I HAVE RETURNED!
Well- I am TRYING to return to fanfic writing anyway.
Still have a rather busy scedule- BUT I have gotten two chapters uploaded within 2 days. That's pretty good!
Sadly, I also had to delete a few fanfics- but it had to be done.
I rather like this chapter. Many ItaKao moments- and even a few Haku/Kaori moments (nothing romantic or anything)
Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I dont own Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto does. I own Kaori though
"As long as I have Itachi- and he has me- I have a feeling everything will be alright. Though, what am I to do with Kabuto... and Itachi's undying want for revenge?"
The following few days seemed to pass quickly, but only because Kaori's mind was elsewhere.
"I have to figure it out- soon," she thought; 'it' being what to do about Kabuto. She hadn't said anything to him since he had given her the necklace- and that was something she didn't know what to do with. No one else knew of its existence; it lay in a dresser drawer in her room.
"I have to give it back... don't I? If I accept it, it's like I'm giving him the okay to get closer; like I'm choosing him and Kurosaki over Itachi and Akatsuki..." Kaori barely heard the bell ring, signaling the end of class; shaking her head to try to clear her thoughts, Kaori stood up and reached towards her science book. A soft hand landed on hers, and she looked up- only to look straight into Haku's eyes. The girlish-looking male smiled a soft smile at her, slightly easing her tension.
"Kabuto wishes to speak with you," Haku told her- and then much to her surprise, he said," But I think you should just keep the direction you are. You're doing good... Kabuto would-" Before he could finish, Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto surrounded them- and Sakura even slapped his hand off of Kaori's. With that soft smile still on his face, Haku left the classroom.
"Kabuto would- what?" Kaori wondered, curious as to what Haku was about to say. What he did say seemed like Haku believed Kaori should stay with Itachi... that Kabuto was bad news. But that didn't make any sense- wasn't Haku one of Kabuto's guys?
"Hey- you okay?" Sakura asked, waving a hand in front of Kaori's face.
"Huh? Oh- yeah. Fine," Kaori smiled," Just have a lot on my mind." As they walked out into the bitter cold of the approaching winter, Kaori retreated back to her thoughts.
"I have to know what Haku was about to say- I have to... but how? Maybe ask him tomorrow in class?" Kaori was going to do that- but she realized that her friends would probably swoop in too soon- she would have to find a different time to ask the Kurosaki member about his words.
Kaori began following Sakura towards their normal lunch place- when she was suddenly hugged from behind.
"Eep!" Kaori exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.
"That was a cute sound," Itachi whispered in her ear, his breath hot against her neck. She blushed crimson from ear to ear, while Sakura tried to suppress her laugh.
"Do you mind if I take her from you?" Itachi asked Sakura, a smile lingering on his lips.
"Not- at- all," Sakura said, in a sing-song voice, and continued on her way. Itachi reached down and grasped Kaori's hand, entwining his fingers with hers. Ever since he had told her his story- and she had told him a brief amount of hers- they had felt closer than ever; but Kaori knew that at some point, she would need to tell him the full story.
"Where are we going?" Kaori asked, looking around, as Itachi led her through campus.
"Oh, just a small cafe. Nothing much," Itachi smiled. The wind began to pick up a bit, and Kaori involuntarily shivered; this didn't go unnoticed by Itachi, who instantly took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders.
"Oh no- you should keep this on," Kaori argued, noting his short-sleeved shirt.
"I'll be fine, don't worry," Itachi smirked, and reached in front of her to open a door. As he did, aromas of baked goods and coffee surrounded Kaori, and she closed her eyes blissfully.
"Oh- that smells so good," Kaori said, walking in; Itachi followed her, a smile still on his face.
"Oh, hello Itachi-san," a brunette smiled, as she moved about behind the counter.
"Hello Mai," Itachi nodded, and led Kaori to one of the empty tables. He pulled out her chair, and then took a seat across from her.
An hour later, they emerged from the cafe, and began walking back through the campus.
"Uhm, Itachi? Isn't your class the opposite way?" Kaori questioned. The raven-haired guy just smiled at her, and walked her all the way to her next class.
"I'll see you later," Itachi smiled, kissing her forehead. Kaori watched as he walked away, and then smiled as Sasuke pulled up in a black mustang.
"Of course." Kaori walked into the changing room and changed into something more comfortable for class, and walked up to the old building they had been using the past few days.
"There you are," Ino smiled, as Kaori walked up to her and sat down on the cold floor.
"Sorry, Itachi randomly decided to kidnap me for an hour," Kaori laughed.
"Alright- today we will be playing kickball – listen up to the teams. Team A will be up to bat first. Team B is in the outfield." With that, Guy began naming off students, one by one; Kaori was even called as Team A, along with Ino.
"Phew- no Kuro's," Ino smiled, as any and all affiliates of Kurosaki went to the outfield- and Kaori saw Haku near the back.
"I might have a chance to ask him here," Kaori thought, hope filling her stomach. Time ticked by, as one by one people would kick the red ball- some people did miss, especially the cheerleaders. Gaara made it to second base, Madara to third- but the final kick out of their team came four people before Kaori. Heading to the outfield, Kaori aligned herself to the same exact spot that Haku had been, hoping he would get the message- she even went as to catch his eye. He seemed to understand, and managed to make it to second base. Kaori slowly inched her way towards him, nonchalantly.
"Yes, Miss Chideera?" Haku questioned, a soft smile lifting his lips.
"About earlier- in Chemistry," Kaori murmured, keeping her attention towards the current kicker.
"What about it?" Haku asked, and then a whistle blew.
"Change sides!" Guy called, as the last out came for the other team. Kaori frowned, but made her way towards where she had been sitting previously; when she sat down, she saw Haku hadn't moved an inch.
"Guess I have to make it to second base to talk to him," Kaori thought.
"What did Haku want?" Ino demanded, as she sat beside Kaori.
"Oh, nothing important," Kaori shrugged- it was the truth though; Haku wasn't the one that wanted anything- it was herself. After the four in front of her had their turn, Kaori stood up and headed to the home base area.
"Come on in- this will be an easy out," one of the guys on the other said. Towards first base, Kabuto smirked.
"Now now, don't count Kaori out Kaoru. She's stronger than she looks." Kaori took a deep breath, and readied herself.
"Strike One."
"Damn it," Kaori frowned, as she returned the ball to the pitcher.
"You sure about that, Yakushi?" Kaoru questioned, laughing. Anger swelled up in Kaori's stomach, and she prepared herself once more.
Whack!
The red ball went soaring past everyone's heads, and Kaori took off, running as fast as she could. She came to a brief halt at first base- but knew if she stayed, Kabuto would speak with her- and besides, she wanted second base- which was empty. Quickly, she left first base and headed to second base. Seeing someone throw the ball to someone by second, she did a last minute slide towards the base- and felt the ball make contact with her leg.
"She's out- right?!" Someone asked, hopefully.
"Haku?" Guy questioned; the raven-haired boy looked down at Kaori and smiled softly. Looking back up, he said a single word.
"Safe."
"What?! Nah! She's out man!" Kaoru argued.
"Kaoru- enough. Haku says safe- leave it be," Guy said, as Haku held out a hand to help Kaori up. She accepted his help, and slightly winced at the pain she felt in her leg.
"After we're done- come see me Kaori," Guy called out," We'll get you bandaged up."
"Alright," Kaori nodded, looking at her leg. Sure enough, scratches lined her leg, and some where slightly bleeding. But she didn't really care- she was on a mission.
"Before Sakura and them interrupted you, after Chemistry- what were you going to say about Kabuto?" Kaori asked, her voice soft, as she faked interest in her leg.
"Oh... that? Nothing, I guess," Haku responded.
"Haku. Come on- It sounded like you were warning me about Kabuto," Kaori argued, keeping her voice low," But I thought you were one of Kabuto's guys- so why warn me about him?" Haku seemed slightly surprised, but kept the usual soft smile on his face.
"I am not one of Kabuto's guys. I follow Zabuza- and Zabuza only- and Zabuza doesn't follow anyone. Kabuto just kind of latched on to us- well, onto Zabuza- since Zabuza is a rather intimidating person. But in reality Zabuza can be a nice guy... so I don't see why people are afraid of him."
"Then why are you always seen with Kurosaki? Why not let it be known you aren't with them?"
"I-" Before Haku could answer, Guy blew his whistle and called the end of class.
"Alright- go get changed. Kaori, come with me."
"Until next time, Miss Chideera," Haku smiled, and walked away. Sighing, Kaori followed Guy outside and to his small, hut-like office.
"Alright- lets take a quick look here- not that bad. Does it hurt any?"
"Not that I can tell. Just a slight sting, I suppose," Kaori shrugged.
"Alright- here is some peroxide, the bandages are there- I'll let you do it yourself; I'll write a note to your next teacher. Who do you go to next?"
"Oh, uh- Mr K , art department," Kaori answered, as she sat in the chair and cleaned her wounds real quick. Applying a few bandages, she stood up a few minutes later and accepted the pass from Guy.
"Stay warm out there, Kaori."
"I'll try to," Kaori smiled, and rushed to the changing rooms- and then headed off to Art class. As she went about her way, she thought back to Haku's answer.
"Not one of Kabuto's guys? Is that really possible?" Kaori pondered," I'll have to ask Itachi... but I have a feeling I know what he'll say... and I don't want to upset him any... I guess I'll just have to find the right time to ask."
Kaori walked into art class- a good fifteen minutes late; she apologized to Mr K, as she handed him the pass from Guy.
"It's fine, Kaori- go ahead and grab your project and take your seat," Mr K smiled. As she passed the stands, she picked up her puppet project and headed to the table she shared with Konan, Deidara and Sasori.
"Why you so late, un?" Deidara questioned.
"What? Oh- I had a small injury in gym class- Guy had me stay after to bandage it up."
"Are you alright?" Konan asked, sincerity in her voice.
"Oh yeah- I'm fine- just a few scratches," Kaori smiled. They worked on their projects- and Kaori couldn't help but envy Sasori's puppet abilities.
"One of the reasons we dubbed him the puppet master," Konan laughed, seeing Kaori eye the red-heads project.
"We all have nicknames of sorts- some better than others," Sasori continued," Deidara is the mad bomber." Kaori laughed, as she looked over at the blonde, who looked at the wooden mess infront of him.
"Madara is Mad man; Konan is Origami queen; Kisame is Fish boy," Sasori continued," The others don't really have one."
"Itachi's is just 'prodigy child'," Konan said, and Kaori looked at her, slightly confused.
"You'd have to ask Sasuke about that," Konan informed," But ever since we've known them, Itachi seems to be able to do anything and everything."
"I see," Kaori nodded. They all continued about- and as the end of class came close, Konan checked her phone.
"Oh- Sasori, Deidara- don't forget about Saturday."
"Oh shit- I actually did forget, un," Deidara said, face palming.
"Nice job," Sasori sarcastically remarked.
"Oh zip it you- it's not like you remembered un!" Deidara exclaimed.
"Actually- I did. Even already bought Sakura a present," Sasori replied, a ghost of a smile on his face.
"Fuck you, un," Deidara grumbled, standing up and putting his project in the stands.
"Oh- Kaori, you are invited too," Konan smiled.
"To what?" Kaori asked, confused.
"The Akatsuki Christmas party- its this Saturday. Same room as the last party," Konan informed.
"Alright," Kaori nodded," Sounds like fun."
"It is- always is," Sasori said, as he got up and placed his project in the stands as well.
"Food, games, music, drinking- and the gift exchange, un," Deidara continued.
"Gift exchange?" Kaori questioned, her eyes wide.
"Yeah," Konan nodded," Gifts are not necessary though- so don't worry."
"But what if I want to get gifts... for everyone?" Kaori questioned.
"Then more power to you, un," Deidara smiled, as the bell rang.
"My only problem... I don't know what to get anyone," Kaori frowned," Guess I better start paying attention... Or I can ask other people what someone might like... Gah, I hate trying to find gifts! What if someone gets something for me? What would someone get for me? Gahhhh- Why must Christmas haunt me so?"
DunDunDUN!
Any ideas/suggestions as to what gifts Kaori should get for her friends? Or what Kaori should recieve?
Akatsuki Christmas Party next chapter!
