What's this? Another update, despite my busy schedule? Haha yes, I am quite proud of myself. I think I've almost got this down to a habit. Anyways, please enjoy!

"Oh um… no thank you." I'd gone to my first real party yesterday, and I was still dealing with the aftermath. There was no way I was ready to handle another exciting night of teenage debauchery. I wanted to stay in and read a book… oh, maybe I'd have a bath…

"Himawari you have to go!" I poured Ino more tea while shaking my head. I'd read about peer pressure, usually my peers were too afraid of Gaara to pressure me, but I was still well aware of the concept.

"Nope, I've been to enough high school parties to last me a life time." Ino rolled her eyes, a bit unimpressed.

"But… you left early! Come on please!" She folded her hands and curved her lips downward, pouting a bit awkwardly.

"Come on, look at what she did to my hair!" I bit my lip glancing at Sakura's shortened locks. I did feel bad for the girl, but I doubted my presence would make much of a difference.

"I um… I've decided I don't really like parties." There was a part of me that wondered if I should tell them about the whole Sasori incident, but it was too embarrassing for me to even admit to myself. No, I'd keep that tidbit until I'd managed to actually process how I felt about the whole thing.

"Please, we can't go without you. I'll do whatever you want!" Ino pleaded even more, pout deepening.

"Please Himawari, we'd be in your debt!" It took me a minute to process the meaning of their words.

"Why… why can't you go without me?" I tried to recall the night before, but I'd never met Karin and I definitely hadn't been invited to her party.

"If we show up just us she'll kick us out for sure but she won't if you're there." Ino spoke the words so matter of fact I almost believed her before I realized they made no sense.

"But… I don't even know her."

"Yeah, but she knows who you are."

"What… how?" Remembering the past events it suddenly dawned on me. "Is… is it the whole slapping Deidara thing?" Ino and Sakura glanced at each other, as though in surprise.

"Oh… you really have no idea?" This was getting ridiculous, how was there so much I was completely unaware of? I thought back to my middle school days when it was just me and the sand siblings. Everyone left me alone, and I never had to worry about what anyone else thought because they always kept to themselves. Things back in those days were so simple. How did high school complicate everything so much?

"What… what don't I know?" They glanced at each other again, smiling as though almost proud.

"Well… everyone sort of thinks you're a badass." I felt my lips curve up despite myself. A badass? People in high school thought I was a badass? How'd I go from a bookworm to a badass in the span of a week?

"Why… why do they think that?" Sure life was simple back in middle school, but this sort of thing… It was exciting. It was different and it was fun. I was sitting in my kitchen drinking tea and gossiping with girls. It sounded so mundane and yet I'd never done it before.

"Well, I mean you slapped Deidara, then you show up at Itachi's party in this little red dress. Not to mention the whole Gaara threatening to kill Deidara. Which I mean… when I say it like that I feel a bit bad for the guy…Oh, and apparently you seemed all buddy buddy with the Akatsuki. " Gaara's name sounded a bit strange coming from Sakura's lips. Zabuza had mentioned the altercation yesterday, so I guess it was no surprise that both girls were aware of it. Apparently word travelled fast.

"Buddy with the Akatsuki?" That was what all of the guys who wore the red cloud pins called themselves, and none of them would even admit to me what it was about. Where did that rumour start?

"Well, I mean you're lab partners with Kisame, and I mean you did go to Itachi's party." Ino shrugged as though it was common sense.

"Oh, and I've seen you talk to Hidan." I nodded, still not getting how a bunch of disjointed situations qualified as proof for such an odd statement. I mean I hadn't even met the Akatsuki… but I guess I didn't mind the rumours. I was a badass.

"That's pretty cool." They nodded, smiling as though slightly impressed with me.

"Yep, and it makes you cool which means if you show up at Karin's party she won't have the nerve to kick you out." I nodded, understanding their reasoning. In a weird way I guess it kind of made sense. "Please Himawari, pretty pretty please?" I bit my lip mulling over the possibilities in my head.

It was the first week so technically I didn't have any homework that needed to be done. The house was clean, and I didn't have any books I was reading. I didn't need to do laundry either… I tried to think of a good excuse but I glanced at both of them, eyes bright and hopeful.

I remembered how eager they were to go to the party yesterday, and how worried they were after the whole Deidara incident. I guess, in the short time I'd known them we had become friends and friends help each other out.

"Okay… but if it gets too crazy can we leave early?" It was the only compromise I could think to make and before I knew it the girls had wrapped their arms around me cheering.

"Yes, of course, whatever you want you sweet beautiful girl!" I had to laugh at Ino's exaggerated words. Her eyes seemed to light up as did Sakura's. I wasn't used to having girlfriends, but I was definitely liking it.

"You're joking right?" I bit my lip trying to keep myself composed. Ino's expression darkened as she glared at the pink haired girl. Despite myself, I had to side with her.

"Sakura… she's got a point…" Tossing her shortened hair over her shoulder she raised her head proudly.

"No. She doesn't. He's a drunk!" Ino rolled her eyes.

"He's a pirate!"

"He doesn't shower, he's always covered in a a layer of grime, not to mention he's a criminal!"

"But that's what makes him sexy! He's so bad and dangerous…" I chimed in, almost giddy.

"No. He's gross. Will on the other hand is respectable and hard working, not to mention hygienic!"

"Okay stop. You are not seriously trying to convince us that Will Turner is sexier than Jack Sparrow?" Ino looked like she was going to puke as she said the words.

"I'm sorry… remind me who gets the girl in the end?" My phone rang at that moment, and noticing Ino paused 'Pirate's of the Caribbean.' In the span of a few hours we'd painted our nails, made homemade avocado masks, ordered pizza, and were in the process of watching a movie. This evening was the poster child for any teen flick ever, and I was starring in it.

"Go on, I've seen it before. It's Kankuro." The two glanced at each other before nodding.

"Wow Himawari, another boy?" They teased lightly before continue to bicker about which character was more attractive.

"Hey, is everything alright?" I moved into my kitchen, slowly clearing dishes away in the process.

"Yeah, I wanted to apologize earlier. I kind of lost it for a bit there." I winced, knowing here was another opportunity to tell Kankuro what really happened. I knew I wouldn't reveal it though.

"Any news on Gaara?" His sudden disappearance… especially in his slightly unstable state unnerved me.

"Yeah he's up at the cottage. He says he just needs to sort some stuff out." Kankuro paused, hesitating before deciding to ask. "Are… are you sure you don't know anything?" I glanced at the living room with the gossiping girls, and for a moment I wish every relationship I had was as simple as theirs.

"I…" What was the best way to phrase it? "We… we had a bit of a…" I didn't want to say fight, because it brought to mind how scary the whole thing was… and calling it a disagreement just seemed to belittle the whole thing. It was a blur, and it wasn't really even with Gaara. I had to give Kankuro some sort of answer… he must've been freaking out trying to figure out what had happened to his brother.

"Don't… don't worry about it." There was something in his tone… like he knew. I'm sure part of it was disappointment, I mean I'd kept this from him when he'd come earlier today… no, I'd lied.

"I'm sorry. I should've told you earlier but…" I'd never kept anything from him before, and I wasn't even really sure why. No, that was another lie. "I wasn't…. I haven't quite processed it yet." I could feel Kankuro's understanding nod. If he was here he'd place a hand on his shoulder and tell me that it's alright.

"It's alright." I wanted to laugh as he repeated my words. Kankuro was always calm and easy going. It'd never struck me until now how much his laid back and forgiving nature contrasted his brothers. Gaara's temper was a trigger switch, and in all the time I'd known him I'd yet to see Kankuro actually angry. "Anyways, you still have yet to fill me in on what happened last night. Mansion party at Itachi's house… I figure I'll come over and you can tell me all about the hot gossip." I forced a laugh, trying to match Kankuro's laid-back tone. He was dropping it and I was grateful.

"Well… funny story I'm actually going to another party tonight." I could see the smirk on Kankuro's face.

"First week of high school and now you're already a radical partier?"

"It's a little more mean girl's than that. Apparently we're not invited and we're crashing some girl named Karin's party."

"Long red hair, glasses, kind of bitchy?"

"I think so… Karin stuck gum in Sakura's hair and she had to cut it off… now her and Ino want vengeance."

"Oh, girl drama. My fav," there was blatant sarcasm to his words, but no judgement. I'd seen him here and there, but it felt like I hadn't actually had a chance to hang out with Kankuro in a while.

"I'm sorry things have been so hectic. I'm free tomorrow! And I'm sure you can come tonight as well."

"As much fun as getting dressed up and crashing a party sounds, I've got some Starcraft to catch up on." I laughed. Kankuro would never cave to peer pressure. "On an exciting note though, I think Temari might be going. Hold on a sec…" There was some shuffling and then I heard his sister voice take over.

"You're going to Karin's party?" Her voice was a mixture of excitement and scepticism.

"Yep…" She cleared her throat, adjusting her question.

"You want to go to Karin's party?" I'd gone yesterday because Sasori had invited me, but truth be told I was never really one for parties. Temari was older and would always offer an invite to her events, but I'd always declined. Meeting strangers wasn't what I'd deem an exciting evening.

"I uh… it's a long story."

"Yeah, me and Kankuro are coming over tomorrow and you can fill us in on this 180. Oh, and he might be nice about it but I want to know whatever you did to Gaara." I winced, realizing I wasn't completely off the hook just yet. "Anyways, If you're going tonight I'll meet you there. I'll probably be a bit late but call me if she gives you a hard time, or let her know you're friends with me." As if hearing the question in my voice she continued speaking. "She's trying out for the volleyball team, and I doubt she wants to piss off the captain."

"Have I told you how great you are?" I could feel Temari's eye roll before she said bye and hung up. They might not have been the most conventional best friends, but that didn't make them any less great.

"All done?" I glanced up at Sakura and Ino, standing in the living room door way. I nodded, and they smirked. "It's time to start getting ready then."

Skirts and crops top were the chosen attire for the night. Both girls had brought a bag filled with options and after informing me that no, I couldn't wear the same red dress, they proceeded to raid my closet. Which was filled with very cute, albeit slightly conservative clothes.

"Was that red dress seriously the only sexy thing you own?" I'd bought it with my mother in one of our 'seduce Sasori Akasuna' ploys. I figured it was a bit too embarrassing to share with them though. Ino had ended up giving me something of hers, and returning the shirt she'd borrowed yesterday.

We were a lot more casual than we were yesterday, but not as nervous. I'd had one hectic night already, how much crazier could this one get?

"If I had known how far we'd have to walk I would've worn different shoes." Ino huffed before strolling along in her high heels. Me and Sakura had opted for wedges, the height without the discomfort.

"I didn't know it'd be this crowded." We'd parked almost a block away, cars seeming to take up the whole neighbourhood. It was astonishing the sheer volume and types of cars we were seeing. Karin's house wasn't as large as Sasuke's, nor did it have a gated driveway but it was definitely large and extravagant in its own right.

"So umm… what's the plan? We ring the doorbell, or go through the back or…?" I glanced at Sakura, realizing my palms were starting to get sweaty. Sure yesterday's party was exciting, but at least we'd been invited. What if we got kicked out? That would be so embarrassing!

"It's simple. We walk through the front door as though we were invited… and then proceed to avoid Karin for the rest of the night." Ino seemed oddly confident in her words and I couldn't help but nod. As we approached I noted how chaotic everything was, with swarms of people hanging out on the porch area or on the steps leading up the house. The weather was a bit warmer tonight, so it made sense more people were outside. There were a bunch of red solo cups lying around, and of course several couples making out in the shade of the many trees. I hardly doubted anyone was asking for invitations.

"That's Sasuke's car!" She pointed to a black Lexus parked on the street, and I recognized it as the car he'd driven me home in last night. "And that's Sasuke!" He was standing nearby, talking to the pizza delivery guy with a dog… oh, Kiba! Ino and Sakura hurried in their direction and a part of me wanted to just laugh and watch from afar. They were too distant for me to hear, but I could see the cringe on Sasuke's face as they approached.

Nope, if I had learned anything from trying to seduce Sasori… you have to play it cool.

"What're the chances I'd run into you again?" I glanced up a bit surprised at who was standing behind me, perhaps a little too close.

Whose the stranger? Any guesses? Also, what're your thoughts on her relationship with Ino and Sakura? Sasuke's there... and Gaara's up at the cottage... What're your thoughts on Himawari being a 'badass'? Please review and let me know your thoughts and ideas!