BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

"No…" Grabbing a pillow, you cover your head, trying to shut out the incessant buzzing.

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

"Up!"

You groan, knowing the voice won't be shut out.

"It's your first day of school, up!"

You glare through your pillow at your assistant, Haku.

"Go away..." You mumble. "I changed my mind…"

"Do you want Zabuza to flip the mattress again?"

You sit up quickly, glaring at Haku.

"Alright…" You groan. "Out."

As Haku scurries out, you throw your legs over the edge of the high bed. Grabbing the clothes left out, you pick your way past the suitcases towards the bathroom. Locking the door behind you, you scoop up your shampoo and conditioner out of the toilette bag, and flip on the fan. Opening the shower door, you turn on the water and undress while waiting for it to heat up.

After, as you blow-dry your hair wrapped up in a towel, you survey yourself in the mirror. Bright green eyes gaze back at you, before trailing over pale skin, stretched across high cheek bones, full plump lips and coming to a rest on the shock of half damp blood red hair. Sighing irritably, you flick off the hair-drier, opting to let it dry naturally.

After pulling on your clothes, you dash back out to your room. Settling the jeans more comfortably on your hips, you scoop up your headphones from the bedside table. Stuffing the cord down your dark purple top, you settle the earpieces around your neck.

Dashing over to the dresser you snatch up fishnet arm-guard lying there. You slip it onto your left arm, followed by a red glove. Sliding a black-and-white-checkered wristband onto your right wrist, you stride over to grab your IPod, plugging in your headphones and stuffing the blue music device into your pocket.

Pausing only to snatch up your favorite black jacket from the desk chair, you dash out to the kitchen.

Dropping down into a chair, you glare evilly over at Haku. The beautifully feminine boy smiles back at you sweetly, brushing his long brown hair out of his brown eyes.

"Where's Zab-" You begin, picking up some toast.

"Here" A cold voice behind you cuts you off. Zabuza drops into the seat next to you, swiping the toast from your hand. You growl lightly, snatching it back. Haku smiles, used to the silent exchanges between his older brother and you.

Gulping down some orange juice, you glance around the perfectly clean white kitchen.

"Missing us already?" Haku teases. You smile at him.

"Well, sorta." You say. "I know I'll miss having breakfast made for me."

Haku smiles back at you and begins to clear the table. You dash back to your room, stuffing everything that has been left out into a spare bag. You hear a knock at the front door and Haku answering it Sure that you are finally done packing, you stand back to admire the packed room.

"Ready yet Suki!?"

You wince, scooping up your shoulder bag.

"Yeah!" You shout back, hurrying to the door. Stepping out into the corridor you are tackled into a hug.

"Poor baby Suki is leaving us!" The person hugging you shrieks. You sigh, patting him on the head.

"Calm down, Genma." You grumble. "I'll only be five minutes away!"

Genma is suddenly hauled off of you, and Raido helps you to your feet.

"Don't worry about him, he'll be fine." The scarred man mutters. "Now, remember, if anyone bullies you, we'll make sure that the Princip-"

"No way!" Kotetsu cuts him off. "We'll kick their asses ourselves!"

The spiky haired man is promptly smacked around the head by his best friend and partner, Izumo.

"What he means is, we'll have a quiet word with them and ask them to stop." He says, smiling down at you.

"Are you lot quite done?" Zabuza appears at the end of the hallway, glaring them down. "You're supposed to be taking Suki's stuff to the car."

In a quick flurry of movement and one last bone crushing hug from Genma they all dash into your room to gather up the suitcases and boxes. You smile up at Zabuza.

"Where's Hayate?" You inquire. Zabuza eyes the room evilly.

"Home." He replies reluctantly. "He's having an off day."

You nod, knowing exactly what he meant.

'Poor Hayate… I hope he gets well soon…'

"Suki?" Haku's sweet voice sounds behind you. "Have you got everything?"

You turn to him, nodding.

"Really?" He asks, reaching into his pocket. "Because I thought you might need this."

He hands you your mobile phone, raising his eyebrows. You snatch it out of his hands hurriedly.

"Right, thanks." You mumble, shoving it into your pocket. Haku smiles again.

"Now, Zabuza is speed dial one, Genma tried to change it but Raido shut him up. I'm number tw-"

You cut him off quickly.

"I know, I know." You say, hugging him. "I'll be fine."

Ignoring the curses of your Fathers employees as they gather your suitcases, you let Haku drag you to the door. Genma, Raido, Kotetsu and Izumo follow, each hefting wither a suitcase, box or bag. You open the door, letting them file past. Once they are out the door, you turn back to Haku. He hugs you tightly again, sniffing. You sigh, patting his back.

"Look, I'm only going to be five minutes away." You remind him. He nods, stepping back.

"I know, I know…" He mutters. He tosses a furtive glance at his older brother. "Don't mention it to Aniki, but I think he's going to miss you the most."

You look over at where Zabuza is waiting, leaning against the wall. He seems engrossed by the painting on the wall.

"I know." You say sadly. "I'll miss him the most too…"

Haku smiles slightly.

"You should have seen the fit he chucked when he found out that he won't be able to watch you any more." Haku chuckles. "He punched a hole in the wall – that's what that Kami-ugly painting is hiding."

You grin over at the tall dark-skinned man.

"Yes, I read in the package they sent that K.A.G.T has their own security." You mummer, fumbling in your bag. "Because most of the students are from rich and famous families." You pull out the paper, waving it triumphantly. "Here!" You say, eyeing it. "They call their security the 'ANBU' whatever that means…"

Haku smiles again, before directing you towards the door.

"Come on, the car is waiting." He says. You nod, stuffing the paper back into your bag.

As you cross out into the hall, your neighbor's door opens. A blue-green head pops out.

"Hey! Suki!" Suigetsu stumbles out into the hall. "You finally leaving?"

You smile back at him.

"Yeah, finally out of your hair, Fishie." You say. Suigetsu grins at you, showing the abnormally sharp teeth from whence he received his nickname.

"Finally!" He says, stretching happily. You shake your head, still smiling.

"Suigetsu, leave her alone." Another voice drifts out of the open door.

"Listen to your Uncle, Sui." You tease, pulling the older boy into a hug. Suigetsu hugs you tight for a moment.

"Ah, I don't have to listen to Ol' Uncle Sharkie!" He says. "I do what I want!"

"SUIGETSU! YOUR ROOM IS A MESS!"

Suigetsu pulls away quickly.

"Coming Uncle Kisame!" He shouts back into the open door. You laugh softly, causing Suigetsu to shoot you the evil eye.

"Bye Sui." You say, smiling sweetly. "I'll visit you and Kisame as soon as possible."

Suigetsu dashes back to the door, shooting you one last smile.

"Liar." He says. "The first person you'll visit will be Zabuza."

As he slams the door, you smile again, trudging down the hall. By the time you reach the elevator, Zabuza has fallen into step beside you. You wait for the elevator in silence, not needing to talk. When it arrives and the shining doors slide open, you both move in, standing side by side. Once the doors close again, you reach out and take Zabuza's hand. Neither of you says a word as the elevator drops.

When the doors open again on the ground floor, you keep your grip on your bodyguard's hand. You both cross the lobby, nodding to the doorman as you pass.

Outside, the other guards are done loading the car. You survey them fondly. Sure they were annoying at times… well, mainly Genma was annoying at times, but you were still going to miss them. They are your surrogate family growing up.

"Suki!"

You snap your head towards the voice, releasing Zabuza's hand. Running towards you is the boy that delivers paper for the newsstand down the street.

"Hey Idate." You say, waving at him. He dashes up to you, grinning.

"So this is the day, huh?" He asks excitedly. You nod. "Well, I hope everything goes okay! Those rich schools are all the same – they'll chew you up and spit you out if possible!"

Zabuza raises his eyebrows.

"Talking from personal experience, boy?" He asks. Idate jumps.

"What? No!" He says, rubbing the back of his head. "Um, I have to go, good luck Suki!"

Idate dashes off, hefting his paper bag. You eye Zabuza suspiciously.

"What was that about?" You ask. Zabuza shrugs, moving towards the car.

Genma, Raido, Kotetsu and Izumo hurry towards you. In an instant you find yourself pulled into another of Genma's bone-crushing embraces. Once Raido pulls him off you, Kotetsu replaces him, then Izumo, and finally Raido. You hug them all back tightly. They have all been with you almost as long as Zabuza himself.

"I'll miss you all." You mummer. They nod, and Raido opens the door for you. As you slide inside the fancy black car, you smile up at them until the tinted glass makes them all but impossible to see. Zabuza slides into the driver's seat, starting the car immediately. Buckling your seatbelt, you watch as the apartment building vanishes. Sighing, you sit back in your seat, watching the city fly past.

'Well… here I go…'

"I-It's huge!" You stutter, gazing up at the giant set of buildings. And they are. Made of red brick, the visible buildings tower over you. One was at least five floors!

"Stop gaping, Suki." Zabuza says, amusement threading his voice. "People are going to think you're gifted."

You poke your tongue out at Zabuza childishly.

"Quiet, servant!" You order. Zabuza just chuckles. Your shoulders droop and you opt to ignore him. Digging in your bag, you pull out your map triumphantly.

"Ok." You say, studying it. "According to the map, we're here at the main entrance."

Zabuza nods, studying the high walls.

"And the letter said we'd be greeted by someone…" You continue eyeing the gate.

As if summoned by your words, the gate swings open. A girl rushes out. Her top is red, in a Japanese style. Underneath her short whit skirt are tight blue shorts. Her plain sneakers speak of a sporting life-style.

But that's not what makes you gape. The girl has bright pink hair! Falling just above her shoulders, it reminds you eerily of bubble gum. You exchange a glance with Zabuza who is obviously trying not to laugh. You meet the girls emerald eyes as she flashes you a bright smile.

"Hi there!" She says, holding out a hand. "My name is Haruno Sakura, and I'll be showing you around."

You shake her hand, surprised at how firm her grip is.

"And you must be Tasogare Akasuki." She continues. "Welcome! Sorry I was late, cheerleading practice went over time!"

Now you definitely wanted to throw up. A cheerleader!?

"Um, please, just call me Suki." You mutter, retracting your hand. "Um, this is Zabuza."

You gesture to the tall man, who nods to the girl. Sakura flashes him a bright smile before linking her arm with yours.

"Well, I'll show you around! Um, Zabuza was it? If you drive around to the right you'll reach the dorm building. Someone there should show you Suki's room." She says, smiling. Zabuza raises his eyebrows, but nods. As he returns to the car Sakura begins to walk, dragging you with her.

"Oh and this is the oval, over there is the gym, and the main building where all the lessons are." Sakura pulls you in a new direction. "Over there are the cafeteria, and the library, and the dorm building!"

You nod, slightly dazed. Looking around you see a number of students chatting, walking around. You notice that you are heading towards the dorm building. The five floor monstrosity looms over you.

"How many students are there here?" You ask curiously. Sakura seems delighted that you asked a question.

"Oh! There are currently over 200 students here." She says. "But we are all organized into groups of approximately twenty. These groups spawn out over the three classes."

You nod, remembering something from your info packet.

At K.A.G.T, there are no 'Seniors' or 'Juniors' etc. Everyone is organized into 'Classes'. Then, there are organized into groups of approximately twenty, made up of all three classes.

K.A.G.T is not a High School, but an Academy. It started out originally as a place for those who needed 'guidance'. The program became so successful that other students were requesting to learn under the K.A.G.T program.

Students range from age 16 to age 19.

Once a student has finished their schooling, they usually go on to excellent universities.

"Yes, I remember…" You mutter. Sakura continues towards the building.

"You're in my group! You'll make number twenty-two!" She says happily.

You sigh softly.

'I don't think I can take much more of this girl…'

"How old are you?" You ask, desperately hoping she's younger.

"Sixteen." She says. You sigh. "I'm in Class three. You'll be in Class two."

You suppress a sigh of relief.

"But not that it matters." She continues. "If you have any of the same subjects as me, we'll be in the same lessons, because we're in the same Group."

You close your eyes briefly.

'Great…'

"Ah! Here we are." Sakura stops suddenly. You look up at the tall building nervously. "Now… let's see… your room mate is… Oh."

You look at her confused as she looks down at the paper with sympathy.

"Y-You're room mate is Takahebi Karin…" She says softly. "Um… she's not too bad… she's mainly focused on her studies."

You nod, confused at her reaction.

"She's in Class 1." She informs you. "I think she's nineteen." You enter the red-brick building through open double doors. The lobby is done up to have a homey feel, furnished in wood and red and gold. Sitting behind a desk is a black haired lady. She looks up and smiles at you.

"Oh, Sakura, this must be Akasuki." She says, leaning forward. You nod. "My name is Shizune. I'm the vice-principal and nurse here."

"Call me Suki." You mumble. You weren't great with new people.

"Okay, Suki, your guard has already taken everything up to your room." She says. "Your room is number Three-o-four. Your guard has the key."

You nod and let Sakura drag you to one of the elevators. There are five of them, all lined up. You raise an eyebrow at them.

"It's because there are so many students." Sakura informs you. "We need five elevators."

One of the dings open and you shuffle in.

"Hold the elevator!" A voice shouts. "Hold it!"

With a sigh, Sakura reaches out and holds the doors open. Before you can say anything, an orange blur bursts into the elevator.

"Whoa! Thanks! I almost…" The boy trails off as he meets Sakura's eye. You take him in, startled. He has impossibly golden hair, framing a face with three scratches on each cheek, like whiskers, and two bright sapphire eyes. Those sapphire eyes which had appeared bright and friendly when he first stepped into the elevator are now cold and hard as ice.

"Oh. It's you." He says dully. Sakura ignores him. Suddenly, the boy spots you. "Hi! I'm Uzumaki Naruto!"

Naruto holds out a hand to you, which you take. This guy appeared around as normal as Sakura. Speaking of Sakura…

"If I knew it was you, Fishcake, I would have let them close." She snaps, her cheerful demeanor gone.

"Aww, can it Forehead." He snaps back. Your eyes widen, shocked. Naruto grins a large fox-like grin at you. "You're new, right?"

You smile back at the cheerful boy.

"Yeah, I'm Tasogare Suki." You say. "Pleased to meet you."

"Don't lie to spare his feelings, Suki." Sakura says, rolling her eyes. "No one's pleased to meet Naruto."

You stare at the girl, shocked. Naruto doesn't seemed fazed by Sakura's manner.

"Shut it, Sakura, your father fornicated a billboard!" He snaps. Your mouth drops open before snapping closed to hold in your laughter.

Before Sakura can reply, the elevator stops on the third floor.

"What are you doing up here, Fishcake?" Sakura demands. "Shouldn't you be yelling at the Emo Princess?"

Naruto snorts with laughter, and a small smile flickers onto Sakura's face.

'These two… have some sort of history…'

"Usually I would be, but he's practicing with Hinata." Naruto says, as you all file out. "I can't even hear myself over the music."

Sakura shrugs as you move down the corridor.

"Bye Suki!" Naruto says, stopping at door number two and knocking. "I hope we can talk later."

Flashing you one more bright smile, the door opens and Naruto vanishes inside.

You almost walk into Sakura as she stops in front of room three.

"Here we are!" She says brightly. Knocking on the door, she gives you a smile that is quite obviously fake. The door swings open and Zabuza looms in the doorway. Sakura gives a short scream, which makes you grin.

"You're here. Good." He moves out of the way, allowing you entry. Sakura darts in looking around hurriedly. You follow, taking in the modest room. To your left is a small living room area, complete with two couches, coffee table and television. In front of you is a small kitchenette, with a small table surrounded by four chairs. To the right are two doors. Looking into the open one, you see all your possessions stacked in the places between the double bed, desk and wardrobe. Another door leads to a small bathroom.

You look around the medium sized room, quite content.

"Well, I'll leave you to unpack." Sakura says cheerfully. She vanishes without another word. You sigh in relief.

Zabuza's chuckle draws you back to him. He holds up a note from the kitchen table. Taking it from him, your eyebrows raise as you read it.

Dear Roomie.

Sorry for the lack of welcoming party, but I have things to do. I think we'll get on alright, so long as you obey my simple rules:

Don't interrupt me when I'm studying.

Don't ask me for help with your work.

Don't make a mess.

Don't piss off my friends.

That's it. Have fun unpacking – I should be back late.

Karin.

Rolling your eyes, you scrunch up the paper, tossing it into the bin. Zabuza chuckles again and you survey the room once more.

"This isn't too bad…" You mummer. Suddenly, a folder is thrust under your nose. "What's this?"

"Your roommate." Zabuza says. You take the folder, opening it.

Inside is a picture of a red head, her hair long and straight on the left side, and short and messy on the right. Black rimmed glasses hide her eyes, gazing up at the camera from a serious face.

"Takahebi Karin…" You mummer. "She's… a scholarship student… smart…"

"Yes." Zabuza mutters. "There's few of the here. Most are rich kids, like you, or rich and… troubled kids…"

You nod, handing the file back to him. Zabuza stuffs it into his bag before pulling you into a quick hug. You lean against him, wrapping your arms around him tight.

"I have to go." He says. You bite back tears. This would be the first time you would spend the night away from Zabuza since… well, since he became your guard.

I-I'll miss you Buza-oji-san." You say, reverting back to the childhood nickname you had given your surrogate uncle.

"I know." Zabuza replies. That was as much of an 'I'll miss you too' that will get out of Zabuza. His arms tighten briefly before he releases you. You step back, smiling up at him.

"You'd best get back to Haku, he's probably freaking out…" You mutter. Zabuza grins at this.

"That sounds like Otouto…" He says. You lean up and kiss his cheek quickly, smiling at him. Zabuza smiles back down at you, before crossing to the door.

"Goodbye, Akasuki-sama." He says formally. He bows slightly before opening the door and stepping out. Once the door closes behind him, you release a deep breath that you never realized you were holding. Scooping up your key from the table, you cross to your room, ready to unpack.

'Well, this shall be… interesting…'