Title: A Little Pain
Summary: At the age of 7, there were a few things Hinata Hyuga was sure of. One, her father, Hiashi Hyuga, was the strongest shinobi she knew. Second, just the thought of her having to one day make decisions for her entire clan terrified her beyond belief. Third, her younger sister Hanabi, at the age of 2, was very easy to impress.
Hinata Hyuga never wanted to lead her Clan and when she is stripped of her title and essentially an outcast in her home, she finds solace in the brief comforts of a pink-haired girl named Sakura. Though little did Hinata know that losing her heiress title would send her life spiraling down a path of self discovery, bravery, and the realization that changing yourself is a possibility is the most powerful jutsu of all. But... perhaps stopping yourself from fainting whenever you happen to be around your crush is a start. And convincing the entirety of Konoha that it's first all-kunoichi team won't be a complete and total failure should be prioritized before any of that.
[;';]
From now on, Author's Notes and Comment Responses will take place at the end of the chapter!
Chapter 7: The Puzzle Comes Together
"The spring has come/And the summer has come again/For the silk-white robes…"
Tomoebi's words fell on deaf ears that evening as Hinata stared into her cup of matcha. It was had barely been touched and Hinata knew it had long since gone cold. Yet, Hinata couldn't bother to raise even a sliver of concern for it.
All that echoed in her mind were the words told to her by Sakura the previous afternoon.
"You and Naruto! I don't know what you see in him though, he's such a dork. But since we're teammates I'll support you! I think he'll be really impressed with talking about your training since he's all gaga over being the strongest."
The dark pit sweltering in Hinata's stomach felt heavier as she remembered. Sakura had been smiling cheerily. They had actually been having normal conversation. Then this happened.
Hinata had heard earlier that day by way of Kurenai that Naruto's team had gone on an escort mission to the Land of Waves. Sakura and Ino had been disappointed by way of Sasuke's absence, not that Hinata could bring herself to be saddened by any degree about that. Yet she felt ill for the split second of relief she had that Naruto would be out of the village for a few days.
He's your friend. Hinata clasped her hands together tightly in her lap, underneath the kotatsu. Yet the quiet thought of Naruto being out of the village in order to clear up this matter of who she had feelings for once and fall prevailed. Then Hinata felt even worse.
Sakura or not, Naruto had been her first true friend and she enjoyed the loud boy's presence even if he could be a handful.
But Sakura-san thinking I like him… Hinata wanted to shrink into herself and disappear. Sakura thinking she liked someone else was a different matter entirely. Maybe putting off her confession had been for the worst. Maybe it was the best thing to do now.
Hinata wanted to ruffle her hair until it became a bird's nest.
She hated feeling like this.
"Hinata, are you listening?"
Hinata looked up at her mother with a start. "What?"
Tomoebi's eyes peered at her daughter curiously. "I asked if you were listening." She repeated, setting down the book, an anthology of poems, atop the kotatsu between them. It wasn't something that could be done often, but when there was time to spare Hinata loved to indulge in listening to her mother recite poems. A tradition held since she was small.
"I read to you when I was expecting you." Tomoebi told her once. "You were so rambunctious but when I read, you would settle down and stop kicking."
Then Hanabi arrived and their tea parties expanded, though now Hanabi had preferred training over nightly poetry readings.
"Y-yes." Hinata said at last, reaching for her cold tea hoping it would gain her a few seconds to recollect herself. "I was trying to imagine the scenery of the summer robes being hung to dry."
Tomoebi smiled, seemingly buying what she had been told. "I love to envision the scenery of the poems as well." Tomoebi returned the anthology to her hands. "Waka is one of the finer styles of poetry you can read. Anyone can create flowery words, but knowing the stories behind each poem truly brings them to life. Like little paintings or songs. Did you want me to keep reading?"
"I'd like to hear a few more please." Hinata needed to get her mind off of the issue. She could focus on something else, even for a little bit. Like her mother reading poems, the creamy taste of the matcha.
Her mother flipped through a few pages, eyes scanning for a poem that would catch her interest.
Tomoebi seldom didn't entertain guests whenever there were important events; discussions with one of the many branch families, tea ceremonies, poetry readings, displaying new fabrics, or even ikebana. Tomoebi described diplomacy as an art in which one must be well-versed in many areas, conversation, art, debate. Things Hinata could barely do with those her own age, let alone those who could benefit the clan.
It was no wonder most of her training was in the hands of her father, they probably hoped it would bring her out of her shell. They definitely didn't have any luck there.
Hinata tried to push the thoughts of her mind as her mother's eyes lit up. "Ah, here's a poem I enjoy." Tomoebi hummed, fingers tracing the characters she was observing. "O'er the wide sea plain/As I row and look around/It appears to me/That the white waves, far away/Are the ever shining sky." Tomoebi recited seamlessly before closing her eyes as if she were envisioning the scenery. "I always felt as if this poem was describing the clouds over the sea, curving wondrously into wave formations. It's a lot prettier to imagine than seafoam."
Hinata let out a thoughtful hum, trying to envision it.
What came to mind was the white collar of Naruto's jumpsuit.
"What other poem do you like?" Hinata blurted out. Something hopefully that wouldn't mention anything of the color white.
"Let us two sympathize/Oh mountain cherry tree/For there is no one other than me and your blossoms." Tomoebi practically sang a few moments later.
Hinata's heart sank deeper. The only person she had ever liked was Sakura.
Not even waka would help her.
"Hinata sure is running late." Ino sighed at the Hyuga Compound doors.
Hinata had stepped out momentarily only to realize she had forgotten her wallet before scurrying back inside to get it. Now Ino and Sakura were just waiting for their teammate to return in order to commence with the assignment given to them by their sensei. If you can really call this an assignment. Ino drawled.
Apparently just spending time together was worthy enough an assignment for a day off of training in Kurenai's eyes. So now, for at least an hour, Ino had to spend time with Sakura and Hinata learning at least three new things about them on their days off. Definite three new things, no recycling old information. However, Ino definitely wasn't going to complain about this.
Days off with Kurenai meant time training with her father if timing permitted that the InoShikaChou could train together. If not, that only meant more grumbling about the current team arrangements disturbing the flow. It'd be easier to train them all if they were on the same team, her father said. This wouldn't be a problem if they were on the same team, he said.
It was more annoying than Ino could bare; so honestly lying and telling her old man that she had some important training to do so she could get out of the compound was her best option.
Sakura sighed herself. It sucked when they needed to agree but the faster that they got this over with, the faster they could go about their business as rivals. Sasuke might have been gone for a while but this was the perfect time for Ino to strike, maybe change her look. Something Sakura wouldn't even think of doing!
Sakura's gonna be distracted trying to help Hinata anyway. The girl had declared it her personal mission to support Hinata's alleged crush on Naruto. Ino glanced at her rival.
"So you really think Hinata has a crush on Naruto?" Ino pulled a stray strand of blonde hair back into place. Normally she'd be silent, try to have an intimidating edge. Yet the question had been eating her since Sakura had brought it up.
"Obviously." Sakura scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You see how she is with him. She's definitely a lot more relaxed with him than she is with me. So I'm trying to help her relax around me by helping her get him. She definitely doesn't like Sasuke so that works out for me." Sakura's eyes glinted as she crossed her arms. "But don't think this means any less competition for you."
Ino smirked, "I don't even have competition."
"Keep telling yourself that, Ino."
Ino didn't even bother with a response. She knew the truth; there was no competition at all. Instead, Ino looked at the wooden sign donning the characters that made up the Hyuga name.
They were certainly prestigious enough, not that the Yamanaka interacted much with the Hyuga. She hadn't really concerned herself with needing to know much about them considering how often her father yammered on and on about the Nara and Akimichi. The Hyuga Ino occasionally did see weren't much for talking either, with others or among themselves, at least that's how it looked for her.
Hinata was almost a clear contrast from that.
Hinata's quiet wasn't so much intimidating as it was her crippling shyness. Ino glanced over at Sakura. It was almost deja vu, honestly. It felt like forever ago but Ino remembered the shy pink-haired girl that would hide behind her if they were even talking to classmates. Hinata hadn't tried hiding behind her or Sakura yet, but she definitely sank into herself when they approached clients with their lost items and kept her interactions to brief bows. If anything, Hinata was far worse off in terms of shyness than Sakura had been.
But she's definitely hiding something. Ino was sure that it was her woman's intuition, as her mother would put it. And whatever it is, I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with Naruto because for a guy she barely sees, she's way too comfortable talking to him.
Like 'Sakura just barely out her shell yet comfortable talking to Ino' comfortable. It wasn't the ultimate level of comfort and being able to talk to someone, but it was functional and someone you could relax with.
I dunno, maybe I'm overthinking. Maybe Sakura's right. Ino clicked her tongue. She'd rather get grounded than ever admit that, but there definitely was a chance Hinata could be crushing on Naruto.
Which Hinata vehemently denied when it was mentioned.
Ino pursed her lips.
She honestly felt that Sakura was off the mark on this one. Ino spared Sakura another glance. I'm pretty sure she likes someone else, Billboard Brow. She wanted to say. Then Sakura would demand Ino tell her who she thinks it is Hinata is pining after. Ino personally felt her guess had a 50/50 chance of being correct. But it isn't like I can just ask, 'Hey Hinata, do you have a crush on- Ino cut herself off with a yawn. "Geez, this is taking forever!"
Ino wanted dango, stat.
"We're going in."
"What?"
"I said, we should go inside and just get her ourselves." Ino repeated, not even waiting for Sakura's response and heading right to the cracked open doors. "We're her teammates so we should be allowed inside."
"We can't just step inside a famous clan's compound!" Sakura sputtered.
"Oh relax." Ino scoffed. "We're her teammates, like I said. They should be fine with that. And if that doesn't get them, the fact I'm Inoichi Yamanaka's daughter will sweeten the deal." Sure the Yamanaka didn't qualify as a Noble Clan like Chouji's family, but they were still one of the largest clans in the village. Someone here had to respect that, Ino thought, as she gazed around the small moon and lion statues decorating the courtyard.
Fancy.
Then a Hyuga woman with green hair and a violet yukata spotted them. "May I help you?" She asked evenly.
"I told you-"
Ino ignored Sakura's hissing, "we're Hinata's teammates and we were supposed to do something for our sensei." The blonde smiled her best 'diplomacy smile' at the woman. "I'm Ino Yamanaka and this is Sakura Haruno. We're running a bit late so we were just stepping inside to see if she could be retrieved? We wanted to leave together if possible."
The woman's face faded from suspicion to mild surprise, "I didn't know Lady Hinata had been placed with a Yamanaka."
Ino bowed, "I'm pleased to meet you."
Beside her, Sakura did the same. Ino couldn't resist giving her a small smirk. I told you we'd be fine!
"Thank you for taking care of Lady Hinata." The woman bowed herself. "I believe the reason she is taking so long is that she is conversing with her mother, Lady Tomoebi. She will be leaving to converse with a Hyuga ally and Lady Hinata was hoping to grant her luck in her endeavors."
Well I'm definitely happy she isn't just taking forever to find her wallet because her room is messy. "Oh that's a relief, I'm glad it wasn't something unfortunate." Ino replied in perfect keigo . She knew all too well what it was like when her mother had to leave the village to discuss things with clans like the Kobayashi Clan in Koto Village or the Inoue Clan in Tosa Village for trade. "I wish Lady Hyuga great fortune on her journey and that her visit to your ally brings auspicious omens." When Chiaki left as Lady Yamanaka for her visits, it was always for something in regards to cultivating plant life, something that the Yamanaka were known for in general.
The Yamanaka had some of the best fruit orchards in the world, at least in Ino's humble opinion.
"Lady Tomoebi will be happy to hear that Lady Hinata has such polite teammates." The woman's eyes were warm. "I'll be sure to let her know what the kind daughter of Inoichi and Chiaki Yamanaka has told her. My name is Natsu."
"Thank you again for your compliments, Miss Natsu." Ino beamed.
"If you follow me, I can take you to a more comfortable waiting point so you do not have to feel uncomfortable."
"We would appreciate that greatly."
Ino glanced at Sakura who had been gawking in awe. "Sometimes you forget that I am taught by my parents to handle things like this." She whispered smugly. Not that Sakura could really remember since she long stopped visiting the Yamanaka Compound.
There, she wasn't Ino the Porker. She was Lady Ino, heiress, just like Hinata.
"The Hyuga Compound is very lovely, Miss Natsu." Ino said as she followed behind their tour guide. "I love the moon and lion decor, it's a great contrast to the winged boar statues in my home." Winged boars were a symbol of peace to the Yamanaka, the common wild boar represented war.
"We are humbled by your praise." Natsu peeked over her shoulder with a smile. "The moon and lion are important symbols to our clan. The lion's courage and loyalty and the moon's mysterious air, we believe they represent our clan perfectly"
"I definitely agree." Hinata certainly was mysterious in her own way with her behavior as of late. Ino eyed at the simplicity of the closed paper-and-wood sliding doors they passed. The walls were mostly barren save for a few framed pieces of calligraphy with words such as 'courage' and 'refine', written beautifully. Ino wasn't sure if she was amazed or disappointed, not ever sure what the Hyuga Compound would have in it.
There was not a lot, yet a lot at the same time.
Maybe it's a Hyuga thing.
It was more than likely a Hyuga thing.
"I'm guessing Otsukimi* is an important festival to your clan." Sakura said for the first time in what felt like almost an eternity.
Natsu confirmed with a nod. Otsukimi wasn't Ino's favorite personal holiday but her mother always made the best tsukimi-dango for it. Personally, Ino was more of a tanabata* person. "Otsukimi is a holiday we take very seriously in our clan. Perhaps Lady Hinata will invite you during the next festival now that you are teammates." Natsu's hands clapped together suddenly. "There she is, actually."
Across a grassy stone path, Hinata was talking with two other people. One of which was a girl, clearly younger than Hinata, with long dark brown hair. The oldest woman, however, had plum-colored hair even longer extended to her the back of her knees. She was probably the second most beautiful woman Ino had seen, second to only her own mother, adorned in a beautiful violet-navy tomesode*. The bottom of the tomesode was intricately covered with beautiful red, purple, and yellow flowers all over what seemed to be a temple and bridge. Carefully, the furisode was carefully held together with a golden obi, peach obiage, and red obijime.
"Oh my gosh." Ino's keigo fell immediately. "That's so beautiful!"
Hinata, the young girl, and woman whipped their head to their lefts to see their three guests.
Ino felt her her ears singe in embarrassment. "S-sorry." She stammered as Hinata looked to be discussing something quickly with the woman.
Natsu released a quiet giggle, "it's understandable." She sounded very proud. "Lady Tomoebi's kimono are quite renown in the Land of Fire. We sadly don't have any shops set in the village, but we make high quality silk and cloth."
"That's Hinata's mother?" Sakura asked quietly. "I'm really jealous of her outfit."
"I'm sure it could be arranged for you to make a custom outfit made by our Lady Tomoebi."
Sakura released a nervous chuckle as Hinata began to jog over to where the three of them were standing. "I'm not sure I could afford something that high quality."
"S-sorry for the wait!" Hinata exclaimed when she was close enough. "My mother is, s-she's going on a trip. I-I wanted to say goodbye."
"It's fine, Hinata." Sakura reassured with a light smile. "Sorry to interrupt you and your mom. We love her tomesode."
Hinata smiled awkwardly, "t-thank you. I'll tell my mother you think so."
"Honestly, if your family were to open a kimono shop in the heart of the village, it would be so popular." Ino gushed. She would definitely go if she ever had a quick date with Sasuke and needed to look her best. "Maybe you could do that when you become the Hyuga Clan Head, Hinata."
Hinata's smile fell and Natsu seemed to stiffen before bowing politely, "I'll be taking my leave, Lady Hinata." She said politely. "I was only bringing your teammates to a comfortable room to wait for you to finish talking with Lady Tomoebi and Lady Hanabi."
"T-thank you, Natsu."
Ino and Sakura gave their own bows to the green-haired woman that had helped them. "Thank you, Miss Natsu."
When Natsu turned the corner, Ino placed her hands on her hips. "But seriously, think about it. It would be a huge hit."
Hinata didn't smile, though she nodded. "I still need to get my wallet… I stopped to talk with my mother and sister so I didn't get to grab it. Can we go to my room first?"
"Yeah sure, lead the way." Ino decided not to press Hinata on why she didn't seem as enthused about Ino's suggestion. Maybe that was just because she dreads the idea of leading when she's so shy. Certainly by then, Hinata would be a lot more brave considering she'd have prime experience as a ninja by then.
Reaching Hinata's room was accompanied with small talk about the dango shop they'd be heading to. Sakura mentioned something about an anmitsu shop she adored. Then Hinata had the two of them wait outside her room and entered seconds later with her wallet obtained.
They were finally ready to leave. Finally, Ino could have some sweets.
Then on the way back to the compound entrance, there was a flash of beige, green, and pink and Ino almost cringed at the color combination before she realized the colors came from three different individuals. Another Hyuga, a boy wearing a full-body spandex suit with orange leg warmers, and a girl with a pink qipao-blouse. The three of them all had their own hitai-ate.
The Hyuga boy, who looked quite similar to that Hanabi girl from earlier, was honestly gorgeous. "Geez, Hinata, who is one with the long and silky hair and what is his haircare routine?" Ino could have fanned herself. The boy's looks could rival Sasuke and were Ino ever truly rejected by the boy, though the chances of that were low, Ino knew who she would go to if she ever needed a shoulder to cry on.
"Oh, t-that's Neji-niisan."
"Your amazing older brother?"
"Cousin…"
Neji, looked over at them, his eyes sharp in an almost glare. Definitely an almost glare. His teammates, whatever their names were, looked over at them. Spandex Boy's cheeks were pink.
Ino bit her tongue because this was an absolute no for her as she took in the boy's black hair slicked into a bowl cut and his eyebrows were practically bricks. Ino knew she was pretty, knew she was kind and gracious. But this was someone she was definitely turning down if he convinced.
A bowl cut? She could maybe work with.
The eyebrows? They could be trimmed.
But a boyfriend with zero sense of fashion as confirmed by his choice of ninja gear? That was a deal breaker.
Well, that and the fact Ino was in love with someone else. But, Ino could be fair, she wouldn't mind being Spandex Boy's friend and taking him shopping. They would be doing a lot of shopping.
Spandex Boy took a step forward before jolting a stop when Bun Girl, the pink blouse wearing kunoichi, grabbed one of his ears. But Spandex Boy waved her off with a bow and a subsequent thumbs up before jogging over.
Ino wasn't emotionally prepared for this as the boy came closer and closer until he was finally right beside the rail they were walking beside. "U-um excuse me!" The boy stammered. "My name is Rock Lee and I would like a moment of your time." Ino felt an acute sense of guilt. This boy was actually polite and everything! He opened his mouth again, "you are Sakura Haruno, correct? The girl who frequents the anmitsu shop across the street from Matsumura's Shinobi Athletics Facility, correct?"
Ino blinked as Sakura raised an eyebrow, "yeah?"
The boy's cheeks deepened to a hot pink, "I would be honored if you would accompany on a date!"
Sakura and Hinata's jaws went slack, Ino's eyes widened.
Naruto had competition.
"I- um, I-" Sakura's stammering was cut off by the Bun Girl indigant calling.
"Lee, we have a mission!" The girl exclaimed. "This isn't time for you to be asking a girl out on a date!"
"But Tenten-"
"'But' nothing, ask her later!" Tenten put her hands on her hips like a mother scolding her son as the boy's head drooped in disappointment.
"I will have to ask again another time when we are able to meet, Sakura." Lee said firmly with a bow. "Please think about it!"
Then the storm passed.
Ino could barely contain her snickers as the spandex-wearing but polite boy's back faded into the distance as he rushed after his teammates. "Congrats, Billboard Brow." Ino cooly placed her hands on her hips. "First Naruto, now this guy. Looks like you just attract one loud mouth after the other."
Sakura's face turned magenta as she glowered, "Oh shut up, Pig!" She spat weakly.
The wave of glee passing through her body was too good for Ino to let pass up. "I feel so jealous that you're so popular!" She harped, placing the back of a dainty hand onto her forehead. "Please teach me how I too can garner the attention of potential lovers!"
"I hate you." Sakura replied dryly.
The blonde laughed lightly, "Oh come on! Hinata wants to know too! Right, Hinata?" Another chuckle slipped through Ino's lips as she glanced in the Hyuga's direction, expecting one of her light smiles. Instead, lavender eyes were downcast as they stared at her feet and her pale fingers clasped together tightly. Was it something I said? "Hey what's wrong?"
No immediate response.
Sakura's expression shifted from irritated to worry as she took a step forward, hand waving. "Hinata?"
Almost immediately, Hinata's face deepened to scarlet. "Y-yes?!"
Sakura's large brow furrowed in worry and she took a step closer. "Are you feeling alright? You look sick."
Ino was sure the red on Hinata's face turned darker as she took step back, "I-I'm not, S-Sakura-san!"
"Are you sure?" Sakura sounded unconvinced, brushing Hinata's bangs away to place a palm on her forehead. Hinata's eyes grew as wide as a saucer at the gesture. "Well, you don't feel sick. But you still don't look okay. Is it about your cousin? Because-" Before Sakura could finish her sentence, lavender eyes rolled back and Hinata's form began to crumple. "H-Hinata!" Sakura exclaimed, barely managing to stop her friend from sprawling out on the floor.
Ino pawed at Hinata's other side, "H-Help! Can someone-"
Almost immediately, a man with dusty brown hair appeared, eyes wide in shock. "W-what happened?!"
"We don't know, she just fainted suddenly!" Sakura explained as the man picked Hinata up in his arms with ease.
The man grimaced, "Lady Hinata has been straining herself." Ino worriedly examined Hinata's face from where she and Sakura circled around the two Hyugas. It was still flushed, but the tones were lightening already a more standard red rather than the hibiscus-colored scarlet from before. "I'm afraid she might not be able to train for the rest of the day. I'll need to take her to her quarters, you two should le-"
"We can't just leave Hinata like this!" Ino snapped. Even if it wasn't the best team in the world- the best team being one that would obviously include her soulmate- Ino refused to just walk out of the compound like that. "We're staying! At least until she wakes up!"
Sakura nodded violently in agreement. "Yeah!"
I'm pretty sure that's the only thing we can really agree on. Ino thought absentmindedly before turning blue eyes back onto the situation at hand. The man sighed tiredly, but thankfully relented before guiding the two girls to Hinata's room where he laid her on her bed. 'Just make sure to be quiet so Lady Hinata can rest' was all he said before he finally left the room.
Well this is awkward. Ino crossed her arms, suddenly feeling claustrophobic. She pointedly ignored the pinkette beside her, eyeing Hinata's room. It was on par to her own, Ino noted. Being the daughter of a Clan Head certainly had its perks, rooms being larger than most.
But rather than the colorful, bright vibrant room Ino lived in herself, Hinata's looked bare in comparison. It was somewhat fitting. But it's so dark in here. Ino eyed the blinds at the windows. She really needs to let some air in here. And sunlight.
Ino took a step towards the window before halting as she really took notice of the desk before it. The desk itself was simple, a few books lined neatly in a row with a small ink set right across from it. The most notable artifacts upon Hinata's desk was an open book with pages littered with dried and flattened flowers and right next to that, a small wooden box. Ino could barely make out the carved lily pattern in the room's gloom, but she could definitely tell the box was made of huanghuali. Granny loves that stuff.
"Ah." Sakura's voice brought Ino out of her observations. "Hinata's flower pressing book. She told me she liked doing that."
Ino ignored the indignant feeling rising of her not being included in this information before. "Well I can definitely bring her flowers from the shop sometimes. Our flowers are the best flowers for miles when it comes to flower pressing." Even without looking, Ino was sure Sakura was rolling her eyes. Sakura had the green thumb of a giraffe realizing it didn't even have hands. "I'm sitting at the desk."
Sakura's gasp made Ino grin gleefully. "No fair!" She whispered loudly.
Ino happily sat down, crossing one leg over the other. "No fighting, Sakura. We don't wanna wake up Hinata, right?"
Sakura opened her mouth then closed it. Ino had to fight off a victorious guffaw.
"I'm leaving to get Hinata some water!" Sakura whispered furiously before leaving as quietly as possible.
Ino couldn't suppress a giggle. This win's for Ino! She leaned back happily, feet feeling at ease almost immediately. With a glance at the notebook, Ino noticed the flowers - wallflowers and carnations- scattered upon the page. I guess these are her most recent presses. They're pretty good. Flower pressing was never a hobby Ino ever got into, but she could definitely appreciate the beauty of flowers in any form. She redirected her gaze back to the sleeping kunoichi.
Her skin was finally looking normal, Ino sighed in relief as her gaze went back to the huanghuali box beside her. This really looks prettier up close. Ino gently traced the markings. They weren't her favorite flower (the cosmos would always be her number one), but liles were at least in her top ten favorites growing up with the flower shop. Ino made a mental note to ask what Hinata's favorite flower was later. I wonder what's in this thing anyway. Jewelry? With a gentle poke, Ino pushed the box back hoping to hear some kind of noise but her ears were only met with silence. Okay so something that isn't jewelry.
A mischievous spread on Ino's lips before she could stop herself. A tiny peek had to be alright! It wasn't like Ino was reading a private diary or anything, Ino convinced herself. Just a small peek~ Ino giggled quietly, mind swimming to what the hidden treasures could be to be kept inside a box such as this one. Candies, combs, hair accessories that Ino could try on herself. This is just to get closer with Hinata!
With that final thought, Ino giggled quietly as she lifted the lid slowly hoping for something exciting like love notes.
Blue eyes found themselves staring at a small red scarf instead. Disappointment swiftly came swelling after.
Just a scarf? Ino pursed her lips to contain her sigh. What's so important about some scarf? The scarf was a bright, almost cherry red with small flecks of pink decorating it's surface sewn almost delicately into the yarn attached to thin brown branches. It didn't fit Hinata's look at all, Ino clicked her tongue. She couldn't imagine the girl in red at all, let alone remember a time she actually saw the girl wearing this scarf. A scarf this color would have stood out in Ino's memory… Actually, didn't Sakura own a scarf like this before?
Gingerly, Ino lifted the scarf out of its container and let it gently cascade out of its neat folding to get a better look at the pattern. Cherry blossoms.
"Ino-chan, look!" Sakura practically bounced. A small finger pointed to the scarf around her neck. "My mom made it for me! It's a cherry blossom scarf!"
Ino grinned, "Wow, pretty! I want Auntie to make me one too with cosmos flowers!" She leaned closer to admire the handiwork. It was like Hanami* splattered itself all over Sakura's scarf. "Ask for me? Please!"
Sakura smiled, beaming. "I'll ask!"
This is Sakura's scarf! Ino gaped; it had to be. There had been no other scarf like it in stores. But why would Hinata have this? Ino glanced over at the unconscious girl. Ino vaguely remembered a time where Sakura stopped wearing the scarf altogether, coming to the Academy with a green scarf instead. Maybe they had a scarf trade or maybe Hinata really-
"Ino-san…?"
Ino stood on her feet almost immediately, knuckles white as her grip around the scarf tightened. "H-Hinata, you're awake!" She stammered, cheeks feeling tight by how wide her smile had become. "How are you feeling?!"
The blue-haired girl winced at the sudden volume and Ino mumbled out an apology as lavender eyes blinking slowly, looking bright in the gloom. "I-I'm fine." She blinked a few more times then looked at her surroundings. "What.. what happened earlier? Why am I-" Hinata's question came to a cold halt as her gaze fell onto Ino and then the scarf in her hand. Her face went from its usual pale to scarlet all over again.
Ino was sure her heart stopped beating for a few moments. Crap. "I can-"
Hinata rushed onto her feet, almost tripping. "D-don't be rough with it!" Ino took a step back as the Hyuga yanked the scarf back with so much passion, falling back into her chair. "Don't…" Hinata's eyes clenched shut as she held the scarf close to her, practically cradling it to her chest. "I-it was a gift…"
…
A gift. Ino opened her mouth, then closed it.
Everything really felt like a series of puzzle pieces snapping together in complete harmony.
"What about you, Hinata? What's your favorite color?"
A pause then shy smile. "... Pink."
"N-Naruto-kun's just a friend!"
The small smiles when Sakura wasn't looking as Hinata twiddled her fingers, cheeks a peachy pink.
How flustered and red Hinata was earlier before she fainted. How close Sakura was when it happened.
"... Hinata…" The girl flinched, holding the scarf even closer. "Do you…" Ino needed to have her suspicions confirmed. "Do you have a crush on Sakura?"
The final nail in the coffin, Hinata teared up looking anywhere but forward. "I-I…"
She did.
Hinata Hyuga really didn't have a crush on Naruto Uzumaki after all. All this time, she had a crush on Ino's very own rival in love; Sakura Haruno. "R-really?!" Ino stood up in disbelief. "On Sakura!?"
Hinata nodded, face darkening as she leaned forward in a hunch as if she was protecting herself. "Y-yes…"
Ino gaped in awe.
Lavender eyes looked at Ino with an almost panicked expression. "Don't tell her!"
Ino raised her hands defensively, as if she were trying to placate a scared rabbit. It almost felt as if she really were. Anything detected as negative, Hinata would be sure to flee with scarf in hand in embarrassment of being found out. "I won't, I won't I'm just really, really surprised even if I think I kinda knew! I was just really surprised I was right in my suspicions." It was one thing for that dummy Naruto to like Sakura, but it seemed almost outrageous to picture Hinata with the same feelings. "Sakura, of all people?"
Hinata looked as if she were going to cry.
Ino sputtered, trying not to panic. "I'm just curious, don't cry! What if we just sit down and relax, alright?"
That was something they could agree on, Hinata collapsing on her bed like her knees were too weak to hold herself up any longer.
Ino sat back in her chair.
There was a pause as Hinata closed her eyes, her hands loosening her hold as she calmed down. It seemed like forever before finally, the girl began folding the scarf neatly into a compact size and laying it on her lap. "..."
Ino bit her lip, nervously. "... So Sakura, huh?" She hoped she sounded as nonchalant as she was aiming to be.
Hinata's fingers tightened her hold on her scarf before relaxing, finally she nodded. "Yes…" Her gaze was glued to the floor. "Since the Academy."
Ino felt her jaw drop. "Since then?!"
The pink blush returned to Hinata's cheeks as she nodded again. "Ever since she gave me this scarf… I always wanted to be by her side." Hinata gave the scarf a light caress, like she had the most delicate flowers in her hand. "S-she rescued me from bullies in the snow. You… you were there too."
Ino blinked, "I was?"
Hinata actually looked up, embarrassed. "Y-you don't remember? You were both playing hide and go seek and Sakura-san found me being bullied!"
Ino brought a finger to her lips trying to recall this moment. Hide and go seek… Bullies… Ah! "You mean that day I found Sakura getting beat on by those jerks!" Hinata nodded almost violently. Ino remembered now.
They were by the playing grounds near the Academy with some friends and Sakura had been determined to find her own hiding spot with Ino's help. Then everyone had been found except Sakura, so Ino went looking for her only to find those three idiots Kenta, Ganta, and Atsushi picking on her. She barely noticed Hinata had been there until Sakura had pointed it out.
Ino placed her hands on her hips, almost impatient as Sakura pestered Hinata like a mother hen. You're the one that got beat up, you know. You should care more about yourself, you goof. Ino still smiled as she watched her best friend hurry to take off her own scarf, wrapping it around Hinata like her life depended on it. "How is she supposed to breathe, Sakura?" Hinata's face had barely been visible when Sakura had finished wrapping it.
"Since then, huh?" Ino leaned back in her chair in deep thought. "You've really got bad taste, Hinata." She sighed, closing her eyes. She didn't get how Naruto liked Sakura, let alone Hinata. Sakura was probably the worst crush option anyone could have with her big forehead and loud mouth. "I might have let the Naruto crush slide as kind of bad taste but if you're crushing on Sakura then you must really be hopeless. Sasuke-kun is-"
"Sakura-san is a lot better than Sasuke-san." Ino's eyes shot open, meeting firm lavender eyes. "Much better." Hinata repeated, her eyes distant like they were seeing kilometers and kilometers into the distance far from this conversation. "Sh-she's brave and beautiful and kind…. A wonderful person. If you have a crush on S-Sasuke-san, you're the one with the bad taste."
Ino felt her jaw dropping all over again.
Hinata looked as shocked as Ino felt.
"I-I'm sor-"
The sound of the door creaking cut off whatever Hinata was going to say, Ino and Hinata sharing looks of mutual panic. Ino pointed at Hinata's pillow. Put it under your pillow! Hinata wasted no time in receiving the message.
Pink and red flashed in Ino's eyes. "Hey, I'm- ah, Hinata!" Sakura smiled pleasantly, holding a tray with three cups of tea and confectionaries. "You're awake! Sorry it took so long before, I got carried away getting stuff just in case you woke up before I got here. Miss Natsu suggested it." Her smile turned into a frown as she gave Ino the side-eye. "I brought you snacks too."
"Um thanks, Sakura!" Ino coughed. "They look great!"
Sakura raised an eyebrow, "Yeah they do." She looked back to Hinata, smile returning. "Did you want to eat anything? She made these cute rabbit wagashi."
Hinata's cheeks were a hot pink, all hint of firmness gone as she twiddled her index fingers. "I'd like one… Thank you, Sakura-san." She was far gone, Ino could tell as she watched Hinata shyly take small bites of her wagashi as Sakura smiled and chattered on.
Sakura really was dense.
Author's Note: [*Tsukimi, is a mid-autumn moon viewing festival in Japanese culture, there's usually one for the full moon and then the waxing moon. More formally, it's called 'Otsukimi', I felt considering the fantasy ancient Japan part of Naruto would refer to it as Otsukimi more often than not.
*Tanabata, the Japanese star festival that celebrates the meeting between deities Orihime and Hikoboshi.
*Tomesode, a short-sleeved kimono worn by women after marriage since it was seen as impractical for women to have long-sleeves at that point.
*Hanami, a Japanese flower viewing festival usually to appreciate the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms and even, to a lesser extent, plum blossoms]
And Chapter 7 is here! This chapter was supposed to be out a few days ago, like Tuesday, but considering my schedule for work this week which was 'go in every other day'... I decided to push it off to the weekend so I would be able to finish the second half of the chapter without any interruption. And I've gotta say, I think my decision was for the best and really paid off!
I know I say this every time, but I had fun writing this chapter. Honestly, I think some of the best parts of ALP is when I get to write things about my political headcanons about the various Clans and writing about Hinata and Ino's experiences as central members of those Clans. But I am definitely going to have fun with chapters surrounding Sakura's being a civilian. I feel like that could have been explored in the canon a lot more in depth if Naruto and Sasuke weren't from, essentially, extinct Clans. That aside... Ino finally knows about Hinata's crush on Sakura, oh my! I think the reveal went nicely enough even if I had to tweak things a bit from how I originally had it planned.
Ultimately, I am satisfied!
If anyone was curious to see the inspiration for the furisode Tomoebi was wearing: post/169621479383/coming-of-age-day-in-japan-2018-posted-50 And the poems Tomoebi read to Hinata are from the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu.
Comment Response:
Npsouls1: Thanks so much for the review! While the story will be a slow burn, in regards to crushes new and old there and complicated feelings in between... There will be quite a bit of that in the upcoming chapters! I want to avoid major spoilers but Ino will be playing a big part in all of it!