Chapter 10

Sakura's POV

I was waiting in the parking lot for Sasuke. Where was he? He said he was going to be here, yet I had been waiting here for 15 minutes. It was literally killing me to wait any longer. Though I was extremely glad that Sasuke was going to be there, I couldn't help but to get excited about what Sasuke was planning on doing for my birthday. I mean, I couldn't imagine anything as close to9 what he was probably thinking of. Maybe it was a date at a fancy restaurants or perhaps a ride in a limo. Even though I tried not to think that way, it was hard to think of something cheap coming from him.

Finally, I saw him walking out of the school building, two men following behind him. One of the men had hair nearly white. I recognized him as Suigetsu, the male Sasuke normally hung out with when Naruto wasn't around. The other man was tall, almost seven feet. He was Juugo, a man that Sasuke always said was his friend, but I was never able to see him at school much due to certain...problems.

I could honestly say I worried about Sasuke's found friendship within them. Suigetsu always creeped me out half the time. He would make jokes that were twisted and weren't for someone with a weak stomach. I don't even want to mention his fascination with murders who love to decapitate people.

Juugo, I didn't mind so much. He was usually quiet, like Itachi, but once you got to know him, he was sweet and gentle. He seemed like a sensitive guy; I mean, he even had a hobby of building bird homes. I didn't mind him so much as Suigetsu, but there was something I worried about him. Juugo had split personality disorder. His other personality was nearly maniacal; he took pills to keep it under control, but sometimes things as such just can't BE controlled.

"You ready?" Sasuke asked once they got there, wrapping around me. "Yes I am. Where are we going?" I asked. He leaned down to peck me on the cheek. "You'll see."

Sasuke's car was one of the models I saw drawn in the fabulous hallway. If I was correct, it was one that Sasuke designed himself. It was black like the Chamorro, but it didn't have the familiar feel like the Chamorro did. The style reminded me of a razor almost and the rims on the wheels added a futuristic look. It was a gorgeous car, but it never felt right. That, and Sasuke used real leather.

I never told Sasuke that I hated the idea of leather. Being in the car reminded me of when I first rode with Itachi. I was so scared it was real, only to see that Itachi felt the same way. It's not the loveliest thought to know that you're sitting on something that belongs to a dead cow. I remembered him saying that clear as day.

The smell was strong as we sat in the car: Sasuke and I in the back, Suigetsu in the passenger seat, and Juugo was driving. I leaned over to Sasuke to whisper in his ear. "Do you think it's really safe to let him drive?" I asked. Sasuke nodded to me. "As long as he takes his medicine, he's fine. Besides, his other personality is fine driving as well, even if it is a bit crazy."

Sasuke started to whisper to Suigetsu about something. I assumed it was about my surprise for Suigetsu's eyes kept flitting towards me, and both of them were keeping silent as possible. I didn't try to pressure myself to hear. I was going to see it soon anyways, right? As they were talking, I ended up looking down at the bracelet Itachi gave me just as the sunlight came through the window, making it sparkle.

"What's that?" I looked to see Sasuke starring intently at the bracelet. I stopped myself before I answered "Itachi gave it to me." Sasuke was worried Itachi would steal me away. What would he think if I told him that? Instead, I looked at the bracelet and told him the truth, "A good friend gave it to me for my birthday."

"It looks nice." he simply said, holding my wrist, analyzing the bracelet. "It's a bit cliché though, having the cherry blossom on it." I chuckled at the statement. "I know," I said, "but that's why they got it for me."

Sasuke nodded and leaned down for a kiss. Suigetsu saw us and gave a look of disgust. "Is it possible that you two could do that somewhere other than around us?" he said. I grinned as I laid my head upon his shoulder. What was so bad about Sasuke that I must stay away from him like Itachi said? I only grinned as the car kept going.

Mild chatter was held all throughout the ride to my birthday surprise. Though it was approximately thirty minutes, it felt like only five. We were laughing so hard at one of Suigetsu's jokes that I didn't even notice when we pulled up to a house.

As the car came to a stop, I saw a house that had to be at least three stories. It was built from the ground up out of brick and had a white shingled roof. i had seen houses like such, but only for people who were paid extremely well. I started to wonder why we came to this building.

"Don't worry, Sakura. I just need to pick something up here." Sasuke said over my shoulder as I stepped out. Out of the car, I could see that the lawn was wide and neatly cut. I noticed tha stone driveway that turned to gravel the farther you leave the house. As I looked at the house, I wondered what Sasuke needed to pick up. The house's lights were all off, and there was no sign of anyone inside.

"Hey, I might need some help. Can you guys try and help me out?" Sasuke asked as he opened the door. I walked towards him, and right when I was in dead sentence, lights flashed on and people jumped from their places. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAKURA!" They all screamed. my mouth was agape as everyone i knew came and hugged me.

Sasuke came up behind me. Leaning down into my ear he whispered, "I told you it was a surprise." I finally realized that I was covering my mouth as Sasuke took my hand to tenderly kiss it. I threw my arms around him in embrace. "Thank you," I said in his ear. Sasuke only nodded as he placed his hand on the small of my back.

I looked over everything once more in what seemed to be the family room. Everyone I knew was here, even Ino who was happily cheering by the couch with a happy Kiba. Sasuke planned the entire party for me, and every single one of my friends knew it! Well, at least most of them. It was a shame that Itachi couldn't trust his brother, for I would've loved to see him here.

Itachi's POV

The mansion seemed more empty than usual. Though Sasuke usually would have football practice at this time, I knew already that since he was with Sakura, he would come home later. Normally, I wouldn't be bothered. I could care less if Sasuke came home late. It's just the fact that he's with Sakura that bugs me.

It was a long day. I didn't see Sakura come to D-Hall at all today, so that gave me some reassurance that my forged note worked. She got so worked up about being late, it was almost pathetic. Though, I will say, I love it when she's mad. She's so strange when she's mad. I remembered how her face would go tomato red. Her face would get as red as her uniform which already clashed with her hair.

Unfortunately, she was in some other person's hands, otherwise known as my brother's and she wasn't interested in listening to what I was saying. I already know that she's figured out that I like her more than a friend; I figured it myself with how she would nudge away and try not to stand so close. I suspected Sasuke let her in on it, but I don't think either of them knew just how much. You'd think since I was her best friend for the longest while, she would trust me, but I guess when you find out your best friend likes you, it changes everything!

Speaking of which, I wondered what Sasuke was doing for her today. I knew he had a surprise for her, but i never heard what her surprise was. Knowing Sasuke, he probably is going to flaunt what money we have. I imagined the possibilities: an exhibit, an expensive restaurant, an extravagant play. All of such were the norm for him to do on his dates. It wouldn't blow me away if he went as far as a ride on a jet plane.

A date on a jet plane...Sasuke would've taken her there not me. He'd be the one holding her as she wrapped her arms around him...not me. All I have to say is if he hurts her, I'll murder him.

I got up from the couch I was laying on and went to the kitchen to throw the empty soda can in my hand away. My stomach growled for food. I should've eaten lunch, but I wasn't in the mood to eat anything today. I could hear the TV in the other room blaring commercials quite loudly, so loudly, I could barely here the phone ring. I struggled to answer the phone only to hear Dei's voice.

"Hey," he answered. "Did you hear about a wild house party at Karin's house?" Karin? An image of the redhead appeared in my mind. "No, why?" "I got a text from Ino." he said. "Apparently, they're having this huge pow-wow over there." I grabbed another soda from the fridge while still holding the phone to my ear. "I bet your going to head out there. Karin normally throws great parties." I said, popping open the can. "I know! Especially how she spikes the dri- Oh. Sorry dude." "It's okay. I'm not going...so there's no temptation."

There was a pause on the phone from Deidara's end. "Actually, Itachi...it's why I called you." Dei said through the silence. I went tense. "I think you want to go, Itachi." Never in my life had Deidara's voice seem so far off. In my attempts to try and laugh it off, I could feel it break. "W-what do you mean?" "Itachi, Sakura's there. Ino is already flat on her ass, drunk. I believe in one of her texts she said you bro was there as well."

What? Sakura was at the party? Why was she there? Karin's parties always meant alcohol, and Deidara already said that Ino was drunk. Sakura normally wouldn't follow Ino's footsteps, but surrounded by the temptation could make her change her mind. Not to mention Sasuke's there...I was more than sure Sasuke did this on purpose. He just wanted to get me back so bad. He just never wanted me to forget the pain by adding more to it!

Never had I felt so much fear. I feared what Sakura may have done, or what she could be doing. I feared what OTHERS could be doing to her. Even if Sasuke wasn't doing anything, that didn't mean other people could be taking advantage of her. What I feared the most about, though, is what I was going to do. Two years of sobriety...Years of rehab... Could I possibly be strong enough? Could I possibly hold myself together to save Sakura? The thought alone of so much alcohol there was just watering my years-of-liquor-deprived mouth.

"Itachi, calm down. I'll come along with you. I'll support 'cha, okay?" Deidara's soothing voice came through the phone. "It's okay, I won't let you fall, alright?" I nodded even though I knew he could not see me. Oh God, please, have mercy on me...

The house was larger than I even remembered. It was darker in the secluded area than it was in the city. There were no streetlights anywhere, so the only light Deidara and I had was the one illuminating from the booming house.

Deidara placed his hand upon my shoulder as I still starred off at the house, awaiting what fate would throw. "It's okay, Ita." he spoke. "I got your back." I nodded as we both walked towards the door. Deidara stopped me before I could grab the handle.

"Do you want me to just go inside? Like, alone? I can get them both while you can just call the cops... You won't have to be anywhere near-" "No, Deidara..." I stopped him. "I have to do it, too." Deidara looked at me with worrying eyes. For someone who only cared about banging a new chick each month, he could seriously act like the best friend that I needed. He finally nodded, and opened the door for me.

The noise that was suppressed before was now exploding in our faces and busting our ear drums. We walked into the building to do what had to be done.

As we entered the small doorway, I could see people everywhere. The party was packed. Some of the individuals I recognized, but I noticed some newbies as well. Finally, I found a very familiar face that could help me.

I could spot her red hair anywhere, the longest-lasting girlfriend my brother had...Well, before Sakura. "Karin!" I called over the din. Her head turned towards me slowly with a wine bottle in her hand. "Ita-kun!" she screamed, waving her hand frantically above her as her glasses slid down her face. "Ello, Idachi-kun! Lon' time sins's I'd seen youuu here'ya." she slurred. She patted the seat next to her, wanting me to sit. I shook my head. "Karin, do you know where a girl with bright, pink hair is?" I asked her. Her face scrunched up like she smelled something foul. "You wan' hur?" "Yes," I answered. "I need to get...her home." Karin had a look of disbelief upon her face. "Welluh, ifsh ya wan'ned a goil tuh go hum witcha, ya cudda as' me!" I shook my head as if I was a little boy denying that I stole a cookie from the jar. "No, no. She's...something special..." "Wuddn't I sum'mone spesheel?" "I-I, Karin. Please..."

Karin was twirling the wine bottle in her hand. I could hear the liquid slosh against the glass interior. I remembered her always doing that when she got peeved about something, especially when she was drunk. She ALWAYS did that, but remembering such made me remember that all the time I saw her like that was when I was putting away bottles like it was water. Even though I didn't want to, I knew that I was looking longingly at the green semi-transparent bottle.

Karin grinned as she saw me staring at the bottle. "Ish you wan' sums, youz ca' hash summ, Idachi-kun." I could smell it now; the tasty drink's aroma filled my nose as she held the open bottle out. Faster than I wanted it to, I could feel my strength breaking to the enticing nectar.

"Itachi!" I awoke to my senses as I heard Deidara's voice. "Ita," he said as he pushed past mobs of people, "I found Sakura!" I looked back to Karin, and nodded to her. Karin merely mentioned the bottle to say, "go on, then."

Deidara dragged me through the swarms of people. Each group was like drinking poison. The aroma of alcohol swarmed around me like a boa constrictor. The smell was strong from the open bottles and the mouths of the people we pushed past. It was so strong in the air, I could practically taste it. All of it was mocking me, taunting me for trying to fight it. Seconds felt like minutes as we shoved through. For once, it was a miracle when I found my brother.

Sasuke was sitting in a chair in the kitchen; his back was towards us. Deidara looked about, mumbling to himself about where Sakura was. I knew I should be worrying about that as well, but the fear of becoming what I was...it turned me into a coward. It turned me into one so much, I was actually HAPPY to see Sasuke. Soon enough, though, my happiness turned to disappointment when I saw the can.

"Itachi?" Sasuke asked once he turned around. "Wha'd are you do'in here?" Sasuke's face turned from surprise to resentment, his eyes glaring at me. For no certain reasons, my disappointment turned to anger. I, suddenly, was furious. Sasuke was obviously drunk with beer in hand, and Sakura was still missing. "I should ask you the same thing." I gritted through my teeth. Sasuke, my only brother, was drunk off his ass. He was supposed to be the person, for once in a long time that I was elated to see, but instead, he was drinking like the rest. "You'wre na' supposed tah be here." Sasuke slurred. "You're not supposed to be here either, Sasuke."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed more than before. "Why did'j you ev'n come? You of all peo'pl aren't suppos'd tah be here! No one in'vitted you!" "Why don't you look at yourself, you hypocrite! I don't need to be invited because you're too young to be drinking alcohol!" I shouted.

"And 'dis is com'in from you?" Sasuke screamed back. "I 'dun wanna hear it! I 'dun ev'n wanna try to rem'ber how old you were!"

"Sasuke, that was my fault! You shouldn't be doing this! God, why am I even trying to reason with you? You're clearly drunk!"

"Well fine 'den! Leave me an' Sak'ra here!"

I had had enough. It was bad enough to find him like this, but he had to bring up what I was really here for.

"THAT'S IT!"

Everyone in the building stopped and looked at us, but I could care less.

"Sasuke..." I gritted. "Get in the car."

"Wha' car?" he asked stupidly.

"My car... outside... get in it, now."

"No." he said.

"GET IN THE FUCKING CAR, NOW, SASUKE!"

Sasuke's wide eyes stared at me with shock.

"I am tired of your shit, Sasuke. Your drunk off your ass at a party, I'm not leaving you here. Now. Go. Get. In. The. Car."

Sasuke soon got over his shock and was now glaring, but all in all, he knew the battle was lost. I wasn't going to stand in this place any longer. The fumes were intoxicating to my weary self. I needed to remove myself from the place. But wait, where was Sakura?

I looked towards Deidara, who was supporting Sasuke's stumbling self. He had the same look upon his face. "If ya' real'y wanna know w'ere she is, she's by Ino an' 'dem." I heard Sasuke hiccup to us. "I'll take him to the car, Itachi, unless you want me to get her." Dei said, giving me a look nearly begging me. "I'll get Sakura, Dei." I told him before I turned to find her.

The silence was broken and filled with the overwhelming chatter once again as me and Deidara were talking. Everyone here was influenced by alcohol; they wouldn't be able to tell the difference in a fight from the broad side of a barn. How could this happen? How? my rush of anger that once was fueled uncontrollably was now wavering once again.

I walked upstairs, pushing past more people. No one noticed the ongoing torture I seemed to be bearing. No one ever does when they're drunk. No one ever does.

Suddenly, a flash of familiar pink ran across my eyes as I passed a certain room. I had finally found Sakura. Her and Ino were lounging upon a stretch of furniture that I wasn't too sure what it was. Sakura turned to look at me, and upon seeing me, her face lit up.

"Idachi!"

Sakura stumbled towards me. I was forced to run and catch her as she fell over, and very soon, I was regretting it; her breath reeked of the drinking she had done. Every breath she exhaled was like a personal beating.

"Idachi! I'mz soo hap'peh choo cam'!" she said, flinging her arms around me. She held tightly to me as if we were glued together. Sakura leaned clumsily out from hug, her legs not supporting her well. "Tha' ya f'wor da gif'! I' wush boodifull..." she slurred, right after she nuzzled down forth into my neck.

She was not the Sakura I knew. The Sakura I knew acted mature to her best avail; she clung happily to Sasuke, never letting him out of sight. The Sakura I knew, lately, always had a bad temper with me, and was always ready to leave. This one clung happily to me without anything other than pure joy in her eyes; she was letting a childish side unravel in front of me, and she paid attention... only to me.

Fears... More fears were building. Some were pushed aside to find there were no need for them, but only to have new ones fill there place. No one took advantage of her, which was great. She hadn't drunk herself into a alcohol-induced coma, which was wonderful as well, but how was she to be safe? Were her parents home to? Were any sober friends around other than myself? How much alcohol HAD she drunk? New fears built up and I didn't know what to do with them, especially the biggest one. I spent years removing myself from alcohol, but just the wavering smell was picking me apart bit by bit. What was even worse was that I knew that I liked this Sakura better.

I don't know when, but I believe something broke. maybe it was all the fear in me that made me crack, or perhaps it was the anger of ever letting it happen. All I know was that I couldn't feel the anger or the fear anymore. It was still there; it wasn't nonexistent, but it wasn't on the surface. The closest thing to what I believe I felt... was more like disappointment.

"Sakura," I said calmly, "You're drunk. We need to take you home."

Sakura's face looked confused as she starred at me. "I'am drun'?" I nodded to her. "Yeah. You are. We need to go home."

Sakura nodded as she went to hug Ino "good-bye" and stumbled over with me to the door.

I hated to say this, I really did, but I liked this Sakura better. It was nice to realize how much she trusts me, even though she would probably trust anyone at the moment. She was so intoxicated, she could practically believe anyone. I knew this, but yet it didn't stop me from liking her more. I was a monstrosity... I was a complete monstrosity for even thinking such.

We finally pushed ourselves out the front door (more like I pushing her AND myself out). Deidara stood with Sasuke by his car. I sighed, for the worst part was almost over. Deidara looked at me, and I nodded towards him.

"I'll take Sasuke home, Itachi." Dei said.

"You'll take him home?" I asked.

"Yeah. I have no idea where Sakura lives and even if I knew, but what Ino has probably told her, I highly doubt she'd get in the car with me." he said. "Besides, she seems to want to go with you."Deidara motioned to Sakura who was trying to open the passenger door of my car. "Alright, I'll take her..." I said. Dei nodded.

Deidara waltzed over to his car. Sasuke got in the back seat, something he has always done ever since he was eight.

"Idach'eh!" I turned to my car where Sakura was. Her face was still red from her intoxication as she leaned on the hood of the car starring at me. "We nee' tah go'eh, Idachi-ku'."

I looked back at Deidara who was already leaving. I turned back to the car and went over to it. I opened the door for Sakura so she could clumsily climb in. Then I went over to the driver's side. I put my keys in the ignition and turned them. The purr of the engine starting normally was soothing to me, especially when the pink haired beauty was in the passenger seat, but tonight it wasn't. It was something that lagged tonight. It was something that drew the energy from me. It was not the loving experience I enjoyed anymore, but rather something that laughed.

"Idachi? Wha's 'rong?" Sakura asked. Her breath still had the strong smell, but I couldn't find myself to react. I couldn't even bring myself to look at her. I seemed so mechanical, robotic. I couldn't recall where I was going or anything that I passed. All I know was that I was driving away from that place and I was restraining from breathing in any more of the aroma that was on Sakura. Sakura started to say something. I knew her lips were moving, but I couldn't hear anything from her. "Idachi, you've pass'd my house sev'rl times. How m'ny times are we gunna drive aroun' da neighb'rhoood?"

Suddenly, I saw where I was. I was in Sakura's neighborhood, on the back road. Apparently I was driving around in circles. I finally looked over to Sakura. She was staring at me with her head on the edge of the seat. "Idachi-kun. Can we go home now?"

The smell wasn't as strong as it was when we first left, or was it that I was already used to the smell? Either way, she wasn't slurring as bad as she was when we first left. How though? Karin's house to here would only take about half an hour, and Sakura was stumbling horribly. The alcohol couldn't have passed that quickly, but my look at the clock said else what. We left the house at 9:40; the clock now showed 11:24. I had been driving around for almost an hour and a half.

"Sakura?" I asked her, "Where did we go?"

I expected Sakura to look at me like I was insane, but instead she just simply answered. "We went ev'rywhere. We went pas' the cafe, an' the school, an' your house...we wen' ev'rywhere in da town. Fin'ly you came here, bu' we've been drivin' aroun' and aroun' in this one circle. I think 'dis is da fourth time."

Around town...Everywhere...In my episode of my mind being blank, we must've drove to everyplace I remembered us being at. The cafe and the school... We even passed my own place. I didn't realize any of it.

"Idachi, can we go home now?" Sakura asked again. I nodded as we pulled up to her house and into the driveway. I put the car in "park" and we sat. Sakura got out of the car slowly and walked over to my window.

"Than' you, Idachi, for bringing me home." she said. I nodded to her and she started to walk off. She stopped halfway to the door and she turned around to come back. She leaned into the window once again, but to ask something.

"Idachi, it's late. Why don' you stay da night?"

My eyes became wide with her suggestion.

"Nah, I best go home. I don't think your mother would appreciate it all to well if she caught a male asleep in her hou-"

"Nonsen's, Idachi. Mama's at a bus'ness trip. She won' know. Besid's, you looked like you were gunna fall asleep. I rath'r ya stay here for da nigh'."

Sakura looked at me with pleading eyes that held alot of worry for someone who was still tipsy. Her mother wasn't home? Sakura may not have been as drunk as she was earlier, but you could still tell she had alcohol in her system. It would be dangerous to leave her here alone... but it would also be dangerous for me to stay with her. Which of the two should I choose?

"Idachi, I don' wan' you to go ta sleep while drivin'." she said.

Finally, I came to a decision. I opened the car door and got out to stand by her. Her face lit up as she went to open the door. I followed her into the house and I went to sit on the couch. "It's only for tonight." I said. She nodded as she sat down as well. My lids folded over my eyes as I leaned back into the couch. If only I could fall asleep. The aroma would go away, so would the pressure. The pain, the memories, the incident... It all started with that substance and it was calling me still.

"Idachi, why don' you dr'nk this?" I heard Sakura's voice beside me. A small cup was held in her hands. I couldn't bother to look inside, for the pain welled up more. I could feel the sleep coming on me, finally. I took a sip of the drink she offered. It was good. I ended up taking a few more gulps; actually more like swallowing the entire thing. It was bitter tasting, and all too familiar. Such a bitter and familiar taste made me want more. It was so good. It burned my throat as it went down...

My eyes flew open. The smell from the cup finally came. I tasted the last drop that fell beneath my lips. I dropped the cup as I leaned forward. Why, why? Oh why? "Idachi, I nev'r seen you dow' sum'thin' like that befor'." Sakura said next to me. "I know it taste goo' aft'r awhile, bu' I didn' dow' it like that whe' I tried at f'rst." I was now shaking. How could I... How could I not tell what it was? Such a familiar taste... I'm a fool to never recognize it. "Idachi, here! Have some more!" My eyes went to Sakura; her hand was hold out the cup I had dropped, but filled to the brim with more. "Mama won' know her liq'rs missin'. It's jus' a few drin's anywa's." I wanted to tell her no, I wanted to leave, but my hand reached out and grabbed the cup from her. Like I did the other one, I threw my head back, enjoying the contents. It's so good...

A few sips of the liquor between us both turned to gulps. Our gulps turned into a few bottles. Everything went black and then back in as I try to remember. All I know is that we were laughing... and then we were kissing.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~AUTHOR'S NOTE~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I know I haven't been here in a long time, and I'm so sorry for it. For 1 and a half, maybe two months straight, we had nothing bt remediation. Anyone who doesn't know what remediation is, it's basically where you go back to the classes you have to study. Usually remediation is for if you failed a end of course/grade test and it's to prepare you for make ups, but the high school I go to decided to prevent as many drop outs and people failing like last year, they were going to make it happen two months before the tests. During remediation, I didn't have much time as I normally do. I had the story written for the longest time, but getting it typed was the worst part. The reason I normally had the newest chapters up in a quicker time was because I could get them up during computer class. I could type them up then.

Again, I am so sorry for it being late. I never intended it to go on this long. I don't blame people for being mad or upset right now. ^^;