Chapter III
Be My Baby(sitter)
Only a week remained until the big bachelorette party, and something continued to eat away at the back of Hinata's mind.
"I don't think this strip club thing is a good idea." she said quietly. She didn't want to burst Ino's bubble, but it didn't seem like a good idea once she put the pieces together in her mind. "Aside from the fact that I have no idea how to be a stripper, and that my cousin is going to be the main man of the party; Neji works with Gaara and Sasuke. I don't want to make a fool out of myself, and Ri…are you sure you're okay to see Gaara yet?"
"Ri will be fine." Ino said. "It'll be more than rewarding when you blow that ginger demon away with an amazing performance. And Nata, your body is bangin'. You have nothing to be nervous about. We'll make Tenten look so mouthwatering that Neji'll be too preoccupied with drooling over her to notice you giving your boss a lap dance."
"I most certainly won't be giving him any sort of dance." Hinata mumbled.
"Please, don't even give us that." Ritsuko scoffed. "We've noticed you've been coming home a lot later than usual."
"Kei likes to play past his bedtime." Ritsuko rolled her eyes.
"More like Sasuke likes to play bed time with you." Ino busted out laughing, slapping her knee. "We got it, you don't want to bring out your inner stripper in front of that overprotective brother figure of yours, but do it for Tenten, won't you?"
Hinata pouted and prepared to retort, only to be distracted by the vibration in her butt pocket. Checking her phone, a smile broke out on her face as she fell backwards onto the couch. Giggles filled the room as Hinata texted rapidly — the receiver responded just as quickly. A soft packaging hit her in the face, and she looked down noticing a loaf of whole wheat bread on the ground.
"Stop acting cute!" Ino scolded, putting away the eggs. Hinata ignored her to respond to another text. Before she knew it, her phone was stolen by Ritsuko, and Ino had her pinned to the ground.
"'Hope you don't mind coming over to cook tonight. Kei is craving your cooking.'" Ritsuko said in the deepest voice she could muster. "More like he's craving you."
"Give me my phone back!" Hinata whined, trying to break free from Ino.
"'Sure, what do you want for dinner?'" Ritsuko continued, reading Hinata's texts in a high pitched voice. "'I'm up for anything really.' Oh, I'm sure he is, you sex fiends. 'Come on, Western, Japanese, Chinese?' oh, you guys're getting into international cosplaying I see."
"Our shy little Hinata is becoming a nympho with her boss! How kinky she has become!" Ino teased, poking the poor girl's side.
"It's always the quiet ones…'Are you sure you aren't studying to become a chef?' I see he's quite flirtatious!" a buzz came, and Hinata began to yell for her phone. "Oh, look who texted. 'Hinata? You okay?' does he freak out when you respond in anything more than two minutes? What shall I say?"
"Ri, I'll hate you forever, don't do it!" Hinata yelled.
"We both know that's not going to happen." Ri said a-matter-of-factly. "'If none of the options interest you, we could cook something up together in the kitchen. Something that'll blow your mind~' can't forget the winky face."
The evil glint in her best friend's eye was indication enough to Hinata that the text was already sent. "Ri…I'm going to slaughter you."
"Slaughter's my last name." literally. "Let's see…" Ritsuko went further into the text history. "Nata, you usually tell us everything. I bet you're screwing him, and our innocent baby is just too embarrassed to tell us…what…oh, he…" Ritsuko turned off the phone, and looked at her friend with a brow raised so high it could probably touch her hairline.
"What did it say?" Ino asked, struggling to keep Hinata down.
"Nata, I'm asking you seriously right now. Are you fucking Sasuke Uchiha?" the opal eyed girl shook her head furiously. "These saucy ass texts are telling me otherwise. You can't hide the innuendos from me. I'm like the queen of them."
Hinata turned away, flustered and tired. "We're just…joking around. He would never see a kid like me as anything other than his kids' sitter."
Ino rolled her eyes, and got off of her. "Hinata, might I remind you, Naruto is with me, and he's like…the same age as Sasuke, right?"
"Ino. Naruto has no idea you're only eighteen. We have yet to meet this guy too!" Ritsuko reminded. "It's not the best example, but I've been with Gaara since I was sixteen, and he's definitely the same age as Sasuke. Sasuke, I'm sure, isn't as big of a douche as Gaara so I can tell this little thing you have here is…going somewhere. Take it from someone with experience."
"Ri's right, and you know it, Nata." Ino said, returning to her original job of putting away groceries. "He definitely seems interested if he's responding so quickly; especially when it's so early in the morning."
Hinata sighed. She was never good with relationships. She was okay with helping out her friends with their relationships, but it was so difficult for herself.
Eighteen years, and the only boy she had ever kissed was Neji when they were young. Though do note, at the age of five, she was absolutely sure she would marry Neji. Come to think of it, Neji was the most influential male in her life; even more so than her own father. Above everyone, Neji was the most important along with her sister. Her lack of experience with the male species is thanks to Neji's overbearing love, and smothering.
"Have I ever told you guys about how Tenten used to hate me?" Hinata wondered aloud. Her two friends shook their heads. "Yeah, she was jealous that Neji gave me so much of his attention. She thought it was weird that cousins were so close since he would cancel on her if I needed him, and just…yeah."
"Unless you were obsessed with Neji, I wouldn't see a reason why she would have hated you. I mean if you were a conniving little bitch who purposely was out to ruin her relationship, then I would understand." Ino continued. "But you're too…meek to be so evil."
"It's always the quiet ones." Ritsuko reminded. "Why did you suddenly bring this up?"
"I just realized how inexperienced I am with men." Hinata slumped on the couch. "Even if I wanted to pursue Sasuke in any way, I would have no idea how to."
"Nata, you don't need experience with a lot of guys to attract a guy." Ino said. "Ri only ever dated one guy until Gaara, and I never really dated as much as I have probably hooked up with guys — don't judge me."
"Shouldn't you be more worried about looking as delicious as your cooking?" Ri asked, tying her hair into a high ponytail. She didn't add that Hinata seemed to have completely forgotten about the sexually suggestive text that was just sent.
Hinata headed to shower, leaving her two friends. What if Sasuke really was interested? She wouldn't know what to do, and she wasn't even on par with him in terms of anything. He's a successful young tycoon who was basically Adonis. Meanwhile, Hinata was just an almost freshman getting ready to become a kindergarten teacher with mediocre looks. She didn't have Ri's toned body, firm with virtually no fat; nor was she Ino who had that gorgeous hour-glass figure and flat tummy. She was just awkwardly proportioned Hinata who was too skinny in some areas and then too big in other areas.
Hinata was never one to focus on the superficial things, but her low self-esteem, and insecurities always seemed to bring the superficial issues out of her.
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Sasuke stared at his phone, unsure of what to think of the text that had just appeared on his screen. He read, and reread the text a multitude of times, and couldn't make sense of it. Not because he didn't understand just what the text was implying, but whether or not it was Hinata talking to him. In the past, it was he who had accidentally sent any sexually suggestive text messages by accident without any conscious attempt at being sexually suggestive. She would respond playfully, sure, but never had she ever…so blatantly said something like this.
"Daddy, is Hinata coming over?" Sasuke's throat was dry. "Daddy?"
"Yes…yes she is."
"When?" that was a good question. He would rather not her over in the middle of one of his cold showers…something he did more frequently than ever, ever since they met.
"I'm not sure yet." Sasuke answered. "Get dressed, we can go grocery shopping for dinner later."
Kei nodded, and ran into his room to get clothes. Sasuke on the other hand really needed another…shower. His water bill had probably skyrocketed over the past few weeks.
Getting out of the shower, he couldn't help but smile at his poorly dressed son. "Kei, c'mere." Kei rushed over to his dad. "Let's…choose something else, alright?" The little boy nodded and proceeded to undress in the middle of the living room. "In your room, Kei."
"Oh yeah…" Kei had developed a habit of being too comfortable at home, undressing and leaving his belongings everywhere. Sasuke would have to remind his mother to discipline him better once she returned from her trip with Itachi next week.
Sasuke pulled out a pair of jean pants that were rolled so they would reach Kei's knees, and a white Ralph Lauren polo. Once all the clothes were fitted, Kei took the collar of his shirt and popped it up. "Daddy, I want your hair today." Sasuke smiled at his son, and ruffled his black hair.
"Not today, you need a haircut before you start tying your hair like uncle Itachi!" the two Uchihas laughed together, and Sasuke pulled his son up to him for a hug. Ever since the trip to the zoo, Sasuke realized how much he was truly hurting his son by not being around enough.
"Can we go cut today? I don wan to food shop." Kei being the smart devious little Uchiha he innately was, had been plotting for ways to get his father to marry Hinata. He was allowed to call Hinata momma when she picked him up, so he couldn't understand why his dad couldn't just marry her and make it official. "You go with Hinata to food shop. I'll go cut in the popo car."
Kei sprang up upon hearing the doorbell go off. "Hinata!" he cheered, running to get the door, only to trip and skid across the hardwood. Immediately he began to cry. Sasuke ran to him, and picked him up, answering the door as well. There stood, Hinata once again in all her adorability having just put down her phone. She was dressed in a short white and pink floral dress under a thin dark moss green cardigan, with her hair plaited on her left shoulder. Sasuke hadn't taken into account of his own appearance as he noticed Hinata's complexion go from the pink on her dress to the red of his ever beloved tomatoes.
There before Hinata stood a very naked Sasuke with only his towel wrapped around his waist, showing off his inhumanly perfect body. His V lines were basically calling her to touch them. He quickly passed Kei to her and went to his room to put some clothes on. Hinata quickly returned her attention to the shaking Kei whose tears continued to fall.
"Oh, Kei what happened?" Hinata muttered.
"I heard the bell and wanted to get you." he sniffled. Hinata kissed his forehead and smiled at him.
"Be careful, okay? You can see me when I come in but I don't want to see you hurt. It hurts me too."
"You sound like daddy…" Kei said, adjusting himself on the sofa. Hinata blushed as Sasuke's half naked form returned in her mind.
"Sit tight, I'm going to get the first aid kit." She grabbed it, and pulled out the Polysporin.
"Sorry about that." Sasuke said, leaving his room. He was dressed in a red plaid shirt, and light slim fit khakis. He was in the middle of rolling his sleeves. Hinata got up from her spot in front of Kei to help Sasuke with his sleeves.
She gently put her hand on his, and moved it away. She unrolled his messy job, and proceeded to fold the sleeves to his elbows. When she was finished, she didn't even realize how close they really were. Sasuke looked down at her. She slowly looked up, and noticed his messy collar. She fixed that too, and let her hands linger on his strong chest as she looked up to meet his gaze.
"So what was that text about this morning?" he teased with a smirk. In the moment, neither of them realized what they were doing, or that Kei was still there watching them in awe. This was what parents acted like when he watched TV. Well, couples in any case — he couldn't really tell the difference.
Hinata gripped the front of his shirt where her hands laid. "Whatever you wanted it to be about." Inner Hinata should one exist was cheering her on, she was sure, but then Hinata too-shy-to-look-people-in-the-eyes returned, and gasped. "I mean…" she was speechless.
Sasuke lowered himself to her ear. "Hinata, do you by any chance…like me?" his breath warmed her ear, but sent shivers down her spine.
"Yes…" she said almost inaudibly.
"This just won't do." he continued. Hinata's heart stopped for a moment, he didn't return her feelings. "I have a four year old watching us, and I would like to physically show you my answer to your answer." Hinata squeaked and pulled away.
"Excuse me!" she semi-yelled, and ran into the bathroom.
Kei looked at his father, and Sasuke looked at his son. "Does that mean she's my mommy now?"
"We've got a long way to go, kiddo."
Hinata's breathing was erratic. So where would they stand now? Did that mean they were an 'item' now, or was it purely physical? She looked at herself in the mirror and took a deep breath in. Reaching her hands into the front of her dress, she adjusted her boobs, making sure they filled the dress well. Just…act naturally.
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It was impossible. She was just too awkward. She tried to act normal but her body just moved itself as far from Sasuke as possible on its own accord. How were they going to face each other after that?
"Wait here, I'm just dropping Kei off here. He needs a haircut." Sasuke explained, taking the mini-him out of his carseat.
"Have fun with daddy, Hinata!" Kei grinned at her, and walked hand in hand with his father to the grand daycare slash hair salon. What an interesting combination. Kei's grin didn't falter when his father left the salon. It was time to initiate plan make-Hinata-my-real-mommy.
"I don't bite, you know?" Unless you want me to. Hinata hadn't even realized Sasuke had returned.
Hinata remained silent for a moment. "So what does this mean…?" another pause. "You and I, and that, and now?"
"Well, you and I are Sasuke Uchiha and Hinata Hyuga. I'm not sure what you mean by 'that', but 'now', it's up to you." he said. "What do you want now?" he slowed down for the amber light, and came to a halt at the red; turning to face her.
"I…do like you." she said quietly. "But, you're my boss, and I'm just me. I'm not…"
"Not what, Hinata? Because from what I gather, you're a hardworking beautiful girl who is much too oblivious about her capabilities."
"That's exactly it though." Hinata said, glancing down. "I'm just a girl. When you need a woman."
"Hinata, by now you should know me well enough to understand, I don't care." Sasuke said simply. He began to drive again. "I'll tell you what I want. I want someone who genuinely gives a shit about my son, and someone who isn't sticking around for the name, the money and the fame. I also want you to come by for more than just Kei."
"I already do." she whispered, barely loud enough for him to hear.
That night, after a filling dinner, Sasuke and Hinata put Kei to bed, and gathered up on the couch. "Horror?" Hinata asked, when Sasuke got up to grab blankets.
"Sure." he said. When he returned, Hinata had just chosen a movie, and the two got under his big comforter. Sasuke pulled Hinata against him, and the two laid down. "Loosen up." he said, undoing her hair, letting it fall in waves. Hinata let out a deep contented sigh, and loosened up. This would be her first relationship, and she didn't want to be a burden of any sort. She rested her head on his arm, pressing her back into his chest. His hand found its way into her hair. He paid more attention to playing with her hair than on the movie. Soon neither was paying attention to the movie.
Sasuke took his free hand to grasp Hinata's chin and tilt her face towards his. "Wait." Perhaps he was going too fast. "I…don't know how." she said bashfully. His lips neared her ear, and soon the chills returned.
"I guess I'll have to teach you, Ms. Hyuga." he whispered darkly in her ear. Planting a kiss against her temple, he continued down her jaw, and kissed up to the corner of her mouth. He brought the two of them up, seating her in his lap. His lips found hers in a gentle touch at first, and then came a few more. Hinata's hands found their way to the front of his shirt again. Sasuke held her lower back while his other hand wove it's way in her hair, keeping her close to him as he lightly sucked her lower lip. Hinata just followed. The exchanges between kissing and sucking made her breathing labour, and her face flush. He pulled away with a small smile, and drew her in again, teasing her by just barely brushing against her lips, gently rubbing the tip of his nose against hers.
"Sasuke…" she breathed. He continued his ministrations on her lips, refusing to let her get what she wanted. Though really, all she wanted was just to be right there with him. With every bump of the nose, and brush of the lips, Hinata was lost in a world where she really believed she could live with just kissing Sasuke forever. She took it upon herself to lean in and take what she felt was now hers.
Slowly, Sasuke introduced her to what he would call the second strongest muscle in his body — contrary to what scientists might say. He could tell she was awkward with it at first, but really he didn't care anymore. As the passion heightened, and he discovered ferocity in Hinata he didn't think existed. Her small hands fisted chunks of his dark hair.
"Hinata, wait…" Hinata pulled away, looking into what she believed to be the darkest eyes she had ever seen. "If we…continue…there's no stopping me." He tried to catch his breath, but man was she tempting. "Kei's here…and I don't want to…just take you here on my couch."
"No…you're right." They sat there looking at each other for a moment. Hinata kissed him one more time, and pulled away. "Last one."
A scream of terror sounded from the television, reminding them that a movie was playing. Neither of them really cared anymore. Both had been holding in their intense attraction for each other for so long, they could care less if yet another couple had been killed in the midst of sex.
"It's getting late…"
"Yeah…just one more minute…"
Final Farewell
Ino's words rang in her mind. Ri will be fine. But how fine was she really? She was already missing her hair, and she wasn't even sure what had compelled her to get the tattoos. Speaking of which, she had to put vaseline on it. She would be seeing Konan later that night for the final touches on the outlines of her sleeve. It was a long process since she wanted her whole arm done, and thank Jashin she hadn't run into Hidan (and Gaara) for the past few weeks. Unfortunately for her, she was fired thanks to her new image which she was sure was discrimination. Not that she really cared at the moment, but she needed to go job hunting.
"Ten bucks says Hinata isn't coming home tonight." Ino said, drinking a glass of orange juice. Ritsuko cringed. She hadn't touched orange juice at all since the breakup.
"I'm not going to make a bet I know I'll lose." Ritsuko scoffed. "Nata aside, when are we going to meet this Uzumaki boy?" Ino choked on her orange juice.
"Not any time soon, I reckon." Ino sighed. "He still has no idea I'm only eighteen, and I have a feeling he won't be too pleased with the fact that I've been lying about my age this whole time."
"You just haven't said anything, that doesn't technically mean you lied." Ritsuko reasoned. "Honesty is policy, Ino. If he's really the one, he really won't care about that minor age gap."
"He's twenty five, Ri. That's seven years! Who would want to stay with some kid when he could have…" Ino slowed down. "I'm so sorry, Ri. You know that's not what I meant."
Ritsuko shook her head, and waved her hand. "No, it's okay. But Nata's our prime example, don't you think? She's going out with an older guy who's totally aware of the fact that she's a lot younger than him. And Gaara didn't cheat on me with someone his age, or older. He was with Whoreuno who's our age."
Ino looked down at her empty glass. "I really want to make amends with her, Ri…don't hate me, please. You know she has been my best friend for so long, and she's the way she is because of all the bullying she went through. I'm not trying to justify what she did, I just don't want you to hate me for wanting to talk it out with Sakura."
The silence was weighing down on Ino's shoulders as she wondered if she did the right thing by being honest. But then again, Ritsuko was the one who always wanted the truth. "As long as I never have to see her here." Ino sighed in relief. "I can't say I'm happy with this, but what kind of friend would I be if I tried to control who you hang around with?" Ino ran around, and hugged Ritsuko.
"I have to go job hunting, so I'll see you tonight." Ritsuko peeled Ino off of her, and went to get ready. "It'll just be the two of us, so I'll pick something up since I'm sure we won't be expecting Nata back anytime soon."
The fact that Ino wanted to be friends with Sakura again meant nothing to Ritsuko really. There was a sense of mild betrayal, but to be fair, Ino and Sakura had been friends much longer than any of them. She pulled on a pair of khaki shorts, and a cropped white tank top under an open red flannel shirt. Her hair, she decided, was moderately gross and was put up sloppily into a ponytail.
"What're you feeling like for tonight? We could watch the video music awards together." Ritsuko asked, leaving her room and messily rolling her sleeves to her elbows.
"Actually, Naruto just texted asking if I wanted to go out for dinner with him tonight…" Ino said apologetically.
"It's fine! I'll just grab some McDicks or something. I'll be borrowing your messenger bag then." Ritsuko grabbed the beige canvas messenger bag from Ino's room, and hurried out the door. "Have fun!" she threw a wink at her friend, and left.
Though she wouldn't openly admit it, Ritsuko felt lonely. Her friends were having fun in their budding romances, meanwhile, she was freeloading, newly single, and jobless. She found herself turning her head every time she got a glimpse of red hair. Her phone buzzed against her butt.
"Hello?"
"Is this Ritsuko Satsuriku?" asked a deep voice.
"Yeah."
"My name is Neji Hyuga, I believe you are my cousin's friend." Why was Hinata's cousin calling her? "Hinata has informed me that you are in need of employment." His overly formal way of speaking weirded her out.
"What of it?" Probably not the best way to talk to a guy who's potentially offering you a job.
"She had requested that I look out for any job openings at other companies. Our company was apparently not preferable. However, we have an opening as the receptionist if you are interested." A job. At Gaara's company. Where she would see him every morning. Not ideal.
"Are there any requirements I should know of?" Beggars can't be choosers.
"I'm quite busy for the rest of the week. If you are not occupied at the moment, I have time for a brief meeting." Ritsuko realized that once again she found herself relying on her friends.
"I'll be there in fifteen."
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At the front desk, a woman was packing away her things. "Uh, Ms…Joshuyo. I'm looking for Neji Hyuga?"
The grumpy woman grumbled the floor number, and continued packing. It then occurred to Ritsuko that she would likely be replacing this Hitomi Joshuyo person. The woman didn't seem incompetent, so it was strange that she would be fired. The job wasn't all that bad, so she didn't see why she would quit. Ritsuko stopped questioning the situation, and headed to Neji's office.
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"The bastard has been slacking off." Naruto sighed. "Ever since he got that PYT of his."
Gaara rolled his eyes. By the way Naruto was complaining, that girl he was going out with probably hadn't told him that she herself is a PYT. Plus Naruto was just pissed off that he got stuck with Gaara for the weekend meeting instead of Sasuke. Usually, Sasuke would work weekends when needed, but he hadn't been recently.
"It could have to do with the fact that his brother took his parents on another trip, and he has a son to take care of." Gaara sighed. "I'll handle the rest. You can go get ready for your date."
"How'd you…"
"You were giggling like a little bitch at your phone."
"Sasuke's rubbing off on you. I'm not sure I like that." Naruto frowned.
"Whatever, just go. I have to deliver these to Neji before he pulls out all of that long ass hair of his." Gaara gathered the documents, and headed to the elevator. The building was designed so that the top floor was separated into four large rooms for each of their offices.
"Excuse me." he mumbled to the person in the elevator. He glanced to his right and noticed she was going to the same floor. He also noticed the striking silver hair. That couldn't be…
Her hair was faded on the side from what he could see, and her forearm was covered in intricate lines. The two made eye contact, and he noticed the new piercings on her face. What in the world happened in the past few weeks? It was as if he didn't know her anymore.
"Ritsuko?"
"Oh, it's you." Ritsuko bit out. She held in the urge to cry. It would be inevitable that they would run into each other now, but it was a little too soon for her liking. She also mentally hit herself as she was reminded he had a habit of working weekends too.
Awkward silence.
"So you did an image change."
"Yeah…so did you." she noted, observing his lack of style. Even without her around, he was usually able to dress himself. What happened to him?
"So what are you…doing here?" Gaara was perhaps more nervous than Ritsuko herself. After weeks of mediocre to borderline okay sex, something about her presence had awoken his frustrations.
"Job interview."
"Here?" he raised a non-existent eyebrow.
"The receptionist position."
"Oh, right. Ms. Joshuyo was suddenly fired." Gaara shrugged. "Did your friend have something to do with that? Because I know how Neji gets when he wants to help her out. He's…a little over the top."
"No, this…actually it might." the two shared a brief laugh only to stop abruptly. "So you're heading this way too?"
"Yeah, my office is on the same floor…have to deliver these to Neji too."
Ding.
"Oh, uh ladies first." Definitely not very Gaara of him. What was up with this guy?
"Thanks."
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"Hey." Ritsuko glanced over to see Gaara shutting a mahogany door. "If you aren't busy."
There was a pause. A pause that for some reason froze Ritsuko in her place. She could just run, and leave, and do her best to avoid him.
"If you aren't busy, do you want to come over?" he asked stiffly. Crap. Maybe there was something he could do to just take it back, make it better. He didn't know what came over him. "I mean, to check for anything you might have left at my place."
"I'm pretty sure I got everything." Ritsuko mumbled. Not that she didn't really want to go back, but she wasn't about to voice that she did.
There it was again. That pause. Ding.
"Shirts."
"What?"
"Some shirts. That I have. You like them." Ritsuko remained silent. "I mean, I know there are some of my shirts that you really like to sleep in. So if you want to come over, you can pick them up."
Why did he continue to persist on this topic? He should have just dropped it.
"Sure."
"What?"
"Sure, I'll just pick some stuff up I guess." Gaara inwardly sighed in relief. It was better this way anyways! The shirts she loved so much were unwearable to him now.
They brought back too many memories.
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The condo was a mess. She could tell someone had been living there with Gaara, and neither of them were good at managing the place. Ri was usually the one who would clean up here and there because she knew how busy Gaara was. She stepped in, removing her shoes, and glancing over to where the TV stand was. The DVDs were everywhere, and there were frozen dinner platters piled on the coffee table across from it.
"So, the shirts." Gaara's head snapped up.
"Right."
The room was a mess too, and by the looks of the thin strands of pink left on the black pillow cases, Ritsuko already knew who had taken her place. There were only two shirts that she really wanted: His Radiohead T-shirt, and his old maroon cable knit sweater. The sweater was her favourite in particular with holes in the sleeves where she'd poke her thumbs through.
Gaara already knew what she was looking for. He just didn't want to let her go so soon. He knew she'd leave once she got what she came for, but he didn't want that. What he wanted was for her to stay, and move in again. Presently, he could only ask for her to hear him out, and listen to everything he had been holding in for the past few weeks. But Gaara being Gaara, he wouldn't say anything. She was probably in a similar predicament; Gaara was aware of that. But, both of them were too stubborn to say anything.
"Does Sakura not know how to keep this place clean?" Ritsuko asked. "It's a pigsty."
"She's busy, I'm busy, there's just no time for anything." he mumbled. Ritsuko made her way to the TV stand, and noticed the familiar picture frames with not so familiar pictures.
"Busy but with enough time to replace all our pictures with new ones of the two of you."
"We have weekends to do stuff."
"Oh right, because we always used to have so much time on weekends."
"Sakura's really persistent."
"I guess I should've pushed you more." Ritsuko rolled her eyes. "Oh right, I didn't because that always lead to fights."
"Ri, I didn't bring you here to fight."
"I know. Just get me the shirts, and I'll be on my way."
"Ri, please…" Ritsuko stared at him. "just stay. For a little longer."
Ritsuko hesitated but looked around. "I guess I can't leave you living in this mess."
"I'll help!" Gaara said uncharacteristically enthusiastically. "Do you want anything to drink?"
The rest of the visit was silent. Neither would, or could, bring up anything to say. By dinner time, they were finished with the clean up, and Ritsuko got her shirts. Sakura still hadn't returned, and the place seemed completely different. Dare he think it, Gaara felt a sense of nostalgia. Being in a clean home with Ritsuko; it just felt right. He hadn't felt like this in a while.
"Gaara, I'm home! I had a great day!" The two turned to the door to see Sakura come in, tossing her shoes aside. "So what's for din…"
"I guess that's my cue to leave." Ritsuko said, picking up her stuff and heading towards the door.
"You aren't going anywhere." Sakura growled, pushing her back into the condo. Ritsuko clenched her fists. She reminded herself to be the bigger person, and to not fight. She had evolved after she left Gaara, and she wasn't going to return to being the childish girl he once knew her to be. His words were still burned into the back of her mind.
"I no longer have any business here." Ritsuko bit out. "You're welcome for the clean up, by the way."
"I didn't ask for your help, nor do I need it."
"Whatever." Sakura pushed her again. Ritsuko was now visibly angry.
"Sakura, stop." Gaara warned. He wouldn't interfere with the fight. It wasn't his place to step in. This wasn't about him anymore; he could feel it. This was about an inbred vendetta where he was but a mere accessory. The bigger picture of it all was that both females wanted to reign supreme, and both females were equally hardheaded. The best he could do now to restore peace was to not interfere — to not take sides.
"Gaara, leave." Ritsuko said with a shaky voice.
"No, Gaara, stay. You're part of this just as much as we are." Sakura insisted.
"No, no he isn't." Ritsuko retorted angrily. "You know just as much as the rest of us that this is about us. It has always been about us. You just want him to stay so I don't smash that huge ass forehead of yours into your hollow head. Now if you'd let me leave in peace, it wouldn't have come down to this. Now, which eye would you like swollen shut? I'd be glad to do both if you want them to match."
"Ri, don't be brash." Gaara tried to reason. Ritsuko whipped her head around to glare at him.
"I told you to leave." And against his better judgement, Gaara left. "I just came here for some stuff. Gaara was the one who invited me. I saw that this place was a fucking dump. That's all. I'm not here to fight unless you're going to insist I knock out your front teeth."
"I don't ask for much." Ritsuko scoffed at her statement. "I just want you to stay the fuck out of my life. Stay away from Gaara, stay away from Ino, stay away from the clubs and stay in the underground where you belong. I don't like you, I don't like your face, I don't like your friends, and I don't like anything you represent if it means you're going to mess with the order I've finally obtained in my life."
"Firstly, I'm going to be working for Gaara very soon so I can't exactly avoid him forever — believe me, I've been trying. Next of all, Ino is my friend just as much as she is yours, so I'll be around her as fucking much as I want. As for the clubs, I don't want the herpes that fucking circulates in the air from all of you club rats anyways, so piss the fuck off, I only go when Ino wants to." Ritsuko took a deep breath. "If that's all, I will be taking my leave."
"No, that's not all." Sakura stomped her foot. "I don't get what is so god damn special about you."
"Yeah, and I don't know why you insist on starting some sort of dispute every time we see each other."
"It's because I hate you!" Sakura screeched.
"I don't even know why you hate me!" Ritsuko yelled. "Since the first time we met, you gave me the dirtiest looks. But I put up with it because Ino and Hinata said you were pretty cool. But it turns out you're a two faced snake! You never considered anyone's feelings but your own, you know? You're by far the most self-absorbed person I've ever met. Please save me the boring rant about how I'm an aggressive maniacal bitch."
Sakura didn't say anything. "Just leave."
In that moment, no one was too sure about what was going through Sakura's mind — not even Sakura herself. But she wanted to cry. Maybe it was because her feelings were hurt, or maybe she didn't know what her life had amounted to so far. She's smart, she's pretty, she finally got a decent guy to notice her. She never had a problem doing whatever it takes to get what she wants — she learned that was the only way to get what you want; the hard way. Yet this time, she couldn't pinpoint why, but she wanted to cry.
Summer Love
"Hey, Sakura?" Ino asked nervously through her phone. She knew Sakura had picked up, but the other end remained silent. "I want to talk. Are you up for some lunch?"
"Sure. Starbucks in an hour." It was unsaid, but Ino knew which one she was talking about. This was time for her to make up for the friendship she really didn't want to give up. No matter how selfish Sakura could be, Ino couldn't help but look past all of that. They had been through so much together, and they'd been in worse fights than the one they were currently in.
Throwing on a pine green romper, Ino decided she would come home before going out to dinner with Naruto. It was high time that she tell him about her age. She didn't feel comfortable lying to him. Ritsuko might have said she wasn't technically lying to him, but she felt she was deceiving him by not saying anything. After tying her hair in her usual ponytail, and beating her high score on flappy bird, Ino put on her flip flops, and headed out.
'Cant wait to see u tonight babe!' Ino twirled in the middle of the street drawing the attention of many onlookers, curious as to why the blonde was so elated. She quickly asked if she should dress up in a fancy manner for dinner. 'Nah, keep it casual' She got him to fix up his texting habits too since it was even getting painful for her to read.
She almost walked past the Starbucks because of texting and walking. She placed her order, and sat in a free seat right by the entrance. It's rather hard to miss a girl with pink hair, so Ino smiled brightly at Sakura when she saw her. Sakura returned her smile weakly, unsure of what would ensue.
"You're probably wondering why I asked you to meet me here." Ino started, offering some of her muffin to Sakura who politely refused. "I wanted to apologize." Ino could tell her friend was confused. Taking a deep breath, Ino continued. "I jumped into taking sides when I should have stayed neutral regardless of whether I disagreed with what you did or not. You know I believe in telling you the truth, and all, but I shouldn't have lashed out at you. I know that you know, I would defend you just like I defended Nata and Ri that day. But by doing that, I didn't consider our friendship of so many years. I mean, I obviously do cherish you a lot as a friend, which is why I'm here right now telling you all of this. You're like my sister, and you know I just didn't like what you were saying so I was really mean."
Sakura took all of it in having gotten used to Ino's quick paced speaking over the years. "I forgive you, and I'm sorry too!" Ino breathed a long sigh of relief. "I was angry that you took Ritsuko's side, but then I was even more upset after I left knowing I just lost my best friend. I was really mean about what I said, and I could have said it a lot more nicely."
"God, this just feels so grade school, but I'm so happy we're making up!" Ino couldn't help but grin widely as relief continued to flood her.
"I know what you mean." Sakura said, taking a sip from Ino's drink. "So, how have you been doing? From what Gaara has been telling me, you've got one of his co-workers 'giggling like a little bitch' as he likes to put it."
Ino leaned towards Sakura and spilled her guts happily. They exchanged boy talk, and ordered more drinks. Time flew as they exchanged sometimes mindless banter about everything the other had missed out on in the past couple of weeks.
"So he has no idea that you're only eighteen. Gaara said he thought you already told him." Sakura shrugged, sipping her iced tea. "I think you should be honest with him. I tell Gaara everything, even if it means I'll sound like a terrible bitch."
"Well you know, just 'cause we've made up, doesn't mean I don't think Gaara's a cheating bastard." Ino said. "I love you, doesn't mean what you did was right, you know?"
"I know, I know." Sakura sighed. "It's not as if I want to be the home wrecker. I know you'll hate me for this, but it felt great finally taking something from Ritsuko, something she really wants. It felt good, no, it felt great. I felt like something was missing, and now that I'm with Gaara, I feel like that void is filled."
"Kura, is the void filled by Gaara, or the fact that you finally took something from Ri?" Sakura remained silent. "You know it's not fair to Gaara if you stay with him just because you want to rob Ri of whatever happiness she might've had with him."
"I'm honestly really happy with him. I think I make him a lot happier than Ritsuko ever did." She admitted. "Ritsuko always complained about not getting enough time with him, but he spends weekends with me sometimes, and we're always doing something when we're together. I'm not bothered by his hours, and the only time we fight is when we don't agree on what to wear."
"You seem pretty convinced that you're completely happy, so I'll leave it at that." Ino affirmed Sakura. "But get yourself out of this relationship if you ever doubt he's not happy with you. If he's not a hundred percent there, then he'll never be a hundred percent there. I don't want to see you get hurt and blame all of this on Ri just because he may or may not be there with you all the time because his heart is with her."
Sakura nodded. "Well, I have an appointment at the spa soon. Would you like to join me?"
"I've got a dinner date soon actually. Gotta get ready for that!" Ino gave her a thumbs up. "Have fun!"
"I should say that to you! You sound really happy, Ino. Don't forget to tell him the truth!" Sakura reminded her.
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Dashing out of the shower, Ino was ready to pull out her hair. What was she going to wear?! Wrapping her hair up, she put on her underwear and went through Hinata, her own, and even Ri's clothes. She had to look casual like she wasn't trying too hard, but super good at the same time. She didn't even check the time.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
"What the…"
"Ino? You in there, babe?" Why in the world did Naruto come up?! What time was it? Oh god.
"Yeah, coming!" She quickly tore the towel out of her hair, and wrapped it around her body. "Hey!" she greeted, opening the door. "Sorry, the place is a mess, and I didn't expect you'd come up!"
"Well, you weren't answering your phone, and I got worried. I remembered what number you said your apartment was, so I came up to check up on you."
"Aww! That's so sweet of you, I'm just having an outfit crisis." Ino admitted. She noted he was dressed rather nicely, and not what she knew as casual for him. "I thought you said to keep it casual!"
"Well, that was supposed to be part of the surprise." He dragged out sheepishly. "I was going to take you out to get all primped and whatever. I thought you'd really like that for today, so I wanted you to be comfy. Hence why 'dinner' was set to start at two 'o clock."
"Oh, Naruto!" Ino cried in happiness. She hugged him tightly. "Thank you so much! I'm sorry I ruined the surprise."
"Surprise!" he said awkwardly. While he had embraced almost nude girls on the dance floors before, being embraced by his almost nude girlfriend at her apartment was something completely different.
"I'll be right out!" Ino said, running into her room, clutching to the front of her towel.
Naruto looked down and frowned. "Down, boy!"
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"You actually look great, you know?" Ino looked at him. "I mean all natural and stuff. You look awesome like, all the time, but I really like this bare faced Ino with her hair down."
"Really?" Ino gasped with wide eyes. The only reason she kept her hair up was because the boy she liked in high school told her his rationale behind not going out with her was because her face looked fat with her hair down.
"Yeah. I love that I can see your face more when your hair is up, but when it's down, it makes me want to touch it without feeling like I'll mess it up." And to prove his point, he reached beside him to brush her hair behind her ear. "See?"
"Oh my god." Naruto quickly retracted his hand. "I was in my towel while you were at the apartment! The place was a mess! OH MY FUCKING GOD!" Naruto threw his head back in hearty laughter. "This is serious! I didn't want you to see the place like that!"
"Ino, it's nice to see that you live normally too, y'know?" Naruto said, calming himself down. "It's the same concept as letting your hair down. Just relax, your scantily clad body, and messy apartment don't make me think any less of you."
"So it was a mess!" Again, he couldn't help but laugh. Curse his laugh for being so contagious. Ino began laughing as well, and they couldn't help but laugh all the way to the salon.
"I see a whole new side of you that I don't think I could have seen given another situation." Naruto admitted, carefully parking his car. "It's absolutely refreshing whenever I get to see the different sides of Ino Yamanaka."
Ino's breath caught in her throat. She never knew what to say whenever he said these things to her. He would just compliment her so casually — like now for example, he's just parking and out comes the compliments — as if it was the most natural thing, like there was just a list of things he wanted to tell her. He always left her, the queen of loudmouths, speechless.
"Ready to go?" He asked. Ino looked at him seriously. His face was always so warm and kind, she felt like a royal bitch for not saying anything back.
"Wait." Naruto stopped what he was doing, and gave her his attention. "You always compliment me, and I never say anything back."
"Ino, I don't tell you you're beautiful expecting something in return, I tell you you're beautiful because you just are."
"No, well that's not what I mean. I just want to tell you why." Ino was still at a loss for words. "You just always leave me blown away by how great you are, and I'm just not able to tell you how much I really appreciate all you do for me, and say to me. You're like the most amazing guy I've ever been with, and sometimes it's hard to believe that I managed to meet someone so perfect at a club of all places. I've never been so infatuated with anyone in my short life, which brings me to what I've been wanting to tell you."
There was a pause as Ino played with her skirt. "I just don't want you to think I was deceiving you."
"Ino, you're one of the most honest people I know." Naruto said, taking her thin hand in his warm one. The heat seemed to spread all over her body as soon as he made contact with her.
"I feel like you have the wrong perception of my age, yet I never clarified how old I actually am." Ino started, taking her other hand to hold the one she was already holding. "I know I said that I'm a law student, but it's more like I'm going to be one."
She was really scared now, what if he really didn't like her after this?
"Hey, Ino." Ino couldn't meet his eyes. He took his free hand and gently grabbed her chin, bringing her vision up to his. "I've been known to be the number one guy that surprises people, so whatever you're worried about, don't worry. I don't think it'll really change how I feel about you."
"I'm going to be in law school…in four years after I finish my first four years in university." Naruto let the new bit of information sink in. Ino's grip tightened on his hand. "I'm only eighteen years old." She said slowly. She flinched when Naruto let her hand go. She began to well up with tears.
Two warm hands grabbed her face, forcing her to look up, and letting the tears fall. "Hey, don't cry!" he laughed. "I never thought you were anywhere near my age or older — that of course is a compliment — I didn't think you were only eighteen, but that really doesn't matter to me."
"Really?" she asked, blinking away more tears.
"Yeah! You being eighteen versus twenty five doesn't mean anything to me." he laughed. "You're still you, right? I told you from the beginning, I'm in it for you. Not any other reason. You can't change how old you are, the same way I can't change how I feel about— Oh god, don't cry please!"
"I'm just so happy! I thought you were going to hate me because I lied!" she sobbed. "I mean, I technically didn't lie 'cause I didn't say anything, but I still wasn't honest, and I thought you would hate me for that!" He wiped her face with his sleeve, and let her blow her nose in his sleeve.
"Oh no! I ruined your shirt!" she was ready to cry again. This was a disaster!
"Hey, hey! No more crying! I can get like a million of these shirts, so don't worry. Plus it's not ruined, just a little…snotty." Ino began laughing, feeling her mood lighten up. "And for the record, crying people are really ugly. But there's something beautiful about you when you cry — that isn't an invitation to cry more though. I love it when you smile."
They entered the high end salon ready for their spa day.
"Mr. Uzumaki, welcome!" Ino saw a man with circular sunglasses approach them. He eyed Ino behind his glasses.
"What's with the formalities, Ebisu?" Naruto scowled. "Ino, this is my closet pervert of a friend."
"Welcome, Miss Ino!" Ebisu said, ignoring Naruto completely — this of course didn't go unnoticed by him. "Naruto has so much planned for you today!"
"Does he now?" Ino asked, raising a shapely brow. Naruto nodded with a sly grin. "What's that look for?"
"You'll see!" he said, urging her towards the attendant waiting by the reflective glass doors.
"This way, miss." The lady smiled. She handed Ino a neatly folded robe, and a suede sack.
"Don't open this until later." Naruto grinned. "First thing is first! Get into your birthday suit, and put on the robe! We're going for a massage!"
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Two identical blondes were waiting inside the room Ino was told to go to. They looked like they could be related to Naruto, but to her knowledge, Naruto was an only child with only two cousins — both of whom are redheads. Only moments later, Naruto entered as well.
"Ready?" Ino nodded happily, and discreetly discarded her towel, letting one of the girls put the towel on her rear. She turned her face towards Naruto to see he was staring at her.
"What?" she asked.
"It's awfully uncomfortable for me to be laying on my front when I have you next to me completely naked save for a little towel." Naruto said with an overly sleazy grin. Ino couldn't help but laugh, and turned to put her face in the little face hole.
"Pervert." she snorted. She felt something grab her hand. Their beds were placed awfully close together. She held his hand, and they only let go whenever their masseuses needed to get on that side.
The massage was absolutely heavenly. Ino had never been to a professional like this before. "I'd be totally lying if I said I didn't wish you were the one greasing me up right now." Naruto said.
"Shut up!" Ino laughed. She always seemed to be laughing with Naruto. They both carefully turned around, keeping their personal parts covered.
"Believe it, babe." he shot a wink and thumbs up at her.
"Oh god, this feels so great." Ino groaned, as the masseuse began working on her temples.
"Babe, please don't do that." Naruto groaned. "I'm pitching a tent here." Ino's face went bright red. How were these two women not at all fazed by the flirtatious teasing?
The two women exited the room at the end of the massage. "Stay down, there's more."
"More?" Ino wondered what more they could be doing.
"Facials for two?" Asked two blondes who looked almost identical to the two who had just left.
"You're the best, you know that?" Ino squealed.
"I get that." Naruto teased.
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"Okay, now change into what's in that sack you got earlier, and meet me in the room identified on the key that you will also find in the sack." Naruto explained, tying up his robe.
Ino nodded, and headed back to the change rooms. "What the…" she opened the infamous sack, and found the Miami Mint Triangl bikini she had been admiring online the other day. The top was a tad small, but that was no big deal, the bottoms fit perfectly. Tying her hair into a quick bun, she headed out with a towel wrapped snuggly around her.
She came to a large set of reflective glass doors, and used the key to unlock them. Inside, she found Naruto fixing his hair in the mirror in an orange boxer-brief shaped speedo. Hearing the doors open, he froze in place, and turned to see Ino wrapped tightly in her towel.
"How did you know I wanted this bikini?" Ino asked with a smile.
"I totally guessed, to be quite honest. It just looked very Ino to me." Naruto shrugged. "Now for the bath!"
He motioned to the large tub, and started it like a pro. "This is one of my favourite things to do when I really need to relax."
"I'm trying not to cry right now." Ino whimpered. "You've got so much set up today, and I feel like a princess!"
"Well, don't cry! You just finished having a facial, you don't want to ruin it." He helped her out of her towel, and into the bubbling bath. "I was right, you know?" Ino looked at him. "This swimsuit is very Ino."
Ino just smiled, and splashed him playfully. Naruto settled comfortably, and Ino rested against him, closing her eyes. The jets were really relaxing, and today was overall just fabulous. She felt a large hand pick up her arm while a soft sponge gently scrubbed her skin.
"This is the part of the day where I get to personally pamper you." Naruto mumbled against her ear. He carefully put her arm down, and tilted her head to rest on his shoulder. His lips gently sucked on the wet skin of her neck while his free hand stroked her thigh slowly, and the sponge hand scrubbed her belly softly. Ino was too busy enjoying the feeling of his nearness to realize this would have tickled in any other situation.
Ino took his hands off of her, and switched herself around to straddle him. Taking the sponge from his hand, she captured his lips in a slow but sensual kiss. Her hand held his head tilted back while the other scrubbed his chest with the soft sponge.
"In-Ino, wait, babe, just…" Naruto gently peeled his girlfriend off of him, and pressed his forehead to hers. "I don't want our first time to be in this tub." he said frankly. Ino gave him another kiss, and nodded.
"Turn around."
"Wha—"
"So I can scrub you back for you, duh!" Ino said.
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"I know you're probably starving, but there's just one more part before dinner!" He yelled over the hairdryer. He enjoyed the way Ino's fingers brushed through his hair as she dried his hair for him.
"Naruto, you really are the best at surprising people." Ino said, turning off the dryer.
"Come on, we just need to go in our robes." Naruto lead her to a large salon where ten almost identical blonde attendants were waiting to do her hair and makeup.
"Oh. My. God." Ino blurted out. Before she could say another word, she was being lead to a chair where they began combing through her freshly cleaned hair. They curled her hair, and left it down like an old school hollywood style, swept over one of her shapely shoulders. Shimmery eyeshadow, and bold red lips gave her a Marilyn Monroe-esque appearance. Ino could really only wonder where they could be going.
A mesmerized Naruto lead a dolled up Ino to a dark room. He flipped the light switches, and presented in front of her was a room full of dresses, and shoes. "Take your pick, babe."
Ino looked at him, still not believing her eyes. "Just go for it, babe." Ino nodded dumbly and immediately dove for the sparkly dresses. She carefully checked for the price tags. "No use, I got them to remove them."
There was only one dress that Ino wanted, and it was the one fitted on the mannequin in the centre of all the shoes and dresses. It looked identical to the one Madonna wore in '91 to the Oscars. It was strapless and bejewelled. Totally flashy, and sexy yet so elegant at the same time. All it needed was the gloves, and fur stole.
"This one? Designed by Bob Mackie, I believe." The exact one Madonna wore back in 1991.
"Naruto, you couldn't possibly…" Ino gasped.
"Oh, but I could." he said, kissing her forehead.
The blonde attendant entered once Naruto hit the help button. "The Bob Mackie dress please." The attendant stripped the mannequin, and lead Ino to the changing room where she let her choose a new set of underwear to where. Ino looked over her choices and went for something…risqué. The attendant helped her into the dress.
"Perfect." Naruto breathed out. The dress fit her perfectly, and she looked absolutely perfect. For once, he was the one left speechless.
Paired with the dress was a pair of pearly golden heels that brought her closer to Naruto's height.
"I'll be right back, just sit tight." he said, running out to another room. Ino couldn't stop looking at herself. She couldn't believe she was looking at her own reflection. Minutes later, Naruto returned with his hair slicked back to the side giving him that signature James Bond look, accentuated by the neat tux and bow tie. He was holding something behind him.
"Well, don't you just look absolutely dashing." Ino grinned. "And to what do I owe the honour, Mr. Bond?"
"I come bearing gifts to the ever beautiful Marilyn Monroe." Naruto joked. "Ms. Monroe looks especially beautiful today though. I wonder why that is."
"Naruto, you've already done so much today, you don't need to give me more." Ino said, her gaze softening. Naruto waved her off, and presented her with a relatively large velvet box. Opening it, she found some of the most beautiful pearls she had ever seen. The long pearl necklace circled the diamond bracelet, and pearl earrings a good few times. "Naruto, this is going to cost you a fortune."
"Ino, trust me. This whole day barely leaves a dent in my bank account." Ino used all the willpower she had to control herself from crying. "Ino, I love you. Just accept it."
"Shut up, wait what did you say?" Ino gaped at him.
"I love you." Naruto said, closing the box. "I've never connected with a single human being so much in my whole life. I would turn the world inside out for you."
"Naruto, we've known each other fo—"
"And they're the best weeks I've ever had in my whole life. Ino, please. You don't have to say it back to me. Just know that I love you. Just tell me when you're ready. Not just because I got you all of this stuff, but when you really feel that way for me." Naruto lead her to the mirror, and placed the box open on a little table. He carefully fastened the long string of pearls around her neck. "Stay here."
He grabbed a set of long silk gloves, and helped her put them on. Then came the bracelet, and Ino put the earrings on herself. "I want to cry again." Ino said shakily. "You're too good for me, oh—"
"Your god. No, Ino, just stop. Let's go to dinner now." Naruto said, holding her waist. Ino thanked the attendants, and followed Naruto to the limousine.
"Where are we?" Ino asked, absolutely confused.
"The airport." Naruto said, exiting to her side. He opened the door, and helped her out.
"Why…"
"We're on our way to the video music awards."
"OHMYGOD!"
GUESS WHO'S BACK? BACK AGAIN! Yes! You guessed it; ME! I'm so SOOOOOO Sorry to all of you for taking so long! It was mostly just difficult to write out the last part about NaruIno 'cause I was like "ARGH, GOTTA MAKE MY UBER CUTIES, UBER CUTE!"
So everyone's gettin' some action now ;DDDDD D's EVERYWHERED YAY! Okay, but on a serious note, for all the younger fans out there, things will get steamy so I suggest you start reading selectively if you start feeling uncomfortable. I can't do much but apologize for my lack of like...existence here. I've neglected my bae insomniasucks, and I'm a total pisslord for that, and i'M SO SORRY DAMMIT.
For those who are disappointed that Sakura is no longer uber super duper biotchhchchc, too bad. I want her to have a bit more depth than "ermergerd i wan tu mak al duh bbz wit al duh boiz" okay, a bit a lot more.
ON TO ANSWERING MY REVIEWERS~~~!~!~~!~!11~!
SugarSpice(Guest): HEY GIRL! I hope this bit of SasuHina action satisfies for now LOL, and of course the GaaRi shtuff working itself out. Assuming you're still reading, and haven't totally given up on my slow ass.
strawberry chizoey: ughghghgh THANK YOU :'D I hope this longer update makes up for my absence. (so many sorries today..)
insomniasucks: BAEBAE! THIS TOOK LIKE...NINE MONTHS TO UPDATE. I COULD HAVE BEEN PREGNANT SINCE THE LAST UPDATE, AND GIVEN BIRTH BY NOW. WE'RE BOTH SNAILS AT THIS UPDATING BUSINESS LOL LUV YOU x344859403032221111838999!
Drea(Guest): Thank you so much! That is actually such a huge compliment, you don't even know how just saying that makes me smile! Hope you're not too disappointed that I took this long, and I hope the update wasn't a disappointment LOL
nanitaa: Thank you! I don't even know what to say other than sorry LOL IHOPETHISISGOODFORYOU
ChainsawGooche: SPOOOUSE I HAVEN'T SPOKEN TO YOU IN SO LONG, AND AGH I'M SUCH A LEWSER I'M SRZ D:
Guest: By the name of Rachel, I hope you fall upon this story once again, and continue as I will do my best to update!
kandita: HEY! Thanks so much for commenting on like, EVERY chapter! To answer you; yes, Naruto is super lame-o. I made Hinata wear glasses as a play on the issue of her being the lesser of the Hyugas. While she finds happiness and success in her own way, I figured I should have her lack in something very signature to the Hyugas - their sight. I also happen to think glasses wearing Hinata would be uber-kawaii-squish-her-with-adoration-desu-ne. "What's wrong with her" as in..? Like the way she handles Sakura at the restaurant? I wanted to show Hinata's aggressive side I guess. It was really a spur of the moment decision tbqh. It fit, so I left it alone LOL lots of love, thanks for reviewing!
ninjaluver: Aww, I'm guessing that means you've read more than just this story which means THANK YOU! I'll do my best to keep it going like this! It's been difficult balancing so many stories because I'm the loser who has to write everything that comes to mind QQ
Alright, for those who haven't completely given up on me, THANK YOU AND SORRY LOL. Like a YouTuber, I shall ask you to comment, like and share this video. I mean..Favourite, Follow, and Review this story. YEEEEEEEAH. I really am trying guys, that's how you know I'm pretty fuckin' slow.
XOXOXOOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOOXOX XTVNTX (heart)