Oh man! It's been over seven months! I'm so sorry! I'm hoping to finish this story before senior year begins but that's only in two weeks. During the school year, I've had family problems, stress from school, sports, and blah! Too much work! Then during the summer I got my permit so I've been driving a bit and I've got to take classes, I've also had this summer intern program that took up most the summer. When the program ended I went on vacation. I went to visit family and then went to Canada. Niagara Falls is so beautiful! =] I've come back from vacation. I've got some summer homework to do which I haven't even started but the hell with that. I don't think I can finish it in two weeks.

But well here is the update! Thanks for sticking with me! Sorry if the chapter takes place a lot earlier in the year but this is the only way I could make a transition from the last chapter. .

Don't own Naruto or Mariah Carey's song "Always be my baby"

Ichiraku's Angels

Chapter 18: Dates

"Hi my name is Tenten; I will be your waitress this evening. Can I start you off with some drinks?" The cute bun-haired waitress asked with a smile.

It was another typical, hard-working day at Ichiraku's Restaurant. Although business had died down a bit after the holidays, the Angels still had a job to do. It was nearing the end of January, almost a month after the New Year had started. Many resolutions were made.

Tenten's resolution was to become better at self-defense, do better in school and less procrastination, and keep her job at Ichiraku's Restaurant to pay off the bills for her rent. Kimiko's resolution was almost the same as Tenten except she wanted to keep playing sports. She wanted to start a girl's softball team at her school so they wouldn't have a hard time from a couple of pompous boys who were sexist perverts. She also wanted to have a better love life this year. Sakura mainly wanted to do well in school but she also made a resolution of having a better relationship with Sasuke. Ino's resolution mainly involved Sai and keeping him as a boyfriend. Hinata's resolution was to make sure everyone else was happy, being the selfless person she is. Temari made a resolution to be the best friend she could be to the Angels and the best girlfriend she could be to Shikamaru before she had to graduate when school was over. (A/N Everyone else is a junior in high school, Temari is the only senior).

The Avenging Studz had made resolutions that they wanted to accomplish as well. Every single Studz member wanted the band to be known world-wide. They wanted to keep the passion they had for music and love doing their job. They also made the resolution to not become too passionate about chasing the dream to be known world-wide. They still wanted time for their loved ones which included their family, girlfriends, and best friends.

Sometimes a person has to wonder why resolutions are made when they are forgotten almost a month later. (A/N Does this happen to anyone else?? I swear I make a New Year's resolution and I keep up with it for about a month and then I just forgot about it. Good job to anyone who has actually accomplished their resolution!)

Although they each had their resolutions, they were going to live life day by day like they normally did.

"Ino I need the check for table 7." Sakura came by with a pile of dirty plates.

"Here you go." Ino said as she gave Sakura the check.

"Is it almost closing time??" Tenten asked as she came out of the kitchen with a tray of drinks occupying her steady hand.

"In another two hours." Kimiko tiredly yawned as she came out of the kitchen with a tray of food.

"In about half an hour we got another song to do." Hinata said as she walked by to go to her next table.

"Girls got new customers at table 17." Temari came by with a smile on her face as soon as she finished laughing.

"What's so funny?" Tenten asked.

"Check out table 17 and you'll see." Temari smiled as she walked away to another table.

The Angels all looked at each other and then turned their heads towards table 17 where the site made them howl with laughter. At table 17 were a couple of stars being incognito by wearing wigs and a couple skirts and dresses. Tenten decided she would go to the table to be the waitress.

"Hi my name is Tenten. Is there anything I can help you ladies with?" Tenten chuckled out.

"Don't even start Tenten…" growled someone with long hair tied into a French braid, wearing a bonnet on top, a plaid shirt, and pink blouse. The person also had lavender eye chadow on to highlight their distinctive eyes.

Tenten laughed again. "Yes Mam"

"Tenten" The person growled again.

"Okay sorry. What would you lad....umm….people like to drink?" Tenten laughed, confused at what she should call them.

"Cokes all around." Said someone with long, light brown, curly hair and black eyes wearing dark mascara and an earth green halter dress.

"Coming right up…..ladies." Tenten laughed while she quickly ran away before they could do anything to her.

"Oh man! You guys have got to go to table 17 up close! It looks even better!" Tenten laughed before going into the kitchen to retrieve the drinks. Sakura decided to head to the table next laughing as she got closer.

"Why are you ladies wearing dresses and skirts in the middle of winter? Would you like me to go get some handsome men who would be glad to warm you up?" Sakura chuckled as she said this.

Someone at the table with strawberry blonde, long hair and coal black eyes stood up, revealing a black knee-length skirt and a black polo.

"Sakura…" The person who stood up growled warningly.

"Haha I'm sorry Sasuke-kun but what happened??" Sakura asked with a chuckle as the other Angels and Temari came by to hear the story.

Someone with should-length blonde hair that was cropped with cerulean blue eyes stood up and said, "It was part of a bet okay."

"To who?" Kimiko asked once she arrived.

Someone with light blue, grayish eyes and long, black, wavy hair answered by saying, "Sora and Hanabi…"

The girls all started laughing.

"Are you gonna tell us what the bet was about?" Ino asked.

"No" came the quick response from the customers at the table.

"Well I think you guys look beautiful." Hinata stated with a smile and a small chuckle.

"Naruto, why'd you have to go and make that bet with Sora and Hanabi?? You're dead meat!" Neji exclaimed.

"Neji chill out. Are you guys really here to eat or no because we have other tables to get to." Tenten stated while holding onto her boyfriend's arm to keep him from getting to Naruto.

"We're here to eat." Edo sighed.

The Angels and Temari quickly got back to work while the boys remembered why they were in this predicament.

Flashback

"Hanabi you better stay in your room. The Studz are hanging out here for the night and we don't need you to bother us. Edo brought Sora so you shouldn't be alone." Neji told Hanabi as Sora came out from behind the Studz and entered Hanabi's room.

"What if I don't want to stay in my room?" Hanabi countered back.

"I'll tell your dad about that 'F' you got on your test." Neji smirked. Hanabi growled angrily but then smirked. "Then I'll tell my father about how you got that speeding ticket last month."

"You wouldn't dare!" Neji shot back. Hanabi was about to retort back when Sora spoke up.

"How about we make a bet instead?" Sora asked with a sly smirk on her face.

"What kind of bet?" Edo asked his little sister.

"We get to hang out with you guys for an hour. If we can stay quiet that whole time, we get to do whatever with you guys tomorrow. If we as so much make a peep, we won't bother you for a week." Sora told them.

"N-" Shikamaru was about to oppose the idea when Naruto shouted "Heck yea! You guys are on!" and shook hands with both Sora and Hanabi to finalize the deal. (A/N I think I said that Sora and Hanabi were little kids but I didn't exactly say what age. But I'm changing the age to 13 right now).

"Dobe! You couldn't let us discuss this first?" Sasuke asked as he whacked the back of Naruto's head.

For the next hour, The Studz were doing various activities while letting Hanabi and Sora join in and surprisingly they kept quiet the entire time. The Studz, except Naruto were worried what was going to happen to them tomorrow so they tried everything they could to make Hanabi and Sora laugh or talk. The girls just held smiles on their lips but kept their mouth shut. Time flew by quickly and an hour passed by.

"YES!!!!" Hanabi and Sora high-fived each other and squealed once the hour was over.

"Ok so what are you guys doing with us tomorrow?" Edo asked defeated.

"Oh you'll see." Sora said before she and Hanabi left for Hanabi's room to sleep.

"Naruto…" Growled four angry Studz.

End Flashback

"Well at least we got in without being attacked by fan girls!" Naruto stated defending himself.

The guys didn't want to admit Naruto was right but there was truth to that statement. Soon the food arrived and they ate in peace, for once.

"Now here they are. Ichiraku's Angels!!" Temari shouted into the mic.

Chorus:

Du du du du. Oh

Du du du du du du du. Oh.

Du du du du. Oh

Du du du du du du du. Oh.

Sakura:

We were as one

For a moment in time

And it seemed everlasting

That you would always be mine

Ino:

Now you want to be free

So I'll let you fly

Cause I know in my heart

That you'll always be mine

Chorus:

You'll always be a part of me

I'm a part of you indefinitely

Boy don't you know you can't escape me

Ooh darling cause you'll always be my baby

And we'll linger on

Time can't erase a feeling this strong

No way you're ever gonna shake me

Oh darling, cause you'll always be my baby

Tenten:

I ain't gonna cry

And I won't beg you to stay

If you're determined to leave boy

I will not stand in your way

Kimiko:

But inevitable you'll be back again

Cause you know in your heart babe

Our love will never end

Chorus:

You'll always be a part of me

I'm a part of you indefinitely

Boy don't you know you can't escape me

Ooh darling cause you'll always be my baby

And we'll linger on

Time can't erase a feeling this strong

No way you're ever gonna shake me

Oh darling, cause you'll always be my baby

Hinata:

I know that you'll be back boy

When your nights and your days get a little bit colder

I know that you'll be right back baby

Oh believe me it's only a matter of time

Chorus:

You'll always be a part of me

I'm a part of you indefinitely

Boy don't you know you can't escape me

Ooh darling cause you'll always be my baby

And we'll linger on

Time can't erase a feeling this strong

No way you're ever gonna shake me

Oh darling, cause you'll always be my baby

The audience clapped and cheered wanting an encore. The Angels gave one more. This all happened the last week of January. Now they are entering the first week of February.

School came and went by as usual. The Angels didn't have any work today and the Studz decided to take a day off from their music. Ino and Sai were heading out on a double date with Sasuke and Sakura. Sakura and Ino were trying to get Sai and Sasuke to forget the family feud they have and become friends. Naruto and Hinata were on a date to go go-kart racing and then probably a movie at Hinata's house. Shikamaru and Temari were at Shikamaru's house which he had to himself. Shikamaru's mom had to stay with his grandmother who had become sick and his father was on a business trip. Shikamaru had the house to himself. Neji and Tenten decided to stay at the school and shoot some hoops together. Edo and Kimiko decided to take a walk at the park together.

Ino and Sai

"Come on Sai! We're late." Ino said while trying to tug her boyfriend's arm to cross the street.

"Ino you know I don't like him." Sai said.

"Well maybe you'll change your mind after today." Ino suggested.

"Maybe you're going nuts." Sai retorted back.

"If you don't do this I'm not kissing you for a whole week." Ino threatened as soon as they crossed the street.

Sai looked at her with a raised eyebrow and then chuckled. "I can see that you're bluffing Ino."

"Whatever…. Then do it for me." Ino said while batting her eyelashes. Sai couldn't resist the girl's charm so he just nodded his head and they went off to the pizza shop.

Sakura and Sasuke

"Sakura why do we have a double date with Ino and her pathetic boyfriend?" Sasuke whispered into Sakura's ear.

"Come on be nice Sasuke. He's family. Whatever this feud is that you guys have, I'm sure it was before you guys were born. So why should you let the past effect your present. Sai's actually a cool guy and if you forgot your stupid feud, you'd know that. Give this a chance please!" Sakura whispered back pleadingly.

"Hn."

"Please for me?" Sakura asked as she gently kissed his ear.

"Hn."

"Pretty please with me on top?" Sakura whispered suggestively before kissing his lips.

"Whatever." Sasuke replied before kissing her again. They were sitting at a table in a pizza shop waiting for Ino and Sai.

Hinata and Naruto

"Hinata put your money away. I don't mind paying for you." Naruto said as they were waiting in line for go-karts.

"No it's alright Naruto-kun. I can pay for myself." Hinata replied back.

"Come on Hinata, please. I'm the one who asked for this date which means I'll pay." Naruto replied as they moved forward.

"Really Naruto-kun. It's fine." Hinata insisted.

"Nope!" Naruto exclaimed as he raced up to the front desk, paid for both Hinata and him, and lead them to the go-kart racing area quickly. The guy did as he was told and was about to leave but not before asking, "Would you like your change?" Naruto just yelled "Keep it!" while dragging Hinata away from the cash register. Hinata just shook her head but laughed. Naruto was too silly sometimes. Oh well, she would pay for dinner.

Temari and Shikamaru

"Are you sure…mmm…. your mom won't barge in?" Temari asked between their hot kisses.

"Positive." Shikamaru replied back before kissing her again while leading them up the stairs to his bedroom. He gently laid his goddess down on his bed, her head on his pillow as he followed on top of her.

"And why do you get to be on top?" Temari asked once they stopped kissing for a breath of air, then began French kissing him.

"I'm the guy. Guys are always on top." Shikamaru responded as he began to undo Temari's uniform.

"Well I wear the pants in this relationship." Temari responded back kissing him while switching their positions so she was on top.

"Tch. Whatever. Troublesome women." Shikamaru kissed her while getting rid of all of her clothes as she got rid of his.

Shikamaru was definitely glad neither of his parents was home. (A/N you readers can imagine this scene as hot and steamy as you wish. lol).

It's weird how earlier in the year Temari had acted like a bimbo to get along with all those other cheer captains. Later on after Tenten's incident, she either had a change of heart or she showed her true self. Shikamaru believed it was the latter, he remembers freshmen year when he used to talk to Temari. She had transferred her sophomore year and he being a super genius had many sophomore classes. They ended up in a couple of the same classes and got to know each other. Temari had gotten quite popular, due to Shikamaru, and due to her being so beautiful that guys practically worshipped her. That's when those cheer captains decided to take Temari under their wing. Surprisingly she agreed. She hasn't been the same since she became "friends" with them, but now she's on the right path once again and Shikamaru has fallen head over heels for her. (A/N I think I said some stuff in chapter 12 about Temari transferring sophomore year. I guess this explains a little more. Sorry if this part of too cliché).

Tenten and Neji

Whoosh

"Oh yea! Another point for Tenten!" Tenten exclaimed as she shot another ball in the hoop.

"Ok why don't we play something else?" Neji asked. He loved Tenten but he didn't realize that she had a hundred percent accuracy. Since they started shooting, she never missed her shot once. His pride didn't let him lose so he settled with a tie before suggesting something else besides one on one.

"Aww is Neji Hyuuga embarrassed that he's getting his butt whooped in a little one on one with his girl?" Tenten replied taunting him before stealing the ball from him, shooting it into the basket, and gaining another point.

"Hn. Let's just play another game." Neji replied looking away somewhat depressed.

Tenten ran over to Neji to give him a tender kiss while wrapping her arms around his neck and him wrapping his arms around her delicate waist. "Okay Mr. Grumpy what do you want to play?"

"How about we play H.O.R.S.E.? But to make it even more fun why don't we make a bet?" Neji asked with a smirk. Tenten just nodded. She would go along with whatever Neji wanted. Besides, she knew she would win.

"Loser buys everything on the next date." Neji said. Tenten was shocked; she was expecting something more along the lines of taking an article of clothing off with each letter being spelled. Then again they were in a public place where anyone could stop by any minute. Then she remembered the last date they were on. They went to the movies and Tenten had insisted on paying but Neji wouldn't let her. Tenten ended up scaring the cashier into taking her money instead of Neji's. Neji was like Naruto and just wanted to be a gentleman.

"That's not really fair Neji. You know I'll win." Tenten argued letting go of his neck.

"So there's no point in playing then. You want to go on that date now??" Neji asked tightening his arm around her so she couldn't get away.

"Fine if it means that much to you, then I'll let you pay." Tenten sighed giving up.

"Thank you." Neji replied softly before giving her a kiss and holding her hand while they walked out of the gym.

Kimiko and Edo

"So why are we walking in the park at night?" Kimiko asked Edo holding her jacket tighter around her body. It was very windy outside and even though it was winter, there was no snow on the ground. Since it was winter, the sun went down earlier, so it appeared to be nighttime.

"I don't know, I thought we could take a walk and talk." Edo replied.

"Oh okay…" Kimiko said. It felt pretty awkward because a night stroll in the park was very romantic and although she did begin to form feelings for her best guy friend, she felt she couldn't trust him too much.

"So how are things with you and Shino?" Edo asked trying to break the silence.

"Umm….he and I broke up about a month ago after Christmas break…" Kimiko replied.

"Wow and I only find out now…." Edo said. He was a bit upset he was the last to find out but happy she was single.

"So your single now?" He had to confirm that she was which she did.

"Yup. What about you. Weren't you dating a girl last month." Kimiko responded.

"Yea but we broke up after two weeks." Edo said causally. It was nothing serious. He had met her and she seemed cool but every time he was with her he couldn't help but think of another brunette.

"Oh I'm sorry…"Kimiko said. Edo just shrugged and sat on the fountain they were walking around. "Why didn't it work out?"

"I kept thinking about this other brunette." Edo replied while looking at her.

"Oh who is she? Do you need me to help hook you guys up?" Kimiko asked trying to be a good best friend.

"You really don't know? Even after everything we've done together?" Edo asked moving a bit closer to her. Kimiko shook her head. She didn't want to look stupid if she was wrong.

"It's you it's always been you." Edo softly replied while moving his head and lips closer to Kimiko's. Kimiko just turned her head away.

"Please don't."

"What? What's wrong?"

"I'm… scared"

"Scared of what?" Kimiko didn't respond. "You're scared of me?" Edo looked hurt and backed away a bit. "Why?"

"I see you at school Edo. You're a big flirt. I swear sometimes I think you like me but you've been on so many dates and they're all with different girls. Sometimes I think you cheat on some of them. I….I don't want to get hurt." Kimiko said closing her eyes.

Edo sighed. He knew where she was coming from. He was a big flirt during school. It was mainly to take his mind off of Kimiko. He's been on a couple dates and yea, more than a couple in one night with completely different girls but those were the days where he just wanted to grab Kimiko and kiss her senseless. He needed a way to get his thoughts from her and the only distraction he could think of was other girls. He thought Studz would help but they're always singing love songs that they don't really help him.

"You can trust me when I say that those other girls were only for distraction. You don't know what you do to me. I needed a way to get my mind off you so I used other girls. I can promise you that if you were to agree to be my girlfriend, I won't even look at another girl that way, flirt with them the way I do you. I'm so crazy about you, Kimiko. I need you to give me this chance." Edo practically begged.

Kimiko slowly nodded her head. She would give him a chance, if he said he wouldn't hurt her, then she would believe him. Edo smiled. He was finally getting his chance. He slowly leaned forward gently touched her lips with his. The kiss was everything he imagined it would be and more. Kimiko slowly kissed him back.

As they were kissing Edo moved one of his hands to her hips and the other hand glided along the fountain to find her hand. (A/N If you think about the position they are both side by side. The outside hand is the hand he used to hold her hip but the other hand is what he was leaning on.)

As his hand was gliding along the fountain, it found a wet spot which made him slip. Since he was leaning on his hand so much he ended up falling into the fountain and since he was holding onto Kimiko, she ended up joining him.

They both sat up gasping for breath then looking at each other and then started laughing.

"Haha. You're such a klutz Edo, way to ruin the moment." Kimiko said chuckling.

"Look who's talking. You're the biggest klutz I've ever met." Edo retorted back with a smile.

"Yea that's probably true." Kimiko smiled but then shivered as the cold air was blowing through her wet body.

"Come on. Let's get you out. We'll go to my house since its closer." Edo said being concerned for his new girlfriend's health. They walked to Edo's home together, Edo holding a shivering Kimiko.

I hoped you guys enjoyed. This came from the top of my head so I hope nothing was too rushed though I think it kind of is. I hope to update soon, although I don't know when the next one will be. Thanks for sticking with me!! I love you all!