Chapter 3: Valentine's Day
"Don't you just love February; it's such a romantic month." Ino said as she looked out the window
"I guess so although it should be a romantic month for Hinata now that she has Naruto." Sakura winked at her
"As for the rest of us it should just be a normal month." Tenten commented
"I wouldn't say that you never know what might happen Tenten." Ino grinned
"You know guys it wouldn't hurt for us to have a little fun this month. So I say we all go to the Valentine's Day Festival in town." She pulled out four tickets from her backpack.
"Sounds like fun, what do you say guys?" Ino took her ticket
"Sure why not" sakura agreed
"I'm game." Tenten agreed as well
"Perfect" Hinata said in her head
Meanwhile in the guy's room…
"Don't you just love February; it's such a romantic month." Naruto walked in the room with a smile on his face
"You're only saying that because you have girlfriend now." Came Sasuke from his bed
"That may be so but would it kill you to be a little romantic Sasuke?"
"Probably"
"Then I want to see you die trying but you probably won't because you can't." Naruto mocked him
"Is that a challenge?" Sasuke spoke darkly
"You bet it is, I dare you, Neji and Shikamaru to take Sakura, Tenten and Ino to this…" he pulled out the poster to the same Valentine's Day Festival that Hinata spoke about earlier.
"You're on loser" Sasuke accepted the challenge without letting Naruto finish, which would be to his detriment
"I wasn't done yet; you also have to buy them a gift— a legit gift." He slyly grinned
"Hey this is between you and Sasuke don't drag me into this." Shikamaru complained
"But what I said to him involves all three of you. None of you were going to do anything for the others this month so I decided to do it for you."
"Well I'm not doing it."
"What about you Neji are you in?" Naruto asked
"I'm not foolish enough to fall for such an obvious trap."
"That's all right, after all I'm sure Ino and Tenten will take care of those two." He said in his head
Back in the girls' room
Ino was putting on her shoes while Sakura was doing her hair and Hinata was packing her books in her bag. The three girls were ready for school so they headed downstairs for breakfast leaving Tenten in the room by herself; luckily she had a free first period so she didn't need to be ready as quickly as the girls. She'd just put on her underwear when someone knocked at the door.
"I'm coming" she yelled getting up to answer the door thinking it was one of her friends that had perhaps forgotten something. To her absolute surprise and horror it wasn't Sakura, Ino or Hinata; it wasn't even a girl but none other than Neji Hyuuga. The both of them froze upon seeing each other—Neji froze because Tenten was standing at the door in nothing but a black bra with white lace and black underwear with white polka dots and Tenten froze because Neji was at her door while she was only twenty percent dressed. They both blushed and looked away from each other.
"Um just give a minute." She quickly closed the door "…dammit what is wrong with me…" he heard her yelling on the other side of the door.
"Did I just see Tenten in her underwear?" he said in his head
"Yes indeed you did and wow does she have one hell of a body."
"Oh great my inner self is a pervert."
"I think everyone has a perverted inner self. But you have to admit she looked pretty sexy in her underwear."
"I don't want to admit it but she did look incredibly attractive but I can't have thoughts like that about Tenten, we're just friends."
"Lots of people who started out as friends end up dating so what's the difference if it's you two. Just picture it you're blindfolded and she comes up to you in that outfit—if you can call it that— then she—
"Okay that's quite enough, this conversation is over."
Tenten came out of the room again fully clothed but still a little red cheeked from earlier.
"Okay let's go finish our assignment, its due in an hour." She tried to sound convincing but the embarrassment hadn't worn off yet. "How many times am I going to have to go through blushing in front of him because one of us undressed?" she complained in her head
Hopefully a few more times, I liked looking at his body. Maybe next time you should both be undressed then-
"Aw man I'd done such a great job of ignoring you when I saw him in nothing but a towel; and now you decide to show up." Tenten really disliked her inner self
"Look Neji, um sorry about, well you know what just happened."
"No need to apologise Tenten it was an accident."
"The best accident that ever happened to you. You enjoyed every second of seeing her like that didn't you, because I know I did and since we're the same person that means you too." Neji grew weary of hearing his inner self speak.
Xxx
"Hurry Shikamaru we're going to be late for class. I studied too hard for this test to end up not writing it." She took his hand and began running to class.
"Ino our class is this way." He turned around and pulled in the opposite direction. They turned and ran down the corridor; their classroom was in sight when suddenly Shikamaru tripped taking Ino with him. He landed on the ground and Ino fell right on top of him, her face in his chest. What a compromising position they'd landed in. Ino was positioned in such a way that her legs were on either side of him and he'd tried to catch her so his arms were around her waist not to mention their faces were extremely close. Their position almost looked intentional. They looked into each other's eyes for a moment then leaned in until their lips met for the briefest moment then they broke apart upon hearing the door to the classroom open. Apparently Kakashi sensei heard their fall and came outside to investigate.
"Care to join us in class Ino, Shikamaru?" he asked in a not so serious tone. Ino couldn't blush any harder even if she wanted to, being caught by a teacher in the position they were in was bad enough but being caught by Kakashi Sensei specifically was worse; Ino knew what he'd try to pull after the test.
They both recovered as much as they could and walked into class as if nothing ever happened.
An hour later the class was dismissed after all the test papers were handed in. Ino just finished packing her backpack and was on her way out when Kakashi sensei stopped her.
"Ino what happened out there between you and Shikamaru?"
"Nothing sensei, we just tripped while running to get to your class." She tried to sound convincing. That was what happened after all she just didn't add the part about the kiss.
"I see, but if it was what I think it was, I suggest you leave that stuff for the bedroom, you'll have more privacy there."
Ino could have been mistaken for a tomato the way she was so red after hearing what he said. She practically sprinted out of his classroom when he dismissed her.
Sakura was once again in the library with Sasuke this time they were eating together. The library was almost completely empty, the both of them were on the balcony; he was sitting in one of the reading chairs eating a bunch of grapes and she sat on the arm of his chair and ate the grapes with him. They were talking but their innocent conversation quickly changed.
"I definitely think you find me attractive."
"What on earth gave you that idea?" She raised an eyebrow at him
"Just look at how close you are to me when there's an open chair right over there. You just want to be close to me don't you." he smirked at her
"Sasuke of course you're attractive why else do you think those annoying girls follow you around all the time. I specifically just don't find you that—what's the word those girls use all the time—sexy."
"So you do find me sexy just not as much as those fangirls do huh?" Sakura just rolled her eyes at him.
"But I actually think you're the one hiding something." She took the opportunity to lean into his lap and rest her head on the other arm of the chair.
"You reacted so negatively everytime I mentioned another guy." She smirked at him this time then propped herself up until she was on eye level with Sasuke. "Just admit you like me Sasuke and this little game will be over." She purposely spoke in a low voice to catch him off guard
"Kiss me" she said as she leaned in
"What?"
"You heard me" she leaned in until her lips were a single millimetre from touching his. She smiled when she saw him flinch then she pulled away.
"You are so easy Sasuke." She stood up or at least she was half way up when Sasuke pulled her into his lap again.
"Where do you think you're going?" he whispered in her ear "This doesn't mean I admit that I like you but I just can't resist." He passionately pressed his lips to hers securing her on his lap then deepening the kiss. Sakura wasn't about to be out done by him so she kissed back with full force and wrapped her arms around his neck while Sasuke had his arms around her waist. Sakura moaned in pleasure when he deepened the kiss once more. Their kiss ended as they broke apart for air.
"Not bad"
"Oh please you enjoyed that just as much as I did, maybe even more." She smirked, he just raised a cocky brow at her "Hey you're the one that kissed me Sasuke because you just couldn't help yourself." she stood up "C'mon class starts in five minutes." She started walking to the sliding door and back into the library.
Xxx
"I can't believe you made out with Sasuke…" Tenten heard Ino yell on the other side of the door. She burst through the door to find out what was happening.
"Who made out with Sasuke?!" She asked
"Sakura did, in the library." Ino yelled once more
"This is so weird: first Shikamaru and I kissed before class, then Sakura made out with Sasuke; I'm telling you guys it's the effects of February."
"Wow so you guys kissed Sasuke and Shikamaru, I guess I'm the only innocent one left." Tenten sat on her bed
"Oh please don't play dumb Tenten, all of us can see that Neji is a little different and according to what Naruto told me, he came up here before heading off to class. You were the last one of us to leave this morning so he obviously saw you. So let me be the first to ask what happened this morning?" she grinned at Tenten
"Nothing happened, well nothing that involved kissing at least. It was similar to what happened when I saw him in a towel but in reverse."
"No way; are you saying he caught you after you got out of the shower?" Sakura's jaw dropped
"No I wasn't completely undressed; I was kind of in my underwear." Tenten blushed "It was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to me. I thought it was one of you guys so I didn't think twice about answering the door as I was and when I saw him we both just…froze."
"Whoa that must have been quite the experience for him, seeing his best friend in her underwear."
"I just want to forget that it ever happened. I hope it doesn't change anything between us."
"Tenten it definitely changes everything. Now you've both seen each other practically undressed and remember what you said about his body, who says he isn't thinking the same thing about you, he is a guy after all. It's just a matter of time now." Ino explained
"Well tomorrow's the big day, everyone ready for the Valentine's Day Festival."
"I guess, but I have a challenge for you guys if you're up for it." Hinata suggested
"What did you have in mind Hinata?" Sakura asked
"Since Naruto and I are already going together, I challenge you guys to ask the guys to come along. Sakura you with Sasuke, Tenten you go with Neji and Ino you go with Shikamaru."
"Fine sounds good to me." Tenten accepted
Friday finally arrived and all the students were feeling the Valentine's Day mood. The school corridors were decorated with hearts of all the valentine's colours: red, white and pink. There were secret admirer notes on a lot of people's lockers and most of them were stuck to Sasuke's locker, it was practically raining with cards and letters.
It was lunchtime Sakura was walking to the cafeteria with Sasuke
"Hey Sasuke I was wondering if you wanted to go to the Festival with me in town tonight."
"How did she… he asked himself "Sure" he agreed still a little suspicious as to how she already had had tickets
They met up with the others for lunch. The girls confirmed with each other that they'd asked their respective partners to go to the festival. All were present except for Naruto and Hinata; they were on the library balcony together.
"Tonight should be interesting" Naruto spoke up
"Yeah you're right, I can't wait" said Hinata
It was four 'o' clock it in the afternoon and the girls were getting ready for the festival.
Then they got changed and headed downstairs to meet the guys. They all went to the parking lot and drove off to the festival. An hour later they arrived at the festival. Bright lights, streamers, confetti, balloons, loud music, festival games, food stalls and people in costumes filled the scene.
"Wow this place looks amazing." The girls looked around in awe
"All right let's go have some fun!" Naruto declared
The group splintered off into their pairs and went to enjoy the festival. Ino and Shikamaru sat down in a warm café for some hot chocolate. The table they sat at was a small square table as the restaurant wanted couples to sit as close to each other as possible.
"I got you something." He spoke up
"Really?" she looked up at him and smiled. He pulled a small purple box and handed it to her. Ino took the small box and removed the lid to see a pair of earrings shaped in the letter "I".
"Wow they're really beautiful. I love them, thanks Shikamaru." She closed the box before putting her arms around him in a warm embrace. After the broke away from the hug, Ino kissed him on the lips.
Naruto and Hinata witnessed what had happened between Ino and Shikamaru. Naruto and Hinata smiled at each other before heading off to enjoy the festival.
Sasuke and Sakura were walking past the various stalls of the festival. They were walking and talking and genuinely enjoying each other's company.
"Ooh I want one of those giant cupcakes, you want one?"
"No thanks" he replied
"Okay I'll see you in a bit; I'm going to go buy one."
Sasuke took a seat in one of the nearby benches and looked up at the star filled sky. He took out his gift for Sakura, she'd always complained about her previous watch so he bought her a white watch, the rim of the clock was outlined in silver and the numbers were silver as well and outlined in black.
"Hey Sasuke." Tenten walked up to him "Is that for Sakura?" she asked. He nodded without saying a word; he looked quite lost in thought.
"Alright what's the problem?" she asked as she sat next to him
"It's a long story."
"It's not like I'm in any kind of rush."
"Well believe it or not Sakura and I tried dating last year but it didn't work out too well. In fact we almost destroyed our friendship completely in the process. We didn't speak to each other for weeks at a time and now things are starting to improve between us, we're really getting along now but…
"But you want to be more than friends with her and you're worried that dating her this time will end the same as it did last time." She finished for him
"Exactly"
"I say go for it, I'm not going to put words in her mouth but I think she would want you to try with her. What happened last year happened last year, this New Year means things have changed including the two of you so just tell her and see what happens." She stood up "Here comes Sakura now, just make your move." She walked away
"Hey was that Tenten with you just now?" she asked as she threw away her cupcake wrapper
"Yeah we were just talking, and I think I've made up my mind."
"About what—
He pulled her closer to himself and put an arm around her waist and kissed her for a few seconds before he pulled away.
"Oh that's what you were talking about. Well it's about time." She blushed
Sasuke then pulled out his gift for her and handed it to her. Sakura's face lit up when she saw the beautiful watch.
"Oh my goodness this is absolutely gorgeous Sasuke. What a great gift, thank you so much." She could barely hold her glee, and then she kissed him on the cheek. Naruto kissed Hinata on the forehead in celebration of their second victory as they'd witnessed Sasuke kiss Sakura. Now all that was left was Neji and Tenten. The two of them were walking together and sat on a bench in the less crowded section of the Festival. Neji pulled out his gift for Tenten.
"Here this is for you Tenten"
"A gift for me" she unwrapped the present and removed the lid from the box. Inside was a small silver frame with a photo of Neji and Tenten in their swimsuits, they were both smiling. Tenten had her arm around the back of his neck and his hand was around the small of her back.
"Hey I remember that day." She chuckled
It was during the summer holidays of the previous year. Tenten spent a week at Neji and Hinata's place. The three of them decided to spend the day in the pool. The both of them just got out of the pool when Hinata came out of the house with her new camera; she took pictures of just about everything including Neji and Tenten. Neji wasn't too keen about taking the photo but Tenten convinced him to stay.
"Oh c'mon Neji just let Hinata take the picture." She pleaded and he eventually gave in
"That day was so much fun." She smiled at the picture "Thanks, this is a great gift." They continued their conversation and Tenten leaned against his shoulder and he put his arm around her. Naruto and Hinata witnessed this as well and decided to head back to the others.
Xxx
"That was so much fun; don't you guys think so too?" Ino asked as sat on the bed and was still energised from the evening.
"Yeah it was great; Sasuke bought me this really beautiful watch." Sakura couldn't stop admiring her new watch.
"Shikamaru bought me these earrings."
"I got this photo frame from Neji as well as this panda-teddy he won for me in one of the Festival games."
"Then the plan worked flawlessly." Hinata smiled at the three girls in front of her
"What plan?" Tenten thought for a moment before something clicked in her head. "Oh no you didn't, Hinata you set us up."
"Well it was a team effort." She shyly rubbed the back of her head
"Wait you and Naruto planned this together and you managed to pull it off. Impressive Hinata." Sakura deduced
"Now it all makes sense, you trapped us the minute you challenged us and took out your tickets. You're never usually that daring, we should have figured it out from the beginning but we were too blinded by the challenge." Ino figured it out
"And now thanks to me, Sakura and Ino kissed Sasuke and Shikamaru, now there's only one of us without a boyfriend." Ino, Sakura and Hinata looked in Tenten's direction.
"Well that's about to change." Ino said as she had a sly grin on her face which made Tenten nervous.