Author inquiry!
Hi readers! I know all of you are frantic to find out what happens next and I've written the two side stories that must be read before the epilogue. The whole thing is done, BUT... I don't know which side story I should post first. The first one is called "Finding a Way" and concentrates on the ShikaIno dynamic, their relationship as adults and the possibility of marriage. The second one is called "Gently, Gently" and focuses on KibaHina and how they become more than just shy teens who like each other. Both are rated PG, but I guess PG13 would be more appropriate in case some stuff slips by. In any case, I need you, the readers/reviewers to tell me what you want. You absolutely cannot read the epilogue of IAA without reading the side stories, so just tell me which one you'd like more and I'll post both of them back to back.
Sasha
Here are the intro paragraphs for both, just to intice you all a little more and because icemint (thanks for the heads up) said that I may get a violation going on here.
Finding a Way
"Ino, your father and I would like to have dinner with this Nara boy," Mrs. Yamanaka said. Ino put down her pruning shears and faced her mother.
Dinner with my parents. Could be bad, could be good... she thought silently, mulling the thought over. Her mother cleared her throat and Ino smiled apologetically to her mother.
"That would be nice," she answered. "I'll ask him tonight," she added.
"Actually, I was thinking tonight would be perfect. I went to the butcher's this morning and I have pork chops ready for dinner. Is he vegetarian?" Mrs. Yamanaka asked. Ino paled just a little. She knew that Shikamaru would do anything for her, but she didn't know if he was up to dinner with her rather nosy and sometimes judgmental parents.
"No, he isn't. Are you really sure about tonight? He was going to take me to town after we had dinner at the Ichiraku," Ino tried to say. Her mother stuck a hand up.
"I'm definitely sure. I think it's about time your father got to meet the boy who swept you off your feet. Besides, it'll give us a chance to see Shikamaru as himself. If I know you, you would use time to coach him in the right things to say to win us over. I think we deserve to see him as he is," Mrs. Yamanaka said, placing one hand on her hip.
"You think I would seriously coach him that way? 'Kasaan..." Ino started to say. Her mother just waved her off.
"Back to work. Kaede-sama ordered arrangements for her son's wedding, we need to start working on them now," her mother reminded her. Ino sighed softly.
Disaster, was the only thing she could think of.
Gently, Gently
Kiba bit his lip and nervously twisted a piece of paper in his hands. Hinata had fallen sick again and he wasn't allowed in the Hyuga house to see her. Neji said that he didn't want Hinata to strain herself, and being head-over-heels for the little Hyuga heiress, Kiba grudgingly stepped aside. Today was the supposed day he was allowed to come over to see her. He was going out of his mind.
Naruto rolled his eyes and let out an exaggerated sigh.
"Stop fussing over the situation and sit down. You'll make me lose my lunch," the blonde said, irritated by Kiba's pacing of the Ichiraku. The brunette narrowed his eyes at the annoying blonde.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Wouldn't want you to lose you precious lunch of that god-awful ramen," Kiba said sarcastically as he purposely strode in more circles. Sakura, Ino, Shikamaru and even Sasuke rolled their eyes at the irritating duo.
"Grow up," Ino exclaimed. Shikamaru yawned and leaned against his girlfriend. Sakura frowned and smacked Naruto's arm.
"Be quiet. He's obviously worried about Hinata. Shouldn't you be worried as well?" she asked the blonde. He shrugged a little.
Everyone exchanged exasperated glances and kept quiet, waiting for Kiba to come to them to ask questions or for help, rather than bombarding the poor guy with their concern.
Kiba stuffed his hands in his pockets and turned to leave. He didn't want to be in a place where everyone could see how Hinata's condition was unraveling him. Akamaru followed, casting a worried look towards the well-meaning group of friends and followed Kiba out of the restaurant.
hope this helps!