AN: Woo! Nother update woo for me…

Anyway, shout out to all the supporters that reviewed the last chapter! Love you guys..

This is technically the second half of the last chapter Both are moving on… It's a bit difficult writing this cause I want to get on with their lives, Liika's in particular, but I don't want to make it seem like they are getting over it too fast, you know what I mean?

Slight disclaimer: I already said Beyblade character belong to Takao Aoki, but I would like to state that the Naruto characters new to this story in this chapter: Temari, Genma, Kabuto and Neji, are property of Kishimoto )

We'll be moving on in the next chapter, and probably will get her coming out party done.. I haven't decided..

And for people whining about how long it takes me to update, well I'm a very busy woman. I'll be taking 3 university courses in 6 weeks so it will be pressing, but I will try to update faster… that's all I can promise

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"No. Absolutely not!"

Sakura sighed, hanging up yet another dress. Dress shopping with Liika was impossible. The girl had something against dresses as a statement. "What was wrong with it?" Sakura moaned, "Other than the fact that it's a dress."

Liika eyed Sakura and said dress with an air of suspicion and dislike. "It's pink. Liika doesn't do pink."

"Liika is going to have something chosen for her if she does not hurry up." Kevin shot dryly from where he was sitting talking on his cell phone. "And I will make sure it's pink, and frilly."

The blue and silver haired girl turned her glare to her father before snorting and turning away, mocking him silently in her head. Frilly indeed. "It's not my fault I've never chosen or worn a dress. They all look so… girly." She complained, looking at a rack of dress in front of her. She had to restrain the urge to run screaming from the store.

"That's the point Liika…they're evening gowns."

The tailor had been watching the debacle for a good fifteen minutes, clucking to herself. She couldn't help but smile at the petite girl who was obviously uncomfortable around such feminine attire. "I'm sorry I don't have more of a selection. Next time you need a dress, if you give me enough notice, I can make one specially for you." She said smiling. "As it is I will have to alter which ever dress you choose, as I have next to nothing for someone so small. However, I think maybe this might work for you." The tailor stepped forward, a dress draped over her arms.

Liika paused, narrowing her eyes, before coming forward to inspect the dress as if it were some science experiment gone wrong.

Though it was encased in a clear plastic dress-bag, she could see that it was made of some soft velvet material. It was a deep, midnight blue that glowed when light hit it the right way. It was long and looked as if it hooked around her neck.

Liika pursed her lips, but nodded. "I'll try it," she said a bit reluctantly, taking the dress from the tailor.

The tailor smiled brilliantly and directed Liika to a fitting room. Sakura wriggled in excitement, waiting with bated breath outside the room as she listened to Liika curse and bang around like she was waging the war of the century.

"Liika," Sakura laughed, "Are you ok in there?"

"Just defending my life is all," Liika replied with a huff. "My God, how do you people wear this crap?"

Sakura shook her head. "Just come out and let us see."

"Nadda."

"Liika…"

"No way! No one will ever see me in a dress!"

"Liika Amanda Hiwatari, step out of that dressing room. Now." Kevin growled, moving the phone away from his ear.

"It's Tomoda!" Came the muffled response as the door latched.

"Not anymore," Kevin replied, pleased that she did what she was told. "I made the name change part of the visitation agreement. Your grandfather signed it."

Liika cursed violently, and the tailor's eyes widened. Sakura ran a hand down her face and gave the older woman an apologetic smile.

Yet, as Liika appeared from behind the door, Sakura's attention swiveled to her, the grimace-smile dropping from her face, as her eyes lit up with glee.

Liika was sooo cute!

"Wah! You look so adorable!" Sakura squealed, rushing over to her friend. "I wish Mariah could be here to see it! Hold still while I take a picture on my phone." She whipped out her cell phone and had the picture taken before Liika even know what hit her.

"Hey!" Liika cried, placing her hands on her hips and glaring with all her might. "You show that to anyone, and you die a miserable death."

Sakura practically cackled. "Oh I'm showing it to everyone," she said gleefully. "But I don't lie, that dress looks awesome on you."

And it did. Just like Liika had thought, it hooked around her neck in a choker like fashion and moved down, curving around and under her arms, and coming together by a zipper on her lower back. It flowed smoothly over her narrow hips and legs, pooling in miles of fabric around her feet. It was a mite too long, and a bit too big in the chest area (Liika was rather lacking in that department), but it was nothing a skilled tailor couldn't fix.

Liika bit her lip, smoothing her hands over the velvet fabric. She felt naked, even though most of her was covered. The fact that her back was exposed unnerved her, and she could swear that her crack was showing…even though it wasn't. She was uncomfortable, but at least she didn't hate it.

Kevin hung up the phone with an audible click and stood up, his hawk like, auburn eyes running over her assessing her as if she were a company document. One eyebrow rose as he noticed her nerves, and his lips quirked. "It will do. It will have to be altered. I trust it meets with your liking? It is neither pink, nor does it have frills."

Liika scoffed inwardly, willing her hate over to him in waves. "It's okay," she said with a sniff before smiling at the tailor. "Thanks."

The tailor smiled back, motioning to a stool that stood some feet away. "If you will step up onto the stool, I'll take your measurement and pin the fabric up for alteration and you'll be done."

"Okay," Liika replied with a shrug, hating the fact that in exactly six days she was going to be paraded around wearing the slinky dress in front of a bunch of people she didn't know. Her life sucked.

"Kai's going to be at this party-thing right?" She asked, throwing a look at her father.

"Of course. You may invite an escort if you choose, as well as a friend and their escort. No more."

"You should invite Mariah," Sakura said with a nod, watching as the tailor bent over the bottom of the dress. "I'm sure I'm already going, after all Gaara's father works pretty closely with BD Pharmaceuticals."

Liika grinned evilly. "I can just hear the wailing about what she is going to wear!"

Just then an obnoxious jingle filled the air, slightly muffled but still quite loud. Liika rolled her eyes, knowing exactly whose phone would have such a stupid song as the ringer. Can't Touch This, died in the early 90s…too bad no one told Enrique. "Sakura, can you grab Eniki's phone from the dressing room please?"

"Sure," Sakura replied, darting into the room and returning within seconds, handing the phone to Liika.

"Speak quickly if you value your life," she said menacingly, clear that she was only kidding.

"Fuck, has he warped you already?" A male voice said, his tone aghast.

Liika snickered, recognizing the voice instantly. "Alas no, I think I've done more warping than has been done to me."

"Then what the hell is your problem… other than the fact that our father is a complete ass?"

"Well at the moment, I am perched on a stool, draped in miles of blue velvet fabric, which they have the audacity to call a dress," she glanced down at the tailor and winked, "Which I am supposedly wearing to my coming out party on Friday. Other than that I'm peachy. How are you?"

"I should have known he'd want to parade you around 'polite' society. Went through that when I was sixteen." Kai snorted on the other end. "Anyway, I'm…fine. They lured me out of my lair with promises of alcohol and hot chicks."

Liika was torn between laughing, scoffing and crying. Even though she had already begun to move on and heal, to hear him speak of other girls still kind of hurt. "Don't get too close to the strippers, I heard they bite."

"Actually I was referring to you," Kai replied dryly, almost a perfect imitation of their father. "Even though Red is making gagging noises, since technically I'm not allowed to think you're hot anymore." He sighed. "Too bad transition isn't instantaneous huh?"

Liika sighed. "Yeah…"

"She's not hot anyway! Trust me! I'm an impartial judge!" Came Tala's snickering voice, which was followed by a thud and an "Ow!"

"Anyway, we're on our way to Denver to meet Sanderson, we're gonna go partying and wondered if you and the pink one wanted to come. …You know, I just came to the realization that you have two close friends with pink hair. You hate pink."

"Thanks for the heads up on the situation concerning my friends' hair," Liika replied smirking. "And I guess we'll come, it's not like I had anything planned. What time and where…and how did you get this number?"

"Red has it. Sakura has a car right? Meet us outside of the Peach Pit at 10."

"How the hell did Tala get Enrique's number?"

"I have everyone's number!"

"Yeah, he's a walking vertical index. I seriously think he has every person in the junior and senior years' numbers. Anyway, we're gonna stop and get something to eat, catch you later k?"

"Sure," Liika said, hanging up the phone with a quick good bye. At Sakura's questioning look Liika grinned. "Kai. He and Red are on their way to Denver to meet your boyfriend. They said to meet them at the Peach Pit – wherever that is – at 10."

"Coolness," Sakura replied, grinning back. "We can take your new car!"

"Booya!"

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It was hard not to kick him in the shins. She really did want to pout and tell him that all his crap about "peasant" cars and commoners was really old. It was a wonder he didn't get lynched by angry working class people.

Really, all she wanted was a Jeep, but when she told Kevin this he had snorted and said she was above a "Twenty thousand dollar peasant vehicle." It pissed her off of course, seeing as she had always dreamed of having a Jeep. And twenty thousand dollars was a lot of goddamn money!

Of course the comment of "No brat of mine will drive one of those," really pissed her off. Now she was a brat. She didn't ask for him as a father! Nor did she even ask to be recognized --.

"Stop sulking like a child." Kevin grated, staring Liika down as she and Sakura trailed after him and the car salesman. "Every car here is seventy thousand or more, fitting of a Hiwatari. Kai drives a Mercedes, you will follow suit."

Liika glared at him more and sneered. "I really don't see what is so wrong with a Jeep, especially if it's brand new. I mean, it's not like everyone can afford a brand new Jeep."

"That is not the point. I would be the laughing stock of my friends if I allowed you to drive such a vehicle."

Sakura and Liika shared a look and Liika couldn't help but mutter under her breath: "He has friends?" Sakura snickered.

"If I may interrupt?" The salesman said, smiling nervously. "I may have something that might interest you."

Liika shrugged and smiled at the older man. This was obviously not a battle she was going to win. Much like the dress battle. She really hoped that this was not the pattern that arguments were going to follow in the future. She really hated to lose.

"Ok."

The three of them followed the older man as he led them through the parking lot that was filled with hundreds of luxury cars ranging from limos, to sporty cars, to trucks. Liika's eyes trailed over the cars as they passed. They were different makes and models, attesting to the fact that this dealership dealt with the wealthy that wanted a choice without going to a bunch of different places.

"From your choice of a Jeep, I can assume you want something sporty and fun, which is quite normal for teenagers," the salesman began as he slowed down and came to a stop in front of a particular vehicle. He was in full sale mode, or so Liika assumed. "This one is all ready to go, it was customized for someone about your age that decided they didn't want it after all."

Liika circled the vehicle, her eyes peering cautiously. It was really cool looking…

It was yellow, which threw her off at first, but the more she looked at it, the more she liked it. It was a convertible, as attested by the fact that it had a black soft-top roof. It was shiny and had that new-car look to it.

"This is a 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet. Fully loaded: cruise control, air conditioning, full leather interior, Bi-Xenon headlights with washer, dimming mirrors and rain sensor, Tiptronic S transmission, BOSE high end sound package with a six cd changer…the works. Like I said it was customized for someone that decided against it."

All the technical mumbo jumbo meant very little to Liika. The only thing she caught was that it was a Porsche and that it had a six CD changer. Those things combined were enough to make her almost feint. Who would have thought she would be where she was picking out Porches. "Can I look inside?" She asked hopefully, looking up at the salesman.

"Of course!" He replied, pulling out a set of keys. "I had this one in mind for you after Mr. Hiwatari called me, let me just unlock it for you…" he stepped up beside her and slipped the key in the lock. "You can take it for a test drive too if you want."

"Really? Sweet!"

Once the car was unlocked Liika climbed into the driver's seat and Sakura into the passenger's. Kevin watched the whole thing with a look of satisfaction, his arms crossed over his chest. He knew she would come around and forget the Jeep as soon as she got her first look at a Porsche. They always did. Particularly one made for her.

"Wahh! This is soo cool! I wish my parents would buy me a Porsche!" Sakura cried, looking around the interior of the car in awe.

Liika too was in awe, her eyes wide and bright. "What do you drive?" she asked, gripping the steering wheel getting the feel for it.

"A 2001 Honda Civic," Sakura answered. "It's cool and everything…but its not Porsche!" She laughed.

"True, I suppose. Man…this is even better than Kai's Mercedes!" Liika couldn't help but squeal, excitement coursing through her veins.

The interior was just as cool looking as the exterior. It was a deep cobalt blue, with chrome on the steering wheel and gearshift, and a couple of other places. The seatbelts were yellow, matching the exterior, as were the floor mats. The expensive stereo flashed with its LCD display looking ready to activate with the push of a button.

Suddenly a hand dangled keys beside her head through the open door on her right. She looked up to see Kevin smirking down at her, keys in hands. "Once around the block and come back." He said, dropping the key in her lap. With that he closed the door.

Liika blinked out the window then looked down at the keys. Shrugging she picked the keys and inserted them into the ignition. As the engine came to life the two girls squealed loudly, wiggling in excitement.

At the knock on her window, Liika pressed the down button on the power windows and tilted her head. "Yeah?"

"The transmission is in automatic right now, so unless you know how to drive five speed, don't press that button," the salesman pointed at a small button on the steering wheel.

"Got it," Liika gave him the thumbs up. "Be right back!" She grinned, fastening her seatbelt. "Oh!" She looked out the window once more. "How do I put the top down?"

"Just push the labeled button on the center consol."

Sakura was the first to react and with a hovering finger she inspected the consol. She found what she figured was the right button she pushed it. Sure enough, the roof reacted immediately and began to slide down "Cool!"

"Let's get this party started!" Liika cheered, putting the car into drive.

The two girls found it very hard not to bounce and squeal excitedly. Liika maneuvered the car like an expert, marveling at its smooth handling. She was used to driving an old station wagon.

A rush of freedom hit Liika as the exited the parking lot onto the main road. The traffic was normal for Denver on Saturday evening, but she hardly noticed it. She couldn't believe she was driving what was going to be her car. She also couldn't wait to lord it over Kai's head that her car was better than his. The urge to say "Nya!" when she saw him later that night was astounding.

So, instead of giving away her surprise, she decided on calling the one person that would not only know what she was talking about, but that would probably care the most. "Hey, can you grab Eniki's phone? Gotta give him a call." She asked, glancing over at Sakura, unable to keep the massive grin off her face.

Sakura laughed, also caught up in the excitement of riding in a brand new car. She dug through Liika's purse and grabbed the small gray cell phone, flipping it open and looking too Liika for the number.

"387-5683."

Sakura dialed the number quickly then slipped the phone into Liika's waiting hand. The line picked up just ask Liika put the phone to her ear, both eyes still on the road, and one hand on the steering wheel.

"Hello?"

"Hiya Eniki!" Liika chirped, unable to block the giggle that spilled from her lips as well.

"Iki! You sound offly happy for someone who has spent," he paused as if to look at a clock, "Roughly two hours in who we refer to as the asshole's presence."

"Well, let me tell you. Most of this little 'outing' has been really damn annoying and he has been mostly a jackass, but what I'm doing right now pretty makes up for it. For the record, Friday you're my date for my 'coming out' party or whatever father calls it. He's making me wear a dress, so you're wearing your tux."

"Oohh a dress, is it really short and tight?"

She scoffed, making a face. "Haha. No. As a matter of fact it's long and slinky."

"Even better! I like slinky," he laughed, while Liika rolled her eyes. "Anyway, what are you doing that has you so… dare I say it, chirpy?"

"Let's just say…I'm test-driving what is to be my new car."

"Holy fuck! Are you serious? That jackass is buying you a car! Talk about buying you off!"

"That's not the only thing he's buying me today… apparently my clothes aren't good enough so I get a new wardrobe, I don't have my own phone, which isn't acceptable, so I get one of those too, and it's not right that a child of his doesn't have a laptop for school…so I get one of those too."

"Christ, you're like… just Christ. Damn it… you should buy me something with your new found wealth!"

She laughed. "Well, if you're nice, I'll take you for a ride in my new car tomorrow when I get home."

"Where are you going tonight after? And what kind of car?"

"I'm staying at Sakura's and we're going clubbing with her boyfriend, Kai and Tala. I'll be back tomorrow afternoon."

Enrique made a grumbly sound that made Liika smile. She could just picture his face. "Fine… I'm crawling the fence at precisely 2 o'clock. You have to help me with my math homework. But what kind of car?"

"A 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet."

"No way! I hate you!"

Liika smirked. "I know. But I have to go now cause we've finished our circle around the block. I'll see you tomorrow k?"

He sighed dramatically. "Alright, luv ya."

She blinked. "You too," she replied before hanging up the phone and pulling back into the car lot.

"Jealous was he?" Sakura smiled.

"You could say that," Liika laughed, turning left and heading towards the parking spot she had taken it from. However, as she passed the main office, Kevin and the salesman stepped out, and the elder Hiwatari flagged her to a stop. She stopped and turned off the engine before she and Sakura exited the vehicle.

Kevin had a smirk on his handsome face, his auburn eyes flashing. He stepped around the hood of the yellow Porsche, holding out a set of papers. "These are the ownership papers and other papers you'll need for insurance. I've bought a two-day insurance, so on Monday you need to go get it insured for the year. It will be in your name and payments will come off the credit card I'm giving you that I will pay the balance on every month. However," he passed, his lips thinning and his eyes narrowing. "I don't want to see any more than $200 extra dollars on the card on top of the insurance, unless I ok it first."

She saluted him, taking the papers. "I'll make it a habit not to spend your money." She replied tartly. "How did you know I was going to choose this car anyway?"

At this his smirk returned. "The way you looked at it. It was the same way Kai looked at his Mercedes. Besides, I had one of my friend's daughters help on the input on how to 'trick' it out so to speak."

Liika frowned. "You mean you had this car designed for me?"

"You could say that."

She couldn't deny that it irked her to know that he knew her fairly well and knew that she would like the car he had chosen. She was almost tempted to throw the papers in his face and tell him she didn't want this car, that she wanted a different one. Of course, as she thought about it the more it seemed extremely childish and immature to her. Like a five year old throwing a tantrum in a grocery store. She liked to think herself above that.

Of course the fact that she was already in love with the car helped.

"Ok," she shrugged. "What now?"

"You will meet me at the Panzano, where we will eat, and then you will go shopping. I assume Miss Haruno knows Panzano's location."

Sakura nodded brightly. "Yup."

Kevin inclined his head. "Good. I will see you there." With that he disappeared around the corner to where his limo was waiting.

"Come on, I can't wait to drive my new baby some more!" Liika cheered before dashing back around her car.

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"Where the fuck are they? I swear I told her ten." Kai growled, checking his watch once more.

The three teens were standing outside the club, eyes glued to the passing cars, looking for Sakura's red Honda Civic. Kai looked annoyed, he hated waiting, while Tala looked amused, an alcohol flush already gracing his cheeks. Gaara, well used to his girlfriend's habits, looked unsurprised and almost as amused as Tala.

"Sakura is always late," Gaara said, shoving his hands into his black jean pockets. "She has a disease."

"Combine that with Iki, who if you will recall is a walking disaster," Tala winked at his friend, "It's a making for trouble."

Kai crossed his arms over his chest. "I should have known. I should have told them 9:30 and then we could have come at 10."

Tala laughed. "They are only fifteen minutes late."

"Hey there, you studs need a ride?"

In their discussion the three males had failed to notice the yellow Porsche that had come to a stop not too far from them. They looked over to see the tell tail pink hair that signified Sakura, as well as a blue and silver head in the driver seat. All three's eyes widened dramatically, and in a flash they were surrounding the car, incredulous looks on two of their faces.

Sakura placed a smacking kiss on Gaara's lips as he stepped up to her side of the car. "Hiya," she said, a bright grin on her face.

"Hello," he replied with raised eyebrows, his eyes running over the navy interior and yellow seatbelt. "Nice wheels," he directed at Liika.

Liika smirked back, pushing her hand through her hair. "Aren't they? My baby's pretty."

Kai was scowling, and Tala was almost drooling. "You so did not just call a Porsche pretty!" Tala crowed, leaning an arm on top of the windshield.

"He bought you a Porsche." Kai asked rhetorically, looking annoyed.

Liika's smirk grew, her eyes flashing at Kai. "What's the matter? Jealous?"

Kai scoffed, crossing his arms. "You wish. My Mercedes is way better than your imported banana."

"Iki, you so have to let me take her for a spin," Tala cajoled, leaning forward.

"Not when you've been drinking," she shot back, pushing him away. "Anyway, let me get her parked and then we can go in, since I'm sure part of the reason Kai's bristling so much is cause we're late."

"Damn straight."

The boys backed away and Liika pulled away from the curb, making for an empty space. Tala meanwhile, bowled over laughing after taking one look at Kai's face. Gaara smirked, letting Tala laugh for him. "Fucking hell," Tala huffed, trying to regain his breath, "You are jealous!"

"I am not," Kai responded scowling, making a move to hit his best friend. "I prefer my Mercedes thank you very much."

"I'm sure the fact that her Porsche 911 is worth twice as much as your SLK55 AMG Roadster means nothing to you," Gaara said flatly, his eyes teasing.

"He's trying to buy her and the press," Kai informed them tonelessly, his scowl darkening. "It doesn't bother me."

Gaara and Tala shared a look, clearly saying that they didn't believe it for a second. By that time the girls were approaching, talking and laughing amongst themselves. Liika took one look at Kai and rolled her eyes. "You're not still mad are you?" She said, shaking her hair a bit. "He's a jackass. He probably doesn't want us allying with each other or something stupid like that and figures that by getting me a Porsche will make you jealous. Though I don't know how, you drive a Mercedes for crying out loud."

Kai shrugged, his scowl lightening a bit. "Whatever, I'm not mad. Come on, we came here to party right?"

Sakura looped her arm through Gaara's as the five began to make their way towards the doors. There was a mile long line up outside which made Liika cringe inside. "Started drinking early Tala?" Sakura said laughing.

The red head grinned with a casual shrug of his shoulder. "Just a little bit… I'm too broke to drink at the bar."

"Please tell me there is a way around that line…" Liika groaned as the came closer and closer.

"There's a way around that line," Sakura winked.

They reached the doors where two intimidating looking bouncers stood. They eyed the group, their eyebrows rising a bit. "What's up Gaara?" The shorter of the two greeted, his wild, brown hair swaying in the light breeze.

"Kotetsu," Gaara replied with a tilt of his head.

Kotetsu's partner, slightly taller with dark bangs that covered one eye, grinned at Sakura, waggling his eyebrows. "Ready to ditch rich boy here and give me a try?" He asked.

Sakura scoffed, a mock expression of haughtiness on her face and she flipped her hair. "Not on your life. Gaara is all the man I need."

"Quit hitting on my girlfriend and let us in." Gaara commanded smirking.

"Not until you introduce us to your friends, particularly the cute little bluenette," Izumo leered, eyes running down Liika's form, taking in her red and black-stripped spaghetti strap top and black zipper capris.

Kai stepped in front of her, his eyes narrowing. Tala rolled his eyes, knowing where the situation was going. "I'm Tala Ivanov, this is Kai Hiwatari, and Liika Hiwatari," he stressed the name for Kai's benefit and it had its desired effect. Kai stiffened and stepped away, looking away uncomfortably.

Liika looked equally as uncomfortable but slapped a fake smile on her face and held out her hand for the bouncer to shake. "Hey."

Izumo's eyes sparkled. "Hey yourself… A Hiwatari eh? Big name."

"Ah yeah…" Liika replied trailing off.

"Izumo, just let them in," Kotetsu barked, rolling his eyes apologetically at Gaara.

"Righteo, have fun!"

As they stepped into the club they were hit with a wave of extremely loud dance music and flashing lights. It took a few moments for their eyes to adjust to the lighting, but as they weaved their way through the pulsing bodies towards the bar, they slowly did.

Liika squinted, looking around with wonder. It was a wicked looking club, clean as could be, with a DJ in one corner over looking the dance floor. There was a raised portion on both sides filled with tables and chairs and booths, all over looking the floor. Multi colored lights flew overhead, zooming in different directions, seemingly moved by the beat of the music. Liika was, needless to say, impressed. As was Tala and Kai.

Sakura slowed a bit, grabbing Liika's arm and pulling her up to where her and Gaara were. "Gaara's older sister owns the club, so we can get in any time we want," she yelled, smiling widely. "Even if we are technically underage."

They reached the bar then, a wide expanse of black marble with back lighting, which shone through variants of alcohol filled bottles. As soon as they stepped up a tall, silver haired young man appeared, his glasses glinting in the flashing lights. His smile was kind as he expertly prepared a drink for someone else.

"What will it be? Can't sell you alcohol, but I'm sure there is something here you might like." He said brightly.

"Liika, this is Gaara's sister's boyfriend Kabuto. He's the head bar tender." Sakura explained, having to speak loudly. "He knows we're underage and so won't give us alcohol. Gaara will go down to Genma who will actually lace their drinks." She laughed.

Sure enough Gaara nodded at Kai and Tala who followed him down further to speak to a dark haired man in a bandana who had a toothpick sticking out of his teeth. Liika rolled her eyes, having a feeling that they were the designated drivers for the evening.

"What do you want?" Sakura asked.

Liika looked confused. "I dunno…. what you're having?"

"Good choice," Kabuto interjected, throwing a wink at the two girls. "Two Coco Chocos coming up."

"Coco whato?" Liika echoed, looking at Sakura for conformation. Her face was screwed up in confusion.

Sakura's face lit up. "Coco Choco, it's a virgin drink, and what I always get. It's pretty much milk, cream and coconut cream topped with chocolate and whipped cream. You like chocolate and coconut don't you?"

Liika's eyes sparkled at the mention of chocolate. "You know it," she laughed, "What girl doesn't?"

"Well I'm not a big fan, but hey, I'm rare aren't I?" A new voice commented sardonically from behind the girls.

Sakura turned, grinning at the tall, leggy blond that had spoken. "Hey Temi!"

Liika turned too and her breath caught. The woman was gorgeous! Leggy and thin, but not stick-like, she had dark green-blue eyes that flickered with cynicism. Her hair was blond and pulled back into four pig tails on the back of her head with the pale hair exploding out from each in a burst of spikes. Her skirt was black and short, and her t-short tight and white. She was everything Liika always secretly envied when she was younger.

The woman eyed Liika once over before turning her eyes down the bar and rolling them. "I see my little brother has already broken the law… and with friends. If he brings the police in here I'm going to be so pissed." She sighed. "Keep an eye on them and don't let them drive," she leveled Sakura with a stern stare. "Who are those guys with him anyway, and who are you?" She directed this at Liika.

"This is Liika," Sakura ventured, wrapping an arm around Liika's shoulder. "She's the captain of the team that won nationals, and is a top seeded blader for worlds!"

Temari's eyebrows rose. "Really?" A sly smile stole over her face. "It's nice to meet a fellow kick ass female blader. I was quite the blader in my day… the only female allowed on the Abbey team in its history. Unfortunately they wouldn't let me be captain, though I should have been. You win at nationals and I'll throw a party just for you."

Liika flushed, and couldn't help but smile back. "It's a deal. Better be one hell of a party."

The blond woman laughed. "I think I like you. Have fun and keep those brats out of trouble." With that she sashayed off into the crowed.

"Here you go ladies," Kabuto interrupted and the two girls turned, accepting the tall glasses filled with milky brown liquid. "Enjoy."

"Don't we have to pay?" Liika asked blinking, sipping at the drink. "Mm, this is so good!"

Sakura's laugh rang out. "I told you. And no, they are on the house."

The two girls began to thread their way through the crowd once more, heading towards one of the balconies. They made it there with only two guys stopping them to hit on Sakura, who politely told them she was taken. They ignored Liika…but she was used to it. It was the same when she hung out with Mariah.

They plopped down at the only empty table available, which was near the stairs. Sakura hummed along with the blaring music, bobbing her head back and forth as she sipped her drink. Liika allowed her eyes to roam.

The guys were nowhere to be seen, but she wasn't really surprised. Tala was probably trying to make Kai dance with some hot chick while Gaara shook his head. It was hard, thinking of Kai dancing or being with another girl…really hard. It made her want to stomp down into the crowd and find him and drag him back to her by the ear. Unfortunately that wasn't possible and she could tell that Tala's mission that night was to try to get him to forget her as his girlfriend. She just wished someone would get her to forget.

Sakura noticed Liika's pensive expression and sighed. She snapped her fingers in front of her glazed eyes, earning a jump. The pink haired girl looked sympathetically at her new friend. "You ok?"

Liika smiled back. "Yeah, just thinking. So… do you and Gaara generally split up when you come here?"

"Depends, but generally no. He doesn't like all the attention I get." At this Sakura giggled.

"I noticed that attention," Liika laughed along with her. "Can't say that I'm overly jealous… though there was a time when I was younger that I was jealous of Mariah."

"She's so pretty!" Sakura exclaimed. "Makes me look so plain!"

Liika scoffed. "If she makes you look plain, I shudder to think what she makes me look like." Her teeth flashed. "I think you're just as pretty."

"Thanks!" Sakura's eyes shifted then, moving to something behind her. A secretive and amused smile tilted her lips and her eyelids drooped. "And I think someone's coming who thinks your pretty."

"Huh?" Liika spun around quickly, only to come face to face with a washboard stomach covered by a skintight black t-shirt. Blinking she looked up and was met with an arched eyebrow and all-too-knowing pale, pupiless eyes.

"I thought I recognized you," he said lightly, as serious as he ever was. "Hello Sakura."

Sakura smiled at the new arrival. "Hey Neji, long time no see. How's Colorado State?"

"Suitable." He replied, moving forward, his hand sliding across the back of the free chair. "May I sit down?"

"Go for it," Sakura replied.

Neji placed the drink he had been carrying down on the table and took the free chair, his slightly curious gaze falling on Liika once more. "Have you lost your voice in the months since Nationals?" He asked, a mocking edge on his voice.

Liika shook her head, coming out of her stupor abruptly. Her eyes narrowed. "You're that guy! From Abbey… You kicked Bryan's ass at States."

"Indeed." He smirked, sipping what looked like coke. "You've changed."

"Really? I don't really think so… beyond my hair anyway." Liika said, fingering her new hairstyle and color. "Are you here with someone?"

Again his eyebrow arched. "What makes you say that?"

"Well you're drinking… and I think you're too smart to drink without a designated driver."

Neji's smirk returned. "I don't drink."

"Which means you're alone?"

Pale lips inched higher. "Yes."

Sakura watched her friend converse with the older Abbey graduate with a smile. Liika obviously had no clue that Neji was subtly flirting with her. Neji, as a rule, didn't openly flirt, but if he gave you his full attention, it obviously was his intention.

Liika hummed, sipping her drink nervously. There was something unnerving about the situation. A really hot guy was talking to her… that just didn't happen. It made her wonder what he saw in her… if anything. Maybe he just recognized her and was being friendly? Somehow that idea didn't sit well with her either.

"Are you still with Hiwatari?"

At this Liika choked, flinching as some of the liquid got into the back of her nose and burned. She coughed, grabbing a napkin and placing it over her mouth. "Sorry," she croaked, peering up at him with watery eyes. That was attractive, she berated silently. "I'm kind of a klutz."

The man chuckled derisively a bit. "I can tell, but that doesn't answer my question."

Liika took a big breath in, struggling to reign in her emotions. Why did he want to know anyway? "Ah…no… we just received some…disturbing news that ended our relationship rather abruptly."

Pale eyes narrowed. "May I ask what?"

The blue and silver haired girl flinched again. I don't really want to talk about it. "Uh yeah… I'd rather not talk about it."

He backed off a bit, his gaze calculating. "I see."

The silence turned awkward, and Sakura grimaced, looking between the two. "Liika," she said softly, but loud enough for the blue and silver haired girl to hear her. "It has to come out sometime… and the sooner you start saying it and admitting it, the easier it will be to move on. Everyone has to start somewhere."

Liika sighed, swirling the remaining liquid in her glass. "I know… it's just hard."

Neji watched, his face never betraying the confusion he felt. He said nothing, however, knowing that the girl would tell him on her own in time.

He was proved correct when a second later Liika opened her mouth. "Kai's my half brother… a blood test just confirmed that his father is mine. Apparently my mother had an affair with him while she was working on his case. She was a lawyer." Her throat burned. I will not cry.

Even Neji had to cringe at that. Bad soap opera… "My condolences."

The silence once again turned awkward. Sakura fidgeted, feeling kind of bad that she made her friend tell when she obviously didn't want to. Liika felt like crawling into a hole and dying. It was rather embarrassing confessing that your boyfriend was actually your brother. Neji, however, surprised them both when he spoke again.

"This may seem a bit presumptuous, but would you like to dance? It's obvious you're not looking for anything in particular, and neither am I. Dancing with you would be more enjoyable than dancing with those clingy bitches that frequent clubs like this."

Liika blinked, staring up at the tall man in surprise. "Uh…" She honestly didn't know what to say. It wouldn't be that bad…Kai is probably dancing with one of those clingy bitches right now… and he is kinda cute…what could I lose? "Sure…I guess." She shrugged.

He smiled for the first time in all the times that she had met him. It made him look even more handsome. "I promise not to molest you… or let anyone else molest you for that matter."

This earned a slight laugh as the pair stood. Liika turned to Sakura. "You don't mind do you?" She asked slightly worried.

Sakura waved her off. "Have fun! Besides, Gaara will be along shortly anyway."

"Alright…" With that, Liika followed the tall brunette into the crowd.