School was over, and Hinata was having a blast.

The funniest sleepover in the history of time was taking place at Temari's hand. Gaara was trying very hard to sing without laughing, Neji was hitting the drums at random angles and taking care not to use his injured foot for the foot pedal, Sakura was hitting random notes on the guitar, and Hinata was doing the same with the bass. Temari, Shikamaru, Tenten, and Naruto were laughing hysterically as well as their small, unproductive audience.

The result? A sound much like the noise of herding cattle with strangulation noises in the background. Most likely a farmer trying to run from said cattle.

Finally Gaara just cracked up despite his iron façade. He was slowly loosening up from Sakura's constant showering of affection, and he actually smiled now. God forbid. He was actually friendly to some outsiders, but the cold façade that made Gaara himself was still there. And the rest of the group was totally fine with that.

Naruto, actually, was now more and goofier due to the fact of his undying wish to entertain Hinata, despite the fact that Hinata told him perfectly a million times he didn't have to. But every time he did something especially whacky, Hinata couldn't help but laugh.

Temari and Shikamaru were now a full fledged couple. The affection was obvious, even though Temari nearly threw Shikamaru out a window. Literally. It involved Shikamaru doing something perverted accidentally and Temari freaking out about it, and that's all Hinata wanted to know on the subject.

Neji and Tenten were… Neji and Tenten, of course. Neji was healing excellently, but as it turns out, he refused to let someone else take his spot on the final performance on the last day. In fact, despite his broken ankle, he stood there without moving and played his bass until the end of the performance with no complaint. He had a very fat cast and tried to keep the weight off his foot, and was handed crutches to help him off the stage once it was done, but Neji held it up extremely well.

"Hey guys!"

And of course, Ino and Kiba were still strong. Despite her spoiled brat personality, Ino was actually pretty friendly nowadays. Friendly enough for Temari to invite the two over to her house.

"I was thinking," Ino began, shooting a wide grin towards Kiba. "Well, we were thinking we could write down little notes on the performances and the highlights of this year. Publish it in next year's newspaper. What do you say?

"Not a bad idea!" Temari allowed, a wide grin bursting over her face. "You write though. I suck at it."

Hinata giggled as she sat next to Ino, looking over her shoulder. Ino gave her a wide smile.

"Not a problem. So let's start with our most recent performance… That was when we really showed Sasuke who was boss."

"Agreed," Hinata said calmly, watching Ino scribble down that night.

----

The crowd was at an uproar as Hinata ran and slid to a halt at the end of the stage, expertly moving her body. She was distinctly aware of the others doing the same thing, with the exception of Neji, who was standing there the whole time. He wasn't allowed to move under doctor's orders, but his bass playing skills never failed. He wouldn't even show he was in pain.

"All right you guys!" Hinata screamed into the microphone, more at ease with the show than she was at the battle of the bands. At the back of the crowd, she could see her father and her mother look surprised at this note of aggression from their daughter.

"We have a guest appearance tonight to sing this song tonight, and the others that our wonderful keyboardist Sakura has written herself. Welcome Ino from Wildfire, the second place contestant from the battle of the bands this year!"

The crowd screamed as Ino performed an over exaggerated bow, before whipping up her head to smile widely and throw up her hands. Her guitar, a very snazzy one at that, hung limply around her neck before she took it up in her hands.

"Our first song," Sakura took over the speech, "is called Liar by Vanilla Ninja and I hope you love it as much as we do! It's pointed towards all the ones that had their hearts broken due to lies. Enjoy!"

The crowd screeched again, the noise echoing off of the wooden walls of the school's gym. They stomped eagerly against the floor and went absolutely crazy as Sakura began the chords of the song on her keyboard. Ino and Gaara were quick to join in on the guitar, and Neji wound himself into the music as well. Finally, Sakura leaned to sing into the microphone.

We found a place to be.

So far from despondency…

But you found a thousand ways

To shadow up my face

Sakura shot a look towards Hinata, who grinned at Sakura before facing the audience and continuing on, her voice breathy and airy. It rang out perfectly through the auditorium.

Your kisses turned from hot to cold

And I felt, like a centerfold

Cheap n' nasty with dirty men

Looking for love they never will get

Ino and Sakura joined in the singing, and Hinata ran to the left and jumped hard on the ground as the chorus began.

Sitting the dark just feeling low

Ruined to the heart I'm on the road

To nowhere… to nowhere…

If you want to lie to me again

There is a rotten place they call the end

Just go there… and stay there…

Liar!

Oh oh oh oh – oh oh oh oh –oh oh oh oh – oh oh oh oh

Liar!

Oh oh oh oh – oh oh oh oh – oh oh oh oh – oh oh oh oh

Hinata and Sakura stopped singing as Ino took over.

You took a quick escape

But left your lies in perfect shape

As long as my memories live

I never will forgive you

Ino halted and Hinata burst into the next lyrics.

So if we meet somewhere tonight

You better be set to fight

In the darkness of missing stars

You won't see me

But you'll feel me inside

Sitting in the dark just feeling low

Ruined to the heart I'm on the road

To nowhere… to nowhere…

You want to lie to me again

There is a rotten place to call the end

Just go there… and stay there…

Liar!

Oh oh oh oh- oh oh oh oh- oh oh oh oh- oh oh oh oh

Liar!

Oh oh oh oh-oh oh oh oh- oh oh oh oh- oh oh oh oh

This time, Ino and Sakura had no solo. They stopped singing for the final verse that would be sung by Hinata.

The winds of change blow through my soul

And the warlords try to take control

I will never rely on you

And the pain will hit you, shame on you!

Sitting in the dark just feeling low

Ruined to the heart I'm on the road

To nowhere… to nowhere…

You want to lie to me again

There is a rotten place to call the end

Just go there… and stay there…

Liar!

Oh oh oh oh- oh oh oh oh- oh oh oh oh- oh oh oh oh

Liar!

Oh oh oh oh-oh oh oh oh- oh oh oh oh- oh oh oh oh

They repeated the chorus one more time before ending sharply, and the crowd was in an uproar. Hinata scanned the audience quickly before finding Sasuke, and to her delight, he looked livid in rage. He spun on his heel and fought through the crowd. Her parents, of course, looked absolutely shocked, but that was nothing new.

"Glad you liked it!" Sakura bellowed into the crowd, and the audience screamed in appreciation and clapped as well. "The other two I've written myself, and the next one Hinata will sing alone with the exception of background vocals. This one is called Ripples in a Pond. Enjoy!"

The guitar work was technical and choppy at first, just as it was intended, but then the keyboard and bass came into to fill it out as the sound expanded. Hinata gripped the microphone.

Soaking in yet another lie

Matted hair and bright eyes

Raining until the shadows fall

And wishing there was a flicker

We're falling in depression

Dreaming that we're alive

Breaking down into fallen angels

Tormented with fires of distrust

One pebble called betrayal

A splash, ripples in a pond

And destruction's the last wave

Seeking redemption in the valley of Lost

Breathing, hoping the truth will be found

Covered in a tear covered veil

In the midst of the broken land

One flower stands

Dreaming that we're alive

Breaking down into fallen angels

Tormented with fires of distrust

One pebble called betrayal

A splash, ripples in a pond

And destruction's the last wave

Harmonic whispers fade into decay

(A splash, ripples in a pond)

Acts of treason pour agony into open wounds

(A pebble called betrayal)

Fall into the euphoria of endless sleep

(Tormented with the fires of distrust)

The flower lost its life; all hope is gone

(Breaking down into fallen angels)

Death is upon us; there's no escape!

Hinata covered the microphone as Gaara began a solo with Ino, expertly maneuvering the guitar to get even more excitement from the crowd. It lasted for minutes until Gaara did his magical screaming vocals.

Destruction's the last wave!

Dreaming that we're alive!

And the music slowed. Slow guitar strums harmonized the next set.

Once beautiful

The petals cascade

Once alive

They shrivel and die

Vibrant colors turn to gray…

And the music kicked up again, showing the heart of the newly formed punk band.

Dreaming that we're alive

Breaking down into fallen angels

Tormented with the fires of distrust

A pebble called betrayal

A splash, ripples in a pond

And destruction's the last wave!

The crowd was wailing and screaming in enthusiasm as the music died down. The band did a quick encore, and the screams that nearly deafened them all finally lured them out. Neji wasn't there, and Gaara and Ino had replaced their electric guitars with acoustic. Sakura was armed with a piano instead of an electric keyboard.

"This song is more sad and quiet than the other ones," Sakura spoke quietly into the microphone. "A lot of our type of bands have at least one slow song, and we're no exception. It's about those who have lost their lives. Ino had lost her little sister when we were young due to a gunfight, and this is to her and all the others that had lost someone they care about at the hands of others. This is our last song, and we all will sing in memory of Yamanaka Shizuka, and everyone else who has died like her. Hold up lighters, use your cell phones, whatever, but please be quiet and respectful. Thank you. The song's called Frozen." Sakura bowed her head, and the crowd instantly hushed.

Gaara started playing slowly, and minutes passed by before Ino joined in. They played together in silence for a little while, and eventually they both paused. Sakura's piano rang out alone, and she continued to play as Ino and Gaara picked up where they left off. Hinata stood still with her head bowed, but a side glance told her Ino's eyes were bright with tears.

Her voice was slow, solemn, and sad, and she slowly began to sing along with Ino and Sakura.

Your eyes are getting colder

There's nothing I can do to see

It's right before my eyes

But there's nothing I can do to feel

Quick explosions pierce the silence

And crimson tears soak my skin

I'm stuck besides you

But if I can move, what can I do?

I'm here because I'm frozen

Because your life is still

A heartbeat that's nonexistent

And cloudy eyes…

We're here in black

Never again see moonlight

I'm frozen, because you're not here…

He killed my life too

It's not real anymore

Gunshots echo in my mind

And the laughter is there

The one that destroyed your life

I'm here because I'm frozen

Because your life is still

A heartbeat that's nonexistent

And cloudy eyes…

We're here in black

Never again see moonlight

I'm frozen, because you're not here…

My heart bears scars that are constantly ripped open

It's so hard to keep up this façade

Even when I smile

Even when I laugh

Memories of you wake up

And the pain's still there…

Tears were running down Hinata's face as well the others, and she could hear sniffles in the crowd as she stretched out the final word and waited for Gaara and Ino to finish up their final solo of this performance. Hinata kept her head bowed, but she saw Naruto staring at her sadly. It gave her enough strength to finally finish with one of her oldest friends and her newest one.

I'm stuck besides you

Even though I'm still here

We'll meet again one day

Because if I move, there's nothing I can do…

I'm here because I'm frozen

Because your life is still

A heartbeat that's nonexistent

And cloudy eyes…

We're here in black

Never again see moonlight

I'm frozen, because you're not here…

There was enthusiastic clapping and screeching as the song finally finished. Through her tears, Hinata waved crazily and grinned like a maniac as she searched the crowd for her mother and father. Her mom was sobbing hard into her father's shoulder, and her dad looked unusually solemn instead of pissed at the world. Maybe there was hope for them after all.

After their audience started to leave, Hinata jogged to the backstage. Neji gave her a high five and promptly, without even waiting for the question, handed her a bottle of water. She drank greedily.

"Guys!" Sakura shouted, wiping away any sign that she was crying. "We are so the best! We're gonna make it through, I just know it!"

"Hinata."

Hinata spun around to see Naruto, who immediately gave her a hug and a kiss. Right behind him was her mother and father. Hinata instantly tensed, waiting for their reactions.

"Hey," Hinata squeaked.

"Hinata, that was so beautiful," her mother sobbed almost incoherently, throwing her arms around her daughter. "I can't believe it."

"Thanks Mom," Hinata choked out, patting her on the back until she let go. She looked into her mother's blue eyes. There was no trace of dishonesty anywhere.

"Hinata."

Hinata nervously looked up to see her father's stern gaze. However, it was a little looser than usual. She felt hope swell up. Maybe…

"Good work." He spun around and walked off, her mother tagging along after him. But still, the midnight haired girl smiled widely. It was the best praise he had ever given her yet.

"Come on, Hinata." Naruto tugged on her arm, love shining in his cerulean eyes. "Let's go home."

----

"What an amazing day," Ino sighed, closing the book.

"No kidding," Sakura added softly, while Hinata nodded. The others were solemnly still, before Naruto jumped up.

"Come on, people! School is over! Let's be merry!"

All the others laughed at that, as they all jumped up.

"Grudge!" Temari shouted gleefully.

"NO!" Sakura roared. "No no no!"

"Yes."

"No."

"YES!"

"NO!"

Hinata and the rest looked in amusement as the two girls chased each other around the house, throwing random objects such as pillows, blankets, even the occasional couch cushion. Ino just shook her head.

"Are they always like this?" she asked Hinata.

"Absolutely," Hinata replied, watching on in amusement as Temari finally tackled Sakura to the ground.

"Kankurou, quick!" Temari yelled frantically as her younger brother charged into the room from all the commotion. "Get Grudge in the DVD player!"

"No! You can't make me watch it! NO NO NO!"

"Flying rabid squirrel attack!" Tenten bellowed before tackling the two as well. Temari and Sakura shrieked as Tenten's added weight sent them into a table.

Hinata became aware of an arm swinging around her shoulders. She leaned into Naruto's body weight as he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. The boys and Ino were too distracted by Tenten, Temari, and Sakura's play fight to notice them too much.

"Look what I've got." Naruto thrust a bowl in Hinata's face. "Popcorn. Meant for eating, watching movies, and throwing at girls. Try it."

Hinata joined in with Naruto as they sat on a couch and threw little bits of popcorn at the still-struggling girls.

"Hey Hinata?" Naruto asked at some point. "Can we go to the mall today and piss off the gift shop lady again?"

Hinata grinned. "Absolutely."

END

----

And it's finally over. –cries-

I can't believe it. I've worked on this thing for over a year, and now it finally ends. I'll miss it terribly. Sorry if it seems rushed or a little worse than usual, I just got excited to finish this thing. If you guys want me to rewrite it, I shall.

Thanks to all of you. And I mean all of you. This was a wild ride, a ride that wouldn't have been possible without you guys. Thank you for bearing with me, and thank you for encouraging me when my life got really tough and complicated. It means more than you'll ever know.

The last two songs were written by me, and that's the way they're going to stay. No one can use those songs without my permission. If I find it, I will be extremely mad and I can guarantee I won't stay quiet about it.

Anyway. To lighten up. If you want to know how this story came to exist, keep reading. If you could care less, move on to another story that you can read.

I was going to a hockey game, and I was extremely pissed at my mother. She had sprung it up on me without giving me advance notice, and to be honest, I'm not that fond of hockey. I'm just not. Well anyway, it turned out to be a lot of fun. We won, and all that, but of course, there was the part we all dreaded: getting out.

My family and I tried to make a joke out of it. "Do you all have your exit buddies!" my mom would shout. "I have my exit buddy!" I shouted back, and I personally thought it was the funniest thing ever. You had to be there, but I thought "It would be great if I actually made a story that had that line in it. I'll do it." And Trapped in the Vortex was born.

My crush, now my ex, also gave me some hysterical moments that I twisted to make some parts funny. I wanted my story to be cliché, but have some moments that is the most un-stereotypical story ever. So I started writing, and I just kind of winged it throughout the story. It wasn't until Chapter 10, The Fire, that I got to use the whole exit buddy thing. Pretty fun.

And the rest of the story unfolded itself. It became my therapy, something I got pissed off at, and wanted to take down. It was my adventure, and my proof that I was growing as a writer.

Amen.

And now it's done, and I'm blissfully happy and horribly sad at the same time. And it was all because of a hockey game.

That is the story (hehe) of TitV. My most popular story, and the story I will miss the most. Not as much as the reviewers though. May you all write/read a story that will touch your lives as much as this one has touched mine.

Farewell.