I stayed lying on my bed for a while after Sasuke's call. I really didn't want to go to any party. My mood wasn't that of a person ready to go and have a good time. All I wanted to do was sit at home and wait for Monday to come back around – school would surely distract me.

'But going to this party will help distract me too,' the smart side of my conscious argued and I sighed. I was being stupid and dreading something fun and distracting but I just didn't want to go.

…but Sasuke was going to make me. If I didn't get my ass over there he'd come to get me.

"Goddammit," I cursed and grabbed the pillow beside me. Dropping it onto my head I groaned.

For another minute I continued to lie there, but finally I kicked my legs and sat up, throwing the pillow on my face back to the head rest of the bed. Without another word or thought I quickly gathered my hair into a ponytail and then stalked out of the room, slipping my shoes on before grabbing my keys and starting my car.

At 5:59 I pulled up to the address Sasuke had given me and stepped out of the car, slamming the door shut behind me. And just as I marched up the walkway to the house the front door opened and Sasuke emerged, his own car keys in hand. When the Uchiha saw me he stopped in his tracks, looking as if he was surprised to see me there. All I did in return was step up next to him; point a finger in his face, and say, "I'm mad at you."

I don't think Sasuke's face could've looked more surprised.

However, just as I moved to push past him into the house he grabbed my wrist and stopped me. He locked his eyes with mine and after a moment just asked, "Why?"

"Because I didn't want to be here," I replied, half way between pouting and being angry. Sasuke only paused for a second and then rose his eyebrow.

"But you came here, didn't you?"

I scrunched up my nose. "Yeah, I came or else you would've forced me."

Sasuke then shrugged, scooted around me, and dragged me into the house all the while stating, "Sometimes a little force is necessary…"

At that point, I didn't want to argue with him anymore and allowed him to drag me through his home until we arrived in a large open area filled with couches. I immediately spotted Naruto talking with Kiba and Chouji nearby and the blonde must've sensed me staring at him for he glanced my way, his face lighting up when he spotted me.

"Aerin!" He cried and bolted across the room, nearly causing me to fall back on the ground as he wrapped his arms around me in a hug. At the moment I was still a little peeved about being at the party, but sighed and with a little smile hugged him back anyway.

"I'm glad you're here!" He said, pulling back, and I nodded.

"Yeah, Sasuke was pretty adamant that I had to come."

Naruto laughed and Kiba walked up next to us, slinging an arm around my shoulder.

"You hungry?" he questioned with a grin, and I paused, looking over to him.

"I can always eat," I replied seriously and his grin widened.

"Well then come on!"

With his arm still wrapped around my shoulder he led me to Sasuke's kitchen and scattered across the numerous counters were bags of chips, pizza, popcorn, salsa, candy – everything.

"Jesus," I said, stepping into the war zone, carefully taking a slice of pizza from one of the many cardboard boxes. "This is enough food to feed an army…"

Kiba laughed and crossed his arms proudly, looking around the area. "Yeah, Sasuke's one condition to letting Naruto have a party at his house was that everyone had to bring their own food."

Nodding, I surveyed the kitchen once again and then started laughing when I noted a tower of instant ramen stacked in the corner.

"I'm guessing Naruto brought that," I continued laughing and Kiba joined in my amusement when he saw what I was looking at.

Speaking of Naruto, a moment later the blonde bounded into the room and shrugged his arms around my and Kiba's shoulders.

"C'mon guys!" He said, pulling the two of us from the room, "We're gonna play Truth or Dare!"

"And so the games begin," I mumbled and then slipped out of his grasp, putting on a smile. "I'll be there in a minute!" I said, stepping back towards the kitchen, "I wanna get something to drink first!"

"Alright!" Naruto called back, "but hurry up!"

"Aa!" I responded, and then turned around, looking for some type of drink. First thing I saw was a large red punch bowl on the table, a stack of red cups next to it, so I headed over and scooped some of the liquid into a cup before heading back into the family room.

When Naruto spotted me he waved me over to where he was and moved his legs, revealing a spot that he had saved on the couch beside him.

"Thanks," I told him sincerely while plopping down onto the cushion. Naruto only grinned in response and I looked around as the others settled themselves in. On the other side of Naruto was Ino and on the couch parallel to the one the three of us were on was Sakura, Neji and Tenten. Kiba, Chouji and Shikamaru occupied the one to their left and to the right were Lee, Hinata, and Shino. Sasuke stood a little ways back from everyone, a red cup in his hand as he leisurely leaned against a pillar behind him.

Once everyone was settled in Ino clapped her hands together and glanced around the group. "Who wants to go first?"

"I will!" Tenten declared happily and immediately looked over to Lee. I sipped my drink as the brunette asked the bushy-eyebrowed teen the infamous question. "Lee, truth or dare?"

"Truth!" The male declared. "For I will never tell a lie!"

Tenten rolled her eyes a bit and took a second to think of a question. "Have you ever peeked in on a girl before?"

"Never!" Lee declared without hesitation and Tenten sighed dejectedly.

"I should've expected that…anyway, Lee it's your turn now."

"Um…Naruto-kun!"

The Uzumaki's head snapped in that direction and he blinked once in surprise.

"Truth or dare!"

Naruto grinned. "Dare!" Then he seemed to realize something and started stuttering. "Ah, shit, I mean-!"

"I dare you to do 100 push-ups!"

"Goddammit!" The blonde cursed and threw the pillow next to him onto the floor. A few people laughed at him while others sighed, knowing that they'd now have to wait a few minutes to continue on with their game.

As the Uzumaki slid down onto the ground and positioned himself to start I sipped the last of my drink from my cup. "Anyone want anything from the kitchen?" I questioned as Naruto began to count his push-ups out loud, Lee now beside him cheering him on.

Most people replied that they were fine, but as I walked past Shikamaru he held up his own cup and I snatched it from him, understanding what he meant.

By the time I filled up my own cup, Shikamaru's and one for Naruto, said blonde was on number 94 and looking half dead. Shikamaru thanked me as I handed him his cup and I smiled in return before heading back to my spot. A second later Naruto finished and collapsed onto the floor, panting heavily. I tapped him on the shoulder and held out his drink, and Naruto instantly grabbed it from me and chugged it down. When he retook his spot on the couch he hugged me gratefully and I only waved him off, saying that it was no big deal.

When Naruto regained his bearings he continued the game and after a few more rounds of people telling the truth and doing dares my mind became a little fuzzy. I didn't really feel that tired, but my mind wasn't really staying focused. I had a feeling I knew what was happening but I didn't really care – because this was the first time in the last 2 days that I wasn't feeling anything negative.

Sasuke became aware a few hours into the party that the punch in the kitchen was spiked. This wasn't anything new – almost every party nowadays had some type of spiked drink – but he was beginning to worry about the amount some of his friends had consumed in the first few hours of the night.

Naruto's words were becoming slurred and even Sakura's face seemed a little pink. Tenten looked like she was on the verge of being sick so a little while later when Hinata started hiccupping Neji grabbed them both, still sober enough to realize it was time to leave. Lee stumbled out after them, mumbling something about running laps despite being buzzed, and nearly half an hour after them Shino stood and left without a word, still looking dead sober.

Chouji hadn't been drinking punch all too much, his main intent to eat the food, but Shikamaru had finished off a few cups, so around 11PM the Akamichi woke his Nara friend up, who had fallen asleep on the couch, and the two of them headed out the front door.

Now all that was left were those who were completely drunk – Naruto, Ino, Kiba, Sakura, and Aerin. By now all of them were pink in the face, and while their speech wasn't too impaired their questions in the still ongoing game of truth or dare had certainly crossed a line.

"Kiba!" Aerin said, grinning at the brown haired male. "I dare you to lick Naruto's face!"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow as Kiba actually stood from his couch and walked up to Naruto, dragging his tongue along the side of his face. The blonde immediately reared back and wiped his face in disgust while the others all laughed.

"Gross!" Naruto exclaimed but Kiba only laughed again and looked over to Ino.

"Blondie, truth or dare?"

"Truth!" The blonde responded eagerly and Kiba grinned.

"You ever kiss' Shikamaru?"

Ino's face darkened from pink to red at hearing that but she stood her ground and responded. "Yeah – but only when we were little!"

"Oh how precious~!" Sakura cooed and the others laughed while Ino turned red again.

"Shut the hell up, forehead!"

"Make me, pig!"

"Alright girls!" Kiba butted in. "No fighting!"

Sasuke sighed and pushed himself off the wall he had been leaning against for a good portion of the night. Hadn't this game been going on long enough?

"Aerin!" Ino suddenly yelled, swinging her arm out to point at the surprised brunette. "Truth or dare!"

Aerin shook her head and leaned in, a devilish grin spreading across her face. "Dare."

Ino giggled and patted Sakura on the shoulder. "I dare you to give this girly a little smooch."

"Eh!?" Sakura said looking a bit surprised and Ino laughed.

"C'mon Saku! You haven't gotten any action in forever!"

Sakura's face seemed to turn a bit red from both embarrassment and anger, but before she could reach across to slap her blonde friend Aerin interrupted.

"Nah."

Ino blinked, mouth opening slightly. The others all looked shocked as well. "But…but you have to! It's a dare!"

Aerin nodded and leaned back, her eyes locked on the ceiling as she replied, "I know it is…but I'm not just gonna kiss someone who…I mean, Sakura and I aren't close – if we were I wouldn't have a problem with it – but, ya know…"

Naruto, Kiba and the two girls all continued to stare at her, not really knowing what to say or do in their drunken state. Though Sasuke had to admit he was surprised. Clearly Aerin was drunk but she had still managed to give reasoning for her decision even so.

"Well then," Ino suddenly said, not ready to give it up, "who are you close with?!"

In an instant Sasuke saw Aerin's eyes shift from Naruto to himself and then to her lap, her body tensing slightly. However, just as Sasuke was about to jump in and suggest they finally put an end to their game Aerin spoke up.

"Well, I just moved here so I don't know anyone too well really. But if you really want me to kiss someone Ino – I'll kiss you!"

Suddenly it was Ino who was on the hotspot and her face flushed red.

"W-what?! No! Of course not!"

Aerin smirked slightly and leaned back into the couch, crossing her arms triumphantly. "Then your dare is forfeit."

"Whatever," Ino breathed, flipping her long ponytail over her shoulder. "Sakura, what time is it?"

"Uhh," the pinkette stuttered, awkwardly reaching into her pocket and pulling out her cell phone. "12:04…"

At that moment the two friends looked at each other and then screamed, springing up from the couch. Kiba and Aerin winced in pain at the loud noise and Naruto nearly rolled of the couch in shock. Sasuke only sighed once again as the two scrambled around, gathering their things.

"My dad is gonna kill me!" Ino screeched as she hurried slipped on her blue flats, and across the room Sasuke nodded widely in agreement.

"Your dad? What about my mom?!"

"Oh shut it!" Ino yelled back, slipping her bag over her shoulder. Her eyes met Sasuke's for a moment before Sakura grabbed her by the arm and dragged the blonde towards the door.

"Bye! Thanks for inviting us!" The pinkette called.

"See you Monday!" Ino added in, and then a moment later the front door slammed closed and a car's engine revved outside.

"There gonna fucking die…," Aerin whispered after a moment, falling sideways onto the couch, and Kiba and Naruto laughed.

"Well," Kiba heaved himself up from the couch and stumbled to the side slightly, catching himself on the armrest. "I-I guess we should be going too, eh, Naruto?"

The blonde hiccupped and pushed himself upright, trying to stand and failing at it. "Y-yeah we should probably go."

Finally Sasuke stepped in, walking up to the remaining three guests. "None of you are leaving."

Naruto groggily looked up to his friend. "But Sasuke—"

The Uchiha rolled his eyes and grabbed Naruto's upper arm, helping him from the couch. "You're all way too drunk to drive home," he stated slinging Naruto's arm around his shoulder. "I've got plenty of guest rooms."

"Woooow," Naruto slurred as Sasuke dragged him down the long hall in front of them. "You're such a nice guy, Sasuke~"

The navy haired Uchiha only rolled his eyes in response, pushing Naruto into a room after opening the door. The Uzumaki only giggled drunkenly and stumbled to the bed, falling face first onto it. Sasuke rolled his eyes at the idiot before him and clicked the door shut; sure that Naruto would be asleep within two minutes.

Running a hand through his hair Sasuke walked back down the hall and entered the family room, surprised when he only found one body instead of two.

"Where's Kiba?"

Aerin yawned and rolled over, tiredly looking at him. "He said somethin' about walking home and that he'd be back for his car tomorrow."

Pinching the bridge of his nose Sasuke internally rolled his eyes. The dog brain could've stayed the night – he was fine with it.

"C'mon," the Uchiha finally said after a minute, offering Aerin a hand. The brunette only looked at his hand as if it were a foreign object and then looked up at him, face utterly innocent.

"What?" He questioned. Aerin stuck her lower lip out.

"I dun wanna move – the couch is comfy…"

Deadpanning, Sasuke finally had enough and leaned down scooping the girl into his arms.

"Noooo~!" She whined, struggling around. Sasuke clicked his tongue irritably and tightened his grip, nearly squishing her against his body to restrict her movement.

"Sasuke~," Aerin said again as the Uchiha carried her up the stairs, but the male ignored her and stepped into the hall upstairs, opening a door directly to the left. He headed into the room and flicked the light on before shuffling over to the bed, gently setting Aerin down onto the mattress. In that instant the brunette stopped complaining and relaxed her body, sinking into the sheets. Sasuke almost laughed at the suddenly look of zen that washed over her face, but kept his face straight and started towards the door.

"Wait-," Aerin grabbed his wrist before he could get too far away and Sasuke turned back, a bit surprised.

"…what?"

Aerin tugged on the Uchiha's arm and Sasuke allowed her to pull him in. He didn't know what she was doing but—

"Thank you," she said suddenly, and pressed her lips to his temple, letting him go a moment later.

Shocked, Sasuke pulled back and stared at the female on the bed before him. Sure she had given a hint earlier that she was close with both him and Naruto but…what was that?

Sasuke knew he wouldn't be getting his answer tonight though, for when he snapped out of his trance he noted Aerin's breathing had slowed and that she was already sleeping.

Breathing out, Sasuke shuffled back to the doorway and flicked the light off, closing the door behind him. The only thing he could tell himself at the moment was that Aerin was drunk – and drunk people do stuff they don't mean.

Aerin's POV

When most people wake up from sleeping it's like a switch is flipped in their mind…and it was for me too. But for some reason today it felt like the switch had been flipped but the light bulb was faulty – it kept flicking on and off and took about 5 minutes to finally become bright.

My body felt like a rock when I tried to move it. It took effort to open my eyes.

"Goddamn," I breathed and stiffly pushed myself up, rubbing my eyes groggily. After a moment I finally opened them and around me was a dimly lit room. I took a minute to take the scene in and felt my heart jump.

I had no idea where this was.

"Fuck," I groaned and rolled to the edge of the mattress, touching my feet to the carpeted floor.

The last thing I remembered was Kiba daring Shikamaru to eat Chouji's plate of food…but after that – nothing. And since that was my last memory from the night I had absolutely no recollection of how I got into this room.

"Please don't be anything bad," I prayed as I reached for the door handle, pushing the slab of wood open.

The area outside the room was almost blindingly bright so I shielded my eyes and stepped out into the hall, taking a second to regain my sight. Thankfully, when I finally regained my bearings, the world around me started to look familiar. And as I stepped out to a balcony overlooking the floor below I finally realized that I was in Sasuke's house.

"This place is fucking huge," I whispered to myself in awe as I finally took in home. Hell, it could've been classified as a mansion.

Then I paused. Why was I still in his house?

'Shit,' I thought. Why was I still in his house?

And then, at that moment the smell of bacon wafted to my nose and I blinked in surprise. Was someone making breakfast?

Deciding to check it out I cautiously made my way down the stairs and walked towards the smell. As I got closer I could even hear the sizzling.

When I stepped into the frame of the kitchen I saw Sasuke standing by the stove, apron wrapped around his torso, and Naruto sitting at the kitchen table nursing a glass of orange juice.

"Good morning," I greeted after a moment of hesitation and the two turned to me.

Naruto smiled sincerely and replied, "Morning."

"Glad to see your up," Sasuke added in and I laughed slightly, shuffling towards the table.

"Let me guess," I said as I slid into a chair beside Naruto. "That punch was spiked?"

Sasuke glanced over his shoulder and eyebrow rose. "You knew?"

I shrugged and placed my palm under my chin. "Yeah, I guess so…I've never been affected by any type of drink before so I just assumed."

The Uchiha paused in his cooking completely. "And yet you drank it even so?"

I shrugged again, my eyes on the table as I the reason to why I did returned to me. "Yeah…"

There were a few seconds of silence before I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder.

"I don't know what's going on…," Naruto started seriously, his voice sympathetic as he hugged me to his side. "But…you can tell me – us – anything."

Not knowing what to say I glanced over Naruto's shoulder at Sasuke. The Uchiha had already shut off the stove burner, and was now staring at the two of us, ready to give his attention.

"Guys," I finally said, my chest beginning to feel heavy again as depression started to set in. "I just…I don't want to put any of this on you. These are my own problems and I feel like if I say anything then I'm forcing something unwanted onto the both of you…"

"Aerin," Naruto said sternly, placing his hand on my shoulder. "When I say that you can tell us anything I mean it completely. We're here to listen."

"But I feel like you're lying!" I exclaiming, exhaling deeply as I turned to look at them both, my eyes wide. "I just moved here and I don't understand why you're being so nice."

Naruto opened his mouth, looking almost shocked at the fact that I didn't understand.

"Because you're our friend, Aerin."

For a moment I just stared at him. I stared into his bright blue orbs unbelievingly.

And then finally I just gave up. I turned my head down to the table and shoved my eyes into my shirt sleeve, tears stinging at my eyes. It took all of my will power to stop myself from crying but a few sniffles made their way from my throat as I wiped a few droplets away.

For a minute the kitchen stood in silence, Sasuke still near the stove, me at the table and Naruto beside me, rubbing soothing circles between my shoulder blades.

"Guys," I finally managed. "All I can say is that people have their ups and downs – and at this moment I'm down – but I'll get back up, alright? The last few months haven't been the kindest and I really hate change – so this whole thing is a bit stressful but I'm trying – really."

"Alright," Naruto sighed after a moment. "I get it and I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry," I sniffled, hitting him in the shoulder as I smiled up at him. "You didn't do anything!"

Naruto laughed and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "But I don't know what to say to make you feel better!"

"You've already done enough," I told him sincerely, leaning my head against his shoulder. "So thanks for that."

"Here," a plate was placed on the table in front of me and a hand placed itself atop my head. Leaning back Sasuke smirked slightly and ruffled my hair before turning back to the stove. "Eat up."

With a small thank you I dug into the food on the plate and Naruto laughed slightly, still smiling. Suddenly he blinked and snapped his head back to Sasuke.

"What the hell teme?! I've been sitting here for half an hour while you cook food and you give her the first plate?!"

Sasuke's smirk returned as he flipped a pancake. "I like her more than you."

Naruto looked absolutely befuddled. "But Sasuke! What?!"

I laughed at the unfolding situation and patted Naruto on the arm. "Dude if it's that important to you I'll give you my plate, it's no big deal."

"What?" Naruto said, suddenly looking surprised. "Oh no," he continued dreadfully, grabbing me by the shoulders. "I didn't make you feel bad, did I? Shit, Aerin, I'm sorry, I—"

"Shut the fuck up and eat," I interrupted, shoving a piece of pancake into his mouth. "Just because I was upset doesn't mean you've gotta be cautious about everything," I grumbled, taking a bite of bacon.

"Sorry…," Naruto mumbled chewing the food in his mouth and I glared at him.

"What did I just say?"

"Goddammit!" Naruto cursed rubbing his head angrily and I laughed.

A minute later Sasuke handed Naruto his own plate of food before serving himself, taking a seat across from the two of us.

"So," I finally said as I cleared the last piece of food from my plate. "What happened last night?"

"Oh yeah," Naruto added in, looking over to Sasuke. "I don't really remember…"

Sasuke closed his eyes, taking a bite of his pancake. "Not much. You all played truth or dare the entire time."

"For real?" Naruto laughed. "God, I wonder what the hell we did."

"Yeah," I joined in. "Hopefully nothing crazy."

Sasuke shook his head. "Nothing crazy."

"Good," I nodded and stood, picking up my plate. I carried it over to the sink and started to wash it off. Just the feel of cleaning it made me realize something.

"Sasuke…did you clean the whole house?"

The Uchiha looked up at me blankly. "What else what I supposed to do at 1 in the morning?"

I sighed. "Goddammit, I feel terrible now. I get drunk and spend the night at your house but you do all the work."

Sasuke shrugged, continuing to eat his food. "I invited you and let you stay the night. It's not like you did anything wrong."

I sighed again. "Yeah well…"

"Don't worry about it," he finally said, walking up beside me and placing his own plate into the sink.

"Fine," I mumbled, letting the matter go.

I stood there beside Sasuke as he washed off his plate and suddenly thought of something.

"Today is Sunday, isn't it?"

"Yep!" Naruto chimed in and I cursed, beginning to scramble around the room.

"What's wrong?" The blonde questioned at seeing my panic and I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

"I've got to write the essay Kakashi sensei gave us for homework…"

"What have you been doing for the last two days?" The blonde questioned, looking shocked that I hadn't done it yet.

"Being depressed!" I replied honestly, searching around the couches. "And – where the hell are my keys?!"

"Here," Sasuke suddenly put it, stepping out of the kitchen, my lanyard dangling from his hand. I looked to him for an answer and he just shrugged. "In case you tried to leave last night," he said, tossing them to me.

"Well that sounds creepy," I joked and the Uchiha rolled his eyes. With a small laughed I skipped up to the two friend and hugged them both around the neck.

"Thanks for inviting me!" I said as I hurried towards the front door. "I had a good time – and thanks for listening guys!"

"Anytime!" Naruto called back with a wave of his own. "Glad you feel better now!"

"Yeah," I laughed and sent a smile to Sasuke who raised his hand in goodbye.

"See you tomorrow," he said simply and with that I shuffled out the front door and made my way to my car.

For some reason I got the feeling that more happened than Sasuke had said but I brushed it off. At the moment I was just glad that I felt better and that the two of them sincerely seemed to care. Hopefully this was a sign that things would start to get a bit better.

Ello lovies~

I apologize for the wait but to be honest this is typical of me. And it probably won't change either.

Anyway, I've had a very long day so I apologize for any spelling errors and such. When I re-read it tomorrow I'll correct what I find (because there's always some).

But as for my long day - today was our family reunion! :D I always like our reunions because it's such a big family. Plus it's all the fucking Van's. Literally.

Vandenboom, Vanrusmullen, Van-whatever. That's half the family - the other half is the half with my last name (Which I'm not about to tell you XD).

But it was fun despite the hot weather.

Oh, and guess what? Tomorrow is Fairy Tail day. 7/7 - because 7/7/777 is when all the dragons disappeared. And it's also my birthday - I guess that's pretty cool too.

Sweet 16 baby - nothing sweet about it XD

It's just another year :P No big deal. I'm going to church and then going back to my aunts to hang out with some of our relatives that came up from Texas for the reunion. It's just like any other day but with gifts. And besides that - I already got one of my gifts. I asked for a desk and got one a week ago which I already put together. Hopefully I'll be able to use it soon.

But yeah. I turn 16 at like 1:32 in the morning or some shit like that. Woohoo!

I think I managed to post an update within a couple hours of my birthday every year. For this fic it'll be a first XD

Anyway, I'm seriously really tired so I'm gonna wrap this up.

I hope you're all having a wonderful summer!

Ciao!

Please review~

(It'll be like a birthday present :D)