----Fake Smiles and Lonely Whiles----

Summer flings, they never mean a thing. We just wish they did.

--

Sweet. The smell of summer air was warm and sweet, pungent with blooming wildflowers. Fireflies stream about in the night. An old couple walks down by the river, holding hands and reminiscing. In a field, small children try to catch fireflies in glass jars almost too big for their hands. A traveling merchant wheels past the field with his cart, pots and pans and small things jingling.

--Rock Lee--

Perfect. I had to look perfect. If not that, then a level of devishly-handsome nobody could compare to. I gave myself a once-over.

In the mirror, a tall man in brown pants and a dark green shirt stared back. His grin was barely cocky, too full of anxiety. I nodded at my reflection. "Okay. Time to go."

From the doorway, I heard laughter. A man with the same good looks as I leaned against the frame, a dish towel in his hands. I saluted him.

"Hello, sensei!"

"Off so early, are you? It's still a while before the party. Eager to get to it?" He raised an eyebrow.

I blushed, but then pumped my fist. "No, sensei. I wish to arrive at Sakura's house early! A gentleman never makes a lady wait!" I saw a twinkle in Gai-sensei's eyes. A look of determined comprehension dawned on him.

"You are correct, Lee! I am proud to have you under my wing! But now, it's time for you to fly! Go, win your lady's heart!" He wiped a tear from his eye, shoving me down the stairs and out the door. He slammed the door on my back. Exaggerated crying came from inside. I made sure all was in check before heading off to see Sakura, a light chuckle escaping.

--Sakura--

I sighed frustratedly, looking through my closet in search of something to wear. If I was going, I might as well look somewhat decent.

As loving a thought as that was, it was much harder to actually do it. My wardobe did not contain anything meant for celebration. Hachiko huffed in his sleep, stretched out on the floor. I pulled a light pink button-up out. A feeling of defeat washed over me. I grabbed a skirt as well. I figured I would look okay, and that was enough for me. I ran a brush through my hair, leaving it down. No extra effort for a night I'd rather forget. A knock brought my attention back.

"I'm coming!" I went to the door and answered it, expecting Rock Lee. Instead, Ino stood there. I tilted my head, surprised.

"Hi Ino. What're you doing here?" She didn't seem too happy.

"Sakura, are you really going to do this?..." I pretended not to know what she was talking about. "Huh?"

"Going to this party. You know what's going to happen." I laughed lightly at that.

"I'll have a good time? Come on Ino, relax." I faked a smile at her. Damn, she knew me too well. She walked closer and grabbed my hand. I raised my eyebrow in question.

"Please. Don't get hurt." I hugged her, avoiding eye contact. It'd be harder to lie if she was looking at me.

"Ino, I'll be fine! Really." Another knock at the door. I called out. "It's open!" I pulled away from Ino, still not looking her in the eyes. Her concerned face bothered me.

Lee stood by the door, a bouquet in his hand. He nervously scratched the back of his head. I smiled at his apologetic demeanor.

"I'm sorry, Sakura! I meant to be here early, but this woman needed help with carrying some things, and then an old man couldn't close his shop door correctly, and-" I laughed and put my hand up to stop him. "It's okay, I don't mind at all, Lee." He nodded and handed me the flowers.

"These are for you, my fair lady." He smiled. Just noticing Ino, he greeted her as well. I busied myself putting the flowers in a vase.

--Rock Lee--

I looked at her without much emotion. After all, I didn't know the woman very well. "Hello, Yamanaka-san. How are you?" She smirked at the obviously pointless question.

"I'm fine, thanks. How're you?" Her hand was around her forearm in an obvious gesture of discomfort. That puzzled me.

"So what brings you by Sakura's house so late?" She tensed. "She's a friend of mine. I wanted to see if she was okay."

"Why would she not be okay?" I asked, concerned about Sakura. Was she not feeling well?

Ino stared me down. "You wouldn't know. You're the one that made her go, right?" I was taken aback by her tone.

"I didn't make her. I merely asked. She agreed to go. I would never force her to do anything."

She just rolled her eyes and shook her head. I was given one last death glare before she put a happier face on. I was about to ask why she suddenly changed, when Sakura walked back in. I automatically switched to the way I was before, following Ino's lead.

"These are gorgeous, Lee! Thank you!" Sakura exclaimed. Ino snorted. I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Oh please, Sakura. Those are just flowers picked at random. They hold no meaning. I could do so much better for you." She frowned and looked away as Sakura blushed. "Ino... Don't." Yamanaka-san sighed.

"I'll head off now. Have fun you two. Sakura, please, do me a favor. Be careful." She strode past Sakura. After leaving, I noticed a weird look. It was almost immediately replaced by that same smile I saw earlier.

--Sakura--

"Be careful." Then, as she passed by, "I can't be there to pick up the pieces all the time."

As much as I wanted to stay here and cry, I knew I couldn't. I can't keep letting people down. I forced a smile back on as I turned to Rock Lee.

"We should hurry if we want to get to that party, Lee." I desperately hoped the party would clear things from my mind. Though I wasn't expecting luck to be on my side. He just nodded at me, something off about his demeanor.

"Are you ready to go, Sakura-chan?" I laughed and said yes. I didn't think I would ever have been truly ready.

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. Been busy with life, sorry this took so long. -__-" Hopefully going to push this story to the end sometime soon... Tried my best to avoid other story branch possibilities. Focusing on the main 3/4 people, with no clue as to how I'm going to finish this. Forgive my inconsistencies and inabilities. And thank you for reading :) Motivate me to complete this please.