A week passed since Teah had transferred to St-Shinobi High School, it was in late September at the time. It was now October 3rd, just right at the peak of Autumn. The leaves on the trees were already changing their colours and creating such a scenic atmosphere.
The air was crisp and cool, promising yet another cold winter. Farmers who sold and grew pumpkins were already setting up to get them out to the people who bought them for Halloween and to make various pumpkin dishes.
The locals were also preparing for the annual Fall Harvest Festival that was about two weeks away from now. It was a celebration held near the lake where they celebrated the year's great harvest and the beauty of Autumn. They held contests, games, dancing, karaoke and sold food and drinks produced from the harvest as refreshments. It was a great occasion, really bringing the entire community of the town together.
It was also a great event for a date, whether it was first date or a working relationship or marriage. In fact the teens of the town also liked to try to think of it like a school dance and go on a date there.
--
On that morning before school started, Teah joined Casana who was sitting on a picnic bench at the back of the school. She was looking out to the coloured trees in the surrounding area.
"You sure love nature, huh?" Teah smiled.
Casana giggled. "Yeah, I do. Most people find small, farming towns so boring and stupid, but I honestly think they're charming."
"I can imagine." Teah nodded. "I lived in a small, suburban city outside of Dublin, and it was all right, really."
"I'm from Morden, in Manitoba." Casana said, looking off to the distance. "It was pretty much a large but small city, outside a farming area."
"Sounds nice." Teah said, and looked at the brunette. "You miss Canada?"
"Yeah, I do. I do like it here, especially..." Casana's eyes then followed something, and a dreamy smile came to her face.
Teah stared at her, raising an eyebrow, and then followed her gaze. Over at a nearby picnic table sat the Akatsuki, who were chatting animatedly with each other. The Uchiha then saw that her friend was looking right at the blonde of the bunch, Deidara.
"Oh my goodness, you like Deidara!" Teah exclaimed.
"Shh!!" Casana hissed, blushing. "Keep your voice down!"
"I guess I should've known." Teah giggled. "That's cute!"
"I can't help it." The brunette fidgeted a little bit. "When I first moved here, I was like you. Scared and alone, very shy. I was teased a lot with a lot of Canadian stereotype jokes, and because I was so quiet and alone. Deidara...well, he reached out to me and became my first friend. Before I knew it, I fell in love with him."
"So what's the problem?"
"Huh?"
"I'm not a professional, but I do spend some time studying human behaviour and I can see the signs." Teah told her. "You're hesitating and feel shy about approaching him."
"Well...there's two reasons to that, I guess." Casana admitted. "One, I really don't want to freak him out or ruin our friendship. Plus...Taiyo likes him too, and she's my friend. I'd hate to betray her like that."
"I understand that. You feel that the possibilities of rejection and being right about that make it harder for you to just go out there and go for it. And along the way, you also have the dilemma of a friend who shares the same interest." Teah said, nodding her head as she noted this. "Well, do you have any kind of indication of how he feels about you?"
"I really don't know." Casana shrugged, looking toward the blonde. "I never really asked him, and he doesn't speak much about his love interest. Still, I just have a feeling he likes Taiyo."
"Why would you say that?" Teah sat back and crossed her legs, looking and sounding more an more like a psychiatrist.
"She's known him longer than I have, spends more time with him, and knows more about him than I do. I don't blame her, it's just how it happened, right? It's no one's fault. I don't know for sure, but I bet he does." She kicked her booted foot a bit. "I can't say I wouldn't be happy for them, because I really would. There's just a part of me that I guess would be bummed, and I don't really know why."
Teah thought for a moment, tapping her chin. "Well Casana, I think that's because we're only human. We feel bummed when we don't get something that we do want. But if I dig deeper, I think the reason you would be pretty bummed is because you do feel attached to him after how great he's been to you. You see that past his mischievous ways, he's a great guy and would treat you really well. You love him, and you feel that you'd miss out if he turned out to like someone else."
"...Yeah, that sums it up." Casana said with a little smile, and got down from the table. "I guess I'll find out sooner or later. I love him so much, and I'd kill to be his girlfriend. But, if he does pick Taiyo or any other girl, I'll accept it and move on."
"Atta girl." Teah patted her on the back.
"Thanks, Teah. I'll see you later." Casana waved and headed off to go sit and talk with the Akatsuki group.
"Sure." Teah murmured, and scanned the school grounds for Shippo, wondering if he arrived at school yet.
Arms draped over the girls shoulder and gently pulled her backwards into a loose hug. "Looking for me hmm?" Shippo gave a girl a weak smile and chucked lightly. He caught sight of Casana and smiled. "Girl talk? Hmm, you two really hit it off."
His eyes looked her over, then he raised a brow. "What did ya two talk about. You seemed trouble Teah" He gave a soft smile and hugged her a bit more. "Ya can tell me….come on."
He let her out of the hug, then grabbed her hand, leading her away. He hated seeing the girl troubled, plus he had something to ask her. He led her over to a table under a tree and took a seat.
"So…your truly starting to fit in huh? Heh, I told ya you'd do fine! Now, whats on that mind of yours?"
Teah blushed to the extreme, although she was used to the contact between them now. Over the past week they'd gotten a lot closer and were fast friends.
Although now, she was starting to question if she had stronger feelings than just friendship.
Snapping out of her daze, Teah dusted off her coat and shrugged. "Well, I found out she really likes Deidara over there." She pointed toward the blonde with her thumb. "She was telling about it, and said she couldn't really approach him about it because she was scared about ruining their friendship, and also because Taiyo likes him too. I give her some psychiatric advice, since I'm suuuuch a psychiatrist!" She laughed at that.
She looked back toward her friend over where the Akatsuki were at, and then back at Shippo as she went on with her story.
"But anyway, I gave her some advice and helped sorted out how she was feeling about it all. But she's taking a mature approach in the event that Deidara does turn out to like Taiyo or another girl, and I'd say that's a good step to take. I gotta say, I feel bad for her, but I can see she's quite a trouper. And hey, I know how she feels. Back in Ireland when I was in 6th grade, I liked this boy, Sammy Griffin. He was kind of popular, really smart and a sweet kid. Unfortunately, a couple of popular, snooty girls liked him too and when they found out I liked him, well, it became hell for me. Sammy eventually found out how I felt about him and he was nice about it, but turned me down since he liked one of the popular girls." She shook her head at this. "But anyway, that's about what we were talking about."
Shippo smiled gently and hugged the girl. "Nah! Your such a sweety!!" He chuckled and sighed gently, staring up at the sky. "Taiyo does have a crush on the blondie…but ya know, if she knew Casana liked him, she would do everything under the sun to help get them together"
He looked at Teah and smiled. Those girls weren't the only ones having trouble with their hearts. He was too, everytime he looked at Teah he felt his heart tug at him to make a move, yet he couldn't. Something about her, he just couldn't be his usual player self. She was different, and he loved it, but…did he love her? Lately he wasn't sure if he could honestly say no.
--
"Casana-chan!!" Taiyo glomped the girl, smiling bright. "Casana!! I have a HUUUGE favor!!" She let go and clapped her hands together in a prayer like move, lightly bowing her head. "I know you and Teah are good friends….so please help me!!" She smiled and grabbed the girls hand, and pointed her towards where Teah and Shippo sat, both smiling. "…Help me get them together!!!"
Casana let out a giggle as Taiyo glomped her and then followed her gaze toward the two. "I guess you've noticed too, eh? They do look so cute together, and I can see Teah's pretty chummy when he's around. Let's see what we can pull off!"
--
"You don't say?" Teah laughed, slapping her knee. "Well that's an interesting concept! Speaking of which, just out of curiosity, do you like anyone?"
The question was almost rhetorical since she too was confused about her feelings. Despite Shippo's more mischievous nature, she loved how he was a genuine sweet and charming guy at heart, always there to help out the people he cared for. She admired that greatly, and still couldn't get over how sweet he'd been since they met.
If anyone asked if she liked him, she wasn't sure if no was the honest answer.
----
Taiyo cheered and grabbed her hand. "Come on!! Lets go see what we can do!"
Shippo raised a brow at her question but smiled. Though, it turned to a smirk when he saw Itachi walking by. The boy seemed to have heard Teah, for he was walking slow, as if hoping to hear his answer. Being ever so mean, he in a very flamboyant matter placed his hand over his heart and answered in a rather girly voice. "Oh of course! I'm MADLY in lveo with Dumpling-chan!! He's SOOO dreamy!"
Itachi froze in mid step and spun around, and stormed over, swatting The silver boy's head with his book, making him crack up laughing. When he finished harming the boy, he grumbled a threat and stormed off.
Shippo chuckled and ruffled his hair with one hand, letting it take back it untamed look. His eyes drifted to Teah and he smiled. "Nah, but I DO have my eyes on a certain someone….but she would never look at me that way, I'm far from good enough" He sighed then smiled. "I hope you don't cause…" He reached over and grabbed her hand. "I want to take you to the Fall Harvest Festival…."
The ravenette broke into laughter at Shippo's silly "love confession", and was then at loss for words. Wouldn't he have wanted to ask the girl he liked to the festival?
Unless maybe...
Nah, no way he likes me. Probably just wants to go with one of his closer gal pals, right?
Teah smiled and nodded. "I'd love to go to the festival with you, Shippo. It'll be fun!"
--
Overhearing, Casana turned to Taiyo and stifled her giggle. "Hey, I just heard Shippo ask her to the Fall Harvest Festival! I think it might be a sign."
Taiyo gasped, then smiled. "Yay!! Theres hope….Though I still have to get YOU with your date!" The black haired girl smiled and winked.
--
Shippo smiled and took the girls hand, kissing the top gently. "I'm very honored, but now I must be going" He stood and gave her a hug before winking and walking away.
The silver haired boy walked into the school and looked around. Lately he had been getting the feeling that someone had been watching him. Strange.
Teah waved after him and then hopped off the table to get into the school, since classes were beginning in about five minutes. Strangely, she felt as though she was being followed.
--
Casana blushed and frantically shook her head. "I-It's okay! Really, I can just go with a few friends or my family, it's all cool. I don't think Deidara would want to go with me anyway, oh well. I can just-" She realized what she said and clapped a hand over her mouth.
"...Ah, I better get inside before classes start. See you later, Tai!" She hurried off.
--~~--~~--
Later on that day, Teah was in the library during Study Hall working on some homework. She didn't seem to notice someone sneaking over quietly.
"Psst! Teah-nee-chan!"
"Huh?" She looked up to see Naruto Uzumaki, one of the students in her grade she'd made friends with. "Oh! Naruto!"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Oh, sure. What's up?"
"You notice Sasuke today?" Naruto sat in the chair across from her. "He seemed pretty pissed about something."
"Really?" Teah put her pencil in her textbook and closed it shut. "Why do you say that?"
"I don't know, he was just in a more sour mood than usual." Naruto replied with a shrug. "I think something's wrong, because he's not usually like this."
--
Taiyo sighed and gently shook her head with a smile and walked off.
--
Before Casana got far, someone grabbed the girl hand, spinning her around. Deidara. "Hey Casana! Can I have a minute?" The blonde boy smiled at the girl warmly, cheerfully closing his blue eyes. "I wanted to ask you a question…"
--
"Sasuke?" A hand was placed on Naruto's shoulder to say hello, then he sat next to Teah. Itachi. "What are you guys talking about my little brother for?"
His dark eyes drifted from Naruto to Teah. He had to admit he was shocked Naruto didn't know since the pair were best friends.
"Naruto has been noticing today that Sasuke seems to be bit more off than usual." Teah explained.
"Yeah! He's like all pissed or something. Maybe something's bothering him?" Naruto turned to the older brother. "Has he said anything about something that might have made him upset?"
What if he knows that Shippo asked me to the festival...? Teah thought, biting her lip. I know he probably doesn't like him....mmm...no, Itachi's right there, I'd best not bring that up right now.
--
"Uh...sure, sure." Casana blushed a little and started to regret hurrying off. "What did you want?"
From a distance, Sasori watched his best friend and couldn't help but chuckle.
I wonder what the brat is up to this time...
The blonde stared for a short moment then smiled. "Well, I'm sure you know of the festival yeah. I was wondering….Would you like to go with me?" He looked away slightly, trying not to show a blush from his embarrassment. When he was around Casana he was easily flustered.
"Ah!" Casana squeaked, surprised. "Um, sure! I'd love to!"
--
Itachi looked from Naruto to Teah. "Well I know why. He's mad at Shippo for being too close with Teah." The black haired boy sighed, gently shaking his head. "I really hate him near you, but I guess I can't say too much" He stared down at the table, guilt hitting him hard. He had a feeling something was going on between Shippo and Teah but he couldn't say anything, since he had his own secret he was hiding from everyone.
He sighed and ruffled Naruto's hair. "Don't worry about it too much, I'll talk to him ok?"
"Ohhhh! So that's it! I guess that explains why he looks moodier when he sees them together!" Naruto said. "Well okay Itachi, you better! I hate to see my best buddy sad!"
"So do I." Teah agreed. I wonder why they hate him so much. I know he's a bit of a mischievous type, but seriously, can you really hate someone so much? "For some reason, he called him Binky Boy."
"Hahahahahaha!!! Binky Boy!!" Naruto cracked up in hysterics, slapping his hand on the table. "Oh my God! Binky Boy!!"
Itachi blinked, slightly confused. "Binky Boy? What the hell?"
"Your no different Nii-san"
Itachi turned and smiled lightly when Taiyo walked over, lending on the table. "Hey guy! Ohh!! Teah, a certain brunette just got asked to the festival by a certain blonde!!"
--
Deidara gave her a warm smile and laughed lightly. "Great yeah!! Can't wait" The boy lend forward and kissed the girl forehead. "Catch ya later yeah" The boy winked, then walked off into the school.
Her cheeks were now a lovely shade of red, practically rivaling tomatoes, as Casana couldn't help but smile as she headed off into school also.
Sasori chuckled to himself as he watched the scene unfold. In fact, it gave him an idea.
He took his cell phone from his bag and sent a text message to the girl he liked, Ashley.
--
"You don't say?" Teah giggled, knowing was Taiyo was talking about. "Well! I'll be damned!"
"You going with someone, Tai?" Naruto asked her.
Taiyo blinked, then smiled warmly. "Silly, no one ever asks me to things like that, only girls like Teah and Casana get asked to things like that"
Itachi frowned at the girl with a sigh. The girl was overly confident in others and herself in many things, but when it came to matters such as these the girl felt she had nothing. It bothered him greatly, though he could never say anything.
--
Ashley, who was currently laying in the shade a tree, jumped when her phone vibrated. She quickly pulled out the cell and clicked a button, reading her new message.
The text from Sasori read Hey Ash, if you're not busy after school, want to go get a soda at the Malte Shop?
The girl blinked with shock as she read the text, then blushed lightly. Sasori wanted to meet her?! A smile spread on her face and she quickly replied. Sure I'm free, I'll meet you after school!
The girl jumped to her feet and hurried into the school to find her friend, she had to tell her!
Teah snorted and shook her head. "That's not true. There's someone there for everyone to go out with."
"Darn straight, Teah-nee-chan! Hey, Tai! How about that Konkuro? I bet you two would be great together!" Naruto piped up.
Right then, the bell rang. Just as the conversation was getting juicy.
--~~--~~--~~
After school that day, Teah was waiting outside with Casana while the latter girl was waiting for her parents to pick her up. They were going out of town for the weekend.
"So are you buying a new outfit for the festival?" Teah asked her.
Casana shrugged. "Not unless I have to. I hate clothes shopping."
"Seriously?" Teah blinked.
"Yeah." Casana smiled a bit. "Weird, isn't it?"
"It sure is!" Teah teased. "But it's okay, we all like or dislike something. I'm not fond of clothes shopping myself, but I guess if I had friends around, it wouldn't be so bad."
"Sure." Casana shrugged. "I guess I can look around the thrift store when I get back. I like thrift stores."
"There you go!" Teah patted her back. "Are you excited?"
"Yeah..." Casana blushed a little. "I can't wait. What about you?"
"Well...I've never been out with a guy before." Teah admitted. "It's my first time, and I've seriously got butterflies!"
Casana giggled. "Figured."
Teah poked her on the arm. "Oh, shut up."
"Make me." Casana stuck her tongue out at her playfully, and then saw her family's Toyota Hybrid pull up. "That's me. See you Monday, Te!" She hopped off the picnic table and headed to the car.
Teah waved after her and then got up herself, zipping her jacket tighter. She found herself glancing around the nearly empty schoolyard as the hour of twilight was slowly descending in.
Give it up Teah, he's probably gone already. She thought, her stomach falling in disappointment.
Before the thought had time to fully leave her head there was a soft chuckle in her ear. "Looking for me?" Shippo took a seat on the picnic table, giving the girl a lazy smile. "Sup?" His hair was messy as ever, and the wind was helping much, though the boy barely noticed, for he was only in a thin white tee and barely noticed the wind. "So, ya girls gossiping about clothes?"
Teah beamed happily and giggled. "Kind of. I'm surprised she hates clothes shopping. A rare species, I tell you." She noticed his choice of clothing and looked a bit concerned. If you knew Teah, you knew she could be a bit of a mother hen, always worrying about people around her. "Oh, aren't you cold in that? It's pretty chilly."
Shippo smiled gently. "No need to worry my dear, I barely even feel the wind. I messed up my nerve system. Only a few things can I feel." He lend forward and chuckled, taking the girls hand in his own, lacing their fingers together. "Thankfully I can sense human touch, especially yours."
He lend forward, his lips near her ear. "I like feeling your touch. Its warm….and gentle."
Blushing to her ears, Teah felt a warm shiver run up her spine and she found herself coming closer to him. Her heart pounded in her chest and warmed her insides.
"That's good you can feel human touch." She said softly, squeezing his hand back. "I'll give you my touch anytime you want it."
Her cheeks pinkened more as she realized what she said.
"Er...you know...uh..."
Shippo smiled and kissed the girl's cheek. "Hmm…Your adorable when you blush" He chuckled and kissed the very corner of her lips, before jumping off the table. "I'll catch ya later Teah. Can't wait for the festival" The boy winked and walked to the edge of the school grounds. He gave the girl one last wave before hopping on his bike, and speeding away.
Watching the silver-haired boy ride off on his bike, Teah could barely even move a muscle as her pale cheeks reddened even more and her eyes were wide with surprise. Her heart pounded and her skin tingled where he'd kissed her. And right at the corner of her lips no less!
Shaking her head, Teah then saw her mother pull up in their small car. She stood and got in, greeting her mother and then sitting there looking dazed on the ride to the mansion. Her mother, Iliyani, was going out of town for the weekend and wanted her to stay with her cousins.
They drove off, and Teah couldn't stop touching her cheek and corner of her mouth the entire ride.
--
Ashley took a deep breath as she walked up to the Malte shop. She had never seen Sasori outside of school and was not about to miss her chance. The girl walked in, tucking some black and blue strands of hair behind her ear as she looked around for the redhead.
"Hey, Ash." Sasori said as he came from the counter, handing Ashley her favourite soda. "I took the liberty of getting you your usual." He smiled a bit crookedly. "Want to go sit down?"
Ashley blinked and took the soda, blushing that he actually remembered. She sat next to the boy and gave him a soft smile. "Thanks for inviting me. It seems like we hadn't hang out in forever!" She gave a light laugh, trying to seem nervous as she twirled the straw in the soda, every now and then taking sips.
"It has been a while." Sasori agreed, nodding. "Actually Ash, I asked you here today because I....well, there was something I wanted to ask you. You can feel free to say no, but hear me out, okay?"
He took a deep breath and cleared his throat.
"Ashley, would you like to go to the Fall Harvest Festival with me?"
Ashley stared at the boy a moment, shock taking over. Though once it wore off, a blush took over her pale cheeks. Her deep purple eyes fell to her knees as she tried to bite down the blush. Cursing silently at her flustered appearance she looked up and gave a smile. "I'd love to Sasori!"
True fully the girl didn't think anyone would invite her, much less Sasori, the boy who she had only wished to have said such a thing. Needless to say, she was on cloud 9.
Although Sasori didn't smile very much, he sure did now, glad that Ashley had accepted his offer. He was glad that she accepted, the girl he'd liked for who knows how long.
"All right, great." Sasori said, looking happier than he usually would when he was in a good mood. "I'm glad, Ash. It'll be a lot of fun."
The girl nodded and trying not to over blush, but it was quite hard, especially when Sasori smiled like that. Without thinking she blurted out her thoughts "You have a really cute smile Sasori" She blushed a bit more, but this time didn't hid it. "..I like it, I hope I'll be able to make you smile more often" She gave a smile of her own and took a sip of the soda. She was really going with Sasori!
--
Itachi sighed and he stared down at his cell. He had texted Sasuke telling him to come home after school. He needed to talk to him about this whole ordeal with Teah. The black haired boy frowned and brushed some bangs from his face. The boy had to hurry, he didn't want Sasuke meeting Fai who was suppose to meet him here soon. Well he didn't want them to meet yet….
Meanwhile, Sasuke had just entered the Uchiha Mansion as he received Itachi's text. He checked it, then quietly made his way to Itachi's room, and texted back with:
Open your bedroom door, Itachi.
He held back a chuckle as he waited for his brother to come out.
Itachi frowned at his brothers text and walked to the door. Opening it, he gently pulled his brother in the room, forcing back the scolding he wanted to give. Sometimes he was more a bother then needed. Settling with a simple roll of the eyes, Itachi led Sasuke over to the bed and sat him down, sitting across him from him in the desk chair.
"Sasuke…We need to talk. Your behavior lately is very annoying and I know it has to do with Teah and Shippo" The black haired boy stared at his younger brother a moment before speaking again. "….Why?"
Sighing, Sasuke knew this would come up. He stared at his feet, pondering what he could say in response.
"The truth is, I don't trust him." Sasuke admitted under his breath. "He's a troublemaker, and I have a feeling he'll end up hurting Teah badly. I'm worried about her is all. She's been through a lot, losing her father and having to move all the way out here. The last thing she needs is a troublemaking badass who will end up ruining her life."
He clenched a fist.
"I have a bad feeling about him, too. There's something he's not telling her, I can tell." Sasuke released his hand and looked at his brother. "I'm glad Teah's doing well here and making friends, and all I want is for her to be happy. I'm just not sure he can give that to her. She deserves better."
Itachi stared at his younger brother, then gave a slight smile. Placing a gentle hand ont eh boy's head he lend forward and chuckled, ruffling the boy's hair. "My my, don't you sound like a big grown up Sasuke. I'm very proud of you" He withdrew his hand and sighed, staring out the window.
"Normally I would have made sure he never went near Teah but you see, since he and Taiyo are so close, I don't really have a choice. If I do anything to Shippo he gets the little brat to scold me" His voice was soft as he spoke, though his thoughts were all jumbled. "We can only hope what he's hiding isn't something harmful, or else I will step in"
He glanced at his little brother and gave a faint smile. "Come now, enough talk of all this, shouldn't you be getting ready for the festival?" With that, he hurried Sasuke from his room with one last pat on the head, and then closed his door. End of discussion