A/N: Yes! It's been one week since my lovely winter break. But I still have not finished my homework and I have A LOT of stuff to catch up. Christmas was all right for me, and New Years was the same also. So, what are your resolutions for the year 2006? It's just one year before I graduate. Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Happy Reading!
Previously on Dangerously Sixteen: Hinata is still the stubborn self she is, not giving Naruto and Ino a chance to explain what REALLY happened at Naruto's house. Itachi rescues Itachi in the nick of time when she hurts herself with a sharp blade, which puts her in a hospital. And finally, Sasuke finally pops the question to Sakura!
Disclaimer: The characters that you have never heard of belong to me, and the ones that you have heard of belong to the sole creator of the series of Naruto. However, this story is copyrighted under my possession and should not be plagiarized at anytime and anywhere.
Title: Chapter 36
The young man before her took a few moments and still locked eyes with her. He slowly lowered himself onto the cold white sand and bent down on one knee before Sakura. He lifted his head and beamed a gentle smile and held out a small case in front of her. With another hand, he invited his hand with Sakura's and held it gently.
"Marry me?" he opened the case to reveal a small pearly white diamond ring that glistened in the cold dark night.
Sakura couldn't help herself from shaking, but what stroke her mind was that Sasuke knelt in a composed position with the ring in front of him. She didn't know what to say.
With a lump in her throat, Sakura answered, "Listen, Sasuke. We don't have to do this,"
The young girl motioned the boy in front of her to stand up and sit beside her on the swings. However, he wouldn't budge. His dark eyes were still attached to hers and wouldn't shift until she told him the answer he has been waiting for.
"Sakura," Sasuke had an earnest tone to his voice, "You are going to have my child. Let's do something right for the baby and us. Let's get married,"
In this moment, any female student would've dropped dead and scream her lungs up and immediately accept Sasuke's proposal. However, Sakura is still held in disbelief.
There was silence for a moment. Sasuke cleared his throat and bit his lip. He moved his knee a little to stop the numbness of his leg and asked Sakura, "I know that this is probably out of the blue for you. But Sakura, I've spent a lot of time thinking about this today; and I am sure about my decision. But now—"
"Are you fucking delusional?" Sakura interrupted him with a sharp voice.
Taken aback by her response, Sasuke replied, "Which one, the proposal or me?"
The young girl stood up and crossed her arms across her chest and paced around the sandlot. The young man turned around and watched her in full contemplation.
"What do you think? Both!" Sakura's voice was coated with mixed skepticism.
With sympathy, Sasuke offered her his comfort. He got up and placed his ring box inside his pocket and placed his arms around the mother-to-be. Sasuke cradled Sakura's head in his hands and rocked her silently in the still night.
"Do you want to marry me?" He whispered inside her ear, as Sasuke heard weak sniffles against his chest.
Moving slightly away from his embrace, Sakura quickly wiped her tears and closed her eyes to regain her composure. Her emerald green eyes flickered in the darkness, and a chilly breeze flowed through the area.
"I'm sorry Sasuke," Sakura declined his offer, "I'm not ready for a marriage right now."
In a spacious room full of wooden desks all in various rows, the quick scratching of chalk on the chalkboard near the front of the room was competing with the rustlings of the students who were cleaning up their school supplies. The last period of the day has ended, and everyone wanted to get out of the school.
However, the teacher was still pacing himself on the chalkboard, scribbling the students' homework he had forgotten to assign in the beginning of class.
"Class! I have left your assignment for tonight on the board. To give you a little heads-up, you will have an upcoming exam on what we have covered in this recent quarter. Since I am a nice teacher, I have made study guides; you can pick them up on your way outside the classroom. The exam will be all multiple-choice, because you all did very poorly on the fill-in blanks from the previous test. Make sure you study all of your materials come next week before Spring Break!" The teacher announced to his class.
Some students caught notice of his announcements, and others were simply scampering out of the room without bothering to pick up the study guides.
In the fourth row, Hinata diligently wrote down the homework assignment onto her student planner and picked up her textbook and placed it into her schoolbag. As she made her way out into the main hall, she heard murmurs behind her about her friends.
When she turned around to see who was gossiping, no one was in sight. Hinata sighed to herself; news had gone around about Kaede's hospitalization and Shikamaru's temporary leave for military academy.
Hinata continued toward her locker, until she was stopped by a familiar voice.
"Hyuga Hinata! You forgot to pick this up on your way out, I'm sure that this would be vital for your study sessions over the weekend," her teacher caught up with her and handed Hinata a thin piece of paper, "and hopefully you will set the curve for the class,"
"Thanks, I'll do my best," Hinata answered with gratitude.
The soft hums of the television vibrated through the room as Naruto ensconced himself onto his favorite couch. His mother was preparing Naruto and his guest sandwiches for lunch.
Beside the teenage blonde, Ino sat quietly and lounged herself on Naruto's favorite furniture and stared deeply at the television.
"The kiss didn't mean anything," Ino whispered. She turned her head and gazed at Naruto, who in turn, did the same thing.
"I know," he grinned.
Stretching her legs, Ino nodded, "Ok because I wanted to get out any awkwardness between us. We did sit together for the past hour and you said nothing to me while I was here,"
"It's all right," Naruto placed his arm around Ino and nuzzled close to her.
Ino stretched her legs and rested them on the coffee table before her. She wrinkled her nose and opened her mouth to comment on something but she hesitated. For a few seconds, she recollected her thoughts and then spoke.
"You are really a great guy, Naruto." Ino crossed her arms, "what I don't get is why you are going to just let her go like that,"
After her remark, there was a moment of silence and the television was the only thing that was audible besides the chopping noises from the kitchen. Naruto rubbed his face with his hands and massaged his eyes as if he hasn't slept at all. He took a deep breath and blew his warm breath out. He turned to gaze at his friend and cleared his throat with a grunt.
He then leaned forward and settled his elbows on his knees. Beside him, Ino had a worried expression on her face and shifted closer to her left and wrapped her arms around Naruto from his back.
"You ok?" she whispered as she rested a side of her cheek on Naruto's back.
"It's so fucking annoying the way she treats me!" Naruto ran his hands through his hair in a frustrated manner, "I can't count the number of times I told her that I was sorry. God, what is it with you girls? Can there BE any more ways for us guys to show you girls how much we really like you?"
Ino rubbed his shoulders in comfort and snickered, "Well, if you guys will stop waving a condom in our faces, maybe we'll stop torturing you so badly,"
"Ha Ha, very funny," Naruto sarcastically replied.
"Oh come on. It's not THAT bad," Ino leaned forward until the two saw each other eye-to-eye.
"I called and left her messages. I gave her roses. I apologized. And what do I get? Every single time I hear that whiny little voice that keeps telling me of my so-called pillow talks with you. Goddamn it, Ino. I really like this girl," Naruto leaned back against the couch and placed his arms around the blonde girl.
"It's killing you, isn't it?" Ino had a somber tone in her voice.
"No shit!" Naruto rolled his eyes and massaged his face.
"This is really starting to piss me off," Ino brought her legs up to her chest on the couch, "just let me tell you this Naruto: Hinata likes you, she just doesn't realize it because she has those soap opera clichés in her mind. If she really likes you, she'll come around. Naruto, I cannot emphasize enough on how great of a person you truly are,"
Turning his head, Naruto glanced at Ino and gave her a grateful smile, "Thanks."
"Anything to keep that smile on your face. It's a sexy look, don't turn it upside down," Ino winked.
"Right back at you too. You know, he will come around too for you, no doubt about that," Naruto beamed.
Ino, for a moment, was confused. She asked, "Who?"
Naruto gave out a laugh, "Shikamaru, that's pretty much the only guy you are setting your sights on,"
There was an upset expression on her face and Ino shrugged, "How do I know if he'll come around? He's leaving for military school soon,"
"Like YOU said Ino, he will come around and it's totally obvious that he has the hots for you too," Naruto placed his hand on Ino's left shoulder and squeezed it.
"Heh, you guys are so confusing," Ino placed her hand beneath her chin.
"Confusing? No, girls, in general, are a complete mystery to me," Naruto's eyes lit up.
"Oh, shut up! Just watch the show," Ino joked.
Within a few minutes, the two friends continued to watch television until Naruto's mom entered into the living room announcing that lunch was ready.
A blue Corvette pulled up onto the driveway and the entrance of the garage door opened. The vehicle then cruised inside back into place inside the garage with the entrance sliding down behind it.
A young man emerged from the car and headed inside the house. When he arrived at the living room, he swung his book bag onto the hardwood floor. His hands were balled into tight fists as he stared at the uninvited visitors who were roaming around his abode.
"May I help you?" Sasuke had a dubious look on his face. There were men wearing oversized coats and were searching his living room. Some were dusting off Sasuke's furniture in search for fingerprints. There was static blaring from some of the men's waists. Officers, Sasuke figured it out.
In response, the police officers informed Sasuke that they were searching his house for any trace for illegal substances, specifically, marijuana.
"I'm sorry," Sasuke chuckled at the men, "but you have the wrong guy,"
The officers ignored him and continued their routine.
"Hey!" Sasuke called out to an officer who was roaming the kitchen, opening up cupboards and shelves, "What the hell are you doing? This is my house!"
The officer walked toward him and replied, "Sir, you are a suspect in this crime. If any trace of such illegal substances are found on this property, the police department will hold you in custody."
"This is bullshit, do you guys even have a search warrant?" Sasuke asked.
"Yep, full proof," another officer held a piece of paper in front of Sasuke's face.
"Who issued it?" the young man inquired.
None of the men answered.
Feeling a little annoyed, Sasuke approached one of the other officers who were located inside Itachi's bedroom. When he witnessed one of the officers touching one of his brother's prized possessions, Sasuke lost it.
"Hey!" the surrounding officers grabbed Sasuke by the arms and pinned him onto the ground. He was later handcuffed and placed into the police vehicle.
"Anything you say or do will be held against you in a court of law," the police officer slammed the door.
Hinata made her way past the reception desk and was greeted by patients who were in wheelchairs. She passed many sickly expressions on their faces until she reached a certain room. She slowly swung the door open and quickly clasped the door shut behind her.
It was a slightly dim room, and the sound of the heart monitor beeped in a continuous steady cycle. Hinata gazed at the young girl who was settled comfortably in the hospital bed before her. Her once luscious sky blue hair was of a duller color, and her sparkling eyes lost the existing spark in them.
When Hinata slid a chair beside the bed, the girl blinked and greeted her good friend.
"How have you been feeling lately?" Hinata spoke on a softer tone.
"The same," Kaede whispered.
As always, the two continued to converse a small conversation. Hinata told Kaede that her science teacher is going to hold an exam next week before spring break. Kaede commented that the doctor's reports haven't been looking so well and that she may have to stay at the hospital longer. Hinata got Kaede caught up with what has been happening with the people in their clique; however, Kaede asked Hinata a question that she has been dodging ever since they have been talking about their friends.
"How are things with you and Naruto?" Kaede asked, "The last time I checked, you two were happy together,"
Hinata fidgeted with her hands and tried to think of an answer.
"He dumped you, didn't he?" Kaede had a sympathetic countenance.
"No. Things didn't work out," Hinata sighed.
"I don't want it to sound too repetitive, because I'm guessing that people have been trying to stick it to you about how Naruto is a great guy and all that, but…I think you're making a big mistake," Kaede said, "a huge mistake,"
The girl across from the hospital patient couldn't help but roll her eyes, "It's not like that, things aren't looking good for either of us. I wanted to end it before any of us would get hurt, wouldn't you do that, if you were in my shoes?" Hinata defended herself.
While Kaede's heart monitor beeped, she answered in a thin voice, "The difference between you and I is that you and Naruto are meant to be together. I confess. I am a sucker for fate. When you two were together, you had that glow whenever Naruto was around you. You have to admit, you two were very cute together."
"If he and I were meant to be, then why aren't we together right now?" Hinata leaned forward from her chair.
"Well, because you're here at the hospital talking to me of your romantic woes. Why don't you go see for yourself and pay him a visit? It wouldn't hurt. Naruto probably still has feelings for you too," Kaede suggested.
Before Hinata could say a word, a familiar guest tapped at the window for their attention. Hinata approached the door and embraced the visitor.
"Hey, Kaede! I haven't seen you at school in the longest time!" Ten Ten ran over to her close friend and held her hand.
"Where's Lee?" Kaede looked around to see if Ten Ten came alone.
"Oh," Ten Ten glowed, "he's parking the car. He should be here any minute now. So how are you feeling?" she sat beside Kaede on the other side of the bed.
Hinata walked back to her seat and listened in on their conversation. Ten Ten couldn't help but grin the whole time and talked about her relationship with Lee.
"I'm doing well, thanks. The doctors, and everyone has been telling me to quit. And I've been, since the last time," Kaede breathed in slowly.
"You should," Hinata was worried.
"Hey, don't worry about me Hinata. You should worry about yourself and Naruto," Kaede reminded her.
Ten Ten glanced at the two girls and leaned against the bed, "Yeah…Hinata, you never told me about the two of you guys. What happened? I thought you two liked each other,"
"See? That's what I've been telling her for the past half hour," Kaede agreed, "You two were adorable,"
"Let's just say that…boys will always be boys," Hinata tried to remove any bitter memories of Naruto in her head.
The room was quite for five minutes until Ten Ten spoke, "He pressured you, didn't he?"
"He didn't mean to," Hinata came onto Naruto's defense.
"Did he say he was sorry?" Kaede included herself in the conversation.
"…Yes," Hinata nodded.
"Then, he's sorry!" Ten Ten exclaimed, "Anyone who Naruto apologizes to, he really means it!"
Hinata stood up and straightened her skirt, "But, when I went over to Naruto's place, I saw him with Ino,"
Ten Ten and Kaede looked at each other. They then turned their heads to Hinata and said in unison, "TOGETHER?"
"Yeah," Hinata had an unsure look on her face as if she had missed something.
"Oh, honey!" Ten Ten walked over and embraced Hinata, "Nothing's going on between the two of them!"
"Yeah, they may be ex's, but it's all friendly," Kaede grinned.
Hinata sat down as Ten Ten placed her hand on her shoulder, "I've been wanting to tell him how I feel, but whenever I try to talk to him, something bad happens,"
"Don't worry about that, fate will take you there," Kaede encouraged her friend.
Just then, a nurse came in with a clipboard. She advised the girls to step outside for a moment so she could give Kaede her daily checkup.
"I'll see you soon," Kaede smiled as the two girls exited the room.
In a spacious bedroom, a raven-haired young man placed his suitcases on top of his bed and rummaged through his closet. When he reached his bedside table, his mother interrupted him.
"Shikamaru? The taxi will be here any minute," Mrs. Nara had a grave tone in her voice. She held back her tears as she watched her son lock up his belongings.
"Just wait for me downstairs, I'll be there in a minute," Shikamaru answered. He made his way across his bed and pulled out his clothes from the ground. He threw them into the hamper and his eyes landed on a small picture frame.
He walked over and picked up the small portrait and caressed the edges of the picture. For a second, he grinned, and quickly locked it inside his suitcase. Later, he clutched his suitcases into his hands and closed his bedroom door behind him.
When Shikamaru reached the driveway, his mother ran toward him and wrapped her arms around her only child. Her son dropped his belongings and returned the hug and held his mother close to him.
"I want you to write to me everyday, you hear?" Mrs. Nara closed her eyes. When she released him from her hold, she placed her hands on her son's face.
"I love you," she said to her son.
Before Shikamaru could answer, Mrs. Nara pulled away from her son and smiled. Shikamaru turned around to see whom his mother was staring at.
Hinata and Ten Ten walked beside each other as they passed the long halls. Hinata couldn't help but notice the peculiar behavior that her friend possessed.
"I know this is weird of me to ask, but why are you in a bubbly mood, lately?" Hinata was very curious.
Ten Ten lit up and beamed when Hinata asked. She held her friend's hands and looked into her pale eyes.
"I didn't come here only to check up on Kaede," Ten Ten grinned.
Hinata couldn't pick up the pieces and put them together, "I don't get it…"
"Ten Ten!" a deep voice called out from behind them. When the two girls turned around, Ten Ten ran toward the young man and planted a huge kiss on his cheek.
"Hey, Lee," Hinata greeted him.
"Oh, hi Hinata, I didn't know you liked hospitals so much," Lee walked over and gave Hinata a quick embrace.
"She came to check up on Kaede also," Ten Ten held Lee's hand.
"Oh," Lee understood, "so, did you check?"
"Check what?" Hinata asked. She gazed at the couple in front of her and still couldn't understand. Ten Ten had a radiant glow in her cheeks and Lee stood still.
"So, did you check?" Lee asked his girlfriend.
A few seconds later, Ten Ten enclosed her thin arms around Lee's neck. She slowly gave him a peck on the lips and gazed into Lee's eyes lovingly.
"Yes," she whispered.
A surprised look was visible on the young man's face, "Yes?"
Ten Ten nodded, "Yes!"
Lee shouted out in rejoice and lifted Ten Ten up and swung her around in his arms.
While this was happening, Hinata remained still and witnessed Lee and Ten Ten celebrating an event she had no idea of; and later, it hit her.
"Oh, my god…" Hinata gasped as Ten Ten paced toward her, "You are…?"
The girl approached Hinata and nodded, "Yes, I am!"
Hinata was shocked and asked how long Ten Ten has been with child. In response, Ten Ten told her that she missed her period and thought it was one of those irregular periods, so she ignored it. However, she later spent more time in the bathroom during most of her mornings and Ten Ten had experienced mild headaches.
"Wow," Hinata couldn't believe it. Two of her friends were pregnant; it was unbelievable.
"I know, the doctor told me my options and I just completely ignored them. I don't want to give up this baby," Hinata watched Ten Ten caress her lower abdomen, "I was very happy when Lee was just as ecstatic as I was about this,"
"So, when are you due?" Hinata asked.
"The doctors say in eight more months; so technically, I've been pregnant for nearly a month now!" Ten Ten smirked.
Lee walked over and held his girlfriend's hand, "We're going to raise it together, and so that's why Ten Ten and I decided," he gazed at Ten Ten and kissed her.
Hinata was waiting for Lee to finish his statement.
"We're getting married!" Ten Ten announced the great news.
The dingy smell of waste and rust permeated through the jail hall as Sasuke sat inside his own jail cell. He walked over to the bars and heard the sounds of chains and shackles shaking, and the shouts of other jailed citizens.
Sasuke sighed and moved his hand down to his waist. His fingers reached his pocket and retrieved the small case that carried a diamond ring. He held it up and opened the tiny box as the dazzling gem sparkled in his cell.
Shikamaru kept his gaze on the young woman in front of him; he slowly took a few steps forward. There was a soft moment until the two ran toward each other and Shikamaru carried her into his arms.
"I thought you weren't going to come," Shikamaru held her tight.
The blonde playfully hit him in the shoulder, "Do you really think that I'd let you leave without saying goodbye to me?"
The young man held her hands and brought them to his face. His eyes were still fixed on the person in front of him, "So, Ino…does this mean it's goodbye?"
Ino tilted her head and smiled at him, "Only if you make it."
Shikamaru tightened his grip on Ino's hands and kissed them until the horn of the taxi interrupted the teenagers. He turned his head and bid his mother farewell, who helped Shikamaru with his luggage.
Before he left, Shikamaru whispered into Ino's ear, "Wait for me."
As Ino closed her eyes and nodded, Shikamaru walked over to the vehicle and sat inside. He peered from inside at the window as the car drove away.
The young girl held herself tight as a cold breeze flowed in the air. She thought to herself that she would see him again. Just as before, another man left her in a small taxi from the driveway.
A/N: Happy New Year! Please Review!