Chapter 11
Naruto still couldn't believe what had just happened. A girl had just kissed him! With no warnings whatsoever. The memory kept playing over and over in his head.
Flashback....
Naruto entered the courtyard, and stood by the big Sakura tree. He had received a note, telling him to wait there. So, he did. He didn't have to wait long, because a beautiful girl with long brown hair appeared. Her eyes were a light shade of brown, and her face was small and heart-shaped. She was much shorter than Naruto in comparison.
"Hello." She greeted, joining him under the blooming tree.
"Hey. Um....did you write this?" He questioned holding the note up between his middle and fore-finger.
The girl smiled and nodded. "Yes, I did. I've been meaning to tell you something for awhile." She said looking him straight in the eyes. "The truth is, I've really come to like you. You're very cute, and funny. I think I love you." She said, putting her head down a bit and blushing slightly.
Naruto's jaw dropped. Had he really just heard, what he thought he did. Just as he was about to gain his composure and speak again, she spoke first.
She looked back up at him. "It's OK. Your silence says it all." Her lips curled into a smile. She took one step forward, looking him in the eyes again. Then she proceeded to grab his neck-tie with her right arm, and pull him down and into a kiss.
By this point, Naruto was in shock. This girl was so assertive. She hadn't even waited for his response. Though he was tempted to kiss her back, and her lip gloss was adding to that desire, he didn't. It felt, wrong. He wasn't sure why. It just did. When she finally released him, she smiled more.
"Give me your answer by the end of the week." She winked, and walked away. Naruto stood there, shocked. His brain hadn't fully processed any of this. He hadn't even known that Hinata was watching. Naruto touched his lips lightly, looking to where the girl had disappeared to. Things were growing more complicated.
Current Time....
Naruto ruffled his hair in frustration. "Ugh! What is wrong with me?!" He muttered to himself. Shouldn't he be happy that a girl likes him? Things were only growing worse with each passing day.
Meanwhile....
"How long is it going to take?!"
"Just calm down. They'll come back."
"Shut up! For all we know, one of them could be injured, or dead!"
"Neji! If one of them were injured or dead, they would have come back, or got healed there! Sakura is with them so they have a healer."
The brown haired Hyuuga wasn't listening. "They've been gone for months! Aren't you even the least bit worried!?" He slammed his hands down on her desk, and looked the Hokage in her eyes.
"Yosh! It is quite youthful to see Neji so worried towards his younger peers! It is an inspiration for me!" Lee shouted holding up his thumb.
Tenten, shook her head and smiled wearily at Lee. He was always so peppy.
Tsunade glared into the young Hyuuga's eyes. She could see the determination, the stubbornness, and the worry. She sighed in defeat. "Very well then. Since you are so set on finding out if everyone's OK, I will allow you to accompany them on their mission. I will ready a boat as soon as possible."
Neji seemed to relax a little. Obviously the only one he was worried about was Hinata. Compared to the others she was quite weak, and could let her emotions cloud her judgment. That's what worried him the most. Besides, he was worried about her being with Naruto as well. Now don't get me wrong, Neji likes Naruto. He's a great friend and all, but he's dense. He could hurt Hinata deeply without realizing it.
Meanwhile....
Hinata, Kaoru and Hikaru were walking to their next class, though Hinata was keeping her distance from Kaoru and vice versa. They were both confused about what had happened on the roof. Hikaru was a bit confused about what was going on, but why shouldn't he? He wasn't there to witness what happened. Just as he was about to open his mouth to ask what happened, they heard a very familiar voice calling from down the hallway.
"Hinata! Can I talk to you please?" Called Tamaki in a very cheery voice.
Hinata looked at him and nodded quickly. Partially she was curious as to what he had to say, and partially she wanted to get away from Kaoru. She was having a hard time sorting everything out in her head. Kaoru being so close only made it worse. She then walked up to him and looked at him curiously.
Though Kaoru was glad Hinata was away for a bit, he didn't like that she was talking to Tamaki of all people. He wasn't sure why though. It just bothered him.
Hinata tilted her head slightly at Tamaki. "What's up?"
Tamaki took one look at the face and squealed in delight. He then proceeded to wrap his arms around her and pull her into a tight hug. "Oh that was so cute!" He squealed even louder.
Hinata felt the blood rush to her face as she blushed hard. She also felt a bit dizzy and nauseous. Those were common side effects when she is about to faint.
At that, Kaoru's blood boiled. He sent a quick glare to Tamaki. Why was this bothering him so?
Tamaki soon released the poor girl who staggered to stand up straight. Tamaki cleared his throat and apologized. "Anyway. There is going to be another dance soon. One to celebrate the cherry blossoms in bloom. I was hoping you would join the Host Club there."
Hinata's head spun. "A-Another d-d-dance?!" She stuttered out. She remembered the last dance well. She remembered the two boys that had harassed her. Had she not been undercover it wouldn't have been a problem, but they weren't allowed to use jutsu on this mission unless in a dire situation. Not to mention the fact that Naruto would probably be there. She wasn't sure if she could handle seeing him there with someone else. Then there was Kaoru. Oh, why did her life have to be so complicated?!
Tamaki saw the worry in her eyes. He smiled warmly. "Don't worry. No one will hurt you this time." He tried to reassure her.
She shook her head. "Th-That's not i-it."
Tamaki frowned. "Well, I hope you decide to join us." He slowly bent over grab her hand and kissed the back of it gently.
Hinata's face burned with embarrassment.
Kaoru's face burned with irritation and jealousy. Things were not going very well at all.
Later that day....
It had come to Hinata's attention that Sakura and Ino had been spending more and more time at the Host Club. However, Hinata highly doubted they were there for her sake. Now, I'm sure some of you are wondering why Hinata of all people would think such a thing. Well, it was just a hunch.
"Oh my gosh! Kyoya is so cool, and mysterious!" Sakura squealed.
"Oh but what about Mori?! He's tall, dark, and silent!" Ino swooned.
"Then there's Hunny! He's so cute!" Sakura put in.
"Oh and Tamaki! He's so sweet, kind, and caring!" Ino blushed hard.
"And don't forget about Haruhi! So kind and gentle!" They both swooned.
Hinata stared at her friends. Like I said before. It was just a hunch. "Um......guys."
Ino and Sakura both looked to her with curiosity.
"Um, there's going to be a d-dance this Thursday. Um, the whole Host Club will be there." Hinata warily put in.
Both girls screamed in delight, nearly shattering her eardrums. Their inner fan girls had emerged once again.
Even later that day.....
"I'll kill that little bastard!"
"Yeah! How dare he!"
"P-Please d-don't!" Hinata's desperate attempts to calm her friends were failing. She had just told Sakura and Ino about Naruto's kiss. She had a feeling that something like this would happen so she waited until they had gotten back to the Hotel. Clearly that had not been a good idea. Seeing that the two of them were headed for the door that led to the hallway, Hinata ran to the door and blocked their paths in a desperate attempt to save Naruto from his oncoming doom.
"Get out of the way Hinata!" Ino yelled.
"Yeah! Are you just going to stand by and let him hurt you like that?!" Sakura said as well.
Hinata shook her head. "No. It's not his fault!" Tears rolled down her eyes. "I was the one who never told him how I felt. He has the right to date whomever he pleases."
"Yeah, but...." Sakura started but was interrupted.
"There's nothing you can say to change that. No matter what I feel, no matter if I tell him, it's still his choice." Her voice was weak.
Sakura and Ino stopped and looked down. They silently admitted defeat, because she was right. They looked back up at their crying friend. She is one brave girl. They thought.
Hinata dried her eyes. "It's getting late and we should get some sleep." Hinata said looking at the time. She was worn out and incredibly tired from today's events. Hopefully everything else would go smoothly, though she doubted it.
Thursday......
Hinata sat on the bed in the room she shared with Sakura and Ino quietly as they got her prepared for the evening. They had already gotten dressed and put their hair up. Now they were working on Hinata. Honestly, she felt like a little doll when they did this to her. Sakura was fixing up Hinata's hair and had bobby pins in her mouth, while Ino rummaged through the closet in search of a cute dress.
"Hold still Hinata." Sakura mumbled through the bobby pins in her mouth.
"S-Sorry." Hinata mumbled apologetically.
"There! All done!" Sakura said once she pulled the bobby pins from her mouth and stepped away from Hinata to examine her work. Sakura then handed Hinata a mirror so she could see.
Hinata looked at herself in the mirror. Sakura had put Hinata's hair into a cute little bun and let her bangs fall naturally. It was actually a good look on the Hyuuga. "Th-Thanks Sakura."
Ino then jumped up and ran to Hinata. "Put this on!" She said handing Hinata a dress. Hinata quickly went to the bathroom and changed into the dress. It was dark purple in color. It came down to about 2 inches above her knees and had an extra purple rope attached just below the bust. She was also wearing nice black high heels that had straps all across the top.
When Hinata came out both girls squealed, even though Hinata felt they looked much better than she did. Sakura was wearing a white dress that came just below her knees and and nice matching high heels. Her hair was up in a pony tail. Ino was wearing a short black dress that tied around the neck and fell daintily above her knees. Her shoes matched of course. Her hair was down except for a pony tail at the top of her hair.
"There you're ready." Sakura said smiling.
"Not yet!" Ino said going back towards the vanity. She picked up a freshly bloomed rose and put it into Hinata's hair. "It's not quite as good as the ones back at our flower shop, but it's still nice." Ino shrugged.
Hinata smiled with teary eyes. These two were always so kind to her. "T-Thanks Ino, Sakura."
"All right! Let's go." Shouted Ino as she dragged the other two girls out into the hallway and thus interrupting Hinata's little moment.
As the three began walking down the hall way They heard a door open behind them.
"Where are you three going all dressed like that?" Came the familiar voice of a certain blonde idiot.
Sakura, Ino, and Hinata all turned to face him. Sakura and Ino glared at him, while Hinata kept her head down.
Naruto looked confused. "D-Did I do something wrong?!" He asked a bit worried.
"You could say that!" Sakura snapped.
"Well, seriously guys, where are you going?" He asked a bit taken aback by Sakura's harsh tone.
"W-Well...um..we-"
"We're going to the dance tonight!" Ino cut in. "The whole Host Club will be there and Hinata will get to dance with someone who actually cares about her feelings!"
Naruto flinched at Ino's words. Why are they so mad at me?!
"Let's go!" Sakura said turning and beginning to walk away. Ino glared at Naruto some more before following Sakura. Hinata looked up at Naruto, a look of pure sadness showed in her eyes. Naruto locked eyes with her and a pang of guilt washed over him. Why did he feel so bad?
"Come on Hinata!" Ino snapped. Hinata jumped and chased after Ino and Sakura, but not without looking back at Naruto one last time.
Later.......
The three girls had arrived at the dance and eventually split up. Sakura went over to dance with Kyoya while Ino went to dance with Mori. Hinata stayed in a corner like she normally did. She was used to it, and enjoyed watching her friends have fun.
Kaoru finally had a break from dancing. He noticed Hinata over in a corner. He frowned a bit and stood up from his seat and began walking towards her. Each step seemed to drag by very slowly. Too slowly. Suddenly he saw a flash of yellow and then saw Tamaki walking over towards Hinata and began talking to her. Kaoru glared at the back of Tamaki's head and muttered a curse word before going over to the buffet table.
"Hinata, why are you back here all by yourself." Came Tamaki's velvety voice. Hinata jumped and looked at him with red cheeks. "Would you care for a dance?" He asked extending his hand to her. She hesitantly took it and followed him to the dance floor.
Tamaki has initiated the plan. Kyoya thought glancing to the Host Club King.
Sakura looked to where Kyoya had glanced and saw Hinata dancing with Tamaki. Her mouth gaped open. How on earth did Hinata end up dancing with Tamaki of all people?! Kaoru maybe, but Tamaki!?
Hinata was staring down at her feet as Tamaki swayed them back and forth. "That's a very lovely dress Hinata. It looks great on you." Hinata snapped her head up at him and began blushing a lot. She quickly looked away so she wouldn't embarrass herself. Tamaki merely smiled.
Kaoru just sat in his chair and glowered at the two. Hikaru noticed but didn't say anything. It's hard to make Kaoru get this mad, and when he does he's much worse than Hikaru when he's mad.
Suddenly Tamaki stopped dead in his tracks. Hinata jerked her head to him in confusion and worry. "T-Tamaki what's wrong?!" Hinata asked.
"Who the hell are you, and what are you doing with Hinata?!"
Hinata's eyes widened in shock. I-I know that voice! She knew that voice all too well. "N-Neji?!"
A/N: Hello everyone! Sorry it's been so long! School has been a real pain in the butt lately. Anyway. Yeah. You know I had to bring Neji into the picture. It'sjust more fun when he's around y'know? Also, as you can see Naruto isn't bad, he justseems that way. (yes I did see "Who Framed Rodger Rabbit" recently.) Also, for those of you that are intelligent enough to figure it out, Kaoru seems to be getting a bit jealous. You can also see that Kyoya's and Rendge's plan is coming into action. I can't tell you anything though because that would be no fun. Well, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Bye.