Gaara's hand closed over the nape of Sai's neck as he felt himself pulling the man away from Sakura. He knew he was doing it, but he didn't know why he was doing it. He didn't care about her, specifically, but he knew that he didn't want him touching her.

He pushed at the odd feeling, trying to overtake his anger, easily pushing it beneath his level of recognition. It was an emotion that was not new, per say, though it was still foreign. He hadn't felt this way in years. The muscles beneath his hands jumped and rolled, the man trying to lurch himself into action.

His grip had been released from Sakura's arm, though Gaara did not want to stop. His grip shifted, and he now held the larger man in a choke hold, his vice of a grip deadly serious.

"You had your chance. She's mine now." Gaara whispered softly into Sai's ear. "Don't. Touch. Her."

"I wasn'-" Gaara snorted with disdain, flexing his arm to close the space for breathing even further.

"Don't lie to me!" Gaara's neck tingled with the sense of being watched, and the fact that he was in a wide open room with multiple witnesses his to rudely brash motions. His gaze darted up to look around him. He was greatly relieved to see that the guards were still sturggling with the other patient. "Don't touch her, you hear me?" Gaara squeezed a little harder to reaffirm his command.

Sai's gurgled response was followed by a form of a tap-out, and Gaara released him. He walked numbly back to his seat, completely disowning the situation altogether. It was as if he'd been sitting there the whole time, and hadn't even moved.

The others, who had been quietly watching the whole ordeal, turned to look at him. "Problems?" he asked quizzically.

Naruto and Kai snorted, the both of them bursting into laughter. Gaara stared at them like they'd both grown extra heads, not realizing that half of the visitors had seen his charade and now seemed to be cowering in their seats. They shot him fearful looks, hunching their shoulders reflexively. He was used to people knowing who he was; so used to it in fact that he didn't understand why anything would be different today.

Upon looking up from inspecting his finger nails, Gaara noticed the eyes trained upon him, and he frowned. Returning their weary looks with a fierce look of such hatred that some visibly withered, he combated their unwarranted criticism with an ironclad defense. It worked every time. Kankuro, seeing his brother bristle, stood up and crossed in front of Gaara to catch his attention without startling him. Gaara looked up slowly when his brother blocked his view, his eyes softening only fractionally before glazing back over.

The thought of his brother reminded him of his sister; he was actually a bit worried about her showing up. If she showed up, she might tell Kankuro that Gaara had requested files on his wing-mates. Kankuro had only seen Kisames and the other groups', and and had no idea that Gaara had been checking up on everyone else. The only reason Gaara was worried about her telling him was that when Kankuro found out about her job he would most likely fly off the handle. As cold as Kankuro could be, he cared deeply for his siblings. He cared in his own bassackward way, but he cared nonetheless. Gaara couldn't say the same for himself. His relationship with his brother was unavoidable, and so he dealt with it. That meant in no shape or form that he loved him or Temari, or even liked that for that matter. He just didn't do that. Love was meant for others; he didn't know how to love.

Maybe he really was a monster, liked he'd been told so many times. perhaps he was worse than a monster. He couldn't even properly feel his emotions, let alone have feelings that constituted him being human. Gaara reckoned that in some ways he was worse than a monster. He didn't know where that put him, but he was pretty sure he ranked alongside evil. The thing was, he didn't know if he cared.

Shikamaru sighed, rolling his eyes as his mother told him of the renovations they'd made to the house. His father's lips tightened sympathetically, and Shikamaru felt the urge to smile. It'd been a while since his father, or anyone, had shown him the smallest ounce of sympathy or compassion. To everyone, it seemed he was just the "Junkie" or the "Stoner".

"You know, Chouji's mother said to tell you 'hello', she even wrote you a lettter. She also told me to give you her latest book." His mother winced slightly as the small smile that Shikamaru had been displaying dropped immediately into a grimace. "Look, Shik. Even if you don't read them, I want you to write, or tell her thank you. You know what? I'll just tell her for you, to save you the hastle."

Shikamaru dropped his gaze to the table, tracing the initials with the edge of his thumb. C-R. 'Who were you? Were you as miserable as I am? I wonder what you did to get in here...'

"Shika, baby? How are you doing?" Hiis mother pressed hopefully. Desperately. Didn't she understand that he didn't want to talk?

"Okay." Admitted 'd been okay, at least. His mother smiled, thankful for some sort of interaction.

"Do you like their library? I brought you a whole box of books, if you'd like them." She smiled that tight, hopeful smile, and Shikamaru relented. He could feel the strings of their bond tugging at his heart.

"Yeah. They have the best library in state, and I'd love the books, Mom." Shikamaru tried to smile, though it felt forced and tiring. His parents beamed at him, and it felt a little harder to smile. It still didn't fit; he didn't fit. He was an oblong being forced into a set whole. He'd never fit, no matter how hard he tried or was thrust against the opening. He'd have to cut to size and morphed to shape, and he didn't have the resolve or the motive to pull that off.

Shikamaru sighed lightly, looking distractedly around the room. He passed over Gaara's antics easily, having already prepared any number of excuses for his wing-mates behavior. He had one for any of all of them, just to keep things easy for his parents.

His parents didn't ask about them, but instead focused their attentions on him. It seemed whenever he got up the urge to smile, his mother would inadvertently depress him.

As his mother preened on, talking of stupid frivolities, and his father grew more and more uncomfortable, he realized it would never change. They would forever visit him behind these walls, remind him of the things he missed and tantalizing him with what he longed for. It would forever be this way.

Sakura stared at the seat where Sai had sat, a blank expression glazing her features over into a dull mask. What had just happened?

Disgustedly, she realized she'd been drooling, and absently wiped at her mouth. Her chest was heavy with misplaced dread; more properly put it was unplaced dread. She felt miserable, but she had no idea why.

Sure, Sai had made her feel some what shitty, but she had the overwhelming urge to cry and scream. Yet, simultaneously, she had the urge to giggle. It was all so silly!

Sai had cheated on her, and he had lied, stole from,verbally abused, and used her. Why did she need to apologize?For killing his beloved Ino? The slut had been having sex with many other men, definitely not just him. Sakura knew that for a fact. Ino wasn't shy about sharing her sexual conquests with her sister, though she did leave out her intrusions on Sakura's own relationships.

Sakura glanced over to Gaara for a second before looking around the room. What a bunch of fucking losers they all were! Half of the people from her wing didn't even have visitors, and those who did obviously didn't even want them there! She couldn't help but laugh at the pained expression on Shikamaru's face. Angered by her laughter, Shikamaru turned to glare at her. Shaking his head in disgust, he turned away as he discretely flipped her off. Sakura laughed harder, turning to view Kiba's misfortune.

Kiba, who was being visited by his sister, did not understand his out-of-character giggling- it was near hysteric. He sent her a confused look, and she subdued her laughter to giggles.

She returned his look with a knowing sort of smirk, even though she didn't know what she was smirking about- yet.

Kiba glared at Sakura, trying to listen as his sister complained about life at home. He tried to pay attention, he really did, but no matter where he looked the smirk was there. Everyone in the room was smirking at him, talking about him.

Sakura openly laughed at him while the others held their laughter to silence and random giggles. Kiba edgily grabbed the sides of his seat, hunching his shoulders in an attempt to block it out and control himself.

"Kiba, are you even listening?" Sighed Hana, letting her shoulders sag. Kiba let out a sudden huff of pent-up breath, and bit his lip.

"I can't! Don't you see them!?"

"Hu-Kiba, what's wrong?"

"You don't see it?! They're- God! Hana, they're laughing at me! Look!"

Hana looked around hastily, sighing her relief when she saw that they actually weren't. "Kiba, they're talking- to the people they've visiting! That's what they're doing."

Kiba rolled his eyes resentfully before dropping his head into his hands. "Why don't you believe me?"

"Kiba, you're being paranoid! You're mind is playing tricks on you. " Hana assured. Kiba groaned, burrying his head in his arms. "Good-boy, don't look."

"Don't call me that!" Snarled Kiba, kicking her under the table. He didn't like being reminded of the Alpha, and being called Good-Boy did just that.

Kankuro tried to calm Gaara down, but he only managed to prove to Gaara that they were scared of him. Gaara was now intensely mad at him, and had promised to kick his ass later.

Kankuro jolted slightly at the feel of a hand on his shoulder, then did a double-take when he recognized the face that greeted his gaze, apologetic for the fright delivered to him. "Tsunade? What do you want?"

"I don't want anything, Kankuro. I've actually come to tell you two that you've got a visitor." Informed Tsunade. "Isn't that great?"

"Fucking wonderful," Was Kankuro's sardonic reply. Tsunade just smiled, and looked to Gaara to see if he'd been paying attention. Gaara had, of course, and was now quite disturbed. It was Temari, no doubt, and Tsunade obviously wanted them to follow her. Of course they wouldn't be allowed to see anyone in public, due to their track records. They'd been shackled in one of the 'conversation rooms', and then they'd meet Temari. There was no way for Gaara to intercept her and Kankuro's meeting.

Nevertheless, he stood. What else could do? Any other actions would raise suspicion. He muted his sigh, trying to ignore the anger that was welling up already. If she got to Kankuro, his plans for the South Wing were seriously fucked.

Kankuro scratched his cheek, following Gaara's suit. What choice did he have anyway?

Kallou watched them go with only mind interest. Her only concern actually having a visitor. If she did, her life would probably be leaving with the visitor. The only family that cared enough to find her and 'visit' her was the part of the family that wanted to cause her SBH. Seriously bodily harm.

Kiba was having trouble, something that upset her deeply. Other than thinking he was a dog, she didn't know what was wrong with him.

She watched him a moment before looking around again. The whole ordeal was pretty boring for those who had no company, but her wing had made the best of the situation.

Naruto was making room plans in some divert code that she didn't even understand. He claimed that he would decode it all when they got back to the Wing, but Kallou was doubtful. It looked extremely complicated, but he couldn't even begin to explain it while they were there. He was also scping up the cameras, as well as the exits, though Kallou didn't even see how he could tell which cameras were real and which were fake. Obviously, there were some fake cameras, to provide the illusion of extra tight security. It was a good Institution, but it wasn't as if money was endless. There were limits.

Kai had thrown herself in charge of designing the costumes for everyone, and had decided to leave the faces off her drawings. She had said she wanted to surprise them all, and that if they could figure out which costume was theirs before she finished it, that meant she'd done good. So far, she had. With only one complete- it had been spotted as Naruto (of course) right away, for the copious amounts of color and flare she added.

To this, Naruto had responded with, "Just because I'm gay does not mean I'm a fucking flamer, Kai." Kai had blushed, and began a new one. He had her there.

Kallou sighed, trying to mentally block her distractions. She couldn't focus today. She wondered absently if they'd switched her medications. Kallou resolved to check in the use worrying about it now; why get worked up over a possible nothing? The whole thing seemed pointless, but who was she to argue?

Sasuke's eyes were tired, and he wanted nothing more than to sleep. Of course, it was just his luck that he was too interested in what Naruto was doing. Or, more accurately, watching him do it.

Sasuke didn't like a lot of things about Naruto, like the way he was loud and brash, and how sometimes he would burst into song for no reason. Or even the fact that he'd rather draw instead of read, or play video games instead of watch movies. Then again, there was lot of stuff he didn't mind.

Like the way Naruto licked his lips when he was thinking, or even the way that he folded his clothing neatly and put everything away. Sure he did it in spurts, but Sasuke didn't mind the spontaneity either. It was like a surprise for both of them. There were things he didn't mind, and then there were things he loved.

He loved the way Naruto would rather kiss instead of talk, and the way Naruto surprised him all the time with his random acts of kissing, not to mention the random placement. Sasuke of course never voiced these thoughts, but instead showed the negatives. He picked at Naruto for being such a goof, and laughed at him when he tripped over his own feet, the fucking klutzy spaz.

Naruto felt his gaze, and looked up. He made a silly face and Sasuke rolled his eyes despite the fact that it was adorable. "You're such a dork."

"But that's my most redeeming quality." Pointed out Naruto, not bothering to look at him again. Sasuke frowned, wishing Naruto would look at him. Of course Naruto didn't. Sasuke sighed, and bowed his head. This relationship would be the death of him.

Kai watched the simple interactions between the two males, a small frown forming on her lips. It was odd how openly quiet they were with each other, even though they were both obviously, in some form, together. She rolled her eyes at herself for even toying with the idea of her and Kankuro being "together". It was a feat in itself that would be impossible; she was definitely not somebody that he would fall in love with. Even if she did like him, he wasn't one for her self-destructive ways or annoying habits. It was illogical to think that a 'real' relationship would come out of it.

Kai wasn't sure what would happen with the last night's... activities meant. If they ended up continuing their late night sessions, or whatever they were, she was game on one condition. If they were helpful to her, and made things easier, she'd continue it. If it made things harder..... she'd end it. She wouldn't condone something that complicated her life for the worse.

She leaned onto her hand, watching Naruto and Sasuke's reaction. Her feelings toward the blonde were of the love category, but she saw him more as a sibling than anything else. There were moments when she was scared she liked the boy, but those were flickers. False flickers. She sighed another time before rising out of her seat. "I'm bored. I'll show you my drawings later, kay, Nato?"

"Wait! Where're you going?" Inquired Sasuke, unsure of what to do with Naruto alone in public.

"Library. They can't keep us locked up all the time," Kai laughed lightly, a bit discouraged by her inability to be real with them. At least she was good at layering her lies. She wasn't happy, and she wasn't going to the library, but for all they knew she was; it wasn't like she could tell them otherwise.

"You're just gonna walk strai-" Started Naruto, looking up uneasily.

"Shut up! Just shout it to the whole staff, why don't you? And yeah. I am." Kai smiled devilishly before turning on heel. "You. Fucking. Bet."

Naruto ignored the buzzing feeling that coursed violently through him. He needed to go, needed to move. Try to hide this, he licked the back of his teeth in erratic strokes. HIs leg jiggled as his hand rapidly stroked the variables and symbols that he knew by heart.

It had been the secrets code of the "Children's Home" where he'd 'grown up'. It was actually just an orphanage with a fancier name to lessen the sad fact of what it really was. He remembered vaguely of passing notes at midnight, and then getting caught when the nightlies came around. He'd been sent to the headmaster who, when angered by his inability to understand and decipher the code became apparent, sentenced Naruto to three days room restriction. Naruto didn't leave the room the whole while, save for the bathroom. And even that wasn't beyond the walls of the room. Naruto had been so out of his mind with the need to move that first punishment that he had paced the length of the room in the corridor between the rows of beds. The headmaster hadn't believed him, nor the other children who swore to his constant roaming.

Sometimes when he was confined to his room, there would be other children. Then it wasn't so bad. Those times weren't as bad with the boredom, but then there were times when he was so miserable he couldn't even get out of bed. He'd lie there for the few days that he was made to, only going to the bathroom when he was on the brink of having an accident. He'd wallowed in his self-misery then, wishing himself to be dead. Of course, death never came easily in a place like that.

He could easily find the codes and patterns in how people did things, yet he never seemed to see the patterns in his own life. To him, every had ups and downs. He could catch patterns in the way someone chewed their food, and yet he didn't seem to catch the pattern in his own actions. Did he miss his own patterns? How could he?

It was simple. He did notice it, and it did tickle at his conscience, telling him to fix it. He knew it wasn't normal but he couldn't change himself. So he'd told himself one thing: there was no problem. It didn't bother him enough for him to recognize it.

Gaara and Kankuro resigned themselves to the shackles and binds that held them in their chairs, bowing their heads in silence as they waited for their visitor to enter. It was going to be a long awkward meeting, Gaara knew that much. He didn't want to see Temari at this point, he was getting angry at her, and wanted to smash her head in. Why, of all days, did she have to come before he had a chance to warn her not to... not to... well, not to do this!

Kankuro sighed, intently studying the cushion on the arm of his chair. It looked comfy enough. The fact that his arm was chained to it sort of ruined the effect though, and made him want to rest his arms on the table. Being chained up like this made him uncomfortable. Kankuro cast his brother a sideways glance, trying to ignore the way Gaara's eyes flicked almost rudely up to greet him. His brother's glare was unexpected and unwarranted, and Kankuro didn't appreciate it.

He lowered his gaze wordlessly to his lap again. When the door opened, he did not look up; it was something that he'd learned over the years. When they wanted his attention they'd ask for it. Today he was not in the mood for the frivolous bullshit. He had things on his mind, and he didn't want to have to fight with the lawyers.

"Hello, boys. Did you miss me?" Kankuro's head snapped up in a smooth motion to see if the voice really matched the face.

"What are you doing here?" He didn't mean to sound ungrateful, but he was taken by great surprise to see her here.

"Is that any way to greet your sister? I haven't seen you in nearly a year, Kankuro!" Temari smiled slightly when he lowered his gaze again, mumbling out a low apology. "It's okay, I just missed you is all. But I'm gonna be able to visit ya more often, you know."

"How, you live all the wa-"

"No, I don't! Not anymore, anyway. I've moved out here, and I even got a job out here, so I could be closer to you guys and keep an eye on you. I missed you both so much." Temari smiled softly at the both of them, trying to ignore Gaara's scowl of warning.

"Well, that's good, I guess." Admitted Kankuro, not lifting his head. "So, why did you leave, though? I mean... it's not like your job didn't pay well."

"Oh, this new job pays better. Apparently not many people are game to be the night secretary at a pysch hospital. And besides,the pay is actually better." Kankuro didn't answer, and Temari frowned. "Kankuro?"

"Where did you say your were working?" Kankuro listened silently as she talked, explaining that she worked as the night secretary now, and Gaara grimaced. He could feel the anger radiating off his brother before Temari even noticed that he was angry and not confused.

"Kankuro, are you okay, you seem a bit quiet." Fussed Temari, reaching out to touch him from across the table. Kankuro flinched away, lifting his head to glare at her.

"Don't touch me. Don't even talk to me. Apparently my opinions aren't important. You couldn't even ask? This place is dangerous, Ri." Kankuro's voice had taken on that course edge that it had when he was emotional, and Temari frowned.

"Kankuro, I'll be fine! Didn't Gaara tell you I worked here? He's known ab-"

"Of course he didn't fucking tell me! Are you the one who got him the- the- you know what I'm talking about!" Temari's eyes widened at the thought that Kankuro had known about the files and not where they'd come from.

"Gaara, why didn't you tell him?" Demanded Temari, shooting him an angry, questioning look. Gaara sighed heavily and lifted his head to look her in the eyes.

"I didn't feel like it. There was no point in it, so why bother?" He smirked as his brother struggled against his restraints, obviously in an attempt to break free. Of course he wouldn't be able to. Of course he felt enraged that he'd been wandering around with the wool pulled over his eyes. That sure as hell didn't make Gaara care any more about the situation. It was actually easier to deal with than he'd thought it would be. Now all he had to do was get his brother back on his side, and they'd been in pretty damn good shape.

Gaara laughed aloud at the expression on Kankuro's face, and Temari frowned. "Maybe it would be best if I left..." She admitted, and Gaara laughed harder. She had no idea just how devious he actually was, and how useful her information had been to him. And she was going to keep helping him, whether she intended to or not.

Shikamaru made a tutting sound with his tongue and the back of his teeth, raising his eyes to look at his parents. They didn't understand it at all, did they? Sometimes they were just so fucking annoying. Asking all these questions he didn't want to- hell, refused to answer. They kept asking, kept picking at him with their questions.

"Shikamaru, when do you think they'll let you out of here?" His mother asked nonchalantly, knowing perfectly well that it wouldn't be for a long time. She was only trying to make conversation, but Shikamaru wasn't having it.

"Fuck you." He jerked himself away from the table, giving them both dirty looks before stalking off to the exit of the cafeteria. He ignored their call for him to wait, and to come back. He was done with their sick questioning, and annoying gestures of love that was meant to mean something but meant nothing.

There was only one thing on his mind, and it was the thought of getting all of this off of his mind. Which meant he'd at least get to have a little fun, and that was no problem to him. Three days was worth the forgetting of this moment.

As he left the room, he could feel his wing-mates' eyes on him, though he did not care. Who were they to judge him? Just because he wasn't open with them about what he'd done didn't mean he wasn't here for a reason. Maybe he'd just show them what he was like when he was uninhibited. Then maybe they'd understand... he was a force to be reckoned with, whether they liked it or not. Whether they even knew it or not, he was going to have a little fun.

If he made their lives a living hell that night.... well then that was a plus for him, wasn't it? Shikamaru smiled to himself as he marched back to their wing, already working out his plans for the night. This would be a riot.

Kai leaned against the cold railing, her eyes closed as she leaned into the wind. It gusted heavily outside, the winds whipping her hair around. The ends of it whipped her cheeks, stinging slightly at times. She'd just needed to get away from all the chaos, and the feeling of being trapped inside.

After a mere second's debate, she skipped over the rail and wandered across the lawn to where the trees were, easily slipping off her flip-flops. The ground was cold and squishy, but she didn't mind. It seemed to wake her up a bit, and it made her feel young again. When she reached the middle of the tree's height, she turned and sat down. The tree branch was cold beneath her bottom, but that didn't dissuade her actions. She liked to watched the people inside the seemingly massive building as they lived out their daily lives.

What little of the daily pleasures that they were alloted for, anyway. Sometimes it seemed to her that all of them were forced to live inside of the building enacting some sort of half-life in place of the life that they'd been promised at birth.

As she watched the people through the window, her stomach seemed to fall out from beneath her. She didn't know why, but it just did. Shifting her position, she slid in an unorthodox manner out of the tree. Landing uneasily on her feet, she swayed before moving to the door again. It didn't open as she'd expected it to, and then she scowled. Of course it was locked! The doors always locked from this direction when they were shut; it was why they were always propped open slightly for lunch.

Kai knocked on the door, hoping that someone would hear her. When no one did, she frowned, trying to hold back the tears of distress. What the hell was she supposed to do now?

They were all back in their wing now, all of them except Kai of course. Shikamaru had walled himself up in his room, and not even Kiba could get in there.

Naruto and Sasuke were nestled on the couch together, calmly watching their movie. Sasuke's arms wrapped around Naruto, they looked quite the pair. Every so often they'd start making out afresh, and there would be loud groans and sounds of disgust. Eventually Sasuke and Naruto drifted back to their room, where laughter and severe make-out sounds could be heard. No one dared venture near the door, not even to ask for quiet. No one wanted to hear that.

Gaara and Kankuro, side by side as almost always, watched the television in relieved silence. Sakura was reading in her room, trying to ignore the giggles of Kallou and the lazy jokes of Kiba from the bunk above her. Gaara and Kankuro, alone for the first time in what seemed like weeks, didn't say a word to one another.

Kankuro was still livid with Gaara, though he couldn't bring himself to make the change of sitting by himself. He'd always had his brother at his side, and he couldn't bear to leave him.

Gaara sat next to his brother for the mere sake of convenience. It was easier this way, and dissuaded the others from thinking they could sit next to him just because there was a free space on the couch. He didn't mind the way his brother sat next to him, obviously uncomfortable. It seemed a little funny to him, and he was even enjoying it. Kankuro was squirming under the pressure of his thumb, just as he expected; hell, just as he'd expected.

Despite the fact that when exposed the same things, Gaara was more deeply affected by it, he was better at hiding it. His brother had gotten the short end of the stick in that matter, but Gaara had been more affected by it, at least that he knew of. Gaara cast a sidelong look at his brother, his breath swelling when his brother avoided his gaze to look at the TV. Kankuro was still ticked off, and that meant that Gaara would have more freedom to do what he wanted, especially if he kept up this silent treatment.

Kankuro sat in silence for another few minutes before opening his mouth to speak. Gaara heard the soft sound of his brother lip's parting, and turned ever so slightly. Kankuro didn't look up, but instead looked at his knees. "Do you still have them?"

Gaara froze, his eyes narrowing and his lips parting in mild surprise. "H- why? Why would you even want them? They're of no use to you." Gaara set his jaw defiantly, not intending in the least to let his brother look at the files.

"Why wouldn't they be? What the hell are you keeping them for if they're not important?" Kankuro rose a brow, thinking he'd won. Gaara's mind reeled as he grabbed for a quick answer, a quick that lie that he knew would work.

"Sentimental value." Gaara winced before the words were even completely out of his mouth. Sentimental value? What the hell was he thinking!? He didn't care about things like that, and Kankuro knew it. He was the almighty Gaara, to mighty to keep such farcical momentous of 'happy' times.

Kankuro snorted his disdainful laugh, and Gaara felt his muscles tense in preparation. If Kankuro wanted a fight, a fight he would get. Gaara could only hope that Kankuro didn't take his new found freedom from his brother too lightly. His brother was doing things that didn't sit well with Gaara, and he hadn't even thought to ask. Gaara would probably be giving it his all today. He remembered the hesitation in his brother's eyes the last time they'd gotten into a fight, but this time he saw none.

Had he made an error? Were his hours of meticulous planning while he lay awake at night for nothing?

Wasn't anyone going to come outside and get her? Didn't anyone notice that she wasn't there?! Kai rolled her eyes at her foolish thinking and stood up.

She walked around for a bit, her arms wrapped around herself to keep her from getting too cold. Sometimes she close her eyes and imagine somewhere warm,but that only reminded her of how damned cold she was. So she'd think of somewhere even colder and try to tell herself that compared to that, she was really warm. It worked. For a little while.

Kai sighed, wandering around the border of the building. If they weren't going to let her in, she'd find a way in herself.

Shikamaru hummed softly to himself as he ground up the Vikodin, the now powerdery substance light and airy on his fingers. Absently he licked a finger, relishing the unsavory taste. It didn't send him flying, but that wasn't what Vikodin did. Not that he minded. He would by flying high later.

He pushed the Vikodin into the halves of a gel capsule, and then carefully wedged them back together. Perfect. He now had the first part of his plan ready. He was on a mission, and he would carry it out effectively.

The plan was simple, though the reasons behind it were confusing and warped. He might not have been completely high, but he was already buzzing. Even at a buzz he was dangerous- his pills were actually not used for getting high as much as one would've thought.

He was self-medicating. He didn't drink, for his liver needed all the help it could get to support his habit. His self-medication wasn't as very orthodox, but that was to be expected. Most self-medication methods were unorthodox, but if it worked, Shikamaru was for it.

He'd tried marijuana once or twice, but it hadn't really done anything except make him even more paranoid. Shikamaru sighed slightly, his eyes drooping defeatedly as he glanced around. Maybe he needed- no. He wasn't going to break that out. He was saving it for something special, and he'd already planned what he would use it for.

He was going to use it when they were all ready. It would be on that night, the night that they killed Kisame. It would be a good night, and Kisame would die a very painful death. He could be certain of that. When he was high, he was like a killing machine. The thought of killing wasn't as unappealing as he would've thought, considering the history he had with it.

He glanced at the box of books in the corner, and peeled the long strip of tape off the top before pulling the flaps open. The very top book was the one his friend's mother had written. Go figure, mom. Shikamaru sighed, and closed the box. Not today.

Sitting down on his bed, he dropped his gaze to the pills on the nightstand. It was no wonder that Kiba hadn't found them; the room was such a mess that it would be impossible to find anything smaller than the size of a golf ball. Shikamaru bit his lip in anger, smiling slightly when his incisors poke through the skin. He didn't want the blood, he wanted the pain. It was pain that he deserved, and it was pain that he needed. The physical pain made real the emotional pains that he was feeling; most of all, if made him actually feel the guilt that coursed through him on a twenty-four-seven basis. When the physical pain dissapated, sometimes it took the emotional pain with it.

It would work for a while, but only for so long. Eventually the guilt came back, sometimes stronger than it had been before. Sometimes he was thought he was safe from it, but in the end it turned out he could never out run it. He could outrun himself for a little while, but in the end, everything caught up with him. Just like it always did, and just as he always knew it would.

Sakura groaned angrily, kicking her feet up at a sharp angle to kick the bunk above her. "You assholes, if you're gonna be-- doing that then get the fuck out of here! I don't want-"

"Don't get your undies in a twist," Grunted Kiba, rolling his eyes. He hopped down from the top-bunk, pulling Kallou along with him. Sakura stuck her tounge out at him, making a small tutting sound in the back of her throat. She was sickened by their ODA. Open displays of affection were depressing, especially when someone like her couldn't.

She was immediately reminded of Gaara and Sai, and wondered what the hell she was going to do about it. It wasn't as if she could just ignore it- both of them meant a great deal to her, whether she wanted to admit or not. Sure, Gaara didn't make her feel gushy and happy, but she lived with him, and that was the kind of thing that she couldn't avoid. Sai... Well, they had a lot of history.

Thinking about the whole dabacle actually made her head hurt. She tried to think of something else, but the thoughts didn't want to leave her. Shaking her head, she sighed and sat up. She rubbed her temples, making an attempt at lessening the throbbing headache that she knew was approaching.

What the hell was she supposed to do? Just forget them? That was impossible, especially for someone as analitical as her. She could break down regular problems and solve them quite easily, but things like these confused her to no end. It was like her brain shut off and she was left with the problem solving skills of a two year old.

She grunted as she kicked the bunk above her, before rubbing her cheeks with her hands. As for what she was going to do, she was at a total loss. This whole ordeal was seeming more and more pointless. Sighing once more, she resolved to completely forget that it had ever happened. What good had remembering anything like this ever done for her?

Kai had been back for an hour or so. One of the janitors had found her snoozing on a bench right outside the front doors. Apparently she'd fallen asleep when she sat down for a moment. Leave it to her to forget what she was supposed to be doing. She'd thanked Kankuro for the necklace, she'd not taken off since the day before. Then what did she do? She sat far away from him on the couch, unsure of what to do now.

After so long she edged closer, bit by bit, until she was close enough to touch him. His head still ached, and he was in no mood to fight her right now.

Kai rested her head against Kankuro's shoulder, listening to the strange sound of his heartbeat. It was loud against the walls of his chest, but she didn't mind- she liked it. It lulled her to sleep, and comforted her heart.

Kankuro brushed the hair from her face and she smiled up at him, her eyes closing when he dropped his hand to run it down the length of her arm. She shivered into the warmth of his touch, and crawled closer to him, resting her head once again upon his shoulder. She thought better of it, and rested her head on his chest.

"You suck at boundaries, Kai..." Growled Kankuro, playfully squeezing her arms. Kai scowled into his chest, her warm breath moist on his chest. Kankuro loosened his grip, and dropped his hands.

"So do you." Snapped Kai, wrenching his hand away from her ass. Kankuro laughed into her hair, inhaling her shampoo with a deep breath. Kai shivered again as he lazily trailed his left hand up her back. She let out a squeal of surprise when suddenly Kankuro yanked her on top of him, his larger body a giant pillow.

"Yes, I do. I'm a jealous person, Kai." Kankuro's eyes bored almost angrily into hers, and Kai sheepishly looked down. Kankuro's fingers curled under her chin, and forced her to look up again.

"What do you want me to say?" Asked Kai meekly, raising her eye brows. Kankuro shrugged- as best as someone in his position can.

"Anything. " Kankuro shrugged again, and Kai rolled her eyes. She tried to pull away and roll off of him, but Kankuro's hands encircled her arms, and he held her still.

"Kankuro- you ass! Let me go!" Hissed Kai. "What if they see-"

"Maybe I want them to see." Taunted Kankuro, smiling wickedly. Kai's breathing quickened, and she struggled to break free. "You don't want them to think we're-?"

"Kankuro- let me go." Snapped Kai, glaring fiercely at him. She struggled further, gasping breathlessly when Kankuro squeezed her arms in anger. "Ah-h!"

"Answer my question, Kai." Growled Kankuro, rolling over to pin her. Kai pounded her fists into his chest, and then just as suddenly relented and dropped her head back down.

"How can I answer if I don't even know what this is." She whispered, wrapping her arms around herself. Kankuro leaned closer, and looked her in the eyes.

His breath was warm and cool at the same time, something she found remarkable. "What don't you understand?"

"Any of it! I don't what we mean, or what this means." Kai tried to keep the whine out of her voice, but it was seeping through. Kankuro smirked, leaning closer. His lips were brushing playfully against hers, but even as she tried to ask him what he was doing, he shook his head. "Kankuro! What-"

"Shut up." He grumbled, grabbing her arms when she tried to push him away. He pulled them above her head, pressing them into the couch. Kai growled with irritation, though her growl turned to a surprised yelp in a matter of a millisecond. Kankuro crushed his lips to hers, leaving Kai in surprised shock. His tongue was inside her mouth before she offered permission, and before he even asked for it. Kai repressed a moan when his weight settled upon her, freeing him up to use his hands. Kankuro smiled into his victorious kiss, hid lips curving as he licked her lips. Kai strained to kiss him back, but he pulled away. Kai's head flopped back down dejectedly, and he laughed. He pressed his face into the crook of her neck, and nuzzled, his stubble tickling her.

He sucked painfully hard with need at her neck, and Kai repressed a moan when his hands encircled her. His teeth grazed the skin, and she shuddered, shying away from them. Kankuro whined, opening his mouth to nibble again, and Kai pressed her hands feebly against his strong shoulders. "Don't. That hurts..."

Kankuro pushed her hands away, and lowered his head again. He moved to the other shoulder, though, his teeth were only slightly gentler this time. Kankuro kissed along her collar bone, his hands gripping her hips. Kai squirmed, trying to break free of him. She wanted to kiss him, but he wasn't letting her. "Kankuro- would you-"

Kankuro silenced her with the kiss he knew she wanted, and he let her kiss him back this time. Her lips were warm and smooth against his own split lip, and he savored the sweet, tangy taste of her. Kai lips were naturally skilled in the art of coaxing pleasure from his, a talent that he'd never even known. All of his previous sexual encounters hadn't been exactly emotional, and there'd been next to no kissing. Kai pulled him closer, nibbling lightly on his lip before slipping her tongue into his mouth. She cringed when she felt the cut in his lip, hoping that she hadn't hurt him. Her tongue explored his mouth, roaming and tasting every corner of his mouth. Neither could get enough.

"I take it this means you like me?" Smiled Kai, her lips curving against his. She traced the small cuts and scrapes on his temple, cheek, and brow bone. She gently thumbed the split in his lip, frowning when he move his head free of her touch.

By means of an answer Kankuro kissed her vigorously, his hands wrapping around her arms. "What do you think?"

"Hmm, I don't know. I think you need to... explain." Teased Kai, raising a suggestive brow. Kankuro laughed, nipping at her ear. Kai's breath caught when he licked her skin unexpectedly, the skin along her collar bone tingling with the feel of it. "Ah- um..."

"Shh." Hushed Kankuro, clamping a hand over her mouth. Kai wiggled impatiently, her arm muscles straining against his grip. "What?"

"I don't want to be stuck here why you have all the fun, you dork!" Kai snapped, frowning when he laughed at her consternated expression. "This isn't fa-"

"I don't play fair, I play for keeps." Whispered Kankuro, his lips brushing deliciously against the skin below her ears. Kai trembled and he pulled away to see that her eyes were closed. He kissed her again, and they opened. He smiled slightly at the fact that they were crossed when she first opened them, deepening the kiss when they rightened out again. Kai closed her eyes again, though Kankuro kept his open. He liked to watch her expression when he did different things.

Kankuro's hands made their way to her chest, and Kai froze when he used them. Kankuro smirked into her lips, voraciously kissing her and egging her on. Kai kissed back, though she was hesitant. Her arms slipped underneath his shirt, her fingers drifting across his back in meaningless rhythms.

Kankuro groaned when she massaged small circles into his back, and he dropped his head onto her shoulder. Kai was sad that he was giving in, but she didn't mind too much. As long as he payed her back for the back rub, she was good. His breath was jagged and uneven into her shoulder, the heaves of his chest worrying her slightly.

"Are you alright?" She whispered into his ear, sighing with relief when he nodded a 'yes' into her shoulder. "I've told you time and time again I have 'magical' fingers, Kank-u-ro!"

Kankuro grunted noncommittally into her shoulder, pressing his chin down into it. Kai flinched slightly, but continued to rub circles into his upper back. The position was an awkward one to be rubbing his back, but it didn't bother her. She was quite comfortable, despite being somewhat squished. "Kankuro?"

"Huh?" Kankruo looked up slowly, his eyes only half open.

"Do you think that-" Kai broke off when the door burst open, and Kankuro swiftly rolled them over. This looked less provocative, at least to some degree. Kiba eyed them for a moment before shaking his head.

"See? They know what I'm talking about. I don't see why Sakura is making such big deal out of it!" Kiba turned to Kallou, who merely smiled with a shrug. "How 'bout we ... discuss this somewhere more private?" He smiled and so did Kallou. Then off they went. To do whatever the hell it is that they do. Because that's what keeps the world spinning. People doing what they do, and doing whatever that is whenever they want.

So, this is a bit of a weird chapter, yeah. :P Sorry. :) But I hope ya liked it! :D I sort of didn't know how to end it, and this just came to me. :) I'm evil, I know. Anyway, so, shall we have some more friction between Gaara and Sakura? Huh? Huh? I think I hear the takers. :)

A- When Gaara talks to her he will confess that she makes him feel odd, and that he doesn't exactly know what it means, but he wants to find out. There is an "Accidental" kiss, but both parties agree with it.

B- He continues his ass-holity, and corners her and demands that she do as he says. He then proceeds to steal their first kiss.

C-Naruto and Sasuke run into some problems concerning the 'sex' aspect of their relationship. Naruto wants some, believe it or not, and Sasuke's the one that's not sure. After all, he doesn't know how to stick around after having sex with somebody. It's not what he does, and he's scared to lose Naruto.

D-Kai and Kankuro.... fuck, do I even need to ask? Progression. :P Kankuro surprises her by protecting her from a 'creepy janitor'. :D ROFL.

E-Kiba and Kallou get friskayyy! :D

F- Shikamaru goes on a rampage and tries to kill.... you pick who he tries to kill as well. :)

Mellokai/Lauren.

Leave some reviews bitches! :D I'll send virtual Halloween candy if you remind mehhh!!!! :D I got a SHITLOAD this year. :) YAY FOR TRICK OR TREATING! :D I'll prolly be t-or-t-ing until i'm like.... eighteen, haha .