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''This house is giving me the chills.''

''Why? It seems cosy,'' Ino said and sat on the couch.

''I'm waiting for Mikoto-san to pop up from somewhere,'' Sakura was nervously walking around the living room.

''She's not here, you can relax,'' Ino said, trying to get in a more comfortable position while sitting on the couch.

''Where are they, really?'' Sakura asked, looking at Ino.

''I can't tell you because I don't know either,'' Ino smirked.

''Does Sasuke know?''

''No! He is not allowed to know anything so if you need to blame somebody for something, mention Mikoto-san. ''

''I don't understand,'' Sakura sat next to Ino.

''It's something Sasuke-kun and Itachi-san mustn't find out about,'' Ino explained, ''so their parents will agree with whatever they tell them about finding you here.''

''It sounds complicated,'' Sakura frowned.

''That shouldn't worry you,'' Ino said, placing hand on Sakura's shoulder.

''Impossible,'' Sakura forced a smile. ''I was thinking about everything all night and I didn't sleep at all.''

''Tell me about it!'' Ino chuckled. ''I don't remember being at home for more than two hours! I have to find a place closer to the hospital!''

''It will all be over today,'' Sakura said sadly.

''Shall we repeat the plan once again?'' Ino said cheerfully.

''Yes, please.''

Ino got up from the couch while Sakura leaned back to rest her head on the couch's cushion.

''You wait for them in front of the house and demand to talk to Sasuke-kun.''

Sakura nodded.

''After Itachi-san enters, I keep Sasuke busy outside for at least five minutes.''

''If Hinata doesn't come out, you two may enter, if necessary,'' Ino winked.

''Ino!''

Ino sat back, next to Sakura, leaning her head on the couch in a way she was staring at Sakura.

''What if something unexpected happens?'' Sakura asked, while looking away.

''You have to accomplish your part no matter what. If it will be easier for you, nobody will ask what happened in order to succeed.''

''You know I'm a bad liar.''

''Then do something instead of talking! There are like million things you can do in an empty house!''

''Ino!''

''Then again, you mustn't do anything different from usual to not be suspicious or something that makes you uncomfortable.''

''This house makes my uncomfortable,'' Sakura admitted, sighing.

''All of this would be so much easier if you two were living together.''

''I know!'' Sakura rolled her eyes. ''I also know that's the wrong thing to say in front of Mikoto-san!''

''No way! Why would you do that?''

''She wasn't supposed to be at home that day,'' Sakura began. ''We were talking about some upcoming mission he has to get ready for and, on my way out, I said that!''

''What did Mikoto-san say?''

''Nothing,'' Sakura frowned,''But our relationship's been different since that day.''

''Well, mothers are possessive when it comes to their sons just like the fathers are towards their daughters.''

''That can't be it,'' Sakura shook her head. ''You should see how she treats Hinata!''

''Strange family.''

''We actually never spent the night together,'' Sakura said. ''I mean, he never sleeps over at my place,'' she added quickly after seeing Ino's surprise.

Ino nodded, encouraging Sakura to get to the point of this topic.

''It feels sometimes like he is running away from me and, believe me, it's not the most pleasant feeling in the world.''

''I'm sure he is not!'' Ino said quickly. ''Maybe he is snoring or something and he doesn't want you to find out about it!''

''It wouldn't be that bad,'' Sakura said sadly.

''I have no idea, but if that's not your favourite thing, you should ask him. Or make him stay somehow.''

''I don't want to make him. If he wants to leave, I won't stop him.''

''That's why I never bring guys home. That way I leave when I want to.''

''I am not judging you, but wouldn't it feel great to have someone you love next to you more than usual, doing nothing at all?'' Sakura asked.

''You should ask Temari about that,'' Ino suggested.

''She is the most experienced when it comes to long term relationships,'' Sakura smirked.

''If she ever leaves Hinata alone, of course.''

''I don't even want to think how Hinata must feel in this horrible house!''

''House is not the problem,'' Ino said. ''Just like the sleepover didn't keep you awake last night.''

''It didn't. Something else did.''

''Tell me, then!''

Sakura shifted on the couch to move a bit from Ino and took a deep breath.

''Do you think I should tell Sasuke?''

''About what?''

''About us.''

''Kissing?''

She nodded.

''Depends,'' Ino shrugged. ''Does it bother you?''

''A bit, yes,'' Sakura admitted.

''And you think he would like to know?''

''I'm not sure. What would you do if you were me?''

''I can't tell you what to do, Sakura,'' Ino said seriously,''I can only suggest what you should consider before thinking of telling him.''

''And what would that be?''

''Whatever you decide, don't tell him anything about Hinata,'' Ino began,''He doesn't need to know about anyone else's problems, so you have to omit everything about our secret meetings.''

''It will be impossible to explain the beginning of it,'' Sakura frowned.

''He doesn't need to know the details,'' Ino explained. ''Then, you must be prepared for all of the embarrassing questions he might ask.''

''Like what?''

''The most likely is why you did it and how it felt. Again something you should ask Temari about.''

''How did Shikamaru take it?''

''Temari didn't do anything and he was quite suspicious of her sudden different behaviour,'' Ino explained. ''Did Sasuke-kun notice something?''

''Even if he did, he is the same as always. Do you think he would say something?''

''I don't think so. He doesn't seem like a questioning type.''

''So he will wait for me to confess.''

''That's right. Just like he won't say anything while being questioned. You will have to wait for the right moment.''

''I don't even know how should I start that conversation,'' Sakura frowned. ''I kissed someone else sounds horrible!''

''Well, after you say something about kissing, mention the girl part too. I don't think he would react the same as for the guy.''

''I would never kiss another guy!'' Sakura said quickly.

''And what about Hinata?'' Ino reminded. ''You kissed two girls and he kissed only one!''

''Didn't you say I must leave Hinata out of my story?''

''So that kiss meant nothing to you?''

''You sound jealous!''

''I'm not jealous,'' Ino chuckled and pulled Sakura closer to her, ''but Sasuke-kun might become.''

Sakura didn't say anything, squirming between Ino's right shoulder and her neck, to place her head.

''If he is very possessive and jealous,'' Ino embraced Sakura's shoulders, ''he will probably ask if I was better and if you're going to do it again.''

''I have never seen him jealous.''

''Even better! Believe me, possessive behaviour is flattering just for a second,'' Ino said seriously. ''The rest of the time is very annoying.''

''I've been thinking it's the fear of losing the person you love,'' Sakura said honestly.

''He should always fear that,'' Ino rolled her eyes, ''but not showing it because he is lacking self-confidence or not not trusting you.''

''He never shows anything.''

''Just in case, until you have the answers, don't tell him anything,'' Ino advised.

''Well I can't say if it's going to happen again,'' Sakura shrugged.

''Why is that?''

''That depends on you!''

''On me?''

''You've never told me if you liked it or not!''

''Maybe you should remind me!'' Ino said and put her forehead on Sakura's.

''Maybe,'' Sakura was staring at Ino's lips.

''You are so easily carried away, so let's not,'' Ino said and lifted in a way she was still holding Sakura in her embrace, having pink hair under her chin.

Sakura closed her eyes, finding soft spot for her left cheek.

''Most important,'' Ino said quietly, knowing Sakura can hear her better than before, ''don't tell him today.''

''Why?''

''Possessive or not, it will be shocking thing to hear. Especially when you are not spending nights together, among all other things.''

''You don't think he is mad at me because of it?''

''Of course he is not,'' Ino squeezed Sakura tighter. ''He doesn't want your body. I mean, he loves it more than you do, but women are beautiful in general.''

Sakura lifted her head to look at Ino's eyes. Ino was serious and she wasn't saying any of this out of courtesy.

''He loves everything about you,'' Ino continued after Sakura put her head back, brushing her cheek against Sakura's soft hair,''I bet he adores your constant worry. You being envious about this wedding probably flatters him in a way too.''

''Why doesn't he say things like this?''

''He is a man, Sakura. If a man starts speaking like a woman, he is laying or he's drunk. It's more important what he does and the way he does it, like the way he holds you or kisses you. It's hard to read his face because he is an Uchiha, but he can't hide his feelings when he hugs you.''

''Like the way you are hugging me right now?''

''Yes, gently, but firmly enough to show you I'm not afraid of our closeness.''

''I'm so lucky to have you both!''

''When your wedding finally occurs, I will try my best to be better maid of honour than you are. It will be hard though I won't give up!''

Sakura chuckled knowing Ino will be the best no matter what.

''You definitely are the best pillow in the world. I bet you hear that all the time!''

''Actually, I've never let anyone to sleep like this,'' Ino said quietly, embracing Sakura's shoulders. ''You are the only one who can be close to me this way.''

''I love you, you flirty blonde!''

''I love you too, Sakura.''

''Do you think Hinata will be able to say it?''

''To Temari?'' Ino chuckled.

''To anyone.''

''She will. When the moment comes.''

''What do you think Sakura-chan and Ino-chan are talking about?'' Hinata asked, while marching in front of Temari to get to the end of the hallway on the first floor.

''I have no idea,'' Temari said honestly. ''It could be anything. Sakura's been hiding her thoughts very well since the kissing day.''

''And me?''

''You too, Hinata,'' Temari smirked.

''Well they are very quiet, so they are probably not kissing right now,'' Hinata concluded when they'd got to the end of the hallway.

''We can't tell that because we wouldn't hear them screaming, either.''

''What do you mean, Temari-san? Does that have something to do with them entering the house before us?''

''Yes,'', Temari nodded, ''Ino created a sound seal.''

''Sound seal?'' Hinata repeated.

''That means whatever sound is heard in this room will never leave the room,'' Temari said, looking at the door on her right. ''Basically, nobody outside can hear what's happening. That's why you can't hear what's going on between Ino and Sakura. Ino put a seal on every room.''

''Oh. Sounds useful.''

''It is. You can shout and scream and nobody will hear it.''

''I won't do that,'' Hinata said.

''Of course you won't,'' Temari smirked. ''Still, you can hear what's happening in the hallway, so you know when to leave.''

''I understand,'' Hinata nodded. ''I have to be in one of the rooms,'' Hinata concluded and opened the door of the room on her left.

The bedroom was in perfect order. In the middle it was a simple single bed with white sheets, a closet on the right, night stand with a lamp and a big window.

''I don't think the bed's the best spot,'' Temari said, not stepping into the room. ''It will look like you come for something more than talking.''

''Oh.''

''If you stand behind the door, it will look like you're some kind of a stalker,'' Temari frowned.

''Bedroom seems inappropriate.''

''Maybe you should await on the top of the stairs,'' Temari suggested. ''He will see you the moment he steps in the house. If Sakura does her part properly, living room will be fine too.''

''What will Sakura-chan do?'' Hinata changed the subject.

''She will meet Sasuke outside to get him alone for awhile.''

''I will wait inside,'' Hinata concluded.

''And the first thing to see after entering are the stairs!'' Temari smirked.

''Right!'' Hinata smiled. ''Should I be sitting or standing up?''

''Depends,'' Temari shrugged. ''Do you want to leave right away or stay as long as possible?''

''If it starts well, I will probably want both.''

''I don't understand,'' Temari frowned.

''If it feels great, then I will want it to last and, somewhere deep inside I will be terrified I will ruin everything, so I will want to leave too!'' Hinata explained.

''You think too much in advance,'' Temari said. ''You should do what it feels the best at the moment.''

''And what will feel the best?''

''You are the only one who can tell the difference between what feels right or wrong,'' Temari explained.

''And what should I do?''

''Nobody can tell you what to say or do. It's your life. The way you choose by yourself is the hardest way because you can't blame anyone.''

''I know.''

''You made your choice months ago. Today you will confirm it or reject it.''

''I don't think I will be able to do any of that,'' Hinata shrugged.

''Whatever you decide, it will be your decision that nobody should judge,'' Temari said seriously,''If it will make it any easier, I won't question you about today at all.''

''You don't wish to know?'' Hinata sounded surprised.

''I will find out in two weeks,'' Temari smirked. ''It's much harder when you have no choice or when you're alone. And you are none of it. And I will support everything.''

Hinata smiled.

''What's the worst thing that can happen?''

''Interruption. Nothing is worse than sudden stop once you're down to business.''

''Down to business?''

''You know what I mean, interruption in the middle of something important.''

Hinata nodded.

''How much time will I have?''

''As Ino said, plenty. On the other hand, when it comes to you, you need more time than anyone else.''

''Oh.''

''I didn't mean anything bad!'' Temari said quickly. ''It's better to not rush into something you are not ready for. Or you don't want to say or do.''

''First I have to make up my mind on what is the best and fastest way.''

''My advice is to avoid lying. And exaggerating, if possible.''

''I didn't mean to lie,'' Hinata frowned.

''I'm just thinking out loud, don't mind me!'' Temari smiled. ''You should speak what's on your mind too!''

Temari remained silent for couple of moments, giving Hinata more time to ask what's been bothering her the entire time.

''What if I start something,'' Hinata began quietly, ''and I run out of time?''

''Nothing. You must finish what you've started.''

''And time?''

''We can't control time, but this is the perfect place. It's a family home and the entire family is busy and it will stay that way long enough. If I got it right, the parents aren't in the village right now.''

''No way!'' Hinata couldn't hide her surprise.

Temari smirked because of Hinata's delight.

''Sasuke will be closer, but also occupied. I doubt he will be the one disturbing you.''

''So it's all up to me,'' Hinata forced a smile.

''It is. If something unpredictable happens, don't panic and stay calm. Nobody expects anything, so whatever you do, you will do the right thing. There is no failure.''

''So,'' Hinata looked at the room, ''I close the door and don't let anyone in until I'm done!''

''You can do whatever you want,'' Temari nodded.

Hinata smiled and stepped into the room to check it out.

''It's not important where I am, but that the room is empty,'' Hinata explained her sudden exploration of the bedroom. ''Hallway doesn't seem better than the bedroom.''

''True,'' Temari looked at the other side of the hallway.

''I already feel like a stalker anyway,'' Hinata forced a smile. ''I must think of something about entering.''

''Blame the parents, they are not here,'' Temari suggested.

''As long as they don't show up too soon,'' Hinata shrugged.

''Well it will be quiet, so you can always run away through the window if they come back,'' Temari chuckled.

''Only if I'm done,'' Hinata reminded.

''That's right. You can't let something unclear or uncompleted. The moment will be ruined, but it's the risk you have to take.''

''I will do my best to hurry a bit more than usual!''

''But you must act usual! You don't want to freak him out before the mission?''

''I don't. This is really harder than it seemed few days ago.''

''Remember,'' Temari smiled, ''whatever happens today, you will keep it to yourself and, even more important, tomorrow you'll be glad you did it.''

''I guess,'' Hinata shrugged.

She's been glancing around the room, like she's been trying to find perfect place for talking. Temari was very surprised when Hinata suddenly sat on the bed.

''Hinata, didn't we come to the conclusion the bed is not an option?''

''But it will feel more comfortable for unpleasant topics.''

Hinata was looking relaxed, but Temari wasn't assured.

''I still don't think the bed will be helpful about any topic.''

''And like this?''

Hinata was now sitting with her legs crossed. Temari was surprised with Hinata's persistence.

''That's even worse.''

''Huh.''

Hinata got up and quickly walked up to Temari, embracing her left hand.

''Hinata?'' Temari stunned.

''I know we said bedroom was not a perfect place,'' Hinata shrugged, ''but you also said I should do what I wanted and I will be glad in the end.''

''I did,'' Temari stuttered, noticing Hinata was dragging her into the room.

''Then we should close the door!'' Hinata smiled and closed the door behind them.