Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Losing Naruto ❯ The Party - Part III ( Chapter 13 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

“N-n-Naruto-kun…?”

Sakura and Naruto’s lips had barely touched when the hurt, trembling voice of Hyuuga Hinata broke the trance both of the chuunin were under. The effect was instantaneous. In a second, both of them had disentangled their arms, pulling away from each other as if scalded. They looked at each other for one moment, both sharing the same expression.

Guilt.

Two heads whipped in the direction of the door to find a shaking, broken looking Hinata staring at them both. She was still holding onto the doorknob with one hand, knuckles turning white with the intensity of her grasp. Her other hand was gripping the fabric of her dress, making one side look longer than the other.

For a few moments, that seemed like hours, the three simply stood there. Naruto and Sakura were both watching Hinata, while Hinata’s gaze switched from the pink haired chuunin to the blonde beside her. Nobody moved. Nobody spoke. The air was heavy, the only sound in the room was the faint music drifting in from downstairs.

Say something, Sakura.

Apologize!

Speak!

Do something!

Before Sakura or Naruto could say anything, Hinata spoke.

I-I…” Hinata’s voice cracked as she broke into a small sob. “I’m s-sorry…I did-didn’t know…y-you were…” Taking a few shaky steps backward, she let out one small “..s-sorry” before closing the door, her chakra quickly fading away, along with her footsteps.

Both Naruto and Sakura continued to stare at the now closed door, transfixed. Suddenly, as if something snapped, both of them looked at each other, back to the door, and then ran from the room without a second thought.

“Hinata!”

“Hinata-chan!”

“Wait-!”

Both of them were yelling after Hinata, hoping she hadn’t already left. When they reached the top of the stairs, they noticed her at the bottom step, being questioned by a concerned-looking Kiba. Naruto made it halfway down before he was suddenly face to face with the boy.

“What happened?” Kiba asked, looking and sounding more concerned than angry.

That might change once he finds out, Sakura thought, hoping that Naruto would be able to handle the situation.

“Outta my way, this is between me, Sakura and Hinata!”

“To hell it is, if Hinata is hurt, and you’re to blame, you have to deal with me!”

Naruto looked taken aback, before quickly recovering.

“Look Kiba, I don‘t want to fight you, ok? Just move it so I can talk to-”

“You’re not talking to her tonight!”

“Get out of the way!”

“Make me!”

“BRATS!!!”

The entire room was silent, even the music had been turned off. Everyone’s attention was now on the stairs, watching the situation in curiosity. Sakura was standing at the top of the stairs, hand tightly clutching the rail. Hinata was sitting on the last stair with her head down, slumped over slightly. In the middle of the stairs stood Naruto and Kiba, glaring at each other, each daring the other to back down.

As for Tsunade, she was now standing in the middle of the room, holding the remote to the stereo. Both hands were on her hips, her face was pulled into an angry grimace as she watched the teens on the stairs, all of whom were now staring at her in fear. Even Hinata had picked up her head to watch the Hokage, her small sniffles were the only sound in the entire room.

“Would somebody mind telling me what the hell is going on here?”

Silence.

“NOW!”

Immedia tely, the room was filled with yelling, cursing, growling, and the occasional bark. Mostly coming from the two boys (and dog) in the middle of the stairs.

“Dog-boy won’t let me through-”

“He made Hinata cry!”

“Ruff!”

“That’s what I’m trying to fix, moron! But you won‘t get outta my way!”

……..three.

“It’ ;s not Naruto’s fault, Tsunade-sama, we were…well, we just need to speak to her, it‘s importa-”

“I just wanna know what‘s going on, Hinata runs down crying, and-”

“Ruff!”

……...two..

“Kiba, please don‘t involve yourself! Hinata is old enough to speak for herself.”

“Well, she’s crying at the moment, thanks to this bastard!”

“Ruff! Ruff!”

“I’m not a bastard, bastard!”

……….one.

SNAP

“SHUT UP, ALL OF YOU!!!” Tsunade roared, effectively scaring everyone in the room into utter silence.

The once emotionally charged atmosphere was now painfully quiet, nobody dared to even move. Kiba and Naruto froze immediately, hands still pointing in each others chests from the heated argument. Sakura was now a few steps above Naruto, while Hinata was…well, she was still in the same position as before. The only change was that she had her arms wrapped around her own waist, looking as if she were going to be sick.

“Kiba, get your dog, and get out of my sight! Naruto, stop being a child and get down here immediately! Same goes for you Sakura, and Hinata as well. I have prepared this party, and I’ll be DAMNED if you brats are going to ruin it with your adolescent drama! Now GET OVER HERE!”
In an instant, Kiba was gone, Naruto was scrambling down the stairs alongside Sakura, who offered Hinata help standing up. The shorter girl looked at her hand, accepting after a moment, with a small polite smile. A smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Thank you…Sakura.”

She inwardly winced at the amount of pain that was obvious in Hinata’s tone, it showed in her eyes, as well, Threatening to make Sakura sick from the guilt.

“It’s-it’s nothing, Hinata.”

Politely nodding her head once, Hinata began walking to where Tsunade and Naruto now stood, waiting for the two girls. As Sakura made her way to the middle of the room, her thoughts weren’t on the stern look the Hokage was giving her, but on the encounter with Hinata.

How could she…be so nice to me?

If I were in her situation, what would I have done?

Yelled.

Cursed.

But she just…smiled politely.

And thanked me. After all I’ve done…she thanked me.

I wish she would have yelled in my face.

I wish she would have cursed my name.

I deserve it.

“Alright, listen up!”

Sakura was disturbed from her guild-ridden thoughts by Tsunade, who was now giving each of them a stern look, not giving room for objections, or interruptions of any type. Her voice was severe, and laced with impatience. It frightened Sakura, and she hoped for his sake, it had the same effect for Naruto.

“That goes for all of you! Listen well, because I won‘t repeat myself!” Tsunade shouted out, immediately all eyes fell on her. Previously, the people had been watching the three chuunin, or the Hokage, murmuring to each other, or just not paying much attention either way. Such was the case for Kakashi, who had been reading his book from the moment he stepped in the room, not long after Tsunade entered.

“I want everyone, with the exception of Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura to leave the room immediately! There is food waiting in the dining room, so make yourselves scarce!”

All those present looked at one another momentarily, before quickly moving towards the double doors that would lead them into the spacious dining room. The moment only the four of them remained, Tsunade took a deep breath, lowering her head in exhaustion.

“Alright,” the older woman tiredly began, turning her attention to the three teens before her. “I have no idea what’s going on between you three and-”

“That’s what I was-” Naruto cut in, before being interrupted by the booming voice of the Hokage.

“SILENCE!”

All three of the chuunin gave fearful glances to each other, Sakura making sure to throw a pointed glare in Naruto’s direction. Shut up, you moron! His only response to her was a small pout, his arms crossing with a “hmph!”

“Now, as I was saying!” Tsunade continued, glaring at Naruto before continuing. “I don’t know what happened between the three of you, but as it seems to be less than life threatening, I will ask you to put it aside for the time being!”

“Yes, Hokage-sama.”

“….I’m sorry, Hokage-sama.”

A moment.

“Yeah, yeah, Tsunade-baba, you got it.”

“Good!” Tsunade sighed in relief, "Now get back to the party, have some fun, and Naruto?" She looked over to where the blonde stood, arms still crossed, frown still in place. Only now, he was looking at her expectedly, mild annoyance clear on his features. A pale eyebrow twitched, but she decided to save the beating for later. There were still things that had to be done...

"Are you ready to make the announcement?"

Naruto blinked, then relaxed his posture a little. He now had both hands in his pockets, and, Sakura noticed, looked rather smug. It annoyed her, that he could be so at ease with himself after everything had happened. Almost as if it really didn't mean anything to him...as if she hadn't just bared her soul to him only ten minutes ago...as if they hadn't almost kissed. What's his problem? Looking at the quiet Hyuuga, Sakura noticed her watching Naruto in confusion, a hint of pain was evident in her features, serving to anger Sakura even more.

Who does he think he is?!

"Tsunade-baba, I’m ready when you are!" He replied cheerfully, further annoying Sakura. "Hey, Sakura-chan?"

Sakura's eyes widened slightly at being addressed by him, as it was the first time he's spoken to her since...and now, here he was, acting as if nothing had happened, talking to her as if - as if-

Enough!!

Sakura looked him in eyes, ready to lash out, hit him, scream, anything to make him aware of the REAL situation at hand. Anything to wake him up, to make him feel what she felt. But before she could do anything, she met his gaze, and noticed it. All of the confusion, the pain, the regret, the guilt...all of it...

Was in his eyes.

His relaxed posture didn't reach his eyes. That smug expression also didn't reach his eyes. He was doing what he had to do, being who he had to be. She knew how much it must be killing him to act as if he weren't hurting, she had to do it herself when saying goodbye to him. When acting as if she didn't care.

But I couldn't do it.

He really is...

So much stronger than me.

"HEY! Sakura-chaaaaaan??"

Sakura jumped slightly, wide eyes blinking quickly for a second before fully coming to her senses. I really need to stop doing that...

"Yes, Naruto?" She asked, sounding annoyed, trying her best to act as if nothing had changed. She was happy to see him nod slightly, to her it meant that he understood what she was doing. And It made sense, since he was doing the exact same thing.

Pretending it didn't hurt.

"Could you go tell everyone to come to the living room, and that I have an announcement to make?"

Sakura nodded, turning around and making her way to the dining room. It was all becoming too much for her to comprehend, the situation had gotten so out of hand, she wondered if it wasn't behind repair. It seemed to simple before, Sakura reflected, shaking her head she opened the doors to the dining room, how did I let it get so bad?

And now...he's going to announce it.

And take another step.

Away from me.

All attention was focused on the pink-haired chuunin standing in the doorway. She waited a few seconds before speaking, wanting to prolong the inevitable, for a just a little bit longer. Wanting to live in this moment, before everything changed. Before Naruto goes from hopeful chuunin, to future Rokudaime. And while she knew what she had to do, it didn't make things easier. She fooled herself into thinking it was the easy way out once, that leaving would solve everything. That she could live with the pain, and everything would end happily for everyone else involved.

But after tonight, it all became clear. It would hurt not only her, but Naruto as well. He would miss her, and not be able to do what he needed. If her shadow haunted him, how would be protect Konoha? How could all of his dreams come true, if his nightmares of the past plagued him? If only..

If only I could go back...

And relive those seconds that he held me...

As if I was his most important person.

Maybe I am.

"Everyone, sorry to keep you waiting." Sakura addressed the slightly crowded room, noticing the relieved expressions of those present. "Please, if you would come to the main room, Naruto has a special announcement to make."

Everyone looked at each other, a confused buzzing made it's way around the room as the people stood, making their way towards the double doors. Sakura moved to the side, allowing them to pass, still wrapped in her thoughts.

So, Naruto.

If it hurts you that much to let me go...

If you're that reluctant to release these bonds that have grown between us...

She barely registered someone accidentally bumping into her on their way out, and barely heard their quick apology. As the seconds went by, more people left, until the empty dining room was quiet, leaving only Sakura and her thoughts.

For your sake...

I'll break them myself.

With that final thought, Sakura turned, pushed the door open, and made her way to the main room.


------------------------------------------------------- -------

Everyone was seated, awaiting the announcement that would soon come. Sakura sat between Ino and Kiba, watching the blonde silently converse with Tsunade in front of the small crowd of people. Scanning the room, Sakura’s eyes fell on the small form of Hinata, who was playing with the lace on her dress, seemingly lost in thought. She was sitting next to a worried looking Iruka, who was obviously working towards getting the small girl to open up.

Even though the Hyuuga now looked to be lost in thought, and simply confused, Sakura knew better. She had no idea what could be going through the other girls head, but knew it was painful. Someone she considered her best friend had committed the ultimate betrayal.

And still…

Still, she sat there, smiling slightly at Iruka, shaking her head at his worried questions. Laughing softly when he jokes, nodding at the appropriate moments. Carrying on a conversation, as if her heart hasn’t been broken. As if someone she considered her best friend hadn’t betrayed her.

Hinata stiffened slightly, slowly turning towards Sakura. Before she could register anything, Sakura was caught by the Hyuuga’s questioning gaze. The pink haired chuunin looked away, deciding to strike up a random conversation with Ino about something trivial. If only to take her attention away from that Hyuuga stare - the one that made you feel as if you’re on display. Even without the use of the Byakugan.

What’s taking so long?

Hurry up and announce it!

Tapping her foot in frustration, and not paying even a little attention to what Ino was talking about, Sakura felt her patience waning. She just wanted to get this night over with, wanted to apologize to Hinata, tell her it was a mistake. And of course, she needed to finish things with Naruto. Once and for all. She couldn’t let things continue as they were. It was too painful for all involved.

“HEY! Listen up, everyone!!”

Sakura’s head whipped up in the direction of the voice, watching Naruto expectantly. He looked a bit nervous, which didn’t come as a shock to Sakura, since all eyes in the room were glued on him. Everyone had gone silent, and were waiting in their seats. Sakura could feel the impatience circulating around the room, and knew it was also contributing to the blondes nervous state. His eyes were wide, and he was standing still.

Silence.

More silence.

Deafening silence.

WHACK

“OW! Tsunade-babaaa?! What-oh,..right…heh..”

Finally, after a little ‘encouragement’ from Tsunade, he began to speak.

“I have an announcement to make. Starting, well, I don’t know when, but starting - eh, when it starts, that is - Ehhh…”

“Cut to the chase, brat!” Tsunade yelled, making Naruto wince slightly.

“Yeah, I know!” clearing his throat slightly, the blonde began to speak again. “The thing is - the reason you’re here - is that you’re all kinda special to me…even you, dog-breath!”

“Pfft!” Was Kiba’s response, accompanied by a bark from the loyal Akamaru.

“Heh, so anyways, I wanted all of you to know this first, before it’s officially announced tomorrow morning for the entire town. So you could hear it from me, and not some hateful gossipers…” Naruto trailed off, looking at his shoes, a small frown was now on his face.

At that, Tsunade also frowned, watching Naruto with sympathy etched in her features. It hurt Sakura as well, since she also knew how cruel some people could be. Most had come around by now, with all that Naruto had done for the village, but some of the older, more close minded villagers still couldn’t be swayed.

Sakura noticed a few others making uncomfortable gestures; Iruka looked down into his lap, bitter sadness evident in his youthful features. Jiraiya’s face contorted into an expression of anger, his eyebrows furrowing deeply.

The atmosphere was now gloomy, reflecting everyone’s personal feelings and thoughts. A thick tension spread across the room, making each person uncomfortable. Suddenly, as if coming out of his thoughts, Naruto lifted his head. The fake smile was ever present, making Sakura wish that she were blind. When he spoke, she just wanted to be somewhere else. He sounded to cheerful. So at ease.

So fake.

“Ehhh…sorry about that! Got kinda distracted, heh, Now, I’d appreciate the news staying in this room, at least until everyone is told tomorrow morning. So…I guess there isn’t much more to say. Except…“ Naruto looked around, and taking a deep breath, finished what he was going to say.

“I’ve been chosen as the future Rokudaime.”

Silence.

Sakura saw Tsunade suddenly disappear, but before she could even blink, everyone was speaking at once. It was chaos.

“You’re joking right?”

“Ruff!”

“HEY! What’s that supposed to mean…and what are you laughing at?! What’s your dog saying now, huh?”

“You know, Shika saw this coming, but I told him he was losing it.”

“Naruto-kun…”

“I’ ;m glad he didn’t make a bet or anything!”

“Ruff!”

“DAMN DOG!”

“Naruto! Settle down!”

“Ino, Shika’s not the betting type. I know him well, he doesn’t make bets.”

“Iruka-sensei, he started it!”

“Oh that’s right, too troublesome?”

“I’m…Naruto-kun…you 230;.”

“HEY! Leave Akamaru alone!”

“BEHOLD THE YOUTH STANDING BEFORE US IN ALL IT’S GLORY!!!”

“Settle down, Gai!”

“Give it up, Iruka..”

“Naruto, give back Akamaru!”

“But Sakura-chaaaaan-!”

“why are there no beautiful young women at this party? What kind of teenager are you? Did I teach you nothing?!”

“YOUTH!”

“Jiraiya, Gai, Kakashi, help me out, please?!”

“I don’t care, I’ll kick that Rokudaime ass all over the place! Give me my dog!”

“Fine, take him, his fleas are starting to bite me!”

“Ruff…”

“HEY! Take that back!”

“Make me!”

“SHUT UP ALL OF YOU!!!” Tsunade finally roared.

Silence.

“I leave for one minute to check on something, come back, and all hell has broken loose! I can’t deal with any of this much longer!” She sounded exhausted and frustrated. “The party is over. All of you. Leave. Now.” Tsunade growled the last part out through gritted teeth.

Sakura gulped, not needing to be told twice, she started making her way out the door, then stopped. A few people behind her bumped into her softly, not expecting the abrupt halt. Sakura turned slowly, and with a small voice, she said the simple words she knew Naruto was waiting to hear.

“Congratulations, Naruto.”

Their eyes locked over the small crowd of people, and she smiled softly. He nodded, and waved slowly. One by one, the others congratulated Naruto. Kiba smacked him over the head, Ino gave him a small hug, Shino shook his hand, Iruka pulled him into a massive hug, laughing loudly at something the blonde said.

Then Hinata slowly approached him, hands behind her back. It was then Sakura decided to take her leave, not wanting to witness their exchange. Hinata deserved a moment alone with him, Sakura refused to let her presence make their encounter awkward.

I’ve already ruined things enough.

Walking down the cold, deserted streets of Konoha, Sakura reflected on the night’s events. It almost didn’t seem real, everything happening in such a short period of time. Everything she worked at, each step of progress she had made with Hinata was ruined in that moment.

Sighing miserably, Sakura crossed her arms, wishing she had taken a jacket to the party. The night air was freezing, the only sound she could hear was the clicking of her heels hitting the pavement. Part of her wished she could forget, forget the look on his face when she told him she was going to Suna. Forget her moment of weakness, when she said things that should never have been said. His words, his touch, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Most of all, she wanted to forget Hinata’s face, contorted with pain and disbelief.

As Sakura continued to walk home, she looked to her left, and noticed Ichikaru’s. It was dark, obviously closed for the night. She stood, simply staring at the empty restaurant. In her minds eye, she could almost see the happy blonde eating ramen, laughing with Iruka, without a care in the world. She smiled sadly, and with one final look, turned and made her way home.

When she was approaching her home, Sakura came to a realization, one she couldn’t deny, no matter how guilty she felt.

I’ll never forget it.

All of it.

Because…deep inside, I don’t want to.

I want to remember his words.

I need to remember his embrace.

I won’t forget tonight, Naruto..

I won’t forget you.