A/N – Now who expected a part two to this party? Oh baby, I'm not just doing it big, I'M DOING IT HARD AND FAST.

Wait… lol I couldn't say that with a straight face.

Anyway. The night is still young sweet hearts, and tell me: why don't we have a little fun before we start getting serious? You think I'm being too predictable right now? Well let me be the one to lay it down on you, change up the pace a little bit.

I don't know about you, but I'm ALL for twists and turns before a hurricane. I mean, first we have to FEEL and TASTE the static in the air before we hear the distant rumbles of the storm.

It'll be MY pleasure to deliver that to you.

Enjoy. Trolololololol.

DISCLAIMER – I do not own Naruto.

My eyes shot open as I gasped for breath, nails still buried deep into Sakura's shirt covered back. The blinding white light that I had felt bursting through my body just seconds ago was fading rapidly, leaving me with the dizziness and swirling of the room. I swallowed while my fingers twitched and loosened from its clinging grip and shortly after Sakura carefully released my skin that had been painfully caught between her teeth.

Uneven heaving breaths filled the room, but close to my ear a steady calm one carefully waited for my arrival back down to earth. I laid there, staring up at the ceiling, mind completely blank and thoughts completely gone. There was nothing but me trying to catch back up as my body slowly rebooted, and that's how we stayed.

But the peace that had fallen thorough out the room and my head was shortly shot right from the sky. I should have known, should have predicted what was to come, but for a second I was too lost in how everything seemed so quiet- like the world had paused for a moment, knowing I needed the time to catch up before running another marathon; Because while I wished for it to have all ended there, life wasn't going to grant me such a luxury.

The door swung open and light tumbled into the room. My first reaction was to sit up, but Sakura was still hovering over me. Helplessly, I stared at the figure who had intruded, dreading on who it could possibly be. My eyes were sluggish to adjust, but it hadn't mattered because they had flicked on the light seconds afterwards, and moments after that they were pausing their first step into the room when they spotted us.

"Oh," Temari said simply, blinking when she noticed us on the couch. My heart hammered as I began pushing Sakura away so I could sit up, but Temari quickly lifted her hands and snatched her eyes back, "Wait, nope, don't move. My bad, I hadn't even realized you guys were- ya know- doin' your thing. Don't mind me; I just wanted to grab some more beer."

The possibility of dying from embarrassment was very real as I watched her walk towards the cooler, grab two beers from the ice, and close the lid with the ends of the bottles. She had a happy little pep to her step as she swirled around, walked back towards the door, and flicked off the light. Then, without another word or glance towards us, she grabbed the doorknob and shut it with the most deafening creak throughout the process.

Shortly after, like the click from the door was true confirmation she was gone, Sakura and I were alone again.

For a while I just stared at the door, elbows holding me up as Sakura kind of just hung there. But a few seconds later the realization of what had just happened hit me, and all at once the world came back in its full fledge furry.

"Oh my god," I choked out as I quickly sat up, forcing Sakura to move, "No no no no no."

"That was Temari, right?" Sakura asked in a mumble, shifting back to sit on the couch.

"Yes," I breathed as I ran my hand through my hair, heart hammering and breath short, "God…. What the fuck."

"Well she seemed cool about it," she offered in comfort, but I was so passed that.

Twisting, I placed my feet on the floor and just took another breath as I rubbed my eyes. For a moment I stayed there like that, hands cupping my face as I thought about everything that had just happened. I couldn't even believe I still had my skirt and tights on, the intensity of mere minutes ago seeming so much more… intense. While I simply breathed, Sakura's voice came probing through the dark.

"Uh… you alright?"

I took another lungful but didn't answer her, instead I reached for my phone that had magically appeared in front of me on the coffee table. I kind of just wanted to keep myself busy, I didn't think I had any alerts, but after unlocking it I saw I had a message and when I saw who it was from I literally had a heart attack.

Temari, just seconds after catching us, sent me a text message.

It was a picture of her giving me the thumbs up with this goofy little smile, and at the bottom of the pic she put: #Iapprove ;)

I stared at the message for a very long time, and then with a furious noise I shot up from the couch and just exploded, "No! Nope! Nu uh, I can't even right now."

"What?" Sakura asked as I ranted and move towards the cooler, "What happened?"

"Temari's being a little troll, that's what!" I informed with a frantic voice, snatching out a beer and twisting it open, "Oh my god. I just- no."

I took three huge gulps, hoping to drown away this nonsense, but was sourly still very aware of everything around me.

"Well I don't think she knew we were in here, so…" Sakura commented slowly, still sitting on the couch while watching me cautiously.

"I meant the text," I informed and when she gave me a questioning look, I waved towards the phone, "Go on, read it, it hasn't locked yet."

She didn't look at all comfortable in following the order, but she grabbed my phone without a word. A second or two later she was glancing up at me with a childish little grin on her face.

"Oh don't you do that," I scolded with a glare, "Don't you look pleased with yourself. This is NOT a pleasing situation."

"Well, I mean, I did just get a nod of approval from one of your close knit friends," Sakura continued to boast with her grin turning into a teasing little smile, "That's something to be proud of."

"Right, sure, whatever," I waved off, too stressed to even entertain her.

"Plus…. Five minutes ago is something to be proud of too…"

My eyes snapped towards her, and franticly I squeaked, "No. No! JUST NO. We aren't going to talk about that right now. We aren't going to sit here and discuss ANYTHING about five minutes ago. I don't even know what you're talking about. What the hell do you speak of Sakura, because right now I have no fucking clue."

She roared with laughter like this was some sort of game, but I couldn't even handle her or anything right now. So I just took another gulp of beer and wished for everything to disappear but realized it was nearly impossible because the air in the room seemed so stuffy and fake- as weird as that sounded. I needed fresh air. If I stayed here for any second longer I would truly lose it.

"I'm going outside," I informed randomly after a moment.

"What? You're leaving?" Sakura replied, her smile dropping instantly.

"Yes," I replied, placing my beer down and moving across the room to grab my phone.

"Hold up, come on Ino I was joking," she explained and stood up quickly when that didn't stop me. I moved towards the door but she grabbed my wrist, "I'll shut up, you don't have to leave."

I sighed and turned to her with a frown, "It isn't you, even though that was kind of annoying. I just need a moment, nothing big, I'll come back right after I promise."

She looked a bit torn as she shifted, not knowing whether to argue with me to stay or to allow me to leave because she probably knew I really did need a second to gather myself. I waited, wrist still in her hand as I watched her. After a solid minute she dropped our link and ran her hand through her hair, mumbling, "Alright…fine."

I gave her a sympathetic look and promised, "Don't worry, I'll be right back."

When I turned to leave she grabbed my wrist again, but this time tugged me until I pressed against her chest. Smoothly, she took my chin, tugged it towards her and leaned down to kiss me soft and slow. I couldn't protest, I found myself falling into her all over again, leaning into her as my fists gripped the sides of her shirt to steady myself. Eventually she pulled away and murmured quietly, "Hurry."

My breath was stolen right from my lips, so I simply nodded without a word before turning to leave. The room was dark, warm, and until the very moment I opened the door I realized it was probably the safest place to be. But seconds after I pulled open my exit with music and light hitting my face, I realized this must have been my second starting line. With a deep breath, I took a moment to collect myself, and knowing somehow I would regret ever leaving, I took my first step out the door while refusing to look back.

While time seemed to stop just moments ago the world around me looked as if it never paused in the first place. People were still walking around, drinking, smoking, and having fun. I ran my hand through my hair, attempting to look somewhat civilized but before I even reached the second floor I found Temari leaning against the wall in one of the hallways. I stopped dead when I saw her, but a second later she saw me and there was no way to plan my escape. So with a huge huff, I made my way to her.

"Hello there doll," she greeted as I came closer.

I gave her a look, "Hey. What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you of course," she answered, pushing herself off the wall with a swig of beer.

"What?" I blinked, not understanding.

"Come on, you don't think I could have guessed you would flip out and practically dart out the room after something like that?" She drawled while shoving a hand in her pocket and giving me a small smile, "You should give me more credit, sweet heart."

"You guys are seriously surprising me on how much you know me tonight," I answered in disbelief, shaking my head before continuing down the hall with her right in step, "Like seriously, since when have I become so easy to read?"

"We've been friends for six years, I think you should be offended if we didn't know this much about you," she gave her opinion as we walked, not asking a single question on where we were heading but I knew she was bound to follow me anywhere.

"Listen," I began unsteadily, "About what happened back there-"

"None of my business," she cut off shortly after, shrugging when I glanced at her, "And don't worry, my lips are sealed. I just had a few questions."

The sigh that slipped out was one of relief and gratitude. Nodding, I replied, "Kay, shoot."

"How drunk are you?" Her tone was careful as she cautiously watched me from the corner of her eye.

I shook my head, frowning slightly in confusion, "What?"

"She wasn't taking advantage of you, was she?" Temari went on, making it a bit more obvious.

"Oh jeez, no she wasn't," I assured quickly, my eyes widening in short panic, "She wouldn't do that. And I'm drunk but not drunk enough to deal with this bull shit. My head is spinning Temi, I don't even know if what just happened should be taken extremely serious or as some fucking joke."

"Well you're getting there with drinks," she chuckled with a small smile, "Can't remember the last time you called me Temi."

I blinked and then smiled as well as we walked down to the second floor, "I think I have a knack for pulling out new and old nicknames when I'm just a little bit tipsy."

"That's absolutely adorable," she joked while we hit the last step.

I bumped my hip with hers, "Don't start with me, I'm a cold hard thug."

Laughing, because she obviously didn't believe me, she didn't retort and allowed me to dream as we weaved through some more people.

"Where is Tenten?" I asked in light conversation.

"Dancing with some guy," she shrugged with another sip of beer, "So I figured I'd grab us some more beer."

"Grinding your gears?" I guessed with a small knowing smile.

"Not exactly," she brushed off, but then added nonchalantly, "Doesn't really matter, because at the end of the night I know whose lap she'll be sitting on."

I raised my eyebrows in surprise before laughing and taunting, "Yeah, totally grinding your gears and you might be just a bit tipsy as well."

She rubbed the back of her neck with a sigh, "Making it too obvious?"

"That was the biggest hint you've dropped in months," I answered while turning down the hall I was sure would lead us to the last set of stairs, "I've been trying to decrypt what's been going on for about ever now."

"Nothing is," she replied with a shrug, "We just hang out a lot."

I was just about to call bull shit but we both stopped dead when a candy witch stepped in front of us out of nowhere while leaving the room from the left. Temari held onto me to keep me from bumping into the girl but she spilled a bit of her beer in the quick stop. When we managed to regain ourselves, I couldn't do anything but simply stare.

"Fuck you guys, I'm sick of the run around," Karin snapped while swishing her hips out the door and swirling around to flick them off, "I'll just go find her myself, assholes."

"Chill out," a guy's voice rushed from inside but shortly after reached the door to grab her wrist. I knew I recognized the vocals, it was Kankuro, "We thought she was upstairs but she just texted us she's somewhere near the backyard. Just wait for her to come back."

"Yeah fucking right," Karin retorted with a roll of her eyes and a sneer, "Just because I look good doesn't mean I'm dumb as fuck. Why would she even be there? And why don't you guys just mind your own damn business."

"She likes to smoke alone sometimes bro, just give her a got damn second," Kankuro answered, his voice dipping into annoyance but struggling to stay collected and calm.

"She probably went to try to find that other bitch, something you guys put her up to," she snorted with a roll of her eyes and the cross of her arms, "Ya'll seriously are pathetic; trying for something that isn't even going to happen. Why don't you guys just get the fuck over it and stop being so pissy about me hanging around? It's so fucking annoying that I'm hated because you, her shitty ass friends, think she's choosing wrong."

"Believe me if you were hated you wouldn't fucking be here right now cuz I would have refused to pick your ass up," he snapped back with a hard glare, "Get the fuck over yourself, not everything is about you. She wants a moment to chill, so give her a fucking moment to chill. You've been hopping on her dick so hard since you've been here that it's literally painful for me to watch, and you're lucky I'm even trying to have this conversation with you out of respect for my bro. She went to go smoke alone. She needs a got damn moment. Give it to her and stop acting like a selfish bitch about it."

With huff and another roll of her eyes, Karin quickly turned to walk away but stopped when she had us blocking her escape. Her look was confused for a moment, her eyes shifting to us both, yet the moment her gaze reached mine a disgusted little sneer slipped her lips. Without a single word she pushed past the middle of us and shortly after she was swallowed by the crowd.

I watched her leave, frown on my lips with my eyebrows pushed together. Temari stepped back besides me, hard frown on her lips as well. I gave her a glance but she was glaring behind us, looking slightly annoyed with more beer spilled on her arm. Sighing, she simply tried to shake off the liquid and wiped the excess on her costume.

"Ino," Kankuro called suddenly, causing me to turn back around to see him standing there with an anxious look on his face, "Hey-"

"Hi," I cut him off quickly before hastily moving past him in hopes that I could dart away fast enough to avoid whatever else he wanted to say. Unfortunately, I wasn't as quick as I wanted to be.

"Wait! Why don't you come hang out with us, we haven't talked all night!" He offered while gripping my shoulder to stop me, "It's been awhile, right, since we've partied together?"

Temari frowned at the contact, but I gave her a small look before turning around and shaking my head in response, "I know it's been awhile, but I honestly would rather not stick around."

"But," he started, shifting as he attempted to think on his feet, "Kiba and I have been wondering what's been going on, you know, with life and stuff. Come on, let's have a drink or two and chill out. The gang has missed you."

I watched him as he waited with a small spark of hope in his eyes that he could pull of this mission impossible. I knew this was more about him attempting to get me to stay long enough until Tayuya came, and it was the very reason I was shutting him down so hard. Maybe if I hadn't know of the obvious plan I would have agreed, and maybe if I hadn't seen Tayuya kissing some slut I wouldn't be trying to flee this death grip scene, but because all of that I just couldn't- and didn't want to- give into his desperate plea of keeping me around.

I took his hand off my shoulder and replied, "No thanks Kankuro. Maybe some other time."

His eyes dimmed ten shades, but his mouth opened for another attempt. Before he could say anything though, I was turning around and quickly walking down the hall, knowing I probably spent way too much time talking to him already. No doubt someone in the room we were standing in front of had already alerted Tayuya that I had been spotted, and the last thing I wanted at the moment was to see her face.

Or hear anything she had to say.

Temari kept in step with my fast pace and glanced behind her. We were quiet until we turned the corner, but then she drawled, "There's a lot more to this, isn't there?"

"If you knew half of if, your head would be spinning too," I replied while running my hand through my hair and attempting to keep my thoughts from screaming and jumbling even more with what just happened.

"That girl," she started carefully, passing me her beer.

"Yeah," I answered, dropping my hand and taking the bottle graciously with another hard gulp, "She's only half of it."

"What's going on, Ino?" She asked seriously as I gave her beer back.

"I honestly don't know," I breathed out brokenly as we finally reached the last set of stairs and began to descend to the first floor. The music was still loud, pounding away as people danced. I watched them for a moment until we hit the final step, shortly after turning to Temari with a grateful smile, "Listen-"

"Don't," she cut me off flatly with a small frown.

I gave her a wary look, "I'm just going to go walk around for a bit, I'll be fine."

She shook her head, not believing me for a second, "Why don't you just stick with me and we can dance and have some fun. Or if you really want some air lemme grab Tenten and we can go out together. No reason you should be walking around by yourself right now."

"I wouldn't be able to think with you guys around," I answered truthfully with an earnest look, "And I don't really feel like dancing right now Temi, I just feel like sitting and taking a fucking moment to pause the world. I'll be right outside; I won't even go far into the woods, and before you know it I'll be back at our hang out spot."

"Don't force us to come find you," she sighed out after a very long pause, "And you've got your cell right?"

"Yeah I grabbed it before I left," I assured with a nod.

She began to shake her head, obviously torn about allowing me go with her facial expression so similar to Sakaura's. But instead of pulling me into some awkward kiss, she offered me the unopened beer that stayed curled in her fingers. When I simply looked at it in curiosity, she informed with obvious distaste, "You need this more than we do."

A half smile slipped my lips as I took the bottle and mumbled in gratitude, "Thanks. I'll see you soon, alright?"

"Sure," she dismissed, and just by her tone alone I understood that my promises- no matter how earnest I was attempting to speak them- were as unstable as I was. No one, not even me, could guarantee that I would return, because I had a talent for disappearing when I really wanted to. And now that I've been casually reminded tonight that my friends actually knew me, decrypted me so long ago, I had no doubt that Temari understood that if I truly didn't want to return.

I wouldn't.

Just as her frown was becoming unbearable to look at, I turned away and aimed straight towards the front door. While it was heart breaking to leave, knowing that my friends would undoubtedly worry about me the whole time, I couldn't describe how good it felt to feel the fall breeze hit my warm face as soon as I pushed the double doors open. The sense of relief, pressure rising right from my shoulders and chest, was overwhelming as fresh pine needled air tumbled down my throat.

Unfortunately, despite the things I was sacrificing to have my moment of peace, I couldn't help but feel as if no matter what this was worth it. And while I knew my time was already trickling down, the bomb unquestionably hanging over my head with its timer tick- tick-ticking away, I couldn't move a single muscle as I stood on the porch of that wood cabin house. Something within me, something stirring and quaking, forced me to take in the scene in front of me- involuntarily shoving the sight of cars upon cars sitting there, as if waiting for me like an obedient audience.

What now Ino? What was the point of all this?

They sat, they waited, they patiently probed me with their silence. They wished to know, as much as I did: Why make an escape if there is nowhere to run?

Why escape at all?

The sense of relief I had felt just seconds ago was false, fake as the lights that blinked and tumbled out of the house. What I felt was a made-up sense of achievement that was fabricated by my own desperate mind, actually believing for a moment I truly did managed to break away from the crushing confusion that had been haunting me all night. But it was impossible to escape my own mind, so it was impossible to believe that I was truly free.

Tearing my eyes away from the cars, I walked down the steps and aimlessly wandered towards the trees. My thoughts tangled, jumbled, twisted into a pile of nonsense as they screamed at me all at once. So much demanded attention and I wasn't even in my right mind to thoroughly give it.

Maybe I was stressing, having a small freak out session about what had just happened. It wasn't weird, right, whatever had gone down with me and Sakura? It didn't feel weird… actually it felt the exact opposite.

Blush spreading my cheeks as I reached the first tree, I recalled the rough bites and terrorizing growls that had caused me to become so hot in the first place. Stomach twisting and chest fluttering, I couldn't help but admit I was surprised how…sexy Sakura had been. It was so out of her character, I wouldn't have believed it was Sakura if I hadn't been scratching her back and on the verge of whimpering her name over and over and over again.

I saw that damn hicky on your hip Ino.

God the anger in her voice was so evident and dripping that it still brought chills remembering her flat cold tone. She was fed up, jealous, teetering near the edge of complete rage, and each touch by her screamed it. She wanted me to herself, and it was like tonight I only saw a fraction of her pent up frustration.

I shook my head, blinking back into the present with a dry swallow. Twisting my beer open, I took a sip and a glanced around. It seemed as if I wasn't the only one who was attempting to get some quiet time away from the bass thumping house. A few other people were sitting near the edges of the woods, but all in groups and most smoking. Hearing their laughter made me envy them, but also made me think that maybe I was just over reacting about everything.

I mean, if it had been me and Tayuya-

I paused at the thought, and then quickly shoved it away.

There was no point of thinking about it; there was nothing to ponder upon. It wasn't Tayuya and I in that room tonight, so her name shouldn't even cross my mind. Sakura was who I had to focus on; Sakura was the one who deserved my attention, not my ridiculously idiotic, backstabbing, whore kissing, stupid smiling best friend who seemed to float with the wind and did whatever the fuck she wanted at whatever fucking time of day.

The grip on my beer was tight as I took a breath and tore my eyes away from the tree I was glaring at. Jaw set and heart hammering, I pushed all thoughts of the childish grinning red head out of my mind, wanting nothing more than to burn any reference of her in a scorching pit of flames.

What angered me the most was how stupid one person could be; how absolutely oblivious and uncaring someone could manage to become. What sense did any of this make, and in who's gotdamn twisted mind? I could only imagine what thoughtless fucking excuse I would get for the bullshit of what happened tonight. And I already felt the tickle in my throat of hearing what creative reason she would give for having Karin tagging along to a party I invited her to.

"What an idiot," I spat furiously with another sip of my beer, "God, why do I have to like someone so fucking stupid."

And that's when it hit me, the root of all the problems that seemed to stem from one area. It wasn't the realization that someone could be so mentally slow that was the ridiculous part.

It was the fact that I had a crush on such a ridiculous person.

Why do I sit here and continuously churn with these emotions for someone who is obviously on her own world, flying and doing whatever the hell she wanted. Why did I expect something so different tonight and was I so disappointed to see what I saw in that fogged room.

I liked someone who was completely blind.

And had someone chasing me who's eyes were always open.

It was so backwards that my attention always seemed so consumed with Tayuya when Sakura was offering me all of hers. It was like I enjoyed torturing myself, getting some sick sort of thrill with feeling heartbroken all the time. Why did I continuously do this to myself, start suspecting everything is different just to be thrown back into reality?

Nothing was different. Karin had always been here, she never left. And it was silly for me to begin pondering over Tayuya's sweet slick words, the ones she always seemed to trance me with, that somehow everything magically shifted on its own. Sure Tayuya ditched Karin for one night, awesome that she didn't feel bad about it, but wow why was I surprise to see that bitch still around and deadlier than ever.

Why was I surprised to see that smile on Tayuya's face when she went over to kiss her?

Nothing had changed since that two month break, and I don't know why the fuck I thought something did.

The breeze began to pick up, and though my fuming rage warmed me for a bit eventually it became too chilly to stand about and take. In the midst of my fury I finished my beer, but unable to figure out what to do with it I walked with the empty bottle in hand as I aimed towards the cars. My idea was to see if the door of Temari's jeep was unlocked, hoping to seek refuge inside and away from cool night wind. I could always go back to the house, but I was starting to fall into the peaceful silence.

Maybe I truly wouldn't return to the room anytime soon.

When I managed to find the jeep, I was surprised to see Tenten there. Her lower half stuck out from one of the opened car doors, rampaging through her bag she had left inside while she attended the party. I kind of stood there not knowing that to say, but it hadn't mattered because seconds later with an exasperated huff she straightened herself out and noticed me instantly.

"Oh my goodness," she gushed before rushing over and tackling me with a hug, "Where the hell have you been!"

I gave her a hug back, but it was loose and halfhearted as I replied, "Temari didn't tell you I went for a walk?"

"Of course she did, but Ino that was like an hour ago," she answered while stepping back, giving me a look over, "Jeez, you look terrible."

My face scrunched and snapped, "Don't be rude."

She blinked in surprise before rushing, "Woops, I didn't mean it."

For a moment I gave her a silent serious glare, but then a giggle slipped her mouth and shortly after my face melted into a smile as I laughed along. We snorted and cackled a bit before she sighed, hooked her arm with mine, and began tugging me along while bumping the door of the jeep shut.

"So you've missed a lot," she gushed as we walked towards the house, "Naruto was hit on by a guy, Sasuke went on a food run and brought us some grub, I found this super cute boy to dance with me all night, and Temari seemed to find some girl to keep her occupied."

She paused.

"But the girl totally isn't cute and I disapprove," she added at the end with a roll of her eyes. My lips pulled into a smile but I choose to keep my thoughts to myself. She went on without any input from me, "Sakura has been asking about you, by the way. We've all been kinda keeping an extra eye out to see if we can spot you, but I guess you've been out here the whole time?"

"Yeah, just having a drink and enjoying the air," I answered with a sigh as we approached the house. The music was still blasting, it was as if time hadn't went by at all. Biting my lip, I asked, "Sakura, has she been ok?"

"Um, well to be perfectly honest she seemed a bit anxious about something," Tenten replied as we weaved through the jungle of cars, "She can't seem to sit still, and we asked if she was alright and she said she was fine. But, well, we don't know her enough to pry, still it definitely obvious like there is something up."

My stomach churned, I hadn't known so much time had passed and felt slightly guilty for leaving her alone for so long, "I guess it's a good thing we found each other. I was totally about to hide in the jeep all night."

"Oh jeez, you can't go into hiding at a party like this Ino, come on," she chastised sternly with a small glare at me, "I mean you're drop dead sexy tonight and you're honestly going to go hang out at the car by yourself. Ridiculous. It is a really good thing I found you, because I would have beat your ass if you never turned back up again."

"So violent," I taunted with a roll of my eyes.

"Only when it comes to you being a loner at parties," she replied, hurriedly tugging me up the stairs, "Come on, the gang has been waiting and there might be some pizza left."

"Well pizza totally sounds good," I perked, trying to push away my bad mood for the sake of my friends I would be seeing soon. Tenten was right, I was being a loner and it was time to try to have fun again, if only to please the people around me.

We stepped inside and the music tumbled out as if it was being contained against its will. Of course there were people still dancing, jumping and grinding each other as if there was no tomorrow to try and make it through with little to no sleep. As we dodged the shifting pretend creatures in costume, the size of the mass on the dance growing even more since the last time I've been inside, I wondered what time it could be. I began trying to check my phone as we walked up the steps, but bumped into someone before I could reach my pocket.

I will admit, I was a bit wary to be traveling through the second floor, not knowing what to expect. All night it was like the floor was cursed, either showing me some sickening fear I never thought I had to worry about or putting me in awkward predicaments in which I went through lengths to avoid. I wondered what would happen this time around, seeing Tayuya walk by holding Karin's hand? Kiba waiting with an attempt to get to hang out with the gang while Tayuya came up with small talk that I would refuse to participate in? Or maybe Kankuro begging to at least talk to him without the gang, most likely slipping us into a conversation that would defend Tayuya and her behavior, him of course knowing what had the most effect on me after seeing the look on my face as I stood outside the door earlier tonight.

To my absolute relief there was no sort of surprise. Actually as we twisted and turned down hall ways, even passing the room that I was sure their gang was hanging out in, and didn't catch any signs of Tayuya or any skater that I truly knew well. I let go of the breath I didn't know I holding and traveled up the third set of steps with Tenten as she chattered away, me not being able to focus during the first part but tuning in half way through.

"- and she was totally supposed to bring us beer but she only brought one, that was open and half empty! So I was pissy and ranted, but she didn't seem like she cared and she drifted off to dance with some girl," Tenten complained in annoyance as we moved over to let a guy walk past, "Then she half talks to me for the rest of the night, saying 'she'll wait patiently for when it's her turn'. Like the fuck? What do you even mean?"

I opened my mouth, and then scrunched my eyebrows together as I tried to decrypt what she was speaking of. Just as my brain started to jog back to life, I blurted, "She gave me your beer!"

"What?" Tenten replied, completely confused with a glance at me.

Showing her the empty bottle in my hand, I repeated, "She gave me your beer when I told her I was going for a walk. That's why she only brought one that was open! That was totally my bad."

"Well, considering I don't really care, I think you're missing the whole point of the story," she replied, giving me a look.

"Oh," I answered with a blink.

We were silent for a moment, and then both burst into laughter as we hit the last step. Giggling, she bumped my hip and teased, "You are such a dork, I can't even stand it."

I opened my mouth to ask her what exactly was bugging her then, but a voice that I recognized came thundering to my ears.

"Who the fuck invited you to this party anyway? It sure as hell wasn't me."

My eyebrows scrunched together at the sound of Sakura's voice, wondering what could be agitating her so much because she didn't sound the friendliest right now. Tenten recognized who it was as well, and for a moment we both looked at each other with questioning frowns. That's when we noticed the small clog of people who were grouped up within a random hall way.

"Oh, she didn't tell you? She was practically begging me here tonight."

My heart sank, literally plummeted to my feet, as I quickly identified the taunting reply was by Tayuya. Instantly, I understood why there was a crowd down the hall way and with a cold chill I realized that this night was beginning to get much worse.

"Funny, I surely remember her begging but I'm positive you weren't in mind," Sakura snapped back furiously.

"Well that's a bummer, you didn't get to see the calling card I left, did you? A bit too late to catch it before it faded, I bet." Tayuya replied in mocking disappointment.

Heart hammering from my chest I quickly made my way towards the crowd, hoping to reach them before any of this could spiral out of control. But the slow bubbling rage in Sakura's voice and the growing agitation in Tayuya's left me with little hope to control the scene I was fighting to get to, desperately wanting to stop them from venturing any further into the other's annoyance.

"But listen, this isn't about comparing dicks and sorry I won't kiss and tell you the stories you obviously don't know about," Tayuya continued to drawl as I began politely asking people to move as I shoved my way through, "Just know you don't have to worry there, Sakura. No need to feel threatened; I was just asking a question."

Sakura laughed as I dug my way further into the crowd, "It's cute you think I'm fazed but I don't have the time to give you any attention. Not with my name being called too many times for me to count tonight. I have better things to worry about."

"Only tonight? Well no worries bro, I know how that feels," Tayuya offered in understanding, and I spotted her smirk as I finally began to break free from the crowd, "I guess it was tough for me too the first time around, but after a while you get used to hearing her call your name so much."

"You know you're pretty talented, I remember you having this one cool trick in particular," Sakura began with her tone dipping dangerously, "It was nifty as fuck, had me at the edge of my seat. I wonder, can you pull off disappearing for another two months again? I promise to take good care of what you leave behind, just as well as I did the first time around."

My heart stopped as I sucked in a breath, the words hitting me right in the chest just as I was able to step into the mini ring that was around the two towering girls. From afar, and just by their voices, there was no way to gauge the danger levels that had been churning within the bubble they were standing in. But now that I was within it, the static within the air was almost too harsh to breathe in.

Swiftly every nerve in my body began to prickle at the sight of Tayuya stepping forward, face blank but the rage in her unblinking eyes were unmistakable. With a low, warning, flat voice, she began slowly, "Think about the game you're playing with me right now, and understand that if you make another wrong move it will be your last."

I was stunned by how she sounded, her words as lethal as the dripping venom in her tone. And even though I never saw Tayuya as the fighting type, her being too carefree and apathetic to fall into such a tiring task, I knew this wasn't a bluff and that she was very serious. The look in her steady eyes began to rise the hairs on my neck as I simply stood there in dread, almost believing if I was perfectly still, along with Sakura, a fight could be avoided.

Then, the opening of Sakura's mouth shot me back into my body and forced me by pure instinct to quickly move between them, the space being little to none.

"You think this is a game I'm playing, but I'm not kidding around when I tell you to fuck off," Sakura replied while ignoring my presence.

"I think you're slightly confused on who the fuck you're messing with," Tayuya responded in a low voice, "You have to think this is all a joke, but I'll teach you to keep your fucking mouth shut."

Without even thinking I turned to Tayuya, grabbing her side as I gradually forced distance between the girl she was just seconds ago threatening. My sudden appearance hadn't surprised her either; actually she hardly knew I was there even as I backed her away slowly. She was too focused, zoned with her hard leveled eyes, to even bother with me. For a moment I worried if I could truly stop her, the muscles seeming to shift and tense right underneath my hand.

"I would love to see what the fuck you think you can do about me spitting the truth," Sakura instigated with a short laugh, "Please, teach me a lesson on how to be complete sniveling shit, dipping at the first sign of trouble."

"Yet here I am asking you to square up," Tayuya pointed out with a hard frown, "But sure let me teach you a thing or two, like picking your battles and running away from an obvious losing fight. If you seriously want your stupid ass face on the floor, keep fucking talking."

"Stop," I whispered to her, attempting to pull her eyes down to mine. But even with my voice she only seemed to harden, shoulder broad and jaw set while completely avoiding me. Desperately, I said a bit louder, "Tayuya, stop."

The sound of her name caused her eyes to flinch down to mine, and without saying a word she simply just watched me. Hardly daring to breathe, because the pure fury that drenched her was too hot to inhale, I merely stared right back into her eyes not knowing what else to do. She was like stone, a statue, cold hard gaze leaving me shivering. But I saw her jaw shift and her facial features change, her voice quaking as she struggled to speak normally while she warned, "You better get your girlfriend out of here, princess. She seems to think I'm in a kidding mood."

"It's funny, because you already know she's taken and all you can manage is to chase for someone who is occupied with better shit to do than mess with you," Sakura criticized in the background.

Whatever step forward I managed to take with Tayuya in calming her down was lost as we were shoved three steps back(2). Tayuya hardened again and snapped her eyes away from mine. With bubbling anger boiling in her voice, she responded in a flat tone, "You know that's fucking hilarious, coming from the piece of shit that slithered her way into a life where she wasn't welcomed. Already taken? You're right about that one, but you have it twisted. You think she's occupied with your shit? Tell me, if that's the case why don't I ever see you around at night? You would think she'd be busierwith you, right? But damn, it seems like she has so much free time for me now days. I wonder what that is about? Are you guys having a fight? Wanna talk about it bro?"

"Twisted is right. I guess you think you're around every night. Well man, I didn't see you tonight while she was moaning my name and scratching my back. But I wasn't too worried about your wellbeing, I'm sure you had better things to do while I was doing mine."

I whirled around to Sakura, unable to believe what she was saying. She opened her mouth to continue to speak, but the rage within me was picking up as well. I wanted them both to stop acting like children and I was surprised that Sakura was actually stooping to this level of back and forth, actually eager to have this fight with Tayuya. It was annoying, and immature.

"Stop," I shouted. It was one word, just one, but it breathed my frustration in levels I couldn't even be descripted. Heart hammering as I glared Sakura down, who was now looking directly at me, I continued, "Just fucking stop. Stop being a god damn child. Now. Don't you see me trying to calm the situation down? And you're going to sit there and continue to taunt like I'm mother fucking invisible? Cut it the fuck out, Sakura. You aren't a kid, grow the fuck up."

She closed her mouth but continued to seethe as she stood there.

Then turning to Tayuya, who was standing there watching Sakura as if waiting for the right move to throw a punch at her, I pushed her away from me to force her eyes back to mine. She was struggling with her anger, I could see it by the way she broke her contact with Sakura and looked down at me like she finally understood who I was. Frowning, I said a bit more calmly, "And you just need to walk away."

It was quiet as we watch each other for a moment in utter silence. She was still stiff from rage, cold and hard as a statue, but I felt relief because I was sure if I kept eye contact she wouldn't make a single move. Slowly, if only a bit, she eased from her defensive state and actually took a moment to frown.

For a split second it looked like she was going to say something, but whatever it was held right at the tip of her tongue as a hand grabbed her arm from behind. Of course it was Karin, and even though I hated the sight of their ontact, I felt this sick twisted sense of gratitude. Though I'm sure I could have effectively calmed Tayuya down myself, Karin being here would surely snap her out of her anger.

"Come on, Tayuya," Karin said with a tug, ignoring me completely as leaned against Tayuya's arm affectionately and whispered in a taunt, "Are you honestly going to let some loser test your patience tonight?"

I simply stood there, waiting for her answer as I watched her brown eyes shift to Karin's. There was nothing else to do; I had nothing to contribute to their conversation. So I waited, catching her eyes as they glanced back up to me, completely numb to the fact that Karin was still hanging off of her arm. Tayuya tore her gaze away shortly afterward, shoving her hands in her pocket while shrugging. Then she mumbled before walking off, "Tell that guard dog of yours that if she wants to fight me so badly, pick a better reason to besides me asking a simple god damn question."

I didn't bother with responding as I watched her push past the crowd and disappear, Karin close behind. I hadn't before, but I noticed some familiar faces that were waiting for her as well, like Kiba, Kankruo, Shikamaru, and Gaara. When Tayuya was gone it was like whatever spell that was casted on the people around us magically broke and soon the clog began dispersing. As the crowd thinned, me watching the mutely with my heart hammering, I took a moment to catch my uneven breath. My mind was reeling; wondering what would have happened if I hadn't been here to stop any of this. And then I felt anger, but most of all annoyance, that this had to happen in the first place.

Eventually I turned around to face Sakura, but I was in no mood to sit there and entertain her. So as she stood there, as if waiting expectedly for something, I simply gave her a harsh frown before moving to push past her to get to Tenten who I had completely forgotten was supposed to be with me. Sakura attempted to catch my wrist as I passed but I quickly snatched it from her grip and continued to move down the hall.

"Wait, Ino," she began as she followed me, "Hold on a second."

"No," I spat furiously, practically stomping my way towards Tenten who was waiting in tense silence.

"Come on, you leave for an hour and don't even say two words to me?" Sakura said as she followed close behind.

I whirled around, causing her to stumble to a quick stop. Glaring I snapped furiously, "Two words? You want two words? Well I have some nice one's in mind: Fuck. Off."

She opened her mouth but then wrinkled her eyebrows with a frown pulled at her lips in silence. I shook my head, my heart beating furiously as I felt myself beginning to boil over. I attempted to keep the rage out of my voice, but my anger literally shook every word that tumbled from my mouth, "Let me tell you something Sakura, because it looks to me that you fail to see what you did wrong. I'm not a fucking toy, do you understand that?"

"I never said you were-" She started.

I quickly cut her off, "You didn't fucking have to. Seriously? Half the shit you were saying was like you were showing off what you just bought at the store, some shiny new thing you can flaunt around whenever you want. But no, you aren't going to sit here and brag what you managed to get out of me, it's no one's damn business what we do on our own. But since you feel like you scored big enough to talk shit just an hour after everything happened, go ahead and talk big and stroke your ego by yourself tonight. I'm not going to sit here and listen to it."

"Why can't I brag about it?" She shot back with glare, throwing up her hands as she spoke, "Why does it fucking matter? It happened. Us keeping it a secret isn't going to change that fact."

"Because it's no one's business!" I shouted back with my face twisting in disbelief, "You honestly think everyone in the god damn world needs to know what we do in a room together when we are alone? This isn't some fucking job interview; you aren't going to pass out stories like it's your resume."

"You just don't want Tayuya to know about it," she accused with a point of her finger at me, "Because let's cut the shit, this isn't about you being embarrassed, this is about you trying to keep her from hearing the things that are going on between us. But what's the point, she'll figure it out eventually, and the sooner the better. She needs to know-"

"What? She needs to know what?" I demanded in mock curiosity, "That we are talking? That you can steal a kiss or two? That we do homework every day, because I'm sure she knows all that shit. But there isn't anything else to know, Sakura, because there isn't anything else to tell. Stop acting like this is some sort of joke you can pass around and grow the fuck up."

"Is it not a joke?" She asked furiously with a look around in confusion, "I mean, because the way she fucking sits there and smiles makes me feel I'm missing the punch line. You say I flaunt, but did you happen to hear the shit she said? You can't tell me all of that was made up and that she wasn't talking about you."

"Take your jealousy somewhere else, please," I begged with a roll of my eyes, "She's my best fucking friend, and I didn't hear her saying shit about us fooling around. But guess what I did hear? You proudly boasting about it. And that isn't all, you seriously brought up the two month thing? Like are you out of your mind drunk or just being fucking stupid? That had nothing to do with you; therefore it should never slip out of your mouth. Again, I preach, it's no one's fucking business but the people involved!"

"What the fuck ever," Sakura snapped back before brushing past me, "So fucking stupid that you can sit here and stick up for her but I'm somehow always in the wrong. Want to keep this a secret? Sure! You can go ahead and hop back on her dick now, I'll pretend not to notice and that I don't fucking exsist."

"Oh don't cry about it Sakura, you're just getting tired of being called on your bull shit!" I yelled after her as she stormed away, furiously glaring at her back.

But she didn't bother turning back, instead she jogged down the steps without another word. I bunched my fists together and watched her disappear, agitation and anger still strongly coursing through me. After a moment, Tenten began softly, "Um…"

Setting my jaw, I snatched her hand and began dragging her as I stomped away, "Let's go. I want some mother fucking pizza and a shit ton of more beer."

(1) No songs. Well, none good enough to show. Oooh well.

(2) Metaphorically. Don't go thinking Sakura was brave enough to shove Tayuya AND Ino.

Oh buddy. Buddy buddy buddy! It looks like EVERYONE is stepping one EVERYONE'S toes tonight!

Sakura, sweet heart, you were being bold!

Tayuya, bro, chill out she aint worth it.

Ino, shit girl, calm it down. Relax.

Whew looks like everyone is getting a bit fed up with EVERYONE'S shit, and I think it's just so delicious. What does this mean for the future?! What will happen now?!

Budddy, did you see that fight that was about to go down? Like. For real thoe, Yuya won't playin games. She was fucking serious. Ooh, and how thug she got so quick. If Ino wasn't there something would have BOUND to spark. Too bad Ino is a cock block when it comes to two people duking it out. Ooooh well.

Read. Review. Tell me what you think. Nah, there won't be a part three. We have indulged in our pleasures for far too long. We must move forward! We most march on!

Shycadet loves. Out.