You must believe in updates...
Ooops! forgot the last scene - added it back.
You Must Believe in Spring
~Summer~
Chapter Ten: La Musique des Etoiles
Thursday, June 4th 10:45 AM KST
Konoha, ANBU base: Shikamaru's office
The last few days of May slipped by one another, and June arrived in the village on the back of calm breezes and gallons of sunshine. The weather was mild and perfect, as the days grew longer and warmer with the approach of Summer in the air. There was a pick-up in every one's schedule, especially Hinata's.
It was making Naruto crazy.
"It shouldn't be this hard to just get friends together," Naruto sighed, flopping onto the couch in Shikamaru's office.
"You know how busy everyone is," Chōji offered, snacking on a bag of chips. "It's probably a week before we will see the team from Iwa back," he looked to Shikamaru who gave a single nod as he scanned his computer screen, chin in hand. "And if you want to get everyone together, Kiba will need to be back."
"But now we're already into June," Naruto stared up at the ceiling. "All of that stuff leading up to Hanabi's big ceremony on the 21st means everyone is busy. Ino and Sai will have to do flowers," he ticked off on his fingers, "Sakura is supposed to be on hand for the spars as a medic, obviously Neji and Hinata are busy, Kiba and Shino are involved somehow, Tenten is always with Hinata, Lee is Lee, and Sasuke has some odd clan-head duty I can't understand."
"It's not a total loss," Chōji pointed out. "There's always a few of us together for lunch, and I know the girls have been spending more time with Hinata."
"But it's not all of us," Naruto pouted. "It's not the same."
"Well," Shikamaru's eyes slid over his monitor, "Your best shot is the weekend of the 26th."
"Oh, yeah?" Naruto sat up quickly. "How come?"
"It's the weekend after the Hyūga event, so Kiba and Sasuke will be back. Genma and Kakashi blocked off some down time for anyone involved in the Huyga event, and most of us are involved in at least some capacity. And," he clicked through two more screens, "both of them want Friday's debriefing to end on the early side of things, because neither of them want to hang out on a Friday."
"Sounds like them," Chōji gave a good-natured smile. "Where are you thinking, Naruto?"
"Dinner?" he shrugged. "Or maybe dessert. Depends on how much time everyone has."
"The 26th," Choji mused. "Isn't that the kickoff to the Summer Festival this year?"
"You're right," Shikamaru nodded. "That might be another reason Kakashi and Genma planned things the way they did. They hate working that event."
"Well, then that's perfect!" Naruto beamed. "There's lots to do, there's music, and things to see – you guys were planning on going anyway, right?"
"Definitely," Choji nodded. "We never miss it."
"That's settled, then!" Naruto pumped his fist into the air. "We're all going to the Summer Festival!"
Choji cheered along, and Shikamaru hung his head.
Some friends were just troublesome.
Tuesday, June 23rd 8:06 AM KST
Konoha, ANBU base: Shino's office
Kiba walked in to Shino's office unannounced. As his teammate had been expecting him, his annoyance was minimal. Hinata was seated at one of two chairs facing Shino's desk, and she swiveled in her seat to greet her teammate.
"Kiba," she said warmly. "I am so glad you are back!"
"Don't get up," he put a friendly hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze and sinking into the empty chair beside her. "It's good to see you, too."
"I was worried when the Captain and Hoheto returned without the rest of you."
"We just had a few things to clear up," Kiba shrugged. "Nothing to really worry about."
"Shino was just telling me what he could about your mission," Hinata said, angling in her seat to better see them both.
Kiba flicked a glance at Shino and sighed. "So he told you we didn't really find much more about Tokuma." He raked a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry Hinata. We looked – really, we did – but there just wasn't much to go on. Even Uchiha summoned some snakes and hawks to help. We know more than we did," he offered, "but we still don't know where they took him."
"It's alright, Kiba," Hinata said gently. "We know he is alive – that is enough for now."
Kiba and Shino exchanged glances, and Shino gave the most microscopic of nods.
"Dinner," Kiba said firmly. "We're going to get dinner. Tonight. Team Eight."
Hinata looked between them both, and nodded her acceptance. "Should I invite Tenten?"
"Not this time," he shook his head. "Just the three of us. We're going old school."
Hinata's pager buzzed at her side, and she checked it quickly. "I have to get back," she said apologetically.
Kiba stood up and ruffled her hair. "We know. I'll call Kō. Shino and I will pick you up tonight, alright?"
"Yes," she smoothed her hair. "I'll see you both tonight."
Kiba waited until he heard her footsteps move down the hall.
"Tag her," he told Shino. "Then we won't need any extra surveillance."
Shino arched an eyebrow. "I would have thought you would have liked to have the added surveillance," he said dryly. "Considering you haven't seen Tenten in a while."
"Hinata needs us tonight," Kiba said with a shrug. "That comes first."
"Mm," Shino hummed, but Kiba detected his approval.
"We've got about twenty minutes until our debriefing," Kiba crossed to the door. "I'm going to tell Sai we can have a guy's night next week if he keeps Naruto busy and out of our way tonight. That should take care of the major distractions."
"Sounds reasonable," Shino agreed. "We should also-"
Kiba's phone sang loudly in his pocket, and he smiled wolfishly before answering.
"Hey, beautiful," he said warmly. He gave Shino a 'sorry, man' look, and headed out into the hall with a half-apologetic wave.
The door swung shut behind Kiba, and Shino sighed.
"Ignored again."
8:06 AM KST
Konoha, ANBU base: Sakura's office
Sakura was deep in reviewing a file when the knock came at her door.
"Come in," she said absently, her mind busy with the details of her patient's case.
The door clicked shut, and she hurried to read the last few sentences before tearing her gaze away to greet whoever had just entered.
"How can I help… Sasuke?" she asked in surprise. "What brings you here?"
She flicked her eyes to the chair in front of her desk, indicating he should sit.
He accepted the seat with a nod.
"Have you just returned from your mission?" she asked.
She looked him over.
"You don't appear to be injured," she said casually.
"I am not," he agreed.
"Then, why the visit?" she asked, closing the file in front of her and putting it carefully to the side. "Are you feeling unwell?"
He shook his head.
"I am not."
She folded her hands and rested them on her desk, studying him as she leaned back in her chair.
She raised both eyebrows, inviting him to explain.
"I revisited the research facility in Iwagakure," he said, in his cool, even voice.
Sakura's sharp mind made an immediate connection. "The lab with the stolen samples?"
He inclined his head.
"Was that part of your mission?"
"Not specifically."
"Then why return?"
"I believe it is relevant," he said simply. "I inspected the facility. It would have been difficult to steal the samples without being detected, but not impossible. At the very least, detection could have been delayed with a bit more planning on the side of the thief."
"Impatience?" Sakura offered.
"No," Sasuke shook his head. "No, there was a large amount of planning, care, and precision that went into securing those samples. Anyone capable of that level of strategy could have avoided the easy mistake. Anything done had to have been done intentionally."
"So what is your point?" she asked, not unkindly.
"I think it is highly likely we were meant to find out about those missing samples. Tying it in with the recent attacks keeps our attention on that component of the crime."
"And you believe there is another component," she stated.
"Yes."
"And you are sharing this theory with me because…"
"I need your help to look through the records for the anomaly. You and Shino, both."
"Oh?"
"Uchiha Industries uses the ANBU system for coding our samples and products," he explained. "I am familiar with much of what I am looking at in records. However, the two of you are familiar with the classified biological components, and will be more likely to spot a discrepancy."
"I'll buy that," Sakura crossed her arms and eyed him cautiously. "But what are we looking for?"
Sasuke shook his head.
"I'm not sure. I am certain, though, that while whoever took the blank cells intended to use them, that there was another angle to the infiltration and theft."
"Interesting," Sakura mused. "Have you relayed all of this to Lady Tsunade?"
"Not yet."
"Not yet?" she asked, incredulously. "Why ever not?"
"Our mission debriefing isn't until this afternoon. I wanted to be certain you would be willing to work with me before I brought all of my suspicions and proposed action to her attention."
Sakura held his gaze before half laughing. "You always were rather direct when you wanted to be," she muttered to herself. "Alright, Sasuke," she nodded. "I'll help."
"Then I shall stop taking up your time," he said, standing. He paused at the door. Feeling her eyes on his back. "And… Sakura…" he looked over his shoulder to her expectant expression.
"I look forward to working with you."
Without waiting for any reply, he nodded curtly, and strode from her office.
Sakura stared at the door long after it had closed behind him.
She wasn't sure what to think about this new development.
"Well," she slid her chair back, and looked under her desk. "What do you think?"
A cat blinked lazily and stood and stretched from the soft makeshift bed Sakura had put there this morning, and strode out only to jump gracefully onto the desk.
She gently brushed her forehead against Sakura's and purred.
"You're sweet," Sakura grinned, nuzzling the cat. "Can you keep a secret?"
The cat blinked one eye at a time and then settled onto the desk, cocking its head as if listening.
"Then let me tell you," Sakura whispered, "I've been having thestrangestdreams…!"
11:46 AM KST
Konoha, Hyūga Hospital – Neji's Office
Neji scanned the file on his desk as he tapped his pen on his notepad. He didn't look up at the soft, quick rap of knuckles on the door, as he immediately knew who was on the other side and she'd be inside before in short order.
He gave a brief nod, before darting his eyes to the phone pressed to his ear. Tenten gave a shrug and closed the door behind her, absently taking in some of the photos on Neji's wall.
"Yes, that's fine," Neji said into his phone, as he scribbled a few words onto his notepad. "I already spoke with our research department and approved their request for the supplies."
Silence.
"Yes, I am aware that none of our internal vendors manufacture that particular product," Neji said dryly. "I am equally Uchiha Industries manufactures the best one on the market. Process the order as submitted."
Judging by the way Neji pinched the bridge of his nose, the person on the other end of the line had run out of anything useful to say quite some time ago, yet would not stop talking.
He glanced up to Tenten, with a half exasperated, half apologetic look. She gave him a short "Take your time" shake of the head, and he gave a brief, resigned nod.
"Yes. Yes. Thank you….Yes." He listened for a few more seconds. "Thank you for your attention to this matter," he said in that tone that told Tenten he was officially ending the conversation. "Have a good afternoon." Whoever was on the other end of the line had about four nanoseconds to acknowledge their dismissal before he pressed 'end.'
Neji closed two books and several files and stood to put them away.
"Supporting the competition?" Tenten asked lazily.
"It is hardly competition when we do not manufacture the same product," Neji replied, sliding the books back into the shelf behind his desk.
"Oh?" Tenten extended a steaming to-go cup to him. "And here I thought everything between you and Uchiha was always a competition."
Neji gave a dismissive grunt, but there was no malice in her tone, or stiffness in his response. He took the cup, and returned to his seat with an efficient, punctuated grace.
He took a sip of the steaming beverage, watching his teammate as she perched on the arm of the chair across from him.
He quirked an eyebrow. "Catching a train?"
Tenten rolled her eyes and slid around to sit in the chair.
"To what do I owe the honor?" he motioned to her and the to-go cups.
"You've been in meetings all day, so I figured you'd need a pick-me-up," she shrugged. "I grabbed it on my way back from lunch."
Neji glanced to the clock and raised his brows slightly. "Not your usual lunch time," he remarked.
"Impromptu date with Kiba," she shrugged again. "More like brunch."
"I heard that the rest of that team returned this morning," Neji watched her over the lid of his drink.
"You heard right," she replied easily. "I caught up with him after the team debriefing with Tsunade. Just a quick bite before he went home to catch a bit of rest, nothing special."
"Odd that you didn't just wait and go to dinner," Neji offered.
"Team Eight is going to dinner tonight," Tenten replied. "The boys are taking Hinata."
"'The boys?'" he arched an eyebrow at the strange and overly comfortable nickname. "And you aren't invited?"
"They are going for Hinata," she shrugged again. "Every team needs their time together. Speaking of," she crossed her legs, "Gai and Lee expect to see us both when they get back into town."
"I heard," he replied grimly. "I also heard about the curry."
"Sai told me he was with you when you got the message from Lee," Tenten laughed. "He said he was 'most confused' by your reaction. He is curious though, so with any luck he and Naruto can eat our share."
Neji suppressed a shudder.
"Don't worry," she grinned. "I'll take care of it." She toyed with the stirrer, winding it through her fingers. "Have you had a chance to speak with anyone about the mission yet?" she asked.
"Like you said, I've been in meetings all day," he sighed. "Captain Yamato already told us about the bulk of the mission, and I didn't think any side investigation would change much. Genma will probably drop by later and fill me in. He has already contacted Uncle Hiashi. What have you heard?"
"As expected, no solid leads," she sighed. "At least not about the missing shinobi. Too early to say if anything has panned out from the team splitting. Doesn't sound like anyone really knew exactly what Sasuke was up to."
"Whatever Uchiha is, he isn't a fool," Neji said evenly. "If he went through the trouble of taking on additional investigations, there must be a good reason."
"Why Neji," Tenten gasped in mock astonishment. "Was that a compliment?"
"Hardly," he scoffed. "I respect the man as an intelligent and capable agent. That is as far as I am willing to go. He is still an arrogant ass."
"Hm," she hummed into her coffee. "It is a nice ass, though."
She laughed at Neji's look of utter distaste.
"I didn't ask you to agree, Hyūga," she teased.
"What of tonight, then?" he changed the subject. "Will you be on assignment?"
"Depends on Hanabi," she sighed. "Hinata will be with her team, so if Hanabi is staying in, I should be off of the hook for tonight."
"I understand Hanabi and my Uncle are having dinner and discussing the business guests coming into town this weekend."
"Wait, the same ones that you traveled to meet with last month?" she asked.
Neji nodded.
"I thought that project was your deal?"
"It is better for Hanabi to have the experience," he said, the slightest tug of a smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. "I deferred the honor to her."
Tenten stared at him, and blinked twice.
"You mean you pawned it off on her," she said flatly.
"That is a matter of interpretation," Neji sipped his tea.
"Devious, Hyūga," she smirked. "I like it."
She shifted in her seat, and looked down at her hip. Her phone buzzed in her pocket in a pattern Neji recognized.
"Genma?"
Tenten swiped in her security code and scanned the message. Locking the screen, she stood and stuffed the phone back into her pocket.
"Gotta go," she said, draining the rest of her drink quickly.
"That is sudden," Neji's brow creased. "Is everything alright?"
"Yeah," she tossed the empty cup into his garbage can. "Probably just a general security team update. Lots of people in Konoha for the Summer festival kick-off."
"I'd almost forgotten," Neji admitted with mild surprise.
"I don't know how," Tenten snorted. "Naruto has been on all of us about going because Hinata's never been. And don't try and get out of it," she warned him. "Sakura is already committed to going, so you have no excuse."
"I promised to go," he sighed.
They both knew what his promises meant; there was no need for further discussion.
"Here," she tossed him a wrapped bar from her pocket. "Quit skipping meals. It makes you cranky."
"How do you know I-"
"Bye, Neji," she waved over her shoulder, and was gone.
Neji peeled open the meal supplement and muttered, "I'm not cranky."
But he had been hungry.
Replenished, he dove back into his work, determined to get out in plenty of time to take Sakura out for the evening.
4:00 PM KST
Konoha, Hokage Outlook Apartments #1108
Naruto opened the door for two of his clones, who had arms full of bags. After a few not-so-subtle comments from Sai, Naruto had finally bit the bullet, and spent a weekend with himself and his six closest clones as he cleaned the apartment. He had to admit, coming into a place that was tidied up was nicer.
He checked to make sure his table was clean before putting down the grocery bags. He put the new carton of milk in the refrigerator, and took the old one out. Remembering to check the expiration date (a lesson learned the hard way back in the genin days, and a few times while at KU, and, admittedly, once last month), he opened the container and chugged.
"Classy," Kurama snorted.
Naruto finished off the carton and tossed it in the trash, before leaning his back against his kitchen counter and pulling out his phone. He considered it for a minute or two before checking the time. It was early afternoon, so that meant she was probably unable to take a call.
He decided it made more sense to text, so he typed out a quick message.
N:'Hey, Hinata. Don't want to call and catch you at a bad time.'
He winced. "Lame," he muttered, and deleted the message.
'Hey, if you aren't busy tonight, there is a …'
He deleted the line again. "She's a clan mother," he scoffed at himself. "She'salwaysbusy."
'Up for a small adventure? Tonight?'
There. That sounded more fun. He hit 'send.'
He fidgeted until his phone buzzed with a reply.
'Maybe just a small adventure. When/where/how long?'
Naruto grinned.'Post dinner adventure, not super long. Can have you back 10pm at the absolute latest.'
He glanced up at the clock. It was barely past 4:00 PM, so he had some time.
'I have early dinner plans with Kiba and Shino in Old Konoha. May I meet you after that?"
"Perfect!" Naruto said under his breath. That meant that they'd finish up with dinner in plenty of time for what he had planned.
'That works. Just let me know where you are, and I'll pick you up.'
'Alright. See you this evening. Thank you for thinking to include me!'
Naruto was confused. "Include her?"
"She thinks you are inviting her out with all of your friends again,"Kurama grumbled."She doesn't know you were only inviting her. Like a date."
"It isn't a date," Naruto flushed. "But… maybe I should let her know I haven't asked anyone else to come with us," he continued reluctantly. "I don't want her to think I am tricking her."
"Asking a member of the opposite sex to come out with you for the evening when you intend to pay for the evening is, in fact, a date,"Kurama said dryly."Well. Unless you prefer the same sex, in which case-"
"You're as bad as Sai," Naruto groaned, ignoring the Kyubi's chuckle. "Shut up and help me out."
"She already has plans,"Kurama reasoned."When you meet up, tell her it looks like it will just be the two of you. If she isn't alright with that, offer her a ride home."
"I guess that could work," Naruto mused. He checked the clock again. "Should I bring flowers?"
"Is it a date?"Kurama asked sarcastically.
"Well… sort of…maybe…?" Naruto fumbled around for an answer.
"In your case, you need all the help you can get,"the giant fox sighed."Go with whatever Ino suggests."
"Ino," Naruto groaned. "I forgot about Ino."
Naruto shoved that thought to the side, deciding he could worry about it later. He tossed in another load of laundry, did what few dishes were in the sink (weird, right?) and decided he might as well shower. By 4:30, he couldn't think of much else to do to waste time, so he got dressed, and decided to head into Old Konoha and poke around until Hinata called him. A quick check in sage mode told him she wasn't with her team yet.
Excellent.
He didn't bother driving. Leaving a clone behind in case he needed his car, he headed out of the door. When he was across the street from Yamanaka Hana, something made him pause. He wasn't sure why the hairs on his neck were standing up, and he looked around suspiciously. He ducked into a store across the street, and waited. Within thirty seconds, Neji came into view, and headed into Yamanaka Hana.
"That was close," he exhaled.
"Chickening out?"Kurama taunted.
"Rethinking," Naruto corrected. He glanced around the store he had entered at random, gauging how long he should hang out. Something caught his eye, and a slow smile crept across his face. "On second thought, I've got a better idea."
4:37 PM KST
Konoha, Yamanaka Hana
Sai was helping Ino organize the completed orders for delivery, when the bell above the door rang. Ino's cousin had gone home already, so she was also manning the front desk.
"I figured it was you," Ino said with a friendly smile. She raked a quick eye over Neji. "So, where are you taking my-best-friend-in-the-whole-world tonight?"
"I am picking her up shortly, and we are going to The Bistro. We'll have tapas and drinks, and stay for the live music."
"She'll love that," Ino grinned, a sparkle in her eye. "I hope you like to dance."
"I can manage a few steps," Neji said with a wry smirk.
"Well, just don't keep her out too late," Ino handed over the flowers. "You know how I worry."
Neji gave an amused smirk, but no promises.
"Ever the enigma," Ino teased. "Have a good evening."
"We shall," he promised, and left the store in good spirits
7:25 PM KST
Konoha, Hokage Outlook Apartments #1108
Hinata had arrived breathless at the center of the small park, just as the last of the sun left the sky.
"I am so sorry," she apologized. "Did I keep you waiting?"
"Relax," Naruto said easily, holding up his hands. "Here," he pointed to the bench. "Sit down a second. It isn't good for you to get out of breath."
Hinata complied, sinking onto the bench and smoothing the fabric of her gray trousers. Her modest pink shirt did little to hide the too-rapid rise and fall of her chest as she focused on slowing her breathing.
"I would have picked you up, you know," Naruto frowned, taking in her condition. "And there was no need to rush."
"We were just there," her voice was still airy as she looked back over her shoulder to the bank of restaurants not far from where they sat. "It would be silly to drive." She swallowed, and reached a hand into her bag to pull out a bottle of water, and take a sip. "I'll be fine in a minute," she assured him.
"When you've caught your breath," Naruto said sitting next to her, "you can decide if you want to walk or ride."
"How far are we going?" Hinata asked, a note of curiosity in her voice.
"Not very far," Naruto shrugged. "A few blocks past the other side of this park."
She nodded and took another sip of water, and her breathing fell back under her control.
"Thank you for your patience," she said with an apologetic smile. "I'm fine now. A little walk will do me good."
"Alright," Naruto said warily, "but speak up if it gets too hard."
"I'll be fine," Hinata assured him sweetly. She fell into step with him, and looked around. "So what is this adventure?" she asked.
"You'll see," Naruto grinned.
"Anyone joining us?"
"Erm, well,…" Naruto rubbed the back of his neck. He had totally intended to tell her it was just them, but then she had trouble breathing, and he got worried, and… "Looks like we were the only ones that could make it," he said vaguely.
Hinata, however, did not look surprised. "I knew that Neji, Sakura, Kiba, Tenten, and Shino had plans tonight," she offered. "Neji told me Lee isn't back in town yet, and the rest of our friends had full weeks."
"So…" Naruto glanced over nervously, "You're okay? With it just being you and me, I mean?"
Hinata looked at him curiously. "I don't see why I wouldn't be," she said.
"Good to know," Naruto shoved his hands in his pockets. In minutes, they were on the other side of the park and walking down one of the brightly-lit-still-bustling streets of the old city.
"Quite a few people out tonight," Hinata remarked with mild surprise.
"Yeah," Naruto looked around, keeping a sharp eye on their surroundings. "The summer nights in Old Konoha stay busy until late. Just waitwhen the Summer festival kicks off, then you'll really see this place come to life."
"I've never been," she said casually.
"Wait, what?" Naruto stopped in his tracks and looked down at Hinata in confusion. "What do you mean 'never been?' Like, never-ever never? As in you've never-ever gone to the Summer festival?! EVER?!"
She shook her head.
"How…how is that evenpossible," Naruto asked, gaping with sheer incredulity. "It's, like, the biggest summer event in Konoha. Even Konoha House, won't schedule anything for that whole weekend – that's how big of a deal this thing is."
Hinata shrugged. "I just never went," she said. She looked at him quizzically. "Is that a problem?"
"Is that a-" Naruto cut off his own sentence. "It's a HUGE problem!" he shook his head. "Gotta add that one to the list," he mumbled to himself.
Hinata was still bemused by this whole conversation, but Naruto picked up the pace with a new determination. In about five minutes, they were crossing street to a corner restaurant with a patio full of patrons. Making sure to keep close by her side, he guided her inside. He flicked a glance to the wall behind her. "Anything look familiar?"
Hinata followed his line of sight to a wall of pictures. Her eyes grew wide, and she couldn't help her small gasp of surprise as a particular framed photo caught her eye. It was outside of the Academy, and a whole band of children were smiling for the camera, each proudly hoisting their own ice cream cone or frozen treat.
Well. Most of the children were smiling.
One dark-haired boy was more smirking than smiling. One boy with sunglasses didn't appear to have any expression. One boy was making faces at the camera while petting his dog. The boy with the ponytail sticking out of the top of his head looked bored beyond belief.
And one small, dark-haired girl, was shyly standing as far from the camera as possible, unlike the brash blonde that was dead center and loving it.
Naruto watched her expectantly as she put the pieces of the puzzle together.
"Choji's cousin, Shitō... he used to sell ice cream from a cart during the summer. He always visited the academy at the end of the school year."
Yeah!" he beamed. "It was always the kick-off to summer for us as kids!"
"But ...when did it become a restaurant?"
"Mmm," Naruto looked up to the ceiling as he thought, jamming his hands into his pockets. "Maybe around the time we started at KU," he said. He pointed to another picture. "Look at that crew."
It was a picture of Naruto, Choji, Shikamaru, Kiba and Akamaru, standing around a small, brightly painted ice cream cart, giving victory signs to the camera.
"We used to sneak out of school," Naruto admitted sheepishly. "It used to be just Shitō and that little cart. Turns out that since his cart was small, he could navigate the places in old Konoha the trucks couldn't go. That was great for business. He's the one that took all of these pictures," he looked over the wall. "Lots of customers over the years."
Hinata's expression was wistful. "Such a long time ago," she murmured, hovering her fingertips over their class picture. "I had forgotten all about it."
"Then let's refresh your memory," Naruto jerked his head toward the counter.
The line was long but moved quickly. Shitō's business was a far cry from the simple cart kids used to eagerly chase on hot, Konoha nights. Now there was a wide variety of frozen novelties and ice creams in flavors ranging from plain vanilla to salted caramel to cherry blossom to green tea to chili pepper.
"I don't even know what to try," she half laughed, staring at the wide range of offerings. The Akimichi girl behind the counter sized her up with a practiced eye. She grabbed three small spoons, scooped out three different samples and handed them over. They were all delicious, but Hinata only picked one, and ordered a single scoop.
"To-go," Naruto added over her head.
"Not a problem," the stout girl grinned, and quickly scooped and packaged up the order. Hinata went to the counter to pay, but the attendant waved her away.
"Already taken care of," he smiled and nodded to where Naruto stood a few feet away.
"You didn't have to do that," she said as he put his phone back in his pocket.
"Is it alright that I did?" he asked, his blue eyes more serious than she was used to seeing them.
"Of course, it was very kind of you, but-"
"But it was alright?" he asked.
"I…yes. Yes, it was fine," she said, a light flush on her cheeks. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he said warmly. "C'mon. We still have one other place to go."
Hinata followed mutely, and they walked half a block before a large, bright orange truck pulled up to the curb.
"There's our ride!" Naruto said happily.
"Who is driving?" she asked, confused.
"I am," Naruto opened her door, and motioned inside.
Hinata looked past him to see an identical smile.
"Hi!" Naruto's clone waved to her.
"Hi?" she said half asked with a laugh.
"Here," Naruto took their bags of ice cream and reached over her to hand them to his clone. He turned back and sized her up.
"Guess it's a good thing you aren't in a skirt," he looked between her and the seat. "But it's still a bit of a stretch for you. I should probably give you a boost."
"A boost?" She asked.
"If you can reach that handle," he indicated the large plastic curve inside the door, "You'll be able to steady yourself while I help you in."
Hinata could just reach the bottom of the smooth handle. She wrapped her fingers around it and looked over her shoulder to Naruto.
"Like this?" she asked.
"Yeah," he nodded. "Now pick a foot to put on the running board - right might be easier - that's good," he nodded. "Now. Hold on."
"Hold on?"
Two strong hands were at her waist, and Hinata instinctively followed their momentum. In seconds, she was seated in the cab of he truck. She blinked twice, and looked over to Naruto who was handing her the seatbelt. "Buckle up," he instructed before carefully closing her door.
He raced around the back of the truck, as his clone hopped out, leaving the engine running.
"Get in the back," the original nodded to the bed of the truck. "When we get where we are going, go find a place to hang out and gather nature energy in case I need to shoot into sage mode for any reason."
"Got it," his clone smiled, and hopped into the back of the truck.
Naruto climbed into his seat and smiled at Hinata. "All set?"
"I think so," she looked around the spacious cab of the truck. "I've never ridden in anything like this," she said honestly.
"Then hold onto your ice cream," he handed her the brown paper bag. "We're heading out!"
He checked the rearview and pulled out, just missing the random Huyga bodyguard racing toward the truck, desperately trying to keep Hinata in sight.
His clone spotted him, though, and gave a cheeky wave as they shot off into the sultry summer night.
7:56 PM KST
Konoha, The Bistro
Neji had been having a lovely evening with Sakura when he had excused himself to take the call, and was now regretting it.
The distant cousin assigned to keep an eye on Hinata tonight was stumbling over an attempt of an explanation that was sounding more and more like a litany of excuses.
"And that's when she got in the truck," he lamented. "I had no way to follow, and then I lost sight of her."
"What do you mean she got in a truck and youlost sight of her?" Neji asked, clenching his jaw.
"That's just it," the cousin said in bewilderment. "I was tracking their progress until they got near the old training grounds, and then, nothing! Just…nothing!"
Neji resisted the urge to voice the multiple issues he had with this explanation.
"Report back to the compound," he said tersely. "We shall discuss this tomorrow."
He didn't wait for a reply, opting instead to hang up and immediately contact Genma.
"Shouldn't you be on a date?" Genma answered.
"Shouldn't you be preventing Naruto from abducting my cousin?" he retorted acidly.
"Relax, Hyūga," Genma said easily. "She was never off of our radar, and Naruto cleared their destination ahead of time. I have all of the necessary people in place. At the moment, your cousin is probably safer than just about anyone in Konoha."
"Fine," Neji gritted out. "Just have Tenten report to me the moment anything looks suspicious."
"Tenten isn't in the field tonight,"Genma corrected him."And nothing you say or do is going to coerce me to…interrupt her tonight."
"Thenyoualert me the moment anything looks suspicious," Neji seethed.
"Can do," Genma grinned. "For what it's worth, Hinata is in excellent hands. And between you and me, from what I hear about Kiba, so is Tenten. So just go and try and enjoy the rest of your date, Neji."He instructed cheerfully. "Leave this to the professionals."
Genma disconnected, and Neji glowered at his phone. Genma was impossible when he was in these kinds of moods; there was no telling what he would do or say. Why did his teammate have to be off tonight of all nights? Didn't she say Kiba was going to dinner with his team? Why was Hinata with Naruto now?
He put his phone away and rubbed his temples, and tried to refocus.
Since Naruto was known for doing the unpredictable and the impossible, Genma and usually Kakashi kept close tabs on things when he was involved. They also tended to bet on ridiculous outcomes, but that was neither here nor there.
"Let it go, Hyūga,"he could hear his teammate rolling her eyes. "You can't control everything all of the time. Have some faith in the people that do this for a living."
Neji exhaled slowly through his nose.
Irritating as Genma could be, he was in his job for a very good reason. Neji's own father had respected Genma greatly, and worked with him closely during his time as the head of the branch family. Genma might be an instigator, but he was never negligent in his work.
Neji took another deep, meditative breath, and allowed himself a full 60 seconds to re-center.
Feeling more focused, and remembering that he had a wonderful and beautiful woman waiting for him, he returned to their table.
Sakura looked up when he pulled out his chair.
"Everything alright?" she asked.
"Yes," Neji said smoothly, the picture of composure as he slid into his seat opposite of her. "Sorry for the interruption."
"That is alright," she smiled kindly. "The musicians were between sets, so I took the obligatory run to the ladies' room. You couldn't have timed it better." The lights began to lower, and she glanced around. "Speaking of timing," she chuckled. She angled her chair to face the stage area, reaching for her glass of wine.
Neji frowned.
"I wasn't here to watch it," he said, looking to her drink.
"I'm sure it is-"
"Please," Neji put a hand over hers. "In light of recent events, I wish to be cautious. Especially where it concerns your well-being."
"Alright," she pushed the glass away. Neji waved the waiter over and ordered another bottle of wine, asking that the other bottle and glasses be cleared.
"Not to your liking?" the man asked with concern, eyeing the glass remaining in the bottle, and the unfinished glass from Sakura.
"It was fine," Neji said dismissively. "Thank you."
The waiter scurried off, and Sakura turned back to the music. It had been a sobering reminder of the darker edges to their lives.
"Was everything alright?" She asked conversationally. "You appeared concerned when you took that call."
"It was a security check in," Neji said evenly, before giving her a small, wry smile. "Not my favorite kind of call to take."
She nodded in understanding. The waiter returned with the unopened bottle, and Neji examined it. He checked the top of the wax covering the cork, and saw no tampering. A quick scan with his Byakugan verified this. He watched as the glasses were poured, and replaced the cork in the bottle with his own hand, keeping it in his peripheral vision.
Sakura accepted her glass of wine gratefully, and they both turned their attention to the music.
Neji took a deep breath and tried to calm his mind.
As the music played, though, he felt his thoughts drifting. He was annoyed with Naruto, and Tenten, and Kiba, and Genma, and just about everyone that wasn't Sakura or Hinata. Even Sai, in all of his awkwardness, didn't get under his skin like Kiba had today, or like Naruto did in general.
Neji pinched the bridge of his nose and willed his focus back to the immediate present. He took a deep breath and corralled his wandering mind.
He opened his eyes and smiled fondly, watching as Sakura swayed gently in her seat in time with the music.
Yes.
It was definitely time to get is mind back into the present, and on more enjoyable things.
He finished his wine, and stood, holding his hand out to her.
She looked up in surprise. "Neji? Is something wrong?"
"May I?" he asked, glancing to the dance floor.
A smile blossomed on her lips.
"You may," she said cheekily, taking his hand, and following his lead.
As he spun her lazily into position, and watched her smile up at him, he felt his spine decompress.
His father had been strict about manners when he was growing up, and it had been impressed upon him that no girl should be left without a dance partner.
Luckily for Neji, it was no hardship to when his partner was the prettiest, and probably smartest, girl in the room.
He decided to enjoy the rest of his evening, and to bask in the unique light that Sakura brought to everything she did.
Perhaps the rest of the world could take care of itself for just a little while longer.
8:15 PM KST
Konoha, 'Abandoned' training grounds
The sign along the dirt road declared "city authorized vehicles only."
Hinata glanced over to Naruto.
"Aren't these the old training grounds?"
"Still are," Naruto reached into his pocket to retrieve a card on a lanyard. "ANBU uses them." He leaned out of the truck window and slid his card into a rusted ticket machine.
"That thing is just for show," he nodded to the red-and-white striped mechanical arm that raised slowly to let them by. "We have barriers around here to keep people from wandering in accidentally, or on purpose."
"Is it dangerous out here?"
"Depends who is training and with what," Naruto laughed. "But there's no worry of that tonight."
The truck rumbled down the dirt and gravel road until Naruto pulled into a clearing and parked. "Sit tight," he grinned, turning off the engine, grabbing the bags of ice cream, and hopping out. She could hear the tailgate of the truck go down, and the scuffling sounds of people in the bed of the truck. A muffled conversation could be heard, and then Hinata saw several streaks of orange dart off and into the surrounding forest. About two minutes later, Naruto came and opened the door for her.
"Come on out," he beamed. "It's all set!"
Hinata turned in her seat and paused, trying to decide if getting out of the truck was going to be easier than getting into the truck.
"Sorry," he rubbed the back of his neck "I should've brought something easier to get in and out of. Here," he chuckled at her look of concentration. "Hand me your bag." He reached for the totebag she'd pulled onto her lap and slung it on his shoulder before stepping in and offering her a hand.
She took Naruto's hand with a grateful smile, stepped onto the running board, and then stepped down.
"Good?" he asked, a hand lightly on her back making sure she was steady.
"Good," she smiled, straightening.
She followed him around the truck, and gasped in surprise. Under the clear, dark sky and bright stars, all of Konoha valley stretched out before them.
"I've never seen Konoha from this angle," she breathed, "or the stars quite so clearly."
"Neat, huh?" he asked, carefully putting her bag over the side and into the bed of the truck. "We're as high up as we would be on the monument, but I like the view from here better. No interference from the city lights."
He stood by her side looking out over the view. "Like it?" he asked, watching her profile.
"Yes," her smile was gentle but warm. "Very much."
"C'mon," he nudged her with his arm. "Your ice cream will melt."
He looked between her and the bed of the truck, deciding how best to help her up.
Hinata was already moving, though. She leaned her back against the tailgate, and putting her hands behind her, pulled herself up to sit on the edge, and then gracefully swung her legs up with her.
At Naruto's wide eyes, she gave a small chuckle. "You know, Iama shinobi," she teased.
"Yeah, yeah," Naruto scoffed playfully. "Showoff."
She laughed as he jumped into the truck and retrieved their ice cream.
"Have a seat," he offered as he adjusted the LED camping light. Finished, he took a seat on the large blanket spread out in the back of the truck.
Hinata sat gingerly on the blanket, using the light from lantern to pull the napkins and cup of ice cream out of the brown paper bag.
Naruto leaned back against the giant toolbox that sat under the cab window and spanned the width of the truck bed. "Too bad there aren't any fireworks. This is the absolute best place to watch them."
"I can see why," Hinata said appreciatively. She pried the lid off of her dessert, closing her eyes when the sorbet melted on her tongue with the delicate hint of lemon and blueberries.
She opened her eyes to find Naruto watching her, and he quickly shifted focus to his own dessert. "Yeah, well," he cleared his throat. "The last few times the gang has gotten together, it seems like there is a bunch of stuff we take for granted that you didn't get to do." He looked up quickly. "Not that there is anything wrong with that, since you were probably way busy doing things for your clan which is way more important than any of that kind of stuff."
He stabbed at his ice cream and shoved a scoop of it into his mouth.
"So, I figured," he tried to hurry and swallow so he could talk, "that we could take you on a series of small adventures. Y'know – nothing huge, just little things here and there, although, we totally have fix the part where you've never been to the Summer Festival, because that is just unacceptable."
He looked up again with wide eyes. "Again, not your fault," he rushed on, "but you shouldn't be missing out. At least," he tried to ignore the impending brainfreeze with a wince. "Not anymore." He blinked rapidly, sighing as it passed. "That's better. So," he smiled crookedly at Hinata, "What do you say?"
"That…" she watched him incredulously, "that is so kind."
"Nah," Naruto waved the comment away. "But it will be fun. Are you in?"
Her smile was slow, but her eyes danced. "I'm in."
"Awesome!" Naruto beamed, and dug into his dessert. He finished his three scoops in the time it took Hinata to finish her one. Stashing the trash neatly in a bag in the backseat of the truck, Naruto fished out two bottles of water, a map, a Konoha guidebook, two pencils, and a notepad.
"So," he handed Hinata a bottle of water and spread the map on the floor between them, "I've been thinking."
Hinata took in the notebook and the map with various circles on it.
"I can see that," she said with light amusement.
He tapped his finger on his notepad. "These are the places that have come up in conversation with the gang that I don't think you've been to," he looked down the list, "and I checked in that book to see if there was anything else I could think of."
Hinata reached for the book, and flipped through it. "Was this helpful?" she asked, and he heard the smile in her voice.
"Yeah, but probably not how you'd think," he cracked open his water and took a drink. "I used it to help me jog a few memories. We covered a lot of ground as kids."
Hinata chuckled lightly, leaning back against the side of his truck, and fishing something out of her bag.
Naruto watched her carefully. "Cold?"
"Slight chill," she said, pulling on a summer cardigan in pale lavender. "There," she smiled. "Much better."
She flushed under Naruto's uncharacteristic scrutiny. "Really," she assured him.
"I've got a jacket in the truck," he said. "Just let me know if you need it."
"I'm fine," she turned to his map. "What is this place, here?" she asked.
Naruto turned his attention to the map, and answered some of her questions. They tossed around ideas of other places to see, or things to do, largely guided by Naruto's list, map, and memory of summers past. It was almost twenty minutes before Naruto checked his watch. "This is a good start," he looked over the list before handing it to Hinata.
Hinata's eyes slid down the page, with a small shake to her head. "This is so thoughtful of you," she said, as if she still didn't believe the offer. "But with everyone's schedules, and how busy things at… work are," she hesitated, not used to mentioning ANBU yet, "…I just don't want you and the others to go to any trouble," she looked up at him hesitantly.
There was something that echoed in that expression – something so kind and shy and selfless and utterlyHinatathat Naruto could only smile.
"We'll see who can come when," he offered. "I can't guarantee you won't get stuck with just me," he shrugged playfully, "but I can guarantee I won't stick you with just Sai or Teme."
Hinata laughed, then, and Naruto felt relief wash over him. She wasn't opposed to being with just him after all.
"Congratulations,"Kurama grunted. "You are slightly less chicken shit than I thought you were thirty seconds ago. Still haven't asked her out yet, though."
Naruto's internal retort was interrupted by Hinata's sharp gasp.
Her eyes suddenly shifted above him, and she pointed overhead. "There!"
Naruto turned just in time to see a bright streak sail across the night sky. He checked his watch. "Right on time," he smirked.
Hinata looked confused. "On time?"
"Extra blankets in here," Naruto thumped the side of the toolchest as he lifted the lid to put away their list, map, and pencils. He handed her a blanket before grabbing one and wadding it up like a pillow. He lied down in the bed of his truck with a contented sigh.
"It gets cooler up here, but this won't be a long meteor shower." He glanced over to her. "Get comfy – I'll still have you home before Neji can send out a search party."
A slow smile spread across Hinata's face, and her eyes brimmed with something Naruto would be hard pressed not to call joy. She carefully folded her blanket, and put it between her back and the toolbox. She leaned back with her legs extended and crossed at the ankles, and turned her face to the night sky.
Naruto pushed the button on his LED camping light, and it flicked off.
Pinpoints of light glimmered in the sky before shooting across the canopy of stars. The air was mild and cool, with just enough of a breeze to rustle the trees surrounding the clearing. Konoha nights were never silent – too many small creatures dwelled in the surrounding forests. The crickets, frogs, and owls punctuated the night with their songs and scratches and croaks. Fireflies occasionally drifted lazily above them like floating lights.
Naruto put his hands behind his head and relaxed. He was able to stay so still, he gathered enough energy to slip into sage mode, and survey the area around him.
He smirked when he realized there were no Hyūgas lurking in the trees. Just a few of his clones and an ANBU or two stationed farther out. Genma agreed to this part of the adventure because the ANBU grounds could be sealed, and it was impossible to enter them without clearance. There was even a barrier above the training grounds, meant to help contain any explosions or destruction that might come up during exercises.
All in all, it was secluded, but it was still one of the safest places Naruto could have taken Hinata. It irked him slightly that there were ANBU hanging around, but he guessed it was to be expected. Besides, if anything happened to Hinata on his watch…
His gaze drifted over to Hinata.
Her chin was tilted up to the sky, and her eyes trailed after the stars. Her pale skin glowed gently in the moonlight, and there was a peace and tranquility around her that made the lights and hustle of Konoha seem that much farther away.
He could almost envy her serenity. Still, he couldn't imagine actually begrudging Hinata anything – she was too nice.
"Pretty, too," Kurama said slyly. "Just in case you hadn't noticed."
Naruto's grin was small.
"I noticed."
Kurama was silent after that, perhaps lulled by the peace of the evening, perhaps just cutting Naruto a rare break.
Aside from the occasional gasp at a star, or comment on the celestial light show, Hinata and Naruto didn't speak much. Naruto found, as he always did with Hinata, that he didn't mind the silence. He did take advantage of his sage mode to more carefully watch her breathing. He wondered what it was that triggered her episodes. She hadn't been short of breath during her ANBU exams, had she?
So why had just rushing from barely a block away winded her?
He made a mental note to ask Sakura about it.
Of course, thinking of that made him think of Sakura and Sasuke. He'd meant to ask Hinata more about how she thought those two were doing, since she saw them both at the hospital…but he wasn't sure he wanted to bring that up just then.
The last streak of light rocketed across the sky barely forty-five minutes after the first, and Naruto sighed.
"That's it for this show," he stayed put, looking at the stars. "There will be longer ones later this summer, and into early autumn." He quickly checked his watch.
"We should probably head back," he sighed reluctantly. "I don't want to get you in trouble."
Hinata raised an eyebrow, and he flushed. "Right. Clan Mother. So maybe it's more like I don't want to getmein trouble," he muttered.
"I think you'll be alright," she said kindly, standing with a stretch. In no time, all of the blankets were folded and stored with the lantern in the toolbox.
They were still at least twenty minutes from Konoha, so Hinata made sure to send Kō a text that she was fine and on her way home.
Naruto was surprised at how fast the drive went, and in no time he was driving through the gated entrance to the Hyūga compound. He pulled the truck to a stop and unbuckled his belt.
"Don't move," he instructed Hinata. "I'll help you down."
He raced around the truck to do just that, making sure she was steady on her feet before handing her her bag.
"Thank you for inviting me out tonight," Hinata adjusted the bag on her shoulder. "I really enjoyed myself."
Naruto smiled brightly at her praise. "I'm glad," he stepped back and jammed his hands into his pockets. "So…does that mean you'll come on the next adventure?"
Hinata's smile was slow, and her eyes sparkled. "I wouldn't miss it."
"Lady Hinata?" Kō's soft footfall approached. "Do you need any assistance?"
"No, thank you, Kō," she said over her shoulder. She turned back to Naruto and smiled. "Thanks again Naruto."
"Yeah," he rubbed the back of his neck. "Sure. No problem."
"Good night," she said, and with a small wave, turned to enter into her home.
"Night," he called after her.
"Bwaaaak, bwak, bwak, bwak, bwaaak." Kurama clucked,
"Hey, Hinata?" Naruto blurted out.
She turned and looked at him quizzically. "Yes?"
"Dinner. Can you join me for dinner tomorrow? Not ramen, I promise."
Hinata glanced at Kō.
"Your schedule is free after four o'clock tomorrow evening," he assured her.
"That would be nice, Naruto," she said with a kind smile. "Thank you."
"Great," he smiled in relief. "I'll pick you up, but not in this," he jerked a thumb to his truck. "Six o'clock okay?"
"It is," she smiled, "I-"
"Hinata? Hey, you're never going to believe…!" Hanabi stopped short, and eyed Naruto. "Oh, sorry."
"I was just going," Naruto said quickly. "Good to see you, Kō, Hanabi," he nodded to them both. "See you tomorrow, Hinata," he beamed.
With that, he jogged around the back of his truck, climbed into the driver's seat, and after a final wave, headed out.
The gate closed behind his tail lights, and Hinata turned to her sister. "I'm sorry," she smiled. "What were you saying?"
"Not much," Hanabi said, linking her arm through her sister's. "Come on in and I'll tell you over tea. Then you can tell me about your date."
Hinata visibly started at that.
"Date? I wasn't on a –"
"Or you can tell me about tomorrow's date," Hanabi said airily, dragging her into the house. "Whichever."
"But I wasn't-"
Hinata's protests faded around the corner. Kō glanced at the closed gates before shaking his head with a small smile.
"Neji is going to love this..." he chuckled, before closing the door behind them.
Wednesday, June 24th 2:09AM KST
Konoha, Kunoichi Garden Apartments #2822
Sakura sat alone on her balcony, idly watching the stars, and humming the last song she and Neji had danced to.
"Did you have a nice date?"
Sakura looked up to find Sasuke sitting across from her.
"Wondered if you would show up tonight," she said lightly. "I did, in fact, have a very nice date, thankyouverymuch."
Sasuke gave an unimpressed shrug. "Couldn't have been that good."
"Why?" Sakura laughed. "Because it was with Neji?"
"No," he met her eyes. "Because yet again, I am here, and Hyūga is not."
"Maybe I'm just in a rut," Sakura shrugged. "Recurring dreams are pretty common. Or maybe," she smiled wickedly, "I subconsciously brought you here to gloat about the wonderful time I had."
"Possible," he said, "But not probable."
"What isn't probable?" Sakura snorted. "That I had a wonderful evening and it had nothing to do with you? That's pretty arrogant, even for you, Sasuke."
Sasuke arched an eyebrow. "Is it?"
"You know, they actually proved the heliocentric model of the solar system," she said archly, "making the Uchihacentric model obsolete."
"Touché," he smiled faintly.
He leaned back in his seat and considered her.
"And what is your sun, Sakura?" he asked.
She quirked an eyebrow at him. "My sun?"
"Despite what anyone may think," he met her eyes, "we both know your world never revolved around just me. And it won't revolve around just Hyūga. So what is it that holds your pieces of your life together in orbit?"
Sakura thought about her life, and the many satellites that crossed her horizon daily. What was her center - that point around which the rest of her life revolved? Her work? Her friends? Her love for those dear to her? Her dedication to her profession, and her active commitment to the well-being of her patients?
"I'm not sure," she said honestly. "Don't know that I've thought about that much since..."
She trailed off, before hesitantly adding "Not for a long time."
Suddenly his gaze was too dark - too familiar. She pushed away from the table, and retreated to lean against the juncture of the banister and the wall. She closed her eyes and let the gentle breeze wash over her. After a few heartbeats, she turned her face to the sky, and opened her eyes to take in the bright stars that danced above the village.
"And where do we fall across your horizon?"
His voice was behind her and low.
She hadn't intended to turn around.
She hadn't intended to yield to the feather-light pressure of fingertips that tipped her head up so she could meet his eyes, fathomless and impossibly dark.
"What is our place in your skies, Sakura? Hyūga and I? What is missing," he brushed the back of his knuckles across her cheek, "that you still bring me here?"
Her lungs filled with him, inundating her senses with that strange hypnotic effect that she had long since dismissed as a hybrid trick of pheromones and hormones and naïveté.
She turned her head and swallowed a gulp of cold, empty air to rid her lungs of his incense. She didn't know why his presence was so sharp in her dreams tonight.
"Clearly I'm a just a glutton for punishment," she muttered.
"No," he made no move to touch her again, but neither did he step out of her personal space. "You are afraid."
Sakura's eyes snapped back to his. "Afraid?" she repeated.
"You and Hyūga both," Sasuke said pointedly. "Neither of you trust romance over reason."
"Tonight was romantic," Sakura said defensively.
"Within reason," Sasuke countered. "Everything measured. Everything precise. Everything in proportion." He shook his head. "That is not you, Sakura."
"Oh, it isn't, is it?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"No, it isn't," he said calmly (something that always made her want to put her fist through something.) "You are intelligent and discerning," he said evenly. "But when you love, it is without restriction."
"As it turns out," she tilted her head, and considered him, "strong emotions can cloud judgement, and override all good sense and logic. The stronger the emotion, the greater it can skew perception. I learned that lesson altogether too well," she met his eyes. "About five years ago."
His expression remained unchanged.
"I was stupid," she admitted with a mirthless laugh. "I let everything I felt for you blind me to what I should have seen. What I should have known."
"And what was that, Sakura?"
"It wasn't one thing Sasuke. It was everything."
"Like?"
"Like how you were a beautiful but broken boy," she offered. "I knew there was hurt and tragedy in your past, but we didn't really address it. I assumed we had time. I was sure that when you were ready, you would tell me whatever you needed to tell me, and we'd work through it together."
She shrugged. "Stupid."
"I should have known everything we had was built on that fragile and vulnerable veneer of normalcy. You were broken, Sasuke. And as much as I loved you, and trusted you, and knew that – you were always honest about it in your own way – I ignored every warning and indication to the contrary. I assumed that what we felt for each other was bigger than the hurt – big enough to carry us through."
"I was arrogant," she confessed. "Arrogant enough to think that what we had was so strong and perfect, it could eclipse the loss of your family, the betrayal of your brother, all of your pain and suffering - everything." She gave a derisive snort. "I was too young and stupid to know that 'love conquers all' calls for a shit ton more work, and hurt, and honesty, and pain than we had invested."
Silence settled between them, and she was suddenly beyond weary. He did not try to stop her when she broke away to stare out over the back garden and collect her thoughts.
"To be honest, Sasuke," she said thickly, "I don't think I am capable of feeling that strongly about anything or anyone anymore. Maybe I am afraid... but I do know that whatever shreds of myself I managed to salvage and piece back together won't withstand that kind of damage a second time."
"So you don't love him."
The statement hung heavy and immovable in the air between them.
"Seriously? All of that, and that is what you think to ask me?" she half laughed, ignoring the pangs in her chest.
"Do you?"
Sakura took a deep, cleansing breath, drawing in peace from the starlight above and the earth below.
Did she love Neji?
Hadn't she asked herself that many times before?
Somewhere in the back of her mind she reminded herself that this was a dream, and therefore she was actually asking herself the question and yet again.
"I do," she said, unclenching her heart. "Just…in my own way, and in my own capacity. So far, what we have has been enough for both of us."
"But… not like before," he said quietly.
"No," shook her head. "Not like before."
"And … until when?"
She shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe for forever. Maybe just until tomorrow. No one can tell you when love will break."
She felt his warmth behind her, even as she kept her eyes on the stars.
"If it is enough," he asked. "Then why am I here?"
"Maybe because you came to find me today," she said absently.
There was a stretch of silence while she weighed her own mind.
"I miss talking to you, Sasuke." she admitted. "Whatever we were or weren't, we could always talk - about anything and everything. When you left, that is what I really missed the most. I lost my best friend, confidante, sounding board, and heart all in one fell swoop."
She shook her head. "But it was more than that," she swallowed the thickness in her throat. "You were…that is I thought you were my soulmate, Sasuke," she said quietly. "I was convinced we'd always be together."
Reminding herself she was dreaming, she gathered what little courage she could find, and turned around.
"Maybe you're right," she said quietly, eyes searching the achingly familiar and yet so different face. "My world never revolved around just you. It revolved around 'us,' and everything I believed that we were and would become."
Her gaze softened to something sweet and sad.
"I never dreamed I'd live a life without you. Now, I can't see it any other way."
"Is that what you want?" he asked quietly. "A life without me?"
"Isn't that what you wanted?" she countered. "You left."
"I came back, Sakura," he met her eyes. "I am here, now."
"But you aren't here, are you?" she said sadly. "Not really."
Her eyes roved over his still-beautiful face, and she reached out to touch the curve of his cheek, but stopped. She curled her fingers tightly, and cradled them against her chest.
"When I wake up," she continued, "you will be gone. This… this isn't real. It is nothing more than a great example of how screwed up my subconscious mind can be." She gave a small shake of her head. "Say what you want about Neji, but whatever he and I are or aren't, he has a place in my life outside of dreams. He is real."
"And that is enough?"
"For now."
"Then," he brushed a wayward tendril of hair from her cheek and behind her temple. "Perhaps you don't need me."
She held his gaze in silence.
"I fear I have overstayed my welcome," he murmured. "I shall not - how did you put it yesterday? - haunt you any longer."
"So you are leaving again," she whispered.
"This is your world," he thumbed across her cheek. "I will always come when you call me."
"Another cruel trick of dreams," she said stonily. "And all the more proof that this isn't real."
His eyes darkened, and he drew her closer to him, leaning down to murmur in her ear.
"Then explain those times I have come when you didn't call me," his breath ghosted across her cheek, and her breath stilled in her lungs.
The press of his lips was warm and dry against her cheek - nearly the corner of her mouth.
She blinked in surprise as his voice was warm and fanning across her lips.
"Good night, Sakura."
She heard him smirk.
"Pleasant dreams." His eyes whorled from ebony to crimson, and her world went black.
She awoke with a gasp, sitting bolt upright in bed. Her cheeks were burning and her heart was racing in her chest. Disoriented, she looked around her room frantically, trying to find an anchor in reality. Her eyes fell on the glowing display of the clock.
The green numbers read 4:06 AM.
She waited out the gallop of a few more heartbeats before taking in a shuddering and grounding breath.
"What was that all about?" she exhaled, blinking rapidly. She brushed her fingers across her cheek, the feel of his touch still lingering there.
She threw off the covers and jumped up, rubbing her eyes. She turned off her alarm and made her bed. She knew she couldn't afford to go back to sleep – she needed space from her dreams – so she splashed cold water on her face and brushed her teeth. Within ten minutes, she was out of the door and jogging into the first shades of the new day, leaving the phantasms in her wake to melt in the light of dawn.
I promise I am always writing - even if I am not always updating. XOXOX - GL