To: Violeteyes24
From: Noodlefox49
Hey Hinata,
You shouldn't worry about the whole partner thing. I'm sure it wasn't that bad. You've known this guy for a while, right? I'm sure he knows how shy you are. I'm sure it's not a big deal.
If you're awkward around people there are ways to fix that…I'm not totally sure what they are, but I've heard people talk about them and could probably ask around for you. Don't worry, I won't give your name or anything!!!
Later,
Me
To: Noodlefox49
From: Violeteyes24
Dear You,
…Maybe you're right…but still…I don't really know him… I mean, I know who he is but… I've never really spoken to him before…
I've never really spoken to a lot of people… I've probably never really spoken to you either. I'm not what you'd call social.
You don't need to do that, finding me cures or something. They probably wouldn't work. Thank you though.
Best Wishes,
Hinata
Hinata sighed, glancing at the clock in the corner of the screen. She'd replied to his e-mail early that morning before getting dressed and by the time she was done he'd replied.
In less than 10 minutes…
Well someone was online this morning.
Or just stalking you.
She preferred to think he wasn't. Life was less creepy that way.
She bit her lip, chewing it slightly, wondering if she really should have sent that last one. It had seemed so…personal. And maybe just a little whiney.
She really hoped she didn't come off whiney.
Why? It's not you really know the guy? It shouldn't matter.
But somehow, despite the cynical little voice in her head, it did. Somehow, against all common sense and good reasoning, she found herself wanting him to like her.
But why?
That was what she didn't get. She didn't know him. He could be lying to her. His opinion shouldn't even matter!
And yet…
Grabbing her comb from her desk she headed off towards the bathroom, when she heard the ' Ding!'
The small chime that indicated a new message. Along with that damn, impossible to ignore, box.
Damn that box! Damn it!
Knowing that resistance was futile, she clicked on the box with a sigh.
I can brush my hair here…
You are so weak…
To: Violeteyes24
From: Noodlefox49
Hey Hinata,
You shouldn't say things like that. It's like admitting defeat before you try.
That seems to be your theme the voice taunted. She could just imagine it frowning, looking all frustrated and tapping it's little fingers on a small little desk.
The thought caused her to frown instead, taking on a frustrated look. Looking down she noticed her fingers tapping out a rhythm of annoyance on the desk.
Snapping up quickly, she stilled her hand, bringing it to her chest and grabbing it tightly with the other as if to ensure it's complete lack of mobility.
No! Bad!
Damn…the voice was getting to her.
This just screamed mental breakdown.
Shoving the thoughts from her mind, she took several deep breaths before continuing to read.
I'm sure you could do anything if you tried. And I'm not just saying that to be nice either, you just seem like that kind of person!!! Anyways, I'm not the kind of guy who usually preaches and stuff, so sorry if you're offended or something. I do that sometimes.
Oh! That was just 2 clues! Cool!, but I guess I still owe you 2 since I forgot last time. Hmm…lets see… um… One of my favorite quotes is " Save the trees, wipe your ass with an owl." And I know Sasuke's middle name…
Anyways, we've both got to get to school, so I've gotta go get ready!!! Oh, but before I go, do you wanna IM? It's quicker than e-mail. If you do, my IM address is the same as my e-mail.
Later,
Me
Hinata stared at the screen, her brows furrowed in confusion.
Sasuke's middle name?
She supposed that was a big clue…but honestly…she didn't know.
There was only one thing to do.
She had to resort to drastic measures.
And get ready for school…
Oh yeah…Oh crap!!!
~*~*~*~
By the time Hinata reached her 1st hour English class, she was exhausted and panting. Exhausted, she collapsed in her desk, only to look at the clock and find herself early.
Great.
Though it did give her time to prepare for the task at hand. Huddling up in the warmth of her oversized, puffy, jacket, she took a deep breath, preparing herself. She loved this jacket, all cozy and blue. She knew there was a book shoved in the pocket, but she couldn't feel it through the cushiony padding.
Then why didn't you wear it last night?
That was something else she didn't know. This was her favorite jacket, she'd had it since 6th grade…and yet…she'd worn the purple one.
She'd never willingly worn the purple one before. She hadn't even bought it herself, it being a birthday present from Sakura 2 years ago. She'd hated the disappointed look on her friends face when she hadn't worn it after 3 weeks, and had agreed to wear it just once, to the mall that weekend.
She'd been horrified and self conscious, hating the loose yet form fitting long jacket. She'd been a nervous wreak and gone home early, faking sick. And yet yesterday she'd grabbed it in her hurry out the door…
Weird.
She was perked out of her thought by the sound of an argument, high-pitched and loud, approaching.
They were here, and it was time.
She'd have to ask them for help.
Actually, she was pretty surprised they weren't already knee-deep in it, trying to solve the mystery, but she suspected the egg project had been a distraction. Now, however, she was forced to include them. Her pen-pal had mentioned Sasuke.
And if anyone could dissect that clue it was them.
They were the leading Sasuke experts, having stalked him all through middle school. They hadn't done it since that one time they were caught near the end of 8th grade, but they still made it their personal goals to know as much about him as possible in order to properly seduce him.
Plus Homecoming was coming up. They'd already be listening 24/7 for anything concerning him, staking out the competition.
Yes. If anyone could help her with this, it would be her friend.
Hearing the doorknob turn, she stood, turning to face them, fully prepared to inform them of the news. She didn't however get the chance, as the rushed in. Sakura's face was lit up with a smile, her teeth straight and white from last month's whitening treatments and the braces in 5th grade. Ino's mouth was turned down in a frown, indicating her loss of their previous fight, but curved upwards excitedly at the sight of Hinata.
" Hey! You're early!" Sakura exclaimed, running over and latching onto her arm. " That's great! We'll have time to talk!"
" Um…a-about what?" She stammered, flustered and confused.
" About our plan!" Ino grinned, grabbing Hinata's free arm. The two were clinging to her, bouncing lightly on their small feet, their smiles big, eyes wide, hair swinging.
Yes. They definitely had news.
About what she both didn't ,and was slightly afraid, to know.
" About your pen-pan!" Sakura grinned, releasing Hinata to hop up on her desk. Ino let go too, allowing Hinata to sit back down, before hopping onto the desk behind Hinata's. She hoped Haku wouldn't arrive for a while, because he wasn't getting that desk back. Not at this rate.
Hinata sat sideways in her chair, her legs facing the aisle, as so to see both her friends.
" W-what about it?"
" We're going to help you solve the mystery", Ino grinned, bouncing lightly on the desk. Her eyes made contact with Sakura's over their friend's head.
Sakura smiled broader, her legs swinging in excitement, as if afraid being still would ruin the magic. " Yeah! We realized that in all the panic of suddenly becoming the mothers of produce, we'd kinda overlooked your whole problem!"
" We discussed it last night", Ino continued, picking up right where Sakura left off, making it a continuous chain of sound. " On IM, after you bailed."
"Yep, and we thought up this!" Leaning forwards off the desk dangerously to reach her backpack on the floor between where her legs wound be should they touch the ground, Sakura dug through the bag with enviable balance and flexibility. After a few minutes she retrieved a small notebook with a cover made of smooth, pink, cardboard. On it's surface, in black Sharpie, there was a big heart. Hinata guessed the contribution was from Sakura.
"Um, what…"
" It's the notebook!" Ino chimed in, " You're going to tell us everything you know about your pen-pal guy and we're going to write it down!"
Sakura nodded wisely, " Things are usually easier to figure out when they're written down right in front of you."
" So! What do you think? Cool huh?"
Slightly overwhelmed, it took her a moment to respond, but when she could she nodded. They had a point , plus this was oddly convenient.
They both smiled, if possible, even wider at her nod, their eyes shining, thrilled that their idea had been accepted and could not be properly executed.
As more students filed in, the bell drawing ever nearer, the two calmed down somewhat.
" Alright", Sakura began, once again doing that acrobatic, leaning thing off the desk, delving into her backpack, this time coming up with a bright pink pen. " Just what do you know about him?"
Hinata, pulled her legs a little closer to herself, tugging them under her chair, trying to recall all she knew.
" Well…there's his e-mail address, Noodlefox49, then the fact that he likes noodles…obviously. Um, he goes to this school and knows Kiba and Sasuke, and me, and you and Ino and Tenten and Lee… He knows someone l-likes me", her legs crossed at that confession, even though it was already known, a blush spreading over her cheeks.
" Hmm…okay", Sakura replied, chewing on the end on the pen while staring at the list. " Did he slip up? Say anything else about himself?"
" What? Oh, no, I mean, it's not slipping up… He tells me things about himself, in every e-mail…"
Her two friend's eyes lit up at this news. " Really?!" they exclaimed in unison.
" That definitely makes things easier", Ino smiled, " What else did he tell you?"
" W-well, um…he's known me for a while…um, and that his word means a lot to him…Oh! He knows Lee too, and agrees about the whole costume thing….the infected disease, but…anyways…um,"
" Mmm-hmmm", Sakura hummed as she quickly jotted down her friend's words on the first page," Hmmm… anything else?"
" Yes, um…he says, um, thinks I'm the kind of person who could do….um, anything…" Sakura raised one eyebrow at the soft tone her friend used to say this. Sure, Hinata's voice was always soft, she was just naturally soft-spoken, but this was a degree lighter. As if amazed by the fact that someone thought of her this way.
"Well of course", Ino replied casually, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Yeah", Sakura agreed with a nod. " Of course. What else?"
Hinata was silent, as if confused by their confidence in her, but soon continued. " Um, he says he's not the kind of guy who usually preaches…um…he thinks that I can overcome my…um…shyness. He thinks he can um….ask, around…something like that…and then, Um, he told me a favorite quote of his, it's um…."
Her blush deepened, causing Sakura to lean in closer, curious.
" It's…"
" Um, it…um… ' save the trees, wipe your um….ass…." she bit her lip at the rare use of a curse word, her blush darkening and spreading up to her ears, " wipe your…um…. With, an…um…."
" With a…?" Ino prompted, one eyebrow raised. Where the hell was this going?
" With….um…with an…um, owl."
Sakura's pen paused right about the page…She turned her head and stared at Hinata.
" Save the trees, wipe your ass with an owl? Seriously?"
" Um….yeah", she nodded, her eyes glued to the ground.
They were both quiet a moment, Ino and Sakura's eyes meeting again before they started laughing. Hinata looked at them, startled by their sudden explosion of laughter.
When finally able to breathe, Ino took a deep breath before laughing out, " That's a good one."
Sakura nodded, wiping at her eyes, " It's definitely…different. I like it. I'm adding sense of humor to this."
Hinata blinked in surprise before smiling. Somehow, her friends acceptance of her mysterious pen-pal cheered her.
" Is there anything else?" Sakura asked.
" Um, yes… he-"
" Excuse me." came a quiet voice from behind them. Turning, the saw Haku standing by his desk. " Ino, can you-"
" No."
He blinked, his eyes wide, seeming taken aback by her quick refusal to remove herself from his desk.
" But-"
" I'll leaved when the bell rings." She leaned towards Hinata, ignoring Haku's look of disbelief. " What else?"
" Oh! Um, just that he knows….um… well, he knows Sasuke's middle name…"
Yeah…
Their shrill shrieks were horribly out of tune with the ringing of the bell.
~*~*~*~
Meanwhile, Naruto was sitting in his own first hour class, in his seat in front of Shikamaru's, mentally debating whether or not telling her about Sasuke was a good idea.
Shikamaru, who'd arrived earlier than usual, was staring at him suspiciously. He was being unusually quiet, and while he wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth, it made him…wonder…
Not that he was going to say anything. He was grateful for the silence.
But still…
Naruto bit at the eraser of his pencil, making a face at the icky rubber, graphite taste.
Ew…
Laying his pencil down, he stated chewing on the edge of his thumbnail, allowing himself to become immersed in thought…
~ Hey guess what it's another Flashback!!!!! ~
Naruto gasped as he almost fell, waving his arms in small circles trying to regain his balance. When he was finally stable, he clutched his hand to his chest, his heart in his throat from that awful falling sensation.
One hand firmly on the wall, he looked down. It really wasn't that far a fall, in retrospect, from the top of the file cabinet, but to a kindergartener it seemed incredibly far. It could possibly be fatal!!!
A smart child would have probably considered getting down. Making the small jump from the file cabinet, to the smaller one besides it, and then to the desk. But Naruto Uzumaki had never been referred to as a smart child. And besides, this would be great.
The first prank of the new school year.
Biting the inside of his lip, trying to ignore the height, he looked down at the eraser, held painfully tight in his small hand, leaving small indents. He loosened his grip, determined not to be scared. He was most definitely not a sissy baby, and only sissy babies were afraid of heights.
His determination renewed, he looked towards his destination. The top of the door, open slightly. All he'd have to do was balance this eraser on the top of the door, and when the teacher walked in, BAM! It'd fall right on his head, and everyone would laugh. They'd laugh with him. Yep, this year would be great. He was sure of it.
And all he'd have to do was precariously balance the eraser. He was sure of how to do it too. He'd been watching cartoons all summer!!!
The eraser was even extra chalk-dusty! He'd done a lot of scribbling on the chalkboard and erased it all. The stupid thing was loaded with chalk dust.
He even knew the eraser would definitely fall on the teacher, because the teacher always walked in first. All the students lined up outside in the morning, under the awning if it was rainy, and waited for the teacher to come out. When the bell rang, the teachers would emerge and you would walk down the hall as a class, and the teacher would lead you to the room.
And walk in the door.
And be covered in chalk dust.
He couldn't help but smile at his cleverness. The sneaky way he'd snuck inside pretending to need the bathroom.
Leaning up, bracing himself on the wall, he went to place the eraser. It was pretty far up, even from this high. He stretched a little further and was almost there…
Aaaaaalmost…
" That's not going to work."
Startled, he jerked back, fumbling the eraser. Quickly he grasped for it, but it fell to the ground, landing with a cloudy thump.
All his hard work wasted!!!
Angrily, he snapped his eyes up to see who it was who'd ruined his plan. Below him, on the floor, stood a boy with pointy black hair and equally black eyes. His shirt was a dark blue, and he was frowning. Even though her appeared Naruto's age, he didn't seem to share in his youthful spirit.
He didn't seem any fun at all.
" What did you do that for stupid!" Naruto yelled, forgetting to be covert, " You messed it all up!"
At this the boy's eyes narrowed, his frown deepening. " It was stupid anyways." His tone was sarcastic.
" It was not!" Naruto argued, scrambling off the cabinet to stand on the teachers desk. It probably wouldn't look too good, should he get caught, but he didn't want to be on the same level as the un-fun boy. He wanted the high ground!!!
" It was so!" he insisted, " and besides, you were doing it all wrong ."
" It- wait, what? How?"
He pointed towards the door. " The angle's all wrong."
Naruto couldn't help the pout that formed, as he realized that the boy was right. Leaping down, he grabbed the eraser and blew on it. A small cloud formed, convincing him that it was still dusty enough. Repositioning the door, he scrambled to regain his spot on the cabinet, to try this again.
He'd almost made it too.
However, just when he was leaning up to place it, his small fingers curled around the top of the door for balance, the door swung open. He was thrown off balance, the eraser falling towards the ground, and him tumbling from the file cabinet with it.
All in all, he'd ended up flat on his back, his head throbbing, in front of the whole class… not to mention the eraser that'd felt the need to land right in his face, choking hi, with dust.
Yep, it was still plenty dusty all right…
The whole class had laughed… but at him, not with him. He'd got sent to the corner for climbing on the furniture and for being in the classroom before the teacher. He wasn't, however, alone.
The boy was in there too, though Naruto was still clueless to why.
They had both ended up standing there, facing the wall, their noses pressed in the corner.
"Hey", Naruto whispered after a few minutes.
" Shhhh", the boy hissed, but he kept his gaze on Naruto, which was all Naruto had wanted anyways. His attention, that is.
" Why were you in here?"
" Why were you?"
" To play a prank, duh."
The boy seemed un-amused.
" Well?" Naruto pressed, " why were you?"
"To see what you were doing", he replied huffily after a few moments, and Naruto grinned.
" I'm Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki!" he announced cheerfully.
" Well Naruto Uzumaki", came a loud, authoritative voice from behind them, " Why don't you hush until you're off punishment, huh?"
" Sorry teacher", he replied quickly, looking sheepishly towards his shoes. He looked up at a quick " Psss!" from the other boy however.
" Hm?"
" Sasuke", he whispered quietly, with a look towards the teacher. " Sasuke Uchiha."
~ Oooh, now wasn't that informative!!! ~
Naruto frowned towards his desk at the memory, another one sliding itself into his mind right afterwards…
~ Oh, wow, check it out. Another Flashback!!!! ~
Naruto sighed, looking up at the sky. It was getting dark, the sun setting, and here he was, 8 years old, with a popsicle, and his two best friends. Yes, life was good.
" Hey Sasuke", Kiba grinned, looking towards their black haired friend, " Guess what?"
" Huh?" he questioned in his usual, Sasuke way.
" I heard that girl Sakura has a crush on you."
A pained look crossed his face. " Ew. That's nasty, don't joke like that."
Kiba laughed and Naruto right along with him. Sasuke glared at them both.
"What?"
" Nothing", Naruto relied quickly.
" Yeah, nothing", Kiba agreed, the two of the sharing a conspiring grin.
Sasuke frowned, " What?"
"Nothing!" the two of them demanded, laughing.
Sasuke opened his mouth to shout back something, but was cut off by Kiba's mom calling him home before night fell. Kiba groaned, pushing himself up off the step.
" I'm coming!" he yelled back towards his mother, standing on his front porch, hands on her wide hips, wearing an apron. Naruto couldn't help a grin, knowing his mother hated it when he yelled down the street, claiming he'd wake the whole neighborhood.
Never mind the fact that she'd done it just a little while before.
" Dang it", Kiba sighed. " Bye guys." Waving, he started running off towards home. The two boys watched him reach the porch, where his mom hit him lightly across the back of the head for yelling, before ushering him inside and closing the door.
" Do ya' ever think about it?" Naruto asked after a moment, licking up where the popsicle had started to melt down the stick.
" About what?"
" You know, girls".
Sasuke turned to give him a look.
" I know", Naruto replied, " but Grandpa talks about them all the time and says that someday we will too."
" Like, just talk about them?"
" No, like kissing them, and getting married and stuff."
" I don't want to kiss a girl, or anyone else. Plus there's no way I'm wearing some girly wedding ring. Why does getting married make boys wear jewelry anyways?"
" I dunno", Naruto shrugged, looking towards the sky thoughtfully before replying. " Itachi wears earrings. What about him? He's not married."
" He's got a girlfriend though." Sasuke reminded him, frowning at the thought of the hyper, blonde, bimbo that clung to his brother like a wet towel. " and he's always talking to Deidara and Kisame about boobs and stuff."
" Boobs aren't so bad", Naruto stated, with the naivety of an 8 year old. Boobs were still somewhat of a mysterious fascination and while he wasn't sure why, he knew he was supposed to like them.
His grandfather sure did.
" I guess."
" So", Naruto inquired, swallowing the last of his popsicle and leaning forwards a little, " You don't think about it at all?"
" Well…maybe a little."
Naruto grinned. " Good. I didn't want to be the only one."
" Do you like a girl?" Sasuke asked, " Like, someone from school?"
" What? No…well…yeah…"
" Who?"
" Promise not to tell?"
" Yeah. Who?"
" Well, Sakura."
Sasuke paused. " The girl Kiba says likes me?"
" Yeah", Naruto replied somewhat bitterly. It was just his luck that she'd like his best friend. Not that he thought she'd like him anyways, she hated him , though he'd yet to figure out why. But still…
Sasuke paused again. " Why doesn't Kiba know?"
Naruto sighed, dropping his gaze to his feet. Kiba was one of his best friends, but this wasn't something he could tell him. This was something he could only tell Sasuke. He knew Sasuke could be serious enough to tell.
" He wouldn't get it."
Sasuke nodded, but didn't say anything. Naruto looked at him suspiciously.
" You won't tell…will you?"
" No."
" Promise?"
" I told you yeah, didn't I?"
He was silent…
" Tell me something."
" What?"
" Tell me a secret of yours so I know you won't tell."
" What? No!"
" Yes!" Naruto argued back. " Come on, tell me! It's only fair!"
" Come on!"
" No, cut it out! ?"
"Yes!"
" No!"
"Yes!"
"No!"
" Yes!"
" Alright already! Jeeze."
Naruto smiled in victory.
" Ok", Sasuke grumbled, annoyed at being defeated, " You ready?"
Naruto nodded vigorously.
" Ok. Here. My middle name…it's…"
" It's what?"
" It…Mikoto", he admitted grudgingly.
Naruto's mouth gaped open in amazement. " Seriously? But that's your mom's name!"
" Yeah", he grumbled, " my grandmother's too…"
" But why?"
" They thought I was a girl", he muttered, chucking his empty popsicle stick as far into the street as he could. " Well…before I was born anyways. But mom had promised grandma she'd name her " daughter" after her…and then Grandma died… so mom went and did it anyways…"
Naruto whistled long and low, something he had just learned how to do and was glad to finally have a chance to use. Sasuke glared towards the street.
" Tell anyone and you die."
" I won't." Naruto promised, using his finger to make an X across his heart. " Swear."
~ Hey, the Flashback's over now. Let's keep reading… ~
The memory was somewhat bitter now. It wasn't a bad moment, not by itself, but it reminded him of the friendship they'd once had. They'd been best friends ever since that day in kindergarten, Kiba joining them not long after. They'd had many days like that, sitting out on the front steps while night fell, eating popsicles and talking about everything. But those day's had ended in 5th grade…
The summer before, Sasuke's family had taken a trip to Mexico. He'd been gone all summer and come back with longer hair and a tan, and some new found popularity. Apparently he'd become " hot", and too good for his friends. He'd moved to different, more socially accepted, circles, and left Naruto and Kiba behind without a second thought.
That had hurt.
Naruto still hated him for that.
Bastard.
But still, he'd never told anyone about Sasuke's middle name. He'd given his word, and that wasn't something he did lightly.
Was it really okay to tell her?
Probably…it wasn't like he'd actually told her…
He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he failed to notice Kiba's nearly silent arrival.
Shikamaru, however, had noticed and watched Kiba head towards Naruto's desk with one eyebrow raised. God, they were so quiet today…
It was extremely odd…
Naruto didn't notice Kiba until two hand suddenly appeared on his desk, slammed somewhat roughly on it's surface in order to get his attention. Jumping in shock, he looked up , startled.
" Wha- Kiba?!"
" Yep." Kiba nodded " What's up?"
" Um…nothing?" Naruto guessed, thoroughly confused. Kiba was…smiling?
" Really?" Kiba replied, still smiling, " You'd think you'd have more to talk about, like, you know, Hinata?"
Here we go…
Naruto sighed, rubbing his temples. " Look, I didn't mean to keep it from you. It just, didn't seem right to spread her business around. It's not like I'm trying to get with her or anything…"
Kiba was silent for a moment before replying.
" Yeah, I know." He shoved his hands in his pockets, leaning against the desk, " I've had some time to think about it and, you're my friend. I know you wouldn't do anything dirty like that. Actually…I'm kinda glad…"
Naruto raised one eyebrow, still holding his breath. Was he really off the hook? He hadn't really expected Kiba to hold a grudge, but he thought he'd have to deal with more that this…
" And that's 'cause…?"
" Because…I've decided." Kiba took a deep breath and let it out slow.
" Decided what?"
" I've decided that it's been long enough. I mean, I like her so much so, she should know."
Where exactly is he going with this?
" So, you're going to tell her?"
" Um….about that…"
" What about it?" he asked slowly…
" I was kinda hoping…you could tell her."
What?!
" Excuse me?"
" You know, e-mail her and say 'hey, Kiba likes you'."
" She doesn't know who I am."
" Huh? What are you talking about?"
Sighing, Naruto raked a hand through his hair.
" She doesn't know who's e-mailing her. It's a long story, I'll explain it to you later, but…the point is she doesn't know. Oh, but I did say someone likes her…someone not me, I specified about that…"
Kiba was thoughtful for a minute. " Well, that's still okay then right? Just tell her the person who likes her is Kiba."
" And if she doesn't like you back?"
" Well", he sighed, " well then she knows. But I'm leaving the ball in her court for a while." He looked up towards Naruto. " So, what do you say man? Can you do it?"
He didn't want to. He didn't know why, but the thought burned in his mind. He didn't want to tell her.
It's because it's too big of a clue, he told himself, it'd give my identity away…
Still…the thought didn't sit well with him. But neither did the look in his friend eyes. So hopeful and vulnerable…he couldn't say no. Besides, he had no reasonable excuse not to. So, pushing all unexplainable bad feelings to the back of his mind, Naruto took a deep breath and answered.
" Yeah. Ok, I can do that."
~*~*~*~
"So", Sakura smiled, laying the book out open before them. She was sitting on her legs, ankles crossed under her butt, " here's what we've got so far."
She pushed the notebook to the center of the table so that Hinata only had to lean forwards slightly to see. Ino had taken over the table space of the person besides Sakura, her feet in his chair.
Hinata pitied him, she really did…much like in English, Ino wasn't going to move.
Poor Haku…
That just had to be his seat, didn't it?
Anyways, she leaned over the table enough to read Sakura's swirly, pink, writing. Her handwriting was easily recognizable; swirly, every lowercase I dotted with a heart, and usually glittery pink.
" Let's figure this out", Ino decided.
Hinata looked down at the list :
E-mail - Noodlefox49
Obviously likes noodles. ( foxes?)
Knows Kiba, Sasuke, Hinata, Sakura, Ino, Tenten, Lee.
Knows Hinata's crush-e.
Crush-e is not him.
Finds Lee weird
Believes Hinata is someone who can do anything. ( naturally )
Not preachy
Fave. quote: " Save the trees, wipe your ass with an owl". Shows sense of humor.
Knows Sasuke's middle name. ( MUST LEARN THIS!!! )
"Hmmm…" Sakura hummed, reading over her carefully written out notes, complete with commentary. " Did I miss anything?"
" Um… No", Hinata replied, skimming over it, " I don't think so."
" Good". She gave a self-satisfied smile.
Ino was about to reply when she noticed Haku approaching. She gave him a look…this one that screamed " don't even try it's not going to work", before narrowing her eyes slightly. With a deep sigh he put his backpack up on the counter and went to talk to Neji. Ino would have to move…eventually…
" You're kinda mean", Sakura commented, watching him walk away.
" Just a little", she shrugged, " but whatever, this is more important."
Casually shrugging off her Haku-abuse, she picked up the notebook as if holding it closer to her eyes would reveal some clue they'd missed. Annoyed, Sakura snatched it away.
" Stop hogging the notebook!".
" And you call me mean," she glared reaching for the book. Sakura held it up out of reach . Leaning far to the end of her seat. Ino was on all four's on the desk, stretching over Sakura, when the bell rang.
Ino frowned, annoyed and defeated, as she sulked over the table, sliding between Hinata and Kankuro's seat, and over to her own. Sakura shot her a smug grin, sticking her tongue out.
Ino discreetly flipped her off and it was all Hinata could do to keep Sakura in her seat. She did, however, calm down once Kakashi threatened to slap her with a detention…but she wasn't happy about it. She just kind of sunk down into her chair, her lips pouting in a way that attracted the attention of quite a few boys in the room.
Yes. She was distractingly attractive without even trying.
A lesser girl may have been sickened.
You mean like Ino?
Huh?
Hinata twisted around to look at Ino. Her friend was now sitting dangerously low in her chair, her lower lip shoved out too far to be pretty, with her eyes wide and fixated on Sasuke. She looked somewhat like a startled fish.
Desperate much?
Hey! That's my friend you're talking about!
Yes. And she's looking very desperate right now.
Hinata fought back a scowl at her inner voice. It really needed to stop talking about her friend that way!
Although…it does have a point… she admitted, reluctantly, watching Ino flap her lashes madly in Sasuke's direction.
As usual, he didn't notice. He'd been being bombarded by girls since Friday and was just a little sick of them. Their fluttering eyelashes, clogged with mascara, their lips all puffed out and glossy, trembling when he turned them down. A few had resorted to crying and begging, grabbing onto his sleeve.
It took a depraved man to find interest in a girl with stiff, unmovable hair, a drippy nose, and long black streaks down her cheeks. Especially when she wouldn't let go of your shirt…
"Okay class", Kakashi began, standing in front of the class. The students felt their stomachs drop… The last time he did that they'd wound up with egg children and a marital status.
Now what?
Kakashi smiled at their suspicious, worried glances. He was feeling just a little proud of himself that his experiment was going so well. There was a perfect blend of meld and clash…
Much better than his first hour class. Those little idiots had gone and made friend with the people they were supposed to clash with!
Stupid functional couples!!!
But this class was much better. For example, the glare Temari was directing towards Sasuke, obviously meant to dissolve him to a pile of ash. Tenten's disapproval of the entire thing was unexpected, yet not totally unwelcome. Not to mention Sakura's complete and total fear of Gaara. That was equally as amusing…
As would his next move…
" Ok class". It was all he could do to repress his grin, " I'd like you all to get with your partners."
Temari's hand immediately shot up. He nodded in her direction.
" You mean…get into groups…like, pick a partner?"
" Kind of", he shrugged, " You guys can do that…but only if you choose your egg-partner. Anyways get with them and write the first page of your egg report. What did you and baby do yesterday, etcetera."
Yeah. That went over great.
He just stood there smiling.
Sakura groaned, casting a pained look towards Gaara. He'd made no attempt to move, or even register that he'd heard Kakashi's announcement, just sitting there reading his book.
" What do you think my chances are?" she whispered desperately, " of him coming over here?"
Hinata tried her best to discreetly look at him too, before turning back to Sakura. " Um…he might, if you go ask him."
The look she shot her clearly stated that she'd rather die.
Ino decided to take advantage of the fact that everyone was up and moving, coming over to sit on their desk. " Sucks for you", she grinned.
" Hey Ino".
Turning, they found themselves looking at Kiba, who'd spoken, with Naruto besides him. Naruto raised one had towards Hinata, waving.
She promptly blushed, staring down towards the desk and fiddling with a string on her jacket.
Sakura's look turned smug once more, towards Ino, and then disgusted at Naruto. She curled her lip, eyes slanting, before roughly shoving herself up from the desk, rudely making a point to walk around to the other side of the table. It was as if she couldn't stand to be in his presence at all. As if facing Gaara was suddenly a favorable option.
She shot him one more repulsed look as she passed, whispering not so quietly to Hinata, " Call me if you need anything." Her eyes shot up to both her friend's parters, both of who seemed less than happy. They were both frowning deeply, eyes cold, Kiba's arms folded across his chest loyally. " Anything at all."
" Bitch", Kiba mutterd under his breath, earning a hard slap from Ino.
" Don't you call her that!"
" I call it like I see it", he argued back.
" Maybe you need to get your vision checked, mutt!"
" Well maybe you…"
Hinata was staring fixedly at her hands in her lap, wondering just was she was supposed to do. Should she defend Sakura? She knew she should, she loved her…but she was being mean… And…
What do I do? What do I do? Do I defend Sakura? No, she's over there… do I help Ino now? Huh? W-what do I do?! Um…
Open your eyes.
What?
Realizing her eyes were squeezed closed in worry, she snapped them open, finding a hand waving in front of her face. Her gaze trailing up the arm, she found it belonged to Naruto who, ignoring his friend, was looking down at her, concerned.
" -nata? Hinata? Yoo-hoo, are you okay?"
" Wha-! Um…yes. Yes, um…I'm okay…um…"
He cast a look towards the couple arguing by the desk before gesturing towards his own with his thumb. " Want to work over there?"
Even before looking she nodded, eager to be away from the chaos of this table. Vaugely she heard the words, " Yo mama!", as she fled after Naruto.
Hesitantly sitting in Kiba's seat, she found herself across from Shikamaru. Pulling out his chair, Naruto sat besides her, across from Chouji and shot them a grin.
" So, which one of you is the girl?"
~*~*~*~
Without missing a beat, Shikamaru pointed a finger at Chouji. Naruto raised an eyebrow at his overweight friend, waiting for his reaction. To his surprise, his expectations were met with a simple shrug.
" You're cool with that?"
Chouji nodded, casting a glance towards Kakashi. Once he was sure he was reading and paying no attention whatsoever, he grabbed a handfull of chips from the bag carefully concealed in the pocket of his hoodie and stuffed them in his mouth.
Shikamaru had been, until now, reclining in his chair, feet crossed on the table, arms crossed over his stomach, head down against his chest and eyes closed, as if asleep. Now however, he'd botherd to open one eye. Catching Naruto's gaze, he moved his eye over towards Hinata, who'd been sitting quietly in her seat, fidgeting with a string on her jacket.
Instantly, Naruto knew what he meant. Kiba'd told him.
He gave a quick, virtually unnoticeable nod, to which Shikamaru raised one eyebrow. Naruto replied with a slight, somewhat helpless shrug and Shikamaru gave him a stare before once more closing his eyes.
It hadn't been a negative stare, angry or threatening. Just a warning. A " be sure of what you're doing", kind of thing.
Another sign or true friendship. The ability to communicate perfectly with actions so slight nobody else even noticed them.
And all in the course of a few seconds.
Choji swallowed the handful of chips, and Naruto figured that now might be a good time to say…well…anything.
" How come?" he asked, picking up his verbal conversation.
" I can cook", Chouji replied. " And, I've got more curves." He ran a hand seductively down his rounded side. Naruto snorted a laugh, raising one eyebrow.
" Sexy."
" I thought so."
The two grinned at themselves, and even Shikamaru managed an amused smirk.
Hinata, however, hadn't said anything. She didn't know what to say. It was…odd…sitting here with three people she didn't really know, all of whom seemed very good friends. They were all laughing and joking around and she was…
She was just sitting here.
Nervous, she cast a glance towards Sakura. She was at Gaara's table, across from him and on the opposite side. No one else had wanted to be at that particular table, for obvious reasons…
Unfortunately, Sakura was stuck there.
Gaara was leaning back in his chair, eyes cold, observing the egg with a detached look. He looked like an odd cross between bored and pissed off.
Sakura was just freaked, trying to do both the write up keep her eyes firmly locked on Gaara. It was as if she was scared he'd kill her when she wasn't looking.
Moving her gaze, she examined Ino. She was her own table, in her own seat, next to Sasuke, sending death glares across at Kiba.
Across from Sasuke, Temari didn't look any happier.
Nor did Kiba…
Or Sasuke, for that matter…
It was…hostile…
Seriously… I've seen friendlier battlefields…
If the look in Temari's eyes was any indication, that's very well what it might become.
" Hinata?"
Snapping out of her thoughts, she blushed, and turned towards Naruto. " Um…yes?"
" Do you wanna get started?"
The question wasn't phrased rudely, or said with any malice, but she blushed anyways, feeling stupid. She wasn't even sure why exactally…maybe for spacing out… But still…
" Oh! Um, yeah…um…", she sent a quick look towards the sheet in front of her, thankful for the instructional guide , " Um…well, what did you and the egg…um, baby…do?… Yesterday?" she looked around a little for the egg, wondering where it was.
Naruto blinked before realizing her motives and removing the egg from his pocket. Carefully, he set it on the table between them.
At Chouji's hungry gaze, he scooted it closer to Hinata.
" Well…um", he raised a finger to his lips in thought, his eyes turning up at the ceiling, " I went home, he …wait, is our egg a boy or a girl?"
" Um…w-whatever you want." she mumbled, looking down at her folded, fidgeting hands, wishing they'd stop.
They refused to listen.
Damn rebellious hands… shouldn't those at least listen to her?
Well that's what you get for being meek and passive. Maybe if you asserted yourself once in a while your body parts would listen to you.
Shut up.
Hm…no.
But, I asserted -
Be as assertive as you like, I'm still not going to listen. I said body parts, not little intangible voices in your head.
But…
Nope. I'm asserting my free will. See how wonderful asserting is. You should take it up. And maybe knitting…but that's another matter all together.
But what-
He's staring at you. You might want to respond.
Huh? Wait…what did he say?
You're asking me?
Well you know he's talking!
And you would too if you'd been paying attention!
Voice!
He- wait, Voice? I have an identity you know. A name.
Well then what is it?
Hinata.
Huh? B-
I'm in your head. That makes me a part of you. Therefore I have your name.
But I'm not going to go around mentally yelling at myself!!!
Oh…well I guess you have a point. Anyways just nod.
What?
You do that a lot… just nod. Trust me.
Thouroughly confused, she decided to trust her inner voice, nodding ahyly at whoever it was he'd just asked her.
In return, he smiled. " Ok, it's a he then. Anyways, we- hey do you want to name him?"
Um…um….
" Um…ok, sure."
" Ok", he replied, scooping up the egg to rest in his palm, extending it towards her. " Hmm…what do you think? I'm partial to Bert myself. What about you?"
She mumbled something under her breath that he couldn't hear and he leaned a little closer.
" What was that?"
" I", she took a deep breath, willing the blush away. Willing him to lean back a little more. Him being do close was just….well, he was too close. She could see the two different shades of blue in his eyes, darker around the irises fading to light.
They're…so…pretty…
That was unexpected. Taking a deep breath she willed herself stronger.
" I said-"
He didn't get to hear what she'd said however, as she was cut off by Temari's loud cry of outrage!
" You self-centerd bastard!!!"
She was standing by her chair now, hands straight at her side and clenched in fury.
Sasuke was glaring up at her from his seat, obviously no more thrilled than she.
" What? It's true. Men are more capable, advanced, have more power. Don't you wan't my heir to be successful?"
" That's the biggest load of bull I've ever heard!!! I swear to God, you are the most arrogant, pig-headed-"
" Back off bitch!" Ino yelled, pushing forcefully from her seat, the chair crashing to the ground, " Don't you talk to Sasuke like that!"
" I'll talk to that prick however the hell I want!"
" Like hell you will!"
" Will you sit down?" Sasuke muttered.
" What's wrong?" Kiba asked snidely, " I thought you liked having girls fight over you? Is pimp-hood too much to handle?"
The look he sent was scathing.
Ino ignored them both.
" Yeah, I will," Temari yelled back, practically throwing gang-signs in her anger, "So sit you'r bimbo ass down you little slut!"
" Hey!" Sakura screamed, from her chair behind Temari. She grabbed her by the shoulder, attempting to spin her around and get in her face, " You've got no right -"
Her plans were thwarted, however. The hair on the back of her hair was suddenly standing on end ,and seeing the death-glare Gaara was directing towards her, she jumped back into her chair with an ' eep!'. Temari's lip curled with disgust. Seriously, this girl was pathetic.
She turned back towards Ino just in time for her retaliation. It was said calmly, amused, with a sly grin sliding across her face.
" Oh yeah, like you've got the right to call anybody a slut. We all know about the kind of stuff you do. Ha! Sure makes you wonder about that A you've got in Physics…"
The class went silent. For a moment she smiled smugly, sure she'd won. She had to have won, Temari was furious, practically chewing off her lower lip.
"What? It's true isn't it I knew-"
" Ino", Kakashi's voice rose easily above the quiet, " Enough."
" What? She deserves it, the who-"
"I-Ino", Sakura whisperd. Looking over she followed Sakura's quick, terrified glances towards Gaara.
Shit.
His eyes were beyond homicidal, practically flaming, his usually stoic mouth curved down, fingers digging ridges into the edges of the cheaply made table.
The real reason the class had shut up…
He stood up quickly, causing Sakura to leap back in her chair, squeaking and causing it to tip over. She scooted over to the counter, scared.
" Gaara", Kakashi warned. Not that it did anything. Slowly he moved from his desk, eyes locked firmly on Ino. She could all but feel his hands on her throat, squeezing and scraping , with the same force he'd used on the table. And yet she couldn't move, even as he slowly started to advance.
She made a small sound in the back of her throat to which Kankuro scoffed.
" You asked for it", he mutterd darkly from his seat behind her.
Hinata watched, eyes wide, as certain death encroached upon her friend, horribly torn between loyalty and morals. Ino was her friend, she loved her…but she had to admit, she could take bitch to a whole new level. She just had.
She could feel the indecision eating at her mind, her throat burning with words she couldn't decide to say. Couldn't work up the courage to force out. Hell, she wasn't even sure what the words were…
Her fingers had the same problem, itching to move, though to do what she wasn't sure.
But this stillness….this quiet was killing her. She needed to do something, say something.
Something needed to happen.
" Shit."
She looked up towards the mutterd words in time to see Naruto pushing his chair back, the horrible schreech ripping through the silence. He stood, then ran a weary hand through his hair.
" Dammit, Ino, just shut up for once in your life!", he snapped, before turning his attention to Gaara.
Despite her previous fear, Ino still managed to get huffy over his order, sending him a glare and sticking out her lower lip.
" And Gaara…just…don't kill anyone… No! No killing! Sit down!"
He didn't sit, but he stopped advancing on her. Figuring this was the best he was going to get, Naruto sighed. He looked towards Kakashi. " Feel free to do something here. Expel someone or something! Mediate! Jeeze!" He exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air before falling straight back into his seat and pinching the bridge of his nose. " Jeeze", he muttered.
The class was quiet, still in shock. Frowning at Naruto, Kakashi sighed, then stood.
" Alright, fine. Ino, you're…well…expulsion is a little harsh… You've got detention everyday this week. Now go to the office. Gaara, I swear, hurt anyone and I really will expel you. Now sit down." His gaze shifted over the class. " And the rest of you, get back to work or I'm failing you all." Facing Naruto he raised one eyebrow. " Happy?"
"I guess."
" You'd better be", he grumbled, filling out Ino's detention form.
Slowly the class got back to work, Temari silently fuming in her seat, obviously planning the demise of either Sasuke or Ino.
Or maybe both…
Yeah…probably both.
Kiba was complaining about unfairness and having to finish the write-up by himself, and Naruto hadn't moved form where he was sitting, slouched in his chair, eyes closed, looking somewhat like Shikamaru.
Hinata was just staring. She was helpless to do anything else really. The scene kept replaying itself in her mind. Naruto standing up, yelling orders.
Solving the problem while she sat there, useless.
He'd done what she could only dream of doing.
And you have to admit…That was pretty damn cool.
~*~*~*~
" Hey", Chouji piped up as they all filed out the door at the end of class, " Has anybody seen Lee?"
~*~*~*~
Stupid useless Calculus? Seriously, what good was it? Did anyone ever use it, ever?
If so he'd like to know when…
Was there some baker in some little village in the middle of nowhere using some kind of advanced Calculus equation to count his cupcakes?
Somehow he doubted this.
Leaning back against his bed from his seat on the floor, he allowed his mind to wander, procrastinating happily.
Hmmm…cupcakes sound good…especially the ones with the pink icing and little candy sprinkles… so what if Kiba calls them the tampons of the confection world… Yeah, you know on second though maybe not…maybe I'll make cupcakes… No, who am I kidding, I can't bake, and besides, it's not like Jiraiya would let me back in the kitchen, not after that explosive Jell-O incident…
Maybe Jiraiya will pick some up on the way home!
Reaching for the phone to call Jiraiya, and maybe Gaara afterwards, he was stopped by a sudden ' Ding!'
Apparently he had mail.
Shrugging - Hey, this was still procrastination - he crawled up onto his computer chair and clicked on the box.
It's from Hinata.
Hinata.
Suddenly he remembered his promise from earlier…
He had to tell her the truth about Kiba.
He felt his stomach grow hot at the thought, burning up his throat and through his chest. It was an odd feeling, foreign, yes somehow familiar. He didn't understand it, yet somehow felt as if he'd felt it before. It was confusing…
But he still had to tell her.
Confused or not, he's promised Kiba, and Naruto Uzumaki did not go back on a promise. Especially not to his best friend.
It's not big deal, he told himself, taking a deep breath, It's not betrayal or anything, Kiba gave me the okay. He asked and I said yes and here's my chance.
Ignoring the screaming little voice in the back of his head, screaming at him not to do so, he read what she'd written and prepared to write her back.
To: Noodlefox49
From: Violeteyes24
Dear You,
Thank you, that really means a lot to me. It's not something I hear often. I mean, I hear it from my friends a lot but sometimes I think that they're just being nice because they're my friends. How can you tell things like that? I wish I knew.
I wonder, what kind of person are you? You're not preachy, so what are you? Are you cool? Confident? I find myself watching those kinds of people more and more. I envy them. For example, this one guy in my health class. Everything was going crazy and he just stood up and took care of things…
It was cool…
I like your quote, it's funny. You have a good sense of humor. Do you…um…have any more? I mean, I know that one was your favorite…but…um, I'd like to read more of them…if it's not a problem or anything.
Sure, we can IM if you want.
Best Wishes,
Hinata
He froze, staring at the message. The things she'd said about him…
Her written words made the heat that had accumulated in his stomach earlier, settle down to simply warm.
Did she really feel that way about him?
She thinks I'm cool?
He had a mental flashback to that cartoon he'd watched last Christmas, Rudolph, where the talking reindeer had freaked out because " she thinks I'm cuuuuute!" and then flown in circles because apparently reindeer can do that.
For some reason he had the insane urge to fly in circles…
Hell if he knew why.
He wanted to tell someone. His first thought was Kiba.
The thought washed over him like ice water, dousing the warmth from the letter. He'd forgotten all about him once again. Him and his promise.
He kind of wished he hadn't remembered. Having remembered, he now felt obligated to do it. With one more deep breath, he began his reply, the coldness settling in his stomach as he typed.
~*~*~*~
Hinata gave a deep sigh, staring unseeingly at the screen. All day she'd been drifting around as if half-asleep, lost in thoughts. The crazy thing was that they all circled around Naruto.
The scene from health class kept replaying itself in her mind, intermittently interrupted by the memory of his eyes, bright and blue, looking at her.
She'd been caught daydreaming several times by Sakura, feeling guilty as she lied to her. But honestly, this wasn't something she could tell her friend. She could tell her anything else in the world… but not this…
Seriously, she could just imagine how it would go…and it wasn't pretty.
No, she definitely couldn't tell her, or Ino either. Whatever was going on in her head, she'd have to deal with it on her own.
Well…maybe not totally… hey voice, are you there?
Well duh, I'm only a part of your mind. I mean, I know I run out of your head so often I must be hell to get a hold of but…
Alright, I get it…
So, you rang?
Yeah…I was just wondering, I mean, you always chime in when I don't want you so-
No.
What?
No, I won't help you.
But-
Nope. Sorry. Not happening. Oh, and might I suggest that next time you want to ask for a favor don't mention how unwanted I am hm? Just a thought.
Damn temperamental voice…
Look, I'm sorry about that, but-
Nope. I can't do it.
What? I apologized, I'm-
This isn't about that. I'm not mad, not at that lame ass attempt at an insult.
Then why?
Because as your inner voice, I've decided that this is something you've got to figure out on your own.
But!
Sorry Sweetheart. Dem's the breaks. Good luck!
But-But! Voice!!! Hey, voice, come back!!!…Voice?
Great. Even her annoying, sarcastic inner voice had deserted her.
It was sad when even your mind didn't want to talk to you. That just had to say something about her character…
It was official. She really did have to handle this problem on her own…
Wait…maybe not…
Her eyes drifted over towards the computer. The " Your Message Has Been Sent" screen was still up from her last e-mail. The e-mail to Noodlefox. The e-mail in which she'd disclosed a small amount of personal information that she was now beginning to sweat over…
Was that really the right thing to do? I mean, she didn't really know this guy…
But, on the other hand…
He does seem really nice…and it's not like I haven't told him stuff before…
Maybe this would be okay.
And maybe, just maybe, she could tell Noodlefox about this. Maybe he could help her figure out what was going on.
She nodded to herself, trying to convince that last little hesitant part of her mind that this wasn't a horrible mistake, when the computer dinged. She whirled back around, her heart giving a tiny leap in her chest, before flopping back down at the sight of Sakura's IM box.
For some reason she felt somewhat deflated.
Chastising herself for feeling that way about a friend, she clicked on the " Join" button was entered the conference with Sakura and Ino.
Sakurablossom133: Hey Girl. What's up?
Worldsprettiestflower: Hi!
Violeteyes24: Hi, um…nothing much….
Sakurablossom133: Hmmmm….
Worldsprettiestflower: Hmmmm?
Violeteyes24: Hmmmm what?
Sakurablossom133: Oh nothing…
Worldsprettiestflower: No fair! Tell.
Sakurablossom133: Nothing to tell…from me anyways…
Worldsprettiestflower: What's that mean?
Sakurablossom133: YOU'RE HIDING SOMETHING ADMIT IT!!!
Worldsprettiestflower: What?! No I'm not!!!
Sakurablossom133: Well duh… I'm talking about Hinata.
Violeteyes24: What? But I'm not…
Sakurablossom133: Sorry Sweetheart. Don't believe you.
Seriously, what was up with calling her Sweetheart today? Really?
Violeteyes24: But I'm really not!
Worldsprettiestflower: Sakura? What are you getting at?
Sakurablossom133: I don't believe her. You weren't there because of that whole health class scene, a subject we are definitely bringing up before the end of this chat, but she's been zoning out all day. Something up. So spill.
Worldsprettiestflower: You're right… it does seem suspicious…
Sakurablossom133: Yep I am. So spill!!!
Worldsprettiestflower: You heard the girl! Spill!
Violeteyes24: I'm just tired, really! It's nothing!
Nothing, at least, that she could tell these two.
Sakurablossom133: Yeah, right. Just FYI, that's what she's been saying all day.
Worldsprettiestflower: Suspicious.
Sakurablossom133: Very.
Violeteyes24: No. Not really.
Sighing, she pinched the bridge of her nose. What was she supposed to tell them? That ever since this afternoon she's been replaying an uber cool scene of the guy they both, for some unknown reason, hated? Yeah, so not. She was just about to type something about her father calling her or something other obviously false excuse, when a very familiar little box appeared on the screen announcing that she had mail!
Noodlefox!
Figuring her friend could survive without her for a few minutes - and if they couldn't then oh well - she minimized the chat and opened her mail.
From: Noodlefox49
To: : Violeteyes24
I'm glad that is makes you feel better, and I assure you I'm being totally honest. I don't like liars and I make it a point not to be a hypocrite. I don't like hypocrites either. You should trust your friends when they tell you these things, I don't think they'd lie to you, even to make you happy. That's lame., no matter what the reason. Like those annoying parents who tell their tone-deaf kid they can sing so then they enter the talent show and croak like a frog with tonsillitis!!!
Sorry…I had a bad talent show experience in fourth grade. Do you remember that?
Ok…um, there's something else. You know how I'm friends with Kiba?
And you know how I told you there was someone who liked you?
Well…yeah…bet you can guess where this is going. Incase you can't,
KIBA IS IN LOVE WITH YOU!!!
He wanted you to know…so…um, there you go…
I'll IM you later…I've got homework…
Later,
Me
Oh. My. God.
That was…
Um…
Sakurablossom133: Hinata? You there? We're trying to grill you here. Come back.
Worldsprettiestflower: Hello? Hinata? Oh my God, I bet this is about mystery guy! You got a letter from him didn't you?! What did he say?! Did he confess his love or something? OMG…HE ASKED YOU TO HOMECOMING DIDN'T HE?!!!!!
Sakurablossom133: Hinata, hello? Come on… what is it? Is Ino right?
Worldsprettiestflower: Am I?
Violeteyes24 : Yeah…he wrote…
Worldsprettiestflower: AAH! I KNEW IT!
Sakurablossom133: What did he say?! Was Ino right? Was she wrong?! Whats going on?
Violeteyes24 : Kiba's in love with me…
Their screams could be heard for miles.
~*~*~*~
Naruto frowned at the screen, minutes after the e-mail was sent, his stomach burning and his mouth tasting bitter for reasons he didn't understand. He'd fulfilled his promise… he had nothing to feel bad about.
And yet bad he felt.
And he didn't understand it.
Frowning, frustrated with himself and his stupid, unexplainable emotions, he threw an acusing look towards his Calculus book.
It just sat there, mocking him, with it's ridiculous, impossible problems and complex expressions.
Deciding that this was all that books fault, he walked over to his closet. Opening the door, he then walked back to his bed and threw the book, with all the force he could muster into the now open door. He smiled at the satisfied 'Thump!' as the poor book hit the wall and fell to the floor.
Feeling somewhat better, he flopped back onto his bed to stare at the ceiling.
Staring at the ceiling solved all his problems.
~*~*~*~
Kiba sat on his bed, staring anxiously into his hands. They were folded on his knees. His heart was thumping madly in his chest, his nerves on edge.
Did Naruto tell her?
Of course he told her. He promised he would. He wouldn't go back on a promise like that.
Then again…he had been acting strange…
Unable to sit still he fell back onto the bed, only to jerk up a second later and reach for his phone. He had to call somebody, had to talk. This sitting still was driving him crazy.
He didn't even know what he was waiting for. It wasn't like she was going to call him up and profess her undying love for him.
… was she?…
No. probably not.
He was about to call Naruto but decided against it. Somehow he just couldn't, which made this just a little harder. He'd always talked to Naruto, about everything. Even back in grade school when they'd been with Sasuke, Naruto had always been his closest friend. The one he could always trust, with anything.
He suspected that he hadn't been, that Naruto had trusted Sasuke more at that time, and had to admit that hurt just a little. Of course that pain was soothed with Sasuke's betrayal. If he was completely honest with himself, he'd been mostly annoyed with the guy, and not hurt. Not like Naruto had been.
Kiba's only feeling was relief that finally he didn't have to be second anymore.
He wasn't gay, definitely, he didn't feel like that. But he did love Naruto, and hadn't liked being second best to the friend he placed first. When Sasuke had left it had been like a promotion and he hadn't questioned it.
That's what made this so hard. How weird it would be to call Naruto now…
Pressing 3 on his speeddial, he called Shikamaru.
It took 4 rings for him to pick up, and when he did his voice was thick with sleep. Looking over at the clock, he found that it was only 4:30.
" Dude, were you asleep?"
" I was trying to."
" At 4:00?"
" 4:30"
" Well that just changes everything."
"…did you want something?"
" Um…not really…"
" Can I go?"
" No!"
"…"
" He told her for me."
" Hinata?"
" Yeah, who else?"
" Well you used a lot of pronouns…"
" Yeah , yeah, you still knew what I meant."
" So you had Naruto tell her?"
" Yeah…so?"
"…"
" What?"
" Why not tell her yourself?"
" Stress."
" So you lay it on your friends?"
" Why should it stress him? She doesn't even know who she's talking to."
" That sounds creepy…"
" … Do you have a problem with something?"
" …"
" You think I should have told her myself?"
" That would have been the manly thing to do…yes…but, not really…just…"
"Just what?"
" Is it really fair to ask Naruto to tell her this?"
" What? Why should it bother him?"
"…"
" What?!"
" Nothing. I'm tired. Is there something you actually wanted help with?"
" No…I guess…."
" Sitting still is bugging you isn't it?"
" How'd you-"
" Do your homework. Your failing English. Fix that."
" Huh? How-"
" Good bye."
" Um…bye?"
Hanging up, Kiba stared at the phone in his hand, wondering what the hell was up with his friend. Yes, Shikamaru would complain, but he was usually good for this stuff. Unless he really disapproved… but what was wrong with it?
Groaning, Kiba looked over at the clock.
4:34
Wow.
4 whole minutes.
Well…wasn't that productive?
~*~*~*~
Throwing his phone back on the pillow, Shikamaru layed back down, curling back up to resume his sleep. But his mind was too busy. Was Kiba blind or just stupid?
Anyone could sense there was something up with Naruto and Hinata, ever since this e-mail thing started.
Was he just observant?
He'd noticed it while watching them in class earlier. There was something going on, and somehow, he doubted this whole thing with Kiba was helping it, whatever it was.
Wishing Naruto luck, he rolled over, and within seconds, was asleep again.
~*~*~*~
Date: September 12
Hey, dude. What's Hinata's Ph ?
From : Kiba
~*~*~*~
Naruto sighed as he clicked the send button on his phone, replying to Kiba's text message. For some reason his stomach was burning again.
Maybe I should go take a Tums…
His thought process then connected Tums to medication.
And medication to illness.
And illness to health.
And the subject of health to health class.
Which then totally reminded him of the projects, and the egg perched atop his dresser. The poor little egg with parents who didn't live together.
That just screamed dysfunctional.
He should fix that. The egg should see Mommy. It's what a good father would do. Besides, Daddy needed help finishing their work from class. Reaching for the phone, he dialed the number he'd just texted to Kiba.
His heart sank just a little when he got the busy signal.
Yeah, he really needed that Tums…
~*~*~*~
" Phone for you."
Turning from where she was typing away quickly, attempting to calm her friend while totally panicking, to see her bedroom door open, her sister in the doorway. The downstairs phone was in her hand.
" Huh?"
" The phone", she repeated, waving the object a little, " it's for you. Some guy…again."
That werid look came across her sister's face, but once again she had too much going on to be offended. Nodding her thanks, she took the phone from Hanabi, closing the door and leaning back against it, suddenly breathless. Her mouth felt dry. Was this sensory overload or something?
" H-hello", she studderd, expecting to hear Naruto's voice on the other end. Afterall, he was the only boy to ever call her, even if it was just for schoolwork.
The thought of Naruto brought the image of his eyes, big and blue, to her mind.
Her throat got tight.
The voice, however, was most definitely not Naruto. It was deeper, a little more raspy. Not altogether unpleasant, just a little harsher.
" Um…Hello. Hinata?"
" Y-yes", she replied, confused, " t-this is she."
" It's, um…it's Kiba."
Kiba!!!
Her heart sped up with sheer panic, her breathing suddenly short and quick and unlike her reaction to Naruto or even Noodlefox.
What the hell was this?
Was this really panic?
Yeah, see, this is why guys don't call you…
What, now you choose to speak?
I'm still not giving you the answer.
Then go away!
Um…no…otherwise you're going to screw this up further. Now do exactally as I say. Breathe in, breathe out, and say , " Hello Kiba", in a flirty sultry voice.
Sultry?
Ok, ok, in a normal voice. But the breathing this is a must.
" H-hello Kiba"
Good. Now say it out loud.
Huh?!
"Hello…Hinata? Are you there?"
" Yes!" she blurted loudly, before blushing madly at the phone, " I-I mean, H-hello Kiba."
" Hey."
Silence.
" Um…d-did you need something…?"
" Did…Noodlefox um…did he tell you anything…today? Um…about me?"
" Y-y-yes."
We've really got to work on that stuttering problem…
" Oh, well then I guess he told you…"
" Um…..y-yeah….um…."
" Do you wanna go out?"
"Huh?!"
"… you're horrible for a guy's ego…. No need to sound so horrified. Just one date. Maybe…tomorrow?"
Her mind was blank. It was like the correct answer was loating right out of her reach and no matter how far she streached she couldn't obtain it.
Um…um…
Maybe something like yes or no? Yes? No? Yes? No?
"Yes!", she blurted, slapping a hand over her mouth the second she said it. Her face was flushed a deep red.
Did I just…agree…?
…Yes…
" Yes? That's great! Um, I'll be by around 7 ok. Um great, um bye!"
He hung up.
That was just a little odd… , her voice remarked, but Hinata wasn't listening. Somehow she'd just agreed to a date, her very first date, with a guy her friends didn't exactally love…
Fabulous.
It was about at this point that she noticed the beeping noise sounding from her phone.
The busy signal.
How long has that been going off?!
A few minutes now…
Crap! What if it was something important? What if it was someone calling for her dad or something? She could get in big trouble. Quickly switching over she allowed herself to slide down the door until she was sitting.
" H-hello?"
" Oh, Hi. Hinata?"
This time it really was Naruto.
And suddenly her mouth was dry.
FINALLY!!!!! MY GOD, THAT TOO FREAKING FOREVER!!!! STAY TUNED FOR BONUS FEATURES, AFTER THE AUTHOR'S NOTE!!!!
I'm really sorry that it took forever. It's just that my computer broke and had to be brought into the shop over Christmas…and then when I got it back I just wasn't inspired to write anymore. So I started another fic, and Inuyasha one called How Not To Die. I love it very much and any Inuyasha fans out there should definitely check it out!!!! I've currently got 3 chapters up!!! They're not quite as freakishly long as these…about 10 pages on average. Anyways, the complete summary for it wouldn't fit, so it's inside, on the first chapter.
Ok, now that I've sufficiently pimped out my other fic CHECK OUT GRIMM GRAY'S!!!
Cool. Now that that's done, please enjoy these nice bonus features :
BONUS FEATURES HERE!!!!!
Hey, earlier in this chapter Naruto mentioned a disastrous episode in the kitchen involving Jell-O. I wasn't planning to eloborate on this. However, while I was writing, I was also texting Grimmgray, and I sent the that quote. She wanted to know what happened so this is what I came up with :
" Jello!"
"What?" Naruto sent his friend a strange look, one eyebrow raised and everything, " What are you talking about?"
" Jell-O", Kiba stated matter of factly, " would be awesome right now."
The two boys were hanging out in Naruto's room. Kiba was laying on the floor, Naruto laying on his back hanging halfway off the bed. They'd been like this for about 15 minutes, their lived being dull, uninteresting, things.
"Why Jell-O?"
"Why not Jell-O?"
Unable to argue against this logic, Naruto pulled himself up and the two of them headed towards the kitchen.
"Do you even have Jell-O?" Kiba asked, searching through his pantry. He had a lot of canned vegetables and instant noodles, cereal, and for some strange reason toilet paper.
That was one of those things Naruto had learned not to question.
Jiraiya would do things his way, he'd learned to accept it.
"We've got to have Jell-O. Who doesn't have Jell-O?"
"You, apparent- Found it!"
"Sweet," Naruto grinned, "Hey pancakes." He gestured towards the box, "want these too?"
Kiba opened his mouth to reply, then paused in thought, before a slow grin crept up his face.
"What?" Naruto asked eagerly. He loved that look. That look almost always garunteed something fun, something their day desprately needed.
"Two words my friend," he replied, holding up two fingers for emphasis, "Jell-O. Pancakes."
Soon Naruto was grinning too.
"Can we do that?"
"I don't see why not," Kiba replied cheerfully, heating a pan while Naruto mixed the Jell-O. "I mean, Jell-O's just a liquid right? And so's pancake better before you cook it!"
His boredom, combined with his complete lack of culinary knowledge, led Naruto to believe him. As soo an the pan was hot, they poured the jello in whee it sizzled and bubbled.
"Is it supposed to do that?"
"I guess so. Don't pancakes?"
"A little."
After a few minutes later Kiba handed Naruto a spatula.
"What's this for?"
"We don't want it to burn. Go ahead, flip it."
Shrugging, Naruto tried to slide the spatula under the gooey, red, slop. It was, however, stuck to the pan.
"Did you use PAM?"
"What?"
"Damn it…"
Using more pressure that usually necessary, Naruto attempted to pry the mess from the pan. It stuck hard though and it wasn't until a few minutes - and much more pressure - later, that it detached.
It also, however, flew into the air, catching the ceiling fan, and spraying blobs of gooey , red, everywhere. It was still liquid in many places, thought scortched and burnt in others, singing the carpet and leaving stains that, in the aftermath, made the house seem much more like a battlefield.
It looked like they'd a war of attrition against each other…
Which was how Jiraiya found it two hours later when he got home from work.
And thus, Naruto was never allowed anywhere near the kitchen again.
Haha! I hope you've all enjoyed my litel bonus chapter. Between that and this chapters freakish legnth, I hope it makes up for the amount of time it took to get it out.
Over an month….
God… Im sorry.