Hinata
I was already sick of the hospital, I was here for twelve hours. At lunchtime I was offered a very strange food, I never liked hospital food, I couldn't eat anything at all - I never thought I'd say this but I miss Ino's food, her food was definitely the best - I looked to the left where it had a huge window and you could see the movement of the city, the sun was starting to set. It was a beautiful sight. The end of the afternoon with its orange sky, I could spend hours admiring that view.
My foot only hurt a little, nothing more. I would have to take medicine every eight hours, I'm very annoying about that, I hate taking medicine and I don't want to make work for the girls - even though they are going to graduate in medicine, so is this already a pre-training? - I was discharged and was waiting for the girls to come and pick me up. While waiting, I watched a little TV, I kept switching channels until I found something good and asked the nurse for help to go to the bathroom, that would be my biggest problem from now on: going to the bathroom alone. I was feeling like a baby. My foot was bandaged up to the knee, why did I wear those heels? Next time I won't try to do things I can't. And don't drink too much.
For a moment I swore I had heard Naruto's voice, and speaking of him... The memories of last night left marks on me and physically he did too, it was hard having to explain to doctors where I had gotten so many bruises. The drink just took away all my inhibitors, I didn't feel anything, just him. And it was thinking of him that he invaded my room and I could feel my face blush at the time, Sakura and Ino noticed but didn't say anything.
Sakura
When we arrived at the hospital, I looked at those white walls and those huge corridors where I would spend the rest of my life after this year, thinking about how I was going to manage my life and my relationships. We went to talk to the receptionist and asked if the patient in room 406 was already discharged and she replied that yes, we could go there. Ino and I were walking normally, but I could see that Naruto was more nervous than usual, it was even cute, in a way. We stopped in front of the door and saw Hinata blush as she looked at Naruto, it seemed that Ino and I had read her mind. I've had my nights with Naruto and I know exactly how she's feeling. We helped Hinata to get her things and Naruto helped her to walk, we walked to the car and Hinata was telling how her day at the hospital had been and how she hated that place, she kept asking how Ino and I were going to adapt.
- Oh guys, I need a shower and let's go out, somewhere - said Hinata - I need to eat delicious food, I lay down for twelve hours, I need to stretch!
- What do you mean "let's go out"? You're hurt! - shouted Naruto in his ear, we could see the people's gaze seeing Naruto screaming
- Hinata... Are you sure about this? - I said calmly - You're leaving a hospital now, are you already thinking about going back? - I smiles - It would be better if you rested a little more
- And Naruto, shut up! We're in a hospital area and you're screaming! - completed Ino
- That's not it, you didn't understand - she said sullenly - We need to go out to eat, the food here is... Shit - she said sticking her tongue out making a sign of disapproval - I just ate gelatin, it was the only thing I could enjoy
- Now you explained it right - completed Ino - Let's go to a restaurant, something softer, yes? I don't feel like making food anyway, I'm tired of taking care of you all the time, there's a place I know and I was invited by Shikamaru and Temari, they asked me to talk to you guys
- How wonderful! - Hinata said smiling in the corner - I'm so glad you're here, thank you guys
- Am I seeing tears of happiness, Hinata? - I said looking at her - We will always be here, you are our friend!
- Hinata, I'm here thinking about how you're going to tell this to your father... - said Ino - Actually, I want to know by now what you said to Neji
- Thanks Ino, I was trying not to think about it now... But - she sighed - I'll have to come up with something, Neji somehow knows what happened, he said he wouldn't say anything to my father about it
- I'm just curious to know the story you're going to invent - said Ino laughing - Because you're not going to say that you were with Naruto, right?!
- That's true - I agreed - You know your father is overprotective and kind of old-fashioned
- Don't you get tired of talking bad about me? - said Naruto making a funny face - I'm literally on your side!
We left the hospital laughing, Ino was driving, Naruto followed with Hinata and they were very close, I even felt jealous, but I'm happy for both of them, they get along well together. By the way than that they literally met yesterday but what can I say? I also met Kakashi yesterday... I know that Naruto wouldn't do anything to hurt Hinata, in fact he never hurt me, I don't know why he would do that to her, or anyone else. We were talking the whole way and I had to ask that question. I looked back and took courage.
- Hinata, I wanted to ask you something - I said low, I had already asked Ino, now it was her turn - I don't know how to say this...
- What is it, Sakura? - also answered in a low voice
- What do you know about the director of our college? - I blushed just getting into this subject
- Oh, you mean Kakashi? - she replied with a relieved smile - He works with my father, he has visited my house several times, he knows me well… I think since I was a little girl to be honest
Ino and I both looked back in amazement, why didn't she ever mention this? But then again, we never asked and Hinata isn't the most open person in the world. We knew her dad was the college dean but... Not that.
- Tell about it, NOW! - Ino almost screamed
- INO! Look forward, you're driving! - I yelled at her
- All right, all right! - he replied by sticking his tongue out - Tell me soon, Hinata!
- But what's there to tell? I thought you knew him Ino - said Hinata confused
- I know, just by sight... I don't know as well as Sakura - she said maliciously - Tell her
- Huh... He and I... We... - I blushed - At that club... - I continued - You understand, right?
- Uh... Wow - Hinata said surprised and laughed
- Yeah, if I hadn't interrupted it certainly wouldn't have been just that - Ino cut me off and turned to Hinata - Now tell us what you know about him
- Alright, I'll tell you - Hinita started speaking low and meanwhile Naruto stared at her - You know that our university has three directors, right? Because it is the only university in Konoha and covers many sectors, including the military. The military academy is in another pavilion... The ANBU, you know it, don't you? - I were shocked by the information, I knew the university was big but not that big, what about ANBU? Is the academy part of our faculty? This is amazing! – My father, who is the general director, Mrs. Tsunade who is part of the medical wing, you know her... And Kakashi who is in the administrative and military sector, he was part of the academy before becoming director, fighting the war, you know - I was momentarily saddened by this revelation - That must be why you've never seen it, he's very discreet and kind of antisocial, lonely would be the best way to describe him. He even dated a girl, but that was a long time ago. Since then I have never seen him with anyone, romantically saying - she completed with a smile on his face.
I paid close attention to Hinata's every word but I wanted to know why I was so fascinated by it all, I couldn't understand what I was feeling, because anyway it wasn't right, what was I going to do with it? It's not like I'm going to approach him and say "Look, I really enjoyed being with you and I felt things I haven't felt in a long time, what do you think?" And that would never happen, he is a man... Incredible. Physically speaking, he must not even remember me. At that moment Ino snapped me out of my daydreams and cut Hinata.
- He fought in the war... Damn, that's... Sad - she sighed - We were just kids, that's when it ended
- He was also very young at the time, they say he was the best in the academy, that's why he became director so quickly - Hinata finished speaking
- She's saying all that, but what are you going to do? - Ino asked incredulously
- I'm not going to do anything, I just wanted to know more about the man I stayed with last night, that's all - I said trying to hide it - I don't like to be with strangers you know, I'm glad he's "known" then
- Ahem, I know… - Ino said suspiciously
After I said that, Ino accelerated with the car and we got home quickly, we helped Hinata with things and I could feel all of Naruto's affection and concern for her, it was really a very beautiful thing to see. As soon as we helped Hinata with her things and accommodated her in her room, we went to solve our pending matters, we were going to reverse it so as not to leave Hinata alone, we scheduled to leave at 9:00 pm and it was 5:30 pm. I studied a little and went to choose the clothes I would go with, I opted for something more casual, in fact it was just dinner, I went to get ready and finish what I had to do. Today was going to be good, I needed to distract my head after what happened, I was determined to put it aside. At least until I see him again...
Kakashi
I got home around six in the afternoon, I walked back very slowly, looking at all the stores and seeing my steps on the ground. Seeing people in their own thoughts, in their own problems. The day had started out warm, it was late autumn and walking back home was a pleasure, I could enjoy the late afternoon breeze and the night falling on my face and see the brown leaves falling from the trees, winter was coming ... That's when I glanced to the other side of the street and saw a pink hair, I could swear it was her, I ran to the other side and looked for her, and without success I couldn't find it - is this something in my head? - concluded that at the end, what was happening to me?
While I was on that side of the sidewalk I could see a restaurant in its opening, a new restaurant, with exotic food - maybe later I would pass by there - I said to myself. If I didn't feel like cooking. It was on the corner of the street from my apartment, so it would be quick. I needed to distract my mind from all the information I received. I like to go places alone, I try to enjoy my own company. As soon as I got to my apartment, I realized how bland he was and I had never seen him with those eyes before, everything monochrome, lifeless and colorless. I organized my things, my work, cleaned the bedroom, the living room and sat on the porch to read my book, by the way, I lived on the top floor, it was a good place to be there. And as night fell, I could look up at the sky and see the moon surrounded by thousands of stars, none as beautiful as her. Could it be that she thought as much of me as I think of her?
I started to get hungry, I was going to start thinking about getting ready to go out and that's when I got a message on my cell phone.
01 MESSAGE
Kakashi, it's Temari! Shikamaru and I will celebrate the promotion he received, he is now an OFFICIAL teacher! Monday he starts with a class exclusively his. He would love for you to go, he just doesn't have the heart to admit it. We're going to a restaurant that just opened, would you like to join us?
There was no way I could refuse, in fact I was going to go out anyway and it seems that she is talking about the place that I saw, it could be just a guess but I think it's very likely. And besides, I would never miss something as important as that, Shikamaru was right, we needed to get out more. We combine at 21:00. This is the first weekend I've gone out twice in a row and with people. Besides, my weekends are at home and when I want to get away from the chaos of this city, I go to my father's country house. Doing my reading outside, visiting the lake and being able to feel like I can be myself, I feel particularly at home.
The hours went by, I got ready and waited for the time to show, while I waited I left everything tidy so that when I arrived I would go straight to bed and sleep, tomorrow is Sunday and I have a lot of tasks for Monday, I need to try to sleep early. Even if sleeping for me is an unresolved issue.
Shikamaru
- Temari, hurry up, we have to leave! - I said, but at the same time I regretted it - What the hell...
- Shikamaru, don't you dare rush me! - he gritted his teeth and answered me angrily
Temari had that way of her, aggressive, but this woman is everything to me, I'll just never admit that to her. She was with me at my worst and made me the best, made me not drop out of college and healed my grief. She was the one who scheduled everything at the last minute to celebrate my promotion. I don't know what I would do without her. It would be completely lost.
- Okay, okay - I said - The person who spoke is no longer here but just to let you know it's 9:20 pm, you made an appointment with people and you're not even there!
-If you keep rushing me, you won't have the surprise I prepared for you - she said and stared at me with a scary look - And besides, people never arrive on time! We live close, it will take time
- What a surprise? - I asked curious - What are you thinking of doing? - I grabbed her from behind, she was so fragrant
- Nothing that interests you - short and thick - For now...
- Ah, tell me - I said low and kissed her neck - Tell me...
-You'll have to wait and see - she smiled mischievously - Now get out there and I'm getting ready
There was no denying it, I loved her way and completed me, even stressing me out, this is where I wanted to be. And to think that monday I officially start as a full professor, until then I took a few classes, but now I will have one of my own. I will be able to help Temari fully at home. Yes, we lived together for about 1 year, and she invited me, typical. Otherwise I never would have left my parents' house. Temari is Konoha's greatest stylist, her pieces circulate in all neighboring countries, she finished fashion college the same year I finished my physics, just like me, she was always a prodigy, but she's older too.
- Okay, I'm done, let's go - she said.
And when I looked at her, she was stunning in that black dress with a red detail at the waist, her hair was loose and not tied up like she usually leaves it, she looked like a star she was so bright, I'm sure I blushed due to the intimidating presence she exudes everywhere you go.
- You look beautiful, my darling - was the only thing I can say to her
- Thank you my love, now let's go, we're late! - she said pulling me by the arm
No matter what others say about me and her, she was the one I wanted in my life. Forever.
Sakura
It was already 9:20 pm and we left the house, only on the way Ino decided to tell us that more people would go, that it wouldn't just be us. I wondered who it would be, Ino always did that, of warning things at the last minute. Naruto and Hinata were together and I must admit it was the cutest thing in the world. We arrived quickly, it wasn't that far from home, it's in the center of the city, Ino parked the car and we went down, we helped Hinata who was super happy to have left the house and even happier to eat real food now. The restaurant was beautiful, in addition to being cozy, through the glass we could see Shikamaru and Temari at a table and I already imagined that was where we would go.
- Hey! I missed you! - said Ino all loudly
- How did you miss me? - Shikamaru replied - We saw each other yesterday!
- Hi, how beautiful you are, Temari - I said and soon I regretted having come so simple
- Thank you, my love! - she said blushing
- So what are we celebrating? - I asked right away, since Ino didn't want to tell - Oh, and this one is our childhood friend, Naruto
- Nice to meet you, Naruto Uzumaki! - he said shouting
- We are not deaf! - Temari spoke with a disapproving face, Naruto gave her his tongue, still acting like a child
- And then? - I was curious
- Speak soon, Shikamaru, are you dead? - Temari said angrily
-So... I kind of got promoted to full-time teacher - he said with a laziness bigger than his head
- Damn, congratulations! - said Hinata a little shy - I already knew this would happen but congratulations anyway!
- Hinata, what happened to your foot? - Temari said worriedly.
- A-ah, that? No, it was nothing - Hinata stuttered too much
- Ah, so that's what you wanted my car for yesterday - completed Shikamaru
- Whoa! It wasn't like that! - Ino laughed - But thanks anyway, Hinata thanks you too
Naruto wouldn't stay still, he was trying to help Hinata but he hindered more than he helped, that was the truth, finally, we finished sitting down and accommodating, Shikamaru and Temari on one side of the other, Hinata, Naruto and Ino on the other side of the table , and I at the end
- We're expecting two more people - Temari said
- Two? - Ino asked but was ignored
- Your brother could take less time - Shikamaru completed - It's about to be 10 pm I'm starving
And it was at that moment that Shikamaru regretted what he said, Temari punched him well on the shoulder, he must have had his whole body marked with bruises, if I knew Temari well who was in front of me, this should already be routine, I couldn't help but laugh.
- HEY! You didn't have to hit me - he said sadly - I just told the truth
- Don't talk about my brother that way - she completed and made an angry face at him
That's when he walked through that door, I could feel his scent coming in and invading the environment. That messy hair, his mask and his black eyes. I just froze, paralyzed, I didn't know how to react and I felt it on your part too, it was a big surprise for both of us, to find each other like that, so suddenly. As soon as his eyes met mine I felt my skin heat up and he tried to maintain his posture. It's not possible that this was one of the people they were waiting for. That's when Shikamaru got up and my world came crashing down.
- Kakashi, I'm glad you came - he said laughing - Temari really is a box of surprises...
- I'm glad you came - she added
- I don't live far from here, in fact my apartment is at the end of the street - he said without expression
- We're here to celebrate, so let's eat! - said Temari
- Finally! I'm starving - said Naruto shouting once more, he was already waiting for Temari to punch him and a good one
I could see Ino's face at me, where have I got myself? He arrived and spoke to everyone at the table, including me, shook my hand and I could see how big his hands are, well... I had already noticed that yesterday. I certainly blushed and people saw, what a shame, I couldn't control myself... While he was talking to me Temari's brother arrived, he was a small boy with reddish hair color, a crimson red, his big blue eyes with eyeliner and without the eyebrows, it certainly had nothing to do with the sister in front of me. I had never seen him, I knew Temari had brothers, but this one I never met. I noticed that he and Kakashi talked a lot. Did they know each other?
- I think everyone here already knows each other, so let's eat, I took the liberty of ordering the food, I hope you like it - said Temari
He sat on the other side of the table, and every once in a while I could see him looking at me and I was looking at him too. After that, the food arrived, we were all eating, and silence was implanted at the table, like a big white elephant. That's when Hinata decided to speak
- Kakashi, you never showed up at home anymore - said Hinata smiling
-I… I've been really busy… With work and everything - and he looked at me, I hope no one noticed
- That's a lie and you know it - Shikamaru said laughing - What do you do besides reading that book of yours inside that apartment?
I felt he was speechless and everyone laughed.
- I believe that my father has been hard on you - Hinata continued - He's been like that with everyone, since forever, you know
- Its nothing, just sometimes - he said looking at her, her voice was so good to hear - That's my job, I have nothing to complain about
- Being the director must be a lot of work, isn't it?! - said Ino
I stomped on Ino's foot under the table, was that something to talk about?
- But it has its good parts, too - he said - I have some privileges and I got to know you guys, for example
He said looking directly at me, and I stared back at him. My cheeks were red I was sure of it. Hinata kept talking.
- But anyway, see if more show up - he said - My family enjoyed your visits
It seems that Naruto didn't like this approach they had at all, because he asked to change places with Hinata, accusing that where she was sitting, it was too cold and could get sick. I wanted to laugh. And I'm sure Kakashi thought we were a bunch of kids. What I found most strange was Temari's brother who didn't utter a word - he just nodded - I think he was the shyest person I've ever met, after Hinata. As soon as I finished my thoughts I heard Temari tapping the cup of sake she was drinking.
- I would like to say a few words to my amazing boyfriend and congratulate him on his work! - said Temari
- Temari, what are you doing? - Shikamaru said shyly and with his face all red
- Look, I'm not good with these things anymore, so let me talk - she said sullenly - I won't repeat what I'm doing now
- What the hell - he finished with his hand on his head
Everyone's attention was focused on her, and it was amazing the way her presence took over, she really was a great woman.
- We've been together for five years, and in all that time we've shared with each other, I could see the incredible person you are - she blushed - In you, I found happiness, and I will be yours, from here until eternity. Every day of my life is perfect, especially after we moved in together, because they begin and end with you, and it's high time we made it official.
At that moment I could see Shikamaru's eyes opening more than usual, he was all nervous and Temari looked like the calmest person in the world, she was sure of what she was doing, she was confident. Which was particularly funny since it used to be the other way around. But also after a few shots of booty we get to know the other side of people. And this loving and gentle side of Temari was a surprise to both me and the other people present, it was a rare event like an eclipse.
- So, my inteligent lovely boy… I would like to know if you accept to marry me? - completed Temari and pulled out a black box that had two beautiful bracelets written: forever us - How about that, huh?
- SAY YES! - shouted Naruto nervous about the situation even though it wasn't with him
- My gods, Naruto! Don't spoil their moment! - said Ino shouting too - Oh my! I will cry!
- Of course, my troublemaker - Shikamaru finally uttered the famous "yes" and pulled her close and kissed her.
They made a genuinely beautiful couple. Even with my eyes with tears I could see the tears running down both of their faces, it was the perfect moment. Everyone in the restaurant celebrated and applauded the couple and it was at that moment that I felt a presence at my right side
- Would you like a tissue? - he said - I don't want you to mess up your makeup, you're beautiful
- Y-yes, thank you, you're very kind - was the only thing I managed to say and I smiled.
- Only with you - he completed, leaving me totally embarrassed and speechless, I'm glad people weren't paying attention to us
- Let's drink! - said Ino spilling the serve, I'll drive to home
Ino was so excited about everything that was happening that she switched places with Kakashi to be closer to the couple, leaving him at my side. I won't say I didn't like it but I just didn't know what to do, I would break out in a cold sweat like I do every time I get nervous. He had this effect on me, I was at a loss for words because of him. Up close he was even more handsome, even with that mask. All I remember are little flashes of him without her. I was so nervous that I didn't feel his hand holding mine under the table. What did he want with that, to get my attention? Did he know I was thinking about him? Because it looked like he knew.
- Then... I need to talk to you alone - he said in that thick voice, close to my ear, making my body shiver - Okay?
- Okay - was the only thing I managed to say, a measly "okay"
I confess that him there hand in hand with me was bringing me comfort, I was feeling safe. Feeling alive. The conversation about the wedding continued, Temari said that we were all invited and that it would be at the spring. In addition to having left it very specific for me to get a pair until the date. When she said those words I could feel him squeezing and caressing my hand and he looked at me with that ''you're mine'' look, I must have blushed but I didn't care, it seemed that there was only me and him there. The climate that was created between me and him was undone with Naruto screaming in our faces
- Who will drink more?! - said Naruto changed completely cutting the mood between me and him
- That friend of yours, he's always so... Energetic like that? - he asked awkwardly
- Most of the time yes... - I replied in the same tone - I'm sorry about that
- There's no need to apologize - he said - Everyone has their own way and I needed to meet people like that
As soon as he finished talking I looked at the time and realized that it was already late and Naruto and Ino had already crossed the line. I wanted to stay but I had bigger responsibilities at the moment.
- Naruto, let's go home, you're already bad - I said and when I looked at Ino she was sitting on Gaara's lap, Temari's brother, I discovered his name after Ino insisted on shouting it... The boy almost died when she did that, he blushed violently
As I was the only one sober and able to drive I told them to leave, it was late and now I had three people to look after, two were drunk and one was injured. It was past midnight and we had to go, the restaurant was about to close.
- We're leaving now - I said taking Naruto and Ino by the arm.
- Now? - Said Temari sadly - Stay a little longer, I see you're having fun...
- Yeah... But it won't work, I have three children to take care of now - I said, relaxing the situation
- Want some help? - she offered
- No, I'll take care of them - he smiles - Enjoy your night
I paid their bill and would charge it later for sure. I said goodbye to everyone and pulled them out, and took them to the car and would go back to get Hinata and then Kakashi came with her in his lap, carrying her towards the car.
- Thank you very much - I said shyly - I was already going back to get her
- You're welcome, my darling - he replied, Kakashi could be anything but he was very polite
- Don't forget I'm here - said Hinata looking at both of us - You can talk, I'll wait in the car taking care of those two
At that moment I wanted to kill Hinata, I didn't want to talk to him there, in the middle of the street, before he said anything, I kissed his cheek, felt his perfume penetrate my nose, he glanced at me, I turned my back and I got in the car. I don't know why I did that, I was scared and nervous. It was a stupid move. Besides, the night had been long, and for me it wasn't over yet. I was tired I needed to go home and I wouldn't solve that now and I don't even know if I want to solve anything. As soon as I got in the car I saw Hinata staring at me, I turned it on and started, that's when she decided to break the silence implanted there.
- Are you going to talk or are you going to run away forever? - he said without introductions - You know that one day this will happen, right?!
- What are we going to talk about? We have nothing to talk about - I was lying to myself, I gripped the wheel tightly - It was great to see him again, but if he says anything I'll ask him to forget it and we'll move on with our lives
- Don't you have anything to talk about? Interesting, that's not what he told me - she laughed
- Wait! What? What did he tell you?- I asked screaming, it seemed like I was out of my mind - I mean, sorry... What did he tell you?
- If you want to know, ask him - she laughed mischievously.
- Hinata, you pay me! -that funny girl, she knew how to be mean when she wanted to
As soon as we got home, I turned off the car, took the two drunks, left them inside the house and went back to get Hinata and my cell phone rang.
YOU HAVE A NEW MESSAGE
UNKNOWN NUMBER
This is my number, I still want to have that conversation.
It was the only thing the message said, Hinata glanced over and laughed. I bathed Ino and then Naruto, put them both to bed, offered medicine and water, and told them to look for me if they needed anything, but I don't think they would, they were dead tired. I went back to take care of Hinata, put her on the bed and went to take my shower. I was feeling like a real mother. While I was bathing I thought about everything that happened in the last 48 hours and how it would be from now on, me and him, this story was far from over, I could feel it. And deep down maybe I really didn't want it to end...