Several days later...
Lilo was smiling greatly at how most of the girls in the village actually joined and even impressed at how fast they were at learning the steps for tonight's banquet. "Great job!"
Stitch on the other hand was looking at Sakura, helping her like the others; though he helped her the most. Lilo noticed this as well as how Stitch has acted around Sakura. It seems as when Stitch spent time with Sakura, he would be very happy. 'Something's going on with Stitch because whenever he's around Sakura, he acts so differently than how he acted around Angel.'
Her eyes widen, 'Wait a minute... When was the last time that Angel and Stitch actually spend any time as a couple?'
She tries to think of the most recent moment, but most of the time here in Naruto's world, both were away from one another most of the time. 'What does that mean?'
"Lilo?" she snaps out of her train of thought as Stitch calls her, "Lilo? It's time for practice to be over."
"Oh, thanks Stitch. I almost forgot," she admits as she faces the girls in the handmade hula gear Pleakley made. "Okay, everybody be sure to be here so that we can show everyone how we party in Hawaii."
"Right!" most of the girls cheered as they walked off.
Sakura was the only one left as she, Stitch and Lilo walks back to Lilo's family's home.
"Sakura! Lilo! Stitch!" they turn as they see Ino running over to them.
"Ino?" Sakura asks as Ino stops in front of them.
"Sorry," she sighs as she tries to catch her breath, "I saw how you guys been practicing and just wanna say... How cute you all look in your outfits!"
They all laugh as they continue walking and then Lilo asks her, "Ino, why didn't you show up for practice today?"
She sighs, "I was needed at the shop today and I couldn't get out of it."
Sakura nods, "Yeah, your shop gets busy at the weirdest times."
Ino replies, "Tell me about it."
She adds, "Hope I'm good for the show tonight."
"I know you will," Lilo states with a smile.
"Really?" Ino asks them.
"Yeah, I agree with Lilo. You'll be fine," Sakura states.
"Thanks guys," Ino smiles. "So now what?"
Sakura answers, "Well... I've to go to help with the banquet with the others."
Lilo adds, "While my ohana and I are setting up the stage for our dance and everything else."
With that, Sakura gasps loudly as the color drains from her face.
"What?" Lilo asks her.
"What time is it?" she asks quickly.
"It's about..." Ino had to think about it, "5."
"Oh no," Sakura states, "I'm late!"
Ino asks, "Late for what?!"
"To set the banquet up! Lady Tsunade is going to have my head for this!" Sakura screams as she pulls her hair. She runs off with Stitch trailing behind her as she yells, "SEE YOU TONIGHT!"
As soon as they were gone, Lilo and Ino both chuckle as they went to Lilo's place.
"Ready for the plan?" Lilo asks Ino.
"You bet," she smiles as they were running towards Lilo's place now.
Minutes later...
Lilo, Ino, Pleakley, Nani and some other girls were at the house gossiping.
"So now that we got the details," Lilo smiles widely, "Time to put this plan into action!"
Everyone nods as they left the house.
An hour before the banquet...
Naruto was walking around, waiting for Lilo because she said she wanted to know more about the village and everything else. "Where is she?"
"Naruto?" he turns and sees Stitch walking up to him. "Stitch?"
"What are you doing here?" Naruto and Stitch simultaneously ask, "What youga doing here?"
Naruto and Stitch both laugh after that.
Naruto first speaks, "I'm here because Lilo said she wanted to learn more about the village before the banquet started, but I can't seem to find her."
Stitch nods, "Oh, meega understand."
He adds, "I'm is here because Pleakley said he needs meega help."
Naruto nods, looks around and sighs because he can't find Lilo or Pleakley. "Come on Stitch, maybe we can be some use with setting up the banquet decorations."
"Ih," Stitch agrees as the two of the walk.
"The Wolf and Fox both have left the den. I repeat. The Wolf and Fox both have left the den." Lilo spoke into the ear piece radio as she sees Naruto and Stitch leave to the banquet.
"Copy that. Guys, onto the next part of the plan. You know what to do next," Pleakley states from the radio.
"I still don't get why we have to be sneaky about this. And tell me again why we have to use these radios?" Nani sounded amused rather than serious.
"The answer to both of your questions is because it's more fun this way." One could practically see Lilo's smirk as she said this. "Okay. Naruto and Stitch are already in the place."
She adds, "I'll move them to their next destination."
She walks over to them wearing her hula skirt and yells, "Naruto! Stitch!"
Both turn to her and smile as they walk over to her.
Naruto smirks, "There you are. What did you wanted to know?"
Lilo asks, "When should we perform our dance?"
Naruto ponders, "Um… I don't know about that. Maybe Sakura would know that."
She turns to Stitch, "Stitch, do you think you can find Sakura and ask her?"
"Ih," Stitch nods and starts smelling the air for her scent, "Meega know where she is. Meega see you soon, okie-taka?"
"Okay," Lilo chuckles as Stitch runs off.
Naruto turns to her and asks, "Anything else?"
She looks him over and said, "Yeah, what are you wearing?"
Naruto examines himself and answers, "A kimono. We wear these things for special events."
"Okay," Lilo nods and asks, "Can you follow me for a quick second?"
"Sure," Naruto said as he follows her.
Pleakley asks over the radio in his hiding spot, "Okay, I still don't get it why we've to trick Stitch and Naruto?"
"Because Lilo knows that there is something going on with them. So we all want to see what is going on with them. That's why. Now quit your jibber-jabbering and stick to the plan," Ino reprimanded.
There was a brief silence.
"I see that Naruto and Lilo leaving." Nani finally spoke. "Well, Ino? What's Stitch doing?"
"Nothing. He's just standing there. He looks like he's looking for something." Ino sounded worried. "Aww. He's so cute. He looks like a lost puppy."
"Focus." Lilo whispers. "Ino and Tenten, keep an eye on Stitch."
"Will do," Both exclaim.
"Pleakley and Nani," Lilo instructed, "go to your positions."
"We're about to right now," Nani states.
Another silent pause.
"Wait! Stitch's moving! Running actually!" Tenten yells, "Were pursuing him right now."
"We're going to our positions too," Ino states and Lilo sighs, 'Good. Everything is going according to plan.'
"Lilo?" She shifts her earpiece while hiding it without Naruto noticing, "Yes?"
"Where are we going?" he asks her.
"You'll soon see," she smiles as she leads him to where Nani and Pleakley were helping some of the girls get their hula skirts on. There, he sees Angel in her hula skirt.
"Wow," was all he said.
He shakes his head and asks, "How did you make the skirts anyway?"
"Apparently," Pleakley speaks with some confidence, "I'm good with needle and thread."
Nani comments, "It must've been from all of his "research" of Earth and Hawaiian culture."
Lilo nods, "Yeah, he made our kimonos too."
"Really now?" Naruto smiles widely.
"Yep," Pleakley grins.
Naruto couldn't help but aimless look back at Angel's outfit and smiling at her as she smiles back at him. Immediately, Naruto felt himself flushing and was relieved when Rock Lee came into the conversation.
"Naruto," he speaks with energy, "I've no doubt this party banquet-thing will be awesome."
Naruto comments, "Thanks."
Lee leaves and Naruto sees Angel walking towards him, he softly smiles as she waves at him.
"Naruto," she says as she reaches him, "What youga doing here?"
"Just looking around," Naruto states.
'Naruto is still handsome,' Angel thought with a big smile. Startled by her sudden warm feeling for him, she returned her attention to her feet.
"So, do youga think this be good?" she asks him.
"Definitely," Naruto nods.
He motions his head, "Come on, let me get you something to eat."
"Okie-taka," she states as they walk to Ichiraku Ramen's stand.
Naruto orders two of his favorite ramen and he takes them over to two seats. Angel looks over at the food and then to Naruto.
"Takka," Angel said as she felt flustered, she turned her attention to the Koi pond.
She snaps back at the sound of slurping and sees Naruto quickly wolfing down his ramen.
She laughs, "Youga pig sometimes."
"Hey! At least I'm a pig who appreciates the small things of life: like the taste of my favorite comfort food on a beautiful night with someone I can be comfortable with," He slurps some more of his ramen to illustrate his point, making Angel chuckle.
He adds, "Hey... If you're not going to eat your ramen. I'll eat it."
"Naga," Angel protested as she brings her bowl closer to her. There was no way she would let her free food be eaten or let Naruto out eat her.
"Hey Naruto," he turns and sees Kiba with Hinata and Akamaru, "wanna have an eating contest?"
"As much as I would love to beat you at an eating contest, I have to do that maybe another time. I'm doing something at the moment."
Kiba sees Angel and Hinata slightly smiles, "Oh, that's alright then."
"Thanks Hinata," Naruto said as he turns his head to Kiba because he scoffed, "Oh, sure you do."
"Kiba…" Naruto growls but Hinata puts her arms around Kiba's arm, "Come on Kiba, we're supposed to have fun today."
"...Fine," Kiba sighs as Hinata smiles.
She turns back to Naruto and Angel, "Well, sorry about disrupting you two. We better go so we don't ruin this."
Naruto and Angel looked to each other and either of them couldn't figure out what they were talking about.
"Ruin what?" Naruto asks confused but Hinata, Kiba and Akamaru were already gone.
Naruto stared at his bowl of ramen rather uneasily. "Okay...that was a little weird."
Angel raised an eyebrow. "Youga okie-taka?"
He leveled his gaze at Angel with a smile, "Yeah."
He found himself feeling flustered again as Angel made a faint smile on her face.
"Here you go," a person puts a plate of dumplings between the two and Naruto was about to protest when the person states. "It's really fine. Let's just say it is on the house, okay?"
"But wait..." Naruto never finishes his sentence as the person leaves.
He looks back at the one plate of dumplings and was wondering if he should order another plate for himself; then again, the dumplings were free.
"Whatever," he shrugs as he eats some of the dumplings with Angel taking some off the plate as well.
She was playing around with the food and Naruto couldn't help but laugh at the cute sight of Angel with her lovely eyes and everything that thought made him nearly choked on his food. 'Why am I thinking about that?'
"Naruto," he turns and sees Angel was worried about him.
He smiles and it reassures her that he is fine. Returning his concentration to his food, he let silence fill the moment. After a few minutes and feeling calmer, Naruto allowed his gaze to wander, eyes ending up lingering on Angel's lovely form once more.
'What is wrong with me tonight?' he mentally shook himself. 'Sure, Angel is remarkable and everything, but I'm not falling in love with her.'
Angel sees that Naruto was in deep thought, but couldn't hold the soft laugh. Naruto hears it and found himself enjoying the laugh as he did before. It was so strange how her laugh brought so many good memories with it. Why?
Blushing slightly from Naruto looking at her, Angel instantly dropped her gaze and busied herself with the plate of dumplings left. Naruto realized what he was doing, blinked then cleared his throat to cover his discomfort.
"So..." he starts, "do you like it here?"
"Yes," she replies as she looks around, "it's beautiful. Meega can see why youga like it here so much."
Naruto comments as Angel wasn't looking at him, "Yeah, beautiful."
Angel laughed again. Naruto found himself beginning to truly enjoy his evening. After a moment's pause, she stared at him and frowned a little. "It's strange."
"What is?"
"How fast everything has happened," Angel shifted her eyes to her plate, looking uneasy as she added, "and now you will be safe here after we get Hamsterwheel."
"But… I mean," Naruto comments, "you guys can come back, right?"
"Do you want us back?" she asks him.
"Yeah," he smiles.
"Nice to know I'm appreciated," Angel snorted, amused and smiles.
"Well, I wouldn't be here without you and everyone else too." He admits, "Thanks for everything."
Angel plays with her hula skirt and Naruto adds, "You look fine."
She turns to him and sees that Naruto had a smirk, which made her own smirk grow widely.
"Wait…I…" Naruto blushed after realizing what he said. "I didn't mean to sound it like that. I can't believe I walked into that one."
Angel comments sweetly, "Yes, you did. But it was nice of you to say."
"Excuse me Angel," Naruto said, "I'll be back."
"Meega will be here," she replies as he leaves to find the restroom.
Few seconds later…
Naruto was on his back to where he and Angel were when he spots Sai walking over to him.
"Hey Naruto," he smiles and Naruto waves, "What's up Sai?"
"Just wondering how you and Angel are," Sai comments.
"We're good," Naruto smiles happily. "And you?"
"I'm just admiring the sights of Lilo and Stitch's culture."
"Um… Yeah, that sounds like a lot of fun. But…you know. Angel. Better not keep her waiting," Naruto states with a nod.
"What the two of you have together is weirdly sweet, you know?" he said and walks away from Naruto before Naruto could ask what he meant.
He turns to walk and bumps into Sakura, "Oops, sorry."
She falls onto the ground and he helps her up, "I'm fine Naruto. I'm fine."
She looks around and speaks, "Where's Angel?"
"Why do you ask?" he asks her.
"Just thought you would be with Angel," she states confused.
"She's back at the table. I had to leave to use the bathroom," he admits. "And you?"
"I left Stitch with Jumba and Pleakley. I told him I was going to get some more food," she states.
"Well…" he said looking down at his feet, wondering on what to say. Normally, when he was around Sakura he would do anything to be close to her and now that he had his chance; it didn't feel right.
Sakura awkwardly rubs the back of her neck, "So, I guess you're happy being with Angel."
Naruto replies, "Yes… I guess. We're really good friends you know."
Sakura looks back at him in disbelief, "Friends?"
Naruto looks at her shock, "What?"
She adds, "The way you two are acting, I thought you two were dating."
"WHAT! No, no! It's not like that," Naruto said. He felt his mouth repeatedly open and close until he found his voice again, "Angel and I aren't dating."
"You're not?"
"I'm pretty sure I would know," Naruto comments.
Sakura narrows her eyes at Naruto and crosses her arms over her chest, "Do you even realize how much time you spend with her?"
Naruto thinks back and sure they spent a ton of time together, but that doesn't mean they're dating. "I'll admit there have been some changes to my social life, but come on, I was in a different world and-"
"That's not it. Just think about it for a second."
So Naruto did, because Sakura was Sakura. He silently laughed though, it wasn't possible right? How could someone be dating another person? How could one be in a relationship they didn't even know about? Sure, he spent a lot of time with Angel, but mostly because he needed help with his experimental powers, not to mention that Angel was watching over Naruto like a bodyguard or guardian.
He scratches his chin, "What did people who were dating do?"
To be fair, Naruto hadn't much experience in that department. However, he knew some things because of all the pervert books Pervy Sage made him read and other soft romance novels he wrote but never published. People in relationships went on dates, obviously. But he and Angel didn't go on dates. Okay, they did have meals together, but the dinner tonight wasn't exactly romantic. It wasn't like they shared their food… Or maybe they did, but it was free food. Back in Lilo and Stitch's world, sure he stole some food off her plate because she stole food off his plate. So, it technically doesn't count and even if it did; Angel should be more watchful anyway about her food.
He admits that he has a slight attraction to Angel, but it wasn't a big love connection. He might've thought of it, but never went off on them all the way because she had Stitch. Though, recently, Angel seems to be the first person he thought when something important was happening, or even a good joke, or whatever. Naruto was sure that his time with Angel wasn't much to his time with Sakura, but it felt more significant to him. Besides, Angel and him don't normally talk about simple things and she didn't make him laugh or even make him feel his heart skip a –
His eyes widen, "Oh my God. I think you're right. We are dating."
Sakura nods and Naruto kept thinking it over and over again. How could he have missed that? Maybe he really was an idiot.
"Naruto, you're a great guy and all, but you can be clueless."
"Uh… Thanks?"
Sakura laughs, "I'm happy for you."
He turns to her and asks, "Doesn't that mean the same with you and Stitch?"
Sakura face blushes, "What, no. Don't be ridiculous."
Naruto smirks, "Seems like I'm not the only one who is denying the idea."
He adds, "I'm happy if you like him though."
Her face stops blushing and he continues, "You deserve someone good for you and I know Stitch would be perfect for you."
"Naruto…" she speaks shocked.
"Sakura," Naruto states, "I've had the biggest crush on you, but… I don't know. Maybe if things were different, do you think we'd be…?"
Sakura looks down, "I don't know."
He smiles, "Well. I better get going. See you later, Sakura."
He walks pass her, "Let's hangout and have a double date."
Sakura nods, "Sure."
Naruto arrives back to where Angel was and she was admiring the sky. "Hey Naruto," she said, not even looking at his direction.
"Angel," Naruto replied and then went quiet, drawing a blank. How was he supposed to do this? What was he supposed to say? 'Hey, did you know that apparently we're dating? So are you okay with that?'
He shakes his head, 'No, that sounds too stupid.'
Angel turns to Naruto and asks, "There a problem Naruto?"
Naruto shook his head quickly. "Oh, what was that? Um…No, nothing, I…" He moved closer to Angel. "I saw Sakura, and I had a thought, and…"
"Oh," Angel sounded a little hurt.
"No, it wasn't anything like that," he said and she looks back at him.
"I've a secret and I want to tell you," he said as she leans in, "What isa secret?"
He goes to her ear, but softly turns her head and kisses her on the lips.
Angel's paws were stiff as her body went ridged. Angel's lips were soft and a little scruffy because of her fur around her mouth. Naruto pulls himself back so fast that he almost fell over his chair.
"Wow, that is so not what I meant to do," he said as he blushes. "I don't even know why I did it."
"Naruto…?" Angel was confused as she shakes her head, "Excuse me, meega need going." She starts walking, but he grabs on her paw. "Wait, Angel. I'm sorry if I did anything to upset you."
"Meega need to perform with the others," she states as she doesn't look at his eyes. "We talk later about this."
"Okay," he nods as he releases her paw.
She walks away from him and he felt bad for surprise attacking her with that kiss.
Minutes before the performance…
Angel was walking around nervously and Stitch walks up to her.
"What is problem?" He asks her.
She bit her lip as she continues walking around, "It's Naruto."
She stops and faces Stitch, "He surprised kiss me."
"What?" Stitch was at a loss of words.
"Yes," she nods and she goes back to walking.
Stitch looks down to the ground and asks, "Did youga like the kiss?"
She looks down to her feet and nods sheepishly, "Yeah."
"Oh," Stitch said a little hurt, "I see."
Angel and Stitch were awkwardly standing next to each other. Angel turns to Stitch and she kisses his cheek, but pulls back and both look to each other.
He shakes his head, "I did not feel it."
She sighs, "Me either."
Stitch grabs her paw, "Angel, you always have a place in my heart."
She sadly smiles, "You too Stitch."
They sat in some silence.
He adds, "But…whatever we had, is no more."
"Yeah," she agrees.
"Is it supposed to feel so…" he turns to Angel, "you know what I'm trying to say?"
"Yeah," she nods. "But, when people break-up… It not always ends with crying all the time."
He comments, "But, that's the thing. I'm not feeling it, I'm not feeling anything. Do you?"
She shakes her head, "No. I'm not feeling anything either. No sadness, no hurt, no pain, nothing."
He turns to her and asks, "So…I guess we're no more boojiboos?"
"Yes," she sighs.
He smiles to her though, "Not worry. I know Naruto is good for you."
She smirks at him, "You think he likes me like that? What about Sakura, he still loves her?"
Stitch shakes his head, "I think he'll choose you over her."
Her ears perked up at that, "What?"
He nods and continues, "Naruto apparently doesn't realize how much time he spent with you. People think you and him are boojiboos."
She laughs, "That is why he kissed me."
Stitch eyes widen, "What next?"
She looks down to her skirt and plays with the hem, "I ran away."
"Why?" Stitch asks confused.
"Because… I thought you and me would get back together soon and I felt so confused, shocked, happy. Too many feelings, I just had to leave."
Stitch states, "You tell Naruto."
She tears up, "What if he doesn't want me because of that?"
Stitch wipes her tears, "Angel, Naruto will accept you no matter what. He loves you very much."
"Thanks Stitch," she hugs him and dries off her eyes. "Now I have hula to do."
She stands up and leaves, while Stitch was looking at the sky. He felt a paw on his shoulder and turns to see Angel there. "Also, give Sakura time. I believe she'll come around soon."
"I can wait for her. I sense she is trying to be better, but every now and then she is sad. I hope to being a good friend for her," he states.
He smiles, "Though, meega wish we more than that."
Angel hugs him, "Be patient."
He returns the hug, "Okay."
She kisses his check and runs off to the stage with the other hula dancers. Stitch walks to where the audience was standing before the stage and waits for the show to begin. The audience quickly went to a quiet whisper as the curtains were raised. Most of the guys whistling and hollering at the girl's hula skirts. Lilo steps forward and speaks, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we're about to do a hula. Our hula is about how no matter what we are or where we're from, we can get along with one another."
She walks back in line with the rest of the girls and women and everyone in the audience went silent as the music began playing. The beginning was a little messy because Sakura, Ino and Tenten as well as some of the younger girls kept either stepping on each other's foot or bumping into someone. But by the time it was midway, everyone was on pace and the dance was mesmerizing as everyone in the audience could picture the story coming to life. By the time they were finished, everyone in the audience jumped up and clapped their hands for them to an encore. The group gave a big bow and were laughing and smiling.
A/N: So, I decided that Stitch and Angel speak full English and everything from here on out. Hope you enjoy the chapter, please read and review.