Cookie Cutter

The cookie can crumble anyway you want it to...

"You can't keep disappearing Kiba! I'm trying to run a team here!" Coach Asuma boomed. He shook his head and paced his office. "You could have at least called. Or told someone! But I'm tired of ranting like this, because it obviously isn't getting through to you."

I started wishing I never found Coach at all.

"I'm not just bark! I bite like anything else! To put things in simplest terms Kiba, if you screw around again, you'll be off the team faster than a landlord can evict a tenant. Do you hear me?" Coach Asuma yelled.

"Yes sir..." I replied miserably.

Asuma nodded, as if satisfied with himself. He sat down in his large chair and turned towards the computer. "Dismissed. And don't forget, practice today at the west arena." He said with a wave of his hand. I backed out of his office and started back to the cafeteria, my head spinning.

"What are my priorities?" I said out loud to myself in the empty hall. Friends or hockey? I couldn't let her fend for herself. But then again, it was her fault she was in this mess. She should just break it off with him. But is that what a real friend does? "ARGHH!" I yelled. I slumped down onto the floor and put my head into my hands.

"Rough day?" I heard from above me. I looked up and saw Sakura looming over me. She squated down beside me and straightened out her cheerleader's skirt. Sakura talked to me occasionally, but not often, so I was surprised she took notice to me. But then again, I had just made a loud, aggravated noise in the middle of the hallway.

"I suppose... What are you doing here?" Paying attention to me? I silently added.

"I was going to the caf. Cheerleading got let out early today. What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I had to see the hockey coach. I missed practice yesterday. Might be kicked off the team." I said as simply as possible.

"Awww!" she said pouting her glossed lips. I stood up, not really wanting her pity. She followed the suit almost immediately, smoothing her skirt out again. She took a step uncomfortably closer to me, but I tried not to let it show.

"I just have to make sure I go to practices every time for the next little while. Do extra practice, that kind of butt-kissing stuff. I'll be fine." I explained, sticking my hands into my pockets. If only it was that easy. I back up a little, and lucky she doesn't come any closer.

"Oh… well good luck with that, I guess. I'm heading to the caf. Are you coming?"

"Yup. I've got a bit of business there..." I replied. We entered the cafeteria, and just as went our seperate ways, an ear piercing scream rang out from the west wing of the school. Hinata and I met eyes for a moment. I turned on my heel and ran in the direction of the scream, Hinata behind me in hot pursuit.