"Ow!"

"Gods, can you not blink for like two seconds?! I'm almost done!"

"You know I don't like things being close to my eyes, pig!"

"Just hold on…" At present, Sakura sat rather rigidly within Ino's bedroom as the blond worked a mascara wand up the pinkette's lashes. It was her hope to complete the finished look at long last so the two could get their evening started. What could be in store for the two college sophomores, you ask?

The Annual Black Friday Party, of course! Hosted by a group of infamous alumni known far and wide as the Akatsuki. Only certain folk receive an exclusive invitation. And, as Ino so emphatically expressed over the phone on her way home, this was definitely their year. Sakura wasn't and still isn't so enthused. For a number of reasons.

"You never told me why you suddenly showed up here as soon as I got in, forehead. Spill! Why aren't you staying with the Uchiha?" Honestly, it's a wonder the elephant in the room wasn't addressed sooner. Sakura really just figured she'd keep quiet about it until Ino asked. Because Ino always asks.

"I'm mad at them. Well, Sasuke specifically, but they're all guilty by association." Was her pouty retort. And Ino could read through it as if she were looking through a glass window.

"Mad, huh? What did he do? I mean, it's Sasuke. It can't be that bad." She imagined it was probably a misunderstanding of some kind. Or Sasuke was probably too harsh which, now that she thought about it, couldn't be the case because he'd gotten rather soft with girls over the years. Soft in the sense that he doesn't wish death upon them anymore.

"Ohh pig, it's bad…"

Flashback to sometime after midterms…

"You WHAT?!" Came the bellowing cry of Sakura as she released a mighty shout that traveled throughout most of the house despite all the patrons presently being in the same room. Those patrons happened to be Naruto, Sasuke, and Shisui. All who seemed to regard Sakura with various degrees of caution. Quel beast.

"N-Now Sakura-chan, just calm do—!"

"Don't you tell me to calm down! Were you in on this?!" Her tirade was then directed at Naruto who quickly threw up his hands in defense, very much willing to throw his friend under the bus to save himself.

"No! I had no idea! But…but is it really that bad…?"

"Listen to the idiot. I honestly think you're overreacting." Sasuke literally could've said anything else and Sakura would've been willing to hear him out to an extent. But once those words left his lips, she refused to hear him.

"I'm overreacting?! You called the health department on my landlord! You got me evicted! During midterms!"

"…technically you weren't evicted—."

"Shut up, Shisui!"

"Shutting up."

"I was doing you a favor."

"I didn't ask you to!"

"Friends have to ask for favors now? Thanks for the heads up." He scoffed and rolled his eyes. It's apparent he saw absolutely no problem with what he did. And that's what made Sakura the angriest.

"Don't give me that bull, Sasuke! You've never done anything like this unless I ask you to! And I—."

"You don't ask for favors, Sakura. You don't. You would've kept living in that shithole for the rest of the term. Hell, maybe even the rest of the year." Finally, she was starting to calm down. Enough to sort of rationalize while still being irrationally pissed off for some odd reason.

"I was planning to move…"

"You've been saying that for months. Just admit that things are better this way. I don't get why you're so mad."

"Because! You…! You…"

Present day…

"So, you just stormed out? Just like that? How embarrassing…"

"I know…I mean, now that I think about it, I was mad for a really petty reason. That still doesn't change the fact that he put me through an emotional rollercoaster! All of which could've been avoided if he'd just told me what he was doing!" Sakura continued to huff indignantly, holding fast to this stubborn position. That her anger was somewhat justified and Sasuke was wrong in at least one area.

"I don't know, forehead. You do have a problem with asking for help. It sounds like Sasuke was just doing what you wouldn't do yourself. I'm willing to bet he knew that if he asked you, you would've said no!"

"…"

"Your silence is extremely telling."

"Can we just go already?"

"Can we go—?! Sakura, we're not even dressed yet! One does not show up to the Black Friday Party any kind of way! Now, c'mon! I got some really cute outfits for close to nothing this morning!" Scattered across her bedroom were bags upon bags of clothing procured during the early hours of the day. For Ino is a firm believer in showing up at the mall for the best door busting deals on Black Friday.

"I definitely need something low cut. And you…something to show off those legs!"

"Whatever. Let's just hurry up. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can leave."

"Why are you so against partying?" After picking out their respective fits, purple thin strapped dress with a generous V down the middle and black booties for her while Sakura was given a maroon cropped turtle neck with the back out, dark washed skinny jeans paired with her favorite suede black boots that climb all the way up the thigh.

"It's not the partying as much as I'm not a fan of the company…" She never knew what to do with her hair. It had gotten to that long length again and this was usually the point that she would cut it. But it's gotten a lot chillier a lot faster, so she's been procrastinating the chop if only to save herself the trouble of buying another scarf.

"Who? The Akatsuki? Hmm. Well, you'd know them better than me." It didn't take Ino long to put herself together. And even shorter to fashion her updo into something more stylish. She curled her fringe and wrapped her pony into a cute messy bun. Accessorized with a few pieces of jewelry, grabbed her clutch bag stuffed with lipgloss and other beauty essentials then headed for the door.

"Unfortunately…" Sakura huffed after giving herself one last stare in the mirror. She just let the pink strands be after several attempts to get some kind of style. They merely laid sort of haphazardly upon her head in no particular style.

"Uber's here! Let's go!" As they two raced down the steps, Sakura began to develop a slowly swelling pit in her stomach. It's true, she was pretty well acquainted with the Akatsuki. In fact, she met most of them while they were still in college. She was a high school senior, taking dual credit classes and happened to bump into one of them. From there, they just wouldn't leave her alone.

She was hoping once they graduated, they'd be out of her hair. But some people stay in college forever, it seems.

"Yooo! Sakura-chan, un! Surprised you made it!" Meet Deidara. Recent graduate with a double major in modern sculpture art and pyrotechnics. He's mostly known for his rather radical approach to art and explosive behavior. Literally. He was nearly expelled for attempting to blow up a statue in the quad. His one saving grace is his talent.

"Sakura's here, huh? Get over here Pinky." Next is Sasori. The one who played a big role in Deidara not getting kicked out. Also, an art major though more so into fashion design with a minor in theater. Sasori carries himself rather stoically which makes him an odd match with Deidara. But the two seem to get along well enough.

Upon entering the spacious party house, owned by one of the Akatsuki members, Sakura was snatched right into the arms of the red head who regarded the girl with enough smugness to make her snarl. Such a reaction only encouraged more of this conceited demeanor of his, something that Sakura was used to ignoring. Which would've been easy had his hands not inched their way down the curve of her hip.

"You—!" She was about half a second from snatching his hand away and smacking him in the face with it when Deidara interfered just to pluck her out of the fashion major's arms and right into his chest. The motion was so startling she nearly gasped, resulting in a satisfied hum from the Ino look alike.

"Hands off, danna. Sakura-chan and I have a lot of catching up to do, un." He gave a soft hum before burying his nose in her shoulder, just to inhale the aroma of whatever perfume Ino tried to drown her in and faint whiffs of her shampoo. Sakura wasn't too happy with either of them getting so handsy with her, hence the present snarl and pressing need to free herself.

"Let go, Deidara! Gods, I can't even get through the door without you two pouncing on me!" She struggled to break free of his grasp, only pushing him to hold her much tighter with something of a pout to his tone.

"But Sakura-chaaaaaan! It's been months, un! Come on, I know you've missed me." That elbow to the chest was a sure sign that she'd definitely missed him. Missed knocking the wind out of him, that is. He'd no choice but to release her amid coughing to catch his breath and shooting Sasori threatening looks as he found the sight to be nothing short of hilarious.

"I need to find a corner to hide in." And that corner is where she planned to stay until the party was over or Ino got so plastered, she'd have to no choice but to carry her home like any devoted friend would. She made a point to keep an eye on the blond, making sure they didn't get too separated. The place might've been owned by one of the Akatsuki but a lot of people neither of them knew were present.

"Best to be careful…"

"Whoa, is that…Sakura! Glad you could make it!" A heavy hand clamped down on Sakura's shoulder and green eyes soon drank in the sight of a broad grin with matching eyes that seemed to gleam with mirth.

"Oh, Yahiko. Hey." The renowned leader of the Akatsuki's Ame chapter and graduate of political science with a minor in urban studies. So charismatic, passionate, and secretly prone to emotion, he's without a doubt one of Sakura's favorite members. He's down to earth, easy to get along with and doesn't get frisky with her. A true breath of fresh air.

"Thanks for the invitation."

"Pffft. You honestly don't need one. Konan really just wanted to show off her latest product." A jutted thumb gesturing to the approaching figure behind him gave Sakura a view of another pair of favorites. Konan and Nagato. The former was another art major though she doubled in marketing as well, focusing on origami and using her skills in those specific areas.

"You made those invitations?! They're so amazing, I should've known!" The design was so unique, innovative, and even environmentally friendly.

"You flatter me. It's nice to see you haven't changed, Sakura." The younger woman was regarded kindly with a gentle pat atop her pink locks. Konan's about the only person who could get away with petting Sakura's head without getting her hand bitten off.

"It's hard to imagine someone like Sakura would ever change." Nagato was soon to chime in, greeting the sophomore with a small smile and a polite nod. She'd never really gotten the chance to really mingle with Nagato, but she imagined he learned enough about her from the others.

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" She cocked a playful brow before sharing a well-timed chuckle with them, seeming to enjoy their company for the time being. If this was how the rest of her evening would progress, surely, she wouldn't regret stopping by.

"Bitchin'! Sakura's here!"

"Oh no…hide me. Please?!" She'd recognize that surly profane loudmouth anywhere.

"You're not exactly the easiest person to hide…"

"Nagato…here Sakura, just head down that hallway. You'll get lost in the crowd before he can catch up to you. We'll keep him busy. Better yet, I'll get Kakuzu over here. He's late paying his membership dues anyway." Ah! Konan! Such an angel! Sakura bid the trio a hasty farewell before meandering her way through the mass of dancing bodies and sloshing drinks, hoping to get as far as away from her current pursuer as possible.

"Ah—!" Of course, she should've expected to run into some opposition in the process. Like something suddenly dragging her into…what was this, a closet? What the fu—.

"Finally, I thought I'd never fi…wait, Sakura-chan?"

"Shisui? What the heck! Why'd you pull me in here?! And what are you even doing here?"

"The hell kind of question is that? Wouldn't be a party without me!" Was that booze she smelled on his breath? The party hadn't even been in full swing for a full hour and she could tell he was already buzzed. From the looks of things, he'd mistakenly pulled her into what had to be some kind of coat closet.

"Whatever. I'm leaving." But as she turned with her hand on the doorknob, Shisui sort of boxed her in with his palm pressed to the doorframe while the other veered dangerously close to her hip.

"…wait a sec, maybe you can help me out. I was trying to get Rin but…whatever! Listen, I've had the worst headache for the past week and a half, and I've popped about every pill known to man, but nothing has worked. Got any advice?"

"Have you seen a doctor about it?" He grew silent, shooting Sakura a look that basically told her everything she needed to know. Part of her wanted to sigh, roll her eyes, and leave him in this godforsakenly small closet space.

"Go to the doctor, you idiot. If it's been over a week then it's probably something that needs medical attention."

"How did I know you'd say that…?" And when did she get so comfortable with calling him an idiot? He groaned and straightened himself out before running a hand through his curly mane. Sakura admired him for but a second before scoffing quietly to herself.

"And stop drinking so much. I'll see you around." And she left the closet without further incident, intent on disappearing in the crowd of bodies once more until a stiff arm reached around her shoulders, pulling her form flush against another chest belonging to quite possibly to most menacing figure in the building.

"Gotcha bitch!"

Hidan.

"And you're sure Sakura's going to be here?"

"That's what Ino said."

"We're going based on Ino's word? Fucking hell…"

"What? It's not like either of you had any other leads! Just come on!" Presently leading the pack of gentleman through the doors of the Akatsuki party, Naruto gave the crowd a quick scan before spotting that signature ponytail in the distance. Where Ino was, Sakura surely couldn't be far behind.

Only this wasn't Ino.

"Oh great, it's little brother. What, Itachi not around to tuck you in, un?" Deidara was quick to sneer at the younger Uchiha who regarded him with a heavy amount of disinterest, but it was enough to piss off the blond. He could never get a rise out of the kid. Ever.

"Where's Sakura-chan?" Naruto piped up, jumping in between the one-sided fight while Sasuke busied himself with looking around. Meanwhile the others they'd brought along with them began to disperse. Shikamaru took off toward the back patio, presumably to light up. Kiba found the drink area and decided to play bartender. While Sai aimed for the drunks whom he could insult without reservation.

"Hell if I know. Wouldn't tell you if I did, un." He threw back whatever was left in his drink then flagged Sasori down to get a refill. Naruto should've known talking to him would be a complete waste of time.

"At least we know she's here. I'll head toward the back. You hang around the drinks in case she turns up there." Naruto gave a mock salute as he was more than willing to play watch dog by the beer. Meanwhile Sasuke was in a no-nonsense kind of mood. He came here for one reason and one reason only. And that was to make up with Sakura and bring her back to the house on good terms.

Itachi's orders. Or threats. Yes, it was more like a threat. And Sasuke couldn't understand for the life of him why his brother had to get involved. It had very little to do with him, after all. The spat was between him and Sakura. No one else needed to butt in.

"Che." He scoffed, consistently dodging bodies, avoiding glances and cat calls until an unsuspecting arm wrapped around his shoulder.

"Aye Sasuke! Didn't expect ta see you here! What's up?!"

"Suigetsu. And Jugo?" Now that was a surprise. If these two were around, that meant a certain redhead would be fairly close by.

"Aa. I was told there would be animals. This is the last time I defer to Suigestu for anything."

"Hey, I said I was sorry, didn't I? Besides, you're having a good time! Kimimaro even showed up for ya! And he never goes anywhere!" Supposing he did make a somewhat valid point, Jugo remained silent. He then pointed his gaze at Sasuke who seemed to be preoccupied.

"Looking for someone?" he pondered aloud, gaining the attention of Suigetsu who also took notice of his wandering eyes.

"Have you seen Sakura recently?"

"Sakura-chan? Ehhh…I could've sworn I saw her gettin' hauled up to the second floor by Hidan—whoa! Sasuke, what gives?!" The younger Uchiha quickly removed himself from the grip of his water loving self-proclaimed friend, all in efforts to make a beeline for the steps. He'd had more than his fair share of run ins with Hidan and he definitely saw more than he needed to concerning his one-sided relationship with Sakura. If it could even be called that.

A hasty but smooth ascension up the steps to the second floor of the building had Sasuke weaving in and out of groups full of faces he either hardly recognized or didn't care to acknowledge if he did. There was only one place Hidan would take Sakura and that was the balcony, his preferred hang out area.

"You're not getting away this time, motherfucker. Sit your fine ass down and let's do this." He could hear his foul mouth from a mile away and definitely didn't like the direction his current conversation with Sakura was taking. Imagine his surprise when he pushed through the throng of nobodies to catch the two of them engaged in an arm-wrestling contest, of all things.

"….."

"Oi! Baby Uchiha! Come to watch this bitch get her ass handed to her—ouch! What the fuck!" That would be the sound of Sakura's free hand smacking Hidan upside his head. Much deserved.

"I told you not to call me that!" Sasuke didn't miss how Sakura barely acknowledged him. She was still mad, it seemed.

Great.

"Sakura, are you seriously about to arm wrestle this moron?"

"Fuck off, baby Uchiha!"

"It's better than the alternative." She flexed her fingers as if getting herself focused before closing her hand around her opponent's.

"Heh, I'm a wild ride you wouldn't survive. I get it."

"I'm going to kill you."

"That's hot." Annnnd Sakura slammed his hand down on the table, keeping the straightest face possible while simultaneously waiting for him to explode.

"YOU BIT—."

"Hidan, you piece of shit! Where are you!?" And that would be Kakuzu. The masked member rounded upon Hidan with a hand that instantly reached for the collar of his shirt, tugging him upward in a fairly threatening manner.

"The hell do you want?!"

"You haven't paid your membership fee!"

"I told you jackasses I ain't paying shit until Jashinism is made the official religion of the group!"

And that was Sakura's cue to get out of there while those two were heavily engaged in what could very easily be mistaken for a lover's spat. As she made a move to leave the balcony, Sasuke grabbed her by the wrist, pulling her back toward the steps. It took her a second to realize what was going on before she snatched her arm back.

"What are you doing?"

"What are you doing? Are you really still mad at me?"

"…maybe…" Now poised at the stop of the stairs with Sasuke a few steps down, she folded her arms over her chest, refusing to stare at him. Hearing his sigh did nothing to alleviate her current frustration with him. In fact, it kind of irritated her.

"Can't you just…get over it? You're being ridiculous…"

"You know, I always knew you sucked at apologizing, but I had no idea you were this bad." He was losing his patience fighting this battle with her. It was bad enough Itachi basically forced him to make amends but did his brother have any idea how impossibly stubborn this girl is?

"Now, if you'll step aside, I'd like to try to find Ino. I knew coming here was a bad idea…" He'd already made up in his mind he wasn't going to let her pass so easily. He wasn't going to let her leave the party either. At least, not without forgiving him first. Who could've guessed that fate was actually on his side? Not even a second later, some drunken fool had bumped Sakura hard enough to send her falling forward, right into his chest.

Sasuke quickly latched an arm around her waist while the other secured his form on the stair's railing, keeping them both from taking a painful tumble. He had to admit, that was almost a pretty nasty accident, even got his blood pumping a bit. He chanced a glance at the head of pink currently resting against him and sighed quietly.

"…You alright?"

"Why'd you do it, Sasuke…?" Her voice was but a whisper, but he heard her loud and clear. And it took him a minute to fully understand where her question came from and the context behind it. He himself wondered what drove him to get involved. It was definitely out of character, that's for sure.

"Don't ask stupid questions, Sak…" When she lifted her head and stared at him with a look that basically said she wouldn't accept that as a valid answer, Sasuke bit back another sigh and suddenly wished he'd left her to her arm-wrestling tournament.

"Because…I…may have been…worried…" He turned, choosing to face in an entirely different direction. Just to avoid her eyes. Because Sakura very candidly wore her emotions on her face, specifically in those impossible to ignore pools of green. And sometimes those eyes did things to him he would rather not acknowledge.

"Worried? Why would you—?!"

"Will you just come back?" He knew she hated being interrupted and did so with the hope that her eyes would've shifted into something harboring frustration. Thus, he chanced a glance, inwardly relieved to see exasperation on her face in place of whatever was there before.

"…fine. I'll be there tomorrow." He couldn't tell if she was still angry at him or if she'd given up. And honestly, he'd rather not know at the moment. She agreed to come back and that's really all he cared about at the moment. His work was done.

"Hey, you found Sakura-chan! It—wait, why are you holding her like that? Get your hands off, bastard!"

His sighing was never ending, however.

A/N: And the wild ride is just beginning! This is only part one of the party. We'll be seeing part two fairly soon! I was kind of excited to write this chapter as it has so many new faces in it. And parties are always fun to write about. Anyway, I didn't get much feedback last time and it kind of bummed me out so drop a review pretty pretty please! I LOVE hearing from you guys. Makes my day!

See you next week!