Sakura was very pleased that she didn't have any more unnecessary encounters with her former family. Mikoto felt she had reached out to them enough that if they ever needed anything they could come to her. Sakura knew the Uchiha monarch meant well but the Subaku's would keep to themselves.

This was all fine for Sakura. She didn't have to have a panic attack about if the Subaku's would slip up and mention something about the past. She could finally breathe and relax knowing that they would all go their separate ways.

Just like how it should be.

Pushing all that nonsense aside Sakura was determined to enjoy her time spent with her friends. It was a Friday afternoon and Sakura had the weekend off from the hospital. Ino snatched her away the moment she could. She was being held "hostage" at her best friend's house.

Ino then invited over Hinata and Tenten to the hang out.

The girls spent the majority of the time catching up. Sakura spent a lot of time at the hospital, Ino at her parent's flower shop, Hinata with her family lessons, and Tenten used the summer to keep her athletic body.

"I envy your toned stomach," Ino pouted.

Tenten laughed "I have to work out a lot if I want this muscle. Plus I don't stick to a diet so need to burn off the extra fat."

"Honestly if sports doesn't work out just become a model."

"I'm not nearly tall enough. Beside those women actually watch their figure. I love food way too much to give that up."

"Gosh Pig will you let Tenten dream? I for one can't wait to see you play for the national team." Sakura gave her athletic friend a thumbs up.

"Don't f-forget about us when you reach the top." Hinata giggled.

"I will always remember the little people."

"Who you've used for practice dummies for years."

"I made you goalie one time. One time!"

"I will never let you forget it!"

The girls erupted into laughter. Catching their breath Ino changed the subject to boys.

"How's your vampire of a boyfriend Sasuke?"

"Upset that he can't go to the YouTube convention this weekend."

"Man I really wanted to go to that." Tenten huffed "stupid practice."

"Who were you so eager to see?" Ino asked

"This gamer chick from Kumo she's awesome. She's dark skinned with amber eyes and has fiery red hair. Her gaming channel is hilarious mostly because she swears. A lot."

"Sounds like you're in love with her." Ino teased

"I would totally become a lesbian for her." Tenten responded seriously.

The three other girls laughed. Ino and Sakura continued on the topic of Tenten and her future woman lover. Tenten didn't mind and even went so far as to plan her proposal to the YouTube star. Hinata didn't openly partake in the conversation. She just giggled at her friends silly antics.

When Ino and Sakura ended up in an argument about something trivial, Hinata gave Tenten a nervous glance. Tenten spotted the look and frowned.

"What's wrong Hinata?"

"N-Neji asked about you."

Tenten's good mood instantly vanished. The argument between Ino and Sakura was also forgotten.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to upset you." Hinata cried out.

Tenten smiled weakly "look it doesn't hurt as much as it used to."

Tenten's love confession to Neji was a typical high school rejection. Both were very good friends from a young age. They were each other's best friends. Tenten didn't want to develop feelings for the stoic guy but she did. She confessed her feelings to him during their sophomore year. Neji politely turned her down.

Tenten wouldn't have minded the rejection if it weren't for his reason. He was from a prestigious family. His name carried weight. It was something that he did not want to burden anyone who did not understand his struggles with. Tenten took it as 'you're not strong enough to be with me.'

Both remained friends just not as close. Tenten spent more time pushing him away. She felt that if that's how he saw her then what's the point? They both had mutual friends so it wasn't like she could just out right avoid him. Still she didn't seek out his company like in the past.

Hinata was caught in the middle. She desperately wanted the two to rekindle but nothing worked. Recently Hinata reasoned with herself that this was something that she should stay out of. She wanted the best for her friend and cousin but this was their issue. Of course if Neji ever had a message for Tenten, Hinata was more than happy to pass it along.

"Beside I have a new guy friend."

Hinata gasped while both Ino and Sakura nearly flew over from shock.

"Details now!" Ino demanded.

Tenten chuckled "look I went to this new gym as a favor for Lee. While I was there I spotted this guy practicing some MMA. Honestly what drew me in was his giant tattoo on his back."

"He's probably some gangster."

"Ino not everyone with a tattoo is a gangster."

"Says you Forehead."

Hinata bit her lip. Neji will not be pleased to hear this.

"So did you get his name? Number?" Ino asked excitedly.

"Nope."

All three girls were confused.

"Why not?" Sakura asked

"He's older maybe four or five years."

"That's a stupid reason." Ino rolled her eyes.

"Guys we're still in high school. He knew that when I went up to talk to him. We both just thought it would be a better idea if we kept it that way. He doesn't know my name or anything either."

Sakura frowned "I don't know it just seems a bit weird."

Tenten shrugged "if you guys want I can jump his bones the second I turn eighteen."

"Age is just a number!"

"And jail is just a room." Tenten stuck out her tongue.

"Being friends with older people isn't a bad thing." Sakura shrugged "beside I'm sure you could beat his ass until next week."

"At least tell me you got a picture or something." Ino pouted.

"That's my business."

Ino tackled Tenten. "Let me see!"

"No!"

Sakura shook her head. Ino just couldn't help herself when it came to boys. Hinata on the other hand was conflicted. She was friends with Tenten but she wasn't sure if this was information that Neji was allowed to hear. Hinata decided the safest route was just to tell her cousin that Tenten was fine. If he pressed for any details she would tell him to speak with her in person. That usually got him quiet.

The girls spent the rest of the day watching romantic movies and eating ice cream. When night fell all went to their respective homes. Sakura entered her home to find her father watching the news in the living room.

Maybe if she hid in the shadows he wouldn't notice her.

"You were out late."

Damn too late.

"I was over at Ino's place."

"You didn't say how long you would be out."

"I didn't know I had to let you know I would be out." Sakura bit out.

"You're still under aged and are under my roof." Kizashi looked away from the TV to give Sakura a stern look.

"That you hardly live in." Sakura rolled her eyes.

"I don't appreciate that tone."

"Are you done?" Sakura felt annoyance flood throughout her body. "I have summer homework I need to catch up on."

Her father gave her a hard stare. "I better be treated with more respect the next time you come home late."

"Whatever," Sakura huffed. She crossed the living room and went up the stairs to her room. She slammed her door shut. She could faintly hear her father yelling out her name but she didn't care. What was he thinking? After all these years that he could suddenly become a parent? She could take care of herself and has since she was a child.

Sakura was still ticked off at her father. This is why she preferred that her parents would be at work or any work related function. Sure she did miss them sometimes. But it was moments like these where she realizes that she would be better off without them. She didn't need their support. Sakura bet she could live without them if she really wanted too.

College couldn't come sooner.

Sakura needed to calm down. She couldn't call Sasuke. He and his family went to their summer home out by the lake for the week. Some of their distant relatives would be going over to celebrate the young Sasuke's birthday. Mikoto extended an invitation but Sakura politely declined.

She really did have summer homework she needed to start. AP classes didn't give a break to their students. Beside she could spend the weekend to unwind from the hospital; the stupid Subaku's living down the street from her boyfriend, and hopefully her parents. It would have been nice to go to the lake but she couldn't make the trip. She may have this weekend to herself but the rest of the week it would be back to the hospital.

Sakura didn't know many YouTube stars so she decided that she might as well look up the girl from Kumo. She was naturally curious when Tenten mentioned she wanted to see her. YouTube was a giant platform that produced more viral videos and 'famous' people each day. She usually only went on YouTube when she had nothing else to do.

Sakura decided this would be the perfect way to unwind. Tenten did say the girl was funny. So Sakura powered up her laptop and searched "Kumo gamer girl." She didn't have a chance to ask Tenten what the girl's name was.

Luckily the internet knew exactly who she was trying to find. Sakura clicked on the first video that popped up.

The video opened with the title of a video game and in the upper right hand corner was the Kumo girl. The video barely past the one minute mark and the girl dropped about ten F bombs. She yelled profanities, screamed at the characters on screen, and made a lot of hand gestures. Sakura found herself laughing.

This girl really was hilarious.

"So today I went out with some coworkers. What the *quack*! You god damn *beep* *beep* *beep*! Anyway we went out for sea food, wasn't a fan. You son of a bitch! What the holy *beep* *beep* *beep*!"

Sakura laughed until her sides hurt. Tears threaten to fall and her stomach ached. She had no idea what game was being played but that didn't matter. The Kumo gamer would talk about her normal day and throw so many curses words at the game, a sailor would blush. No wonder Tenten liked this chick.

Sakura stayed up until the wee hours of the morning watching the Kumo gamer. Her YouTube name was "Madness Overload." She played games that her fans would suggest as well as new releases. Occasionally she would have a friend or two play with her. Mostly those videos consisted of more arguing than actual game footage.

The last video Sakura saw was Madness expressing her excitement on attending her first YouTube convention. She was happy to go and couldn't wait to meet all her fans in person. After that video Sakura closed her laptop and easily found sleep.

~Dream Sequence~

Sakura was once again at Temari's house. She practically lived here now and both girls couldn't be happier. They were currently playing in the backyard with Rey keeping a watchful eye on the giggling girls. Summer time never was this fun before!

Sakura and Temari were busying themselves with mud pies. Both girls had mud on their hands, faces, and clothes. They were a mess.

"Hey Sakura hand me those rocks. It'll be strawberries on my pie!"

Sakura giggled and handed the older girl a few pebbles. Sakura grabbed a few thin twigs and set them on top her pie. "Bacon!"

Temari sniggered "that's weird."

"I like bacon," Sakura smiled widely.

If Rey could laugh or chuckle he would have. Instead he continued to observe from a safe distance. If he got dirty he would be forced to bathe. Keeping clean was something he could do just fine by himself.

Sakura set aside her pie and began to gather more mud for a second. Temari stood up and wiped some mud off her hands on her pants. She went to turn on the water hose to make more mud. Sakura giggled as the water hose came to life. It made a funny noise before water came gushing out. Temari let the water run for a few seconds before turning it off.

She returned to the muddy mess and began work on another pie as well. Both girls were oblivious to the impending scolding from Karura. Sakura wiped some sweat off her brow, only to smear more mud on her face. Temari bit back her chuckles and tried to wipe the mud off of Sakura. It only caused more mud to seep into her skin and hair.

"Oops."

Sakura poked Temari's nose. "You're a muddy clown."

"Clowns are scary," Temari frowned. "Like dolls."

"Dolls aren't scary." Sakura slammed her hands onto the muddy puddle in front of her. Specks of mud and water flew and hit both the girls' faces. Temari spluttered "mud in my mouth!"

"Oops!"

"Girls!"

Sakura and Temari turned around to see Karura standing by the back door to the house. She stared in horror at the mess the two created. Rey could sense his owner's unpleased aura. He took that moment to trot back into the house. He was not responsible for this.

Temari grinned "hi mama!"

Karura continued to gape "what are you girls doing?!"

"Mud pies!" Sakura and Temari shouted in unison.

In her horrified state Karura reverted to lecturing the girls in her native tongue. Temari pouted as she hated being yelling at. Sakura looked between Temari and her mother in pure confusion. Temari's mommy was yelling really fast. It didn't help she didn't understand a word coming out of that woman's mouth. Was Temari's mommy upset about the mud?

After Karura finished she angry pointed toward the end of the water hose. Temari groaned and stood up. Sakura looked up in confusion. "What happened?"

"My mom is mad about the mud."

"Oh." Sakura looked over at a fuming Karura. "Are we in trouble?"

Karura sighed and reverted back to English so Sakura could understand. "You girls need to wash off the mud."

Sakura and Temari walked over to the water hose defeated. They didn't get to finish their pies. Karura retrieved the water hose from the now extremely muddy part of the grass. She walked over to the two pouting girls. Karura turned on the hose and told the girls to hold out their hands.

They washed off their hands and scrubbed the mud off their faces.

"Leave your shoes outside. In the shower let's go."

Temari and Sakura did as they were told and scurried inside the house. Rasa and the boys were all out getting haircuts so it was just the girls in the house. The girls continued to frown and pout as they made their way to the bathroom. Karura stepped into the house and shut the glass sliding door. She found Rey lounging on the couch.

"You're not off the hook either."

Rey whined pitifully and covered his face with a paw.

Karura followed the girls to the bathroom to clean them up. After a quick shower both girls emerged squeaky clean. Karura sent out to the garage to put the muddy clothes in to wash. Since Sakura has spent so much time in their home, Karura and Rasa, kept a drawer of clothes for Sakura in Temari's room.

While Karura cleaned up their mess, Temari and Sakura continued to play in the living room. Temari brought out toys and scattered them around the floor. The girls talked through the toys and had them go on adventures. At one point a blue robot fell in love with Barbie but couldn't be together because an evil cow sent the robot to space.

Half way through the game Sakura put down the evil cow.

"Hey Temari?"

"Hmm?" Temari was playing as the robot as he fought through a sea of space rocks. She was lying on her back and waved the robot around. She made her own sound effects at the destruction of the rocks.

"C-Can you teach me…to talk like you do?" Sakura blushed.

Temari ceased her play fighting. "Talk like me?"

Sakura nervously twirled the cow toy. "I-I don't know w-what your mommy or daddy say a lot of the time."

Temari realized when Sakura was trying to say. She put down the robot and sat up. "Sure it's easy. I still teach Sai too."

Sakura's eyes brighten up. "Really?"

Temari grinned "I'm a great teacher." She pointed to the cow "well start with easy stuff. Cow is vaca."

"Baca?"

Temari giggled "vaca."

"I thought that was poop?" Sakura asked.

Temari had a laughing fit. "Sai use to say that."

Sakura blushed and mumbled "vaca."

"See you got it!" Temari pointed to the robot "blue is azul."

"What?"

"Azul," Temari sounded out the word slowly.

"Aul?"

Temari shook her head "azul."

"Asul?"

"Close."

Sakura felt tears forming. "This is hard!"

"You just started!"

"I'm stupid!"

"No you're not!"

Sakura calmed down and wiped away her tears. "Y-You can do it."

"That's cus my mommy and daddy always talk to us like that. Sai also is still learning."

Sakura sniffed "I-I thought you all could?"

"Sai didn't know anything when he came to live with us. Hey I can teach you guys together!"

Sakura couldn't help but smile along with Temari. After that day Sakura promised herself that she would learn how to talk like them. She wanted to know what her parents were saying. She also wanted to talk back to them like how Temari and her brothers do. She was determined.

The next morning Sakura woke up with red eyes. Staying up late watching videos in the dark was not very healthy. Still she easily brushed aside her dream. At this point there was no use dwelling over her dreams. She kinda just let them come and then ignored them. Sakura could still understand the language fairly well, but if she tried to speak it, well it just didn't sound right. Her accent was terrible. She, like everyone else, had to pick a foreign language to graduate high school. She took her recommended three years and that was it.

It probably would be a good idea to keep that skill. It will look good on college applications.

Sakura went on her morning like normal. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, stayed in her pajamas, and went to make breakfast. Luckily her parents weren't home so she didn't have to deal with her father trying to be a parent.

She browsed through the cupboards and spotted pancake mix. Sakura ignored the mud pies from her dream that suddenly popped into her mind. She grabbed the box and proceeded to make a few fluffy pancakes.

Sakura was in the middle of eating her second pancake when she received a text message from Tenten.

"I need to talk to you. Is it cool if I come over?"

Sakura was mildly surprised to hear from her friend. It must be important since she just saw her the previous day. Sakura quickly responded back saying that she wasn't busy and that she was more than welcomed to come over.

Sakura cleaned up her mess and went to lounge on the couch. She turned on the TV for background noise while she waited for Tenten. She looked through her social media to see how Sasuke was fairing at the lake. Judging from the pictures his mother posted everyone seemed to be having a nice time.

She was more bummed that she couldn't go.

About thirty minutes after she sent the message, Tenten arrived at Sakura's doorstep. She hastily knocked on the door and impatiently waited to be let in. Once Sakura let her in Tenten couldn't wait and just started to rant.

"You can't tell the others about this, especially Hinata."

Sakura didn't even get a chance to ask why or even say hello.

"Neji is a fucking dick!"

Sakura was more confused. Tenten could tell by her facial expression and began to explain.

"Neji knows I always practice at the same park every morning. He came to see me today."

Sakura nodded. She didn't say anything. She just let Tenten talk out her frustrations.

"I know he asks Hinata about me sometimes. So he walked up and demanded to know if I was seeing someone."

"But Hinata wouldn't tell him anything about that." Sakura crossed her arms "she knows better than to do that."

"Look I'm not saying Hinata did or didn't say anything about my new friend. All I know is Neji got a hint of it and," Tenten took a shaky breath.

Sakura grew concerned "what's the matter?"

Tenten visible began to shake. "The asshole had the nerve to get mad. He got mad because I made a new guy friend."

"That's can't be the only reason." Sakura placed her hand on Tenten's shoulder. "Sit down and tell me exactly what he said."

Tenten sat on the couch and placed her balled fists on her lap. She didn't look up at Sakura. Her teary gaze was set on the floor. "I got pissed at how he was reacting. So I told him off and said that yes I was talking to someone."

"Oh Tenten."

"H-He said hurtful things Sak. Like really hurtful things." Tenten wiped her tears away. She tried to keep her voice steady but it cracked as she tried to keep her sobs at bay. "H-He used to be my friend. Best friend. T-The things…I'm just so hurt. H-How could he say those things to me?"

Sakura didn't know what to say. What could she say? She knew Tenten wouldn't be able to recite what Neji said. She could only assume what Neji said fell in the category of 'slut' or 'whore.' Judging by how Tenten fell apart at Neji's words, he must have said something awful.

Sakura gathered a weeping Tenten into her arms. Tenten clutched onto Sakura tightly and openly wept. Sakura rubbed her back reassuringly and simply said "I'm here."

"I *hick* didn't know w-who to *hick* talk to. I u-use to go to him, for everything, and now I can't."

Sakura hugged her friend tighter. "I'm so sorry Tenten."

Nothing else was said. Sakura held onto Tenten and tried to funnel all her all of her emotion support. Tenten continued to cry until her ears couldn't produce any more tears and her throat hurt. She remained in Sakura's hold.

"I texted my friend when Neji stormed off." Tenten drew random patterns on Sakura's pajama bottoms.

"I thought you didn't get his number?"

"I lied about that. Sorry."

"Don't worry about that," Sakura brushed the small lie aside. "What did he say?"

"He offered to beat him up for me." Tenten cracked a tiny smile. "He said that I didn't need friends like him. Then he sent me a picture of his dog."

Sakura smiled "silly picture?"

"His dog was posing for the camera. He had this big goofy smile with his tongue out on the side."

"He was trying to cheer you up."

"I asked him if he wanted to date."

"Tenten!"

"I wasn't serious and knew he it too." Tenten eased her way out of Sakura's hug. "He told me that I would find someone better than him or Neji."

"That's a real mature thing for him to say." Sakura didn't know this person but she was glad that he wouldn't take advantage of Tenten in her vulnerable state. He sounded like a standup guy.

Tenten smiled weakly. "Thanks for letting me ruin your day with my sad life."

"What else are friends for?" Sakura smiled.

"I just don't want to mention this to anyone else. I know Hinata will feel responsible and Ino will try to chop his dick off." Tenten tried to laugh but it was hollow.

Sakura slightly flinched "don't worry I understand. I won't say anything until you're ready."

"Thanks Sak."

Onto the next phase of being a great friend Sakura thought.

"Hey I was checking out videos of that gamer chick last night."

Tenten perked up "isn't she hilarious?"

"I never knew watching someone place a game could be so entertaining." Sakura giggled "I mean how are her videos allowed to be posted?"

"She censors out the major cuss words."

"By using a ducks quack."

"It works!"

Tenten took out her phone "I have to show you my favorite video."

Sakura and Tenten squished together to watch the video on the phone screen.

The video opened with Madness talking to the camera.

"You guys have been requesting for me to play this first shooter for a long time. I normally don't like them since the formula is always the same but today I thought *quack* it. I mean I do have a special guest after all."

Sakura gaped at the special guest. It was the guitar player from the band that Sasuke likes. The only major difference was in this video instead of the standard mask, which left only her eyes visible; her entire face was covered by a mask. It looked like a porcelain mask of an animal. Was that a weasel? A ferret?

What the hell?

"I got my girl Desert Blossom from . here!"

The guitarist didn't say anything just held up a piece sign.

"So we're about to blow *beep* up! Let's do this!"

The title of the game appeared with the two players having their small box in the upper right hand corner. The match began.

Sakura couldn't believe her luck. Did this band have to follow her everywhere on the internet? The video went on like normal. Madness threw out a lot of explicit words while 'Desert Blossom' spoke in her native tongue. There were subtitles every time she spoke. Both players insulted each other as they ran around shooting bullets and throwing grenades.

Sakura still found herself enjoying the video.

Tenten now wore a smile. "This part is the best."

An explosion went off and Madness threw off her head seat. Desert Blossom hastily stood up and started to cheer.

"Are you *quack* me?! What in holy hell was that?!"

Desert Blossom continued to dance around in her victory. Madness tossed her controller in anger. "This is *beep*"

Subtitle "you're a *quack* sore loser."

"Oh yea? I know who you really are! So there!" Madness stormed off.

Desert Blossom leaned into the camera: Subtitle "best hack ever."

Tenten broke out into laughter. Sakura glanced at her friend. It seemed Tenten was able to forget what happened with Neji, at least for the moment.

The video didn't stop there. Madness reappeared and told the audience that they were in for a treat. The video faded and the entire band of S.L.D emerged. They started to perform a song.

"Do you listen to their music?" Sakura couldn't help but ask.

"Not really. I mean I have some of their songs that I listen to when I work out. They really get me pumped up."

"I know Sasuke and Naruto like them."

"I can see why. This song right here was the first that I listened to by them. The lyrics do speak volumes."

Sakura frowned. She just couldn't see what other saw in this type of music. To her all she saw, well heard, was loud noise. Sure she could understand the lyrics for the most part. She just didn't get all the hype the band got.

"I never really had a song that fit my situation so well." Tenten grew quiet.

Sakura tried to listen to the song. She was distracted by the band members. They all wore the same black sweater, with some giant brownish monster with yellow eyes, on the front. The same black pants and even the shoes looked similar. They also all wore the porcelain masks, each with a different animal.

Every time she saw this band she liked them less and less.

She couldn't figure them out. That frustrated her more than anything.

Just who were they?

Song: Never Enough by Five Finger Death Punch

Not very happy with the last bit but overall I like the chapter. Thanks to everyone who favors/follows. I'm glad you like it!

Review my friends!