A Possible Future by Jason Corley

Chapter Nine

Shikamaru stood up rubbing his jaw. Chouji said "I knew you were the reason Ino and I don't get along as good as we could."

Shikamaru said "What are you talking about. I haven't interfered with you and Ino at all. I've had more contact with Ino in last week than I've had with her in the last 2 months."

Chouji said loudly "She still likes you. And I've known that for a long time now. I just didn't know why Ino couldn't get over you. I just learned why." Shikamaru put his hands in his pockets and waited for Chouji to continue "Why didn't you ever tell me what happened between the two of you?"

Shikamaru rolled his head in a big circle then answered "First, she told me not to tell anyone. Second, you didn't need to know. Third, Ino should have told you or told you eventually. Fourth, we didn't actually sleep together. We just played around with each other, Ino was still a virgin when we broke up." Shikamaru looked away when he said this last part. Chouji stared at his friend considering what he had been told.

Sasuke got up from the table and picked up the dishes. He started to walk out of the room but stopped at the door "Would you like more tea?" Hinata shook her head and Sasuke continued walking. When he returned he asked "Would you walk with me." Hinata didn't know if this was a question or a command so she nodded and got up to follow Sasuke. Once outside Sasuke and Hinata walked side by side down the main street of the Uchiha manor. Sasuke walked slowly so Hinata could easily keep up in the kimono. It looked like the two of them were out for an afternoon stroll. After walking for a bit Sasuke asked "Do you like it here?"

Hinata looked up to Sasuke's face and asked "Here?"

Sasuke clarified "The Uchiha manor. You always came around here. And it appears you still do."

Hinata looked down and said "It was a place to get away."

Sasuke asked "Away from what?"

Hinata continued to look down and answered "Everything. Everyone. My family."

They walked in silence for a while when they neared the entranceway to the Uchiha manor Sasuke said "You may stay here if you like." Hinata looked up to Sasuke with hope in her eyes. He then continued "And you may choose any house you wish to live in." Hinata couldn't tear her gaze away from Sasuke's face. This was nicer than anyone had ever been to her in her life. Sasuke stopped and looked down at Hinata.

Hinata said "I...would like to stay. Can we stay in the house we're in now?" Sasuke looked a little surprised at what Hinata had said then when Hinata realized what she said she blushed and said "I...I...mean, can I stay in the house we're in now. But if you don't want me living in the same house I can choose a different one."

Sasuke smiled then said "You can stay there." Hinata smiled back. Sasuke asked "Which way do you want to walk?" Hinata looked in the direction of the market. Even though it was busy she enjoyed walking around there. She enjoyed watching the flow of people doing different things. Sasuke and Hinata both started walking in the direction of the market.

After walking a little more Sasuke asked "Would you prefer me to be in a different house?"

Hinata looked up at him slightly confused and said "It's your house. I can't tell you that you can't be there. And if I didn't want you in the same house I would have chosen a different house. I mean...I..." Hinata wasn't able to cover up what she had said and was blushing a rather bright red.

Sasuke thought for a moment then said "It's a nice house. If you don't mind I think I would like to stay there also." Hinata didn't respond and the blush was still there but a smile had crept on her face.

Sakura and Ino were sitting in a cafe eating. Ino was eating quite a bit since she was upset. Sasuke was still irritated with Naruto but not enough to break her diet. Ino had told Sakura everything. Sakura was rather surprised that her friend and Shikamaru had been intimate. Sakura started doing the math in her head and figured that Ino and Shikamaru couldn't have been more than 14. Sakura thought that was a bit young. She felt that she was still too young. When Naruto had grabbed her breast she thought things might get out of hand. Sakura could only agree with Ino when Ino would call Shikamaru a bastard. Sakura thought it might be good that Shikamaru had moved on so that Ino could as well. Sakura had always known that Ino still like Shikamaru but didn't want to push the issue since Ino always denied it. Both Sakura and Ino took a bite at the same time and they both spotted Sasuke and Hinata walking together. They stopped chewing as they took in the scene. Sasuke was wearing a blue shirt with white shorts while Hinata wore a blue kimono that matched Sasuke's shirt. Both Sakura and Ino swallowed there food.

Ino asked Sakura "When did Sasuke get back?"

Sakura responded "I found out yesterday."

Ino then asked "Are Sasuke and Hinata a couple or something?"

Sakura said hesitantly "I don't think so."

Both Sakura and Ino took another bite. When Sasuke and Hinata passed by so that their back's could be seen by Ino and Sakura, Ino and Sakura spit out their food on each other. They had both been shocked when they saw that not only did Sasuke have the Uchiha clan symbol on his back but so did Hinata. Ino and Sakura looked back and forth from Sasuke and Hinata to each other.

Sasuke asked Hinata "How long is it until the Chuunin exam."

"Three weeks." Hinata answered.

Sasuke thought a moment then asked a question he already knew the answer to "Do you have anyone to train with regularly?"

Hinata looked down and said quietly "No. Shino is a Chuunin and doesn't have time, Kiba and Kurenai are both on missions, and my family won't."

Sasuke responded by saying "If you'd like, I will train with you."

Hinata looked up at Sasuke not believe what she was hearing. She then argued "But I'm not as strong as you. It wont help you train for the Chuunin exam."

Sasuke grinned then said "I've been training for the last two and half years. I'm ready. Besides, you have potential. I think you will learn a lot." Hinata smiled and they walked on.

Naruto and Iruka walked out of the ramen shop. Naruto still had a thoughtful expression. Iruka and Naruto parted ways. Naruto was walking home with his hands behind his head. As he approached a corner he saw Sasuke. Naruto saw someone standing next to him. Naruto thought for a moment then realized it was Hinata. Naruto's jaw dropped at seeing Hinata in something other than her normal everyday clothing. Sasuke saw Naruto and stopped. Hinata Saw Naruto also. She looked from Naruto to Sasuke then back to Naruto. Naruto walked up to them and said "Hey. Hinata. Is he bothering you?" Hinata shook her head. Naruto looked to Sasuke and asked "What are you up to. You already have Sakura after you. You don't need anymore after you."

Sasuke asked "Jealous?"

"No." Naruto quickly answered.

Sasuke glanced at Hinata then looked back to Naruto "That's too bad. If you must know, Hinata and I are just out for a walk. We are taking a little break from training."

Naruto responded "Getting lazy are you. Not only taking a break from training but after training with her. Wait. I didn't mean to say that." Naruto's eyes got as big as saucers "I'm sorry Hinata. I didn't mean to say it that way." Hinata looked down. The smile that had been on her face was gone. She no longer felt like training after what Naruto said. Hinata just started walking again. Naruto was still trying to apologize to Hinata but she wasn't hearing any of it. She just kept walking. Naruto then saw the Uchiha clan symbol on the back of the kimono she was wearing and his jaw dropped once more. He pointed at Hinata and turned his head to look at Sasuke. Naruto's eyes were still as big as saucers but now he had a petrified questioning look. Sasuke walked by Naruto without saying a word but stopped before he got out of earshot.

Sasuke stated "Naruto, don't go after Hinata unless you want her." Sasuke then resumed walking.

Naruto said loudly "What about you, huh? The same applies to you." Sasuke stopped and they were silent for a moment.

Sasuke turned his head and said "Who said I want anyone?" Sasuke then continued walking.

Shikamaru and Chouji were leaning against the railing of the parapet. Shikamaru was watching the forest while Chouji stared at the ground in thought. Chouji looked at Shikamaru and asked "So, what was she like?" Shikamaru stared out at the forest in silence.

Chouji thought he was going to have to ask again when Shikamaru asked "Who?"

Chouji responded "Ino."

Shikamaru said "You will see soon enough."

"Huh?" Chouji asked in confusion not following Shikamaru's logic.

Shikamaru could tell that Chouji didn't understand so he explained "When Sasuke left Sakura told Ino that she was seeing Naruto. So Ino decided she wasn't going to be the only one not dating someone. So she decided she and I would start dating. I liked Ino so I didn't mind. Ino always wanted to show off so she wanted us to hold hands, hug, and kiss in public. So we did. Then she arrived one day fired up because of what one of her friends and her friend's boyfriend were doing. Ino didn't want to be the only one not doing it. So, she wanted us to...mess around. So, we did. Then she came back talking about something weird one of her friends and her friend's boyfriend were doing. I said that this was troublesome. She flipped out and broke up with me. She didn't want to see me after that. Then the two of you started dating. And since I've gotten farther than she has, she is going to feel she has to keep up. Which means she is going to have to have someone to catch up with. And since the two of you are dating that means she will probably have you help her try to keep up."

Chouji blushed after hearing all this and also looked a little troubled.

Shikamaru saw the expression on Chouji's face and said "I wouldn't worry about it too much. She isn't going to do something with anyone she doesn't like. And she wouldn't date someone she didn't like."

This didn't reassure Chouji.

Sakura and Ino left the cafe after they finished eating. They parted ways, Sakura headed off to train with Tsunade while Ino walked off to wander the village. When Sakura arrived at the main office she saw Neji, Lee, and Tenten coming out.

Tenten said "The first thing I am going to do when I get home is take a shower. How about you guys. What are you going to do."

Lee answered "I'm going to get in some training."

Tenten looked at him with an expression of 'you have got to be kidding.' Neji didn't respond he just walked off. Tenten decided she didn't care enough to press the issue since she wanted to get home. She called out as she ran "See ya."

Sakura watched the three head off in different directions before she walked inside. She navigated the halls and stairs up to Tsunade's office. When Sakura walked in she saw that there were three tables instead of the usual one. Sakura wondered if Tsunade had taken on more students. When Sakura just stood there Tsunade told her to stand off to the side and close her eyes. After a brief moment Tsunade told Sakura to turn around. On one table was a gutted fish. On another was a boar in a condition Sakura couldn't tell just from looking at it. On the third table was a bleeding rabbit. Tsunade told Sakura to save them. Sakura ran to the bleeding rabbit and started working. Tsunade walked over to her desk and started working. She would glace out of the corner of her eye at Sakura every so often.

Hinata had walked with Sasuke by her side to the park. She stood overlooking the fields. A tear fell from Hinata's eye. Followed by another and another until she couldn't hold back and she broke down crying. She sobbed into her hands. Sasuke stood there for a moment before he tentatively put his hand on her shoulder with his arm against her back. She turned towards Sasuke and buried her face into his shirt. Sasuke circled his arms around Hinata. She then wrapped her arms around Sasuke's waist. Sasuke pulled Hinata a little closer. Hinata then hugged Sasuke tighter. Sasuke embraced Hinata more securely and once she really felt he was there for her, she let go completely. Everything that she had bottle up was pouring out of her. Sasuke rubbed Hinata's back as the sobs wracked her body. Eventually the sobs died down and she turned her head to rest it against Sasuke's chest. She pressed closer to Sasuke and even thought tears still continued to run down her face she was feeling better.

At some point she and Sasuke had started walking again. She now had her arms wrapped around his right arm as they walked though. And every so often she would rest her head against his shoulder.

Neji was walking home from the main office when he saw Sasuke come into view. Neji had read the update that Sasuke was back so he wasn't that surprised to see Sasuke but when he saw Hinata with him. And not only with Sasuke but wearing a kimono and leaning against him. Neji quickened his pace to catch up with them. Sasuke and Hinata kept walking and vanished out of sight when they passed the corner. When Neji rounded the corner he was shocked to see not just one Uchiha clan symbol but two and one of them was on Hinata's back. Neji moved very quickly to catch them. He easily caught up since Sasuke and Hinata were walking slowly. Neji moved in front of them and glared at them. Sasuke stared back uncaring. Hinata looked nervous. Neji said "I don't know what your game is Uchiha but don't involve the Hyuuga in it." Neji then grabbed hold of Hinata and pulled her away from Sasuke. "And why are you walking around in a kimono with the Uchiha clan symbol on it?" Hinata looked at Sasuke then to Neji and back to Sasuke.

Sasuke said "I was letting her borrow it since her clothes needed to be washed from training earlier." Neji's anger subsided some. Sasuke continued "I then asked if she wanted to take a walk. Walking is quite relaxing. And it allows for a break from training." Neji looked a little annoyed but his anger was gone.

Neji turned to go back the way he had come from and said "Let's go." He meet with resistance. He turned around to see that Hinata wasn't following. Neji glared at Hinata and said "Hinata, let's go." Hinata looked up to meet Neji's gaze and shook her head. Neji's grasp loosened and Hinata stepped back from him. Hinata stepped next to Sasuke. Neji looked to Sasuke who's expression didn't tell him anything. Neji looked back to Hinata and said "Your father isn't going to like this." Hinata looked down then looked back up to look Neji in the eyes. Hinata then grabbed hold of Sasuke's arm the way she had been holding it. Sasuke and Hinata both resumed walking. Neji stood there speechless for a minute before turning around to head home.

As they walked Hinata strengthen her hold on Sasuke's arm. Sasuke glanced down at Hinata and said "You seem troubled."

Hinata nodded and said "Father will be angry about this."

Sasuke respond "This is your choice. You don't have to stay at the Uchiha manor if you don't want to."

Hinata shook her head "I do want to. But if I start living there I probably won't be able to go back."

Sasuke was silent for a moment then said "You will always have a home with the Uchiha if that's the case."

Hinata looked up at Sasuke who was staring out at the street before them. Hinata rested her head against Sasuke's arm.

When they returned back to the house they were staying in Hinata went to the room she had been sleeping in. There she found her clothes neatly folded on the bed. At closer inspection she found they were clean. She slid the door to the room closed. She untied the kimono and slipped it off. She stood there naked as she folded the kimono. She placed the kimono on the bed next to her clothes and then started putting on her clothes. As she dressed herself she remembered that she had not taken them off and that she had not put on the kimono. She had a vague memory of Sasuke doing all that for her. She blushed at the thought of having been naked in front of Sasuke. What would people think. She had walked around all day in a kimono that had the Uchiha clan symbol on the back with Sasuke. And now she was not only going to be living in the Uchiha manor but the same house as Sasuke. She started to question her actions. She walked out into the living room where Sasuke was seated reading a scroll. She blushed and walked to the door. She said as she put on her footwear "I'm going to the Hyuuga manor to get my stuff. I'll be home in a couple hours." As she walked out the door she heard Sasuke say "Have a safe trip." Once Hinata was out the door she wondered if she had just called this place home. He pondered the question as she walked to the Hyuuga manor.

Naruto was at the academy training grounds practicing punches and kicks against the posts. His mind was occupied with the words he and Sasuke exchanged. Naruto was trying to figure out if he hadn't given Hinata enough thought. He always knew he wanted Sakura and the thought of someone else never entered his mind. But now Sasuke was back. And Sakura defiantly seemed to want Sasuke more than himself. And if Hinata had a crush on him then things might not be so bad if Sakura was with Sasuke. Naruto tried to imagine himself with Hinata. But he could only see this petite girl with strange eyes and a weird personality. She was quiet like Sasuke. Naruto messed up his punch and missed the target completely. He fell over and was laying on his back looking up at the darkening skies. Sasuke and Hinata are both quiet. They fit together. But Sakura says Hinata has a crush on me. Sasuke doesn't seem to like Sakura. Sakura likes Sasuke. I want Sakura to be happy. So...if I Sasuke likes Hinata and I steal her away from him. Hinata will be happy because she will be with her crush. Sasuke will be jealous of me. Sakura will be happy because she would be with her crush and I will be happy because Sakura's happy. Yeah. Wait. But would I be happy with Hinata and could Sasuke really make Sakura happy? Naruto continued to think of the possibilities until he fell asleep.

Chouji was standing outside a pharmacist store. He took a deep breath then walked inside. He started walking down the aisles looking for the targeted item. He wasn't finding it so he looked at the signs for the aisles. One that stuck out to him was 'Family planning.' He walked down that aisle and found what he was looking for. There were too many choices he didn't know what he needed. He felt stupid standing there so long looking at the packages. He saw this young man enter the store and approach the section of the store he was in. Chouji didn't want to be seen standing there but he knew he needed one. The young man walked down the aisle Chouji was on. Chouji could feel himself turning red from embarrassment. The young man reached out and grabbed one then said as he was leaving "This is the one I want. Your all purpose condom." Chouji watched as the young man walked up to the counter and purchased the condoms without so much as a glance from the sales person. Chouji decided to do the same thing. He grabbed the same one and walked to the salesperson paid for the condom and walked out. No words were exchanged he never made eye contact with anyone. It was rather simple actually. Chouji sighed in relief and said "At least I am prepared now."

Author's Notes

I was told I should be more descriptive. I only sometimes like to read very descriptive scenes. If every scene is like that I get tired of reading the story. So since I get tired of reading it I have a hard time getting myself to write that way. So I try to keep a nice median with description. Not long but long enough. I did like the example I was giving for how I could change it but I'm just not going to write like that right now. I might start doing it sometime in this writing or in the future but I'm just going to write how I feel at the moment. I did appreciate the suggestion though. It was good, I'm just feeling kind of lazy. Perhaps after I finish the whole story I might go back and flush out the description. We will see.