Just one taste
''Sakura! Do you ever shop for groceries?'' Ino asked while closing Sakura's fridge.
''Well, I had some cereal for breakfast, so milk is gone and-,'' Sakura began, but Ino was opening all of her kitchen cabinets, looking for something that obviously wasn't there as Sakura never cooked.
After their last meeting, Temari suggested they should do something more relaxing for Hinata as they had much more to find out in order to be helpful. Sakura thought of cooking, as Hinata was very skilled while wearing an apron and her team mates were often bragging how they had great meals while Naruto and Sasuke had to starve. That was years ago and Sakura still didn't find time to learn to boil water or chop vegetables, but she presumed Hinata didn't lose her touch.
''No wonder you're so skinny,'' Ino said and took her hand. ''Look, all bones!''Ino was squeezing Sakura's fingers, one by one.
''I would have bought the necessary ingredients,'' Sakura stopped Ino at inspecting her skinny arms, ''but I have no idea what we'll be preparing!''
''I say chocolate cake!'' Ino said happily and sat next to Sakura on one of the bar stool's in Sakura's kitchen. ''Everyone loves chocolate, right?''
Sakura smirked. Ino was always like that. She would let everyone know what she preferred but didn't persist if someone didn't agree with her opinion. On the other hand, Temari had insisted that she will be the one who will meet Hinata earlier and they will come together to Sakura's apartment.
Ino was here before Sakura had expected because she had finished her lesson for new medical ninja sooner than usual.
''Or we can make what Sasuke-kun likes the most!'' she said happily.
''No!'' Sakura shook her head. ''It would take too long and it wouldn't be as his mother's cooking!''
''It doesn't have to be perfect,'' Ino explained. ''I'm sure he would appreciate your effort.''
Sakura didn't reply. She had a different kind of relationship with Sasuke. As former team mates, he knew her well and he didn't even try to lie to her about anything. Sometimes Sakura was perfectly fine with that, then again, there were moments she would really have appreciated a few untrue but flattering compliments.
''Do you know how to cook?'' Sakura asked bluntly.
''Are you insane?'' Ino snorted with laughter. ''I don't even have a kitchen!''
Sakura haven't thought about Ino's constant moving around Konoha. Ino's been spending most of her free time packing and unpacking in search for a perfect apartment. Sakura, on the other hand, have been living at the same flat for three years now. When she would have found something that suited her in any way, she wasn't even thinking about changing it no matter how tempting it was.
''You'll learn something tonight too!''
''I thought Hinata will cook, while you assist,'' Ino looked at Sakura, ''and Temari will ask you delicate questions again.''
''Temari didn't say anything,'' Sakura shrugged, ''just to book today as training day. Whatever that means.''
''Beats me!'' Ino chuckled. ''She didn't tell me a thing.''
Temari obviously had some kind of plan she hasn't revealed to any of them. Maybe she insisted on meeting with Hinata to prepare her for something more than kissing!
''Did you know about the last time?''
Ino nodded.
''However,'' she frowned, ''I had no idea we would talk so much.''
''So, you're saying,'' Sakura asked carefully, ''you were ready to kiss me?''
''No!'' Ino said hastily. ''I thought you and Hinata are the ones Temari wanted to see kissing.''
''Huh.''
''Did you tell Sasuke-kun about that?''
''No!'' Sakura stunned. ''And nothing happened!''
''I don't know,'' Ino said teasingly, ''you seemed like you would do it!''
It wasn't true. Sakura wanted to end Ino's and Temari's argument.
''Have you ever done it?'' Sakura asked.
''Kissed a girl?'' Ino asked. ''I told the truth two days ago, Sakura! Why would I lie about that?''
''I don't know,'' Sakura shrugged. ''To make me feel less uncomfortable.''
''Lying is never good solution in those kind of situations,'' Ino said firmly, ''or you might end up like Hinata.''
Sakura frowned. Nobody should end up like Hinata.
''You think things between them will get better?''
''It's impossible to tell,'' Ino shrugged, ''since we don't know either of them that well.''
It was true Hinata didn't have close friends like she did, but Sakura knew Sasuke was very close with his brother. However, Sasuke refused to share anything with her, as they would always end up talking about stupid clan tradition and it really annoyed Sasuke. Thanks to her important role right now, Sakura wasn't in such rush like before.
''I think she will be fine in the end,'' Ino said honestly. ''We all have seen how she'd rejected to obey Temari.''
Sakura smirked.
''Although, she need to learn to say what she wants,'' Ino continued,.''After that, she'll manage somehow in any situation.''
''You sound like Temari!'' Sakura sneered.
''It's not my fault,'' Ino sighed. ''We hang out a lot lately.''
''Really?'' Sakura stunned.
Ino nodded.
''We have to do something while you two are picking out dresses for those poor girls you had made to become Hinata's maids!''
Sakura frowned. It was true they had problems with preparations, as the chosen ceremony had been mixed out of many different ones as every one among them had something Mikoto and Hinata were fond of. On the other hand, Sakura was just obeying their orders to make Sasuke's mother happy and Hinata less stressed about the whole fuss.
''It will turn out great!'' Sakura said seriously. ''And what are you doing with Temari, all alone?''
''Nothing much,'' Ino said indifferently, ''just exchanging experiences.''
Sakura wasn't sure which way they had chosen to exchange anything.
''What did you and Hinata do today?'' Ino changed the subject.
''Well, those dresses,'' Sakura began, ''and seating order. You have no clue how complicated it is! You have to be careful about guests and where they will be sitting!''
''So nobody gets offended. I know about that,'' Ino said quickly. ''I'm so not getting married!''
''Yeah,'' Sakura sneered, ''you should just elope!''
''What did I say about joking like that?'' Ino shouted.
''Sorry,'' Sakura said quietly, as Ino was looking very angry after her funny comment.
''Do you know what's the next question after you say something like that?'' Ino was yelling. ''With whom, Sakura! And you are a really bad liar!''
''Sorry.''
''Besides,'' Ino continued, a bit calmer, ''I'm not going anywhere with anybody until I see you in that gorgeous wedding dress!''
''That won't be so soon,'' Sakura sighed.
One of the reasons why Hinata's wedding was so soon was the lack of free time among all important people who need to attend all weddings among the Uchiha clan. Next appointment should be reserved for her and Sasuke and it was really far away from today. However, it could always be postponed more if some other older Uchiha decides to settle down. Sasuke was assuring her that wasn't possible as nobody would want to delay their wedding as his family was one of the most important among the clan. However, Itachi, as older than the two of them, had to be the first one.
''Then you should enjoy more!'' Ino suggested. ''Do you really want to become a housewife as soon as possible?''
''When you put it like that,'' Sakura began, ''it doesn't sound so good.''
''There's only one great benefit,'' Ino chuckled.
Sakura rolled her eyes.
''Do you think about anything else besides-''
''I wasn't talking about that,'' Ino interrupted. ''I meant about other people's constant questions like: When's the wedding, how many kids do you want, what will be their names,'' Ino rolled her eyes. ''It makes me sick!''
''True,'' Sakura sighed.
Sakura didn't remember when was the last time someone had asked her about missions or anything else except the wedding.
''Sad, but true,'' Sakura repeated.
They both sighed. Fortunately, the door bell ended the silence.
''It's opened!'' they yelled in unison.
''You should open it, anyway!'' they heard Temari's voice.
Sakura shrugged and got up to open the door.
''You had to buy everything from the store?'' Ino asked after seeing Hinata and Temari holding at least million bags full of different groceries.
''I'm sorry, I didn't know what we will be preparing,'' Hinata began apologizing, while Sakura was helping Temari to get all out of the bags, ''so we bought a bit of everything.''
''Can we make a chocolate cake?'' Ino asked happily and got up to browse groceries.
''We can try,'' Hinata smiled.
''And what's this?'' Sakura asked while getting out of the bag something that looked like clothes.
''It's an apron, Forehead,'' Ino took the apron out of Sakura's hand, ''so you don't get dirty.''
''Huh.''
Sakura continued the unpacking. She found more aprons.
''Look, Temari! This one is for you!'' Sakura said happily and handed an apron to Temari.
''Hell no!'' Temari said seriously. ''I'm not planning on cooking for you too!''
''But if it turns out fine,'' Sakura persisted, ''you can take it home so you won't have to cook tomorrow.''
Temari didn't look happy, but she took the apron. However, she refused to put it on.
Meanwhile, Ino had problems with putting her apron on.
''Here, let me help you!'' Sakura suggested.
She encircled Ino's waist form behind and bent a bit in order to make a knot on Ino's back.
''And you really whip your hair too much!'' Sakura complained, as Ino's ponytail was tickling her nose.
''It's just hair,'' Ino said plainly and tied it in a bun.
''What's the matter, Hinata?'' Sakura asked noticing Hinata's anxious face. ''And stop touching me so much!,'' she roared at Ino, who was fixing Sakura's apron now.
''It's just,'' Hinata began quietly, as she wasn't sure whether Sakura will scold Ino again for not stopping touching her apron, ''I don't know what we should make for dinner.''
''Anything!'' Sakura said happily and picked up one of the packages. ''This looks good!''
Hinata smiled.
''That's meat, right?'' Sakura asked carefully.
''Total beginners,'' Temari sighed.
''So, basically,'' Hinata asked Sakura, ''you can't cook?''.
''No,'' Sakura said sadly.
''Me neither!'' Ino jumped in. ''But we'll try not to be in your way!''
''Huh,'' Hinata approached to one of the cabinets, ''may I?''
''Sure!'' Sakura smiled encouragingly. ''Make yourself at home!''
Hinata nodded and opened one of the cabinets. She frowned as she hadn't found what she'd needed.
''This one, maybe?'' Ino gave her a frying pan she'd taken out of the other cabinet she'd checked before.
Hinata smiled and took it.
''I'll need one for the vegetables too,'' she explained.
Soon all of the kitchen counter tops were covered with different cooking pots and pans. Temari was sitting on a bar stool, looking completely uninterested in cooking tonight.
''What would you like to eat?'' Hinata asked happily. ''Or what would you like to learn?''
Sakura shrugged.
''Maybe some basics,'' Ino suggested, ''what goes with what and how not to burn your dinner.''
Hinata chuckled like she thought Ino was joking.
''I'm serious!'' Ino persisted. ''I would like to see how to start and after I get my stove, I will continue experimenting by myself.''
''Huh,'' Hinata rubbed her chin, ''how about we make one simple main dish and a dessert for you?,'' she looked at Ino.
''That's not necessary, thank you, Hinata!'' Ino smiled. ''I just like chocolate.''
They all chuckled, but Hinata was determined to make something that they'll all like.
''Let's do it this way,'' Hinata took one bowl and gave it to Ino. ''Sakura-chan and I will prepare main dish and Temari-san will help you with the cake!''
''Hey!'' Temari protested. ''I said I won't cook!''
''I know,'' Hinata said sadly. ''but you didn't say a thing about supervising!''
Sakura smirked.
''Don't be like that, Temari,'' Sakura chuckled. ''You're the one who started all of this!''
Temari didn't say anything , she just got up and put her apron on.
''Are you sure I can do it by myself?'' Ino asked honestly.
''You can do anything you want, remember?'' Sakura teased.
Hinata smiled and opened the fridge.
''Well, it all depends on how many layers you want and,'' Hinata was browsing Sakura's fridge which was full now, ''of course, available ingredients.''
''Oh no!'' Ino blurted. ''We don't have any milk!''
''Great!'' Temari exclaimed happily. ''I'll go buy it!''
Temari quickly took the apron off and stormed out before Hinata could tell her to buy whipped cream too.
''Just let her go,'' Sakura chuckled. ''She doesn't like girlie stuff.''
They all chuckled. Hinata was just about to say something, but Temari peeked in the kitchen, showing her head only.
''And be kind to Hinata!'' she ordered. ''Especially you, Ino!''
''What did I do?'' Ino giggled. ''Just hurry, I really want to make my first chocolate cake!''
Temari rolled her eyes and left again. Ino ran and opened the door to yell after her.
''Buy some whipped cream too!'' Ino shouted in Sakura's hallway.
''They are always like this,'' Sakura explained to Hinata. ''Maybe it's better having only one of them around.''
''I like Temari-san,'' Hinata said quietly, as she didn't know what Sakura thinks.
''We all like her,'' Ino said quickly. ''She always says what's on her mind, she is dependable and, when she is not too bossy, very fun to hang out with!''
Sakura was completely shocked. She'd always thought Ino was not very fond of his best friend's girlfriend. Hearing this, confused Sakura even more. If Ino liked Temari, why they need to fight non stop over nothing?
''What should I do until Temari gets back?'' Ino asked Hinata.
''Well,'' Hinata began, ''first to bake for any cake is the batter. After it cools, you frost it and put in a fridge.''
''So, I have to wait for Temari since I need milk for batter,'' Ino was repeating to check if she'd understood it. ''When it's baked, I wait for cooling and I wait some more in order to eat it?''
''Basically, yes,'' Hinata shrugged.
''Fine,'' Ino sighed, ''I'll wait then. What will you do?''
''I was thinking of meat, as it's really easy to cook it,'' Hinata looked at Sakura, ''and if you like, a vegetables and mushrooms sauce.''
''Sounds good to me!'' Ino said happily and tapped Sakura's shoulder.
''If you'll help me, I'm doing anything!'' Sakura smiled nervously.
Hinata smiled and fixed her apron.
''Let's start with the vegetables,'' Hinata took the leek, ''and you will chop it.''
Sakura nodded.
''Wait!'' Ino ordered. ''You forgot something!''
Sakura stunned when Ino embraced her left palm.
''You can't chop while you have this on!'' Ino took of Sakura's engagement ring. ''Yours too, Hinata! You don't want to lose it in the sink, do you?''
''I don't,'' Hinata smiled and gave her engagement ring to Ino.
Ino sat on Temari's place and Sakura pulled up her sleeves. However, Hinata didn't waste her time. She put on water to cook rice and prepared a knife and chopping board for Sakura.
Sakura smirked. Temari's ideas are always the best. Hinata was looking completely focused on her assignment. She was a real expert in chopping, slicing and, although it wasn't her kitchen, she was doing pretty good.
''Don't you have a recipe or something?'' Sakura asked while Hinata was washing vegetables.
''I don't need it,'' Hinata smiled. ''It's simple and I've done it many times.''
''Impressive,'' Ino commended.
On the other hand, Sakura was having problems with chopping leek for the first time in her life.
''You held a scalpel before, Sakura-chan,'' Hinata encouraged her. ''It's almost the same, but you don't have to be as precise as you are with your patients!''
Sakura nodded and wiped her forehead. Whoever said cooking was easy was a complete idiot!
Meanwhile, Ino was bored, so she was trying on their rings.
''Your fingers are so tiny,'' she sighed. ''They both fit on my pinkie finger only!''
Hinata smiled shortly, as she was too busy looking for seasoning on Sakura's shelves.
''So, Hinata,'' Ino began, ''aave you told Temari about how you've been proposed to?''
''I haven't!'' Hinata replied quickly.
Sakura frowned. That question made Hinata uncomfortable. No wonder Temari asked Ino to be nice!
''I haven't told Hinata about mine, neither!'' Sakura said happily to change the subject.
''And you won't!'' Ino said firmly.
Hinata smiled.
''You can tell me when Ino-chan isn't around,'' Hinata said happily, looking at Sakura.
''No, no, no,'' Ino objected and got up, ''you don't understand! Once she begins about that, she can't stop! And Sasuke-kun proposed to her twice!''
''You turned him down the first time?'' Hinata asked sadly.
''Of course I didn't!'' Sakura snapped.
''The first time,'' Ino said quickly, ''was unplanned and they were together as always and-''
''You said you didn't want to hear it!'' Sakura protested.
''That's why I'm telling it,'' Ino sneered, now standing between Hinata and Sakura. ''As I was saying,'' she turned to Hinata, ''they were just kissing and she said she would be fine if she kissed only him for the rest of her life. He agreed and proposed!''
Sakura stunned. How did she dare to mock to that beautiful moment?
''However,'' Ino put a palm over Sakura's mouth as Sakura was trying to say something, ''the second time was completely different.''
Ino turned to Hinata.
''You want to hear it?''
Hinata nodded.
''Well, it was that night all three of us remember really well,'' Hinata and Sakura nodded. ''And it was right after Sakura didn't find you two!,'' Ino smiled at Hinata, who didn't blush, but smiled instead.
Sakura wasn't mad any more, as she could see Ino didn't intend to make fun of this too.
''So, they are all alone, after few days they've been apart,'' Ino explained to Hinata, ''and finally have a chance to talk.''
Sakura tried to smile, but Ino's palm was still over her mouth as Ino was afraid Sakura could start talking any moment now.
''He walked up to her, handsome and serious, as he always is,'' Ino chuckled and looked at Hinata as she was looking for a sign she agrees, so Hinata nodded.
''And said,'' Ino coughed to get the deepest female voice, ''Sakura,'' she embraced Sakura's left palm gently, ''I know how much you've been looking forward to my arrival tonight and I'm sorry you had to wait even longer.''
Sakura smiled now, just like she had smiled back then as Ino was completely serious. Her caressing of Sakura's left palm felt great and she almost completely forgot she's standing in her kitchen.
''I also know that you're torn between your constant concern for me and your effort to be supportive about things that I find important,'' Ino moved her palm from Sakura's mouth to caress gently her right cheek, ''However, you are very important to me and every minute, every second while I'm gone, I think about how much I miss you,'' she deflected her gaze and took a deep breath, ''I am so happy because I have someone like you, Sakura, and I promise I will do everything to miss you less and be with you more.''
Sakura stopped breathing when Ino lifted her left hand to her lips. However, Ino didn't kiss it, but Sakura could feel her breath.
''I know you expect a surprise tomorrow, but I don't want to wait that long as I'm not as patient as you are,'' she paused, ''There is no point in waiting for the perfect moment to do this, because every moment with you is perfect,'' pause again. ''One day, you'll become a perfect wife who deserves a perfect husband, who I will try to become,'' Ino smiled and looked at Sakura's eyes, ''if you let me.''
Ino gently put Sakura's ring back on her finger, but Sakura couldn't move one bit as she was too stunned by Ino's impersonation of Sasuke and his proposal.
''I would accept Ino's proposal,'' Temari said plainly.
They all flinched as they didn't hear when Temari'd got back.
''Temari-san, we are almost done with everything!'' Hinata explained happily.
Temari nodded.
Ino moved her hands of Sakura.
''Are you mad at me?'' Ino asked softly. ''Did I go to far?''
Sakura shook her head.
''Okay, give me that milk for my cake!'' Ino clapped her hands and went to get the milk from the bag Temari'd brought.
''That's how it really was?'' Hinata asked quietly.
Sakura nodded.
''No wonder you love Sasuke-kun so much,'' Hinata smiled.
Sakura didn't reply.
''Where are the plates?''
Sakura flinched when she'd heard Temari's question. She gave her the plates right away, not answering her question, still too stunned to talk. She was looking at her ring and thinking how many times Ino had been transformed into Sasuke saying silly things to make Sakura laugh. Today, Sakura was so glad she was herself as she'd made her feel almost the same way like that night. Maybe that meant Sakura didn't care about Sasuke's looks but his words.
She smirked at her silly thoughts and sat down to eat the meal they had prepared.
''This is really delicious,'' Temari commended, looking at Hinata.
''It's Sakura's credit!'' Hinata said happily.
''No, it's not,'' Sakura objected. ''Don't be so modest all the time. We all know you are the best cook among us,'' she smiled at Hinata.
''If I was about to become Hinata's husband,'' Ino said seriously. ''I'm certain I would get fat in first two weeks of Hinata's cooking for me!''
They all chuckled.
''However, you will starve to death,'' Temari sneered, ''because you have proposed to Sakura!''
''So what?'' Ino chuckled. ''She is more experienced than me!''
''Are you trying to say you won't make the cake?'' Temari frowned.
''How long that may take, Hinata?'' Ino asked.
Hinata shrugged.
''How many different frosting would you like to make?''
''Well, a chocolate one!'' Ino said happily. ''Or maybe two layers of chocolate?''
Temari rolled her eyes.
''Maybe there's something better than chocolate.''
''Like what? Vanilla?'' Ino sneered.
''Actually,'' Hinata said carefully, trying not to start a new fight between the blondes, ''chocolate and vanilla complement each other and the taste is better.''
''And how long will it take?'' Ino asked again.
Temari gave her glare.
''I said to book this evening for us!'' she said firmly. ''Are you in a rush again?''
''I'm sorry,'' Ino said sarcastically, ''I will never ask something like that again.''
Sakura relieved when they both stopped talking after Hinata put more of delicious sauce on their plates. Hinata really was a ruler in the kitchen.
''Too bad this is too delicious,'' Sakura was looking sadly at empty pots, ''so you can't take anything home.''
''Don't worry,'' Temari said quickly, ''it's better when it's fresh anyway.''
Sakura got up to clear the table. Ino stopped her.
''Let me do it, I feel useless!'' Ino took all of the dishes to the sink.
Sakura shrugged and sat back.
''So this is your ring?'' Temari asked and took Hinata's ring Ino'd left on the table. ''It's really pretty.''
Hinata smiled, but didn't say anything. Sakura thought she would never tell them about her proposal.
''I was thinking,'' Hinata suddenly began, and a bit louder than usual, so Ino could hear her as she was making noise with the dishes, ''if I make the batter for the cake, it should be baked in twenty minutes.''
Ino came closer to hear about her cake.
''While we wait for it to cool, you can make chocolate frosting, Ino-chan.''
Ino nodded.
''And I will make vanilla!'' Temari suggested.
Hinata smiled.
''Do you have almonds, Sakura-chan?''
''Yes!'' Sakura exclaimed and got up to get the almonds.
She was nibbling them occasionally, to lazy to make snacks on her own.
While Sakura was opening cabinets to find the almonds, Hinata was giving instructions to Ino and Temari who couldn't do anything but nod.
Sakura smirked. If only Hinata could be so confident and determined about her future life how she was about the cooking.
''We have here sugar, flour and cocoa,'' Hinata was explaining, ''and we stir them together. Thank you, Sakura-chan!'' she thanked to Sakura, who put the package of almonds next to her mixing bowl, not willing to interrupt Hinata.
''As you are doing this for the first time, you may begin with the layers the minute I put the batter in the oven,'' Hinata was talking and stirring ingredients at the same time.
Temari and Ino were silent and looking very interested in Hinata's cooking lesson.
''Sakura-chan, find two deep bowls,'' Hinata said firmly. ''Not too big, so they can fit in the fridge. And two wooden spoons!''
Sakura immediately started the search for necessary stuff.
''Almonds?'' Ino asked.
''Sakura-chan, you will chop them up, and, I forgot,'' Hinata frowned, ''we need to melt chocolate.''
Ino grinned.
''Chocolate cake with more chocolate! Sounds too good to be true!''
Hinata smiled.
''We'll see,'' Temari took her bowl. ''It depends on your effort.''
''And yours too,'' Ino provoked.
''Batter's ready!'' Hinata exclaimed, as she never stopped preparing it while talking to them. ''Sakura-chan, do you have an oven-timer?''
Sakura raised an eyebrow.
''What is –''
''Oh, you do!'' Hinata smiled and opened the oven. ''I will put it on twenty minutes and it will alarm us!''
Sakura smiled. She didn't know her oven had a timer. She decided not to tell them this was the first time her oven being used.
''Give me the milk, Temari!'' Ino demanded, as they began making the frosting.
''Wait, Ino-chan,'' Hinata ordered, ''you have enough milk already, you need more cocoa now. And more sugar.''
''Told you,'' Temari mocked.
''Temari-san,'' Hinata said carefully after she'd tried Temari's frosting with a spoon, ''you put too much sugar.''
''Oh.''
They both frowned. Sakura was suppressing laughter while looking at them so discouraged.
''There, there,'' she began, ''it's fixable, isn't it, Hinata?''
Hinata smiled at her and nodded.
''I'm sorry,'' Ino said sadly.
''There's no need to worry!'' Hinata said happily and began fixing inedible frostings Ino and Temari had made. ''It will turn out perfect!''
''It's easy while you are around, Hinata,'' Temari said seriously. ''What will we do when we are all alone? Nobody will come to our rescue.''
''It's just a skill that needs practice too, Temari-san,'' Hinata said, sounding comforting.
Temari wasn't looking convinced.
''Don't be so gloomy,'' Sakura smiled. ''I have something to cheer you up!''
Sakura's announcement didn't cheer them up as they were still looking sadly at their frostings.
''Hinata, you will help me,'' Sakura said firmly. ''Tell us your side of the story!''
Temari and Ino looked like they were approving of Sakura's idea.
''You want to hear it now?'' Hinata asked plainly.
They all nodded.
''Let us know,'' Temari smirked and took a bit of Ino's frosting with her index finger, ''was it bitter like Ino's,'' she paused to try it. ''This is horrible, Ino!''
Ino rolled her eyes.
''That's because Hinata helped you with yours first!''
''That means she can turn out everything into something delicious,'' Sakura explained.
Hinata was a bit embarrassed because of all these compliments.
''Oh,'' she smiled, ''all right!''
Sakura felt so proud! She talked Hinata again into something! She was a bit hurt as Hinata never told her anything private when they were alone. Or Sakura needed Temari's encouragement. Or Hinata felt better while they were indoors.
''Sakura-chan, you can turn off the oven and get out the batter to cool,'' Hinata ordered, ''and I'll put this in fridge.''
Hinata put Temari's vanilla frosting in the fridge and they all sat in front of her to hear her story.
''Let's see,'' Hinata tried a bit of chocolate frosting with a spoon and a moment after poured herself a glass of water to wash out the horrible taste.
They all chuckled, except Ino, of course, who was frowning.
''It wasn't like this at all,'' Hinata smiled, probably having pleasant thoughts about that evening. ''It was more like,'' she took one of the pieces of almond Sakura'd chopped, ''this! Hard at the start and sweet after you get started!''
They all chuckled. Maybe she should just talk to Itachi in the kitchen, since she was looking carefree like never before.
''Skip the boring parts!'' Ino suggested. ''We don't need to hear about Sakura's bugging you!''
''She is right,'' Temari agreed. ''You went outside and-''
''But I want to hear,'' Sakura objected, ''what she told him to get his attention in the first place!''
''Just some nonsense about his skills and how I suppose his mission went great when he was out the same night!'' Hinata said quickly, like she was in a hurry to tell them more.
''And who suggested to leave the bar?'' Temari wanted to know.
Hinata shrugged and smiled shyly.
''You did it!'' Ino exclaimed.
''Well, Sakura-chan was staring at me the whole time and it was making me nervous,'' Hinata explained.
''Of course it's my fault,'' Sakura sneered, ''because he is the most friendly person in the world!''
''Don't be like that, Sakura-chan!'' Hinata smiled. ''He was in a really good mood that night!''
Temari and Ino chuckled.
''No surprise there,'' Ino chuckled.
''If he planned for his night to end with you!'' Temari teased.
''Be quiet, you two!'' Sakura ordered. ''She will never begin!''
What's the worst that can happen – Hinata was thinking about Tenten's words while walking towards the spot at the bar Uchiha Itachi was sitting. She was often told how she's cute and adorable and, according to Lee, nobody could reject her. However, Sakura's words were bothering her the most. If she wasn't able to tell who she liked to her friends, when would Itachi find out she'd fallen head over heels for him? Ever since that unimportant encounter with Neji, when she'd heard them talking about some mission they were supposed to do together.
It happened months ago, but she couldn't forget Itachi's insolent, but calm stance, and polite yet firm way of settling things with everybody. He was never justifying his actions or showing any emotion but perfect calmness. Although she was admiring him as a reliable and genuine shinobi, very soon Hinata couldn't get his icy glare out of her head.
Confessing to others how she felt about him didn't seem like a good idea. After many years of being teased over her childhood crush, she wasn't ready to blow this also. Not that she has ever hoped something might happen. Why would Uchiha heir even talk to her, not to mention being interested in her?
However, talking to him for five minutes seemed better option than confessing and blush every time someone makes a funny comment about them. Although she'd accepted to participate in this childish game, she wasn't a little girl any more and there was nothing wrong in her decision to keep her thoughts about Itachi to herself.
''Evening, Itachi-san!'' she greeted him happily, noticing he wasn't occupied with something else at the moment.
''Hyuuga-san,'' he seemed surprised to see her, but stood up anyway.
Oh no! She was rude to him! Why didn't she greet with the last name?
''I'm sorry if I was rude,'' she said quickly, ''but I noticed you are here already although you came back from the mission earlier.''
He gave her a look like he didn't understand the reason for commencing this conversation.
''It's really impressive how skilled you are,'' she continued her blabbering, ''to be out the same night!''
Still wondering gaze.
''I mean,'' she tried one more time, ''many others are coming back tonight, but you are the only one here, so I assumed your mission must have gone really well.''
''Huh,'' he finally said, ''are you waiting for someone?''
It she could only tell him that she wasn't waiting for anybody since he'd been already there, and that she'd agreed to go out with Kiba, Lee and Tenten after she'd found out Itachi'd been here after his last mission couple of weeks ago. It would be easy for someone else, but not for Hinata.
''No, for nobody,'' she smiled. ''But that's the reason why the place is so crowded. Everybody's waiting for somebody.''
''Huh,'' he said again and smirked a bit. ''That's why it's so lively tonight.''
She nodded.
''I was just about to go outside to get some fresh air.''
''Huh,'' he said unexpectedly. ''Drinking?''
''No!'' Hinata chuckled. ''Alcohol makes people act inappropriate for no reason.''
''And you are sure you are not waiting for anybody?'' he asked quickly.
''I'm sure! Why do you ask?''
''If that's the case, may I join you?''
''You mean, outside?'' she stuttered.
He shrugged.
''I was thinking to do the same, so-''
''Sure, let's go outside!'' she interrupted and headed towards the door after he'd nodded agreeably.
While walking, Hinata noticed Sakura's stunned expression so she smiled at her. To be honest, Hinata felt relieved that she was leaving this place so nobody could hear nonsense she'd spoken. Although she'd prepared what to say in order to start conversation, she had no clue how to end it. Not the she wanted it since Itachi, although a bit reserved, was talking to her! She wasn't sure if it's rude to turn him her back like this, but she was feeling more relaxed without his eyes on her. She was finding his gaze very attractive, so mysterious and calm, however, it was making her nervous at the same time. She was afraid she might blurt out something like: I like your eyes, and that's not what you say to anyone, especially not to someone you wanted to leave a good impression on.
''So, you come here often?''she heard his question once they were outside.
Hinata was more nervous now, when they were all alone. It was more quiet than inside, so she couldn't just pretend not to hear his question in case he asks something she didn't feel like answering. On the other hand, she didn't think he would make her feel uncomfortable. Not on purpose, at least.
''Not too often,'' she said plainly, ''but many young chunins hang out here.''
''Chunins,'' he repeated. ''It's been awhile from that period.''
Hinata smiled shyly. Why did she say that? Now he will think of her as an immature fresh jounin who hangs out with chunins!
''I saw you during your jounin inauguration,'' he said plainly. ''How do you like S-rank missions?''
Hinata frowned. She has been on two S-rank missions and none of them was glamorous as she'd expected.
''It wasn't much of a change,'' she shrugged.
''I'm sorry to hear disappointment in your voice, Hyuuga-san,'' he said firmly. ''That might mean you're unsatisfied with missions assigned to you or that you haven't experienced ruthless missions yet.''
That went great! Now he must thought of her as some bloodthirsty fresh jounin!
''It's not like that,'' she said quickly. ''I was just thinking I deserve more credit.''
''Huh.''
How could she think she would be able to say something intriguing and charming while he was staring at her constantly? She was trying not to deflect her gaze, as it seemed rude when he was so kind to waste his time on her.
''Do you miss simple missions?''she heard herself asking, knowing how deadly his missions were since he'd become a jounin over a decade ago.
Instead of answering, Itachi did something Hinata would never expect him to do! He smiled! Although, it was just for a moment, she has seen it and he was aware that she has.
''How would Hyuuga heiress answer that question?'' he asked, sounding very interested in her reply.
''I would say,'' Hinata smiled, ''that more competent shinobi and kunoichi should be assigned to the most challenging missions.''
''To avoid to endanger those,'' he jumped in, ''who are about to become competent.''
They both chuckled quietly as they were thinking the same. Very similar words Kakashi'd said while making an oath to become Hokage. Hinata was glad she wasn't the only one who thought those words were very significant.
''Huh,'' he had his glare back on, ''true heiress.''
''True heir,'' Hinata nodded.
Girls' giggling caught their attention. Itachi turned to see who was making unnecessary noise. Just couple of young girls.
''Huh,'' he turned back to Hinata, ''it's lively outside too.''
She shrugged.
''Would you mind a walk?''
''A walk?'' Hinata was too stunned, so she stuttered. ''You mean with you?''
''Huh,'' he said plainly, ''so, you would mind.''
''No, not at all!'' she said quickly. ''I was just-''
''Shall we go then?'' he interrupted.
Hinata wasn't sure if he'd smiled again or she was imagining things as this whole situation seemed unimaginable to her! She was talking to Itachi! And more important, he just suggested a walk! And it didn't look like he wanted to get rid of her company or go home yet! Or she's been too enthusiastic for their first real conversation.
''Are you going?'' he asked, as she didn't move for a few moments. ''Or you want to go back to your friends?''
''Let's just go,'' she smiled and they left the bar behind them.
They were walking in silence for a few moments.
''Have you ever thought about becoming a leader of a genin team?'' he asked plainly.
''I have,'' Hinata shrugged.
''Huh,'' he said, as expecting to hear more on this topic.
''According to more experienced jounins, I am not ready yet to lead my own team.''
''Huh,'' he said again. ''And what would you say on your willingness?''
''I would like to lead a team of genins,'' she said happily, ''but I need much more experience.''
''If you have a goal and you really want to achieve it,'' he definitely smiled this time, ''you can do anything.''
She didn't reply.
''However, are you sure,'' he said carefully, ''you would be able to give orders to three disobedient children?''
''Looks can be deceiving!'' she snapped, a bit annoyed by his presumption.
''I'm sorry,'' he said seriously, ''I didn't mean to offend you or anything.''
She knew that even without his apology. She reacted impulsively because everyone was asking the same thing! Although it was true she wasn't a bossy type, she secretly dreamed to become someone like her former sensei. However, her father wasn't approving her wish, as he'd though Hinata couldn't improve her skills by teaching someone else.
They were silent again and Hinata was feeling a bit uncomfortable. They were the only one on the very long street, and to be honest, she had no idea where they were going to as she hadn't asked.
''Where are we heading to?''
He stopped walking. She stopped too.
''Do you want to leave?''
''No!'' she said quickly. ''I was just wondering-''
Hinata flinched after hearing strange noise coming from one of the dark alleys. She turned her head to see if somebody's coming from the dark.
''Probably just a cat,'' Itachi said plainly, noticing her surprise. ''No need to worry.''
''I know,'' she shrugged, still looking towards the alleyway. ''It was quiet and it came out of nowhere.''
''I see,'' he said quickly. ''Want to go and check?''
''No!'' she snapped. ''I am not afraid of some cat!''
''I didn't mean like that,'' he said carefully, as he was expecting another strange reaction.
Hinata was certain she was completely red. Itachi wasn't doing anything that could make her feel nervous, however, she was more anxious than ever. Maybe she was trying too hard not to act as her usual self.
''I could check in a flash,'' she began, after she'd decided to show she wasn't nervous.
''With your byakugan, I know,'' he interrupted.
Hinata shrugged.
''It's hard, isn't it?'' he asked indifferently.
She had no idea what he'd meant with that question. On the other hand, she didn't know why he was asking her anything after he'd heard few totally stupid answers.
''Not to be alarmed all the time,'' he met her gaze, ''to act normal, not like being monitored or judged all the time.''
''Huh,'' she shrugged.
Burden of an heir. And heiress. Panicking over simple common things, watching every step, impressing others and constant looking over you shoulder. She understood it completely.
However, she didn't intend to complain about anything right now and especially not to him!
''About that cat,'' she smirked, ''it can't hurt to be sure!''
He nodded and followed her to the alley. It was a bit darker than the street as the alley was too narrow to have its' own street lamp. When Hinata found herself in the middle of the alley, she could see a trash can that was turned over.
''A cat,'' she chuckled. ''Very noisy one.''
She turned to leave, but Itachi was standing behind her. She stunned, but he wasn't looking at her.
''It's not here any more,'' he said quietly, as they were standing really close to each other, ''so you don't have to worry.''
''Right!'' she smiled nervously.
He met her gaze.
''I'm sorry I mentioned the obvious.''
He was looking serious, as he had done something really horrible instead of noticing she's being too nervous as always. Ever since she was a little girl, she was aware her life must be different from the life of others.
''Oh, you mean that? It's all right, I got used to it,'' she forced a smile. ''I can't run away from it.''
''I know,'' he said seriously. ''That's why I'm sorry for bringing that up.''
She nodded as a sign that she'd accepted his apology. Which was completely unnecessary, but he thought differently.
''Huh,'' she said happily, ''about that running away thing?''
Itachi nodded, so Hinata felt encouraged to pop her question.
''You still haven't answered me,'' she said happily, ''about missing the simple missions.''
He sighed, but not in a way like he was annoyed, but a bit embarrassed of his answer.
''I miss so many things I shouldn't even think about,'' he looked away. ''I hope you don't mind if I keep them for myself.''
''No, not at all!'' she panicked. ''I didn't mean to be rude, I'm sorry!''
He chuckled.
''What's the matter?''
''It's funny,'' he was smirking, ''you are the first one to ask me something so plain and honest, and you think it's rude. You are too kind, Hyuuga-san.''
Hinata was too stunned to say anything. Instead of his fierce glare, she met gentle gaze while he was talking slowly and quietly, as if he didn't want to make her feel awkward. In spite of his efforts, Hinata was terrified!
''You don't have to be so formal!'' she said quickly to stop more unusual behaviour from his side.
''Huh.''
Why did she say that? Now it will become more awkward as he probably didn't know her first name! And why would he need to know it? She was younger than him and not special at all to be known among shinobi like him.
''How about,'' he deflected his gaze like he was thinking what to say, ''you are too kind, Hinata-san?''
After hearing her first name, Hinata couldn't do or say anything so she was staring at him, even too stunned to close her mouth after an uncontrollable sigh.
''Is that too informal?'' he asked quickly, not knowing what's the reason for her overreaction. ''Maybe then-''
''You know my name!'' Hinata managed to stutter, however very quietly because of her surprise.
''Why wouldn't I know your name?'' he asked softly.
She couldn't speak at all. Why did he have to be so alluring right now? All she could see clearly, standing in the dusky alley, were his dark eyes, sparkling unusually. Then again, this was the first time Hinata was only a step away from Itachi so maybe he was always looking like that.
''Do you think it would be wrong if I wanted to know more?'' he smirked.
She shook her head slowly and smiled shyly. However, it seemed to her they were closer somehow. Or his gaze was so fierce that made her feel uncomfortable? She wasn't scared of him, but herself. One wrong word and he will never even think of talking to her again. Not to mention to be alone with her. Because of all that tension, she deflected her gaze. That was the worst idea ever as she was staring at the ground and, by looking down, she could see their feet standing very close! She startled and looked at him again. Just when did he -
''I'm sorry for being rude to you before,'' he said quietly. ''Looking at you right now,'' Hinata stopped breathing because he was smiling for no particular reason, ''I don't see how could anyone resist your gentle white eyes.''
Hinata was petrified. What was he talking about? When was he rude? If he did, why couldn't she remember it? All she could think of was how close he was standing right now.
''You'll be a great team leader, I'm sure of it,'' he said plainly, ''once you make up your mind to become one.''
Could she be dreaming? Maybe she's been thinking about him too much lately and all this was happening inside her head. Why would he say all of this?
''And I'm being rude again, I'm sorry,'' he stepped back, but not as far as before.
Hinata thought she would feel relieved not being so near him, but she disliked more being this way. So close and so far at the same time!
''It's not rude,'' she began quietly, ''if you really want to be that close,'' she took a deep breath and deflected her gaze, ''to me.''
She almost jumped out of her skin when she, having her eyes closed and with her head down, felt he took a step to get closer than ever!
Itachi briefly touched her palm with his and she slowly lifted her gaze to met his.
The same moment their eyes met, he took a strand of her hair to slowly move it from her face. He did it gently, like he didn't want to do anything Hinata wouldn't approve of.
''What I really want,'' he said quietly, still holding the same strand of her hair, ''is something else.''
Hinata swallowed. What did he have on his mind? She couldn't tell because she was too distracted by his hand still very near her cheek after he'd let go of her hair.
''However, I need to come even closer than I am now,'' he lowered his head to be at the same level as hers, ''and I don't want to force anything.''
She was almost certain he could hear her heartbeats. She was trying her best to keep calm, but it was useless. She has been fantasizing about their meetings for months and none of the images included his smile or gentle touch, and she wasn't prepared for this!
''Even closer?'' she swallowed.
Instead of answering, Itachi gently caressed Hinata's left cheek and, while looking into her eyes like he was waiting for a sign he went to far, briefly touched her lower lip with his thumb.
Hinata didn't know what to do! Or say! It felt so strange and wonderful at the same time! To think that he was with her and he wanted to be closer, and, she couldn't even think about him kissing her! If that's what he wanted. Not that she didn't, it just seemed so unreal.
However, when he popped the final question, she made up her mind.
''May I?'' he asked, but his voice wasn't the same as before, like he was very impatient to hear the answer.
Hinata was aware that her reply will determine their relationship for good. She could continue dreaming about Itachi as a perfect man or say what he wanted to hear right now and make that dream come true! She didn't feel ready but knowing herself well, she knew she wouldn't be ready for her first kiss in another nineteen years.
''Uh-huh,'' she nodded.
Being considerate as he always was, Itachi did what he'd said he would do. He came even closer and very slowly and extremely gently pressed his lips against hers.
She really wanted to relax and close her eyes, but she couldn't. Luckily, there was no need as his kiss was short and quick, like he didn't believe her when she'd said he was allowed to do it.
It felt strange and not even close what she's been hoping for. Instead of thrill and butterflies in her stomach, Hinata felt anxiety and discomfort. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to feel like that, but if it did, why would couples in love kiss so much? Maybe she didn't do something right. Maybe she was too nervous. Maybe all happened too fast.
When Itachi lifted his head and met her gaze, he didn't look the same as before. She couldn't tell why, so she guessed this totally unmemorable kiss must be the reason. At least she could tell she hasn't been dreaming as it went totally wrong.
She anticipated he would retreat as soon as he get the chance, so the moment Itachi stepped back, Hinata stepped forward and gently embraced his palm. He was so surprised she chuckled.
''Can we do it again?'' she asked very quickly, as she was torn between running away, forgetting all of this and trying to find out what went wrong in order to make it better.
''Are you sure?'' he asked, completely shocked.
Hinata chuckled again. He stunned not knowing what to do, as she didn't answer.
She squeezed his hand tightly and came a bit closer. Finally, he embraced her gently.
''You really wanted it,'' he whispered in her ear.
Although she didn't know whether that's question or not, feeling his warm breath on her cheek and hearing his deep alluring voice, Hinata knew she'd made the right choice by not running away.
She put a palm on his cheek and those beautiful dark eyes were looking at hers.
''I still want it,'' she heard herself saying.
She couldn't believe it she'd said that! On the other hand, this entire night was completely out of the ordinary and all of her actions didn't seem usual.
After hearing those words, Itachi confirmed what Hinata's been suspecting the whole time. The only reason for his restraining was because he'd thought she hadn't wanted it! But this time she was ready for him.
Although he did everything like the first time, it felt completely different. One quick kiss was followed by one more, which was more tender and slower. She wanted more, so she embraced his waist tightly with her arms. That was all she could do as he was much taller than her. He didn't seem to bother since he did the same to pull her closer, not willing to let her go. She could say that because more of his gentle kisses made her feel marvellous. His long hair was tickling her cheek, but none of them cared as he was preoccupied with her slightly opened mouth, while she was trying to wrap her arms around his broad shoulders.
She wanted to feel so much more, but it seemed inappropriate to suggest it. Especially the first time while she didn't know how he felt about her. So much questions were on her mind, but she didn't like the idea of stop kissing him.
Soon Hinata forgot about everything. There was just him and her. Kissing. And she wasn't sure if she will ever get enough of it to stop.
''How come I didn't find you then?'' Sakura asked.
''Well,'' Hinata took off her apron, ''we left.''
''Where?'' Ino asked, interested more in Hinata's reply than chocolate cake that Hinata has finished decorating.
''Home,'' Hinata said plainly.
They were taken aback by that, but Hinata was busy with putting the cake in the fridge to see their stunned faces. Her story intrigued them all and nobody wanted to interrupt by mentioning the cake. It turned out even better because Hinata probably would have never told them so much details if she hadn't been preoccupied with cake frosting. All in all, they heard the story and the cake was cooling in the fridge. Double success.
''And I really need to go home right now,'' Hinata said quickly and headed to the door.
''Should I walk you?'' Temari suggested.
''No, thank you, Temari-san,'' Hinata smilled. ''You can stay here for the cake. I'm sure it's delicious.''
''And how long we need to wait?'' Ino asked.
''The more you wait,'' Hinata chuckled, ''the better it will taste.''
Ino sighed sadly. Rest of them laughed.
''Some things are worth waiting,'' Sakura tapped Ino's shoulder.
''While you wait, you can do the dishes since Hinata made a cake for you!'' Temari ordered.
''I'm sorry, I totally forgot about that!'' Hinata apologized.
''Don't worry, it's not your job to do it,'' Temari smiled at her and got up to walk Hinata out.
''Thanks for the dinner!'' Sakura yelled after them.
''Any time!'' she could hear Hinata through the closed door.
Sakura saw Ino standing in front of the fridge.
''Maybe just a little?'' she pleaded.
''Leave it!'' Temari roared as she got back in the kitchen.
Ino didn't reply, too sad to disobey. However, quick glance at the dirty bowls made her smile. Sakura knew what was the reason for Ino's delight, but she had a different issue she was worried about.
''Why did Hinata leave so suddenly?'' Sakura looked at Temari, who was leaned on one of the empty counter tops. ''Did she think we want to know what happened after?''
''He walked her home, of course,'' Temari rolled her eyes. ''She is not like Ino.''
Ino's mouth, tongue and lips were too busy to react to Temari's comment. Sakura wasn't sure Ino would have said anything if she hadn't been eating the rest of the chocolate frosting Hinata didn't use for the cake.
''Was she nice to Hinata?'' Temari asked Sakura.
''I guess,'' Sakura shrugged. ''Although she did start the engagement topic soon.''
''Huh,'' Temari raised an eyebrow. ''And how did Hinata respond?''
''She seemed uncomfortable, so I changed the subject.''
''Huh,'' Temari frowned. ''So it doesn't matter how close you are.''
''Maybe it does,'' Ino began, trying to talk with her mouth full, ''but she felt more comfortable to share it with you since you don't know her.''
''And that I would never judge her decision,'' Temari added.
''We wouldn't either!'' Sakura protested.
''Huh,'' Ino frowned, ''I'm sure Hinata has her reasons why she didn't reject this marriage.''
''Maybe we should ask Itachi-san!''
Ino and Temari gave Sakura glare.
''You can't be serious,'' Ino said plainly. ''What would you ask him?''
''Maybe he is not as eloquent as we think, maybe he hadn't prepared the speech,'' Sakura was blabbering, trying to defend her future brother-in-law.
''Maybe he should have asked Ino how to do it,'' Temari sneered.
''And it's not possible he wasn't prepared,'' Ino said firmly. ''Haven't you seen Hinata's ring?''
They nodded.
''I agree,'' Temari said. ''Something's not right.''
''Can't we do anything?'' Sakura asked sadly.
Temari shook her head.
''Hinata needs to find out by herself.''
''Maybe she can give him back the ring and just forget about everything.''
''No!'' Sakura snapped. ''It's so pretty!''
Temari rolled her eyes.
''Well, it is!'' Sakura persisted. ''It looks like Itachi-san was thinking about it for awhile.''
''So,'' Ino began, ''ring is the most important?''
Sakura shrugged because she didn't think that. She would give up her ring right away if that would mean Sasuke won't be spending so much time at the hospital and doing missions.
''Ring!'' Temari jerked. ''She left it here!''
They were all looking at the spot Ino'd put Hinata's ring before the cooking'd started. Huge rock was sparkling under the light in Sakura's kitchen. Temari took it.
''I'm taking this to Hinata!'' she said firmly.
''Now?'' Sakura asked.
''Better than to leave it to you,'' Ino chuckled. ''You might get some ideas.''
Temari rolled her eyes and headed to the door.
''And the cake?'' Ino asked quickly.
''I'll be back,'' Temari replied. ''I can't let you have it all, you'll end up like Chouji!''
Sakura was certain Ino would object and start arguing, but she took another full spoon of a brown sweet frosting and shrugged instead.
''See you,'' Sakura saluted and Temari closed the door behind her.
''You want some?'' Sakura heard Ino's question behind her.
Even before she could answer, Ino had prepared a spoon for her and put it in Sakura's hand.
''Come on, it's great,'' Ino pointed at the bowl.
Sakura shrugged and tasted it to discover what's so special about a simple chocolate cream.
When she tried it, she was too surprised to praise the delicious sweet.
''Good, huh?'' Ino chuckled.
Sakura took another full spoon, hurrying to have some more as Ino was eating non stop.
Hinata was definitely too kind. Not only she had made the cake by herself, she'd even made extra frosting for Ino to enjoy while waiting for the cake to cool. She was the last person who deserved to feel anxious and unhappy about anything, not only her upcoming wedding.
''I don't get one thing,'' Sakura said seriously. ''How could Hinata be so happy for the first time with Itachi-san, and totally miserable right now?''
''What do you mean exactly?''
''Well, after we've heard her side of the story,'' Sakura began, ''I think he loves her back.''
Ino lifted her eyebrows.
''How did you conclude that?''
''Well, because-'' Sakura stuttered, as she didn't expect she would have to explain.
''Because he kissed her?'' Ino asked.
Sakura nodded.
''Anyone can do that,'' Ino said plainly. ''It's even easier to do it when you don't care.''
Sakura stunned.
''How can that be possible?'' she asked, doubting Ino's theory.
Ino was in a such a good mood, so she smiled at her.
''Sakura, do you remember your first kiss with Sasuke-kun?'' Ino asked.
Sakura smiled as she momentarily thought of that, most embarrassing moment in her relationship with Sasuke.
''It was awful,'' she chuckled quietly.
Sakura could remember that and chukle because from that moment on everything was better. They had their first clumsy kiss, as they were both inexperienced, and they could easily continue to practice to get better. They knew how they'd felt about each other and by trying too hard to make everything perfect, it ended as a complete disaster.
''Yes,'' Ino giggled, ''because you both cared too much.''
''Huh,'' Sakura shrugged.
''Even though the first time went great,'' Ino continued, ''Hinata cares too much, and shy as she is, she will never tell what's on her mind.''
''Yeah,'' Sakura said sadly. ''And he is Uchiha.''
''I really hope we can help her out,'' Ino said honestly. ''She is too nice and she deserves someone alike.''
Sakura smirked. She didn't know Ino was thinking that. That was a pleasant surprise. Just like her hanging out with Temari. And not to forget her proposal! Well, Sasuke's, but still. Sakura always thought Ino hated her stories because she was jealous of her, but it was impossible for someone who didn't want for Sasuke and her to be happy together to repeat every single word Sakura'd said.
On the other hand, Ino's behaviour shouldn't have surprised Sakura. While Sakura was whining about her problems with Sasuke couple of years ago, Ino was always there for her, no matter how silly her problem was. Ino often had a good advice for her, as a more experienced among them. Although Sakura felt proud of herself for being more skilled medical ninja, during last couple of months Ino didn't hesitate to ask for instructions and Sakura gladly helped if she could. They were growing up and left their childish games behind them.
However, it was impossible not to laugh at Ino's chocolate face at the moment.
''What is it?'' Ino asked. ''My hair?''
She untied her hair from a bun to fix it.
''Wait!'' Sakura stopped her. ''You ate too much!''
''But it was so good!''
She was licking her lips to remove the rest of the chocolate by eating it, of course! It would be a waste to wipe it with a tissue. Sakura chuckled.
''Do I have more on my face?'' Ino asked seriously. ''Remove it then! I can't see it!''
Sakura took a paper towel and moistened a bit.
''Turn your head to your left,'' Sakura ordered, as she noticed a lot of chocolate on Ino's right cheek. ''Seriously, what have you been doing with that spoon? There is more chocolate on you than I've eaten!''
Ino shrugged.
''I guess I was too greedy,'' she said plainly. ''And there's more cake waiting in the fridge.''
''No!'' Sakura said frimly. ''We'll wait for Temari to get back.''
Ino didn't reply, but stopped Sakura's cleaning and walked up to the fridge.
''Hey!'' Sakura scolded. ''What did I say?''
Ino took another bowl out of the fridge. The one with vanilla frosting which Hinata put back in the fridge after she'd used enough of it for the cake.
''Look!''
Ino was looking happy like never before.
''You are so silly,'' Sakura chuckled.
''Hinata is the best,'' Ino murmured, while trying to speak, now having vanilla cream in her mouth.
''That sounded completely wrong,'' Sakura rolled her eyes. ''And didn't you say you don't like vanilla?''
Ino shook her head.
''I just like chocolate more,'' she explained. ''And this is the best vanilla flavoured thing I have ever tasted in my life!''
Sakura shrugged and did what seemed appropriate at the moment – she took a clean spoon and joined Ino.
''Now I am more determined to learn to cook,'' Ino said plainly. ''Imagine to eat great stuff like this every day!''
''See, you'll prosper from helping Hinata too!''
''Maybe.''
''Huh,'' Sakura licked her spoon. ''This is too filling for me.''
''Uh-huh,'' Ino agreed. ''Maybe Hinata could teach us how to make an ice-cream.''
Ino would always have a solution. Or a proposition. Sakura chuckled and put her spoon in the sink.
''Why did you agree to do this?''
Ino looked surprised by her question.
''Do what?''
''All of this,'' Sakura began. ''I mean, you argue with Temari all the time, you have your duties and I have a feeling you would rather be somewhere else right now.''
''First of all,'' Ino said firmly, ''I disagree with Temari sometimes, we argue and I don't mind. My schedule is very tight but I'll manage somehow for five more weeks, right?''
Sakura shrugged.
''And I thought you know me well enough to tell that I'm here because I want to.''
''Does that mean you were with us the last time because you wanted to see Hinata and me kissing?''
Ino was looking completely stunned. Sakura chuckled.
''Fine,'' she frowned, ''I won't lie to you.''
''I knew it!'' Sakura said happily, not mad at all.
To be honest, if someone had told her that Hinata will kiss another girl, she would have come to see, also. It was unimaginable, once in a lifetime scene, nobody would object to see it.
''Is everything all right, Sakura?'' Ino asked.
''Why would you ask that?''
''Well,'' Ino began, ''you seem very concerned about that kissing thing. Just let it go!''
It was true she was thinking about the last time much lately. It wasn't like that time Ino and her had gone for that disgusting mission, but still it was intriguing. She thought that at this day and age she would be able to handle a bit awkward situation for greater good. Although she didn't quite get the purpose of all of that.
''Temari just wanted to see how will Hinata react in a situation like that,'' Ino explained, like she felt Sakura needed more information, ''I don't think she expected from you to actually do it.''
''And why didn't you kiss me?''
''Sakura,'' Ino sighed, ''I knew you wouldn't have stopped me and I would have to listen about your infidelity for months!''
Sakura chuckled. Ino was lying.
''You were afraid!'' Sakura teased.
''I was not!'' Ino snapped.
''Temari's not here,'' Sakura said happily, ''so you can tell me! Were you afraid I would have slapped you?''
''Look,'' Ino said seriously, ''I didn't do it because you didn't want it. End of story.''
''And not because you think I'm ugly or anything?''
''Forehead, you are more beautiful than any guy I have kissed,'' Ino rolled her eyes, but her voice didn't sound angry.
''You think I'm beautiful?'' Sakura asked quickly.
Ino sighed and walked up to her.
''Shut up,'' she chuckled and put a spoon in her mouth, ''and eat that!''
Sakura didn't get mad. It was just Ino's way of settling things. Non talkative way. However, Sakura put that spoon in the sink, also.
''You are not some random person, Sakura,'' she said softly, ''and I tried to think about your feelings too.''
Now Sakura was stunned. Ino refused to kiss her because she cared too much!
''You are so silly,'' Ino said and tried to remove a vanilla cream Sakura had on her cheek.
Sakura didn't object as Ino was doing it gently enough. How could she object to anything now that she knew Ino cared for her and her feelings! And she's been told she's beautiful.
''Sakura, are you really all right?'' Ino sounded worried,.''You look spaced out.''
Sakura ignored her questions. All she could think of right now was how Ino's lips would feel after so much chocolate on them. And if they were really so soft as they'd seemed two days ago when Sakura was expecting Ino would kiss her.
''Maybe you had too much-''
Ino couldn't say what she'd wanted because her lips were busy again. By Sakura's lips. On hers.
Sakura started it, so it was only one way to end it.
''What was that for?'' Ino snapped.
She had the most surprised face expression Sakura's ever seen. It wasn't a slap, but it certainly felt like one. Sakura frowned. Her first kiss with a girl was also clumsy. The reason for it might be that Ino, when she'd noticed what Sakura intended to do, tried to avoid it by stepping back. Basically, that couldn't be called a kiss.
''Are you out of your mind?'' Ino yelled.
''Don't be mad,'' Sakura said sadly, not able to ignore Ino's glare, ''I was just thinking-''
''You were thinking?'' Ino interrupted. ''About what exactly?''
''You told me you care and-''
''Sakura,'' Ino interrupted again, but not as mad as before, ''you always jump to conclusions. You think I said all of that because I wanted to kiss you?''
''No,'' Sakura deflected her gaze.
Ino sighed. She was standing very far from Sakura like she was expecting more atypical behaviour.
''You were always like this,'' Ino said plainly. ''Somebody tells you something, you interpret completely wrong and create a problem out of nothing.''
Sakura didn't reply.
''On the other hand, you are my best friend,'' Ino came a bit closer, ''and I will pretend you didn't think I was trying to seduce you.''
After hearing Ino's side, it really was silly of her to do that. However, Sakura didn't feel that moment was inappropriate.
''Sorry,'' Sakura was staring at the floor. ''I was just wondering, since neither of us never kissed another girl, and you were standing so close and-''
''Sakura,'' Ino sounded comforting, ''I'm not going to make a big deal out of it, so just forget it. And don't tell anything to Temari.''
''Right!'' Sakura nodded.
They were silent for a few moments. Sakura wished for Temari to come back soon as it was too awkward to be alone with Ino at the moment, and it would be more awkward if she'd asked her to leave. And nothing horrible happened. Sakura imagined kissing Ino seemed right thing to do, Ino didn't and end of story.
''However,'' Ino ended the silence, ''you might mention something to Hinata.''
''Why to Hinata?''
''Well,'' Ino smiled, and Sakura relieved as that meant she really wasn't mad at her, ''you did something you, I suppose, wanted to do. What's the difference how I reacted? At least you tried.''
''That's very comforting.''
''Don't get mad at me,'' Ino tried to sound happily, but she failed.
''I'm not,'' Sakura shrugged.
Ino took a deep breath.
''Look, it's not that I didn't wonder how would it feel,'' Ino said began. ''I just wasn't sure if you would regret it in the end.''
''Then why did you-''
''You are not nobody to me, Sakura,'' Ino interrupted and smiled, ''so I'm glad I have your first girlie kiss.''
''That wasn't a kiss,'' Sakura forced a smile. ''No way.''
''No.''
They both chuckled. Sakura's attempt to reach Ino's lips while Ino was running away ended in Sakura touching Ino's chin with her nose. If that can count as a kiss, Sakura, as a medical ninja who found herself in a numerous awkward situations, kissed half of Konoha. And maybe couple of foreign shinobi, also.
''Can we do it again?'' Sakura asked happily.
Ino was looking surprised, but not as much as before.
''Are you sure?''
Sakura took a deep breath and got closer to Ino.
''I really want to stop thinking about how would it feel,'' Sakura said seriously, ''and there's only one way to stop.''
''To actually do it,'' Ino added carefully.
Sakura nodded.
''And since you care so much about how would I feel ,'' Sakura smiled at her, ''you're the best person to do it with.''
''You really,'' Ino stuttered, ''want it.''
Sakura nodded and smiled encouragingly.
''If you want it that badly,'' Ino was still hesitating.
''I know you want it too!'' Sakura rushed her.
''Fine!'' Ino said firmly. ''But I'm doing it!''
''Of course,'' Sakura snorted with laughter. ''How else?''
They both took a deep breath and looked at each other. This whole situation was so funny and they couldn't prevent constant chuckling and occasionally looking around as they were really nervous.
''I can't concentrate,'' Ino was giggling.
''You're doing just fine,'' Sakura said quickly, giggling as well.
''Stop making me laugh,'' Ino ordered, but didn't stop chuckling.
Sakura didn't want to be mean, but she kind of enjoyed how this made Ino feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, she wasn't nervous at all. Ino proved her, more than once, how considerate she was towards her and Sakura tried to encourage her to get this silly idea out of her head already!
''Come on,'' Sakura said quietly, ''how bad can it be?''
''Shut up,'' Ino chuckled. ''You know how much I hate to talk!''
Sakura shrugged and chuckled again. Ino took a deep breath.
''All right!'' she clapped her hands. ''Close your eyes!''
''But I don't want to!'' Sakura objected.
''Those puppy eyes are making me nervous! If you want this tonight, close your eyes!''
''Fine!'' Sakura grinned and closed her eyes.
Not being able to see was horrible! Sakura felt like it'd passed at least five minutes until Ino finally embraced her right hand. She chuckled a bit, but didn't open her eyes.
''Stop me any time you feel like stopping,'' she heard Ino's quiet voice very close to her.
Sakura nodded and smirked. Ino let go of her hand and gently placed her palm on Sakura's left cheek. Sakura froze. Ino's hand was so delicate and her touch felt more gentle than Sasuke's, as he was the only one who did this to her with the same intention. Sakura stopped breathing when she felt Ino's breathing on her right cheek, which meant Ino halted just before Sakura's mouth like she wanted to be sure Sakura wouldn't stop her. After a few seconds of just standing like that, Ino kissed Sakura.
Ino's moistened lips touched Sakura's lower lip first , a moment after an upper lip as well and a moment after that, their noses touched briefly after a very short, but gentle smooch.
It was so sweet and soft, and surprisingly tender. Sakura opened her eyes when she was certain kiss was over and she saw Ino still standing very close to her, with a soft gaze.
They smiled at the same time. Ino was looking like she was about to say something, but the door bell stopped her.
''You locked so you can eat an entire cake, I know!'' they heard Temari's voice.
''Sakura,'' Ino stopped her when she headed to the door to unlock it, ''don't say anything. And act naturally.''
Sakura nodded.
''You ate it all, didn't you?'' Temari asked, but she wasn't looking mad.
''Luckily for you,'' Ino began, ''Hinata knows me well, so she made enough.''
''Really?''
''Yup. And for your information, chocolate is better.''
''Come on, you two,'' Sakura smiled, ''we are not here to fight, are we?''
Ino gave her glare.
''Let's have some cake, shall we?''
Sakura took a deep breath. She was always talking too much when she was feeling nervous. However, she didn't feel that way now. She wanted to find out how Ino felt about their sweet kiss!
''Do we really need more plates?'' Ino asked. ''I don't feel like washing up again.''
''Don't worry about it, I have all night to do it!'' Sakura said quickly.
Temari didn't look like she'd noticed something different than ordinary.
''And what took you so long?'' Ino asked her. ''Couldn't find Hinata's huge mansion?''
''I'm not obligated to explain where I was,'' Temari said indifferently.
Ino rolled her eyes but didn't say anything.
''Would you like to cut it, Ino?'' Sakura asked after she'd put down deliciously looking cake on the counter top. ''Hinata made it for you.''
''She didn't, but fine,'' Ino took the knife from Sakura's hand.
''Do you want more almonds or less?'' Ino asked Temari, as Hinata put chopped almonds on the top which was covered with melted chocolate.
''I don't care, just make it a small piece,'' Temari said plainly.
Ino made it like she'd ordered and put it on a smaller plate.
''Here!'' she handed the plate to Temari. ''What about you, Sakura?''
''However you cut is fine!'' she replied, maybe too happily. ''It will taste the same!''
Ino shrugged and made a piece for Sakura and herself.
''So,'' Ino asked, noticing Temari was chewing in silence, ''speechless because of the delicious chocolate?''
''It really is delicious, however,'' Temari has eaten it all, ''it's not the chocolate that made it that way.''
''Of course it's Hinata!'' Sakura jumped in. ''I wish I could be like her one day!''
''Huh,'' Temari said, ''that's surprising.''
''I meant, to cook like her!'' Sakura added quickly.
Ino didn't say anything, too focused on whole bunch of chocolate delight.
''Oh no!'' Sakura suddenly stood up. ''Hinata left some whipped cream!''
She hurried to the fridge to get it.
''Ino, do you want to try it with-''
''That does it!'' Temari interrupte. ''Ino, what did you do to her?''
''Nothing!'' Sakura snapped. ''I just offered her-''
''And that's naturally to you?'' Ino hissed.
Sakura shrugged.
''Come on, tell me,'' Temari ordered. ''Why she's been acting like a lost puppy?''
''I don't know,'' Ino tried to sound indifferently, like she forgot who she was lying to.
''Why are you even trying?'' Temari sneered. ''Tell me, for how many days she'll be traumatized?''
Ino gave her glare.
''That bad, huh?'' Temari continued provoking.
''It wasn't bad at all!'' Sakura snapped.
''Sakura,'' Ino sighed in despair, like she'd anticipated Temari's reaction.
''Whole point of tonight was to make Hinata less introverted,'' Temari scolded Ino, ''and you two couldn't wait for her to leave!''
''We did not!''
''Then why is Sakura smiling, even now,'' Temari pointed at Sakura, who really couldn't stop smiling, ''while we are arguing?''
Ino sighed.
''Maybe because she got used to it?''
''Fine, we will have it your way,'' Temari said firmly. ''Either you tell me or I will tell Sakura about pretty white-''
''No!'' Ino jumped to shut Temari's mouth.
Sakura had no idea what could have made Ino react like that.
Temari's eyes had strange spark, like she knew Ino would do anything right now. However, Ino calmed down and moved away from Temari.
''That was the last time I shared something confidential.''
Sakura stunned. Why would Ino say something to Temari and not to her? Furthermore, how bad it was if Sakura wasn't allowed to hear about it?
''Maybe you should tell her?'' Temari faked to sound worried. ''You made her sad.''
''Fine!'' Ino snapped. ''We kissed! Now shut it!''
Temari smirked.
''I knew you would do it eventually,'' she grinned. ''Did you like it, Sakura?''
''I, I,'' Sakura stuttered.
''Don't answer her, she has some sick fetish to listen to others-''
''One more word and I will tell her!'' Temari threatened.
''I will too!''
''I don't care as much as you do!''
''You are disgusting!''
''And you are kissing innocent pink haired girls!''
Sakura sighed. They were fighting again. This time seemed like their fight had a cause. Sakura was the cause. If she hadn't asked Ino to kiss her, this wouldn't have been happening. She felt responsible as she really was acting unusually. But it couldn't be helped! She was thinking about that kiss, which felt much better than she could ever imagine! Right now, she really wanted to stop their fight!
She took a deep breath.
''Ino!'' she yelled. ''Shut up!''
They both startled, as Sakura rarely yelled at others. Naruto was the only exception.
There was only one way to prevent further yelling.
Sakura quickly approached Ino who was standing in front of Temari, ready to yell again any moment now. She embraced her left palm tightly and Ino met her gaze, a bit surprised by Sakura's action.
''Please, stop yelling,'' she pleaded quietly.
''Sa-sakura, we are not-,'' Ino began, but Sakura stopped her.
That was the best way as Temari was to stunned to say anything, while Ino's lips were kissing Sakura's again. Although Sakura kissed her first this time, Ino remembered how great it had felt earlier and she didn't intend to break it off. Sakura could feel Ino was smiling while they were kissing tenderly and casually, like they have been doing it for months and not for the second time. Thanks to that delicious cake, Ino's lips were even more desirable, tasting like chocolate and vanilla.
How knew for how long would they continue their innocent friendly smooching if Temari didn't interrupted them.
''That's it, I'll never leave you two alone again!''
Sakura and Ino were laughing while furious Temari was dragging Ino out of Sakura's apartment.
''In case she does,'' Ino yelled, ''for the next time, I like it more rough!''