Important: So, I've been on this site enough to know how tedious the whole alerts thing is. With that being said, from this point forward you can expect a new chapter posted every sunday. I'm going to try and update weekly, and if not bi-weekly for sure. Hopefully this will make it easier and not have you guys checking back and forth! Let me know your thoughts on this system in the reviews!

Also, a special thanks to Shad0w W0lf for the cover photo! I don't really get fan art so I'm super grateful when I do!

With that being said, enjoy this chapter! I seem to have lost my touch because most of you guessed who the mysterious figure was :p

"I don't have a lighter on me." I had to tilt my head back and up to even see his face. He was so tall is was kind of like he was looming over me. Zabuza had a very distinct voice, deep and husky. His lips curved up in a smirk, and I couldn't deny that there was something predatory about it.

"I figured as much, this time I brought my own." He indicated to a lit cigarette, moving so he was beside me. "So, that's your crowd?" He motioned to Ino and Sakura, blatantly flirting with Sasuke. I almost laughed at the nervous expression on Kiba's face.

"Yep." Aside from the lighter thing I tried to think of something relevant to say.

"So um… smoke any weed lately?" Was that a socially acceptable question to ask? I mean, last time I'd seen him he did have a joint on him… but was it rude to inquire about ones drug habits? I tried to rake my mind, for some movie reference or something where those words were uttered. None came to mind.

His throaty laugh was just as loud as it was before, people glancing up at the sound. At least I don't think I offended him.

"Not since last night. Why you want to do some with me?" I balked at the suggestion shaking my head.

"Nope. It's still illegal."

"How about a cigarette?" He pulled out a box from the back pocket of his black jeans, and I realized he was dressed darkly again. Black, on black on black. Like a ninja.

"Nope. It's still bad for you." He smirked again, this one just as brazen as the first.

"Sometimes its fun being bad." He motioned to the joint behind his ear, playful smile on his face. He really was the stereotypical bad boy.

"Do you drive a motorcycle?" He raised an eyebrow at the question.

"I do actually. Why do you want a ride?" I didn't catch it right away, but his eyes seemed to glimmer at the words and I caught on to his innuendo. Was he hitting on me? Or did he talk like this to all the girls?

"Himawari!" Sakura's voice was distinctive, and I shifted my eyes to her direction. There was something hesitant and questioning about her gaze. For some odd reason she looked a bit worried. I surveyed the area, and noted the same concern in Ino's eyes. I waved not sure what they wanted. Did they want me to come over?

"They want to make sure you're alright." I glanced over at Zabuza who was presently leaning against the house, leg propped up and cigarette hanging loosely from his lips. Was he playing this bad boy part on purpose or was he always like this? I smiled, waved again and then gave them a thumbs up. That should get the message across, right? I noted Kiba laugh at the actions and Sasuke's lips seemed to curve up as well. Sakura and Ino hesitated before returning back to their conversation.

"I don't know why they'd be so worried. I mean… they can see me, can't they?" I glanced over the dark haired boy, and realized he was blowing out smoke rings. I didn't even know you could do that with cigarettes!

"They want to make sure I'm not giving you a hard time." He chuckled lightly at this, and taking in his large and intimidating frame it made sense.

"Yeah you're pretty badass looking." As the words left my lips I couldn't stop the next phrase from spewing out as well. "Word on the street is, I'm also a little badass." I giggled slightly at the words, and then realized how silly that sounded. I cleared my throat, and stood straighter trying to make myself seem a little bit cooler. Zabuza laughed again, this time not as controlled but just as loud.

"And I thought you were weird the first time." He seemed to gain his composure then, tossing his cigarette on the ground, stepping on it, and moving closer towards me. His eyes seemed to drink me in, shamelessly scanning my form. "What'd you say we go somewhere a little more private?" His voice had that same husky tone and I felt his breath on my face, still smelling slightly of cigarettes.

"Okay, I just want to make sure I have this clear. You are hitting on me right?" I mean, I definitely thought we were flirting earlier but I wasn't sure. If he was asking to go 'somewhere private,' that was definitely teen code for lets make out, right? All the movies and books I'd seen defiently pointed to that scenario. He raised an eyebrow before nodding, a bit hesitant. I nodded my head excitedly. This was just like a book!

"Oh gosh, this is so exciting! I mean, I'm at a high school party, and I mean, you're probably the resident bad boy." I elbowed him in the side, almost conspiratorially. "And you want to go somewhere 'private' with me." I laughed again, not being able to hold the giggles at bay. This was so exciting… nothing like this had ever happened to me before! I'd spent all my time focused on Sasori I didn't even really pay attention to other boys! See Himawari how much you were missing out on when you were obsessed with some cute, dumb red head whose really good at making things out of wood and… I mean, yes he's a jerk but he's not all bad… he did apologize… and he kept the cards…the doll! I wonder what was in it…

I suddenly noted Zabuza take a small step back, seeming to reassess me slightly. Oh shoot. Himawari… that was weird, that was too weird. You can't say stuff like that. I glanced around for Kankuro, always one to come and break the tension, and I suddenly remembered he wasn't here. I felt my cheeks heat up at my actions. This was why I avoided social interactions.

"I um… you're going to think I'm weird… nope you already think that. Okay… I'm um… going to go and…. Bye." I waved as I headed quickly towards Sakura and Ino, avoiding eye contact with Zabuza as I made my escape. That was embarrassing…that was really, really embarrassing. Next time, please try and be normal.

"Is… is everything okay?" Kiba was the first to notice my prescience, the girl's backs towards me. "You're all red." I nodded, smiling. I didn't currently trust my voice to speak. I glanced back at Zabuza, who was standing with a weird expression on his face, eyes glued to me. As he noted me turning towards him, he waved, smirked and then headed inside.

"He wasn't giving you a hard time was he?" Ino inquired, placing a hand on my back. She was the closest of the two. I shook my head and Sakura also seemed concerned.

"Himawari you have to be more careful. He's a drug dealer." I almost wanted to roll my eyes at this bit of news. There was literally nothing more he could do to make himself anymore badass. That boy was probably the definition of bad boy. I bet he got into fights all the time, he looked like it. I bet he had tattoos!

"Sasuke-kun!" Her voice was almost musical with a bit of a sultry tinge to it. I didn't notice how close she was until she moved behind Sasuke, wrapping her arms around him.

Was… was she touching him? I almost wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the whole thing. I didn't know girls were allowed to touch him. I mean, sure Sakura and Ino would flock to him… but whoever this girl was she'd really gone the extra mile to claim the territory. Wait… I noted her long dark pink hair and her glasses, this and her possessive grip on him made it obvious who she was. This must be Karin. She glanced up at us then, as if suddenly noticing our presence.

Her smile dropped and she glared.

"What're you doing here?"

So, thoughts on the Sunday update system? Also, what'd you think of Zabuza? Is Himawari coping with the Sasori and Gaara thing well, or is it a tad bit unrealistic? Thoughts on Karin's character so far? Sakura and Ino? Please review and let me know your thoughts!