Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Save Your Last Dance For Me ❯ Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Christmas Shopping and Martial Arts Lessons?!

 

When Sakura heard about what had happened to Ino, she invited her friends just in time to come along for a Christmas shopping around the stores of Konoha. It was also for Ino to be distracted by what had happened. Ino was the one who told Sakura about it, but she left the part about Sasuke liking Sakura, following Shikamaru's advice.

 

Ino, Temari and Hinata went to Sakura's house the next day. There were no classes since the Ninja Academy graduating students - the new genins were going to use their school to practice for the chuunin exams. Tenten wasn't present since she promised to watch Neji in his martial arts lessons. But she told Temari to buy a gift for Neji (a surprise!).

 

They all left soon and together, they strolled around the stores of Konoha.

 

“What do you think should I buy for Naruto-kun?” Hinata asked them. They all glanced at her and thought about something. “I'm not good at giving gifts to sweethearts, but I think you should give him gift certificates for the Ramen Shop.” Temari suggested. “No, that would be not too romantic. Besides, food is something that doesn't last. It must be something like a remembrance of you, Hinata. Let me think…” Ino disagreed with Temari and thought of a better suggestion.

 

“What about a collage or a photo album of the things you two enjoy doing together? That's romantic… But I don't think Naruto is too sentimental to appreciate that… It's still up to you.” Ino finally suggested. “Sakura?” Hinata asked, while Sakura was still thinking. “What about a cap? Or a hat? With a special logo that reminds you of him? I always thought Naruto looks good with something on his head.” Sakura suggested. Hinata pondered at the idea. “That's nice, Sakura! Maybe I can buy a cap and I'd be the one to stitch the design. Maybe I'll decide on the design of a frog. That's his favorite, right?” Hinata said. “Yeah, the frog always reminds me of him.” Temari answered icily.

 

They all helped Hinata choose a cap that would be good for Naruto. To match Naruto's outfit and because it was his favorite color, Hinata bought an orange cap plus some threads so she can stitch the design.

 

“Temari, aren't you going to buy a gift for a special guy?” Hinata asked with a bit curiosity. Temari threw her a weird look. “Me?! A special guy? Hello, as if you don't know me, Hinata! If it would be a special guy, then it would be the VG Three. Guys I mean - and I'd buy them, duh… Video games! That way they'd be happier. Besides, I'm going to join them at the night of the dance.” Temari said. Hinata managed a smile. “I thought you have a special guy.” She said.

 

“What about you, Sakura? Would you mind giving Sasuke a gift?” Ino suggested, smiling. They all paid attention to Sakura's reaction. Sakura shook her head. “No-no… I-I don't plan to give him a gift anyway… You can give him a special gift. He'd appreciate it.” Sakura said. “But anyway, I'll be giving each of the boys a gift.” She added.

 

“Each of them? What are you going to give them?” Ino asked. “I have planned on this for a long time. I'm going to give each of them a piece of my special chocolate!” Sakura exclaimed excitedly at her great idea. “Wow, that's great! You surely are nice, Sakura.” Hinata commented. “Yeah… It's like bothering to give gifts to some not-so-nice creatures.” Temari said. They all laughed. “I just want to show them that I'm thankful for all their help for me throughout the year. You know, with all the love tragedy I've experienced during the start of the year when… Sasuke was gone.” Sakura explained. They all became quiet. “You're so kind, Sakura. I'll help you prepare the chocolates.” Ino said. “Temari and I would like to help you too.” Hinata said. “Really? Thanks. Let's invite Tenten too at my house during the weekends.” Sakura replied.

 

After some more strolling, Sakura and Ino parted ways from Hinata and Temari so as they said, it would be easier to find the right gifts be quick. Besides, best friends understand each other more.

 

“Really, Sakura. Aren't you giving Sasuke a special gift? I mean, apart from that little piece of chocolate.” Ino asked. Sakura sighed. “Ino… We've talked about this for a long time. I told you I'd forgotten all about Sasuke. He's yours, okay? Even if he hurt you…” Sakura replied. “But, Sakura. I already accepted the fact that he doesn't love me. It's okay, and because it also lead me to think that Shikamaru is also nice.” Ino said. Sakura smiled at her best friend. “Oh yeah, let's talk about Shikamaru. Tell me… do you like him?” Sakura asked in curiosity. Ino felt silent for a while. “I don't know. Sometimes I feel guilty that he feels that I agreed to be his partner because I don't have anybody else to go with and I'm just using him to forget Sasuke. But really, Sakura. I like him and I just realized how he was always there for me yet I ignored him so much. It's worth giving him a chance.” Ino explained dreamily. Sakura felt happy for her best friend. “Shikamaru has liked you for a long time. I hope you two would go on together.” Sakura said. Ino suddenly remembered.

 

“Hey Sakura! You're changing the topic. We're talking about you and Sasuke!” Ino exclaimed. “Ino… How many times do I have to tell you that I don't like Sasuke anymore? I'm trying to forget him already, okay? There's no `Sasuke and Sakura' anymore. We're…gone.” Sakura replied with the tone of sadness in her voice. Ino gave her best friend a sympathetic look. She understood how much Sakura tried to forget about Sasuke just to forget all about the hurt and the pain she have kept in her heart. “But Sakura… did you succeed in forgetting all about Sasuke? Don't you love him anymore? Even if he hurt you, was he that easy to forget? Sometimes Sakura, it's worth being honest about your feelings. It's not good to run away from your problems so you can't solve it. Know your feelings for Sasuke. Sakura?” Ino advised. She was really determined to make Sasuke and Sakura together. Sakura's face was full of sadness. She can't lie to Ino. They've been best friends for a long time and she knew she knew her well.

 

“You're right, Ino. I still love… Sasuke. I'm sorry if I lied to you before. I just don't want to fight with you and I want you to be happy and give you a chance to feel how to be close to Sasuke. I'm really sorry. Besides, I want to forget about him too. After what he did to me, I just thought we'd never have the chance to you know, be together.” Sakura explained sadly. Ino managed a little smile. So Sakura and Sasuke could be together, Ino thought. “It's alright, Sakura. I understand. You don't have to keep your feelings from me and also for Sasuke. I won't be angry if I knew. But let's forget about that. Let's think of your gift for Sasuke.” Ino replied.

 

“I already planned a gift for Sasuke. It's something… simple. Is it okay if I do not tell it to you now? I'm going to show you before the Christmas dance, I promise. I just… don't feel like telling it yet.” Sakura said. “I can respect that. But you know, I'm also giving him a gift! I'm giving him a hanky with the Uchiha fan stitched on it.” Ino said. “That's great, Ino! I know he'll like it.” Ino and Sakura continued strolling along. They also bought the ingredients for making the chocolate and at the same time gifts for Temari, Tenten and Hinata.

 

-at Neji's martial arts lessons-

 

Neji took a break and went to Tenten, who was watching him from the bench. Tenten wiped Neji's sweat with his towel. “Wow! You're so great, Neji.” Tenten praised. Neji drank cold water from the bottle which Tenten had brought him. “Oh… Thanks. So you really watched, huh. I thought you didn't have time.” Neji said and at the same time glad that his `girl' watched him and praised him even more. “Yeah, I promised that. Sometime I hope you can teach me some martial arts.” Tenten said. “Some time… Fine, but if I have time.” Neji said, going back to his lessons. Tenten continued watching. She realized how thankful she was for having a popular school heartthrob and genius that almost ranked like Uchiha Sasuke as a best friend. It was so impossible, especially for a simple girl like her. Many girls in school envied her as well for being with the Rank 2 School Heartthrob. She did not know if she had to be thankful or embarrassed by that.

 

Finally, Neji's martial arts lessons were finished. He changed to his casual clothes and went to Tenten. It was almost evening. “Hey Tenten! You'd like me to walk you home? It's almost evening.” Neji offered, but at the same time nervous since he had already decided to ask her out that night. “Yes, please Neji-san. But if nothing hurts in your body parts after all those bone-breaking punches you received.” Tenten replied. They both laughed.

 

They started walking along and talking about some funny things. When they both fell silent and had not come up with anything to talk about, Neji decided it was the right time to tell Tenten. He rubbed his hands together to shake his nervousness off. “Uh Tenten, I have something to tell you.” Neji mumbled in his low voice. Tenten looked back and paid attention to Neji. “I-I don't know how to say this… but… Tenten? Would you go with me to the Christmas Dance?” Neji asked nervously. Tenten's eyes grew wider at Neji, staring at him in disbelief. “Are you serious, Neji? Wait… are you okay? Are you just practicing with me for that real girl you are going to ask out? Neji, it's not a good joke.” Tenten exclaimed, puzzled. “I'm serious, Tenten. I want you to be my date at the dance… That is, if that's okay with you.” Neji said.

 

Tenten couldn't speak. She never in her whole life expected this to happen. Neji was her best friend and well, she never expected him to ask her at the dance. “No, Neji. You've mistaken me. I'm not Ino or Sakura or Temari. Have you taken medicine or what? Why are you asking me out???!!!” Tenten asked again, still unbelieving Neji. “I'm not mistaking you, Tenten. I-I-I asked you out because… I like you. A lot, Tenten.” Neji said. Tenten still couldn't believe it. She did not know what to say. “Oh my gosh, Neji! I d-d-don't know what to say… I-I-I… I need to go home! See you tomorrow!” Tenten freaked out. She ran all along the road and did not look back at Neji. She just did not know what to do.

 

Neji was all alone in the road. Did she hate me for asking her out? Was she embarrassed for having her best friend ask her out? Did I confuse her? I shouldn't have asked her in the first place. All of these filled Neji's thoughts. It's all a big mistake!