Dark Anty – Whatsup people! A new chapter to grace your viewing pleasure. Hope you like. Now on with the show!
Writing
"Speech"
Thoughts
"Demon"
'Demon thoughts'
Inner Self
"Phone Calls"
'Notes/Letters'
Computer: Typing
/Writing During Comp Type/
Text Messaging
-SFX-
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. All characters and the show are copyrights to Masashi Kishimoto, author and writer of the manga.
Crystal Rose
Chapter 3: New Day
Kami, how much I hate the new day. A day of unknown peril and a day where once again, my life is the target. Goddamn it! I hate the new day! Everyday in fear, in fright, fighting to stay alive, to live, to breathe, wishing to see at least one day without hesitation of stepping out the door with caution of someone making an attempt on my life. 'Why was I born?' has been the question that had stirred my mind for many, many years.
Why should I live when in truth, I should be dead? Why should I live to make others' lives miserable? Why should I live only to bring death in my coming and sorrow in my leave? Why should I live to bring so much suffering, pain, hate, fear, disgust, and never-ending peril in the eyes of men, women, and children? Why should I live? Why should I live at all?
I'm just death-in-the-making, fulfilling a dream for the man I called father. I was never to be loved, only used to bring down his enemies and bring the world to their knees with me as his weapon of mass destruction. I am a tool to my father, a monster to my people, and a forgotten soul to the world.
Why should I live? Why do I live…?
"Gaaaaraaaa,"
That voice…
"Gaaaaraaaa,"
That voice. It sounds so pure…so innocent…so filled with…love.
"Gaaaaraaaa,"
Who does that voice belong to? This voice of pure innocence and honest love.
"Gaaaaraaaa. Live,"
I lift my head to see a small light above me, shining brightly. It suddenly grew larger and brighter, nearly blinding me from its brightness, yet warming me with its warmth. I felt like I was floating, kissed by the light with its gentle caress. This light, so bright and warm, has brought me from my darkness, from my lasting despair…from my death. I suddenly felt a hand caressing my face so softly and caringly and I looked up to see my savior, my angel, my gorgeous rose.
"Gaara. Live for me,"
Black-blue locks of hair, eyes as strong and as pure as pearls, and milky white skin so soft, it felt like downy. My Kami, she's a goddess. I look into her eyes filled with care and never-ending love for me. Such a pure thing loving and caring for me, her smile was a true wonder of the gods and heavens themselves, and her voice speaking with such melody and softness as that of an angel sent from the gods. She pulls me into her embrace, holding me close to her and gently kisses my forehead where my symbol lay so boldly upon it. She hugs me even closer and rests her cheek on my head.
"Gaara. Live for me. Live so that you can see the world through different eyes. Live to see that you are not alone. Live so that you can experience the love that you do have. Live so that you can love in return. Demo, most of all, live so that I may love you…forever."
I hugged her back, breathing in her warm, intoxicating scent and breathed out in relief, feeling the weight of my self-hatred and unloved life lifted off my shoulders. I felt so…free with her, never bound to my hate, never bound by fear, never bound to my dark feelings, but mostly, never bound to my pure, tainted darkness. Now I know why I should live. I should live so that I can experience what so many has denied me. I should live so that I can see what love truly means to a person. I should live because I have a right to live, breathe, and love in this world as much as the next person does. I should…no, will live and love for no one else but you, my angel.
You are my only reason to breathe, my only reason to learn of love, my only reason to see the truth and the lies of those words, my only reason to open my eyes and see the beauty the world holds, and my only reason to laugh, smile, live and love. For each new day I see you smile at me, laugh with me, hold me, caress me, and even kiss me, I will be filled with love and hope knowing that you will be there that day and the next day after…Hinata.
Now I can say I love the new day.
Friday-October 25, 2107. 10:15 a.m.
Hinata waits peacefully in her living room, waiting for her friends to come and pick her up for a day of shopping, eating and just having fun. She dressed for the occasion, as such is her attire always a Goth with a little aristocrat.
She wore a Navy Blue, ruffle-front, form fitting, button shirt with sheer-lacy long sleeves and matching fingerless, lacy gloves. She wore Black, side lace up pants, laced from her ankles to her knees with a leather strap sewn around the knees and Navy Blue, med-high heeled, laced boots. Her dawning jewelry is her mothers Cameo choker, earrings and bracelet. She wore Dark Blue eye shadow with Black eyeliner and Black Cherry lipstick. She wore her hair in feathery flips.
She waited in the living area, watching her favorite cartoons when the doorbell rang. She rose from the couch and rushed to the main entry. She walked through that and went to the secondary entry of the doorway. Opening it, she looked upon her fiery redheaded friend, Gaara, and her bright Blond haired friend, Naruto.
"Oooooi guys, looking great," And that was no lie. Naruto wore a Pumpkin Orange and Black strap vest, the orange fading from the top into the black below, a matching denim jacket, Black biker gloves, and Black denim, Orange flames designed pants with chains crossing and hanging from the back, and three orange leather straps on his left leg. He wore Pumpkin Orange steel-toe boots and he dawning of jewelry was his multi-colored hoop earrings on his left ear, an orange feather on the right, an Orange dog collar with his famous catchphrase and Black collar bracelets with studded spikes.
Gaara wore a Dark Red, no-sleeved, mesh shirt, Black civil war military jacket, simple Black pants, a Dark Red leather strap around his left thigh, with a gold chain hanging from his right pocket on one end, looping through a loop on the other, and a Dark Red belt with a Skulls-and-Crossbones belt buckle. He had on his Black boots and his dawning jewelry was a Red cross in his left ear, a Ruby studs in the right and a gold cross necklace.
"Domo Arigato, Hinata-sama. You look beautiful, as always," said Gaara with a smirk. Hinata had a blush running across her nose and cheek as she smiled innocently.
"Arigato, Gaara-kun. Let me get my purse and coat and we'll go." The weather today was quite cool, so it deemed necessary to put on a light coat for the day.
"Bakkin," Hinata went to the coat closet to pull out a Black military styling coat with gold buttons and a standing high collar. She went back in her house, grabbed her purse from the table, closed the main door and walked out closing the secondary door. "Let's go!" They ran towards Naruto's Armada and were greeted with Sakura, Sasuke, and Kiba: Sakura by the right door and Sasuke and Kiba in the back.
"Hi, guys!"
"Oi!"
Hinata sat by the left door, Gaara in the front passenger side and Naruto the driver. (In this world, teenagers at age 13 and up have the privileged to drive, with the consent of their parents of course.) Naruto started the car, pumped up the engine and sped off to his house.
Downtown Konoha is a place of lavishness and excitement, the hustle and bustle of the city an everyday life for those living in the large community. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere and Naruto was prime example of easy living. He knew the streets better than even the occupants of Downtown Konoha did. Even his father didn't have a clue of all the places Naruto managed to dub as he hangout spots, and all of Konahagakure is practically under his thumb!
They finally made it to the castle that was built mainly in the middle of Downtown Konoha. The place was literally a castle! Six stories high, a monument of great proportion and strength. They rode through the gates and the seemingly long driveway to his garage. The door open and he parked in, turning off the engine and closing the garage door behind them. They exited the car and went into the house, but not before taking off their shoes, and they headed straight to the elevator through the large wide halls with extremely tall ceilings and paintings hangs from the walls: Landscape art, Family portraits, still art, all different in variety and color.
They reached the elevator and were about the push the up button when the doors suddenly came open, giving a little shock to the group, and standing in the elevator was…
"Oi, Jiraiya-oji (Uncle Jiraiya)!"
"Oi, Naruto! How ya doin' kiddo?" He pulls Naruto into a bear hug, squeezing him close then easing up and patting him on his shoulder.
"I'm ok. What are you up to? You're leaving to somewhere?"
"Un, I'm just going to meet up with Tsunade-chan today. Hime says she has a surprise for me and she wants me to meet her at her house." Jiraiya smiles lecherously at Naruto as he shook his head.
"Oji, when will you learn from past mistakes? Haven't you received enough slaps and black eyes for one year?" Everyone giggled and chuckled. Jiraiya grunted and straighten out his clothes, which in its entire was a casual business attire: Black blazer, Red shirt, Black pants.
"All those hits weren't from her and those hits were from misunderstandings."
"On whose part?" asked Naruto as he quirked an eyebrow, smirking humorously.
"-Growl-" Jiraiya was baring fangs at that moment.
"Aahh! Yoi, yoi!" Naruto smiled nervously as he crossed his arms in front of his face to block any blow his uncle would deliver, but knowing his uncle, he would never hurt him…purposely, that is. Jiraiya calmed himself, ruffled Naruto's hair and made his way through the young crowd.
"Your father's in the study. Tell him that I maybe late coming in, so don't wait up."
"Yoshii. Bai-bai, Oji!"
"See ya," He jogged down the hall and to the garage, leaving the kids to use the elevator. Naruto pushed the button again and the door came open; everyone pulled into the large elevator and rose to the second floor. They exit towards the hall straight ahead of them with more painting and portraits. They turned left and came towards the open dining room down from up top the stairs. They climbed down the wide staircase and walked through the open kitchen where few cooks resided within.
"Konnichiha!" shouted Naruto.
"Ooii! Hirusugi (Afternoon), Naruto-sama. It's nice to see you out and about." Said one of the chefs, a young Dark Red headed man with dark blue eyes and a muscular built. He has some feminine features, giving him a pretty boy look, but his mid-deep voice let you know straight off that his a guy.
"Oi, Ichiraku-san! How are you?"
"I'm well, and it's Kazuki. No need for you to be so formal with me." Said Kazuki. Inchiraku Kazuki, nephew to Teuchi and cousin to Ayame. He came from a family of traditional meals and cooking styles, making homemade foods and knowing 300 ways to make a spoon a deadly weapon, one of the many talents of being a ninja chef. His family is also multi-billionaires with the Inchiraku Ramen shops all over the world, a booming business that his great grandparents made from the time of simple cooking and culinary arts.
Kazuki worked for Naruto's family after Naruto's birth, the day the Nine-tailed fox demon attacked Konoha. When Naruto was able to eat solid foods, Ramen was the first he had ever eaten and has been hooked on them ever since then. Kazuki considers Naruto like a little brother, one he can't help but love, if not some annoyance from the fox boy.
"Ano, then there's no need for me to be so formal as well, eh, Kazuki-niichan?" Kazuki ruffled Naruto's hair and laughed when Naruto put on a pouty face.
"Hmph, guess not. Anna, what can I get ya?" asked Kazuki.
"What do you have?"
"We have King Crab ramen, one of your favorites, some pasta dishes, baked chicken, baked salmon, and dragon rolls."
"MMM!! Sounds like a meal to me. Let's eat!" They group walked out and sat by the nearest table as the cooks and Kazuki brought out the lunch for the day, each an art to itself.
"Enjoy!"
"We will!" shouted the group. "Itadakimasu!!" shouted everyone, and they dug in to the fine eatery. After filling up, they rest on the backs of their chairs, Kiba with a toothpick, picking out any stuck-on food and Naruto patting he's belly after eating the entire menu.
"Naruto, you are one lucky guy." Spoke Kiba in a lazy, full tone.
"I keep telling myself that everyday. I couldn't ask for anything more…except maybe a girlfriend, but that's a chapter later to be added."
"Hmph, I'm surprised you haven't had a girl yet." Said Sakura as she sat next to him. "You would think that the son of the Yondaime Hokage would be swarming with girls, and yet here you are, no girl to claim as your own but pretty much every female want to jump at the chance at being your girlfriend with the first chance they can get. What is it? Are Konaha girls too plain for you, Naruto-kun? " Sakura spoke with a smirk and a wink of her eye, making Naruto blush a light pink.
"It's not that! It's just…" He stopped mid-sentence, leaving Sakura, Hinata, and Gaara on edge.
"Just what Naruto-kun?" asked Hinata.
"It's…" Naruto looked at Hinata, then to Gaara and then over to Sakura. It's just no one can match the girl I truly love. "It's nothing," turning back to Hinata. "Really,"
"If you say so," Hinata noticed the looked Naruto gave Sakura, and said nothing more. There was no doubt in her mind that Naruto liked Sakura, more than Naruto liked a friend, but he's too busy giving advice to her and Gaara when he should be taking some of his own.
"Anna, where will we go today?" asked Kiba. Everyone thought it over, and then Hinata had a smile grace her Black Cherry lips.
"The Mall of Konohagakure,"
The Mall of Konohagakure, the largest mall in the world! Inside they have all the clothing stores, all the restaurants, and an amusement park with roller coasters, Ferris wheels, the works! If ever there was the best hangout, the Mall of Konohagakure is the place to be. The Shadows Casted trekked through the slightly busy group, not so many, but not so less. They were on the second floor and looked out to the people below, seeing them busy themselves with everyday menial tasks of the everyday world.
"Anna, where to, redi-zu? Victoria's Secret perhaps?" spoke the Kyubii container. Sakura and Hinata grunted as they turned to the fox boy and his infamous grin.
"You're just waiting to get smacked, aren't ya?" spoke Sakura.
"Aah! You wouldn't really hit your good friend, Naruto-kun, would you? Hmmm?" Naruto laid his head on Sakura's right shoulder, rubbing his cheek against her arm, only to get a smack on the head. "Itai!"
"Be good!" said Sakura. Naruto pouted, rubbing the top of his head as they walked on through the mall.
"Yoshii, boys, Sakura and I will do some shopping. You are to help us pick what would look nice on us, and we can take the criticism, saying one article of clothing makes our butts look big, or it's not the right look." The boys groaned. Then Sakura spoke.
"Demo, choose your words wisely," She turned to the boys, giving the boys a solemn glare. –Black background, Flashlight facing upward- "For they maybe your last." Sakura gave the boys a dark glare, making them turn blue in fear. Sakura quickly turned from dark to cheery in no time flat. "Yoi, boys?" The boys had anime sweat drops forming from the back and sides of their heads as they nodded and followed the girls to their first destination - Moi-même-Moitié - Elegant Gothic Fashion.
"Look at this! This is very nice."
"Are you sure?"
"Hai! Black and Dark Blue are such a great combination for you."
"I don't know,"
"Oh c'mon! The shirt is nice and tight, so it can easily off a few essentials for the crowd."
"Ano, I personally prefer green anyway since it can show off my 'essentials' as you so call them." said Rock Lee.
"Lee-kun, you can't constantly wear green all the time. You look like a lime with all that green on." said Tenten.
"Demo, I like green." Spoke Rock Lee in a sad tone.
"Lee-kun, we live in a highly advance fashion world where all the colors are worn. Not one, and certainly not green." Rock had anime waterfall tears flowing from his eyes as Tenten did a little clothes shopping for Rock Lee at Generation X, one of the many high fashion stores for those who have money to spend.
Ironically, Rock Lee, Tenten, and Neji have stumbled upon the same mall as Hinata and her friends have. Tenten thought it would be a good idea to help Rock Lee with his fashion sense, which in this case he has none since his fashion revolves around Gai-sensei, his favorite and only sensei. Therefore, she decided they go to the mall to get him a new wardrobe and better fashion sense, if not some fashion sense at all.
"Now here's a nice shirt: It's black, which makes it slimming, and has a nice tattoo design on it." She held up a Black, short-sleeved, slightly tight shirt with a Sliver spiraling, floral design all over the shirt and the word 'Hard Rockers Inc.' in the middle of it all. "Oooh, and look at these jean. Very nice if I must say." The Dark Blue jeans were torn open at the left knee and right outer thigh, and had a fading lines look over the thighs. They fit loosely around the legs, but tight at the lower waist, and have a small, thick chain hanging from his left pocket.
She hands them to Rock Lee and pushes him to the fitting room. "Try them on and see how they fit." He didn't argue with the pushy panda-girl and walked into the first room he came to. Neji was at the far corner of his friends, not really interested in the clothing here, but do enjoy most of the styles. Truthfully, he didn't want to come to the mall in the first place, saying he's not use to overcrowded spaces, which is true. Neji barely feels comfortable around so many people and would do his best to avoid such large crowds of people in one setting. He much rather stay at home and read books, or go through some training to better hone his kekkei genkai. Not that he minds the company of his team and friends, he just rather spend his days in solitude than with constant distractions.
However, Tenten, being a sweet girl that she is, coaxed Neji to spend more time in the outside world where they can see more of their village and home, or rather she forcefully made Neji come to the mall with her and Rock Lee. Tenten has a way with her boys: whether with the puppy-dog pout and eyes, force or an overly sweeten threat, she got what she wanted from them, no questions asked. Rock Lee was suckered into going, Tenten playing the part of an innocent, giving pleading eyes to the poor misguided fool, unknowing of Tenten's real reason of going.
"Oi, Neji-kun, what's up?" Neji turned to his longtime friend and teammate, Tenten.
"Kaimu, just looking around."
"Are you sure? You looked deep in thought." Neji was slightly surprised that Tenten would notice such a small feature on him. He has been a bit distracted as of late, but it was nothing major that he would lose complete concentration. His thoughts were lingering about the move to Kirigakure, and it did sadden him that he would be so far from Team Gai, only to reach them by phone, e-mail, or letter. He would miss Tenten and he would surprisingly say he would miss Gai and Rock Lee as well, though he wouldn't say he would miss their antics and embarrassing acts of 'Springtime Youth', 'Burning Flames', and 'Beasts of the Hidden Leaf Village': Rock Lee, the Beautiful Beast, Gai-sensei, the Prideful Beast. Though they would bring him a smile or two when he thought about them.
However, it wasn't the thought of him moving from everyone he cared for. Hinata would be taking this just as hard as him, maybe even harder. It never occurred to him how well loved she was from her friends, how deeply connected they have been to her and how much they truly love the girl. She had people and friends who would risk a thousand lifetimes for her and her alone, and would sooner die than abandon her in her time of need and distress when she have given them everything they could ask from a friend: kindness, patience, loyalty, trust, understanding, compassion, and most of all, love. No one can find a better friend like Hinata, and that said person who has become a brave, beautiful, kind-hearted young lady that no one could help but love will soon, on June 13, be taken from the very same people she too would die, and come back from the dead, for.
Both hearts will lose something most precious to them and the pain would be imminent and great.
"Neji-kun, are you okay?" Neji nearly forgotten Tenten was still standing there as she broke him from his deep thoughts once more.
"Hmm? Oya, hai, I'm fine. Sorry to worry you."
"Now are you sure?"
"Hai, I'm sure," He chuckled at Tenten's worried words. Without her tough-girl persona, she can be a very loving girl. She smiled and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"I'm glad—Oi, Lee-kun! Are you done? You have been in there for nearly ten minutes!" Tenten shouted out to Rock Lee as she left Neji to look at the many clothes hung about.
"Yoi, yoi, I am coming out." Rock Lee opened the door and stepped out to the clearing.
"-Gasp- Rock-Lee, you look good!" Rock Lee stood in front of Tenten in the said tight black shirt, clinging to him like second skin, showing off his 'essentials' being his rounded, taut, hard, rippling muscles through the shirt, and the tight-waist, loose-legged jeans, giving him a buff yet slim look. He looked into the mirror and hated to say it, but he like the clothes as well. It was comfortable as well as fashionable, and the dark colors were nice enough to bring out his lightly tanned skin to the mix. He may not know it, but he was a major heart-throb right now! Seeing every detail the clothing displayed would make any girl swoon for the Beautiful Beast of the Hidden Leaf Village. Tenten herself was close to falling for Bushy Brows. He turned to Tenten and smiled.
"Sate?"
"I love it! It is so-nice! And that's just the first article of clothes. Now let's see what more we can get you." She ran about in the store as Rock Lee turned to see Neji come his way.
"Anna?" spoke Rock Lee as he stood straight with one hand in his pocket.
"Hmmm—it's nice," shrugged Neji. Rock Lee rolled his eyes at his friend, yet rival's indifference.
"Shai," They stood quietly, Rock Lee looking intently as Neji's far off gaze to the right.
"Neji-kun, what's up?" Neji heard him but didn't respond as quickly as he should.
"Kaimu, I'm fine."
"…Is it about you and Hinata-chan moving next year?" That was a shocker to the Hyuga genius. Was he that readable? He had always prided himself as being completely indifferent, showing no signs of emotions whatsoever, but apparently he has lost that so called hard gaze that would make even adults twist at the sight. However, what shocked him more was the question Rock Lee asked. Why would the subject that was on his mind be the question Rock Lee knowingly gave? Was Rock Lee reading his mind as well as body language?
"How did you guess?" Neji spoke in a calmer tone than he would usually use.
"It was not so much as a guess as it was something that ran through my mind as well. -Sigh- Neji-kun, rival and friend…I cannot help but say that I am really going to miss you and our little spats we have. It's going to be different without my rival being here to spark things up." Ok, now that just blew Neji's mind! Rock Lee actually said he was going to miss Neji! He actually cared that Neji would leave him and the team and said that everything would be dull without him. Neji never thought that he would bring such feelings from Rock Lee to the surface. The only things he could rile up from the fuzzy browed boy were challenges and speeches of Springtime Youth with a duet with Gai, much to his dismay. However, he was slightly glad that his friend and rival could reveal his feelings towards him.
"Un, me too," Neji smirked as Rock Lee gave his nice guy pose, the proverbial ping coming his dazzling smile. Tenten returned with four pairs of jeans, four jackets, and five shirts.
"Here Rock Lee. I want you to try these on and see if you like these as well." She piled the mountain of clothes on the poor boy and pushed him back into the fitting room, as she scurried off for more clothes. Neji decided to follow Tenten and get poor Rock Lee at least one article of clothing in his favorite color.
"Anna, boys, what do you think?" Sakura stood in front of the boys, her hands linked with one in front of the other, in a White, lacy rose & cross long-sleeved, off-shoulders, ribbon corset top, the ribbon crisscrossing and tying in the front, with a white short puffed skirt with frill, rose & cross lace on the hem and sheer thigh-high stockings. She found white, laced, 2 in. heel, knee-high go-go boots to go with the little number she picked up.
The boys gaped at her, totally stunned at how…cute she looked. They lightly blushed, looking at the cherry blossom doll that stood with a cute blush of her own, a gentle smile gracing her lips and face.
"Wau," spoke the boys in a stunned whisper, making Sakura blush and smile even bigger than before.
"Can a get a respond with more than just one word?"
"Sakura-chan…you-look-so-cute in that outfit! Dattebayo!" Spoke Naruto with a smile as large as his face would allow it.
"Very nice, Sakura-chan," Spoke Sasuke with a smirk. The other boys nodded in agreement. She smiled brightly at them.
"Arigato, Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun—Oi, Hinata-chan! Let's see your outfit!"
"Coming!" Hinata stepped out and all the boys blushed even bigger than before!
"…Oh," spoke Kiba.
"My," spoke Sasuke.
"Kami," spoke Gaara.
"…Dattebayo," spoke Naruto. Hinata came out wearing a beautiful Black-Blue, Gothic Lolita dress, the sleeves long and lacy as well as the cuffing neck and back area. The corset, connecting to a lace fabric, formed a heart shape around Hinata's surprisingly large breast area, prints of roses budding and blooming all over and down to the puffy full skirt with frill and rose lace hem at the bottom and a large bow in the back. She found the same go-go boots in black and black sheer rose laced thigh-high stockings. So simple the dress was, and yet it intensified Hinata's beauty ten-fold, giving her a sexy, innocent look that make men worship the ground she stood right then and there.
"Sate, do you like it?" Hinata smiled at the boys, her face brimming with sexy innocence. It was too much! The boys suddenly rushed up, walked to Hinata, fell to their knees, and suddenly started bowing as they chant 'We're not worthy! We're not worthy!' over and over again, embarrassing the hell out Hinata as she dawned on her famous blush.
"You guys! Stop! It's embarrassing!" And though embarrassing, she laughed and smiled at their antics. She looked around to see people stopping and looking at the embarrassing scene, much to her dismay. "You guys, people are staring!" whispered Hinata through clenched teeth. The boys looked and saw few people staring in confusion.
"Awwwe, they're just jealous because they can't get the attention Hinata-hime can get." Naruto winks at Hinata, then turns to the crowd. "Go on, people! Show's over!" shouted Naruto. The shoppers went about their business once more as the boys stood and walked back to their seats. Sakura crossed her arms and tapped her foot at the boys.
"Anna Hinata-chan get's the praise and I get nothing? You are so wrong." The boys looked at Sakura, then at each other, then Sakura again, and they went through same stunt again! Really embarrassing, but Sakura was soaking up the praise like a sponge. She beamed and giggled as a few of the same people and a clerk looks at the embarrassing display.
After shopping for few clothes, shoes, and jewelry, and placing them in Naruto's car, they continued to walk about the mall until the saw the amusement park was still open. They couldn't pass up the chance and raced for the roller coasters. Six turns and a sick Kiba later, then went through many more rides and played games, many of the games revolving around ninja tools and skills. Gaara and Naruto made a challenge at a dart game to see who can get the highest score: Gaara won with a giant black teddy bear as the prize. He gave it to Hinata to show that he won it for her. A kiss on the cheek was his reward for the prize.
Naruto managed to win a prize for Sakura as well as a Knock-The-Pins game. A gold, rope chain necklace with pink jade pendant. He was going to give it to her, but stopped short after seeing Sasuke give Sakura a large rabbit. Sakura was too happy for the prize and Naruto was slightly heartbroken from Sakura's reaction to Sasuke's gift, but that didn't stop him from giving her his gift.
"Oi, Sakura-chan, I won this for you." He held the pendant up in the light and Sakura gasped in shock. "Hope you like it, though it might not be as good as…" He wasn't able to finish as he was shocked when Sakura jumped him and gave him a big kiss on the cheek! Very shocked indeed, but that foxy grin and blush told everyone he was happy.
After more games and prizes, they left with the boys carrying most of the prizes. They walked through the lightly crowded hall until Hinata stopped short of the corner.
"Hinata-chan? What's up?" spoke Kiba. Hinata looked around, feeling a presence very familiar. It was faint but close. Suddenly, Hinata bolted down to where the chakra signature was coming from and her friends followed right after her. Hinata stopped and looked up to the second floor. With all the power in her legs, she sprung up and landed on the rail to spot someone she didn't expect to see.
"Neji-niisan?"
"Oi, Hinata-hime. I knew that was your chakra I sensed. I see you sensed mine as well." He smirked. Hinata jumped from the rail and walked towards Neji with Tenten and Rock Lee by his side.
"Konnichiha, Tenten-chan, Lee-kun."
"Hi, Hinata-chan," spoke Tenten and Rock Lee at the same time.
"Anna, what are you doing here?" She beams at Neji with a gentle smile like she always does.
"I'm just hanging out with Tenten and Rock Lee. And you?"
"The same with my friends—Oops! I left them downstairs!" She walked to the railing to see them not there anymore. "Where did they go?"
"Hinata-chan! Over here!" Shouted Kiba. She saw her friends rush to her and Team Gai, greetings passed around among the group.
"What are you guys doing here?" asked Naruto.
"Oya, we're just hanging out and giving Rock Lee here a make-over." Spoke Tenten.
"Heizen (Cool), we just came from the amusement park and planned on eating, but we can't choose what place we want to eat."
"Ano, Neji-kun, Lee-kun, and I were heading over to the Karaoke Bar to eat while I sing a few songs."
"That's a great idea! Can we join you?" asked Hinata.
"Ano, I don't see why not." She turned to Neji to see his answer.
"Sadaka, but we all pitch in on the bill, got it?"
"Got it!"
"Roku (Good), let's go." They made the destination to the Starlit Karaoke Bar, and paid for the best room they had.
Disclamier: I do not own any of the music listed. All music is copyrighted to the respected owners and singers.
They ordered food and started the singing with Rock Lee being first singing, unbelievably, 'War!' By Edwin Starr. Rock Lee had Tenten, Sakura and Hinata as his back-up dancers and singers as they go through the motions.
War... Huh... Yeah!
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing! (Surprisingly enough, Rock Lee has a good voice.)
Uhuh... uhuh...!
War... Huh... Yeah! (Everyone rocked clapped their hands to the beat.)
What it is good for?
Absolutely nothing!
Say it again y'all
War... Huh... Look out!
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing!
Listen to me - AAH!
-
War I despise
'Cause it means destruction of innocent lives
War means tears in thousands of mothers' eyes
When their sons go out to fight and lose their lives
I said:
-
War... Huh... Good God y'all!
What it is good for?
Absolutely nothing!
Say it again
(War... Huh!) Lord, Lord, Lord...
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing!
Listen to me:
-
(War) It ain't nothing but a heartbreaker
(War) Friend only to the undertaker
War is the enemy of all mankind
The thought of war blows my mind
War has caused unrest within the younger generations
Induction then destruction
Who wants to die?
-
AAH! War... Huh... Good God y'all! (Rock Lee did a split and picked himself up, making everyone cheer and holler for him.)
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing!
Say it, say it, say it!
War... Huh...! (Uhuh... Yeah... Huh!)
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing!
Listen to me:
-
(War) It ain't nothing but a heartbreaker
(War) Got one friend, that's the undertaker
War has shattered many young men's dreams
Made him disabled, bitter and mean
Life is but too surely precious, to spend fighting wars each day
War can't give life, it can only take it away!
-
AAH! War... Huh... Good God y'all!
What it is a good for?
Absolutely nothing!
Say it again
War... Huh... Lord, Lord, Lord...
What it is a good for?
Absolutely nothing!
Listen to me:
-
(War) It ain't nothing but a heartbreaker
(War) Friend only to the undertaker
Peace, love and understanding tell me,
is there a place for these today?
They say we must fight to keep our freedom,
but Lord knows there's got to be a better way.
-
War... Huh... Good God y'all!
What is it good for?
You tell me!
Say it, say it, say it, say it!
War... Good God now... Huh!
What is it good for?
Stand up and shout it! (Nothing!)
-
Music faded out and everyone clapped and cheered on Rock Lee for his funny yet entertaining performance. Everyone went through a song: Neji singing 'If You Want Me To Stay' by Eric Benet, Tenten and Sakura singing 'Same Script, Different Cast' by Whitney Houston feat. Deborah Cox, Kiba singing 'Boogie on Reggae Woman' by Stevie Wonder, Naruto singing 'Confession, Pt. 2' by Usher, and Sasuke singing 'You Make Me Wanna…' by Usher as well. Now it was Hinata and Gaara and they decided to do a duet to a favorite song they heard when they were still in elementary, 'We Can't Be Friends' by Deborah Cox feat. RL from Next (A personal favorite of mine). They picked the song, and the settings played their part as did the music.
(Verse 1 - Gaara)
To just act like we never were
To come around and not show hurt
How dare we greet by shaking hands
Just months ago, I was your man, was your man
-
Verbally we'd agreed it was over
And we were through
I'm trying to compose myself
But I just can't get over you, girl
-
(Chorus)
We can't be friends
(Yeah...oh, no, oh...oh, no, no...)
We can't be friends
(Hinata, you know why I can't go on being just your friend...)
We can't be friends (Oh...)
'Cause I'm still in love with you...
-
(Verse 2 - Hinata)
I went by Mother's, saw your car there (Yes I did)
To her you're still family
And it don't seem fair
For everyone to just go on
And I've tried and I can't do it
'Cause I'm still torn
-
I tried to think of you as just another love (Another love)
In my past that didn't last (In my past)
But it's not that simple, baby
-
(Chorus)
We can't be friends (We...)
(Oh...no, no, no, oh...)
We can't be friends (We...)
(If we, if we can't be lovers)
We can't be friends (We...)
'Cause I'm still in love with you
-
(Bridge)
You may see me staring
Or catch me in a daze
May see me hang my head
When you come my way
Don't get too close to me
And expect me to behave
(Gaara) I might just steal a kiss
If you come near my face
What I'm trying to say...
-
(Chorus)
We can't be friends (We can't be friends)
We can't be friends
(Can you look me in the eyes and honestly say you don't love me, oh...)
We can't be friends (Said do you know) (Gaara I know)
We can't be friends
(I'll never…ever find another love like you, oh...)
I love you so much, baby
I love you too much, oh...
-
(Ending)
We can't be friends
I'm still in love
With you
With you, oh...
I am
Still in love
Still in love
You didn't have to leave
With you
-
The music stopped, as well as everyone else, staring at Hinata and Gaara, mostly Gaara, with star-struck eyes. Hinata and Gaara turned to the group with confused faces.
"Nani??" they asked at the same time.
"Oh my Kami…Gaara-kun, Hinata-chan, that was amazing! I didn't know you two had such a great singing voice!" Spoke Sakura with excitement in her voice.
"You think so? I thought my deep voice wouldn't be suited for singing."
"Are you kidding me?! Your voice is wonderful, Gaara-sama! Do you know how many girls would fawn over you just for the fact that you have a voice of an angel?" Spoke Tenten. Her and Sakura gave a wistful sigh, lashes fluttering in pure admiration. Few of the boys groaned.
"Dude, that was great! You two should sing more often." Said Kiba.
"I don't think so…"
"WHY NOT?!" shouted Sakura and Tenten in shocked surprise, shocking everyone in the room.
"Because the only way you ever get me to sing again is when Hinata-sama is singing with me. I can't sing well enough without her by my side." He held her hand and she squeezed it lightly, thanking him for being a good friend. Everyone awed, except Neji who looked…jealous?, at the couple and soon went back to assortment of music and food laid before them.
"Anna, Hinata-chan, are you and Gaara-sama a couple now?" asked Tenten in low whisper. Hinata blushes numerous shades of red and became as wide-eyed a deer staring into headlights. They left the mall and went back to Naruto's house to watch movies and pig-out in the entertainment center. The girls sat in the back and the boys took front while watching Cowboy Bebop the Movie.
"Ina! What makes you say that!" spoke Hinata in a stunned whisper.
"Ara! I thought that you were when you two held hands at the karaoke bar after your duet."
"Iie, it how we expression our thanks and happiness towards with each other. We express ourselves and speak through small touches, knowing what a simple gesture like holding hands may mean. Anyway, we have been friends too long to be a couple, and all I need is a friend like him. I don't need a boyfriend as of yet." Hinata spoke with a female pride saying she doesn't need a man to make her happy. Tenten only smirked and shoke her head.
"Hmph, if you say so. Demo, don't over look Gaara-sama as a good boyfriend. He may be the one in the end."
"You say that so blatantly. Can you be so sure that he likes more than a friend when he hasn't made a move towards that step?"
"Shhhhh," spoke Kiba in the front.
"Sumimasen (Sorry)," said the girls, they lowered their voices even more for Kiba not to hear.
"Hinata-chan, things take time. Don't sell Gaara or yourself short. Love comes in many different packages. All you have to do is choose, and choose right." Tenten turned to the movie to leave Hinata thinking about her words.
Hinata knew love was different with everyone, but can she really see herself with Gaara? Yes, she can. She have thought of that for many years now and it has never faltered from her mind, but for anything to go any further, it would have to be him who makes the first move for she's too afraid of his rejection to see if they can be more than just friend.
Unknowing to her, but wasn't listening, Gaara felt the same way for a long time and he too could never bring himself to such an embarrassing dilemma: To be taken as a lover, or refused as one. So simple a thought, yet powerful enough to keep him from his true love. Kids…letting fear control their actions where in this world, fear is no longer an option in this world of ninjas, demons, and gods.
The movie was over and it was getting dark, the sun setting over the horizon of the city and village.
"We should get going. It's getting late and Hiashi-ojisama might get upset if we're not home in time."
"-Sigh- Raito, Neji-niisan,"
"Awwwe, you guys can't stay just a little bit longer?" whined Naruto.
"Suminasen, Naruto-kun, demo, my Oto-sama is not a very patient man. It would be rude of us to make him worry."
"Oi, don't worry. I'm just kidding. See you tomorrow." Spoke Naruto with a bright smile.
"Sadaka. Bai-bai, everyone."
"Sayonara! Bai, Hinata-chan!" Shouted her friends. Gaara came up and hugged her as she hugged him. Neji had a twitch in his eyebrow when he saw such a emotional display.
"See ya tomorrow, Hinata-sama."
"You too, Gaara-kun," They pulled from their embrace and Gaara went back to his friends as Hinata gathered her things and left with her cousin and his friends.
After dropping off Tenten and Rock Lee, they made it home with all of Hinata's clothing and prizes from the mall. Neji, being so kind, help with the oversized teddy bear as Hinata carried her clothes. They went straight to her room and placed everything by the bed, stretching their arms out to release all the stiffness coming from carrying the heavy load. Neji sat on her bed Indian-style as Hinata sat by the computer, surfing the web for more appearls in the Goth look. They sat in silence for some time until Neji finally decided to speak.
"Hinata-sama, what do you think about the move to Kiri?" She looked at her cousin, slightly surprised that he would use 'sama' to the end of her name. That only happens in the presence of her father, or when he was serious about something. The latter of the two was obvious. She turned back to the computer and looked at the webpage before she spoke.
"I think that it would be a nice change from everything. Meeting new people, seeing new places, and making a few friends along the way. I think it would be nic—,"
"Stop-lying, Hinata-sama…I know you feel just as bad as I do." She sighed. Neji has always been good at reading a person. He was like a human lie detector, but Hinata have been known to hid her feelings very well herself. Tonight just wasn't that night.
"…Anna, why ask a question you already know the answer to?"
"Because I need someone to understand the hurt I'm feeling better than anyone else, and who better to seek such understanding from than from you, Hinata. Do you honestly think this would be a good idea to move away from the people we care about the most?"
"Ina, but what choice do we have? We can fight tooth and nail with my father and the results will always be the same. Do you honestly think I want to leave? I love it here! This is my village, my home, my family. My entire life is here, and I will be separated from the very people I care for and who care for me the most." She turned to her cousin to face him. "Do not get me wrong. I love you Neji-niisan. I love you more than the world in which we live in, but Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun, Sakura-chan, Kiba-kun, Shino-kun…Gaara…they're like my true family from the Hyuga clan.
"They gave me love when the Elders gave me cold stares and shoulders. They gave me trust when no one of the clan, but you, Hanabi, Keshino and Hinako-obasan would…they gave me their understanding when all the Hyuga clan gave me distaste of the way I dress, the way I act, or the fact that I would choose to do things that would make me happy, not them. My other family gave me so much while the clan, my own blood, keeps giving me little and little with each passing day.
"I feel so…trapped here…-Sniff, sniff- I feel so alone, and…and…I'm scared! I have never been so scared in all my life. To move away from all those who you love, who loves you, and the possibility that you may never see them again…it's so…frightening, so…so heartbreaking…Ara, Neji-niisan, I can't take it!"
Hinata sobs, letting out her fueling frustrations through tears and words. Neji rose from the bed, walked to Hinata, pulled her up, and hugged her, hugged her with all his might and heart. Hinata hugged tightly as well, her tears drenching his shirt as her sobs were muffled out. Neji too let his tears fall, but silently wept as he console and comfort his distressful cousin with comforting words.
He never heard Hinata's word with so much painful emotions. The move to Kiri was truly becoming stressful to everyone, but somehow, he knew it would hit Hinata harder than anyone else. What she said truly hit home and he couldn't help but feel every word she said. In a way, she truly did understand him: their feelings never faltering over the fact that everyone they love and care for will be gone from their grasp, possibly never to be seen again.
Fate is truly a real cruel mistress as they say for they never would believe that nothing else could get possible get any worse. I mean, what can be worse than losing the people you love.
"Hinata-hime, don't worry. Ashikarazu, Hime, for bringing this up. It really hitting you hard, huh?"
"Hai…-Sniff- I just couldn't hold it in anymore. Ashikarazu, Neji-niisan, for my outburst."
"It's ok. You have a right to feel this way as I do. Let's just forget about the future and be happy with the present and the new day coming our way. Should anything go wrong, I'll be there to nip it in the bud."
"-Sniff- Domo arigato, Neji-niisan. You'll be spending the day with me and my friends?"
"If you want?"
"Arigato. That would be nice." She pulls from the embrace just enough to see his tear-stained cheeks. She smiled warmly towards him and rubbed the tears from his soaked cheeks. "That way, you can learn more about my friends and prove to them that you're not such a stick-in-the-mud." He humph at Hinata as she giggled at the annoyed face he had.
"Un, I'll show them. As soon as I found a big mud puddle, I'll show them what a stick-in-the-mud really mean."
"Neji-niisan!" He chuckled, kissed her forehead and walked towards the door. He opens it and looks back at Hinata.
"Tomorrow's a new day, Hinata-hime. Get ready." He closed the door and left for his room as Hinata sat down feeling relieved to know that she's not alone.
To Be Continued…
Notes from the Authoress:
Jiraiya: Jiraiya is still a Legendary Sannin, as are Tsunade and Orochimaru (Orochimaru hasn't betrayed Konoha and remains good friends with Tsunade and Jiraiya, though he still acts as if he's a better ninja out of the three). Jiraiya is Naruto's God-Father, though Naruto calls him Uncle Jiraiya, and private sensei, teaching his jutsus and skills to Naruto as Arashi teach Naruto's his as well. He still writes his Icha Icha Paradise books with Naruto as his ghostwriter, proofreading the details and words as such. He lives with Naruto and the Yondaime Hokage.
Kazuki: Kazuki is a great cook and try to prepare the best meals for the family he serves. He considers Naruto as his little brother since he's an only child and he would do anything to protect the boy from any looming danger. He loves cooking for Naruto and his friends, getting a great sense of pride when people enjoy his culinary works. He hopes to run his own restaurant someday.
Neji and Hinata: Apparently, a larger bond has formed between Neji and Hinata, and they are becoming more understanding towards each other than ever before. Surely, it's amazing how certain events can change people, for better, or for worse. The relationship may get better or worse, depending on the situation at hand.
Dark Anty – Chapter Three! Here and ready to be reviewed. I hope you like it, though many of the characters did tend to be OOC. Sorry about that, but I hope you liked it. Tell me how you like the third chapter. NO FLAMES!! T.T.F.N.