leaned over sideways. Mom was busy giving her order, so Sasuke and I could spare a few side comments with each other.
"I want to say 'not' but... it's really him," I replied in disbelief. Leave it to Naruto to give Shikamaru a mustache. I wonder what persuaded Shikamaru to go through with being our head waitor. Sasuke and I gave our orders too and with a quick nod we watched Shikamaru leave for the kitchen doors. Who knows what else was back there, a part of Naruto's scheme of disaster.
"I'm also quite curious. What do you guys do after school?" Both Sasuke and I froze up. "I always notice Sakura come home late on the days I'm in town. You two spend a lot of time together?"
"Yes, actually," Sasuke replied, seeing as I was too much of a worry-wart to lie to Mom convincingly. "I'm sorry for stealing your daughter away so much. She's too cute to let go so early in the day." Gag me.
"Aw! Sakura say something!" Mom said with a wave of her hand. Geez to her this seems just like some shipping pairing from an anime, isn't it.
"Oh... you're so flattering Sasuke. Really," I said through my teeth. "I usualy go to Sasuke's after school, hanging out, doing school work."
"Is that what the kids call it now a days?" she asked with rising eyebrows going up and down. Ugh, Mom! With us left speechless, Mom laughed at us as we tried to go along with her. "Anyway I'm going to drop by the bathroom and powder up. My make up's starting to smudge. Sakura are you coming?"
"Ah no you go ahead. I'll stay and keep Sasuke company," I replied with a grin.
"Suit yourself. Excuse me." With a nod, she excused herself and left for the batrhoom, far from our table. Once she was out of range, Sasuke and I instantly looked around for the rest of the gang, searching, knowing they were around here somewhere.
"Where the hell are those idiots?" Sasuke growled.
"Ino!" I yelled/whispered, seeing her by the door next to a small counter where those reservations were marked off. She was switching the 'open' sign to 'closed' on the glass corridors. Wow. "Ino!" The second time she managed to hear me and rushed right over. "What the hell are you guys doing?" I half-screamed at her.
"For the record, this was all Naruto's plan," Ino forewarned.
"We can see that. Now where is everybody?" Sasuke asked her in an obviously urgent/worried to death manner.
"Probably in the kitchen, save for Neji doing the piano," Ino said, notioning her head. "Naruto said that since you guys were all banned, Naruto sort of... 'took care of the problem'."
My eye winced. "Just what do you mean by that?"
She shrugged. "Beats me. Those were his words not mine." Meanwhile in the back alley way of the bar were tied down chefs and waiters and the manager, all knocked out by some harmless gas Naruto and Kiba managed to get a hold off. Sleeping, really. "Either way, the guys and I supposedly are supposed to replace the help. Stupid plan, I know. But it seems to be working out just fine so far."
"It's a HORRIBLE plan!" I panicked.
"Well it'll work if you could be just a bit more convincing. Look at you you're all a nervous wreck! Before you know it you'll have pit stains in your dress." I went to hide my underarms as a result of her comment. "Heck even Sasuke's doing a hell of a better job than you at convincing your Mom."
"What can I say? I'm a natural at womanizing."
"Not now," I snapped, palming his face. "But was the mustache really neccessary for Shikamaru? You know I can't keep a straight face when I see something that funny."
As if on cue, Shikamaru came through the kitchen doors and towards us. "Again, it's the idiot's idea, not mine."
"So it is you," Sasuke chuckled. "If I didn't know better I'd say you lost a bet."
"That'll be my fake excuse whenever we reminence on these happy little moments in our old memory," Shikamaru said sarcastically. He must really hate his position.
"Aw don't be so grumpy, Shikamaru," Ino teased, pinching his cheeks. "In fact with that mustache on you've never looked better."
Shikamaru's face remained stagnant. "You're lucky I don't hit girls or I'd punch you in the boob." What?
"Hey, she's coming back," Sasuke warned as Ino and Shikamaru distanced themselves from us, walking towards the front of the restaurant. Sasuke and I faced forward, trying to look the same as Mom had left us. Gosh, my heart's beating so much now. This is all so nerve-wrecking yet kind of... fun.
Mom returned to the table soon enough, during which Naruto came out of the kitchen. He too wore the same uniform as Shikamaru, only he was wearing a light blond mustache as well to add to his disguise. About time our 'genius' showed up.
"You've gotta be kidding me," Sasuke twitched as I laughed behind my mouth.
"Here's your sodas," Naruto greeted, holding a tray of glasses with perfect balance. Three wine glasses and two pitches of soda. He laid the glasses of ice out in front of us and poured for Sasuke and I.
"I'll take diet," Kana said before Naruto could pour her glass.
"Sure, mam," Naruto said, trying not to say anything to her rude tone. Switching the pitchers on his tray he poured the diet selection into her glass. "Your food will be here shortly." Naruto left towards the kitchen, but from out line of view (as in behind Mom) he made a choking-like notion towards my Mom. Goes to show he hated her too. Sweet.
With our drinks served, we resumed our small talk, this time about plans of the future. "So any thoughts about college yet, Sasuke?" Mom asked, sipping her soda.
"Um, not yet I, haven't really decided on where I want to go yet."
"Ah, really? That's too bad. It's smart to take an early start in these things like Sakura."
"Excuse me?" I asked, putting down my glass.
"Don't you remember our plans? Ivy league schools, scholarships, you name it. You'll major in business and be on your way to success just as I had when I was your age."
"When did we ever discuss that?" I asked, getting off topic about romance.
"A long time ago don't you remember?"
"As a matter of fact I don't," I clarified, temper rising. I can't believe she just said that. Deciding on even MORE of my future without my consent.
Mom made a disapproving face. "Alright then, what is it that you want to do after high school? What is it that you want to do with your life?"
"I don't know Mom - that's the point! We're still trying to figure that out!" I shouted with a risen tone as I stood out of my seat. I'm arguing with my mother again, aren't I.
"Things don't look so good over there," Shikamaru noted, watching from afar with Ino at the reception counter.
"This is normal. Don't worry too much," Ino frowned disapprovingly. "But still, now really isn't the time to be arguing about other things. While prepping Sakura and Sasuke for the date, I practically forgot just how much Sakura argues with her Mom, too."
"Wow," Shikamaru said, watching the two of us. He sweatdropped. It reminded him so much of me arguing with Sasuke... but somewhat worse.
Ino took out a walkie-talkie from her apron. "Hey Idiot 1, do you read? This is the Crow. Over?"
Shikamaru looked to the blonde. "Now what are you doing?"
"Idiot 1, over," said Naruto's voice. "Hey why is my code name Idiot 1?"
Ino covered her speaker to talk to Shikamaru. "I thought it'd be handy to cary these around."
"And the code names are really that neccesary."
"Nah I just thought they'd be fun to use," Ino shrugged. "Idiot 1, we need you to serve the food before this argument gets out of hand!"
"Tell that to Kiba! This guy can cook sure but he's so OCD about it!"
Shikamaru blinked twice. "Kiba's cooking."
Meanwhile with us, Mom and I shot our arguments back and forth as Sasuke sat awkwardly, watching. Shikamaru and Ino observed his face, and by that they could tell he was either weirded out or very afraid. Luckily within decent time range, Naruto dashed out of the kitchen pushing a cart full of smoking dishes. Thankfully, this was enough to shut me and my mother up, and to get me to sit back down. Ino sighed from relief while Shikamau rubbed his head. Well, things could be worse.
"I warn you now, Kiba cooked it," the mustached Naruto whispered between Sasuke and I before pushing his cart away, to which Sasuke and I exchanged looks again. Nonetheless the food looked surprisingly amazing, and it tasted as great as the restaurant's reputation. But the most important thing was that Mom was completely unsuspicious about anything.
Along the lines of the dinner, I sort of had to force myself to keep quiet about Mom's and my last outburst. As much as I'd love right now settle and establish that this woman will not control not only my love life but my future, as of right now I'm stuck playing obidient.
The date would soon be drawing to a close (thank god) and Naruto was coming by again to serve us desert. Large decocrated pieces of cake that I assumed Kiba must have made too. I reminded myself that I'd have to compliment him later. "Refill please," I called, only for the still mustached Naruto to answer and take my glass before walking away. I then whispered to Sasuke, "Well this is going better than I thought don't you think?"
"Well, this didn't go as badly as I'd expected it to go," Kana stated, re-spreading her cloth over her lap again.
"What was that, Mom?"
She put on a totally serious and knowing face as she clasped her hands. Her elbows rested over the edge of the table and her chin above her intertwined fingers. "To be perfectly honest before we leave tonight, I initially had other plans for this date." Sasuke and I stared in question. "See, I never did approve of Sasuke, right from the beginning. Even meeting him outside the bar, I still didn't like him."
My eyes refused to blink as this realization pounded on my head from the inside. She... She never liked Sasuke from the beginning...? Had we failed this entire time?
Further away, Ino starred with her mouth open as Shikamaru's eyes widened somewhat. With crossed arms a slight whistle escaped his mouth. Also from the kitchen doors were eavesdroppers Naruto and Kiba were secretly watching, they also had the same reaction.
Seeing our shock, Mom laughed at first. "Oh don't look so shaken up, you two."
"Mom you just said you hated my boyfriend. Of course I'll be shaken up!"
"That was then," she said with a wave of her hand. "I made this arrangement not just so I could meet Sasuke, but more or less so I could judge him, judge him badly regardless of how the date went anyway. Then I'd be free to let you marry off with another one of my friends' sons." You make it sound like that explanation makes the situation better, Mom. "You know Sakura, ever since you told me at that party a while ago that you already had a boyfriend from school without my knowing, I couldn't help but disapprove almost instantly."
"But-But-But you looked so okay with the idea after a while-"
"It's called acting sweetie. All rich people know how to do that."
"She got that right," Shikamaru scoffed, sparking a vein on the still disguised Ino.
"So... you never liked us being together," Sasuke and I reworded together.
"That's right."
The two of us had to hold onto everything we had to keep from falling out of our seats. Our faces, our eavesdropping friends - all of our disfigured expressions and thoughts were the same. 'So we failed right from the beginning...' we all thought together.
However quickly right after, Naruto was pushed out of the kitchen by Kiba, holding a glass full of soda. "Hurry and get out there, blondie," Kiba ordered from the door. "She might get suspicious about where Sakura's refill is."
"You want me to go into that mess of dramatic irony? You serve her refill!" Naruto whispered, trying to get back into the kitchen.
"Nah. Chefs belong backstage," Kiba said with a playful grin, sparking anger in the Uzumaki. With a hmph, Naruto turned and dove into the scene.
"Here's your soda," Naruto politely interupted. But whether this can be considered good or bad anymore, Naruto's lowering arm and my turning torso caused a slight collision. The soda fell and spilled over my dress as the glass fell to the floor. My mouth hung open as Mom's eyebrows rose. And Sasuke, he just starred with a blank face. I glared at him in return. I knew that blank look. Blank look on Sasuke equals him laughing, laughing a lot, on the inside.
"I-I am so sorry!" Naruto panicked as he gripped his head and tray. Luckily Ino rushed over, helping me out of my seat. The few napkins she had in her apron pockets were able to absorb some of the soda from my dress, but it didn't look like a lot of help.
"Apologies on our staff's behalf," Ino said to us with a side glance at Naruto saying 'I'll deal with you later.' "Come with me to the bathroom, Miss. We'll get you cleaned up."
As we walked away, I leaned over towards Ino. "I thought it was against the rules to leave the date with the parent."
"Yes but look at you! There really isn't anything else we could do at this point. Did you hear your mom's depressing speech?" Ino whispered back with a scoff. "Besides, the restaurant's reputation would look bad if it just left a customer sit after a spill up like that."
"I guess you're right," I frowned. "I hope Mom doesn't do anything to Sasuke."
Meanwhile, Sasuke was left with Kana Haruno. Had had unwillingly been dragged back to the kitchen by Shikamaru after staying too long trying to clean up the mess. That wouldn't have been much of a problem had it not been for Naruto's constant (and annoyingly suspicious) apologies.
"So..." Sasuke started, obviously awkwardly. "You set up this whole ordeal just so you could tell me in the end 'I don't like you'."
"Hit the nail on the head," Mom winked. "But Sasuke, that was before this moment." Sasuke rose an eyebrow. "You see, I came into this restaurant with you two with all the intentions of looking for your every flaw, just so I could disapprove. I mean, the thought of my daughter marrying any common boy was just prerposterous. But through this dinner, I've noticed something different about you two."
That comment could mean anything. "And that is?"
An assuring smile overrode her face. "The fact that you seem to care about her." This obviously shocked anyone listening in, that being the guys. Ino and I were long gone. "I saw the lay you looked at Sakura, trying to make sure that she remained calm throughout this entire date. I know my daughter - she wanted nothing but for us to drop this meeting as soon as I suggested it."
"Oh God," Sasuke couldn't help but say.
"Hm," Kana chuckled. "Sakura can be a bit obvious sometimes, but that's what I like about her. She's true to herself, no matter who stands up to her, regardless of how intimidating they may be to her."
"She's a, real different girl, Mrs. Haruno," Sasuke admitted. He knew that the instant we first spoke. No denying that.
Kana soon found herself smiling as she took a sip of her drink. "Did you know that Kakashi was a commoner like you?"
The change of subject caught Sasuke's attention. "I never thought about it before, but it doesn't surprise me. The way he acts and all."
"That guy can be such trouble sometimes," Kana said, rubbing her temple. "But, that's why I love him I guess. And, he loves me too. Not like my first husband. You can of course guess right that he was rich, and that we were put into an arranged marriage as well, much like Sakura's supposed to."
"And you split and married Kakashi," Sasuke pieced together, crossing his arms. "Excuse me for saying this, Mrs. Haruno, but that sounds pretty hypocritical - you trying to keep your daughter away from guys like us."
"Oh but that's just me being stereotypical," Kana admitted. "I know for a fact that there are many indecent guys in the commoners world. You and I can't deny that. The odds of finding a decent man like Kakashi were just... so small." She gave a hopeful laugh. "So, the chances of Sakura finding any decent boy seemed slim to none."
"Ah." Sasuke would've easily come up with an opposing comment to that stereotype, but then he realized he was right. He recalled on how he and his gang had threatened her when they were first getting along. The woman was right. All men were scumbags. This truth made Sasuke sweatdrop, along with Neji, Kiba, Shikamaru, and Naruto.
"In all honesty, I'm just worried about my daughter," Kana said with a sincere voice and stare. "But, meeting you here, Sasuke, my worry isn't as heavy as it was once." She smiled at him. "You and Sakura remind me a lot of Kakashi when we first met."
"How so?"
"Oh, how I miss the old days. You know, Kakashi and I were neighbors at one point. He annoyed the hell out of me whenever we saw each other. And for some reason I can just see you and Sakura arguing as well somehow. Just the clash of personalities is all. Sakura isn't the type to willingly go along obediently to just anyone - even to her boyfriend."
At least she still believed they were dating. "I see."
Now that Ino and I were finished cleaning my dress up, I was about to exit the bathroom until she pulled on my hair from behind. "Ow! Ino-!"
"Shh, wait, look they're talking," Ino uttered as she his us both behind the bathroom doors, adding to the number of eavesdroppers.
"But I must say, you've managed to change my mind, Sasuke. I hope you realize how big a deal that is."
"Believe me I do," Sasuke said, unable to hide a short relieved laugh. "So, you'll allow me and Sakura to keep dating?"
Kana nodded solemnly. "I truly do approve now, one hundred percent. But still, I am sincerely worried about her. This is her first relationship after all." Kana reached out and took Sasuke's hand. "Please protect her for me, will you?"
It took Sasuke a while to respond, but he put on his most sincere smile in return to the kind woman. "You don't even have to ask."
"So, we're good?" Sasuke asked.
When my mother nodded, all of us seemed to have the same simultaneous reaction - relief expresses and a normal heart beat again. 'THANK GOD IT'S FINALLY OVER.'
I returned to the table eventually, acting as if I hadn't overheard their conversation about me. I have to admit, what Sasuke said to my Mom won me over a lot, even if it was just an act. Or wasn't it? Either way, I'm thankful for the turnout of events. Nonetheless, the date was officially over.
"Are you coming Sakura?" Mom asked as she headed for the door which Shikamaru held open for her.
"Oh um, I'll be right there. I'm just gonna talk with Sasuke for a bit." Code for: I'm gonna kill everyone else in this building first.
Mom smiled, understanding. "Alright then." She turned to Sasuke and bowed slightly in respect. "It was good to finally meet you, Sasuke."
"Likewise," Sasuke said with a slight wave. And with that, Kana left.
Once Shikamaru had shut the doors, Ino and I erupted into a siren of girlish screams as we ran to each other, cheering like there was no tomorrow. We yelled in positive energy at the top of our lungs and jumped around in circle amidst a hug. We cheered things like 'We did it!' or 'Great job!' and all that.
Shikamaru walked over to a somewhat relief Sasuke, removing his fake mustache with a careful hand. "Looks like you did good, Uchiha," Shikamaru complimented.
"Good job team!" Naruto announced with an extended thumbs up, joining us with Neji and Kiba, plus Akamaru who barked in reply.
But at Naruto arriving at our little gathering, I had stopped cheering and gave him the scariest glare I could muster. "Don't you ever. scare me like that again," I said deathly.
Of course, I was referring to this rediculous plan of his to overtake the restaurant. "R-Right."
Moving my attention from Naruto to Kiba, I gave the brunette an otherwise happy grin. "And good food, Kiba. Who knew you could cook?" This compliment obviously earned points for Kiba, who smirked at Naruto in an inside victory. "And you Neji, that piano playing was amazing." You know, it took me until just now to realize that throughout this entire episode, Neji had been playing the piano. With each situation and turn of dramatic events and supposedly touching moments, Neji's music always seemed to accompany the mood in the air.
He's a genius...
"Yeah. I didn't think you'd be the type of guy to join in on a scheme like this," Sasuke added, despite my disfigured look.
"I'm not," he said with a flat face. "But it was either mood music or an idiodic mustache."
"Hey I think these make us look very manly for your information!" Naruto defended, getting all up in Neji's face. This sparked some laughs what with Neji easily ignoring the blond.
I sighed though, obviously relieved this was all over now. "Ah, lighten up," Sasuke said, coming over with a suspicious arm around my shoulders. "We got through our first date, you mom likes me, we're all not in trouble, let's just call it a night, alright?"
"You're not letting me skip practice tomorrow are you."
"Not a chance."
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
"KAKASHI YOU GET THE HELL OVER HERE!" I was playing goose chase with my nut of a father. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT KIND OF TORTURE YOU PUT ME THROUGH LAST NIGHT WITH YOU DITCHING ME? WHAT KIND OF FRICKIN' FATHER ARE YOU?"
Kakashi ran nonchalantly at the same monstrous pace, but in a more laid back manner as he simultaneously read another book. "As a matter of fact I do know what I put you through. Think of it as a growing and learning experience into adulthood."
"KAKASHI!"
A series of crashing and my screaming accompanying it could be heard well throughout the culdesac that morning. And it goes without saying that the guys waiting outside my residence could hear it too.
"Someone sounds pretty pissed off," Kiba laughed, leaning against the locked entrance gates as they waited for me to come outside. Obviously this was being delayed. "What do you think she's doing to Kakashi?"
"What girls do best - nagging him," Shikamaru said, sitting on the curb with his skateboard under his feet. "How long do you think she's going to make us wait this time?"
"A while," Neji answered bluntly, sitting atop one of our yellow brick walls with his laptop again.
Naruto meanwhile went over to Sasuke, standing patiently over his skateboard. "So, pretty fun night yesterday huh?" Naruto greeted.
"Shut up," Sasuke said, still somewhat upset about not being clued in to their whole plot. And if anything the Uchiha hated more than me, it was surprises.
"I for one think Sasuke actually enjoyed his date with Sakura-chan," Naruto teased, hanging himself around Sasuke just to annoy him. "Don't you think, guys?"
"I did what I had to to convince Haruno's mom," he stated.
"Come on, man," Kiba said, turning around from the Haurno mansion, Akamaru sitting above his head. "You're telling us, that of all the sixty seven times you stared at her on that date you felt nothing."
"I felt nothing," Sasuke shrugged.
"Denial," Shikamaru and Neji stated together, despite their outside-status in the concersation.
Kiba grinned. "See? If the two geniuses of the group say so then they're automatically right!"
"Hn, whatever."
"Sasuke's in love~ Sasuke's in love~" Naruto and Kiba sang, marching in circles around the agitated Uchiha. It'd only be a matter of time before he'd snap and start a fight amongst themselves.
Shikamaru couldn't suppress a smile as he watched their group in their little comedy act. "I can tell this is gonna get old pretty fast soon."
"You just realized that now," Neji stated from the distance.
"Eh." Shikamaru laid himself down on the sidewalk with his arms crossed behind him. The sun went to his eyes so he put up a hand to block it. "How long do you think it'll take Uchiha to realize it?"
"Who knows?" Neji sighed as he looked over to his group of friends. He sweatdropped at the sight of Sasuke trying to suppress his anger. "Our group's full of oblivious dunces. It could take quite a while."
"I guess that's alright then," Shikamaru replied. "That just means the fun will get to last a bit longer."
"Morning guys!" I called out as I left my house with my skateboard. All heads turned to look through the gate, seeing me waving as I ran down my extremely long lawn/garden. "Sorry I'm late!"
Shikamaru's face remained annoyed at my late arrival, but looking at us, we all seemed happy. Neji's discete smile, Kiba and Naruto's stupid grins, and Sasuke's nonchalant but content look about him - this was thier world. Shikamaru sighed, still trying to block the sun. "How troublesome."
Tumblr: sammakesamess
DeviantArt: MemorySoul
PREVIEW:
Within minutes, we stood on one side of a tall wooden fence. Here the air was muggier and the clouds were somewhat darker. A rain storm up ahead probably, but reaching our destination my knees had become frozen. 'This place...' My heart began to race, and my hands became moist.
x-x-x-x
"I'm surprised she didn't fight back though," Kiba commented obliviously, holding Akamaru in his lap. The normal cockiness that usually accompanies Kiba's voice lacked this time. Instead, his voice held confusement. Concern, Sasuke noticed. "Sakura almost always retorts to things like that whenever they come up. But this time, she just..."
"Froze?" Shikamaru finished sadly, yet also upsettingly that he couldn't do anything either.
"Yeah," Kiba muttered dissappointedly.
x-x-x-x
"Hey, ain't this Uchiha and his gang?"
There was a slight pause. "Aye, you're right." Within a moment's notice, our groups were in a stand off. Theirs, and us.
"And just who the hell are you?" Kiba spoke up, Akamaru growling from his hood behind his neck.
Their leader, some blonde in a hat, gave off some laugh that was made out to make him sound superior. "We should be the ones asking you punks that."