The Ino Diaries

Language: English

I do not own naruto as if.

Is ino going to bloom like sakura did?

The Ino Diaries

Written by Kaichithehokage

Occurrence

0. you’ve been around enough to know/ that if i want to leave, you better let me go

She didn’t seek him out that night. That wasn’t how it started. He had found her in a bar on the outskirts of town, freshly back from a mission that no one knew about save the Hokage, and it was only to Tsunade she would divulge the details. So she sat in a booth that was nestled in a back corner, and let herself be lost under the hovering clouds of smoke and disjointed voices.

Mid way through her third drink he sat down across from her. Surprised to see him (it had been months since they last really talked, not just exchanged greetings in passing), but not unhappy, she found herself responding to his small talk and answering questions in the way kunoichi were trained to, with slightly parted lips, a half lidded gaze and a voice that hinted at rumpled sheets and a warm, wet mouth.

She couldn’t blame alcohol on the fact that she ended up in his bed later, with her legs stretched taut around his wide hips as her nails dug into his shoulders and her hair spilled in loops and circles over his heaving chest; she had never finished that third drink.

Afterwards, with her hair twined around his thick fingers and her face pressed against his chest, eyes watching the clock glow the time at her from the bedside table, he told her, in a quite voice, shy, but honest, that he loved her. Had for a long time. He said she didn’t have to say anything; he just thought she should know, and that, if she wanted, there was always a place for her here, with him.

She continued to watch the clock until he fell asleep, and in the grey hours of the morning she left her former teammate in his too big bed with it’s rumpled sheets and went to report to the Hokage.

i. ophelia was a rebel girl/ a blue-stocking suffragette/ who remedied society/ between her cigarettes

Her target leans on the wooden counter of the bar as he lifts his hand to light her cigarette. She inhales once, twice, and lets a steam of warm smoke slide through her painted lips. She smiles at him the way she was taught, says the words he wants her to say, and lets him think he picked her up (the concise file with his picture sits hidden in a pack concealed in her hotel room).

After she slit his throat and erased the evidence of her existence, she looks over the scrolls one last time, committing them to memory, before burning them. She pauses on her way out the window, fingertips resting lightly on the sill and looks back at his bloodless body in the bed, pale skin stark against the crimson that has seeped into the sheets, and thinks he could’ve been handsome to her once.

ii. when she walks down the street/ she knows there’s people watching

She only had a two-day down period between her last and upcoming mission, and she spent it in the commercial district of Konoha, sometimes doing deliveries for the flower shop, and sometimes just wandering aimlessly. She ran into a few people she knew, but most of her former classmates were away on missions. The village was utilizing the most promising generation of shinobi well. So far they all had come back alive, if not worse for the wear, but it was a war and things changed. Every face she didn’t see was a face she might never see again (she tried not to think about the face she left one morning, tattooed cheek still pressed into a pillow).

But when she spots Shikamaru watching her from a doorway, cigarette hanging from his lips and eyebrows drawn down over his eyes, she decides she’s had enough of reconnecting with the town and finds a bar where she can get drunk for cheap, maybe start a few fistfights, and go home with someone who will fuck her into a mattress and never care about knowing her name.

iii. and wanting something warm and moving/ bends towards herself the soothing

This time she finds herself in bed with a woman, face pressed between warm thighs as her target moans and writhes against her tongue. As the final waves of orgasm pass through the body below her, she moves her hands in quick seals and leaves her body.

When she opens her eyes again it is in a body that is still loose and relaxed from pleasure. She forces the heavy limbs out of the bed, ignoring her own body crumpled on the sheets and walks over to a wall, pausing only to send a pulse of charka into it, releasing the seals and opening to a hidden vault. She retrieves the scrolls she needs and closes the wall, reactivating the security system. On her way back to the bed she pulls a small case of pills from one of the discarded dresses and swallows it. Before the body completely succumbs to sleep, she releases her justu.

Back in her own body, she takes a moment to readjust to her smaller limbs, sinking into the familiar feeling of bones and flesh and muscle that she has conditioned her whole life. The woman on the bed flickers her eyelids briefly, fighting the fast coming sleep the pill provides, and smiles at her, stretching an arm towards her.

She lets herself be pulled back into a soft embrace, hip against her stomach, cheek resting on the bone stretched between breasts, and closes her eyes. She’ll allow herself a moment or two of simple comfort before she dons her painted mask once again, returning to Konoha and the beds of strangers they send her to.

iv. give me two shots of whiskey/ and a beer chaser/ love will be the death of me

She has come to find, over her many travels, that all bars are the same, regardless of what country she’s in. And all the bars bring in the same type of people, so it isn’t hard to find what she’d looking for on any given night. What is unusual is running into someone she knows. So when she finds herself in a back alley bar located in a rural district of Wave Country, that last person she expects to run into is Naruto.

She doesn’t pause too long in the doorway, instead simply raises her eyebrow at his expression, and slides onto the stool next to him, flagging down the bartender as she does so. They don’t ask what the other is doing here; she can’t answer and he won’t share the futility of his search for Sasuke with anyone. But they do drink in companionable silence as people trickle in and out around them.

When she asks, towards the end of the night, the two of them a few of the remaining patrons, and she has drunken far too much to be completely tactful, why he was so determined to go to all ends of the earth looking for someone who would never love him in the way he needed, he only looks at her with narrowed eyes before downing the last of his drink and pulling her away from the bar and towards the stairs.

Later, when they are both sweaty, sore, and sufficiently less drunk, he turns to her, nails digging slightly in their path up and down her spine, and asks why she was so determined to run away to all ends of the earth to escape the one person who could love her the way she needed.

She doesn’t respond, just rolls back on top of him, closes her eyes and rides her pleasure into the early morning, pushing everything else (everyone else), far from her mind.

v. no hounds to guide me/ no army at my back/ this how you made my heart a hunter

When she opens her eyes not to the tree branches she had originally left her body, but to a cave with two large wolves curled around her and a man with tattoos snaking their way down and across the muscles of his naked chest, dressed in pelts and bones, she reacts accordingly. They finally still their movements when she is pressed against the cold stone with his dagger at her throat and her kunai at his. He bares his teeth and her eyes immediately lock onto his fangs. She hears his voice then, low and gravely, telling her he found her body while patrolling the borders of his clan’s land. She only retracts her kunai after he’s sheathed his dagger.

She follows him from the caves into the clearing where more wolves and people dressed like him are milling around. She takes the seat he directs her to and continues to observe the campgrounds. She is reminded greatly of the Inuzuka clan back in Konoha. The man sneers at her mention of this, insulted at the comparison to such a domesticated people, and hands her a piece of meat still sizzling from the fire.

She stays with the wolf people for three days, discussing the possibilities of an alliance between them and Konoha. They are, for the most part, uninterested. Their clan is a solitary, wild one, preferring to stay away from any type of civilization and their problems. But, they admit grudgingly, the war has been creeping into their woods, and if keeping it at bay means dealing with people like her, they suppose it’s better to join with a village that is home to their brethren (despite how domesticated they are).

At the end, they send her on her way with a letter for her Hokage and the man who found her as her guide. She tries to ignore the way her eyes keep following the path of his tattoos as his muscle twitch and flex with his movement.

They have barely made it to the borders of his land before she is slammed into a tree and his hands, with their sharp nails and rough calluses, are quickly pulling up her skirt and pushing her aside underwear. She barely has time to breath before his is in her, hard and thick and brutal. Her hands scrabble at his neck, frantically gripping at his hair as his body moves hers’ with such force that her breath is knocked out of her lungs with each thrust.

The tree is digging sharply into her back, and in the back of her mind she registers that she is bleeding, but her eyes are rolled back in her head, and her hips are meeting each frenzied motion with equal strength. The pleasure builds rapidly in her and she presses her self closer in a desperate attempt to push herself over the precipice and into the orgasm she knows is waiting.

But she can’t. She hovers there for a few long, agonizing moments, mentally pleading for completion. The body moving against hers is beginning to lose its rhythm, and she knows the end is coming up quickly. She tightens her legs around his waist (which is too narrow), and kneads her hands into his shoulders (which are too thin), and moves, hips circling and thrusting, her muscles tightening around him, and as her eyes flutter closed, she imagines that the face in her neck, with its sharp teeth and jutting cheekbones, is softer, wider, and that the tattoos aren’t thick black lines, but smooth, red spirals.

The orgasm that shatters her body leaves her weak and boneless and devastatingly empty.

vi. nobody knows/ home or away/ what i’m waiting for

She makes her way quickly through the woods, stopping only to wash the seamen from her thighs in a stream. If she cries as she’s scrubbing her skin raw, she doesn’t acknowledge it.

It is well past midnight when she crosses through the gates of Konoha. The guards nod at her and welcome her back. She barely hears them over the thundering in her ears. Her first stop is the Hokage office, dropping off her report and the letter to the chuunin on duty, promising to return first thing in the morning to meet with Tsunade.

As she exits the building she pauses, breathing in the cold night air and letting in settle in her lungs. After a few deep, calming breaths, she begins walking towards her second, and hopefully last stop.

It takes five minutes for him to answer the door after she knocks, but when he does she finds herself frozen at the sight of his still sleep-ridden body. His clothes are wrinkled, his hair a mess, and his eyes are puffy as he blinks and regards her blearily. She swallows once and tries to speak. When she fails, he just leans against the doorframe and rubs at one eye absently. The silence that stretches out between them is vast and every minor noise from their surroundings echoes loudly through out the hallway (or maybe it’s just in her ears).

Finally she steadies herself, takes a deep breath, looks him right in the eyes and says okay.

Okay.

Chouji pushes away from the door then and lets her inside, murmuring as she passes

‘Welcome home, Ino.’

The sound of the door closing behind them is the most perfect thing she has ever heard in her life.

0. the most remarkable thing/ about you standing in the doorway/ is that it’s you/ and that you’re standing in the doorway

Stuck in a Storm

Language: English

Stuck in a Storm

By Rose Tiger

Hey! Rose Tiger is back! I know I haven’t been giving you some new stories, but I have been busy school. It wasn’t easy, but I finally got the time to work on this one. I remembered an episode from “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” that gave me this story. Please enjoy my story. Naruto and his friends are sixteen and in high school in this story. I don’t own Naruto and my grammar may be bad so keep a sharp look out. On with the story!

Speech

Thoughts

Music

Walkie Talkie/Phone

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Naruto groaned sleepily: Stupid clock.

He turned the alarm clock off then he stretched his arms and yawned.

Tsunade calling from downstairs: Naruto! Get ready for breakfast!

Naruto calling back: Okay, grandma!

Naruto is sixteen years old and in the 10th grade who lives with his grandmother, Tsunade. Actually, she’s not his real grandmother. She was a close friend of his parents who passed away when he was five years old. Tsunade loved Naruto like he was her own, so she didn’t mind having him call her grandma. She’s also married to Jiraiya who Naruto didn’t consider a grandfather. He always thought that Jiraiya was a pervert because he writes lewd (perverted) books called “Make-Out Paradise”, which is very popular to very horny guys. After Naruto woke up, he washed up, got dressed, and went downstairs for breakfast.

Naruto sitting at the dinning table: Good morning.

Tsunade giving Naruto his plate of eggs and bacon: Good morning, Naruto. How did you sleep?

Naruto started eating: Okay, I guess.

Jiraiya entering the kitchen: Good morning, my beloved wife. (Puts arms around Tsunade and kisses her)

Naruto, at this point, covered his eyes: Swell. Just what I need in the morning. Seeing old people smooching. Yuck.

Jiraiya ruffling Naruto’s hair: Good morning, sport.

Naruto: Hey, old pervert.

Jiraiya: Hey! What did I tell you about calling me that?

Naruto: Well, you write those nasty books that got every guy in town hyped. Trust me, I know.

Jiraiya sitting at the table next to Naruto: Naruto, you know that no one under age eighteen suppose to read those books.

Naruto: Do you think I’m stupid? I know that.

Jiraiya: Then how do you know what’s in the story?

Naruto: Remember, Kakashi? One of grandma’s employees?

Jiraiya: Yes?

Naruto: Every time I visit the office, I see him read those books and mumbled some of the lines that got me sick. Just remembering what he said makes my skin crawl.

Jiraiya eating his breakfast: Oh, but it’s the natural part of life. You being born, go through childhood, then teen life, college, find a girlfriend, get married, (giggles) and then you have-

CLANG!

Tsunade just whacked Jiraiya with a skillet.

Tsunade: He doesn’t need to know that part. However, it would be wonderful for Naruto to have a girlfriend. (Clasp her hands together with stars in her eyes) Imagine little Naruto grow into a handsome young man and find the girls of his dreams then sees her walk down the aisle, then off to their honeymoon, then I will have little Narutos calling me “Great-grandma!”

Naruto and Jiraiya sweat dropped.

Jiraiya: O…kay…Naruto, shouldn’t you be getting ready for school? You will be late if you don’t hurry up.

Tsunade being normal again: They should cancel school.

Jiraiya: What do you mean?

Tsunade: I just checked the news and they said there is going to be a terrible thunderstorm today. Most of the schools in town are closed already.

Naruto liking what he’s hearing: Well, since there is going to be storm, (getting up and try to get away) I’ll go back to bed.

Jiraiya grabbed his collar: Oh, no you don’t. You’re going to school. Besides, (looking out the window) it’s not that bad now. And don’t you have tutoring after school with that cute girl with pearly eyes?

Naruto: You mean Hinata? Yeah, I got tutoring with her. My math needs work.

Jiraiya: Just wondering. Where did you meet this girl?

Naruto: You should know. She’s my classmate, she’s really smart, and she’s part of the cheerleading squad. She’s also a cousin of one of my friends that I hang out with. Speaking of which, the guys and I suppose to meet the guys for our weekly Candy Betting Games.

Tsunade: Well, you won’t go candy betting unless you get your tutoring done. Understand?

Naruto downcast: Yeah.

Tsunade giving Naruto his lunch: Here you go. Have fun in school.

Naruto: Like school is ever fun.

Jiraiya: Come on, kid. I’ll drive you.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

In the classroom.

Kiba: I can’t believe that school is still open even though they knew there’s a storm coming.

Shikamaru: Complaining won’t get you anywhere, Kiba.

Sasuke: You’re the one to talk. You complain all of the time.

Kiba: Excuse me for interrupting, but I’m stuck in a place I don’t want to be because somebody wasn’t smart enough to close it knowing a big storm coming. Chances are I might get stranded here and Akamaru will all alone, scared, and hungry.

Shino: Drama king.

Choji: Calm down. Besides, being here is not all that bad.

Kiba: How so?

Choji pointing to his right: Check it out. Cheerleaders at 2 o’clock.

Four pretty cheerleaders named Sakura, Hinata, Ino and Tenten came in the room with their cheer uniforms on. There uniforms are short sleeved shirts and skirts with pleats going all around them. The uniforms are colored blue with red and white lining and red glitter that said “Foxes” on their shirts. Their pompoms are red, white and blue. After seeing cute cheerleaders giggling and talking to each other, Kiba smiled.

Kiba: You know what? Being stuck here wouldn’t be so bad after all. What can be better than having cute girls here?

Sasuke: Hey, back off, man. Sakura is mine.

Neji: Don’t you even think about flirting with Tenten.

The girls saw the boys, and then went to them.

Ino: Hey guys.

Boys flirty: Hi girls.

The girls giggled.

Sakura: So guys after the game today, are you guys still up for Candy Betting Games?

(Naruto, Neji, Sasuke, Kiba, and Lee are on the basketball team)

Lee snapped his fingers: Oh, thanks for reminding me, Sakura. I’m up for it.

Kiba: Me, too.

Sasuke: You know I’m there.

Choji: We all are.

Naruto sad: Except me.

Tenten: What? Why?

Hinata: I have to tutor him today after the game.

Naruto: Grandma also said I can’t join you guys until my tutoring is done. Since there’s possibly a storm coming, I might not join you.

Ino, Sakura, Tenten, and Hinata hugged Naruto: Aww. Poor Naruto.

Although Naruto was enjoying the attention, he couldn’t help but sense an angry aura close to him. It was Sasuke, Neji, and Choji, and they were not happy.

Choji mad: Naruto, are you trying to tick us off?

Naruto sweating bullets and waving his arms around showing he mean no harm: N-no. Of c-course not.

Sasuke: Good. Because if you try anything with our girls, your mince meat!

Naruto hiding under his desk: Y-yes sir.

Teacher enters room: Alright class, settle down! Let’s get this started.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

The day went by fast. Now the Konoha Foxes are facing the Otogakure Snakes (I bet you know who they are. If guessed right, treat yourself to nice big glass of milkshake, any flavor you want) in a big basketball game. Right now, the game is tied and one of coaches just called time out. That was the cheerleaders’ cue to perform.

Cheerleaders with their pompoms: Let’s go! Foxes go! Foxes! Foxes! Foxes! Go! F! O! X-E-S! Foxes! Foxes! Foxes! Go!

Crowd with cheerleaders: F! O! X-E-S! Foxes! Foxes! Foxes! Go! F! O! X-E-S! Foxes! Foxes! Foxes! Go!

Everyone cheered after the cheerleaders’ stupendous performance. The got the Foxes even more hyped about winning the game. Now the game is back on with only less than 10 seconds on the clock.

Sasuke passing the ball to Neji: Neji! Go!

Neji caught the ball, but he found out he was outnumbered. Seeing Lee, he passed it to Lee.

Neji: Lee! Hurry!

Lee caught the ball and started to head for the basket, only to be chased by the Snakes’ team captain. (If you can guess who the captain is, treat yourself to some cookies with your milkshake.) With only 5 seconds left on the clock, Lee had no choice but to make the three-point-shot. When he threw the ball, everyone was at the edge of their seats. The ball made it to the basket, but it hit the top of the rim and about to bounce off.

Everyone gasped.

Lee: Oh no!

Thinking fast, Naruto, who was close to the basket, jump up and pushed the ball in the basket (Ally-oop shot). Then the buzzer went of signaling that the game is over and the Foxes won the game. Everyone jumped up cheering there heads off. The teammates ran to Naruto and group hugged him.

Kiba: Alright, Naruto!

Lee: What a youthful act on saving the game!

Neji: Excellent job!

Sasuke: You rock, man!

The teammates hoisted Naruto on their shoulders and cheered at him.

Ino shaking her pompoms: Hurray for Naruto!

Hinata shaking her pompoms: You’re best, Naruto!

Everyone kept on cheering until the 12 friends went outside.

Kiba: Whoo! I still can’t get over what happened back there!

Naruto: I only did that because I had a feeling something like that was going o happen.

Lee: I knew I wasn’t going to make it, but I’m glad you did what you did.

Tenten: Yeah. That was a smart move, Naruto.

Naruto: Thanks guys.

Hinata: Now, are you ready for your tutoring?

Naruto: Hinata, you just stole me from my happy place.

Sasuke chuckled: Don’t worry, Naruto. We’re going to Kiba’s house to pick up Akamaru. We’ll see you when your homework’s done. We have our walkie talkies on so you can catch us.

Naruto: Thanks guys. See you later!

After the friends said their goodbyes, Naruto and Hinata were off to Naruto’s house while the others went to Kiba’s house to pick up his dog. What they didn’t know, that big dark clouds are starting to build up.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Naruto and Hinata were in the living room eating snacks and doing their homework.

Hinata: Since X 46, you subtract both sides by 4. Then you will get your answer. Since 6-42, that means X2. Do you understand now?

Naruto: Umm…

Hinata frustrated: Oh, Naruto!

Naruto laughed: I’m just kidding, Hinata. I know now.

Hinata putting her books away: You just love to goof off, don’t you Mr. Funny Man?

Naruto putting his books away: Yeah, I do. Anyway, now that our homework is done, (heading to the door) we can meet the others for our Candy Betting Games.

As soon as he opened the door…

BOOOM!!!!

…the terrible storm that had everyone on edge started. It rained, it lightning, it thundered, it rumbled! And poor Naruto started to grumble.

Hinata: What happened?

Naruto: It started raining.

Another thunder and lightning crashed causing the electricity to go out.

Hinata shrieked: Oh no! What happened to the lights?!

Naruto: Now don’t panic. Don’t panic. I got my flashlight right here.

Naruto turned on his flashlight holding Hinata’s hand, which caused her to blush.

Naruto: Stay close to me. We’re going to the kitchen to check the fuse box.

Naruto found the fuse box and opened it to find out that the fuse is completely blown.

Hinata: What do we do now, Naruto?

Naruto: Don’t worry. There should be some new ones here somewhere.

Unfortunately, he found nothing.

Naruto: Okay…so we got no knew fuses. No worries. I’ll just call grandma and the old pervert.

Unfortunately, the phone didn’t work. Frustrated, the two friends sat on the couch.

Naruto: The electricity is out, we have no fuses, and our phones dead. I guess we’re stuck here.

Another crash of lighting and thunder that was so loud that they made Hinata shriek and cling to Naruto. That made Naruto blush. Hinata realized what she was doing and let go with a huge blush on her face.

Hinata blushing: I’m sorry, Naruto. I’m just…I’m just not a fan thunderstorms.

Naruto: Its okay, I understand. Just stay close to me. Everything is going to be all right.

Then suddenly, Naruto’s walkie talkie started ringing.

Naruto: Hey.

Kiba: Hey, man. You all right?

Naruto: Yeah. Hinata and I are stuck in my house. What about you?

Kiba: After we picked Akamaru up, we were on our way to the malt shop until we noticed the storm was getting close. So we went to the nearest place to go, which is your grandma’s office.

Naruto: Where is grandma?

Kiba: She’s in a meeting right now, so we’re in the meeting room next to hers.

Naruto: Well, after her meeting, do you think you can tell her that the electricity and phones are off and we have no new fuses?

Kiba: Yeah, I’ll do that. Oh, and by the way.

Naruto: Yeah?

Kiba: Hinata’s hot, isn’t she?

Both Naruto and Hinata blushed.

Naruto: Y-yeah, she alright.

Kiba: Yeah, boy… (Chuckles). I think she’s single.

Naruto blushing: Will you stop that?! You’re embarrassing her.

Kiba ceasing his laughter: Yeah, I’ll stop. Watch over her man. Bye Hinata!

Hinata: Bye Kiba!

Naruto put his walkie talkie down.

Hinata: He’s so silly.

Naruto: That’s Kiba for you.

Hinata: I hope Mrs. Tsunade’s meeting won’t last long.

Naruto: Don’t worry, Hinata. It might not.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Kiba ceasing his laughter: Yeah, I’ll stop. Watch over her man. Bye Hinata!

Hinata: Bye Kiba!

Kiba put his walkie talkie down.

Hinata: He’s so silly.

Kiba: Huh?

Naruto: That’s Kiba for you.

Hinata: I hope Mrs. Tsunade’s meeting won’t last long.

Naruto: Don’t worry, Hinata. It might not.

Sakura: Naruto’s walkie talkie is still on.

Kiba: I know. (Grins) Let’s listen what they are going to say.

Ino: Kiba, how could you say that?

Lee: That’s right. That would be impolite and not youthful.

Neji: I have to agree. This isn’t right.

Sasuke: Yeah. Turn it off.

BOOOM!!!

Hinata screamed: Naruto, I can’t stand it. I want to go home.

Naruto: Its okay, Hinata. I’m right here. I won’t leave your side.

Everyone eyes widened, then slowly grinned.

Sasuke: One second thought, leave it on.

Kiba: You read my mind.

Shino: I just hope he doesn’t try anything.

Shikamaru: You know that Naruto is not like that. If he was, it would be too troublesome.

Tenten: Hush!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

BOOOM!!!

Hinata screamed: Naruto, I can’t stand it. I want to go home.

Naruto: Its okay, Hinata. I’m right here. I won’t leave your side.

Hinata blushed: Thank you.

A few minutes later, Hinata noticed that Naruto was fidgeting.

Hinata: What are you doing?

Naruto: Huh? Oh, I guess I’m a bit bored. Whenever I’m bored, I play my games. But that can’t happen since we’re stuck in this mess, I can’t.

Hinata: Then we can play another game.

Naruto: Like what?

Hinata: How about Patty Cake?

Naruto: Patty Cake? Girl, are kidding me? I’m a man. I don’t play no Patty Cake.

5 minutes later…Naruto and Hinata were playing Patty Cake

Hinata while clapping her hands with Naruto: Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack, All dressed in (Giggling) black, black, black… (couldn’t stop giggling) I can’t believe you know that game.

Naruto: Did you forget that I have a grandma? She played that game with me when I was younger.

Hinata kept on giggling.

Naruto: Hey.

Hinata: What?

Naruto: You’re not scared anymore.

Hinata: Really? (Realization hits her) You’re right. I guess being with my closest friends make me feel better.

Naruto: Well the next time you get scared, give me a call then.

Hinata smiled: I will do that.

A little while later, Naruto looked out the window and sees that it was still pouring. Naruto sighed then he saw Hinata shivering and hugging herself.

Naruto: What’s the matter? You cold?

Hinata nodded. Naruto went to a nearby closet and found a blanket big enough for the both of them. He placed the blanket around her and himself.

Naruto: There we go. Feeling better?

Hinata: A little.

Naruto: You know what? I’m going to turn on the fireplace.

Hinata: Can you do that? I mean are you capable of doing that?

Naruto turning on the fire place: Of course. The old pervert taught me how, so I can handle it.

Hinata: Old pervert? Don’t you mean your grandpa?

Naruto sitting by Hinata and putting the blanket over him again: Yeah, my grandpa. But trust me; even though he’s married to my grandma, he’s still a lousy old pervert. When I was younger, I saw him freak out whenever he saw my mom. Sheesh.

Hinata: Oh my.

Naruto: Yep.

Hinata saw a picture of a couple and a baby on the coffee table: Are the couple in this picture your parents?

Naruto: Yeah, that’s them. And that’s me in my mom’s arms.

Hinata smiling: You looked so cute.

Naruto blushing: Thanks.

Hinata: Your parents are so beautiful.

Naruto: Thanks. If only they were here to hear you say it.

Hinata: What happened to them?

Naruto sighed: They…died.

Hinata: Oh no. What happened?

Naruto: Well when I was five, my parents and I were coming home from going to the movies. We were crossing the street and the lights were green for us to cross safely. But a car full of robbers came out of nowhere trying to shoot the police behind him, but shot my parents.

Hinata: How did you survive?

Naruto: My dad saw this coming and pushed me out of the way and got shot. Then the driver and passenger stopped and grabbed me and my mother using us as hostages. They threw us in the car and drove off to their hide out. While the thieves were distracted, mom told me to go through the back door and run. But one of them grabbed me and used me as a shield. My mother tried to save me, but one of the pricks shot her before she got to me.

Hinata: Oh no.

Naruto: The SWAT team managed to bust in their layer and got me out. Since then, I lived with grandma. She’s really good to me, but I missed my parents. It makes me want to find those damn killers and wring their necks. I know they are in jail, but they had no idea how much pain they have caused me. (Silent tears went down his face)

Hinata hugging Naruto and wiping his tears away: I’m sorry, Naruto. I didn’t mean to make you sad by remembering what happened.

Naruto smiling: No, it’s all right. I know my parents are watching me.

Hinata smiling: I bet they are. I bet they saw you make that winning shot today.

Naruto: Yeah. As a matter of fact, I bet they were cheering their heads off.

Hinata: I know I was. You were amazing back there, Naruto.

Naruto: Thanks.

Hinata: And to be honest, (Blushing) you looked really hot when you make your shot. You looked like a really popular hero from a movie back there.

Naruto went full body red: R-really?

Hinata nodded while fidgeting with her fingers.

Naruto scratching the back of his head: Well…I don’t look as good as you do, because (whistles at her) you’re killing me in your cheer suit.

Hinata: Do I really look that good?

Naruto: You are just too adorable. All of the boys in the world would melt just with one look from you. You deserve to be in the movies mote than I do.

Hinata made a tiny squeal and giggled.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Naruto scratching the back of his head: Well…I don’t look as good as you do, because (whistles at her) you’re killing me in your cheer suit.

Hinata: Do I really look that good?

Naruto: You are just too adorable. All of the boys in the world would melt just with one look from you. You deserve to be in the movies mote than I do.

Hinata made a tiny squeal and giggled.

The three girls giggled.

Sakura: Who would have thought Naruto can be such a flirt?

Ino: Mr. Smooth is making his move.

Kiba: Okay, you guys, listen up. He may have lost some cool points with the Patty Cake, but I say a Hershey Bar (slams the bar on the table) that he kisses her.

Sasuke: I say a Snicker Bar (slams the bar on the table) that says he doesn’t. There’s no way that dope will kiss a girl, especially a cheerleader.

Tenten: Well I say a Nestle Crunch Bar (slams the bar on the table) that says he does. Sharing a blanket was sweet gesture. Oh, and don’t forget the fireplace. That sets a romantic mood.

Shikamaru: That Patty Cake took me off guard a bit, but I say a Kit Kat Bar (slams the bar on the table) that he kisses her and then she henpecks him.

Gang: What?

Neji: What the hell makes you think that would happen?

Shikamaru: It’s too troublesome to explain.

Sakura: Start talkin’!

Shikamaru: Fine. My parents have been high school sweethearts for a long time. A few years after I was born, she started henpecking him and me. Every time I wake up in the morning, I hear her nag, nag, nag.

Sasuke: Hey. Don’t compare Hinata with your crabby mom.

Ino: You think Hinata would act that way? No way.

Sakura started shushing Ino.

Hinata: Naruto?

Naruto: Hmm?

Hinata: Did you ever “like” someone?

Naruto: Why did you ask?

Hinata: Just asking. I mean to me, you’re the type of guy that any girl would go for.

Naruto: Well, back in middle school, I liked Sakura. But Sasuke had her first. I mean who am I to mess with their relationship?

Hinata: I bet other girls liked you.

Naruto: Hinata, before I became the “hot” man who made the winning shot earlier today, girls wouldn’t even give me a second glance. You were there, remember?

Hinata: Oops. I forgot. Silly me.

Naruto: I would like to find someone to love someday, but I’m a little nervous.

Hinata: What do you mean?

Naruto: You saw how relationships are nowadays. I just don’t want to suffer the same fate. I guess Pat Benatar was right. “Love is a battlefield.”

Choji: Tell me that boy did not quote Pat Benatar.

Neji: I’m sorry my friend, but he did.

Sasuke: That’s it. I’m changing my bet.

Kiba: Nope. Let’s make it double or nothing.

Lee: Springtime of Youth for Naruto? (Slams a pack of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on the table) Count me in!

Kurenai: You kids are really being nosey.

(Yes, the adults were there, even Hiashi and Hanabi. Hanabi’s school was cancel due to the storm, so she went to work with Hiashi. And Hiashi works for Tsunade.)

Shizune: Yes, why are you listening to their conversation?

Tsunade: Because I want to experience my baby getting a girlfriend.

Jiraiya: And I want new ideas for new book, “Make-Out High School.”

With that comment, Tsunade socked Jiraiya in the nose…hard.

Guy: Does anyone have anymore coffee?

Everyone: Shh!

Guy: Any soda?

Everyone: Shh!

Guy: Water?

Kakashi annoyed: Guy, would you shut it?!

Guy: But I’m thirsty.

Kurenai: Guy, would you be quiet? We’re trying to hear. (Realized what she just said.) Uh I-I mean they’re trying to hear.

Iruka: Face it, Kurenai. You’re enjoying this, too.

Kurenai: Hmph. Whatever.

Naruto: Hinata, I love that new cheer you and the girls performed today.

Hinata: Thank you. It was my idea.

Naruto: You made that cheer?

Hinata: And the dancing part, too.

Naruto: Wow. You’re amazing.

Iruka: So tell me about this girl. What does she look like?

Kiba: Ooh, man! She is hotter than volcano and she shines brighter than the sun.

Shino: She’s also gentle as the rain.

Kakashi: Hmm…She’s that pretty?

Lee: Pretty? She’s like a princess.

Tenten: Naruto did say that she’s just too adorable.

Hiashi: My daughter is too good for him.

Tsunade: In case you have forgotten, Hiashi, that boy is my grandson.

Hiashi: Oh! Uh, my mistake, Mrs. Tsunade.

Hanabi: Is Naruto a good guy?

Jiraiya: Oh he’s a very good guy. I’ll bet he’ll be a great brother-in-law for you.

Hiashi: Mr. Jiraiya, let’s not rush into things.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Naruto: Jeez! The rain is still pouring.

Hinata: I wish there was something we could do. I wonder what Mr. Jiraiya and Mrs. Tsunade do if they were in the same situation as us.

Naruto looked at her like she was out of her mind.

Naruto: Don’t you dare ask that question again!

Hinata got the picture and didn’t bother to ask. Then Naruto realized something. He forgot his radio that still has batteries in it.

Naruto: How could I forget about my radio? (Brought the radio to the coffee table) We could listen to music.

Hinata clapped her hands: Great!

As soon as Naruto turned his radio, he found out there’s a Monica CD in it and the radio stated playing “Angel of Mine.”

Hinata swaying to the song: I love this song

Naruto stood up and held out his hand to her: Then, do you want to dance?

Hinata blushed and nodded. She took his hand, went closer to him as he still holding his hand and put his other arm around her. And then he looked her eyes and started dancing with her.

When I first saw you I already knew

There was something inside of you

Something I thought that I would never find

Angel of mine

Hinata let go of Naruto’s hand then put her arms around her neck and rested her head on his shoulder as he put his other arm around her.

I look at you, lookin’ at me

Now I know why they say the best things are free

I’m gonna love you boy are so fine

Angel of mine

How you changed my world you’ll never know

I’m different now, you helped me grow

You came into my life sent from above

When I lost all hope you showed me love

I’m checkin’ for ya boy you’re right on time

Angel of mine

Nothing means more to me than what we share

No one in this world can ever compare

Last night the way you moved is still on my mind

Angel of mine

What you mean to me you’ll never know

Deep inside I need to show

You came into my life sent from above (Sent from above)

When I lost all hope you showed me love (Boy you showed me love

I’m checkin’ for ya boy you’re right on time (Right on time)

Angel of mine (Angel of mine)

I never knew I could feel each moment

As if it were new,

Every breath that I take, the love that we make

I only share it with you (you, you, you, you)

When I first saw you I already knew

There was something inside of you

Something I thought that I would never find

Angel of mine

You came into my life sent from above (Came into my life, yeah yeah yeah)

When I lost all hope you showed me love (Boy you showed me love, uh huh)

I’m checkin’ for ya boy you’re right on time (But boy your right on time)

Angel of mine (Angel of mine, oh mine)

How you changed my world you’ll never know

I’m different now, you helped me grow

I look at you, lookin’ at me

Now I know why they say the best things are free

I’m gonna love you boy are so fine

Angel of mine

After the song ends, Naruto and Hinata got so lost in each others eyes that they leaned in slowly and kissed each other gently. They stayed that way for only a minute until they finally broke apart.

Naruto: Wow. What just happened?

Hinata: Oh, did I offend you? I’m sorry.

Naruto: No, you didn’t offend me.

Hinata sitting on the couch: But I didn’t mean to…kiss you. It was just-

Naruto sitting next to her: Hinata, its no problem.

Hinata: I really, really like you.

Naruto paused: You do?

Hinata: Yes I do. I have always liked you since we first met. I know I haven’t told you, but I was scared about how you were going to react.

Naruto: What did you think I was going to do?

Hinata: I don’t know. Maybe…hate me or call me crazy.

Naruto: What makes you think that?

Hinata: I don’t know. Maybe I was just afraid of what the future brings.

Naruto: Then are you afraid of this?

He kissed her again, but it took her by surprise. Then she closed her eyes to continue the moment. During the kiss that lasted for minutes, they heard each other’s hearts beating in sync with one another until they finally break for air.

Naruto held both of Hinata’s hands: Hinata, I really, really like you, too.

Hinata: Really?

Naruto: Yeah. You’re sweet, kind, smart, pretty, and one hell of a girl. You are just too adorable.

Happy tears ran down Hinata’s face.

Naruto: So…would you go out with me?

Hinata: I’d love to go out with you, Naruto. You make me a very happy girl.

Naruto: I’m glad.

They were about kiss again until…

Kiba: What just happened? What just happened?!

Naruto muttered: Oh no.

Kiba: Ha! You back in the game playa! The playa is back! The playa is back! Ladies and Gentlemen, the playa is back!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Everybody in the office was cheering for the new couple.

Kiba to his walkie talkie: Yeah boy!

Choji: Way to go Naruto!

Tsunade with happy anime tears running down her face: That’s my baby!

Guy with happy anime tears running down his face: Ah, the Springtime of Youth! Young Love is so delightful!

Jiraiya with a huge bandage on his nose: I knew you had it in you sport! (Make big laugh.)

Naruto: Oh, I forgot to turn off the walkie talkie. Were you guys listening?

Sasuke: Man, you were better than a Soap Opera! We had popcorn, soda, and everything!

Naruto: Will you knock it off and help us? We’re cold over here!

Jiraiya: No you don’t. You two sounded hot to me. (Laughs)

Neji laughing: Really hot.

Sakura: And guess what? Tenten won the Candy Betting Game!

Naruto: Hell to the no! Don’t tell me you guys were betting whether I date Hinata or not!

Tenten: Actually, I bet that would kiss Hinata then take her out on a date. You sharing your blanket, turning on the fireplace, comforting her because of the storm, and dancing to a romantic song are signs that you would get together with her.

Ino: We are so proud of you Naruto! Let’s give it to him, girls!

Sakura, Ino & Tenten cheering: N-A-R! U-T-O! Gooooooooo NARUTO! YAY!!!! WHOO!!!!

Everybody was laughing and jeering at him.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Naruto was banging his head on the coffee table while the people were still laughing and jeering them.

Shikamaru: Oh, Hinata. Your dad and sis are here.

Hinata: Uh-oh.

Hiashi: Yes, we both are here. Hello Hinata!

Hinata embarrassed: H-hey, d-daddy.

Hiashi: I just want to let you know that I allow the young man to date you as long he doesn’t try anything stupid. You here that, Naruto? I’ll let you see my daughter after we go over some rules. Do you understand?

Naruto embarrassed: Y-yes sir.

Hinata: Um, who else was listening?

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Hanabi: Everybody, Hinata. I had to admit, you guys were so lost with each other. (Sighs) It was so romantic. When are you two going to get married?

Naruto and Hinata shocked: Married?! We didn’t even start dating yet!

Hanabi: You better start dating. I want to be at your wedding and pick out your dress.

Hiashi: Hanabi is a big romantic.

Naruto: That’s nice. What else have you guys heard?

Lee: I’m glad you asked. Everybody ready? On 3. And a 1, and a 2…

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Lee: …and a 3!

Gang: Ms. Mary Mack, Mack, Mack…

Naruto: Oh no!

The gang continued playing Ms Mary Mack.

Hinata: I am so embarrassed.

Naruto: That’s our family.

The gang kept on having a good time.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

A few hours later.

Ring! Ring! Ring!

Naruto: Hello?

Hinata: Hi Naruto.

Naruto: Hey.

Hinata: I made it home safely.

Naruto: I’m glad you did. As soon as grandma and her old pervert came home, they wouldn’t stop taunting me about earlier.

Hinata: I know what you mean. Daddy and Neji were giving me these rules about being aware while dating guys while my sister was rambling about how you and I would make a cute couple.

Naruto: You do know that the guys and the school will never let us live it down.

Hinata: Yeah, I know.

Naruto: Yeah, but I don’t care. Are we still up for Saturday?

Hinata: Of course. I can’t wait to see you again.

Naruto: I can’t wait to see you either. I’ll see you Saturday.

Hinata: Me too. Goodnight.

Naruto: Goodnight, Princess.

Both of them hang up the phone.

Naruto to his grandparents: I’m going to bed. Goodnight.

Both of the grandparents wished Naruto goodnight as he went to bed.

Jiraiya still a bandage on his nose: It is too bad that we didn’t see what happened between the two. It would have been good research for my new book.

Tsunade enraged: You will do no such thing!

Jiraiya squirmed after that shout.

Tsunade walking to the mantle: But we are going to see how this all happened. (Pulls out a hidden video camera)

Jiraiya: I don’t believe you! You dare record them while being stuck in the storm?

Tsunade: I like I said before, I want to experience my baby getting a girlfriend.

Jiraiya: Woman, that is dishonest.

Tsunade: It’s not as bad using your own grandson in your dirty porn books.

Jiraiya: There’s nothing bad about it. I’m just inspired by youth, beauty, and young love.

Tsunade: Jiraiya, just hush already. (Turns camera off)

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

T.V.: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Naruto: That crazy hopeless romantic grandmother of mine! She had some nerve recording us during our serious situation!

Hinata: Naruto please.

Naruto: I’m sorry, but I’m pissed off, baby! We were stuck there for who knows how long without phone or electricity. She knew that we needed help, but she didn’t do a thing just to embarrass us!

Hinata holding his hand: At least her silence got us together.

Naruto confused: What do you mean?

Hinata: If she did say something during our time together, we wouldn’t have had our special time together, or started dating, or got married, (held her stomach) or got pregnant.

Naruto: Yeah. You’re right. But I still haven’t gotten over how grandma and your sister got all choked up during our wedding and when they found out about you being pregnant.

Hinata: She’s like a mother to you. Seeing you grow up into a fine man, husband, and son-to-be father meant a lot to her.

Naruto: Yeah, you’re right. You’re going to be a great mother.

Hinata: And you will be a great father.

Naruto leaned in and gave his wife a gentle, but passionate kiss. Within minutes, a huge lightning crashed and thunder rumbled causing the electricity to go out.

Naruto pissed off: Oh damn!

Hinata just laughed at her husband’s anger.

THE END

SACRIFICE

Disclaimer : I do not own Naruto. If you've read my other stories, you would know this by now.

SACRIFICE

Written by PhoenixClaw

Wow, its been a while since I've submitted anything. Still, it feels good to finally be productive again. Lets see if i can keep this trend going.

But enough of that. Let me explain one thing before I leave you to read my story:

This is based off an old literary tale I remember reading many years ago, something which I deliberately did not look up so as to create a unique story of my own without relying too heavily on someone else's work. Thus, if you recognize certain plot elements, then not only does it mean you are well read, but I also implore you not to think I inadvertently stole someone else's idea.

The style is intended to be Victorian to fit with the original tale, though I of course put my own slant on things to make it my own. If I'm not mistaken, the original was meant to convey a strong moral, something I hopefully emulated to a satisfactory degree.

Please enjoy my fanfiction, based on one of the greatest short stories I have ever read.

---

Once upon a time...

In a snow-capped shinobi village far, far away...

Lived a young couple eagerly awaiting their first Christmas spent together.

It was not lavish gifts nor elegant parties that they so looked forward to, for those things had been lost upon their exchange of vows, but rather a sense of simple togetherness during this precious time of year. Having relinquished her future inheritance for the hand of a lowly blond pauper, Hyuuga Hinata had embraced a life of lack and want so as to be with her one true love, a care-free spirit by the name of Uzumaki Naruto.

But not all material wealth had been lost amidst such a binding. Viewed as one of the most beautiful women in all of Konaha, Hinata had often been stopped by passers-by, old and young, male and female, so that they might marvel at and compliment the sheer elegance of her waist-length amethyst waves of blue-black hair. A sight to behold at any time of day, more than a few men had become early risers so as to witness the brisk rays of dawn transform the young woman into a glimmering angel delicately placed upon the landscape.

Her young husband likewise held an item of great value, that being a solitary memento from his deceased father, Namikaze Minato, a man immortalized by his stalwart leadership and decisive strength. Placed ever so lovingly atop their sparse mantle rested the last surviving kunai Minato-sama had used to protect his village during the Third Great Shinobi War. A precious keepsake to some, a valuable artifact to others, the handmade weapon held a special place in the young man's heart of which no amount of money could overturn. Reverently dusted each morning, the glistening sparkle from the blade rhythmically danced across the room in tune with the happy hearts dwelling therein.

And made happier still as they walked down the snowy road, hand in hand, gazing through storefront windows at all the joys and toys displayed behind large glass walls.

“Oh, Naruto, look!”, exclaimed the young woman, her cheeks aflame amidst the freshly fallen snow.

“Hmm?”, came the groggy reply, drawn out through a stifled yawn befitting the man's unkempt golden locks.

As he turned towards the showcase, a somber wooden horse rocked back and forth in greeting, eliciting small squeals of delight from a child already inside. Hinata nuzzled her chin a bit deeper into her coat, fiddling with the zipper as she tried to fend off the winter chill.

“Wouldn't it be wonderful if we...I mean, maybe next time I...I'll finally...” The young woman's words gradually trailed off as she gazed longingly towards the energetic child dashing and prancing about the noble steed. Without conscious thought, her hands slowly came to settle upon her belly as the stiff wind buffeted a fading smile painted across sorrow-laden lips. Naruto stepped forward behind his wife, intertwining his fingers with her own.

“I know, you're right. It would be wonderful, and...we'll just keep trying...”

An honest smile once more bloomed upon her face, mirrored now by her husband, and the two shared a quick kiss before moving on.

Alas, the warmth of a smile could not long fend off the icy gale whipping about the two, and it was with a mirthful laugh that both young lovers dashed towards a nearby storefront in hopes of rest and reprieve. 'Nara Gifts and Antiques' was emblazoned upon the glass entryway, flanked by two deer motifs on either side. A small bell hanging above the door signaled their entrance, as well as a lazy grunt of acknowledgment from the store owner leaning heavily atop his counter.

“Eh, haven't seen you two in a while. This weather is proving troublesome for business...” A yawn forced its way past the lips of their long-time friend as Shikamaru absently scratched his jaw. From the back of the shop appeared a woman and a tea set, each cup and saucer decorated with an ornate paper fan. The young pair hardly had time to offer a 'good morning' before Temari placed two steaming cups before them.

“Naruto and Hinata! It's been quite some time, hasn't it? I don't suppose you've finally decided to sell Minato-sama's kunai to my husband now, have you? A little extra money never hurt anyone on Christmas Eve.”

Naruto flinched a bit at the words, taking a few moments to gather his thoughts behind a sip of tea.

“No, nothing like that. We just came in to escape the cold for a few moments.” Hinata nodded accordingly, taking the opportunity to lace her fingers about the invigorating heat of her drink.

“We appreciate the offer, but its all we have left to remember him by. I would never ask Naruto to part with something so precious, and the money just...it isn't that important to us.”

From his slouched position off to the side, Shikamaru offered a lazy nod and grin.

“Well, thats fine then. Just remember, if you ever do decide to sell, come to me first. I hate playing games when moneys involved; its too troublesome. Give them a fair price the first time around and they'll remember it, thats what I figure.” His wife promptly cast him a scornful look.

“And thats why this place is in shambles! You have no drive for business whatsoever! Its no wonder we barely make ends meet; do you know how nice this store could be if you actually put some effort into it? Pick up a broom once in a while!” Her husband slouched down even further and released a sigh.

“Women are so troublesome...”

“What was that?”

Sharing a private smile, Hinata and Naruto finished their drinks in modest silence amidst the one-sided battle. If ever they needed a reminder of the love hidden within such fiery sparks, one need look no further than the bulge tucked behind a clean apron, signifying the imminent birth of another mouth to feed as well as another body to scold.

When each had finished their tea, a pair of meek goodbyes were hastily uttered as the two newlyweds wandered off into the street once more. An assortment of shops greeted the two as they continued on their way: embroidered linens for the dinner table, down comforters hand-stitched in the Land of Waves, glass sculptures imported all the way from Suna and a gorgeous haircare beauty set each elicited a second glance from the young woman. Knowing such things were beyond her current station in life, Hinata pulled her husband along and quickly placed such exotic frivolities out of her thoughts.

After several more stores and a score of stolen kisses, Naruto glanced towards the still-rising sun, a shallow frown pulling at the corners of his mouth.

“...I have to get to work. Tsunade-baa-chan wants me to finish some last minute Academy paperwork before everyone goes home for the holidays.”

His young wife cast him a sad smile, but soon found solace in a gracious hug befitting her husband.

“Then I'll see you tonight,“ she whispered in his ear, a sultry breath offsetting the mid-morning chill, “and we can open our presents together...as a family.”

Naruto nodded wholeheartedly, then turned to nuzzle her with a kiss before catching her eye with a wink.

“And don't forget, we agreed now; nothing expensive. Just a little something to help decorate the house for the New Year, right?”

“Right!”

With the day's events now set to unfold, the young couple shared another brief kiss before Naruto formed a familiar hand seal and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Left to brave the inclement weather on her own, Hinata pulled out a diminutive purse so that she might see the modest funds from which to acquire something for her beloved husband. A sparse smattering of small bills greeted her, causing her brow to furrow slightly; not much, but still enough for a thoughtful gift.

As fortune would have it, the young woman already knew precisely what she intended to purchase in memory of their first holiday spent together. Mindful not to let on that she had kept an eye out all morning for the perfect present, it had been a great effort to stifle a gasp when a glass-domed weapon's display, just the right size for a mantle showcase, caught her interest in the recesses of a small storefront window. 'Christmas Eve blowout sale! Everything marked fifty percent below retail value!' In accordance with the current price displayed, such a virtuous offer placed her intended acquisition within easy financial reach, and it was with the tactful grace only a woman possesses that she had requested the item be held for later, all the while remaining outside the view of her husband.

Having had such a boon present itself so readily, it was with a light heart that the young woman headed towards a local grocery to put her excess funding to good use. Knowing full well that Naruto would return home hungry, Hinata made her way to the soup aisle and gathered several Cup Ramen from the shelves. Delving through her mental checklist, several healthy fruits and vegetables soon found their way into her arms as well. The cashier rang up her purchases, and the young woman's heart skipped a beat at just how much the price of food had risen during this lean part of the year. Even with the excess money, such an exchange would reduce her funds to a scant few dollars above the cost of the display case...

Several agonizing moments passed, and a casual tug at a loose strand of hair was all the worry she allowed herself to express. The groceries were promptly paid for and handed back to her, an effective counterbalance to the sudden void in her purse. A frosted sigh escaped her lips as she returned to the snow-packed streets.

Deciding it best to head back and pick up the item lying in wait, Hinata passed by a familiar house-turned-business that prompted a sense of unease she was not soon likely to forget. 'Eastern Styles Salon and Boutique' decorated a sign swinging freely on a post, its red and yellow letters demanding the attention of anyone who passed it by. The small shop sat at the end of a recessed stone walkway, its mistress' name engraved in reflective gold-leaf text upon a mailbox off to the side.

-Tenten-

Again, the young woman gave her hair a nervous tug, reminiscing about the brief conversation she and her childhood friend had had during their last tremulous encounter.

-

”Honestly Hinata, I don't know how you do it. Not a single split end.”

A flash of scissors whisked through the air, removing another quarter inch of midnight-blue locks. Hinata smiled to herself as she recalled the source of such a blessing.

“I'm just so glad I found those old scrapbook photos of mother a few years ago. To actually have my hair the same length and style, it just makes me feel...closer to her, I guess.”

Tenten nodded somberly, her twin hair buns bouncing in tandem with a pair of busy hands. Several moments passed as the two women enjoyed the peace of a sunlit afternoon.

“Hinata...you know I wouldn't suggest something I didn't believe in, right?”

The young woman blinked at the unforeseen question as she glanced towards her friend in the mirror.

“What do you mean, Tenten?”

The brunette in question lowered her head, her voice set in a whisper.

“Do you see the girl behind us to the right? The one that just came in? Try not to stare.”

Confused as to the reasoning behind Tenten's sudden shift in temperament, Hinata did as she was asked, glancing once more into the mirror. Her eyes widened considerably at the forthcoming reflection.

A young woman, hardly as old as they were themselves, was being helped out of a dark brown wig by another attendant. To say the level of disfigurement beneath the hairpiece rivaled that of a torture victim would have been an understatement.

“I asked you not to stare, Hinata.”

Startled by the voice so close to her ear, the young woman averted her gaze before she could be caught peeking. Tenten resumed her work while Hinata tried to find the words for the many questions racing through her mind.

“What...what happened to-”

“She's not the only one, you know. Plenty of women come in here every day with problems just like that, sometimes even worse. Don't think for a minute that just because cosmetics and make-up can hide our scars that they aren't always there to torment the people who live with them.”

Hinata remained silent during the poignant dialogue, knowing all too well the ring of truth those words surely held. Still, she didn't understand what any of this had to do with her.

“But...why are you telling me this?”

After a few moments, the brown-eyed figure set down her styling tools and locked eyes with Hinata's reflection.

“Though we're trained as ninja, kunoichi are still human, and above all we're still women. You have no idea how many girls walk through my door that have lost the chance to lead a normal life. I just think its a small thing to ask that we try to help those who've given so much for us.”

“Well yes, but what does that-”

“She needs a new wig, Hinata, her and so many other women, kunoichi and civilians alike. There just aren't enough materials to make synthetic hair at the rate we need it.”

The pale-eyed woman raised an inquisitive eyebrow, then gasped softly as her friend undid a clasp below each hair bun, revealing them to be nothing more than stuffed pieces of fabric. Hinata regarded the fellow kunoichi with a look of shock.

“What have you...but your hair, why did...”

A movement off to the side once more caught her interest, and she shifted her attention back to the mirror. The young woman from before was on her way out, readjusting her wig in a timid fashion; a beautiful brunette wig, in fact...the precise length and shade as...

Tenten gave a sad smile at the look of comprehension slowly dawning upon her friend's features. She leaned in close, quite effectively sending a stark chill down the spine of the figure sitting before her.

“Your hair would grow back too, Hinata...hers never will. Naruto is a good man, but we both know the Academy pays next to nothing. You have a unique shade, something many women would love to try for themselves. I can give you a very good price for-”

“How can you even ask me to consider this!?”

“It would be for a good cause. I thought you-”

“Absolutely not!”

“How can you say that without at least thinking it through? No one would think any less of-”

“Its all I have left to remember her by!”

For several long moments, both figures remained in perfect contemplative silence. The pale-eyed woman kept a white knuckled grip on her midnight-blue locks as she tried to quell the fierce beating of her heart. Turning her gaze off to the side, Tenten had just begun to open her mouth as Hinata stormed to her feet, making a beeline for the door.

“Hinata, wait, at least give it some thought. I would personally make sure to-”

“Goodbye, Tenten.”

-

And that had been it. Nearly three weeks ago, and Hinata had not once set foot inside that place again. A noble sentiment, but not something she could do; what would her mother think? Selling her hair for a profit...it wasn't an option, nor would it even be considered. Tenten had asked far too much.

A deep flush began to fill in her cheeks, and the young woman turned about briskly so as to continue on her way. Deciding it best to occupy her mind with much more important matters, the pale-eyed newlywed took up a renewed pace towards the store that held the perfect gift for her husband.

As the sun passed its zenith, so did the young woman come within sight of her destination. Along with an air of blissful contentment came the keen awareness that the large clearance sign from the shop's exterior decor had become noticeably absent. Untroubled by the irregular nuances of a poor sales manager, Hinata entered the tiny shop and headed straight for the counter. A young man of whom she vaguely recognized as one of Konohamaru's friends greeted her from behind a pair of thin-rimmed glasses.

Udon rubbed a sleeve across his nose before addressing her politely.

“Good afternoon, ma'am. -sniff- How may I help you?”

The young woman smiled as she pulled out her purse.

“I was here this morning with my husband, and I requested a small weapon's display be put aside for me. I'd like to purchase it now if that would be alright.”

He sniffled again before nodding.

“Just a minute, Miss. I'll go check.”

A short time passed before Hinata was presented with an intricate wooden display, its chiseled crystal enclosure brandishing a delicate leaf insignia set at the base of the glass. She had been told the wood had been crafted by the First Hokage himself; a fitting tribute to honor an artifact wielded by the Fourth several generations later.

“If you don't need anything else, I'll ring this up for you right away. -sniffle- Would you care to have me gift wrap it for you?”

“Umm, no, thank you. I'll take care of that when I get home.”

The young woman proceeded to fiddle with the remainder of her money, setting it upon the counter as she offered a silent thankful prayer that there had been enough left over for those much needed groceries. As she looked back to the cash register, a sharp gasp escaped her throat upon viewing the newfound information.

“But this...this can't be right...it was on sale for less than half that just this morning! The young woman who put it aside for me said the price was almost a third of this!”

Udon's eyes widened a bit at such a proclamation, his perpetually sleepy expression fading for just a moment.

“Umm, if you mean Moegi, then you must have been here very early. She probably thought you would come back and purchase it while it was still her shift.”

An uncomfortable silence passed between the two; Udon took the time to wipe his nose again while Hinata tried to cope with such a devastating slant to an otherwise perfect day.

“I'm sorry ma'am, but the sale you're talking about...that was only good until noon.”

A crestfallen expression dominated the young woman's features, sending her spiraling downward into a sea of misery and shame.

“But I...I can't afford this. Didn't she leave a note or some sort of reminder that it was set aside when the price was reduced?”

“No ma'am, not a thing. I, umm...I'm very sorry Miss, this is obviously our fault. She really should have told you before you left. I promise to talk to her tomorrow to make sure it doesn't happen again. If you'd like, maybe I can hold it for you until after Christmas, and then you could speak with our store manager Ebisu and maybe he could-”

“N-no, that...that won't be necessary. I just...thank you, I'm sorry. I should have been more observant...”

Quickly gathering up her things, Hinata wandered off in a hollow daze, much to the dismay of the helpless young man unable to make things right again. She passed back onto the street, using the corner of the building for support as she tried valiantly to fend off an uprising of tears.

What do I do now? There's no time left to go shopping again; I can't go home empty handed. I don't have nearly enough money to buy something new...

The young woman gave her hair a nervous tug, racking her brain for ideas to alleviate the pain she felt so acutely in her heart.

What do I do now...

Another swift tug strained against the midnight-blue locks, and she stopped, bowing her head so as to stare at the plentiful resource resting in the palm of her hand.

She had a unique shade...something many women would love to try for themselves...

Abruptly, an image of her mother flashed before her eyes, a scene of long flowing hair dancing in the wind as if alive. It was her favorite memory, something that she had held close to her heart ever since she was a child. That image had been her one bond to a woman she had hardly known, a link to a life she had longed for during most of her adolescence and many years thereafter.

As if to counterbalance the past, Naruto's smiling face shined brightly a moment later, cheeks stuffed full with ramen all culminating in a wide grin reserved just for her. He was her future now, as she was his. The desire for a mother would soon be overshadowed with the reality that she would become one herself; a new life that would look up to her in much the same way she had eternally looked up to the woman now sleeping in her thoughts and dreams.

Hinata swallowed hard, teetering between a love for her past and a love for her future. Could her mother forgive her for such a thing? Could she forgive herself for not going through with it? What would Naruto think? Would he be angry with her decision? And if so, which one? Either? Neither?

The fact that she had been willing to sacrifice the entirety of her savings for him...her expectations of the look of happiness set upon his perpetual child-like features...Minato-sama's kunai represented a world of pain and lose she could scarcely imagine, and to now deny Naruto something she knew would add to the memory of his father in ways that only he could truly understand and appreciate...

What was but a single prideful vanity compared to a happiness that would surely spill over unto her a thousand-fold?

Eyes misty with her decision, Hinata delicately tossed her hair back over a shoulder as she once again headed towards a friend she had not visited in weeks. A delicate smile washed across her face as she prayed her sacrifice would be looked upon kindly by the one person more important to her than the blond-haired man with whom she shared so much.

Mother...forgive me.

And the tears began to flow...

-

Some time later, Naruto returned home with a bundle under his arm; Hinata was already preparing dinner for the both of them. He decided to start a fire upon noticing she had inexplicably decided to cover her head with a warm shawl. For one reason or another, few words passed between the two as each enjoyed a sparse meal at the dinner table. After their supper had ended, each took a seat opposite the other by the fireplace. The young man noted his wife's attentive gaze scouring the floorboards as they absorbed the heat from the roaring flames beside them.

“Hina...aren't you hot with that thing on?”

At his question, the young woman flushed deeply as she suddenly looked up, deflecting his sudden inquiry with a grin.

“I've been a bit chilly all day, and its been so long since I've worn this. I just don't want to catch a cold, thats all.”

Hinata promptly leaned over and grabbed his present, making sure to keep a firm grip on the covering atop her head. A nervous expression washed across her features as she hesitantly placed the small gift on his lap.

“Here, I...its something I found that I think you'll really like. Go ahead and open it, Naruto.”

The blond man blinked at the package, taking it into his grasp. A sheet of parchment rested beneath a strand of ribbon fashioned into a bow, its calligraphic letters flowing smoothly from a steady hand.

To Naruto,

With all my heart.

-Hinata

Naruto smiled broadly, hardly aware of the extra heat caressing his cheeks. With child-like zeal, he tore into the wrapping for all he was worth. A moment later, the young man's jaw went slack as he peered at the marvelous wood and glass display case resting upon his fingertips. Much to Hinata's dismay, the look of exuberance she had expected to see was instead replaced by an ashen gray expression bordering on horror.

Confusion mixed with embarrassment began to play off one another as she regarded her husband in a distraught manner.

“Naruto, I...I'm sorry, I just...I thought you'd like it and...I can return it in the morning if you-”

Naruto's head shot up in an instant.

“What? No! Thats not...t-thats not it, Hinata. I'm so sorry, its beautiful. Thank you.”

At that statement, the young man promptly stood up and moved to his wife. Before she could stop him, a gentle hand wrapped around her shoulders as he knelt down and pulled her into a hug. It took him but a few moments to realize there was a distinct lack of hair beneath the shawl covering the length of her back. A look of panic engulfed his betrothed, causing her to pull away.

“Hina, what...what happened to your hair...?”

Hinata silently opened and closed her mouth, beckoning for some excuse to come to mind. Fearing this moment more than any other, a look of sorrow gradually overcame her features as his brow knotted together in worry. She eventually conceded defeat, reaching up to undo the makeshift covering she had so hastily gathered together earlier.

As the shawl fell to the ground, her husband took on an unreadable expression. After some time, he reached out towards her, gliding a single finger through her short-cropped hair as tenderly as possible.

“But...you loved your hair so much...I don't understand...”

She closed her eyes in peace, pressing her cheek into the palm of the hand that had accepted her choice, hadn't rejected her, that still loved and cared for the woman who had chosen to maim her own image...

“I...I couldn't afford the case on my own. I thought I could, but something came up and I didn't have enough money, so...”

The young woman let her voice trail off, unsure what else to say. As she looked up once more, Naruto was half-smiling, half-frowning as tears began to gather in his eyes. Without a word, he reached over and gathered up his own bundle, lightly placing it into her hands. Upon the top rested a small card positioned off center, its bold letters written in short, deliberate strokes.

To Hinata,

With all my love.

-Naruto

An honest, sad smile was all she needed to see before taking the time to peel back the wrappings. A shocked gasp escaped her lips as his gift finally revealed itself. The same gorgeous haircare beauty set she had seen earlier in the day now adorned her lap, eliciting tears from both parties as she gazed upon the elegant and expensive gift.

“Oh, Naruto I...but how could...I saw the price, there's no way we can afford this...”

The young man had already lowered his head, a thin stream of tears winding down both cheeks as he began to laugh softly. The girth of the fire had grown considerably larger in their time by its side, draping the room in a soft blanket of heat and light. The peculiar absence of a certain reflection alerted her to its lack of presence, drawing a curious eye to the empty spot on their mantle where once a valuable artifact had come to rest.

“Naruto! The kunai, its-”

“Gone, I know.”

“You know? Then where did-”

“I sold it.”

Her entire world came to a crashing halt at the lackluster answer issued in such a calm, care-free manner.

“You...what?”

Again, the young man began to laugh softly, this time glancing upward with tear-stained cheeks, grinning in the most loving fashion at the woman he had decided to spend the rest of his life with.

“I sold it...so I could buy your gift.”

For the longest time, Hinata simply sat there, dumbstruck at the words that just didn't seem to register. A hand rose to her hair; she glanced towards the display case. Her gaze shifted to the mantle as she placed her beautiful gift off to the side.

All the while, Naruto simply remained in front of her, still kneeling, still grinning, tears silently rolling down his cheeks and onto the floor.

Slowly, ever so slowly, Hinata's features crinkled against the sweet ache overwhelming her, and she rushed forward to catch her husband in a fierce hug. Gentle sobs began to rack her petite frame, and he consoled her as she, in turn, consoled him.

Through their sacrifice, each had given up something precious only to receive something precious in return. Wealth does not guarantee happiness, nor does poverty ensure grief. The greatest gift of all can be found and shared between any two people, as long as each is willing to give everything for the sake of the other.

From loss comes gain, and by the lessons we learn it becomes apparent that the things which matter most cannot be measured by science, but rather by the heart. Hardships and heartache are simply a catalyst such that we may realize what truly matters when everything else is stripped away, when all we ever knew no longer applies and are left with nothing else but the greatest gift of all.

Love.

---

Like I said before, one of my favorite short stories of all time. The original is called 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. I'm also happy to say I didn't search for that bit of information until I had already finished my story, and I must admit, it is a different read entirely. I very much advise looking it up, if nothing more than to read a classic.

I hope you liked my story! For those in the know, the final chapter of 'Just Another Day' is now long overdue for updating, so I'll see what I can do about that in the days/weeks/months/years to come.

Now go read O. Henry's version and see what a real classic looks like. Good reading to you!