Blah= whatever

"Blah"= talking

Blah = different language

'Blah'= thinking or emphasis

(Blah)=Me or extra blah blahs

Blah= Flashbacks

Blah= Change of place, time, and POVs

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Afterwards/Kaori's POV:

"Move over! I can't see!"

"Sorry, but you're on my elbow."

"Shh! They'll hear us!"

"I-I r-rea-re-real-really don't t-think w-we should be d-d-doing this!"

"SHH!!!"

Were the hushed cries from a couple of bushes in a nearby field. After having ramen, Naruto and Makoto had left to talk in private, not noticing the other two members of Team Nine following them.

"A-Ano! S-s-shouldn't we j-j-just leave them a-a-a-alone?"

And Hinata.

It's kinda cool really, while we were checking up on Naruto and Makoto-- not ahem spying! Team Eight had apparently returned from their C-rank mission (Tsubasa gives a sly nudge and I glare in return). It's really funny how Hinata just happened to be walking this way and just happened to use her Byakugan and just happened to find us.

Wow! What a coincidence!

Flashback:

"Kaori! Swing your little sniffle things faster! I bet that Majikan can just smell our fear!" Tsubasa uttered from the foliage of the leaves we were hiding behind.

I frowned, choosing not to follow his command. "Don't be so mean to her! And I don't need you to tell me how to use my weapons when I'm the only one who actually knows how to use it!"

"Fine, so what do you think they're going to talk about? Cause it's obviously not a love confession thing or anything like that. What are they going to do next?" He muttered curiously, peering over the leaves once more before hastily ducking back down.

"How am I supposed to know? I'm not a psychic or a mind reader!"

"A-Ara? Kaori-chan! To-Toriwa-kun! W-What are you guys d-doing spying on M-Makoto-chan and Gulp! N-N-N-Naru-Na-Na-Naru-Naruto-kun?"

We jumped and turned around to see the Hyuuga Hinata-san poking her index fingers together as she stared at us with wide eyes.

How can this be? We made sure that we were completely hidden! Other than our whispers, we made almost no sounds! We had checked off our security list so many times, so how did she-- Oh. She had her Byakugan on.

Then that doesn't count.

I quickly took another glance at the whiskered blonde and the stoic brunette and freaked. Once they look this way, they'll easily be able to see Hinata standing like that, and then our cover's going to be blown too. Tsubasa figured this out as well.

"Shh! Get down! Get down!" Tsubasa hissed, too winded up about this 'mission' to try to charm her at the moment. Besides, he wasn't that interested in her knowing she had a thing for Naruto.

The shy Hyuuga gasped at his harsh command and got to her knees almost immediately.

I gave Tsubasa a glare as I quickly apologized for the scare he had given her. Actually, I'm glad that his full-attention is on Makoto right now.

"Gomen ne, Hinata-chan! We're just being a couple of naughty kids who are nosily spying on our teammates!" And your crush. "Sorry for bothering like this! Just don't tell anyone! Please!" I whispered.

The Hyuuga cocked her head, but nodded slowly. She made a move to stand up, until Tsubasa stopped her.

"Stop! They're going to see you! When you leave, they'll notice you and then we'll be seen too! If you stay, I'll treat you for a date! Anywhere you want!"

"E-Eh?"

I noticed Naruto looking around. "What was that sound, dattebayo?"

'Oh snap!'

Tsubasa quickly shook Suzumaru awake and they were both twittering and making all these random bird sounds.

"Oh, just a couple of birds."

I let out a sigh, and elbowed the Toriwa member angrily. "Tsubasa-kun! Don't try to bribe her like that! She doesn't even like you! Gomen Hinata-chan! He's just being himself! But can you please stay? We really want to see this!"

I noticed Tsubasa scooting over to her, grinning knowingly as he whispered in her ear. "And I'm sure you'd like to find some more info on Na-ru-to-kun!"

Hinata gulped, blushing a furious red. After a few more color changes, she nodded slowly and stayed where she was.

End of flashback:

The three of us continued to eavesdrop in on the conversation. We were close enough to hear every word they were saying.

Which meant they could easily hear us if we weren't careful.

"So what did you want to talk about- dattebayo?"

I felt sorry for poor Hinata. She must feel really guilty for spying on her crush. "Ah, Hinata-chan. I'm sorry we made you-- Ara? Hinata-chan?"

The Hyuuga heiress was actually calm and was concentrating deeply as she listened in to what they were saying.

I beamed. I always knew she was a capable ninja! And I'm glad Tsubasa-kun's here to see this!

"Hinata-chan! Sugoi! You're really great at spying! It's almost as if you spy on Naruto all the time! You're amazing!" I beamed and turned my gaze back on said Uzumaki, when I heard this shrilly squeak.

"Ara? Was that a mouse?" I asked, as I turned to my right to see a blushing Hinata. Ahh! The mouse probably scared her!

Tsubasa-kun had a brow raised as he gave a weird look to the Hyuuga. "Uh, that wasn't a mouse, Kaori…"

"Huh? Then what? Do you know, Hinata?" I asked, said girl squeaked again, similar to the mouse I had heard as she began stuttering again.

Tsubasa slapped a hand to his forehead. "Kaori, just forget it." He groaned.

I cocked my head in confusion as question marks floated over my head. "Stupid mouse is making everyone tense." I muttered darkly, and resumed to my original task. Tsubasa rolled his eyes once more before turning back to our task.

"So Naruto, how did your mission go exactly?" Makoto asked. Hmm, she makes such an innocent question sound so suspicious!

"It was awesome, of course! I was the strongest one- dattebayo!" Naruto grinned.

I couldn't help but smile. That's so Naruto!

Makoto nodded. "I see. Just how exactly are you stronger, Naruto?"

"I dunno! I'm already strong! I just got even better during the mission, obviously! Duhh!"

She glared, but let it go. "Yeah, but did anything special happen? Like some new, oh I don't know, chakra? More specifically, when you thought Uchiha died?"

'What is she getting at?' I leaned closer. I saw Naruto flinch as he muttered a choke. "Nothing happened! I dunno, maybe?"

"Theoretically, was it by chance in a shape of an animal-- and I repeat this is only theoretically. Maybe a fox?"

Now I have no clue what she's talking about whatsoever? Chakra in the shape of animals? What is the meaning of this?

"W-What are you saying! Are you stupid, Majikan? Tch! Foxes! I- that's- I mean, che!"

"Yes, yes. That is quite absurd." Makoto nodded. "Especially when it looks similar to the Kyuubi that attacked this village twelve years ago? You know the one that the great Fourth Hokage defeated? My theory is that he probably sealed it inside something, don't you think? Remember the story?" She asked, turning back to the ramen-loving dobe.

I could see faint beads of cold sweat dripping off of his face. "Don't deny anything Naruto, I saw it all with my eyes." She said, keeping her Bunsegan gaze fixed on the Uzumaki.

"Shut up, Majikan!" Naruto said through gritted teeth. "You don't know anything."

I heard a small shuffle from my left and turned to see Tsubasa scooting closer and closer to the duo.

"Tsubasa-kun! What are you doing? Are you trying to get caught?" I hissed.

He continued to scoot up. "This is getting interesting. I just want to hear better. Don't worry!"

"Stop it! You're going to get us all caught! Help me Hina-- Hinata-chan! What are you doing?"

The Hyuuga wordlessly edged closer and closer up. She seems to agree with Tsubasa's logic as well.

"Mou! You two are going to give me a full head of white hairs!" I moaned, and shuffled closer as well.

"Don't talk as if you think you know everything, Majikan. Because whatever it is, you're wrong!" Naruto whispered.

Naruto-san's being a bit out of character here! Whoa, Makoto-chan! This is getting intense!

"I don't think I'm wrong. In fact, I'll get to the point now." Makoto said, not fazed at all. I gulped, consumed by this mystery. I could see Hinata stiffening and Tsubasa edging yet closer.

"Naruto, you have the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside of you, don't you? Let me tell you that whatever your answer is, I will not tell a soul, nor will I treat you differently. So answer. Yes, or no?"

Naruto gulped. And finally answered. "Yeah… I do."

"What? Oh snaps!" Thump! "Whoa!" Thud! "Kya!" Foomp!

I groaned as I got up from the ground, rubbing my sore head.

Tsubasa-kun laughed, forgetting the situation at the moment. He was feeling thrilled and refreshed at the rush of air when we fell. His fanaticism being that it was his first time falling. "Kaori-chan, you baka! Don't grab onto us when you fall!" He scolded lightly as I apologized repeatedly. "That was so much fun! Now I see why you do it all the time!"

Blushing, I ignored him and turned to our team eight member "Sorry… Hinata-chan, are you okay?"

"Mou! What about me, Kaori-chan! You're so mean! Haha, you're starting to become more and more like Majikan!"

"I didn't think I was ever so bad, Toriwa. Now why exactly are you guys spying on us?"

"What are you guys doing, dattebayo!"

I gulped and turned around to see a sweaty and panicked Naruto next to a more than angry Makoto.

"Ma-Makoto-chan! I'm so sorry! It's not what it looks like! We were just, I mean definitely not Hinata-chan, but Tsubasa-kun and I were, well we were just, I mean it's just that, I-I!" I stuttered, as rivers of tears poured from my eyes. "Don't hate meeeeeeeeeeeee!"

Tsubasa wasn't worried in contrast to my own panicked state and he still kept his composure. Suzumaru-kun seemed to be indicating Tsubasa's possibly true thoughts as he flapped around and twittered nervously. Tsubasa translated for us. "It was all her idea! She dragged us into this! Blame her! Blame her!"

"WHAT? Tsubasa-kun! You liar! That's not true! Don't believe him, Makoto-chan! He's lying! This whole act has his name written all over it!"

"Traitor! And wait, it was Suzumaru!"

"Speak for yourself! You're the one who tried to pin the blame on me!"

"Again, it was the bird."

Makoto sighed, rubbing her temples as she shook her head wearily, while Naruto gulped as he stared Hinata down, much to her guilt and embarrassment. "Just how much did you hear?" My teammate asked.

Tsubasa-kun and I paused from our bickering. "Ah, all of it."

…

Oh.

Snaps.

Our heads zipped up to see Naruto gritting his teeth in anger and traces of fear as he continued to scrutinize the Hyuuga down. I turned my heads towards Makoto who was sighing and she muttered an "I knew it."

Four pairs of eyes turned towards her. "What?"

This time Makoto snorted. "It was so obvious that you two would follow us! You guys are the most nosiest people I know, plus with all your giggling and whispers, any deaf person could've easily found you by ear!" She paused, ignoring Naruto who was fibbing about how he also knew. "Although I am rather surprised to find Hyuuga here."

The Hyuuga heiress uttered a squeak, as she fiddled with her fingers, stuttering out words to explain herself.

Wait… that squeak.

"The mouse!" I cried, pointing my finger madly at the violet-haired beauty. "Was it you?"

Tsubasa let out a baffled gasp as he fell to the ground. "Kaori! You're so slow! And you said that as a question! That means you still weren't sure!" He accused, showing a bit more frustration. "Just what kind of a ninja are you?"

I gave the Toriwa member a rather icy look as he finally calmed himself down. "Just what are you implying?"

"Nothing. Just be a good girl and pay attention to things so that you'll have a bright future ahead of you."

"Jeez, you suddenly turned into a mother."

"Thanks to you, I have to be act like one."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing at all."

We heard a cough and I blinked when I heard it again. I looked up to see a fatigued Makoto who was still blinking over the rapid topic changes.

"Ah, sorry. Continue." We mumbled.

Makoto let out an agitated humph. "Now, explain yourselves."

'It's a little late, don't you think?'

I sighed, and complied.

The whole explanation took about another thirty minutes, believe it or not. Especially since Tsubasa-kun and I would interrupt each other every five or so minutes and argue at some points, occasionally straying from the topic. I did whatever I could to cover for Hinata, who was stumbling over her side of the story with guilt evident through her body language.

"Ano…" I heard a soft voice say after our confession. I turned my attention towards Hinata, who was looking softly at Naruto. "D-Do you r-r-r-really have the K-K-Kyu-Kyuubi sealed in-in-inside of you N-N-Naruto-kun?"

Silence.

Naruto kept his gaze towards the ground as his knuckles turned pale from his tight grip. After a few dry gulps, he finally answered. "Yeah. Yeah, I do. I can understand if you guys hate me. But it's okay. I'm used to it."

"Are you really as stupid as people say?" Tsubasa asked, returning back to his calm state, but he was still annoyed over everything. "Why would we hate you?"

"W-What? But I have the demon fox sealed in me! The one that attacked the village twelve years ago!" He protested, showing his obvious disbelief. "People still call me monster!"

"So…" I started. "You want us to hate you?" I asked, confused. I'm trying to put two and two together, but they're like not clicking. I scratched my head. "Wow, you are different! But are you sure?"

"No! It's just that- well, you might- I mean, I just assumed-!"

"Y-You know… I've always considered N-N-Naruto-kun as a f-friend, even if he doesn't think so of m-me." Hinata mumbled. Keeping her head low. "I wouldn't ever hate N-Naruto-kun because he is so d-d-dear to me. I'll still l-like Naruto-kun no matter what other people say or think."

All attention was turned towards the Hyuuga heiress who still had not realized that she had actually voiced her thoughts.

"That… That was beautiful, Hinata-chan! I… I actually feel some tears coming…"

"Me too. You're secret's safe with us."

"I'm okay with it too."

Hinata flushed, realizing that she had blurted out most of her hidden feelings for the blonde Uzumaki. "A-Ano! I didn't m-mean to, I-I mean I did mean it, b-b-but w-w-what I meant to say w-w-was…! A-ano…! I-I didn't…!"

Naruto stared at her strangely. "Do you really think that Hinata?"

"A-Ah, gulp! H-H-Hai!"

Tsubasa grinned, pointing to himself. "I think so too- mmfh!"

"Ah, gomen! We have a strict schedule, and we have to go now!" Makoto said. Keeping both of our hands clamped over Tsubasa's mouth.

I nodded. "So many things, so little time. I mean phew! Well, we're not going to tell anyone anything so don't worry! Now bye!" And we dragged the bird boy away before the couple could say anything.

We finally permitted the Toriwa to breathe once we were out of their sight but still in hearing range, which meant we were behind the bushes again. "What the heck did you do that for?" He hissed.

"You were ruining the mood!" I whispered back. "That dense idiot might finally realize that Hinata actually lo… actually lov… actually like-likes him!" Call me immature, but love is not exactly a word that I find myself saying a lot.

"You're so immature, Kaori." Makoto sighed. I didn't really mean it!

"Kaori doesn't know what love is!" Tsubasa sang gleefully.

"What would you know, Toriwa? You're not that far off from Kaori."

"What are you talking about? I know what it means!"

Makoto snorted. "Oh please! You go out with girls left and right, never actually getting anywhere because you keep dumping them for another!"

"So? I at least know what a relationship is! What would you know?" Tsubasa retorted hotly.

"I think we should just let them have their alone time!" I whispered before the fight could continue. "Can we go home now?"

Thud!

"O-Oi… Hinata? Are you okay? Oi! Hinata! Wake up-- ttebayo!"

…

Oh my god, she fainted before they actually got anywhere.

'No wait! That means he can carry her!' I smiled. "Come on guys, let's go!"

"Eh? But she fainted! I know I've told you countless times to be more malicious, but why do you pick now of all times to be uncaring?"

"So that Naruto can care for her in our place." Makoto answered.

Blank stare. Blank stare. Ding!

"Ahh! I got it, I got it!" Tsubasa grinned. Wow, he's been rather clueless today, he must be having an off day. Or having a lot of 'sensei moments.'

We crept away, leaving the two potential lovebirds in peace. "So… you're still a softie, Kaori-chan."

"Hey!"

Once we were out of the forest, I sighed happily. A lot had actually happened on this supposedly boring day. We finally had time to hang out and eat ramen; we made better friends with two people; found out a few thing about Hikaru-sensei (Who is this 'Mit' person?); we were keeping a secret for Naruto; and we also helped out Hinata with said boy!

But… I just can't shake this feeling that I'm forgetting something.

The next day/Kaori's POV:

"Kiba-san, get off! I said I was sorry!" I screamed, feeling the pressure of his weight pushing me down.

Kiba sat where he was, on my back. "Do you have any idea how long Akamaru and I were waiting at the training grounds yesterday? You didn't even come! You totally stood us up!" He barked.

I was too busy thinking about all these secrets that I completely forgot that I had a sparring session with Kiba.

"I thought you were still at your mission!" I tried again to push myself up, but it was no use. Damn, he's heavy!

"Yeah right, liar! Naruto came up to me and Shino with Hinata last night, and he said that you were with them a while ago!"

'Damn it Naruto! You're supposed to carry her home, not dump her on another teammate!'

"I'm sorry! A lot happened yesterday! I forgot!! I'm sorry! Come on, let's just forget and spar again!"

"You broke tradition! I can't let you off easily after that!" He grinned, and added. "Besides, I won this fight."

"You snuck up on me! We weren't even fighting before you pinned me down!" I protested, slapping the ground with each word for emphasis.

"A ninja must always be alert."

"Oh, alert my ass! You cheated! Now seriously get off! Kiba-san!"

"Not until you admit I won!" He sang. He turned toward his canine friend. "Looks like we're gonna be here for a while, eh Akamaru?"

"Ugh! But you're so heavy!" I whined, making another attempt to get up. Damn it. I need to start doing push-ups again. "Get off of me! Please? Kiba-san!"

"I'm only going to get heavier if you don't admit that I won!"

"What?"

He grinned and picked up a small boulder about the size of my head and placed it on his lap.

"Oh! Ow ow ow ow ow! That's not fair! This is blackmail!" I said through gritted teeth. "Where did you even get that?"

He shrugged as he picked up another big hunk of rock and placed it on my back. ("Unngh!") "The Hokage monument. I planned ahead." He said, as he showed me a bag full of big rocks.

"You dork! What's wrong with you! You're such a- HUUUGH! I-I… can't b-b-breathe!" I wheezed as Kiba placed more weights on my back.

"Admit that I won, Ka-o-ri!" He grinned. Oh! I can so tell he's enjoying this.

I twisted my head around to look at what he was doing. Oh, look at that! He's making a pyramid! How creative!

Sarcasm.

"Ugh, f-fine! You… w-win!" I puffed. "A-A-Air…!"

The pressure was soon lifted, and I gratefully inhaled the air my lungs were craving. "Akamaru-kun." I called out with a grunt and a few crackle sounds came from my back as I pushed myself upright. Said dog walked over, curious. "Don't ever be like your owner."

"Bwa ha ha, that's his choice, not yours Kaori!" Kiba laughed, oblivious to the extreme pain I was in.

Maybe I should try the guilt thing.

"Ugh…"

Kiba rolled his eyes. "Oh, stop exaggerating! Don't act like this is your last moment or something!" He chided, finding my actions ridiculous.

"Blegh…"

"Stop being like an idiot and get up!" He commanded, having enough.

I sighed, and sat up. Obviously the guilt trip wasn't working. See? He has no heart!

It was a lost cause anyways. "Oh by the way, how did your mission go?"

"It was boring." He sighed as he leaned heavily into a tree. "We just had to guide some old lady to the Tea Country. You?"

"A family to the Hay. Which included a pregnant woman." I sighed, wincing at the memories of midwife-ing I had to do.

Kiba's eyes widened and he jolted upright, motioning for me to stop right there.

I shut my mouth, giggling over his discomfort. "You're just like Tsubasa-kun! He called himself a premature male!"

Kiba frowned, unhappy with the comment. I shrugged it off.

"A-ah, Ka-Kaori-chan! O-over here!"

I smiled and looked up. "Ah, Hinata-chan! Hey!" I grinned as the Hyuuga rushed towards us. It looked like she was looking for us for a while.

"Ano! Kaori-chan! Y-Your sensei's been l-l-looking for you." She stuttered, after exchanging greetings with Kiba and Akamaru.

I blinked. 'What could this be about?' I shrugged. "Alright, but before I leave…" I quickly pulled the shy Hyuuga aside and out of Kiba's hearing range. "Soooo, how was your date yesterday? With Na-ru-to-kun!" I giggled as her face instantly flushed. "Ne? You have to tell me the details, friend! Word for word! Was it romantic?"

"K-Ka-K-Kaori-chan! A-Ah! It was n-nothing like t-t-that! Y-you were there t-too! W-We! I mean, well he…!"

I pressed my finger to my lips prompting her to lower her volume as I noticed Kiba shifting closer to listen in on the news. He looked angry. Oh god, I hope he didn't hear!

"Kaori! Where are you? If you can hear me, then get your little Amakusu butt over here! Where the heck are you? Oi! KAORI!" Hikaru-sensei's voice rang out clearly, looking for me without actually looking for me.

I'll ignore him for now. What matters now is the gossip.

I hastily turned around. Despite being embarrassed by my teacher's antics, I wanted to resume my part in the conversation with Hinata.

"Oi! What exactly are you talking about that I can't hear?" Kiba complained, sour that he was left out of a secret.

Guilty, I gave him an apologetic smile. It was rather rude to leave him out like this. "I'm sorry. But it's a long story. Besides, it's Hinata's secret, so she should be the one to tell you, don't you think?"

"She's my teammate, I deserve to know!" He said hotly. "I heard the words 'Date' and 'Romantic'. Why? What's going on?"

Hinata squeaked, as her face reddened. I started getting angry and said the first thing that came to my mind in hopes of sticking up for my Hyuuga friend. "Why? Are you jealous or something?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"I- that's not- no way! Right, Akamaru- I mean! Not of her!" He stammered, with a light blush on his features.

My eyes widened and I could feel my heart sinking steadily as Kiba's gaze kept shifting all over. To Hinata, it looked like he was mad about being left out, but I'm sure I know what it really was.

Jealousy…

Does that mean Kiba has a crush Hinata?

"DAMN IT! Kaori!!! If you don't get your little ass over here in the next five fucking seconds, I'll fucking strangle you until your scrawny neck is no thicker than a goddamn, small-ass straw!! Get over here NOW!!!"

I didn't care that sensei went into dark mode or how Kiba was staring and how Hinata was quivering in fear as my teacher's language continued to steadily worsen.

Honestly, I didn't really care what sensei was going to do to me. My thoughts were focused on the love triangle that was twisting its way through our lives.

What was even worse, I realized, was that I was the dead last. I liked Kiba when he liked Hinata, and she to Naruto; this left me as the loner, dead last, and the one that no one… wanted. This arrangement actually didn't really surprise me, but it still hurt. So, so much, and I felt petty for admitting it.

But even if Hinata did like Naruto, Kiba still deserves the chance to chase after her with no worries, right? If he was going to do that, then that means that I shouldn't tell Kiba how I…

I gave a slight chuckle. Wanting desperately to rid, or at least hide, from the pain. "I guess I have to go now! Haha, I can't wait to see sensei's face now!" I said giggling frivolously. 'Ahh that sounded so fake…' I should get out of here."So, I'll see you guys later!"

They blinked in confusion. Kiba cocked his head, looking unsure. "What's wrong? Kaori?"

Damn it all. He noticed. Why is it that he can always tell if it's something's big?

I smiled. "Oh nothing! I'm just scared of what will happen if I do go to Hikaru-sensei. Sorry, but I gotta go!" And I rushed off before they could stop me.

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So how was that chapter? A bit rushed, but okay, right? I think I made Kaori a little too slow with the mouse bit. And I'm starting to feel guilty for hurting her. Augh. I think I'm turning evil (-er than I already am). I should make the next chapter more happy-ish to make it up. Augh. If you want to prove me wrong or agree that I'm really evilly evil, please review!! I'd like to know your opinions so that I can improve!! Thanks again for reading!!!