Disclaimer: Naruto's characters are not mine.
This is a SasuNaru fic, meaning, YAOI. You have been warned!
Further warnings: OOCness, moderate lime, swearing, grammatical errors, and maybe, some non-English words.
A/N: Another slow update. I seriously don't know what the hell I'm doing ::sighs::
Helpful info:
"sssss" -shift in POV. I cannot believe FFnet refuses symboling!
"sama"- a respectful add-on at the end of the name. Think of it as 'master' or something.
"Itadakimasu" – something that the Japanese says before they eat. And if that's not it, then, hell, pretend that it is. I was staring at that word on the screen and wondering if it meant 'to eat' or 'to welcome'. And as you may've noticed, I was too lazy to check.
Something Simple: Chapter 7
It was when the game ended that the class approached him. Naruto had almost seen it coming. After Sasuke left, he met the occasional glances given in his direction and the obvious confusion with it. The boy was gone for almost 20 minutes and he knew that he wouldn't be coming back. His last words rang hard in his ears and he couldn't help but feel slightly saddened by it. I hate you too. It had hurt more than he had expected. Perhaps a part of him still wanted to be accepted by the Uchiha? Not that he understood where that part came from.
"Naruto, where's Sasuke-kun?" It was the teacher who asked him first. He shrugged his head.
"Dunnoes. He left a while ago and never came back."
A student standing behind the teacher spoke; his voice more cheerful than concerned. "Sir, Naruto must've said something to him. You know Sasuke-kun would never leave before instructed to." His teacher nodded in agreement and Naruto had a feeling that he was going to be held responsible. Sure, he had said a few mean things to him, but it wasn't like his words really had an effect on anyone. It never had an effect on anyone.
However, his teacher said instead, "Everyone, pack up the equipments and put them back in the gym. You may go home afterwards." Naruto felt a hint of joy. So the teacher wasn't going to tell him off? He stood up eagerly to help get the equipments. After this, he would finally be able to go home, and maybe, he could stop himself from thinking too much. His head was beginning to hurt from it. Just as he walked a few steps away, though, he heard his teacher's voice again. Apparently, he wasn't finished. "Except you, Naruto. Please stay behind."
Disappointment washed over him and his shoulders slumped slightly out of habit. He saw the rest of his class moving away and, reluctantly, he forced himself to turn and face the teacher. When all was quiet, and he was sure that everyone had left, his teacher began again.
"Tell me, Naruto. Why did Sasuke –kun leave?"
"I seriously don't know, sir," he replied.
"You know I don't believe you."
Naruto rolled his eyes. Why bother asking, then?
"Look, kid. I don't know what it is that you've said or done to Sasuke-kun, but it must've been something big to make him leave without telling anyone. He is a very responsible student, and this is just something out of his nature." He paused and looked at him thoughtfully. "This has been your second day, right?" Naruto nodded. "Second day and you've already caused this much trouble. Unbelievable." He shook his head in disappointment. "You have detention tomorrow after school. And I suggest that the next time you see Sasuke-kun, you apologize to him for what you did. Understood?"
He didn't even bother waiting for a reply before he turned and walked towards the direction of the school gym. Naruto remained in his spot, unmoved. He could not believe what he had heard. Not only was he given a detention, but he also needed to apologize? And for what? For being told that he was hated? This was absurd.
He began walking just as the school bell rang. His thoughts were still on the Uchiha boy. The words he left resounded in his head. I hate you too. He shut his eyes.
Like I care.
sssssssssss
Sasuke waited patiently outside of the school gates. His driver should be coming any minute now and soon he'd be able to go home. That was all he wanted. Go home, sleep, and forget about everything that happened today. He wasn't one who liked to dwell too deep in matters, especially the trivial one he was facing. Given some time, he'd hopefully forget about it. No, scratch that –he will forget about it. Naruto would be gone from his head; he was sure of that. After all, how strong can a measly attraction be?
A grand Mercedes Benz parked up in front of him a few minutes later and Sasuke went in and sat in silence. Takuya, his driver, nodded in recognition before starting up again. It didn't bother Sasuke that he was never met with the courtesy or respect a young master like him should deserve. He was used to these things. Like how he'd ignore the fact that they'd always greet him –if ever –with 'Sasuke' and not 'Sasuke-sama', unlike his brother. He tried to reason that he didn't care about such formalities. A 'sama' in the end of his name, held no meaning to him. And if he did, he'd earn it soon enough. But somehow, it'd always surprise him how vivid his memory was to these things. And the anger or jealousy (whatever he called it), albeit little, would still surface.
ssssssssssssssss
There were still many students remaining in the entrance of the school waiting to be picked up. Naruto paid them no heed as he walked his way out. His stomach growled loudly as he realised he hadn't eaten anything since the morning. Perhaps he'd go Ichiraku's again? Though he didn't really have that much money.
Too caught up in his mental dilemma, he hadn't noticed the figure approach him until he felt a tap on his shoulder. His body shot up in surprise and he turned around. What met his gaze gave him more shock than before and he stuttered terribly his companion's name. "S-Sh-Sh-I-I-ka-ka-m-ma-r-ru!"
"Woah! What happened to you?" Shikamaru stared at him, an amused look on his face. "Don't tell me you got bashed again?"
Naruto couldn't help but heat up with this statement, his previous shock completely ignored. "You think its funny? Where were you anyway, huh? Where were you all this time when I was beaten up?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I thought we were friends."
Shikamaru shrugged in confusion before averting his gaze towards the clouds above. "You're so troublesome."
"What!" Naruto shrieked.
"And loud."
Naruto stared on in disbelief. "I don't know what you're talking about," Shikamaru continued, "but I'm hungry. Lets go eat."
Taken aback by the offer, Naruto's gaze fell. "Are you sure you want to eat with me still?"
He gave a weary sigh. "And you're confusing too. Far out, you're almost like a girl!"
"I'm not a girl!" Naruto protested.
"Whatever," he rolled his eyes. "Lets just go."
And with that, he led the way, expecting the boy to follow. However, Naruto remained still, torn between following or going home. He wasn't sure if Shikamaru knew about him yet because, surely, if he did, he wouldn't be offering to eat with him. No one had known about the Uzumaki past and still wanted to befriend him. Especially when they haven't known each other for that long. After a few steps, Shikamaru turned around, an annoyed expression on his face. "Come on!" he hurried.
"Shikamaru, you have to know something."
The boy walked back towards him, his annoyance still present. "What?"
"I'm an Uzumaki…"
Shikamaru let out a gruff. "Yes, I know. Killer, yada yada. It's been around school. You don't think I wouldn'tve heard, right?"
"Then why…?" The boy shrugged nonchalantly. "You can ask someone else, I won't mind."
He began walking off and Naruto felt disappointed once again. Should've guessed, he thought. But Shikamaru's voice shocked him once again. "It's too troublesome. Just go already. I'm hungry!" And he continued walking, expecting the boy to follow.
But this time, Naruto did.
ssssssssssssss
It was a long, quiet trip home. Like all those other trips he had in the same car with the same driver at this same time. Sasuke stepped out without the help of Takuya and walked promptly towards the entrance. A maid opened the door just as he reached the first step and bowed slightly. He ignored her and ascended the long spiral staircase towards his bedroom. As he reached there, he threw his bag on the floor and locked the door behind him. He walked slowly towards his bed.
It was always quiet at this time of the day. Itachi and his parents weren't back yet, and the workers were probably resting from all the cleaning done in the morning. Soon they would be preparing dinner and Sasuke couldn't find himself looking forward to that even as his stomach grumbled violently. He lay down on his soft silk covers, indulging himself in the comfort for a while. Then, he stood up and stripped himself of his jumper and shoes making it more comfortable to sleep. He covered himself with his blanket and laid on his front, his hands resting on either side of his pillow. As he was about to doze off, he registered the bandage on his left hand caused by the chemical spill from yesterday and a bright shade of blond suddenly appeared in his mind.
He fell into deep slumber.
sssssssssssssss
"Welcome!" came the cheery voice of the owner of the Ichiraku store. Naruto and Shikamaru sat down in front of the said owner with the bench separating them. "You boys again? How may I help you?" He gave them a friendly smile and Naruto smiled back. "Two Chashuu Ramen, please."
"Righty-o," he said and tended to his work.
Naruto turned back to Shikamaru and continued their previous conversation. "So what did you guys do in English today? Did I miss anything important?"
Shikamaru shrugged. "Don't think so. But Kakashi sensei was awfully worried. He mentioned you, like, five times." He rested his chin on his palm and stared blankly at the limited insides of the kitchen. "And Sasuke was acting quite weird."
"Who the hell cares about him," Naruto said irately.
Then, as if realising something, he turned to face the latter boy. "Hey, you know, there's this rumour going on about you and Sasuke." Naruto looked at him confused.
"What rumour?"
Shikamaru laughed loudly before replying. "They say that you like Sasuke!"
"Fuck no!" Naruto shuddered at the thought.
"Thought so. I didn't think you were a fag."
"I don't think I am either."
"But I think he is," Shikamaru said, an evil glint in his eyes.
Naruto choked at this. "What?" he asked. "No way!"
"He's never had a girlfriend before, you know. Not that you would, but still. And that kiss…" he smiled impishly, "I'm pretty sure was his first."
Naruto shook his head, blocking out the unwanted memory. "I don't believe you. He has all these girls after him. I don't think he's stupid enough not to have tried it out at least. And what would you know anyway? Don't tell me you're friends?"
"No way. He doesn't talk. And I know these things; everyone knows these things. If it's about the Uchiha, people know. He has like stalkers on him all the time. Oh, and don't be surprised," he added sarcastically, "he has a student fan club."
Just then, the owner came back and placed the two bowls of ramen in front of them. "Here you go," he said and gave them another friendly smile. Naruto thanked him before he went and tended to his other customers.
Shikamaru passed him the chopsticks before digging in. "Itadakimasu," he said softly and began slurping at the tasty noodles. Naruto did the same, but yelled out more loudly than Shikamaru. After another two more bowls of ramen each, they both slumped down in their seats for being too full. More customers came in at this time of the day, but it wasn't enough for them to be kicked out yet. They continued sitting in their seats, a comfortable silence between them. It was Shikamaru who spoke first.
"Hey, that thing about Sasuke being gay, wasn't true, okay? I was only joking. If you tell anyone, I'll kick your ass."
Naruto laughed bitterly. "Like there's anyone to tell."
Another silence ensued, but this time it was out of awkwardness. "If it makes you feel better," Shikamaru said, "not everyone hates you because of your past."
"I know," Naruto replied. "At least you don't hate me."
"No, Naruto. I mean, other people. They don't hate you because of your past." Naruto turned to him.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know." He paused. "I just think that the majority of the people just go along with it. They're just… jealous."
"What the hell would they be jealous about?"
"Well you know what the girls are jealous about. But you know, some guys there tries really hard to be friends with Sasuke, but he never really reacted. Since you came, though, all his attention has gone to you. And I guess they're just envious that you're able to make him talk even if it is just to argue or fight."
"I'd prefer he not pay any attention to me, then," Naruto said, looking at his empty bowl. "And if you wanted to know, he hates me. He told me today."
Shikamaru looked at him thoughtfully. "Some people don't actually mind that."
"Well then, they're stupid!" Naruto yelled. Some customers turned to stare at him, and he lowered his voice. "Who the hell wants to be hated? And what's so good about Sasuke? Why do they all want his attention? From what I can see, he's just a rich, spoilt brat who thinks that he's top shit."
"I was like you in the beginning," said Shikamaru calmly. "My friend kept talking about him all the time and I just thought he was annoying. I even began to hate him. But then I realized that he really didn't do anything to me and I really didn't have a right to hate him. Annoying, yes. Hate, no. And I'm sure that's the same for you. You're just annoyed that he has the attention."
Naruto thought about this but couldn't find himself to agree. It was both annoyance and hate for him.
"There must be something about him, I think," continued Shikamaru. "I don't know what it is, but it must be there. Everyone I know seems to like him, or even interested in him as a person. Weird. But who am I to judge?" He shrugged.
"You've talked a lot today," commented Naruto.
As if noticing for the first time, Shikamaru agreed. "True, yeah! Damn, it must be the ramen." He stood up. "Wanna go now?" Naruto nodded and paid their meals at the counter. They bid the owner farewell before they left the store.
"Where are you going now?" Naruto asked.
"Home," Shikamaru replied. "I've got Maths to do. I don't even know why I'm doing two Maths. It's such a hassle." Then, as an afterthought, he added, "Sasuke's in my class."
"I don't care," Naruto said, unable to hide his frustration. "Why has today's topic been revolved about that idiot anyway?"
"I don't know," shrugged Shikamaru, "but it's so fun to see you get irritated by him." He gave a teasing smile. Naruto growled.
"Well then," said Shikamaru, "I'll see you tomorrow." He waved goodbye and prepared to leave when Naruto muttered something under his breath. "What?" he asked.
"I said," tried Naruto, "was the rumour true. That thing you said earlier?"
Shikamaru shook it off. "Somewhat. It's only amongst the girls though so don't worry."
"Then how did you know?"
"Hmmm… good question," Shikamaru said, more to himself than the other. "How did I know? Oh, yeah, there's this girl who never stops harassing me. She always turns to me to tell me everything related to Sasuke. That's why I know so much." Naruto nodded. "Ta, then," he said and walked away.
Naruto stared at the back of Shikamaru for a while before he, too, went home. For some reason, his mind still remembered the last words exchanged to the Uchiha and as he walked down the street towards his own apartment, he found that, again, he couldn't shrug the memory off.
ssssssssssssssssss
He was walking down an empty alley. It was dark, and he didn't know what he was doing there. His hands traced the side of the wall to guide him through to the end of the alley; where the light was. He needed to get there –that was all he knew. He inched closer; each step he took was painfully slow. Just as he was about to reach the end though, he knocked into something (a bin! What was that doing there?) and he felt himself falling. Strong hands suddenly halted his fall and he looked up to find himself staring into a pair of deep cerulean eyes. They were familiar and his mind shouted to himself that it was someone that he knew. The name of the boy remained on his tongue, but no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't shout out the name.
He was rested against the wall and the person reached for his face. "Are you hurt?" came the concerned voice, but he couldn't find himself to reply. The person inched closer, blue eyes meeting his and stopped just as their noses touched. "Sasuke, are you hurt?" the person repeated. Sasuke didn't move. What was going on?
"Come with me, Sasuke," the person spoke again. He reached for his hands. "Come with me." Sasuke felt himself stand up and was taken towards the blinding light. Where are you taking me? He wanted to ask, but again, his voice wasn't there.
They walked for a while, the light seeming to take forever to reach. Once they reached there, however, everything seemed to blend into view. They were standing in the middle of a field, the grass were vast. Green flooded his senses and Sasuke looked around trying to recognise the place. Alas, he didn't know
"Where are we?" he finally asked, and was shocked to hear his voice. The other replied.
"Does it matter?" He turned and saw the sun shining down at his companion. The sunshine locks shined in the light, the eyes turning into an intense blue.
"Naruto, what are we doing here?"
The boy approached him. He was wearing a white shirt and long black slacks. He looked almost ethereal against the blinding light. "Don't you want to be here?" he asked. "Don't you want this?" He was holding his hands now.
"What are you talking about?" Sasuke asked, confused. The boy stared deeply at him and he felt himself drowning inside those orbs.
"I can save you," came the reply. Sasuke became frightened. What was he trying to say?
"What can you save me from?" he whispered.
"I can save you," he repeated, and it suddenly clicked for him. He knew the implications the boy was making.
"Really?" he asked again, needing confirmation.
"Yes."
The boy inched closer towards him until their lips met. It was a slow and sensual kiss. He felt his mouth being tugged open and he willingly allowed it. Having another's tongue inside his mouth had never been so pleasurable as he reacted to the kiss. Slowly at first and then becoming more frantic. He fell down backwards onto the grass as the other leaned too close on him. But the fall was surprisingly soft.
Naruto broke the kiss and trailed light kisses on his jaw, his neck, moving slowly downwards. His hands reached for the blonde's hair as he tried to stifle a moan. He felt his shirt being ripped off as the boy became impatient. And, as he reached and began to bite on his nipples, he felt himself go hard. The friction in his pants intensified.
It was his first erection.
The boy's movements were painstakingly slow as he removed his pants. Sasuke tried to wriggle out of it, wanting the release. And then the boy stopped. And he was confused of the sudden interruption. "Why did you stop?" he found himself asking.
A second later, he saw the blond lying next to him, a smile on his face. He grabbed his hands again and placed it down on his erection.
"Try it," he urged, as he felt his hands being guided down onto his member. Up and down, up and down. That was the rhythm. He closed his eyes as he felt himself getting near. But what was it that was nearing?
"Naruto…" he heard himself moan as his hands worked faster. "Naruto…" Again, his hands continued. Up and down, up and down, upanddownupanddownupanddown….
"Nh..nh..nh…" he was getting there. Just a few more… "Ahhhhh….!!"
ssssssssssssssss
Naruto laid down his Maths books onto his small table. He decided that he should work a bit on Maths today, just in case the class was ahead of him. He turned to chapter 6: Integration. He smiled. This should be easy.
ssssssssssssssss
He opened his eyes and was met with white again. But this time, he knew his surroundings. He registered the white desk he had spent countless nights doing his homework on, the nicely cleaned cream carpet, the clothes he had thrown on the floor, the shoes next to them. His eyes went to the white sheets and on the blanket that wrapped only halfway down his torso.
And he registered the stickiness in his hands.
He sat up straight and removed his coverings. His pants had somehow rolled down to his ankles, his boxers with it. What surrounded his lower body now was a sticky white substance that took a while for him to recognise, or rather, for him to understand. It was unfamiliar, and yet, it was not. Sasuke shuddered.
Fuck!
sssssssssssssssss
It took Naruto three hours to complete the chapter. He was happy to know that he could do all the questions. He lay down on his already prepared futon, arms around his head. I wonder how long it takes for Sasuke to complete a chapter, he mused. And then he caught himself. Why am I thinking of him?
Shrugging, he got up and went to the kitchen. It was already 8:00 and he decided that he'd have a cup of ramen just in case he got hungry at night. He placed the water on the boil and waited a couple of minutes. Wonder if Shikamaru finished his Maths…
sssssssssssssssss
A knock on the door froze him in his spot. "Sasuke, dinner's ready."
"Aa," he tried and waited for the footsteps of his maid to go away. He looked down at his tainted sheets. If the maids found out about this, they'd tell Itachi for sure. At first, he had wanted to wash it but then he realised that it'd be even more obvious if he did that. He tried thinking hard; perhaps he could just throw it away?
Another knock interrupted as the same annoyed maid called him again. "Sasuke," the voice was louder, "dinner's ready."
Clumsily, he shoved the sheets under the pile of dirty clothes in his ensuite bathroom. The maids usually cleared it in the morning so when he finished his dinner he'd be able to think more on it. He walked out and closed the door behind him. Servants and maids walked past without noticing his presence. With the amount of hassle going on, he knew that there were guests.
Carefully, as to not walk into any busy workers, he descended the stairs and headed towards the dinner table. He was right. Itachi's girlfriend and two of his other friends were sitting on either side of the table. When they saw him, they greeted him with a cheery 'hello'. Sasuke ignored them and sat down in his spot.
"Sasuke, don't be so rude." It was his father's voice. "Be respectful to Itachi's friends especially since you're the younger." He looked up to meet his father's gaze. The man had a stern face on him, apparently displeased by his attitude.
"It's okay, uncle," his brother's girlfriend, Ami, said. "He's still young."
"He's almost 18," said his father, "when Itachi was his age, he'd already taken up my position as chairman, and attended to clients with sufficient manners. Such a useless boy." He shook his head. "I don't know what went wrong."
Sasuke ignored the comment and reached for a roll at the centre of the table. He was used to these talks so it shouldn't matter to him. Just as he was about to reach it, though, his hands were violently tapped away. "Little brother, you should really learn your manners." He looked up. Itachi smiled wickedly at him. "Father starts first."
Again, his father shook his head disappointedly. 'It's okay,' Ami mouthed to him as their eyes met. It was intended to be reassuring, but Sasuke knew all too well that it was only a fake display of kindness. "Itadakimasu," he heard his father say before he started with the roll and the other occupants of the table followed suit. Sasuke stayed last to do so, not wanting to be lectured at again. His mother sat beside him, quiet as usual, the clinking of her knife and fork being the only noise that she made.
"What happened to your head?" Ami asked, trying to start conversation. It bemused Sasuke how the girl had thought herself already a member of the family. Defending him, speaking to him, starting conversation during dinner thinking that she had every right to do so. He was the child of the head of the house and, still, he had no right to do that. If they didn't ask him questions, he wasn't supposed to talk. And then suddenly, his mind drifted off to the boy in his sleep. What's he doing now?
Hearing no response, Ami started again. "Sasuke-kun? What happened to your head?" And yet all Sasuke could think of was: wonder if he's eaten. Must've been better than this.
"Sasuke!" His father's loud yell snapped him out of his thoughts. "Answer Ami, now." He looked almost murderous and his mother beside him tensed. Lowering his head, he answered, "It was an accident."
"Oh," said Ami, in her mock surprise. "Did it hurt?"
"No," he said curtly.
"Your brother doesn't seem to like to talk much, does he, Itachi?" asked one of his brother's friends.
He could hear Itachi's amused tone. "No, he's very quiet."
Dinner proceeded in silence for Sasuke as he ignored the conversation regarding business on his table. There were many times when he'd listen on, trying to catch the important things being said that would be beneficial to him in the future, but tonight, he didn't feel the mood. What was the loss in it anyway?
Dessert soon came, and he tried to clear his thoughts of everything. Not of his father, not of his dinner, and not of Naruto. Concentrating hard on not trying to concentrate, he didn't see his maid approach Itachi and whisper something in his ear. And he also missed the devilish glint in both their eyes.
"Well, well, well," came Itachi's voice. "I would like to make a toast." Sasuke ignored this; it wasn't like he could drink anyway. His friends were apparently confused.
"What for?"
"For my brother," he said and eyed him as he looked up. What?
"Oh," was his father's voice.
"Congratulations to Sasuke for finally being a man." Sasuke's eyes widened. What?
"Is it his birthday?" a friend of his asked.
"No, I have just heard great news from his maid," his smile was unbelievably huge. Sasuke's eyes widened some more. What?
"She was just cleaning his room before and she found his sheets under the pile of dirty clothes in his bathroom. Apparently, there was a huge mess." Ami giggled while his father let out a low gruff.
"About time," he heard his father say. Sasuke couldn't tear his eyes away from his brother. What!
"I don't get it," said his friend. "What's so special about that?"
"Yeah?" asked the other.
Ami squeezed her eyes and gave a toothy smile. Her voice squeaked a little. "Guys, it's his first time!" She turned towards him, the cute act still intact. "Congratulations, Sasuke-kun! I'm so proud of you."
Sasuke stared down at his half finished dessert. His face was slowly heating up.
"So, what about it, huh?" continued his brother. "Is it worth toasting or what?"
"Wow, isn't he nearing 18 already? That's quite a slow development."
"And I bet you wouldn't believe that he lost his first kiss just yesterday. 'Tachi-hun, why don't we make a toast to that too?"
"Dude, your brother is so innocent!"
"Nah, he's only slow."
"He must've gotten that from you. Even with his age, he still doesn't look like a man yet. So embarrassing."
"Hun, don't say that."
Sasuke could almost feel his face burst from the amount of heat inside. He stood up roughly and the talking suddenly came to a halt. "Excuse me," he said quietly. The back of his knees pushed the chair behind.
"Don't tell me you want to leave?" He looked at his brother, a taunting smile tugged at his lips. "Finish your dessert first, little brother. No, actually, it should be Sasuke now." He revealed his perfectly white teeth as he smiled the malicious smile of his.
"Look at him, he's blushing!" he heard Ami say.
He stared into his brother's eyes and repeated himself firmly. "Excuse me." The smile from Itachi's lips wavered as he left the dinner table. Sasuke walked briskly up the stairs hearing his father shout his name. He didn't want to go back. He couldn't. Not when he was embarrassed like that in front of absolute strangers! He shut the door quietly as he entered his room, his forehead hitting the cool wood. He could still hear the voices from below but he didn't want to concentrate on them. He tried to comfort himself as he thought up of cruel deaths Itachi would suffer from. Long, slow, painful ones that took hours and hours for him to die. That would be his ultimate revenge, he decided. But even as he thought of that, he found no heart in it. And once again, he found his mind drifting.
"Damn you, Naruto."
His voice had come out too weak.
TBC…
A/N: I think you all would've noticed what I tried to do with the last POV. And if you didn't, well I'll tell you. I WAS TRYING TO MAKE YOU FEEL SORRY FOR SASUKE! HE HAS A FUCKED UP HOUSEHOLD! Yeah, that's the general message of this chap, that and the other thing you must've picked up during. If not, I'LL KILL YOU. ::grabs knives from her collection and prepares to throw at anyone who doesn't::
So, um…reviews?