"I'm forced to fake,
A smile, a laugh,
Every day of my life…
My heart can't,
Possibly break,
When it wasn't even,
Whole to start with…"
-Because Of You:: Kelly Clarkson
Chapter 2::
Five months, 154 days, 3696 hours, since that day Neji had used her. But, ever since her first hit of pot, dealing with the memories had become easier. Sasuke had grown to be good friends with her. Itachi had also grown accustomed to having her around, as well. But, just because the memories were easier…didn't make them any less painful…
"You're lying!" Tenten laughed, playfully swatting at Itachi's arm
"I shit you not! Ask Sasuke when he gets back from the laundry mat. He walked in on us, two years ago."
"Did you guys have any clothes on?"
Itachi laughed, after sipping from his glass of whiskey, "Nothing."
"Itachi!" Tenten laughed, "Did he at least have time to 'cover' you, with a blanket? Anything?"
"Oh," Itachi grinned, "He was covering me, alright. Let's just say, his head was in the way."
"Oh my god, It!" Tenten giggled, almost choking on her drink. "What did Sasuke do? What did he say?"
"Well, he didn't really notice who it was. He looked at me, and said 'Next time warn me – Oh my god!' But, he fled from my room, once he saw who was doing that."
"But, he already knew you were gay, right?" Tenten asked, laughing still.
"He knew, he's known for years. Ever since I told him. But, that still didn't stop the horror from spreading across his face."
"So, what's his name?" Tenten asked, playfully.
"He's originally from Suna. He just moved up here, yesterday-"
"He's right here."
Itachi and Tenten looked over at the kitchen counter, both jumping in surprise. "Gaara! You dick! How'd you get in?" Itachi asked, blushing faintly. Tenten looked confused. She set her whiskey down, and looked at the red head – standing at the kitchen counter.
"Door was unlocked." Gaara replied, exhaling cigarette smoke. "Why were you talking about our 'personal' life?"
"It was funny, you have to admit." Itachi stood up, and stretched.
Gaara growled in reply, and finished his cigarette. He sat across from Tenten, his blue eyes peering at her in curiosity. "And, you are…?"
Tenten looked at Itachi, and then back at Gaara. "Eh…Tenten…I'm a friend of Sasuke, and Itachi."
"And, he is jealous," Itachi smirked as Gaara frowned at him. "Even though, he has nothing to worry about."
"Yeah, except for my boyfriend talking openly about our 'private' moments." Gaara leaned back against his chair, and yawned. "And, to think…I moved from Suna, just to be closer to you."
Tenten lifted her right arm, to brush her bangs out of her eyes. Her long sleeved shirt slid down, and bunched up at the crook of her elbow – as she did so. Itachi's eyes flickered to the white gauze on her wrist. Tenten put her arm back on her lap, and looked at Itachi, "What?"
"Could I talk to you for a moment, outside?" Itachi stood up, and locked gazes with Gaara.
'What is it?' Gaara asked, using his eyes. Itachi looked at his wrist, in response. "I'll be in here," Gaara said, as the two stepped out front.
Tenten looked at Itachi, curiously. She couldn't find any hints, in his Obsidian eyes. "What is it?"
"You tell me," Itachi crossed his arms, over his chest. "What's on your wrist?"
"Skin."
"Really, Ten?" Itachi shook his head. "You know, I get a lot of shit for being gay. But one thing people know about me, is to never try to pull the wool over my eyes."
"I was making tea last night, and I accidently spilled hot water on my wrist." Tenten replied, picking at her nails.
"How convenient," Itachi took a step closer to her. "Then, you wouldn't have any problems showing me, would you?"
"Actually, I would."
Itachi gave an exasperated sigh, and ran a hand though his raven black hair. "Alright." It opened the door and motioned for Gaara. Gaara stepped out front, and stood by Itachi. "What is it?" Gaara asked.
"Anything you need to pick up, Ten?" Itachi asked, a serious undertone is his voice. Tenten shook her head. "Alright, Gaara, could you drive us to the E.R.?"
"Eh, sure. What for?" Gaara asked, grabbing his car keys.
Tenten's eyes widened, "You wouldn't…"
"I would." Itachi replied calmly. "Unless, you show me your wrist."
Gaara looked at Tenten, his blue eyes holding compassion and empathy. "I know I just met you 15 minutes ago, Tenten. But, he would. And, he will."
Minutes passed, and Tenten slowly removed the gauze from her right wrist. She reluctantly let Itachi see. "Don't tell Sasuke." Tenten said quietly.
He set the bag of laundry down, on the kitchen counter. After the events that unfolded today, at the laundry mat, he needed a joint. Something about having to wait two hours, for a dryer to be fixed, just irked him. Not to mention, the little screaming kids that ran throughout the tiny place. "Itachi grab your shit! Fuckin' dryers broke down, so I'm in no mood!"
Sasuke looked over at the couch, and saw Itachi with a sleeping Gaara on his shoulder. "Ten stopped by today."
"Yeah?" Sasuke sat down on the floor, in front of Itachi. "She doing good?"
Itachi sighed, and paused to run his fingers over his boyfriend's red hair. "Well, not exactly."
"What do you mean?"
"I almost took her to the E.R. today…"
Sasuke frowned, in confusion. "What for?"
"She's cutting."
"Why?" Sasuke asked, concerned for his friend.
I don't know," Itachi took a shaky breath. "She's gonna hate me for saying this, but she feels held back…that's all I'm gonna say."
"She said she's stop by later on tonight." Gaara mumbled, his eyes still closed.
A week Later…
The ashtray collided into the wall, causing shards of glass to shower on the floor – and the ashes to stain the wall. Itachi froze, as a steak knife whizzed past his head. Sasuke tried to stop her, by grabbing her arm. She spun around, and pushed him against the wall. She spun back around and threw another ashtray. Unfortunately, Itachi wasn't quick enough to dodge this one – and a piece of glass cut open his left cheek. "You told him?"
Gaara stood by Itachi's side, and tried to reason with her, "It was for your we-"
"Shut up!" Tenten yelled, "I told you not to tell him!"
Itachi looked at her, "I didn't make any promises."
Her 98 pound frame trembled with rage. She charged at Itachi and tackled him to the ground. "I trusted you!"
She cursed and then stood up, leaving the small – now destroyed – apartment. Itachi looked at Sasuke, "I did the right thing, didn't I?"