Sakura's scheme
''Sakura,'' Temari began, ''if you were waiting for an opportune moment, this is it.''
Sakura looked at Temari.
''Moment for what?''
''Kiss,'' Hinata said quietly.
Sakura startled.
''It's fine, really,'' Ino said happily ''We can do it some other time.''
Sakura felt relived. Assuming practice makes it perfect, Ino was the best kisser in the world and Sakura, on the other hand, had saved her first kiss for Sasuke.
''What? Are you afraid you'll disappoint her?'' Temari taunted.
''You won't provoke me again,'' Ino said plainly.
''But it's for her sake!'' Temari roared.
''I know!'' Ino grumbled. ''That's why we should take it slower!''
''We don't have much time!'' Temari persisted.
''What's the point if she doesn't feel comfortable?'' Ino protested. ''Kiss will only make it worse!''
''Yeah,'' Temari sneered, ''like you care.''
Ino couldn't hide her surprise.
''That's right, I'm the cold-hearted!'' she said sarcastically. ''Not you, who came up with this idiotic idea!''
''It's not idiotic! You are the one who refused to cooperate!'' Temari roared.
''The only reason I agreed to do this is because you'd promised-'' Ino continued their argument.
Sakura sighed.
''Sakura-chan,'' Hinata said quietly, ''do something!''
''Like what?''
Ino and Temari were too loud and their yelling was unbearable.
''The sooner it's over, the better for them!'' Temari shouted.
''I don't want to force anything!'' Ino roared.
''Then we will kiss willingly!''
Sakura covered her mouth with her palms. Ino and Temari looked at her.
''Are you sure you are ready?'' Ino asked seriously.
Temari grinned.
''She is,'' Temari said happily, ''but not for you.''
Ino frowned, but her eyes, also, were on Hinata's pretty, but completely red face.
''Sakura-chan?'' Hinata stuttered.
Sakura just wanted to stop the yelling! And saying something about kissing seemed like a good idea. But that was a moment ago. Now it sounded completely wrong after seeing Hinata's terrified face.
''Yeah, let's torture Hinata instead of Sakura,'' Ino said sarcastically.
''It's not torturing,'' Temari explained. ''They had agreed to do it, remember?''
Sakura sighed. Temari was right.
''Can we do it next time?'' Sakura began. ''I just had lunch before I came here, so-''
''Me too!'' Hinata interrupted. ''And we must feel relaxed, right?''
Temari smirked.
''Look at you two! Working together on talking yourself out of this!'' Temari said teasingly.
Sakura should have known how rigid Temari can be.
''Can you explain again?'' Ino asked. ''Why are we doing this?''
''Because,'' Temari lifted her hand and pointed at Hinata's and Sakura's direction, as they were sitting close, ''they will never object to anything or ask for anything!''
Sakura frowned. They just refused to kiss, wasn't that something?
''And it should be easy to ask a friend, shouldn't it?'' Temari asked.
''I still don't get it,'' Sakura said sadly.
Temari sighed.
''Let's demonstrate!'' she turned to Ino. ''Kiss me!''
Ino stunned.
''Why?''
''Just do it!''
''Fine,'' Ino rolled her eyes. ''How do you want it?''
''I don't care, just hurry!'' Temari ordered.
''Whatever,'' Ino shrugged.
Sakura swallowed. She was nervous. Why did Ino agree to kiss Temari, but she didn't insist to kiss her? She looked at Hinata. She was sitting still, expecting a kiss too.
However, Temari and Ino weren't nervous at all. Did Ino lie when she had said she has never kissed a girl? And why Temari didn't close her eyes? Kiss is not right if she has her eyes opened!
Sakura stopped breathing when Ino lifted a bit to get closer to Temari. Temari didn't move at all. Ino bent her neck on the left and slowly moved her lips towards Temari's.
''Ouch!''
Ino sat back on her place, cupping her left cheek.
''What was that for?'' she shouted.
Temari looked at Sakura and Hinata.
''See?''
Hinata looked sadly at Ino. Sakura was completely shocked.
''You-you lied!'' she finally said.
''No, I didn't,'' Temari said indifferently.
''You said you would kiss and you slapped her!'' Sakura pointed at Ino who was still stroking her red cheek.
''Wrong,'' Temari said strictly. ''I ordered her to kiss me, but I have never told I would let her do it.''
''Why then, Temari-san?'' Hinata asked, looking a bit upset.
''I didn't want her to kiss me!''
Sakura frowned.
''But why-''
''Oh, just tell them the conclusion already!'' Ino interrupted Sakura's question.
Temari smirked.
''You will both enter Uchiha clan,'' Temari began seriously, ''and you will probably find yourselves in unpleasant situations, like this one.''
''Thank you so much, Temari,'' Ino said sarcastically.
''Nothing personal and don't interrupt,'' Temari scolded her and turned to Sakura and Hinata again. ''You should be able to express your opinion on everything, even if it's embarrassing.''
''And I must kiss Hinata and she will slap me?'' Sakura asked bluntly.
''You know she would never slap you,'' Temari frowned.
''At least not this hard!'' Ino interrupted again.
Temari gave her glare.
''What?'' Ino asked. ''You hit me like I was going to bite your head off!''
''You didn't want to do it either!''
''So? I just wanted you to shut up!'' Ino said indifferently. ''If you kiss passionately like you yell, it should be great!''
Hinata chuckled. Temari noticed it too.
''Great, she is more relaxed!'' Temari remarked. ''Sakura, you may start!''
Hinata startled again. Sakura frowned. It was true that Hinata would never slap her, but she still didn't want to do something unpleasant for both of them.
''Oh, I forgot the second benefit of this torturing!'' Temari said happily. ''You will learn how to get the best of the delicate situations!''
Sakura had to agree. It's better to do something you never wanted, but in the least horrible way. And kissing someone you know can't be that bad.
''Come on, already! It's all in your head!'' Temari encouraged. ''You did it before! Close your eyes and imagine someone else!''
''Maybe a shadow clone?'' Ino proposed, finally not so mad at Temari.
''No!'' Hinata screamed.
Now that was the most awkward reaction today! Sakura would never hesitate to kiss Sasuke. Well, maybe just a bit if she had known that's Hinata. Or Ino. Or somebody else. But she would definitely recognize his lips and scent. But shadow clone wasn't a bad idea at all!
''Maybe we should try it like that first?'' Sakura asked carefully.
''You want to see Sasuke slapping you?'' Temari sneered.
''Yeah,'' Ino had to agree. ''Or Itachi-san hesitating.''
They were both right. That's not a nice thing to see. But Sakura was certain Hinata wouldn't stop her by slapping her.
''Maybe they should both transform!'' Temari laughed. ''I would like to see that!''
''You are disgusting! They are brothers!'' Ino scolded Temari, but she was laughing too.
Hinata gave them glare. They stopped giggling.
''I think we should at least try,'' Sakura shrugged.
Hinata nodded slowly. Temari smirked.
Sakura took a deep breath. Hinata had pretty lips. And her skin seemed very soft. Her hair had a beautiful flower scent and she was curious to find out if her lips were sweet too.
Hinata closed her eyes and Sakura took it as a sign she was ready. Sakura got a bit closer and when she felt Hinata's breathing, she closed her eyes too.
''Wait!''
Sakura froze when she'd heard Hinata's exclaimed. Hinata's palms were over her mouth once again.
Temari sighed.
''Now what?''
Hinata took a deep breath.
''This just feels so wrong! And it has nothing to do with you, Sakura-chan!,'' Hinata took Sakura's hand. ''You've been so good to me and I didn't want to slap you, but it just-''
''It's all right, calm down,'' Sakura said softly.
''But I have never kissed anyone but Itachi-san and I probably would never have if you hadn't made me!'' Hinata said sadly.
Temari was completely taken aback.
''What?'' she snapped.
''Is that true?'' Ino asked seriously.
They were both glaring at Sakura.
''It's not how it sounds! You see,'' Sakura began, ''I was bored and it was just a game!''
''You were bored?'' Temari shouted. ''A game?''
Sakura didn't know what to say in her defence. She was innocent, really! But Temari was looking so furious she didn't want to say anything until she calms down!
''Hinata is marrying a guy she didn't even want to kiss in the first place? What is wrong with you?'' Temari roared.
''Yeah,'' Ino agreed, ''and I am the one using my bad girl power!''
''No, you got it all wrong!'' Hinata said, but they couldn't hear her.
''So what, it turned out well!'' Sakura said quickly.
''Sure, great! Who wouldn't want a husband you can't talk to or an entire village on your back because of your boredom?'' Temari asked sarcastically.
''And this is Hinata! You knew how shy she was! She's never told Naruto how she had felt, after all those years!'' Ino added.
''May I say something?
They all turned to Hinata. She was red again, but this time it was because of her yelling.
''Thank you!'' she exhaled. ''I just wanted to say that Sakura-chan had encouraged me to do something and I am very grateful she had!''
Temari raised an eyebrow.
''All right, I had enough!'' Temari said hastily. ''Sakura, start talking.''
''Yeah, Forehead, what did you do?''
Sakura sighed.
''OK,'' Sakura said plainly, ''but promise you won't yell at me when you hear it!'' she added quickly.
''Of course not,'' Temari sneered.
''We will transform into Sasuke-kun and slap you instead!'' Ino chuckled.
''And then kiss Hinata!'' Temari added.
Sakura frowned.
''You're just mean.''
Sakura sighed. It was so quiet in front of the hospital where she's been sitting for the last two hours. Tsunade had told her to go home because she was too distracted to be of any help, but Sakura couldn't be carefree or at home now.
The more IOS missions Sasuke has completed, she was becoming more concerned. Trying to get everyone's attention by overdoing it, Sasuke was often returning seriously injured. Last time with a broken arm, the time before with an eye bleeding. It was caused after using too much of some kind of sharingan she refused to know about as she would be even more worried. She hated that insane power! And Sasuke's competition with his brother! And this suicidal squad!
Itachi and Orochimaru didn't have to listen to their girlfriends' constant nagging about their grave injuries. Not because they were never harmed, but because they didn't have girlfriends.
Everyone else encouraged Sasuke to look up to his brother by joining the IOS. Except her, of course. Sasuke accused her for being intolerant and they had a huge fight about it. She couldn't understand because she didn't have siblings or demanding family who expected her to be an outstanding kunoichi. She was quite skilled, but nobody was pressuring her. All she could do to help Sasuke to surpass his brother was to give him tips on faster recovering and not nag too much because of his constant rigorous training.
Sakura was getting impatient. She was off duty since Tsunade didn't want nervous medical ninja around and all Sakura could do was wait. Time was passing by really slowly as she was the only one waiting while others were pretty busy in order to prepare for another sleepless night.
It was completely dark already and there were no sign of any disturbance in the village. The IOS arrivals were legendary. They never used the entrance and they didn't even try to hide their euphoria for accomplishing another dangerous task. Sasuke explained it was just their way of expressing how happy they are for returning alive. And he wondered why she had objected when he had joined them!
Sakura sighed. They will return alive. But heavily injured. And their first stop, after short rampage around the village, will be the hospital.
Sakura flinched. Her train of thoughts was interrupted when she saw a person had appeared just a few steps from the hospital's ground. It was very dark, but she could recognize those body curves anywhere!
''Sasuke!''
She ran to greet him.
''Sakura!'' he sounded surprised. ''What were you-''
But she was too fast for him. Well, her lips were. The second she reached him, he embraced her gently and she didn't let him finish as she was overjoyed he'd got back. And once she started kissing him, she couldn't stop.
''Sakura,'' he said quietly, trying to calm her, ''I just got back, please, slow down!''
She didn't hear that entirely, as she was busy by kissing him all over his face.
She had to stop when he cupped her face to prevent her from coming closer again. She frowned.
''Sakura,'' he said seriously, ''I'm not the only one, you know.''
Sakura startled. She looked around but there was no sign of anyone else.
''Oh no!'' she sighed. ''Did something happen? Where are they? How bad it is?'' she asked quickly.
Sasuke frowned.
''A bit worse than usual,'' he said plainly. ''You should prepare Tsunade-sama first!''
''Oh no! How mad will she be?''
She took his arm to check for injuries. He stopped her.
''She might become extremely furious,'' he said in serious voice. ''But I'm fine!'' he added, as she was trying to undress him in front of the hospital just to be sure he was not lying.
''Is it Shikamaru? Or Itachi-san?'' she asked, finally letting go of him as she was expecting the rest of his team to show up soon.
Sasuke shook his head.
''It's the hostage and-''
He didn't manage to finish his sentence as they were both stunned by Orochimaru's sudden arrival. His clothes were torn and his skin seemed darker than usual. Sakura startled.
''Go get Tsunade-sama,'' Sasuke said to her, seeing her surprised face.
Sakura nodded and left to get Tsunade.
''I don't need that old hag!'' she could hear Orochimaru's angry voice behind her.
No wonder Sasuke had told her she should prepare Tsunade for this! Sakura should have known that something must have gone wrong when nobody else came back yet. She sighed and hurried to Tsunade's office.
''Sakura!'' Tsunade greeted her when she'd come in without knocking. ''I thought I'd told you to-''
Sakura interrupted her scolding.
''They are back!''
Tsunade stood up.
''How bad is it? Who is injured?'' she asked quickly.
''Well,'' Sakura began, ''it's the hostage-''
''That's what've expected'' , Tsunade said plainly. ''Shikamaru?''
''He is fine, it's the-''
''Sharingan again?'' Tsunade frowned.
''No, it's the-''
''I will kill him one day, I swear!'' Tsunade shouted.
Sakura carefully nodded. Tsunade sighed.
''Is it like the last time?''
''I'm not sure,'' Sakura shrugged.
''Well,'' Tsunade clapped her hands, ''you are free to go! I'll prepare everything, just tell them I'll be right down.''
Sakura nodded and left extremely furious Tsunade. She sped up to tell Sasuke what Tsunade'd told her. And maybe check for his injuries again.
She met him in a flash. Sasuke was ready to leave again, but Orochimaru was kneeling few steps away from the entrance. She frowned, but she didn't want to do anything on her own. Last time Orochimaru was in hospital, she was in charge of him while Tsunade was taking care of other patients and he even objected to Tsunade's orders! His objections were insane just like his strength and she decided it's the best to let Tsunade take care of him.
''Will he be all right?'' she quietly asked Sasuke, as they were standing few steps away from Orochimaru. But he was injured, not deaf.
''Of course I will!'' he grumbled. ''I'm not made of glass!''
Sakura startled. Sasuke must have noticed, because he embraced her hand gently.
''Don't worry,'' he said quietly. ''He rarely bites.''
Sakura knew he was trying to cheer her up, but she was now even more concerned.
''Are you really all right?'' she asked quickly. ''Please, let me check!''
He smiled at her.
''I'm perfectly fine, don't worry.''
''Then what happened?'' she said through clenched teeth, pointing with her head at Orochimaru.
''You see, he has different methods,'' he began, but Sakura's glare stopped him. ''But I would never do such a thing!''
Sakura was about to start lecture him about possible side effects, but Tsunade showed up.
''You did it again, didn't you?''
Not injured, Tsunade was yelling louder than Orochimaru.
Sakura startled again. Sasuke made his grip tighter to calm her. She hated yelling! She was so glad Sasuke never yells. Well, he does, but only when he is frenetic which was rare. And she did everything to not make him mad. Maybe a bit annoyed, but never mad.
''Let me see!'' Tsunade came closer to her friend.
''I said I was fine!'' he roared.
''I'm glad!'' Hokage said sarcastically. ''Please be so kind and enter the hospital so we don't have to carry you later!''
''Your hospital won't make me stronger,'' Orochimaru sneered.
''Maybe I should-,'' Sakura began, but Tsunade interrupted her.
''No, you two are coming with me!'' Tsunade said quickly and started to walk. ''And if I find him here when we get back, I will kill him personally!''
Sakura shrugged. Sasuke was still holding her hand so she began to follow Tsunade the same moment he decided to leave.
''Is this the right thing to do?'' Sakura asked Tsunade, who was already quite ahead of them.
''I'm too mad to deal with him now,'' Tsunade said hastily. ''If I'm lucky, it will be over when I get back.''
Sasuke let go of Sakura's hand when they reached the village gate. Tsunade stopped to talk to Sasuke.
''How far are they?''
''Not very far,'' Sasuke replied, ''but Shikamaru didn't want to move him after he'd passed out for the third time.''
Tsunade frowned.
''Then it's worse than I'd expected,'' she concluded. ''And you,'' she turned to Sakura, ''I told you to leave, you are off duty tonight!''
Sasuke seemed surprised to hear that.
''Yeah, but-''
''No buts!'' Tsunade shouted and left them alone as she wanted to hurry to meet with Shikamaru and the injured hostage.
Sakura frowned. But Sasuke caressed her cheek, so she had to smile!
''I have to leave now,'' he said softly and kissed her on the forehead.
''I know,'' she said sadly. ''But you'll be back soon?'' she added much happily.
He sighed.
''I'm not sure,'' he said and frowned. ''We had one unplanned encounter and this was Shikamaru's first mission and we should see Hokage-sama as soon as possible.''
''But you did it last time!'' Sakura protested. ''Isn't this time your brother's turn?''
''Yeah, but I thought you will be at the hospital so I suggested to do it instead of him,'' Sasuke explained.
She frowned.
''And he's asleep anyway!'' she persisted.
''Don't be mad,'' he said softly, holding her hand again. ''I have a surprise for you tomorrow.''
He smiled. She had to smile too. Why was he so sweet and adorable when she was trying to be upset for leaving her by herself tonight?
He embraced her again and she squeezed him tightly.
''It's just,'' she said quietly, ''I missed you.''
He met her gaze and smiled.
''I missed you more.''
She grinned and he gave her a quick kiss.
''I really, really need to go now,'' he said, looking towards the direction Tsunade had left.
She let go of him and smiled. He turned to leave.
''Take care!'' she yelled after him.
''Don't worry so much!'' he replied, but already far away.
''Impossible!'' she yelled, knowing he probably couldn't hear her, already far away to catch up with Tsunade.
Sakura sighed and left to return to the village centre.
At least she was calmer now that Sasuke's back. She quickly checked if he's harmed while they were hugging. And she knew he'd noticed. She smiled. He knew her so well and he never got mad because of her constant worry. Sakura, on the other hand, was very mad because of his carelessness.
She should probably go home and get some sleep. But what if Sasuke decides to meet her later? He won't wake her up as he was too considerate. And partly because he hated being woken up.
She suggested they should start living together, but that would be too much to expect as his family was quite conservative on that matter. They weren't very thrilled when he got engaged before his brother.
She wondered what kind of surprise he's been preparing. She secretly hoped that he's finally made up his mind about the wedding date. Not like she was trying to rush him or anything! She was happy the way they were now, as long as he is not in the hospital too much.
She was now few blocks away from her apartment, still indecisive what to do. She couldn't know how long Sasuke will be busy and she was willing to wait a bit longer as long as she gets the chance to kiss him again. Or something more.
Girls' giggling caught her attention. On the street to her left was a bar where she used to hang out with Ino while waiting for Sasuke. But Ino was doing the night shift and Sakura didn't want to come near to none of the grumpy Sannins as two of them will be in the hospital soon.
She came closer to the bar and saw three young kunoichi laughing over something. Sakura sighed. She was like that few months ago, carefree and spending time with friends. After Sasuke's long waited proposal, her life completely changed. He joined IOS, Naruto left Konoha and she was suspecting Ino started to avoiding her as she couldn't stand Sakura's happy face and infinite worry for Sasuke. Ino was assuring her she was not jealous at all, but Sakura noticed their relationship had changed.
Giggling suddenly stopped when a dark-haired man appeared in front of the girls. He didn't greet them as he was determined to enter the bar.
Sakura frowned. She has seen him before. But there was no way he was that same person.
She decided to ask the young kunoichi.
''Who was that?'' she asked plainly when they had noticed her approaching.
''Uchiha,'' one of them replied.
That wasn't helpful as all Uchihas were dark-haired and always made others flinch because of their scary glare.
''Itachi-san?'' Sakura asked.
They all shrugged, as they were too young to be teamed up with him and he was rarely hanging out in a place like this.
''The scariest one!'' Sakura added.
They all nodded.
Sakura sneered. It was impossible to overlook his glare. She left the girls alone.
What was he doing here? Were they done already? Maybe Sasuke would meet her soon!
She sighed. She had no idea how long will the briefing with Kakashi last. But it can't hurt to find out more!
Sakura entered the bar.
It was quite crowded and lively. Almost everyone was here! Neji's ANBU team, but without their captain, few young shinobi she has met during chunin exam and couple of familiar faces! Lee, Kiba, Tenten and Hinata were sitting at the table far from the entrance, but it was easy to spot them as Tenten was talking pretty loud about something.
They didn't see her, but she would greet them later unless Itachi has good news for her.
He was sitting at the bar, talking with other Uchiha clan member and it seemed to her like he was in a good mood. He wasn't smiling, but he was looking less hostile than usual. The conversation he was having with another Uchiha wasn't too important as Sakura could see he was distracted with something else. Sakura hesitated for a moment, but suddenly the Uchiha got up, leaving a seat next to Itachi empty! She couldn't waste another second!
''Itachi-san!'' she greeted him happily.
They had spoken once or twice before, as he was just her fiancé's brother and he was kind of introverted person. But she wasn't about to ask him personal questions!
''Sakura-chan,'' he nodded to greet her.
She didn't plan to sit next to him as she was about to leave as soon as she finds out what he's been doing here, so she was just standing on his right, leaning on the empty seat.
She wanted to ask a simple question, but his good mood vanished when he'd seen her. Or she just imagined he wasn't grumpy in the first place just to encourage herself. Sakura took a deep breath.
''How come you are here already?'' she asked cheerfully.
''Tsunade-sama's treatment,'' he said indifferently, ''was very effective.''
''Huh.''
''And I'm here,'' he gave her glare, ''because I feel like it.''
What's with him anyway? She asked him a perfectly normal thing and he looked very annoyed.
''Sure,'' she said cheerfully. ''And Sasuke-''
''Will meet with you after he's done,'' he interrupted her and deflected his gaze.
''Right!'' she said happily. ''Have a nice night, Itachi-san!''
He nodded.
''Sakura-chan.''
She turned to leave. What's his problem? He went out and he was in a bad mood anyway. And Sasuke was doing his part of duty!
She only wanted to be sure everything went well, but she didn't dare to bother him more as he was too grouchy for her to handle. Maybe mission hasn't been so great for him.
She turned to him to check if he's injured, but he wasn't looking in her direction as the other Uchiha had come back and they were talking again. Even if he's injured, probably it's not so bad.
Sakura sighed and headed towards the door.
''Sakura-chan!''
A well-known voice called her name. She knew that voice well as it has screamed 'Naruto-kun' for years and she could never forget it.
Sakura grinned when she saw Hinata waving at her. Sakura waved back.
''Sakura's here?'' Kiba turned to see her, as he was sitting opposite of Hinata.
Sakura walked up to their table to prevent further yelling.
''Hi, everybody!'' she greeted them. ''Having fun?''
''Just killing time,'' Kiba replied bluntly.
Lee stood up.
''What do you want to drink, Sakura-chan? I will get it for you!''
Sakura smiled.
''Thanks, Lee, I was just passing by.''
''Isn't Sasuke-kun on a mission?'' Tenten asked quickly, as Lee was trying to leave the table to get Sakura's drink she hadn't ordered.
''Sort of.''
''Then why is Itachi-san sitting over there?'' Hinata asked quickly.
Sakura sighed.
''Long story.''
''Great, you can tell us!'' Tenten said cheerfully. ''Lee, get her anything, just stop annoying me!''
They all got up to make a room for Sakura and for Lee to get her a drink, and she ended up sitting next to Hinata.
''So,'' Tenten began, ''when will Sasuke-kun get some time off so you two can get married?''
''I don't know,'' Sakura said honestly. ''We are not in a hurry.''
''Yeah,'' Kiba agreed, ''what's the rush? You've got plenty of time!''
Sakura sighed. She didn't want to hear about Sasuke. She wanted to be with him. And she definitely didn't want to hear everybody discussing her wedding.
''Is everything all right?'' Hinata asked kindly.
''Yeah, it's all right,'' Sakura said quickly. ''Why do you ask?''
''You seemed upset when you got here,'' Hinata explained.
''It's nothing, really,'' Sakura smiled at her.
''Is Sasuke-kun hurt?'' she persisted.
''No,'' Sakura said quickly.
Kiba sneered.
''You can stop, Hinata!'' he said teasingly. ''We all know you want to ask her about Naruto!''
Sakura raised an eyebrow and, just like everyone else, expected Hinata to blush like she always did whenever someone had mentioned her crush.
But she didn't.
Lee came back bringing Sakura her drink.
''You shouldn't have, Lee,'' Sakura said happily as he sat opposite of her, next to Kiba.
''It's nothing, Sakura-chan,'' Lee said quickly. ''Remember that time I was in hospital and you were so kind to me?''
Sakura smiled. Lee was the only shinobi who was in hospital almost the same amount of time as Sasuke and Naruto.
''Not to mention how good you were to Hinata's love,'' Tenten sneered.
Hinata seemed surprised, but not blushing at all. Something was different.
''How come you are out tonight, Hinata?'' Sakura asked. ''I have never seen you here before.''
Hinata startled.
''Yeah,'' Lee agreed. ''And we asked you to come with us million times.''
''And this is the first time you joined us,'' Tenten added.
Sakura smirked.
''Maybe she's waiting for someone!''
Hinata was looking like she was uncomfortable.
''I, I, I am not waiting!'' she stuttered.
''The one she wants won't be back tonight,'' Kiba said indifferently.
''Oh knock it off!'' Tenten snapped. ''Naruto is not the only one, you know.''
''Whatever,'' Kiba rolled his eyes.
''Besides,'' Tenten said seriously, ''there are many good-looking guys in Konoha she could find attractive!''
They all looked at her.
''What?'' she stuttered. ''I mean, not that I like someone! We are talking about Hinata now!'' she added quickly.
They all chuckled.
''Well, there are many shinobi coming back tonight,'' Kiba yawned.
''Let's see!'' Tenten began. ''Neji's team, then Shino's team, but they are too young, right?''
Tenten was trying to remember all shinobi who were still on a mission and Kiba was trying to explain that nobody will ever be like Naruto. Sakura chuckled. Kiba was right, but so was Tenten about the attractive shinobi. Not that she was interested. Ever.
Lee wasn't participating in their discussion as he was checking out one of the three kunoichi Sakura had met outside earlier. She assumed he was looking only one of them, as he was too romantic kind of guy to consider all three of them to be his possible date.
What surprised Sakura the most was Hinata's indifference after mentioning Naruto. Sakura didn't know her that well, so maybe Hinata just got used to teasing and stopped blushing. Tenten's and Kiba's conversation didn't seem to bother her either. She was enjoying her drink and occasionally looking around the bar.
Sakura was glad Hinata wasn't worked up about Naruto like before. She matured and started to behave like a true heiress of Hyuuga clan. Sakura wondered if achieving a jounin rank had affected her.
Just like Hinata, Sakura was looking around the bar, so she wasn't listening to senseless debate. She was in search for any sign of concern on Itachi's behaviour and, although he wasn't acting as usual, she felt relieved as he seemed easygoing. That gave her hope the mission briefing will be over soon and she will finally be where she belonged-in Sasuke's arms!
''Lee,'' Tenten said suddenly, ''why don't you talk to that cute girl already? This is the third night you've been stalking her!''
Lee blushed a bit. Sakura chuckled.
''Yeah,'' Kiba sneered. ''If you wait for too long, she'll run away. All the way to Suna!''
''Or worse,'' Tenten giggled. ''Get engaged to a sharingan user!''
Lee was looking upset.
''It's not that easy, you know!'' he protested.
''Come on, Lee, what's the worst that can happen?'' Tenten taunted.
''It's easy for you girls,'' he said sadly. ''You are cute and adorable and nobody ever rejects you!''
Kiba sneered.
''You can't be serious.''
''I have to agree,'' Sakura nodded. ''It's the same for both.''
''I mean,'' Tenten began, ''do you really think Hinata would approach her crush and just start talking to him?''
''It's easy for her because he is not here!'' Lee snapped.
Sakura looked at Hinata.
''He is here, isn't he?'' Sakura said happily.
''Hinata!'' Tenten put a palm over her mouth to stop yelling.
''Shhhhhh!'' Hinata shushed them.
That has been the first time Sakura heard Hinata shushing someone. It has been the first time to see her red like this, also. She was red around Naruto, but that was nothing like this. Sakura smirked. So that's what was all about. She was still shy as alwyas, but her crush was someone else!
''That's why you had told us you're not waiting for anybody,'' Kiba reminded.
''I told you to be quiet!'' Hinata snapped.
Sakura stunned. She was serious about it.
''All right,'' Sakura said firmly, ''we won't tease you, but you have to tell us something!''
''Is he that totally cute guy next to Lee's crush?'' Tenten ignored Sakura.
Lee flinched instead of Hinata.
''Oh just go talk to her!'' Kiba prodded him. ''You will totally charm her!''
Lee stood up.
''That's right!'' he encouraged himself. ''I have nothing to lose!''
They all chuckled when Lee left their table.
''See, Hinata,'' Tenten said softly, ''maybe you should try it too!''
Kiba was too busy analysing all the men in the room to find out who might have caught Hinata's eye and Hinata covered her red face with her long hair.
''They all seem cute to me,'' Tenten said happily. ''All you have to do is get his attention as soon as possible!''
Hinata didn't reply. Sakura didn't want to show her curiosity, but she was scanning the guys in the bar too. She was sure about one thing – nobody resembled Naruto in any way! That made her even more eager to find out who was this special guy!
''They are all lame,'' Kiba said indifferently.
''How can you say that?'' Tenten hissed. ''The ANBU team is here, and couple of young Uchihas!'' she pointed out.
Hinata seemed more anxious than ever.
''Just forget it!'' she said firmly.
''Please, please, we won't tell anybody!'' Tenten pleaded.
Hinata shook her head.
''You know, we can just start shouting random names, to see which one will make you blush the most!'' Kiba said plainly.
Sakura stunned. He couldn't be serious! But it was true. And Hinata knew it too. She frowned.
''You really enjoy torturing me, don't you?'' she said sadly.
''There's nothing to be ashamed of,'' Tenten said cheerfully. ''Just tell us!''
''It's easy for you to say,'' Hinata frowned.
''Well,'' Sakura began, ''if you can't tell us, when will he find out?''
''I don't know,'' she replied sadly.
''Oh just spit it out!'' Tenten persisted.
Hinata sighed.
''It's nothing serious and nothing will ever happen.''
''Maybe we can help,'' Kiba said honestly.
Hinata shook her head.
''Or I can tell them some very embarrassing stuff I know,'' he sneered.
''You would never!'' Hinata snapped.
Sakura smirked. Hinata will tell them if they persist a bit more. But she wanted to find out sooner.
''I have an idea!'' she began. ''Have you ever played Truth or dare?''
They all nodded.
''Great!'' Sakura clapped her hands. ''Hinata must tell us the truth or do whatever we want!'' Sakura said happily. ''But that doesn't include her crush!'' she added, seeing Hinata frowning.
Tenten frowned too.
''I don't want a stupid dare.''
''Don't worry,'' Sakura said quickly, ''I came up with something she would never do!''
''Never?'' Kiba repeated. ''And it doesn't include violence or striping?''
''Never ever!'' Sakura grinned. ''And it's perfectly common action.''
Kiba raised an eyebrow.
''Action?''
''It's a dare and we don't care about it! I want the truth!'' Tenten complained.
However, Hinata looked like she was ready to do anything but confess her heart's desire.
''I want to hear what's the dare,'' she said quietly, but determined.
''All right!'' Sakura said happily. ''Either you tell us who you're in love with or,'' she paused for more drama, ''you will get up and talk for at least five minutes to,'' she paused again to make them even more impatient, ''Uchiha Itachi!''
Sakura smiled victoriously after seeing Tenten's and Kiba's startled faces. Hinata could barely object to her idea as she was too shocked.
''Sakura-chan,'' she stuttered, ''why?''
Tenten interrupted Sakura's explanation.
''You are the best, Sakura! She will tell us!''
''Yeah,'' Kiba agreed, ''nobody can talk to that guy for five minutes!''
Sakura met Hinata's gaze.
''But we have nothing in common! How will I start a conversation, he doesn't even know who I am!'' Hinata said desperately.
''That's why he's perfect for this!'' Sakura exulted.
This night wasn't so bad after all. At least for Kiba and Tenten, although not so good for Hinata.
''Come on, Hinata, it was a fair deal,'' Tenten rushed her, ''and we won't tell anyone!''
Kiba sneered.
''Sure.''
Sakura was smirking while looking at Hinata who was nervously trying to decide what to do.
''We won't tease you, either,'' Sakura assured her.
Hinata forced a smile.
''Very well,'' she said quietly.
They all got closer to Hinata to hear her out. Hinata looked at them all.
''Ready?'' Kiba asked.
Hinata took a deep breath and nodded.
Sakura couldn't believe it! Hinata will tell them!
And she did. Hinata did something so surprising for all of them. She stood up.
''Hi-hi-hinata!'' Tenten stuttered, ''you-you-you can't be serious!''
Hinata looked at Sakura.
''Five minutes?''
Sakura was too stunned to respond.
''And the mission went well?'' Hinata asked again.
''Hinata,'' Sakura sounded worried, ''I was just joking, I didn't mean-''
Hinata couldn't hear her any more because she shrugged quickly and left the table. To talk to Uchiha Itachi. For five minutes.
''Sakura!'' Tenten hissed. ''Look what you've done!''
''I didn't think she would actually do it!'' Sakura explained. ''Ever!''
Kiba rolled his eyes.
''If she annoys him too much, he can always perform a genjutsu.''
''That's even worse!'' Tenten screamed.
''What's up here?'' Lee came back.
''Nothing much,'' Kiba said indifferently. ''Just torturing Hinata.''
But Sakura didn't notice hesitation in Hinata's stance.
She walked up to Itachi and said something that got his attention. In this seat Sakura could see only Hinata's face, as Itachi was standing in front of her.
He even stood up! And Hinata was smiling and she was looking a bit nervous, but not red at all!
''How did your wooing go?'' Tenten asked Lee.
''She said she was busy at the moment,'' Lee sighed.
''Don't give up!'' Tenten cheered.
''Meh,'' Lee said sadly, ''it's just another way of telling someone they've been bugging you!''
Sakura couldn't listen to their talking any more as she was too astonished by Hinata's smooth conversational skills. She didn't talk a lot, but it didn't seem like she doesn't have anything to say. Maybe that's why she had asked about the mission! To have a topic to talk about! That's why she has postponed telling them! She has never intended to tell them.
Sakura frowned. Who was that mysterious guy Hinata didn't want for anyone to know? He must have been very important since she had agreed to talk to Itachi!
''Sakura, what seems to be the problem?'' Tenten asked bluntly.
Sakura was speechless. Everybody must have noticed surprise on her face as they were looking at the same direction like her to find out what she had seen.
''They-they- they are leaving!'' Tenten managed to say.
''Uh-huh,'' Sakura nodded.
''Together?'' Kiba was taken aback too.
Sakura nodded again, still not looking at anyone but Itachi and Hinata who were walking towards the door. Hinata shrugged when she met Sakura's gaze. And he was the one following her!
''Genjutsu,'' Kiba sneered.
''No way,'' Tenten protested.
Lee shrugged.
''Told you,'' he said sadly, ''it's easier for girls!''
''Well,'' Sakura began, ''five minutes are not up yet, but she took it too seriously.''
Tenten shrugged.
''I don't understand why she-''
Tenten suddenly stopped talking as she had noticed a nervous girl staring at her across the room.
''Lee!'' Tenten called Lee, who seemed absent.
Lee flinched.
''Lee, somebody's waiting for you,'' Tenten pointed with her head towards the girl Lee'd talked to earlier.
Lee nearly jumped out of his skin after noticing cute kunoichi smiling at him, but too shy to walk up to a table crowded with unfamiliar jounins.
''Come on, don't make her wait too long!'' Sakura encouraged him.
''Well,'' Lee stood up, ''good night everyone!''
They all chuckled.
''Maybe it is easier for girls,'' Kiba said after Lee'd left.
''Well,'' Tenten began, ''if you weren't so indifferent all the time, maybe you would find yourself a girlfriend!''
''I'm not indifferent, I just didn't find the right one!'' Kiba snapped.
''All of them will become taken if you don't hurry!''
Tenten kept provoking him, he was getting angry, but Sakura didn't care as she was occupied with the missing couple. Her eyes were on the door and her thoughts focused on Hinata's smile she'd had when she was leaving the place.
Five minutes had passed long ago and Sakura was getting anxious. She wanted Hinata to come back! She had to ask her so many questions! First would be what she had told Itachi he agreed to go out? The bar was full of their acquaintances, but they were supposed to have a casual conversation anyone could hear! Maybe she'd just told him about their stupid game and he didn't mind to leave so they have waited outside for those five minutes to pass. He would never do it, not in a million years!
And she had said he didn't even know who she was! Then again, Hinata was always exaggerating about those kind of things. She was so sad before, thinking Naruto didn't know her name, and when he once called for her by her first name, she almost passed out! She has been so sweet back then. She still was sweet, except tonight she wasn't even blushing while talking to Itachi!
None of that made any sense and Sakura decided to find out where they have gone.
''I'm going to get some fresh air!'' she said while getting up.
Kiba and Tenten were in the middle of another debate and not so interested in Hinata's missing. Sakura assumed she won't be missed even if she decides not to come back.
There wes no sign of Hinata or Itachi around the bar. It was pretty late and everyone outside the bar were about to go home.
Sakura frowned. Maybe they had talked and decided to go home too! But Hinata would never leave without saying goodbye to her friends. And Itachi was also here with friends. Maybe he was injured after all and Hinata walked him to hospital! But why would she do that instead of asking for Sakura's help?
She refused to even think about possible genjutsu Itachi put Hinata under to avoid further conversation with her! He wasn't sociable person, but Sakura didn't think he would do that.
Sasuke was always talking about him like he was some sort of perfect role-model, not only to him but to any clan member. Loyal and strong, devoted and peaceful, like he was some god-like shinobi who has already reached unattainable perfection. Thanks to that kind of reputation among all Konoha shinobi, he was an absolute heir of an Uchiha clan. His difficult personality none clan member perceived as difficult as they were all gloomy and unreadable.
Except for Sasuke, of course. Sakura wanted to think it's because of her Sasuke was more friendly towards others than any other Uchiha, but everybody knew that's Naruto's credit. He was always acting cheerful and carefree. But now Sakura had to find a guy who was his complete opposite and a girl who was more willing to talk to him than reveal her new sweetheart!
''Looking for that Uchiha again?'' kunoichi from earlier made Sakura startled.
''Yes!'' she said, a bit to nervously. ''Did you see him?''
''Yeah,'' the girl replied, ''he went that way.''
She was pointing at the hospital's direction.
''Thank you!'' Sakura said quickly and went in the same direction.
Maybe he was injured. Or decided to check the hostage. Or maybe-
''But he was with his girlfriend!'' Sakura heard the girl behind her.
She turned to the girl again.
''Girlfriend?'' Sakura stuttered.
The girl nodded.
''Why would you think that?'' Sakura said nervously. ''What were they doing?''
''Talking, I guess,'' the girl shrugged. ''They seemed close though''.
''Close?'' Sakura was stunned.
''I'm sorry, did I ruin your night, did you want to be his girlfriend?'' the girl asked sadly, probably after seeing Sakura's aghast face.
''I didn't!'' Sakura snapped. ''I mean, thank you so much, but I have to find her!'' Sakura said quickly and left.
Girlfriend? They seemed close? Sakura has never seen Itachi near any girl, especially not in a way she would think she was his girlfriend! And he wasn't close to anyone! And Hinata! She had said she didn't even know him! And she was so much younger than him!
Sakura smiled. What was she thinking about? That girl probably got it all wrong. Itachi probably said something completely normal, Hinata blushed a bit and that was suspicious for anyone who didn't know both of them. However, Sakura really wanted to find any of them right now.
She was walking fast down the street and turned to the left on a crossing as she was heading to the hospital. Empty streets were giving her chills. Not that she was afraid, but walking by herself and checking every dark alley made Sakura a bit nervous. She wasn't even sure why she's looking for Hinata. She was a grown-up and she agreed to leave with Itachi and wherever they were now, couldn't be Sakura's fault! Hinata just needed to talk to him! It would be so much simpler if she had just confessed she liked Kiba and they would live happily ever after!
Sakura was always thinking too much. When Ino had asked about Sasuke's missions and her hospital duties, Sakura accused her she was interested so much because she wanted to know when will Sasuke be alone so she could seduce him! Later Sakura found out Ino was asking about the missions' difficulty because she'd heard Shikamaru might join IOS too. And she had planned to ask Sakura about medical stuff to improve her skills. After Ino'd accepted Sakura's apology, Sakura made her confess she has been in love with Shikamaru. But she hasn't. No wonder Ino wasn't spending so much time with her lately.
Sakura sighed and forced herself to think straight about all of this. The most obvious reason for Hinata and Itachi not returning to the bar was because they had gone. Itachi got back from a mission and probably didn't feel like talking. Hinata, on the other hand, didn't want to continue discussion on her love life and she left too.
Sakura smirked. It was simple as that. But she was always complicating and imagining things.
Maybe she should just go home and wait for Sasuke. And maybe on her way home, she can just say good night to Tenten and Kiba as the bar was in the same direction.
She headed to her apartment, totally laid-back about everything that had happened tonight.
Sakura was just about to turn left to return to the street bar's located, when she'd heard a quiet sound coming from a dark alley near her very similar to a girl's chuckle. Sakura wondered if that's Lee with the young kunoichi. She frowned when she'd remembered that she wanted to do the same, only with Sasuke. And in her apartment. And maybe not in a complete dark this time.
Sakura really didn't intend to check who that was until she didn't hear the male voice.
That voice made her flinch. She took a deep breath and as quietly as possible came closer to the dark alley where the giggling was coming from.
Sakura's heartbeat got faster. It was a quiet, but deep male voice she'd heard a moment before. A familiar voice. She snuck up to the alleyway and leaned with her back on the wall. She didn't want to interrupt anything as she thought both participants sounded happy to do whatever they've been doing. She just wanted to check if she had mistaken that male voice for someone else's. She was really hoping she had because she'd heard Itachi's voice coming from the dark lane.
Sakura swallowed. Just one quick look and she is off!
After a really short view, Sakura shut her mouth with both of her hands in case her mind wouldn't be able to supress her screaming. And she was certain everyone would have screamed if they had seen what she just saw!
She couldn't move as she was too astonished, so she was just breathing heavily, looking around for another witness. There was no one around but her. And them. She sighed.
The male voice was Itachi's.
''Are you sure?'' he had asked quietly.
Sakura didn't hear the answer, but now she knew who probably replied positively.
She finally calmed down and put her head into her palms. The girl who was with Itachi in the dark alley must have agreed to whatever he'd suggested as her actions wasn't showing any disapproval of his actions.
Sakura put her palms over her mouth again. She wanted to scream. She hated yelling, but now she wished to yell her name to stop her and ask why would she kiss anyone if she had a crush on someone else?
It was quite dark, but Sakura's eyes got used to it and when she gave a quick look towards the alleyway, she was certain she'd seen two long-haired apparitions. They weren't still and Sakura could see clearly enough both of them thanks to street lamp not too far from them.
She recognized Itachi right away by his regular clothes he was always wearing when he was off duty. And a girl moved her head a bit and her hair's lustre was dark blue.
Hinata and Itachi were making out passionately in the dark alleyway!
Sakura was sure they hadn't noticed her presence as she heard more of Hinata's quiet chuckling.
What was she doing with him? This was the first time they had spoken! And she was so shy and young, she couldn't be doing something like this in some random dark alley!
Sakura startled. The bar! The moment that thought crossed her mind she started running towards the bar. There was no way Hinata would do such a thing! She seemed to enjoy his hair all over her face and her hands were all over him too. And since it was just a glance, Sakura wasn't sure if Hinata's vest was unzipped or Sakura was imagining again.
She entered the bar and, without delaying, came to talk to the Uchiha that Itachi's been talking to earlier.
''Hey, excuse me,'' she said quickly, trying to breathe normally.
He looked surprised by her arrival.
''How many drinks did Itachi-san have?'' she asked hastily, not waiting for his greeting.
''None,'' the man replied plainly. ''He doesn't drink alcohol.''
Sakura stunned. This was worse than she had thought!
She nodded instead of saying thanks and literally ran to the table where Kiba and Tenten were still sitting at.
''Sakura, what happened?'' Tenten asked when she'd see Sakura.
''Nothing,'' Sakura said quickly. ''Did Hinata have any alcohol tonight?''
Tenten raised an eyebrow.
''Why do you ask? Is everything okay?''
''She is fine!'' Sakura replied. ''Did she drink and how much?''
Kiba frowned.
''She never drinks alcohol,'' he said seriously. ''Are you sure everything's-''
Sakura couldn't hear him as she ran out of the bar. She was heading back to the crime scene, maybe she's mistaken them, maybe they did drink, but nobody had noticed! That just didn't seem right!
A deep male voice stopped her from her intention to run to the dark alley. This time she was glad she had heard it.
''Sakura, is everything all right?''
''Sasuke!''
That was all she managed to say as he walked up to her and she hugged him, thrilled to see him.
''Why are you running?'' he asked seriously. ''Did something happen?''
''No, no, it's nothing,'' she said happily. ''Are you off duty?''
He nodded.
''Finally!'' she blurted.
He chuckled and kissed her tenderly.
''Where were you heading to?'' he asked, noticing her breathing wasn't calm yet.
Sakura startled. How should she tell him what she'd seen? How would she explain why Hinata and Itachi were alone in the first place?
''And what are you doing here?'' she asked quickly. ''Looking for Itachi-san?''
He frowned.
''Why would I be looking for him? He is probably at home,'' he said indifferently. ''I thought you wanted to meet up later.''
''I did!'' she said happily and took his hand. ''Can we check something first?''
He shrugged and she dragged him to the dark alley.
On their way, she was trying to find out if she could bee wrong about Itachi and Hinata.
''I know this will sound silly, but was your brother excited about coming back tonight?''
She tried to sound indifferently, but Sasuke knew her well.
''Why? You saw him in a good mood?''
If he only knew! But Sakura still wasn't sure as it seemed too strange for her.
''No reason,'' she said happily. ''And would he tell you if he had any special girl on his mind?''
Sasuke sneered.
''Sakura, have you been drinking?''
''No, I just-''
''Or you forgot who my brother was?''
''Right,'' Sakura sighed.
When they got to the dark alley, there was no chuckling or giggling or male voices. Even if they were here a moment before, the dark alley was now completely calm and quiet.
''You stalker!'' Ino scolded her.
Temari looked disappointed.
''That's it?''
''Oh believe me, it was a big deal!'' Ino said quickly. ''You should have seen everyone when their relationship became non secret!''
Temari chuckled.
Hinata didn't seem like she was embarrassed at all.
''You are not yelling,'' Sakura noticed and smiled.
''First of all, that was very mean,'' Temari said seriously, ''and it didn't sound like Hinata at all but it wasn't as bad as I had imagined.''
''I told you, but you refused to listen!''
Temari smiled and turned to Hinata.
''So, Hinata, we only need to hear your side of the story.''
Hinata nodded. Ino wasn't very happy about it.
''You mustn't do it without me! And I have to go to work!'' she said sadly. ''And I don't want to miss their kiss, either!''
Temari sighed.
''What?'' Ino snapped. ''I'm not allowed to have work to do?''
Temari rolled her eyes, not in a mood for another argument.
''Great!'' Ino stood up. ''We'll meet up again soon!''
They all got up as Ino was waving with the apartment's keys to lock the door.
''Sakura, I will still scold you for this along the way!'' Ino chuckled.
''You don't have to scold her!'' Temari said seriously. ''Hinata made the decision on her own. She could tell them she likes him or keep her secret and actually do something about it!'' she commended.
Sakura smirked.
''Even if she had told us she liked Itachi, we wouldn't have believed it anyway!''
Hinata grinned.
''See,'' Temari looked at her, ''you can do everything if you are determined.''
Ino rolled her eyes.
''I didn't mean that, Temari,'' she said angrily ''Sakura hasn't told me this! She was just going on and on about how Sasuke-kun had proposed to her for the second time that night!'
''Really?'' Hinata asked happily. ''Then why didn't you tell us that too?''
''Because it's boring!'' Ino snapped. ''And if I hear it one more time, I won't be her maid of honour!''
Sakura frowned.
''It's not boring! It's-''
''Ultra boring!'' Ino interrupted her.
Temari chuckled.
''You have been proposed to, Hinata, and I know they don't want to know, but I would like to hear it.''
Hinata nodded.
''Great!'' Temari clapped her hands. ''I'll be leaving now. Ino, get some sleep at night!'' she said firmly.
''I thought all point of this was to do what we want,'' she sneered.
Temari gave her glare.
''They have to do it, you have to obey!''
''Well, I do!'' Ino smiled slyly. ''Just not you!''
Temari sighed.
''See you!'' Ino was trying to hurry them.
''Just one more thing before we part,'' Temari said quickly.
Ino sighed. Temari looked at Hinata.
''He was the one who kissed you, right?''
Hinata nodded.
''But he asked for permission first!'' she added.
''Of course he did,'' Temari smirked.
''Well?'' Ino was impatient.
''And now we know,'' Temari replied. ''From Sakura's point of view, it sounded a lot like your story.''
Ino raised an eyebrow.
''Really?'' she sneered. ''Like you got Shikamaru differently!''
''Now that was a completely different situation!'' Temari snapped.
''So?'' Ino provoked. ''It ended up with you on top of him!''
Temari gave her glare.
''You know,'' Sakura began, ''this is the second time you talk about Shikamaru for no special reason.''
Ino sighed.
''Forehead, in your opinion, I'm probably madly in love with Itachi-san and I have never spoken to him,'' she mocked.
Ino met Temari's gaze.
''I'm not in love with anyone, okay?'' she said, a bit annoyed. ''Besides,'' she continued plainly, ''Shikamaru's father wouldn't be glad if I were.''
''How come?'' Sakura asked.
''He adores Temari!'' Ino explained. ''He asked me at least ten times if Shikamaru's bringing her to the wedding.''
Temari smirked.
''I'm bringing him, actually, as I am special guest from Suna.''
Hinata smiled.
''But they have to escort Kazekage personally,'' she added.
''Right,'' Temari nodded. ''See you later then!''
Temari left.
Hinata stopped to greet them.
''Thank you so much for doing this,'' she said happily.
''Oh, we are not doing anything,'' Sakura said honestly.
''Yeah,'' Ino said quickly, ''Temari is the one who is tormenting everyone.''
They all chuckled.
''Forehead, if you're going with me, we need to hurry!'' Ino rushed her. ''And Tsunade-sama forbade me sleeping at the hospital!''
''See you, Hinata!'' Sakura yelled and ran to catch up Ino.
Hinata waved at them.