"So what was all that about the other day? Your repayment to Hinata?" Sasuke asked as he placed his shirt over his head.
Naruto, back in his school uniform, shrugged. "Just felt like being nice. Damn, Gai-sensei was intense today."
Sasuke nodded in agreement, "That's what happens whenever his favorite pupil comes to our gym class."
"Seriously! Fucking Lee needs to visit AFTER school. I bet you that asshole Neji sends him on purpose. Especially cuz right now they have us guys and girls separated. That crazy bastard was probably watching us suffer."
"I wouldn't put it past Neji and his brother-complex with Hinata."
"I'm sure you know all about brother complexes," snickered Naruto. The punch to the arm only caused his laughter to increase in volume.
"Let's go, the girls are probably dressed already too."
"Yeah, yeah. Let's just stop at the vending machine. Hinata'll probably be thirsty. I mean they don't have it much better with Anko-sensei. Sometimes I think she might be crazier than Gai-sensei."
As Naruto was inserting his coins in the vending machine, he stated, "I told her about cram school."
"And?"
Pressing the button for his choice of beverage, Naruto rolled his eyes, "She said what you said, that we would still see each other in the morning and in class. She could've at least been a little sad ya know?"
This time it was Sasuke's turn to roll his eyes, "You act like we're never going to see you again."
Naruto retrieved a bottle of water from the vending machine "But our ramen time! We can't go after school anymore! I'll have to go all by myself."
"You go by yourself all the time too."
"But-but Hinata said that food tastes better with friends. I can't go by myself."
"Then just wait 'til the weekend and we can go with you"
"Ramen only once or twice a week? You expect me to live like that? I know you hate me, but I didn't know you hated me that much!"
"It's true. Time with you is quite tortuous."
Naruto playfully shoved Sasuke's shoulder, "Shaddap, you're not the best company either. I would totally pick Hinata over you any day."
"Obviously. I would do the same, then I could have some peace and quiet every once in a while."
"Nah, I know you love me. C'mere Sasuke. Give me a little huggy hug."
Sasuke outstretched his palm, squishing Naruto's cheek and preventing said hug. That did not deter Naruto as he outstretched both arms, in an attempt to hug Sasuke.
"Umm, what are you two doing?" asked Sakura.
Naruto and Sasuke both dropped their arms. "Nothing," replied Naruto as he scratched at his cheek, while Sasuke continued walking ahead.
Hinata giggled at the duo, as she stood behind Sakura.
"Oh, Hinata, I got you some water. I'm sure Anko-sensei was no joke today."
Hinata fluffed up her bangs before taking the drink. "Thank you."
"Here, let me open it for you."
While this was happening Sakura and Ino watched in disgust at the overly sweet scene. Not being able to take this any longer, Ino interrupted, "So where's our drink Naruto? Sakura and I are thirsty too. Are you going to open our drinks too?"
"Huh?" Naruto whipped his neck to his left, forgetting for a moment that they weren't alone.
Hands on her hips, Ino continued, "I asked if you were also going to get me and Sakura a drink?"
"Oh…uh….umm…I think Sasuke's calling," and with that Naruto ran to catch up to Sasuke. Ino and Sakura shook their heads at Naruto's retreating form, that is until they turned their questioning gaze towards Hinata.
"I…umm…I'll get you two something to drink," Hinata stated in her attempt to escape her prying friends.
Unfortunately, Hinata wasn't as lucky as Naruto. Ino and Sakura were quickly at Hinata's side. "So what the hell was that all about?" asked Ino.
"Are you two dating?" squealed Sakura.
"N-no, he was just being nice. He's always nice to me and so is Sasuke. They're my friends."
"I know friends, and friends don't do all that lovey dovey stuff," retorted Ino. "Shikamaru and Chouji have never done anything like that for me. And we've known each other since birth because of our dads."
"If you guys are keeping it a secret, a bad secret by the way, you can tell us we won't tell anyone." Sakura shared a quick glance at Ino. "Actually you can tell me. Pig over there will tell everyone."
Ino flicked Sakura's forehead, "Shut it Forehead, if she tells you she has to tell me too. Girl code."
"That's not how girl code works," Sakura replied as she rubbed her tender forehead.
"I promise nothing is going on between us. If there was, I would tell you both."
"Naruto's always been a little slow to catch on to things. But I think he's finally catching on, so just be a little more patient. Okay?" Sakura said as she placed an arm around Hinata's right shoulder.
"She's right. And just know we're rooting for you," Ino added as she looped her arm around Hinata's left shoulder.
All Hinata could do was nod, because she didn't have the heart to tell them that she had actually confessed her feelings to Naruto their first year of high school. He didn't give her a response, which was a response in itself. Therefore, Hinata resigned her hopes of Naruto ever returning her feelings. He made it difficult to completely dispel those feelings, but even then Naruto was a cherished friend and she would keep him in her life however he would let her. She could stay happy if things remained as they were. Just her, Naruto, and Sasuke.
Once again thank you to Wonzy98 for being my Beta.
Constructive criticism is always welcome :)
Til Next Time!