Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Warning: This is a Vampire-High School AU. There will be some OOCness.
For Kayla!
Also, in honor of the last Naruto chapter and Epilogue coming out.
Tenten and Ino faced each other, both red in the face and with fierce eyes, in Tenten's gym. They were circling each other carefully. Each watching the other and waiting for one to move out of the rhythm.
"Remember what mama taught you." Ino grinned gesturing for Tenten to come at her.
"Don't refer to yourself as 'mama'." Tenten shook her head unsettled.
"Ready?" Ino asked, ignoring Tenten's request. Tenten nodded her head.
In an instance, Ino was behind Tenten holding her from behind. Tenten looked back at Ino dully. This was not working. If anything, Tenten was just wasting her time and Ino was, well, Ino was doing something but it wasn't helping.
"You're nothing like him." Tenten pointed out. "I don't even know who it is and I can tell you right now, you are nothing like him."
Ino rolled her eyes. "That's not the point! What do you do to get out?"
Tenten rolled her eyes. "Crotch."
Ino grinned cynically. "Crotch is key."
"So I kick backwards and it works, he lets go." Tenten mimicked the motion gently to not hurt her friend who followed along and let go. "I turn around and now what?"
Ino stood in front of Tenten. "Okay, my dad taught me this one. You take your hand and push up and diagonally, palm out. Aim for the nose." Ino demonstrated. "Then run like crazy."
Tenten sighed, knowing this was pointless if she ever encountered her stalker. Another week had passed and there was no sign of him, but Ino wasn't letting Tenten go without teaching her self-defense.
"You know he might faster than me." Tenten put her hands on her hips, continuing to point out the flaws in Ino's carefully planned out lessons.
"You are on the track team!" Ino yelped flabbergasted.
"While that is great, I can't run forever." Tenten growled.
"That's why you run for your phone or help in that time. He is hurt and you have to take advantage of it." Ino sighed. "Just do the motion."
Tenten did as she was told and they continued going over each technique. When they finished up, they went up to Tenten's apartment and changed.
As they changed Ino threw a hard object at Tenten's head, making a clunk as it hit her skull and another clunk as it hit the floor. Tenten picked it up and stared at Ino tiredly. She was getting real tired of Ino's shit.
"What the hell?" Tenten held up the offending object, which was a pointy green ring, delicately between her index finger and thumb.
Ino grinned. "Put it on your punching hand, it adds a lot more string to it."
Tenten's eyes light up with realization. "Thanks." Tenten grinned as she put it on and examined it. It was quite hard and sharp. It could do some serious damage.
"No problem. I have one in purple for me and another one in blue for Hinata." Ino shrugged. "They were on sale."
"You can probably go back there now." Sakura stated to Neji who sat across from her at the kitchen table. Neji was reading a copy of the newspaper while Sakura was cleaning the counters. It was oddly domesticated and Sakura was getting tired of the constant company. After living alone for a few years, she was not really used to the company of others and she was not used to ever spending so much time with Neji. "I'm sure they have all cooled off."
Neji eyed the pinkette over the newspaper. "I have the feeling you don't like me freeloading here."
"One night was fine, two was okay, and three was pushing it. It's been a week." Sakura deadpanned. "I like my space, and you're in it."
"Point taken, but I can't go back there." Neji folded the newspaper and set it on the counter. They held each other's gaze, waiting for the other to move.
"Why the hell not?" Sakura rolled her eyes.
"Shikamaru is pissed off at me and rightfully so, Naruto is probably going to lecture for hours, and I think one of the Uchihas will kill me." Neji sighed and then thought for a second. "Or both."
"You did fuck up." Sakura shrugged. "But you are doing well, I guess." She added after seeing him wince. "You haven't gone to see her in…two weeks?"
"Yes, but it's only because I lock myself in your house." Neji groaned. "I can barely keep it together at school." Neji's monster was getting fed up and kept whispering into his ears. He was going insane with its ever present suggestions. While he would never act them out, if he lost even the slightest grip over the monster it would act them out for him.
"Lock yourself up at the Uchiha house then and maybe ask your friends to help you out."
"You could help me out." Neji nudged her. She had recently started opening up to him as he stayed in the house and if he could fix her, he felt better about his fucked up situation.
"We aren't friends." Sakura deadpanned. "I prefer not to have any contact with you guys in school. I barely want to see you outside of there." Sakura nudged back sharply, trying to sever any friendly contact.
There was a knock at the door and Sakura got up slowly. It could really only be a handful of people at her door and she knew it wasn't for her. She went to the door and opened it. Shikamaru was leaning against the wall, looking bored. His lazy eyes swung over and glanced at her dully.
"Hey, is Neji here?" Shikamaru asked carefully watching the pinkette and gaged her response. After she had left to search for him, they never came back and all they got was a text from Sakura to Itachi with a brief explanation.
"Yeah, come in." Sakura rolled her eyes and led him toward the kitchen. There were too many people inside her house for comfort. She was used to being alone after three years. "I'll be in my room. When you two are done, get the fuck out." Sakura ordered as she went up to her room and closed the door.
Shikamaru watched her go up in silence.
"She still isn't the same." Neji spoke. "She still closed off and cold but she seemed a bit better when I was here. I think she smiled twice. Granted it wasn't the same as before but it's a start."
Shikamaru looked down at the other boy. "I suppose it takes time."
Neji nodded his head. "So, you needed something?"
Shikamaru sighed and sat down beside Neji. "Yeah, Itachi wants you back to staying at the house."
"So he can keep an eye on me?" Neji hissed darkly.
"Nah, he has Sakura doing that anyways." Shikamaru waved off. "He wants us all to be within reach."
"Oh, not Sakura?" Neji asked.
"You think that even if Itachi asked, she'd stay at the Uchiha house?" Shikamaru asked amused.
Neji chuckled. "Probably not."
Shikamaru stood up. "Besides it's getting boring there. Naruto is practically gone all the time now that he is with Hinata. Sasuke is being a little bitch as always, maybe a bit worse. Itachi and his gang are locked in the basement doing who knows what."
"You're bored."
"Better to be bored with someone else." Shikamaru shrugged and that was the true nature of Shikamaru and Neji's friendship. They simply tolerated everyone else's bullshit together since they were both forced to suffer through it. They kept each other in check. Even with all the bullshit they went through together a few years back, they were still there for each other.
Neji stood up. "Alright, I better get it over with anyways."
"Get what over with?" Shikamaru asked curiously.
"The beating I'll get from Uchiha." Neji yawned. "It's inevitable. He is pissed at me for what I did and more importantly, what I called him out on. All he needs to do is land one good punch and he is all good again."
"True." Shikamaru sighed as the two boys left Sakura's house wordlessly.
"So you think you are ready to put that self-defense into action?" Ino grinned as she eyed the ring on Tenten's finger.
"I'm not going to look for a fight." Tenten stared at Ino dumbfounded. "I don't even know who he is."
"But if it happens." Ino pressed.
"I think I'd be ready." Tenten sighed unsure. She really didn't think that what Ino taught her would be enough and she was scared of what would happen if she didn't succeed.
"You'll be fine." Ino waved off. "I taught you the secret family moves. You can beat up anyone."
"You mean defend myself." Tenten pointed out.
"Whatever, you still have to harm the other person to get away. Enough defense talk, Hinata is waiting for us!" Ino cheered as she marched ahead.
Tenten ran to catch up. "It's been a while since we have seen her."
"I know. I kind of feel bad but she has Naruto." Ino shrugged.
"That's not a good thing." Tenten frowned. "He could be dangerous and if he is, then he is the very thing were practicing to defend ourselves-"
"Tenten," Ino cut off sharply. "What did I say about self-defense talk stuff?"
"Enough, I know." Tenten sighed.
"Good now let's-Oh my god! Tenten! Look!" Ino exclaimed as she ran across the street. Tenten followed dutifully. "And they have it in purple! I'll be like five minutes!" Ino told Tenten as she ran into the clothing store. Whatever it was that caught Ino's eye, now made them late to meet up with Hinata.
Tenten waited outside and closed her eyes. 'Training' with Ino was exhausting but it was nothing compared to listening to Ino talk. She loved the girl, but man she wanted peace and quiet. Ever since Tenten told Ino about her stalker, Ino didn't leave her side. Now she finally had a chance to rest. She would not recommend 24/7 Ino to anyone who wanted to keep their sanity.
Neji and Shikamaru were also walking downtown. Shikamaru needed another box of cigarettes which was the reason for the detour. While Neji himself didn't like smoking, Shikamaru was an addict and needed it. Whatever made him happy was his prerogative. Neji really couldn't judge him on bad decisions anyway.
Neji waited outside the convenience store. He looked around and observed the town's people going about their business. During his week at Sakura's, he stayed locked in the house and didn't go out in hopes to keep himself in check. It was nice to just be outside. His eyes trailed a young couple in their early twenties as they passed by a boutique. Then he saw her. Tenten was leaning against the outside of the shop with her eyes closed. She seemed to be waiting for someone but was all alone.
Go get her.
Neji continued to watch her. His heart sped up just by seeing her. Two weeks without her and seeing her now drove him insane. It was unbearable, the need to have her with him, in his arms, her lips on his, her blood... Neji paused. Those weren't his thoughts…the monster was speaking again. He cast a glance toward the convenience store Shikamaru was in and estimated his time. He needed to see her now to sate him and the monster inside or else who knows what he might do.
He quickly crossed the street and walked a ways down until he was near her. Her eyes were still closed as he leaned against the wall space beside her. Her eyes fluttered over as she looked over at him.
Tenten felt her heart stop. He was just sitting there, looking at her curiously. Tenten didn't know how long he was standing beside her but she felt the tension building up in her shoulders. God, she had missed him. Just seeing him though, brought back his reject and Tenten wasn't really sure where they stood.
Neji watched her eyes and how they were filled with so many emotions; worry, fear, sadness, and unsureness. It made him feel like shit.
"It's...been awhile." Neji spoke.
Tenten nodded her head. "It has."
Neji missed talking to her. While she wasn't speaking to him happily, she was still speaking back and that was enough for him right now. "How have you been?" He inquired.
Tenten froze. Don't let give him any reason to think something is wrong, she couldn't let him know about what Kankuro had told her. "Fine." Tenten lied.
Neji's eyes narrowed slightly. He could tell she was lying. "Are you sure?" He pestered.
Tenten turned her body so that she was completely facing him. He could see right through her, shit. Well, maybe this was an opportunity to get answers. "I heard some stuff about you and your group." She stated shakily.
Neji frowned. "What about my 'group'?"
Tenten inwardly shrank back. "I heard you're dangerous and not normal, amongst other stuff."
Neji shook his head. "And what are you talking about?" He asked is a low voice. Where was all this coming from? Who had she heard this from?
Tenten's mouth went dry. She couldn't speak.
"Hyuga, let's go." Shikamaru barked across the street. Neji looked up and cursed.
"Another time." He murmured to Tenten as he joined Shikamaru.
"What were you doing?" Shikamaru asked as they started to walk towards the car.
"Just talking with her." Neji muttered.
"You do realize the whole reason you got into this mess was because you had talked with her, right?" Shikamaru groaned.
"She knows something." Neji said.
"What does she know?"
"I'm not sure, but we should tread carefully." Neji clarified.
"Shit, this won't be good." Shikamaru puffed on his cigarette in frustration.
"And you just said that to him?" Ino asked at the two approached Hinata's house. Ino was floating on a cloud of amazement and pride.
"Yeah...that was so stupid!" Tenten wailed, feeling the exact opposite of how Ino was feeling. "I shouldn't have said anything. I should have ignored him. Now he knows we are on to him!"
"Well there isn't any use worrying about it now." Ino patted Tenten on the shoulder. "Besides, now we can see if they start acting strange!" She then knocked on the front door. "Also, it was kind of awesome." She winked.
A few minutes later the door opened revealing the youngest Hyuga.
"Oh, it's you." Tenten muttered as her eyes fell on Hanabi.
"Hi, Hanabi!" Ino waved.
"Hey, Tenten." Hanabi opened the door wide letting them in. "...and Ino. Hinata is upstairs." She added Ino's name with a second thought.
Ino's smile fell and she stomped in. Tenten smirked and walked in, ruffling Hanabi's hair in the process. "Thanks, twerp."
The two teenagers walked up stairs, Ino complaining. "How the hell does she like you better than me?"
"You treat her like she is five." Tenten shrugged.
"So?"
"...she is thirteen."
"So I was a little off."
"By eight years."
"Whatever." Ino waved Tenten off as she tapped on Hinata's door. "Hinata! Open up!"
There was rustling and shuffling from the other side of the door and Tenten and Ino looked at each other confused. A minute later Hinata cracked open the door. She looked both ways down the hall before grabbed each of their arms and pulling them inside.
They were shoved in and the door was slammed behind. Ino blinked at the sight and Tenten narrowed her eyes. Lying on Hinata's bed was Naruto who writing on a few sheets of paper, his face screwed in concentration.
"What is Uzumaki doing here?" Ino accused with an underlying suggestive tone as she pointed to the offending person.
"Oi! I was here first!" Naruto pointed at Ino. "And we were doing homework, pervert!" He stuck his tongue out childishly at Ino who reciprocated the action. It was really hard to believe this guy could be considered dangerous when he acted so…childish.
Tenten just shook her head. "Sure you were. Good bye, Naruto." Tenten suggested with her eyes flicking towards the window out.
"Oh, right girl time." Naruto made a face as he packed up his papers. "Bye, Ino, Tenten," Naruto hugged Hinata and kissed her. "See you later, Hinata." He whispered to her before pecking her on the lips again.
"B-Bye, Naruto-kun." She mumbled as he climbed out her window.
Ino looked like she was going to cry tears of joy while Tenten watched Naruto climb out the window skeptically.
"You guys are so cute!" Ino gushed once Naruto was gone.
"T-Thanks…" Hinata said awkwardly. Hinata really wanted to tell them what Naruto had told her the other week but she had promised to keep it a secret. She never kept secrets well and especially from her friends. They knew everything, including all her tells.
"No like seriously, you two are like perfect for each other. I wouldn't be surprised if your babies-"
"Ino!" Tenten exclaimed.
Ino looked over at Tenten and her eyes filled with realization. "Oh, right. Sorry."
Hinata's blush disappeared and was replaced by a frown. "W-What have you two been u-up too?"
"Training." Ino said easily as she sat beside Hinata.
Tenten was about the smack her. "Studying, she means."
"Oh, I see." Hinata looked down. "S-Sorry I've been busy lately. Our schedules haven't really m-matched up for a while. T-Things have been busy with family and N-Naruto-kun and school."
Tenten felt bad. Poor Hinata felt left out but she wouldn't understand. Even if she did, Naruto would cause a conflict one way or another. "You're fine, we've been busy too."
"Yeah! You won't believe it-" Ino laughed.
Tenten smacked Ino this time, promptly shutting up the blonde. "Ino!"
"W-What are you two t-talking about?"
Ino and Tenten shared a surprised look. "Don't worry about Hinata, Ino is just being stupid."
Hinata looked down at her knees. "Y-You guys can tell m-me anything."
Tenten sat down beside her as well. "I know it's just-"
"Aw, come on, Tennie, can't we tell her? What's the worst that will happen?" Ino begged.
Tenten gave Ino a stubborn look but sighed. "Ino, don't do this."
Ino bit her lips. She didn't think it was right to keep Hinata out of the loop. It was best if she knew so that she could be careful. Hell, she would be a better informant with her dating one of their suspects. "But-"
"It would be easier to protect her." Tenten cut Ino off as she thought out loud.
"Protect me from what?" Hinata asked confused.
Ino licked her lips. "Well, your boyfriend might be a murderer."
"Ino!" Tenten yelped. Ino really didn't have any tack.
Hinata frowned. "A murderer?"
Tenten cleared her throat. "Not a murderer per say, just dangerous."
Hinata stiffened. They couldn't possibly know what Naruto was…could they. "What kind of dangerous?" Hinata frowned.
Ino and Tenten shared a long look. "It's crazy but," Tenten started.
"The kind of dangerous that," Ino picked up.
"Gets people killed." Ino and Tenten mumbled together. Hinata felt her heart stop.
It was midnight and just like any other night, Sakura found herself walking around the edge of the lake. The moon reflected across the smooth surface like a mirror. Sakura would normally dip her feet in the waters but she didn't want to break the surface. This was her quiet place and as much as she hated this place, she loved it. It would always be hers and the memories there were ones she hated but cherished as well.
After a week of constant company from Neji, coming to her special spot was a welcomed luxury. Just simply being alone was refreshing after having Neji around. It wasn't that he was annoying and attention hogging, it was just exhausting having to play host. Usually, when she was forced to watch the boys, she did it from afar.
"Ah, you are a pretty little flower." A silky voice cooed. "Kabuto was right about you."
Sakura spun around to face the person who had spoken, not expecting there to be another sole at the lake at such an hour. She blinked as she saw a man with long black hair and golden snake eyes. He was smiling maliciously at her and she felt nervous. Only a handful of people could do that to her and he was by far the worst.
Even though fear was trailing up her spine, Sakura remained silent. "Oh, Kabuto mentioned that you were a shy little one. Let me introduce myself. I'm called Orochimaru." He smiled. The snake, Sakura thought to herself. It was the same man that was causing Itachi problems. He was even more dangerous than Sakura initially thought as she observed him and listened to him talk.
"Oh, you seem to recognize my name, right Sakura?" Sakura's swallowed hard. He knew her name, probably from that Kabuto. "Itachi-san must have told you about me. Well, don't worry; I'm not as bad as he says I am. It's really all a matter of perceptive."
Sakura begged to differ but still didn't speak.
Orochimaru took a step towards Sakura and she remained rooted in her spot. "You are a brave little girl, aren't you? You must have gone through a lot in your past life; I can only imagine what Itachi was able to do for you. That must mean you are something to him, something special right?" Orochimaru took another step closer. There was five foot barrier between the two. "He probably cares a lot about you. It would be a shame if something were to in fact happen to you." Sakura took a step back. Orochimaru smirked at this. "Scared? Don't be. You have nothing to worry about dearie, I need you around still. If I do anything drastic, Itachi-san won't even consider negotiations on our deal."
"What deal?" Sakura finally spoke.
"You have a pretty little voice, like an angel's" Orochimaru took two quick steps forward. "But it looks like Itachi-san doesn't trust you enough. I offered him a deal, he turned it down. Rest assure though, I will get what I want, even if I have to rip it from him." Orochimaru took another step forward and Sakura took one back and jumped as she made contact with the water behind her. The surface of the water was cracking now and so was her mask. Fear was beginning to show.
"I keep saying don't worry, I won't hurt you too much." Orochimaru smirked. Sakura felt something by her legs and looked down to see two black and brown stripped water moccasins wrapping around her legs. She didn't dare move as one coiled around her calf as the other made its way up her leg, past her thigh and rested its head on her hip bone. "Don't worry, the bite of a water moccasin doesn't kill you, but I imagine it would be rather painful. No, the black mamba is what you should worry about." Orochimaru gestured toward Sakura's leg. She hastily looked down to see another snake, an olive brownish color, slithered up her leg, around her stomach until it was loosely wrapped around her neck. "That one can kill a normal person, but I don't know about you. I guess we will have to wait and see. These are Kabuto's. He is a scientist and he uses them for tests. I imagine that they have also been mutated so it's hard to say what will happen."
As if on cue, all three snakes attacked at the same time; one bit behind her knee, another piercing her hip and the last on her collar bone.
The pain was immediate and Sakura feel to the ground with a strangled cry. She limbs seized and she couldn't move, paralyzed by fear or pain, probably both. The impacted caused the snakes to bite again, then again, and they continued on their frenzy, piercing her skin in different places. The venom felt like fire burning and melting her veins as it traveled quickly through her body. The areas she was being bitten at felt as if they had been burnt by hot wires that pieced her skin and then were roughly torn out, breaking the skin.
"Now, Sakura let me let you in on a little secret of mine." Orochimaru kneeled down beside her with a small sinister smile. "I am going to get what I want, even if I have to rip it out of Itachi's cold, lifeless, hands, got it?"
Sasuke sat beside Naruto in the basement. Itachi wanted to call a meeting a discuss something of importance to them. Neji and Shikamaru had arrived and joined them although it was a little tense. Itachi didn't seem to notice as he stood up.
Sasuke still hadn't spilled Naruto's secret and kept pestering the dobe on what he was going to do, but nothing had changed yet. Sasuke wasn't sure what to worry about first. Naruto telling Hinata about them, Neji harassing some innocent girl, Sakura disappearing from sight, Shikamaru's depression, Itachi's snake problem. It was becoming too much to bear.
"Alright, everyone listen up." Itachi called over everyone. The room silenced immediately. "It's time we starting acting as a unit. Our enemies are piling up, victim numbers are increasing, and we are scattering. We have to pull together and keep a low profile. That means, no more drinking unless it is absolutely necessary."
"What the fuck, Itachi." Hidan growled from the back. His eyes glaring at Itachi's.
Itachi's face darkened. "We have a new predator on the loose. One that wants us gone. They will be our downfall if we all keep fucking up. For now, you go drinking as a group. Stay together and no more of this lone wolf act." Itachi stared at the four younger boys. "Does everyone understand?"
"Where is Sakura?" Zetsu hissed from the couch, mentioning their classic lone wolf.
Itachi narrowed his eyes. "I'm not sure…"
"I'm sure she is fine." Sasori muttered. "She is tough enough to handle most."
Itachi nodded his head. "Just in case, I'll go check on her."
"No." Sasuke stood up as narrowed his eyes at his older brother. "I'll do it."
Itachi raised an eyebrow at his brother. "Really now?"
Sasuke curtly nodded his head. He didn't trust his brother around Sakura, plus he knew where she was already. She only ever went to school, her home, and that damn lake in her free time.
"We'll go with." Shikamaru sighed as he stood up, yanking Naruto and Neji up as well. He met Itachi's eyes. "No more lone wolf act."
"Alright." Itachi sat down in his arm chair. "If you're not back in an hour Deidara and Sasori will come looking for you."
"Your turn!" Sakura exclaimed grinning as she clapped her hands together. She was sitting in her boyfriend's bed. It was raining outside and they couldn't go to their spot in the park. They were laying together rattling off questions to each other.
"Favorite month." He murmured into her hair.
"July." She answered simply. "You?"
"March." He answered without hesitation.
"Okay, favorite color." Sakura fired watching him carefully. For the most part, she already knew the answers to these questions but she was curious to see if any had changed since they had been together.
"Black." He stated.
"That's not a color!" Sakura accused sticking her tongue at him.
"…a very dark blue." He smirked at her frown. "You?"
"Red." She shrugged.
"Favorite animal." He asked.
"Bears." She grinned at his confused face. Bears were powerfully, strong, and beautiful. She just loved them. "What about you?"
"Snakes." He grinned amused at her face.
"Oh, hell no! This isn't going to work out between us." Sakura shook her head, putting her arms between them to create distance.
"Why?" He asked entertained.
"I hate snakes." She hissed venomously.
"Are you scared of them?" He smirked.
"No! They are just slimy and gross and slithery and just disgusting!" Sakura stuck her tongue out childishly.
"Then what are you afraid off?" He asked quietly as he watched her carefully.
"…death." She murmured looking down at her hands. "Just the ending of life, something so beautiful and bright." She blinked a little bit before looking at him and tilting her head to the side. "What about you?"
"…absolute isolation." He whispered. "There is nothing and no one around. Just complete darkness."
"You don't have to worry about that because you have me at least." Sakura mumbled with a small blush as she looked up at him shyly.
"And you don't have to worry about death because I won't let that happen." He vowed with a hint of a smirk as he pulled her closer to him.
Sakura grinned. "Now favorite food!"
Hello! Thank you all for reading and the wonderful reviews! You all are amazing! See you next time and please review!