Monday, September 2nd, 2013. Happy Labor Day! (American Holiday)
Sorry I didn't update yesterday. I was being stupid and procrastinating.
I'm going to eat at a family friends place for Labor Day today. That guy knows how to use a grill. And cook meat. *licks lips*
Fun Fact: I take a lot of pride in my height. My mom's side of the family I think is average, but my dad's is pretty tall. (That gene skipped my half-bro, though - he's twice my age but I'm pretty sure I'm taller than he is). The fact that I've barely grown in the past 2 years scares me and makes me feel bad. Especially since I'm basically average compared to the people I know. How sad of me, right?
Dedication: TehNicksterBoi, sora girlfriend, Jasmine-.-Momo-chan, White Tiger of Onyx Star, and xxxLizzie-chanxxx.
AotW: Badmitton, maybe? It's almost the only sport I'm nearly decent at. I don't really have a favorite.
Disclaimer: IDNOT. Obviously.
A whole portion of this chapter, like half of it, is credited to White Tiger of Onyx Star because it was her idea. The part in Tenten's POV. You'll see when you get there.
Uh...
What else?
Oh, right! I decided a sort of mix of Mean Parents and Nice Parents, on the nicer side. Thanks for your votes! Most everyone said Nice, but a few said mean and I was suggested a mix. So here it is!
Enjoy!
PS: Kinda not proud in my writing for this chapter, especially in the first part. I'm more proud of the 2nd part, though - I like that one best.
Chapter Length: about 3k.
With A/Ns: about 4.4k.
PS:
You may have had alerts of ReWind updating twice, but that's because I deleted the chapter and changed it. I forgot some romantic development from earlier in the story and stopped myself from regressing it like I tend to do when I forget. Sorry! You'll see what I mean by "romantic development" later in the story.
Chapter 19: Permission Slip-Things and Fights
Sakura POV
"… and that's the story. So get it signed by your guardian(s) –I could tell if it's forged, so don't bother—and then bring it back to me tomorrow. The Chunin Exams are in two days, prepare." Kakashi-sensei explained to us before disappearing into a cloud of smoke.
Shit.
It's been around 3 weeks since Sasuke's birthday, and we've been training harder and harder for the upcoming Chunin Exams.
Every other day, I'd teach Sasuke a little something in medical ninjutsu.
It seems he can use it, but we both doubt he can use it on a normal medic nin's level regularly even if he trained for years – he can only do smaller, more minor things.
By now, he can almost completely heal small scratches, and maybe a small stab wound. Stab wounds are more difficult, though, because of their depth.
He can cut grass blades quite cleanly too, though, which is an exercise all med-nin learn in the beginning.
But as far as First Aid goes, he's set. I made sure to teach Naruto and Sai some basic First Aid, too. I practiced with Naruto more than Sai because Sai already knew. From ROOT and all.
Speaking of Sai, he hasn't worn his uniform since he got back either – he's normally wearing that purple outfit of his (1) some days, or has some other shirt under it so he can stay in that because of the heat.
Anyways, back to my problem:
I haven't spoken to my parents much since I moved out. You'll see why soon enough.
So how am I going to get my parents to sign this damn thing? Will they?, I thought, frowning at the paper giving to me by my sensei.
"Something wrong, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked.
I pulled out of my thoughts, and shook my head. "Huh? Oh, no. It's nothing."
"You sure?" Sasuke asked. I blushed at his concern, unable to stop myself. Even after all these weeks of him being nicer to me, a friend to me, I'm still not used to it!
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks, guys." I smiled at my teammates, hoping they'd take the lie.
"My book says at times like these, the speaker is likely lying, and I think you are." I winced at Sai's statement.
Really, Sai-kun? Really?
"Guys, I swear, I'm fine." I sighed and bent down to collect some of my kunai that were left around from training prior to Kakashi's announcement.
"I'm gonna go home. See you tomorrow, boys." I said, leaving, not looking back.
At Sakura's Parent's House
"Hey, Mom, Dad." I said, using my old key to get in after knocking.
From their "who is it?" response, I knew they were both in the house.
I entered the dining room to see them eating what seemed like lunch at the breakfast table.
It has been a while since I was last here. I had visited occasionally since I moved out, but not much.
"Um, the Chunin Exams are coming up and I need your guys' signatures." I stepped, almost shyly, toward them and placed the slip on the table.
"Hmph. Chunin? I can't believe it." My father's tone was unbelieving and doubtful.
"Are you sure you're ready for this, Sakura?" My mother asked, speaking to me as if I was a young child.
This is what I dreaded about coming here – ever since I was a kid, in this timeline at least, my parents had almost always doubted me. The only thing they didn't doubt me in, or only minimally did, was my intelligence, proven by all of my Academy teachers. Especially Iruka.
But even then they didn't really believe I was all that smart.
Which, compared to Shikamaru isn't all that – but he's Shikamaru and his intelligence is not at all normal and completely unfair to be compared to.
And I'm totally jealous of it.
So effing jealous.
Sure, throwing away my dignity to become a shameless fangirl and throw away my best friend in the process certainly didn't help stop my parents' doubt, but for the life of me, I couldn't understand why they couldn't have a little faith in me for once.
In their eyes, I'm a weak little girl.
I mean, they care and all that, but I they doubt me much more. At least, that's the impression I get.
It seems the more time passes, the worst it gets.
Sometimes to the point I wonder if they really love me or not... I know that's too harsh to think, but I can't help it! I'm pretty insecure, I'll admit... and doubtful sometimes...
It makes me grateful that my parents in my other timeline weren't like that, and I miss them. But I still love these guys, too. I kind of couldn't even if I tried.
"I've been getting stronger, Mom."
"Strong enough for the Chunin Exams?" My father asked incredulously.
"Yes, Dad."
They rolled their eyes.
"Whatever, Hun. I'll sign it." My mother said.
"I will, too."
I sighed in relief. "Thanks."
"Now. Who's got a pen?" My father asked. "And don't come crying to me when fail or get hurt or something, because I told you so."
I sighed and rolled my eyes.
There's that obstacle down, now all that's left is the bear we call the Chunin Exams.
Tenten POV
"Tenten!" Neji said.
"Shut up!" I was pissed at him.
"You've known for years this was the way things were, so why do you have such a problem now?" He was obviously frustrated and angry, waving his hands the way he did when he spoke while mad.
"Because I had hoped that you had come to your senses!" I practically hissed in his face.
We were still in the clearing where we trained earlier today, arguing.
"Tenten, Hinata-sama is weak, useless, and it's all her faul-" He spit out Hinata's name and the "-sama" with obvious distaste, but I interrupted him before he could continue.
"Blaming her for all your problems isn't going to solve anything, Neji-kun! It's childish, it's ridiculous, it's-"
"How would you understand, huh? My hatred for her? How would you understand anything!"
Oh no, he did not just pull the "You Can't Understand" Card on me!
"Because I know you!" I yelled in his face.
We'd been arguing for what could have been a couple hours, about his resentment toward Hinata and the rest of the Main Branch. Lee had been part of it, too, on my side, as well as Gai-sensei. But after some time, the two couldn't stand the "negative energy [between Neji and I] and Neji's unyouthful behavior" and had to leave. They also had something to do anyway.
This wasn't the first argument we'd had about this, but this was definitely the longest and the worst.
We've even gotten physical today – punching, kicking, even pulling on hair. But that was just between Neji and I.
Gai would never lay a hand on us like that unless it was to slap sense into Neji, which he hasn't quite done yet. And when Neji gets physical with Lee, he beats the shit out of Lee, and it's usually during his "Time to Prove Your Worthlessness" in training sessions, so that doesn't really count. And it's extremely rare that their arguments ever get to that point.
Neji and I... we've had physical arguments before, but they're nothing compared to this.
The fight began after our regular early-afternoon training session when Gai had told us about entering the Chunin Exams, and the "Rookie 9" –also known as the Academy graduates from the year after us, Naruto's year- that would be entering to when Neji had made a rude comment about Hinata participating.
I don't know if we were all just real pissy today and itching for a fight or something, but for whatever reason, the argument escalated to this bitter argument.
You all know the story about Neji's dad and his resentment and all that, so I don't need to explain it.
"I had thought you had matured a bit and opened your eyes, but I guess not!" I continued.
"If it wasn't for her, my father would be here right now and you know it! I wouldn't have been cursed if it wasn't for their selfish reasons! I-"
"Stop blaming your problems on other people!" I took a breath. "Yeah, it's terrible of the Hyuugas to do that to their own family and look down on half of them for just being in the Side Branch, but it's in no way Hinata's fault that your father isn't here now!"
"His own twin brother let him die so he can save his own ass!"
"And yet you still blame Hinata at the same time for it in addition to Hiashi? What could a, like, 5-year-old have done then, huh? What, so it was her own fault for being fucking born?! Hanabi, too?" I snarled.
We were up in each other's faces, panting and yelling at each other.
"Exactly." He snarled, right in my face.
That is IT!
"Ugh!" I slapped Neji with left hand, hard, making him sway to try and keep his balance.
But then, with my right hand, I punched him even harder, sending him to the ground on his back.
"That's it! I'm not going to deal with this anymore!" I stomped over to Neji who was getting up and and sat down on his stomach, keeping him from getting back up. I made sure his arms were trapped. He grunted, and I leaned in closely to his face.
I grabbed his hair and pulled on it, pissed beyond belief, pulling his head toward mine. I tilted his chin toward me harshly with my other hand. "I don't want to see your fucking face until you get a fucking grip and open those damn eyes you're so fucking proud of! You damned prick!"
Then, I let go of him and pulled my hair loose from the clips and bands that were barely keeping it together from our fight, getting up from Neji's stomach.
I turned and angrily stomped away when he grabbed my wrist painfully and jerked me backwards toward him. "Who the hell do you think you are, Tenten? Huh? Who?"
I looked levelly, though still totally pissed off, into his own angry, cloudy, lilac orbs. "Someone who's sick of their friend's behavior and wants them to change."
His eyes softened and so did the grip on my wrist, but my resolve didn't sway. I did simmer down a bit, though. "Tenten, I-"
"No. I don't want to talk to you until you realize you're wrong." I spoke more calmly, but with just as much finality as before.
"Ten…"
I turned away from him.
I felt Neji calm down, though still angry, and leaned closer to me.
"C'mon, Ten…" I was very surprised to find his arms wrapping around my waist and his chin resting on my shoulder, but tried not to show it. "You know this is the way I am. The way Fate deemed it." How'd he calm down so fast?
I got angrier again, shrugging him off and unwrapping his arms from around me. "I know you're better than this, Neji-k-… Neji. And until I see that part of you again, I don't even want to the rest right now. So leave me alone."
I gathered my ninja tools, scattered from when I threw them at him in anger. "You'll have to find yourself a new training partner. I'm going to spend my time at the smithy instead."
I walked away and didn't look back.
He didn't call after me. Nor run after me.
He just stayed where he was, judging by his chakra signature.
And for some reason, though it was expected, him not coming after me or saying anything hurt much me more than it should have. Adding to the pain of our fight and the resolution that I created.
When I got home, I called Gai-sensei and Lee and told them what had happened and they agreed to avoid him as well, but not nearly as much as me. They're even willing to train with him. But outside of that is unlikely.
I called Hinata to tell her what had transpired as well, and she was saddened to hear it. I told her to tell Hanabi as well as Ko, if she wished, about today.
When I finished relaying the events to her, she felt guilty and apologized profusely, asking if I could somehow make up with Neji or decide to do something else but avoid him. But I wouldn't.
I wanted to stay away from him all together – I didn't want to see him now, no matter how much it hurt to be away from him.
He needs to learn not to blame others for his problems and to forgive and forget. Solve problems in his life. Move forward.
As much as -I'll admit- love him, I can't stand for his behavior. And he'll pay for it.
I laid back on my bed.
The Chunin Exams start in a couple days… I wonder when Temari and her brothers will arrive. I could always use the scroll to ask her, or call her, but I don't feel like it.
I rolled over. I'll work with him in the Exams only as much as I have to, for the sake of the team. But no further than that.
I sighed and got up, picking up my phone, an iPhone with a blood-red/maroon Otterbox(2) color scheme with a kunai and some other weapons in a design on my back. Team Anniversary present.
Better call Master(3) and Ryou-kun(4) to let him know I'm going to be working these next couple days for more hours…
I dialed.
Sasuke POV
I walked through the front door the Uchiha Manor.
"Why hello, honey! How've you been?" My mother said the moment she saw me. She hurried over from the couch where she was reading at and gave me a tight hug.
"Well, Mother." I replied, hugging her back. I never will get tired of those hugs of hers…
Though I normally wouldn't admit it, I was incredibly grateful of my parents and cousin.
After almost losing them the night of the-… of the Massacre, and having a taste of what complete loneliness really felt like, I decided to treasure them (silently) as much as I could.
Those few days without knowing if everyone I knew and loved were dead or alive were days I'd never forget. And nightmares I fear I'll never get over.
"What's that in your hand, dear?" My mother's voice snapped me out of my sentimental reverie. Not normally something I do…
"Permission slip thing for the Chunin Exams," I replied, handing the paper over.
"Chunin Exams, huh?" My cousin said, coming down the stairs. "Is it th-that time already?"
I nodded, noting the odd tone and stutter of Shisui's voice. Is something wrong? He almost sounds… anxious. Nervous anxious. Is he anticipating something bad to happen?
It didn't make any sense to me, but I said nothing of it. "Aa."
"Sheesh, still speaking like that? How come you spoke full sentences to Mom?" He asked, pouting.
"Because he knows I hate it. He speaks more to me than others." My mother said from the table in front of the couch that she had moved to, signing the slip.
"There's no way he'll get a decent girl like that." Shisui commented, as the two of us took a seat on either side of our mother.
I glared at him. "That's not at all in my list of priorities right now."
"What about the pink kitten?" He questioned, referring to Sakura. He was grinning cheekily. I'll never understand his habit of calling people kitten.
"She's my friend." I said.
"That's all she'll ever be if you keep that up."
"I don't care about that."
"Now, maybe. In the future… who knows? And besides – it looks to me that she might care. If only a bit."
I continued to glower at him.
However, I made sure to keep my blush down.
Not that I'll ever tell him, but... I think I like Sakura.
I thought I was attracted since the end of Waves, but my birthday made the feelings enhance... so...
So you finally admit you like Sakura.
Shut up.
"I don't know, Shisui-kun. Fugaku was able to get me to not only date, but marry him, being all stoic like that. I think Sasuke can do the same." My mother said, handing my permission slip back after signing and reading it. "Besides – Sasuke shows a bit more emotion than his father, and the stoic types tend to be more affectionate when alone with their loved one. I think he'll be fine."
My face reddened.
"I don't think Sakura minds too much, anyway. Though you most definitely need to speak more, I agree with Shisui on that, but I'm sure she's used to that by now."
She's still wants to see us together?
"Mother!" My face burned.
My cousin laughed. "Sure, sure! We'll see."
"What is all the ruckus for?" My father asked, coming down the stairs and entering the living room.
I collected myself and stood and held out my permission slip as well as a pen toward him.
"So the Chunin Exams are coming up." He commented, glancing over the paper.
"We were just teasing Sasuke, Tou-san." Shisui said, calming his laughs down, answering the older man's earlier question.
"Where's Murasaki?" My father asked my cousin, reading the permission slip over.
"She's got a medical check-up."
My father looked up sharply and gave my cousin a look.
Shisui held up his hands in surrender. "Whoa, whoa, Dad! She isn't pregnant or anything! It's just a regular check-up. Why would you think that?"
I sweat-dropped. Oh. So that's what that look was for. That dumbass.
Father's expression was incredulous. "You think I don't know about you two fooling around?"
"Oh… right…" He laughed sheepishly. "But don't worry! She won't be pregnant before we get married! At least, we'll try not to…"
"Oh?" My father said, an eyebrow raised. "And how do you plan on doing that? I highly doubt you're just going to stop and wait until you both are married."
Shisui scoffed. "I couldn't do that even if I wanted to and tried." He sighed. "But I do wear protection and she uses the pill. But even if she gets pregnant before we're married… I'll take responsibility."
He looked seriously at my father, and I had to commend him for his seriousness.
Shisui usually is a pretty laid-back, casual guy, and I didn't see him this serious often. I wonder if he'll propose soon…
"Let the two take care of themselves, Honey. They're responsible adults. Well, Shisui is debatable, but I think we can rely on Mura-chan! Besides – you were pretty antsy until we got married. You were obviously trying to be patient. And then, when we first had sex the night of our marriage, you couldn't control yourself for weeks afterward! It's like you were in heat! Not that I minded, honestly." My mother commented.
Excuse me while I go empty the contents of my imaginary stomach.
You do that. I'll try to keep my real ones down as well.
"Ugh…" Shisui shivered. "Not a pleasant image."
I second that Shisui.
I tried not to turn green.
Fugaku looked away from all of us, and I could almost swear there was a blush there. Nah… There's no way… right? Right?!
At this point, I don't even know anymore.
"Mikoto…"
"Not in front of the children? Alright, fine."
I might have been imagining it, but I think my father might of have muttered, "I would prefer not at all, but that's not an option with you..."
I jumped at the opportunity to change the subject and get out of here. "I'd like to leave ASAP, please." I said, toward my father.
He coughed, regaining his normal composure. "Right."
He signed the slip and returned it to me. I headed toward the door.
"Sasuke."
My father said, stopping me with my hand on the door.
"Hn?" I asked, turning toward him.
"… Good luck."
My eyes widened slightly, but I nodded. "Thanks, Tou-san."
I resisted the urge to smile. Thanks, Dad.
It was a surprising, but appreciated gesture nonetheless.
I left the Manor, and spent the rest of the day in a surprisingly pleasant mood.
(1): Sai's worn it a couple times. You can look it up on his character page on Narutopedia.
(2): If you don't know what an Otterbox is, it's the 2-part case that just about everybody with an iPhone has. They're not specifically for iPhone, they're for every phone. Every iPhone I've seen just seems to have one. Look them up on Google Images.
(3): "Master" is the master of the smithy. The head. If you want a name and character design, let's let him be Dominic from FMAB. I think he's also in FMA. Yup. Dominic. Perfect, right? From top automail engineer to top blacksmith. Fits.
(4): If you noticed, I changed the spelling from "Ryo" to "Ryou". I'll to that occasionally, switch the spelling. Why? The "O", like "oh", in Japanese is made by an "o" with a bar on top, which is a letter/character we don't have in English. I just want that sound made, so I switch Try not to get confused though. And it doesn't really matter which spelling you use. I may use "Ryou" more often because it just looks cooler to me with the "u" at the end.
If you didn't figure it out, White Tiger's idea was to have Neji and Tenten fight because of him being a prick about the Hyuuga thing. It was brilliant, and I added some stuff in.
I liked the anger in it, and having them actually physically hit each other made it even better, especially to show that Neji isn't afraid to hit her just because she's a girl. (Though him actually hitting her was off-screen. He only hurt her wrist.)
I added the Hug Moment because I want the reminder that Neji likes her. So yeah.
I loved that whole section.
Anyway, thanks for reading!
QotW: Favorite holiday? Religious ones count. Sorry if I asked this already.
This chapter was originally like, 1.6k words, but I was able to make it longer, thank God.
And by "romantic development" in the top A/N, I mean Sasuke admitting he actually likes Sakura. I originally had him say that he was feeling some attraction, instead of actual "like-ness", but that regressed the tension and feelings I built up earlier in the story. Sorry about that, I tend to do that kind of unintentionally.
ATTENTION:
I'm still doing the 100th, 125th, 75th, etc, reviewers-get-a-one-shot thing. I don't know when I'll get around to actually writing and posting them, but I will do them.
Hope you liked it!
Love,
Cherry.
