Man, I can't believe school already starts tomorrow. I thought to myself as I walked downstairs for breakfast. "Good morning Iruka." I waved to him. "Good morning, Shizuko." He greeted. "Shizuko, do you want some eggs and toast?" Iruka asked. "Um, I'll just eat some cereal, but thanks anyway Iruka." I said, heading to the pantry instead. Iruka sighs and then answers. "Ok then." He smiled. I made myself a bowl of cereal, then sat down and ate.
After breakfast, I took a shower, got out, and got dressed in some normal day clothes. A tank top, a skirt, ninja shoes and my locket my mother gave me for my birthday when I was little. I fixed my hair into a messy bun with chopsticks holding it.
Afterwards, I went downstairs to tell Iruka that I was going out for a walk through the village. "Where are you going Shizuko?" Iruka asked as I came downstairs. "I'm going for a walk through the village." I told him. "Okay Shizuko but be careful." He warned. "Okay, Bye Iruka." I waved, heading out the door. "Bye then." Iruka waved back. I was walking and looking around the village when I bumped into someone, we both fell to the ground, and I blacked out.
Naruto's POV
"Ow my head." I thought. "What did I hit or bump into?" I paused. "Huh, is this what I hit my head on?" I asked myself as I sat up, rubbing the side of my head. I looked up and saw a girl lying on the ground across from me. "Oh no, she looks hurt, but I don't even know we're she lives or her name. Maybe I should take her to my house to see if she's alright." I thought proudly to myself.
Shizuko's POV
I felt someone pick me up. I didn't know who it was. All I knew was that I was weak and could barely move my body.
Naruto's POV
When I got to my house, I opened the door and went straight to my room. I laid the girl on my bed. As I got closer to her, I saw a small bump on her forehead. I just figured that it was just something from when we bumped into each other. I went and got a cold washcloth to put on her forehead. A few minutes later, I took the washcloth off and put it back in the bathroom. When I came back, I pulled the covers over the both of us and I fell asleep next to her.
Iruka's POV
"I wonder what's taking Shizuko so long to get back." I thought. She's been gone pretty much all day. I ate supper then did my nightly routine. Shortly after, I went to bed. The next day, I would see if Shizuko had come back during the night. I got out of bed and did my morning routine. After I was done, I went into Shizuko's bedroom to see if she came back. But all I saw was an empty room. I went to see if she had slept in her bed, yet there was no one there. "Shizuko!" I yelled, seeing if she was somewhere in the house sleeping. But there was no answer saying where she could be.
Shizuko's POV
I started to wake up, but I felt someone next to me. I looked over only to see a boy lying by my side. I screamed a little because I didn't know how I got there in the first place. The boy started to wake up when he heard me scream. "What's wrong?" The sleepy boy asked, rubbing sleep out of his eyes. "How did I get here and why is my head sore?" I asked, rubbing my head. "Well, we bumped into each other yesterday and you blacked out. So, I wanted to see if you were alright. I ended up taking you to my house because I didn't know your name or where you lived. By the way, my name's Naruto Uzumaki, believe it." The boy named Naruto explained, sort of yelling the last part.
"Um thanks. My name is Shizuko." I paused for a moment. "Naruto, we better get going if we want to make it to school." I said when I turned to look at the clock. "Okay, but how about something to eat first? I always eat before going to the academy." Naruto laughed. "Sure, how about some ramen and milk?" I asked. "Hey, you read my mind." Naruto smiled, excited that I liked the same breakfast as him. "Okay. I'll cook and you can get dressed. Then when were done, we can leave for school." I explained.
"I didn't know you could cook Shizuko, or that you were going to the Academy to learn how to be a ninja." He sounded surprised. "I started cooking when I was 10 and I really want to be a ninja." I answered, thinking about something. "Well, I'll go get dressed now so we can eat and go." Naruto said as he raced down the stairs. "Okay Naruto. The ramen will be ready in a moment, well when I start to cook it that is." I giggled a bit.
Naruto went to get dressed and I went downstairs to start making breakfast. By the time he came back, breakfast was ready to eat. When the two of us were done, I put the dishes in the sink and then the both of us left for school.
Iruka's POV
"I hope Shizuko's okay, and I hope to see her at the academy today." I told myself as I walked through the halls to my classroom when I saw Kakashi. "Hey Iruka, what's wrong?" Kakashi asked. "I can't find my dear friend anywhere and she won't answer when I call for her." I said, disappointed. "It sounds like you really miss that friend of yours Iruka and I'm guessing that this friend is a girl." He said obviously. "Yes, I do, and it is a girl. Her name is Shizuko Uchiha and I'm her guardian until she's old enough and meets her brother." I explained.
"Do you really mean Sasuke Uchiha is Shizuko's brother and Itachi is trying to find them so he can kill them?" Kakashi asked, shocked. "Yes, or so the rumors say." I reply, concerned. "Do you want to inform Lady Tsunade about this Iruka?" Kakashi asked. "Let's wait until after school just to see if she comes." I said, still worried. "Alright, we'll wait then." He said, standing on the side. I give a small nod then leave. I went to my classroom after I was done talking to Kakashi to wait for the students to come in for their second year.
Naruto's POV
I was walking beside Shizuko when I noticed that she was holding my hand. "Uh, Shizuko, why are you holding my hand?" I asked her with a curious look on my face. "Oh, um, sorry." She quickly drops my hand. With her hand no longer in mine, it feels sort of empty. I kind of want her hand in mine again. "I didn't realize I was holding your hand. I used to hold my brother's hand when we were little." Shizuko explained as she slowly went to hold my hand again. I smiled, indicating that I didn't mind.
I slightly squeeze her hand, liking her touch. "That's okay Shizuko. Who's your brother?" I asked, rubbing my thumb up and down her hand. "I can't remember his name or what he looked like well. All I can remember is that we don't have the same eye color as one another." Shizuko said, looking at the ground. "Oh, so where do you live in the Leaf Village?" I asked. "I live by the Academy." Shizuko quickly replied. "That must be cool because you won't be late for class." I smiled. "Yeah, I guess so." Shizuko lifts her head for a moment then turns to me. "Um Naruto, we're by the tree swing so that means were at school." She pointed to the tree swing sitting in front of us. "Come on then, we don't want to be late for the first day back." I ran inside, forgetting that I was dragging her along too. "I've got Iruka's class this year." She said. "Cool, me too." I replied.
A few seconds later, Shizuko stopped in her tracks. A moment later, she came back to her senses and half smiled at me. "Shizuko, are you alright?" I asked, worried. "Yeah, I'm fine. I was just thinking that's all." Shizuko said, smiling at me. "Okay then." I smiled back at her.
Shizuko's POV
Naruto and I walked into the classroom when I saw a raven haired boy sitting in the second row on the right. He noticed me staring at him, so when he saw me he started staring too.
Sasuke's POV
I look up and see a girl staring at me. She reminds me of someone, but who? Could it be my sister? It's been a long time since I last saw her.
Iruka's POV
When I saw Naruto and a girl come in, I realized that the girl he had with him was Shizuko. When I saw her, I was shocked, but I shook it off. I went and hugged her like it was the last time I would ever see her again. "Iruka...?" She sputtered out.
Shizuko's POV
I felt someone hugging me, but I knew who it was. It wasn't Naruto because he was still holding my hand and quite confused. I must have worried Iruka too much. I hugged back tight, but not as tight as he was hugging me since I only had one free arm. The two of us then part so that we can start the day.
Iruka bent down and whispered in my ear. "Shizuko, I'm glad to see you." "Me too, Iruka." I whispered back. I smiled, walking over to a seat with Naruto. I looked up just as Iruka began to speak. "Good morning, everybody. Today we have a new student this year." Iruka announced proudly. "So, tell us your name young lady." Iruka said as I turned to look at the class.
"My name is Shizuko." I answered shyly. A girl in the crowd of students raised her hand. "Yes, the one with the pink hair." I pointed to her. "Shizuko, do you have a last name or did you forget it?" The pink haired girl asked, laughing. I started to tear up when I heard her words. I ended up running out of the classroom. I started to cry and then headed to who knows where. When I stopped running, I found myself in a forest clearing with a stream, flowers, trees, and a few rocks and logs to sit on. I went over to a log and sat on it, then started to sob some more.
Iruka's POV
"Sakura Haruno, that's not nice to treat her like that." I scolded my student. "Now would someone like to go find her?" I asked. "I'll go find her Iruka Sensei." Naruto offered as he stood up ready to go. "Okay Naruto, you can go find her, but be careful alright." I warned. "You can count on me Sensei, believe it!" Naruto shouted before running out of the classroom. "Iruka Sensei, why did Shizuko run off like that?" Neji asked. "I would tell you, but I'd rather let Shizuko tell you when she's ready." I told him. Neji sighed. "Right."
Naruto's POV
After running around all over the village, I finally found Shizuko. She was in a forest clearing near a stream. She was sitting on a tree log crying. Her hands covered her face so no one could see her. "I hope she's okay." I mumble to myself before walking over to her. "Shizuko, you okay?" I asked, walking over to Shizuko. "Who is it?" Shizuko asked, still sobbing. "It's me, you're friend, Naruto Uzumaki." I said softly in a caring voice. I walked closer to her. "I'm so glad to see you Naruto." She jumped up and hugged me, sobbing into my jacket. "Me too." I smiled slightly.
"So why did you run off like that?" I asked, worried. "I just didn't want anyone to know my last name. I saw my brother and a lot of girls seem to like him. So, if they knew my last name, they would try to use me to get to him. That's why I don't want anyone to know." Shizuko explained, crying even more than before so I couldn't hear half of what she said. "Well, will you tell me what your last name is?" I asked. "I promise not to tell anyone." I promised, trying to make her feel better. "Okay." She paused. "My last name is Uchiha." Shizuko said softly.
"Your brother is Sasuke Uchiha?" I asked, surprised. "So, that's my brother's name." She sounded surprised as well. "So, who takes care of you?" I asked. "My guardian takes care of me." Shizuko answered, her head still down. "So, Sasuke doesn't take care of you?" I asked. "My guardian is Iruka Sensei. Sasuke wanted to protect me, so he asked Iruka Sensei to take care of me until I started school to see him again." She explained. "Oh, I didn't know that." I say, starting to trail off. I decide to change the subject. "So are you ready to head back?" I asked. "Yeah, I guess so." Shizuko sighed.
Shizuko's POV
Naruto and I came back in the classroom to find a lot of shocking faces staring at our return. Naruto turned my way and whispered in my ear. "By the way that was Sakura who said that." I nodded. I turned my attention from him and saw my brother. I ran to him like a lost puppy that had just found its owner. I hugged him tight as a teddy bear. "Sasuke, I missed you!" I shouted happily, nuzzling my head into his hair.
"Shizuko?" Sasuke asked, surprised. "Why are you hugging my Sasuke!?" Sakura yelled. "She's hugging me because she's my little sister. We've been separated since we were five years old. I'm not yours, I'm no ones." He said the last half coldly. "But you two don't even have the same eye color as each other. So who took care of her for the past seven years?" Sakura asked, not believing him. "I was the one who took care of her. Yes, of course they don't have the same eye color. It's common for a brother or sister to not have the same eye color because some things don't show up on your parents may show up on you from a different family member." Iruka explained. "Oh, now I get it." She blushes and slowly sits back down in her chair. "Okay everybody, it's time for lunch." Iruka sighed with relief.
Everybody left with the exception of Sasuke and I. "Um, Shizuko, I don't have your room cleaned out yet. It has loads of boxes and stuff in it right now." Sasuke scratched the back of his neck, feeling guilty. "Oh." I said, disappointed. "I don't mind watching Shizuko for a while longer." Iruka offered, walking towards us. "No Sensei, you've done enough." He said with a grateful smile. "Okay, I will find someone else to look after her then." Iruka smiled. "Thank you Sensei." Sasuke thanked him while holding me close. He just nodded his head and we parted ways. I got my lunch and sat by Naruto and ate quietly.
After I finished, I threw my trash away. A few minutes later, I heard Iruka Sensei calling mine and two other people's names to come and see him. I walked back in the classroom and saw two of the other kids that are in my class standing near Iruka Sensei's desk.
"You wanted to see us Iruka Sensei?" The guy with long midnight black hair in a ponytail asked. "Yes, I wanted to see the three of you. Do we have Hinata Hyuga, Neji Hyuga, and Shizuko Uchiha?" He asked. "H-Here." The indigo haired girl stuttered. "Here." The long haired boy answered. "Here." I said. "Okay then. Hinata, Neji. Shizuko will be living with you two for a while." The boy named Neji goes to say something, but Iruka stops him. "Don't worry, your uncle already knows that she will be staying with you." Iruka said. "So does she have anything to pack?" Neji asked.
"It's just her clothes, makeup, drawing book, and art supplies, including her weapons is all." Iruka said, naming off my things. "She doesn't have a lot does she? The girl Hinata said. "I don't have a lot of things because I train most of the time instead of playing games and stuff. I know when to be serious and when it's time to have some fun." I explained to her. She nodded her head understanding.
Neji's POV
Hm, uncle might like this girl and I think I do too. I thought to myself.
Shizuko's POV
After school, we went to my house to pack my things. "Wow, I can't believe that we got everything into only one suitcase huh Shizuko." Hinata said, trying to make small talk. "I guess so." I answered a little sad. "What's wrong, are you not ready to leave Iruka sensei yet, or are you worried about the shadow clone test on Monday?" She asked. "Are you worried about Sasuke or living with us at the compound?" Neji asked. "I'm not worried about the test Hinata. I'm worried about how Iruka sensei is gonna to take it with me not being there anymore. He was like a father to me. Yeah, I'm a little bit worried about living at the compound and Sasuke. After all, he is my brother." I explained.
"Don't worry Shizuko, if you like we can visit him every now and then and Sasuke will be fine." Hinata tried to reassure me. "Thanks Hinata, I feel a little better now." I said with a half smile. "Um, you're welcome Shizuko." She returned the smile. "So, are we ready to go and say goodbye to Iruka sensei?" Neji asked. "Yeah, I think so." I answered, a bit nervous. "You ready to leave Shizuko?" Iruka sensei asked as he came in the door. "Yes, but I'll miss you. I'll visit you every now and then plus I'll see you at school too." I said, reassuring him. "Thanks Shizuko and I will see you on Monday for the test." Iruka Sensei reminded me. "Okay, bye Iruka sensei see you on Monday." I waved goodbye to Iruka sensei and made my way to the Hyuga compound.
We were halfway there when I stopped dead in my tracks. I realized that I don't want to sleep by myself. I wonder if Neji would mind me sleeping with him. I would ask Hinata since she's a girl, but that would be awkward. I look up and stare in his direction. "Um, Neji, can I ask you something?" I asked. Neji took a few steps towards me. "I want to speak to you about something without Hinata." I blushed. "I guess so." Neji then turned to Hinata. "Hinata, can you wait here for a second?" Neji asked her. "S-Sure." Hinata stuttered, fiddling with her fingers.
Neji and I walked near a tree. "I was wondering if I-I could s-stay with y-you for the first few days that I'm there?" I asked nervously, afraid of what he might say. "But if I do that, you won't want to stay with Hinata. I don't think that my uncle would want you to sleep with me for the whole time that you're with us. He might think that we were doing something." Neji explained. "Please Neji, just for two nights. I promise that I will sleep in Hinata's room or if given, my own room after that, please?" I whined slightly. "Okay Shizuko, but no more than two nights or my uncle will get suspicious about it okay." He sighed, giving in.
"What will your uncle get suspicious about?" Someone asked, jumping down from out of the trees. "Who's there?" Neji questioned, pulling a kunai out of his pocket. "Whoa, it's me Kiba." The kid named Kiba answered, holding up his hands in the air. He put his hands down and began to continue. "Like I said, what will your uncle get suspicious about?" Kiba asked again. A little dog barks and pokes its head out from inside the jacket Kiba was wearing. "Oh, hey there puppy." I cooed, scratching him on the head and behind his ears. "It's nothing important Kiba." Neji played off. "Yeah, I guess you're right." Kiba sighed. "Well, I better get going so see ya around." Kiba smiled as he began to turn around and leave.
I gave the puppy a kiss on the head and Kiba a hug bye. "Hey, no fair. Akamaru gets a kiss on the head, and I only get a measly hug?" Kiba pouted. "Sorry Kiba, maybe another time. Plus, you can't hug dogs. So maybe if you do something big, you just might get something special in return. Oh and one more thing, I'll see you around and on Monday. I smiled innocently at him. "Okay then." Kiba waved, walking in the other direction. "Shizuko, what was that all about?" Neji asked, curious. "Kiba got mad when I gave Akamaru a kiss on the head and he only got a hug and a bye. I guess he's a little jealous of his own dog." I laughed. "Oh, who would've guessed that besides you?" Neji joked. "I really wouldn't know that answer. Anyways, let's get back to Hinata before she gets too worried about us." I said, walking back over to Hinata. "Right." He answered, following behind me.
Neji and I found Hinata right where we left her. "Oh, you're back. You two were gone at least ten minutes." Hinata said without much of a stutter. "We ran into someone when we were about head back." I explained. "So, who did you run into on the way back?" Hinata asked. "We ran into Kiba and Akamaru and so we talked for a moment. Nothing special." Neji explained for me. "Oh. Now let's get back to the compound before father gets mad at us for being late." Hinata shivered a little at her thought. Neji nods his head in agreement.
Shortly after, we arrived at the Hyuga compound. "Shizuko, why don't I show you where you're gonna sleep." Hinata suggested. "Okay, see ya later Neji." I slightly waved to him. I followed Hinata as she lead me to what I'm assuming is her room. She opened the door and allowed me to go in first. I saw her room, it was really pretty and it pretty much described her. "Wow, I like your room Hinata. It's very pretty in here, just like your home is." I complimented, amazed. "Thanks Shizuko, I'm glad you like it." Hinata smiled. "Why don't we go take a bath." She suggested before continuing. I looked at her shocked and little worried. "What if Neji or someone walks in on us?" "Don't worry, I'll tell Neji to wait until we're done so he won't walk in on us." Hinata added, looking at the reaction on my face. "Okay, thanks." I sighed, relieved.
Hinata's POV
I went in search of Neji to tell him what was going on. He was training when I happened to find him. "Neji?" I called. "Yes Hinata." Neji replied, taking a break from training. "Well, um, Shizuko and I will be in the bathing house so don't come in until we're done." I said shyly before finishing. "Don't worry, we'll come get you so that way you don't walk in on us." I finished. "Okay Hinata, see you later." Neji said, going back to his training.
I headed back to my room to tell Shizuko everything was set. I walk in to find her sitting on my bed quiet and waiting patiently. "Okay Shizuko, he knows." I told her with a small grin. She smiled. "Okay, thanks Hinata." She answered, heading to retrieve her things. We got our pajamas and started to head towards the bathing house together.
Shizuko's POV
Hinata and I got undressed and got in the bath. The two of us washed our hair and body. I then saw a jutsu out of the corner of my eye when I screamed. I got out and put on my white robe. I was running out of the bathing house when I bumped into Neji. He must have heard me screaming and came to check on us.
Neji's POV
"Shizuko, what's wrong?" I asked as she came running up to me. Shizuko wrapped her arms around my waist and held tightly as she spoke. "Water, sprinkling on my head out of nowhere." Shizuko stuttered, still scared. "Why would water be sprinkling on your head?" I asked, suspicious. I was blushing bright pink when I realized that Shizuko was only in a robe with probably nothing underneath it.
I shook it off and went to tell Hinata not to do her water jutsus when Shizuko was with her. That's probably what it was that scared her. "Hinata, I don't think that you should do that when she's in there with you." I scolded Hinata, still holding Shizuko in my arms. "I, I'm sorry Shizuko, I should have warned you. I'm sorry if I sared you." Hinata apologized, a little frightened. "It's okay Hinata. I know you didn't mean to scare me." Shizuko said calmly, not as shaken up. "Okay you two, I think you ought to get dressed now." I snickered. Shizuko looked down at herself and blushed. She then quickly let go of me. "See you later." Hinata and Shizuko waved to me, running back to the bathing house.
Shizuko's POV
Hinata and I came back outside in our pajamas. "Hinata, it's 6:55.", I pointed to the clock sitting in the window. "We got to go now Shizuko. Dinner's in five minutes." Hinata said, pulling me to the dining room. "Okay, let's go then." I said. Hinata and I lightly jogged to the dining room when I skidded next to Neji. "Oh, hey Neji, I didn't see you there." I smiled, hugging him lightly. "Miss Uchiha, no dinner tonight." I heard a man say as he walked in the hall while giving me a weird look. "But." I tried to fight back.
"No buts. Now go to Hinata's room this instant. I will see you in the morning and you can start over tomorrow, goodnight." Neji's uncle scolded. "Yes sir, goodnight." I sighed in defeat. I went to Hinata's room as told and sat on my bed next to Hinata's. Neji must have made a bed for me while we were in the bath. I sighed and thought about why Neji's uncle told me to go to Hinata's room when I didn't really do anything wrong. Then I started to wonder what he meant by "You can start over tomorrow." I decided to take a walk so I could clear my head and at least try to figure out what he meant by that.
Before I left, I put on my shoes and jacket and then headed out the door. I was by the forest a few minutes later and noticed there was a house down the long path. I waited a moment then went to check it out. On the way, I saw a familiar person to be known as Kiba. "Hey Kiba." I smiled as I ran up to him. "Looks like we meet again Shizuko." Kiba snickered. "So how are you doing?" Kiba asked with his hands in his pockets. "Fine I guess." I replied shyly. "Anyways, I wanna pet Akamaru." I said, trying to find him.
Akamaru barked as if on cue and revealed his hiding place in Kiba's jacket. "Hey cutie." I cooed as Akamaru popped out of Kiba's jacket. "Feels like you give Akamaru more attention than me." He said sadly. "I'm sorry, why didn't you tell me that?" I asked, adding in a pinch of sarcasm for fun. "I don't know why. I guess I enjoyed seeing you talk in your cute voice like that to Akamaru." Kiba blushed a bit. "Oh." I said, looking down with a small blush.
"Kiba, Akamaru, dinner time!" I heard a lady shout. "Well, I guess I better go. Unless you want to stay for dinner. You haven't eaten already, have you?" He offered. "I would love to Kiba." I smiled softly, leaving out the fact that I couldn't eat in my own home, temporary or not. "Okay, let's go ask my mom if you can stay. She probably won't mind." Kiba grinned, taking my hand and dragging me towards his house.
When Kiba and I got there, the two of us caught our breaths and went inside. "Mom?" Kiba called. "Yes Kiba?" She replied. "Can my friend Shizuko stay for dinner? I ran into her while I was outside." Kiba asked his mom, still trying to catch his breath. "Sure, why not." She looked at us with a smirk. "Thank you Kiba's mom." I thanked her, walking into the kitchen. "You're welcome, Shizuko. Just call me Tsume." she smiled. "Okay Tsume." I smiled shyly as I sat down.
We all ate dinner and talked about random things. "Kiba?" I called. "Yeah?" Kiba answered. "I think I should go now and thank you again for dinner Tsume." I smiled, getting up from my seat. "You're welcome." Tsume grinned. "Do you want me to walk you back?" Kiba offered. "Sure, I'd like that." I answered as he followed me out the door. "Bye mom, I'll see you when I get back." Kiba waved to her. "Alright Kiba!" Tsume yelled back, waving as well.
Kiba and I walked out the door on our way to my house. "So, where do you live?" Kiba asked as we walked along the dirt road. "The Hyuga compound, but just temporarily." I answered with not much emotion. I almost don't want to go back. At the moment, I'd rather stay with Kiba at his house. "Okay, let's go then." Kiba said. The walk back to the Hyuga compound was quiet, which to me was nice and peaceful. Even though the silence was starting to feel somewhat awkward, it was nice walking with a friend.
Soon the walk ended, and I turned to Kiba with a smile even though I didn't have much happiness left in me. "I guess I'll see you later then Kiba." I blushed a little. "See ya." Kiba grinned, about to leave. "Wait Kiba." I walked closer to him. "What's th-" But before he could finish, I cut him off by giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "What was that for?" He asked, slightly blushing. "A thanks, I did owe you so that's why." I blushed bright red as well. "Oh, you're welcome. Well, see you later." Kiba waved bye. "Bye." I waved back. I hurried in the back door and went to Hinata's room before anyone saw me. I opened the door and was relieved that she wasn't there yet.
I grabbed my hairbrush, toothpaste, and toothbrush and headed to the bathroom to do my nightly routine. After I was done, I came out of the bathroom to go and put my stuff away, but on the way back I saw Neji just sitting on the porch. "Neji, what are you doing out here?" I asked, confused as why he's out here. "Nothing, just thinking is all." Neji answered. "Thinking about what?" I asked, sitting down next to him. "I was thinking about what my uncle said to you at dinner." He answered, looking at the ground. "Oh." I sighed, still wondering that too. "Are you still hungry?" He asked, changing topic. "If you want, I can try to sneak you something." Neji offered. "No thanks Neji." I declined his generous offer. I almost forgot that I just ate at Kiba's house. "I think I've lost my appetite by now, but thanks anyway." I said simply. He won't try to pry with that answer. "Okay." He said with a nod of his head.
Phew, he believed me. "I don't get why your uncle told me to go to Hinata's room. He told me 'You can start over tomorrow', but I just don't get it." I looked to him with a sad expression. "Maybe it was when you slightly hugged me. He could think that we're secretly dating or something when we're not." Neji looked back at me. "Oh, I wasn't thinking that he would get mad for a small hug." I pouted, looking anywhere but at him. "Don't forget that you're a part of the Uchiha clan. Or he may just holding a grudge because we have almost the same blood limit expect they have certain differences to them." Neji explained, still looking at me. "I know that, but I don't have sharingan like Sasuke does. Who knows if I'll ever get it." I sniffed, almost in tears.
I had heard all kinds of stories about Sasuke before I remembered he was my brother. "Shizuko, I may have not known that, but why are you crying?" Neji asked, pulling me closer to him making my head lay on his chest. "I, I, I, I don't know." I sobbed still laying on Neji's chest. "Oh, I'm sorry. Come on it's getting late. Let's get to bed now." Neji consoled me as I started to stand up with him. I nodded my head sleepily, almost nodding off on his shoulder. "Why don't I just carry you back instead?" He chuckled. "That way you don't fall asleep standing up." Neji grinned as he picked me up. I nodded my head again and let him pick me up.
Neji's POV
I picked Shizuko up bridal style and headed to my room. Halfway there, I noticed that she fell asleep in my arms. I walked in my room and laid her on my bed, grabbed my pajamas, and headed to the bathroom to get changed. When I came back, she was still asleep, so I crawled under the covers and went into a dreamless sleep next to Shizuko.
Shizuko's POV
I woke up to find myself in a bed and realized that it must be Neji's. I still felt Neji sleeping beside me. I looked at the clock to see what time it was, 7:45 A.M. Just for fun, I went ahead and played a trick on him. First I nudged Neji, second, I shook him a little then closed my eyes and went back to sleep.
Neji's POV
I felt someone shaking and nudging me. I woke up to see Shizuko still asleep, so I shook her to try and wake her up, yet she stayed put. I was about to pick her up when she started smiling, then she opened her eyes and started laughing a little.
Shizuko's POV
"Morning Neji." I smiled happily at him. "Shizuko, why didn't you wake up when I shook you?" Neji asked, dumbfounded. "I guess that I'm just a heavy sleeper." I smiled at him. "I guess you are." He slightly grinned at me. "Come on Neji, its 7:58 now. It's almost time for breakfast." I pouted, trying to get him out of the room. "Now I see why you're rushing me out of my own room. I almost forgot that you didn't get to eat anything last night." Neji laughed a little. "Then let's go already." I said, keeping up the 'I didn't eat last night' charade. "Sounds to me like you're almost as hyper as Naruto." Neji snickered. "Oh, sorry." I blushed at the sound of his name.
"Alright, let's go before you try to knock me to the ground." He said. "Can I have a piggyback ride Neji?" I asked, pleading to him. "Please, at least halfway there." I batted my eyes innocently. "Just halfway." Neji sighed, giving in. "Thank you, Neji." I giggled, climbing on Neji's back. Halfway to the dining room, Neji stopped. "Okay, Shizuko that's it, time to get off now." He slowly let me go. I nodded my head as I slid off his back.
I got off Neji and walked the rest of the way with him. When we got to the dining room, the two of us sat down and I noticed that Hinata was there too. "Morning Hinata." I greeted while I made my plate. "Good morning Shizuko." Hinata answered, taking a bite of her food.
It's been two days since we met our teams. Neji and I were hanging around the garden when Hinata rushed up to us. "Shizuko, Neji, Kakashi sensei wants to talk to you and the rest of your team." Hinata said. "Okay Hinata, see ya later then." I said. "Alright." Neji answered. "He wants to meet you two at the training grounds." She added. Neji and I nod our heads and start to make our way to the training grounds.
Naruto's POV
I saw Neji and Shizuko coming towards me and Kiba. "Hey Shizuko, Neji!" I yelled, waving at them. "Hi Naruto, Kiba, Akamaru." Shizuko greeted. "Kiba, guess what?" Shizuko asked. "What?" Kiba asked. "Neji, Naruto, and you are my favorite ninjas that are guys and my favorite dog ninja is Akamaru." Shizuko squealed. "Thanks, I think." Kiba and I said. "Neji, I owe you for letting me stay with you." Shizuko said as she walked over to Neji. "Hn, and what's that?" Neji asked turning around.
Shizuko's POV
I walked over to Neji and kissed him lightly on the lips, thanking him for letting me stay with him last night. Surprisingly, he kissed back, but I let it go and quickly broke the kiss. As I let go and opened my eyes, I saw two shocked faces staring at both of us. "Shizuko, what did you mean by 'I owe you for letting me stay with you'?" Naruto asked, sounding hurt. "Neji's uncle is letting me stay at their home until Sasuke finishes cleaning my room and I kissed Neji in thanks." I explained to him, not saying that I slept in his bed. "Hey, Shizuko you know that I-" Kiba started, but was cut off.
I cut Kiba off by kissing him hard on the lips, not wanting him to tell Neji and Naruto that I was over his house for dinner. If he spilled it to them, I would get a lecture from Neji saying how he would have offered to sneak me something to eat. Kiba kissed back, but this time around, harder than Neji did. After three seconds, I was finally able to get Kiba to let go. After we let go, a moment later he made a face.
Kiba's POV
Awww man, I was enjoying that. Maybe that's what she meant by "If you do something big you just might get something special." Hm I wonder.
Shizuko's POV
"I heard that Kiba." I smirked with a giggle. "Heard what?" Kiba asked. "Awww man, I was enjoying that. Maybe that's what she meant by 'If you do something big you just might get something special. Hm, I wonder.'" I mocked him. "What!" He exclaimed. "How did you know that when I didn't even say it out loud!?" Kiba shouted, embarrassed. "I can read minds, I have a dog's sensitive nose, and I can hear 10 times better than a human. Plus I specialize in ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu too. I'm the only Uchiha that doesn't carry the Sharingan. Before my mother and father died, they told me that I was a special kunoichi." I explained myself.
"Whoa, I didn't know that. Now I can see why you didn't want to tell anyone you're last name." Kiba gasped, still in shock. Neji just stood there as if he already knew all of this. "Neji, did you know any of this?" Naruto asked him. "No, the only thing she told me was she didn't have the Sharingan." Neji answered simply. "Neji, why didn't you tell us?" Naruto asked. "Because it would be better if she told you herself." Neji sighed at Naruto's lack of common sense. "Oh, so that explains it." He chuckled. I opened a mind link with Kiba while Naruto and Neji continued to talk.
Mind link
"Kiba, please don't tell Neji I was at your house last night." I pleaded. "Huh what the, what is this?" Kiba asked, confused. "It's a mind link. It's where you can talk to someone in your mind. So, if I wanted to tell you something that I don't want anyone else to know, I can open a mind link and tell you." I explained simply. "Cool." He laughed. "Now Kiba, please don't tell Neji I was at your house last night." I begged again. "What's in it for me?" Kiba asked, smirking. "If you don't tell, I'll be your girlfriend for the mission that we're going on tomorrow, deal?" I sighed, knowing that was the only way he'd keep his mouth shut. "Deal." Kiba grinned, satisfied with himself.
End Mind Link
Sweet, I get a girlfriend for the entire mission. He cheered. I had read Kiba's mind again, but I didn't care. Boys. I sighed to myself. "Shizuko, why were you and Kiba silent for a few minutes?" Naruto asked, curiously. "It's nothing Naruto." I lied, reassuring him. "Oh okay, then why did you kiss Kiba?" He asked, jealousy hinting in his voice. "Naruto, It's none of your business." Kiba popped in. "Okay I get it. You don't want me to know." Naruto pouted. "Right." Kiba emphasized.
An hour later, Kakashi shows up. We all yell at him except for Neji. "You're late Kakashi sensei!" "Yeah, about that, a black cat crossed my path, so I had to take the long way around." Kakashi sensei said, obviously lying. "Yeah right, you were reading that stupid Icha, Icha paradise book of yours." I pointed out. He doesn't comment. Ha! I was right then. "Well anyways, I have some news for you guys." He announced casually. "So what's the news Kakashi sensei?" Naruto asked excitedly. "You guys are getting reassigned to a new sensei today and you have a mission tomorrow morning." Kakashi sensei explained with little detail. "So, who's our new sensei?" I asked him. "Well you have to go to Lady Tsunade's office." He said. "Well, let's go then!" Naruto shouts, heading towards the Hokage's office.
We all stood outside Lady Tsunade's office as Kakashi sensei knocked on the door. "Come in." She called through the door. The five of us walked in to see another sensei and their team. When I saw Hinata, I smiled and ran over to hug her. "Hi Hinata." I said, hugging her. "Oh, hi Shizuko." Hinata said as she let go. "You guys are going to switch teams." Lady Tsunade pointed to both sides. "So, one of us is going to switch with one of them?" Naruto asked, looking confused. "No, we're switching sensei's. We're squad 7 and they're squad 8. Once we switch, we'll be squad 8 and they'll be squad 7." I explained.
"Oh, I get it now." He smiled, scratching the back of his head. "Okay teams, switch!" Lady Tsunade ordered. We all switched teams as directed. "Alright, my name is Kurenai sensei and I'll be your new sensei." She introduced herself. "Hello Kurenai sensei." We all said at the same time. "Okay, why don't we go to the training grounds to get to know each other?" She said, walking out the door. We all nodded our heads and followed behind.
We eventually got to the training grounds and sat down on the grass. "So Kurenai sensei, what's our mission tomorrow?" I asked. "Your mission is to lead a feudal lord's daughter back to the grass village." She explained. "How long do you think it will take to get there and back?" I asked. "It will take you three days to get there and back. Basically, it should take you less than a week at the most." Kurenai sensei added in. "But that's basically a week." Kiba pouted, then a grin lit up on his face. I didn't have to read his mind to know what he was thinking.
Oh boy, this is going to one long week. "So, you should pack a week's worth of clothes then. Meet me and the princess at the Konoha gates at 7:45 A.M." She ordered. "Yes sensei." We all saluted. The four of us all went back to our homes to pack. After Neji and I got back to the house, we ate dinner and then headed to bed to get a good night's sleep.
I got up outta my bed and looked at the clock. "It looks like I have an hour left." I thought to myself. I went to the kitchen and packed four lunches and an extra one just in case. One for Naruto, Kiba, Neji, and me. After I was done, I packed my clothes, then I added my hygiene stuff into my backpack. Once I finished, I ate an apple, banana and two nectarines for breakfast. After that, I went to wake up Neji.
By the time I got him up and dressed it was 7:00 A.M. already. After finishing with packing all of our things, it was 7:35 and we had ten minutes to get to the gate's entrance. Neji and I ended up getting there with two minutes to spare. "Hey you guys." Kiba grinned, walking up the path with Naruto. "Oh hey Kiba, Naruto." I waved when they came into view. "Hey Kiba, where's Akamaru?" I asked, not seeing Akamaru. "Sleeping." Kiba pointed to the lump in his jacket. "Oh, I thought that he was on top of your head again." I laughed for a second. "Nope, not this time." Kiba smiled.
I spotted Kurenai sensei walking up the road with another girl a minute later. "Good morning Kurenai sensei." I greeted her. "Good morning Shizuko." She greeted back. "Now, I would like you all to meet Anna China." Kurenai sensei introduced the girl next to her. "It's nice to meet you all. Looks like I get to meet an ugly dog person along with a cute blonde boy." Anna said. "Hey, look missy I am not an ugly dog person!" Kiba growled, baring his teeth and fangs. "Well oopsy, I couldn't tell with that stinky hood on your head." She insulted. With his teeth and fangs still showing, he began to growl some more.
I took a step towards Kiba, then motioning him to bend down for me to whisper in his ear. "Kiba calm down, don't waste all of your energy and breath on this girl." I whispered, trying to calm him. Kiba turned his head to my ear and started to whisper back. "I guess you're right, but if that girl makes one more comment like that about me I've had it." Kiba sighed, still steaming. "Alright, why don't we tell Anna our names?" Kurenai sensei began. "Let's start with you." She pointed to me. "My name is Shizuko Uchiha." I growled. "My name is Kiba Inuzuka." Kiba huffed. "My name is Neji Hyuga." Neji answered simply. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki, believe it!" Naruto shouted, smiling.
"Well it looks like you're happy today." Anna grinned at Naruto. "Okay everyone, I'm putting Neji as squad leader of this mission." Kurenai sensei pointed in Neji's direction. "Kurenai sensei, I thought you were coming on this mission." Naruto pointed out. "Since this is a D-ranked mission and no one is after her, I don't feel the need to accompany you." She answered. "Oh." His head dropped a little. "Alright, you guys you can go and even though this is a D-ranked mission I still want you to keep your guard up at all times." Kurenai sensei reminded. "Yes Sensei." We all said. The five of us then headed off to the grass village.
An hour and a half later, my feet began to ache. "Kiba?" I called. "Yeah Shizuko?" He brightened up. "Can you carry me?" I asked, while batting my eyes. "Sure." Kiba smirked. Akamaru jumped out of Kiba's jacket onto his head. I walked over for Kiba to pick me up. "Hey Akamaru, it looks like you're finally up." I laughed, petting him on head with my other hand still gripped around Kiba's neck. "Oh how cute, you love the dog boy and he has a little companion too." Anna cooed in a baby voice.
I could feel the anger rise up throughout Kiba's body just wanting to come out, but then it was gone and I could feel it going back down. "I don't love Kiba, I like someone else thanks." I said, sticking my tongue out at her. "Oh Naruto, can you carry me?" Anna said, mocking me. "Sure Anna Chan." Naruto smiled as he picked her up. "Naruto, you don't have to call me that. You can just call me Anna instead, but the rest of your friends do." She laughed. "Hey Neji, why don't we take a break and have lunch?" Kiba suggested, trying to change the subject. "Alright, we can stop for lunch." Neji agreed. We found a small clearing and began setting out lunch.
"Anna, do you have a lunch?" Naruto asked, taking a bite out of his apple I packed for him. "No, I forgot mine when I was packing to meet you guys." Anna pouted, faking the puppy dog look. I rolled my eyes. What a pathetic excuse she is. "Here, I packed an extra lunch just in case." I sighed, handing over the extra lunch pretending to be nice. "Thanks." Anna smiled, pretending just like me. "You're welcome Anna Chan." I growled under my breath. After lunch, we started walking again.
We've been walking for what seems like hours. "So, where are we staying at or are we going to camp out somewhere?" Kiba asked, curious. I don't blame him. I am too now that I think about it. "There's a hotel about a half a mile from this point on. We can just stay there for the night." Neji informed. I know the hotel isn't too much farther away, but still my feet were bothering me.
I decided to walk at a slower pace to walk with Kiba. I sighed then began to ask the same question I did earlier. "Kiba, can you carry me again?" I asked, pouting. "Sorry Shizuko, you wore me out from earlier." Kiba shrugged apologetically. I sighed, slightly upset. "Awww man." I said in a low voice even though I knew that Kiba could hear it. "Neji, would you and could you carry Shizuko the rest of the way?" Kiba asked, almost begging. "She wore my arms out the last time." He added. I'm not that heavy am I? "Alright Kiba." Neji answered, making it sound like he actually wanted to carry me. I went over to Neji and let him pick me up like he did once before.
We finally got to the hotel and checked in. Our room had three bedrooms, three bathrooms, one living room, and a kitchen. The rooms had a double bed in two of the rooms and the third one had a single bed in it. There was a patio with a hot tub outside on the balcony outside in the living room.
Anna cleared her throat. "Okay, Naruto and I will be in the upstairs bedroom, Shizuko and Kiba will be in the second upstairs bedroom, and Neji will be in the room across from the second upstairs bedroom." Anna explained without asking for anyone else's opinion. "I guess we don't even have a say in this." I heard Kiba mumble. "What time is it?" Naruto asked, slightly whining. "It's 4:00 in the afternoon, why?" I asked. "I'm hungry, that's why." Naruto whined again. "Naruto, we just ate lunch not even two hours ago." Kiba sighed. "How could you still be hungry?" Neji asked him, shocked.
"Naruto's stomach is a bottomless pit, that's why he almost always hungry." I blushed, softly giggling. "Well actually, I'm hungry because I didn't get to eat all my lunch." Naruto complained. "How could you not finish all your lunch?" Kiba asked, wondering how he can eat so much. "You eat ramen like there's no tomorrow." He cocked his head. "Well, I was um, I uh." Naruto blushed. "Naruto, why don't you just go in the kitchen and finish your lunch." I sighed, wanting to end this silly argument. "Okay, thanks Shizuko." He chuckled as he went into the kitchen and started eating again.
It was now 8:00 and we didn't know what to cook for dinner. Instead, I just told them I would make my specialty. I told them not to come in the kitchen until it was ready. I ended up making plain ramen so you could put in any flavor packet you'd like, rice balls, egg rolls, and shrimp. When it was all done, I sat the table for five.
I was about to call them, but they ended up coming on their own. "What smells so good in here?" Naruto asked. "Dinner." I blushed as I wiped my forehead. "Shizuko, did you really cook all this by yourself or did you have help?" Kiba asked, amazed. "No, Neji helped me." I lied. "Of course I made all of this by myself silly." I laughed. "Wow Shizuko, I didn't know that you could cook." Neji said, staring at the display on the table. "Since my parents died, I taught myself to cook since it was only me and my brother at the time before Iruka sensei took me in." I explained, letting a single tear fall down my cheek, but it was wiped away by someone's finger.
I turned and saw that the finger belonged to Naruto. "Shizuko, it's alright." Naruto softly said in a caring voice. "I know what you're going through." Naruto said kindly. "Can we just eat already?" Anna asked in a demanding tone. "Anna Chan, how can you think about food right now?" Kiba asked, his blood beginning to boil. "It's easy, I'm hungry. Oh and it must be because your little friend lost her parents. Am I right?" Anna asked in a menacing tone. "Yes and Shizuko isn't little." He defended. "It's alright." I say to stop their bickering. "Nobody could do anything about it anyway. Anyways, let's eat." I said, but still sad. Everybody sat down and started to eat.
After dinner, everyone sat in their chairs to let dinner settle. Naruto ended up breaking the silence. "Wow Shizuko, that was really good, believe it." Naruto grinned, rubbing his stomach. "Thanks Naruto." I blushed a bit of pink. "That was the best meal I've ever had. Akamaru thinks so too." Kiba grinned at me. "It was really good Shizuko." Neji complimented. "Wow, the great Neji Hyuga likes my cooking." I laughed. Neji started to blush when he heard me. "Later, we can make homemade milkshakes." I smiled. "That sounds good." Kiba grinned, licking his lips.
Kiba's POV
After dinner we went to our rooms for a bit. Shizuko was pacing around the room as if she was waiting for something to happen. "Is something bothering you Shizuko?" I asked, worried. She turned to me with a saddened expression. "Sort of." Shizuko sighed. "Oh, um, what's sort of bothering you?" I asked, not sure where this was going. She sighed, starting to give in. "It's that Anna girl. It's like she already knows who I really like and she's torturing me. I can't take it anymore. I know I promised to be your girlfriend for this entire mission, but Anna's killing me. I just want to wake up from this nightmare already." Shizuko cried, letting the tears stream down her cheeks.
I went over to Shizuko and hugged her in my arms, not wanting to see her cry. "Shhh, shhh, shhh." I cooed, trying to calm her down. I started to feel her wiggle out of my grasp, but I let her go. "I'm going to take a soak in the hot tub." "Do you wanna come and take one too?" Shizuko asked, stretching out a little. "Um, I." I blushed strawberry red. "Aw come on, it'll be fun." She smiled happily. "Okay." I agreed, still surprised.
Shizuko's POV
I grabbed my swimsuit out of my bag and went to the bathroom to change in it. I'm glad I brought it with me. It was a sky blue one piece with a silky blue ribbon in a bow on the neckline and it came with a skirt, making it look like a ballet outfit. I put on the skirt and ran out of the bathroom. I went and knocked on the door to let Kiba know that I was heading out to the hot tub.
Kiba's POV
I heard a knock on the door as I took off my clothes and changed. After I was done, I came out of the room and went outside to see Shizuko in the hot tub. "Hi Kiba." Shizuko smiled, waving at me. "H-Hi." I stuttered, looking at her up and down with my mouth wide open. "Come on, the water's fine." Shizuko grinned, swishing the water around with her hand. "Okay." I said, stepping in and sat down. "Hold on Kiba, I want to do something real quick if you don't mind." She stepped out and put on her skirt that goes over her swimsuit. "No, I don't mind at all." I said a little fast.
Shizuko's POV
I went inside to look for Anna and Naruto. I went to the obvious place I could think to look for them. Their room. I knocked on the door. "Who is it?" I heard Naruto ask through the door. My cheeks turned a light shade of pink when I heard his voice. "It's me, Shizuko." I said through the door. "Okay, hold on a second." He said. "Okay." I answered back. A moment later, the door opened and I saw Naruto standing at the door looking at me with that big goofy grin that I couldn't resist. I saw Anna looking at me with a 'I'm am so glad that I'm finally going home' look on her face. I then looked back to Naruto again.
This time he had a worried look on his face, but I gave him a reassuring smile that I was fine. Even though in reality I wasn't anywhere near it. "Hey you two, why don't you join Kiba and I in the hot tub." I offered. "Sure, why not." Naruto smiled, still facing me. "Hm. Okay, fine by me." Anna sighed. We went back outside and into the hot tub. "Hey Kiba, I'm back, but I have company." I cheered, putting on a silly grin as I got back in. "Well how nice, we've got company." Kiba said a little bit depressed, yet still happy. "Hey Naruto, would you like me to give you a back rub?" Anna smirked. Okay, this wasn't planned. "I-" He tried to say. Naruto was about to answer when Anna Chan started rubbing his back. "Kiba, do you want one too?" I asked, copying her. "I-" Kiba started to answer, but I cut him off. I started to rub Kiba's back when I felt someone rubbing my shoulders. In a way it felt good, yet creepy because I didn't know who it was.
I let it go just this once since nobody sensed anything was wrong. "Wow, this feels good. Almost even better than a hot spring bath." Kiba moaned while smiling. I giggled a little. "You're welcome Kiba. Whoever's rubbing my shoulders I just want to say that it feels great." I happily smiled to myself. "Shizuko, it's not me. There's no one else out here but me, Naruto, Anna Chan and you." Kiba pointed out. Is he so sure about that? He's got to be distracted or something. "But if Naruto isn't doing it and it's not you, then who is it?" I asked, starting to get scared. Last I checked Neji was still inside. "Shizuko, it's me Neji." A voice came from behind. "I'm the one rubbing your shoulders." Neji said with a slight smile. When he said that I immediately stopped rubbing Kiba's back and started to scream. "Ahhhhhhhhhh!" I panicked. Neji or not, I still felt the need to freak out. "Shizuko, calm down." Neji said, trying to calm me down, but I didn't listen. "Shizuko, it's alright." Kiba chimed. "Please, calm down." Neji tried again. I couldn't stop panicking even if I wanted to.
Naruto's POV
Nobody could seem to calm Shizuko down. I got up without warning and hugged Shizuko from behind. She stopped screaming the moment I touched her. She moved her head under my chin and leaned back as she snuggled her head in between my neck and shoulder while slightly smiling at me. "Wow Naruto, how did you do that?" Kiba asked, amazed. "Actually, I'm not really sure myself." I answered, wondering that too. "It doesn't matter how as long as she's alright." Neji sighed, more relaxed now. "I guess you're right." Kiba agreed, watching Shizuko as she started to ease up. "I'm going now, so I'll see you guys later." Neji said, heading for the door. "I feel like a raisin, so I'm leaving too." Kiba said, getting out and heading for the door as well.
"Humph. Sorry Naruto you're not coming in now except to get your clothes." Anna scowled. "Fine, I didn't want to stay with you anyway." I said, really meaning that. "Good, because all I wanted to do was use you to tease your little friend." She smirked at my shocked face. "That wasn't very nice. I only listened to you because you seemed a nice girl. Also, I've liked Shizuko for a long time now." I blushed, realizing what I just said. "Well, see ya later then." Anna laughed, leaving me with Shizuko, who was now asleep, in my arms. "Fine then." I said, still holding Shizuko. Shizuko, I hope you didn't hear what happened. I thought to myself, still embarrassed.
After all that was over, I took Shizuko inside to her room. After drying her off of course. When I opened the door, I saw Kiba sitting on the bed petting Akamaru. "Hey Naruto, what are you doing in here?" Kiba asked, petting Akamaru not looking at me. "I came here to put Shizuko in bed because she fell asleep in my arms." I explained as I laid Shizuko on the bed. I pulled up the covers to her chest like I had when I first met her. Kiba quickly looked over and smiled. "Oh, well see you later Naruto." He waved as I walked out the door. I went and got my stuff from my old room and headed back downstairs. I sat my stuff next to the couch and then sat down.
Shizuko's POV
I woke up finding myself in bed still in my swimsuit. I got up and got my clothes then headed for the bathroom to change. Once done, I headed for the kitchen to get the chocolate and vanilla Ice cream that I found in the freezer when I was making dinner earlier. I called everyone into the kitchen to ask what flavor they wanted. "Naruto, Neji, Kiba, Anna Chan!" I yelled. "Coming!" Naruto yelled in response. "What is it Shizuko?" Neji asked, running as fast as he could and almost bumping into me. "What's wrong?" Kiba asked as he came into the kitchen. "I'm fine you guys. I called you to ask what flavor milkshake you want. I have Chocolate and Vanilla." I said, holding up the containers. I looked around and noticed that one of them was missing. "Hey wait, where's Anna Chan?" I asked, even though I didn't really care. "In her room, but I'll go get her." Neji offered, about to go up the stairs. "Thanks Neji." I called after him.
Neji turned around and nodded his head, slightly smiling at me, and continued up the stairs to get Anna Chan. "What was that all about?" Naruto asked. "Neji and I became fast friends." I smiled at him. "Oh." Naruto said, making an 'O' shape with his mouth. "I want chocolate." Naruto smiled, grinning that goofy grin that I loved so much. "Sure. Anyone else want chocolate?" I asked, smiling. "I do and Akamaru wants milk." Kiba smiled, showing off his fangs. "Okay, but do I look like a restaurant to you?" I asked, starting to get annoyed but not really. "No." Kiba backed away slightly, scared of what I might do to him. "Good." I snickered. "So we got three chocolates and one bowl of milk." I recalled, pouring some milk in a bowl and sitting it down on the floor for Akamaru.
Neji's POV
I headed upstairs to get Anna Chan. When I got there, I knocked on the door and waited for an answer. "Come in, but only if you're not Naruto." She scoffed, quite mad at him. I wonder what he did. I walked in with no expression on my face. "Anna Chan, come get your milkshake." I said, attempting to get her downstairs. "No thanks. I want a vanilla milkshake brought to me rather than come downstairs to get it. I don't want to be around Naruto any more than I have to." Anna pouted, anger in her voice. "I don't know why you're mad at Naruto, but I don't see what the problem is." I said, confused. Anna scuffed and turned her nose up at me. "The problem, he wasn't supposed to comfort that girl." Anna answered, clenching her fists. "But Anna Chan, she was screaming as if someone was going to hurt her. Shizuko may have thought of me as a stranger. But not only that, she wouldn't listen to Kiba or me. Shizuko stopped screaming as soon as Naruto hugged her." I explained as I neared the door.
She stayed silent so I went back downstairs to the kitchen. "Where's Anna Chan?" Shizuko asked, obviously unworried. "Still in her room. But she won't come out because Naruto went to comfort you." I took a breath and sighed. "She said she wanted a vanilla milkshake brought up to her room." I said, telling them what Anna told me. "Oh um, do you want anything Neji?" Shizuko asked, pouring the mixed vanilla ice cream into a glass and putting a straw in it. Instead of ice cream I had a better idea. I bent down to her level and whispered in her ear. "At midnight, I want you to come outside with your swimsuit on and get in the hot tub with me and I'll make up for what my uncle did to you." I smirked. She turned around and whispered back. "Thank you, Neji." She whispered, hugging me and burying her head in my shoulder. I whispered to her one more time. "You're welcome, Shizuko." I hugged her back. "I'm gonna give Anna Chan her milkshake." Shizuko said, letting go of me and grabbing the glass. They just nodded their heads. "Shizuko, wait." I called, going after her. "What is it Neji?" Shizuko asked, stopping at the bottom of the stairs. "Let me take it to her. She might dump it on you or something." I warned, trying to take the glass out of her hand. "Not if she can't get me." Shizuko smirked, heading upstairs. "But Shizuko." I repeated, but she didn't hear it.
Shizuko's POV
Once I got to her room I knocked on the door. "Who is it?" Anna asked through the door. "It's me, Shizuko." I answered back. "Come in." Anna replied with a bit of evil in her voice. I came in the room and was about to set down the glass, when she took it out of my hand and poured it on top of my head then laughed. What the hell was that for?! "That's what you get when you mess with me." She smiled in her smirk. Me! Mess with her? What is she talking about? "But I didn't do anything to hurt or harm you." I panicked, almost in tears. The cold ice cream on my head was starting to get to me. Before she could do or say anything more, I ran out of the room and down the stairs crying. Then I hugged the nearest person in the room.
Naruto's POV
I saw Shizuko running downstairs as fast as she could in tears with something white on her head. She came and hugged me as tight as she could for some reason. I went along with it to make her feel better. "Shizuko, what's wrong, did she pour her milkshake on you or something?" I asked, worried. Shizuko continued to cry. I took my finger and got a bit of whatever was on Shizuko's head and smelled it. "She must have, or it wouldn't smell like it." I hugged Shizuko and licked my finger clean. Neji sighed. "I knew I should have stopped her, but I didn't want to make her mad." Neji stood there in thought. "Shizuko?" I called. "Hm?" She perked up, starting to look at me with tears still in her eyes. "Come with me and I'll help you wash this stuff out of your hair." I encouraged, trying to get her to smile at me.
"Thanks, Naruto?" Shizuko questioned. "You're welcome." I smiled at her. "Naruto?" She gasped with realization. "Yeah Shizuko?" I asked, confirming to her that it was me. "Whoa." Shizuko let go, slipping into Kiba's arms. "Whoa Shizuko, are you alright?" Kiba asked as he pulled her up on her feet. "Yeah, I'm okay. It's just that I didn't see him there." Shizuko answered, regaining herself. "Sorry, I thought that you were going to hug someone else." I nervously grinned, scratching the back of my neck. "I just grabbed the nearest person in my path and it just happened to be you I guess." She blushed. "I guess so." I laughed. "I'll be back later if you need me.", Neji said, exiting the room. I nodded in response.
Shizuko's POV
Naruto walked me over to the sink and helped me wash my hair. The hot water washed over my frozen head. He scrubbed my head with shampoo, rinsed it and then massaged my scalp with the conditioner. After I was done, Kiba went to get a towel and then handed it to me. I wrapped my hair in the towel and plopped down on the couch.
Naruto and Kiba sat down next to me as I sulked in anger. "How could she do this to me?" I asked to no one in particular. "I mean, I haven't done anything to her." I sighed. "Man, she's really got it in for you." Kiba said, slightly putting his arm around my shoulder. "I wish there was something we could do." Naruto sighed, then noticed where Kiba's arm was. "Hm, maybe there is." I grinned as an idea formed in my head. "Hold that thought. Kiba, can I ask you something, alone?" Naruto asked, his smile fading. What's gotten into him all of a sudden?
Naruto's POV
Kiba and I walked over to the farthest side of the room out of earshot. He looked worried and annoyed at the same time. Of course I had a bone to pick with him. I mean he was acting lovey dovey to my girl. Wait, what am I saying? Shizuko doesn't think of me that way does she? She obviously likes Neji or from the looks of it Kiba. I wish I knew what was going on. "Why are you hanging all over Shizuko like that?" I asked, jealousy starting to take over. "Why else would I put my arm around her, she's my girlfriend." Kiba played off, like he was some big hotshot. "What do you mean she's your girlfriend?" I asked shocked and a little heartbroken. "Don't worry Naruto, it's only temporary. She lost a bet I made with her yesterday. Shizuko's my girlfriend until we go back to the village. So in a way I'm kinda saving her from other guys for you." Kiba explained with a wink, but I still felt upset.
"Wait a minute, how did you know that I like Shizuko?" I questioned, embarrassment sweeping over my face. "There's no denying it Naruto, it's written all over your face. You don't look at the other girls the way you look at Shizuko." Kiba smirked, crossing his arms. "Oh, I never thought about it that way." I mumbled, staring at the ground. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of her for you until the end of this mission. You have until then to figure out your feelings for her." Kiba promised. "Okay fine. You're not going to kiss her or anything are you?" I asked scared, then realizing the words that came out of my mouth. "Hahaha, as tempting as that sounds, no. That's up to her, not me." Kiba chuckled. "Hahaha, yeah, right." I laughed nervously. Kiba and I walked back over to Shizuko and then sat down on the couch.
Shizuko's POV
"What's up with you two?" I asked as Kiba wrapped his arm around my shoulder again then pulling me against his chest. Naruto frowned and Kiba shrugged. "Nothing's wrong, right Naruto?" Kiba smiled. "Yeah, it's fine." Naruto answered, faking a smile. "Okay, whatever you say. Anyways here's my plan. I'm supposed to hang out with Neji tonight and I want you guys to come and join me." I explain. "So, what's the catch?" Naruto raised an eyebrow. "No catch, just play along with whatever I say." I answer simply. "So let me get this straight. If you tell us to do something we should do it without thinking? Naruto asked, still confused. "Exactly. That way nothing looks planned out." I smiled at my two boys. The boys nodded their heads in agreement.
I pull away from my temporary boyfriend and towel dried my hair. "Kiba, can you be a dear and take this towel back to the bathroom please?" I asked, taking advantage of being his 'girlfriend'. "Sure sweetie." Kiba smiled with a knowing glare. I smirked as he took the towel from me. He got up from his seat and walked to the stairs, then climbed them until he was out of sight. I turned towards Naruto smiling innocently. "Naruto, I'll see you later." I said as I began to get off my seat. "Oh, okay." He smiled warmly. I walked to the staircase and climbed the short steps and went towards Neji's room. It seems like he's starting to like me more than I like him. I want to make it known to him that I only love him as a brotherly figure and not as a girlfriend.
Once at his door, I casually knocked a decent three times. I took a step back as the sound of footsteps reached my ears. They stopped and the door creaked open, revealing Neji's smiling face. "Hey Shizuko." Neji smiled as he opened the door further allowing me to come inside. I strolled near the bed and sat down at the edge. I watched as Neji came closer to me, smirking. He always was a cunning guy. He started to lean over my body. "Beautiful as always." He cooed, leaning in closer. I blushed at his words and turned my face away from his so our lips wouldn't touch.
Instead of kissing my mouth, he kissed my neck. Oh how strange, yet wonderful that felt. Now I was doomed. "Um Neji, can I tell you something?" I asked, eyes still closed. "Sure, what it is?" Neji asked, lifting his head to face me. "It's just that, I don't love you the way you think I do." I explained with a frown. "What do you mean?" Neji asked with a sullen expression. "I, I only love you as a brother. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression when I kissed you a few days ago. I only meant for it to be a friendly type of kiss." I stuttered, tears watering in my eyes. I'm afraid of what he'll say next. "Don't cry Shizuko. I understand and I know how you feel." A solemn smile appeared on his face as he said this.
He took his hand and wiped away the unfallen tears from my now glistening eyes. "Thank you." I lightly whispered. He nodded his head then began to speak again. "You still want to spend time with me in the hot tub?" Neji asked with a warm smile. "Sure, but Naruto and Kiba wanna come too if that's alright with you." I smile innocently, not telling him it's part of a plan I'm working on. "It's fine." Neji answered with a nod. "Well, you better go on and get ready and I'll see you down there." I told him. "Alright, see you soon." Neji answered, releasing me. I walked out of Neji's room and headed back downstairs.
I stood on the edge of the steps and saw Kiba and Naruto still sitting on the couch like they never left. I sighed and rolled my eyes with a smile. "Hey, you two, you guys better get ready. We're about to head out there." I reminded them. "Alright." They said in unison. "Kiba?" I called. "Yeah?" Kiba answered, getting up and walking towards me. Maybe I'll mess with Naruto for a moment. "Beso?" I ask in a slight girly voice, barely puckering my lips. Kiba cocked his head to the side for a moment before realizing what I said. Naruto on the other hand was dumbfounded and clueless. Kiba gave a small grin and walked over.
I wrapped my arms loosely around his waist. I air kissed his cheek making it look like I was really kissing him and Kiba did the same. I pull away and glance over at Naruto, who has seemed to mentally pass out. Seeing as he was twitching and freaking out. I giggled softly to myself. He's so cute like that. Looks like he actually believed that Kiba and I were kissing. I turn back to Kiba and give him a concerned look. "What's gotten into him?" I asked, lost and confused. "Eh nothing, he'll be alright." Kiba snickered. I sigh, shaking my head. I then turned on my heels to go to my portion of the room I shared with Kiba.
Kiba's POV
I sigh to myself as I watch Shizuko walk back up the steps. As she disappears from my sight, I turn around to check on Naruto. I shake him a little and then slap him on the side of his face. I sit down next to him, shaking my head.
He comes to after a couple of seconds. "W-Wha?" Naruto mumbled, now looking at me. "Naruto, do you really think that Shizuko and I kissed?" I question, knowing that's what made him mentally freak. "So, wait a minute, you two didn't really k-kiss?!" Naruto asked, shocked. "Well of course not you idiot." I snickered before continuing. "I told you I wouldn't kiss her unless she wanted me to. It was only an air kiss which is basically more like a greeting than anything. We didn't really kiss, it just appeared like we did." I explained, hoping he could comprehend it all.
Naruto looked at me, his facial expression changing to a more relaxed look. "Kissing the air huh?" He paused. "I wish I could actually kiss her, but I can't with you guys bet in the way." Naruto cringed, mumbling the last part. "Look Naruto, I don't see why you couldn't kiss her while this bet is in play as long as she wants to kiss you back. Besides, no one really knows about us. We kept it secret to keep people from speculating nonsense when it was over." I answered, placing my hands behind my head leaning back on the couch. "So, if I were to walk up to her right now and ask to kiss her and if she says yes you wouldn't care?" Naruto asked, excitedly. "Yep." I smiled. "Great!" He shouted, having the goofiest grin on his face.
"But there's just one problem." Naruto sighed, his smile slightly fading. "What's that?" I asked, not understanding. "I don't know if she likes me the same way I like her." He frowned, dropping his head. "What are you talking about?" I questioned. "If she likes anyone out of the three of us, it's you. I mean, I know for a fact that she doesn't like me that way. Plus, she doesn't act the same way around Neji as she does around you." I explained more. "Really?" He asked, still unsure. "Yes really. Shizuko's a totally different person around you than she is with us." I simplified. "Oh." Was all he said. For a moment, it was quiet.
I then tell him the next thing he really needs to hear. "Naruto, I wouldn't take her from someone she actually loved." I said. "Sure she loves me, but not more than a friend like she does you." I smiled. "Huh, so this is what it feels like, to be loved by someone that sees you more than just a friend and a comrade" Naruto smiled happily to himself. "Come on Naruto, we better get ready for whatever Shizuko wants us to do." I pat him on the back, bringing myself to get up off the couch. "Right, let's go." Naruto agreed, getting up too.
Shizuko's POV
I lie here on the bed that I'll be sharing with Kiba later on tonight. I start to think about what'll happen in the next few minutes when I walk downstairs. I also wonder about the plan that I've come up with, with the boys. What if they switched places? Would the plan be more efficient? Maybe. I'll just have to take the risk and find out. I only have one shot at this since we'll be leaving tomorrow at dawn. I reluctantly peeled myself from the bed and walked out of the room. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Anna Chan pass by to the bathroom at the end of the hall. I ignored the sudden experience and continued to walk towards the staircase.
Fully dressed in swim attire, I descend to the last few steps and jump off. "Kiba, Naruto!" I call. "Yeah!" The two call back. When they got closer to me, I began to lower my voice. "While I was upstairs, I thought of an idea that might make the plan a little more efficient." I whispered. "Alright, what is it?" Kiba asked in a hushed tone. "Okay, tell me." Naruto said. "Okay, here's what I've got. I think the plan could be better if you two switched places." I explained. "What do you mean switch places?" Naruto questioned. "I think she means that we should disguise ourselves as one another using the shadow clone technique." Kiba simplified for me. "Right." I agreed, seeing Kiba's got the right idea. "Okay, I think I get it now. Using the shadow clone technique, I transform into Kiba and Kiba transforms into me right?" Naruto said with a slightly unsure voice. "Yeap, pretty much the idea." I smiled.
He's something else I tell ya. He's still a quick learner though. But I love him very much. "Alright." Naruto smiled, pumping his fist into the air. "Alright, why don't you two switch before we go out there." I suggest. The boys nod their heads and do as told. The second they switched forms I almost couldn't tell who was who until I remembered which one was standing where. "Naruto." I said, holding out my hand to the Kiba clone. "Wow, she's good." Kiba, who was in Naruto's form, spoke. I snickered, smiling at the both of them. Naruto, who was in the form of Kiba, took my hand and walked out onto the back porch with me. I release his hand and got in the hot tub. Then I motion with my hand for them to get in as well.
Eventually, Neji stepped out in nothing but his swim trunks and hair still tied back. He gave a slight smile and got in. He sat next to me with Kiba on the other side which was actually the real Naruto. But he didn't have to know that right now. For the next ten minutes or so we all talked. In all the chatter we managed to talk about the mission. Like how after this we needed to get ready for bed to be up and ready for tomorrow morning. The talking deceased when the sliding door opened.
Anna Chan walked out. She too was in a swimsuit and stepped in the water, sitting by who she thought was Naruto. Neji wrapped his arm around my back and hugged me. He kept it there for a few additional seconds then pulled away. I looked over to my left. Ha, I caught her watching me. I looked away and turned my attention to 'Kiba'. "Kiba, can I talk to you for a second?" I asked, hoping this plan wouldn't crumble. "Sure, what is it?" Naruto answered, trying his best to pose as Kiba. "I, I w-wanted to know w-what you thought about m-me." I stuttered, slightly making it seem like I really had feelings for Kiba. I mentally sigh a little.
This better work. "Oh um, t-that's e-easy." He stuttered out. "I, I really l-like you. You're sweet, nice, friendly, kind, strong, brave, but most of all, I think you're beautiful." He finished. I was amazed and shocked. That must have taken a lot of courage and strength not to stutter like he normally would. He knows Kiba pretty well, but not enough to know how he reacts around girls he likes. But anyways, that's not what hit me hard in the face. Naruto was actually telling me his true feelings for me, yet he was posing as Kiba for me for a plan for Anna Chan.
I smiled warmly at him and leaned in for a hug. I loosely wrap my arms around his neck and lean my head against his shoulder. I lift my head slightly and pecked his cheek. My cheeks quickly heat up. "So, you like me too?" He asked. "Did that kiss on the cheek answer your question?" I smiled, pink hinting in my cheeks. He nodded and blushed. "Awww, looks like the dog boy likes you too." Anna chimed in the background. "Aw shut it Anna Chan." Naruto/Kiba barked back. "I guess I can have Naruto after all since you wanted the mutt instead." Anna smiled, inching closer to the fake Naruto believing things were on her side. Well, she's definitely mistaken.
Anna draped her arm over 'Naruto's' bare shoulders. She put her lips close to his ear and started whispering things to him. I watched his expressions try to change as he off and on acted like Naruto and himself. He eventually couldn't take it anymore and brushed her off. She looked at him shocked as he trekked through the water. He walked over to Naruto as his self and motioned for him to go into the house with him. Naruto got out and followed him as told. The rest of us stayed there in silence and waited to see if they would return.
They eventually return, but it was close to five minutes later. I don't know what happened inside, but they seem a little different now. I looked over to Kiba and mouthed "Naruto" to him. He half smiled and shook his head. I turn to Naruto who looked confused and shook my head smirking. I place my hands on his shoulders and lean in to kiss his cheek. My lips meet his tender and warm skin. As I'm doing this, I feel his arms snake around my waist pulling me closer to him. I move away and look into his crystal blue orbs. He closes them and leans in to kiss my cheek. I love the feeling of his lips touching my skin. It leaves a calming sensation that fills my body.
Naruto lets go, but keeps an arm wrapped around my body. We look up to see everyone staring. "What happened to confessing your love to the mutt?" Anna screeched. "Do you want to be with him or Naruto?" Anna points her finger to both the boys sitting next to one another. "I do want to be with Naruto." I grinned. "I've been kissing him this whole time." I giggle. My plan actually worked. "Oh really, then explain that whole love confession you had with the mutt almost ten minutes ago." Anna smarted off. "Fine, I will." I stated. "The 'Kiba' I was with was actually Naruto transformed as Kiba using his shadow clone jutsu." I translated for her. "So, I almost kissed that mutt over there?!" She screeched, tugging on her hair. "Yup and he's not a mutt. He has a name you know." I said, laughing. "UGH!" Anna screamed and got out of the water. She grabbed her towel and stomped off inside the house.
I giggled and then kissed Naruto on the side of his head. "You two can go on in if you want." I told them. The two boys nodded their heads and prepared to get out. Kiba was partially near the back door when Naruto looked at me. "Are you coming in Shizuko?" Naruto asked. I wonder if that's his way of wanting me to be with him. I nodded my head. "Yeah, I'll come inside in a few minutes okay." I smiled at him, then sunk my body in the water head tilted back on the frame of the hot tub.
After I heard the clicking of the door latch, I put my attention on Neji. "Hey Neji, how come you didn't question me about that thing a few moments ago?" I asked, just realizing he didn't contribute to the madness that happened moments ago. "Because I knew what had happened with the use of my byakugan." Neji answered simply. "Oh." I didn't know what else to say other than nod my head and smile. "Shizuko, c'mere." Neji motioned me over with his hand. I waded through the water then sat next to him.
He wrapped an arm around my shoulders then pulled me onto his lap. I felt my cheeks heat up. Now what is he up to? "I did say I would make you feel better about that night at my house didn't I?" Neji asked with a small smile. "Mmhm." I smiled. I snake my arms around his neck and hug him. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
Moments later, I feel the water reach up to my neck. I open my eyes to see that Neji was squatting on the bottom floor of the hot tub. I chuckled slightly. Neji would never drown me. At least I hope not.
I sit there on his lap thinking. "What do you look like with your hair down Neji?" I asked, noticing he never takes his hair down. He doesn't say anything, he just smirks at me. I go to undo his hair tie, but he stops me without turning around. He kept his grip on my wrist gentle. I gulp. "H-How'd you do that?" I questioned as he released my hand. "Easy, your arm brushed against my skin as you went to pull my hair." He replied like it was that simple. "Oh." I replied, quickly pulling the tie out of his hair while he's distracted. His hair fluttered out and gently framed his face.
Neji gave a slight smirk and chuckled lightly. "Hey, you let me take it out this time." I pouted, realizing what he did. Yet I was in awe of how his hair looked. "I let you because I really trust you." Neji explained. "Oh." I said as I went to run my fingers through his long dark hair. I smiled and then pinned his nose between my fingers and barely dunked his head in the water. His hair dripped and draped on his shoulders. Neji grinned a big smile, pinching my nose and dunking my head into the water. My hair followed the same lead as his.
I rolled my eyes and sighed. I wrapped my arms around his neck and laid my head on his shoulder. "Ready to go in and get some sleep?" Neji asked. "Uh huh." I mumbled. "Comfortable?" He asked, lowering his voice in my ear. "Yes." I giggled. "Want me to carry you in?" He offered. "Please?" I asked sweetly. Neji laughed and then stood up with me still in his arms stepping out of the tub. In his grasp, I relaxed and held on to him. I felt him stop walking and lean over to grab a towel. As best as he could, he tossed it on my head.
The next thing I knew, we're inside ascending up the stairs. I close my eyes as I feel the bump of each step before reaching the top. I hear the click of my door opening and we trail inside. I sense Kiba standing behind me assisting Neji with helping me back on my feet. I faintly hear Kiba telling me to go and get changed in pj's in the bathroom as I feel him handing me my bag.
I walk out of the room into the bathroom at the edge of the hall. After closing the door, I unzip my bag and dig through for the pj's I want. I pull out a tank top and a pair of pajama bottoms and change into them. I place my swimsuit in the sink to dry and leave out the door back to my room. I drop my bag next to the edge of the bed and crawl under the covers. I feel Kiba's warm body and curl up to it. Kiba lets me stay there and we both fell asleep.
A few hours later, I wake up feeling warm salt water tears flow down my heated red cheeks. I don't even remember what I was dreaming about anymore. I just know that I woke up silently crying on the edge of Kiba's t-shirt. I rubbed my eyes and looked around the room. Nothing out of the ordinary. So far, so good. I slipped out of bed and headed towards the door. There was no way I was gonna be able to fall back asleep.
I crack the door open and peer out. Nothing, just emptiness and darkness except for the little light let in by the moon from the window close to the ceiling. I slowly stepped out and made my way towards Neji's room. I didn't bother knocking on the door since he was probably asleep.
When I came through the door, his back was turned so I couldn't tell if he was awake or not. I got closer and kneeled next to the bed then tapped him on the shoulder. "Neji, are you still awake?" I whispered in his ear. He started to mumble in his sleep. I sigh and crawl in bed with him anyways curling up to his back side.
I lie down next to Neji and start to get comfortable when he turns over to face me. "What's wrong?" Neji asked, staring at me with tired eyes. "I dunno, I think I had a nightmare." I answer, a little scared. "Why didn't you wake Kiba?" He asked, slightly concerned. "I, I just didn't feel comfortable talking to him about this kind of thing. If I went to Kiba or Naruto about it, I wouldn't know what to say." I explained as best as humanly possible. "It's okay, I understand." Neji weakly smiles.
"Thanks Neji." I smiled at him. "You're welcome." He said, then continued with what he was about to say. "Do you want to sleep in here, I can make room for you if you want me to. I forgot you sort of got used to sleeping with me in my room." He offered. "No, it's okay. I'll be fine." I reassure him. "Alright. What about your dream?" He asked, reminding me why I came in here in the first place. "Oh, um... I don't really remember it much now that I'm more awake." I blush. "Tell me what you do remember then." He smiled reassuringly. I take a deep breath and let it out. "All I remember is that you guys were laughing and telling me I was only imagining how you guys really felt about me and, and then Anna was laughing and taunting me. Then I woke up from crying in my sleep." Neji nods. "Don't worry, I promise it was all just a dream and nothing more than a figment of your imagination trying to scare you." I nod and hug him tightly in thanks.
He hugs me back and pets my hair to help comfort me more. I nuzzle him and then kiss his cheek before pulling away. I smile at him, and he smiles back. "Feel better now?" I nod. "Thank you." "Any time. Now you should probably try and go back to sleep. We have to be up in just a few hours." He reminds me. "I know. See you in the morning." He nods and rolls back onto his side. I slip out of his bed and strolled towards the door. I opened it slightly and quietly slipped through.
I silently make my way down the wooden staircase and peeking around the living room. Nothing out of the ordinary. I made my way to the couch and felt my lips tug up at the sight. Naruto was curled up sleeping soundly on the couch in front of me. I decide to take advantage of the gap left in front of me. I lift up the blanket and sit on the edge, then carefully lie down next to him. I take a deep breath and sigh. Much better. I lazily thought to myself as I began to feel sleep knock at the door.
A few hours later, I feel myself falling out of sleep and start to stir. I open my eyes to see that Naruto had conformed his body around me so I no longer had free will to move as I pleased. "Naruto." I cooed. "Hmmmm." Was the response I got. I sighed. Naruto didn't necessarily have a grip on me so I attempted to turn towards him a little bit. Although, it only succeeded to a certain extent. I struggled to keep my balance and managed to kiss Naruto very lightly on the lips. He flinched somewhat and opened those pretty ocean blue eyes. It took him a minute, but he finally came to.
Naruto cocked his head and gave off a wide tooth grin. His huge smile faded and began to relax into a smaller one. "Shizuko, what are you doing down here, I thought you were upstairs?" Naruto asked, breaking the wavering silence. I blushed at his question knowing well why I came down here in the first place when I could have done what Neji said and stayed there with him.
But I didn't, because I wanted to be with him where I would be more comfortable than I would be with Kiba or Neji. Nothing against the two or anything. I mean I love those boys like brothers. They've always been like family to me. Yet, Naruto is more than just a brother to me. In a way he's like my soul mate or something.
When I see him waving his hand in front of me and his mouth forming words, I come back to the land of the living. "Shizuko, hello, anybody in there?" He called out, trying to get my attention. "Um yeah, I'm still here." I blushed a little deeper, realizing I spaced out. "Well, tell me. What are you down here for instead of being upstairs with Kiba?" Naruto questioned for a second time. "Um I uh, I wanted to be with you. I uh, couldn't sleep so I came down here instead." I explained in a slight rush. "Oh, well I'll always be there for you no matter what because that's my nindo, my ninja way." Naruto grinned, then began to add something else to his sweet little speech. "Also, because I love you." He goofily grinned, then kissed my forehead.
"I never really realized it, how much you cared for me, until Kiba pointed it out to me." He blushed, then continued. "I'm really glad he told me. I mean, he could have had you all to himself with this bet you two made, but instead he never kept you from choosing someone else if you wanted. In the end, I could tell that you chose me." Naruto smiled his best and sincere smile. I smiled back, my heart and thoughts feeling overwhelmed with all this newfound information.
I felt the tears welling up inside my eyes and nearing the brink of falling. Even though they were happy tears I still didn't want to cry in front of him. I felt a knot build up in my throat making it to where I couldn't speak. I decided not to speak and just let my actions do the talking for me. I leaned into his chest now that I was fully turned towards him. He got the message and hugged me back.
I lifted up my head a little and looked at him. It's funny, but he was already staring. I leaned in and really kissed him for the first time. This kiss was different from the other ones that I had given to my friends. Theirs was just friendly little pecks, nothing major or intimate. But the kiss I was sharing with Naruto was something else. It made me want him more. To kiss him more than just on his lips.
As I was kissing him, I started to hear noises in the background. Noises that weren't coming from mine and his lips. I pulled away from him and looked over the couch as best as I could from the position I'm in. Go figure. Of course they would be standing there. I blush and close my eyes for a few seconds before reopening them.
The cheers still continued even though they were embarrassing me like crazy. The majority of them were coming from Kiba, but Neji was still right behind him pulling up the rear. "Finally, I thought you two would never say anything ya big chickens." Kiba chuckled, then ruffled my hair a little. "Congratulations you." Neji smiled and kissed the top of my head. "What's going on down there?!" A familiar voice shouted from atop the stairs. Oh boy, not her loud mouth again. "Nothing Anna-Chan" I smirked. "Well keep it down then, I'm trying to sleep here." Anna complained, then left back to her room.
I motioned Neji to come over and said, "Too bad for her. It's too late to go back to sleep since we're about to leave." I giggled. "Hmm, true." Was his reply. I turn back to my love Naruto and kiss him once more. I then mouth the words "love you" before getting up from the couch. Everyone rushed to get ready to leave so we could get rid of the spoiled princess.
It took close to ten minutes, but Neji managed to get her down the stairs and ready to head out the door. Since the moment with Naruto, he's been near me ever since. It's like he's surgically attached himself to my hip or something. Because every time I turn around, he's there. Not that I'm complaining about it or anything, just saying.
After hours of walking through trees and road paths, twilight started to fall. But at the same time, we safely returned the girl to her country. The people of her country thanked us and now we're happily walking home. I felt Naruto's hand brush up against mine and then take hold of it. I smiled and squeezed his hand slightly to let him know it was alright to hold it. I heard him snickering and I just smirked and kept on following Kiba and Neji who were leading the way home. Everything turned out just perfect.
In the aftermath, I started living with my brother Sasuke in my real home. Naruto and I were officially a couple. Kiba and Neji took care of me and loved me like a younger sibling. Sasuke teased me about Naruto all the time and would say it's a love he'll never understand. And as the years went by we eventually learned the truth about our brother Itachi. He loved us very deeply and did what he had to do to save the village. Even then Naruto was still by my side. We eventually got our own home together and got married. Still to this day Sasuke teases us and reminds me it's a love he'll never understand.
