Birthdays Past
Chapter 5: A Dry Victory
By: Vampire Toy
PG 13 (Just in case)
Disclaimer: Me no own ;;
"Talking"
(Inner Sakura) – Can someone tell me how to do italics and stuff? Because how I thought you did it doesn't work…..thanks! ;
:Sound effect:
We all sat down and cooked our fish on sticks over the fire Ino had made before we came. I explained to Ino, in more detail (with Sasuke-kun sitting quiet and listening), what had happened and became increasingly curious to why she was so calm about everything. (Of course I left out the part about me crying and Sasuke hugging me but still…) She never gave me a chance to pull her aside, however, because she pushed for me to open my gifts, which were lying in a pile next to me.
"Open them! I wanna see what people got you…"
"Me too." (Hmm, I wonder what Shino made me?)
I picked up the one from Shino and unwrapped it slowly; half-afraid a swarm of bugs would come swarming out.
"Wow!" I pulled out a bracelet with tiny trinkets on it.
"A charm bracelet! How cute! Who's that from?"
"Shino! Wow, and he told me he made this!" I surveyed the small charms; there was a little version of Kiba, Shino, Hinata, Sasuke-kun, Naruto, Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Lee, Tenten, and Neji on it! All my friends form the leaf village.
"He made it! No way! That's amazing! Lemme see."
I handed it to Ino and took out the note that came with it.
Sakura-chan
I thought you might this because you always care so much about your friends; hopefully this will help you remember that your friends are always there for you as well. My bugs helped me out with this and I hope you enjoy it.
Happy birthday,
Shino
Bugs? …so…er… what's it made of? (Don't ponder these things, just look at the cuteness!)
"Cool," Ino handed it back and I smiled, putting it around my right wrist happily.
"Alright, this one next, this is from Naruto and Hinata."
I pulled off the yellow paper and looked inside.
"Ah! How beautiful, look, it's one of those necklaces that you put two photos in!"
"Huh, its shaped like Sakura blossom, never seen one like that before…are you sure you can put any pictures in that?"
"Yeah, it opens, and the note from Hinata says that in one side I can put my picture, and on the other side…" :BLUSH: (Don't look over at him, its weird! You'll creep him out!) "…I…can put my um, boyfriend's picture….I-I mean if I ever get one…" :BLUSH:
"Open the next one!"
"Eh, stop rushing me!" I glanced over at Sasuke-kun to see if he'd heard me but he was positioning the drying clothes.
(Sigh)
I put the necklace on, agitatedly moving the chains around on my neck to keep all the necklaces from choking me.
"Ok, this one next, it's from Shikamaru!"
Ino leaned closer for this and pulled her knees up to her chin.
"Hmm, I didn't see what he got you, I didn't even know he got you a gift…"
"Well, er, lets see what it is then…a book!"
"Huh? What book?"
"Hmm, its some astrology book, its supposed to have advice or something in it…."
"Is there a note with that?"
"Oh, yeah, here I'll read it:
Sakura,
Your head is always up in the clouds, so I thought some advice from the stars would accommodate you well. Happy Birthday.
Shikamaru
Oh hahaha…takes one to know one."
I blushed and Ino laughed, even Sasuke let out a small snort. I smiled slightly and shook my head, very clever Shikamaru…
"Ok, well this one now, from Choji,"
I opened the bag and poured out the contents. A pretty butterfly hair barrette and some energy snacks.
"Ahh Choji!"
"What a pretty barrette, wonder where he got it…"
"Dunno…hey, how do I look?" I clipped the barrette in my hair and struck a pose.
"Well, I think I'd look better but you look acceptable."
"Haha," I smiled and turned shyly to Sasuke, "What do you think Sasuke-kun?"
He turned and looked at me a moment then nod.
(What's THAT supposed to mean?)
"Beautiful."
"Huh?"
:BLUSH: (Must…learn to control….blushing reflexes….)
"Whelp! That's all of em' I'm gonna turn in, you two better do the same, we have a nice little trek through the desert tomorrow. Goodnight Sakura, Goodnight Sasuke!"
"Goodnight Ino."
"Goodnight."
I put the book and energy snacks into my side pouch and waited for Ino to lie down and close her eyes before I took out Sasuke's gift, (I dunno if he wanted me to open it in front of her…).
I unwrapped it slowly, glancing over at Sasuke occasionally but never finding his glance to me. I removed the ribbon and paper to find a small box (Small boxes equal jewelry right?….).
I lift the lid and a huge grin spread over my face. I reached in and pulled out a ring, not like an engagement ring or anything but it was silver with flowers engraved around its edges and something I couldn't read was written on the inside of the ring.
"Sa-Sasuke…"
"Um, do you like it?"
"Huh?" (WOAH, got over here from over there pretty quick…)
"The ring." He was standing next to me looking down.
"I….I love it!"
He gave me a small smile and nod.
"Goodnight Sakura." He said turning around and walking to his sleeping bag. I fumbled my way onto my feet and threw my arms around him from behind awkwardly.
"Thank you….very much Sasuke-kun."
A pause and I began letting go slowly but felt his hand on mine.
"Your welcome."
(:DIES:)
"Goodnight Sasuke-kun."
"Goodnight Sakura."
"Isn't that cute?"
"Huh?" I turned quickly to find a strange man breathing over my shoulder.
"AIIIIE!" I yanked out my kunai and I heard Ino yell something while Sasuke kicked the man away from me.
"Now, now kiddies, cant we all play nicely?"
"Who the hell are you!"
"That's not important Sakura-chan."
"Eeep!"
"Greetings to you as well Ino, and to you Sasuke."
The man had on all black and was accompanied by a strange hat that he tipped over his eyes when he greet us.
"Who are you? What's your business with us?" Sasuke growled.
"Oh, yes that, I came to kill you."
Sasuke let out a snarl and immediately attacked, and the man multiplied, catching him off guard and enabling one of the men to punch Sasuke back.
At the same time his clones (I assumed they were his dopple gangers) attacked Ino and I. We both struggled and it seemed that even Sasuke was having trouble keeping the man back.
"AAHHHHH!" He suddenly slammed me high into the air and I flew over the trees landing on hard my back. I skid through the sand and began coughing in pain through the dust.
(A-at least you're in the sand, it's a little softer than the forest dirt…) I sat up shakily trying to see through the cloud of dust I'd created with my fall. Did he really just do that? How far did I go? I couldn't even hear the fighting….unless he'd already beat them or vice versa.
"Ugh…" I stood weakly looking around while brushing the sand off of my skin (ouch my back, my arms, arg) where are they? Listen closer Sakura; he couldn't have thrown you THAT far! I mean…I'd have died if he'd thrown me clear across the desert….right? (oww my back….)
"Sa-Sasuke-kun!"
I couldn't hear anything in response, I turned around in a full circle before trying again; I couldn't see anything in this darkness.
"INO!"
Nothing, how far from the forest was I? (Ok, you have to find your way back! Your friends need you! Or…maybe they don't, but they might get worried). I spun round again, which way had I come from? I looked down to try see my skid marks but it was pitch black.
"Great… ok, pick a direction, the one you think you came from."
(That way!) Ok! Seems reasonable….but its so fricking dark! (I guess you'll be stumbling through the dark tonight) hopefully I'll get to the forest soon…..
Hours later (or at least it felt like hours) I was still no where familiar, all I knew was that I was still in the desert and it was freezing. I rubbed my arms and shivered, I definitely didn't pick the right direction but I don't want to turn around! Walking all the way back in this temperature would slowly kill me…..:sigh:
But if I keep going it won't help much either! I have no idea where I-
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
:Slam:
:Swack:
:Thud:
"Ouch…" I looked up, seems I'd slipped and fallen into a cavern, and what a fall….
"Dear God, why am I not dead yet?"
(Maybe you should just lay here for a while; it should be a little warmer down here) Ok, I cant move anyway, I just hope that nothing tries to eat me…(DON'T THINK LIKE THAT!) maybe I should drag myself around? (Well on the subject of things eating you, your face would be pretty vulnerable if you crawled…) eh.
Sleep it is. I just had no idea what I'd wake up to the next morning, (IF you wake up!)
"Poke her."
"No YOU poke her."
"Is she dead?"
"Cool, maybe we can dissect her."
My eyes shot open at the sound of voices and the thought of being dissected.
"AHH! She's alive!"
I looked up to see three small children staring down at me. Two boys and a girl.
"Lady! Who are you?"
Eh…..
"I-I'm……where am I?"
"Sand Village."
I am! Oh well DUH! The Sand Village is located in a cavern thing in the middle of the desert! But how'd I get so far?
"Ugr…" I pushed myself up and the children jumped back.
"I….er… m-my, I mean, I'm Sakura…."
"I'm Cosi."
"Hey don't tell her your name! She might eat you."
"Don't be stupid, she doesn't look THAT scary."
(Thaaanks…)
"Its nice to meet you Cosi."
Cosi grabbed my hand and shook it smiling.
"Do you have food la- Sakura lady?"
"Ur…"
(You have energy snacks, but you kinda need em…..)
I looked down at the children. Cosi had short blonde hair and big green eyes, one of the boys had short brown hair and blue eyes while the other had long brown hair in a ponytail with golden eyes.
(I guess I could give em a few…) I dug into my pouch (hey my pouch is still there! They didn't mug me….) How stereotypical of you to be thinking that! Not all Sand Nin are evil ya know!
"Here." I handed them each a pack.
"Thanks!"
"Umm, could you guys do me a favor now?"
"Maybe…." Cosi munched.
(Whadda mean 'maybe'…?)
"Umm, could you help me find my friends?"
"There's more of you?"
"Well, sorta…."
"Umm….we're not supposed to talk to strangers."
(WHAT THE-)
"BYE!" They all shouted in unison, dashing away.
"WAIT! WAIT! HEY I GAVE YOU CANDY! COME BACK HERE YOU LITTLE-!"
(Forget it, all Sand Nin are evil…even the children are little conspirators) Teaches me to.…'talk to strangers'…feh.
Well, option number two; find your own way. I looked at the direction the children went, that's probably where the village's buildings begin. I trudged, twitching every now and then from the pain running through my body. Finally I saw buildings and people! I walked a little faster; Naruto and the others should be here by now right? If Ino and Sasuke aren't here yet then I can tell the others and we can all go back for them, yes! We'll rescue them; they'll be ok!
"U-um, excuse me…." I tried to get the attention of a passing man, but he gave me one look and only walked faster.
(How rude!)
"Err, ma'am, excuse me…" she walked away and didn't even look at me.
(I HATE THE SAND VILLAGE AND ALL ITS PEOPLE)
Now, now, I should think logically, why would they ignore me?
(Well, you kinda look like a hooker…)
I looked down at myself and blushed. OH WHY? I had my fishnet top and Sasuke's pants and sandals. I looked like shit.
What do I do! How will I get around? What if they try to kill me? (I doubt they'd go that far…well….maybe the would, I mean, your clearly showing your leaf headband….they HATE the Leaf Village) that could be another reason they're avoiding me……
Well I'll just have to find someone I know! (Who do you know here? What if the others aren't here yet?) Well, I mean er… (Oh yeah, you know GAARA don't you? And you think he or his family will take you in? I laugh at you, I laugh very hard…..)
I'll look for my friends then! (Good idea)
More hours later, I hadn't found them at all, but had managed to embarrass myself in front of nearly EVERY member of the Hidden Sand.
THIS IS HORRIBLE! (I know!)
My stomach let out a loud growl and I let out an exhausted sigh. I walked into a small alley section between two buildings and flopped down and wiped the sweat from my forehead, I was dying of heat stroke.
I'm tired and in pain, and I'm hungry….those little demons ate my last snacks! I didn't realize I only had three…..urg…..
"Hey, there she is!"
(…..) I looked up and saw Cosi with the two little demon brothers and two more children. I blushed, great, the same kids who stole my food came back to reek havoc on my existence…..and they brought backup.
"See, she IS real, she just moved."
(Grr….)
"Hmm, your face looks funny, are you mad at us?"
"Yes."
"Are you gonna chase us?"
"No."
"Why?"
"………I'm dying."
"AHH! We need to get someone to help you then! Can you move!"
"No or she woulda chased us!"
(Are they taking me seriously? Why are they even here?)
"We'll be right back! Don't move Sakura Lady!"
(I couldn't if I wanted to)
"Kito! Stay with her to make sure she doesn't explode!"
"Explode?" (Are these kids serious?)
"From over heating or something."
"Oh."
The children ran off and Kito, the boy with long brown hair, stayed behind as ordered.
"We didn't think you were gonna die…."
"I…." Oh so they really think I'm dying? Oops….
"Well, I'm just kinda in pain right now, and really tired."
(Are they being nice to me now? I am not falling for this…)
Kito squat in front of me.
"You're from the Leaf Village? My dad hates the Leaf Village."
(OO')
"But you don't seem as mean as he says they are….you know, the Leaf village people."
"We're not mean, only when we're fighting are we mean… I guess…"
"You're a ninja?"
"Yeah."
"Cool, I wanna be a ninja, is it fun?"
"Sometimes."
"Sometimes?"
"You have to work hard at it too."
"Oh…..how much 'hard work' do you have to do…?"
I smiled, well, they really ARE trying to help me…they probably feel bad for leaving me to die (I'm hungry ;;)
"Depends, for some it's easier than for others…."
"Was it easy for you?"
"…..No."
"So why are you still a ninja?"
"Because, I love my friends….and I like being a ninja and I try really hard….I'm not gonna give up after all that hard work."
"SHE'S OVER HERE!"
Hmm? I looked up and saw Cosi running towards me with the other children and a tall figure behind her.
"Sakura lady! We brought the Kagaze! He can help you!"
"Kazekage! I-I'm not dying THAT much, oh crap…"
(The KAZEKAGE? I should've just told em' to buzz off. I could get in a lot of trouble if the Kazekage thinks he was pulled from business for unnecessary things! And I'm unnecessary!) Wait, who's the Kazekage of the Sand Village? WAIT ITS-!
"Sakura."
"G-Gaara…Kagaze! Er…" (I wonder if I can kill myself before he does…)
"Kazekage, she said she was dying! We'd better hurry!"
"Children, you may leave, I'll take care of things."
(He doesn't want to kill me in front of them, how sweet….)
"I hope you don't die!" Cosi shouted as she walked away.
"Yeah! If you stay alive maybe I can fight you when I'm a ninja!" Kito said.
"Yeah, sure."
"Bye Sakura Lady!"
"Bye…" (:dies: witnesses….leaving….)
"Sakura."
If your gonna die, take it straight!
"Yes Gaara?"
"Hmm, its 'Kazekage'."
"Hmm." I pushed myself up shakily but tried my best not to let him see I was weak.
"Your dying huh?"
"Well, I may have exaggerated…..I mean, I didn't want them to bother me."
"You look dead."
"Thanks." (Woah! Don't be all brave around him, he's way stronger than you Sakura you dolt! No sarcasm!)
"You were on a mission I assume?"
"Yeah…"
"Are the others here?"
"Not yet."
"Hmm, you really look horrible."
"Well-"
"You'll come back with me."
His sand quickly wrapped around me and I could feel a shriek rise from the back of my throat but I held it down, afraid my mouth would fill with sand if I opened it. (I REMEMBER BEING IN THIS POSITION! Gyaa, nooo, I don't wanna die….)
Almost as soon as the sand came over me, it was gone (well for the most part) I stood awkwardly looking around like a confused squirrel.
"My home, you may stay and get cleaned up. When your friends arrive you can leave."
"Wha…" Gaara walked out and I was left standing in a room I assumed was in his house.
"Urr, nice house Gaara…." I said to myself. (No…Sarcasm!)
I walked slowly out the door he'd left and found myself in the hall. Hmm, well, it's definitely bigger than my house, I cant see where the hall ends…hmmm. I looked right and left, contemplating which way to go and what exactly to do.
"Sakura…"
"Huh? Yes?"
"So it is your name, ok, well, Gaara told me to tell you where the shower is."
"Oh….Kankuro right?"
"Yeah, listen, you'll have to use my shower since Temari's not here right now and Gaara….well… no one goes near his room."
"Ok…"
"Alright, I'll bring you some clean clothes or something while you shower so don't worry about that. My shower is down this hall," he pointed. "You go straight, then left, then straight three doors, then right, ok?"
"Uh, right."
"Yeah."
"I mean ok."
"Oh, well, yeah….hmmm the rest of your team's not here huh?"
"No…I couldn't find them."
Kankuro paused and nod before walking off.
That was awkward, (SHOWER!).
Alright, so walk down this hall, go left, then go right…..ok, oh, here it is! This must be Kankuro's room, and there it is, the bathroom! (Shower…..)
I can't wait to wash this grime off me! I immediately took off all my jewelry, my pouch, and what little clothes I had, then hopped into the shower, closing the curtain and turning the handle to let the water flood out.
"Aahhh…" the water was nice and cool over my aching body and I gladly scrubbed away all the dirt that had found its way to me. This is nice, everything will be ok, I'll get nice and clean, eat, find my friends, find Sasuke and Ino, leave….
:creak:
Eh, must be Kankuro, I didn't think he'd come INTO the bathroom…
"Huh..?"
(Huh? Who said that? That doesn't sound like Kankuro's voice….)
The curtain was yanked back and I froze. Gaara was standing there staring at me, stark naked! (EEEP! NAKED! BOTH OF US! This…is …..)
"What are you doing in my shower?"
"AAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" I freaked and shoved him aside grabbing a towel and running out as fast as I could.
(OMIGODIJUSTSAWGAARANAKEDEEPANDHEJUSTCAUGHTANEYEFULOFMEAEEEK!)
"What's going on here?"
"Of!"
Temari! She grabbed my shoulders before I could run out of the room.
"Sakura?"
I was bright red and shaking. (Must…think….clearly….must….not….spaz….)
"I-I-I-I …." (Your spazing!)
"Kankuro told me you'd be in his bathroom….I brought you some clothes….what's wrong?"
"This isn't Kankuro's shower Sakura."
"Gaara….Gaara! Put a towel on would you? You don't walk around like that in front of company!"
"I was going to shower."
"Er…oh, I see what went on here….uhh, go ahead and do that Gaara I'll uh…come with me Sakura…."
I turned to look at Gaara for a moment to see if he'd been affected by that little incident like I had. He caught my glance and kept gaze with me before giving me a smirk and walking into the bathroom.
(GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!)
Vampire Toy: Howdy peoples. Well, hope you enjoyed that XP, so far everything's working out pretty nicely and if things go how I think, then the charm bracelet will have an even bigger part in the future; Shino rocks :3. Behold the big giant hints of NaruHina which I love, and the hints that Ino has someone else XP. Now, who attacked them? Whelp, its not very important currently but you will know who soon (because I hate it in stories when people attack them or things happen and no one explains it o-o)
Voting for Sakura couplings in order from most voted for to least voted for
Gaara/Sakura
Sasuke/Sakura
Itachi/Sakura
n-n yay, now, this is your last chance to vote pplez!
Hehehe, well, Sakura, you just lost your virgin eyes to Gaara! Mwahhaa! And I assume he did too O-o it will come back to you later Sakura-chan X3 I'm sorry this chapter was kinda boring but I had to get to Gaara without rushing the plot. So er…mehf.
R&R and Flames welcome.