Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Save Your Last Dance For Me ❯ Chapter 6

Chapter 6: More Project Making and A Boys' Night Out

 

Almost everyone in the group decided to go meet at Gaara's house during the weekends to finish their pair projects at Ninja Anatomy. Gaara's house was alright since it was him, Temari and Kankorou who were living there since they had no parents or any other relatives. They can manage to live by themselves although sometimes their team sensei visits them and gives them some food or anything.

 

When everyone has arrived, they all settled down on two big tables the three have set. The partners went on together and started to spread their works and research materials. Good thing, the tables were huge so that all fifteen of them could fit in.

 

“Sakura, could we pass the project earlier? Well, if we've just got a few things left to do…” Gaara asked politely. He has been at ease talking with Sakura for the past few weeks and so she is also so comfortable with him. Sakura studied the papers laid on the table. “Well… I guess so. And I hope so! It would be nice to have extra grade, you know!” Sakura exclaimed cheerfully. They both continued working.

 

On the other hand, Shino and Temari were still at the same pace. They were arguing most of the time and could not agree on one idea or another. Good thing, they have already started a bit. “Hey, take it easy sister! You guys won't achieve anything if you're always arguing. When will you ever change?” Kankorou remarked icily. Temari threw her brother a look. “Whatever, Kankorou. I don't think that Mr. Aburame knows the word `peace'.” Temari said. “Oh, you're shooting me again. As if you know that word either.” Shino threw back. Temari threw him back an evil look. “Hey you two! Stop fighting. Continue on your work.” Kankorou instructed like a boss. Shino and Temari ignored him and continued working.

 

Sasuke and Ino were doing fine too. Ino was still doing most of the talking while Sasuke just listened and kept saying `Hn'. But he was already speaking a little, sharing some of his good ideas which Ino gladly accepted all. But from the corners of his eyes, he was stealing glances at Sakura, who was avoiding glancing at Sasuke. She had already promised never to look at him and be overwhelmed by his looks and somehow, she is doing good… a bit. Sasuke was truly confused of his feelings. He did not know how he feels for Sakura ever since he came back to Konoha. Everything just… change, though he did not knew how. Everytime he works on the pair project and there was Sakura, he can't force himself not to glance……

 

Meanwhile, Naruto was so happy and jolly about himself for having Hinata as a girlfriend. Well, he was also making his friends jealous for he already had a beautiful princess for a girlfriend and at the same time a date for the Christmas Dance. At one moment or two, he would put his arm around Hinata and she would just blush, like she usually does. Everyone could see that they were so in loved. They both had good ideas and finished their project early. Oh, what can love do!

 

Neji was feeling a bit uneasy of Tenten. He tried concentrating but somehow it looked like something was bothering him. Of course, it was that thing about asking Tenten out to the Christmas Dance and at the same time confessing his feelings which he kept secret for a long time. He didn't even know if he could do that and it kept striking him that they were best friends and Tenten hate him because they used to be best friends. Somehow, Tenten noticed that something was bothering him.

 

“Look, Neji. I know you well. Is something bothering you? You look, so, uh… You can't concentrate. Is it a problem? You could tell me…” Tenten said. Neji glared at Tenten's cheerful face and suddenly studied her beautiful features. His cheeks turned a bit red. “Uh, no… I was just thinking of something else… It's nothing, it's not a problem. Never mind me.” Neji said, denying.

 

“Oh, Neji's just thinking of asking her girl out to the Christmas Dance.” Kiba blurted out, who was reading a video gaming magazine and whose partner was some other boy not in the top fifteen. Neji threw him a look. Tenten smiled suspiciously. “Oh Neji… who's that girl? You… you're not telling me that Hyuuga Neji already likes a girl, ah. Tell me, please…” Tenten pleaded, who simply pretended to fuss all about it. “Don't believe Kiba. I'm not asking a girl out, okay? And if I'd ever like a girl, you're the first one I'll tell… We're best friends, right?” Neji said. “Oh really, Neji. Tenten's the first one you're going to tell, huh.” Sasuke commented back. Neji threw him another look. If only looks could kill…

 

After the projects were finished…

 

Everyone almost finished their projects at Gaara's and thanked the three Sound ninjas for welcoming them in their house. After that, some of the boys - Sasuke, Neji, Kiba, Lee, Shikamaru and Shino (Naruto couldn't come because he was the one who walked Hinata home) decided to spend some time at Sasuke's condominium for maybe, a boys' night out. Itachi was there when they arrived and joined everyone as they took their sodas and stayed around the counter.

 

“Whoa, I'm glad we finished our projects, right Shikamaru?” Lee remarked as he opened his soda can. “Well, some of you because Temari and I have only finished half of the project. We're still arguing, you know.” Shino butted in. “Haha! I can see that. What's the matter with her? You're the only guy she argues with.” Kiba said. “Yeah, and she's the only girl I argue with. I don't know with her.” Shino replied, giggling and shrugging.

 

“But hey, Shino. There's some kind of saying that `the more you hate, the more you love', right?” Lee said, teasing. They all chuckled. “Whatever, Lee. I highly doubt that that's true.” Shino said. “Who knows? Maybe someday… You and Temari might get together!” Kiba suggested. They all laughed again.

 

“What about my brother, Sasuke?” Itachi asked everyone. He tried asking Sasuke about that matter but he certainly would not open about it. Maybe, he's open with his friends. “Yeah, what about Sasuke?! Who's your girl, Sasuke?!” Lee teased. Sasuke frowned and at the same time hid a smile. “I think I'm not even going to the dance, okay? And I don't have a girl, you know.” Sasuke denied. “Really, Sasuke? Really?” Neji teased, laughing. “Don't tell me it's Ino.” Shikamaru said. They all glared at Shikamaru and bursted out laughing. “Oh… Shikamaru, don't tell us you're in loved with Ino!” Kiba exclaimed, still giggling. “I didn't say anything like that.” Shikamaru replied, but still giggling. “But Ino is pretty, you know - with all her long hair and the way she dresses. She's very cheerful too, you know.” Neji commented. Everyone became quiet. “What's the matter? Why did you all silence? It's past okay? It's past!” Neji said, smiling a bit. “Oh yeah, past. It's past.” Shikamaru agreed, gladly.

 

“Really, Sasuke. Who is it?” Kiba asked curiously. They did not know a single girl Sasuke had liked and well, they never even imagined that he would like one. Sasuke rolled his eyes. “It's no one, really.” He denied. “I don't believe you, Sasuke… You told me once!” Neji reminded. “Sshh.. Neji, shut up! That's not true!” Sasuke replied. “So there's a girl… Who is it? Just tell us, we're you're friends right?” Lee reminded. “Okay fine but I don't think this is the right time to tell you yet but I promise you guys will know soon, especially you Itachi. I'm going to ask her out to the dance and you'll see.” Sasuke pronounced finally.

 

“Oooh…” They all chorused in learning that. “Well, we can respect it if you don't want to tell us. But I hope you'll have the courage to tell that girl. She's very blessed and we're in full support for you.” Kiba assured. “Yeah, I can give you advice brother. I'm very expert at that.” Itachi said, joking. They all chuckled since they knew that Itachi had become a great playboy ever since he came back to Konoha.

 

“And of course you, Neji. We won't forget you. You're going to ask Tenten out, aren't you?” Lee suggested. They all giggled. “Uh, nah… Tenten and I are only best friends. That's just it, okay?” Neji replied, trying to deny. “You know Neji, you will have no problem about Tenten. She's so nice and everything and you know each other well.” Shino said. “That's the problem about it. She's my best friend and I can't just break our friendship and go all the way and ask her to the dance. It's a hard situation, you know.” Neji said.

 

“So Tenten's really the one, huh? I thought you're not going to ask her. Haha, Gotcha!” Kiba exclaimed. They all bursted out laughing. “Fine, it's Tenten.” Neji mumbled. Itachi looked at the youngster with understanding. “You know, I understand how you feel. Haha, but it's like I went through that too but well, indirectly. But whatever. I think it's best if you're going to ask her out. You're not yet sure, but maybe she likes you back too and more than just a best friend. It's worth trying. And if she really is your best friend, then she'd understand it.” Itachi advised. They all nodded in agreement at Itachi's advice.

 

“Yeah, Neji. I told you you've got to ask her.” Sasuke added. “We'll support you. And if you'll need any help, you can ask us.” Shikamaru assured. “Go for it, Neji! Ever since you two have become my teammates, I always thought that you guys look good together.” Lee said. “Don't think about the negative side. Think positive.” Shino advised. “Show Naruto that he didn't completely beat you, once again but in asking out a girl.” Kiba teased. “Go Neji!” They all chorused. Neji smiled at how his friends cheered him so well.”