Note: Its been a long fucking while, eh? lol. But I've come to realize something as I read some of the greatest Naruto fics ever and the many reviews it has, which is well worth. I have something to say though, this may sound stupid but I was writing for other people and not for the joy of just writing. Fan-fiction stories may be for the reviews and the encouragement to go on but still authors, don't forget the fun in writing. It's for our enjoyment not only the readers. Sorry, had a moment there lol. Anyways, im happy with this story and chapter so readers, here you go. Enjoy it...or not.

Chapter 11: Searching Romance

Naruto knew he was the most worried of the bunch, if Shikamaru was, he sure didn't show it. The journey was calm and quiet for a few hours, hopping on tree to tree, looking behind them every few minutes or so. To his surprise, the only person that was up to his speed with him was Hinata leaving the rest behind, "...There has to be a faster way." The spiky blond muttered to himself without realization.

Hinata looked his way, nodding, "U-Unfortunately there isn't Naruto-kun." She looked back at their captain, "Shika...is there any other way. N-Naruto is starting to become a bit frustrated." She said like a house-wife.

Shikamaru shook his head, meeting her timid eyes, "No Hin Hin...there isn't." the leader sighed. Of course Naruto was frustrated, when wasn't he frustrated with something? But they had no leads besides Sasuke being with her. Still, that didn't tell them the location of where she was at. But he guessed there was only one option, ask around of course and go to any village they had seen. This was going to be one of the difficult missions ever and he knew it. Them rushing still would lead them nowhere. There had to be something he could lead on. Something, "Guys, stop..." he commented, looking down below them, seeing a vacant area, "Alright...Neji...Hinata, go check to see if anyone's down there." He had to know if there were enemie ninjas around, they weren't in their village anymore. Enemy Villages, with people that hated them.

"Nothing's down here!" Neji shouted back up.

Hinata shook her head, "N-Nothing..."

"I hear ya'." he commented, "...Alright now, Sakura...Lee, go fetch some fish or something for us to eat."

Sakura held her hand up to her forehead in a daze, "W-What? Fetch food? I didn't do that ever since Kakashi was my Sensei...ever since Konoha won that war and got other places to eat! Cant we get a burger or something, seriously-"

"Shutup."

Lee gasped. He knew something was up with Shikamaru. The angry look in his eyes showed all of his thoughts as he looked at the pink head, "S-Sakura...maybe we should just go. You know, Konoha is the only village with burgers and things, so lets just follow the captains orders!" he shouted without trying.

Sakura felt the sudden grasp on her arm and frowned as he pulled her away from the group, "Lee? What the hell-"

"He's still mad at you Sakura."

Angry at first, the blossom knew why. Of course he would be mad at her. She couldn't blame him, "Oh...right."

Shikamaru tried his best to get over what Sakura had done to his best friend but every time he saw her face, he couldn't even make up a decent conversation. It was then that he saw the rest of the group now glaring at him, each one waiting for orders. Shikamaru stuttered, "U-Uh, Choji and Kiba, set up the tents...Shino and Neji stay on guard...Shino watch the left side, Neji the right. Hinata and Naruto, you will be in charge of getting us water and Tenten and Sai...fetch fire logs."

"What about you Shikamaru?" Hinata asked innocently though she was burning with happiness in the inside. Finally, her and Naruto were to be alone. Then it came to her, still, he was with Sakura. Beautiful but cruel Sakura Haruno. Why must the fates be not on her side?

Shikamaru grinned at Hinata's concern, "You're sweet Hin...but Im fine. I'll just...stay here." And think about Ino was what he didn't say. Who would've known that the loud blond would be on his mind all day everyday? He sure as heck wouldn't have guessed that when he first met her. Not even a chance.

Hinata nodded traditional style, "Alright. Well-" she stopped, seeing that Naruto was already up far ahead. She tried her best not to sigh but couldn't help it, "Kami, I miss I-Ino as well but Naruto is so upset. I-I really do hate seeing him upset about anything, you know?"

"I know." Shikamaru placed his hand on the short woman's shoulder, "But you have the personality to calm him down so...go for it."

"Yea. See you then."

She had been snuggled up to him for hours, ubeknownst to him that she was waiting up for Sasuke. Never had a mission took this long before and she was worried. Looking over in his eyes as he held her waist she asked quietly, "You're still awake? Huh, seems like we both cant sleep." She heard his grunted response which she couldn't really make out. Instead of giving her a proper answer, he continued to stare into her eyes. She found his look memorizing, like he saw a rare shining jewel locked up in her orbs, "...Dei, you're just staring at me...any thing you want to say?"

Deidara grew out of his daze, "U-Um, no. I have nothing to say, hmm."

Ino smirked at his embarrassment, "Kami, we're just waiting up and doing nothing. Being in the Akatsuki is pretty boring."

"Yea." Deidara sighed, thinking about all those times he was left at the hide out with a hot headed Sasori, "But you being here makes it way more interesting, hmm." he could honestly say.

"Figured." Soon afterwards a idea popped in the butter blond's head, "...Uh, Dei, did you ever eat...sweets?"

"Yea, hmm. Of course I did. Why?"

Ino smiled greatly, lifting off of the bed, "Well, I doubt you ever had cakes. My father made it for me all of the time."

Deidara sat up on the bed, "Wasn't that a mother's thing?" he asked in a naive manner.

Her smile turned into a frown as she thought of her mother, "Yea, it is a mother's thing. But, my mother died before the war was won and we won things like that. We even have fast food restaurants- I-I mean, Konoha has things like that." she said sorrowfully, thinking of her home town, "But no matter, my father was a great cook. Chocolate was my favorite."

"Chocolate what?"

"Chocolate cake silly."

It took him a while before he understood what she was trying to say, "...So, you're offering to cook for me, huh? Its only been a few weeks and already you're doing all of this." he was pleased.

Ino blinked, "...Uh," she blushed, "Im not a very good cook I think. But, I can try at least. Hey," helping him up, she walked over by the door, "Its the least I can do. You've been great to me ever since I arrived here, and..." she stopped to think for a while, " I...love...you. so-" All of a sudden, the blond couldn't think of anything else to say. Just moments ago she confessed that she was in love with him, but now, she couldn't really explain the feelings she was feeling. Hopefully, he wouldn't notice, "Anyway, lets go downstairs. Wait, I need to go in my bag and get my-" she stopped, recognizing the look in the man's eyes as he studied her every move. It was not a look of lust, but more so confusion. If that.

Deidara watched as she picked up a unfamiliar bag of some kind of mix, must had been the cake thing she was mentioning, "...Ino...princess...you struggled." he pointed out.

She gasped as she kept her eyes on her bag, "Um, what do you mean Dei?"

"You couldn't say you loved me without taking breaks. Whats that all about, hmm?"

Ino took several sighs before answering his question. She knew he would notice, he was very observant, but not as observant as Sasuke, "It-It wasn't about anything. I just simply took my time in saying those words because they are so special and...and, please, I meant nothing by it. Just know that."

Deidara shrugged. She was trustworthy and he loved her, that's all that mattered, "Fine by me. We're still in a good condition Ino, mmm."

She grinned, "Great. Now, let me show you how to bake." Taking his hand, she led him downstairs.

-Kitchen-

"Kami, you guys don't have a stove!" Ino exclaimed. She searched through the entire kitchen, seeing unfamiliar equipment that must had did something but she didn't know what. Back in Konoha, everything looked so simple. She sincerely felt bad for the lesser villages like these. But overall, she was angry, "How am I going to make a cake without a freakin' stove?"

Deidara watched the woman throw a fit, she looked beautiful doing it if he say so himself, "Ino," he walked over by her, taking hold of something, "...Stove, mmm. Well, if you mean something hot we do have this."

"What? No, I cant use anything thats not familiar. I'll burn down the hideout." she admitted.

The man sighed. She really was complicated but he couldn't get angry with her. Every time he looked in her eyes he felt himself calmed by her orbs. The way she talked, the way she walked, her anger, her tears, her frustration. The way her hair flowed beautifully anytime she would change direction, they way her eyes twinkle when she smiled. The way her body lured him in to her. He really did want her badly. He knew it was a matter of time before he would give in to his and her needs. But he wondered when that time would come. Hopefully soon-

"Dei!" Ino shouted out, "There you go again, daydreaming, what do you be day dreaming about any way? Blowing up more stuff, shampooing your hair, what?" She didn't mean to sound like a bitch but that side of her came out every once in a while. She knew she could act any way around him though since he was so understanding. His look calmed her down though as she gave off another sigh, "...Sorry baby."

Deidara shrugged, "It's ok. To answer your question, I daydream about..." He didn't want to sound so soft and admit that. Though it seemed necessary since he noticed how much he confide in her. Wow, he never really thought of how girly he was actually acting until now. But still, he still was a man, "Blowing up things, yeah." he saw her eyes narrow and grinned, taking hold of the unusual mixture, "Any ways, since you don't know how to use what we have, just make the best out of it and make the mix."

"The mix?" Ino questioned, "Hmm..." she had never ate just the cake mix before but knew how her dad use to eat the weird sticky sweet. It looked soupy and disgusting so she never tried it, but she would have to now it seemed, "Alright, I guess. As long as you help me make it." she gave her boyfriend a smirk, "Will you assist me Dei Dei?"

Deidara nodded, "Sure. What do you need, hmm?"

Ino cleared her throat as she stood by the sink, "Ok, first thing I need is a bowl. And..." she blushed lightly without looking at him, "for you to take off the thing on your eye."

"Why, hmm?"

Ino frowned as she forced the man by her side even more, "Because Dei, you have beautiful eyes and you should show them. Come on, it's only used for battle. I want to see all of your face."

Deidara sighed. He didn't even remember the last time he had took off the item. It was there for so long that he didn't feel the gadget any more, it was as if it was a part of his eye, "...Uh, ok princess. I guess." Turning away from her beauty, he slowly took off his help in every battle and placed it carefully on the table. His eye felt new and...opened. Blinking several times, it was not long until Ino had forcefully turned him her way and smiled wider than ever before, "Is it...bad-"

"You're beautiful." she awed, "Why haven't you taken it off before Dei?"

"...Didn't think it was necessary to do so, mmm."

He was gorgeous enough to be a male model. He wasn't big headed though he was sexy and talented. She sincerely liked him for his personality first, looks second, "Ok then, not that that's taken care of." Ino returned to the sink, "Pass me a bowl and spoon please." she ordered as she opened up the mix.

Deidara nodded, "Ok, I think we have those at least, hmm." he chuckled as he did as she asked. She looked beautiful as she poured the mix into the bowl, poured water in it and stirred it up with a determined look on her face. The way her hand rotated around the bowl as her chest moved back and fourth brought a grin to his face. Wiping away his dirty thoughts he asked, "So, is making the mix going to take forever?" he handed the woman the two eggs she had pointed to.

"No, actually." mixing everything together, she watched as the bumps in the mix vanished, "...It's already done. Now, eat it."

He was taken off guard, "Huh? You want me to eat...that, hmm?" he asked with a fowl accent.

Ino frowned, picking up the bowl and shoving into his vision, "Yes, this girl wants you to eat this. I'm...not familiar with just the mix so try it for me, ok?"

Hell no, was the words that didn't seem to exit his mouth. He liked sweets in a way, but this was unfamiliar to him as well. Because of love, the man took hold of the spoon, studying the mix before stuffing it into his mouth. It was yellow, good looking, good smelling, but still...unfamiliar. He zoomed his pupils on her grin and before realizing, gulped the cake mix down, "Uhrmm."

"What?" Ino chuckled, "I hope that means it was good."

Deidara nodded as he caught his breath, "Y-Yea, hmm. But..." with a grin, he hurriedly dipped the same spoon into the mix and into her mouth. The way her eyes widened made him chuckle, "...So, how is it?" he asked curiously with a raised eyebrow.

Ino swallowed it down as her shocked look eased, "...You..." she growled out, "Well, two can play that game Dei Dei," she said childlike as she took a handful of the gooey mix into her hands and spreaded it onto his face like a night mask, "Why look. This really goes good with your complexion." she joked.

The sticky mess absorbed into his skin it seemed, the feeling was disgusting. He curled his lip, trying hard not to do the same to her. But he failed. Rapidly, the bowl of mix made their way down her t-shirt and onto her breast, "Mmm, now I suddenly want more mix." he grinned as she shook uncontrollably.

"I...am...so...uncomfortable!" Ino yelped, "That's it...you asked for it." Her hands acted on it's own as she took hold of the entire bowl, pouring it down onto the beautiful, golden hair that was his, "...Hmm, I think I like that look a little better." she laughed. She stood up straight, prepared for another messy attack but was surprised that the mix didn't come in contact with her anymore. Instead, she felt herself being lifted onto the man's shoulder as she continued to laugh, "Dei, what are you doing!" she cried out before being rested onto the couch. The look in his eyes were to die for. Her sudden humorous mood turned upside down as his lips locked hers, she tasted the mix as it came into her mouth, their tongues wrestling each other while the sweet sensation began to disappear. The Blond pulled her lips away from his suddenly, "...Dei." she moaned, "...take me upstairs."

Hinata and Naruto finally made their way to the springs. She had figured he had forgotten the buckets that had needed. You can just pick up water with your hands, well...you can but that's not the point. Ever since they had arrived, Naruto kept to himself and so did Hinata. She didn't know how to approach him, but she knew she had to. After several minutes, the timid woman spoke up, "N-Naruto, I think that's enough water for everyone n-now."

Naruto looked at the Hyuuga, "...Uh, yeah, I guess." Taking the bucket he had, he launched back to where everyone else was until he heard the voice of his friend once again.

"W-Wait Naruto-kun." Hinata pleased. To her surprise, she had her arm reached out to where he was. The way he looked at her made the girl blush. 'Stupid, stupid. You don't even know what to say!'

Naruto smirked, "..Uh, Hinata, is there something you want?"

She panicked and she could tell that he had notice. Her body language showed everything. Curse her body. Taking several breaths, the Hyuuga spoke, "...I-I just wanted to know if you are alright. Y-You know, you were upset earlier about I-Ino. So, are you okay?" she asked. Yes, she had lied. What she really wanted to do was take the man she had longed for so long into her hands and kiss him senselessly.

"Yea." he sighed, "I guess I'm just going to have to wait until we find her." Setting the bucket down, he took a seat next to the springs and watched the moon glisten down on the water, "...I haven't mention this to anyone before but, Im not only concerned about Ino, I'm concerned about Sasuke."

Hinata took a seat next to him, watching his expression change from normal to disturbed, "I s-see. Well, Naruto, I'm sure he's alright-"

"But we dont know." he interrupted, "Remember how at the party I told you we were all in Team 7 together, completing missions, me him and Sakura. But after that, he just left. It's hard to loose someone so close to you. I...I was the stupid one in school because I got treated different from all the teachers and I still don't know why. And every time I would feel angry, I felt this power come over me like some...animal. I cant explain the feeling Hinata, but I do know that Sasuke never treated me like they did. He treated me like a person, and that's why he would always be my best friend. Forever."

She didn't really know what to say after that, he really did have a way with words. Sweet, sincere, believable words. She could tell he loved this Sasuke brotherly. Though, what she didn't mention was how he could have loved him. The only thing she remembered on him was that he was sort of rude, big headed and explained by most guys as a jerk and girls, 'hot'. She didn't see what people see in him. But if Naruto liked him, she was sure that she would also. In a act of courage, the blue haired beauty lifted up her am and placed it on his thigh, "...T-Things will get better Naruto. And when we do find Sasuke and Ino, your friendship will rekindle. As it should."

Naruto smiled as he took a look at her grey, moon like eyes. Never had he noticed that Hinata was actually beautiful. Not only cute but beautiful. Inside and out. Unfortunately, his girlfriend only had the outside part. Then it came to him as he gasped, "Oh yeah...Sai told me to tell you something."

Hinata removed her arm, "S-Sai? He really didnt say much on his trip here...w-what did he wanted to say?" she asked.

Naruto sighed. If only he had realized earlier how Hinata was such a doll. Maybe what the others said was right. Maybe she did like him. But that didn't seem to matter, he was with Sakura and Sai cared for her. He couldn't turn his back on his friend, even if he did think Sai was a jerk at times, "U-Uh, you see Hinata...Sai actually...likes...you."

Hinata gasped, "S-S-Sai likes me..." she trailed off, trying to see why he had liked her in the first place, "B-But that cant be right. H-He never showed that he had liked me-"

"You don't like him?" Naruto asked, eyeing her.

Hinata waved her hands frantically, "N-No, it's not that but, he gave me advice to..." she stopped, thinking. Thinking about what she should do and say. Should she finally confess her feelings to him? After all the years she had admired his everything. The way he handled missions, the way he encouraged people to be a better person, the way he loved each and every one in the village. Here was her shot but still, something was in the way. Something that she couldn't just ignore. Looking away from him, the girl focused on the springs, "This is a lovely place." she spat out.

Naruto nodded, "Yeah...it is. So," he looked her way, "What was it that you wanted to say about Sai's advice Hinata?"

Hinata swallowed, "U-U-Um," she turned cherry red, glad that it wasn't daylight any more, "...Sai gave me advice to...be a better person." She knew that it wasn't a good excuse but she hoped it worked.

"Oh..." he was disappointed, so she hadn't liked him. Still, something in her tone wasn't true. But he knew Hinata and she wasn't good under pressure, "Well, we should get back then. Just," he helped her up as well, crouching up to her ear, "Play it off cool Hinata ok? Just tell him how you feel. Then, you two would be the cutest quiet couple ever." he grinned, walking up ahead.

Hinata sighed, hanging her head down. Another failed attempt it seemed. Ashamed, she whispered her thoughts, "Yea...except he's not the one I want to be with."

The door busted open, slamming the object into the wall as the two pure souls entered the room, holding onto each other while kisses trailed up and down their bodies. Soon as Deidara reached his bed, he sensitively laid the beautiful blond woman on it, taking in her, "I love you." he assured her as she simply smiled then dug her nails into this neck, forcing his lips on hers. She really was aggressive. He liked that. Every kiss he gave her he could feel himself grow more attached to her. The thought of her every leaving him made his stomach turn unpleasantly.

Ino tugged at his hair as she felt herself grow more and more horny with every second. Kami, how she knew this was wrong. But it felt so right, as always. Suddenly, she cringed as she felt his member poke her pure area. She opened her eyes in shock, giving her the chance to pull back, "Dei..."

"Mhmm..." he moaned, going in for another 'attack' on her soft, luscious lips.

She was nervous. And scared. But most of all, unclean. She knew how much he had wanted this but if it was meant to be, it would be a time when they both felt right, "I...need to take a shower. All this cake mix is sticky and making my breast feel like cupcakes." she laughed then suddenly stopped as she saw him head south. In the speed of light, the blond flipped him over on his back and adjusted herself on the top of him. She still had it, "That wasn't a sign. I really do need to take a shower...and you too." she added.

"...Ok princess, hmm." She clearly didn't know what she wanted, she was like a child at times. But it was his job to guide the child in the right direction. He didn't want to pressure the love of his life into sex, but still, there was a way they both could enjoy each other and still be pleased. At least he could be, "...But only, If I could take a shower with you..."

Ino jumped up off of the bed, "W-What!" she saw his mouth reopen and quickly held up her hand, "N-No, don't say it again. I heard you loud and clear. But, Dei, I don't know..."

Damn, it didnt work it seemed. "Ok then, hmm. I'll just be on my way-"

"Wait!" Ino halted, "Y-You're a gentleman and I know you wouldn't be mad if I said no but..." she thought for a second, "I-I think I want to do it."

"Do what?" Deidara teasingly questioned.

Ino growled once again. He really was a secret perv, like all men. But he was a cute one so she'll let this slide, "...Only under one condition."

"What's that?"

"No...sexual activity. Nothing oral, anal or anything, alright Dei?"

Deidara smirked, "Princess, I know that. But, what about oral...performed on you-"

"Ew!" Ino shouted childishly, gripping her shirt as if it were to fly off, "You are such a freak Deidara-"

"I'm kidding, mmm." Deidara laughed, approaching her, "You're so sweet and innocent that...you bring out 'that' part in me." That referring to his sexual frustration. Most of the times, he was calm, caring and observant. But, he was still a man. And a man had needs that needed to be fulfilled. He watched her calm down, "I'm serious. It would just be a normal shower. Nothing more...so, what do you wanna do?" he questioned as he nonchalantly looked toward the room's bathroom.

A question popped in her head,"Dei, do you love me...with all your heart?"

He nodded, taking hold of her waist and slowly pulling off her shirt. Her breast seemed to have grown even more from the last time he saw them, "Of course, hmm. I love you with all my heart princess." he trailed kisses down her neck and onto her right breast, "And I always will." he finished.

Ino closed her eyes in pleasure, "And..." she moaned quietly, "No matter what I do, you will always say that. Even if...if.." Kami, his lips felt so good, "I were a ruthless, horrible liar?" she of course asked because she secretly was. It seemed like the right time to ask those questions, even if he had no idea what he was getting himself into.

Deidara stopped, meeting her blue orbs, "Ino, you arent a ruthless, horrible liar. What makes you ask that, hmm?"

Ino ignored his seriousness as she pushed his head down on her chest once again, "...Kiss me Dei...and answer the question."

He was hyptonized by her taste, "...I..I will always love you no matter what."

She had no idea that she was secretly this much of a...vixen. She obviously cared for this man but wanted to know more. Maybe it was just the feeling of their bodies being pushed up against each other that was causing her to act this way, "Even if...if I were not who I said I was?"

"I will love you."

Ino smirked as she took off his robe and threw it onto the floor, digging her nails into his shoulders, "What if I were a secret murderer, a cold blooded killer?" Ino asked as she grinded up against his still hard member, his moan caused her to smirk as she heard the answer she knew she would hear.

"...I still will love you, hmm."

"Good." Aggressively, she pushed him back, "...Let's go take a shower."

"...Those damn bastards!" Hidan yelled out loud as he walked back in the hideout, slamming the door behind them. "How the hell are they going to tell me to come back just because I accidentally kill someone on our side!" he shouted to himself, "It wasn't my fault...he was in the way! And-" the immortal man stopped, spotting out some sort of mixture that covered the couch and kitchen floor. Cursing to himself, the man realized something, "Sexy!" he shouted as he headed for the stairs, "Daddies home!" he completely ignored the mess that was left downstairs and focused on his 'toy' and now serious friend. To his surprise, her door was already open as he took hold of his surroundings. He smirked to himself as he heard the shower run. Closing the door behind him, the masculine man approached the unlocked bathroom door. Carefully, he shut the bathroom door, took off his Akatsuki robe, his pants and shirt. The moans he heard her give off must had meant she knew he was in there, "Pleasing yourself, eh?" Hidan whispered audibly. Taking hold of the shower curtain he muttered,"Well no need because Hidan's here for your sexy ass-" the man pulled back the curtain and...froze.

Ino gasped loudly as she saw Hidan, staring at her and Deidara full on, "...Oh...no..."