The Life and Times of the Kazekage's Assistant
Disclaimer:I don't own Naruto. This story is inspired by a novel by Lauren Weisberger. I do own Tsubasa Imamura, any other OCs in the story, the designer labels and names of the magazines/newspapers, and the plot.
Special Thanks to: NeferNeferi, my very good friend. You've helped inspire this with some helpful ideas, and I commemorate your skills in proofreading!
Quick reply to Kitsune1978: Your reviews have made me laugh, especially the one about me being in love with Gaara. When I began this story back in 2008, Gaara had been my favorite character and I had a bit of a fan girl crush. ;) So glad you've taken a recent interest in my story and have been enjoying it!
Author's Note: Some of you may have been shocked with the last chapter what with Tsubasa's hook-up with Kiba. I just wanted to show that she's human and makes strange choices as we all do. She doesn't know what she's doing just as we don't really know what we're doing in life either. Thank you everyone for the warm welcome back. I apologize for my extended absence, but I'm back, and I'm here to stay! Also thanks for the constructive criticism and compliments; very much appreciated. Now, without further ado…
Chapter Twenty-One: Surprise, Surprise
"I'd like to see you in my office when you get a free moment." Gaara's head poked out of the French doors of his office. He'd been looking directly at me as he spoke. There was no mistake in that. "We need to talk." He disappeared back in before I could reply.
I sighed, rolling my chair back to give me enough room to get up from my desk. This was it. No one says, "We need to talk," without there being a second meaning behind it. We need to talk meant we need to break up. Whether our relationship was real or not, this was the end of the charade. Game over. Temari had ratted me out, the paparazzi had caught me and tipped off Gaara beforehand so he'd have to pay them off to keep the juicy news to themselves, Kiba had sent in a letter to spite me, or Gaara himself had seen me commit the treason. Or maybe it was D, all of the above. Either way, this was the end.
The what? The end.
I swallowed hard to try and push down the knot that had developed in my throat but to no avail. I glanced across the room and saw a smug grin on Matsuri's face. It's like she knew what I'd done wrong and that I was in for it now. Her grin widened as I slowly walked to those French doors. I gave a knock to let him know I was about to enter. I placed my hand on the knob, inhaled a nice long deep breath and braced myself for the inevitable.
"You wanted to see me?" I asked, careful to close the doors behind myself and lock them. I didn't want any intrusions on this conversation. If I was going to get fired and be humiliated, let it only be in front of Gaara and no one else in this damned office. They'd hear and gossip about it later, but I'd prefer they did it behind my back at this point. Ignorance is bliss, right?
"Have a seat please." He motioned towards a chair laid out on the other side of him, but to me it didn't look like just an ordinary chair. To me, it looked like the electric chair and I was next in line on death row. Sealing my fate, I sat down.
I tried to maintain my cool as best as I could. If I was going to be fired, I was going to have some dignity and integrity about it. Wish I had known where my dignity and integrity had been a few nights ago in Konohagakure when I was off kanoodling with Kiba. It must have fallen out of my kunai holster somewhere along the trip there.
He folded his hands underneath his chin as he leaned forward on his desk. His shoulders slumped ever so slightly. He seemed pretty comfortable right now. That concerned me greatly. If he was so comfortable firing me, then maybe I really did deserve to get canned. I'd never work in Suna again. I'd have to move to some village that was actually hidden with some obscure name and sketchy people like a vagrant town or something so that I could find work. I'd certainly never be a councilmember. My dream was over. My life was over.
Maybe suicide was an option? I could hang myself from my own Sand Village headband or even throw myself out into traffic on a busy morning and allow myself to be trampled to death. No one would miss me, not now.
If he could just give me a second. I needed to get my story straight. I could beg him to forgive me, to excuse my behavior because I must have been high as a kite. My ex-lover was relentless. He'd been waiting for me to be alone so he could get that far. I know we'd broken it off months ago. I keep trying to forget. But between you and me, this pretend girlfriend thing is too hard to maintain, and I'm beginning to regret it. I know there are holes in my apologies, but I'm trying to take what I did back. So if you forgive me, I'd like to stay as your assistant and…
He was about to speak. Here it comes. I could feel it right before I went numb. My entire body had no more feeling to it and my thoughts slowed to a halt. I went slacken-mouthed and my heart went limp. I felt like everything within me ceased to function. "I have something for you."
Not what I was expecting at all.
"For me?" I responded finally after surmising that it wasn't some kind of trick.
He smiled, sitting up from his desk. He crossed the room and reached for something behind a heaping stack of paperwork. A box was lifted from behind the stacks. He was gentle in the way he handled it as he presented it to me. He slowly lifted the lid, further adding to my anticipation. My eyes must have betrayed me because within the box was the very same Satsuki necklace that I had admired in the window of the store at Konoha. Such a delicately pink heart strewn on a slim silver chain. It wasn't the entire set, but that didn't matter. It's as if he knew that the necklace was the real object of my attention, not the other pieces. The necklace itself was far more than enough. It beckoned to me as it sparkled.
"I don't know what to say," I stammered, hands hesitant to accept the gift. This was totally unforeseen and romantic. I didn't deserve it. I'd never thought Gaara was one to know how to court a woman. I guess I had been very wrong about that. My stomach churned as a wave of guilt hit me. I'd been so very wrong about a lot of things.
He noticed my caution and took the initiative to remove the necklace from the box himself. He set the box down on the countertop as he maneuvered the chain, which was the perfect length, toward me. Automatically, I brushed my hair to the side so he could accomplish his goal. He was gentle as he settled it in place and fastened the clasp around my neck. "I noticed you were looking at this in Konoha. After my meeting with the Hokage, I went back and retrieved it for you. I wasn't sure when the appropriate moment would be to give it to you, but now seemed as good as any."
"I'm speechless and so grateful," I replied. I could feel my heart skipping inside me. "It's so thoughtful of you. Thank you." I turned to look at him, really look at him. I gazed deeply into those teal eyes which enchanted me every time. I was so entranced, but the guilt that was bubbling from the depths of my stomach was enough to snap me out of it. I shouldn't accept it. "I can't accept."
My fingers, reluctant as they were, trailed to the back of my neck where they found the clasp. I didn't deserve this necklace. "Please," he said. His hands were over mine instantly, gently pulling them away from the clasp. His fingers laced within my own as he moved our hands and placed them around his neck. He left them there to linger, his hands already seeking a new destination. They wrapped around my waist, snuggly.
I was too much in awe to even believe what was happening. Unreal, I thought to myself as he leaned into me while simultaneously pulling me closer to him. His warmth seeking mine.
Breathless and stunned, my fingers intertwined themselves in his red mane. Twisting, but gently, as my fingertips dug deeply. He placed his forehead against mine. We were nose to nose in an Eskimo kiss. His eyes never looked away from mine, but I found that I could no longer look into his. I felt so faint from shyness and bliss, I could barely move. While I couldn't continue further, he did. His warm breath tickled against my mouth as his lips neared mine so slowly it was painful.
Flash. Flash. Flash.
A camera had undoubtedly gone off. Distracted, I pulled back in the direction of the intrusion. A Paparazzi Nin revealed his hiding place just outside the windows of the office. He'd used an excellent display of chakra control to scale the wall like it was a sidewalk and then had carefully camouflaged himself to match with the scenery. I had been too nervous about the private chat with Gaara to have even taken notice. Normally, something like that wouldn't have escaped my attention. I felt disappointed in myself for overlooking something so obvious. I thought I was a better ninja than that.
Before I could truly react, the Nin threw a smoke bomb and quickly disappeared, leaving me dazed and confused. That was usually how Paparazzi Nin made their quick getaways. There was no point in chasing after them either. It would be hot off the press within the hour, I was certain.
Gaara looked to me apologetically. "I apologize for having to put you in such an awkward position. He'd been hidden there since early this morning. When I had first noticed his presence, my first inclination had been to ask him to leave, but then I saw it was an opportunity for us." He paused before continuing, "And I've been meaning to ask you something. Would you be my date this evening at Temari's Spring Show? Normally, I wouldn't make an appearance, but she's requested it of me so I can't really refuse. You may invite your friends to attend as well."
Disappointed (and embarrassed) as I was that the moment between us wasn't real, I still accepted the invite. "I'd love to be your date, and I'll see if Hoshiro and Sorachi would like to come." I forced a smile. I was concerned about the lengths Gaara had gone for me. I couldn't believe that he had been so thoughtful as to buy me the necklace I had longingly gazed at in a Konoha store window.
"I'll come get you at nine?" he asked softly.
"Sounds good," I agreed as I pressed the door open. I could already see Matsuri craning her neck to peek through them. I purposely moved in such a way to block her line of vision and saw her face fall. I considered it as a compensation of sorts for my now disenchanted mood.
"Tsubasa-san." His voice drew me to turn around to face him again just as I was leaving.
"Yes?"
"Wear the necklace tonight."
I gave him a small smile as I closed the doors behind me, promising that I would.
-Intruder Alert!-
I collapsed into my bed after returning back to my room. My anxiety levels were high. Guilt was weighing down on me. No matter how fervently I attempted to push my hook up with Kiba to the back of my mind to forget about it, the more it would push back and rise up to the surface like stubborn flotsam. The shame had etched itself deep, embedding itself in me like a tick, slowly sucking life from me. I decided that I was exhausted with the way things had been going for me. I had landed myself in some strange love triangle. Although, I suppose it wasn't a real triangle.
Kiba loves me (could be a big lie or ruse). I love Gaara (real). Gaara loves…? Gaara loves his pretend girlfriend (not real). That was the triangle right there. Weird as it was.
My arms spread wide open like an eagle as I fell back into my bed. I stared at the ceiling so that I could try and clear my head before getting ready to go out with Gaara. It was only 6:30pm. He wouldn't be meeting up with me until 9pm. I had plenty of time to get ready. All I needed was an hour and a half.
I unglued my eyes from the ceiling to stare at the bathroom, which was on the other side of my room. I could feel a steamy hot shower beckoning me. I stripped myself from the bed lazily, my footsteps lightly padding against the floorboards underneath them. My body came to a halt as my mind assessed the room perceptively. When I had left the room this morning, I had left a towel hanging on the door. That towel was now on the floor.
Silently, I slid open the top drawer of my nightstand, taking a kunai from it. Ever since I had switched to more fashionable choices, it had become exceedingly difficult to add things like kunai and shuriken holsters to my ensembles. I gripped the kunai in an offensive position in my hand, approaching the bathroom with caution. My free hand reached for the knob of the door and twisted it open.
A racing heart accompanied my scream as I came face to face with the rowdiest shinobi I've ever known. "Sanosuke-Sensei!" I exclaimed, tucking the kunai away in my belt. He was using an excellent display of chakra control to stand upside down on the ceiling of my bathroom. He was grinning madly at me with his trademark fish bone tail sticking out of his mouth.
"What gave me away?" he asked innocently, though I know very well he purposely had allowed the towel to drop. It had been to test me. Something my Sensei had always pounded into me was to memorize everything in a room before leaving it. That way, I'd know if someone had been rifling through my objects. When he had first taught me that three years ago, I hadn't really taken it to heart as much as I should have until the technique had become an invaluable asset to my teammates and I on several missions.
"Fallen towel." I returned his wide grin. "Finally back from your soul searching, I see. Did you find what you were looking for?"
"More or less," he replied with a careless shrug of the shoulders.
"Do Sorachi and Hoshiro know you're back yet?"
"Nope. I thought I'd visit you first. I heard you've been doing very well for yourself, and I had to come to tell you how proud I am. The Kazekage's assistant, eh?"
"Yeah, but believe me, it's not all it's cracked up to be." I shrugged it off. When I had first gotten this job, I loved telling people what my occupation was. It had given me bragging rights. But after working as the Kazekage's assistant for a few months, that had quickly worn off. I didn't like telling anyone what I did for a living anymore. It didn't seem something worth mentioning.
He cocked an eyebrow at this. "What about being the Kazekage's girlfriend? Is that all it's cracked up to be?" His mouth had formed a straight line in a meager attempt at being serious, but I could see the real smile in his eyes as they glinted wickedly.
A blush spread across my face like a rainbow after heavy rainfall. "You've heard about that?" I didn't even know how to approach my Sensei on this one. There was no suitable way to address it. It was totally awkward. I didn't even think he kept up with things like that. I wasn't even sure how he'd known such information to begin with. He'd disappeared about a year and a half ago to embark on some 'soul searching' mission of his own. He hadn't been clear on when he'd be back. He'd just said he'd be back when he found what he was looking for. According to his earlier reply, it seems he hadn't found it. So why was he back now? And how did he know about Gaara and me? We haven't even been (pretend) boyfriend and girlfriend for that long of a time.
"I know I've been absent from Suna, but I try to keep up with my students' dating history. Are Sorachi and Hoshiro together yet?" I was surprised at his candor and ability to speak so freely about such an awkward topic. Sanosuke-Sensei had always had a bad habit of meddling in love affairs. He had meddled in mine and Kiba's as well once upon a time; had urged me to date him after I had already rejected Kiba. I suppose it shouldn't come of too much of a surprise to me that he had been keeping up with the tabloids and was well informed of my relationship with Gaara.
"Not yet," I said to him, casting my glance away to the bathroom floor. An idea had just hit me. Eager to share, I looked back up to my Sensei. "Speaking of Sorachi and Hoshiro, they're attending a fashion show with Gaara-sama and I tonight. It's Temari's Spring Show. Would you like to come too, Sensei?"
He dropped down from the ceiling and stood upright, looming over me at a whopping 6'5. My Sensei was not only the rowdiest shinobi I knew, but also the tallest. He had been given the moniker of Sanosuke no Takaisuna; Sanosuke of Tall Sand. Sometimes we would just call him Captain Tall for short.
Now that he was before me and the right side up, I could get a better look at him. Nothing had changed about Sanosuke Sensei, and that fact really put my mind at ease. So much had changed in my life, but he seemed to remain constant. Consistency is what I needed to comfort me. I smiled, still looking over him. He wore the same red forehead protector. It was worn from the wear and tear of battle, but the Suna symbol shined brilliantly nonetheless and filled me to the brim with patriotism. Sensei was never one to wear traditional Sand Jonin attire though. Instead he wore an open white jacket with the sleeves torn off paired with matching white pants. It revealed his bare chest, which had made him quite popular with the ladies (I know that Sorachi and myself had congratulated ourselves when he had first been assigned to our team; we'd gotten the "hot" Sensei). Sanosuke was his own boss, and he didn't hide his defiant and rowdy nature from anyone. Above his ANBU tattoo is the kanji for "rebel." Not that he needed to prove what type of personality he had. It was evident in his mannerisms and raucous tone of voice.
This was my Sensei, and the thought of him being back in Suna put me at so much ease because no matter what, he was reliable. His ninja way was to never give up a fight until he's knocked unconscious or worse. He was the type to stare death in the eye, challenge it and laugh.
However, my Sensei, though exhibiting incomparable bravery in battle and missions, wasn't so brave when it came to strange plans in what he'd deem an uncomfortable setting. Like a fashion show. He'd be much more apt to gambling or drinking at some random bar in the slums of Suna. That was more his style.
"I don't know... It's not really my cup of tea." He seemed to be contemplative judging by how he tilted his head to the side and cast his glance downward. I raised an eyebrow to let him know that I expected more of an answer than that.
"A yes or no would suffice," I said.
"We're looking at a solid maybe."
I had hoped not to be reduced to using a technique that I often considered a last resort, but he'd left me with no more options. I clasped my hands together, extended them outward in a begging gesture. I allowed my bottom lip to protrude into a greater pout than usual. My eyes expanded to greater size than usual as well. They were gleaming, full of undeniable cuteness. The ultimate jutsu. Puppy dog eyes! "Please, Sanosuke-Sensei?"
He grimaced and tried to fight it. Though he'd struggle, we both knew the outcome. There was no way to deny the eyes. There just wasn't. It was something Sorachi, Hoshiro and I had developed when we wanted Sanosuke-Sensei to spend more time training with us when he was ready to call it a day. It had never failed to deliver, and it surely wouldn't fail now either.
Sanosuke gave an eye roll, and I knew I'd gotten to him. "Consider yourself lucky, I'll go." He made a face of annoyance which quickly changed to something more sinister as he loomed over me. "But you owe me. I expect my students to take me to a bar and order me my first three drinks!" He threw his head back into uproarious laughter.
Yup. This was definitely my Sensei.
"Alright," I consented, "so long as you're the only one pounding shots. I can't do that again."
"You drink?" He folded his arms and examined me like I was an extraterrestrial. "I really have been gone for too long."
"A lot happens in a year and a half, you know. You miss out when you disappear on soul searching journeys."
I hadn't meant to hurt my Sensei or to make him feel guilty. I had meant to be playful, but his eyes had transitioned from cheerful to remorseful. I could see that my words had affected him. The last thing my Sensei would ever want to do was let me and my teammates down. He had always been our rock, solid and constant. He'd seen us through our darkest days and had gone above what a Sensei was. He was like a second father to each of us. It was clear that when he'd left on his soul searching, things wouldn't be the same. And they hadn't been.
That had been evident in the last mission I'd gone on with my teammates. It had been our fourteenth mission without our Sensei as the squad leader. Our teamwork, which was usually so synchronized, had been flawed. I'd made lots of mistakes as a ninja. Although we'd accomplished our mission, things hadn't gone very smoothly.
I was about to apologize and correct my meaning, when a smile flashed across his face. All hints of sadness were gone and replaced with mischievousness. "I suppose you're right, but at least I'm caught up on your dating history. I better be invited to the wedding. I'll bet the Kazekage will make sure you both have only the best imported wines and beers." He winked.
My entire face was burning. "Well, Sanosuke-Sensei," I said as I began to push him towards the exit of my room, "I do love our little chats and it's been great seeing you, but I've really got to get ready for my date—I mean, the runway show tonight. You should really be on your way to get Hoshiro and Sorachi. I'll meet you guys there! Kay, bye!" I slammed the door behind him, placed my back and arms against it, and slid down to the floor. My Sensei really needed to stop being such a busybody when it came to his students' love affairs.
But I'd worry about that later. I had spent way too much time catching up with my Sensei. Now, I had limited time to work with to get ready for tonight. I'd have to rush if I expected to be ready on time.
-This is What I Call Gentlemanly Behavior-
There was a soft knock at my door just as I had given myself a few sprays of my favorite perfume. I'd be smelling extra desirable for the evening. I nestled the cylinder perfume bottle gently back into its place atop my vanity. Musingly, I glanced into the mirror to see Tsubasa Imamura staring back at me. She was self-assured, glowing with confidence. She even gave me a wink, urging me to respond to my visitor. Smiling back at my reflection, I nodded and took a deep breath. I moved across the room toward the door, bracing myself for the handsome vision I would soon be face to face with. He never ceased to render me breathless no matter how prepared I had tried to be for him.
I carefully opened my door and stared into the deep red petals of a dozen roses. I felt an even deeper red blush spread across my face upon receiving them. I was so shocked that I couldn't find words to say. I buried my nose into the flowers and inhaled before receiving them in my hands. I felt my eyes closing so that I could just focus on their scent which was exquisite. What a romantic gesture.
"Gaara-sama, I don't know what to say." I stepped back awkwardly. I had remembered my promise and was wearing the necklace he'd given me early that morning. Now he'd gotten me roses.
"May I come in?" he asked softly. Like a gentleman, he wanted to be invited. "I'd like to put them in a vase for you." Even more gentlemanly behavior. I could nearly swoon.
"Of course, of course!" I moved away from the door and permitted him entrance.
"You look beautiful as always Tsubasa-san," he said as he made his way to the kitchen area. He found a vase tucked away within a cabinet above the stove and filled it with water. He placed the vase onto the counter top and took out a kunai from his holster.
Wordlessly, he cut the ends of the rose stems. He disposed of the ends and placed the roses into the vase he had filled. He placed a corner of a plant food packet to his lips, tearing it open with his teeth. In poured the plant food into the vase. After discarding the remains of debris, he placed the kunai back where he'd gotten it. "There," he said finally as he fanned the roses out and arranged them in a way he thought was the most ideal for showing off their beauty. He lifted the vase and positioned it thoughtfully onto my nightstand. "So you can view them before you go to sleep tonight."
I melted at his words as an accomplished smile touched his lips. He seemed so proud of his careful arrangement. I was so lucky to have him as… a pretend boyfriend.
I willed myself back to reality. I had to remember that this wasn't real otherwise I'd slowly lose my grip on reality. The line between real and not real had become so blurred lately that I wasn't sure what to make of Gaara's actions or behavior. I just needed to remember that this was a game. No, not a game. This was a mission, and I needed to see it to the end as a dedicated shinobi.
He crossed the room and held the door open for me like a true gentleman. I paused just before the door because Gaara's gaze had entranced me completely. Those eyes had captured me yet again as his fingertips delicately touched at the pink heart necklace he'd given to me. "Lovely," he breathed, and I thought he might just kiss me on the spot if it hadn't been for me ruining the moment.
"Ready to go?" I asked, shying away from his touch and enchanting gaze.
-Temari's Runway Show-
Sanosuke-Sensei looked as if he was about to fall asleep. I knew that this was a better alternative than him being extremely vocal and obscene at Temari's fashion show. If he had been his normal disruptive self, he'd have gotten kicked out (likely by Temari herself). Dozing off was him being on his best behavior, which I did appreciate. I know that Sanosuke-Sensei was definitely trying his best. I had almost felt guilty in inviting him. He was incredibly out of his element here.
Hoshiro was trying to be more attentive, but I could see how bored he really was beneath his fake, "I'm mildly interested" exterior. Sorachi, however, was fascinated. Her eyes were round with excitement unlike Hoshiro's heavily lidded ones. I could just picture what she was thinking to herself in her head every time she saw a new outfit. She was trying to figure out which outfit she'd ask me for. As I've stated (or probably failed to state), being the Kazekage's assistant has its perks. One of them was that I'd get my choice of four outfits from Temari's Spring Line, and I had promised Sorachi one of them. She fidgeted in her seat like a child, struggling to pick just which one was the best for her to take home. I'd gladly let her have them all, but I had some favorite picks as well. I figured that I may as well take advantage of some of the perks and reap some benefits.
However, I was disappointed that I hadn't seen Tazuna yet. It wasn't too great a concern for me though because I knew that Temari would be saving her best model for her final ensemble. This design was the one she had worked most passionately on and so it was important for Temari to make a huge impression with it. Of course, she'd use Tazuna to make this impression.
The Desert Flare (Temari kept referring to her final piece as this) wouldn't be revealed any time soon. Temari threatened to kill us all softly with eyelet dresses, satin kimonos, and silk floral blouses for another half hour or so. I felt my body lazily slump in my chair and my eyelids become heavy. The sleepiness hit like a wave of fatigue. I was beginning to regret that I hadn't taken a nap earlier when I'd first gotten off work. It would have allowed me some energy for tonight. Sanosuke-Sensei's surprise, though pleasantly unexpected, had thrown me off my schedule unfortunately. It was a worthy enough visit that I didn't lament about missing my designated nap time.
"Tired?" Gaara spoke softly into my ear. I could feel him pressed against my right shoulder, his warmth seeping into my limb and spreading throughout my entire body so very pleasantly.
"Mhm," I replied, leaning into Gaara in return. I allowed my eyes to close briefly. I couldn't help but inhale greedily to take in his scent. Marvelous as always.
Then Gaara did something slightly unexpected. I felt him nuzzle against my cheek, which sent flirtatious tingles within me. All the same, there were photographers everywhere so I knew that this was just another open opportunity for us to have several public displays of affection. This was key part of our pretend boyfriend and girlfriend façade. I allowed myself to play along by returning the snuggle. I let my hand trail down to secure his within it and gave it an affectionate squeeze. "Are you?" I murmured.
He nodded into my hair, "Hn, very."
I relished in the fact that Gaara hadn't paid any attention to the runway show or the beautiful models that cat walked before us in sometimes little to no clothing. Their revealing outfits had lured in the eyes of Kankuro, but not Gaara. That was something I had come to appreciate about my boss. He wasn't lustful or constantly looking for someone who was DTF (down to—insert expletive here). That was Kankuro's style. Not his.
Gaara was a saint; pure and wholesome. He always resisted the temptation of sirens like them, and believe me; many of them had directed their gaze at him, desperately desiring his appreciation and want. Gaara never eyed them greedily. This often dismayed the women trying to gain his attention, but never ceased their advancements. They were persistent and focused, acting as if it was only him they modeled before.
Feeling his thumb caressing against the palm of my hand, I smiled confidently. He may have been pretending to be mine, but he was very dedicated to the act. He was a man that would never waver. Whoever he'd choose to be his bride would never have to worry about infidelity on his part.
I could feel myself sigh, dreamily. "I wish I had taken a nap earlier," I told him in a languid whisper.
"We still can later."
I jerked up a little, shaken from my reverie. I hadn't meant to display how startled I had been, but Gaara's statement had seriously shocked me. I stared back at him to see if the expression on his face would give me any more hints as to what he had meant by it. He cast a sideways glance and nudged his head back very slightly and discreetly.
I understood immediately. I leaned forward, pulled a compact out of my purse and flipped it open. I angled the compact to see that a reporter, attempting to be sneaky, had situated herself behind us. She was leaning slightly forward in her chair, pretending to be focused on the show as she settled her folded hands upon her lap. A notepad rested underneath them. I could see a pen tucked at her ear, mostly hidden by a shock of wavy light brown hair that cascaded into a side ponytail. I could see slight perspiration gathering at her forehead just above an anxious brow. She was apprehensive looking, likely fearful of us catching her but the Kazekage was no fool. If you were in his presence, he knew so. The reason you remained securely in your place wasn't because he hadn't found you out, it was simply because he permitted it. Many failed to realize that.
She certainly had.
Real and not real, Tsubie. I had to remind myself not to blur the line. I had to remember that I was an actor. I couldn't allow myself to be trapped inside this insane genjutsu I'd been reeled into by Temari's and Kankuro's scheming minds. My relationship with Gaara was purely professionally, even now. I had to quit getting so caught up in the moments and bear in mind that they weren't real.
"Tazuna's coming up," I said, motioning towards the stage. I wanted to avoid responding to his previous statement. I didn't need to let myself fall in too deep, even though I was almost completely certain that I already was.
He settled on silence as Tazuna made her dramatic entrance. She gave me a wink as she strutted down the runway, exhibiting her trademark catwalk. I grinned, admiring the outfit she was wearing. I made a silent memo in my head that the ensemble was one that I'd be taking home with me after the show.
My enjoyment of imagining myself in the adorable outfit was cut short as an explosion roared and reverberated through the theater hall. Something dangerous was going on backstage. Kunai soared from the back with expert precision as they knocked out each and every one of the stage lights. Then the main power cut off, and we were all submerged into total darkness.
People in the audience had mixed reactions to the intrusion. Some fell silent; others panicked and were asking aloud, "What's going on?" Complaints of not being able to see were made. Some made suggestions to seek the nearest fire escape or exit. Everyone's breathing increased rapidly, and the entire room was warmed up by the excess labor. It wouldn't be long before mass exodus took place.
A bloodcurdling scream ripped through the massive clamor, and everyone was silenced instantly, frozen in their places. There was no mistaking that it was Tazuna's voice. Now, I could feel myself begin to panic. Fear racked my entire body as I attempted to send signals for it to move and to react.
Hoshiro, of course, was the first to move. In no time he had already summoned General Shinichi and Lady Misao, another pair of troublesome twin kitsune. Hikari and Kaoru were mild pranksters when compared to the General and the Lady. The sheer fact that Hoshiro had summoned those two meant he was serious. The threat, no matter what level it actually was, would not be taken lightly.
"Lady Misao, your star-ball magic would be greatly appreciated. We need some light."
I couldn't see the Lady set to work, but I could hear her padding footsteps as she leapt on stage. Scurrying paws found their way to the top of some rafters. The Lady scaled her way down some lighting structures and released a great ball of energy. I watched captivated as the ball began to expand like a balloon. Streaks of light shot out from the orb, christening the entire stage with illumination.
"It's about damn time something woke me up," my Sensei projected vociferously, swiftly standing and entering a fighting stance. I could tell he was raring to go for some hand to hand combat. He was mildly late, but I'd give him some credit since he had dozed off and because he usually slept like a log.
Now that there was light shed on the stage, I could see the action that had been going on through the darkness.
Tazuna stood doe-eyed, like a deer in the headlights as three masked shinobi closed in on her (they were impeccably dressed I might add). She was totally trapped. Her knees were buckling and her mouth dropped open slightly. Where in the world was Temari? Was she being held captive backstage? Why was no one moving?
I didn't really have time to sit and think about all those things. I was losing time, and I needed to react now. I leapt up from my spot finally, inspired to be courageous by my fellow teammates.
"Formation Sora-Tsu-Ho and General," instructed my Sensei, who quick as lightning, already had Tazuna in his arms. I couldn't quite make out the look on her face, but it wasn't frightened. It was a look of amusement and bashfulness. I couldn't help but note that she looked good in my Sensei's arms, a strange thought to come from his student and even stranger to come at a time like this, but she did.
Formation STH and G was a simple V-formation with a twist. Sorachi led our group, determined and deadly. She was the diversion aspect of this particular battle configuration. She quickly made three clones to confuse our enemies and sent them forward. When they struck at her clones, they dissolved into several tiny mice which scattered on the floor. While they were distracted, this gave Hoshiro time to prepare his attack. Sorachi leapt backward, sailing over us so that she wouldn't be in our way. Hoshiro moved in with General Shinichi. He was about to reveal his kekkei genkai, kitsune-bi (fox-fire).
The Tenchi Clan had always worked closely with kitsune. Myth said that the reason the Tenchi Clan was able to use fox-fire was because their earliest ancestor had been deceived by a mischievous kitsune named Sairen. Sairen had disguised herself as a desirable human woman and tricked the ancestor into marrying her. They had produced children together, thus creating the Tenchi Clan. I never asked Hoshiro personally about this myth, but had actually heard it from his great-grandmother when we were young. Even then, there was no mistaking the sly way she had smiled and the impish narrowing of her eyes as she related the story to us.
Hoshiro began to glow a faint blue hue as he inhaled deeply. He focused his fused fire chakra from the pit of his stomach and allowed it to work up through his body from his chest to his throat. He puffed out a mass of blue fire from his mouth.
From behind him, my twin fans fluttered within my hands, producing enough wind to allow Hoshiro's blue fox-fire to expand to an even greater mass. A vicious whistle sounded as my wind combined with Hoshiro's fox-fire sliced through. This battle was as good as won, or so I thought. A giant sand wall had formed and smothered out Hoshiro's fox-fire like nothing.
Dumbfounded, we all had dropped our guards and stared at the Kazekage in awe. He couldn't seem to hide his amusement as he smiled over at me. Had I done something wrong?
"It was supposed to be a staged fight," Tazuna whispered loudly enough for me and all of my teammates to hear.
It took a while for the realization to hit, but when it did, I placed my fans back into their rightful place tucked behind my back, and I laughed too. Well, this was embarrassing (story of my life!). "I guess I didn't get the memo."
Hoshiro shrugged as General Shinichi rolled his eyes. "Guess I'll see you later, kid." The fox chuckled sinisterly and disappeared along with his twin, Lady Misao.
Sorachi looked over at me apologetically, but I was more focused on Temari, who had stormed out from backstage. I was guessing that we'd all played a hand in ruining her event. It wasn't my fault she neglected to let me know what the hell was going on. My team and I were battle-ready. That was a good quality in a team of chunin if you ask me. But Temari didn't ask me. She just placed her hand on her hip and gave me a livid glare that threatened to slowly and excruciatingly peel the flesh off of my face. I'd almost prefer to be melted down by Hoshiro's fox-fire.
This time, it was my turn to look remorseful at her. Tazuna just giggled from Sanosuke-Sensei's arms and she blushed profusely. He'd set her down and for the first time, I made a connection between the two. Tazuna, nearly 6 foot herself, was actually shorter than my Sensei. Never had I even come across anyone close to her height, or his. They just seemed to suit one another.
My matchmaking was cut short as the lights came back on. The theater had been dimly lit from the leftover sparks of Lady Misao's star-ball magic, but now with the entire room completely brightened, I could see the faces of the audience members. I wasn't sure what to make out of their facial expressions. They all stared, wide-eyed with their jaws dropped. I couldn't tell if this was out of horror, shock, or both.
A lone man stood from the audience. I recognized him to be Utagawa Kuniyoshi, one the greatest and most esteemed critics of the Fashion Industry. He was Temari's close friend but that was because she had been clever to make the camaraderie. You know how I said Temari's opinion was the only opinion that mattered? Well, this is mostly true. However, Kuniyoshi's opinion mattered a little more tonight. He'd be writing a review on the entire show. If he'd give Temari a good review, her new line for spring would be highly sought after and deemed brilliant in every fashion magazine not only the Wind Country, but all over the others as well. If he decided to write a bad review, Temari and Tazuna could both possibly be done in the fashion industry completely with little hope of any salvation.
If that were to happen, you can guarantee that my head will be on the chopping block. Temari would put an apple in my mouth and have me for dinner. It would be the saddest, most pathetic death for me. I suppose the bright side would be to see it as an escape out of this miserable life of mine…
I bit down on my lip hard, waiting for him to deliver his comment. It was clear that Kuniyoshi had something important to say; otherwise he would have never made his presence known by standing. I felt myself shrink lower within my own skin as he straightened his posture into a poised and confident position to amplify his voice for speaking.
Then he brought his hands together in a clasp. "GENIUS!" he roared. His hands were moving resolutely in steady claps now. The entire audience stood too, all clapping and cheering.
"I guess I won't have to kill you and your teammates for ruining my show," Temari stated, thoughtfully. She was in a better mood that I'd imagined her to be in, but I suppose Kuniyoshi's praise had helped to successfully land her in such good humor.
"I'm really sorry, Temari." Well, that's what I had almost finished saying, but Temari had taken off mid-sentence and left out of earshot. So I'd been speaking to no one apparently.
She stood at the end of the stage, closest to the audience and gave a deep (over exaggerated) bow. "Thank you so much for coming to my show. Thank you! Thank you!" Blah, blah, blah, blah. I really hadn't wanted to hear the rest of Temari's I'm so fabulous but it's all because of my adoring fans speech. I tuned out after that and joined my teammates in a huddle.
"That could have gone worse," Hoshiro said in an effort to be supportive.
"Yeah," Sorachi agreed, "we could have killed someone…" She ended in nervous laughter. I didn't find the joke funny. What would have happened if we had killed someone? We could have been in some serious trouble, and I'm talking involuntary man-slaughter type of trouble. We wouldn't have been able to have the charges dropped. There were so many witnesses and no one to stick up for us. It wouldn't have mattered that we were under the assumption that there was an enemy attack. I didn't think I looked very good in stripes either.
"Tsubasa-san." I felt a hand rest on my shoulder, compassionately. Gaara's beautiful self was by my side to comfort and console me. "Don't worry. The men Temari hired are real ninja, not actors. They would have been able to take care of themselves. It's partly my fault that you reacted the way you did. I had forgotten to tell you about the scenario Temari had set up for her show tonight."
"Oh," was the only sound I could manage to form.
"Could I get you anything?" he asked, so very concerned for me.
"I need a drink," was all I said.
-Sittin' at a Bar-
Well, I've really done it this time. I'd embarrassed myself to the point of no return and had even managed to drag my teammates and my Sensei into the humiliation with me. Hoshiro didn't seem to mind that we had just made the most erroneous judgment call in the history of erroneous judgment calls. Instead he shrugged it off and had said that we only acted as shinobi should act under such dire circumstances.
Sorachi carried on about how grateful she was that the audience had no idea that we weren't a part of the show as Temari planned and that we might have gained some popularity in the celebrity department from it. She strategically had left out that we could have been high on the infamy level as well had we actually ruined things further.
Sanosuke-Sensei just said it would have served everyone right if he'd showed them all his ninja prowess at the fashion show. He went off on a ten minute tirade about how ninja like him had no business attending such events and that there's a reason Jonin like him don't model and never will.
Tazuna was in the best humor of all. "Oh, Tsubasa-san, you should have seen your face." She giggled adorably.
I noticed Sanosuke-Sensei was particularly attentive to her this evening as his eyes flashed to her. I just needed to find an in so that I could work my matchmaking magic. I'd wait for a good moment instead of just randomly inserting it though. There didn't need to be anymore awkwardness for the evening.
"Was it like this?" I asked, pulling the skin underneath my eye to reveal the red part of my eye socket. I stuck out my tongue as far as it would jut out and made an obnoxious bleeeh sound.
"I've never seen you make that face," Gaara commented. I immediately collected myself to regain a proper composure in front of him. Then I thought who cares? I'm going to just be who I am. I'm off work, I had one helluva day, and I'm at a bar with my Sensei, my teammates, my boss and his siblings, and Tazuna. Screw it.
"Well you're never going to see it again!" I warned playfully and gave him a wink.
"I didn't realize my charges were so silly," I heard my Sensei murmur. I threw a wadded paper napkin at his head then feigned innocence when he turned to glare. Sorachi, Hoshiro and I all pointed at one another simultaneously, pretending the other had done the deed. This was a familiar tactic that Sensei had grown accustomed to. "I rest my case."
I collected my drink from the bartender once he finished creating my delicious concoction. This time, I'd been wise enough to make a selection with very little alcohol. A fruity drink was exactly what I needed for the evening (after some beers). It would be enough to calm my nerves and sugary enough to satisfy my sweet tooth. I smiled as I removed a glorious pineapple chunk wedged on the rim of the glass and took a small chomp.
"Mmm," I cooed. I admit that I was feeling a great buzz right about then.
Gaara sat down at the bar stool next to me and requested the same from the bartender. I grinned, excited that he had made a similar choice to mine. Somehow it made me feel that he valued my opinion or that he had similar taste to mine when it came to alcoholic beverages.
"I prefer pineapples to pears I think," he said once he'd been handed his drink. He carefully removed the pineapple from the rim and nibbled. Was it wrong that I felt suddenly very warm at the sheer sight of him nibbling on that pineapple? I think not! Anyone in my position would have melted all the same.
"I think I'm a fan of both," I replied in a low voice so that the others wouldn't hear. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Hoshiro and Sorachi conversing with our Sensei who couldn't take his eyes off of Tazuna. Temari and Kankuro were bickering, as usual, at the far end of the bar. Too far to even be a part of any of our conversations.
"I like secrets too!" Sanosuke-Sensei plopped down one barstool over from me, scaring me nearly to death. I guess it had been flawed of me to even think for a second he hadn't been alert to me. I could feel another let's make Tsubasa self-conscious moment coming on as I regretted thinking that he hadn't been eavesdropping the entire time. How wrong I was about that one. "What are you two lovebirds talking about?"
I was going to tell my Sensei to mind his damn business and flirt with Tazuna, but I bit my tongue. I couldn't put them on the spot and ruin any chance they might have just because I wanted to get him back for the blow he dealt. I didn't have to say anything because Gaara had taken the reins on this one. "We have some fond memories relating to fruit," Gaara said flat-out, unabashed.
My Sensei cocked an eyebrow at this. Typically, he would have bombarded Gaara with a series of prying and nosy questions, but because Gaara was Kazekage, I knew my Sensei would refrain. As brazen and inappropriate as my Sensei was, he knew when he should back off and be respectful. This was one of those times. That didn't keep him from making another comment to compensate for making him hold back what he really wanted to say. His eyes narrowed mischievously as he said, "You two don't really sit like a couple. I mean, I'm not one to judge, but don't couples usually hold hands, have their arms around each other or sit on each other's laps?" He winked me, and I almost died on the spot.
Sanosuke-Sensei was so nosy! I suppose he had meant well though. He was used to seeing public displays of affection from me and my significant other. Kiba had never restrained himself from holding my hand, stealing a kiss in front of my teammates and friends, or holding me tightly just because we were in public for all to witness. He saw anti-public displays of affection sentiments as a challenge to do so more. There were many times when Kiba would pick me up unexpectedly, toss me into the air to catch me back in his arms where he'd steal several kisses if I permitted. Even if I hadn't permitted, he'd been an expert at sneaking them.
My mind was beginning to wander slightly to those times so I forced myself back to the present by pinching a sensitive area with lots of nerves along my inner thigh. A small inward yelp later and I was back to reality again.
"Haven't you heard of PDA?" Tazuna remarked. I know she was only pressing the matter further, but I didn't want to hear this or deal with this. I was becoming very flustered and it wasn't just because of my blood alcohol content level.
"PDA?" asked Gaara, clearly confused. I wasn't too surprised that he wasn't familiar with the term, especially since he wasn't ever interested in expressing PDA in the past. He was very new to this entire relationship thing. He'd been doing very well what with the romantic gestures and such, but slang terms like PDA were not in Gaara's vocabulary.
"Public Display of Affection," Sorachi enunciated for us. I couldn't believe she'd gotten in on the harassment as well. There was no mistaking the mischievous glint in her eye. The rest of the night was going to consist of getting badgered about my (pretend) relationship with Gaara. "It means that couples like to love on each other in public."
Traitor, I thought darkly as I tried to project a warning to her through my widening eyes and other facial features.
"Love on one another?" Gaara was thoroughly confused, and I absolutely wanted to crawl into a hole so that I could hide properly. If I was lucky, I'd die there and no one would ever find me.
I really wish that I hadn't been forced to disclose my mission to my friends. Temari had requested a briefing with Sorachi, Hoshiro and Tazuna. They were the only three, besides myself and the Sand Siblings, to know about this top secret A-Rank Mission (would you believe it was labeled A-Rank? That was a big W-T-F in my book, but I guess it would look good on my record). Sanosuke-Sensei was still under the impression that the relationship was real. It was hard to lie about something this big and obvious with him, but hopefully this pretend nonsense wouldn't carry on too much longer, and I could carry on with the rest of my miserable existence.
"Don't bother Gaara-sama with stupid insignificant things like that!" I huffed. I raised my arms to wave my hands a little more frantically than I had intended on.
"No, please explain." I looked to Gaara in disbelief, trying to project some extended meaning through my eyes that would warn him not to press the matter further. Either he didn't notice or he ignored it. I had a strange feeling that he'd ignored it. Why was he being so adamant about this?
"You know," Sorachi said scooting close to Hoshiro to use him as an example, "Being close to one another. Touching each other lightly on the shoulder or on the leg while sitting down. Stealing a kiss or two." I wasn't sure if I should have been more surprised at the fact that she was using Hoshiro as an example or at her words of insanity.
Hoshiro, a little buzzed and braver than usual, also decided to demonstrate an example of PDA. "Or you could try this…" He wrapped his arms around Sorachi and pulled her onto his lap. She blushed as his arms tightened affectionately. I gaped in awe as he snuck a kiss on her cheek.
"Shiro-kun we said we were going to tell Tsubie-chan later."
"What? Tell me what?" I demanded, standing up from my seat and nearly knocking out my drink from the table.
"We're dating now."
My Sensei howled and gave Hoshiro a hardy smack on the back. "I knew you two were a little too snuggly at the fashion show!"
"You were supposed to be sleeping, Sensei," Sorachi said flatly.
"I can't believe you two didn't tell me! What gives?" Had I seriously been so wrapped up in work that I missed this earth-shattering and life-changing event? I'd been waiting so long for them to form a relationship with one another and they'd done so behind my back.
Suddenly, I felt several things. Emotions were mixing inside of me as if being stirred by a ladle. I was happy for them, but at the same time I knew that those two becoming a couple meant that our trio was no longer a trio. It meant that it was Sorachi-Hoshiro and then me, Tsubasa the outsider. I already felt like an outsider because they'd waited so long on telling me the news. "When did this happen?" I stammered, unable to hold back my surprise.
"While you were in Leaf," Hoshiro said.
"Congrats," my Sensei shouted, striking the nice guy pose.
"Yes, congratulations," Gaara pronounced. Something I couldn't read flashed through his eyes but then it was gone in an instant before I could decipher it. He was contemplating something. What it was, I couldn't tell.
"This calls for a celebration!" Sanosuke-Sensei ordered a round of shots for each of us. I shuddered at the thought of downing the hard stuff. I know I had said I needed a drink earlier, but after having two beers to start with and now my fruity drink, I think I was fine with not drinking anymore. I'd have preferred not to shoot down anything that was going to burn my throat and threaten getting me drunky-pants.
A shot glass was shoved into my hand, making me realize that rejecting the drink was not an option.
Temari and Kankuro both suddenly emerged from the other end of the bar to accept the free drinks. I watched stunned as Temari's eyes scanned over my Sensei hungrily. I rolled my eyes. There was absolutely no way that my Sensei would ever fall for any of her meaningless ploys. I wasn't too worried and left it alone. Deep down within me, my matchmaking chakra (yes, I did make that up) burned inside me like a tenacious bonfire. I'd have to find a way to get the two together sooner or later. Hopefully sooner.
"Cheers to all three of my subordinates for being happily taken!" We all lifted our shot glasses high into the air and then swallowed. My Sensei, of course, had taken it like a true professional drinker while my teammates and I struggled to chug the hard liquor.
The rest of the evening passed by in a blur until the bar was closing. It had gotten pretty late; definitely time to call it a night and head home. I made a great effort to stand, but I felt like falling down. One hiccup and my balance was lost. With fingers pressed to my lips to restrain a secondary hiccup, I felt something familiar gently grasp my limbs and stand me up properly. Miniscule tendrils of sand had offered me the support I needed.
"Gaara-kun is so tender with me," I gurgled in a strange voice. I recognized the voice as my drunken alter ego I'd come to refer to as Tsooki aka Miss Drunky-Pants. "I think I lost the floor… help me?"
His arms took the place of his sand. He did more than support me in a standing position. Instead, I felt my feet lift off of the ground as he swept me up in his arms bridal style.
"I'll carry you home tonight," he told me.
"Where's everyone?" I demanded, suddenly realizing that everyone else was gone even Temari and Kankuro. They'd probably left for home. I wasn't sure. I really just couldn't remember what happened to them. My face scrunched into a scowl. "My friends have ditched me!"
Amusement trickled down his features, first touching the eyes through a glimmer and then his lips as they formed a wide smile. "Tsubasa-san, I don't think I've ever seen you drunk like this."
"No, no, no. Tsubasa-san is in dispose right now. I'm Tsooki!"
"Tsooki?"
"What did I tell you my name was?" I slurred.
"Tsooki."
"Yesh, that's right. I'm Tsooki because I'm drunky-pants. Take me home tonight."
"We're on our way right now," he promised, carrying me towards the exit. "I'll drop you off in your room."
"BYE!" I flapped my hand obnoxiously to wave farewell to the bartender until I could no longer see him because the door had closed after us. We were exposed to Suna's night air, but I had been too warm and giddy to notice how cold it had grown outside. I only guessed that it was cold, judging by the way Gaara's arms held me closely to his chest in an effort to protect me from it. I tilted my head to look up at him. "I want to go to your room though."
"My room? And what shall we do there?"
"I want to cuddle!" I (or should I say Tsooki) exclaimed boisterously. "So get this I'm in love!" I was giggling furiously, one fit of laughter after another.
"Are you? Is it someone I know?" Gaara asked. I could sense the genuine curiosity layered within the amusement in his voice. I think he was mostly just humoring me though.
Sand Castle was looming into view as we passed through the gates, and I wish I could have stopped myself, but Tsooki was in control. Not Tsubasa. And Tsooki said some really injudiciously brash things. She hadn't meant to embarrass me, I'm sure, but she had a bad habit of saying whatever came to mind whether it made sense or not.
"I can't remember right now." I giggled, knowing I was lying to him. I'm glad that I had that much sense about me. "Have you hidden my drinks?"
"We're not at the bar anymore, Tsubasa-san. We're home."
"I think we live here," I speculated suspiciously as he carried me through the hallway. I wasn't too sure about this place. I tried desperately to grasp a better sense of direction but ultimately gave up because my memory wasn't being very compatible.
I heard the sound of a doorknob being rustled open, and then finally some light poured through my field of vision. It wasn't too long before I felt sweet comfort beneath me as I was gently placed onto my bed. I grabbed at my bed sheets, pleased to be someplace familiar. Gaara slowly removed my shoes from my feet and directed my legs underneath the covers.
"It's sleepies time." My speech was husky more than it was incoherent. I felt myself sink lower in the bed, relishing in the softness and comfort. One of my hands outstretched from beneath the covers and patted the open space beside the curve of my outline. "Are you joining me?"
Gaara visibly stiffened, startled by what I was asking. It didn't take him long to recover, however. "I have to go to my own room, Tsubasa-san."
"But you're my boyfriend," I whined. My fists had balled and I'd begun pounding the bed like a child throwing a tantrum. "You're supposed to cuddle me and love me! Where is my boyfriend?"
"You don't have a boyfriend, Tsubasa-san."
"You're wrong! I do. His name is Sabaku no Gaara, and he takes very good care of me. He's the Kazekage, and he's super sexy. I'll tell him to beat you up! Where is my boyfriend? Tell me!"
At this, he laughed. "Right here, Tsubasa-san." His hands reached out, detaining mine within them. His intentions had been to ease me into a calm sleep, but I was still fighting to keep awake.
"Boyfriend, stay with me. I want cuddles."
"Good night, Tsubasa-san."
"Oh, just love me, will you?" And then I was out.
-One Nasty Hangover Later-
I'll never drink again, I thought as I tried to force my eyes to open.
I immediately regretted opening my eyes when my vision became flooded with light, escaping into my room from the balcony window. The curtains were wide open. I could have sworn they were closed before I left last night.
As soon as I made an effort to remove the covers from my body, my stomach lurched. My mouth was filled with this pungent taste, and I felt as if that same acridness was going to be breathed out as fire from my nostrils. I could feel my body reacting to my current state, urging me to make my way to the restroom. I threw the covers off of myself, flung my legs over my bed so that they could find the floor on make their way to the bathroom.
I was never so happy to make contact with a toilet as I emptied the contents of my stomach into it. My head nearly slumped straight into the water if I hadn't caught myself from doing so. My hands had urgently clutched the rim of the seat until they managed to hoist the rest of me upward. I pushed myself to sit on the floor, leaning my back against the wall as one of my hands slinked toward the flushing lever and tugged it. The flushing sound had never been so comforting.
The pounding in my head had been so potent, I could barely move around. I forced myself to the sink; splashing water on my face in hopes the coldness would sober me up. It didn't do much. My hand latched onto a bottle of mouthwash. I needed to get rid of the disgusting flavor in my mouth.
I glanced at my reflection in the mirror as I unscrewed the cap to the bottle of mouthwash. My eyes were completely bloodshot and my facial expression seemed to be telling me that I had done something regrettable last night. It hurt my head too much for me to even try to remember what those lamentable deeds had been. I'd worry about them later when I could form a thought without giving myself an aneurism.
My mouth happily received the wash as I gurgled with it. After dispelling all the minty mouthwash, I popped a pill to remedy my headache. I optimistically anticipated that it would kick in very soon because I wasn't sure if I could handle holding up a throbbing ten-pound cranium for much longer.
On my way stumbling out from the bathroom, I knocked over my soap dish from the counter of the sink. I winced as it clamored noisily to the floor. Everything seemed so much louder and brighter right then. I knew that was just the hangover punishing me for last night's alcoholic rendezvous.
A sudden feeling of uneasiness and anxiety overwhelmed as if I was getting a hit with a massive wave over and over again. My eyes struggled to focus as they scanned over my room. The opened curtains that I had noticed earlier were scratching at the back of my mind. My heart began to quicken pace until it was racing inside my chest.
My prior fatigue was wearing off. I was becoming more alert now, though it took great effort on my part to do so. This would clock as my second time combating a nasty hangover. I wasn't too accustomed with hangovers just yet.
My eyes zeroed in on my nightstand. The stunning bouquet of roses that Gaara had presented me had vanished. I wracked my brain to try and figure out what was going on.
The lessons Sanosuke-Sensei brought themselves to my attention. I remembered his wise words he'd once told me: Tsubasa, always remember a room exactly as you left it. You never know if someone else has just left it.
I felt myself move, instantly sober with my realization. I went to the balcony first to examine the area. I was never one to leave the curtains drawn open before leaving my room. I didn't like taking the chances of someone peeking through my windows and into my chambers. I valued my privacy and didn't put it past Paparazzi Nin, or anyone for that matter, to steal a good look of my room while I was out.
My cheetah-print doormat was skewed slightly to the left. The curtains seemed to have been forced open and after careful examination of the sliding doors, it was clear that there had been some forced entry.
I heaved the sliding doors open and stepped out onto the balcony. A puddle of water and mashed petals led to a disturbing sight. Twelve long stems were sprawled out, headless, across my lounging chair.
A small manila folder rested upon the stems, beckoning me. I lifted the envelope and worked my fingers to remove the seal, carefully extracting the contents.
I felt like vomiting again, but it wasn't the hangover this time. It was what was in the envelope. There was a picture of Kiba and me kissing at the Hyuga's with a note attached.
I know what you did. It makes me sick. I'm going to tell.
Author's Note:I hope you've all delighted in reading this chapter. I'd like to let you know that if you're a Naruto fan, which you must be since you're interested in this fan fiction, that I have another story out. It's called That Akatsuki Cray! It's a completely different piece than this one; more on the humorous side about the misadventures of some very "cray" (crazy) Akatsuki members. I'd really appreciate it if you'd take the time to also read it and see if you enjoy it as well.
Have you ever been blackmailed like Tsubasa has? Do you have any guesses on whom the blackmailer could be? Let me know your thoughts in a review! I hope to update again soon ;)