The Dragon's Gem
By: Sapphire Orchid
Chapter 36: Birthdays, Dances, and Panics- Oh My
"Normal talking,"
"Normal thoughts,"/ Emphasis /Writing
"Demon/summoning/Omega/Dragon and Phoenix speech,"
"Demon/summoning/Full Dragon and Phoenix thinking,"
Jutsus/Techniques/Weapon abilities
*** *** POV switch or time switch
(AN: Author's Notes.)
I own nothing but some of the plot, some of the monsters, and most of the OCs.
(AN: Hey Guys Sapphire Orchid here. I don't have anything to say today and if I get anything then I'll just put it below, so on with the chapter I guess.)
*** Memory Sequence Year 2002 ***
"So, dragon boy, we meet once again," an orange haired man said.
"Hm, hopefully for the last time Topaz, now where's Amethyst!" Sapphire ground out.
"Oh Sydney? Well, she's safely tucked away... six feet under, but don't worry," he quickly said, "She's still alive, or at least she was when I gave her that oxygen tank an hour ago."
"You know… if you tell me where she is, I might just let you live," Sapphire offered.
"But then I won't get the chance to get a little revenge for you taking my arm, now would I?" He raised his clawed appendage.
"Well we could just let bygones be bygones," Sapphire shrugged.
"I'd rather not, because you see- I think of you as an equal, or at least someone worthy of my respect, and as you now I only respect one other person. So instead of bringing peace, fighting would be a better way of seeing which of us is better- me or you."
"Well then bring the heat Lily, I'll show you how well I can dance," Sapphire fell into a fighting stance.
"Yes, let's dance."
*** Memory Sequence end ***
*** Beacon October 8th Ruby POV ***
"I can't believe it!" A shrill voice exclaimed.
"Weiss calm down."
"How can I calm down Ruby, there's going to be a dance, a ball, I'm definitely going to sign up to help set it up," The white haired girl declared and whipped out a pen.
"At least we're not obligated to go, right Yang?" Ruby said and nudged her sister.
"You're going Rubes," Yang said, "And I'm signing up too."
"What's going on?" Someone asked.
Ruby turned and saw Naruto Namikaze, with his team, walking towards their group.
"There's going to be a Ball!" Weiss shouted cheerfully.
"A BALL!" Emerald popped out of nowhere.
"What's with all the shouting Em?" the rest of team SOEZ walked around a corner.
"There's going to be a Ball," Damien said in horror.
"Oh, well look on the bright side, you'll get to take Velvet somewhere nice."
"Man I don't like her," Emerald huffed, crossing his arms.
"That is a good point," said Angeal.
"She does have nice buns," Damien said unexpectedly.
"DAMIEN!?" Everyone shouted.
"What? Sometimes she puts her hair into these really cute buns, but I do see your point she is quite the looker," Damien smirked.
"So you wanna go Yang?" Zircon asked.
"Sure, as long as you think you can handle me." The blonde girl smirked.
"Whoa," Naruto said.
"When is it?" Sapphire asked.
"Umm," Ruby turned towards the poster, "October tenth," she told him.
"Sweet, it'll be fun, anyways guys we gotta go," Sapphire said suddenly.
"What why? I didn't hear when it is." Zircon said.
"Too bad you can find out later from your date," Sapphire said hurriedly, walking away.
"Alright then, see you Yang," Zircon waved back as the team followed their leader.
"Bye guys!" Emerald shouted as he ran after his team.
"Wonder why they left so fast?" Naruto said, pulling at his invisible facial hair.
"You don't have a beard dobe, it doesn't work," Sasuke said.
"Whatever, anyways when is the Ball?" The blonde asked.
"October tenth," Ruby said.
"Oh Damn," Naruto snapped his fingers, "We won't be able to go."
"What? Why not?" Yang asked.
"It's me and Mito's birthday," He smiled brightly.
"Oh really, cool," Ruby said, "hey maybe I can come?"
"You're not getting out of this dance Rubes," Yang smirked at her little sister.
"Dang it."
"Well happy early birthday, if you have the time stop on by," Yang said, "Hey that almost rhymed."
"Now, let's go find Blake and tell her the good news," Weiss said.
"Oh yeah where is Blake?" Naruto asked, curious.
"Well ever since the White Fang attack a couple weeks ago, she's been hiding in the library," Yang said.
"Where's Onyx?" Ruby realized he was, again, missing.
"Yeah I didn't see him in class today."
"Oh he's sick or something, said he didn't want to go out today," Naruto shrugged.
"Alright, well I think it's time to go," Ruby said.
"Yeah let's go find Blake and see what we can do, maybe the dance will get her out of her funk," Yang said.
"Ok, see ya Naruto, Mito... pfft, duck butt," Ruby snorted much to Sasuke's embarrassment.
"Hahaha," Naruto laughed at his friend.
*** Time skip one hour later no specific POV ***
Sapphire sat on a work out bench wiping the sweat from his eyes when he heard footsteps heading towards him.
"Sapphire I have a question for you."
The man turned his head and spotted the familiar build of Emerald slowly coming his way.
"Shoot," Sapphire spoke.
"Do you think I'm stupid?"
"Well you are my best friend," Sapphire grinned.
"Is that an insult or a compliment?"
"You choose, now why do you think you're stupid?"
"Because I think that you think that I think that you're not that slick," Emerald said.
"That whole sentence was fucked up," Sapphire remarked, standing up.
"I heard when the date of the dance was," Emerald said.
"So?" Sapphire immediately went on guard.
"Do you really want me and Zircon to go on those dates while you're stuck by yourself?"
"I'm usually by myself."
"Not on your birthday though," the green haired man pointed out.
"Damn it, you remembered," Sapphire mentally berated himself.
"Of course I remembered damn it! You always try and do this; you always try and make some major plan on your birthday but always plan around ours. Jade's going to kill you one of these days if you continue this!"
"So what? You and Zircon should go to the party, at least you guys have someone to go with, nobody wants to go with someone like me."
"People do, and people will."
"Oh yeah name one then!"
"Jade!"
"She's like a sister to me!"
"Amber!"
"Again, like a sister!"
"Diamond!"
"Onyx would kill me the second he found out!"
"Amethyst, you two already like each other!"
"Not anymore, she's in love with Onyx!"
"And he thinks the same way you do!"
"Why can't you just leave me alone for once Emerald," Sapphire glared.
"Cause you're my brother Saff, now how about we make a little bet. You win we won't do anything, no one will have to know and all of us can go to the dance while you sulk, but if I win, I get to call Jade," the green haired man smirked.
"You're on, asshole," Sapphire's frown slipped into a smirk.
"I know, now let's spar, hand to hand only, nothing else."
Sapphire's only response was to fall back into a defensive position.
Emerald waited a second before stepping forward and swinging his fist at the blue haired man, but he missed as said man ducked and aimed a punch at Emerald's stomach. Damien came out and grabbed his opponent's wrist, flipping him into the air.
Slamming his friend onto the floor, Damien prepared another assault but Sapphire rolled out of the way ending with an energetic leap to his feet.
"You gotta do better than that, Em," Sapphire laughed as he twisted out of the direction of a kick.
Sapphire ducked under another attack and decided to go on offense. He buried his fist into Emerald's stomach, doubling the larger man over. Then quickly grabbing the man's head, he kneed him in the face several times before clapping his hands together and raising them into the air. Emerald was no slouch; however, as he, still keeled over, quickly wrapped his arms around Sapphire's waist and continued forward until they slammed into the opposing wall, knocking the wind from the half-blood's lungs.
As he pushed himself off the wall Angeal came out and reared back, clocking Sapphire in the jaw before pinning him back with his other arm.
"Ready to give up Saff?" Emerald mocked him.
With a growl Sapphire wrapped his legs around Emerald's stomach and brought him close enough inside head-butting range.
"Ah fuck," Emerald hissed and his gripped his face.
Sapphire swung out with his right leg as Emerald barely brought up his arm in time to block it.
"Nope," Emerald smirked, pulling Sapphire's leg forward and sliding out of the way. With a stumble Sapphire fell forward, allowing Emerald the advantage and quickly wrapping his arm around his neck the green haired man placed him in a chokehold, cutting off his oxygen, "You've never beat me in hand to hand before Saff so just give up."
Sapphire flailed his legs around and tried to pry the giant's arm from his throat, but eventually gave up after his vision began to darken.
Dropping him to the ground, Emerald knelt beside him and said, "I'll go call Jade."
As he stood, clapping began to emanate through the room. Turning he saw Yang Xiao Long standing by the door.
"Wow, nice fight, you guys you looked amazing as you tried to kill each other," Yang said looking at the two tired males, "If I wasn't already going with Zircon then I'd ask you Sapphire."
"See, there's another one," Emerald panted.
"Why not ask Emerald?" He said, ignoring his green haired friend
"He's going to take Velvet and you don't have a date," She deduced.
"And how do you know I'm not?"
"Because the only girls that aren't going with someone yet are, Coco, Pyrrha, and Ruby, Coco doesn't even know you- I asked. Pyrrha is waiting on Jaune, but you didn't hear that from me, and if you asked Ruby then I'd kill you, simply put my dear Watson."
"Well I'm not even going to the party now," Emerald said, "Zircon might not be able to either if Jade finds out."
"Why not?" Yang asked.
"It's our leader's birthday of course, October tenth, that's only a couple days away."
"Birthday eh well I guess I have to go gift shopping now, anyways I guess I can let Zircon go, but tell him he owes me a dance," Yang said.
"So what are you doing here?" Sapphire asked as he picked himself off the ground.
"Just needed to grab something I left, when I saw you two fighting I decided to stay a bit and watch. Now I have to go, got a mission that needs to be done."
"Mission?"
"Yep, me, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Sun and Neptune are going on a little trip."
"Who are Sun and Neptune?"
"Oh yeah you two didn't stick around after the incident at the Docks, well Sun was the one that helped out Blake, he's from Vacuo."
"Blonde hair, monkey Faunus?" Sapphire asked.
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"Wasn't he the guy that kind of hero worshiped us?" Emerald asked his leader.
"Yeah, I know who his is, but who's Neptune?"
"He's a friend of Sun's."
"Ah, alright then, well see you later then Yang," Emerald mock saluted, causing her to laugh as she left.
"I hate you, you know that," Sapphire stated.
"I know, now I need to call Jade," Emerald said and smirked at Sapphire's facial expression.
"She's going to kill me," he said.
"I know."
*** Time skip five hours later around 9:00 ***
"Jade will be here tomorrow," Emerald said, walking into the dorm room.
"Why is she coming?" Obsidian asked.
"She's throwing a party for Saff," Emerald answered.
"Oh crap I forgot about that," Zircon cursed.
"Yeah, Yang says you owe her a dance next time there's a party though," Emerald said.
At this point Sapphire walked out of the bathroom from taking a shower, "Hey Emerald where have you been?"
"Working out the finishing touches for the arrival of the rest of our teammates," Emerald said.
"Everyone's coming?" Sapphire said surprised.
"Yep," the man said, he was about elaborate more when Zircon burst into the room.
"Zircon what's wrong?!" Sapphire immediately said.
"Team RWBY is in the school's Hospital, I just found out from team JNPR," he panted.
"What happened?"
"I don't know."
Throwing on the rest of his clothes, Sapphire followed the rest of his team out and headed towards the Hospital Wing.
As they arrived they saw team JNPR and team RWBY standing outside chatting to each other.
"Hey guys!" Ruby said cheerfully waving at the group.
"I thought you guys were in trouble?" Sapphire questioned.
"Oh no, just a couple bruises, these guys thought the same as you," Weiss said, gesturing to team JNPR.
"Well you had us scared for a second, I thought we would have to go and beat somebody up," Zircon said.
"What do you mean we?" Damien smirked.
"Yeah they're your girlfriend's team which means you'd have to go fight someone not us," Sapphire said and patted the redhead on the shoulder.
"Oh come on!" The redhead said, exasperated.
"So you guys wouldn't get revenge for us?" Ruby pouted.
"Maybe," Angeal said.
"You're mean," the ground girl said.
"We've known each other for a couple months now and you're only just realizing this?"
"He's got you there Rubes," Yang piped up.
"Team NMSO would do it," Weiss smirked.
"They're aiming for our pride men!" Obsidian shouted.
"Aghast men, we must counter this verbal assault!" Sapphire yelled.
"I can't... go on," Damien fell to his knees.
"We're losing!"
"What are you guys, sailors?" Weiss rolled her eyes.
"No, mercenaries," Zircon shook his head.
"Yeah there's a difference."
"I thought it was good acting," Jaune stepped in.
"Wooo!" Nora shouted and began to clap her hands.
"They said like... four or five sentences," Weiss stated.
"It was interesting," Pyrrha said with Ren nodding along.
"Ha!" Damien said, standing up.
The group laughed for a bit before Zircon asked the important question, "So what happened?"
"Well you see we got an idea to try and find out what the White Fang were doing so we..." Ruby began to explain what happened with the others jumping in to explain their parts.
"You said that the girl you fought had pink and brown hair same with the eyes?" Sapphire asked.
"Uh yeah, do you know her?" Yang asked
"Yeah Neo, we've run into each other in the past," Emerald said.
"Alright onto happier business, you guys ready for the dance in a couple days?" Sapphire rubbed his hands together.
"Yeah it's gonna be fun," Ruby said happily.
"I don't see why we're having a dance with all that's going on," Blake cut in.
"Well I think it's a good idea, it helps people take their minds off of everything," Sapphire countered.
"But with the White Fang confirmed to be here in Vale doing something, we should be going after them!"
"Guys please calm down," Ruby cut in.
"Hm, fine," Sapphire huffed.
"So are you taking anyone?" Ruby turned to Sapphire.
"No, I've now got plans thanks to Emerald," Sapphire rolled his eyes.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"It means that I don't get my date with Zircon," Yang piped up, "So now I'm going stag."
"Why?" She asked again.
"It's Saff's birthday!"
"Oh really, well happy early birthday, can I come to your party?" Ruby asked.
"Ruby you're not getting out of going to the Ball," Yang shook her head.
"So are you guys going to have a joint party with Naruto and Mito's?" Weiss asked.
"Their birthday is on the tenth?" Zircon asked.
"Yep, I thought I told you guys that," Sapphire thought, "But no we're not, unless Jade does something."
"Who's Jade?" Ruby asked.
"My little sister, she only a little bit older than you I think," Sapphire said.
"Oh I didn't know you had any siblings," Ruby said confused.
"I do, but none of them are blood related 'cept maybe one," Sapphire shrugged, "I mean the only blood family I have is my father and I hate the bastard for all he's done."
"Hate's a strong word," the redhead girl said.
"You'd hate him to if you knew what he did," he frowned.
"What did he do?"
"Eh, tell ya later."
Stepping in, his partner said, "So hope you guys enjoy your dance then, we have planning to do," Emerald threw an arm around Sapphire's shoulders and pulled him away.
With one last wave, Sapphire and Emerald disappeared around the corner.
*** POV switch Topaz POV unknown location ***
"Sir I have good news for you," A man knelt before Topaz.
"Well then speak, I don't have all day," the orange haired man snapped.
"Hun, I think you'll really enjoy this little tidbit," a woman claimed, draping her arms over his shoulders.
"Fine, hurry then."
"Well sire, I have found out that the White Fang are planning an attack on Vale, an invasion using the old underground railway."
"So, the White Fang are pathetic, there is no chance of them succeeding in their endeavors."
"Yes I know sir; I just thought that we could use it to our advantage. While Orchid and his team are busy we can eliminate them swiftly and without pause."
"And this is why you are my chess master, Samuel," Topaz smirked.
"Shall I inform the others hun?" the woman asked.
"No, not yet, I want you to find out more of this invasion Samuel, report back once you have more information."
"Yes sir," the man swiftly stood and exited the room.
"So what do you think?" the woman asked.
"What do I think? I think that Orchid and his pawns will finally kneel before me."
*** Time skip October 9th No specific POV ***
"Queen to knight E5… checkmate," Sapphire said, knocking over said knight.
"Damn it! I hate chess," Emerald said, running his fingers through his hair in frustration.
"You just don't like losing so much," Sapphire laughed.
"Whatever," Emerald crossed his arms over his chest, "Oi Onyx, how long until Jade gets here!"
"Soon," the man said sharply.
"What's wrong with you?" Emerald said.
"Oh he's just being a sour puss since he's been sick," Zircon laughed.
"Well I know something that'll cheer you up," Damien spoke up.
"And what would that be?"
"I'm going to sing a song called Left Brain Right Brain."
"SAPPHIRE!" a high pitched voice shouted. It was followed by a blur barreling into Sapphire and knocking him to the ground.
"By the gods Jade, there's no need to kill the poor guy," another woman stepped forward.
"Amethyst!" Emerald moved towards the purple haired woman with opened arms.
"Emerald! How's it going," she hugged the man.
"I'm doing good Amethyst, how ar-."
"ONYX!" the girl suddenly shouted, "Move it Emerald," she said pushing the man away before running towards and glomping onto the other man with a large smile.
"OI!" Emerald shouted.
"Don't worry emerald, you're just not as good as Onyx," Zircon patted the man's shoulder.
"Shut up Wolfie," Emerald shoved the redhead away.
"Hey Amethyst," The brunette said, patting the girl on the back.
"Aww, you two look so cute together, now let's go" another girl spoke up.
"Why you jealous Amber?" Obsidian laughed.
"Ewwwww, that's disgusting," a new, higher, voice said.
"I know it is Lapiz," Emerald agreed with a shake of his head.
"So what next?" Sapphire said, picking himself off the ground.
"Next, we get ready to party!" Jade shouted.
"I just wanna nap though," Emerald complained.
"Shut up Emerald!" the girl shouted.
*** Time skip next day Naruto POV ***
"So Blake looked pretty nice tonight eh Naruto?" Sasuke said as he and the blonde headed back to their dorm after seeing team RWBY and JNPR off. He nudged his friend, causing him to blush and stutter.
"W-what? Oh, yeah-yeah she did I guess."
"We probably could have stayed a bit- socialized… danced," he shuttered at the last word before adding, "I mean, you could have danced with Blake."
Naruto glanced at him blankly, "Why would I want to do that?"
"Girls like that kind of stuff," Sasuke shrugged.
"Yeah you could have asked Weiss," The blonde smirked, laughing at the look of horror on the brunette's face.
"What? No!"
"I don't know man; she pulled you away pretty quick the other week."
"Shut up. Let's just get to the mail room and then meet Sakura and Mito."
"Okay, Mito said she was going to get takeout and cake, so- Ah dammit!" Naruto gasped, slapping his neck. He halted, causing his comrade to stop mid stride.
"What, something wrong?"
"I think it was-" he paused as he pulled back his hand, finding a sufficient amount of blood dripping from his palm. Shocked, he went to feel again, but Sasuke yanked his hand back, inspecting his neck.
"Kami, what did that?"
"I don't know, must be a bug from here," Naruto rubbed his neck.
"Pretty damn big bug."
"Is it okay?" The blonde asked, shoving his neck toward Sasuke, who pushed him away.
"Yeah, it's healing already don't be a wimp."
"You don't know that!"
"Then why'd you ask me?"
"I dunno, I can't see it!" Naruto looked down to see the familiar sheen of crimson had trickled down and stained his shirt, "Oh man, what if it was some mutated mosquito!" He began to look around wildly, pulling out a kunai. "What if it sucked out most of my blood!? I could be dying!"
"Well, you're still as loud as usual, so I doubt it," the brunette said coolly.
Naruto scowled and calmed down instantly, pulling out a rag to clean his wound, "fine, but if I get salmonella, I'm giving it to you."
"You get salmonella from eating contaminated meat, you dobe."
They reached the mailroom and Naruto gave a woman his information before she went to the back to get his packages. She came back to the window quickly. "Meet me by the side door," she said, pointing to it before disappearing again.
The boys waited for a few minutes before the woman came through the entrance with two carts stacked full of presents.
"A-are those all mine?" Naruto asked.
"Yes," the woman grunted, pulling one cart through the door.
Sasuke grabbed it from her, "this is more than last year."
"I'm never going to get used to this."
"Wait, there's more, but we only have the two carts," she said, ducking back inside.
Sasuke and Naruto glanced at each other, narrowing their eyes.
*** Time skip Naruto POV ***
"Why do you get the carts, it's my birthday!" Naruto wined from behind the mountain of boxes that towered over his head.
"Because you chose scissors instead of paper. Bad choice on your part. Plus, they're your presents, so you should be responsible for them. Be glad I'm helping you this much."
Naruto groaned and then strained to look past his tower of boxes as Sakura's voice called, "Hey guys!"
"Hey! We're headed downstairs now," Sasuke informed her as the pinkette ran up with Mito right behind her. She held up a couple of paper bags, smiling, "I got it."
"And I got the food!" Mito chimed in.
"Good," Naruto said, his voice muffled by the cardboard and wrappings.
"Woah, a lot more presents this year," Mito commented as Sakura pressed the button for the elevator.
When the doors opened, they all struggled to fit into the small space with the carts taking up most of the room.
"Move over some Naruto!" Sakura exclaimed, shoving her way into the elevator.
"I can't!" he said, his back already pressed against the wall behind him. Mito halfway clambered over one of the carts as she tried to work her way in and Sasuke was practically being crushed in one of the back corners.
"Okay! This isn't going to work!" the brunette huffed.
Sakura backed out, saying "Okay, I guess I'll meet you guys down stairs then." She saluted as the doors closed, leaving the other three to ride down in uncomfortable silence before Mito sighed, "I should have gotten out with her."
Naruto and Sasuke began laughing and the three made their way out of the cramped area slowly, Naruto struggling not to topple his stack of presents. Mito placed her bags into one of the carts the best she could and took it from Sasuke, who got his scroll ready.
When they reached the room, Sakura was already there, waiting and smirking, "What took you guys so long?"
Mito gave her a playful hit and they entered the room to be greeted by Onyx, who seemed to be getting ready to go somewhere.
He nodded a hello to them before raising an eyebrow, "What's with all the gifts?"
"Oh, it's Naruto's birthday! He has a lot of fans back in Konoha that send him stuff," Mito said.
"Oh! Happy birthday then. I wasn't aware you were having a party."
"Oh, it's not really a party," Sasuke began, stacking boxes behind the couch.
"We're just going to hang here for a bit and eat," Naruto added, setting the ones he was carrying next to them. He noticed Onyx pick up a neatly wrapped silver and black present from his desk.
"We can save you some cake if you'd like," Sakura offered.
Onyx shook his head, "No, that's alright. I probably won't be back until tomorrow."
"Where are you headed to?" Naruto asked, curious.
"Just going to go "crash" at team SOEZ's dorm. Sapphire's having a party as well."
Naruto's heart flipped and he glanced at the rest of his team as they realized the same thing. They forgot Sapphire's birthday.
Onyx tucked the present he had into his coat pocket. He opened the door to leave and paused, "On second thought, save me some of what's in those brown bags." He winked and then left swiftly.
*** POV switch Sapphire ***
Sapphire finished arranging the bottles of alcohol on the counter, admiring the variety his comrades had gotten together. He was in a pretty good mood. He had most of his friends surrounding him, he had good food, and he had alcohol.
"You guys got some good stuff," he said, turning to Obsidian, who replied with, "You know I like quality."
The assassin set yet another bowl of hummus and pita chips on the counter. Zircon scratched his head, asking, "Who the heck bought four bowls of hummus and all these pita chips? No one here likes this except Dami- oh."
"Guilty!" The alternate personality admitted before going back to reading the manual for the karaoke machine. "We're going to have some fun with this baby," he said enthusiastically before yelling, "Oh my god! They have Barbie Girl on here!" He pointed to Sapphire, "Saff, you're singing this with me."
"In your dreams doll boy," Sapphire laughed.
Just then someone knocked on the door. "I got it!" Sapphire called.
He opened the door to find Onyx, "Sorry I'm late."
"Oh, the party hasn't started yet. You're good."
Onyx made his way inside and pulled Sapphire's gift out of his coat pocket, placing it with the others.
"Wow, it's so flamboyant," Sapphire observed, as the rest of the presents were in bright colors.
"Shut up." The black-haired man turned and laughed, "Is that a karaoke machine?"
"Ha, yeah."
"Damien must be excited."
"You bet your sweet biscuits I am!" The man called from across the room.
Onyx and Sapphire walked over to the counter and Onyx observed the food before turning to the alcohol, "I will be sleeping here tonight. Just so you know."
Sapphire patted him on his shoulder, "No problem. We'll get the party started as soon as I get back from doing something real quick."
The half-blood walked over to the table that held his presents and picked up the only one that was unwrapped- a box of Kunai. He didn't really favor wrapping gifts because what was the point of wasting all that paper? He moved for the door, but Jade stopped him, taking the box from his hand.
"You can open your presents later Sapphire!" She scolded.
"Oh, this isn't mine. It's for Naruto."
*** POV switch Naruto at first then no specific ***
"Relax, when we see him later we can tell him happy birthday- no biggie," Sakura reassured Naruto, who sulked on the couch.
"I didn't even get him a present."
Sasuke nudged him as he sat next to him, "Don't worry, we can get him one later."
Naruto nodded, but he couldn't help the guilt that pitted his stomach.
"I'm going to go out for a second." The blonde stood as Mito said goodbye and swiped a small gift before leaving.
"This is not a good idea, Kit," Kurama's voice sounded. "It'd be best to tell him the truth."
"I can't let him think I forgot his birthday!"
"At least wait to get him a gift. You don't know what may be in there."
The fox had a point, maybe-
"Saff!" Naruto came out of his thoughts as he and the blue-haired man almost collided into each other. Naruto swiftly put the present behind his back and exclaimed, "I was just about to come to your dorm!"
"Same here."
"Um, h-happy birthday, man."
Sapphire smiled slightly, "yeah, we're 18 now. Heh, now my drinking is legal," he said, trying to break the ice.
Naruto laughed, "Yeah, Sakura got us some alcohol." He chuckled again, "Onyx actually asked us to save some for him."
The half-blood nodded and they stood awkwardly, shifting from foot to foot in silence before Sapphire reached for Naruto's present.
"Oh, I actually got you something," he said, pulling out the gift. "It's nothing much." He handed Naruto the box of kunai.
"Oh! Thanks man!" The blonde accepted the present, gripping the one he had behind his back. He awkwardly pulled it around and pursed his lips.
"Uh, I honestly don't know if you'd like this."
"Oh, it's no big deal. What counts is you thought about it," Sapphire said, smiling as he held his hand out for the gift before saying, "sorry I didn't wrap yours."
Naruto shook his head, "it's okay," and hesitated before reluctantly handing it to the half-blood.
Please be something cool.
Sapphire took a breath and began opening the wrapping, but to Naruto's horror, he stopped, noticing the tag tucked under the bow. His smile faltered and his eyes turned dark.
"What the hell is this?"
"I, uh…" Naruto couldn't think of what to say.
His silence told Sapphire that he didn't just simply mix up the gifts.
"You forgot my birthday… didn't you." He looked up at the blonde.
"Yes, okay- I did. I'm sorry!" Naruto exclaimed, coming clean. "It's been a few years and I forgot…" He hung his head in shame.
"To Naruto from your biggest fan!... Heh," Sapphire read. "Sooooo you try to hide it by giving me a present meant for you from one of your fucking rabid stalkers!" He exploded, chucking the abomination past Naruto's head and down the entire length of the hallway where it was crushed against the wall.
"I didn't know what to do!" Naruto tried explaining.
Sapphire clenched his jaw, "We share the same goddamn birthday!" he growled through his teeth.
"I know, I know!"
Sapphire grabbed Naruto by the collar and jerked him forward, ripping the fabric.
"No, you didn't! That's why you can take those kunai and shove them up your ass!"
He shoved the blonde, who hit the wall behind him with enough force to knock some air out of his lungs- his gift dropping to the ground.
"Wait!" The Jinchuriki rasped as the infuriated half-blood turned his back.
Naruto scrambled up, but stopped in his tracks as Sapphire looked back at him- his eyes slitted with purple and yellow. He backed away, the gaze warning him to stay away.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
The blue-haired man ignored him and strode away, his fists clenched so hard that his nails drew blood from his palms.
Naruto let him walk away and brought his hands to his head, gripping tuffs of his hair.
"You screwed up, Naruto. That was not a wise move- you should have been honest," Matatabi said.
"Yeah. I know."
The Jinchuriki let his hands fall and slowly turned to pick up his battered gift. He ignored the people that had made their way out of their rooms, and went to his own dorm where his friends were moving the food and getting the movie ready.
Mito instantly noticed his solemn mood and the box he held. "Oh, you saw Saff?"
Naruto nodded before Sakura said, "That's okay, you can make it up to him some other time, now let's get our drink on!"
The blonde walked over to his bed, opening the box of kunai. 9 of them- each engraved with the tailed beasts' animal double. He bit his lip before saying, "No, I don't think I can."
*** POV switch Sapphire ***
"I can't believe… how could he do that? How could he forget my birthday?" The man whispered to himself, in awe at his former friend's negligence.
"Well I guess that it's not so shocking," he sighed, "Should have known."
"I mean we haven't spoken to him in so long, I guess I just thought that maybe…" with another heavy sigh Sapphire fell back onto a bench sliding his fingers through his hair.
"Um… Sapphire," a timid voice snapped him from his thoughts.
"Ruby?" Sapphire said in surprise, "What are you doing out here?"
"Oh, I just thought that it would be a good idea to come out here you know, it was getting a little too noisy in the ball room so I wanted a little quiet," she slid into the spot beside him.
"Too noisy? For you? Are you sick?" He smirked at the flushed look that soon adorned her face.
"Well… Icantdance," she muttered quickly.
"What was that?" he smiled, causing her cheeks to redden even more.
"I said I can't dance," she angrily snapped, shocking the man.
His shocked expression soon changed into one of playfulness as he let out a light chuckle and Ruby soon followed.
As silence soon over took the two team leaders Ruby finally asked, "So what's wrong."
"Hm, nothing, nothing's wrong, why do you ask?"
"Please don't lie to me, I hate it when people lie to me," she said.
"I'm not lying, I really am fine," he forced a smile.
"So if you're fine, then why aren't you even at your own birthday party?" she questioned.
"I don't wanna talk about it," he tried deflecting her advance.
"Come on I'm a good listener," she stated.
"A good talker too," he snapped.
"O-oh, um sorry," she looked down.
Sapphire sighed and ran his fingers through his hair again, "No Ruby I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you."
"Ok," was all she replied.
"No, really I am sorry, I've just had a rough night I guess," he began shaking and let out a forced laughed.
Solemnly, Ruby just nodded.
"I'm serious, it's my own fault. Me and Naruto just got into an argument you know," he pursed his lips and slammed his fist down on his leg, "I just thought, that for once I'd have a nice little night where I could relax, but I should have just listened to my gut, I knew that something would happen, I really wish I wasn't such an idiot!"
"I don't think you're an idiot," Ruby said, looking at Sapphire.
"Aww, now who's that one that's lying," Sapphire chuckled.
"Seriously, you're not," she said, "Not only are you doing way better than me in class but you're also a better team leader out of the two of us."
"Ha, no I'm not."
"Yes you are, look how well you and the others get along compared to my team," Ruby said, "I always argue with my partner, my sister doesn't listen to me and makes fun of me when I give orders, heck I can't even get Blake to listen to me half the time because of the Shite Fang… eep," Ruby immediately smacked her hands over her mouth with wide eyes.
"Ahahahahaha!" Sapphire roared with laughter at the girl's expression, "Now that! That is what I needed to make me feel a little better, thanks Ruby."
"I didn't mean it I swear," she quickly claimed.
"Sure you didn't," Sapphire said once he was calm.
"I didn't," the red head girl whined.
"Well you made my night just a little bit better Ruby, thank you I never thought you'd have it in you," Sapphire stood with a chuckle, turning to leave.
"Wait Sapphire!" Ruby jumped up after him.
"Hm, what?" Sapphire said looking at the younger girl quizzically.
In answer the girl stepped forward rising up on the tip of her feet and placed a light kiss on the man's cheek, "Happy Birthday Sapphire."
With wide eyes Sapphire inclined his head to the girl before turning and walking away.
Ruby turned around and noticing, in the distance, a woman leaping across the rooftops. Thinking quickly, she disappeared in a flash of rose petals.
A few minutes later, Sapphire walked back into his dorm room and was immediately bombarded by the singing of Damien.
"Fill my cup put some liquor in it!" The green-haired personality sang, swirling around his favorite drink- a Shirley Temple.
"Sapphire you're back!" Jade shouted as he shut the door behind him.
"Yeah, I guess I am," Sapphire chuckled as he watched Emerald dance to the music.
"Well happy Birthday bro," the girl said, hugging him.
*** Time Skip Next Day Sapphire POV ***
"See ya Sapphire!" Jade yelled from the entrance way.
"Bye guys, see ya next time!" Sapphire shouted. As he walked backwards, waving down the hallway he turned around only to have Naruto bump into his shoulder.
"Watch it dragon boy," the blonde said, not even turning to look at the other man.
Sapphire cocked his head to the side, staring after the Jinchuriki, "Huh, dragon boy… that's a new one."
(AN: Hey Guys Sapphire Orchid Here. Now this chapter was supposed to go up on Christmas but half was "accidently" deleted by my sister so here it is now. Anyways Merry Belated Christmas, or Happy Birthdays for those that don't celebrate it, hope you had a good one. I also wanted to clarify something, in this story, in the four kingdoms; you become an adult at 16, for Hunters and Huntresses, with the drinking age becoming 18. Final thing, someone told me that Mikan is oranges in Japanese, and their right, for the fruit Orenji is for the color. Well hope you guys liked the chapter, please PM me or leave me a review if you have any questions, and I'll try and get the next chapter out when I can, thank you for reading this and I'll see you guys next time.
I'm Sapphire Orchid signing out, see ya.