Sakura caught herself staring at Lady Tsunade's chest again.
Hinata's was developing in that direction. Sakura's thoughts of inferiority were dampened by the security Hinata gave her, but she couldn't understand why some people were so blessed. She was smart enough to know it was genetics, but the idea that maybe there was some greater force with a plan that could be using her in any way...no, it didn't have to matter. She was happy with Hinata. As long as she was with her...it was too hard to think otherwise.
Sakura might not have known what it was like to grow up without a family, or to lose a family, but she knew abandonment. It was funny how Naruto, for all his talk of friendship, had just forgotten about her. Instead of being her teammate, he was training to find someone who didn't want to be found. It wasn't about their friendship, but rather the idea of friendship—the fact that he made a promise about what it was.
Naruto was trying to get stronger, which was good. It probably wasn't only for Sasuke's sake, either, but it felt like it. Kakashi-sensei, however...why had he abandoned her? He was supposed to be her mentor. Sakura had told Hinata she'd be fine. She tried to be tough like a real ninja. But wasn't it okay to resent them, even a little? Only until they came back? That's all.
Sakura wasn't much better herself, though. She barely saw her girlfriend, and could hardly remember the last day they spent significant time together. No matter how she appeared and kept her composure in front of others, it was still hard on a fourteen-year-old. She wanted to be with Hinata, but she also wanted to save lives for Konoha.
Today, despite all the conflicting emotions, Sakura couldn't be happier. She'd be able to ignore it all with Hinata during the festivities that night. It was why everything was okay—the proof of what she, and Naruto, and everyone else, was fighting for.
"You can go, Sakura," Lady Tsunade said. She didn't even look up from the paper she was signing.
"You don't need anything of me?" Sakura asked.
"No. If I keep up this pace, I should be able to make my appearance. Have fun tonight."
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade," Sakura said. She gathered her things, tidied up her desk, putting papers together, and writing utensils away, etc., then headed out the door.
Sakura had already planned out her dress for the night, but now she second-guessed it. Would this be cuter? she wondered as she held up a yellow kimono to the mirror. It had red waves, and a small amount of white flowers splashed throughout it. No, she had decided on the deep red kimono for a reason. Stop second-guessing now.
This red kimono was a very traditional style of silk cloth with gold trim and embroidery, and the most expansive dress Sakura owned. She knew she couldn't impress Hinata with money, and that Hinata would like any dress she wore, but still, she felt compelled to try. It was this same compulsion that made her worry if she should wear a different one. Was she overlooking something that would actually look better on her? Could they both look great on her? How was she going to do her hair? Shorter hair didn't have as many dramatic options. She wished she could just ask Hinata, but that'd ruin the surprise.
Wait, what surprise?
No, even if it was just a small surprise, it'd set the tone for a precious memory.
She could imagine it now:
"You remember our first big date?"
She'd ask, holding back a smile as she'd study Hinata's face, and eyes.
"Of course! You were wearing...
...And you were so pretty."
And she'd probably blush.
The thought gave Sakura the warmth and enough confidence to just go with it. She did her hair in a bun that favored one side and her bangs loosely wrapped up and pinned along the way to the other side. She applied light pink lipstick and a light red eyeshadow to compliment her green eyes. Sakura posed in front of the mirror and had to admit she looked pretty damn good.
She was nothing compared to Hinata, though. Hinata stood in the doorway, a goddess in a kimono decorated with purple flowers connected to vague turquoise stem shapes that danced around each other without ever touching. The flower pattern took up most of the surface area against a small black background. Her hair had grown long and beautiful, and she filled out her dress in a way Sakura could only hope for. She was starting to accept it'd never happen, but she told herself she still had time. It wasn't only jealously now, though.
"Damn, Hinata..." Sakura said. She had to peel her eyes away to look Hinata in the face.
Hinata's bright yellow lips curved into a smile. "You're beautiful, Sakura," she said.
"Not like you."
Sakura's heart raced as Hinata moved forward, the Hyuuga's every step a lesson in grace. Hinata placed her hands on Sakura's shoulders and looked her in the eye. "Don't insult yourself, Sakura. When you do, you insult me, too."
Hinata's words didn't totally resonate with Sakura, but she nodded anyways, shut her eyes, and leaned towards Hinata. She felt Hinata's arms stiffen. "Not outside, Sakura."
Sakura sighed and glanced past Hinata. "But you're so confident these days," she said.
"You know that has nothing to do with it," Hinata said. "Besides, I'm only confident with you, and hardly at that." Sakura felt Hinata's soft fingers caress her chin, and she let Hinata guide her head forward to look her in the eyes. "I just want to be with you, Sakura. I feel whole when I'm with you."
"I love you, Hinata," Sakura said.
"S-Sakura, I love you," Hinata said. Sakura felt one of Hinata's fingers gently graze underneath her eye. Sakura did the same for Hinata. "You...you meant..."
"Yeah, Hinata. I'm so in love with you," Sakura said. She let the moment linger, the two completely absorbed in each other's eyes. "We should get going, right? Just this is probably suspicious."
"You're right," Hinata said. Her face spoke of the same hurt Sakura felt.
They walked side by side, but not too close.
"Life's not fair, Hinata."
"Life doesn't care one way or the other, Sakura."
"People are wrong, then."
Hinata didn't respond to that. Instead, she said, "Sakura, I'm stepping down as heir to the Hyuuga."
"Wha-what? You can't! What about the Branch?" Sakura asked. She glanced over at Hinata.
"Sakura, I'd have to marry a man," Hinata said. She had a serious look about her. "Are you okay with that?"
"N-no...but..."
"I may be able to do more good this way. Certain things are expected of the head of the clan," Hinata said. A gentle curve took her lips. "Hanabi has a good heart, just like my father. He doesn't want to do wrong, Sakura."
"I've seen that. It must be tough having all that responsibility," Sakura said.
"Yes. I'm relieved, honestly. I hope that's not too selfish of me."
"It's just as selfish to expect it of you."
"Maybe," Hinata said, "but someone has to do it. There's no winning in those regards."
Sakura stopped before they entered the grassy outskirts, and Hinata followed suit. Just beyond the bustle of town life was the festival. Music played. It was loud in its own welcoming sort of way, if not condemning. Lights flashed, and Sakura could make out booths, games, and rides. People were entering and leaving, chatting, laughing. Kids were excited to go on rides, and some were mad that they didn't get to go on more. Sakura turned to Hinata. "You're so mature. How do you put up with my stupidity?"
"You're not stupid, Sakura," Hinata said. She smiled. "You can know everything in the world, or be the wisest person, but none of that matters. All I want is a good heart that cares about me."
"See. You make me feel childish."
"I was just talking about my own selfishness. Is that childish or mature? Sometimes the line can blur, I find. I'd take someone who knows nothing, but is kind, any day."
"Is that what you saw in Naruto?" Sakura asked.
"Yes," Hinata said. "And I don't think he's stupid, either."
"Could you be with him?"
"I want to be with you. Trust me when I say I love you."
"I-I do. It's just, things change, and if you were with a boy..."
"Sakura," Hinata said, her voice like a clear day. "I. Love. You. I am not Sasuske, or anyone else. I am not going to leave you. Friend, or more."
"S-Sasuke?" Sakura asked. She stared forward.
You're an idiot, Haruno Sakura, she thought. She had told herself she was going to enjoy the evening with Hinata, but then she went and whined like this. However, it all started because she couldn't kiss Hinata outdoors. Hinata understood that, right? Sakura wanted to reach over and hold Hinata's hand, but she couldn't. She couldn't do this, she couldn't do that.
"I need to kiss you," Sakura said. "Waiting. Making plans. It's wrong. It hurts."
Hinata looked at Sakura for a while. "Byakugan!" she said. After a moment, she grabbed Sakura by the wrist. "This way."
The two ran by people, around festival stands, and all the while, Sakura's heart pounded. She leapt out of the way of a person on a few occasions, and Hinata had to help her from falling, once. They eventually came to a spot behind a large tent (where something like a talent show was going on, Sakura assumed) that was at a good enough angle so other booths blocked most views. Karaoke played some silly love song sung by a mediocre drunk.
Hinata dispelled the jutsu, and before Sakura could say a word, Hinata turned to her and pressed her body against her. She slid her hand down Sakura's wrist, entangled her fingers with hers, and held the back of Sakura's head with her other hand. Her lips burned with wet passion, and every time Sakura gasped for air, she took in some of Hinata's warm breath. It sent a shiver down the back of her neck.
Hinata let go of Sakura's hand and brought her now free hand to the base of Sakura's back. She slowly leaned Sakura over and gently guided her down until Sakura was sitting on the ground. Then she pressed her weight on Sakura, pushing her down, and down, until Sakura could feel blades of grass against her neck. Atop Sakura, she kissed her, again and again. Sakura felt nothing but ignorant pleasure. She'd let Hinata do whatever she wanted.
"Hih-Hinata," Sakura whispered. Her face was so warm. She could only imagine how red she was.
Hinata, her eyes half-open, and her hair all but draped around them, said, "ever since you kissed me, I've dreamt of how I'd kiss you."