This chapter is rated MA due to alcohol and drug consumption, and language !
This dreadful day back has finally come to an end and I have to start my search for Sakura so I can ask her to come to Kiba's party with me. As I exit the school I take a glance at the school's parking lot and notice Sakura talking to Sasuke. Even though he doesn't seem very engaged in the conversation I still feeling a burning sensation in my chest. I skip over some steps and begin rushing towards the two of them, hopeful to make it before their conversation ends.
"I have to know what she's talking to him about!"
Before I can reach them, I trip over a rock crashing into Sasuke's back.
"Ahh! What the hell you dunce?!" Sasuke yells rubbing his back.
"It was an accident!
"Sure it was. Watch out next time, Naruto!" he hisses condescendingly sending chills up my body. He sure can be terrifying when he wants to be, jeez. I look over at Sakura who looks like she wants to pound my face, but she doesn't. The only thing saving myself from a beating is that Sasuke is right here and she always tries to leave a good impression on him.
"Anyways, Sasuke, Kiba is having a party tonight and I was wondering if you want to go with me?" she starts letting out sheepish giggles in hopes its cuteness help persuade him into it. He starts rubbing the back of his head, "How do I put this," his empty black eyes meet hers, "I don't want to go with you, Sakura. You're annoying." Terminating the conversation and walking away without any more explanation. Sakura is left there, speechless. Tears are about to form in her eyes but she turns away before letting them pour. She starts walking towards her car and I follow. Before she can open the door I call her name.
"What is it Naruto?!"
"Well, um, you see," I'm so anxious right now my heart feels as if it's going to explode in my chest, "I was wondering… since Sasuke won't go with y-" I'm interrupted by her sobbing. I've never been around Sakura when she's like this, let alone any girl who starts crying from rejection! My body freezes and I'm frantic with anxiety.
"Ehh… S-Sakura… it's going to be okay! Don't cry! It's just Sasuke! He's a loser for rejecting you like that! He's a dick and not worth your tears! Please don't cry!" trying to be as reassuring as I can I start patting her back, a hug sounds ideal but she'd whip my ass for it. A couple seconds pass and she stops bawling. She wipes her tear stained cheeks and tries to clean up her runny mascara and lifts her head up to me. Her eyes are vaguely red and her mascara is smeared under her eyes, but I'm not about to say anything.
"Why doesn't Sasuke like me? I've tried for years for him and he still hates me" she tries to conceal her pain, but I can see it right through her because it's the same way I feel when it comes to her.
"He doesn't hate you Sakura. He doesn't really like anyone if you haven't noticed. I'm sure you'll find a guy who will treat you right and you'll forget all about Sasuke."
"What if he's at the party? What if he's with someone else?"
"Don't jump to conclusions Sakura. He might be there but I'm sure it's just to get wasted or high on something. Speaking of the party though," apprehensive I still go through with it, "Do you want to go with me… maybe?"
Silence. I can feel my palms get sweaty and my heart starts racing so loud I'm sure she can hear it. She gives me an uneasy blank stare. Almost as if she was thinking why I'd even bother asking.
"Naruto, you know how I feel about you. We're friends and nothing more. If we were to go together I'm sure all your friends would get the wrong impression and I don't want rumors spreading. You're like a brother to me." She opens her car door driving away.
"Brother… brother. BROTHER." It keeps replaying in my head. That word forever embedded in my brain.
I almost forgot how popular Kiba's parties were. The driveway is covered with cars, people are out on the front porch holding their red cups, and from the looks of it Kiba has his strobe light running in his living room. I say my hellos to the front porch people and enter Kiba's place. Music is playing, people are dancing and singing along, the atmosphere is fantastic. In the crowd of people I spot Kiba dancing on Hinata, Sakura chugging whatever toxics her cup holds with Ino, and Shikamaru with Temari away from the crowd packing his bong. "Damn, what a turn out." I shine a smile on my face and walk towards Kiba. After poking him several times I decide to grab his shoulder to face him towards me.
"Naruto! Welcome! Welcome to my sanctuary! Let me show you around. Where it's all happening!" He takes Hinata's hand and mine and leads up away from the crowd. I say my polite hellos to Hinata as we're being dragged by Kiba. He takes us to Shikamaru's corner.
"Shikamaru! What's up? Haven't seen you in a minute!" we share a knuckle touch (aka the bro fist). I also acknowledge his girlfriend, Temari, with smile and handshake.
"It's definitely been awhile Naruto. I heard you were trying to get Sakura to come with you," he takes a hit from his bong, holds it, and exhales, "but it looks like she came with Ino." He passes it to Temari.
"Yeah. I tired and it's the last time I do try. She said no obviously and said I was like a brother to her."
"What a drag. Girls will be girls. They only want you when they need you." He looks at Temari who is giving a death stare. She moves her cheek closer to his face waiting for the, 'I'm sorry I'm dumb babe you're the best' kiss. We all share a laugh and several hits. I can feel my body getting lighter almost as if I'm floating, my eyes scan the every room in the house. I sit on the couch and drift into my thoughts. I see Kiba and Hinata walk upstairs together, Sakura and Ino are drunk dancing together, and in the crowd I see Sasuke. I take another look because for all I know I could just be too high and just imagining him there, but why would I do that? I examine him as a whole. He's wearing black jeans, a white button up with the sleeves rolled, and his hair is feathered in the back as usual. As I'm scanning him up and down I feel someone sit next to me. I look over and it's Shikamaru handing me a red cup.
"Hey, you seem like you could use a drink. What are you looking at?"
I take the cup from his hands and get a whiff of it… rum and coke, well more rum than coke. I take a swig of it.
"Thanks and I noticed Sasuke's here. I was just seeing what he's doing, but he's not with anyone. He's just standing against the wall looking at everyone."
"Yeah, he does that at parties, other than getting high off his ass. You know he doesn't really have any friends."
"He's a stoner? I never would've guessed with him being an honor student. And he probably doesn't have any friends because he's such a prick." I scoff taking several gulps from my cup.
"He's a pretty big drag. Anyways, just wanted to give you a drink. I'm gonna get back to Temari." He waves himself away.
I finish the rest of my drink and let the couch consume me. My eyes continue to gaze at Sasuke until his eyes catch mine. I jump out of my skin and feel my face burn red. "Shit shit shit shit!" My body feels paralyzed and all I do is watch him walk towards me. He stops at my feet looking down at me and scans my current crossed faded state. He laughs.
"Why are you staring at me Usuratonkachi? What do you want?" he gives a crooked smirk like he's caught me doing something mischievous.
"I was just wondering why you were just standing there like a creep. What are you even doing here Sasuke?"
"Are you cross faded?" completely dodging my questions he takes a seat by me.
"Yeah, what's your point? I'm here to have fun. You didn't answer me Sa-"
His face creeps towards mine and I can smell the vodka in his breathe.
"Be sure to drink water so you don't get a hangover Naruto." He gets up and leaves me. I bury my face into my hands trying to pull myself together. He hasn't actually talked to me in years and he does it like that? I rub my eyes and get up from the couch to find me another drink. When I get in the kitchen I pick up some rum and mix it with coke. Before I leave the kitchen I also grab a water bottle… just in case.
Hours pass into the party and people have either started crashing on the floor or have left. I decide to stay the night here since I don't want to walk home and get caught drunk by some officer. I stumble up the stairs and down the hall towards Kiba's guest bedroom. When I open the door I look up to see Sasuke's body over some random guy. My eyes widen and he just stares at me with his empty eyes. I immediately apologize and close the door.
"What the hell was that?! Am I hallucinating or something?!"
I end up passing out on the living room couch.
