11-21-06
3:16pm
one-shot turned too long fic, couples- Shikamaru/Ino, Neji/Tenten, some Naruto/Hinata and Sakura/Sasuke and a smash of Kakashi/Anko
Summary- Tenten is being stalked and finally takes the chance to ask for Neji's help in the matter, as Kakashi's current volume of Icha Icha Paradise has gone missing and he's come to the conclusion it's been stolen. And Naruto and Hinata have just announced their engagement while Sakura and Sasuke are trying to help each other muddle through life, all the while there's a plot to push Ino and Shikamaru closer together. Life could only be less clear...
Disclaimer- I do not own Naruto or any of the characters.
xoxo
Title-Hidden Leaves
Chapter 2
By-Moon Prynces
xoxo
The blonde kunoichi found herself sighing as she scanned the aisles, searching. She pulled out a piece of paper and squinted down at it before turning down into another aisle.
After ten more minutes of something Ino was done grocery shopping. Truthfully, the errand she was running was for her mother. Even though she no longer lived with her parents she went shopping for them in return for a meal from her mom every once in a while.
Ino sighed again, thinking about how lately she'd been missing her mother's cooking a lot. She was no cook herself, only being able to make prepackaged meals and tea.
She soon left the store with two fairly light bags in her hands. Since the bomb that was yesterday's mission with Shikamaru, Ino felt she really needed some comfort food- her mother's cooking.
It was just lucky she'd thrown away the dumb idea of a diet a few years ago. Actually it was Naruto scarfing down delicious food in front of her face that made her change her mind.
"Hey! Ino!" She stopped and turned as a familiar voice called out to her.
Ino looked intently to see Chouji jogging towards her. "I'd say you're looking pretty fit Chouji." She commented with a grin.
He grinned back. "Well I do try. Especially since I know you'd probably still beat me up for eating my way to the hospital again." They both paused to recall the memory. "So where you headed?" He questioned.
She resumed her walk and Chouji followed along side her. "My parents place. Just getting some things for a home-cooked meal." She motioned to the bags in her hands.
"I would offer to carry them but I wouldn't want to imply you being weak or anything." Chouji joked with an easy smiled.
"Lazy." She muttered, smiling as well. "Where are you going anyway?" Ino glanced over and realized how tall Chouji was beside her.
"Actually, I was on my way to see Shikamaru." He said, and if Ino was certain, she might think his voice came out sounding sly, as if he were implying something.
Then it kicked in about who he was talking about. Suddenly she found herself stopping dead in her tracks. Chouji paused a few steps ahead and turned to look at her.
"Hey you tricked me!" Ino accused. "You were leading me here on purpose!"
Chouji shrugged. "Maybe it just never crossed your mind that your house was in the same direction as Shikamaru's favorite spot." Then he grinned. "Why does it matter? Do you mind stopping by and saying hi to him?" He asked, folding his arms and looking amused.
"He already told you!" Ino complained, looking at her friend with narrowed eyes. Then she trudged forward and followed Chouji as they cut across the field to a blob of brown and black that laid on the grass.
"Hey Shikamaru." Chouji greeted, taking a seat next to him.
Ino exhaled and also took a seat on Shikamaru's other side. Being very attuned to the world as he now was, even with his eyes closed the jounin knew someone else was there.
When he finally opened his eyes he saw Chouji grinning on his left and Ino miserably picking at the grass on his right. Definitely like old times. Except that they were older and more mature.
"Hey Chouji." He nodded to his best friend. "Ino." He turned to her. And remembered something. "Hey, isn't this the kinda thing you were talking about before Ino?" He asked, sitting up and scratching behind his head.
Ino smiled slowly, her hands eventually stopped picking at the scenery before she turned to the two. "Guess so. Maybe a little boring, but here we are."
Chouji's confused look said it all. "What're you two talking about?"
Shikamaru laid back down, hands tucked under his head. "She was complaining about how we never hang out anymore." He stared up at the bright sky. It wasn't even noon yet.
"Guess you're glad I caught her when I did then, huh?" Chouji smirked, making Shikamaru shift uneasily.
"So is this how you two plan on spending your day?" Ino rolled her eyes at the two. "Don't you have any reports to fill out? Or any work to be done?"
Chouji shrugged.
"Troublesome." Shikamaru mumbled.
She reached out. Tentatively at first, staring blankly. Before grabbing a fistful of hair. Ino yanked Shikamaru's head lightly, he innocent look remained as he cursed and grabbed his head.
"Ow! What the-" Shikamaru's eyes almost popped out and he sat up still holding his head after she let go. Chouji chuckled at the exchange, so typical.
"Just wondering." Ino shrugged nonchalantly. When he glared she went on defensively. "Your hair's soft! I've always loved it!" She found herself fingering the end of her own ponytail.
Chouji kept laughing as his best friend mumbled a few more things as he tried to fix his hair.
Yeah, typical. And yet he could swear there was something, something that his two friends probably would never notice. So maybe he should help them along. And if nothing else, it would be darn funny to watch. Ino' voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Hey Chouji, I haven't been able to see your mom and dad in ages. Would you tell them I say hi? I'll try to drop by when I can." She said lightly.
"What?" Shikamaru feigned a surprised look. "Don't you have anymore missions to screw over?" He shot, still holding his hair.
"Hey, I'm not the one to blame." Ino frowned. "At least, not just me. I'm not the only one at fault."
"You jumped me!"
"I did not! It was only a hug!"
"Missions aren't the appropriate time for hugs!"
"Don't be silly! It was just a spur of the moment thing." Ino admonished, looking away.
Chouji kept his mouth shut and observed. Darn, if only he had a bag of chips, or anything to snack on right now! It was actually kind of like a sport, watching these two argue. Because in the end they all know it didn't mean a thing.
But he decided it was time to intervene.
"Isn't it weird?" He asked, making the bickering pair look to him. "Naruto and Hinata getting married?" There was a silence as they all thought this over. Then he released the bomb. Which really was something even though he had overheard Ino the night they had announced the engagement. "Say Ino, when are you gonna get married?"
"W-what?" She sputtered, looking shocked.
Shikamaru's face twisted into slight annoyance. "Why're you asking her? She's too picky to just settle for one guy to be with for the rest of her life." He smirked, closing his eyes as he lay there.
Chouji looked between the two, even though Shikamaru seemed not to be paying any attention. "Well, come on. Out of the three of us Ino's the most likely to get married first." He also smirked. "And you talk about her being picky? What about you Mr. Hot-Shot jounin? I don't see you going on dates or anything."
Ino stared at him. "Wait a minute! Who says I'm getting married first?!" She asked frantically.
Shikamaru peeked open an eye. "What's the matter? Scared?" He barely paused for a response. "Thought so."
"Why are we talking about this again?" Ino moaned softly, shoving her face into her hands to hide the embarrassment.
Chouji grinned. It was pretty funny to see their reactions to this topic. Although neither seemed to care much for it.
"What about you, huh?" He was brought back as Shikamaru posed the question on him.
Chouji stared blankly for a moment before realizing. He shrugged. "Dunno really. It'll just happen when it happens."
Ino looked up. "Now that just sounds like something Shikamaru would say."
"Psh, thinking about that kinda stuff is troublesome." He muttered.
Chouji looked back at Ino. "Now there's something Shikamaru would say."
There was a brief moment of silence in which the two boys expected a response from Ino. A response that never came.
Instead the blonde hopped to her feet. "I should probably get home. My mom'll have a fit if I let the food spoil out on a warm day like this." She smiled cheerfully, bags already in hand and turned to leave.
Eyes narrowed, mouths frowned and Shikamaru, being closer, grabbed her ankle before she could take a second step.
"What's going on?" The genius of the three asked. Although it wouldn't take a genius to figure something was up.
Ino attempted a laugh. "What're you talking about?" She asked, trying to shake off his hand. When she realized he wouldn't let go she frowned. "Shika let go!" She demanded.
Being the only one with a tactful mind at the moment, Chouji spoke. "Are you okay Ino? I know you don't like to hear about certain topics and all but you're practically running away. And haven't you always said that Yamanaka Ino does not run away?" He stared up honestly at her. Shikamaru nodded in agreement.
Ino continued to frown down at the two, still pretending nothing was wrong. She slowly sat down, bags on her side as she held them tightly. It looked like she was ready to run at a moment's notice, no matter what Chouji had said. The frown was still there too; like she was convinced some injustice was being done to her.
Shikamaru and Chouji glanced at each other, wondering what the hell to do.
"Anything you care to tell us about?" Came Shikamaru's clipped voice.
"Like what?" Ino asked back, her tone the same as his. She looked up to see Chouji's worried face and Shikamaru's hard look. She froze and looked away, conjuring a fake coughing fit. "Okay." She said weakly in resignation. "If I tell you guys... you can't get mad at me. You won't, will you?" Ino looked back at the two with and earnest face.
They nodded, wondering what the hell was going on.
"Uh..." She began to fidget with her hair again, letting go of the grocery bags. "Okay, well the truth is..." She frowned and furrowed her brows.
When Shikamaru opened his mouth to say something like 'spit it out already', Chouji grabbed his shoulder and shook his head.
Ino was still struggling. "Er... actually... someone has proposed to me already." And after spilling the short jumble of words she threw her hands up to cover her face in shame and to act as a shield between her and her friends.
The two blinked, confused at the information.
"What?" Shikamaru asked.
"So... you're getting married?" Chouji questioned.
The Nara boy turned to look at his best friend incredulously. Chouji just shrugged. They turned to see Ino's position. Once again, being closer, Shikamaru grabbed one of her hands and pulled it down, away from her face.
He frowned deeply. "Wait, what's going on?"
"Well, I- It just- I didn't know, or expected-" Ino stuttered, stopping herself from completing a full sentence.
"Just... start at the beginning." Chouji said offering an encouraging smile.
She sighed and waited a moment. "Okay. It was this guy I was dating. We had been going out for a few months and all and it was pretty serious." She looked distraught. "At least, he was pretty serious and into it all. And after about six months he... asked me... to marry him." Ino turned red as she abruptly stopped.
Shikamaru's frown was fixed. "When was this? Why didn't you ever tell us?"
"It happened," She paused to exhale. "A year ago."
"But you were only seventeen then! You couldn't have gotten married!" Shikamaru argued. Chouji watched and thought it over.
Ino turned away. "Well, he was older. And anyway he knew, I'm sure his plan was to wait for me until I was old enough."
The Nara boy scoffed. "So how old was he exactly?"
Her eyes flickered around, trying to distract herself. "Um... twenty-five."
Hi eyes almost popped out. "What?! That's almost ten years your senior!"
"You promised not to get mad at me!" Ino looked at him tearfully, biting her lip and glancing at Chouji.
"I'm not mad at you! Just... it's just overwhelming to hear about..." He mumbled to himself.
Finally, Chouji responded, bringing up the important issue. "What did you say?" He asked quietly, already knowing what to expect. Shikamaru also looked at her expectantly.
Ino stared at her friends, wide-eyed. "No." She whispered to herself. Then louder, "No." She rolled her eyes, trying to gain her wits.
"How come?" Shikamaru asked suspiciously, awaiting a stupid Ino-like answer.
"What do you mean?" She shot back irritably. "I was seventeen, like you said. Getting married was the last thing on my mind at the time." She huffed. "Besides... I wasn't in love with him," A brief pause. "Like he was with me."
While trying to take in the enormity of it he went on. "So then, did anyone know about this at all?"
Ino averted her eyes. "Sakura did. And my parents of course. I had to tell them, couldn't not say it." She mumbled off.
Chouji came up with the next brilliant question. "So what happened with him after that?"
Shikamaru was about to add, 'yeah, are you still seeing him?' but thought better of it.
"We broke up. Or I broke up with him. And avoided him desperately. I just couldn't look at him and remember he was still in love with me." Ino pulled up her knees and linked her arms around them, looking off into the distance.
She blinked in surprise as a hand patted her on the shoulder affectionately. She looked up to smile at Chouji who had crawled over from Shikamaru's side. She threw he arms around Chouji in a hug. Shikamaru looked uncomfortable, not being such an affectionate person.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys sooner." She whispered into her friend's shoulder. She pulled back, eyeing Shikamaru. Chouji remembered what Shikamaru had said from their mission, and grinned.
"Tch." He looked around and they expected him to mumble his favorite word, but instead said something else. "It's okay I guess. You had your reasons and all that." Was his response.
For his unexpected understanding Ino smiled wider and threw herself on him for a hug as well. Shikamaru fell back with a small laugh as she laid on him in a hug.
A few seconds barely passed before Chouji whistled at the two as they separated and sat up, Ino moved next to him. She looked at Chouji quizzically.
"What?" Shikamaru asked, looking at his friend's grin.
"Just wondering. Was that a demonstration of what happened yesterday?" He asked. Shikamaru glared and Ino just shook her head with a small smile. He continued as the three of them stood up, Ino picking up her forgotten bags. "Just tell me when you guys want some alone time so I won't go blind from having to watch."
Ino's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. "What?!"
Shikamaru pushed his friend playfully. "Yeah, okay. The day Ino and I get romantically involved, Kakashi will stop reading Icha Icha Paradise." He joked.
Ino paled, remembering what the girls had tried to convince her of yesterday. Shikamaru, also realizing his mistake, glared at Chouji who was still grinning at the two.
"Better not jinx it." Chouji warned mockingly.
xoxo
Tenten hurriedly tried to throw her clothes on after a short shower. She had found herself sleeping in late, where as the days before she hardly slept at all. She figured it was because she stopped stressing over the problem that had arisen a few days ago.
It was her day off, and she had planned to meet up with Neji, Lee and Gai-sensei for a training session. Although now she was unsure of the time and was trying to get there as soon as possible in case she was late.
But, she thought to herself, if she had been extremely late one of them would have come to see if something was wrong. Because really, she wasn't one to sleep in so late... so often.
"Damnit." She cursed, grabbing her scrolls and shoving them into a bag. A bunch of magazines and coasters along with other things fell off the coffee table.
Then she turned around to stuff kunai and shuriken in various concealed pockets on her person, trying to calm herself and not accidentally get injured.
When she was finally done and stood up with her things, Tenten opened her front door... and looked down to see a white envelope waiting on her doormat.
She stared down at it fearfully. As she bent down to pick it up she prayed it was from a neighbor or something, although there was absolutely nothing written on the envelope, she could feel something inside it.
But if the nervous face she was pulling was any indication, Tenten knew what was coming. She slowly stood back up after picking it up and dropped her bag on the floor, still standing in the doorway. She held the envelope gingerly with both hands.
After a deep sigh, she turned it over and opened it, and proceeded to pull out the one lone paper. And almost fainted on the spot.
Tenten blushed and looked around frantically, shoving it back in the envelope, heading right back into her house, kicking her bag on the way. She shut the door and locked all five locks, bolts and chains. A gift from her paranoia after she received the first one.
xoxo
An hour later, Lee, Neji and Gai-sensei found themselves at Tenten's front door, pounding on it exuberantly. The only sane one of the group groaned to himself. Lee and Gai-sensei had insisted they all cancel training for today and head over to Tenten's place to see what was wrong.
When they got no response, Neji and Lee looked at each other nervously.
"Should we break down the door?" Neji asked, looking from his friend to his teacher.
Lee shook his head. "Tenten would never forgive us for causing such destruction upon her home. Maybe we can," He looked thoughtful with his hand on his chin. "Pick the lock?"
Gai looked thrilled. "That sounds like a great idea! We can avoid damaging Tenten's property and get inside quickly! She might be in trouble!" He looked worried for a moment. Then, "So do any of you know how to pick a lock?"
The two looked at each other.
"Well... no..." Neji answered.
Lee looked disappointed. "I also do not have the skills required for such a task. Now what will we do?"
"Well, there's always a chance to learn!" Gai responded, giving them both a pat on the back with his hands. "Now get to it before something terrible happens to our dear comrade!" He smiled heartily, not believing his own words. Tenten was too strong and stubborn to be in so much trouble, in her own home. In fact her home was probably one big booby trap with hidden weapons and things everywhere.
"But what could we use to pick the lock with?" Lee asked, looking up at Gai and then to Neji.
"Uh..." Although Neji knew this was a stupid idea, he didn't really mind. There was probably nothing at all wrong with Tenten, maybe she was just sleeping or forgot about training. But then, she had asked about it yesterday, to confirm it. He sighed, pulling out something from a pocket. "Here."
Lee stared, taking the object in hand. "This is one of Tenten's throwing needles. Why do you have it Neji?" He asked curiously.
The Hyuuga just shrugged. "I have a bunch of them. Sometimes she's too tired and forgets to gather them. I always forget to give them back to her."
The other grinned. "Alright! Now we can begin our task!" Lee made a pose before turning to inspect the doorknob. Gai and Neji stood back, waiting.
After ten minutes, they realized it hadn't been all that bad to pick a lock. There had been a lot of complaining between the three and taking turns in their attempts, but they had gotten the hang of it and finally picked the lock successfully.
They shared a triumphant smile. Lee turned the knob and tried to push the door open... only to find it wouldn't budge at all. He stared back at the other two, wide-eyed and in disbelief. Neji pushed him over and tried as well, shaking his head.
"There's more than one lock." He stated.
"But are no more keyholes to pick." Lee held up the needle.
Neji tried pushing the door and heard a few jingles. "There's probably a bolt... and a chain too."
Gai stood back, contemplating all this. "Something serious must be going on inside there. We have to get in to check on Tenten's condition."
"Maybe she isn't even home." Neji shrugged, trying to settle all their nerves.
While trying to take in this idea, they were all secretly looking around the house with their eyes for another way in. And then a few knocks and clicks were heard before the door flew open.
Tenten stood there with her hair in a mess and wielding a ladle. She was breathing heavily but upon seeing her team she relaxed her stance.
"Hey guys! What's up?" She managed to say, mustering up a very cheerful voice.
"Tenten are you okay?" Gai asked concernedly. "You didn't show up for training this morning and no one answered when we knocked. We tried to find a way in, but..." He trailed off. "Please, if there is anything that concerns you, you should be able to come to your sensei for help." He said assuredly.
Lee started to speak. "May we come in? We have decided to cancel training today so we came to see you."
Tenten stared at the three of them blankly. "No!" She answered quickly and a little too eagerly. "I mean... I must've just dozed off and forgotten about the training. Sorry about that!" She smiled apologetically. "And my place is a mess so there isn't any room for you guys to come in."
Neji folded his arms and eyed her suspiciously. He did get a glance inside before she pulled the door closed behind her. It was a mess, but it seemed more like she had made it herself... or at least someone did it on purpose.
"Uh, it's sweet that you guys were worried and all but there's no problem here." Tenten said with a nervous laugh. "And I really need to get back to cleaning, you don't mind right?"
"Aw, but we were planning to go out to eat, just like old times!" Lee said sadly.
She shook her head. "I'm really sorry. But I gotta get back in there and clean up. I wouldn't feel right leaving it a big mess."
"It's alright Tenten, we understand." Gai said, over exaggerating as he put a hand on her shoulder. "But if you do change your mind, just come by our usual place. There will be plenty of food in case you do!"
"You know," Neji started off, shifting his gaze from Lee and Gai to Tenten. "Maybe I should stay and help you out." He said to her. "It looks pretty bad in there and it'd be easier if there were someone around to help you, right?"
She smiled awkwardly. "Actually, that's okay! I mean... there are some personal things I'm going through and I don't want anyone to see them as I clean out all the stuff. So... yeah."
Gai and Lee grabbed Neji by the shoulders and dragged him off, saying their goodbyes to Tenten. Neji was still watching her carefully as they left.
Once they were out of sight she sighed to herself and retreated back into the house, tossing the ladle onto a couch and locking everything on the front door.
Everything was a mess. A big horrible mess. She looked around, trying to remember where she had left off.
The truth was that she had been looking for something. Looking for anything actually. She had gone through every room in the house, which wasn't a lot, trying to find proof. Of course there was the picture, which was proof enough.
Now she was afraid to be anywhere near her house. Afraid to take a shower, or change her clothes at all, or just live in her house.
And she couldn't find a camera or anything anywhere!
Tenten kicked at a pile of stuff on the floor in anger, eyes tearing up.
Then glanced up in surprise, hearing someone knock at her window, before letting themselves in. She cursed herself for forgetting to lock them all and furiously wiped at her eyes with her arm.
Neji stood in the middle of the room, staring at her stoically. "What's going on?" He asked, his voice sounding expectant and slightly exasperated, like he already knew something was up.
She stared at him after clearing her face. "I'm cleaning." She moved to pick up something but he was suddenly in front of her and grabbed her arm in midair as she had bent over.
Tenten looked up slowly, not moving. She still moved to pick up the shirt with her other hand and pulled back to stand up, making Neji let go of her arm. He kept staring at her, waiting.
"Nothing's going on." She said, trying to concentrate on folding the shirt in her hands. After a moment she found it impossible and abruptly threw it across the room with a cry of frustration. Neji watched all this without blinking or reacting. "It's nothing alright! Can you just leave so I can clean?!" She shouted at him, surprised at herself.
"If that isn't proof enough that something's wrong then here's the list of things I've gathered." He said logically. "First you've been distracted for the past few days. I can see it in your work or just trying to have a conversation. And then yesterday you borrowed my shredder for what? You were getting rid of something, hiding something. I just don't know what." The Hyuuga folded his arms and furrowed his brows, still staring her down.
The nineteen-year old kunoichi sighed, walking around him and taking a seat on her couch. "Can I tell you about it later?" She looked tired. And then an idea came to her. "Hey, do you mind if I sleep over at your place?" And suddenly she was back to being eager, overexcited Tenten.
Neji blinked in confusion, his arms loosening. "Uh... why?" He followed this up with a cough to hide his embarrassment.
"Well, it's just..." She looked around desperately. "I can't give you a good reason just yet. And I promise it'll only be for a few nights! I won't bother you at all! Please Neji!" Tenten jumped up and hopped in front of him, with a pleading look and her hands clasped in front of her.
He looked uncomfortable for a moment. "Sure I guess... it's no problem really." Then winced as she squealed and started grabbing clothes and things to throw into a bag.
"Do you mind if we start this right now?" She asked, not looking up from her current task.
Neji raised an eyebrow. "I thought you couldn't bear to leave all this unfinished." He said suspiciously, motioning to the mess around them.
Tenten didn't answer and wandered around the room, making her way to the bedroom. He followed her and stared in surprise again to learn that her bedroom and even bathroom were in a state of disarray worse than the living room/kitchen area.
He opened his mouth to ask something but then shook his head, thinking it better to wait until later. He would probably try cornering her next time because even asking outright didn't get him anywhere.
She shrieked. "Hey! Don't come in! I'm getting personal things!" Tenten shouted at him.
Neji looked confused; he was only standing in the doorway. But even with the distance he could see the items she was talking about. In all their pink and red and laced glory. He ducked his head and stepped away from the room.
xoxo
Meanwhile, another Hyuuga was strolling down the streets of Konoha, decidedly taking a walk to clear her head. It was a wonderful feeling, being in love and having someone feel the same way back. She knew she was lucky to have Naruto.
And now that they were engaged and would get married in a matter of months she was elated and excited. There wasn't much that could prevent the wonderfully bubbly feeling inside her.
Except when her mind wandered to a certain topic, and in fact, to a specific couple.
Hinata looked up at the cloudless sky, a breeze wrapping around her, sending her skirt flying around. She didn't bother to hold it down, knowing she was in one of the most deserted areas of the village. But she did huff in irritation.
'Of all the days! The one time I decide to put on a skirt.' Hinata thought crossly, wrinkling her nose.
She walked on past empty alleys and deserted food stands. The houses even looked empty, like no one lived there. The dark-haired girl finally made it out into an open view of fields that looked untouched.
Then she realized why.
It was only a few yards away from the burial sites of Konoha's citizens. More importantly, it was near Asuma's grave. And if she hadn't known it before she definitely knew now.
Because Kurenai was kneeling down, staring at his headstone.
Hinata watched from afar and wanted to leave. But there were things she felt she needed to talk about with her old sensei. She waited and eventually Kurenai stood up and noticed her.
Strange though her previously somber face, reserved for just one person in particular turned into an inviting smile as she waved for Hinata to come over.
Hinata did feel strangely about interrupting Kurenai, but then sighed in relief as the older woman also walked forward to meet her halfway.
"Hinata-chan, how are you? Why are you wandering around here by yourself?" She asked with a smile.
Said girl looked up. "Actually I wanted to talk with you Kurenai-sensei. Do you mind..."
"No, of course not!" Kurenai led Hinata away from the burial sites, much to her relief, and back through the same empty streets. "Was there something on your mind?" She smiled at the younger girl.
Hinata looked away at first, concentrating on their surroundings. "It's just..." She looked pained to think about it, let alone bring up the topic. With a burst of energy she said it. "About Asuma-sensei."
Like a slap in the face, her smile was instantly wiped away. "What about him?" Kurenai asked, looking straight ahead.
"I'm so sorry sensei, it's just... Well I know it isn't something you wish to discuss." Hinata paused trying to understand herself what she wanted out of this conversation. "But, now Naruto and I are engaged. And soon we'll be married. I just want to know... about you, and him. Were you in love with him Kurenai-sensei?" Hinata looked over to her teacher.
Kurenai blinked and stared around. "Yes." She admitted quietly. "What was it you wanted to know?"
Hinata looked back down, struggling for words. "How did... you know? That you were in love with him." She added.
Staring ahead again, in a no-nonsense manner she answered. "It's not something you think about too much." She replied softly. "Sometimes you can be in love with someone for a very long time. And you'll only know when you realize it yourself. For some people they need a little help seeing the truth." Her smile came back and she looked to the other. "Is that how you feel about Naruto?"
"It's how I've felt about him for a long time. I never denied to myself how I felt. I just hid it from people until I felt ready to say it out loud." Hinata smiled at herself.
Kurenai looked surprised, but it eased into a smile as well. "I'm proud of you, you know that right? I love you and respect you as if you were a daughter of mine."
Hinata nodded, her long, dark hair swaying with her. Then she winced and her face went stoic, as if she were imitating her older cousin. "But there was something else." A pause. "If you loved Asuma so much... how- how did you move on without him?" She looked up fearfully.
The older woman nodded, still smiling, wisdom showing on her features. "You're worried about something."
"Nothing's certain anymore Kurenai." She said in a neutral voice, purposely forgetting the honorific. "I've learned too much through the years to think Naruto and I will just live happily ever after in fairytale land. What if..." Hinata stopped walking, making Kurenai follow suit. "What if Naruto doesn't come back from a mission? How do I- How would I move on from something like that?" Despite the emotion in her voice, there weren't any tears in her eyes.
Kurenai lifted her student's chin with a hand and stared at her face. "You'll cry," She started softly. "A lot." Was added. "And for a while, you will think... that maybe you won't be able to live on. But you will. One day at a time. And it'll always be hard, like trying to walk through water with the currents pushing you back." She stared into Hinata's eyes. "But it isn't the same for everyone. Sometimes it's hard, and sometimes not so much."
The girl's brave face fell as her teacher enveloped her in a hug. After a while Kurenai pulled back. "Have you talked to Kiba and Shino yet?" She asked sternly.
"No," Hinata shook her head, wiping the tears that wouldn't spill. "I will though. Of course I will. And Neji too."
Kurenai's look was radiant. "You've grown up so much." She said, stroking Hinata's hair affectionately. "Are you sure that's all you wanted to know?"
"No." Was the answer. "But I'm sure I'll figure it out by myself, or maybe with the help of others. Right now I think I've asked you enough." Hinata gave an apologetic look.
"You can always come to ask me anything. Don't worry about those things." Kurenai moved back and they picked up their pace again.
"I can't help it! I need to worry about you Kurenai-sensei." Hinata grinned cheekily. "And I'm sure Kiba and Shino feel the same way." Then she looked a little doubtful. "Although they are too stupid to show it." Then rolled her eyes. "Men."
"Is that Sakura rubbing off on you?"
The two giggled and went on joking like great friends. The mood lightened as they walked through what was thought to be the gloomiest part of the village. They didn't pay attention to the grey stone and lack of sunlight, only enjoyed whatever trivial thing was on their minds.
xoxo
No matter how stupid she knew she sounded, Sakura kept telling herself that she was not worried. In fact, she could feel herself getting a little angry at the situation.
She hadn't seen Sasuke in a few days. She remembered falling asleep on the couch yesterday afternoon but he never came home that night. And although she had work, the kunoichi had come home expecting him to be there. But nothing.
'You would think he would at least be a little grateful!' She thought to herself, holding herself erect as she marched through the streets, discreetly looking around for him.
Sakura had to admit on some level that maybe, just maybe she was a little worried about him. And then she would get deja vu, because this is exactly what she had been doing yesterday. Griping over stupid Sasuke. But what was it her problem really? All they did was live together. They hardly spoke or acknowledged each other. And she could barely call that friendship.
But it didn't matter, because like it or not, she had fallen into routine. And he was a part of it. Him just being there was a part of it. Him looking up as she opened the front door and walked it. Him silently passing her a glass of water when she walked into the kitchen where he already occupied. Him lying on a bed next to her.
She knew for a fact she wasn't crushing on him anymore. She knew she wasn't obsessed. It had to be that... he was just something that was supposed to be in her life, daily routine, and now he had been misplaced.
Yes, just like keys or a book or the left shoe you could never find. Something that you needed to live with.
Sakura strode past various places, smiling, nodding and saying hello to just about everybody. It was eerie how well-known and well-respected she had become. She found she was proud of herself every time this kind of thing happened. Not because she was the center of attention, but because she had a key role in their village. She was important to somebody, the people of Konoha in general.
The pink-haired girl finally stopped herself from tiring further on this ridiculous outing to find someone so elusive and... unnecessary. Really, she could definitely live without that left shoe.
xoxo
Kakashi spotted her and swooped in.
"Hello." He greeted, putting a hand up. His sneaky tactics and her inattentiveness caused him to surprise her, so she jumped out of her skin when he appeared behind her.
Sakura glared up at her sensei. "Hi Kakashi-sensei. How are you today?"
He looked around uninterestedly, hands in his pockets, and usual slouch in position. "Well I did receive a mission a yesterday. I leave in about a week." He commented, as if trying to bore her.
"Nothing too dangerous right?" She asked anxiously.
"No, just easy stuff. What about you? And Sasuke?" He questioned lightly.
The pink-haired girl was slightly taken aback. Kakashi-sensei hardly acknowledged Sasuke's existence since his return to the village. This was surprising. And suspicious. Her brows furrowed. "Well, nothing interesting lately. And Sasuke." She averted her eyes. "He hasn't done anything at all since he came back." She said, her voice getting smaller as the sentence ended. "I'm not sure but... can we even regard him as a ninja anymore? He seems to have... given up."
Kakashi held her gaze with an intense look. "Once a shinobi, always a shinobi. There is no way to back out once you've started something or spilled blood with that intent." He said darkly.
She looked at him carefully. "Kakashi-sensei... I'm wondering. Now that your team has grown up, what do you think of us all? Have we turned out the way you expected or wanted to?" Sakura questioned with a tilt of the head.
He moved a hand from his pocket to his chin. "Well... I didn't expect anything from you all, but that you push yourselves as far as you could go. Having expectations for people and even for yourself sometimes have the opposite effect. They might weigh you down and not help at all." Then he shrugged. "And if this is as far as Sasuke feels he can go... then it is his decision."
Her eyes widened. "You don't mean he'd-"
"Being suicidal? We've all gone through, or will go through a phase like that. Doing everything we can, taking any mission we get, to prove something or become stronger or to protect the people we care about. And some end up dying that way." He shrugged, but his tone said it was a serious matter.
"Do you think he will then?" She asked, looking away.
"I'm not sure." He looked up at the clouds. "He might."
There was a pause as the two looked around and space between the last topic and the one to come became larger. Finally Kakashi opened his mouth.
"Say Sakura?" He asked, looking sheepish and scratching his temple with a finger. "Have you seen my book anywhere?"
She blinked, staring at him. Then, "What?" She asked, unsure if she heard right.
"My book. Just wondering. If you don't know anything forget I said something." He said, changing his mind as quickly as his attacks.
He waved and bid her goodbye and turned to leave, mentally crossing her off his list. He really did feel like he was still getting no where with that book.
Damnit, and by now he would be almost done with it. Whoever had taken it would definitely pay for making him miss out on it for the past few days. It was torture.
He walked off lazily, hands in his pockets again, wishing he had something to hold.
Maybe he should think about asking Kurenai. She might have taken it as a joke in Asuma's honor, seeing as how he wasn't here to do it himself.
xoxo
Ino looked up from where she stood bent over, catching a glimpse of spiky hair before dropping a plastic bag into the garbage can outside her house. When she stood up the figure was moving steadily closer.
"Hello Shikamaru." She greeted, letting her eyes wander around to the floor. Her hand moved to rub anxiously at her elbow.
"Uh, hey." He greeted, about to open his mouth again and say something stupid like, 'hey what're you doing here?'. Luckily though his brain kicked itself in time. Shikamaru stopped as he got close enough, standing in front of her. He also averted his gaze to the sky.
"So, why are you wandering the streets at a time like this?" She questioned, glancing up at him.
His hands were shoved in his pockets. "Just wanted to take a walk, restless I suppose." He shrugged carelessly.
Of course the obvious source of discomfort for the two was Chouji's little joke earlier, his teasing that the pair would become just that. A pair. In the non-platonic kind of way.
It wasn't that she was actually considering the possibility, Ino told herself repeatedly. Shikamaru was one of her oldest friends and she would never go out with him, even if she ever discovered she had feelings for him. Their friendship was just too important to her.
And it wasn't because Chouji's plan to mess with his head was working, Shikamaru mumbled a few times to himself. Ino was definitely not his type. And they'd known each other for too long. It would be too awkward to ever look at her as anything but a friend. Besides that, he wasn't looking for a relationship.
And neither was she. So what was the problem? Why were they standing there all embarrassed instead of laughing it off as just a joke like Chouji had been doing?
"So how was that meal your mom made anyway?" Shikamaru asked, looking up and catching her eye.
The blonde let herself grin widely. "The absolute best. I'd give up any mission just to have dinner with my parents. Unless my dad's trying to cook." She wrinkled her nose at the thought.
He smirked. "Then shouldn't you be picking up some tips on trying to cook? Spending so much time with your mom even after you've moved, seems like there was no point in that then." Was the comment.
"Of course there was a point! My dad wouldn't let me bring guys home." Ino replied back with a mischievous look.
"Why not?" He asked, trying to sound innocent.
"Well, I do think they'd suspect something's going on when we're up alone in my room." She rolled her eyes.
Now Shikamaru grinned. "Right. You just can't resist temptation, huh?" He shook his head sadly.
"Hey! It's them who can't resist me." She responded haughtily. Then her eyes lowered bashfully. "Why, are you a virgin Nara?" Her question was a complete shock.
Shikamaru flushed a bit at the unexpectedness. When he did regain control his voice came out neutral. "I'll tell if you do." Was the answer.
Ino looked at him curiously, trying to break past his poker face. After that was found to be impossible she gave in. "Fine. I'll play along." A pause. "So what? You want me to go first?"
He yawned and nodded. Then looked at his empty wrist for the "time". "Waiting." He said casually, pointing to the imaginary watch.
She shoved him lightly, laughing along as he grinned. "No." The kunoichi answered suddenly, and he almost missed it.
"No?" He inquired, trying to make sure.
Ino just looked down at her nails in a bored fashion. "Waiting." She shot him with his own line.
"Nope." He said lightly, hands being shoved back into his pockets as he looked up at the darkening sky. The sun had already set.
"You're lying, aren't you?" She accused, staring him down.
Shikamaru grinned and looked back at her face. "Why would you think that? If you don't believe me, why don't I just prove it to you?"
And then like a bolt of lightening, or a stupid line from Naruto, it hit them both, almost knocking them out cold. And a voice, no doubt Chouji's, appeared in their heads.
'Nice. But I'd think you guys would get past the flirting stage and just hit the bed already.' Followed by one of his grins.
'What the hell?'
'Was I just-'
'Flirting?' They both thought at the same time, blinking rapidly between themselves.
A gust of wind blew past the two, making Shikamaru shudder and Ino had to push her hair out of her eyes.
"I think I... need to get inside." Ino said suddenly, hands pointing towards the door.
He nodded. "Sure, I've gotta get home anyway." Shikamaru waved and turned to leave. Then muttered to himself, "Stupid Chouji."
Just as Ino turned around to walk inside and mumbled. "Nice try Chouji."
Because when in doubt, always blame it on somebody else.
xoxo
"I love this bed!" Tenten said happily as she jumped on it and bounced around.
Neji turned his eyes away as he walked into the room. His thoughts went to how this situation was brought up.
He had gone to his family, requesting as politely as possible for a guest bedroom to use because his friend and former teammate needed a place to stay. His excuse was that she had been kicked out by her landlord and had nowhere else to go. But when they learned it was a girl no one would look at him.
In fact, they turned around and huddled into a group like they were trying to gang up on him. And then finally came to the decision that they did not approve. Although Neji could tell something was going on, because their faces were trying to crack into smiles and laughter. But he sighed and begged some more.
That is, until one of them said that if he was so desperate to have her stay in their house she might as well stay with him. In his bedroom. Using his personal bathroom. And closet space. And everything.
And of course thinking it was a joke he played it off, asking one more time before their faces split and everyone started laughing at the craziness they'd started. At this Neji could only sigh and leave, saying that he'd do what he saw fit to let her stay. And since the guest bedrooms had suddenly been locked there was no other choice.
He was sure this was some cruel joke they were playing. And if only he knew the truth, because it really was. Currently the bets that Neji would crack under the hormonal stress of being so close to a girl for so long was 23 to 1, the one being Hinata's younger sister who desperately wanted to believe in her cousin's strength against such impulses. Because thinking he would let his hormones consume him would give her too many nightmares.
And now it was already dark out when Neji finally introduced Tenten to his bedroom and bathroom. She was obviously excited about it but had yet to realize...
"Neji, where am I gonna sleep?" Came her all too innocent voice.
Neji looked up from where he had been going through a drawer. "Uh... well you can sleep in my bed. I am really sorry about this. But..." He already had the excuse ready. "It seems our guest bedrooms are being redone and there's paint fumes and stuff everywhere. It wouldn't be right to let you sleep in there." He looked away quickly after letting out the lie.
Tenten only smiled. "Thanks, that's really nice of you." She laid down and stretched across the bed leisurely. "But this bed's pretty big. We can just share! I'd feel too bad letting you sleep on the floor or something."
The Hyuuga looked up to stare at her blankly. She blushed under his intense gaze, then turned over, away from him.
"Do you wanna take a shower?" He asked.
They both froze and turned red, the unintended implication becoming clear. But since they weren't looking at each other, further embarrassment was spared.
"I mean, I'll go second." Neji said, correcting himself, not a hitch in his voice.
Tenten sighed and sat up. Was it really a wise idea? Her only thoughts brought her back to earlier today, and the picture she just couldn't get out of her head. She was a little freaked out, then wondered if maybe they had been followed.
She looked up to see her bag sitting in the corner where she'd dropped it. The picture was there. She hadn't had the time to destroy it just yet. And she had to be careful no one saw it.
Finally she answered, "Yeah, I think I will go take a shower." And then got up and grabbed her entire bag, walking into the bathroom and closing the door.
Neji let out a sigh of relief and turned to look at the wrinkles on the bed, the spot where she had been. Sure, he was nineteen. Sure, he had hormones. But he was also a level jounin ninja and this situation couldn't be nearly as bad as he thought.
It was only Tenten. His friend. His teammate. His most common partner in missions.
He moved to sit down on the bed and let his shoulders sag.
But then again, there was only a certain amount of time a guy hold out on himself. It was pretty predictable that he was a virgin. He'd spent the better part of his life training, trying to become stronger and rise in the ranks. He never made time to be a normal guy, go out on dates, have a social life except for the large group of friends he already had.
Now was the time to regret it. Because lying next to an available female on a bed and doing absolutely nothing would kill him. Or he'd just kill himself to spare himself the frustration and torture.
On the other side of the door Tenten prepared the pristine looking tub for a nice long bath. She dropped her bag on the floor carelessly, looking around and admiring the bathroom made for a mansion like this.
It did feel safer than her place. Maybe she hadn't been followed. Maybe there wasn't anything to worry about. Then again, that was what she had thought last time. Until the stalker or whoever it was had taken it up a notch. Just thinking about the sicko made her want to puke.
So instead she stripped off her clothes and slid into the water.
Neji was being pretty nice, offering her his room. She was lucky to have such a nice friend. Sure, maybe she could've asked Ino or something but it was a spur of the moment thing and now she was pretty glad for her lack of foresight.
She wasn't blind to notice he was acting kind of awkward. But she had also been strange as of late. She chalked it up to him reacting to her odd behavior.
But the innuendo with his shower question...
Well, it didn't matter. She was here and she would try as hard as humanly possible to stay out of his way and not take over his room. She had no idea when she'd head back home.
xoxo
Kakashi sighed to himself, wondering what possessed him to carry out such a stupid plan. Really, why in the world would anyone suspect Kurenai of doing something so low as stealing his book? It had to be the paranoia talking.
But thinking back to that day he really couldn't remember what had happened, until the point where he realized his book was missing. He could only rely on the information people gave him, which was frustrating, even though no one knew that because he kept his calm all the time.
Now it was time for him to go down the rest of his ridiculously thought out, list of "suspects".
He walked down the streets of Konoha with a careless manner, nodding to the few people that chose to say hi to him. The jounin had to pause mid-step to think over something. And he could only come to the conclusion that it had to be Anko!
Why else would she have tried to shift the blame to Kurenai? Why else would she have given him those smirks and evil looking gaze and smart-ass retorts? Well, besides the fact that they were just a part of her personality.
In truth Kakashi had hardly been putting any effort into finding his book, no matter how much he was missing its presence or pretending to try and find it. He did ask a few people around town, including Sakura, Anko, Kurenai and others. Some people could automatically be ruled out of the picture, like Naruto and Hinata, Neji, Tenten, Shikamaru, Chouji and a bunch more.
He had given consideration to Gai, because after all they were "rivals" and whatnot. But Gai had actually been away on a mission the day his book had disappeared.
But for some reason just thinking about his encounter with Anko the other day made signals go off in his head. And he couldn't help but listening to his gut instinct. It had to be her.
So this time he wasn't going to be nonchalant and beat around the bush. It was time to just rush in and get the information required, using whatever means necessary.
Even if this included sneaking into a fellow ninja's house at night while they were dead asleep.
Kakashi silently crept his way down the darkened street, counting houses as he went along.
But in his defense, it was only about seven or eight at night. Although Anko had been known to go home and pass out to dreamland by five or six, or whenever she was done with work and eating dumplings.
Unfortunately the address Kakashi had received earlier was floating around somewhere in his head. Meaning, he had asked, it had been given, and now he'd forgotten. So he did what almost any person in this position would do.
He picked the most innocent looking house out of the two choices.
84? 83? 84? 83? That had to be it...
The shinobi silently walked up the stone pathway, not bothering to conceal himself. Going through the front door seemed like suicide, whether or not she was awake. So was choosing to go through any door or window. But he did have to take a risk.
There had to be at least one window Anko hadn't set a trap for. And knowing her, it would be just to let an intruder in so she could congratulate him on guessing right and then kicking his ass.
So he carefully studied the innocent looking house, walking around it fully at least twice. Until he spotted the only window that was closed. All the others were open an inch or had a crack some way through; trying to deceive people into thinking it would be easy to get into.
The window was on the second floor, no problem for him to get up to. But what would he do once he got inside? Well... that could only be decided once he knew what he was up against.
The spiky-haired shinobi expertly thrust off the ground and landed on the roof directly above the window. He paused, knowing that if he wasn't quiet enough she'd beat him to a pulp for the entire neighborhood to see. Then he breathed a sigh of relief when he didn't hear any sound come from inside.
Finally, he leaned over the edge upside down, peering into the dark house through his chosen window. There wasn't anyone waiting with a katana from what he could see. Slowly he pulled open the window, thinking about how stupid he must look to any neighbor looking out their own windows right about now. Which is why he quickly flipped over into the house, rolling on the floor and stopping himself before hitting any furniture or wall.
Kakashi stayed crouched for a moment, trying to sense any movements or breathing other than his own. What he did happen to hear was a snort coming from what had to be a bed.
'Now that's strange... she hasn't woken up.' He thought, scratching his head and standing up. Cautiously he walked over to the bed to a sight unlike anything he'd ever seen.
And unfortunately for him this sight caused him to trip over himself and come crashing down onto the floor with a loud... splat.
"What the..." Anko mumbled incoherently, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. It took a few seconds too long for her to realize someone else was in her bedroom.
Thus, her attempt to pull the almost transparent sheets over her practically nude body was a little too late. For Kakashi had seen... enough of it.
"You downright pervert." She growled, wrapping the sheet around her body several times to cancel out the transparency and then getting out of bed.
Kakashi rubbed his sore shoulder, because that was what he had landed on in his clumsy fall. "Anko, what a surprise." He tried, looking up into her furious eyes.
"I didn't think reading all those perverted books led to these kind of actions or I would have gladly put Jiraiya out of business with a swift kick to the groin!" She spoke, seething. "Why are you here?" Anko demanded, standing up tall and giving him a look.
Which only made the sheets hold tighter. Kakashi glanced away and cursed himself. Apparently reading those books had put some ideas into his head. And now was definitely not the time for them to arise either. Not while he was facing almost certain death.
Anko kicked him with her foot. But being a level jounin for a reason he easily held out an arm to block it, without turning back to her. Which made him wonder... wasn't the house dark? Why was it that he could see clear enough to have caught her sleeping in the nude anyway?
"You have a nightlight?" He questioned, his gaze followed the light to its source.
If he could see, Anko had turned red. "It's dark at night! How else would I find my way to the bathroom or kitchen?" She argued, pushing her foot further against his arm, both still raised in mid-air. "Or to spot perverts like you stealing into my house!"
"I'm really sorry to have startled you," He began again, looking back up at her, trying desperately to concentrate on her face.
And this did not go unnoticed by her of course. A smirk crossed over her face when he glanced away again. She moved her foot back to the ground. "You're not gonna sit there all night, are you? What's your excuse? Better view?" She asked teasingly.
Kakashi shrugged in his careless manner and stood up at her insistence. "Now, I'm really sorry I have to do this."
Her eyes went blank. "Do what-?"
But her words were cut off as he lunged at her, securing her hands behind her body with one hand and the other landing smack on her mouth, preventing her from speaking. Not missing a beat, before she could try to kick her way out of this one he performed some trick he'd obviously learned a very long time ago and soon had her hands tied with rope that he must have had hidden up those sleeves of his. And then roughly, although not intentionally, he shoved her back down onto the bed, writhing around like a worm.
"What the hell are you doing?" She screamed, not bothering with the sheet.
Kakashi quickly strode over and closed the window, trying to make as little noise as possible. He was rewarded when no one from any of the other houses appeared at their windows or doors in worry.
"Bastard!" Anko yelled again, moving around violently as if something were on fire. "Untie me right now and I just might kill you quickly!"
He turned around after pulling the shades, the only way they were able to see being the nightlight in the corner. His one visible eye staring in her own as he walked closer.
"I'm done playing around here Anko." He said carefully, taking a seat on the side of the bed. "I want my book back." Kakashi stated, looking dead serious.
It took a moment for his words to sink in, and when they did she burst out laughing like a maniac. His look didn't falter. "You've- You're kidding right?" Anko asked cheekily. "Why would I want your stupid, pervert book anyway? What could I possibly have use for them?" She questioned, licking her lips and giving a seductive look.
"Never said you'd need it." He replied, leaning over her frame, placing one hand on the other side of her body. "But maybe you thought it'd be funny to see me running around looking for it. Maybe it was just a harmless joke. Or maybe, you're just crazy like everyone seems to think." He continued.
Anko immediately glared at the last suggestion. "I don't have your stupid book Kakashi. Now get me out of here." Her legs kicked, trying to unravel the sheet around them, and her arms and hands ached from having to lie atop them.
Kakashi's intense look then took on a more inquisitive spark. "Just who sleeps in the nude anymore anyway? Don't you have the clothes necessary to cling to your back?" He asked, still towering over her.
The dark-haired woman leaned back further into the bed and pillows, sighing. This position could only worsen her back. "What's it your business? Not planning on paying me anymore late night visits huh?" She asked with a humorless smile. Then scowled as he raised an eyebrow. "It was hot tonight, what'd you think I'd do? Let myself burn to ashes?" Then began her defense. "And I'm not completely naked! You only saw my upper half anyway..." And trailed off, realizing where this line of questioning was going.
There were a few more long minutes of silence where Kakashi and Anko held their gazes, one glaring and the other just staring.
He finally pulled back a little with a sigh. "You don't have it." He stated, causing her eyes to bulge out.
"And what, my obvious answer to your question wasn't enough?" She asked blankly, with a scalding look. "Now that we've cleared this up, you're going to untie me." Anko stated irritably with a dangerous hint. When he made no move other than turning his head to examine the room disinterestedly she tried again. "Maybe I can even... help you... look for this book or whatever." She grumbled out. "If you get me out of this in the next minute or so." She added.
Kakashi turned back to look at her with a grin she could make out through the fabric of his mask. "You mean like this?" He asked, moving a hand and placing it on an area of exposed leg, below her knee. He steadily moved it up, shifting the sheet aside as he went.
Anko resisted the urge to close her eyes momentarily at the feel of someone caressing her skin. She did however manage to blush accordingly. Because it was a fellow ninja who was doing this to her, and a common co-worker. It would only make her already chaotic life, well, more chaotic.
But it had been a while, she thought, leaning back into the pillows and relaxing.
His hand was still slowly creeping up past her knee.
But Kakashi, of all people? Even if they were tempting each other...
It traveled on her thigh, seemingly at an even slower pace, feeling light and as though it barely touched her at all.
She stared up at the ceiling in a daze. And then smirked.
He was surprised to look down at the hand currently grabbing onto his own, preventing further movement. Then looked up into Anko's triumphant face and undefeated eyes.
Anko wasted no time in swiping her other arm around his neck and pulling him down to her level, staring a few inches from her face, apparently tired and breathing a little ragged from the earlier show.
"Next time you come around," She started, sounding slightly aggressive. "It better not be for some dumb book or to joke with me. And hey, leave your mask at the door." She said between breaths.
Although having been shocked, he nodded once before disappearing in a cloud of smoke, having used the substitution jutsu, replacing himself with a stray pillow.
xoxo
In the meanwhile, Neji was currently stretched out on his bed, trying to massage his head as Tenten still occupied the bathroom. It had only been half an hour, and he had no real desire to rush her. It'd be rude, and she'd get suspicious of something.
And this is the moment when he heard a small knock on his bedroom door, which he hadn't bothered to lock at all. He mumbled some acknowledgement after glancing at the door and didn't bother to move as someone opened it and came in.
"Hi Neji." She said with a smile, closing the door quietly behind her.
Neji opened an eye to spot his cousin coming in. "Hey, what's up?" He asked casually.
It really wasn't unusual for Hinata and Neji to speak to each other like this. Over the years that had gone by they had not only grown up, but grown closer like the family they undoubtedly are. After getting over his needless disgust and hatred towards his cousin, and she had gotten over her shy, meek and fearful demeanor. They were almost as close as brother and sister. Which is why Hinata was there in the first place.
"You look tired." She commented, coming over to sit down next to him on the bed. Then heard the sounds coming from behind door number two. Hinata raised an eyebrow. "Is there someone in your bath?" She questioned with an inquiring gaze.
Neji didn't bother to open his eyes, but that didn't stop his cheeks from turning pink. "Ah... Tenten needed to place to stay for a few days. So I offered her my room..." His voice trailed off quietly, knowing already what she thought of the situation.
"It's about time." The dark-haired girl huffed jokingly. Neji shot up into a sitting position. Hinata giggled. "Maybe it's just an excuse to spend time with you." She said again.
Neji moved to lean back against the bed frame, crossing his arms over his chest. "Ha-ha. Is that why you came? Everyone already told you how they did this to me on purpose?" He probed with a scowl.
Hinata laughed again. "Actually I didn't hear anything about it. I just got home and headed straight here." Then she paused and looked down at her legs stretched out. "I wanted to talk to you about something."
At this his earlier countenance dissipated. "What about?" He asked, looking up at her.
She began to fidget with the end of her skirt. "About..." And shifted her eyes around the room and bed. "My... engagement, to Naruto." She said slowly.
His scowl was back. He only grumbled but didn't say anything else.
She turned her eyes on him with a pleading look. "I want to know... I need to know that you have no qualms about this. And I don't want you to lie to make me feel better or get it over with." Hinata said with a small glare. "I can't... can't do this if I know you don't approve. I wouldn't feel right if anyone I cared about felt that way about something like this. Something very significant and important to me."
Neji loosened his arms and turned to stare at the ceiling a moment. "You're too young to get married Hinata." He tried softly.
She opened her mouth to argue. But he continued on, stopping her indignant reply.
"It's not just that." He sighed, looking back down at her. "I don't want you to rush into something like this. You're like my little sister now, and I have to protect you from things like this." Neji said, his voice still gentle.
Hinata turned away and stared straight ahead. "You're afraid I'll get hurt." She stated.
He smiled. "I know, I know. You're going to say, it's Naruto, and he'd never do anything to hurt you intentionally. He cares about you deeply and blah blah blah." He joked.
She managed a small smile, hitting him lightly in the shoulder.
"But I still gotta look out for you, right?" Neji said with a shrug, then paused to examine her. "What else have you been worrying over anyway?"
Hinata glanced at him briefly before concentrating on the bed. "Nothing. Just your blown out of proportion reaction to our engagement." She said, looking back at him with a smile.
He still remained suspicious. "Uh-huh." Then another sigh. "It's not that I don't approve..."
She gave him a pointed look.
"Okay, well maybe a little. But it's not that I don't feel Naruto will treat you badly. We've all seen the way he looks at you."
"So you must've known it was coming then, right?"
"Well... yeah. But I'm never gonna stop worrying about you. Or wanting to protect you." Neji playfully put a hand on top of her head. "You should be so lucky to have people care about you so much." She smiled up at him and he did the same. "I'm happy for you Hinata. Don't think I'm not. Maybe I get a little worked up over some things for no reason." He shrugged, moving his hand to lay his arm on her shoulders.
"Yeah you do." She said jokingly again. "Like with Tenten-chan."
He turned his face away. There was a moment of silence as they sat like that. Neji held her securely, arm around her shoulders as she wiggled her toes and bobbed her feet side to side and he looked off to get rid of stray thoughts in his head.
"So," She sighed and looked back up at him. "Do you think this is right? The timing? I know you said we're too young but do you think that will be our downfall in the end? Getting married too soon?" Hinata questioned.
Neji turned to look at her blankly a moment. He moved forward to give her a light kiss on the forehead, which she received, still with her questioning gaze. As he pulled back he mumbled, "Nah, you two deserve each other. I think you've waited long enough." He grinned at her.
Neither noticed as a figure peeking through a slightly open doorway grinned to herself and moved back, pushing the door closed as well.
Hinata turned away with a bright blush, remembering something. "Uh... yeah. You're right I guess."
His look turned odd. "What? Are you having second thoughts already?"
She shook her head animatedly. "No! It's just..." Her face was still heated and she looked around quickly before settling her gaze back to her cousin. "Neji, have you... uh..." Her voice came out in a low whisper. "Had sex?" She questioned.
Neji yelped in surprise and jerked back so far that he fell off the bed, leaving Hinata to stare down at his form.
"I guess not." She said, letting out a breath.
"Hinata, w-what have you-" He was cut off.
"Nothing! I haven't done anything! That's why I was asking you... but you're no help." Hinata glanced away, hiding a small smile.
"This isn't funny!" He argued, grabbing onto the bed and lifting himself up.
She turned to look at him slyly. "Maybe, but I bet you and Tenten sharing a bed will be."
He turned red at the insinuation, wondering when Hinata became so devious and crafty in that way. "Nothing's going to happen between us." He stated calmly.
Hinata jumped off the bed on the other side. "Okay nii-chan, but I'll just have to ask her tomorrow to make sure." She said over her shoulder, heading towards the door.
Neji's face was so red he could hardly contain himself. "I said, nothing will happen!" He shouted as she shut the door behind her.
After a moment he sighed and moved around the room, trying to clean up by throwing things into drawers and even clear a space for Tenten's things.
And not a moment too soon, as she suddenly appeared standing in the doorway, hair out of her usual buns, dripping wet and wearing her sleepwear, consisting of a t-shirt and pair of shorts.
"Hi Neji." She said happily, walking out with her bag in one hand and toweling her hair lightly with the other.
He looked up to stare. Without her normal clothes and hairstyle she looked quite different. Very girl next door-ish.
Tenten strolled over to the dresser and mirror, dropping her bag back into the same corner as before. "Sorry I took so long." She gave him a sheepish look.
Neji looked away unthinkingly. "No problem. You are a guest and all. Don't worry about it." He looked back to what he had been doing. "If you need space for your stuff you can use any of the drawers or the closet." He said.
Tenten smiled at him. "That's so sweet of you! Thanks Neji!" She looked in the mirror as she dried her hair with the towel. "I heard you talking to Hinata." She said, still smiling.
He panicked, not looking up at her. "How much did you hear?"
She paused in her task. "Well, I felt bad for eavesdropping; it had really been an accident. I only heard a few lines really... but the way you spoke to her..." She turned her eyes on him, shining with kindness and sincerity. "It was so nice. The way you two are."
Neji finally looked up to see her face become disappointed.
"I wish I had someone like that. Someone to protect me too." Then shook her head at the silly notion she'd created. After all, she was a kunoichi. "Nevermind."
"Tenten, do you mind..." He trailed off, still staring at her. And when she turned to see, he was suddenly standing right next to her. He placed a hand on the dresser, almost trying to block her in. "If I ask how come you needed a place to stay so badly?" He questioned, staring her down, then placing the other hand down so she was trapped.
Her eyes shifted around quickly. "Uh... why're you making this such a big deal Neji? If you didn't want me to stay over you could've just said so." She said, changing the subject.
He leaned in closer, making her back into the piece of furniture loudly. "You know that's not why I ask." He replied. "Just why won't you give me a straight answer?" His voice came out deep, soaked in concern.
"Neji, it's no-" She paused, he breath catching at his intense, probing gaze. "It's n-nothing." She continued. "That I can't handle. Just trust me, okay? I'll tell you or someone if I really need help with anything." Tenten ended, with a shaky voice and weak smile.
He moved back and nodded, immediately heading for the shower. He really couldn't believe how stubborn she was. He almost had her. "You should wear your hair down more often." He said, not turning back to look at her.
Tenten only sighed, then upon hearing his voice remembered something. "Oh wait! I left something in there!" She blushed, rushing past him as he stopped in his tracks. She quickly snatched up her clothes from the bathroom floor, looking around for the lingerie she desperately didn't want him to see.
As she searched the bathroom for whatever, Neji shrugged to himself, walking over to a drawer to grab a few of his own clothes. It really wouldn't be a good idea to walk out of the bathroom in a towel for her to see.
When he turned back around, clothes in hand he noticed something lying on the floor just short of Tenten's bag. It was obviously hers and was lying face down, had to be a piece of paper.
He cautiously walked over to pick it up and turned it over. And quickly felt the color and heat rise to his cheeks and... ahem, another part of his body.
It was a picture of Tenten. While she was in the shower. Naked, yes. Water dripping and sliding down her body. Although the picture was from a side angle and only showed above her waist, not to mention her arm and fairly long hair blocked the view of her breasts. Still, it was enough to give rise to his wild imagination.
A clamber was heard coming from the bathroom and Neji quickly stuffed the picture back into the bag, stood up and walked away.
Tenten swiftly walked out of the bathroom not a moment too soon because right now he really needed a cold shower. He avoided looking at her or brushing past her as he made for the bathroom, kicking the door closed behind him.
Why in the world would Tenten be walking around with a nude picture of herself? What the hell was going on? Obviously someone else had to have taken the picture, but who? Who would she ever allow to see her like that? In the picture she didn't even seem to notice or care about the camera, yet it was close enough so how could she have not known it was there?
He tried to concentrate on the mystery of it all and not the physical aspect. Otherwise he would just end up making Tenten uncomfortable as well.
Damnit. Damnit, damnit, damnit.
On the other side of the door Tenten was trying to calm her nerves. She unconsciously went over to lock the bedroom door and windows.
'Maybe I should just... tell him.' She thought, settling into the bed. 'Oh! This is so sick!' She finally said to herself. 'Why me?'
She laid down, suddenly playing with the ends of her hair, examining them carefully. She 'hmm'ed to herself, remembering his words. "My hair?" She asked herself out loud.
In about thirty minutes Neji came out of the bathroom with the intent of questioning his friend on the photo he'd accidentally seen. But upon approaching the bed he saw her lying peacefully asleep, her hair still spread out.
On his side of the bed.
Neji gaped in shock at the predicament.
xoxo
"Funny seeing you here." He commented with a grin, taking a seat.
Sasuke grunted. "Don't say that. It sounds like something else." He said.
Naruto just grinned at his friend, ordering himself a bowl of ramen, as usual. "How come you're here? And earlier than I am too."
The dark-haired boy just shrugged his shoulders, resting his arms on the counter top and looking around as if he'd never been at the ramen stand before, which was no where near true.
After greeting the owner and placing his order, the blonde turned serious and looked down at his arms and hands, also resting on the counter. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I wanted to continue our chat as soon as possible too." Then he turned to look at Sasuke with a grin. "Just so I could knock some more sense into your head that is."
In return the Uchiha smirked. "I don't doubt that I need it." He admitted, glancing away and staring ahead blankly.
Naruto still tried to make light of the situation. "Admitting is always the first step they say. But actually, I think it's having someone kick your butt so you realize it."
There was a lull in the conversation where neither of them spoke and soon Naruto's ramen showed up. Like before, he paused, looking to his friend before he slowly started eating.
"How's Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked in between his meal.
Sasuke didn't look at him. He didn't answer either.
The blonde stopped, his chopsticks in midair, and stared at him. "What?" He asked incredulously, as if Sasuke had answered, forgetting about the food completely.
"We don't really talk much." He grumbled out.
And caught off guard, Sasuke nearly choked when he felt a hand suddenly smack him on the top of his head. "Why not?" Naruto demanded after the attack.
He could only shrug, still not looking at Naruto. "She's usually busy, and I'm... not very talkative to begin with, right?" He grinned sardonically.
Naruto glared. "Don't treat her like that!" He scolded. "She's been the nicest to you out of everybody since you've returned! She offered you a place to stay! And while you're stupidly moping around she's making the meals and cleaning the house and taking care of you altogether! What do you have to say about that?"
Sasuke turned to stare at his friend, eyes widening at the realization. She was the one supporting him. And although he never thought that would happen and in most cases guys would be offended and insulted by this... Sasuke could only feel ashamed at himself.
He hung his head, staring at the floor and thinking. Hadn't he always been so independent before? Such a loner? And now he was leaning so heavily on one person... and not just anybody, but Sakura. Sakura, who had been there from the beginning. Sakura, who was probably feeling so...
"Burdened." He finished out loud. He looked to see Naruto regarding him with worry. "Is that what you mean then? I'm burdening her with my pathetic attitude and behavior?"
Naruto sighed and turned back to his bowl. "Don't be so dumb." He rolled his eyes. "And I thought I was thick. Don't you see how much Sakura-chan cares about you? It's not a burden to her... well maybe in some way it is starting to be." Sasuke listened carefully. "Whether she wants to admit it or not, she does care about you. And I don't mean in the silly fan-girl way. She's grown up." He commented.
"Like you?" The Uchiha shot back with narrowed eyes.
The blonde was confused for a moment and turned to his friend to show it, but then it kicked in. "You mean me and Hinata?" When there was no reply he assumed it was so. "What's wrong with it?" He asked defensively.
Sasuke sighed, turning back to place his arms on the counter again and stare at them. "Nothing. It's just a little hard to believe, to see." He said, eyes flickering to the side.
A smile crossed his face. "But it's gonna happen." He said surely.
"You're getting married." Sasuke said to himself, stating the obvious. They both looked up to meet each other's gaze. "You and Hyuuga Hinata are getting married." He said again.
Naruto's smile was so wide it threatened to split his face in half. "Yeah, we are." He said to himself.
"Why?" Was his frank question.
For a second he was about to frown but didn't bother letting it get him down. "Because..." He started off, his voice low and dreamy. "We're in love. And we want to be together for the rest of our lives. And we want to show everyone around us that this is the path we've chosen."
Sasuke's stare was curious. "In love?" He glanced away. "What's that like then?"
Naruto patted his friend on the back. "I dunno." When he received a look he tried again. "It's just... not something you can describe so easily."
"So how do you know?" Dark eyes stared down at pale hands.
The blonde let his brows furrow together in thought. "Well... at first you don't." A pause as this sunk in, for both of them. "And then suddenly you see it and you realize it. And then you know."
"So then..." He abruptly stopped himself from further words on the topic.
Naruto took this as a sign and nudged him with an elbow. "What's up? Had your eye on any specific person lately?" He grinned.
"No." Was the grumble and coughed out answer.
The usually hyper ninja sighed and pushed the now cold bowl away so he could settle his arms on the counter. "Maybe we should get back to the topic at hand. You, not appreciating Sakura-chan."
Sasuke 'hmm'ed.
"Do something." He stated. "Say something."
Nothing.
"You should talk to her." Naruto said with a smile.
"Talking isn't my strong point." He pointed out.
"What're you talking about? If I can get a conversation out of you, then you must be able to talk with the person you're living with." Naruto glared mockingly. "Don't be so chicken Sasuke!"
At this, ears perked up. "I'm not a chicken. Don't compare me to an animal like that." Sasuke grumbled.
"Just do something. Otherwise it won't be long before she gets fed up and kicks you out."
His dark eyes turned to the other in question.
Naruto burst out laughing. "I'm kidding! There's no way Sakura would do that to you, or anybody." After a few more chuckles he added, "And like I said, she cares about you."
Sasuke stared down at his hands silently.
The other stared at him a bit. "And you know, I'm pretty sure you care about her too." His voice low so it was barely heard.
His head jerked up. "What?" The Uchiha eyed his friend in suspicion.
He only got a shrug. "Why else would you have stayed with her for so long? And worry about her. You pretended not to care about a lot of things when we were younger. But we all knew it wasn't true. You haven't changed much."
"That's the problem." Was muttered.
The two sat in companionable silence for a few minutes. Neither looked at or acknowledged each other and Naruto paid for his unfinished meal, even apologizing for it.
"I think I'll head home." Sasuke stated, standing up and causing Naruto to do the same.
They walked out into the empty street and stared around at the very dark scene. It was probably past ten.
"Congratulations on your engagement Naruto." He said, catching the other's eye. Naruto smiled brightly. "Tell Hinata I said so too." Sasuke moved to begin walking away but stalled. "Thanks." He said lightly and smiled a little before leaving.
Naruto shook his head and shoved his hands in his pockets, still smiling.
xoxo
'My appreciation?' He questioned, walking home. Right, home. Even though it was just another thing that was hard to admit. It was the place he lived and the only place he belonged. Sasuke spared himself any more thoughts on his walk.
He spotted the familiar house, and pulled out the single key from his pocket. He slowly opened the door and noted that the lights were all off.
'She must be asleep.' He thought to himself. The lights had been on when he left earlier.
Closing the door in the same manner he peered around at the empty living room and kitchen with the light coming from outside. The curtains were still slightly open.
As usual he kicked off his shoes and proceeded to stalk around the place, examining it as if he were new to the place. He stood by a window and looked through the parted curtains at the dark, empty street.
'Show her... I appreciate her? I care? What?' He thought, confused.
The Uchiha finally gave up on thinking this over and headed for the bedroom, quickly changing out of his clothes and into a pair of casual shorts and t-shirt.
'Something she picked out and bought for me.' He thought, pulling the shirt over his head.
The bedroom was pretty dark, but he did know his way around pretty well. He stared from his place by the closet at the figure on the bed, her frame moving up and down as she breathed evenly.
He walked over quietly, afraid to wake her up for once. And now that he thought about it, maybe with his careless way upon entering in previous cases he had actually roused her. But she never said anything about it.
He crawled onto his side of the bed and lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling. Out of the corner of his eye he could see her back, facing him.
Is that what he would get if he didn't act soon? Would she really turn her back on him? And what was wrong with expressing his emotions to her anyway? They lived together; they've known each other for such a long time. And they both... cared about each other, right? Right?
Sasuke couldn't help himself from turning to face her back and let his gaze rest on her slightly curled up form.
A feeling rose up in his throat; he gulped, letting his hand drift away to hover near her before finally resting gently on her shoulder.
She wore a t-shirt, like he did, only smaller. But unlike him, and he could inwardly smirk at the fact that only he knew this, she didn't wear pants to sleep. No, just a pair of panties. And usually she was too tired after coming home and headed straight for a shower, afterwards completely forgetting to put on a pair of pants and would stroll around the house for a bit before hitting the sack.
His smirk slowly disappeared as he stared at her longer, not moving his hand at all.
Just how would he...? What do you do? Sure she may have been asleep and he wouldn't get any point across by trying to flatter an unconscious person, but it was a start at something.
So he lifted himself up a little and moved closer, using the hand that rested on her shoulder to wrap his arm around her torso and letting their legs tangle together unintentionally. He tried to be subtle, not wanting to wake her. And when he was in place he rested his head on the pillow again, this time closing his eyes. He didn't have to stare at her across the space between them because they were already touching.
He moved his head forward to let his forehead rest against her hair.
With all the quiet it was easy to hear as Sakura suddenly made a sound he couldn't identify as being content or not.
Sasuke sighed to himself as he hugged her from behind. Was this it?
xoxo
Okay, that took much longer than the last chapter, which is understandable I suppose because this one came out much longer. By at least 3,000 words. I know, I keep track of this too much. Can't help it. Makes me proud.
Anyway I have no real comments on this chapter and still, it will not be posted until I finish the rest, which by the looks of it, might be at least one or two more chapters. I should've known I wouldn't get anything done on Thanksgiving Day, but I only realized when I woke up at two in the afternoon (and I still can't remember why either).
And actually it wouldn't matter if I wanted to upload anything at this moment because the site is being a #$%.
Hope you liked!
11-27-06
6:51pm
Right, I almost forgot about this, what with school things and appointments and other forms of stress. I think I meant to update this like a week ago but stuff got in the way. Well here you go, and yes I did warn you: this is a very long chapter.
Okay, I think I'm off to skip down a field full of daisies or something. Ciao.
10-4-07
9:46pm
