Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.
Powerful
It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow.
-Robert H. Goddard
Chapter 5
I have been sitting, waiting, and teetering—wait, you don't know what that is, do you? Let me explain.
I was teetering, as Ino and I call it, out of sheer boredom. It's this game the two of us invented when we were little. We got pretty bored just hanging around the Yamanaka Flower Shop after school everyday.
The game of teetering is pretty simple, seeing as a couple of nine year olds came up with it. It consists of leaning back as far as you could on Mrs. Yamanaka-san's barstools without falling backwards. Back then, Ino usually won; she had much better balance than me. Nowadays, (why the hell do we still play this game?), I win. It all has to do with my excellent chakra control and Ino's lack of concentration for anything not having to do with gossip, shopping, or Shikamaru.
Yes, well, I have been sitting, waiting, and teetering on a barstool in the Ichiruku Ramen Shop. What am I waiting for? A double date. The date I have been dreading all week. Incredibly, Neji was the one who proposed that the four of us—Neji and me and then Naruto and Hinata—go on a double date. Now do you see why I'm dreading it?
It's all Naruto and Neji. They're fine most times—as long as they're separate. But Naruto was extremely protective of me (like a brother) and Neji was extremely protective of Hinata in the exact same way. Whenever they're together, especially with me and Hinata too, things get a bit maddening. I was afraid, and I had the right to be.
Anyway, I had ignored Ino's warning to be fashionably late and instead showed up early. As so, I have been sitting by myself for a bit now and induced to the game of teetering. What fun.
Right then, I leaned back a little farther than I should have. The next thing I know, I fall backwards and crash to the floor. Sadly, there was no Neji to catch me this time. There was no one. And now the whole restaurant was staring at me. I gave a nervous smile and hastily picked up my stool and sat back down. I could feel my cheeks blush with embarrassment. Today was not my day.
As people's stares continued burning into my back, I felt the familiar feelings of non-powerfulness grow stronger. I had humiliated myself again.
"Hey," I heard from behind me, "You okay?" The voice was deep, undoubtedly a man's. It sounded a bit familiar, but I didn't recognize it as someone I knew.
"I'm fine," I stated without turning around to see who this stranger was. Maybe the guy would just go away.
"Of course you are," he said. I noted a hint of sarcasm. Suddenly I heard the barstool beside me being pulled out and the stranger sat down. "Mind if I sit with you?"
Where was this man getting at? I bet he was just another moron hitting on me. The stranger then leaned closer to me; he was absolutely incredulous. "What, are you trying to get a date or something?"
I finally turned to get a good look of my stranger. He was a tall man, but that's about all I could tell. A dark cloak draped around his shoulders and cascaded to the floor. His hood shrouded his face in darkness, banishing any hopes of me getting a good view. He resembled one of the dark, mysterious, and disturbed figures I always read about in romance novels. Except they were gentlemen who didn't use sarcasm. Did I mention I read a ton of romance novels? Always have, always will.
I was interrupted from my thoughts as the stranger spoke, "Maybe, but don't you think a date between two strangers would be uncomfortable. It's a bit forward, but if you insist."
"Humph." I glared. Already this guy was on my shit list and I hadn't even learned his name yet. He was way too smug. The shadow of his hood receded when he tilted his head just enough to see his smirk. "For you information, I already have a date. He'll be here any minute, so get lost."
The man didn't comply. Instead, he leaned even closer while his arm reached across. My breath hitched and I prepared myself to punch this guy's lights out. But then he pulled away just as quickly as he'd come—he'd been reaching for his drink on the other side of me. He was still smirking as he studied my expression. I glared and hissed, "Jackass."
He turned away from me curtly, but not before muttering, "Annoying woman…" The man walked out of Ichiruku's entirely and disappeared around the corner. He paused only once, right before he went out of sight. I'm glad he's gone, and I hope Neji gets here soon. Hell, I hope someone gets here so I don't have to sit by myself and get hit on by dark, mysterious, and disturbed strangers wearing cloaks. Geez, I never thought I'd say that.
I heard the stools beside me being pulled out again as two men sat down on either side of me. Only this time, I knew its occupants.
"Good afternoon, Sakura," said Neji, "Sorry we're late."
"Ohayo Sakura-chan," said Naruto.
"Hey guys. How nice of you two to join me, considering I've been sitting alone here for like twenty minutes more that I needed to."
"We said sorry," whined Naruto, "Say, where's Hinata-chan?"
"She's probably running late as well."
"I hope she gets here soon, I'm starving."
"You're always starving. Get over it."
"Would the two of you cut it out?" asked Neji, rather impatiently.
Just then, Naruto had been sticking his tongue out at Neji, but then he quickly stopped as we all heard a soft "Ohayo" come from behind us. So childish.
I turned around to see Hinata standing there, twiddling her thumbs, looking at her feet, and blushing. Can't say I was surprised in the least. I said, "Hey there." Then I smiled the best I could while mentally picturing my twelve year old self doing the same thing—or at least something similar in front of a twelve year old Sasuke. I know I've mentioned how Hinata reminds me of a younger, more naive me.
"Ohayo Hinata-chan, pull up a chair. You're just in time!"
Neji gave a much more refined greeting. He bowed his head slightly and said, "Hinata."
After the initial greetings, the over-all mood slouched and conversation disappeared. The oddest silence hung over the four of us during the meal. It was stifling, smothering, suffocating, and any other work you can think of that describes the feeling of not being able to breath.
Now of course, I tried desperately to ignite a conversation; I truly did. But all my attempts died pathetic deaths, like a kite on a windless day or a whale beached on Main Street. I was so bored I had time to think up comparisons for it.
Naruto, usually the most talkative of anybody, was quietly eating his ramen. Occasionally, he would omit a comment or two, but otherwise stared into his bowl (rather bowls) of ramen.
Hinata was a bit more helpful, but only a bit. Without Naruto to star in the conversation, Hinata seemed shyer than usual. Her only replies consisted of stutters and stammers of every sort, nevermind's, and sighs.
Neji had to be the worst. He could not find it in himself to even listen to our conversation (though it was mostly one-sided babbling). He picked at his ramen and stared straight ahead the whole time. I swear he did.
I knew it. I knew it from the very beginning that this double date was a bad idea.
I slammed my chopsticks down in exasperation. Oh great, now everybody was staring at me again. "What is wrong with you guys today?!! Honestly, I'd have better luck starting a conversation with a dead guy!" I said.
Hinata's expression was priceless; it had utter shock etched into every feature. Naruto seemed more downcast than before and averted his eyes to the floor. Neji simply closed his eyes—suddenly he looked extremely tired and somewhat older—and propped his chin upon his interlaced hands. "Well? What's wrong? You can tell me," I continued.
Naruto was the first to speak, "Sakura-chan, remember about a week ago right before Sasuke-teme's wedding? You asked me what was bothering me, and I told you that I'd tell you another time."
I was expecting him to have this big, warm smile on his face. Naruto is just a smiling kind of a guy, you know. But instead, his mouth was set in a grim line, almost solemn. I knew it in a second; something was horribly wrong.
"Ohayo Sakura-chan, Neji." Even his voice sounded insufferably solemn. What had happened?
"Naruto," Neji answered, nodding his head.
"Hai," I answered, remembering the scene.
"Say, Naruto, is something bothering you?" I asked.
I saw his eyes glance around anxiously before giving out an awkward chuckle. "Is it that obvious?"
"Just tell me, Naruto."
"Do you mind if I tell you later? I don't want to ruin your day too…and Hinata's…and Neji's…Is that okay?"
"Well, this is that time…"
"Sure," I said, a little dumbfounded, "I guess…but promise to tell me later."
"I promise."
The silence engulfed us once again, and I waited a minute—just a minute though. But then my patience wore thin and I asked, "Are you going to tell me or not?"
"Yes, we are." This time Neji spoke up.
"You knew about this too?" He nodded his head in reply. Hinata still said nothing.
"It's very important," said Naruto," especially to Hinata." Said girl let out a tiny squeak. "It's like this, Hia—"
"I'll tell them, Naruto," said Neji. He finally opened up his eyes and unfolded his hands. "Hiashi has concocted a few plans with a Mist Country ambassador by the name of Kodama, and the key parts…well. We are the key parts, Hinata and I."
"What d-do you m-mean, N-Neji-nii-san?"
"An arranged marriage, or marriages, is planned. Hinata is set for a good friend of Kodama's; and I, Kodama's daughter."
My train of thought had been spinning wildly up till then, but at that very moment, it froze. Neji was getting married? It couldn't be…He was my boyfriend! Damn it! NO! NO! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
I heard a thud beside me, and (it comes as no surprise), Hinata had fainted. Naruto had jumped down to catch her just in time and was now picking her up. It was then that I noticed how everybody in the restaurant was once again staring at us. I heard a hushed whisper from the corner of the room, "What strange people…Ninjas today just get weirder and weirder…"
Those people, the people who were staring at us and those who were just now returning to their meals, I envy them. I'd like to be one of them, if only for a little while, just to see what it's like. People like them don't have as many worries and troubles, well, besides strange ninja sitting ten feet away eating ramen in the same restaurant. I have plenty of troubles, even without the whole Sasuke thing or the newly-added arranged marriage crisis.
Naruto set Hinata down on the stool and carefully supported her back. I grabbed a piece of ice from my drink, wrapped it in a napkin, and then rubbed it back and forth across her forehead gently. She shivered once, twice, and then woke up, and shivered again.
"W-Why?" she asked weakly.
Neji cleared his throat before continuing, "The official reason is that they wish to establish a treaty of sorts with the Mist…But I believe that Kodama and his accomplices simply wish to obtain the secrets of the Bakuyan. And Hiashi…this is just speculation, but I think he wants to remove you, Hinata, as the heir to the clan so that Hanabi will be the next Head of the Hyuuga Clan…"
Hinata looked like she was about to faint again, but she held it off. She seemed almost calm for a moment—till she burst into tears and fled Ichiruku's. Naruto excused himself before speeding after her. Now Neji and I were alone…and I was…what's the word? Aa. Shell-shocked.
"How awful…" I muttered. What else could I say? "Why would he do that to you?"
"I don't know," he answered truthfully. His voice had softened. "I'm not a threat to Hanabi's rise to power; I'm a Branch member of the family." He said this with a desolate tone. It was barely noticeable, but I caught it.
"Well," I said, "if it helps, I think you'd make a great Head-person, Neji."
As I watched him carefully, he offered a small smile, "Arigato, Sakura."
In the next moment, I found myself leaning against him and he had his arm wrapped around me. This had to be the absolute closest we'd ever been. I felt my cheeks heat up as I realized this. Was it just me, or was the room suddenly getting hotter?
Glancing up, I caught Neji staring at me; he didn't look away. Okay, I was blushing profoundly now, and I sear he was too, if only a little. I smiled weakly before quickly bringing my head back down. Whew. That was hot.
I felt like I was teetering all over again.
"Sakura…" he whispered.
I peered back up at him, and, sure enough, he was staring at me still. I felt my bottom lip tremble. Neji was getting married, for God's sake!
And now he was frowning at me. Oh great. What the hell had I done now? He scowled then. "Don't do that…"
"Do what?" My gaze darkened.
"That."
"What?"
"That right there. You know…"
"No, I don't know. That's why I'm asking you."
He sighed and closed his eyes for a second. "Don't be…sad…" He paused to take my hand in his and intertwined our fingers. "You're supposed to be happy. It's only…natural…"
I waited a minute to let it sink in. It still amazes me whenever Neji does something sensual like this. Growing up, I'd always known him to emotionless, not mean, just incredibly stoic. I guess this was his way of comforting me, and he, it was working. I flashed him a smile—a real one this time. "Arigato."
Of course, I wasn't happy right now. What could be expected of me? Celebration? No. Now was the time to be determined. Now was the time to be hopeful. Now was the time to prove to myself that I was strong. Now was the time to be powerful.
"But," I continued, "I'm not the one we should be worrying about." I gave his had a squeeze and felt my smile returning to the corners of my lips. "We're gonna change things—together. We'll get through this."
The next thing I knew, his lips were pressed against mine…except I don't remember moving my head…
Aa…Our first kiss…
First kisses our never what you expect them to be. Trust me, Ino and Tenten (We're friends again...I think…) and Hinata and Temari (surprising, ne?) and I have all reached this conclusion. Take, for example, my first kiss. I'm not sure what I expected, but I know I wasn't counting on Neji being…gentle.
Somewhere, deep down probably, my twelve year old mind is still functioning, still reminding me of how everything was supposed to turn out, which would then remind me of how different it is today than what I had imagined it would be back then. Back then, I judged Neji only from what I saw when he fought Hinata and then Naruto. Safe to say, I knew him only be name and how well he fought. I never thought about who Neji would date. Okay, barely. But I always thought that if he ever ended up with anyone at all, it would have to be Tenten.
Well…look who's kissing him now.
A full torrent of emotions came spilling forth, all too fast to take note of much less remember. All I can remember is how soft his lips were and how his hair was surprisingly silky and that he was a very good kisser. Maybe that's not a good kiss description, but that's all I can remember. If that's not enough for you, then oh well, blame it on Neji. It is his fault.
By the time we pulled away, I was breathless. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Right. Now concentrate.
Neji looked embarrassed and flustered. This gave yet another jolt of power as I realized it was all my doing.
"Do you promise?" He asked, an anxious, almost (not quite) pleading look adorning his face.
I giggled and smiled and blushed all at the same time. I always was a good multi-tasker.
"I promise."
Then I leaned back in, and I felt his warm breath on my face. I wanted another kiss.
The kiss scene isn't as good as I envisioned it. But, as I've come to realize, when you're in the middle of something like this for the first time, you can't really think back to get details and such. Since Sakura is telling this from her point of view from only what she remembers, she's looking at things in a bit of a retrospect. All that talk about how first kisses and her twelve year old ideals are just little add-ins that's she adding as she's telling the story.
BTW, that twelve year old ideal thing is going to come into play at a much later time, but just look out for the hints anyway.
Oh, and if I get flames for setting up a conflict, well, that's the flamer's lack of thinking. Every fic needs a conflict. Mine has a few. Get over it because this is like the main one.
Now review! Or eat pie! (I'm stcking with the latter. I'm good at eating pie. Except I got some on the mouse. Oops)
