So I'm pretty salty right now. Why you ask? Oh nothing. Just that this chapter was originally 2/3 of the way done. What happens? It vanishes. Just like my hopes and dreams. Sigh. Hopefully it comes out okay anyway.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.


Chapter 8: Close Call

"Have a good night miss."

Smile on my lips, I voiced my thanks to the security guard at the front desk of the library. Several hours of studying later, I was finally heading home. I had one more midterm to take for some godforsaken chemistry class and I needed all the study time I could get. I'm pretty sure I'd come in around seven and the fact that I was just leaving at one in the morning said a lot about how desperate I was to pass.

But despite feeling about as prepared as I could manage, I was exhausted. A nice hot bath and my bed sounded like the perfect ending to a stressful day.

Making my way outside, I cursed myself for not having enough since to bring a jacket. My thin university shirt did little to halt the chill racing along my spine. I needed to get to my car before I froze to death. Tugging my bag into my side, I made the short journey to the parking lot.

Thankfully the street lights were on so it didn't make the trip too bad. But I wouldn't dare to put my earbuds in at this hour. That would leave me far too vulnerable and if I wasn't careful of my surroundings, things could go bad.

But I didn't have to worry. I was here and completely intact.

Elevator in my sights, I made my way over, pressing the button only to have the immediate pleasure of it opening immediately. But just when I thought I was in the clear, a voice screamed and nearly scared several years out of me.

"Hey! Hold the elevator for a sec," A boy screamed after me.

My eyes flashed from his panicked brown ones to the already glowing button to take me to the fifth floor. And for a moment…I contemplated leaving him. Surely he could just take the stairs or wait for the next one, right?

But I pondered over my decision for too long. For in the time it took me to decide to let it close on its own, his foot slipped in between the door as it opened and he slid in beside me. It was at that moment that I realized the unnatural amount of shitty luck I was gifted with.

I didn't speak and hadn't planned to until he decided to strike up a conversation.

"Long night huh?" He asked, easy grin pulling as he tugged his backpack up on his shoulder. Nervously, I nodded and looked away. Oh God, please stop talking. I was nervous enough as it was and I really didn't want to be pulled into a conversation with a stranger. Thankfully, the door slid open and I all but rushed to my car.

The second I was inside, I locked my doors and pulled out my phone. I already knew long before I began typing out my message that I was going to text Sakura. Because somehow in the short time we'd gotten to know each other, I knew when my anxiety got the best of me, she'd always be there.

Drawing in a breath, I chanced a quick look at my rearview mirror and I swear my heart stopped in my chest for a second.

Aimlessly walking around right behind my car was the boy from the elevator. His eyes were buried into his phone but he would ever so often carefully glance in my direction. The manner in which he was pacing around made me far too nervous to want to stay around and question it. Just in time, my phone sprang to life with a text from Sakura.

You good? What's up?

I'm simply repeated that I needed her to meet me in the parking lot of the Target just a few minutes from campus. A few seconds passed and I had my answer.

Alright…be there in 10.

A sigh of relief passed through me as I quickly started up my car and whipped from the deck as quick as I could. I didn't know what the hell he was looking around for but I surely didn't want to stick around and find out either.

I turned on my radio, slipping further into my seat as I approached a light. Christ it was far too late for this. I just wanted to sleep and here I was nearly ready to piss myself because of something so small. Teeth sinking into my lip, I cursed as I felt my body begin to tremble. But it didn't stop there. My chest tightened painfully and next I knew I was gasping for breath.

"Fuck…not now. Of all times," I struggled to breath, foot slamming on the gas when the car behind me began to grow impatient.

I made it to the parking lot in the next minute or so, swerving into some random spot as I waited. I wasn't in the clear just yet. It was stupid of me to forget my medication and on today of all days. It had been so long since I had an attack that I had been chancing it a lot recently by not bringing it with me. And here I was falling apart because of it.

Another strangled curse escaped from my lips as I slammed my head against the steering wheel. Tears stinging my eyes I could only hope that Sakura would be here soon before I completely lost it.

As if the heavens had heard my desperate prayers, a car pulled up beside me.

Tears falling mercilessly, I all but scrambled from my car. Rushing over blindly, I latched on immediately, gasping and heaving as if I'd just stopped drowning. But I hadn't and I never would, not for as long as I lived.

For now though, I could pretend. Pretend like I wasn't steadily falling apart with the help of the one person who could make me calm without lifting a finger. And yet…the longer I sobbed into her, the more I realized that something was off.

I expected my fingers to be tangled in her hair but instead they met the soft fabric of a loose t-shirt. Where I had almost been sure to feel a chest pressed against my own, it was completely flat. Nervously, I pulled back as slow as I could, eyes tilting upwards to see just who I was clinging to. And then, like some sort of bad joke…there stood…

The very boy I'd been running from.

"That was one hell of a greeting," he chuckled sheepishly, hand scratching the back of his neck as he grinned my way. But I was far from flattered. I was still completely panicking but it seemed like it was mostly on the inside. On the outside? I was frozen. I couldn't even gather enough strength to breathe.

I could only watch in horror as he stepped closer, lips pulling and revealing his perfect teeth. Extending his hand towards me and with the most polite voice he had, he introduced himself, "Kiba. Sorry for spooking ya. Might I have your name?"

I blinked, eyes gazing at his large hand that was patiently waiting for my smaller one to return the greeting.

But I only stepped back, gasping when I felt my body collide with my car. Frown pulling, he dropped his hand as he took another step forward. Instantly, I screamed for him to stop. His eyes darted around nervously as if someone was around to hear us. Watching as the panic rushed to his face, he slammed his hand over my mouth, eyes narrowing as he ordered me to keep quiet.

Sweat racing down my face, I struggled a bit, nails digging into his arms as I tried to free myself. Next I know? His other hand is locked around my throat as he hisses at me, "Easy girl, lighten up."

Thinking quickly, I bit his hand that covered my mouth and brought my knee up between his legs. Seeing him go down, I turned to run, only to crash into the person I'd been waiting for. Glaring past me with her fists already trembling, was none other than Sakura.

A soft whine caught her attention as her eyes softened immediately when she looked at me. Nodding towards my car, she mumbled quietly, "Get your stuff, I'm taking you home." I began to move, only to pause but before I could ask my question, she answered, "We'll come back for your car in the morning."

I wasted no time in following her instructions. I quickly unlocked my car, grabbing my bag and such before slipping into her car.

Meanwhile, she made quick work of Kiba who was now pressed against his own car with a hand locked around his throat. I couldn't make out what she was saying to him and quite frankly, I didn't care. I just wanted to be out of this place and away from him as soon as possible.

I didn't wait long, the sound of the driver side door slamming shut announcing her return. She swerved from the lot without saying a single word. I was still trying to calm myself down but I knew that the longer I stayed like this, the harder it would get. Without thinking much of it, in the midst of my gasping breaths, I felt around for Sakura's hand and instantly laced our fingers together.

She glanced over at me the second she felt the contact. The only indication I needed to know that she understood was the steady acceleration of her car and the fact that we arrived at my apartment only a minute or two later.

She turned off her car, nodding for me to go up as she grabbed my things. Hastily, I rushed to my door, fumbling around with the key before pushing it open but instead of making a grab for my pills, I made a pit stop at the bathroom, falling to my knees and emptying my stomach into the toilet. Once. Twice. And even a third.

My entire body felt like it was on fire as my fingers clawed painfully at the rim of the seat before managing to flush it down.

Stumbling out of the bathroom, hand clutching the wall, I saw Sakura causally toss my things onto the couch before wrapping her arm around my waist and tugging my arm over her shoulder. "Let's get you in bed. You look like shit." Despite my disgusting state, I managing to smile as she helped me into bed. Sitting on the edge, she placed her hand on my head and drew it back a few seconds later. "You don't feel warm, what's with you."

I could only shake my head, rolling over onto my side as I watched her carefully. I didn't want her to know, to think I was crazy like everyone else did. "I was just scared," I partially lied.

She hummed to herself, dragging her fingers through her hair as she stood and walked over to flick my light off. Giving me a final blank stare, she mumbled, "Well then…I should head home. You're all good right?" Narrowing my eyes slightly, I studied her tone which seemed a little mocking. Or perhaps I was a tad more tired than I originally thought.

Nonetheless, I knew I'd have a hard time trying to coax myself to sleep in this state. I felt like if she left me alone longer than a second, I'd crack.

So as I watched her step one foot outside my door, I worked up just enough courage to convince her to stop.

She did, hands wedged in her hoodie pockets as she threw me a look over her shoulder. I couldn't tell if she was annoyed or what but the look she gave me made me immediately regret opening my mouth. Lips tight, she mumbled, "What is it?" With nothing else to lose at this point other than my dignity, I asked her to stay.

Again, more regrets.

Her eyes held my own in such a way that made me lose the very breath I was trying to hold onto. She blinked a few times, fully turning to see if I was serious. And I was. The sudden urge to be beside her was stronger than I anticipated. Lips parting to answer, she was interrupted by the blaring ring of her phone. Slowly, she tore her eyes away from me for a second and slipped her phone from her pocket before smoothly placing it at her ear.

"What do you need?" She mumbled, clearly not in the mood to talk to whoever was on the other end.

Not wanting to be nosy, I took the time to occupy myself with my own phone. Though I don't know why I even bothered. No one would be hitting me up anytime soon. Friends from high school were pretty much nonexistent at this point and my one college friend had been taken from me just a short while ago.

But I did have Sakura. The person who had miraculously saved my life and had earned my unwavering loyalty and trust.

A sigh from said girl forced my eyes from my phone as I watched her run her hand through her hair. Giving me one finally glance, she nodded, "Alright, I'll stay. But you better be knocked out within the next ten minutes. It's late enough as is."

Barely able to contain my excitement, I nodded quickly, tugging my sheets over the lower half of my face to hide my smile.

Shutting my door, she kicked off her shoes by my door and collapsed on the other side of my bed a second later. Arm draped over her eyes and yawn sounding from her lips made me feel insanely guilty. Nervously chewing my lips, I rolled over and tapped at her shoulder, "Did I wake you up?"

Never moving her hand, she only sighed and settled further into my bed, "No. And so what if you did?"

Frowning at her answer, I mumbled back, "Because I would've felt bad for waking you up just because of something stupid." She scoffed which came as a bit of a shock. Finally lowering her arm, I was able to see her just a bit more clearly. Her brow was furrowed and her eyes were narrowed at the ceiling. The arm that once lay across her face now hung limply over her abdomen as her fist clenched and opening in a repeating motion.

I shyly called her name, propping myself up on my elbow to get a better look.

Finally, she faced me and with a stern voice, questioned, "Would you have rathered me not answer at all?"

The no that left my lips a second later took no thought whatsoever. I was grateful that she had shown up when she did. God knows what could've happened if she hadn't. Pulling my eyes away for just a second, I added, "I appreciate it Sakura, I really do. I just...just hate seeming like such a burden to everyone."

"I don't think you're a burden Ino. Hell, far from it," she quickly countered, frown still present, "But you don't need to worry about me. I can handle myself just fine."

Slightly hurt, though I wasn't quite sure why, I nodded and rolled back over. Turning off my light, I mumbled a weak 'goodnight' and shut my eyes as tight as I could manage. I just needed a few hours of sleep to clear my mind, everything else could come later. But before I could completely shut the world away, a careful voice whispered through the darkness, "Don't worry about me Ino. Just...know that if you need me, at any time, I'll be there."

A tortured smile worked its way onto my lips as I fought the urge to tear up at her words. So simple and promising. Hearing them from her felt so real. Unlike any other time I'd heard such words before. I never expect a stranger of all people to make me feel so secure. But she did and I could only hope she was telling the truth.

So for now, even if it was all a complete lie, I wanted to believe her.

Reaching behind me, I felt for her hand, tugging it gently to my waist. It was cool but I didn't dare pull away. I could feel her hesitation but I needed this and I was going to make sure that I got what I desperately craved. Looking over my shoulder, eyes reflecting what I couldn't say, I pulled again.

Then, almost as if she was afraid to touch me, she shifted closer and gently wisped her fingers across my waist and rested them on my nervous stomach. Nearly satisfied, I pressed my back into her chest and carefully laced my fingers with hers. No other words were exchanged, not that any were ever needed to begin with.

And the second I felt her nose rub gently across my back in a silent confirmation that she too was ready, I closed my eyes and didn't bother opening them again until the very last second I was scrambling to get ready for class.


Friday night came sooner than I had expected but I wasn't the least bit disappointed. That was because, for the first time, in what felt like forever, I had plans to go out. And not like another little kickback or some little casual trip to the movies.

I was going out out.

Tenten had hit me up the morning after Sakura had stayed over and had excitedly pitched the question as to whether or not I wanted to hit up some old club that was supposedly really legit. Apparently they had closed it down for renovations and were celebrating their grand reopening with a really big party. And honestly, with no other plans, I had agreed.

It probably wouldn't make sense to people who didn't really know me very well. Probably the reason why I was such great friends with Ayame.

I suffer from very severe anxiety attacks from time to time and it's not exactly something I'm proud of. At the same time, I'm not exactly ashamed of it either. In my eyes, nothing is wrong with me. I live a completely normal life with two loving parents and an annoying yet lovable younger brother. I've got a decent job, solid grades, my own car and an apartment. So aside from the small setbacks that usually result from my episodes I was pretty happy.

My only real issue came with making friends.

I liked people generally speaking but sometimes communicating with them is hard. I trip over works, sweat profusely and turn ten times more awkward than I already am. Sometimes even the smallest of things send me into panic mode which is why I've been working on a few methods to control it. It was during said methods that I finally found one that worked.

Ironically enough, going to a place filled with strangers made me feel so at ease.

I believe that it had something to do with the fact that, in such a place, no one knew me. I could be whoever I wanted. I could pretend to be the overly confident girl who gets all the guys that everyone believed me to be. I could throw back drinks with the guys and join a random clique of gossiping girls who I'd never see again.

So I had said yes. I agreed to go out with her and the gang and enjoy the night being someone other than plain old Ino Yamanaka. So yeah, I was pretty damn excited.

So I was here, lights low with the TV on just low enough while I finished getting myself together. Tenten had texted me a short while ago saying that everyone would come to my place and pregame before we all headed out. Of course we'd be walking to the club considering it was closer to my place than I thought, not to mention we'd all probably be too trashed to drive back. I made sure to pull out all the extra blankets and pillows I had, already telling myself that there's no way I'd let them crash anywhere other than my place.

Suddenly, my phone rang.

I quickly pulled it against my ear, quickly mumbling to Tenten that I was opening the door now.

"First off, pull the phone away from your big head. Second, who's Tenten?" Halting in my steps, I pulled the phone away only to see my brother scowling at me. Giggling at the fact I had realized he'd been FaceTiming me, I used the camera to touch up my hair before beginning to answer his question.

"Sorry, my bad...and Tenten is one of my friends. We're going out tonight with some of the others," I told him calmly as I made my way to the bathroom. Setting my phone down, I rummaged through my drawer for my favorite lipstick, applying just enough to make sure I didn't look like Ronald McDonald's trashy daughter or something.

He scoffed, fumbling around with something I was too busy to see. "Who are they? I've never heard of any of 'em." Satisfied, I went to the door when I heard a knock, giggling as I was engulfed into a hug by Tenten. "Well," I began once I remembered I was on the phone, "You met Sakura and Naruto. More friends of theirs so they're cool. Go on and said hi."

Turning the camera to the small posse I had behind me, I grinned as everyone nodded and waved to my brother who did the same in return.

I stepped aside, allowing them inside as Naruto held up some drinks and sent a wink my way. Smile on my lips, I closed the door and returned my attention to Tai who was still looking unenthused. Before I could get another word out, Tenten snatched my phone and happily squealed, "Hey baby bro! We're getting little miss Ino completely trashed tonight so don't wait up! We'll take good care of her!"

"Yeah but who's gonna take care of you?" Temari chuckled, earning laughs from everyone, myself and Tai included. Taking my phone back swiftly before she could cause any more trouble, I quickly rushed out, "Yeah that's her. Anyways, we're going to get the pregame started and head out. I'll call you tomorrow?"

Rolling his eyes, he nodded, "Alright Ino. Be safe, if you forget, at least have a friend text me so I know you're home?"

I nodded in return, smile broadening as I blew him a kiss, "Will do little brother, tell Mom and Dad hi for me. Love you! Later!"

Setting my phone on the counter, I peeked my head over Temari's shoulder, eyes widening at the bottles lined up on my counter. Smugly, she pulled out a red solo cup and nodded at the prizes before me. "What'll it be Princess?" And I'm pretty sure my mouth had gone completely dry at this point. Then, without missing a beat, my eyes trailed up to Sakura's who'd be sitting on my couch, phone in hand as she texted whomever.

"Something hard," I whispered carefully, biting my lip and turning away the second I saw her eyes hit mine.

But it seemed I wasn't quick enough. Temari had caught the trace of pink lining my cheeks and with a knowing glance at Sakura, she smirked and nodded, "Coming right up." I wasn't sure why I bothered to look at her. It didn't mean anything, nothing important anyway. But the voice that slipped between us had my heart racing when I felt Sakura's lips near my ear.

"Make that two," she blankly told Temari as she slipped her phone into the back pocket of her jeans.

Temari chuckled, forcing me out of my nervous daze. "Sure you wanna play this game tonight Haruno? That shit gets dangerous after a while," she smirked, sliding me my cup which I took quickly, bringing it to my lips as I took a long swig. Sakura took hers, taking an even long gulp than my own before sliding it back towards Temari. Turning back to me, she nodded and smoothly answered, "I'll take my chances. After all, I've never lost before and I don't plan on starting tonight."

She took her cup again, this time walking away as she made her way outside, tugging her phone from her pocket. The second she left, I released the breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

Next I know, a hand is on my waist as I turned around only to be greeted by Sasuke. "Looks like she's going to have a good time tonight. Works out cause if our almighty leader isn't feeling it then we'd be having a shitty night," he mentioned, meanwhile throwing back the shot in his hand. Naruto made his way over, beer in hand as he grinned, "Better keep your eyes on her tonight Ino."

Arching my brow, I dumbly asked what he meant.

Tenten who was already slurring at this point pushed Sasuke away as she pulled me into a hug from behind, "He's sayinn...that you'd better keep Sak on a short leash. She'll be pullin 'em tonight. Ya feel me?" Frowning at her comment, I asked, "What does that have to do with me?"

But before I could get an actual answer, Temari stepped in. "Nothing, I'll have my eye on her. I won't drink much so you all can enjoy yourselves. I'm used to being babysitter."

And just like that, it was all put aside.

Naturally, my more curious side wanted to know exactly what they meant but deep down, I had a feeling I'd see for myself. A few drinks later and I was starting to feel amazing. I was excited. It had been a while and now that I was out, I was curious to see just who'd become tonight.


Chapter. Finished. It felt good to write again. Honestly. I need to write more though, this won't satisfy me. I need moreeee. Anyways, decent or nah? Let me know how ya feeling. Alsoooo, my bestie westie livin in the westie just had a birthday yesterdayyy. They grow up fast. So don't forget to tell the precious little Shycadet a Happy Belated Day of Birth. It's lit fam. Kat, Out. *drops mic*