AN: Finally! I made it within the single digit date! Ah, I fear... I may be stoned for this chapter, but if you want more you will leave me ALIVE! So, now being that it is late, I will not ramble and let you read your fill! Mata ne~~!

Note: Suna Akurei, Hyūga Hisae, Kojika Nara © Anna Uzumaki

Pairing(s): Naruto/Sasuke With: Neji/Gaara, Shika/Kiba, Sakura/Lee, Hinata/Shino, Ino/Choji, Kankuro/Kojika, Temari/Tenten, Itachi/Kyuubi, Hidan/Kakuzo, Pein/Konan, Deidara/Sasori. later mentioned pairings.

Warning(s): Yaoi, lemon(s) in later chapters, sexual content (Duh!), slight nuggets of OOC-ness (bear with me), adult language, blood/gore, angst, drama, possible rape and KARMA.

Disclaimer: Naruto © Masashi Kishimoto

Chapter 10

September {Week 1}

Gackt- Fragrance

M.P.O.V {Multiple points of view}

S.P.O.V {Sasuke point of view}

God, it's already September? The semester is already half over, so it's obviously too late to transfer out of that idiots classes. I… I still can't even believe this, how could he? And with Hinata no less!? Hell, with anyone! And does he really expect me to answer his calls? The last thing I want to do is talk to that bastard, let alone be around him and now thanks to him, the guys are confused as to why I'm avoiding him like the plague he is! Sure, everyone is already use to the two of us fighting and then breaking up, only to turn around the next week and get back together, but this time it's different and I'm positive everyone, especially Itachi and Kyuubi, can practically feel the tension rolling off of us whenever we're forced to be around each other. Forced, being that I've made dammed sure not to be around him for much longer than needed or better yet, am made to be, like being in class or being driven to campus by Itachi or Kyuu, since none of us on line are still not allowed to drive, but thankfully that was going to change this week. However, no matter who or how many times anyone asked me, I'm not sayin' much as to the reason for our falling out…. Hn, though, some of our friends didn't even bother to ask, most likely their reason being that they thought this would be something that would blow over in a few days, but how wrong they are. I'm so determined to avoid that sorry idiot at all cost, that I'm even hiding out in the hospital lab with Shikamaru despite Tsunade's orders. I'm so damn thankful that this is my last week here!

"….. You know, one of you is goin' to have to tell us at some point of what's goin' between you two." Shika spoke up rather abruptly, being that he was currently peering through a microscope and the lab was surprisingly vacant, and since neither of us was talking, it was very quiet.

"Hn…" Was the only reply, already knowing what he was talking about, I gave as I looked over some lab reports with nothing else to do, well, I would've had something to do if I had been in the department that I was originally assigned to, but like I like I said, I am determined to being anywhere other than where the whisker faced bastard could be, hell, it even took me a few days of trial and error, before I found that being down in the lab with Shikamaru was the only safe place.

"Geez…" Shika sighed as he leaned away from the instrument, "You two are so troublesome, neither one of you will tell us what's wrong… you never know, we might be able to help smooth things over between you two, like we have before." He continued and leaned back in his chair while stifling a yawn.

"Doubtful…" I murmured and flipped through another file.

"Sasuke, you two can't stay this way forev-" Shikamaru began to say before I quickly cut him off.

"Yes I can, and stop lumping me up with him." I warned him and snapped the folder shut.

"You can?" Shika repeated, "So it's his fault this time around, huh…" He sighed, easily guessing correctly, maybe he was the wrong person to be around.

"Whatever…" I shrugged and rolled my chair to another lab table, I seriously didn't want to talk about the situation right now. I'm still not even in control of my emotions, which really is surprising to me, I mean, I'm an Uchiha for crying aloud! My pride should be winning over this crap!

"Tsk, Sasuke cut the crap!" Shika surprised me by snapping, "Your friends are tryin' to help you guys out and all you're doin' is practically bitin' everyone's head off that tries and all Naruto is doin' is sulking around like a zombie! We've helped you guys out in the past, now why is it so different this time?" He questioned with apparent irritation.

"Will you just drop it Shika? It doesn't matter…" I narrowed his eyes at him. 'I swear, everyone just needs to mind their own business….' I inwardly growled.

"Bull. Shit." Shika rebutted, "It's obviously somethin' that you guys don't want everyone to know about, so, just tell me. I swear it'll be just between you and me." He pinched his nose in weariness.

"….. It doesn't matter." I repeated and rolled my eyes to the ceiling.

"If it doesn't, then I see no reason why you can tell me." Shikamaru stated. Smart response, but still…..

"….. Shika, if I tell you, will you shut up?" I growled, I swear if it will get him to shut the hell up, I'll mention…. what I can.

"Depends…." Shika shrugged.

"Bastard," I groaned and tried to think of the simplest way to tell him, "Basically….. he- he waited months just to tell me that he cheated on me." I said in one quick breath and tried my best to conceal the hurt that came from mentioning it aloud. God how it fuckin' hurt! It literally felt like I was being stabbed in my heart!

"….. Naruto did?! What? When? With who!?" Shikamaru shot ramrod straight in his chair with wide eyes, his face clearly displayed that he found it damn near illogical that his blonde idiot of a friend would do such a thing…. But how wrong he was.

"Shika…." I sighed and let my head fall into my hands, this whole ordeal is exhausting me to no end.

"Sasuke, if you think for one second that I'm gonna let this go so easily, you must be as oblivious as Kiba." Shika stated with a serious look.

"I know, but look Shika, I don't feel like talkin' about this right now…." I told him around my hands.

"Too bad, 'cause I'm not shuttin' up until you tell me." Shika rebutted. Odd, he was usually so damn lazy, so now why is he so damn persistent!?

"….. It was durin' the summer trip to the cabin." I finally mumbled after a brief moment of silence. 'I knew I should've just kept my mouth shut.' I mentally scolded himself.

"….. Wait…. What?" Shika deadpanned and for the first time, in probably ever, he looked genuinely confused, "But, it was just the crew there this time…" He trailed off, still confused.

"Yeah, remember when he got drunk and went missin'? Apparently he did it then…" I pointed out in a thick voice, and was thankful that I still had my face covered because I didn't want the Nara to see the tears of hurt pooling into my hands…. I'm so pathetic.

"But… where the hell… who? Do you know who…" Shika let his question trail off, obviously expecting me to give him an answer. For the second time, how wrong he was.

"Ugh, Shikamaru, does it really matter who it was? He cheated, that's all there is to it!" I slyly wiped my tears away and looked up at my concerned friend with a tired look.

"Ah, well, yeah I guess," Shika furrowed his brows, "But, still…" He shook his head tiredly.

"….. yeah….." I sighed and leaned back in my chair just as two other staff members walked into the lab, which to my great relief caused the end of our conversation. Maybe I should just head home early.

H.P.O.V. {Hinata point of view}

6:20pm

A trip to the mall, finally, we girls get a much needed break away from the crazy pledging tasks that Temari and Tayuya have been putting us trough. Though we had roughly two whole days to ourselves before we found out if we made into the sororities that we are aiming for, but the main reason for this outing was that Sakura and Ino wanted to get some, as they put it "much needed shopping" done. Though Tenten had put up a small fuss about going shopping instead of seeing the guys, she sucked it up and went along with them, although I somewhat felt the same as Tenten, the main thing I wanted to do was stay home and rest from the pledging, but I guess with the future to think about, I also needed to do some clothes shopping as well. It is getting colder after all.

"Good lord! Why does the mall have to be so crazy today!?" Ino exclaimed with frustration gracing her features.

"Cha! I know! Sale or not, this is ridiculous!" Sakura agreed and flopped down into one of the few vacant tables in the food court.

"Well there is a s-sale going on, that explains a lot." I spoke up and eagerly sat down next to my pink haired friend.

"If you're tired of the crowd, then why don't we leave now? You all are already loaded down with clothes!" Tenten mentioned with a pointed look at the three of us and our various bags, heheh, she kinda had a point.

"As if!" Sakura and Ino exclaimed in disbelief, then laughed at the coincidence.

"Heheh, well can w-we at least rest for a bit? I'm k-kinda exhausted." I giggled and exaggerated a tired sigh, which successfully made the others laugh at the action.

"Okay, okay! For your health, we'll break for a while." Ino nodded and looked around the food court, more than likely in hopes of finding a suitable place to eat from.

"You feelin' alright though, Hinata? We can really go home if you're not." Sakura furrowed her brow in concern at me.

"Oh no, don't t-turn into Neji." I widened my eyes in mock horror. I already had Neji, mother and father practically breathing down my neck every time I sneezed! I did not need her, or anyone else, to worry either.

"Real funny, I'm serious though. If you start feelin' funny you tell me!" Sakura rolled her eyes, before giving me a final warning.

"Aye, aye ma'am!" I saluted her, earning yet another eye roll.

"Well, now that that's settled, we should take turns in getting our food. If we all leave at once, there's no doubt someone else will take our table." Tenten mention with a look around the packed court and then frowned.

"I totally agree. So, you can go first if you want to, I don't trust billboard-brow here with my clothes." Ino offered and eyed her step-sister suspiciously, who was now glaring at her as well.

"I'll go, I'm not too h-hungry, so I'll just get something to drink." I volunteered with a grin and stood along with my bun haired friend, leaving Ino and Sakura to screech back and forth. As Tenten lead the way to a pizza and pasta station, squeezing in between people and chairs, I followed close behind not wanting to let the gap made by her close due to the crowd. Though once we finally made it through the throng of people and to station, I was even more exhausted than before and, though I wouldn't admit it, I was actually starting to feel lightheaded.

"My god, why the hell does the line decide to get longer as soon as I get here?" Tenten groaned and crossed her arms in annoyance.

"B-bad luck I-I guess." I said breathlessly, despite trying to cover my exhaustion and even stumbling over my words even more. I found it funny that I could think clearly, but when I tried to speak my shyness would still get the best of me. 'Come on Hinata, pull yourself together.' I mentally ordered myself.

"Hinata, look I don't want to turn into Neji, but you should just sit and rest, I'll get you something to drink." Tenten place a hand on my shoulder in concern.

"Hahah, I'm n-not an invalid you know, I'm f-fine." I waved off her concern and tried my best to gather some kind of energy back.

"Alright," Tenten said slowly and gave me an appraising look, "If you say so." She finished and turned to find that it was her turn to order. Once we had received our orders, I instead lead the way back through the crowd and to our table, where we wordlessly traded positions with Sakura and Ino. However, once me and Tenten had sat down, the strong aroma of the garlicky pasta and breadsticks that Tenten had gotten made my stomach clench and turn, to which I quickly covered my mouth and nose with one hand to block the scent.

"Geez, that s-stuff if strong Tenten…" I stated through my hand. 'Oh gosh, I feel sick now.' I thought quietly.

"Huh? You think so?" Tenten furrowed her brows and sniffed at the plate and only received a quick nod from me as she looked up, "You must be hangin' with Kiba too much, it really doesn't smell that strong." She mentioned with a laugh and proceeded to eat a fork full of the pasta, at which my stomach flipped to even more for the oddest reason and… that did it.

"Ugh… oh n-no…." I mumbled before quickly getting up and running to the restroom, ignoring the complaints I received from bumping into others, I would apologize to them like crazy later. Once I made it to the bathroom, I was surprised and thankful to find an empty stall and quickly retreated into it before dry vomiting into the toilet. I stayed hunched over the toilet long enough to feel certain that I wasn't going to vomit, though I actually didn't throw up to begin with. "T-that was horrible…. I really must be exhausted." I sighed to myself and place a hand on my racing heart, "Maybe I should take my medication again…" I wondered aloud and exited the stall, only to be ambushed by Sakura and Ino as soon as I did.

"Hinata!" Both of them exclaimed.

"Are you okay? I told you to tell me if you started to feel sick!" Sakura hurled the words out so fast that they almost became one.

"I-I wasn't feeling s-sick, really it was just r-random… I don't k-know. I wasn't n-nauseous or anything." I explained with my hands raised in defense.

"Random or not, we're leavin' now. Better safe than sorry, okay? Now let's get going." Ino ordered, not even pausing enough for me to protest. So, with a defeated sigh, I nodded and followed the two back to retrieve Tenten and our shopping bags, then out to the parking deck and back to the apartment building I lived in with a few of our friends. My family stayed in the same building as the Uzumaki's, Uchiha's, the Nara's, the Inuzuka's and Gaara. Ino and Sakura lived together in another sister building to ours and Tenten lived across town with Lee near their dads, Guy, gym. As we finally reached the building Ino accompanied me, despite how reluctant I was, up to my room after a brief fuss over her carrying my shopping bags, until I ultimately gave in and let her carry them.

"Promise me you'll take it easy and I won't mention this to Neji, okay?" Ino wagered in a low voice as we stood in front of my apartment, she clearly didn't want to risk Neji somehow overhearing.

"Okay, o-kay… I promise." I sighed with a nod and promptly turned to head inside, which was unsurprisingly dark. I figured that mother and father would be at the office around this time and since the lights were off, I assumed it meant that Neji was elsewhere as well. So, without even bothering to turn the lights on, I tiredly made my way to the huge sectional couch and plopped down on it and turned on the TV with no real intention of watching anything. "I wonder if Neji is still out with the line…" I wondered idly, though with the mention of the line, I remembered the falling out between Sasuke and Naruto during the guys' last trip to the club. Neither me or the other girls had been giving enough time to actually be around the guys to see firsthand the tension between the two, so we only heard from Neji, Kiba, Shika and Gaara on what they have been witnessing.

"I wonder w-what happened between them…." I spoke quietly to myself before a sudden, and terrifying, possibility popped into my head, "oh no… I w-wonder if N-Naruto told Sasuke…. Oh g-gosh!" I stuttered horribly and pressed my fingers together in a nervous action, I still haven't even mustered up the courage to admit to Shino yet and now with Naruto and Sasuke being at war, I am even more reluctant to even mention it to my more than loving boyfriend. I know I should tell him, it obviously the right thing to do… but, it happened so long ago, that it could possibly hurt him more to know that I kept it secret from him for all this time! Heck, I haven't even told Neji and I usually go to him with most of the problems I have. He would probably throw me over the balcony…. no, he would definitely throw Naruto not just from the balcony, but from the very roof of the building! Oh gosh, this—I knew things would be chaotic…. I'm just the worst, maybe I should've died back then…..

A high kneeing sound, glass flying and then darkness, followed by a familiar voice,"… -nata, Hinata, wake up!" I know this voice, but why does it sound so frantic? And why is it calling me in such a way? "Hinata, wake up." Neji's voice prompted again, only this time it was much clearer and completely calm.

"H-huh, Neji what…" I looked at him in confusion and looked around to see that I was lying on the couch, 'Oh, a dream... When did I fall asleep?' I mentally shook my head clear of the unwanted nightmare.

"Don't just fall asleep on the couch like that, are you tryin' to give me a heart attack?" Neji sighed from his kneeling position in front of me, "Uh, I didn't mean anything by that!" He suddenly covered himself, I swear, my brother….

"I didn't m-mean to, I was watching TV and f-fell asleep I guess." I explained and sat upright, "Neji, you s-seriously need to relax." I continued with a small smile, knowing that he was just concerned.

"Yeah, yeah, relax… gotcha!" Neji stood, I didn't miss the eye roll he gave me, and instead took a seat beside me on the couch and began flipping through the channels…. I wonder if I should bring that situation up.

"Neji….." I began to say, but chickened out. I had every right to do so, seeing or rather hearing about Sasuke and Naruto had me on edge. I know Naruto must've beaten himself up over how to tell Sasuke and now, if he did, just look at them! It's as if they're sworn enemies! I don't want to be that way with Shino…. But, maybe… no, I am just being selfish.

"What? What's wrong?" Neji directed all of his attention towards me as soon as I spoke, I really wish he would just calm down.

"….. I forgot, heheh," I lied and giggled nervously, "I'll r-remember what it was l-later." I continued and turned towards the TV, I fought hard to keep a straight face because I knew he was still looking at me, no doubt confused. 'Maybe I should talk to Naruto first… maybe he'll tell me of all people what's going on…' I thought… should I ask for him to come to my place or meet at his? But, before I could think much more on my plotting, Neji spoke up.

"Hinata, Gaara and I are goin' to be heading out later. I'm pretty sure mother and father are staying late again tonight, so are you good to be alone for a while?" Neji mentioned and then turned on the protective brother front once again… actually, I'm pretty sure it never really even left, it just dulled down a bit at times.

"Oh r-right, it's you guys anniversary…. B-but, I'll be fine, I'll s-see if Shino is free or something." I smiled at him and ignored the uncomfortable look he had when I mentioned Shino. Sure, he valued Shino as a friend, but I'm still his sister at the end of the day and with Shino being a boy…. It's pretty self-explanatory.

"Great…" Neji sighed and once again stood, "but make sure you don't do anythin' to… extensive. I don't want to risk you goin' back to Tsunade." He warned and wisely ducked as I threw a pillow at his head.

"J-just g-go!" I blushed terribly at his sly attempt at telling me not to have sex, I could care less about the concern for my health, and I just hated it when he mentioned… that with Shino! That's no conversation I want to have with him!

"Hahah," He laughed and retreated to his room down the hall, "But I'm serious!" He yelled again just before shutting his bedroom door. Though, as soon as he shut his door, one major thought popped into my head and that was, if he and Gaara had time to be alone, then so did Naruto. I could still have Shino over, and would, but I really wanted… no, needed to talk to Naruto and now, as soon as Neji leaves that is, would be the perfect time. So while he was getting ready to go wherever with Gaara, I would take this chance to text Naruto.

"Hey, are you busy?" I text him, with slightly trembling fingers, and nervously awaited reply. I could be the only person to make it possible to stutter through a text message!

"Oi, uh… I guess not really, what's up?" He replied after what seemed like an eternity, but was actually no more than two minutes. Now, just how am I supposed to ask him to come over, I mean, sure we're friends and I can just ask. But ever since we messed up and slept together, things always felt a bit awkward between us… well, to me at least. Actually, I shouldn't beat around the bush any longer, I might as well just ask.

"Um, I need to talk to you actually." I replied after a couple of minutes with my hand over my thudding heart. If I didn't calm myself and quick, Neji really will have to take to the hospital.

"….. Are you sure now is a good time Hinata?" Naruto questioned after another few moments. He was obviously taking time to think of how to respond.

"It's the only time really… you guys are always so busy. So, since Neji is going out somewhere with Gaara soon…." I explained and really couldn't think of how to finish the text, due to Gaara nearly giving me a heart attack when he knocked and entered at the same time.

"Oh, Hinata, it's good to finally see you again… I didn't scare you did I?" Gaara smiled and looked at me with wide eyes.

"Same to y-you, and… hah, you k-kinda did." I admitted with a grin. 'Seriously, he scared the heck out of me!' I mentally crumbled from the shock.

"I'm really sorry, please don't tell Neji. He'd rip me a new one." Gaara apologized and pinched his nose, we both knew Neji wouldn't really hurt him, but he certainly would make a fuss out of it. But just as I was going to respond, my phone vibrated at the same time that I was nearly scared out of my skin for the second time within two minutes.

"Too late," Neji mentioned from behind me on the couch, making me and Gaara both jump in surprise. Since Gaara was still by the door, he couldn't see Neji approaching, "Now, let's go so my sister can get some rest and so I can indeed rip you a new one." He ordered with a smack to Gaara's butt, I'll pretend I didn't see that thank you very much, and with a final adieu left me to myself and my unanswered text.

"Right… I guess just text me when he leaves." Naruto had replied.

"You can come now, he just left…. Thank you." I text back and thanked him in advance, I didn't know how I was planning on asking him, but for the time being I seemed to be on a roll with being straightforward. So I could only hope that it would last throughout his visit.

"No prob, see you in a min." He sent his final reply and a few minutes later he was knocking on the door. I was practically a marble statue on the couch with all the nerves wracking though my body, even though I had summoned up the courage to text him to come over, I still hadn't planned what on earth I was planning on asking him when he got here…. To be honest, I couldn't think much as it was. But, with some sort of auto-drive kicking in, I managed to lift myself from the couch and let him in.

"Um…" I uttered, still not sure of what to say, and just stood there like an idiot.

"Hah, Hinata, ya look like you've just witnessed an explosion." Naruto chuckled, and that did it, that laugh, it always managed to calm me down even after all this time.

"Oh s-shut up… come on in." I could feel the blush go across my cheeks, and stepped aside to let him in. But just before I turned to go in, I heard the elevator ding and looked down the hall just in time to see it close… that was odd, it should've already closed seeing as how Naruto had already gotten off a while ago… maybe someone got the wrong floor? Well, that doesn't matter, what mattered now was how or what I was going to say to Naruto who was now sitting on the couch waiting for me to say something, I know what I wanted to talk about… but how to start…. I'm sure sitting here will get awkward soon to.

"Hinata," Naruto sighed, "If you called me here to talk about me and Sasuke… I'm pretty sure you already guessed what's goin' on." He finished in a heavy exhale. Well, if it's indeed what I think it is…

"O-oh… well, I-I actually…" I really need to stop tripping over my words, "I-I'm sorry…" I lamely managed to say, after all, what else could I say?

"…. You're not to blame…. and neither am I." He sighed again after some apparent thought, "We were just… drunk, and it backfired like hell….. haa, I doubt you've even told Shino, huh?" He asked, literally yanking the thought out of my head.

"N-no…. I-I can't… I m-mean…" I stuttered so bad that I nearly bit my tongue right off.

"Yeah, yeah… I know, you don't want to end up like me and Sasuke… but, ya know Hinata, keepin' it secret isn't good. Hell, the main reason why Sasuke is probably so pissed at me, is because I kept it from him for so long." Naruto said as he hung his head over the back of the couch. Even though I couldn't see his face, I could hear the subdued anguish in every word…. But, he just didn't understand…. even if I tell Shino….

"N-Naruto… I k-know, b-but… t-telling him i-isn't my g-greatest fear…." I somehow managed to get out and I knew at this point that my face was tomato red. And the tears that started flowing down my face really didn't help in any of my efforts.

"Hinata?" Naruto said quietly.

AN: Ahem, w-well... there you have it! Please, just curse me for leaving a cliff hanger! You all will get the fill soon enough! *runs off*

Reason for song: Such faults cause a person to question their own existence.

Please note: Kojika Nara, Suna Akurei, Hyūga Hisae are mine, well my versions of Neji, Hinata and Gaara's parents names, as well as Shikamaru's sister's name. But mine none the less.

- Anna Uzumaki