I am very excited to share this story with all of you. It's filled with drama-llama crap and romance. I'm going to try and work on all of the character's relationships. There will be a lot of my own characters that I have created. If you want to know more about them, check out my dA account. I go by naruxhina2007 . I don't have all of them up there just yet, I only have Nova's profile. She is my main character.
But please review and give me any tips. I hope you all enjoy the story.
BTW: You all should check out The Enemy by Charlie Higson. It's a freakin' awesome story! It's about people 16-years and over getting attacked by this disease. They turn into a sort of zombie-type. And kids under the age of 16 have to survive and figure out what's going on. It's a great series. But read The Enemy first. The Dead is the second book, it's kind of a prequel, and it explains a lot and make you go "OOOH! I GET IT NOW!"
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners
who make our soul blossom."
- Marcel Proust
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE ORIGINAL NARUTO CHARACTERS, THEY ALL BELONG TO MASHIMOTO KISHIMOTO!
EDIT: I went back and read this over again. I can't believe how much I screwed up. So I fixed my spelling mistakes and whatever else that need fixing.
The Haruno Household, Sakura's room.
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 7:20am
"Sakura! It's time for school!"
Sakura's eyes fluttered open. Someone was banging on her bedroom door. "I'm up!" She yelled. The knocking ceased. She quickly dressed for the day, an off the shoulder tee with tight jeans that complimented her bottom nicely.
A tiny pink phone vibrated on her desk. She flipped it open, it was a text from Ino.
Hey, on my way! B ready!
Sakura texted back an 'ok', then finished getting ready. She grabbed her bag, rushing down the stairs that led to her living room. Her mother held out a bagel, which Sakura took with a smile just as a car honked outside. She ran out the door and hopped into Ino's blue granddam.
"Hey forehead." Ino grinned.
"Hey, Ino-pig." Sakura stuck her tongue out, then took a bite out of her bagel. She turned to greet Hinata, Nova and Tenten in the back seat.
Konoha High
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 7:40am
Once they got to Konoha High, they all went their seperate ways. Sakura and Hinata head for their first hour, English XI with Kakashi Hatake. They took their seats near the back.
"Sakura!" Naruto shouted. He ran up to the two girls with a big grin on his face. "How are you, beautiful?"
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Ugh, really Naruto?" She glanced at Hinata, who stared at her desk with a sad expression. Hinata... "Look, Naruto, I told you I'm not interested."
Naruto hesitated. "I... I know. I'm sorry. It's just... A guy can hope, right?" He laughed nervously. He glanced at Hinata. "Oi, Hinata? You okay?"
The pale girl looked up, a slight blush on her face. "I-I'm fine. Thank you for worrying, Naruto."
"Yeah. If anything's ever wrong, you can talk to me!" He winked. "I'm willing to kick whoever's ass that's making you upset."
Hinata giggled. "Thank you, Naruto."
You'd be kicking your own ass, Naruto... Sakura sighed.
"Alright, take your seats, class." Kakashi said. Everyone obeyed. "Today, I've decided to let you all have a free day. Work on homework or whatever. But remember, one of your book essays are due tomorrow, along with your Siddartha questions. So choose wisely and work quietly." With that said, the partially masked man sat at his desk and read his perverted book.
Sigh. You only gave us this free day so you can read your book, Kakashi-sensei. Sakura slightly shook her head.
Her and Hinata decided to work on their book essay since that was worth more points. And of course, Naruto decided to come over and bug them. Except this time he had his attention focused on Hinata. Sakura was a little irritated since Hinata's suppose to be working with her. But she was also relieved that Naruto had finally found someone else to harass.
Sakura's phone vibrated in her pocket. She glanced up at Kakashi before taking it out.
OMG. So i overheard suigetsu asking sasuke who he likes and he totes admitted it was u!
Sakura stared at her phone in disbelief. No way! Why would he tell anyone? Especially Suigetsu? I know they're good friends and all. I wonder... She stared at Naruto. If Naruto knows?
Hinata giggled. "R-Really?"
"Yeah! Yeah! And then I was like-"
"Hey Naruto." Sakura interrupted.
Both Hinata and Naruto turned their heads toward her. "Ah man, Sakura. I was getting to the good part."
"Sorry. But... Do you know who... Sasuke likes?"
"Mm... He's never really told me. He said I have a big mouth and would tell the whole world."
"I guess that makes sense..." She muttered. Naruto simply 'hmphed'. "I wonder why he told Suigetsu."
"Suigetsu, really?" Naruto frowned.
"Maybe he trusts Suigetsu?" Hinata offered.
"Doubt it..." Naruto grumbled.
Sakura's phone vibrated again. Turns out they BOTH like you! Thats y sasuke told him! Karin is so PISSED!
Sakura laughed out loud. A couple of students looked over. She ignored them and showed Hinata the text Ino just sent her. A huge smile spread across Hinata's face. "That's so exciting, Sakura."
"Yeah, but Suigetsu likes me too..." Sakura sighed.
"Wait... Too? Sasuke likes you?!" Naruto shouted.
They definitely had the class's attention now. Even Kakashi's.
"Are you serious?"
"I thought he didn't have a heart."
"Wow, lucky..."
"Why her? She's not even pretty!"
"Alright, alright!" Kakashi slammed his book closed. "Everybody, settle down. Get back to work. Mr. Uzumaki, detention for interrupting my class. Miss Hyuuga and Miss Haruno, detention for using phones when you should be working."
"But sensei! I have cheerleading practice after school! I'm the captain!" Sakura argued.
"A-And I have tennis practice a-after school." Hinata said, her pointer fingers pressing together.
"Sorry girls, should've kept the phones put up." Kakashi opened his book.
"At least let Hinata off the hook. It was my phone." Sakura pleaded.
"Don't care."
Ugh! Sakura growled. "Sorry Hinata... I didn't even realize he saw me."
"It's okay. I hope my father will understand..." Hinata sighed. "He is very strict about school and sports."
Hinata... Naruto frowned. "I'll be right back." He walked over to Kakashi. "Sensei?"
"What is it, Naruto?" Kakashi mumbled without looking up.
"Please let Hinata off the hook. It wasn't her phone. And if I hadn't shouted, you wouldn't have given any of us detention, right?"
"Not true. I was going to tell them before they left."
"Oh. Well, just let Hinata go to her tennis practice, please. I'll even take her detention time."
Kakashi looked up. It was hard to tell if he was smiling because of the doctor mask covering his bottom half of his face. "This is new. Instead of you taking Miss Haruno's place, you'd take Miss Hyuuga's?"
"Huh? Oh... I..." Naruto blushed. "I-I-It's just... She doesn't deserve detention. She's innocent."
"Alright. I'll let you serve detention during lunch and after school."
"Ah man. Lunch, really?" Naruto complained.
"Yes." Kakashi waved him off. Naruto sighed and agreed. He walked back to his desk. "Miss Hyuuga, can I talk to you for a moment?"
Hinata stood up, making her way towards the front. "Yes, sensei?"
"Go to your tennis practice after school. You're off the hook." Kakashi said.
"R-Really?" Hinata's face beamed with a pretty smile.
"Yes. You can thank Mr. Uzumaki. He agreed to take your place during lunch today."
"N-Naruto?" She glanced behind her. "Thank you, sensei." She bowed before heading back to her desk. "Naruto?"
The blue-eyed blond stared at her. "Yes?"
"Um... Thank you... For taking my place today." Hinata blushed. "I really appreciate it."
"No problem. You didn't deserve it anyway." Naruto grinned.
Hinata smiled. Naruto blushed. And Sakura grinned. Oh Hinata... Lucky you. I still have detention!
1st hour: Algebra II, room A102 - Anko Mitarishi; Konoha High
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 8:01am
Ino was very excited about the information she overheard. She and Nova talked about it whenever they had the chance.
"Hey Ino, look who's finally here." Nova winked, gesturing to a tall, thin male entering the class room. It was Shikamaru. Ino's face immediately lit up. Shikamaru handed a pink slip to Anko. "Yo, Ino? Hell-o?"
Ino shook her head. "Sorry..."
Nova chuckled. "Shikamaru's cute and everything, but enough to make you drool?" She cracked up when Ino looked surprise, wiping her spit off her chin quickly. "As I was saying, we should go to the mall after cheerleading practice. How about it? We could even invite your beloved Shikamaru."
Shikamaru passed by at that moment. "Hey, Ino. What's up?"
"Oh, hey Shikamaru." Ino said all nonchalant. "Just working on these Algebra problems."
"Hey Shikamaru, want to go to the mall after practices are over?" Nova butted in.
"Yeah, sure." He gave them a small smile before taking his seat by Sasuke and Suigetsu.
"Oh yeah!" Nova grinned at Ino.
She smiled, rolling her eyes. "Is your lover, Itachi, coming?"
"Tch. Yeah right. He's been really busy these days." Nova muttered.
"Doing what?" Ino questioned.
"I don't know. Every time I ask him, he says it's work, work, work. I'm getting tired of it." Nova sighed.
"Then break up with him?"
"I can't... I love him too much."
"Talking about my brother?" Sasuke had joined them at their table.
Nova blushed. "Yeah. Hey, do you know what's up with him?"
He scoffed. "He's barely ever home. So no." Shikamaru, Kiba, Suigetsu, Shino, and Karin joined them. "You're saying he's too busy for you?"
Nova shrugged. "Whenever I try to hang out with him, he either cuts it short or he's 'working'." She rested her chin on her hand. "What do you think I should do?"
"Dump him." - Sasuke.
"Talk to him." - Shikamaru.
"Beat him until he spills everything." - Suigetsu.
"I would ask the guy straight up." - Kiba
". . ." - Shino.
"Give him to me." - Karin.
Everyone glared at her. "What do you even want, Karin?" Ino sneered. "You don't have to follow Sasuke everywhere like a lost puppy - scratch that - mutt."
"Shut up, bitch." Karin growled.
"Yeah, shut up, Ino." Sasuke said. "I don't even like dogs."
Everyone laughed besides Kiba and Karin. "What wrong with dogs?" Kiba growled. They laughed even harder.
Karin scowled, then stomped away.
"Yo maggots! Get back to work!" Anko shouted.
Everyone scattered.
6th, hour: Auditorium, Gym - Might Guy; Konoha High
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 1:08pm
"Hello - Youthful - Students!" Might Guy shouted in a very excited tone. "Today we are going to work on our swimming! So get dressed and meet me downstairs!"
The girls glared at the boys when they whistled at them. Except Karin and her friends who seemed to be enjoying it. And Hinata who practically fainted when Naruto waved at her. The girls head for their locker room. "Well, at least we don't have many perverted guys in our class." Tenten said with a shrug.
"I just don't want Suigetsu to see me in my swim suit." Sakura sighed. "Now that I know how he feels about me."
"At least Sasuke gets to see you in it." Ino winked.
Tenten and Hinata giggled. They glanced back at Nova, who seemed nervous. She was slowly dressing in her suit. "You okay, Nova?" Hinata asked quietly.
"Huh? Oh... Oh... It's just... I can't really swim." Nova gulped.
"Huh, so that's why you always ditched out. You mysteriously 'caught a cold' last time." Ino laughed.
"Or 'started your monthly'." Tenten joined in the laughter.
"Or the worst one yet! 'My hamster died, he was my best friend'!" Sakura doubled over with laughter, her sides cramping up.
"Hey! That last one was true!" Nova said.
"Sorry, sorry!" They laughed, wiping tears from their eyes.
Hinata giggled. "So what's making you go today?"
"I was hoping Itachi will go to the beach with me this weekend. I wanted him to see me in my cute new swim suit I bought."
"Why would you buy a swim suit if you can't even swim?" Karin rolled her eyes.
"To look good for my boyfriend, duh." Nova said.
"But, oh, wait!" Ino added. "You wouldn't know about that because no guy is blind, or stupid enough, to fall for your skanky ass."
"Bitch." Karin pushed them out of the way. "Umi, Nami, Matsuri, Kin, let's go!" She snapped at the four girls behind her. They rushed by her side.
The girls hurried to dress, then met the boys at the indoor pool.
"Alright!" Guy blew his whistle. "We'll start off treading water!"
"Wooo!" The guys jumped in, splashing the girls with cold water. Naruto did a cannibal right in front of Sakura and the girls.
"Grr... NARUTO!" Sakura screamed, jumping in after him and drowning the poor boy under the water.
"E-Eh? Sakura!" Hinata stumbled. As she walked to the edge, she slipped in, face first hitting the water.
"Hinata!" The girls shouted, including Naruto. He dived under, grabbing Hinata and swimming to the top. Hinata coughed up water. "Hinata?! Are you okay?" Naruto helped her over to the ladder.
"I-I'm fine." Hinata gasped. "S-Sorry for troubling you, Naruto."
"No big deal." Naruto grinned. "Don't scare me like that, knucklehead." Hinata giggled. "Oh, by the way, thank you for lunch."
Hinata blushed. "O-Oh, you got it? I'm glad. I wasn't sure if Kakashi-sensei would eat it himself or not..."
Naruto laughed. "Yeah, it was really delicious! You're going to make a wonderful wife someday."
Hinata stared at him with wide eyes and a very red face. W-wife?
"Ahh maaan..." Nova grumbled. She crouched next to the pool's edge, staring at the clear water. Maybe I should've just came up with an excuse. But Guy-sensei had said 'no more excuses, Nova. Or else I'm going to have a talk with your guardians!" Nova sighed.
"What's wrong, Nova? Scared of a little... WATER!" Suigetsu pushed her into the pool.
Nova flailed around. She tried to kick off the bottom of the pool. Her head poked up for a moment. She gasped for air and shouted,"Help! HELP!" before she sank back down. She reached out before everything went dark.
A hand reached out, the fingers wrapped around Nova's wrist, pulling her towards the surface.
"Is she okay?! I didn't know she couldn't swim!" Suigetsu helped Nova onto the concrete.
"Guy-sensei! Nova's hurt!" Lee shouted.
The class gathered around her. Guy rushed toward them while shouting, "Someone hurry up and do CPR on her!"
The guy who saved her kneeled next to the unconscious girl, tilting her head back a little and planting his lips firmly in her. He breathed into her mouth, sat up and pushed on her chest. He repeated this a couple of times before Nova started gasping for air and choking out water.
Sakura stared at Gaara, the one who had saved her. When Nova finds out what he did, she's going to be pissed.
Guy checked to see if Nova was fine. "Maybe you should go to the nurse's office." He said.
"No... I'm fine, really." Nova assured him.
"No wonder you always made excuses. If you need help, you can come in and practice all you want. Lee here would love to train you, right Lee?"
"Yes sensei!" Lee saluted him.
"Thank you, sensei." Nova smiled.
"It's not me who you should be thanking." He gestured towards Gaara. "He saved your life."
Nova glanced at him. "Thanks." She stood up and walked towards the locker rooms.
"Uh... sensei? Can we go check on her?" Sakura asked, preparing to take off even if Guy said no.
"Go ahead. Try to hurry and convince her to come back." Guy said. "Everyone else, back in the water!"
Sakura, Ino, Hinata, and Tenten hurry after Nova. They found her crying in the locker room on one of the benches.
"Nova." Hinata rushed to sit by her friend. She wrapped her arms around Nova, pulling her in close.
"Nova? Why are you crying?" Tenten kneeled on the floor in front of her.
Sakura and Ino joined them. Nova tried her best to calm herself so she could talk. "Th-This past month has -hic- been so hor-hic-rible. My boyfriend ignoring me. -hic- Gaara making me feel guilty after he broke -hic- my heart three years ago! Now he wants me back? A-hic-And then stupid Suigetsu embarrassed me in front of everyone." Hinata reached in her bag and gave Nova a water bottle. She drank it greedly. "Thank you." She sniffed.
"Gaara wants you back?" Ino asked.
Nova nodded. "Yeah, a couple of weeks ago he told me he still loved me and crap."
"Damn, what'd you say?" Sakura leaned over to hear her better.
"I told him to fuck off because I'm with Itachi now." Nova mumbled.
"Do you... Still have feelings for Gaara?" Tenten asked.
Nova sighed. "I... I don't know. Everytime I see him, I can't help but picturing that day he left me..."
FLASHBACK
Nova sat on a swing set. The tip of her shoes digging into the sand. Thunder crashed over her. It was getting dark and about to rain.
A figure emerged from the shadows. It was Gaara. Just the guy Nova was waiting to see. She smiled and ran up to him. But there was something wrong. Gaara didn't seem too happy to see her. He stared at her with no emotion.
"Gaara?" Nova said slowly.
"I don't want to be with you anymore." Gaara mumbled.
"Wha... What?" Nova's heart sank low in her chest. She laughed nervously. "I must've misheard you. You know me. I can be deaf some-"
"I don't love you anymore." Gaara said louder. He refused to look her in the eye.
Rain poured down, soaking the two young teens to the bone. Nova stared at Gaara in disbelief.
"Go home, Nova." With that, Gaara turned and walked away.
"Wait!" Nova cried. He stopped. "Why? I-I can change if that's what you want. I'll give you all the space you need. We-We don't have to do those stupid one month anniversaries, if that's what's wrong." Tears spilled down her cheeks. "Please. Don't leave me. I lov-"
"Go home." Gaara said, he left.
Nova sobbed.
END OF FLASHBACK
The tears formed again in Nova's eyes. She wiped them away before they could drop. "He's a jerk. I have no intention of going back with him." Nova said sternly.
"Oughta girl!" Sakura patted Nova on the shoulder.
"Good!" Ino agreed.
"So what are you going to do about Itachi?" Tenten asked.
Nova groaned. "I guess talk to him after school."
"Do you want us to go with you and beat his ass if he doesn't listen?" Sakura asked in all seriousness.
Nova laughed. "That's okay, I'll beat his ass on my own if I have to."
7th hour: Algebra II, Room A102 - Anko Mitarishi; Konoha High
Date: September 9. Thursday. Time: 2:51pm
Just six more minutes. Tenten drummed her fingers against her desk in anticipation. She glanced over at Lee, who was sitting in the desk to her right. He had a determined look on his face as he scribbled on a piece of paper. She suppressed a giggle.
Lee glanced at her, a huge grin spreading across his face. He showed her the drawing of himself beating up Neji. Tenten let the giggle she was holding, out.
A hand shout out and grabbed the drawing. Neji scanned the paper with a bored expression. He rolled his eyes, crumpling the paper and tossing it on the floor.
Naruto grabbed it before anyone else could. He added onto the picture. He showed everyone around him. He had added himself helping Lee. Neji's eye twitched. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. Naruto laughed out loud, catching Anko's attention.
She growled, slamming her fist onto her desk. "Naruto!" Her shout made the young blond jump out of his seat. "Is there something you'd like to share?"
"Well... If you insist." Naruto stood.
Anko's face darkened. "Oh, I do."
He gulped. "O-On second thought..."
"Fine. You can share it later, in detention." Anko sat back in her chair, arms crossed over her chest.
"Eh? But I already have detention with Kakashi-sensei today!" Naruto whinned.
"Then you can spend it after school with me on Monday." Anko had a satisfied grin plastered on her face.
"But coach is going to kill me." He groaned.
Anko shrugged. "Maybe you should learn to keep your yap shut."
Naruto groaned again, slumping into his seat. He glared at Neji, who had a small smirk forming on his lips. The blond slouched in his chair.
Hinata frowned. Poor Naruto...
Lee's hand shot into the air. "Anko-sensei! I cannot let Naruto take the blame for this by himself! I was the one who drew the picture!" Lee's voice rang through the quiet classroom.
Anko broke the silence. "Fine. You can serve detention with Naruto."
"Yes, sensei!" Lee bowed his head. He turned to Naruto and gave him a huge grin and a thumbs up.
And once again, Naruto groaned while Neji snickered. "Great..." He muttered underneath his breath.
Outside of Konoha High.
Date: September 9. Thursday. Time: 5:04pm
"Ugh. I swear, Coach Kikyo is getting tougher on us everyday." Nova moaned while rubbing her sore shoulders. "Especially since 'Captain Sakura' got detention. Remind me to kick her in the butt when I see her."
Ino laughed. "Oh, hey. Are we still going to the mall?"
"Yeah, definitely. I need a break. Thank god we don't have school tomorrow." Nova sighed in relief.
"Three day weekend!" Ino punched the air. Nova and her high five each other.
Nova spotted Sasuke exiting the front doors of the main entrance. "Oh hey, there goes Sasuke. I'm going to go walk with him to his house. Catch you in a hour?"
"Sure. Bye, girl." Ino waved.
"Bye-bye doll!" Nova called back.
Ino fished out her cell from her pack. She quickly dialed Sakura's number.
"Hey." Sakura's voice sang on the other line.
"Hey, did you already get a ride?"
"Yeah. Kiba gave Hinata and I a ride. I got out kind of early. I was going to go to practice, but didn't feel like getting yelled at. So I met up with Hinata instead."
"Yeah. I understand. You going to the mall with us later?"
"Of course."
"'kay, I'll message Tenten."
"Alright, bye."
"See ya." She clicked the end button. After she messaged Tenten, she shoved the tiny device into her pack and scanned the area. She saw Shikamaru walking in the opposite direction. "Shikamaru!" Ino shouted. The boy stopped and turned to see who called his name. His eyes locked onto her's.
He walked her way. "Hey."
"Hey, you want a ride home?" Ino removed the keys from her pocket and jingled them in the air.
He gave her a sly grin. "Sure."
"Awesome. Follow moi." She led him to her car.
"I don't think I've ever seen you in comfortable clothes before." Shikamaru commented.
"What're you trying to say?" Ino glared at him before unlocking the door.
"That you're either wearing flashy clothing or something very tight."
Ino shrugged as she got into her car. Shikamaru climbed in as well. "Not that I'm saying you have a bad body. You have a -er- lovely figure."
Ino rolled her eyes. "Thanks."
"I've never seen your stomach before though. Didn't know you had your belly pierced."
"Huh? Oh, yeah. I had to practically beg my dad."
"I assumed." Shikamaru chuckled. "Are we still going to the mall?"
"No duh." Ino scoffed. "If we say we're going to the mall, we're going. No matter what."
"Even if there was a zombie apocalypse?"
"Even if there was a meteor heading towards Earth and we only had five minutes to live."
"Woooow."
Ino laughed at his expression.
The Uchiha Home, Itachi's room
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 5:21pm
Nova sat cross-legged on Itachi's bed. Itachi was in the other room on the phone. Nova huffed, falling down on her back.
Itachi barged into the room. He took in the white haired teen lying on his bed. He sighed, closed his door, and crawled onto his bed to lie next to his girlfriend. "I'm sorry, honey."
Nova turned her head to him, a small smile on her face. That's all you ever do... Apologize to me. "It's okay. So do you want to go to the mall with me and hang out with my friends?"
The corners of Itachi's mouth fell. "I'm sorry, honey. But I promised the guys I'd hang out with them tonight."
Nova's heart sank into her stomach. She faked a happy smile. "That's okay. It's just a bunch of teenagers anyway."
"You know that doesn't bug me, Nova..." Itachi said.
Nova had let out a tiny laugh. "I know, but I'd be embarrassed. You're such a wonderful boyfriend." She climbed partially on him. "And you're so handsome." She mumbled against his lips.
He smile. "You think I'm handsome?"
"Duuuh." She rolled her eyes and giggled.
"And you're beautiful."
"Aww. You think I'm beautiful?"
He smirked and rolled his eyes. "Duh."
Someone outside the door started gagging real loud. Someone else made kiss-y noises.
"Go away!" Itachi and Nova yelled.
They laughed and walked away.
"Damn Sasuke and his friends." Itachi muttered.
"Who's here?"
"His band."
Of fuck. That meant Naruto, Kiba, and Gaara. "Aaah..."
"What's wrong?" Itachi searched her face.
Nova blushed. I never told him about Gaara... She bit her bottom lip. He gets jealous real easy... "I... just... um, wanted to have fun... You know. With you. Before I go." Nova's face reddened even more.
A wicked grin spreads across his face. "Oh really?" Nova nodded, a little unsure. The grin faded. "Or do you mean fun as in, just kissing?"
We've been going out for about a year now! Why not make love? I can do this! "The other thing..."
Itachi's eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yes." She squeaked.
He immediately attacked her.
Time: 5:54pm
Nova quickly dressed as Itachi watched her with hungry eyes. She felt even more sore. Her body shook, making her wince as she slipped her sweats on.
"Do you have to go?" Itachi asked, a small pout forming on his face.
A giggle escaped her throat. "You are too cute. And don't you have plans with your friends?"
"Oh... Yeah." He sat up. "Well, I can cancel them..."
Nova's eyebrows rose. "Uh-huh. So you can change your plans to have sex with me, but not to hang out with me?"
"Uuuh... I-It's our first time... I want it to be special?" He stuttered.
She smirked. Itachi's never had trouble talking before. "Tell you what, I'll sneak out tonight and come over, okay?"
"'kay."
"But you have to make me dinner tonight."
He groaned. Although he was an excellent cook, he hated it. "Alright."
"Yay!" She clapped and jumped excitedly. But all her excitement drained once pain shot up her private area. She winced and kept still.
"Are you okay?" Itachi quickly ran over to her.
"Y-Yeah." She mumbled. "I guess the first time makes us girls sore for a while."
"I'm sorry, hun. We don't have to do it again..."
She smirked at him. "Oh no. I want that dinner. I gotta go." She gives him a quick peck on the lips. "Bye, babe."
She left, closing the door behind her. Low laughter came from the living room. She tried to quietly leave through the front door, but failed miserably.
"Yo, Nova!" Naruto shouted.
Ugh! I could kill you, Naruto! Nova faked a grin and spun around. "Oh! Hey guys! Didn't realize you were sitting there." She said through clenched teeth.
"You're such an airhead sometimes, Nova." Kiba laughed.
The corners of Nova's mouth twitched. She forced herself to laugh. "You're so funny." She punched him hard on the arm.
Gaara and Sasuke gave her a funny look. But Nova ignored them. "Well, I gotta get going." She reached for the door knob.
"Where are you going?" Naruto asked.
Nova cringed. "Um... Just the mall to meet the girls and stuff."
"Girls?" Naruto and Kiba perked up. "Will Sakura be there?"
Sasuke's attention shifted to the girl at the door. Nova rolled her eyes. "Of course."
"I'm definitely coming!" Naruto jumped up.
"Is Hinata there?" Kiba stood up.
"Yes."
"Why do you want to know if Hinata's there?" Naruto glared at him.
"Why do you care?" Kiba shot back.
"I'm gone." Nova left.
"Wait!" Naruto and Kiba ran after her.
Sasuke sighed. "C'mon, Gaara."
Konoha's Town Center, food court.
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 7:31pm
"God, Naruto! You're so gross!" Sakura smacked the knucklehead teen in the face, hard enough to make him fly out of his chair and straight into Hinata's lap.
"Eek!" Hinata flushed bright red. She quickly stood up, making Naruto fall onto the floor. "S-Sorry Naruto!"
Everyone at the table laughed as Hinata helped the poor teen up.
"Naruto, why is your face so red?!" Kiba shouted from across the table.
"I-It's not!" Naruto sputtered. "Shut up Kiba!"
"You okay?" Ino asked Nova. She grunted in response. "What's wrong? Did Itachi not want to talk?" Ino asked quietly.
Nova sighed. "No, I didn't even talk to him about that. We kinda... Did something else." She mumbled.
"Like what?"
"Let's just say..." She paused to think. "I'm officially a woman now."
Ino raised an eyebrow, obviously confused. Nova's eyes scanned her face. Then finally, Ino's eyes grew wide. "No way! You guys did not!" Nova's face turned red. "You guys did!"
Nova could feel everyone's eyes on them.
"What going on?" Sasuke asked.
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Why are you yelling now, Ino?"
"Are you two okay?" Shikamaru nudged Ino with his elbow.
"Girls room. NOW!" Ino grabbed Nova by the arm and dragged her towards the restrooms. Tenten, Sakura, and Hinata scrambled after them. Ino threw Nova up against the restroom's wall. The tiny girl had never been this scared in her life. "What the fuck did you say?" Ino snarled in Nova's face.
She hunched her shoulders, trying to make herself smaller. "I... Um... I s-said I'm... A... Woman, now?" Her eyes darted everywhere, avoiding those angry blue orbs.
"What do you mean?" Hinata asked quietly.
Nova mumbled something, but none of them heard. Ino crossed her arms over her chest. "She asked you a question, Nova."
Nova winced. "I had sex with Itachi, okay? But we've been together for almost a year. What does it matter?" She snapped.
"What matters is that your only sixteen." Tenten said softly.
"Tenten's right." Sakura added. "You should've thought it through."
"I love him. I didn't need to think it through." Nova hissed.
One of the bathroom stall doors slammed open. And out came Karin, with her nose in the air and glaring at the group in the corner. Several other stall doors slammed open. Karin's clones came barging out. One of them, with short brown hair who went by the name of Matsuri, sneered at Nova.
"What?" Nova snapped.
"I honestly don't understand why Gaara would choose you over me." Matsuri rolled her eyes.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Nova growled.
"What I mean is that you're obviously a slut!"
Nova stomped up to her and punched her in the face. "Don't you dare call me that!"
Matsuri straightened herself up, rubbing her sore cheek. "It's not my fault you're going around sleeping with guys."
"One guy! Who happns to be my boyfriend for a year now!" Nova shouted. "Besides, Gaara broke my heart."
"You deserved it!" Matsuri screamed.
"Sh-She did not!" Hinata cried. Matsuri glared at her. But that didn't stop Hinata from talking. "Nova never did anything wrong! She di-didn't deserve to have her heart broken like that!" She was on the brim of tears.
Hinata... Nova went over to comfort her. "Thank you."
Karin scoffed. "You all are pathetic." She shoved her way through. As she passed by Sakura, she muttered, "Skank", under her breath.
Sakura whipped around, grabbed a handful of red hair, and threw Karin out of the bathroom. The pink haired girl stomped after her.
Everyone else ran after them. Karin was slumped against the wall. The guys were there too. They had decided to check on the girls since they were taking so long.
"What did you call me?!" Sakura screeched as she grabbed the front of Karin's shirt.
She only whimpered, as did Naruto. "S-Sakura sure is scary..."
"What?!" Sakura's anger turned on him.
"Eep!" He dashed behind Sasuke, peeking over his shoulder.
"Sakura, she's not worth it." Tenten placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let's just go."
"Gaa-ra!" Matsuri sang in a high pitched, annoying tone. She skipped over to him. "Hey cutie!" She wrapped her arms around him. "I didn't know you were here."
He grunted. "What do you want?"
Nova's fist shook with anger. Stupid Matsuri... Wait, why am I angry anyway?! Her phone ran to life. She took it out and glanced at the caller I.D. Itachi. Immediately her anger dissolved. "Itachi!" Nova shouted happily into the phone.
"Hey, honey." He replied.
"What's up?" She noticed everyone staring at her, she turned around.
"You don't mind the guys being over for dinner, right? They might be sleeping over too."
"Oh..." Nova's smile faded. "Um... Yeah. Sure... I just thought it'd be you and me, ya know?"
"And Sasuke."
"But Sasuke lives there. He doesn't count."
"Hey." Sasuke grumbled.
"If you don't want to, I can send them home." Itachi said.
Nova could hear the guys laughing in the background. Some of them shouting 'whipped' or making inappropriate noises. Itachi told them to shut their mouths. "It's okay. I'll just stay the night with the girls or something. Bye babe."
"Wait-"
She hung up before he could try to convince her otherwise.
"You okay, Nova?" She twitched at Gaara's voice.
"Of course. Why would I not be okay?" She forced a laugh. "I should go home." She hurried away.
"Nova, wait!" Naruto chased after her. The girls were about to chase her too, but Sasuke stopped them.
"Let him talk to her. He knows how to cheer her up."
"He's right." Ino mumbled. Nova and Naruto had been best friends since they were six. Even though she hated it, Naruto did know her best.
"Yo! Sasuke, Karin!" Suigetsu waved as he walked over to the huge group with another person with him. "'Sup?"
"Nothing." Sasuke's eyes shifted towards the guy behind Suigetsu. "Hey Juugo." He gave him a curt nod.
"Hey Sakura!" Suigetsu grinned.
"Uh... Yeah. Hi." Sakura mumbled. She glanced at Sasuke, who didn't seem to be paying much attention. She turned her green eyes back on Suigetsu. He walked towards her with a huge smile.
"So, I was wondering, wanna hang out with me for a bit? Go get an ice-cream or somethin'?"
Well, it's not like Sasuke's going to ask me out anytime soon. "Sure, why not?"
They walked off together, leaving the others behind.
"Wow, that's weird." Ino mumbled to Tenten and Hinata.
Sasuke watched them walk away. His head pounding with anger. Why would she go with him?
Because you've never asked, Stupid.Said Inner Sasuke.
Sasuke growled.
"C'mon, Gaara! Let's go get some cinnamon rolls!" Matsuri dragged the reluctant red head along.
"What do you want to do?" A girl with really long, black hair asked Karin.
"I'm going to ask Sasuke out." Karin smirked, marching off. "Bye Kin, Umi, Nami. Wish me luck."
The three girls rolled their eyes and mumbled, "Good luck", as she walked away.
Before she even reached Sasuke, he said, "No way in hell", without even looking at her.
Karin's smile fell. "I-I was, was going to ask Juugo!" She grabbed the orange haired boy's arm and dragged him away.
"Ask me what?" Juugo mumbled.
"Shut up." Karin hissed.
"And then there were six." Kiba said to break the silence.
"I'm going to go find Nova." Hinata told the girls before taking off.
"And then there were five." Kiba announced.
Sasuke had let out an irritable sigh.
"We're here too, ya know!" Kin glared at Kiba.
"Yeah, but nobody likes you guys." He retorted, glancing at Umi. "Well... Umi's okay." The girl grinned and winked at him. Kiba blushed.
Kin stuck her pierced tongue out at him. "Let's go, girls." She stuck her nose into the air and began to walk away, swinging her hips dramatically.
"Stop walking like you have a stick up your ass!" Ino called after her. A loud screech echoed back. Ino and Tenten snickered.
"Yo, Ino. You mind giving me a ride home? I got to study for the Algebra test." Shikamaru said.
"What? You're going to study on a three-day weekend?" Ino laughed, but walked off with him anyway. She waved at Tenten.
"And then-"
"If you finished that sentence, I'm going to kick your ass." Sasuke growled.
"Oi! Tenten!"
Everyone turned their heads to see Lee and Neji heading their way.
Tenten blushed as Lee bounced up to them. "Hey guys."
"Yo!" Lee grinned. "We're on our way to the arcade after this guy uses the restroom." He thrusts his thumb over his shoulder, indicating an annoyed Neji. "Want to join us?"
"Yes, please, join us. Save me from this unnecessarily torture." Neji grumbled.
Tenten giggled. "Sure. Bye guys." She smiled at Sasuke and Kiba.
"Well..." Kiba glanced at Sasuke. "This is fun."
"Shut up. Let's go check out the music store." Sasuke grumbled.
Outside of Konoha's Town Center
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 8:11pm
"C'mon, Nova. Just stay over at my place with the guys tonight. You need to get Itachi off your mind, right? We'll throw eggs at people's houses. Like Kakashi-sensei's!" Naruto's eyes gleamed with mischief.
Nova smiled. "Yeah, I suppose that'd be kinda fun." Suddenly her phone chirped. She had received a text from Hinata. Where are you? She quickly texted back her location. "Who's staying the night?"
"Sasuke, Gaara, and Kiba." Naruto replied.
Nova bit her bottom lip. "Um..." "You don't mind the guys being over for dinner, right?" Itachi's voice rang through Nova's ears. She frowned. "Yeah, that actually sounds great."
"Awesome!"
Hinata ran up to them. "Are you alright, Nova?"
Nova gave her a big smile. "Of course."
"Hey Hinata! Want to hang out with us tonight?" Naruto beamed.
"E-Eh? M-Me? Hang out with N-Naruto?" Hinata stammered.
"Well, yeah. Me, you, Nova, and the guys."
"O-Oh." This seemed to calm Hinata down a bit. "O-Okay."
"Awesome!" Naruto wrapped an arm around Hinata's shoulders, guiding her back inside. "Dude! Night swimming!"
Nova scoffed, following them. "You just want to see Hinata in her bathing suit again."
Naruto's face flushed. "Wh-What?! I-"
"Yeah, yeah." Nova waved him off, grinning at Hinata's shocked, red face. Her cell rang to life again. She check it, Itachi was calling her. Her front teeth bit down on her bottom lip. The phone kept singing and vibrating in her hand. She finally pressed the end button and set her phone on silent.
"Music to My Ears", Konoha Town Center
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 8:12pm
Sakura listened to Suigetsu as he went on and on about how he was the 'fastest' swimmer on Konoha High's swim team. She was about to sock him in the face, until she saw Sasuke and Kiba heading their way. She laughed really loud at something Suigetsu said.
The white haired teen stared at her, confused. "I didn't-"
"Shut up." She hissed.
Suigetsu glanced over in Sasuke's direction, who was now looking at them from the corner of his eye. Ahh... A sly grin crept onto his face. His arm slithered around Sakura's slim waist.
Sakura's eye twitched. "Oh Suigetsu, you're so funny." On the last word, she punched him in the face, making the poor boy fly into a rack of CDs.
Sasuke subdued a smirk. His onyx eyes followed the feisty pink haired maiden as she left the store.
"Damn. That was scary..." Kiba mumbled. He walked over to Suigetsu, helping the injured teen to his feet. "You okay, man? That must've hurt."
"Fuck yeah it did!" Suigetsu rubbed his bruised bottom. "Fucking ugly ass bitch. I'm going-"
But he never got to finish 'cause Sasuke had punched him square in the mouth.
"Fuck!" Suigetsu shouted, slamming into a different rack of CDs.
"Don't you dare talk about a woman like that, you asshole." Sasuke growled.
Yikes! He's even more scary! Kiba cringed. He followed Sasuke out of the store. "Man, remind me to never make you mad." He mumbled.
Sasuke ignored him, searching the crowd. He spotted pink hair, traveling fast towards the food court. He chased after it, leaving Kiba behind.
Kiba stood there, dumbfounded. Did I just get ditched? For a girl?
"Yo, Kiba!"
He turned around. Naruto, Hinata, and Nova joined him. "Do you know where Sasuke and Gaara went?" Naruto asked.
"Sasuke just ran off to find Sakura and Matsuri dragged Gaara off somewhere." Kiba explained.
Nova shot a glare at Kiba. "Where'd they go?"
"Um..." Kiba scratched his chin. "Oh!" He snapped. "To get cinnamon rolls."
"Might as well find him first." Nova said before taking off. The others followed her.
It didn't take long to find them. Matsuri's shrilly laugh was the first clue. Gaara's red hair was the second.
Nova moved herself so Naruto would be in front of her. "Hey dude, we're going back to my house once we find Sasuke." Naruto said.
"Okay." Gaara got up from his chair.
"Wait, Gaara!" Matsuri held onto his arm. "Stay with me."
"Sorry, Matsuri." He shrugged her off. "Let's go."
The Nara's household, Shikamaru's room.
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 8:20pm
"I can't believe you're going to study." Ino looked around the clean room. There wasn't much furniture. Just a bed in the corner, a desk at the foot of the bed, a tiny closet and shelves filled with books. Ino hadn't been in Shikamaru's room since middle school. Not since he had left her and Chouji for a girl named Temari.
She smiled at an old photo of her, Chouji, and Shikamaru, sitting on the desk. Their arms wrapped around each other's shoulders and them smiling. "How is Chouji anyway?"
"Hm? Oh, he's okay." Shikamaru said as he dug through his backpack.
"Has he found a girl yet?" Ino wiggled her perfectly plucked eyebrows.
Shikamaru smirked. "Actually, yes. Someone named Nami."
"You mean that shy, smart girl who follows Karin around?"
"That's the one."
Ino's eyes grow wide. "Wow, she's pretty cute too. Stupid though she chose the wrong crowd to be in."
"Yeah. Chouji's trying to convince her to leave them. I guess she's scared."
"Scared of what? Karin?" Ino laughed.
"Dude, girl's crazy. Besides, Nami's the one who does all her homework and projects."
"I always wondered how Karin passed each year."
"Yeah. Well, hopefully Nami will listen."
"I can help."
"Really?"
"Well, yeah. Helping friends out. It's what I do."
"Uh-huh."
"And what's that suppose to mean?"
He shrugged. "It's just, when we all use to hang out, you lectured him about his weight and how he'd never get a girlfriend."
Ino blushed. "Okay, I'll admit I was a bit-"
"A bit?"
"Okay, very mean. But I've changed." She sighed. "I hope Chouji will forgive me."
"I'm sure he will. Chouji has a kind heart." Shikamaru reassured her.
Unlike me... Ino frowned, holding back unwanted tears.
Food court, Konoha's Town Center.
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 8:22pm
"Sakura!" Sasuke grabbed a slender wrist. "Slow down."
Sakura spun around. "Sasuke? Hey." She blushed. "What are you doing here?"
"I saw what happened with Suigetsu. You okay?"
"Oh yeah..." She shrugged, embarrassed. "I didn't like that he was touching me."
Sasuke cracked a smile.
"Sasukeeeeee!" Naruto tackled him from behind. His eyes landed on Sakura, making his face light up. "Sakura! Hey!"
Sakura sighed. "Hey Naruto."
"Get off me, idiot." Sasuke pushed him away.
"Hey, we're going back to my house, wanna come?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah..." Sasuke mumbled.
"How about you, Sakura?" Naruto grinned. He didn't even bother to hide the excitement in his voice.
Sakura glanced at Sasuke, then at Nova and Hinata who were behind Naruto. "Are you two going?" They nodded. "Okay. I suppose then."
"Alright!" Naruto punched the air. "Night swimming for sure!" He whispered to Sasuke and the guys.
Cinica Park
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 9:30pm
"I'll see you guys later." Neji left Tenten and Lee alone at the park.
Tenten slumped her shoulders. Lee grabbed the chains of her swing and gently pushed her. "N-Not too high, Lee!"
Lee laughed. "You afraid?"
"No!" Tenten blushed.
"Oookay." Lee grinned, pushing a little harder.
"Lee!"
"Okay! Okay!" He laughed, stopping her. He stood close to her back, a small smile on his face. "Better?"
Tenten could feel the warmth of his body. "Yes..." She whispered. "Hey Lee...?"
"Yeah?" His breath caressed her check.
She turned, her face only inches from his. "Do... Do you still like Sakura?" She blurted before she could stop herself.
His eyes widen in surprise. His thick eyebrows rising up on his forehead. He burst out laughing. Tenten frowned at him. "What?" She snapped.
He wiped a tear that had fallen onto his cheek. "Why would you think that?"
"Because you had a huge crush on her since middle school!" Tenten turned away from him, pushing herself off the swing. "I'm sorry that I shouted, it's just I-"
She was cut off by Lee's lips. His hands held her waist tightly to him. Tenten's eyes fluttered closed, her hands moving up, fingers lacing behind his neck.
When they pulled apart, Lee grinned. "Does that answer your question?"
A sly smile crept onto her face. "I don't quite understand just yet."
"I guess I'll just have to explain it slowly." He mumbled against her mouth.
Okay, I hope you all enjoyed the first chapter. These chapters are going to be very long.
Song of the moment: Asian Kung-fu Generation - Jihen Tansaku