The next few days were crazy busy with school work and with all the stuff going on in personal lives. Hazuki was starting to understand why the adults pushed not to get into a relationship and she didn't even have one. However, that didn't mean she didn't deal with the bull that goes in that department. Sakura finally noticed the things Karin was pulling and they were now in a 'war of wits' as Sakura called it. To Hazuki it was a nice way of saying they were pull stupid pranks like you would see in a mean girl's type of movie. Hazuki cared about Sakura but once it got to that point she tried to stay out of it. That type of stuff didn't fly with her but if it came down to it she would still back Sakura. The rest if the girl's had the same feelings besides Ino. She was all for it and at times seemed to instigate it. The boys from Karin's group, along with Karin, were still pulling their creepy starting at lunch. Then on top of that Reika was still waiting on a moment to talk to Kiba and Hazuki was once again trying to figure out how to be towards Shikamaru.
One day during lunch the group met in 3C to have lunch. Since the weather was starting to get cold this was their new spot. They pushed a few desks together and gathered around them. Hazuki sighted as she thought of everything that was going on while Sakura and Ino bitched about Karin. Kiba, Naruto and now Lee and Sasuke were glaring at the trio that was seated a few rows away from them. It just seemed like things were really getting negative within the group. Everyone was always so miserable, stressed and drained. All the school work didn't help either. Hazuki was lost in thought thinking all this when Shikamaru nudged her making her jump. He asked why she was so spacey. As she went to answer an idea popped in her head out of nowhere.
"Why don't we all go to a bathhouse or a hot spring!" It was more of a statement than a question.
"That was random." Shikamaru and the others were looking at her odd due to her sudden outburst.
"Sorry I didn't mean it to sound so random," She looked around at her friends. "We're all just sitting here bitching or moping. Plus its getting cold out and we haven't done something together in a while.
Everyone seemed really into the idea so they made plans to go after school. Sakura called and made a reservation for a room for a few hours so they could have dinner before heading home. The atmosphere around the group lightens as lunch ends, they clean up and they head back to class.
It didn't take the girls long to get cleaned up and head out to the natural hot spring. They could still here the boys bickering over this and that.
"They're going to get kicked out if they down knock it off," Sakura wrapped a towel around herself.
The others agreed and laughed as they all stopped to listen to the boys. After a few moments of enjoyment they headed outside to the hot spring. Through the sliding doors was a wooden fence surrounding the area with lanterns and bushes lining it. The hot spring sat in the back of the yard in front of the rock mountain face. There was a row of small rocks surrounding the water and steam was streaming into the cold air. There was a little wooden deck the girls were standing on as soon as you made your way out the door but it was soon replaced with cold smooth rock flooring. The girls quickly made their way to the water to get off the freezing floor. The water was hot but inviting from the coldness outside. It made Hazuki's skin tinkle as each girl found a place to sit and relax while they chatted.
Ino leaned her head back and placed her wash cloth over her eyes. "It's so nice and quiet."
"Enjoy it now because it won't be like this once the boys get out into theirs," Sakura followed Ino in suit.
Hinata was still being shy so Reika and Hazuki were telling her it was fine and Tenten just sighed as every muscle in her body relaxed.
Most of the time they were quiet each lost in thought as they relaxed in the hot water. Hazuki sunk into the water up to her mouth and just enjoyed the hot water. She was so happy she thought of this. It was very much needed. However, their tranquil time was cut short as soon as the boys made their way out to the men's side of the hot springs.
"Well there goes that. I thought we might get a little more time." Sakura took her wash cloth off her face and sat up.
"Well it could be worse," Hinata started but there was a huge splash and loud laughter.
The girls still tried to make the best of it but once they would start to relax there would be another splash then loud laughter.
"The next time we come here let's do it without them," Reika nodded towards the boy's direction.
The others agreed. They complained a little more about the boys and then chatted about random things. They were trying making the best out of the situation. When all of the sudden the boys became extremely quiet which put the girls on alert.
"What are they up to?" Sakura whispered.
"I'm not sure." Ino sat up and answered.
"Do you think they could have just gotten out?" Tenten said as she sank deeper into the water.
All the girls had the same thing on their mind. The boys were trying to find a way to peek.
"I really don't think they would be okay with their friends seeing their girlfriend naked," Hazuki was trying to give them some credit but she knew she probably shouldn't.
The others just gave her a look.
"Really I know for a fact Naruto and Kiba are at the top of the list. Sorry Hinata, Reika," Sakura looked at both friends in turn.
Hinata just nodded as she blushed and Reika just gave her an 'I know' look.
"Well what are we going to do just sit here and whisper about it?" Hazuki raised her eyebrow.
Before anyone could answer they hear Naruto yell as he fell over the fence dividing the two hot springs. They all looked over in the direction to see him lying on his head, wearing only a towel around his waist, with Kiba and Lee peeping over the top of the fence. They were looking down at the friend they dropped, then slowly up at the girls and then slowly disappeared behind the fence. Everyone started yelling at once, and Sakura was throwing her bath items at Naruto as he stumbled and fell making his way out of the yard. Hazuki just sat back the entire time laughing.
After all of the commotion there was no getting back to a relaxed bath. Everyone got dressed and met in the lobby where Sakura, Ino, Tenten and Reika were hitting and cursing at the boys. Neji was the only boy yelling at the other boys because of how embarrassed Hinata was. Again Hazuki stood back and laughed as she was nonchalantly joined by Shikamaru and Choji.
"I take it neither of you had anything to do with this?" Hazuki looked at both the boys knowing full well they were both in on it. They just lucked out because they were good at laying low.
They both looked away and answered like they didn't know what she was talking about. She couldn't see Shikamaru's face but she did catch Choji blushing.
"Yeah that's what I thought." She looked back at the rest of their friends.
Hazuki, Shikamaru and Choji let the scene go on for a little longer before they broke it up. Once everyone was calmed down they headed up the room Sakura booked for them to have dinner. Inside the traditional styled room was a huge meal laid out on the table. There was Shinsyu beef, grilled freshwater fish, miso soup with fresh mushrooms, salad and a few other items. Everyone gathered around and started eating.
"This is really good," Naruto said with a full mouth.
"Don't talk while your mouth is full idiot," Sakura punched him in the arm.
Naruto yelped and made a face while the others laughed.
Changing the subject "It was a real good idea to come here," Tenten looked over at Hazuki.
Everyone else agreed. After a few minutes Hazuki got up to use the bathroom. On her way back to the room she saw Shikamaru standing at the end of the hallway. He was leaning against the wall, his hands behind his head, looking up at the ceiling. When he noticed her he dropped his arms and turned to face her.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" He asked.
"Yeah sure what's going on?" Hazuki made her way to stand in front of him.
"Has Choji talked to you yet…about how he felt?" Shikamaru didn't think and just let blurted it out.
"Oh that yeah. Why do you ask?" Hazuki was a little taken back. This was really out of the blue.
"No reason just wondering. So what happened?" He was trying to be nonchalant.
"Nothing we talked and everything is fine." They were both silent for a few minutes. "What's going on what are you trying to get at?"
Shikamaru could hear the annoyance in her voice. So he just came right out with it. "What was your answer?"
Hazuki wasn't expecting him to be that direct with whatever he was going to come off with. So it took her a few minutes to gather herself.
"That I care about him just not that way."
Shikamaru was silently relieved.
"Why did you need to know that?" She wanted him to say something defendant plus she was getting annoyed with this game.
"Because I just did," Shikamaru answered quickly.
"That's at copout. I'm going back to the room," She started pass him.
Without thinking Shikamaru grabbed her arm. When she turned around ready to yell at him he pulled her into an embrace and impulsively kissed her. Hazuki's brain didn't have time to register what was going on but her body reacted without her say so. It was as if it was natural. As he pulled her closer the kiss deepened. It was filled with wanting, frustration and was more intense than their first. It lasted until they needed to breathe.
Shikamaru released his hold on her and took a steep back. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that." He started towards the room.
He was embarrassed by what he did but he also enjoyed it. He didn't know what she was going to say so he needed to get away before he made the situation worse. Hazuki was still a little light headed but no way was he going to kiss her and walk away like that. So she grabbed his arm. He stopped and turned to face her.
"You can't kiss me like that and just walk away. Especially when you chose to do this here and now," Hazuki looked straight at him.
"I said I was sorry. I don't want to make this anymore awkward for either of us."
"Seriously? This isn't the first time this has happened." Hazuki took a deep breath because she knew she was probably going to regret the next thing she said. "There is obviously something here even if neither of us is willing to admit it, but I know our friendship can't keep going if we don't figure this out."
Hazuki let his arm go. They were silent just looking at each other. Each trying to figure out what the other was thinking.
Shikamaru spoke first. "I know, so what do you suppose we do? Start dating?"
Hazuki couldn't tell if he was joking or being serious.
"I was thinking maybe start with admitting there is something here."
"Well can you really stand there and say, that right at this moment you can look me straight in the eye and tell me how you feel? Because I think I know you well enough to say you won't. Just like you know I won't." He took a step towards her. "I know I'm sure how you feel after this. Just like I'm sure you know how I feel unless you need me to show you again." He was getting back a little of his cockiness.
"No you don't and your right, but I need to go a little slower than full-blown dating. I have some things I'm working out so why don't we just see what happens before we tell anyone."
Shikamaru was curious about what she was working out; he didn't want to push it because he knew all about working things out all too well. This was not what either of them was expecting to happen. All of it seemed like it was happening really fast, even though everyone knew it was overdue. Plus there was also Choji.
"And I don't want to hurt Choji." Shikamaru added.
"Neither do I. He just confessed his feeling I want to make sure he's really okay."
"Same here however it's not like he's blind to it. He told me to stop being so stubborn about you, but I know what you mean," Shikamaru gave his half smile/smirk.
"He said the same thing to me." They both quietly laughed, each of them picturing their encounter with their friend.
"So then we just keep this to ourselves until we know where it's going."
"Yep." Hazuki agreed.
"Good." Shikamaru lightly grabbed Hazuki's chin, pulled her to him and kissed her sweetly. "I think I'm going to like knowing I can do that when I want."
Hazuki gave him a look then they both smiled at each other. Hazuki was excited and happy. However, she was also terrified. She knew that was normal for a new relationship but she had another reason to be scared. She let the fear drift away and Shikamaru grabbed her hand and they headed back to their friends.
The trip to the hot springs did wonders for everyone even with the trick the boys tried. Sakura, Ino and the boys were letting the trio not bother them as much. Hazuki didn't have to worry about problems with Shikamaru or Choji. However, it was harder than she thought it would be hiding the fact that her relationship with Shikamaru was different now. Reika was the only one who really knew and only because she noticed something was different. Two days later she picked right up that something was different and corned Hazuki. Not letting her go until she admitted what happened. However, the best thing that came out of it was Reika was able to get Kiba to talk to her about what had been going on between them.
It was a few days after the hot spring trip. Reika stood back waiting for everyone to head inside the classroom after lunch. It had been pretty good between her and Kiba but she knew they still needed to talk. There were only a few more kids before Kiba would reach the door. He was talking loudly with Naruto and almost jumped when Reika grabbed his arm. He looked over to see his nervous girlfriend. Her orange red eyes told him she needed to tell him something and he really didn't want to have this conversation again. Things were okay at the moment. However, he told Naruto he would see him inside and turned to Reika.
"Kiba…we need to talk," Reika let go of his arm.
"Please Reika not this again."
"We have to talk about it regardless if you want to be a child about it." Her nervousness was turning into anger.
Kiba looked down at his girlfriend and knew she was standing her ground this time. He was also tired of all of this.
He sighed in defeat. "Fine my mom is gone for a few days so come home with me after school and well talk then."
He then turned and headed into the classroom. Reika stood there for a few minutes shocked that it was that easy.
After school Reika called her dad to tell him she was going over to Hazuki's to study. She hated lying to her dad but there was no way he was going to let her go over her boyfriend's house with no supervision. She made sure to let Hazuki know the plan and everyone said their goodbyes. Reika, Kiba and a few others heading to the train for the rest of the trip home. It felt like the shortest trip ever for both Reika and Kiba. Both of them were nervous and unsure how to act towards each other.
Kiba's house was two-story high. It had a traditional feel and had modern look. The house was huge but the land it sat on you could fit about five of his houses on it. Most of the room was for Akamaru and Kiba's mothers Great Pyrenees named Kuromaru. He was a lot bigger and meaner looking than Akamaru. Probably due to the fact that he had a wolfish appearance with black fur and a white underside and he was missing his right eye and left ear. From what Kiba had told Reika when Kuromaru was a pup he would get out a lot and start fights with bigger dogs. As they reached the door you could hear the two dogs barking like crazy from sensing Kiba coming home. When he opened the door Akamaru jumped up on him, licking his face and almost knocked him over. When Akamaru was done with Kiba he did the same to Reika. Kiba headed to the back door to let the two dogs out. While they were outside he filled their bowls with food and the entire time he didn't say a word. Reika just stood back and watched him. Great so this is how it's going to be. She thought pouting a little bit.
Once the dogs were taken care of he motioned for Reika to follow him. Neither of them was saying a word, while they headed up the stairs, the few turns and hallways it took to his room. Every time Reika was there she felt like she was going to get lost. Kiba opened his door and headed into the mess he called his bedroom. Reika was used to it and found a small spot on his bed. He quickly straightened up by shoving things into the closet and under the bed. After the room looked half way descent he sat down next her only leaving enough room for two more people. They were still sitting there quiet and lost in thought.
Kiba was staring at nothing in particular as he broke the silence. "I know what you're going to say and it's really okay. I've been a jerk and it's not fair for me to be like this, if you're not ready. I don't want us to keep bickering like we've been."
Reika looked over at him, watched his cheeks get red and hid a chuckle. It didn't happen often so when she was able to make him blush it was amusing.
"Thanks for admitting you're been a jerk and everything. But I am ready. I was just scared I guess but now I'm not," Reika was now blushing as she looked away.
Kiba was shocked and excited at the same time. He tried to hide it but he didn't do a good job with it. "Really?!" He practically jumped off the bed causing Reika to look at him.
"Sorry I didn't expect that," He sat back down and took Reika's hand. "Are you really sure because I really am fine with it."
"Yes I'm sure or I wouldn't have said so and I'm sorry too I shouldn't have done what I did. Just know that it was never planned. I wanted to but we would get so far." Kiba cut her off with a deep wanting kiss.
Reika almost instantly went with and her stomach filled with butterflies.
As the kiss deepened and became more urgent Kiba pushed her back onto the bed. He lightly kissed down her neck which made Reika let out a small moan. He chuckled at her reaction as her body yielded under his gentle caresses and kisses, his body also responding to hers. It wasn't much longer before they both thoughtlessly pulled at each other's clothing until it was skin on skin. They both kissed each other urgently because neither could hold back any longer. The only sound was their ragged breath as Kiba slowly thrust himself inside causing them both to moan. Kiba looked down at Reika and asked if she was okay as he pushed her bangs off her sweaty forehead. She nodded and he passionately kissed her. He then grabbed hold of her waist and started to speed up his pace as they both moved in sync with each other.
Later that night Hazuki was finishing up some homework when her phone went off making her jump.
"Dammit," She yelled as she picked up her phone and saw it was Reika.
Hazuki was planning on yelling at her but Reika beat her to getting the first word in. "OH MY GOD it happened and it so much better than what I imagined, I don't know what I was scared about!" Reika happily yelled.
Hazuki knew exactly what her friend was talking about. She couldn't help but imagine Reika running through yellowed flowed hills. Just like Julie Andrews from The Sound of Music in the dress, singing and all.
"What's so funny? This is something important," Reika's voice changed from ridiculously happy to the bottom being knocked out.
"No, no I wasn't laughing at you a random thought popped in my head and I couldn't help but laugh, but that's awesome I'm happy you fixed things and you're happy." Hazuki tried to change the subject which worked.
Reika went into a little more detail about their talk and the other things that happed but those details were left to the imagination. They talked until Reika reached her house and they said goodbye. Hazuki went back to her homework then got ready for bed.
Christmas was there before you knew it. Hazuki wasn't use to it not being as big a deal in Japan as it was in America. However, her grandmother put a tree up and they each got one another a present. Normally the couples would have made plans for a romantic night but the group decided to make it a group thing. Like normal they went to Naruto's. They did the traditional Kentucky Fried Chicken dinner and a Christmas cake on Christmas Eve. It was fun and relaxing for a change. Everyone was in good mood due to the holidays. Shikamaru even made time for Hazuki and him to have a minute alone so he could give her a simple but pretty bracelet. It was made out of tiny shiny black beads and a tiny silver star charm that dangled between two beads.
"Thank you I love it," She admired the bracelet as he slipped onto her wrist.
He blushed. "I thought you might," Shikamaru gave her his half smile.
"Here's yours," Hazuki handed him a small box wrapped in green wrapping paper and a red bow on top.
Shikamaru opened the package then the lid of the box underneath. Inside was a black rope with a King shogi piece turned into a necklace. He laughed as he pulled it out to look at it.
"I figured that since we become close because of the game it would be cute," Hazuki was now blushing. "You don't have to wear it."
"Are you kidding it's the King. Of course I'm going to wear it." He pulled the rope over his head then pulled Hazuki into the kiss.
Over the next week everyone was busy getting ready for the New Year. There was a lot of house cleaning and cleansing for the New Year. Wreaths made of rice straw and talismans were hung on house doors along with Kadmoatus made out of pine and bamboo on both sides. Hazuki's grandmother put a maneki neko, a lucky cat statue, out on the bookshelf in the living room, made mochi into a kagami mochi for display and picked out Nengajō n, New Year`s cards with her granddaughter, to send to friends and family.
New Year's Eve Hazuki's grandmother made Toshikoshi Soba for dinner. Which is a hot soup made of mirin and soy sauce for a broth and buckwheat soba noodles. Her grandmother garnished it with spring onions and fish cake. After dinner they watched Kōhaku Uta Gassen. A music show that aired once a year on New Year's, the show divides popular music artist of the year into two teams. Female on one team and males on the other, the two teams then compete and at the end its judged by the audience and a panel for a winning team. Round midnight the shine bells start up. Right before the sun is about to rise everyone gathers outside to watch it and to pray for health and wellbeing for the new year. As everyone is saying goodbye and heading inside Shikamaru pulls Hazuki to the side of his house to steal a New Year's kiss.
The following day Hazuki and her grandmother met up with Hazuki's friends and family and they all headed to the local shrine. They all waited in line to ring the bell and pray. Afterwards as the parents talked Hazuki and the group went to buy an omikuji fortune. It was written on a thin roll of paper with a scale from great blessing to ill luck. Along with the scale there was a detailed explanation concerning health, love, money and so on.
Everyone compared their fortune and laughed. Hazuki and Shikamaru just looked at each other when they both saw they had high luck in love. However, Hazuki didn't like the fact that Shikamaru's health said to watch it and he just blew it off. When everyone got home most had traditional o-sechi foods, which are considered lucky to eat. Hazuki helped her grandmother make two bento boxes filled with hardboiled eggs, fishcakes, green vegetables, lotus root and spiny lobster. Hazuki really enjoyed the full traditional Japanese New Years. In America it was always a mixture of Japanese's and American. Which was fine but this was nice for a change.
There were only a few days left to winter vacation when one morning Hazuki screamed as she sat straight up in bed. She was soaked in a cold sweat as tears streamed down her face. She brought both her hands up to her face as she tried to calm down. Within a few seconds her grandmother came rushing into the room concern written all over her face.
"ZuZu what's wrong are you okay," Mameha asked as she rushed to the side of her bed.
Hazuki looked up whipping her eyes with the back of her hand as she nodded. "It was only a bad dream. I'm fine you can go back to bed."
Her grandmother's faces soften as she kissed the top of her head. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"I can't even remember what it was about," She forced a smile.
Mameha nodded and left the room. She was still concerned. Her granddaughter hadn't woken up screaming from a dream in a long time, but she knew her well enough not to push the issues. So all she could do was give her space and go back to bed.
Hazuki waited until she heard her grandmother walk down the hallway before she let the tears flow freely again. She didn't want her grandmother to worry but she couldn't hold them back. Why now?! Why did this stupid dream again. I thought I was finally getting over this. She thought as she noticed the black beaded bracelet on her wrist. The thought of Shikamaru made her feel better but tears started to roll down her cheeks regardless. When she was all cried out she glanced over at her panda clock and saw it was a little after five. She knew she wasn't going to go back to sleep so she decided to get dressed and go for a run. Even thought it was cold out most of the snow from the last storm was melted which was perfect timing. Hazuki quietly put on her running shoes and headed out the door.
As she picked up speed her mind started to clear. At first she was cold but as her heart started to beat faster the cold morning air felt good. As she headed home the sun was starting to rise. The dark sky was turning different shades of blues, purples, pinks and oranges. She watched the beautiful colors mix and blend together like paint when an artist was blending them together. After a minute she headed inside. After her shower she heard her grandmother in the kitchen making breakfast. She got dressed and joined Mameha.
It was around three thirty when Hazuki got a text from Shikamaru asking her if she wanted to come over for a shogi game. She started at the text for a while deciding what to do. She was still in a weird mood from the dream but she did want to see him. After a few more minutes she deicide on the latter. It wasn't going to help just sitting around.
Shikamaru could tell there was something wrong but Hazuki wasn't saying anything so he figured it was something she didn't want to talk about. However, as the game went on she seemed further and further away. When she made an obviously stupid mistake she would never do he finally couldn't keep quite.
"What's up? You would never make a move like that. What's bothering you?"
Hazuki looked up surprised. "I'm just tired. I didn't sleep well last night." She looked back down at the board her hands in her lap.
"I know you better than that," He tried to not sound sarcastic. He didn't like that there was something obviously wrong and she wouldn't talk to him.
"I'm fine." She gave him a look to drop it.
"You look like you could burst into tears at any moment. I don't like to see you like this," Shikamaru moved closer and tried to reach for her.
She moved away. "I told you I'm fine."
Shikamaru tried not to show that her action kind of hurt him. He knew something was wrong but she wouldn't let him fix it. Hazuki was now starting to get annoyed when she knew there was no reason but she couldn't help it. She was starting to regret coming over.
"I'm sorry. I'm just worried. I've never seen you like this before."
"I get that but when you don't want to talk about something it's dropped. You don't need to know everything." Her words were filled with venom.
"Okay fine whatever. I'm just trying to help you. You don't have to bite my head off. If you want to be a miserable bitch maybe you should just go home." As the words left his mouth he wanted to grab them out of the air.
He would never say anything that mean to her. She was just being so stubborn that it pissed him off so he wasn't thinking. He watched as the anger on her face turn to hurt and back to anger. He was waiting to get hit but it didn't come.
"I don't have to take this shit from you." She grabbed her hoodie and stormed out the door.
She could hear him yelling after her but she acted like she didn't. Angry, sad, annoyed tears rolled down her face as she reached the dirt road.
The nice sunny day turned dark, cloudy and threating to rain. It was as if the weather was following Hazuki's mood. She was to mad to go home so she headed down the road towards school. As she rushed down the street the grey clouds opened up and poured waves of cold needles that stung any exposed skin. Hazuki wasn't paying attention where she was heading so when she looked up and saw she was in the middle of the small shopping district she was taken back.
Hazuki was almost soaking wet when she spotted the cute little café that she frequented with the girls. She rushed over and made her way inside the warm small room. The aroma of coffee is thick in the air as Hazuki headed towards the counter to get an almond latte. She found a little table by the window out of the way and warmed her hands on the warm cup. She watched the rain fall as people rushed to find somewhere dry. Hazuki was lost in thought when the door chimed and she nonchalantly looked up. Her stomach dropped when she saw Temari walk in. This is the last thing I need right now. Hazuki frowned as she pulled her hood down over her face. She was pretty sure the other girl didn't notice her so once the rain let up even a little bit she was out.
Hazuki tried to watch where she was going but there was no way it wouldn't look obvious. So she gave up and started to repeat to be invisible to herself. Hoping she wouldn't be noticed. However, her luck was not that good and Temair walked right over to her. Coffee in one of the hands she put up in a surrender motion.
"I'm not here to start with you. I come in peace. Can I sit I actually want to apologize to you," Temair's words stunned Hazuki so the only thing she could think to do was nod.
Both girls were silent as they started at each other.
"I know I've been a nasty bitch to you and some of the things are unforgivable but I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am." She bowed her head. "And tell you that you won't ever have to worry about me in any way again… I was just so hurt and angry I wasn't thinking straight. I took it out on you when you didn't even have anything to do with it." She took a sip from her cup.
Hazuki was letting all of it sink in. She was trying to figure out the girl's motive but she was coming up empty. She was just too mentally drained.
"So you want a truce," Hazuki pulled her hood down and sat up.
"Yeah I guess that's what I want."
"I'm fine with that."
Temari smiled and Hazuki forced one. She expected Temari to say okay see you around or something and leave but she didn't. Instead she took another sip from her cup and looked comfortable. After a few minutes of silence Temari spoke.
"So why are you here all alone looking miserable?"
"I'm not miserable. I just needed time to myself." Hazuki lied. Temari was the last person she was going to tell her problems too especially if it involved Shikamaru.
"Shikamaru is starting to show is true colors isn't he," It was more of a statement than a question and that was the last thing (besides what just happened) she expected out of her mouth.
Hazuki jumped to the defensive. "What are you trying to get at?"
"Sorry I know this sounds wrong but Shikamaru does this thing were your close and it's great but then he gets in a mood and gets distance. He won't say a word but he'll become mean in a way. But on the other hand he wants to know everything that involves you. It's a fight if he thinks your hiding something." She stopped for a moment as if playing things over in her head. "Then at times he's different. He's sweet and flirty and sometimes romanced while acting like he's embarrassed over cute things." She couldn't help the little smile that crept onto her lips. Hazuki was not amused. "He uses that 'sweet talk' of his and you always have to be a few steps ahead of him. He's always strategizing in his head on how to control and manipulate everything. It was more work being his girlfriend then anything. But I already had feelings for him before I saw any of this…I was just hoping that hasn't happened to you yet."
Everything that Temari was saying did fit Shikamaru but Hazuki never looked at him like that. However, how could she really believe a girl who always tried to start fights with her over something that wasn't true? Plus Hazuki was finally starting to move on and she really liked Shikamaru. There was something about him that drew her to him. To hear all of this about him was like a punch in the stomach even if she didn't believe it. We only had a stupid fight. That's all it was right? She thought. It would be her luck though that she would finally open up to a guy only to find out she was being used in whatever game he played in his head. But he's not like that most of his moods are because of her. Temari interrupted Hazuki's mental argument with herself.
"From the look on your face I can tell I'm right. And I'm sorry I was the one to tell you all of this. I know it doesn't look good because of our past and I don't think I can ever say I'm sorry enough times. But anyway I know his friends aren't going to say anything and I just don't want to see someone else go through what I did. However, you're a big girl and can make her own decisions, I'm just trying to give advice from experience," Temari pushed her damp bangs out of her face.
Hazuki just stared at the pretty blonde girl sitting in front of her. She was trying to decide wither to believe Temari or not. She felt so confused and hated the fact that Temari was even making her double guess him.
"Why should I believe any of this, you have nothing to gain by 'helping me out'. Even with you saying you're sorry it's hard to believe you would have a sudden change of heart. And then there's the fact that his friends are also mine. I know they wouldn't be friends with someone like that," Hazuki's eyes narrowed at Temari.
The more the girl spoke the less Hazuki believed her. She knew her friends and Shikamaru even if he was being an ass right now. The look of concern Temari had plastered on her face never wavered. She's a good actress. Hazuki thought.
"I thought they were my friends too. I was really close to Choji and Ino. I know the whole group my brothers and me would go to karaoke and everything. So do you really think they're going to betray someone who they have known their whole lives?" Temari stopped for a minute for that to sink in before continuing. "Really though I don't want to see anyone go through what I did. It wasn't fun. I'm trying to be the bigger person because I know how much of a bitch I was to you," She sighed as if she was defeated.
Hazuki knew she should just say everything was okay and just let bygones be bygones. However, she knew there had to be some alternate motive and she let her curiosity get the better of her as the conversation went on. So she decided to go along with Temari.
"It just seems odd that you would care so much," Hazuki took a sip of her now cold latte.
"I know I kind of shocked myself. This isn't like me, but you seem like a nice person and you pretty much got stuck walking into everything so what the hell," she paused as if thinking of something else she wanted to say. "Say as a show of good faith I'm going to meet my brothers at this rave going on tonight. Do you want to come along? After all of this you could probably use a fun night out. It's a lot to take in."
"A rave, you have them here," Hazuki was a little shocked but excited that she decided to see what Temari was really up to and she could really use a night out.
The heavy downpour was over by the time they gathered there things and headed out of the door. The rave was in an old building on the outskirts of the shopping centers. You couldn't see any lights due to all the windows being boarded up but you could hear the unmistakable pounding of bass, echoing down the street. There were a few people standing outside of the main door. Which was a wooden board covered in graffiti that was moved aside of the doorway. Kankuro and Gaara were among them. When they saw the two girls approaching they walked up to greet them. The boys looked a little confused at Hazuki's present but once Temari explained their new found friendship, Hazuki didn't realize that agreeing to go to a rave made them friends, but now everyone was on the same page. Kankuro made it his nights plan to make sure she had a good time and escorted her inside with his arm wrapped around her shoulders. Hazuki was a little uncomfortable with the closeness but didn't have the strength nor felt like saying anything so she just went with it.
The inside was bigger than the outside led on. You had to walk down a small dark hallway to set of double doors. The room beyond the door was huge and packed with dancing people. There was a DJ booth on the opposite wall of the entrance and techno music flooded the room from the five foot speakers attached to it. There were random neon lights flashing in tune to the beat and there was a smoke machine hidden somewhere coving the floor with glowing colored smoke. To the right of the door was a makeshift bar that was packed with people buying beer, mix drinks and shots. Girls dressed in out there neon colored outfits were making rounds with shots and glow sticks. As the song turned to a new beat the lights started a new dance. Kankuro grabbed one of the colorful girls and got four neon green shots. As he handed them out Hazuki was a little unsure with the mood she was in if drinking was a good idea. She started to say no.
"You can't say no. I told you I was going to make sure you had a good night. You're from American, isn't this a normal weekday night for high school kids," Kankuro yelled over the music as he pushed the test tube shot into her hand. "Drink up," He took his shot in one quick gulp.
Ah fuck it. She thought as she toasted with Temari. After about three more green test tubes Hazuki was pulled out into the sea of dancing bodies. The music was hard to resist. It was as if the beat itself was able to seep into your body and make you want to move to it. After a few songs Hazuki needed a break and a drink. Temari and Kankuro went off to fight for drinks at the bar while Hazuki and Gaara went to find a less crowed space.
"I'm not sure about this Temari. It's not right, she didn't do anything and what about Akemi," Kankuro looked at the pill his sister placed in his hand.
"Shut up and just do it. Akemi will never find out. And this was to perfect. I never thought I would run into like that. Plus it's not her I want to hurt it's him and this is the only way to do it. He needs to know what it feels like. I don't know why you're complaining it's not like you're not enjoying yourself," She crossed her arms over her chest and gave him the, I'm not playing around look.
"I enjoy it when I don't have to drug the girl to do it," he reluctantly dropped the pill into the drink and watched them dissolve. "I still don't think it's right," the last part was more to himself then his sister.
Temari's plan was simple. Get Hazuki to think she was trying to play nice. Then upset her with a bunch of lies were kind of true. It just so happened she ran into her today and the rave was going on that night. It was the perfect place to execute the first part of the plan. Then Kankuro was to drug her with some ecstasy she was able to come across and take her back to the house. The next morning after everything was done Temair was going to call Shikamaru to come over for something and find his new little girlfriend in bed with his ex's brother. It was going to be perfect. Temari imaged the look on his face when he would see the scene she placed before him, and every time it brought a smile to her face. He needed to know what it felt like to be cheated on and your heart to be ripped out of your chest. It was too bad Hazuki would be hurt in the process but a casualty of war was needed. Plus she should have known better then to mess around with a guy who already had a girlfriend.
Gaara and Hazuki were in a conversation about origami when Kankuro and Temair headed there way. Hazuki was so happy to see the drink in Kankuro's hand she almost jumped up and down like an excited child. She was so thirsty that she almost drank the whole cup of beer in one gulp.
"Hey slow down. You don't want to get sick. You've had a lot of shots already," Kankuro grabbed the now empty cup out of her hand.
"I'm fine. This is nothing I can handle a lot more," She was really starting to feel drunk and the conversation with Temari from before was the last thing on her mind. She was feeling good and wanted to dance.
About twenty minute, another beer and two shots later Hazuki was feeling really good. She knew she was drunk but she felt different. Not a bad different just not the normal happy lose drunk feeling. She didn't think too much about it. She felt too good to let anything ruin this new mood, she liked it a lot. The lights seemed more vibrant and the music was calling. It was as if there was a shield over her eyes her whole life and it was finally lifted. She was seeing the world for what it truly was for the first time in different shades of colors and sounds. She was truly alive for once. Nothing mattered, nothing could bother her. There was only the music and the way it seemed to flow through every cell of her body making her want to move with it. She grabbed Kankuro and pulled him back into the crowds of people. The song changed again as Kankuro grabbed Hazuki's waist, pulling her closer to him and moved along with her. Normally Hazuki wouldn't have been okay with how close they were because she hardly knew him and she definitely wouldn't be okay with his hands all over her the way he was. However with this mood she was in she didn't care. She liked being this close to him, the way the music made her feel and she didn't want any of it to stop.
Well if this is really going to go down at least she's really cute and really knows how to move. He thought as he looked down at the dark hair girl in his arms. Besides for being cute, there has to be more to her if Shikamaru is with her. He felt a ping of guilt as the thought crossed his mind. He couldn't do it. Temari was his sister and he didn't like seeing her hurt. However, Shikamaru was his friend and Hazuki didn't deserve this. Just as he was going to pull the plug on the whole thing someone grabbed his shoulder and pulled him roughly away from Hazuki. As Kankuro turned around ready to hit whoever grabbed him he let out a sigh of relief when he saw it was Shikamaru. His relief slowly faded as he saw the look of total betrayal and disgust on his friends face. What have I let Temari do? He thought as Shikamaru turned from him, grabbed Hazuki's arm and started to pull her out of the sea of people. She was yelling and hitting his grip on her arm the entire time. Kankuro wasn't far behind them.
"Shikamaru stop! What the hell do you think you're doing," Hazuki slurred as she dug her feet into the concrete trying to make him stop.
He did stop and turned to face her but he didn't let go of his grip.
"What the hell am I doing? What the hell are you doing? I have been calling and texting for hours. No one has heard from you or knew where you were. Everyone is worried. Then I get a text from Gaara and I find you here drunk with Kankuro and Temari," Shikamaru never felt this furious before and he was having a hard time getting a hold of it.
Something in him just snapped when he saw the way Kankuro was looking down at Hazuki, his hands all over her. He knew Hazuki wasn't his girlfriend just yet so he kind of had no right to act this way, regardless it drove him crazy and they were more than just friends. Then what it made it worse was that he thought Kankuro was his friend. He even made a point to let Shikamaru know that after the break up with Temari.
Hazuki attempted to yell something else at him as she fought to break his grip on her arm but it didn't make any sense and she wasn't coordinated enough to remove his hand. He then started to notice that she wasn't acting like she was drunk it was something else. Just then Kankuro, Temari and Gaara made their way through the crowds.
"What did you take," Shikamaru demanded not pay attrition to the three new arrivals.
Hazuki couldn't think straight part because of the alcohol and drugs and the rest because of her temper. How dare he yell at her and treat her like a child especially after what he said to her before.
"I didn't take anything you fuckass. I just drank, and what does it matter to you?" She managed to yell at him.
Shikamaru was shocked and hurt at her outburst that he almost let the grip on her arm go. After he had a few seconds to collect himself he figured out what was going on and turned to the one responsible.
"What did you do Temari," he demanded his anger returning.
As Temari fumbled with her words her smug looked turned to a mixed of hate and defeat. For only a second he loosened his grip on Hazuki's arm and she took the small opportunity to rip her arm from his grip and headed for the door. She knew she was faster than any of them and she was out of the building before they reached the hallway.
The rain started up again harder than before. It blinded Hazuki as she ran in the direction she thought they came from earlier. She was soaked to the bone within minutes; a shiver ran down her spine as she stepped off the curb to cross the street. She ducked her head and started to sprint. She heard the sound of screeching tires on wet road but the sound didn't register when all of the sudden something crashed into her full force. It pushed her out of the street and onto the sidewalk. The air rushed from her lungs as she hit hard on the concrete, her right side taking most of the impact. She struggled to catch her breath, decide what hurt more and gather herself. When she was able to get as clear headed as she could be she turned to see what had happened. Shikamaru was lying motionless in the street. There were cars headlights on him like a spot light. She could make out a figure rushing from the car to his side. There were muffled voices yelling as she realized what was going on. The scene sent her back to a very similar incident. It was too much for her to take seeing Shikamaru lying in the street. Everything started slowly going black.