Appearances Can Deceive
Chapter 7
'Festive Fun 1'
Alright everyone I have a very important question to ask all of you. When I was looking things up on Youtube I came across a NaruHina amv…anyway one of the comments a member made was that in the MANGA Naruto and Sakura end up kissing and falling in love…..is this true? I need to know, it's vital.
I do not own Naruto……I keep forgetting that dumb disclaimer thingy.
The Konoha streets were extremely crowded today. Everyone was out looking for the perfect Easter gift for their loved ones. Chocolates sat in every window, for everyone to see. Bakeries were making batches of cookies, cupcakes, and cakes for tonight's festival. Everyone was excited including Hinata and Okito!
Hinata and Okito ran from store window to window looking around at everything, Naruto dragging his feet right behind them like a dog. He hadn't wanted to come out today; Naruto would have rather spent the day training or sulking in his room about yet another snake filled dream. Somehow, though, Hinata had gotten to him with her pathetic puppy dog eyes. Naruto figured she must have been practicing; now she could add tears in with it.
Hinata eyed up the cute chocolate bunny in the window then turned to Naruto, who was staring off into space. The thoughtful look in his eyes seemed to attract Hinata to him. She could only find herself thinking about his lips, and the first time he kissed her after their fight. Since then he made it a habit to do it quite often, whenever he found the chance, yet he never let on whether or not he wanted a relationship….it confused Hinata a lot.
Naruto could feel Hinata's eyes on him so he turned to stare right back with a smile, that wasn't completely fake. Making Hinata blush and turn back to the bunny in the window. Hinata stared at him a lot lately, probably from all the mixed signals he sent her. One minute he would kiss her, the next he would insult her cooking or the way she cleaned. Of course he only did it to get a rise out of her. Hinata just happened to be very attractive when angry.
"Oiy! Hinata!"
Both Hinata and Naruto turned to see Kiba with Akamaru and Shino walking down the street toward them. Hinata smiled and waved back. "Hello Kiba-Kun, Shino-Kun!"
Akamaru jumped up resting his paws on Hinata's shoulders to stand a little taller than her and growl at the non-mention of his name. Hinata laughed and pushed Akamaru down. "Hello Akamaru-Kun." Akamaru barked his approval and went to stand next to Kiba.
"So what are you two doing out? Shouldn't you be training for the Chunnin exams? You don't want them little gennin getting the best of you." Kiba laughed out loud giving side glares to Naruto. He hadn't meant for it to sound insulting….at least not to Hinata.
"Shouldn't you be playing with your dog somewhere?" Naruto smiled, flashing his canines, making sure Kiba understood his disquieting intent in that comment. Naruto didn't hate Kiba, it was more of he disliked Kiba because Naruto was probably the only one who realized dog boy had a crush on Hinata.
Kiba clenched his fists at his sides, and Akamaru growled at Naruto, who of course looked less than interested in the fact that Kiba was getting angry. Hinata could feel the tension rising. She tried to think of something to say to ease the anger. Luckily Shino cut in.
"Hinata-Chan we are having dinner with Kurenai-Sensei tonight before the festival at 6:00." With a slight bow Shino turned to leave.
Kiba decided to address Hinata when he realized talking to Naruto would only make him self angrier. "Hope you can come Hina-Chan. I'll talk to you later." Kiba ran off after Shino with Akamaru following right behind him.
Hinata waved goodbye with a smile then as quick as lightning turned to Naruto with a scowl. "Why did you say that? That wasn't nice Naruto."
Naruto shrugged nonchalantly "He deserved it."
Hinata sighed. She knew Kiba had that one coming after what he said; still Naruto didn't have to say something as mean as he did. She shook her head in defeat, what use was it trying to tell him he was wrong? Instead she walked off again toward another display window. This one had boxes upon boxes of candy lining the display window, and right next to the candy sat diamond rings, and necklaces.
Hinata had not realized the jewelry; however she was drooling over the chocolate covered strawberries. Naruto walked over to look into the window. He noticed Hinata eyeing up the chocolate but his gaze drifted off to the rings. The thought had been running through his head for quite a while. He was 17 after all. (Oh yeah real old…) What would it hurt to ask? They could wait a few years or so.
"Are you crazy kit? What happened to your goals?" Kyuubi hissed
Naruto looked from the rings then to Hinata. 'I have new goals….'
"That's it then? You do not care about becoming Hokage or the Uchiha boy?" Kyuubi asked. In the back of his mind he couldn't help but ask if Naruto had yet again done a complete 360 in his personality. Naruto had gone from the fun loving kid, to the angry teen, to the love struck man.
Naruto inwardly scowled. 'My goals haven't changed that much. I will still become Hokage, and Sasuke-teme will beg for mercy when I finish him off. Proving once and for all I am stronger.'
Kyuubi smiled. "Good to hear kit." Kyuubi may not have liked the constantly depressed, angry Naruto, but he couldn't deny liking the power that came with the Hokage title, or the chance to take down that Uchiha emo bastard.
Hinata looked away from the chocolates to Naruto. "What time is it?"
Naruto shrugged then looked up to the sun. "I'd say almost five thirty"
Hinata almost died. It was already five thirty, she would never be ready for dinner with her team if she didn't get back to Naruto's and get ready. "Oh gosh! Come on Naruto…I'm going to be late. Oh gosh!"
Naruto had to stop from laughing at Hinata. She was trying so hard to pull him along, but he just wasn't moving. Hinata dropped Naruto's hand and started to give him the puppy dog eyes equipped with tears. It didn't work, Naruto just smiled. "Sorry Angel. I need….motivation." Naruto wiggled his eyebrows.
Hinata decided the eyes weren't working so she went with the begging. "Please Naruto. I'm going to be late, and you have the key!" Still Naruto didn't move. Hinata sighed and gave in. She wrapped her arms around Naruto's neck, standing on her tip toes to brush her lips against his, teasing, before leaning in to lay a soft kiss on his lips.
Naruto wrapped his arms around Hinata's waist pulling her closer to deepen the kiss. Not realizing the furry little sneak of an otter standing beside him. Hinata pulled away from the kiss, only to realize a lot of civilians had stopped and stared at their public affection. Some with smiles, others with disapproving frowns. Hinata for once wasn't blushing; they could think whatever they liked. It didn't matter to her. "Can we go now Naruto-Kun?"
"Hmmm…well…" Naruto pretended to think about it. "I think you could have done better than that."
Hinata pretended to be angry pulling herself from the comfort of Naruto's arms. "Fine I'll just go to Yugao-Oneesan's to get ready." Hinata took a step back then took off running with Okito right behind her. She had to move fast, before Naruto figured out what Okito had done.
Naruto quirked a brow as Hinata ran off, something wasn't right. If he remembered correctly Yugao's house was the other direction. The way she was going led straight to…….Naruto checked his pockets then looked toward where Hinata ran off. The little thief had taken his keys. He let out a deep consuming laugh. He really couldn't get enough of the little Hyuuga girl.
Hinata opened the door to the apartment, Okito ran in with Hinata behind him. She closed the door still smiling. Hinata really didn't think she was going to pull that little stunt off, but she must have been wrong. Naruto was no where to be found, she had done it, and gotten away with it too.
Hinata dropped the keys on a stand next to the door and headed to her suit case. She pulled out a long lavender Kimono outlined in white carnations, with a black sash, and crystalline sticks for her hair then headed toward the hallway. She would have to get a bath before she went. However when she came to the hallway she stopped, tensing up when she saw someone was standing at the very end of the darkened hall.
She heard a deep laugh, and realized who it was. Hinata eased knowing she wasn't in any danger, and screamed at herself for being frightened in the first place. "Naruto-Kun, how did you get here so fast?"
"Well…. I was going to go get a nice warm dinner since you won't be here to cook for me tonight. When suddenly rogue ninja's attacked me from all sides. I fended them off as best I could. Matching them hit for hit. When I finally got the chance I asked them what they wanted, they told me. We want the keys!" Naruto had walked down the hall to stand face to face with a smiling Hinata. She was trying hard not to laugh at his antics. "So of course, I go to give them the keys, not a big deal right….there just my apartment keys, I can get copies. However when I reach into my pocket I realize some little vixen stole my key. So, having no other choice, I kill the ninja and decide to get my revenge on this….thief."
Hinata pressed her lips together trying her hardest not to smile, backing away from Naruto every time he took a step toward her. "…ha….how are you…..going to get revenge? Haha"
Naruto stopped to think a minute. "Hmmmm….good question. She's to pretty to kill, and I don't think she's dumb enough to fall for a prank so I guess I'll just have to…."
Hinata could see the look in Naruto's eyes and knew whatever was coming was bad. She turned to run but Naruto caught her, pulling her back and pinning her to the ground. Hinata tried to fight to get up, though it was no use. Naruto laughed and started the torture. First he tickled her feet then her stomach.
She was dying. Hinata was ultra ticklish, especially her feet. "N-Nar-r-ru-to…..ha-ha….sto-op"
"Ok ok." Naruto stopped. Hinata sighed in relief until she saw the smirk on Naruto's face. Her eyes went wide and she tried to get away once again only to have Naruto grab her and tickle her even more. Hinata could feel her laughter getting louder and louder until the most awful thing happened. Hinata 'snorted'.
Naruto stopped tickling her and Hinata's whole face flushed. This was just as embarrassing as the last time it had happened. Only the last time was in front of the Hyuuga council at her sixth birthday party. She wiggled out from under Naruto and stood with her back facing him. Kami this was a disaster!
Naruto couldn't help himself he had to laugh, Hinata just snorted like a pig, how could he not. Even Kyuubi was laughing. Hinata was burning up now, her face felt so hot she thought she might pass out. "It wasn't th-that funny."
"HAHA Are you kidding it was hilarious!" Naruto had to hold his sides he was laughing so hard.
"Oh-oh yeah? Well…..I have to get ready." Hinata grabbed her clothes of the floor and ran down the hall and into what she thought was the bathroom. She flipped on the light switch to realize she was standing in Naruto's room. It looked surprisingly plain. The bed was made as if it were never slept in. Nothing littered the floor; everything was put nice and neat.
Inner Hinata: "Hey, why not have a look around while you're here!"
She knew she shouldn't look through his things, but she couldn't help herself. She felt a strange urge to snoop through his room. Maybe if Naruto was hiding something, there would be a clue in here. Hinata opened the door and looked down the hall. She could hear the TV so she knew Naruto wasn't coming back.
Hinata quietly closed the door and tiptoed over to his bed. She knelt down and pulled the covers up to look underneath. There was only one box just sitting there collecting dust. Hinata pulled it out and brushed off the dust. The box didn't have anything written on it so she opened it up.
There were piles of papers inside. Hinata grabbed the one on top and read it, apparently it was Naruto's birth certificate. The next one seemed just as old only it was a clipping from a newspaper. Hinata scanned over the document, it was about the Kyuubi.
'Why would Naruto have this? His birth certificate said he had just been born the day the fourth killed the Kyuubi. How could he even get this?' Hinata thought. Then slowly it dawned on her. What if they were somehow tied together?
Inner Hinata: "That's ridiculous! What would a dead fox have to do with our Naruto? Hinata you're acting absolutely crazy! You need to get out of here right now!"
Hinata sighed realizing her inner self was right. She went to put the papers back when something else caught her eye. She pulled out a small piece of paper with sloppy handwriting on it and what looked like water stains….from tears.
I don't understand it. What did I do to them? Why do they call me names? Why do they call me a demon? I didn't do anything to them. It wasn't me! I didn't kill their families, but that's what they scream at me. They tell me it's all my fault that their children or mummy's and daddy's are dead. Iruka-sensei says they are just cruel people…..I don't know what to think. Why do they hate me so much?
Well…….I'll show them. All of them! I'll become the greatest Hokage they have ever seen! Then they'll all love me! BELIEVE IT!
Hinata sat the paper aside then dug through the rest. Gradually the handwriting became more and more legible. But the content was always the same. He would talk about the evil stares he would get, but Naruto never mentioned the reason why the villagers called him a demon.
Hinata put all the papers back except for the newspaper clipping of the Kyuubi. She needed to know what was so important about the demon fox that Naruto kept it underneath his bed in a box. She set the paper aside then closed the box and slid it back underneath of the bed. Hinata picked up the clipping and her clothes then headed for the door.
She opened the door slowly and looked out. Naruto must have still been watching TV. She heard him laugh and knew he didn't realize she was snooping around in his room. Hinata walked out into the hall, closing Naruto's door behind her softly. Then made her way into the bathroom to get ready.
"I see! How much are these Chocolates." Lee pointed to another box of chocolates as he addressed the man behind the counter.
The man sighed. "Those are 20 Rio. Just like those chocolates, and those ones, and every other box of chocolates in this store."
"I see!" Lee had been standing in the same store for at least fifteen minutes now. Apparently women went gaga over chocolate. At least that's what Gai-Sensei had told him. Lee had to think of a better way to get Sakura's attention. She seemed more withdrawn lately. Lee hated to see her like that, it hurt….a lot.
Lee heard the music blaring from the lamp lit streets and knew the festival was well underway. Soon the parade would start then the children would have their annual soccer match while the grown-ups live it up at happy hour. And since Sakura volunteered to watch over the kids along with Hinata and Ino, Lee knew exactly where to find her. "I'll take those ones…Do you also sell flowers?!"
The man sighed in relief grabbed the chocolates and a dozen red roses to give to Lee.
Hinata and Kiba both stood outside of the restraint, leaning against the wall to chat. The meal had been very nice. It gave Hinata a chance to catch up with Kurenai since neither had talked in a long while. With Hinata training, she just didn't have time. Soon, though the Chunin exams would be over and she could get back to her team. "So Kiba-Kun…did you ever talk to that girl…urm…I forget her name."
Kiba laughed nervously. "ugh…..what would make you bring that up? Ha-ha."
Hinata rolled her eyes with a smile. " I didn't know you were a scaredy cat Kiba-Kun"
"Ha! Yeah right!" Kiba nudged Hinata with his elbow playfully, but got serious when he spoke again. "So..uh….so what about you and Naruto?"
Hinata watched as the children pulled their parents toward stand after stand. A rowdy group of men hollered at the ladies in good fun. She found herself wishing Naruto was with her. Still she didn't want to discuss it with Kiba, especially when she didn't even know what was going on. She turned to stare at him with a smile. "Kiba you know Naruto and I are just friends."
"Then why are you living with him?" Kiba was getting angry at the very thought. He was surprised Hinata's father had even allowed it.
Hinata was getting a little angry at all of Kiba's questions. He was acting like she wasn't allowed to be near Naruto. She understood it was a little….weird that she was living with someone that she had no relationship with; even kissing him in public….still it was her business!
"Angel!" Hinata's head shot up a smile consuming her face. Only one person ever called her that. Naruto stood a few feet away with Ino beside him.
Ino ran up to Hinata and grabbed her arm. "Come on! I told them we would be there a half an hour ago, and we still have to find billboard brow."
Hinata laughed and waved goodbye to the boys. Naruto waved back then looked at Kiba. Kiba probably didn't realize that Naruto and Ino had heard a good part of their conversation, including the question concerning Hinata living with him. Surprisingly, though, Naruto wasn't even angry. He was actually waiting for Hinata to answer. Naruto was curious himself as to why Hinata was still staying with him, but when he realized she was going to stay quiet he broke into the conversation
"You want to get a drink?" Naruto asked
Kiba hesitated a moment not sure if it was some kind of joke. "…uh….sure. I think Shino and Chouji are down at the sake bar we can meet them." Naruto nodded and they both went off to find their drinking buddies.
Sakura sat on the railing of the bridge, the same bridge that team 7 used to meet, back when there actually was a team 7. She looked to the reflection of the moon against the water. It was beautiful tonight…..to bad she had no one to share it with. She picked another petal from the cherry blossom in her hand and through it with the rest lying in the water below her feet.
Lee watched her from the end of the bridge, taking in all of Sakura's beautiful features outlined in the glow of the moon. At first he had checked at the soccer game, but Hinata and Ino had no idea where she was. So he ran all over town till he finally spotted her. He gulped, suppressing the butterflies fluttering in his stomach and walked up to stand behind her. His heart was racing a hundred miles an hour. "ITS NICE OUT TONIGHT ISN'T IT?"
Sakura jumped at the sound of Lee's overly loud voice, falling directly into the water. Lee sweat dropped. This really wasn't how he had pictured this going. Without thinking he jumped over the rail and into the water right behind her, chocolates, roses, and all.
Sakura struggled to get up. Slipping on the rocks. Lee did the same as he tried to help Sakura up at the same time.
When they both finally got to their feet their eyes met before they once again fell into the water. Sakura looked over to Lee, his hair was a mess, the roses were water logged, and the chocolates were floating away with the tide. At first her laugh started off as a little chuckle that soon turned into booming laughter.
Lee smiled and laughed right along with her. Then held out the roses dripping wet with water. "These are for you Sakura-Chan! Would you like to come to the festival with me?"
Sakura smiled and grabbed the roses. She was technically supposed to be helping Hinata and Ino. Sakura stood with Lee's help and they both made their way over to the bank. Well she was going to skip out on it to sulk at the bridge. So she figured she could still skip….only now she had a better excuse, Lee had gone through a lot of trouble getting the roses. "Sure Lee-Kun!"
Sakura joined arms with Lee as they both headed off toward the noise of the festival.
That's it for now. It took me some time because I was having writers block, but here it is. Also it may take just as long for the next installment so just bare with me ok .
Oh and it says Festive Fun 1 because there are two chapters to the ….festival. Well see ya next time. R&R please, and thanks! Don't forget that I still want to know if the question on the top of the page is true or not. Thanks!