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"Sasuke...wait! Wait! Don't go!" Teah cried in desperation. "Where are you going?!"
"To face my destiny, to earn my power...and kill Itachi." Sasuke said, without turning around. "I will sever all bonds with all of you. You were all just in my way."
"What?! No!" Teah tried to approach him, but somehow she couldn't even take a step closer. He seemed so far away. "Sasuke you're out of your mind!"
"....I figured you would understand, but frankly...you don't." He looked at her over his shoulder. "Back off. I won't let you take away the most precious thing to me. My revenge....because I am an avenger, that's my destiny."
"Orochimaru is just USING you, Sasuke!" Teah yelled, tears running down her face.
"Then so be it. If it gives me enough power to defeat Itachi, then I'll do it."
"Sasuke!! Don't do it!"
"Goodbye, Teah. Go ahead and cry all you want. I don't even care about you anymore."
"NOOO!! SASUKEEEE!!!!"
--
"No....no...! Sasuke no! Don't leave! Please!" Teah uttered deliriously in her sleep. Her eyes then shot open and she sat up in the bed. "Sasuke!!! Noooo!!!"
After a moment, she paused and took a breath, realizing it was just a dream. Again with the weird visional dreams of being in that strange, different world. What was going on...?
Looking about, she saw that she was in a hospital room. Why was she here? What was going on here? What happened?
A hand reached out and grabbed the girl's hand. "Teah?" The one one who grabbed her hand was none other then the town troublemaker, Shippo. The magenta eyed boy stared at her with worry, still holding her hand. "What happened? I mean I…..Are you alright?" His eyes were filled with much worry and concern.
"Shippo!" Teah breathed with relief. "It was...it was awful. I had that dream again, in that strange world where everyone is so different from real life. I dreamt Sasuke was leaving to become stronger under Orochimaru's influence and he wanted to sever all bonds with Naruto, Sakura and I. It was horrible, just horrible! He wanted to kill Itachi on top of that, for some reason I didn't know, and yet somehow in the dream I did know." Her body trembled. "Before everything went black, I had this strange vision. I saw Casana...she was wearing the cloak all the Akatsuki gang were wearing, her eyes were bright pink and looked really weird, she was spelling pure evil. Her sweet face and voice were twisted and evil!! And she said something, it was 'I'm afraid you don't stand a ghost of a chance in a battle against me. I know what move you'll make before you even make it...'."
Not caring if he was yelled at, Shippo sat on the bed next to her and pulled the girl into his lap, gently kissing her temple, his arms wrapped around her. "Orochimaru?? You mean that weird guy with the black hair that pretty much tried to sleep with BOTH your cousins? Neh, well…..I know Sasuke and Itachi have had fights but I doubt he could kill his brother, he loves him, no matter what. As for Casana I doubt she would ever hurt you. Come on Princess, don't worry so much" He gave her a gentle kiss and smiled. "I promise you, I'll never let ya get hurt ok? I'll always be there to protect you…after all, the knight has to serve his princess." he chuckled and gave a soft wink.
A soft blush marred her cheeks and Teah snuggled into him. "You're right, Shippo...I guess I'm overreacting to some hallucinations I sometimes have because of some strange mental state I find myself in. It's all only a dream, nothing to worry about ever coming true." She giggled a little. "Well you do speak truly, I feel safe and secure when you're around, you're my Knight in Shining Armor, sweeping the Princess off her feet."
The doctor came into the room then, noticing the two together. He was new to this hospital, having transferred from Konoha Hospital. He was Kabuto Yakushi, with gray hair in a ponytail, black eyes and glasses. Since he didn't know of Shippo's reputation, he didn't mind that they were together on the bed like that.
"Hello, I'm Dr. Yakushi." He said, giving them a friendly smile. "How are we feeling today?"
"I'm okay now." Teah said.
"Good, good. We took some blood samples and took a few tests." He looked at his clipboard. "You were also sick with an inner virus that doesn't contain very visible symptoms, other than a high fever, which was causing your hallucinations. It's also stated in your medical file from your specialists back in Ireland that your mental stress tends to take a bigger toll on you. But aside from that, you're going to be fine."
"...Oh, okay." She murmured. "Thanks, doctor."
"My pleasure. I'll be in this afternoon to check on you." He pushed his glasses up his nose and left.
"...This afternoon?" Teah looked at Shippo. "Shippo, what happened? How long was I out? Why am I here?"
The silver haired boy gently kissed her and nuzzled her neck. "Babe it was late into the night when you passed out. Ya were out all night. Its around 11 I think." He sighed and held her gently. "Your Mother said that ya had this happen when you were under stress….Teah what's going on in that head of yours?"
"...Oh, oh." Teah murmured, realizing. "I guess all the finals, some home renovations that we have to do, expenses, I guess it was all getting to me more than I thought."
There was something else, too. But she couldn't quite bring it up. It wasn't anything serious, just something she figured she'd wait to talk about. At least for now.
The silver haired boy sighed and gently kissed the girl. "Princess, it's gotta be more then that. I love you, ya know that, so it's easy for me to read you" He gave a gently smile and kissed her neck, nuzzling her. "Ya can tell me doll, I'll always understand."
Damn, he's on to me. I should've figured he'd see right through me. Better play it cool
"I'm glad I can, but I can't really say right now. It's something I really need to think about and make sure it's really what I want." She admitted. "I'll tell you when I feel sure."
Shippo chuckled and gave a soft nod. "Anything ya want doll" He kissed the girls forehead and then her lips. It wasn't till he pulled away that he noticed Itachi lending against he doorway.
"Hey" His dark eyes gazed at the his cousin then Shippo. He hated Shippo very much, but if he made Teah happy, he could grin and bear. Besides, the boy was starting to grow on him. That brat. He walked over and placed a hand on her head with a smile. "You two seem to be doing quite well but Teah, your mother is on here way in, I don't think she wants to see Shippo…"
The silver haired boy gave a carefree shrug and laughed lightly. "I need to face her mother eventually don't I?"
"True." Teah agreed, not quite sure which of them she was agreeing with. "Well you guys can do your thing and I'll talk with mom about things. You better be back later, Captain Silver!" She teased.
"Hey you guys." Casana came into the room, holding a bouquet of freshly picked flowers and card. "I came here on behalf of everyone else, they'll come visit later on. How are you doing?"
"Ah, fine." Teah couldn't help but study her for a moment. Since her strange hallucinations, she'd been feeling a bit paranoid inside. But everything seemed to be in check. Casana's eyes were as blue as ever and she had her signature sweet smile on her face, not a hint of evil. "I've been better."
"Figured." Casana placed the flowers on the side table. "I picked them fresh from the garden at home, and the gang signed this card for you."
"Well hey, thanks!" Teah giggled and took the card. "Hmm... 'Hey sis, get well soon or I'll eat all your ramen!' signed Naruto. Oh jeez, what a snook."
"Isn't he though?" Casana laughed. "Well hey, your mom's coming in so we'll get out of your hair for a while, okay?"
Shippo pouted, he didn't wanna go, but he knew he had to. He kissed the girl and walked over to Itachi. The boy grabbed his arm and pushed the boy from the room. He gave Casana a soft smile. "I'm going to stay so I can speak with my aunt"
"All right, see you guys later. Get well!" Casana ruffled Teah's hair and left also.
Iliyani came in a few moments later. "Hi bunny, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine now." Teah replied. "Didn't expect to be rushed to the hospital!"
"It was one of those attacks and I didn't want to take chances." Her mother said, and looked at Itachi.
The teen gave a faint smile. "You worry quite a bit, but I take it as a good thing. Auntie, I needed to ask you for something." His gaze fell away from the woman and he ran a hand through his hair, unable to believe what he was about to say. Looking up again he gave a very weak smile. "I need to ask you for forgiveness….for Shippo." The boy gave a polite bow with his head as he spoke. "Please forgive him."
Teah gaped in shock from where she was sitting, looking from Itachi to her mother, unable to believe what he'd just said.
"....I see." Iliyani said, and sighed. "Well, he has made my daughter very happy, and I haven't seen her this happy in a long time. It's been tough since my husband died. I don't think I've ever seen her smile and so full of life since then." She managed a small smile and looked at Teah. "I see he's done nothing to harm you either. I can forgive him."
"Mom...I...." Teah beamed and turned to Itachi. "....Thanks, Itachi."
"Yea yea….Whatever" He wore his usual blank look, but there was a faint curve at the corner of his lips. "Oh and you tell me I did that and I'll ground you got it?" Looking at his aunt, the smile showed a bit more. "I may not like that bugger, but I've got to admit, he has a way of bringing the life out of everyone, sadly even me" He sighed at his comment,, slightly ashamed. "But hey, what are ya gonna do??...You can't choose who you fall in love with…." As the boy spoke he got a distant look, his mind thinking about a certain blonde named Fai.
"I suppose that's true!" Iliyani giggled. "Well you can run along now, Itachi. I'll take care of her from here. Thank you for your help."
"See you later, Weasel!" Teah teased him.
Itachi chuckled and walked from the room. Shippo was waiting outside and his head shot up when the door closed, then his eyes fell again. The Uchiha smiled gently and placed a hand on the silver haired boy's head. "….Your doing a wonderful job kid"
Shippo wanted to ask the elder what was going on in his head, but Itachi simply walked away, leaving the boy highly confused. Smiling gently he went back to lending against the wall. That is till his phone beeped. He pulled it out and opened a text from Taiyo. As he read the words, the boy could only chuckle. "Well well, That's the best news I've heard all day!" Now he only had to ask Teah…..
Back inside the room, Iliyani announced that she was going to speak with the doctors about her daughter's conditions, and left the room. She passed Shippo and smiled at him.
"You can go and see her if you want to." She told him, and then walked off down the hallway.
He spared her a smile before running into the room and pulling the girl into his arms again. he felt safe having her in his arms. "Hey Teah…What do you think of…well I…Ah damn it all, wanna go to prom with me?"
Teah giggled and snuggled into him, nuzzling his neck with her nose. "Of course, silly! You don't even need to ask! But yes, I'd love to go prom with you!"
--~~--
Nothing much had happened since that faithful night, and now since it was close to the end of the school year, it was time for the prom.
That evening, as planned, the girls were waiting outside the Teen Club in town, waiting for the boys to come pick them up. Probably from a limo, since they said for them all to wait there for them. Teah, Casana, Taiyo, and Ashley all waited patiently together while their dates, accompanied by Sasuke and Naruto, and also Itachi and Fai, were on their way to pick them up.
Teah was dressed in her most elegant way in her life. She wore a red strapless gown that was floor length, a white obi tied around the waist, and black high heeled peep-toe shoes. Her hair was done up in a bun with her bangs framing her face, and had two white roses pinned into the bun. She wore light makeup and bright red lipstick on her lips.
"Teah, you're so beautiful." Casana uttered in awe. "I can hardly believe it myself!"
The ravenette giggled. "Oh Casana, you're too cute. But hey, look at you! You look prettier than me!"
Casana had an imitation satin emerald green dress that tied around her neck, showed a modest amount of cleavage, and was calf-length. Her shoes were blue, going well with the green and her eyes. Her hair was done in a ponytail with a few flower clips on her bangs. She had no makeup on except for pink lipstick, as per usual on special occasions. Although she wasn't "gorgeous" she was just adorable and sweet.
"I am not." Casana argued playfully. "Right, Tai-Tai?"
Taiyo was in a sky dress that had no straps and slim around the waist but spread out once it got to the hips. Flower designs laced in glitter covered the rim and bottom half of the dress. Her shoes matched the dress, but were unseen. She wore light blue eye-shadow and blush that shimmered in the light, as did her thin layer of lip-gloss. Half of her long hair was tied back by a light blue barrette and flowed down to the bottom of her dress. Over her shoulders was a thin shawl.
"Nah, don't try to kid yourself, you look so beautiful Casana-chan! Dresses suit you, your so lucky, I feel like I don't even fit in this kinda stuff, You all look so beautiful. Even Ashley who didn't wanna dress up looks beautiful!"
Ashley was in a dark purple dress that hugged her shoulders and came down in a V showing a glimpse of cleavage, and flowed down just below her knees. Her shoes were small purple heels. She wore dark purple eye-shadow that matched her eyes and shimmering lip-gloss. Her hair was tied up in a bun that was held up by a dark purple crown like holder. Around her neck was a black chocker with a small purple flower.
The girl blushed deeply and looked away. "S-Shut up!"
Fai smiled and walked over, laughing lightly. "You all looks so beautiful!"
Fai was the only boy not in a normal tux and instead was in a rather bright suit that had many beads and designs all over showing his flamboyant side. He stood out greatly compared to the other tux wearing boys.
There was a loud honk and a party limo pulled up beside the group, with Shippo standing in the sunroof. "My, don't you all look gorgeous!" He winked and blew Teah a kiss.
The boy was in a loose deep purple tux jacket but had a bright purple shirt and rather tight black pants. Not the normal formal wear, but he didn't mind. "Come on and hop on in guys!"
"Don't mind if we do!" Teah laughed, blowing a kiss in return. She opened the back door of the limo. "Let's go!"
"A lady holding the door open? Ooh la la! Now I've seen everything!" Casana laughed as they all got into the limo.
Once everyone was in, the chauffer drove off toward the country club where the prom was being held.
"Heeeeeyyy ladies!" Naruto greeted from where he was sitting. He was in a bright orange tuxedo with orange pants and a blue necktie. "You all look gorgeous! Man, I can't tell which one is the prettiest!"
"I can." Said Konkuro, smiling at Taiyo and he brought an arm around her. He was wearing a traditional black tux with a white shirt and black tie, with his hair neatly brushed and slightly gelled up.
"Shippo," Teah sang out, tugging on his pants. "You going to sit with me?"
Taiyo blushed at Konkuro's words and gave a weak smile. She wasn't used to hearing such things.
Shippo raised a brow at her reaction, then smiled at Teah. "Tch, you think I'd let someone else sit with you?" He took a seat and pulled the girl into his lap, gently kissing her neck. "You look so beautiful."
"Strong and beautiful, just like you!" Teah winked and giggled, playing with his hair.
Deidara, after getting over how gorgeous Casana was, smiled warmly. He took the girls hand in his own and kissed the top gently, before pulling her close and holding her. "You look amazing my doll."
The brunette blushed cutely and snuggled into the blonde. "Awww...gee...you're too much!"
"Haha! Can you feel all the awesome love tonight!?" Naruto exclaimed happily and brought an arm around Sasuke. "Love is the best! Believe it!"
Sasori chuckled. "Whatever you say, Naruto." He turned to Ashley and smiled. "I know I sound cliché when I say this, but you look wonderful tonight, Ash. Your dress really suits you." He kissed her on the forehead and held her to him.
Ashley gave a weak smile and fought to hide a blush. "Y-yeah…T-Thanks"
Itachi smiled and lend on Fai who laughed cheerfully.
Soon they arrived at the school and the men helped their dates from the car before leading them into the school. As they entered people looked over and Deidara frowned when he saw people looking at Casana, so he stole a rather deep kiss. No one could gawk at his girl but him. yes, he was very selfish.
Naruto laughed out loud, slapping his knee as he saw that. "Oooohh! Someone's jealous!"
"He need not worry lad, he be the only one she looks at." Teah said in a sillier Irish drawl and laughed.
"Brat." Sasori muttered, shaking his head in amusement. "C'mon, let's go inside."
Shippo needed to hear nothing else he quickly had Teah in his arms and led her to the dance floor. "Ya like to dance Princess?"
"Let me think." Teah giggled, pretending to think. "Of course!"
Ashly giggled and clung to Sasori. "Hey lets dance!!"
"Sure, let's go." Sasori chuckled, leading her to the dance floor.
Not bothering to ask Sasuke took Naruto's hand. "Come on, lets go make utter fools of ourselves."
"All right! Time to dance!" Naruto cheered as they went out onto the dance floor.
"Time for the first love song dance of the evening!" Said the DJ into the microphone. "Everyone grab your partners!"
"Wait for us!" Konkuro laughed and brought Taiyo to a spot on the dance floor.
"Like, oh my God! Dance with me!" A ditzy blonde said to Deidara, giggling like a maniac.
Casana of course stepped in. "Sorry, he's mine." She cast a glare for good measure and the girl ran off.
Once the music started to pick up everyone joined the dance floor and started to dance. As the night went on, the dancing got a bit wilder and a bit dirtier. As it got later the kids started to grow tired and a few drifted away from the dance floor.
Shippo had his arms wrapped around Teah and gave her a soft kiss. He loved the prom but it made him sad. He reminded him it was the end of year, he didn't want the year to end. What if he didn't get into the same collage as Teah? He sighed and put his forehead against hers. "I love you."
"I love you too." Teah whispered and smiled. "You feeling all right?"
It was hard to believe it was already pretty much the end of the school year, all of them graduating and moving on to college. It was going to be quite an adjustment for all of them.
Teah had initially planned to go back to Ireland to attend college, but she was happy here now so she'd applied at the town's college. Finishing school here had been different, but she didn't regret one day.
She was happy.
Shippo gave her a warm smile and nuzzled her neck. "I'm worried. What if I don't get in to the same collage as you? You're a whole lot smarter then I am…what I the gang has to split up? This….is the first time I've ever had real friends, I don't want to lose them…" His eyes closed and he chuckled. "I sound like a whinny bitch don't I? It's just….if you go away what if someone steals your heart? I…." His eyes opened and gazed into her. "I never want to lose the one I love Teah"
"Awww..." Teah said sympathetically and kissed his cheek. "Don't say that. As far as I know, most of us are going to Shinobi College anyway, and I'm not going anywhere either. To be honest at the beginning of the year I wanted to go back to Ireland to go to college, but now I want to stay here. You'll make it, I promise. I'll sure be sad if the gang splits too...oh well, that's life sometimes I guess. But don't worry, no other guy could ever steal my heart like you did. Even if things don't work out between us, I wouldn't be able to look at a guy the same way I did you, you'd always be in there in my heart." She giggled. "But hey, we're here now and we'll all do what it takes to stick together. I love you, and I'm not going anywhere."
---
The night was long and tiring. After everyone danced (Taiyo being as evil as she was gave Teah and Shippo a spotlight dance) to their heart contents the students finally headed out to either hotels or rides. The gang thankfully all left in the limo. Each couple slowly left till it was just Shippo and Teah. When they reached her stop Shippo paid the driver then walked towards the girl's house.
"What a night" They walked to the porch and the boy loosely wrapped his arms around the girl. "Did you have fun?"
Teah grinned and wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling his cheek as she liked to do. "Of course I had fun! All the gang being together, and especially dancing with you. I swear I was on Cloud Nine!" She pulled back a bit and giggled. "Oh, and I just remembered. This fall will mark us being together for one year. Amazing, isn't it?"
Now there was a full summer ahead of them, and they could all spend as much time together as they wanted to.
Shippo nodded and chuckled gently. "Well dear, sadly this is where we must part. I'm glad you had a good time, so did I" He pulled the girl close and gave a soft smile before deeply kissing her, though he sadly he had to pull away and hugged her. "Good night…" Kissing her forehead he reluctantly let go of the girl and walked down the path to the street. He stole one glance back, then walked down the street.
Once he was down the street the boy could only smile. He threw the jacket over his shoulder and let the tie hang untied on his neck. The whole walk home he had a big smile. He still couldn't belive how lucky he was to have a girl like Teah. He truly wished to spend collage with her, which only meant one thing. It was time to hit the books, which he hated, but it was worth it for the love of his life, his Princess.