CCNote: Posted out of order so here is a double post. Enjoy!
Doors
"And then he screamed when he woke up and was covered in ants!"
"Hey! I closed the containers! It's not my fault his bugs were out of control!"
"Sounds like you were the irresponsible one Kiba!"
Hinata smiled like the rest of them, raising her glass to her lips and sipping just like they did. The rookie nine were all gathered in Ino's modest house which was the picture of perfect domesticity. The hostess herself was flitting about, liberally refilling drinks and spreading gossip. It was rare that everyone would be able to get together like this. It was a feat that only someone like Ino, a woman who somehow knew everyone's schedule, could accomplish.
As Kiba continued to defend himself against the drunk laughter, Hinata felt her eyes gravitate towards the door for the millionth time since she'd arrived. She shouldn't keep hoping. Everyone that was meant to be there had already arrived. Sakura had even managed to drag Sasuke out for the event. The reclusive Uchiha sat silently across from her with a blank expression on his face as he nursed a personal bottle of sake. He clearly didn't want to be here, but he was.
He was here…and Naruto wasn't.
"Don't worry Hinata-chan!" Sakura said, her voice drawing the Hyuuga's eyes away from the door. "Naruto will be here soon. That idiot never misses a party."
Hinata tried to match Sakura's smile. She wished she had the same confidence that he would come. Maybe he would. Maybe today would be different.
"So Hina-chan, how's the wedding planning going?" Ino asked. "I'm waiting on that flower order!"
She slid herself between Hinata and Sakura, refilling both of their glasses to the brim. Hinata smiled and shyly took a sip.
"Oh yes, we need details!"
"Don'tcha just love weddings?"