Part One:
I yawned, my jaw cracking as I slowly stretched the small aches I had received during the night.
The muscles in my back slowly came back to life, slowly moving back into their proper places, making
me moan in such a small pleasure. The covers, as always, had somehow been tossed off of the bed,
making me curl up to retain body heat in a sheet. With a sigh, I shook my head and walked across the
hall and into the bathroom. If the usual time schedule kept, I would have a full hour before Kakashi had
even begun to stir.
I smiled as I thought of my father, who no doubt was currently laying in the middle of his bed,
sprawled out with our newest dog, Keiji, the massive black mass who had already begun to protect the
household. The two were, no doubt, fighting over bed space in their sleep. I stripped of my clothing,
adjusted the water temperature, and prepared for twenty minutes of a relaxing, melt-your-flesh-off hot
shower. Of course, that moment was short lived as Naruto burst into the bathroom, having crashed in
he living room once again.
We stood there for a moment, staring. I cleared my throat, covering my body parts and glaring
at him. He gave me a sheepish grin as he blushed and slowly backed out of the bathroom, closing the
door after his body had vacated the small room. I bit my lip to smother the giggles that tried to slaw
heir way out of my throat and climbed in the shower. My long, chestnut hair was washed first,
horoughly, making sure that every sud was gone before I quickly washed my body with the rose
scented soap that Kakashi had gotten me for my birthday last month.
The faucet was shut off, forcing me to clench my teeth together against the cool air. A towel was
wrapped around my body as a smaller one was grabbed to dry my hair with. The bathroom door opened
once again, revealing a very tired looking Kakashi, who arched an eyebrow. I smiled, kissed my father's
cheek, and ducked around him into the paradise of my own room. Siki, my large white dog lifted her
head from her perch at the bottom of my bed, woofed a greeting, and fell back to sleep.
I grinned at the mass of white fluff, knowing that Kakashi would indeed be mad at me for
etting her sleep on the bed once again. I shook my head and headed to the dresser, knowing that I
could get around Kakashi and allow Siki to sleep on the bed once again. With a sigh, I grabbed my
black tank top, the long-sleeved fishnet shirt, and the skirt that was the only bottoms I had clean. I
dressed quickly, finished drying my hair, and walked to the door.
"Siki, Keiji," I yelled as I walked down the hallway, leaving my bedroom door open.
"Breakfast!"
I could hear Keiji and Siki spring off of their beds and haul ass to the kitchen. With a grin, I
shook Naruto awake, who had fallen asleep at the counter, as usual, waiting for his breakfast. He
smiled at me as I began to go around the kitchen, gathering milk, eggs, bacon, and of course, ramen. I
could almost hear Naruto's eyes widen at the possibility of getting his favorite meal for breakfast.
"Morning, sleepy head," I said, choosing not to bring up the subject of him walking in on me
getting ready for the shower.
"Uh, morning," Naruto muttered, rubbing a hand absently on the back of his neck. "How uh...
How did you sleep?"
"Surprisingly well, even though Siki hogged the bed, like always. And how about you?"
He grinned at me, the smile reaching his eyes. "I slept well! Believe it!"
I grinned at him, happy that my best friend had taken to staying with us lately. "You know, we
could always ask dad to clear out the junk room for you, Naruto. You don't always have to crash on the
couch."
"We could," a voice sounded from behind us, "but then I'd have to do actual physical labor for
his royal pain."
I giggled and continued to cook breakfast. A bowl of ramen and a spoon were set in front of
Naruto, a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast were set in front of Kakashi. I quickly popped a piece of toast
nto the toaster and walked from the room into the back yard area, filling the dog bowls quickly before
unning back into the kitchen to prepare my piece of toast with peanut butter and chocolate chips.
Kakashi watched me with disapproval on his face, letting me know that it wasn't a healthy breakfast.
I kissed his cheek. "Okay, dad, hot water's still doing okay. The dogs have been fed. Just make
sure to let them out. Try to do the laundry, okay? I have no pants clean. I made sandwiches, they're in
he fridge, try to drink the milk, it's about ready to expire. And think about what you want for dinner,
okay?"
"Shower. Let the dogs out. Laundry. Lunch. Drink the milk. Think about dinner. Did I get it
all?" he asked sarcasticly, counting the list off on his fingers.
I rolled my eyes and kissed his cheek again. "Yes you did. We'll be back after class. Dogs. Don't
orget to take them out."
I grabbed Naruto, who had been changing into casual wear, a white t-shirt with the jean fabric
pants that he had received for his birthday from Kakashi. He growled as he reached for his headband on
he way out of the door, grumbling about how I was a push over and needed to take a break from
unning everybody else's life. I grinned and tugged on his hand again, relieved when he settled into step
beside me.
"Naruto, buddy," I said as I hooked my arm through his. "You and me got somethin' to talk
about."
He groaned. "Look, I didn't hear the water running and it was an accident. Can't we just forget
about what happened?"
I threw my head back and laughed. "Sure, buddy. As long as you don't blab about my tattoo,
okay?"
He solemnly crossed an X over his heart. "Your butterfly is safe with me, princess."
I shook my head at him. His grin, reckless and slightly crooked, could pull me out of lowest
moods. Due to our demons, we had bonded quickly, sticking together through the thick and the thin.
Kakashi had grown accustomed to finding the bubbly blonde passed out on the couch, after a long night
of watching movies with me. I grinned and began to skip to class.
~Sasuke's P.O.V.~
I sighed and leaned against the wall. The others were milling around their desks, chatting
occasionally. It was oddly quiet. My eyes traveled over the room, surprisingly full, taking a mental roll.
Naruto and Mayumi were missing, which was why it was so quiet. My eyes closed, blocking out all the
sounds of people mumbling, giggling, Iruka sighing as he noted the attendance.
"Cockatoo butt!" I heard a voice say before I was enveloped in a hug.
"Mayumi, please, not in public," Naruto said, in mock surprise. "If you are going to rape the
young man, at least do it where nobody can see the humiliation!"
I ground my teeth together at Naruto's voice. Her body was pressed against mine in a friendly
manor, but I could feel everything. She smelled of roses again, her scent tickling my nose. I smiled
aintly as she made a gagging sound in the back of her throat and pulled away quickly, glaring at
Naruto. Iruka cleared his throat from the front of the classroom, the sound meaning we were to take our
seats.
I nearly laughed as I saw Naruto hightail it down to the front of the classroom to sit by Sakura.
Mayumi sighed next to me and headed up to sit in the corner of the room, away from the others in the
small room. With an inwardly sigh, I climbed the steps and sat next to her, nearly grimacing in pain at
her surprised, but sexy, squeak of surprise. She then smiled at me, gently touched my hand, and turned
her attention to Iruka, who was writing something on the chalk board.
You idiot, I thought to myself as I watched her hand carefully write notes down before
continuing on to doodle dinosaurs being ridden by ninjas. Why did you have to sit by her? You know
his is going to get her trouble with the Trouble Twins. You self-absorbed bastard.
The scent of roses invaded my nostrils. Being the moron that I am when it comes to her, I took a
deep breath. And held it until my lungs began to burn. Mayumi smiled at me, touching my arm gently. I
was about to say something when she asked if I had a fever. I shook my head and looked back at Iruka,
who was going back to his notes after yelling at Naruto for jumping on the table.
"What an idiot," I scoffed to myself.
"Who? Naruto?" Mayumi asked, looking toward where I had been looking.
"Mayumi," I said calmly, trying not to laugh at her. "Who else is an idiot in here?"
Her face went pale for a moment. I cursed myself and reached out for her hand only to have
mine smacked away. She bit her lip and shook her head in what I was guessing disgust. She leaned in
close to my face, oblivious to the people around us, and smacked me ever so slightly, just enough to
eave a sting, not loud enough to draw attention. I glared at her.
"Apparently you are, Cockatoo butt," she muttered as she walked down the steps and sat next to
no.
Way to go, Sasuke, I thought to myself as I began to concentrate on class again. It was so much
easier without Mayumi sitting right next to me. Mock her best friend. Very smooth.
I started doodling on my desk. Naruto was yelling about something to Iruka, like usual. And the
sensei was currently deep red and appeared to keep himself from smacking the blonde boy. Mayumi sat
next to Ino, her body began to shake. The girl gripped the side of the table until her knuckles went
purple then white at the pressure. I leaned closer.
How interesting, I thought as I studied her odd body language.
~Mayumi's P.O.V.~
The pain started in my lower back. I ground my teeth together and stared intently at the front of
he room. I could feel her pressing against my skin, probing, trying to find a way out. I gripped the
able, trying to fight her off without causing a scene. She pushed harder at me, pushing the skin of my
shoulder out, causing me to scream in pain. Ino jumped up, pressing her hand against my cheek.
"Mayumi!" Ino cried, her eyes frightened little blue orbs. "Mayumi, are you okay?"
I shook my head and pushed her back, my heart almost tearing out of my chest as I saw one of
my closest friends tumble down the stairs a bit, landing on her bum. Naruto's eyes widened as he saw
what was going on. He turned to Iruka, holding a very quick, not very loud conversation with the older
man. My head was thrown back as she pushed against the skin once again, trying to break through.
"Everybody out!" Iruka yelled, pushing Naruto towards the door. "Now! MOVE!"
They all hightailed it out of the room. I collapsed onto the floor, writhing in pain as she laughed,
her cold voice tearing through my head like the claws she possessed. I pulled myself to standing by
using one of the chairs, pushing her back with all my might. Her laugh sounded again, the noise like
alling glass shards going through my body. Another scream tore from my throat.
'Mayumi,' she purred in my head. 'The least you could be was be polite..' Another push at the
skin. 'I allowed you years without too many attempts. It's MY TURN!'
I screamed as she pushed through my skin, the claws tearing through my hands, my back re
orming while I was still in my body. She always did this to me. Waited until the last possible moment
o take possession. My legs bowed and reformed, coming out longer, scaly. My arms gained more
mass, growing a tad bit longer, a little more defined with the blood-red claws that hung where my
ingers used to. I looked at the door to see Kakashi running into the room.
'NO! You can't!' I screamed into my mind, trying to fight back. Already knowing she had won.
He's my father! You can't!'
She laughed, the sound coming from my throat. "Like I did before, pet?"
~Naruto's P.O.V.~
"Iruka, you have to let me in there," I begged, trying to push my way past him and into the
classroom where I could hear Mayumi's screams. "She's in there. She's hurting her! Please, Iruka!"
Iruka looked at me, pity pouring from his eyes. "I can't, Naruto. Not while that thing is doing
his to her."
"That thing is still my daughter," Kakashi snapped as he threw himself into the room, locking
he door behind him.
"Kakashi!" I yelled, trying to once again get past Iruka.
"Naruto! I can't let you into that room!" Iruka snapped, holding me to prevent myself from
thrusting my body weight against the door. "We just have to see what happens."
I turned, looked into his eyes. And nearly screamed in annoyance. Pity had gave way to doubt.
Even he knew the outcome would not be good.