I'VE DECIDED I COULDN'T

STOP WRITING FOR LONG, TEHE!

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Chapter 9: Conversations

...A WEEK LATER

It was 10:00 am on a Sunday morning. Unlike yesterday, today was a more windy one, cold winds breezing in the air. In it's path was Sakura, she found herself walking down Konoha's long sidewalk dressed in a pink ruffled skirt, a pink long sleeved shirt, pink top hat and pink butterfly sandals. The lady in pink was still upset about how her friend since preschool was acting. Never, had he been sad or mad about anything, except for an unexpected test. She always thought that him being quiet would do her some good but it made her worried. To make things even worse, he started to hang around Shikamaru and Hinata alot. Looking around her, she spotted that not a lot of people were out yet. Every store seemed to just be opening. "Flower-shop!" she exclaimed to herself, "That would make a good gift." Heading it's way, she walked in side. She had no idea what flowers meant so she decided to ask the only person there, "Excuse me."

"Yes?" A tanned man with a scar going straight across his nose answered.

"Iruka? I thought that Ino or Inoichi would be here. Not that I didn't want to see you, im just surprised." Iruka was also a shinobi, but he stayed in the village most of the time.

Iruka started to rub his head, "Yea, I wouldn't have thought I'd be in here either. They asked me to substitute for Inoichi since he is on some kind of mission. But I'm only here temporally, their going to have to get someone else, soon."

"Well, where is Ino?" Sakura asked, staring the middle age man straight in his eyes.

"I've heard Inoichi kicked her out somewhere."

"Kicked her out? Why did he do that! What did she do!" Sakura shouted in his ear drums.

"I don't know. He hadn't told me anything about it. Matter of fact, he's been walking around, sulking ever since" Iruka gave off a smile to the distraught lady, "Well, what was it that you wanted, Sakura-chan?"

What happened? And why didn't she tell her anything? She was one of Ino's best friends along with Hinata and the guys, "Um, what flower represents friendship?"

"Well, the color yellow represents friendship, so, I'll give you a daffodil." Iruka headed to the back to spare Sakura the time, "Here you go, a dozen daffodils, it's on the house." he said while handing them to her. The smell was amazing and pure. They must have been new.

Sakura nodded, "Thank You Iruka, see you around." she waved and headed out the flower-shop, now eager to know what was going on with Ino. But for now she had to see what was going on with naruto. He was her first priority at the moment. People started to come out early for grocery-shopping. Mothers and their little kids. Most without their fathers, since they were in the war. Sakura had never even heard of her father, her mother didn't talk about him. But she didn't really asked, if her mom didn't want her to know, maybe it was best. Still, it would feel good to have both parents and not just one who's struggling to keep food on the table. Looking ahead, she noticed Naruto's apartment was right in front of her. The entrance door was unlocked so she stepped inside, walking down the hall to his room. "Naruto, it's me, Sakura, can I come in?" she asked while she knocked on the door.

"Yea, come on in."

His tone was barely hear-able. Opening the door, it creaked a little. There he was, slouching on his bed, gazing at something out his window. He hadn't even bothered to look in her direction. Knowing him, he had always made her feel welcomed, "Um, Naruto, how are you doing?"

"Alright." he said imprudently.

Sakura crept up to him, "Good." she sighed, "I brought you flowers, daffodils to be exact. I just wanted to sh-"

"Hinata did to." he interrupted.

"She did...oh." Hinata came earlier than her? What time was that 8:00 in the morning? What was up with her?

"Just set them next to hers."

Sakura looked to the left and saw two dozen roses planted on his bed post. He forgot to mention that they were different kinds of flowers and more of them. What a downer, "Well then, I heard Ino was kicked out by Inoichi. Do you know about that?"

Naruto sighed hopelessly, "Of course I do. I'm the reason she got kicked out in the first place. Now she hates me...if I would have never went with Shikamaru's ridiculous plan, I wouldn't be in this predicament. I feel like a total loser. Now, I have no one."

Sakura felt that, that last comment was her chance to comfort him, "Yes, you do have someone." she sat on the edge of his bed, smiling, "And I think you know who she is, Naruto."

"Yea, I do." he turned around and looked at the red roses, "Someone who was always there for me, who lifted me up." Sakura smiled brightly, slightly blushing, "My only now female friend, I...have Hinata."

Sakura eyes widenened abruptly as her heart started to race. He had to mean me, not Hinata! Me! I'm always there for him! What does he mean, Hinata? The ladies inner screamed inside. Now, she felt like the loser. Holding back her emotion she stated, "Oh, well then. Where is Hinata?"

"She said she was going over Shikamaru's and Sai's to give them flowers also." he answered.

"Wow, she's swooning all the men, isn't she." Oops. She didn't mean for that to get out. Holding her mouth, she stood up.

"Swooning?" Naruto questioned, "What do you mean?"

"Forget it. I told myself that I would check up on you because that's what friends do. But, I guess I'm all alone in this. See you tomorrow in class, Naruto." The pink haired girl stated bluntly while she closed his door shut. She still was hella mad when she got out from the building. How can he say that when they've known each other for years and years. And Naruto knew that their other teammate, Sasuke, had left a while ago. So all she had was him but I guess that wasn't all he had. "All I wanted was a fucking friend and this is what I get?" she cried out to herself. The other people walking by looked at her in horror as she stormed down the pathway. Never, had she thought Naruto would say something like that. Sasuke, yeah but Naruto, never.



"Checkmate! I win! I win! Yay!" Hinata chanted while doing a perky dance. She and Sai were playing chess, she had won four times before and the victory streak got to her. After she paid Naruto a visit, she went over Shikamaru's. They talked for a while about things other than Ino. He didn't seem to distracted by the Ino fiasco. Although, it was partially his fault. Hinata's and Shikamaru's friendship was like no other. If it even was a friendship at all. If either was sad or mad, they'll be there for each other but when it came to playing or talking a lot, they wouldn't do it. Currently, Hinata started to enjoy Sai's company. He was different yes, mysterious yes, and a bit weird, yes. But she liked his ways none the less.

Sai chuckled while looking at the screaming girl across from him, "Ok, it's now official. I suck at this game. Congratulations Hinata-chan."

"Thank you, Sai." she nodded.

"Hmm... you aren't stuttering, that's new now, isn't it?"

Hinata suddenly started to feel more blood rush to her cheeks as the man continued to stare at her, "I-I sometimes d-don't s-stutter. O-Only when I feel I-I'm..."

"Under pressure. I see, makes since I guess. But, you aren't under any pressure here, Hinata-chan." he smiled one of his signature smiles, "So, have you seen Ino around?"

Hinata hung her head down, remembering those words her former best friend had once said, "No. She lives with Mr. Uchiha now."

"Mr. Uchiha?" Sai questioned.

Oh yeah, that was right. He wasn't there when it all took place, "Yea, I-Ino w-was kicked out b-by her d-dad because of the drinking. Ahem, I feel really bad about it."

Sai was surprised about her father's actions. Maybe he should have stayed at the hospital with her, "No, it's not your fault. It's none of yours. You shouldn't put so much pressure on yourself." he comforted.

"Thank you. But, Naruto's been really down in the dumps, I feel as if he doesn't want to be bothered with me." The timid girl pouted.

Sai frowned, "That's ridiculous. Naruto really does care for you. You're like his supporter."

"But...But he l-likes Sakura." She just knew it. Why wouldn't he? She had gorgeous green eyes, pink hair and a slender body. She was just a shy,bigger girl that stuttered alot. He would definitely pick Sakura over her. She didn't blame him. Sakura was just what most guys wanted.

Sai looked away from her. Thinking deeply he responded, "...Hinata, you're different form Sakura. You have something that a lot of girls don't. I...I feel as if I know you a lot even though I don't. If Naruto doesn't see how beautiful you are, he is blind."

Hinata blushed tomato red. Beautiful? Wait a minute, when Sai said beautiful he meant ugly. So he couldn't have meant what she thought he did, "S-Sai, when you s-say b-beautiful you're a-actually saying-"

"Beautiful." Sai smiled. A sudden feeling starting to come across him that he'd never felt before, "I know what the words mean and I meant what I said. Anytime you need to talk, I'm here." the pale man placed his hand over hers as she started to get up. Hinata turned her head in surprise, "Don't give up on Naruto..."

"H-huh? W-what do you m-mean?" Sai smiled again and let her hand free.

"...You know what I mean. I'll see you around Hinata, correct?"

"Hai!" Hinata nodded, I-I mean yes!" The woman left in a rush, still feeling the man's eyes on her as she did so. Never had she really noticed Sai. She had only known him for a week now but she felt the same as he did. As if she knew him before that, it was awkward but true. And what did he mean 'don't give up on Naruto.' Hinata gasped loudly. Did he knew of her crush on him? Was it that obvious? And just who was he? She thought he had never showed emotion. Most importantly of all, he called her beautiful...


Ino fluttered her eyes back open as she laid in the white sheeted bed. The clock read 10:30 a.m while the sun from the open shades beamed into her eyes. The lady found herself in bed a lot. Every day Itachi would bring home her assignments from his class and her others. And he would even tell the dean excuses why she was missing so many days. Thing was, she didn't know why he didn't allow her to go to class last week. He said it had something to do with her drinking problems so he hired some lady to talk about alcohol abuse. "...Why must I always be tied down. Like, I threw up, big deal..."

"Well good morning." Itachi greeted.

"Oh..you heard me?"

"Yea, but I don't mind. Continue if you must." the older man told her while drinking water.

Ino frowned, "Ok, Itachi. Why did I have to talk about alcohol abuse for an entire week. I don't abuse alcohol, I just happen to like it."

"Some of it's longer than a week. Look Ino, I just wanted you to take a break from it all. But next week, you have to go or your expelled." he laughed.

Ino watched as Itachi sat on the bed's edge, "Yea...but ever since the day that, Sasuke doesn't say much."

Itachi began to laugh hysterically, catching the woman off guard, "When did Sasuke use to talk much anyway?"

"I'm serious Itachi, I feel that it's my fault that he got so angry that night." she stated.

The man then stopped. Almost glaring at the girl, "Your fault? You didn't do anything wrong, he's the one who didn't bother to do anything when you drunk something mysterious."

Ino sighed, "I know that Sasuke is a big jerk who doesn't care about anyone but himself. But sadly, I was raised by parents who always wanted to do the right thing, so, I feel as if I should apologize. It'll make me feel better. So, may I, Itachi?"

He shrugged while saying, "Go for it dear. But, next time, I'll blame you."

Ino smiled brightly, lifting the covers off of her, "Thanks dear." she mocked, kissing his cheek, she headed towards the door, "...Um, one question. Where did you sleep last night?"

"On the couch."

"Oh...ok." The blonde turned her head towards the man, "You know what, I'm glad I met someone like you. You're a great guardian. No, friend."

Ino watched every step the man made towards her. Looking into her blue eyes he stated, "You're a great friend also."

"But, do you do this because my dad told you so only?" she asked selfishly. She had to ask that. Curiosity didn't kill this blonde.

"You can say that. I feel though as If I need to watch over you. I know you're eighteen but you're still younger than me. So the answer to your question is..."

"But I thought you do it for me!" Ino exclaimed. Not only did she shock the man but she also shocked herself. She didn't expect herself to scream over that. "Oh my goodness I sound like a girlfriend pleading for her boyfriend's attention. Sorry, that didn't come out righ-"

Itachi pulled the girl into a tight hug, to tight if you ask her, "I do it for you also." he whispered in her ear. Something ran through her body that she didn't understand. Always when he smiled or even talked, he made her feel so special.

Ino hugged back, laying her head over her teacher's shoulder, "That's good. Because I need that." she stead in that position for a while, not realizing what was even going on around her. Itachi was much like her other friends but much different also. She felt that if she told him something, he wouldn't bail on her. Like he would always be there for her. At least she hoped so. Minutes after still holding onto each other, Ino heard footsteps approach from behind her. Right behind her. Inches away from where she stood. She felt as if she was being suffocated. A hot breath spoke from her backside.

"Your friends are here."

Ino turned around and spotted the pale man. There, he was, so close to her. Why was he so close? Staring in his eyes she spotted something. He was glaring at her. Not just his every day glare but he was looking as if he hated her guts. Why? "Friends, what do you mean?"

"Oh yeah. I forgot to mention that I invited them over." Itachi smiled.

Looking between the both of them she replied, "You better not have invited those traders over here, Itachi! The spiky haired guys and the shy girl! I don't want to see them!"

"No." Sasuke answered surprisingly, "A gay looking man showing his midriff and some pink haired woman. They must be friends with you, you all look weird." he scowled, still to close to her.

"Weird!" Ino exclaimed, "What do you mean weird?" she heard Itachi sigh in annoyance.

"You. You're weird. You don't look like you did back then. You're more plain. All you do is wear pants and shirts, with your disheveled appearance. It's a bad thing for a woman to look that way. You creatures don't have anything to do but try your best to look good. But you failed, miserably."

"Us creatures! What the hell do you mean? I can look any way I fucking desire, I have no one to please you fucking prick! You know what, Itachi was right! I shouldn't apologize to you! You're not even worth my breath, you're scum!"

"Hn." The younger Uchiha backed away slowly, still attaching his eyes on hers, "I'd rather be scum than a pathetic woman. All you people care about is a man's touch. That's why you females are so easily manipulated." Looking at his brother he stated, "You need to be watching your back, someone could sneak up right behind you and stab your holder without knowing. Konoha is still fighting. You guys haven't even noticed I've been standing there for a while. Itachi, you're slipping." he said with a devilishly smirk.

"...Sasuke." Itachi stated, "What do you mean? Who would stab an innocent lady for things such as that? What are you trying to say?

Sasuke glared at the both of them, "Be careful. Cuddling a woman can lead to dangerous things...I'll be downstairs." The onyx eyed man left the room and headed down the stairs. The two confused people left back in the room stood there, shocked.

"Stabbed? What is he talking about?" Ino asked.

"...I have no idea." His younger brother was so odd. It didn't make any sense... "But right now, your friends are waiting. Just ignore Sasuke." he said while patting her on the back.

At first the blonde was pissed off but now she was just weired out. Was he implying that he would do such a thing? But why? "Um...ok." Ino let the man in front of her take her hand and lead her downstairs. Before she could even reach the bottom the first thing she spotted was her friend, sitting next to the Uchiha.

When Itachi let her hand go, she went straight for the kitchen, eavesdropping on the conversation.

"I'm so happy you're here."

"Hn"

"I haven't seen you in forever! What happened?"

"Hn...nothing."

"So you didn't even bother to enter college?"

"Hn...no."

"Why not?"

"Because I didn't want to..."

"Oh, ok. Do you want something? Well, I mean it's your refrigerator so it's kind of stupid for me to ask you but-"

"Water."

"Water, are you sure?"

"Anything to get you away from me."

"What was that?"

"Nothing...hn."

"Ok then. Water will do. I'll be back Sasuke-kun."

Ino watched the squealing girl approach her. She looked as if she seen the face of God. Everyone knows, Sasuke isn't close to that.

"Ino! You didn't tell me that Sasuke was here! I missed him so much! Especially since Naruto is acting like a jerk."

Ino blocked out her fan-girl moment, "Naruto? Acting like a jerk? Why?"

Sakura narrowed her eyes at the girl and smiled, "Well, why do you care?I thought you didn't even like Naruto anymore."

Turning her head away she replied, "I don't like that tratious bastard. I'm just...curious, that's all."

"Curious huh? Well, he said that Hinata was his only female friend now. Like, after all I did for him. You know, blocking out all those smacks and kicks. But on a serious note, I didn't think that he would say that to me. Maybe it was just because he's still upset that you guys aren't friends anymore."

"Really? He's still upset? Well, what about Hinata?"

"She feels the same way." Sai answered with a smile.

Ino grinned. Standing up, she rushed over and pulled the ink man into a hug, "Sai. You're the only one of them to not have said anything. Thank you..."

"Your welcome Ino." he said while hugging her back

Ino looked between her only friends, besides Itachi, as of now, "So, have you guys talked to Shika?I mean...Shi Shi... I mean...Shikamaru." She didn't want to use those nicknames anymore. He was now nothing to her. At least that's what she stride for.

"Nope." Sakura answered, "He hasn't been around lately." She said while pouring Sasuke some water, "Except in class, but even there he doesn't say much. It's like they have this group. The group that betrayed Ino made of Shikamaru, Naruto and Hinata." she announced.

"...I feel sorry for them." Sai stated.

"I don't!" Ino shouted back, "They shouldn't even feel like this anymore! Being sad isn't going to make me like them! They should just get over me like I got over them!They only person who gives a damn about me now is Itachi, he's the only one that I can trust!"

"Hey!" Sakura shouted.

"And you guys."

"Look who's falling in love." the man teased while taking the water from the pink haired lady.

"In love? Sasuke just shut up. Nobodies in love with anybody."

"Speak for herself." Sakura mumbled while blushing.

"Sakura, get over him. He's the same jackass he's been ever since you met him. Except now he may have herpes." she tried to whisper some sence into her friend.

"Herpes? As if this 'small' man get's action." Sai claimed while staring the other pale man glared into his dark eyes.

"Sai, watch your mouth!" Sakura shouted from behind the man.

Setting the glass on the counter he stated, "Hn. I get more girls than you get guys..."

"If I even went that way I would get more."

"Yea, you'll get something alright but I don't think it'll be something good."

"Well looky here, the man with the twenty thousand diseases is talking? You probably do up any woman you see."

"Hn, yeah. That's why I infected your friend over there." Sasuke pointed over towards the blonde.

"...Leave her out of this." Sai warned.

Ino growled, "As if I would stoop so low. You've gotta be kidding me."

"..Ino. Sasuke isn't low." she elbowed her 'crazy' friend.

"Yes he is. Stupid to. Not much at all..."

Sakura pumped up her fist, "Sai!"

"Sakura shut up for once!" Ino exlaimed, "I thought you came over here to see me, not him. You should be on our side!"

"But...Ino. I did come over here for you. I...I just want peace, is that to hard to ask for?"

"When Sasuke's around, peace is not even an option." She glared at the man who glared back, "...You embarrass me in front of my friends. You really hate me don't you!"

"Hn."

"Don't you Sasuke!"

"Hn."

'Can you say anything but that? Just say it already. You hate me for just being me!"

"...Ino..."

"Is everything alright in here?" Itachi asked. He approached the gang in a matter of seconds, "I was just upstairs straighting out some things and I heard all of the noise down here? What's going on?" Itachi looked specifically at Ino who held her glare on his younger brother, "..Ino? What's going on?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all. We all were just straightening out some things." she lied.

"Ok." Itachi left the room again in a hurry. Ino still held her look on the raven haired man. Why did he always have to be such a prick. All the time. Even when she tried to be nice, it just didn't work. But then again, why didn't he just say the he hated her. He had already called her much horrible things before, but he couldn't say that. Why?

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