Chapter Five: Anbu & Awkward Moments
A/N: sorry for the extremely late update (ha it rhymes!), all will be explained at the end of the chapter. Also, to show you how sorry I am I've made this chapter a little longer and there are a fresh batch of cookies waiting for those who review!
As of late, Hinata had been spending more time at the Yamanaka flower shop purchasing soil, cement, and tools, to repair the backyard that Sasuke is so keen to destroying. As a result, the opalescent vixen began to hang with Ino more. It's not like they never had, because they did—it's just that, it seemed like lately their conversations were able to have more life behind them. So naturally, they spent more time talking and hanging out than before.
"Hey Hina-chan, can I have some of your sweet dumpling?" At the moment, the two kuniochi were sitting outside at the park taking a small break from life and all it's worries.
"Um, I don't think that'd be wise Ino-san, didn't you say you were on a diet?" Hinata said as she moved her dumplings from the blonde's hands.
"Aw~ stop being mean, I just want a taste. Besides, I'm was considering taking a break from my whole dieting thing; Choji's starting to irk me with his complaints."
The fact that Ino and Choji were dating came as a surprise to many, especially since the girl had always made it known that she didn't like his appearance very much. But as weird as it was, the two were perfect for each other. Choji needed a woman who would was able to put up with his care free attitude, just as Ino needed someone who could take her constant nagging and vain personality. Many (including Hinata) thought the girl would end up with Shikamaru, what with her always seeming to be on his case and all; but after he started dating Temari, it became clear that the two wouldn't be able to work out.
"Well at least you know how he feels when your constantly complaining about his weight." Hinata couldn't help be stifle a laugh at the irony of the situation. Ino was always the one to dish out complaints, but couldn't quite take it when any were given to her.
"Tsk, that's different, with Choji—wait, when did this become about my personal life; I only wanted some dumpling."
"Ino-Chan, I believe you were the one who brought your personal life into this… but here, you may have some." Hinata hands Ino the pastry, the girl quickly snatches it from her hands and begins to devour it mercilessly. Hinata can only stare doe eyed at the blonde's display of barbarism.
"Kyaa~ so good! How I missed the divine taste of sweets!"
"Well, we should get you caught up by getting some ice-cream and fudge!"
One thing about Hinata, the girl LOVED her sweets! Almost every dessert stand and restaurant knew who she was, if anyone wanted to know about a new ice-cream flavor, Hinata was the one to call. She was also a person that many looked to when trying out new recipes; her taste buds were those of a god. She could give you all the flavors in a dish, with just one spoonful.
"How about we just get some ice cream ne? I want something sweet—I don't wanna over do it."
Not long afterwards, the two kuniochi found themselves at an ice cream Shoppe. Both girls seemed to indulging in the bliss that was their sundaes, when an exuberant young man came in. The infamous tan skin and cerulean eyes instantly caught the attention of everyone in the establishment.
"Oi—HINATA! Heeey Hinata, it's me—Naruto!"
Both girls jerk up from their seats, startled at the loud outburst. Ino mutters and sucks her teeth at him, Hinata chuckles and turns toward his direction. She's met with a beaming smile, and flailing arms. The girl waves back and starts to rise from her seat, Ino pulls her back down before Hinata is able to fully rise.
"Hina-chan, don't go yet. Here, slouch down I your seat so that idiot doesn't see you."
Hinata can't help but smile at the blonde girls attempt to conceal her away from Naruto.
"But Ino, he has already seen me. I can't just ignore him…" The blondes face sports a disapproving frown as she pouts and waves off Hinata.
"Fine whatever—Hey, you didn't say 'chan' at the end. Hinata, you're starting to get comfortable around me!" Ino quickly reaches over the table and wraps her arms around Hinata. In response, Hinata pats her awkwardly on the back. After she is released, Ino shoo's her off promising to talk later.
"Hey Naruto, what did you want to ask m—" before she can finish, Hinata finds herself being lifted off the ground in a mighty hug from her friend. After the girl gives Naruto a couple of pats on the back to symbolize the hug is over, he places the Hinata back on the ground.
"I can't talk about it here, come take a walk with me."
"Alright…"
Her response is greeted with Naruto's radiant smile, and they walk out of the restaurant. The streets are bustling with vendors, merchants and citizens as everyone goes about their daily routines. The young adults walk down the street and towards a less congested area. Soon they find themselves walking to the small bridge that connects the city to the heavily wooded area adjacent to the Hokage Mountain. Both sit beside each other, legs looming over the cool water beneath their feet.
"Okay Naruto, what's on your mind?"
"…It's nothing too big really, it's just—I feel like everyone is speedin' right passed me, just like when we were Genin."
Hinata's big doey eyes are filled with an unbelievable amount of sorrow as her friend speaks. She knew something had to have been weighing heavily on his mind, when they passed the women's bathhouse and he didn't even try to sneak-a-peek.
"Naruto…"
"I mean, like earlier this week: I was hangin' wit Kiba at the training grounds, and I notice he's got an Anbu tattoo on his arm. I mean, c'mon KIBA? REALLY!"
Although this topic seemed very serious to the blonde, his facial expressions cause the girls mouth to form a small smile. Luckily she's able to school her features and nod.
"Well Naruto, Kiba has improved greatly as a fighter over these passed months. He's now able to work with and without Akamaru—"
"Yeah but I've fought alone too! I mean, what makes that dunce more qualified to be an Anbu than you or I huh?"
"Well uh—"
"Its not only Kiba, Sakura told me today that she's been promoted to the lieutenant of the medic Nin; she's practically working on with same level with the Hokage! —Well, when it comes to medical stuff-"
"Naruto—ya know you CAN tryout to become an Anbu, right?"
The young man became very still, for a moment Hinata would've guessed he didn't hear her at all. But when he finally turned to look at her—she knew he received the message. Naruto's entire face was pale, his mouth was agape like he was going to say something, but only incoherent sounds came out.
"Hina-chan, ya joking right?"
"Well normally you'd have to be recommended by a higher ranking officer, but I think Hokage-sama would agree that having you as an Anbu would really enhance the squads arsenal of skilled fighters."
"Why didn't ya say that earlier," Naruto quickly jumps to his feet with newly found confidence, as he pulls up Hinata. After embracing the girl once more he seems to settle down, "ya know what, you should apply with me!"
Hinata instantly starts to make up reasons as to why she wouldn't even be considered as an Anbu, but Naruto quickly interrupts her.
"Hinata, stop doubting yourself. I was told that your byakugan has incredible stats: you can see the furthest, and it can also see the smallest chakra networks. You surpassed even your father, of course you'd make it as Anbu!"
Shocked and embarrassed, Hinata begins to get pink in the face. When she notices Naruto's hands gripping her shoulder and the nearly nonexistent space between them, she becomes scarlet red.
"N-Naruto, I—"
The sound of twigs snapping sends the two flying apart. As the sounds get louder, neither move from their positions; neither make a sound. Hinata's breath gets caught in her throat when she sees a pair of eyes glowing in the darkness of the trees. But her fears are short lived when Kiba comes out of the shadows, straddling Akamaru.
"Hey Hinata, Naruto— what's goin' on?"
"Dammit Kiba, ya scared the crap outta us man!"
Still shaken, Hinata is only able to nod in agreement with Naruto, as Kiba jumps down from his furry companion. He and Naruto pound fists, and Hinata gives him a gentle hug. Akamaru barks at the group, and Hinata goes and places a small kiss on the forehead. This action causes the giant beasts face to become pink.
"Geez, I didn't know that ya dog could blush Kiba!"
The group begins to laugh, causing Akamaru to lower his head. Seeing his action, Naruto begins to laugh harder and slap his knee. In the midst of laughter, Hinata stops and turns to Kiba.
"Kiba-kun, I forgot to congratulate you on your promotion. Had I known earlier, I would've made you some treats."
"Well shucks Hinata, if I knew youda made me somethin' Ida been told ya—right Akamaru?" The gigantic canine barks in agreement, as Kiba rubs his head.
"What about me Hinata, I want somethin' too~"
"Naruto, I'll make you something after you become an Anbu. Speaking of which; Kiba, could you drop me and Naruto off at the Hokage tower?"
"Sure, hop on up and lets rock and roll!"
Tsunade was tired. She'd been doing paper work continuously for the better part of her day, and she had yet to take a break. To make matters worse, Shizune hadn't given her a drink in god-knows-when, and the fact that Naruto and Hinata were standing in front of her wasn't helping; not one bit.
"Hey granny Tsunade, I'm starting to see some wrinkles on that face a yours; so your finally starting to look ya age huh?"
"Listen here you little runt—I'm the hokage, so you'd better start addressing me as such, and if you continue calling me old, I'LL STICK THAT BIG HEAD, UP YOUR LITTLE ASS! Now, what the HELL do you want!"
At this point, Naruto had become three shades lighter, and had hidden himself behind Hinata. That said girl seemed to have managed not to faint at the sound of Tsunade's voice raising several octaves. However, Hinata was trembling in fear when the busty hokage reached into her desk and pulled out a large bottle of sake. Realizing the bottle was empty; Tsunade shatters it in her hands.
"Listen…I don't have time for any games right now, so either tell me why you came, or get out."
"Well uh…Hinata-chan wanted to ask ya somethin'." At the sound of her name, Hinata finds herself being nudged by Naruto. Both he and Tsunade look at her with expecting eyes.
"Well Hinata, what is it?"
The indigo haired girl quickly gathers herself, looks the Hokage with a serious expression and speaks.
"We wish to become Anbu members Hokage-sama!
Tsunade gives Hinata a quizzical look, before looking at Naruto who had finally poked his head out from behind the opalescent girl. There was a beat of silence that seemed to last a lifetime. Both Hinata and Naruto were beginning to form beads of sweat on their foreheads before the busty Hokage spoke.
"…Alright."
"That's it, we can?
"Yes Naruto, that's it. Actually you both were recommended to become Anbu."
Hinata can't help but be shocked at her being recommended as an Anbu. Her mind began to think of anyone who would really consider her as an elite fighter. Naruto was to busy celebrating, to realize the fifth Hokage getting more and more agitated. By the time he did, the poor blonde had already received a glass cup to the face. This was followed by the busty woman's screeching voice, telling them to leave her office.
A few weeks later, after both Hinata and Naruto had taken their Anbu exams, they found themselves back at the Hokage tower. Before they could head to the Hokage's office, masked men escort them towards an underground pathway. Hinata wanted to activate her bloodline, but she decided that she wasn't in any type of harm.
After walking for what seemed like forever, the cerulean and opalescent eyed youngsters; find themselves in a candlelit room with a huge scroll at the center. Hinata shifts her weight on her feet and rubs up against Naruto. For the first time, Hinata realizes that Naruto is silent. Usually the boisterous blond would have tried to see if his voice could bounce off the walls, but to her surprise, he stood erect and silent; for a moment the girl even contemplated whether or not this was the same blond she had come to know. His overall presence and aura reminded her slightly of… Neji.
At the thought of his name, Hinata finds herself being brought to a state of nirvana; the external world and everything else became trivial and of unimportance. She found herself wondering if he would be proud of her, would he accept her choices and encourage her, or would he be irritated that there might come a time when they could be placed together on a mission? Sure she knew he was an Anbu, but he wasn't the reason she was doing this—right?
All of these questions flooded her head, bringing her back to the old, insecure Hinata that who she promised would never surface again. Damn him for doing this to her, she had blocked him from her mind for so long and it needed to stay that way…he was no longer a factor in her life, nor was she in his. There was someone else who needed her now, whether they wanted to admit it or not. This simple fact brought her mind relief, but there was a part of her being that seemed to whither up at this conclusion.
Before she can dive into the matter any further, Hinata is brought back to reality when a man with skin as white as snow and hair darker than ink steps out from the shadows.
"Hello, seeing as you both seem to have the will of fire embedded within your hearts and souls, I'll spare the long speech of bravery and what have you. This scroll is filled with the names of brave kuniochi who've dedicated their very beings to protecting the hidden leaf, our citizens—"
"Geez Sai, ya puttin' us to sleep! Stop bein' so damn formal an let us sign the scroll already will ya!"
To say Hinata was shocked, would be an understatement. If the room had more lighting, everyone would've seen her eyes widen, and her jaw drop. The only thing that seemed to calm her uneasiness was the fact that Sai was wearing his unusual smile. Although it was strange, it did make her feel as though he accepted Naruto's comments.
"To be honest, I was just seeing when you'd tell me to shut up. Usually, the ceremony is shorter than this."
"Geez Sai, I really do hate you."
"Would it have anything to do with the size of my—"
"Sorry to interrupt but, I think that's a matter that can be discussed in private…"
Hinata was trying to keep her cool, but the conversation was beginning to be too much for her ears! Both Sai and Naruto turn to her, it was obvious by the look on his face that Naruto forgotten that she was there. Sai however, seemed more aware of how she would react and was quick to answer her.
"Hinata, I must apologize for Naruto's behavior. We've been trying to tame that mouth of his but as you can see, our attempts were in vain."
After ending his comment with a smile, the pale eyed girl can only chuckle. Of course this was followed by Naruto's remarks of Sai's private areas and unspeakable things that nearly caused Hinata's face to lose all color. She's finally able to settle both parties down after a contest of cursing and how they'd defile each others parents, by then Hinata had already learnt of new positions and other erotic things. When Sai is finally able to pull himself together, its far too late to save Hinata's innocent ears. So to spare the little naïve creature, he speeds up the process.
"State the code of Anbu."
Azure and opal eyes speak in unison "Leave no trace when you fall, ever."
Soon afterwards, it was as if she had become a new person. The moment she signed that piece of paper, Hinata felt…accomplished. Her sense of accomplishment multiplied when she found herself receiving Anbu tattoo and mask. Afterwards when she and Naruto walked out the building and into the night, Hinata was so happy, she was even bold enough to ask the blonde out for drinks to commemorate the joyful occasion.
Hinata was in a pickle. When she had asked Naruto out for drinks, she didn't realize how long they would celebrate, or intended to drink. When the pair had first arrived to the bar, Hinata and Naruto were together. But, as the night progressed and the number of drinks grew, the whiskered blonde started to wander.
It started out small, if Naruto needed to go to the bathroom or he wanted another drink; he would tell her where he was going. But after what seemed like an endless amount of shots and sake, he became Houdini. Naruto be having a conversation with Hinata, but after the doe eyed beauty reached or took a sip or her drink—he was gone! There would be a state of panic that ensued before he made his return, and Hinata would scold him for plaguing her mind with worries and such. Telling him to at least announce his departure before scurrying off to where ever his mind was set on. That was earlier.
At this very moment, Hinata was sitting at the bar, drinking what was left of her mixed beverage and simply enjoying the throbbing on her left shoulder dull with each drink. She lazily gives her wrapped shoulder an inspection, noting how the redness and irritation have gone down dramatically.
She thinks back to when she got the amaranthine marking. About how the masked man, so willing and resolute to brand Naruto with an eternal promise; became hesitant, and unsure when his eyes were met with Hinata's pale and fragile shoulder. As he spread the thick, ivory colored cream over her skin, his eyes seemed to be entranced with the soft and smoothness of her shoulder. For a moment, it felt as if everything had stopped. The already dark, obscure room seemed to become even more vague and somber.
Silence oppressed the small room. Eyes, brown as enriched soil, begin to trace an immortal promise against her arm. She neither spoke nor sought to escape his touch. He was something foreign to her life; they had never spoken and knew nothing of each other's dreams and inhibitions. He was neither friend nor foe; he was a stranger. A man whose path had only crossed hers for a brief moment. It was those reasons, that Hinata felt comforted by him. A part of her wanted to know where he'd come from, where he was going and his thoughts; she wanted to be him. She wanted to see how he saw life.
When that said stranger reached for his instruments, he paused. His determination seemed to be vanishing; he quickly grabs hold of it and brings it towards her skin. Before he let's the tool graze her shoulder, he casts an eye upwards at her. He wants to give her the chance to back out; he doesn't want to give her this curse. But she simply stares forward, emptily at the shadows created by candles against the walls. Hinata senses that from behind his mask, the man grins. He seems to be impressed with her display of courage and heart. Before anything else can be noticed, he starts to work.
He works quick and silently. As the tools drags against her skin, the pain crawls to Hinata's back. As he continues, the pain pokes at her spine, irritating her. Strangely enough, the pain is welcomed.
When the man finishes, he packs up his things and quickly heads for the door. Before leaving, he finally addresses her; "A stiff drink should dull the pain, and some ointment will ease the swelling." Without another sound, he is gone. Continuing down the same path, from which he started.
The sound of her name being slurred, along with tufts of blond hair nudging her forearm brings her from her reprieve.
"Hi—naka chan~ pays um 'tention me to 'Kay?"
"Oka—NARUTO, WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU!"
Although Naruto had finally returned, he was missing some things, mainly articles of clothing. He was no longer wearing a sandal; his headband and black t-shirt had vanished revealing his tan, tattooed and defined stomach and chest for all to see. His eyes were glassy while a sloppy smile was plastered across his face.
"Naka -chan, Sakura and niño has no cup for shots. Then I said, 'why dunya use me? Now they did…Cause dey done; I am back for you!"
"…So Sakura and Ino-chan, were doing body shots…off your stomach?"
A cheeky smile, along with a nod was the only response Hinata could make out as she flagged the bartender down for another drink. Although the blonde was too intoxicated to answer Hinata's question, he was still sober enough to ask the bartender for more tequila shots.
Hinata's plan was to cut Naruto off from drinking anymore, but that was set back a little when she felt someone's sweaty palms caressing her midnight locks. Now it's not that she didn't sense the person there—because she did. Hinata simply thought that whoever it was, they were just trying to order drinks like she had been doing.
"I had ma eye on you since ya walked in, gorgeous."
A chill crept up Hinata's back when the strangers' hands began to rub the center of her back. At this point, Hinata spun her chair around and is met with a monstrosity. The man had a huge gut that seeped from his shirt, he had a huge nose with enormous warts placed tactically at the center of his forehead and above his lips, and to make matters worse; he only had one eye. This being said, as grotesque as the man was, Hinata made sure to keep her face as neutral as she could get, and spoke clearly and quickly.
"I'm sorry to d-disappoint you, but I'm married and don't plan on cheating. Also, I'd appreciate it if you s-stopped touching me and leave me to the company of my friend please."
During her little speech, Hinata couldn't stop cursing herself for stuttering. She wanted to make sure that the message was well received, but also said appropriately. Hinata didn't want to slur her words and have the man think that she could easily be take advantage of.
"Well, I'll be dammed. After all them cups of sake and what not, your still able to function al' rite! I mist say your somethin' else gorgeous."
"Hiya, buddy... Why aren ya payin' 'ttention too ma stories?"
Only after talking to himself for some time, is Naruto finally able to realize that he no longer had his friends' attention. It takes a few more moments for him to access he the situation, and see what was happening to Hinata. After casting a glance at the man who had stolen his friends' attention, Naruto does a double take and scrunched his face together.
"WHOA, hey there man; you look like a fuckin' ogre!
Hinata's face instantly drops. She had been praying that Naruto wouldn't say anything to make the situation worse; obviously, Kami-sama was ignoring her. She quickly begin trying to look for a way to get the blond out of a sticky situation, but the hideous man was too quick to respond.
"Whadya jus say ter me, ya bastard?"
"Basically, ya so ugly that when I looked at ya, I sobered up!"
At this point, Hinata had to stand up, because after her belligerent friend had spoken, the enraged stranger made a grab for the blondes' neck. Naruto, oblivious to anything that was happening, continued to laugh at his comment. He wasn't able to see Hinata grab the mans arm and twist it behind his back, nor did he hear when she politely ask the man to keep his hands to himself. In fact, the only time he stopped laughing was to throw back three more shots he'd received from bartender.
"Naruto, did you just drink my shots?"
Hinata's voice was soft, but laced with confusion and a dash of annoyance. Her eyes became slightly lidded as the previous drinks take affect.
"S'no, I'ds s'neva do dat. Dos' cane from the lady over dere."
He points a finger at the bartender, who in turns confirms the blondes drunken statement. She then brings Hinata three more shots and goes back to cleaning some glasses.
"Oh sorry Naru, my bad."
"Okey dokey!"
Hinata quickly throws back each glass before paying their tab. She's able to left Naruto up, and begins to shuffle towards the exit. Before she able to reach the doors, Naruto pushes off her, announcing he is still able to use his legs. He young man is able to defend his claim by walking towards the door, opening it and gesturing for Hinata to exit first. When they reach outside though, the blonde nearly walks into a lamppost and then collapses unto Hinata.
"Hina-chan~ I can't go on…leave men behind."
After figuring out what he was saying, Hinata speaks, "NO, I can do that! We'll make it Naru-kun!"
"But how's we gonna survive? I dun wanna die!"
The blonde screams towards the skies, as if speaking directly to Kami-sama himself. After a pregnant silence, Hinata addresses his statement.
"…Naru, you do k-know we're in Konoha, right?"
"…Oh. Well then, THANK YOU HINA! ya saved me!"
Naruto wraps his other arm around Hinata's waist and lifts her, enveloping her in a strong hug. Hinata is both scared and embarrassed by his actions, because not only had the blonde drank more than her, but his face was planted directly in between her breasts.
"N-Naruto, p-put me down please."
The blonde simply looked up at her before placing his face back in it's resting place. This time he begins to hum and move his face from side to side, sending a tingling sensation shooting from her back, all the way down to her thighs; thus causing her toes to curl.
Hinata's body begins to shake as the blonde continues to let his head massage her chest. She can only close her eyes and bite her bottom lip to keep from making any type of sounds. Hinata feels her cheeks begin to warm up as Naruto's sun kissed locks tickle her neck and chest. When she is able to speak again, the boy has set her back on the ground.
"Na-Naruto…"
The blonde begins to laugh while rubbing his head, and continues to try to walk down the streets. Hinata, still red from the confusing semi-erotic action, follows a few steps behind him. They both walk in relative silence and the only noise between them, is the sound of their feet shuffling across the sidewalk.
"Hey Hinata, can I tell ya somethin'?"
"Huh, um y-yeah Na-Naruto what is it?"
"I think I might be gay."
If Naruto hadn't stopped to face Hinata when he said it, she would've thought he was joking. But when she found herself mere inches away from his face, Hinata knew her friend was serious.
"Wow Naruto, when did you find out?"
"I dunno, it kinda jus snuck up on me y'know."
Before continuing any further with the conversation, Hinata suggests sitting down on some benches not too far away. As they walk towards the seats, Hinata realizes that she seems to have sobered up quite a bit with the topic of Naruto's sexuality.
"O-okay, my one big question: am I the first person you've told?"
The blonde shoots her a quizzical stare before answering the question with a stiff nod of his head. Hinata instantly perks up and smiles warmly at him.
"Thanks for trusting me, I'm happy…"
Hinata cute and sincere smile reaches her eyes and makes Naruto's cheeks redden. She wraps her arms around him and gives him a small squeeze before letting him go.
"Wait so, you aren't creeped out by it?"
"N-no, why would I be? I love you no m-matter what, you're sexuality would n-never change my views on you. To be honest, I'm not all that surprised!"
The blonde is clearly taken aback by her comments and knits up his eyebrows, "So ya tellin' me you never thought I was straight? Cuz' I'll have you know—"
Hinata waves her hands frantically in defense to Naruto's assumption and gets slightly redder in the face.
"N-NO! I was only trying to s-say that, I couldn't see you being strictly gay or s-straight. M-more like a m-mixture of both—you know, bi-sexual!"
Naruto's serious face is replaced with his usual smiley expression as he laughs at Hinata's reaction.
"Oh I get ya…wait what does bi-whada mean?"
"It m-means that y-you're attracted to both genders!"
Hinata was still worried and rushed to answer him, she practically ended up yelling at Naruto, but the blonde doesn't seem in the least bit fazed.
"YEAH, that describes me perfectly. Thats what I am, Bi-…egh, what's the last part again?"
"Sexual."
"Yeah, Bi-Sexual..."
Naruto begins to stare into space for some time with a smile on his face. After a while it fades and he focuses back onto Hinata. The girl begins to nibble at her bottom lip as the blondes' staring continues; her cheeks begin to burn with embarrassment before she finally speaks.
"U-um Naruto, are you okay. Your face looks a little hot."
Hinata reaches forward and touches his forehead with the back of her palm, before checking her own.
"You do seem a little bit warm, maybe we should get going."
As they stands up Naruto grabs her wrist. His grip isn't painful, but it does cause her some discomfort. Hinata calls to him but he's despondent. His azure eyes stare straight through her, almost as if he's looking to the future or some distant memory.
"Hinata, you're a good friend."
"W-well thanks Naru—"
Hinata finds herself pulled into Naruto's arms, and before she can object, the blondes' lips crash down onto hers. Hinata's body freezes up while her eyes widen, time itself seems to have come to a standstill. When Naruto does pull away, he simply smiles again, saying 'I just wanted to see what it would feel like' before backing up a little to let her breathe. Hinata nods her head soundlessly, her rosy cheeks becoming crimson as she wordlessly opens and closes her mouth.
The only thing that knocks her from her shell shock is a dark figure standing near a lamppost.
"Sasuke…"
So that's the end of chapter five, I know it's been awhile, I just had so much to do and then on top of that, I lost my ability to write. When I say writers block is a bitch, I mean it. It totally bummed me out and I lost all hope in my writing skills, but that was just me overreacting to a minor problem.
I promise the next chapter will be better and Neji will make another appearance real soon, I just needed to set the scene for it all. Don't forget to review, and thanks for bearing with me and my craziness for as long as you guys have! (^_^)