"The beginning of the year dance. We always hold it on the second weekend of school."

"Oh, so, what about it?"

"I guess you're not going with anyone yet since you just found out?"

"Eh? Oh, I probably won't go anyway. Dances aren't really my thing."

"Oh, okay then. Talk to you later."

"Yeah."

We split off into separate ways since we had reached the end of the hallway. I reached class and noticed that Sai had returned to his spot at the back of the class. I noticed Hinata near there too. I thought, hell, why not? I went to sit in between Sai and Hinata since Sai and I didn't get to speak much last time.

"Sup Sai? Hinata?"

I put both my arms out for each of them to fist bump me when I greeted them, but they seemed kind of hesitant.

"C'mon now. Don't leave me hangin'."

They slowly bumped fists with me. ...As awkwardly as possible.

"There you go," I said as I took my seat. Iruka went through some review, and some kids casually spoke with one another. It was good, not loud and unruly like all the other schools I'd been to. Then, I remembered something Sakura had mentioned.

"Hey Hinata."

"Yes?"

"Do you know about a dance coming up?"

Hinata's face heated up slightly, but it was still noticeable.

"Of course, why?"

"Is it for any particular reason or just because school's started?"

"It's a bit of both. It's to celebrate the new school year like on New Year's and a chance for new students to mingle and others to catch up."

"Cool. That sounds nice."

"Were you planning on going?"

"Not really, but I think I might. I guess it all comes down to one thing. Yes, that will decide it."

I swear my mind like bolted to Orochi when I said that last part. Huh. Weird. Hinata looked to me confused too. I just smiled at her, then returned my attention to Iruka.

I was finally headed for my last class of the day, Home Ec. However, when I got there, there was a line of students waiting outside. The session bell to indicate that the halls should already be empty had gone off, but everyone was still outside. I approached Hinata and asked her what was going on.

"The door's locked and Naruto said that Asuma-sensei wasn't in class today."

"So, we have a sub?"

"It looks that way, but no one is here."

"Sorry! Sorry!"

A busty woman with long brown hair styled in a unusual fashion, a blue and black dress, fishnet leggings, and heeled combat boots was jogging toward us with a sheepish look on her face.

"They told me that Asuma only had five classes. Someone saw me in the office and told me he had six, so I had to rush back here. Sorry guys," she rambled on as she used with the key to reopen the classroom.

"Oh, I guess Naruto doesn't remember Mei-sensei."

"Huh?"

"He just said that the sub was a weird woman with really long hair. She subbed for one of our classes for a couple weeks last year."

"Ah."

I went and took my seat between Pain and Hinata and greeted them both like I had the day before. There was no lesson plan since we hadn't really started anything yet, so the class either used this time to relax or as study hall.

I got out the workbook I had received in science today to do the assignments, so I didn't have any homework later. Halfway through, I noticed a nootbook had been pushed my way. I looked up to the red-headed culprit who seemed to be as focused on some other assignment as I was. Curiosity was nagging at me to look at what was scribbled onto the paper.

Have you heard about the upcoming dance?

Yeah?

I was thinking of asking Konan, but I'm not sure if she'd prefer someone else.

You like her?

No, just as friends. I was wondering what I should do.

Well, you said you're best friends, right? Why don't you just ask her?

And if she takes it the wrong way?

If you're really as close friends as she says, she should be able to read you, right?

I suppose. Who are you taking?

I don't think I'm going. If all else fails, why not ask Hinata? She's cute and seems pretty sweet.

I'm not much of a party-goer either. I only wanted to go because Konan and some of my friends are so excited about it. Hinata would be a bad idea, no one likes anyone from the Akatsuki. They either hate us or fear us. Why don't you ask her? You have no reputation in this school yet.

Akatsuki? Well, I like you guys whoever you are. Unless Neji's one of you, then nevermind. That guy has a mountain of poles up his ass. You think it's a good idea to ask her? Are you forgetting something about me that you finally figured out?

Yes, but you've just gotten to this school; your opinion could change. Ah, yes, Neji is quite a snob- no affiliation with the Akatsuki. Right, my apologies.

True. Ha, tell me about it. Don't worry about it man. It's all good. ... So, Akatuski?

Ugh, fuck this damned pen... -_- I scribbled out the misspell and...

True. Ha, tell me about it. Don't worry about it man. It's all good. ... So, Akatsuki?