A/N - Omg another chapter, yay?

OH WAIT WUT, IT'S SUPER DUPER LONG?! WUT WUT?!

That's right.

Thats mother fucking right. Lets bask in this greatness.

Oh DON'T you scroll past to go read the story *z snaps* nu uh, you better listen to what I have to say.

So my mom comes in my room and she's like "Umm... what's going on here?" And I kinda just hissed as her cuz I was in the complete dark and whispered in pain "Shut tha door maaather! You're burning my skin!"

And she gives me this look and walks out. At dinner she told me she literally didn't think I was home because I was shut in my room all day.

Yeah... this chapter took away my life for 24 hours straight.

YOU ARE NOW RELEASED PEASANTS. GO. HAVE A FIELD DAY. ENJOY THAT CHAPTER. BE FREE!

DISCLAIMER - I do not own Naruto


Song used for this chapter listed at the bottom~

"You've been dodging us for weeks," Sasuke complained as the rest of my friends sat along agreeing at lunch one random Thursday, "It's bad enough that you used to disappear on us, but now this is a whole new level. You literally haven't partied with us for about two months."

I rolled my eyes and huffed in exasperation, "It isn't that I don't want to, it' just- I don't know- don't you think partying gets old?"

"Gasp," Tenten spoke the actual word dramatically, bringing her fingers to her lips in horror.

"Oh god, it's worse than we thought," Naruto wailed, his head falling to the table in defeat to hide his hurt.

"Well hold on," Temari cut it, giving me a sympathetic little frown, "She has a point. All we do is party."

"Shit it's contagious!" Tenten squeaked in panic, "This type of thinking is contagious. Abort! Abort the mission Sasuke!"

No matter how much hell these two months has been, I still couldn't keep myself from smiling when it came to my friends being absolute idiots. Rolling my eyes at their theatrical behavior, I attempted to take Sasuke seriously as he turned back to me with a deep frown, "Come on, really? Well even if that's true-"

"OH GOD IT'S SPREADING," Naruto shouted randomly.

Sasuke gave Naruto a quick glare before turning back towards me, "Even if that's true, you've had a long enough break from partying, don't you think? It's time for you to leave your room; being trapped in there isn't healthy."

"I have left my room!" I argued back with a glare, "Just because I don't hang out with you guys doesn't mean I am shut in my room all the time."

Well, that was half the truth. Usually if I wasn't shut in my room, I was shut in Sakura's. Bright light was starting to burn my eyes, and I was starting to appreciate artificial light and midnight stars better than actual living people.

"Alright you could be telling the truth," Temari cut in before Sasuke could do anymore damage, "But just like you said, you haven't hung out with us at all. Just give us this one weekend and you can go back into hiding for a bit more." I gave Temari a whining look, but she in turned gave me a desperate pout, "Come on Ino, we are nothing without our Queen Bee."

I narrowed my eyes and gave her a face, attempting to see if I could somehow turn down her meek little sulking expression. Coming to the conclusion that I couldn't, I huffed and tore my gaze away from her. "Why am I the queen bee anyway," I complained as I went back to eating my fries, "You guys do perfectly fine for a colony with no sort of government half the time."

Ignoring Naruto and Tenten's grins, I listened to Sasuke reply simply, "It's all about the love. Now this party is at the lake all the way out of town. Do you need someone to pick you up?"

My thoughts wandered to Sakura before I started carefully, "Uh… I'm not sure. I'll let you guys know."

"Saturday night," Temari chimed in with the details, "Just text us if you need a ride. I don't mind swinging by beforehand. And I'll score us some drinks and snacks, it's supposed to be this epic bonfire thing."

"Do you need a pool of cash for the beer?" Tenten asked with a beaming smile thrown at me, which I carefully returned simply to make her happy.

"It's always good that I don't blow my full monthly allowance on us getting fucked up," Temari joked in reply, but we all knew that was practically impossible. She was rich, if anything she could only blow a solid half if she honestly wanted to go all out.

"I have some cash stashed away," Naruto offered, "I'll take care of the snacks if you want."

I fell back into my silent spot as they slowly melted into their party planning. My mind wandered and I was still a bit iffy about actually going to a party, not knowing if it was the best idea, but I couldn't help but be a tad excited as Sasuke gave me a half smile with a happy little gleam in his eyes. There wasn't much to be scared of, not when I had these guys around, and now that I thought about it, I honestly didn't give them enough attention.

So, maybe trying crawl back into the world of the living wouldn't be so bad if I had them to watch my back.

X

"A party, huh?" Sakura commented after I explained to her what was happening Saturday night. Her eyes were focused on Ethan, who was taking a bath in the science room sink. He had grown so much since when I first saw him; he was bigger with a thicker fluffy dark gray coat. We had to start using two hands to hold him.

"Yeah," I sighed while moving behind her, knowing Ethan was moments away from wiggling his body to spray soap everywhere. Seconds later, I saw a huge glob of suds land right where I was standing, "I'm not sure if I want to go. I just said yeah to get them off of my back for the moment, you know, to think. So I don't know."

"Well I think it sounds like fun," she replied with a glance towards me, grin on her face, "I mean, bonfires are epic, and going out with your friends seems like a nice change of scenery from that fancy room of yours with a dork like me lurking about in it."

"I appreciate the dork that lurks in my room," I teased with a smile, bumping my hip with hers as I went to lean against the sink, "She entertains me immensely."

"Though I slave for you every night, hoping to get the nod of approval to survive one more day as your jester, my queen," she joked while grabbing a small dishtowel from across the room to dry Ethan off, "I have to side with your friends this time around. You honestly should go out."

I pouted, "Well aren't you a bummer."

She laughed and turned towards me, flashing me this heart squeezing smile with her eyes locking right on mine, "I'm merely thinking of your best interest."

"And you don't think my best interest includes a girl keeping me company almost every night, like the upcoming Saturday?" I asked softly, watching as she walked towards me to pick up Ethan. Her eyebrows rose in interest, and with a blush I slid my eyes away.

"Well when you put it like that," Sakura started carefully, tossing her towel on the counter and glancing at me with a small smile, "I definitely have to struggle with not taking back my decision."

My stomach fluttered as I stumbled, "Well you made your choice."

"Sure did," she chuckled before turning and carefully placing a very wet Ethan on the comfy towel, "But it isn't too late for me to admit that I'm starting to regret it."

I shifted and toyed with my fingers, "You can tag along if you want."

"I honestly wouldn't love anything more than to see you looking dressed up and gorgeous for a chilly fall night with friends and an open fire," she tossed out with a small smile and a side glance towards me, forcing me to blush again and look away, "But I can't. Have to take care of Ethan this weekend, so I'll be home with him all night."

"Oh," I breathed out, attempting to act normal, "Nothing we can do about that, I guess."

"Indeed," she sighed thoughtfully, and then paused for a moment before adding, "But, maybe Sunday night I can swing by after sending Ethan to bed, if only to whisper you good night after watching half a superhero movie."

Chest tightening, I shrugged, "If you want."

"Should I start making a list of things I would want to do so you won't be confused on if I'm actually being selfless or selfish?" She teased with a slight smile, "Cuz, I mean, I think you'll be surprised with all the things I'm honestly being pretty selfish about; like wanting to see you Sunday night since I won't be able to hang out with you much this weekend."

A small smile pulled at my lips, and with a glance at her I was convinced she was telling the truth. Unable to take much more of her and her smooth little antics, I began to plan my escape. Not that I didn't want to sit here and slowly get lost in the butterflies she seemed to produce in my stomach, but because I knew I shouldn't be attempting to enjoy myself too much.

"I'm going to class," I announced as casually as possible, pushing myself away from the counter to leave. I had come to visit during my art appreciation class, but since I've been acing it all year so far the teacher never bothered with putting a time limit on my constant trips outside of the room.

"Well hold up," Sakura called as she ruffled Ethan dry. He quacked in annoyance, but she didn't pay him any mind, "I can walk you."

"You don't have to," I answered while grabbing my pass from the nearby table.

"The sky is blue, my favorite color is green, Ethan loves the rain, and I don't have to walk you to class," she responded casually, glancing back to give me another stomach fluttering smile, "All random facts, but the truth of the matter is that I want to. So unless you plan on commanding me to stay here…"

I looked away with a smile and a roll of my eyes, "Ok dork, just hurry up."

"Already done," she replied cheerfully as she carried Ethan to his little home. Moments after he scurried to his food bowl, she turned back to me with a grin. I returned her expression with a soft smile, unable to help the way she pulled such small miracles to my lips. Enjoying the feel of warmth in my tummy as she fell into step with me, I listened peacefully as she started conversationally, "So you wouldn't believe what I learned in science class today."

"Why don't you tell me about it?" I offered, entertaining her as we walked down the hall.

"Well Professor Limning was talking to us about galaxies, and he said this outrages statement that proves to be fact," Sakura chattered away happily as I listened in amusement, "He said that 'Even traveling at the speed of light, it would take two million years to get to the nearest large galaxy, Andromeda'. And I start arguing that that's ridiculous and unfair, so he asks me why. I in turn tell him that his statement means two things: we will never be able to explore to our truest potential and we will never be able to greet anyone or anything that is out there waiting for our sign to show we exist."

"Which upsets you the most? I asked, glancing at her with curiosity.

"Both upset me greatly," she admitted with a deep frown on her face, and I knew that was the sign that gave away how deep into thought she was traveling within her own science mind, "This planet only offers so much, and we outgrew it millions of years ago. Sure there are still interesting things to be found, but that's mostly deep under the ocean since we didn't have the technology to travel such a profoundly unimpressive terrain to begin with."

She paused for a moment, shifting with a small smile tugging at her lips, "My brother would have really chewed my ass out for that last comment, but it's true; the ocean doesn't impress me one bit. I never understood what was so fascinating about this earth; it's so boring, plain, and tiring to look at. The wonders are in space, where mysteries lurk behind every star."

"Behind every star," I repeated softly, a teasing smile slipping my lips as I watched Sakura blink and slowly pull herself from her thoughts. She caught my eyes in a daze, then instantly flashed me a smile. Slipping my eyes away from hers, I continued, "It sounds to me that you want to travel space."

"I could only dream about roaming the universe with thousands of stars accompanying me," Sakura sighed wistfully as we turned into the electives hallway, "Still I doubt I could be able to survive out there."

"Why not?" I asked as we approached my classroom.

"Because one star in particular would be missing," she answered carefully as we slowed just before the door, "And I have to admit that she is the most important star of them all."

I blinked and swirled towards her to say goodbye, all the while attempting to decrypt what she was saying. When the obvious hit me, I sucked in a breath and looked away in embarrassment, a slight blush burning my cheeks. She stood there in front of me, her smile small and normal as if what she had just said was completely average and not heart stumbling.

"Anyway," she began, knowing that I probably wasn't able to come up with something to say, "I guess this is your class? I'm not doing much today, maybe we can do homework together tonight."

"Maybe," I answered, still sputtering along to catch up, "I have a lot of math to deal with."

"Think you might need help from a math nerd like me?" She asked as if she didn't already know.

"Most likely," I admitted with a smile.

"Welp I'll help you this time around," she drawled as she pushed her hands into her Thor hoodie pockets, "But next time around, I'll have to charge you."

I rolled my eyes and began to step back, "Yeah, sure, ok."

"What, you aren't even curious what the price is?" Sakura asked with a twinge of disappointment.

Slipping out a soft laugh, I teased, "I'm getting smarter at this. It's probably in my best interest if I didn't ask."

A grin danced across her lips, "Clever girl."

"What can I say, I don't learn the fastest, but I still learn," I taunted, "I guess I'll see you tonight?"

"Yup," she answered, raising a hand in a small wave as she began to walk off, "See ya."

I watched her leave for a bit before slipping back into class. One of my friends noticed the small smile I hadn't hid very well, and questioned who I was just flirting with outside. I only shook my head, but she wasn't very convinced. It didn't matter much to me; I was too busy thinking about other things.

Like how I was so recently compared to a star in the cheesiest dork fashion by an incredibly sweet girl who didn't seem to know the words giving up.

XxX

Saturday came sooner than I would have liked. I groaned as I stood in front of my mirror, giving myself a check over to see if I looked good enough to go out with my friends tonight. I'm sure they didn't care, but I did. I mean I wasn't trying to impress anyone, but I didn't want to go out looking like some bum either. It was the first time I would be seeing moonlight that wasn't from my bedroom window, but instead out in a public environment with people my age. For some reason I just really didn't want to look like the death I've been feeling for the past two months.

I'm not sure what I was expecting from tonight, but I was nervous. For some unknown reason I felt like this was a test, an attempt to gauge how long I could breathe without any sort of aid that I seemed to heavily depend on day in and day out. It was like I was being dipped into the real world, and this world in particular always felt like it was under water.

I wonder if I could make it…

"Will you have a ride back, sweet heart?" My mom asked as she was passing by my open door, heading towards the stairs.

"I'll either be getting a ride from Temari or spending the night over there at her places," I answered, turning away from the mirror to give her a strained smile, "Mom, do I look alright?"

Suddenly my father passed by, his eyes glancing at mine before he continued down the hall, "I would say put on an oversized sweater and some baggy pants, but then again I'm your over bearing father."

My smile eased as I rolled my eyes, waiting for my mom's opinion.

"You look fine," she answered with a warm smile, "But now days it seems like you are always missing something, no matter how many accessories you put on."

"Really?" I asked with a blink and a glance down to my scarf and bracelet, "What am I missing?"

"A redhead girl with her very abundant amount of beanies," she retorted softly, giving me a look.

My heart skipped a beat as a wave of certain dread swept my whole body. Looking away, I forced out, "She's been busy."

"I'm sure," my mom sighed before moving down the stairs, "But that doesn't make her any less missed in this house."

I shifted uneasily as I was left alone, knowing the message she was giving me but also knowing that she didn't know the full story despite her guessing that me and Tayuya got into another fight. I understood she wanted me to make up with her, and I'm sure it was more for my best interest, but it wasn't that simple.

Tayuya had decided to stop talking to me, not the other way around. This wasn't my decision; I wanted anything but this to happen.

I pushed the thoughts away. It was pointless to sit here and justify to myself why I hadn't bothered to talk to Tayuya at all. And unless I was contacting her by phone, there was no real way to just strike up random conversation with her in the first place. Ever since she left my window that night, I literally hadn't seen her since. She was doing a perfect job forcing us back into the days where we hardly knew or saw each other, but simply felt that we were always there and always across the street.

And unless I'm mistaken, she hasn't moved. She's still there it's just… I never get a glimpse of her now days.

Eventually I got that fatal text from Temari, saying that she was here. I made sure to charge my phone completely, and even brought my charger just in case. That way, even if this night was a complete dud, I could at least talk to Sakura the whole time and have her keep me company. And if it got too bad, I could beg for her to pick me up, and I'm sure she would without much complaint.

Tenten had decided to catch a ride with Temari too, so we chattered away the whole time there. I didn't realize how far this lake was until when we finally dropped away from the city lights and began to slip into complete and total darkness. I'm sure there was nothing but flat land around us while we drove down the road, but it was far too pitch black to see any of it. All we could see was the road, and the constant reflectors that kept us in the right lane.

We rode the darkness for a while, and I started to have doubts on if I could actually get Sakura all the way out here if I needed her badly enough. Anxiously I watched my signal bars drop one by one the further we went on, and I feared I just might be on my own tonight. By some miracle though, I was able to keep one small bar that flickered in and out every so often, it was the only hope I had as we approached the lake.

The place was huge as we bumpily made our way closer, the gravel crunching under the tires nosily. There were tons of cars all parked randomly on the grass, and by the sheer number of them all Tenten was already excitedly saying how this was going to be the best party of the year. My eyes wandered, and though I saw cars that were empty I saw no people or a lake.

"Where is everyone?" I asked while turning to Temari with a small frown, "And where is the lake? This place looks deserted expect for all the cars."

"The lake and everyone else is deep into the woods," Temari answered as she looked for a good parking spot, "There is a trail we need to follow, so I hope you guys are ready to walk."

"Ugh Temari, you could have said something sooner," Tenten complained from the back seat, "I put on heels and everything."

"Don't worry babydoll, I brought a pair of shoes you left at my place. I figured you might wear heels even though you knew we would be at a lake," Temari replied with a grin as she passed over the shoes.

"Oh my god, this is why I love you," Tenten gushed in gratitude as she took them with a beaming smile, "Let's get married."

"I don't think you could handle me, doll," Temari teased with a laugh, turning down a lane of cares that were lined up next to each other. At the very end there was enough space to slip and park right next to a tree.

"Question is if you could handle me," Tenten taunted back as we all unbuckled to get out, "I mean, I'm pretty hard to please."

I shut my door, but Tenten had gotten out at Temari's side. Walking around the jeep to group up with them, I heard Temari reply, "You don't know half the things you tease me about, sweet heart. But if you're ready to cross a line, I'll be willing to show you the ropes."

I blinked and stepped around the car in enough time to see Tenten blushing and looking away. Absolutely confused, because I never saw Tenten blush for anyone, I watched as Temari slipped me a wink with a natural little smile tugged at her lips. My mind wondered the possibilities of what could possibly be going on between those two, but I doubt I could figure it out alone. So instead I merely noted that I would have to talk to Tenten about it later.

As Tenten put on her shoes, Temari so politely holding her hand to stabilize her as she balanced on one foot, I walked a little ahead to get a glimpse of the scenery. There was a quarter of the moon out tonight dancing behind some clouds, which made it hard to actually see what I was guessing to be an unquestionably beautiful place to be during the day; At night though, as the tree's loomed over me silently with their shadows blanketing my skin, it felt a bit eerie but peaceful none the less.

"So the trail is over here," Temari announced as she strolled forward, huge cooler rolling behind her, "It isn't that bad of walk, if I can remember, just a decent ten minutes."

"Ten minutes in the dark," Tenten huffed, seemingly back to normal after her recent blushing fit, "We won't be able to see a thing."

As if Temari was waiting for Tenten to complain, she pulled out a flashlight and gave her a smirk, "Am I impressing you yet, because I'm not even trying anymore."

Tenten gave her a small glare as I slipped out a laugh. Before they could both get into it, I walked over and took the flashlight from Temari's hand, "You worry about the cooler, I'll go ahead and hold this."

"Thanks darlin', you're the best," Temari replied with a grateful smile. I gave her a happy one in turn, but before we could talk much more Tenten brushed past the both of us.

"Hurry the hell up," she complained as she practically stomped ahead, "I'd hate to get killed out here; this place looks like it's straight out of a scary movie."

I glanced at Temari, but she only gave me a knowing smile in return. With her amused look, I grew even more curious about the situation, but knew I couldn't bring it up tonight. As a wave of my teenage girl side coursed through me, I felt excited and looked forward to interrogating Tenten about the details of this seemingly harmless banter between the two of them. So with a skip in my step, I walked ahead and took lead just as Tenten whirled around, crossing her arms in impatience.

The walk wasn't long at all, and it was pretty fun chattering away in the absolute dark with nothing but a dirt trail leading us. The forest seemed quiet tonight, which was interesting because at home the bugs never shut the hell up. Once in a while the moon would poke its head out from behind the clouds, giving us a small teasing glance of all the trees around us with the bushes that wiggled at their feet. I almost felt sad when we finally started to hear the gentle hum of massive groups of people talking, and soon after the thumping beat of music being blasted from some random direction.

But what had me stopping dead in my tracks was once we hit sight of the lake. There were tons of people who were crowded around it and a couple of groups hanging around the forests rim. Tenten's words came to mind as I simply stared in amazement.

"Oh man," she whispered excitedly as she slowly walked past me, "This party is going to be a fucking blast."

Temari walked up to me and nudged my side with a grin, "Are ya glad you came yet? Cuz even I have to admit, this is going to get pretty wild."

"Who are all these people," I mumbled in amazement, "They all can't go to our school."

"I'm not sure who started the party," she replied with a shrug, but it didn't look like she cared much, "All I know is that Konoha High got whiff of it and it spread like wild fire. I'm guessing everyone in our county is here, all five school districts."

"Oh my god," I stumbled, suddenly feeling as excited as Tenten, "Holy shit, this is going to be epic."

"I knew you'd think so," she said with another grin before pulling ahead to Tenten, "Come on, I told Naruto and Sasuke to save us a spot near the lake. Hopefully they could handle that one little mission."

I followed them, just watching everything in wonder. As we grew closer we started to run into people who were hanging out by the trail, some smoking, others drinking, and the rest just wandering about. It was funny because some would just watch us walk by, but others who were super friendly would give us a grin and cheer us with their beers, as if they were happy more people were stumbling towards the lake.

Soon enough we reached Naruto who was waving us down and Sasuke who was standing next to him with his hands jammed in his pockets as usual. They had a nice set up for our little spot by the lake; There was a huge blanket on the ground with two other coolers that they brought that didn't include Temari's. There were even pillows to lay down with, which I noted in appreciation because I could simply feel that we weren't going to be leaving anytime soon. Just as we were close enough, Sasuke walked up and gave me a big hug, picking me off my feet with ease.

"Omg stahp," I complained, but smiled as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Just happy to see you made it," he replied as he put me down with a smile, "How was the ride? Long as hell, right?"

"Yessss," Tenten answered for me as she walked over to the cooler to grab a beer with Naruto. Temari bumped Sasuke's fist as Tenten continued, "I didn't think this place was that far, but holy hell we were driving for hours. How the hell are we going to get home tonight if we have to deal with that all over again?"

"Well I won't be drinking much tonight, just to make sure we stay together and nothing crazy happens," Sasuke answered, taking my hand and tugging me along as he went to sit down. Dragging me to sit on his lap, he continued, "But just in case I'm too fucked up, we grabbed Naruto's dad's old school van. We tricked it out inside, and it might be a tight squeeze but we should all be able to sleep inside of that tonight just in case."

"Oh my god, a hippie van?" Tenten asked excitedly with a laugh, "This night just keeps getting better, that's absolutely perfect!"

"Sure is," Naruto chimed in, walking over to hand me and Sasuke a beer, "You guys came in a good time too; they'll be firing up the bonfire soon."

"Do they have it in a safe spot?" I asked, worriedly looking around at all the trees, "I'd hate for Smoky the bear to come whoop are ass for starting a forest fire."

"No worries, we checked it out our self," Sasuke answered as he tickled my side teasingly. I wiggled away, but he merely pulled me back to his lap with a grin, "They have it near the sandy part of the lake, even put down a rope line so when it's lit no one will get close unless they are an absolute idiot. Everything's legit."

"What's been happening so far?" Temari asked as she sat next to Tenten and Naruto on the blanket.

"Not much, it just got crowded believe it or not," Naruto answered with a sip of beer, "We stayed around the area though, to make sure no one would take our spot. I guess in a few we could venture, see who's around."

They began to chatter, but I was happy to sit and look around in silence. I watched as people walked about, laughing and drinking casually. There was a group that set up a spot near ours, and a couple of times I caught some guys looking over. Embarrassingly enough, when their eyes locked on mine, they gave me an easy grin and held up their bottle in cheers. Unable to help my smile, I wiggled my bottle back at them and took a sip.

"Making friends already?" Sasuke whispered close to my ear.

I glanced back at him with a smile, "They seem like friendly people."

"Yeah well, don't think you'll be skipping around with them," he answered with a small smile, "You'll be far too busy tonight to mingle with strangers."

I rolled my eyes, knowing what he meant. I could only imagine how many dances I would be force into just because they were idiots and acted like they didn't see me every day at school. It was ridiculous, but I didn't mind too much. As much as I hated to admit it, I missed hanging out with them outside of school, and this party was absolutely perfect so far.

Just as predicted, as soon as we all finished our first bottle, Sasuke tugged me along to go dance by the lake where the music was slightly louder. I couldn't help but laugh and smile the whole time, wiggling around without much care of trying to show off. Sasuke was having fun too, doing dumb old school moves and other random break dances. Around us the rest of the gang joined, Tenten dancing with Naruto, and Temari managing to pick up a girl to dance with. I secretly wondered to myself how smooth she could possibly be, because the girl looked really pretty. I'm not sure why, but it never occurred to me that Temari was capable of having 'game.'

We eventually switched partners, me dancing with Naruto and Tenten with Sasuke. Naruto grinned as he grabbed my hand and slickly twirled me around to dance on him, as if testing me to see if I still had the skill after being shut in my room for so long. I think I surprised us both when I managed to actually press against him and move in sync with him and the music, but I believe it was only because I was so comfortable around him as a friend that everything seemed so natural; I doubt I could do it with some other random boy.

After the dance we stopped to get a drink, all chattering away cheerfully. Temari came over and wrapped her arm around me, giving me a grin and telling me how I owed her a dance of her own. I smiled and promised, but not before glancing at Tenten to see if there were any clues I could catch. Unfortunately enough, she carefully avoided watching us and made me wonder if I was simply just hoping there was something weird going on between them.

Sasuke came over and kept me company as we drank for a bit, but soon after was asked to dance by some random girl. He gave me a look, but I simply grinned and shooed him off. Handing off his beer to Naruto, he went back to the lake.

After a while, Naruto stood and announced that he was going to walk around for a bit. I was sitting on the cooler as he left, and wondered where he would be wandering off to. Temari and Tenten were talking to each other, but every so often attempted to pull me into the conversation. With a smile, I figured it would be best to walk off as well and with a small announcement of my own, I informed that I would be near the bonfire if anyone needed me.

"Just keep your phone on you," Temari said with a small frown, "This place is huge, and there are a lot of people here. We wanna make sure you're safe."

I rolled my eyes, but smiled, "Don't worry; I'll make sure I have my ringer on high with my vibration on."

"Tell me how it is when you get back," Tenten chimed with an excited wiggle, "I can see the huge fire from here, I wonder if it's super big."

"Ok," I replied, "Just make sure you two save us some beer."

"Seriously if we drank this much, you'll have to perform an intervention," Temari commented with a wary glance at the cooler, but I merely laughed and waved as I walked off.

I kept the bottle tops to my beers in my pocket to keep count on how many I had. So far, I was on my fourth with it still cool in my hand and half full. I took a sip as I walked, glancing around at the people while making my way closer to the bonfire. As the distance shortened, the crowd grew thicker. Soon I was side stepping people who were walking and squeezing in tight spaces to get a closer look at the huge flame that towered over all of us. With each step I felt the heat, and soon my whole body felt flush as I stood at the rope line, looking up I wonder as I listened to the loud cackling and popping sound.

It was honestly the single most amazing thing I had ever saw, and I couldn't look away from it because it felt as if as I did the memories of the flame wouldn't do the actual scene any real justice. The heat swept my face and licked my skin continuously, and while at first it felt delicious, moments later I began to grow insanely hot. So just before leaving, I pulled out my phone and attempted to get the whole thing inside of my picture frame. It was too big, so I took two: one of the bottom all the way to the middle, and one of the middle all the way to the top.

Instantly I sent the pictures to Sakura, figuring she would enjoy it the most. Seconds later, as I was weaving through people to get out, her text came through.

Holy crap that is epic!

I grinned as I quickly replied that it was amazing and I wished she was here to see it.

So many regrets in not being able to go. Make sure you get a pic of the ashe pile afterwards! If that thing ever goes out anyway, it's freaking huge.

I laughed and was just about to text back, but out of nowhere I was swooped up from behind and carried away in a different direction, spilling beer all over my arm.

"What the hell!" I began angrily, twisting to glare at my capture only to find out it was Kankuro. My eyes widened in shock as I stumbled, "Wait, what the heck are you doing?"

He gave me a grin, but it was off as he worriedly glanced to his side, "Sorry lil Kat, it's an emergency."

I didn't know what else to say but, "Huh?" Yet it wouldn't have mattered, I doubt he would have stopped to answer any of my questions. He continued to carry me off to the woods, and when we were in deep enough, he put me down carefully and took a step back with a wary rub of his neck.

"Sorry about that," he began, taking another quick look over at the bonfire before shoving his hands in his pockets, "Uh… What's been up? I haven't seen you around in a while."

"Um, nothing much, just homework and school," I answered slowly, glancing over to where he was so carefully checking every so often, "Kankuro, what the hell is going on."

He gave me an expression that was close to pained as he shifted uncomfortably, "N-nothing. I just. Well I saw you and I got really excited is all."

I could tell he was lying, and my mind began to churn with the possibilities. Still there was no reason to think about it, my heart was already beating hard as the answer was already probing at the far outskirts of my mind, "Oh really?"

"Yeah," he replied quickly, shifting again, "I mean come on, when's the last time we actually talked. I thought we were supposed to be girlfriend and boyfriend."

"I'm your girl as a friend," I corrected, giving a shaky smile, "And it's probably been like 2 months."

"Well there was that one time at lunch, when you gave me the sensual little flick of your finger when I stuck my tongue at you," Kankuro offered.

Despite my growing uncomfortable mood, a short laugh slipped my lips, "I was angry that day."

"I could tell," he joked with an awkward laugh as well, then fell silent.

I sighed while shaking the beer off of my arm, "She's here, isn't she?"

Kankuro jumped at the question, and frowned as he answered, "We didn't think you would be here tonight, or we would have never forced her to come with us. You haven't been at any other parties, we figured…"

"I wasn't going to come," I replied as my stomach twisted nervously, "But my friends convinced me to come out as well. For some reason, I didn't even think about you guys being here. I literally haven't seen her in so long… not even at school."

"She's been…" he began before slowly coming to a stop. With a set of his jaw, he forced out, "She hasn't been the best. So, we were trying to cheer her up tonight. It's been getting pretty ridiculous, she doesn't even hang out with us anymore- only with some other bitch that for the life of me I can't even bother to remember her god damn name because she's such a fucking asshole."

My eyebrows rose at the sudden anger in her tone, but my heart dropped at the information, "She's still hanging out with Karin?"

"Yes," he answered with a deep frown that looked incredibly angry for someone I knew to always be smiles and laughs, "And it's irritating because we keep getting ditched for her, and we don't even like her. But the worst part is I don't have a fucking clue what any of this is about. One day Tayuya was fine, the next she's completely shutting down. I asked around, and no one else knows but Kiba. Then that bastard won't even tell us what's up because he says it's none of our business." His jaw twitched as he angrily bit out, "And that just makes me want to kick his ass and force him to get a fucking clue. Tayuya is all of our business, just like I would be theirs or any other which way you want to say it."

I shifted anxiously, mumbling, "We got into a fight."

"I figured as much," Kankuro sighed as he attempted to calm down, "But really, what happened?"

I bit my lip as I thought back to that night, and just brushing across those memories tightened my chest, "I don't know," I muttered brokenly as I watched Tayuya pull away and leave me all over again. Voice cracking and eyes stinging, I forced out, "We got into a fight, she tossed my phone and I got pissed and I just yelled all these awful things to her. Then, she came back, and I didn't think she would but she did. But she only came back to tell me she needed space to think, and something about what she really wanted- I just… I don't even remember, I was too hurt and I can't even remember what she said."

He ran his hands through his hair and gave me a sympathetic frown. Sighing again, he looked away and mumbled, "Listen don't worry about it. I guess it really isn't any of my business, but I'm doing what I can to help her out, you know? So… honestly Ino, don't take this the wrong way, but if you could just... try to keep away, ya know? Just keep a look out for us and if you spot us just go into hiding or something…"

My chested tightened even more as I nodded quickly, understanding what he was saying. He gave me a broken look, and pressed, "I don't mean this in the wrong way. And I'm sorry if I'm hurting your feelings, really this is a blow to my gut too, I promise you it is. We love you, and miss the hell out of you, but I just don't think… I don't think she could take seeing you here tonight, Ino, not right now. I don't know what the hell is going on with her and what she is thinking, but I really do believe she isn't ready. And I'm just… I'm just trying to be a friend, you know?"

I gave me a struggled smile and nodded some more, "Don't worry about it, Kankuro. Really, I get it."

My words did nothing to ease him; actually he only looked even more broken at my words. He fought with himself for a bit to say something more, I could tell by the way he shifted and shoved his hand in his pockets, but before anything else could be said Sasuke came out of nowhere.

I have no clue how he found me, but the look on his face tipped off that it was better if I just kept quiet. He strolled over, hands in his pockets with blank features expect for the frown that tugged at his lips slightly. Not even bothering with giving me a glance, he came up to stand next to me and said in a flat tone, "What's up, did you need something?"

Kankuro, who was just so recently giving me this sad expression, straightened at his appearance. Frown of his own now pulling at his lips, he stared right back into Sasuke's eyes and shrugged while answering, "Was just talking to Ino for a bit, relaying a message and all that."

"Well did you get your message across?" Sasuke asked plainly.

Kankuro gave a smooth smile, "Sure did."

"Then why don't you go ahead and wander back to your friends."

I gave Sasuke a glance, uncomfortable about how rude he was being. Kankuro didn't seem to mind though; actually he thought it was funny. Laugh slipping past his lips, he gave a grin and replied, "You know guy, I think I'll go ahead and do that. No need to hover around such fucked up company. See you around, prick." But then with a different attitude towards me, he gave me a warm smile and said, "It was nice talking to you again, Ino. What I said was true, we miss you. Hopefully all this nonsense can be solved so we can hang out again."

Then with a half wave, he twirled around smoothly and walked off. We watched as he left for a moment, and when he was out of sight, I sighed and gave Sasuke a wary look. He slid his eyes away and mumbled, "Don't even. I was worried."

"Of what," I rolled my eyes as we began to walk back to our spot, "It was just Kankuro. We used to hang out all the time."

"We aren't stupid as you believe, Ino," he mumbled back in return, stepping over a branch as we passed tree after tree, "We know who they hell he is, and we know his group of friends have something to do with whatever is wrong with you. Needless to say, we don't like them."

I was just about to argue, but I caught sight of Naruto before any words came out. He was leaning against a tree, arms crossed and waiting patiently. When he spotted us, he pushed himself up and watched us as we made our way closer. He didn't look so happy either.

"What are you doing here?" I asked when we were close enough.

"We figured we would have to fight some bitches tonight," Naruto responded in a tone of seriousness, "But Sasuke told me to just wait here and he'd call if he needed me."

I opened my mouth in shock, and then with a flare of anger I directed my attention back to Sasuke, who was avoiding my eyes. Huffing, I stomped ahead, "What the fuck is wrong with you idiots?!"

"We were just looking out for you," Naruto called after me.

"Well you better watch your backs," I shouted heatedly as I continued to leave them behind, "Cuz I swear I'll be murdering you guys myself."

X

Despite me being pissed at them, I couldn't stay that way for long. Eventually I cooled down, as I always did, and attempted to see it in their point of view. And though I felt they were being incredibly over bearing, I knew they were just trying to look out for me as Kankuro was looking out for Tayuya. Tonight was just a night of protecting what people cared for, and I knew I would do the same for any of them.

Still, my sad mood couldn't be brushed off so easily. My eyes constantly wandered to see if Tayuya was near, dreading to have to lay eyes on her after so much time has passed between us. Of course though, she was nowhere to be found, and I couldn't figure out if that was a good or bad thing.

I tried not to think about it too hard though; instead I sipped my beer and kept my attention on my friends. It hadn't looked like Temari or Tenten knew what was going on, and Naruto seemed to have dropped the issue all together, but Sasuke continued to glance at me occasionally, as if to check on how I was doing. Sometimes he would catch the frown on my lips, and in his feeble attempts to make me feel better- whether he thought I was mad at him or upset about the situation- he tugged me over and wrapped his arms around me as I sat between his legs on the ground.

The party was still bubbling in its full potential. The best part about having a bash in the middle of nowhere was that there wasn't a time limit on how long you could blast music for. The beat was constantly thumping in the background, and throughout the night Naruto and Sasuke would be asked to dance, along with Tenten and Temari. Sometimes I was asked as well, but I let them down as gently as possible. I wasn't even in the mood to entertain myself, there was no way I could entertain a random cute guy.

Mysteriously I was left alone as my friends hung out by the lake dancing with beers and having fun. I was having fun too, just in my own pathetic sad way. Feeling like a complete downer as I sat there alone like some loser, I decided to go wander towards the nearby woods. Anything was better than sitting there looking pitiful.

I made sure my phone was in my pocket just in case my friends had a heart attack and started spamming me with calls, but I doubted I would be gone long. I only wanted to stretch my legs, and the complete darkness that danced beyond the forest's rim seemed strangely inviting.

I stumbled about, my eyes not completely adjusted and I was possibly a bit tipsy. As soon as I reached the first tree though, a warm feeling spread my tummy and for the first in hours I actually felt mildly ok- like I was able to breathe. Taking in a whiff of the forest, I sighed and kept walking, my mind completely blank and body feeling at peace.

Even so late at night, there still seemed to be some people who were walking around. Some gave me small hello's as I passed, other's minded their own business; either way I trekked on, getting further and further away from the lake, the noise, and my friends. It was nice being alone, as weird as it was to admit. It was like I was home all over again, keeping myself company and feeling completely comfortable and warm.

I turned towards the direction I knew the bonfire was at, and saw how its light still illuminated that area of the sky. It was insane that the thing was still scorching away after so many hours, and with some amusement I toyed with the possibility of me being warm because of that outrageous flaming pit.

Soon, my walking slowed and eventually I simply stopped, looking up at the thick trees that hovered over me. I took another breath, and sighed it out carefully, feeling so much better than I did a mere ten minutes ago. Just as I was gathering myself enough to go back, I heard a voice come from the side of me.

"It's pretty nice out here, huh?"

I blinked and glanced around to notice a boy sitting on the ground, leaning against the tree right next to me. I jumped in surprise, swearing he wasn't here a second ago, but he only offered me a smile and a show of his hands; one was empty, the other held something smoking, what I figured to be a blunt, "Woops, sorry. I thought you probably didn't see me here, figured it was only polite to say something."

"Oh," I breathed out, holding my chest while my heart raced as I giggled, "I swear to god you just scared the shit out of me."

"Sorry about that," he grinned, his orange hair rustling as he plopped his hand back to his side, the other pulling the blunt to his mouth. As he puffed out smoke, he added, "Maybe I should have hid better."

I took a couple of steps closer in curiosity, "Who were you hiding from?"

"People," he answered plainly, and then continued with a smile, his light brown eyes twinkling with amusement, "But I mean if a pretty blonde like you could find me so easily, I obviously didn't try hard enough."

I pressed my lips together and started meekly, "Sorry, I was just trying to get some air, but I've heard I have this knack for finding peoples hiding spots."

He laughed and tossed a smile, "Is that so? Guess it just isn't my night then."

"No it still can be," I replied with a sweet smile, "I didn't plan on staying long. I was actually just about to head back."

"Well hold on," he started as I began to walk away, "I didn't say anything about not enjoying your company."

I glanced back; not at all surprised that he stopped me. Taunting, I retorted, "But I thought you were hiding away from people?"

"Well give me the chance correct myself," he offered as an easy grin slipped his lips, "I was trying to hide from the rest of the world, but I guess what I was really doing was searching for you."

My heart stuttered, but I was careful not to show it. Instead I gave a smirk and walked back towards him, "That was pretty smooth for a boy hiding in the woods."

"What can I say? Sometimes I think I'm cool enough to try to pick up gorgeous girls like you," I gave him an amused smile, and he grinned in return. As I approached, he offered me his hand, "My name is Yahiko."

"Ino," I replied as I shook his hand once politely. Afterwards I sat next to him, strangely feeling friendly enough not to mind the small amount of space I left between us.

He gave me a glance, his orange wild hair tickling his forehead as his brown eyes steadily watched me, "So, what really brings you out here?"

"Problems with my life, just like any other high schooler," I brushed off in reply, but smiled and countered, "What about you? Are you really just trying to hide from the world? I mean it's a party, and the whole world seems to be here."

He gave a small laugh before looking away and smoking a bit more. Courteously blowing the smoke in the opposite direction of us, he answered, "Well I came here with friends, but I have this issue where I like to smoke in solitude, so I wandered over here."

"Oh, so you only came out here to smoke?" I asked with a teasing little nudge to his side, "And here I thought you were dark and mysterious."

His smile tugged ever so slightly as he shrugged, "You never know. Maybe if you take the time to find out, you'll find some mysterious things about me."

"Mm, I would if I wasn't so self-centered," I sighed and leaned my head back to stare up at the sky, "But unfortunately I have way too many problems to sit here and try to decrypt another person. You probably wouldn't want me around anyway, I'm a total bummer and I'd kill your vibe."

"All I'm hearing is that you think I'm a shallow guy who smokes weed," he mumbled as he put a blunt to his lips again. Huffing away the smoke, he gave me a small frown, "Is that really what I look like?"

"No," I answered truthfully, "I'm just attempting to protect your best interest."

"You never know, maybe my best interest is you…"

I glanced over only to catch his eyes. Giving a small smile, I looked away with a shake of my head, "If you honestly want to hear my opinion of you, I would be happy to give it."

He pulled one knee up closed to his chest and propped up an elbow, "Sounds interesting; I'm willing to hear what you think I'm all about."

"Not entirely, just based on the five minutes so far," I informed while bringing my knees up as well, only to hold them close against me as the chilly wind nipped at my exposed skin, "I think you're sweet, nothing but smiles most of the time, but every so often you get in a mood to be alone. I don't think you pay attention to a lot of girls, maybe because of the comment you made earlier about 'being cool enough'. For some reason I get this vibe that your outwards impression towards the world is 'everything is just for shits and giggles', but on the inside you might see it as more than that but you keep it to yourself because you feel like it's no one's business but your own..."

I paused, and we sat in silence for a bit. I peeked a glimpse at him, but he was already watching me with tugged up smile at his lips, "Well that was descriptive for only five minutes," he commented as he brought up the blunt.

"Aren't you going to tell me if I'm right?" I asked while picking at the grass on the ground.

"Like I said princess, you'll just have to stick around if you want to figure me out."

His words struck like fire to my heart, and instantly the hair at the back of my neck prickled. My eyes wandered back to him and for a moment I just watched him steadily. He noticed me staring and glanced over with a smile, a questioning look in his eyes. I bit my lip and looked away, muttering out softly, "You remind me of someone."

"Mm," he hummed in response, nodding in thought, "I'm sure whoever they are, they are pretty cool people."

I bit my lip and kept silent for a little longer. My thoughts wandered towards the direction I was trying so hard to keep it away from all night. I couldn't help but think about Tayuya's smile and her silly little remarks. I still remembered so clearly on how she would give me her grins, and acted so care freely. Then I remembered the nights she would sit against my wall, her palms holding up her head as she silently let time fly past.

Her words wandered past my mind and rang softly in my ears.

I don't know… it makes the world seems a little bit nicer.

My stomach churned as I mumbled out randomly, "Aren't you going to ask me to smoke with you?"

His eyes wandered back over to me, and with a small frown he replied, "Don't take this the wrong way, but you honestly don't look like a girl who smokes, so I didn't offer."

"I'm mysterious too," I said hardly above a whisper.

"I'm sure you are, but I don't think your mysteries include smoking," he countered carefully.

"I heard it makes the world a little bit nicer," I explained softly.

His eyebrows came together, and with a more of a frown he muttered, "Yeah maybe just a bit, but are your problems worth it?" I merely shrugged, and I heard him sigh in response, "Listen, I don't mind smoking one bit. People talk in my ear all day about 'Drugs drugs drugs, bad, addictive, terrible habit' but I don't give two fucks about what they say, because to me it isn't bad at all. For some people it's comforting, for others it's just a way to have a good time. Either way I'm not judging them, and could care less if they are judging me." He huffed and ran his hand through his hair, struggling to make sense, "So don't get me wrong, I don't care if you smoke with me or not. I don't mind one bit, and even though I like smoking solo, I think having you around would actually lighten my terrible mood I have all the time. But... Forgive me for saying this, I don't think you really wanna do it."

"But I do," I argued weakly.

"Well why don't you try it another night," he offered, trying to accommodate me, "You know, when you don't have a couple beers under your belt."

"I just want to try it," I brushed off his offer with a glance at him, "It can't be that bad, right? And just… it seems like a good way to let go of everything."

His frown was noticeable as he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. Fighting with himself, he asked quietly, "Are you sure this is what you want?"

I bit my lip and stared at the ground, my heart pounding as I nodded silently.

He huffed again, and I could tell that he was thinking he might regret this later. But, because he was a sweet guy, he shifted and held out the blunt to me, "Alright… but Ino you can back out at any time, I wouldn't care."

I gave him a shaky smile, unable to use my words to tell him that I understood. Then, after a taking a shuddering breath, I reached out to grab it.

It felt weird between my fingertips; I'm not sure why I thought it would be heavier, maybe it was because my tongue felt like lead as I attempted to swallow the lump in my throat. My heart was racing, and I was a bit scared, but also deep down I didn't care anymore. I was sick of caring, and I think that's what lead me to ask. She said it makes the world nicer, I wonder how many times I would have to smoke to make everything simply disappear. Once? Five times? A whole other blunt?

Did it matter?

No… because I no longer cared.

I brought the smoking bud close, and just as it was inches away, I took a heartbreaking moment to reconsider my options. But how I felt wouldn't go away, I honestly didn't give two fucks, and with that realization I closed my eyes and pressed it against trembling lips.

The next thing I know, I'm being yanked up to stand. I opened my eyes with a blink, confused, but I couldn't even gather my senses because I was met with outraged brown eyes glaring down at me. My heart sunk as I recognized the shade immediately, and I didn't know whether to cry or curse about the absolute dumb luck I had all the time.

Of all places- of every single spot on this godforsaken earth, how could she have possibly found me here?

"Are you insane?!" Tayuya shouted loudly as she held my wrist tightly, "Are you absolutely out of your fucking mind, Ino?"

I was too stunned to say anything. I simply watched her, mute.

Yahiko, who was still sitting beside me, stood up calmly and shoved his hands in his pockets as he crushed the blunt that had fallen to the ground under his shoe. Then he asked in a flat voice, "Is she your friend, Ino?"

I looked back at him, and noticed the steady anger that seemed to be churning in his eyes. He looked as scary as Tayuya at the moment, and that was a very serious statement to make. Gaining my senses, I snatched my wrist away and stumbled out my reply, "Yes, she is, don't worry."

"You sure?" He pressed, his eyes never leaving Tayuya's enraged ones, "Cuz she seems pretty fucking crazy from here."

"No, she's my friend, honestly," I assured, grabbing his arm as he took a step towards her. My touch brought his eyes to me, and with a trembling smile, I locked eyes with him steadily and repeated, "No it's ok. She's my friend, really. She's just…. extremely pissed off."

Yahiko set his jaw and gave another glance at Tayuya. With a mumble, he asked, "You want me to stick around for whatever is about to go down?"

I smiled, absolutely amazed on how I found such an amazing random person to keep me company for the mere 10 minutes we had. I had just met him, and he was already looking like Sasuke with his silent anger and over protectiveness. Shaking my head, I muttered, "No just go ahead and leave; it isn't as bad as it seems."

He didn't look convinced, but he knew better than to stick his nose in someone else's business. Then, pulling out a random pen, he took my hand and scribbled down his number. I looked up at him in question, but he only stared down and muttered calmly, "If you need me, for anything at all, just call me alright?"

Still so amazingly grateful, I nodded without having the words to speak. Giving me a nod as well, he glanced back at Tayuya with a deep frown, "You should cool down a little."

"Fuck you," Tayuya spat with a glare so intense and flooded with anger that I flinched, "Just get the fuck out of here, you've caused enough trouble."

"Me?" Yahiko countered with a step towards her, "Is that what you really think?"

I grabbed his arm again, and he turned back towards me with a frown before sighing.

"Honestly. I don't care when, I'll wait for your call." He told me seriously. I bit my lip and nodded, and with a sigh, he struggled to gain the strength to walk away from me and back to the lake.

I watched him go until he disappeared, and as soon as that happened Tayuya's shout came whirling back, "What the fuck, Ino!? Are you drunk?"

I swallowed, attempting to steal myself, but it was hard when my whole body was shaking. Two months. Two months I haven't seen Tayuya, and here she was, standing in front of me when I absolutely didn't want her to be. Where was she the other days when I was crying? Where was she the nights I was holding myself in the dark? But nope.

No she had to show up on the day I literally hoped she would stay away.

"What do you want, Tayuya?" I asked calmly, my eyes landing on hers without fear.

"For you to fucking explain!" She cried out, frustrated with my calm aura, "What the hell are you doing out here with a random ass guy smoking?! You of all people! YOU smoking! What the hell is this? Where the fuck are your friends, and why the hell aren't they paying attention to you wandering off doing something DUMB FUCK retarded?"

"Smoking is stupid now?" I asked with an empty laugh, "Is that what you just said?"

"Yes it's fucking stupid!" She shouted, her red hair tumbling down her shoulders as the wind began to pick up, "Didn't you freaking know?! You were the one always telling me so! So why the hell are you sitting here doing something so fucking stupid!"

"I wasn't smoking," I replied flatly, "You stopped me before I could."

Despite her flaring anger, my words brought her to a halt. And, if only for a second, I saw relief wash over her maddening eyes. Her voice dropped from its thundering tone, but the venom was still there, "You were about to try it though?"

"Yes," I answered calmly, my face blank, "I was."

"Why?" She demanded.

"Because I wanted to," I retorted simply.

I was only stirring her anger back, I could tell by how her fists shook at her side. Tight voice she thinning her words, she bit out, "But why?"

I rolled my eyes, and repeated, "Because. I. Wanted to."

"What the fuck-"

"Let me ask you a question, Tayuya," I began as carefully as possible, but my voice was starting to shake from rage as well, "What makes you think you have the fucking right to come up to me and ask me questions about my life?"

She stood there, mute, unable to get out a word.

"Better question," I started again, feeling all the emotions from the past two months starting to ignite and crackle with deadly heat, "Where the fuck were you to ask some other important questions about me? One's that I desperately needed you there for?"

She glared at me heatedly as she tried to answer, "I told you-"

"But here's another good one," I cut off, "Do you think I honestly care? Do you think I give two fucks about you and your opinion anymore?"

Her eyes suddenly churned into something more, and with glare she turned her face away from me.

I gave out a humorless smile; one that was broken and shattered; one that reflected myself, my heart, and how I felt without her wrapping her arms around me right now, somehow apologizing for everything- in some way gasping about how much she missed me and how she couldn't stand all of this bull shit anymore. It's what I wanted, because that's how I felt. That's what I desired to do, right now, but I wouldn't allow myself to. She didn't deserve it, not until she got out of whatever world she landed her self on that one lonely night back when me and Sakura went on our first date.

It was like ever since then, everything took a turn for the worse.

"Let me answer that last one for you," I continued in a hard voice, struggling to hide the trembling I felt in my throat, "I do… I do still care, and truth is I wish I didn't. But I do, and I always will, since you can't even figure that much out anymore."

Her fists squeezed tightly as she continued to stare at the ground.

"So you take your time, Tayuya. You take however long you need, what choice do we both have- what choice do I have?" I laughed and shook my head, eyes burning, but with overwhelming emotions, not tears. I felt like I was about to burst, but I kept myself together for both of our sakes, "I mean, it isn't like I would walk away from you; tell you I need some time to think and never come back. Hide from the world so well that you literally start wondering if I moved. Yeah, it isn't like you have to worry about any of that, so you take your time and I will simply wait, like I have been for the past two months."

I took a shaky breath, running my hand through my hair as my whole body shook. I was scared, scared of walking away, because I knew she wouldn't stop me, and I knew I wouldn't see her for another two months tops. But that was ok- it really was- because what I had said was true. I would be waiting, like I have been, and like I always will be.

Pressing my lips together to gain the strength, I forced myself to take the first step to leave. After the first, I forced myself to take the second, and after the second I took my third. In one stuttering motion, I managed to keep walking, and eventually I was brushing past her with my smile still at my lips.

I could do this.

I was strong.

I wouldn't turn back, she didn't deserve that much.

I just wanted to survive, that's all I hoped for at this point, that's all I wanted right now: to survive, to make it through this night and the many dark nights I could see looming ahead.

I wasn't surprised when she didn't stop me. And once I was far enough, I laughed out my tears all the way back to my friends where Sasuke was seemingly waiting to wrap me in his arms and hold me until I could finally stop crying. They didn't ask questions, just comforted me throughout the dark night. And when I finally managed to get myself together, we all slept in Naruto's old van, all of them curled around me to supply me with their warmth.

Tonight was a test to see if I could survive, if I could breathe in this world. But this world in particular always seemed like it was dipped under water, and there were no hopes I would ever be able to breathe in it again. Not without her.

Not without Tayuya.

X

I refused to tell Sakura what was wrong, and I attempted to hide the fact that I was crying all through the next day. She offered to come over, but I declined. I felt like this was step one all over again, and that the pathetic amount of happiness I had managed to gather to get through my days of hell suddenly vanished into thin are, like it was never even there in the first place.

And maybe it wasn't.

I cried into my pillow, until the point where my stomach hurt. I tried to curl into the tightest ball I could, clinging to PaulyD and hating myself for it. My eyes burned and my head throbbed; my throat felt raw and my skin itched in the most tormenting way. I was breaking, I could feel it. I was shattering and falling apart before my very eyes all over again, and I couldn't do anything to stop it. There was only one person who could save me and she wasn't here. She wasn't here and she never will be.

So I cried and cried and cried. And randomly throughout the day when I fell asleep I woke up to cry some more. I was broken- just broken, and no one could save me; I would be in this dumb hole forever. I would live under water alone, expected to breathe in the drowning ocean.

Every heart shattering sob ached my very lungs, and I wished all this pain would just go away along with my existence.

During the time period where I fell asleep out of pure exhaustion, I heard my window slide open. I kept my eyes shut tight, knowing it was just my imagination tricking myself into hearing what I wanted to hear, because Tayuya was gone- she was, that was a fact. She was gone and she wouldn't be coming back for a very long time.

But the creaks from the floor echoed in the most realistic way; And the dip in the bed felt so real that goosebumps covered my whole body. Then the warmth, the heart wrenching, stomach sickening, warmth I was just trying so hard to forget rushed throughout my whole body as I felt arms wrap around me.

Don't. Don't do this to me. Don't send her here and take her away all over again. Don't bring her into my bed only for her to disappear the next day.

Because I couldn't- I couldn't handle it. I just couldn't, and I really didn't want to.

Tayuya tugged me to roll over and lay on her chest, and as I obeyed my fingers caught her shirt. Twitching, I clung to it, gripping it with all my might as my eyes started to sting with fresh tears, and mere seconds later I was curling into her, crying into her chest just as I was crying earlier today. She held me closer with each sob, her grip tight and her body shaking along with mine.

"I'm sorry," she whispered as I choked out another sob, "I'm so sorry."

I forgave her, she knew I did, but she wouldn't stop apologizing just as I wouldn't stop crying. She muttered her apologies throughout the night, each one sounding more broken then the last. And when I finally tired myself out, merely whimpering in her wet snotted shirt, I fell asleep to those tattered words that were over used, but never losing meaning.

"I'm sorry…"

"I'm so sorry…"


(1) - Phoria - Red (Need a Name Remix) watch?v=GUDqti0F6iM TÂCHES - Hide From You (Ft. Jessica Sophie) watch?v=h83nrB0akgk || White Skies - Reflections (ft. Matt Selfe) watch?v=xb5QngecxQE || EMPRSS - Oppelia watch?v=zGN9Zz16_T0

OH MY GOD. You dont even FUCKING realized how much I just wanna SHOOT OFF my hands from ALL THAT FUCKING TYPING. Like. No. Just no. YOU DONT UNDERSTAND AND YOU NEVER WILL! *Stomps and throws cupcakes everywhere*

On a happier note, those songs are used are pretty good. I especially like White Skies and Hide From You for some strange reason. But Red is what I listened to the most throughout the whole thing, so there's that.

Ugh. So finally they are over that bullshit with the whole 'No talking cuz we are dumb in the face and like to be complicated' situation-

Ok wait, let me start this A/N over cuz I can see the attitude dripping from me.

:D Hello fans, I hope this was enough writing for your face BECAUSE IF IT WASN'T I'M GOING TO-

Ok... ok I lost it there. Lemme try again.

:D :D So this was a great chapter, I especially love the part where I LOST TRACK OF TIME AND DAYLIGHT BECAUSE I WAS TRYING TO FREAKING ENTERTAIN YOU PIECES OF-

...Pie... you pieces of beautiful, unresistible, delicious pieces of pumpkin pie.

You know, I just dont even have anything nice to say right now. Just read. Review. Tell me what you think. And love me. LOVE MY FACE HARD

CUZ I LOVE YOUR FACE THE HARDEST.

Hope you guys liked it honestly. Think I'll go roll over and pass out now.

Shycadet loves. Out.