The Dance

To say that the Great Hall on the night of the Ball look impressive would be an understatement. As Naruto and I walked in right before it started we were few of the first people to witness how much effort was put into this one night. Beautiful red curtains were gracefully hung around the windows, giving a contrast to the gold shine of everything else. Massive flower pots were placed by the glowing walls. The tables set for us to sit at (with a sitting arrangement) were simple, but still seemed extravagant as they blended with the whole picture.

''This is breath taking'' I told Naruto, who just nodded in response.

We were called in early to go over what that was to happen and check that everything is as it should be (Head Boy and his vice responsibilities). Student committee members from other houses hang around too, clearly anticipating the big night.

That Kabuto was among them looking annoying and suspicious. ''Hey Naruto, which one have you finally decided to take with you tonight, Sakun or Sasuke?'' he said and the other boy with him snorted in laughter. A few guys from other houses joined him and I turned to look at my blond friend's reaction.

''Shut up!'' he shouted and crossed his arms ''as if you haven't seen me and Hinata around! Why are you asking anyway, still looking for a last minute date?''

OOH THIS IS EXCITING

''Naruto, I think we ought to go and change before-'' I started but stopped when Kabuto started laughing obnoxiously.

''Was that a sad attempt at making a witty comeback?'' he choked ''oh my, your brain seems to be slowly developing.''

''THE ONLY THING THAT'S SLOWLY DEVELOPING IS YOUR SMALL MMMFSDF'' I covered Naruto's mouth with my hand to quiet him down. He looked at me betrayed.

''Listen, as much as I hate the guy, we shouldn't start a fight here, and besides we really need to get going'' I explained. Naruto just shrugged and putting his hands in his pockets headed towards the exit. I followed him, sending Kabuto the most intense glare I could make. If Sasuke was here, maybe he'd be able to scare the asshole with a single threatening dirty look; all I managed to do was make him chuckle in amusement.

XXXX

Ino was supposed to arrive with the rest of the girls that sat at the table with us (conveniently most of them were going with my friends), in a rented car outside school gates. That's where we all waited, looking fancy and mature. Well, most of us. Naruto was crouching down playing with pebbles and Chouji watched him while munching on some sort of crispy snack, I wasn't sure. Shikamaru stared at the sky with a troubled face expression, and Kiba was scowling in my direction the entire time. He managed to find someone in the end, but was angry that I snatched Ino away. I must've really insulted his ego doing that. It did not make me feel bad.

The car finally arrived and girls started getting out, one by one. They all looked pretty, which stung me a lot because I really wished I could try on a fancy dress. But what caught everyone's attention, was Ino. She outshined others and knew it too well. The face was made up, but not so much to look painted. Long blonde bangs were covering some of her face, like I'd seen her at Yamanaka mansion. Long ponytail was neatly decorated with flowers and plaits. The most important thing was her dress, because it was a bit scandalous. The front was shorter than the back, revealing her ankles and bit of legs. The pale purple colour of it however added some sort of innocence to it. With her chin up, Ino walked towards me and we linked arms. She was gorgeous and something burned within me.

I checked over my shoulder to see if other girls felt similar or showed some sort of displeasure but they seemed too occupied by their dates. And just then, like on a call, they all turned their heads at one direction and stared in awe. I followed their stare and my jaw almost dropped at the sight of Sasuke in his black suit, red shirt underneath and a black tie.

''Sakun, I think your gaze is much more intense than anyone else's'' Ino murmured ''don't tell me you're jealous?''

I had to put unimaginable amount of effort to look away from Sasuke and turn to the blonde girl to say something back, but as I did I forgot what I was going to say and just blinked. GREAT ONE

We entered the Great Hall and sat at our allocated table in the last row by the wall. Naruto must have bribed Kakashi and Danzo with his soul to get pair-less-Sasuke to be placed with us, because one of the basic rules was that 'singles' are put together. And so our dark haired friend took a seat to my left, meaning I was stuck between him and Ino. 'Stuck' may be a bad word to use for the situation, but it was rather unhandy for me. And the reason is simple: the two caused all my inner thoughts and feelings to get slightly out of control. How was I supposed to casually interact with the Uchiha when all I could think about was Ino's perfect apparel? And how was I supposed to chat with Ino when perfect-looking-Sasuke was right next to me and all my head wanted to do was face towards him and stare shamelessly? I may have made the situation much more nerve-wracking for myself than it actually was, but when I hide too many emotions they all just build up inside.

Breathe in. Breathe out. The air smelled like a mixture jasmine and new furniture. I focused on the soft fabric of the tablecloth under my fingers. Kiba dominated the table conversation, going on about his family's dog-breeding business. Naruto grunted and I sent him a look to which he motioned his head to the left. Kabuto. His table was awfully close to ours, so close we could hear each other's conversations.

DAMNIT

When the place was fully packed with students, teachers and our special guests, Danzo stepped to the podium to give a lame speech and start the Ball. I noticed something I have not paid attention to before; there was orchestra playing harmonious, quite romantic music. They called all prefects and heads and vices to start the dancing. I took Ino's hand awkwardly and followed the others to the designated dancing area. Soon other couples started to join us and after a few songs it got tiring. I was about to ask Ino if we could step back for a few moments and return to our table (and Sasuke), but then some guy from the year above stepped in and asked if he could ''borrow'' her for one dance. Naturally, I first had to non-verbally confirm that with my blonde partner, but she just nodded in anticipation. Well, he was quite a charmer and much taller and masculine than I was. ''Of course'' I told him and walked away.

As I got to the tables I've noticed that almost everyone was gone. And then I saw Sasuke chewing on cucumber sandwiches with a displeased look on his face.

''You don't have to eat it, if it tastes so bad'' I said jokingly.

He half-smiled, it wasn't enough to be a 'smile' but his lips made a barely visible movement ''this is a waste of time.''

I got myself a piece of cake and a few grapes to make it look healthy ''it's not really, considering we'll have to attend important banquets, ceremonies and general social gatherings all the time.''

''I have no intention in doing that'' he replied abruptly. He must've really meant it.

''Stop being so boring, it's really fun!'' I argued. The dancing and gathering together and decorations and even the food was amazing. Especially that cake, I haven't eaten anything sugary in forever so it felt like I've died peacefully of old age and made it to heaven.

He looked at me with annoyed eyes but didn't say anything. I thought of something really stupid, so I put all the grapes in my mouth to prevent myself from saying what I wanted to say out loud. Looking around, I've noticed that we were pretty much alone, because others have either been dancing or grouped up somewhere else. Wow, this was convenient because I decided to verbalise my idiotic thought anyway.

Quickly, I got up to my feet and grabbed Sasuke's hands, which surprised him and he raised eyebrows at me ''what are you doing?''

''Come dance with me!'' there it was. I said the dumb thing.

He was speechless for a few seconds and then pulled away ''that is'' he said ''the most nonsensical idea you've had so far.''

I dropped my head and shoulders down in defeat. OF COURSE HE WOULD NEVER AGREE LIKE THAT YOU DUMBASS DAMMNIT

''Where's Ino?'' he then asked.

WARNING! A BIG WARNING! HE'S LOOKING FOR INO

''Uhm I don't know'' I looked around but couldn't see her anywhere amongst other couples. The boy that asked to dance with her was with another girl already. I've waited for the song to end and then asked him where she is, but he just shrugged and said she went to the bathroom with others.

''Did you find her?'' Sasuke inquired when I got back. Naruto and Hinata were there too, sharing and feeding each other strawberries.

I shook my head ''apparently she went to the bathroom with 'others', whatever that means. You two are not alone in here'' I addressed the lovey-dovey couple.

Hinata blushed really hard and Naruto giggled ''it sure feels like we are.''

Resting my head in my hand, I watched them for a while before Sasuke gently elbowed me ''it's been a while, maybe you should check on her.''

His worry started to make me slightly annoyed ''what do you need Ino so desperately for?''

''I don't need her for anything, but isn't she with you?'' he reasoned ''besides, I can't see that Kabuto character anywhere either and he's been watching you two since we got here.''

''Do you recon he…'' I started, really anxious.

''I don't know, but it wouldn't hurt to check'' he said and got up ''C'mon, let's go''

''Where you guys off to?'' asked Naruto. HOW DID HE EVEN NOTICE ANYTHING BESIDES HINATA

''Kabuto's been out of sight for a while and Sasuke thinks he might be up to something dodgy'' I informed him.

His eyes got all excited and he looked back at Hinata ''excuse me, dear, but I'm afraid I'll have to accompany my two friends to check the situation.''

WAS THAT REALLY NARUTO TALKING?

''I'm coming with then'' she declared and the four of us left the Great Hall. On our way we passed Neji and Rock Lee, arguing over something in the corner. Tenten was standing few feet away, glancing at the two awkwardly. Oh how I wished Ino was there to see the drama, I sped up the pace not looking back whether the rest of the group is following me.

XXXX

''We should separate'' Sasuke stated ''it'll be quicker.''

''Two of us go along Hashirama site, two go Hiruzen and we meet at Tobirama?'' I proposed.

''Hinata and I will take the Hashirama route then, see ya at Tobirama'' Naruto decided, and the two went in the specified direction.

''I bet you a tenner they just want to be alone and will take their time'' I chuckled at Sasuke, who didn't respond and just began walking the other way.

Due to my friend's lack of social skills and the fact that we had to stay focused and listen, we did not say a word for the entire time. We quietly checked the bathrooms and some of the open classrooms but the school was empty.

''The dorms?'' I suggested, but that would be pointless since the lower years were there.

As expected, Naruto and Hinata weren't at the meeting point when we got there, so the two of us waited for a while in the completely empty corridor. As it was night time, it surely was cold out there and I worried more about Ino. I was about to turn to Sasuke and say we look for Naruto, when Kabuto's voice echoed coming from the dark end of the hallway, followed by Ino's alarmed cry.

''Stop wiggling, it's not lady-like''

''Just let me go! It's not very gentleman-like to forcefully pull a girl away from the party!''

I reacted quickly; without putting much thought into my action I ran straight at the two with my fist ready to punch the LIVING HELL OUT OF THE ASSHOLE

He saw me and shielded himself with Ino.

''Goddamnit'' I grunted but stopped in my tracks and looked around. They were alone, meaning Kabuto wasn't trying to trap me into a fight or do anything of the sort. ''What do you think you're doing?'' I barked at him.

''Since you couldn't take care of your partner I thought I could show her to the bathroom'' he replied slowly and politely. THAT FAKE FOUR EYES

''He spilled cranberry juice all over my dress, look'' Ino motioned to a big red stain on her cleavage area and then continued ''and then…and then'' she was almost in tears ''I wanted to find you b-but he insisted we go or else the stain won't wash off, and he told the guy whom I danced with about it but we never made it to the bathroom'' she took a deep breath to calm herself down and glared at Kabuto, who just stood there smiling like an idiot ''He just dragged me around and told me horrible things.''

''Let her go'' I said angrily, but the GODDAM FLEA wouldn't, he just shook his head.

I had to think of some tactful way to separate him from Ino and then hit him where no one will see it. Where the hell was Sasuke?

''Kabuto, I will go get the teachers and-''

''No you won't'' he interrupted ''only a snitch would do that.''

A plan popped up in my head. Distraction from the target.

''Why did you do this?'' I asked calmly, which caught him off guard for a millisecond.

''Hmmm, let's say I didn't like the way you looked at me earlier today'' he smirked ''a charity-boy like yourself shouldn't look down on old money like myself.''

''And so you abducted Ino?'' I couldn't see any sense in his explanation but then I got it ''just admit that you were jealous.''

He seemed almost offended at the statement, a fake reaction inclining his defence mechanism ''I was most certainly not!'' He let go for a second and just then two hands grabbed at Ino's sides and gently pushed her away. Sasuke. He must have caught on with my plan, but instead of revealing himself he sneaked in, hiding in the shadows. I used this opportunity and punched Kabuto right in the stomach and then when he bent, slapped the back of his head. He fell to his knees, but wouldn't give up. With a swift move, he grabbed my ankle and put me on the down too. My head hit the ground and I was dizzy. I forced myself up and saw fist coming towards my face. With my eyes closed I waited for the impact but it never came, as Sasuke grabbed Kabuto by the hair and back on the ground.

''What's going on?'' Naruto inquired from behind.

''You're late you idiot'' Sasuke responded.

Ino helped me stand up ''are you okay?''

''Yes, are you okay?'' I echoed ''I'm so sorry.''

''No need to be, it's not your fault'' she reassured, but her eyes looked sad. ''How am I supposed to show myself there with my dress looking like this?''

''Oh my'' Hinata squealed ''that's such a waste.''

I almost forgot about that. The cranberry juice dried up, leaving Ino's beautiful dress in complete ruins.

''Just walk in with me'' I linked my arm with hers and lead her back towards the Great Hall, motioning the rest of the group to go too.

''B-but' 'she protested, yet came along anyway.

As expected, when we were making our way through people, girls would point at Ino and snicker. The triumphant Ino was hiding her face in her hand and walked slightly behind me. I felt terrible; I really did. Her night was ruined because of that stupid peanut-head. As soon as we reached our table, I grabbed a glass of nearest cranberry juice and spilled it all over my shirt.

''Now we match'' I said excitedly and stood confident with hands on my hips.

Others sent me questioning looks, but didn't say anything.

Ino, on the other hand, was shocked ''what did you do that for? Quick we have to clean this up or else it'll never come off!''

''There's absolutely no need for that'' I argued and then grabbed her wrist ''come on, let's dance!''

''You're an idiot, big-forehead'' she muttered but went along anyway, and we danced and laughed and had all the fun in the world.

Kabuto never returned, and Sasuke's foot never stepped on the dancefloor (which was disappointing but also I was relieved). I later asked him again why was he so keen on finding Ino. We were sitting at the side, watching Ino and Rock Lee sway rhythmically to the slow music; she said she'll give Neji a chance to have a moment with Tenten because the Hyuga was hopeless. The Ball was practically over, as most people already went home/to their dorms.

Sasuke sighed heavily, tired of my speculations ''quit thinking unnecessary things. You tried to force me into pointless social activities so of course I had to take your mind off doing that.''

I blushed as I remembered my attempt at getting Sasuke to tango with me earlier.

''Wouldn't be that bad'' I whispered to myself, but he heard it and made a face at me that said 'yes it would.'

Not for me at least I thought.

Suddenly, a breathless Kiba dropped down next to me, with a wide grin decorating his face ''Guess what, you guys; I asked all the girls that rejected me to dance tonight since they kind of owe me, and all of them agreed. It was absolutely amazing.''

I frowned ''you just guilt tripped them, that's not an achievement.''

''wha? Psh whatever'' he dismissed me.

Soon after, Shikamaru came over with Temari and announced that the girls' car is already waiting for them and it's time to go. We said our goodbyes, with was rather sad. I really got used to seeing them at school every now and then but that was the last time.

''I'll write to you'' I promised Ino.

''How about we go see a play next week instead?'' she suggested bluntly and quickly added, before getting into the car: ''be ready at 3!''

I guess I had no choice.

XXXX

a/n: who else adds fruit/vegetables to their meal to make it look better?

I know I do

Last week I went out with friends, got pizza AND tomato salad. It made me feel better somehow.

So next week is the last chapter of the mini-arc (which SPOILER [not really] yes, it's meant to focus on Ino and Sakura. Because even in canon Ino was present in Sakura's life before so I kinda wanted that order too).

Lmao wanted Sasuke to wear a top hat and carry a cane here but figured that'll look ridiculous. It's not like I'm strictly holding onto that Victorian Era anyway.

Put cucumber sandwiches because The Importance of Being Ernest is life.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and characters.

Next Week: One truth and two liars

PLEASE REVIEW!

Bye FrIEndS!