REVIEWS
kawaiihina: Hidan is really spooky and has his eyes on a cinnamon bun that's not his own :(
BornOnTheBreakOfDawn: there is a lot going on in this chapter so I'm gonna let you read ha ha but the character development makes this pretty interesting too especially now hinata isn't holding her tongue as much
littletierra101: I'm shooketh
Aut: glad to have you back :D sorry I was gone for so long but in gearing in and ready to finish this story by the end of this year :)!
c18 Guest Lame: :0
Cosmic-Sky: Yes they were definitely wishing they were with each other. Especially since they haven't been together for nearly a whole month. Poor babies lol. Also super happy you caught the opposite lifestyle they had from each party. It was fun writing their polar opposite yet al they want is to be with each other.
Haha I know I actually love hidan and kakuzu because they were just so fascinating to see in action. One obsessed with money with the other obsessed with religion. I found it would fit perfectly for their characters in the story.
You might love this family gathering and yes neji's stick needs to be surgically removed. I don't want to spoil what happens but I can wait for you to see what I have in store hehe :)!
Chapter 19
"Wonderful news wouldn't you say?"
Hinata blinked as she looked at her father. Wonderful? There they go again. They were well aware she didn't want to be a doctor nor move. Do they do this on purpose? Do they just sprout positive words and attach them to things she hates? Is this some sort of sick psychology trick? Yet she had to give Neji credit for giving her a heads up. It was easier to disguise her complete distaste.
Hinata smiled softly nodding her head, "Yes it is father… I appreciate this generous gift."
Her father's lips raised but a smudge, pleased with her reaction. Hanabi kept her eyes at a near downcast, sipping her tea with as much control as possible. Where was the loophole Hanabi? How disappointing.
Hinata felt her phone buzz with a text, she clutched it tightly, "I will agree to do the program father but all I ask is that I can find a replacement for my classes."
Her father scrunched his nose ever so slightly, "You have no obligations to that school. With your fallbacks, time is of the essence."
"Father, I refuse to leave the students-"
"It's already in the middle of the semester father." Hanabi butt in, placing her tea on the table. "It would be best for her to wait till the next one occurs in spring, if she does not get the most optimal education then the program will be a waste."
Hinata closed her lips as she looked toward her father. The table was silent as he contemplated this information. So that was it- Hanabi was trying to buy her time so she could graduate first, her father must have pushed that aside and demanded she would go immediately.
He father sighed,"Very well. You have till spring to find a replacement."
Hinata gave him a thankful nod. Good ole Hanabi to the rescue. The table had soon drawn to silence.
Without looking at Neji, her father spoke with his eyes upon his drink, "What have you son?"
Neji adjusted himself, straightening his kimono. He had been uncharacteristically quiet, and though that should please Hinata it made her nervous. Neji didn't have anything to place on the table. Which surprised her. He would always gloat about something. Anything. The gears in Hinata's mind were turning as the auction started. With Neji's underwhelming show and tell she realized he had probably spoken with Hidan and wanted some of his power to go forth with the family.
It would have been a great achievement if he'd told father the news of their families joining with the use of his useless daughter. He probably already talked to Hidan about it, too afraid to tell him the truth, further ruining his plans. This situation had dug his ego into the dirt. It almost made her laugh, did he not suspect for her to say no? Did he put all his chips into one bag? Has she truly been this dormant with her family? She didn't know who should be pitied, her or him?
How disgusting. Her stomach twisted in knots, it made her sick. Her siblings used her for their sick gains. She hated the clan that created them to be this way. Digging unhealthy competition and greed into their very bones.
The night went on as item after item was placed on the stage. Neji barely talked and her father didn't berate her on anything. Hanabi said little words here and there but without the added addition of Neji and Hinata (as if she ever talks anyway), it felt very one-sided so she too spoke less. It was quiet for the most part, damn near peaceful. Hinata texted her fox about it.
Juicy Bunny: Neji has yet to recover. Your wicked ways have truly broken him
Sexy fox: Good He deserves to be knocked off his donkey
Juicy Bunny: How is the party going?
Sexy Fox: boring still haven't found a gift I'm about to go pick up a rock outside
Juicy Bunny: you could sharpie a smiley face on it and a cute little bow
Sexy Fox: genius
Applauds sounded as she was drawn back to the auction. The last object of the night was placed on the stage. It was a huge canvas covered with a black curtain.
"I present to you the latest painting from Pain!" The announcer pulled off the curtain revealing the masterpiece. The crowd was taken by surprise with a chorus of praise singing into the air. It was the very one Naruto had described. Hinata's eyes were met with her brother's, as they both clapped in an almost comical manner.
Her father breathed a sigh of appreciation, "Outstanding. This would have to be one of his best works."
Hinata inwardly rolled her eyes, they say that like all the time. They just want to feel empowered when they win the painting.
"Absolutely." Hanabi was quick-but not too quick- to raise her number. The auction was going all around the room but never once did Neji raise his number.
'Don't do it don't do it don't do it don't do it…' Hinata chanted in her head tapping her phone lightly. Biting her tongue. 'To hell with it.' "Neji? Are you not going to bid? This is a marvelous piece." Hinata felt her lips twitch, observing his shiny armor cracking. His lips parted but he took too long to speak, her father talking for him.
"He's biding his time. You do not wish to rush into the battlefield too quickly. Let the others whittle first." Her father spoke with pride but he was none the wiser about the situation. Hinata wanted to burst out laughing as Neji nodded in agreement as if that were truly his plan all along.
Hanabi's features flashed with embarrassment but it was too quick for anyone to notice. Except for Hinata.
In the end. Neji had chosen to bet but conceded to Hanabi. She smiled in victory.
"Better luck next time Neji." Hinata spoke softly as she applauded Hanabi for her win, "You could always visit Hanabi to see it."
Hanabi giggled softly finding this jab to be rather amusing. "Yes indeed brother, you are always welcomed to my home."
"I have enough as it is. I do have to show a little mercy for my own flesh and blood." Neji snapped.
Hiashi set his cup down with a bit too much force, he looked upon Neji with displeasure on his tongue, "Do not behave as a child. I've taught you better."
Neji bowed his head apologetically, "I'm sorry father."
Hinata chuckled on the inside. This had to be the best family dinner. She was silently thanking her blonde.
The party was huge. There were so many people there Naruto wouldn't be surprised if Ino didn't even know half of them. It was a mix of high school(mostly seniors) and college students. Half of the time he played beer pong with Sasuke as his partner. They were an unstoppable pair when they worked together.
"Naruto-Sasuke! Shaaaaaht!" Sakura called tipsily hanging out the kitchen.
"Aight~ one from the back!" Naruto turned tossing the ball behind his back in which it bounced into the cup, the girls they were versing groaned as they picked up their drinks.
"Nice." Sasuke complimented him as they made their way to the kitchen.
"Don't hurt yourself by being too nice buddy, you may pop a blood vessel or cause a meteor to hit us." Naruto chuckled throwing his arm around Sasuke's shoulder as the boy rolled his eyes.
"Asshole."
Getting into the kitchen they gathered around to take another shot in Ino's honor. The glasses clinked as he downed his fifth shot that night. Fifth? Sixth? Who's counting.
Choji stuck out his tongue as he shook his head, "Gross. Now I remember why I don't drink. Smoking is so much better."
Suigetsu snorted, "Speaking of smoking, where is our pineapple boy?" Everyone glanced around the crowd not seeing a hint of him.
Ino groaned pulling her phone out of her pocket," He better not miss my birthday, I will personally rip his balls off." She dialed his number placing the phone on her cheek as she tapped her foot. Naruto's sweat dropped wondering what wrath she might have released if he didn't show up.
"Oh my god…" Sakura whispered as she nibbled on her red solo cup.
"What?" Ino questioned as they all looked in the direction she was gazing in.
"Is that Tayuya? What the hell is she doing here?" Ino forgot all about calling Shikamaru.
"I know right have you ever seen her at a party?" Sakura raised a brow as Ino shook her head.
Naruto only furrowed his brows, the guys exchanging looks. "Why does it matter? She may just want to have some fun."
"You do realize her and her crew hates both of us right? So why would she come here for Ino's birthday? Of allll parties? Isn't that weird?" Sakura looked at them incredulously as if this was the simplest math problem.
"She's kind of cute… does she have a bitchy personality?" Suigetsu smirked.
Ino rolled her eyes, "You just really can't contain yourself, huh, new flash sharky she likes Naruto."
Naruto's eyes widen in fake shock, "What? No, she doesn't."
"Boys. When will they learn." Sakura chuckled.
"Wait… Is that Karin…? Oh, shit gotta go." Suigetsu grabbed a cup and mingled his way into the crowd.
"Ugh, I swear is everyone I hate here?" Ino sighed.
"I promise I didn't invite them." Sakura clicked her tongue as they glared into the sea of people.
Naruto felt awkward as he stepped back from them. He never understood girls' catty drama. Looking to his left he realized the other guys had already snuck away, Choji rolling over the counter for his ninja escape. Damn assholes.
~
The night went on and Naruto found himself playing more beer games, trying to pass the time. He just couldn't wait until tomorrow, he felt Hinata would finally let him sneak to her house or meet her somewhere now that Neji will back off. He had to pat himself on the back, it was quite the plan he came up with. Man, he really can do anything when his heart is into it. At least that's what Konan says.
"Hey, Naruto…" Ino tapped him on the shoulder as he turned to look at her. His worries about her gift were out the window because Sasuke had took one for the team. He knew the price will be hefty.
"What's up birthday girl?" Naruto grinned sheepishly.
"Can I talk to you for a sec…?" Ino's eyes were looking behind him, he turned his head to look over his shoulder to see what she was looking at but he couldn't pinpoint exactly what it could be.
"Sure." He finally said as he followed her through the crowd. She took him upstairs to Sakura's room and closed the door after he walked in.
He's been here plenty of times during drunken sleepovers so it was not uncomfortable. Yet it was the girl with him that made his baby hairs stand up. Something just felt off. Ino leaned against the door with her head down, her cheeks marked red by the alcohol. Her behavior was making him sweat. After what Hinata had said he was trying to not make things weird between the two. He saw her as a sister and hoped she understood that relationship.
"Is it Tayuya?" She finally asked as she looked at him. "I mean she's been following you around all night like a lost puppy. And she never goes to parties let alone mine so that would explain why she's here all of a sudden…" Oh... So that was probably who she was looking at. He was dumbfounded, how did she link his hime to Tayuya?
"I know we never got along but I can get along with her Naruto I can if you let me, especially if she is important to you."
Naruto sighed, he didn't want this to turn into an interrogation room. "Ino. Can we not do this."
Her orbs blinked with a hurtful gloss. "I just… You… you have become very distant from me Naruto. You no longer come over, we barely hang out anymore… I mean… I know you are in a new relationship but you have never behaved… like this. So why? What makes this girl…so... important? We used to do things together all the time..."
Naruto hung his head, taking a deep breath. He used to just spend time with Ino before his relationship, but never in a romantic way. Even when he dated other girls he'd still hang out with her. Now. All he wanted was to be with Hinata, he didn't really care about spending time with any other girl unless it was in a group setting. He never understood why, but maybe in some way, he wanted to be respectful to his possessive little bunny. Hell, he's no different, even if she did see Gaara as a brother he still wouldn't want her going to the movies with him as 'friends'. He's been delighted that their tutoring sessions have ceased. That was already a step too far.
The room was dead silent, the moment too heavy for him. Where did he even begin? How does he explain his actions without being insensitive, she was his friend still. One he grew up with. "Ino…" he began slowly, "I'm sorry…" He licked the inside of his cheek, she looked rather displeased by his answer. Crossing her arms as she huffs, blinking away fresh tears. That was all he had for her! What the fuck else was he supposed to say! He's sorry Hinata is more important?
"So then what? After this woman breaks your heart then we can be friends again? Can I not be friends with you? Am I just here when you need company and then when you have it I'm tossed to the side?"
Naruto frowned deeply, Hinata how dare you to put this into the universe. His relationship with Ino was just fine before she said something. Curse his bunny. "Ino… you are my friend and will forever be. That much has not changed, but as far as my attention goes it's on my girlfriend right now. It's a new relationship and I want to respect her boundaries." He didn't need to ask Hinata if it was okay to go to Ino's house, he knew she wouldn't be okay with that. It was an unspoken agreement that he felt with her.
"Are you kidding? That hasn't stopped you when you were dating before. What's the difference Naruto? What makes it different now? You just met this woman and already she's changing you!"
Naruto bit his tongue, he absolutely hated this situation. Ino was always the one he could talk to with ease. He'd even go as far as to say he had the best relationship with her than all other females before Hinata. He never knew how terrible this day would be. When someone holds more value than her in his life. As if no relationship should get in between what special connection they have. Yet she was wrong.
"I'm not different Ino. I'm still the same me. Just… a stupid in love me." Naruto tried to chuckle but there was no humor in her eyes.
She looked away from him, finding something on Sakura's dresser to be more significant than this conversation. "Did you… did you get me a gift… I received one from everyone but you. I mean Sasuke said his gift was from both of you but I know that's not true… you forgot...didn't you..." Tears rolled over her cheeks and she allowed them to spill untouched.
Naruto felt like shit. Don't get him wrong. He didn't feel like shit because he forgot her present, he felt like shit because he would probably choose Hinata over her if he went back in time. To be frank he actually didn't care, he was ready to go to her family dinner with no questions asked. He would have preferred it. He wanted to be with her more than anything. Yet at the price of his friendship with Ino… he felt bad that it didn't matter as much. That it hurt her this much... Yet he felt no guilt. Guilty of not feeling guilty. Guilty for the lack of guilt. How ever you want to word it.
Fuck he was a terrible friend. An asshole lower than all assholes. Maybe he should be honest with her. Tell her the truth- leaving out the fact that Hinata was way more important. "I did… I'm a terrible fucking friend Ino." He sighed," I have never felt this way about anyone. And I hope I can make it up to you but… I really really love this woman and I don't want this to be a problem between us-"
"Then why is it! I've been with you for years, I've seen the good the bad and the ugly! So why! Why does she have so much power over you! She doesn't know you how I know you! Do you think shed still love you if she knew what kind of man you really are?!"
Naruto paled, gritting his teeth tightly. He didn't appreciate this... One bit. He was actually starting to get pissed off. "What kind of man is that huh? Why don't you enlighten me?"
"You know what I'm talking about Naruto... I know how sick you are. You have just learned to hide it better..."
"Let me tell you this. You don't know a damn thing about me..."
"But I do... I know you aren't perfect... I know you have some darkness in your heart...everyone does... But I'm not afraid of you. I never have been. I have always seen-"
"Stop." he knew where this was going. He felt it in her words and the look in her eyes. He will not let her continue down this path.
"Naruto please... I... I don't want us to be like this... I had always thought." she began to cry now, sniffling a bit. Nose cherry red. "I had always... Always imagined it be Sakura, Sasuke and you and I. It be just the four of us. Living our happy lives together."
Naruto shook his head unable to look at her. "I'm sorry to disappoint. But that... That would never happen."
Ino's eyes widen in horror, he didn't want his tone to be harsh but he needed Ino to understand his heart will always belong to Hinata.
"Am- am I that repulsive?" her voice cracked.
"No. It's not you Ino. You... You are very beautiful and kind and I love having you as a best friend, even as my sister. But I cannot see you in a relationship, romantically."
"Than Tayuya-"
"Nor Tayuya. I will never seen another woman romantically and I swear to you this woman I'm seeing is the only woman I want to be with. And I hope some day you can be at our wedding supporting us."
Ino began to laugh with crushing sorrow, "Seriously? Seriously Naruto?" Ino scoffed at him as if he were stupid. "Are you that lovesick? You just met this woman, how are you so... So infatuated by her? How are you so clear about her yet you say it's not serious! This sounds pretty fucking serious! What has this woman done for you? Has she been there for you like I have! What do I have to do to show you I can be that woman in your life!" Ino moved toward him, she was swift as he stepped back in surprise but she took hold of his arms. His legs hit the bed as he stumbled with her falling on top of him.
What shocked him next were the soft lips upon his own.
Author note: *me~hiding after leaving you with this cliffhanger* I know I'm an asshole ill be sure to post the next chapter asap lol
