"What's your name?" I lowered my tiny hands so I could look at the voice in front of me, my vision obscured by tears. Sniffling, I replied.
"S-sakura," the girl in front of me smiled, moving to sit on my bed beside me.
"Why are you crying, Sakura?" I tried to keep my voice strong, I hate crying. Her hair is a light purple, it's almost as odd as my bright pink. I can tell it was dyed though, her hair doesn't match her eyebrows.
"T-they didn't want m-m-m-e," I hiccuped, "the man and lady who came to the orphanage."The corners of my eyes started to burn again with tears, I have been here for so long, why doesn't anyone want me? The girl frowned her legs swaying back and forth over the edge.
"Well Sakura, do you have any friends? Maybe you could make your own family , you don't need a mom and dad." The way she talked made me feel better, and I forgot about my crying to think for a moment.
"I don't have any friends," the only friend I had was adopted not long ago, I am incredibly lonely by myself, thinking about her almost sent me back over the edge into tears again.
"Then I'll be your friend and we can be a family! A real family!" She exclaimed, a massive smile overtaking her baby-ish face.
"Yeah!" I grinned back, wiping my fear stained face with the back of my hand.
"Oi, you ever gonna wake the fuck up?" Blinking, I opened my eyes, it's light out, why is it light out when I'm waking up? Soft cloth ran under my fingers; where am I? Slowly, I lifted my head, looking around; brown walls surround me with very little decoration to dictate an owner. Under me are bright red sheets, silky smooth with some sort of expensive fabric. A computer desk is sitting across from me, and the floor is covered with random, forgotten, items.
"Where am I?" I mumbled, drowsy. My head is pounding, and my tongue feels swollen.
"You're at my house, you passed out on me. I tried to call your home, but no one picked up. I couldn't just leave you lying there, and school was let out by the time I was able to carry you there." Turning my gaze I located the direction of the voice, Tayuya sat on a computer chair in the corner. The back of the chair facing me, her arms crossed over the back, chin resting on top. This doesn't make sense, why would Tayuya help me?
She yawned, eyes squeezing shut. The redhead is wearing torn jeans and a tight t-shirt with a dead smiley-face on it. What happened? The last thing I remember, Ino had fallen into the pool and then..
"Ow..." I moaned, as I heard my heartbeat pound in my ears. Trying to shake it off, which only resulted in a heavier pounding, I swung my feet over the side of the bed.
"You probably shouldn't try to get up." She offered, watching me with half hidden concern, ready to snatch back any show of sympathy is I made any move that I noticed.
"Why did you help me?" I asked to distract myself, alright so after Ino fell into the pool, the boys gym class walked in and then...
"I already told you, fuck! Weren't you listening? I said I couldn't just leave you there." Tayuya snapped, annoyed.
"Right, thanks..." An awkward silence stretched on, neither of us really knowing what to say.
"Look, is there anyone I can call for you? Like I said before, no one picked up when I called your house." I sighed, Anko is probably too drunk to pick up the phone, or she's not home which is a scarier thought.
"No, it's alright I can find my way home." Shakily, I pushed up, hands sliding over the slippery fabric. Once I accomplished raising myself onto my feet, my head started to pound, weighing me down, as the room started to spin. I took in a deep breath, the air feeling thick as it refused to cooperate, my arms dangled uselessly by my sides, invisible chains pulling them down and straining against my shaking legs.
"I don't think that's a good idea..." Tayuya said tentatively, watching me sway. Her brown eyes shone in the soft lighting of her room, censored concern evident but not submittable.
"I'll be fine, thank you." I mumbled, trying to smile reassuringly, feeling no more desire to stay in the evil redhead's presence any longer than she wanted me around. Or at all really.
"Well alright," her eyes still uncertain as she twirled on her chair, moving to open the bedroom door for me. Tayuya led me down the hall to the front door, I had to steady myself against the hallway walls a few times, following her slowly. "Urg, fuck! This is fucking stupid, I'll walk you home, lets go!" Without waiting for a reply Tayuya slipped an arm around my waist and practically carried me out the door, pulling it shut behind her. I wanted to protest, but let's face it – I can barely stand up. So instead I grumbled a soft protest for my dignity and hid a growing blush, ignoring the stoic face Tayuya was wearing.
Walking home seemed to take an eternity, I could barely make sense of where we were, and constantly gave poor directions or took a long time to decide. I must have a concussion, that's what it certainly feels like anyways and it isn't the first time.
Finally I spotted my apartment building and we entered through the front doors, I looked over at the front desk, slightly disappointed Tsunade wasn't there. I was hoping for salvation from the older blonde but I guess today just really isn't my day.
Going up the stairs seemed to take even longer, which I protested doing in the first place, but Tayuya insisted letting me walk up stairs alone wasn't a good idea either. To her credit she only swore at me about three or four times when I nearly dragged us both down. When are they going to fix that damn elevator? Finally reaching my floor, I looked down to my apartment. I really don't want her to come inside or see Anko.
"I can make it from here," Tayuya snorted and shook her head, making no move to let me go as we walked down the hallway. "Really, I'm..."
"Oh just shut up, I'm making sure you get inside, got it? Fuck!" I twitched, irritated at her senseless thwarting of my attempts to get away from her.
The door is unlocked, which is both a blessing and a curse, since my bag is still at school. So, if Anko didn't answer the door, we would have had to try to find Tsunade, leading back to my original salvation.
Tayuya pushed the door open with her free hand, looking around with her eyes squinted. It's dark in the apartment, per usual and reeks compared to outside. I can tell Tayuya is thinking the same thing, as her nose crinkles up and she sniffs subtly.
Tayuya starts to look around, curious, but trying not to make it too obvious. Eyes scanning the filthy kitchen, taking in the war zone appearance, the bottles brimming the garbage can and the film covered floors. I flushed with embarrassment, wishing for the umpteenth time that she would have left me in the lobby or simply let me walk home alone.
"Hello?" Tayuya called, no one answered. Her arm still around my waist, she tightened her hold and I was distinctly aware of her fingers on the fabric of my shirt. We walked past the kitchen, subtly I looked towards the living room, trying to spot Anko on the couch. Tayuya stiffened, and I let out a defeated sigh, well she see's her now, might as well do some damage control.
"My rooms this way," I mumble unenthusiastically, turning so we started for the hallway, successfully tugging her after me when she didn't let go.
"Uh, yeah..." Slowly, she managed to peel her eyes off the prone form on the couch, eying the empty bottles littered in front of her, before gingerly stepping over them.
Sitting down heavily on my bed, I let myself fall back against the comforters, finally able to relax while being surrounded in familiar smells and sites. Tayuya started looking around, obviously uncomfortable, she lingered on the desk under my window before turning in spot to take in everything about the room. There's something on her mind, its written all over her face, I shouldn't feel so guilty, it's her own fault for not taking my warning.
She's probably already making a list of things she can tell the people around school, not that it can really can't get much worse after what Ino did today. School was bad enough before today, how am I suppose to fix this?
"Look, I don't normally care and we aren't friends or nothin'... But are you sure you're gonna be okay? It's just," her eyes flickered back to my door. "Fuck man." I gave her an unimpressed look, at least her vocabulary seems to be developed.
"It's fine, this is normal," I replied, rolling my shoulders, I feel incredibly stiff like someone has taped sticks to all of my limbs, my head is starting to hurt less though. Tayuya started to visibly debate leaving, shifting her weight back and forth as if by an invisible tug-of-war rope that was tied to both arms; one end connected to her left from me, and the other from the door and her salvation.
"I'm staying the night." She suddenly states, not seeing the need to ask if it was alright, or if we had anywhere for her to sleep. No, it's totally normal for a complete stranger to invite themselves into your home and then spend the night without asking.
"Huh? Why?"
"Because, you look really messed up, like totally out of it, and I don't think you would get any help. If you, y'know, needed it." Her cheeks flushed slightly, rubbing her forearm as she stared at the walls, unwilling to meet my incredulous look.
"Won't your parents be pissed?" I questioned, hoping beyond reason that she hadn't thought of that yet. I know you are trying to be nice, or thoughtful, or whatever it is your kind does that isn't unquestionably bitchy. But I'd really just prefer if you left and I didn't have to play babysitter to two people rather than just one. I don't have a place for you to sleep, I don't have anything for you to eat for dinner or breakfast. I don't have a spare set of pajama's... I don't even know your last name!
"I'll just text my mom, she won't care." Sure enough she grabbed her phone out of her cargo pants, thumb quickly punching in keys before hitting enter and shoving it back into her pocket. Letting out an audible sigh, I looked out at the sunset bathing my desk in a warm glow. I don't even have any strength to protest, nor does it seem like it would matter even if I did. Tayuya seems to do what she wants, when she wants to, and folly to those who think they can stand in her way.
"Alright, you win." Unable to stop an insane, unexplained smile I fell back against the pillows, fully intending to rest my eyes a little before finding her a place to sleep. Just a few minutes, to rid myself of the pounding behind my eyes.
I was asleep without another thought.
GET UP! GET UP! GET UP! GET UP! GET UP!
"What the fuck? Oi, Sakura!" Tayuya screamed from beside me, a list of profanities flying off her tongue. Wait, beside me? My eyes snapped open, taking in the redhead is sitting beside me, glaring furiously at the alarm clock in her hands. Tayuya began slamming her hand down on the top of my alarm, repeatably, in her furious attempt to make it stop.
"It's fucking five forty-five! Why is your fucking alarm going off at five forty-five?" She growled. I smiled in response, letting out a defeated sigh as I rubbed my eyes. Somehow it is rather amusing to listen to her, even if my neighbors are going to complain about all the screaming before the sun is up.
Her eyes continued to shoot daggers at the clock, hair sticking out awkwardly with bed head.
"This is when I usually get up, I'm usually at school before six-thirty." Tayuya gaped at me, moving cross her legs sitting on top of the sheets, alarm still clutched in her grasp. I hope she doesn't break it, I really do like that alarm clock. "Why are you in my bed?"
"Well, I couldn't really take the couch... I wasn't gonna sleep on the floor, and you passed out again before I could ask you where I could sleep." Already grouchy, she tossed Brian – none too gently - back onto my side table.
Figuring it wasn't a point of argument, I start to test my arms and legs. They feel a lot lighter than last night, that's good. My head feels clear as well, only a dull headache, I noted both improvements with a smile and pushed myself up to begin the day. Random redhead in my bed or not.
Getting up I started to root through my clothes, picking out a new top and shorts. I ran my fingers over the top of a new shirt, letting out an audible yawn before shoulder checking to see if the redhead is watching. Tayuya thankfully isn't paying attention, that would have been awkward, if I had randomly started to strip and hadn't even thought to see if she was watching. I mean all she'd see is my pasty back but still.
Her back is turned to me, having returned to lying back down on the sheets. Apparently trying to get back to sleep. Quickly, I changed out of my old clothes, tossing them into the hamper and pulling a new shirt over my head, stepping into a pair of clean beige shorts as well.
"I'll be right back," I muttered in Tayuya's direction, opening the door. Tayuya groaned in reply but otherwise didn't move or react.
Stepping down into hallway, I quietly shut my bedroom door and tiptoed into the bathroom, eager to check the damage to my face.
There are bags under my eyes, which is odd considering I've gotten a lot of sleep, being passed out for a few hours, followed by an early night and whatnot. The bruise on my cheek has turned greenish, my chin following example in trying to make y face a rainbow by turning a sickly purple. If I could find orange and yellow somewhere I'd have the full array.
There's a scab on my lip, and I noted while leaning closer to my mirror, tiny feathery cuts over top of the green bruise. I guess they're from when I had passed out the first time.
I turned the tap until cold water streamed out of the nozzle, and splashed my face with the ice cold refresher, instantly feeling much more awake. Following routine, I reached over and grabbed my toothbrush, and began scrubbing my teeth and tongue.
I guess I should take care of Anko before I wake up Tayuya... again. I let out an audible sigh, not really wanting to have to deal with either of them and spat out the used toothpaste into the basin.
Silently, I tiptoed my way into the living room, I'm not really sure why, if Tayuya's screaming hasn't woken her I certainly won't. I could probably turn on some music, making breakfast while banging pans together and she still won't wake up.
Grabbing bottles off the floor, the table, and anywhere else they were tossed, I started going through the motions of emptying the ones that still had liquor in them, and then throwing them all into the trash. This has become a routine I'm far too familiar with, and probably one I really shouldn't be.
Six o'clock. Normally around this time I'd be grabbing my backpack and running down the stairs, but... I guess I could give Tayuya another ten minutes. Return the favor for helping me, not because I'm slightly scared of waking her up.
In my effort to waste time, I decided to busy myself by cleaning the kitchen, scrubbing dishes that long since have had food fossilized on their porcelain surfaces. Throwing out trash, washing the counter tops and going through the fridge, scent testing questionable food. I ended up gagging at a green container of something, it's either left over macaroni or meatloaf. Well, more deterrence for fishing liquor bottles out of the garbage I guess. In it goes.
Six thirty. I started to drum my fingers restlessly on my thighs, I was never one for idling for too long, especially in the morning. Letting out a deep sigh, I prepared myself for the protest I could already here coming. Bravely, I ventured back into my room and took a hold of Tayuya's shoulder, attempting to shake her awake and still be far enough to jump out of the way if were to take a swing at me. Groaning, she hugged the pillow tighter, scrunching up her eyes in an attempt to ignore her second wake up for the day.
"Hey, Tayuya, wake up." I whispered, half hoping she wouldn't hear me, or just continue to ignore me, so I could leave with a clean conscience that I had tried to get her to school. Only the thought of her waking Anko made me try at all.
"Fuck you! Why? School isn't for two hours!" Tayuya snarled, pressing her face against the fabric.
"Well we need to go by your place so you can change... and I have schoolwork I have to do. I left my book bag at school." So... get up? Letting out a deep huff, she pressing up from the bed, standing on fours and fixing me with a dark glare and baggy eyes.
"Fine!" Tayuya snapped, rolling off my bed and stalking out of the room, a string of curses running off her tongue.
~o~
Within the next few minutes, after a bathroom break and explaining we don't keep anything for breakfast in the house, we left. Skipping down the stairs, I took them two by two. I feel so much better today and for some reason, the feeling of impending doom doesn't matter. Or at the very least it's less noticeable. I've always been a morning person, Tayuya is doing nothing to hide her open glare at my energy, slowly trudging down behind me, feet barely rising off before plunking down onto the next step.
Tsunade, as always, is waiting for me, leaning on her desk with a bored expression. As I wave a hello, Tayuya steps down onto the ground floor and looks around with a stoned expression, ignoring the surprise that breaks out on the elder blondes face at her appearance.
"Oh? Sakura, who's this?" A grin tilting up her thin white-pink lips, long, blonde hair tied back in the same two ponytails as always; twins trailing down to graze just past her seat. The elder blonde's eyes have a look of mischief to them though, that can't be a good sign.
"Uh," I checked with Tayuya silently who had managed to make it half way across the lobby and was ignoring us with a sour look. I don't want to say 'friend' in case Tayuya would consider it an insult. I'm not sure where I stand with her, once we reach school she will probably act like nothing ever happened. I wouldn't blame her, I mean I can't expect us to suddenly become friends because she took pity on me one time. Tsunade's eyebrows arched higher, taking my silence as embarrassment and confirmation of her suspicions.
"Oh," Tsunade continued, a pleased smile curving up the corners of her lips. "Well I suspected you were gay, I didn't think you would bring someone home though. Good for you!"
"What? God no!" I stammered, Tayuya glanced up, looking at us with a blank look on her face. Hey brown eyes are still clouded with sleep, I held my breath, waiting for a reaction that didn't come from Tsunade's perception. Either she didn't hear her, or isn't conscious enough to care. "This is Tayuya she's just a friend, I hit my head at school and she just wanted to make sure I was okay."
She probably thinks I'm a masochist now, with the amount of damage I've done to myself lately. "And I'm not gay." I added in an afterthought. Strange.
"I see, you certainly have been getting hit in the head a lot." Tsunade frowned, giving Tayuya a slight wave, and receiving a grunt in reply. She thought I was attracted to that? "Well, have a good day, and do try not to get hurt." Resuming her usual pose, Tsunade returned to leaning on her palm and staring blankly at the books in front of her.
"You too." I muttered, quickly pushing through the front doors, my cheeks burning a deep scarlet. She thinks I'm gay? Why! I mean sure, I'm never around boys, but that's not my fault. The entire school hates me! Which is also not completely my fault, I guess I could have made an effort but I never have time, school is so much more important.
"Oi, Sakura, breakfast?" Tayuya yawned loudly, rolling her shoulders and breaking me out of my thoughts.
"Uh, the cafeteria ladies are usually waiting for me in the morning..." I answered, letting the end trail off, still swept up in my thoughts.
Silently we trudged over to Tayuya's home, which I learned is about half way between my apartment and the school, not too far out of the usual route I take. I'm surprised I haven't bumped into her more, I guess she leaves before Kakashi rescues me from the lockers. Either that, or she has a life and doesn't head straight home like I do.
Walking took a lot longer then my usual jog, and by walking I mean the snail pace Tayuya set by dragging her feet along the pavement. By the time we made it to her house it was already six forty-five.
Tayuya changed in her room slowly, leaving me to wait at the bottom of the steps between the front door and her kitchen. Her home smells like Glade candles, the smell of lilacs overpowering any other scent that could be present within her home. The kitchen is simple, a light green on the walls, tailed floor and silver accents. Peering into the kitchen, I saw a den that stepped off from the far side as well, painted in a soft brown.
I heard a door slam up the stairs and returned to the position Tayuya had left me in as she rushed past, grabbing a fist full of oatmeal cookies from the kitchen, before pushing me out the front door. To my surprise, the semi-conscience redhead paused and stuffed a couple into my mouth without asking if I wanted any, before shutting the front door.
I'm beginning to see there's very little chance to argue with her, or even discuss things. I suppose you could try and say something, and risk the possible wrath she could turn on you, or you could just accept the mouthful of cookies.
It was almost seven by the time we reached Kakushi Ha. I rapped my knuckles on the usual side door, earning a curious look from Tayuya. The first show that she cared at all what was going on this morning, or at least had any interest. Kakashi was waiting for me like always and opened the door mere seconds after my knuckles had left the warming metal.
"Good morning, Sakura." He smiled, not looking up from his novel, standing to the side slightly as he waited for me to walk inside.
"Mornin'," I returned the greeting with a smile in reply, walking past him. The janitor glanced up when he heard something, or rather someone, out of place. "Oh and who's this? She doesn't look like the girl from the pool yesterday. Are you cheating already?" He mused, bringing a blush back to my cheeks. Does everyone think I'm gay?
"Tayuya." The redhead answered before I could, still looking very much like the walking dead. I frowned at the bored reply, she defiantly isn't a morning person, but she still could be nicer to him. Kakashi smirked but otherwise said nothing more, leaving his second question unanswered. I scowled at him as I walked by, recognizing the smirk as his he has a perverted thought smirk.
I opened my locker a moment later, leaving Kakashi to finish his rounds, automatically looking for my red bag.
"Shit," I cursed, when I realized it was missing. I must have left it beside the pool, I forgot it after...
"What?" Tayuya asked, looking over my shoulder into my locker. "What the fuck, do you organize this thing?"
"Yeah?" Tayuya shook her head in disbelief, it's not that unbelievable. At least I can find everything, unlike most of the people who attend this school.
My watch displayed seven ten, still an hour before students would arrive, and twenty more till the first class starts. The problem is, I can't swim in my clothes. Chewing on my bottom lip I tried to think of what I could do for an hour and a half. An hour and a half while having to entertain someone I don't know that well at that.
"So, what do ya normally do this early?" Tayuya inquired as I shut my locker.
"Well normally I swim, but I forgot my swim suit beside the pool yesterday." Tayuya's face contorted in confusion, how did I leave my bathing suit beside the pool? Did I swim nude? Or change right there? "Don't ask" I muttered when she opened her mouth to question me. "Com'on the cafeteria will have breakfast."
"We have a pool?" She whispered as I turned my back. I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that, how can you not know we have a pool? Maybe she's still not fully awake.
I ordered scrambled eggs and toast, Tayuya got a bowl of peaches with whip cream. Great breakfast, didn't she already eat five or six cookies?
"So," she started, swallowing another mouth full of whipped cream. We had selected a table in the far back corner of the cafeteria. So we wouldn't be spotted through the window covering the stretch of wall between the cafeteria and the halls. God forbid anyone is seen socializing with me. "What was up with you yesterday, when you came running at me?"
"Huh?" I replied, swallowing a mouthful of eggs. Here comes the interrogation, time to play dumb until I know exactly what she wants to know. Last time I just started rambling I gave away far too much ammo that came back to bit me in the ass, that had nothing to do with what they were asking.
"Y'know, when you were cryin' and shit." She clarified using her tried and true form of explanation.
"Oh," I hadn't noticed her until she had addressed me. Well I was keeping my eyes down. "I actually didn't see you..." I trailed off, leaving the answer as vague as possible.
"Right. Look, don't bullshit me. I did save your life and all, right?" Saved my life...? I wouldn't classify that as saving my life, though she could of done a lot worse I suppose. Waking up on the grass would have sucked, or getting woken up by the sprinkler system.
"Fine. Just don't go spreading this around, okay?" I huffed, knowing it was probably futile to ask her to keep her mouth shut. Considering three boys had already witnessed the end of my life already, the story will spread like wildfire as is. So, I might as well get my version out there too, right? Tayuya nodded and shoved a spoonful of peaches into her mouth, at least she's eating the sugar coated fruit as well. Why do I care? I'm not her mother or guardian or whatever, she can stuff all the sweets she wants down her throat for all I care.
"Well... I don't know. Yesterday overall was really shitty, y'know? I woke up and messed up my chin and lip, almost bit my tongue off when I fell out of my desk chair." I stumbled around my explanation, realizing I was barely making sense. Oh well, that was probably closer to her lingo anyways, she can figure it out. "The elevator in my building is broken, the owner of the apartment thinks Anko is beating me."
Tayuya paused sucking on her spoon and looked at me with barely hidden sympathy, she thinks so too, great. "I got to school and when I was trying to get my homework done in the library, someone... uh anyways," I skipped that part of my explanation, remembering who that someone was. Tayuya smirked, well at least she still finds it funny, no need to be apologetic or embarrassed or anything. I really liked that pencil too.
"My first class was really boring, and for some reason, yesterday everyone decided to be perceptive, for once." Again, I'm making no sense, it's like all my thoughts are clouded together, I'm just spitting out whatever comes to mind in whatever order it presents itself.
I remembered the drawing I had done during second period next, and decided to skip over that as well. No reason to tell my 'savior' I had drawn myself as an axe murderer, and her, my victim.
"During lunch I had planned to finish the work I hadn't finished before I was called down to the principals office, and I ended up having to show this new girl around school, her name's Ino. For some reason, I'm sure I know her from somewhere, I just can't place it. She was really weird, and had the palest blue eyes..." I shook my head forcing myself back on topic at the odd look Tayuya had fixated me with.
"This other girl, you might know her, Temari ended up picking a fight like usual, and Ino pissed her off sooooooo much. Temari was so mad, I know she's going to make me pay for that sooner or later." Tayuya looked away, biting back something with another spoonful of peaches. Discarding her reaction without a thought, I continued. "We ended up talking, Ino and I, and she said some really weird stuff. Like I had promised to marry her or something? Yea I don't know." I said to Tayuya's shocked face, she coughed a little on her peaches and cream. The uncanny thing is, she seemed perfectly serious when she said it too.
"Anyways, while showing her around, she fell in the pool and I had to jump in and help her, because she couldn't swim. She practically drowned me with the death grip she had around my neck." I recalled, remembering the feeling of her body wrapped around mine with the fright on her face, the way her hair had clung to her neck and her shirt to her...
I pretended to clear my throat, "then Kakashi and three guys and some teacher walked in on us while we were soaking wet. Before I could say anything, next thing I knew, Ino was licking the back of my ear! She fucking licked the back of my ear! I have no idea why, it was so humiliating.
"Right in front of people I know too, or at least people who's names I know! I ended up just running out of school and sorta breaking down. I really didn't see you until you said something to me." I finished in a rush, hiding a blush and trying desperately to stuff down an assortment of emotions that bubbled to the surface.
A mixture of embarrassment, anger and depression all swimming around in a tank that is too small to hold all three at once. Tayuya's looking at me with her spoon hanging out of her mouth, shock and confusion her most prominent expressions. Obviously not knowing what to make of what I had just told her.
"Well, wasn't expectin' that." She mumbled, the words exaggerated with the spoon still stuck in her mouth. Spitting it out with a clang onto the table she continued. "Was more expecting somethin' about the girl on the couch or somethin'," I chuckled at that, even though there was no humor in what she said. I would find meeting Ino more upsetting then having a drunk for a guardian, I'm so messed up. Taking care of Anko in the morning wasn't even on my list as to why it was such a shitty day yesterday. It's become that much of a routine.
"No, I'm pretty much used to Anko by now, she's been like that for a long time." I sighed, wondering why I was telling her so much. I guess it just feels good to talk to someone about it, even if this someone hates me, well it's either her or my BFF, the janitor.
I'm not really sure I'd say I'm used to Anko, I don't think you can ever get used to someone drinking themselves to death. Talking about it won't be much to help either, but talking about it, even if it's with Tayuya, does feel pretty good.
"Look," Tayuya began, looking very awkward, twirling the spoon between her fingers so it spun on the table top. "I didn't know, I mean y'know." I watched her curiously, "I'll cut you some slack, I mean... I didn't realize. Why does everyone hate you so much anyways? Besides you being a cold bitch and a brain." I snorted, she doesn't even know why people hate me and yet she still does. Do I really seem like a cold bitch and a brain?
"I was a terror in middle school. I picked a lot of fights and got a rep for being a bully. Made a lot of enemies" Tayuya raised her eyebrows in surprise and I shrugged in reply. I'm not proud of it, but that's how hindsight works, right? There's always things you would change in retrospect.
"No shit? What happened?" She asked, still not fully buying the explanation I had set out for her.
"Well, Anko happened, the woman on my couch. She started to drink heavily... and if I want to go to a University now, I need a scholarship. I won't get one if I have a record of fighting and being a delinquent. So, I just have to take it, karma and all that I guess."
"You musta been a real bitch for them to hate you so much for this long. It's been what? Three years now?" She smirked, yes I fully realize that, I'm so glad you are enjoying yourself at my continued expense.
"Well I did take you down pretty fast," I taunted, getting in my gibes where I could and flashing a triumphant, cocky grin. .
"That doesn't fuckin' count! You surprised me! All I did was say hi, and you fucking jumped on me!" I seem to remember it a little different but I guess the basis of her story is right. "If we went for real then it wouldn't be so easy," Tayuya tilted her chin up, defiant and embarrassed. I smiled starting to laugh, her indigence over her pride is humorous, I can't help it. A moment later the redhead joined in with a quiet snicker.
"Y'know, you aren't all bad," Tayuya said dumping her styrofoam bowl into the trash.
"Yeah, you aren't that horrible either." It's odd, feeling like I have something of a friend. "You do know if you're seen with me, people are going to try and stuff you in lockers." I gave her a small smile, studying her reaction.
"Let 'em try, I'll beat the shit out of all of them!" She exclaimed, making a bold move to motion to the entirety of the school with her hands. With that remark, the first warning bell rang and I was surprised to see the hallways full of students. Tayuya waved good bye as she went off to her locker, baggy cargo pants swaying with her crouched over walk. I smiled openly before heading to mine, already feeling much better than I had yesterday.
~o~
Walking into first period realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I didn't complete my assignments. Shit.
For the first time in three years I didn't complete my homework. Glancing between the teachers desk and mine, I made a quick decision. Walking up to the front of the class, I forced a smile as I looked to my teacher.
"Um, excuse me, Asuma?" I started, trying to get my Calc' teachers attention.
"Oh Sakura, it's alright Madara told me. You don't need to worry about the homework, you were showing a new student around all day yesterday, right?" He asked, switching the toothpick in his mouth from the right to the left corner of his lips. Not during the morning... and I kind of ditched her...But, who was I to look a gift horse in the mouth?
"Uh, right... thanks." Well that was close, I'll have to remember to thank Mr. Uchiha. I let out a sigh of relief as I turned and walked back to my seat.
"Good morning, Sakura." Lee greeted when I sat down, without thinking I smiled back at him.
"Good morning, Lee-" he looks surprised and far too pleased at my smile. A starstruck glaze taing over his eyes as he disappeared into his own thoughts. He really is weird. Maybe Tayuya is right and I do act like a bitch to people, after all, all I did was smile at Lee and he turned into... that. I eyed him up and down one last time, taking in his bunched up fists raised in front of his chest and the massive grin on his lips.
"Good morning, Saku!" I twitched, recognizing the voice and turned to look the death of the rest of my pride in it's blue eyes.
"Ino," my smile wavered visibly. What is she doing in this class, the odds of her having Calc' this period can't be that good? It's a small class!
"Where did you disappear to yesterday?" She asked innocently, sitting down beside me and pulling notebooks out of her bag. You have got to be kidding me, where the hell do you think? My inner laughed hysterically, thoroughly enjoying the way my life seems to be going lately.
"Nowhere," I replied quietly as Asuma called for our attention so he can start the class, chucking multiple pieces of chalk at Shikamaru to get him to wake up, today. Ino's voice dropped to a whisper, keeping one eye on the front of the room.
"You ran out of there like someone had lit you on fire," she smiled and I tried to stifle a blush at the innuendo.
'She did light you on fire in a certain way' my inner pointed out,yeah, I got the double meaning thanks. I rolled my eyes, trying to play it off like it was no big deal.
"Well, what did you think my reaction would be after, after that!" I growled under my breath, half listening to the lesson Asuma was giving. The formulas are still pretty basic, I've already finished most of the text that we were given a few weeks ago.
"Alright does anyone know the answer? Anyone?" He paused and let out an audible sigh, rubbing the arch between his eyebrows before giving up. "Alright, Sakura, can you tell us the answer, please?" Asuma asked from the front of the room, desperate for someone to pay attention to his lecture. It's not his fault this class was scheduled at a horrible time, most of the students here probably woke up five minutes before the bell rang. Glancing up, I quickly run the problem through my mind.
"Sixty-nine," I answered, a blush instantly creeping onto my cheeks as I recalled the conversation I was having with Ino. It would be sixty-nine. Ino giggled beside me, tucking a strand of white-blonde hair behind her ear and copying down the explanation Asuma was giving on how I had come up with the answer. (1)
"I was just having fun with you, I didn't think you'd mind. The look on those boys faces was just too much," she is actually enjoying teasing me, and I still can't remember who she is. Just those eyes, those blue eyes that make me think of the sky.
"Well, I did." I replied sharply, pretending to take note of something Asuma said as if it were something new that I didn't already know.
"Fine, I won't do it again." Ino paused to jot something down from the board. "Unless of course you want me to." She gave me a lewd wink and my blush deepened. For the rest of the class my eyes burned a hole into my notes. Damn her.
Biology, thankfully, was Ino free and went by quickly. I did however, have to promise to meet her for lunch before she would let me go, literally let me go. She had clung to my arm for a good five minutes as people stared and even went as far as threatening to do 'something'. I don't want to find out what 'something' is. My experience with her tells me that it couldn't be good.
So, here I am leaning against my locker, waiting for the bubbly blonde to show up. While waiting, I let my eyes close briefly.
"Oi, Pinkie." I opened my eyes to make sure I had heard the correct voice, and stared Tayuya in her impatient brown eyes. She grinned broadly, "let's go, lunch time." Before I could reply, there was another call from behind Tayuya, Ino came int view as she turned the corner.
"Saakkkkkuuuuuuu!" Why god? Tayuya stopped in her tracks and looked over her shoulder as Ino raced past her and wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me into a tight hug.
"The fuck?" Tayuya grumbled.
"Ino, let go," I protested, trying to push her off, but finding it was a futile effort against her vice grip.
"I missed you, Saku!" She purred. It's only been one period since I've seen you, how can you miss me? Without letting up she turned her attention to Tayuya. "You don't look like a janitor."
"Huh?" Tayuya and I questioned in unison.
"You said your only friend was the janitor," Ino clarified as if it all made perfect sense. Why was I questioning her? Nothing good as of yet has come from it, all it's done is made things worse.
My face turned a deep red as my jaw dropped. A few steps away, Tayuya doubled over laughing, well at least she finds this overly amusing.
"Oh, I like you!" She laughed, "hey, Sakura, is this the weird chick?" Great, yes this is the weird chick. Why don't you repeat it again a little louder just to make sure she heard you?
"Yes." I sighed, this is going well. Why is Tayuya here anyways?
"You were talking about me?" Ino asked, looking overjoyed rather than annoyed or angry. I really don't understand her, aren't girls normally mad if you talk about them behind their backs? At least in my experience they've always been pissed off when they found out, even if everything you said was in no way mean.
"So you're the ear licker," Tayuya smirked, fixing a mischievous smile on Ino. Why would she bring that up? There is no possible reason for bringing that up again. After three years you would think karma would stop biting me in the ass. But no, I am still her bitch.
"Yes, although I didn't think Saku would go around telling people about it. I thought you didn't like it?" She winked at me, arms still draped over my shoulders. I'm going to die, just strike me down now. If there is any mercy hit me with a lightening bolt or something. I don't care, even feral cats would be fine right now.
"Let's go, I'm hungry." Tayuya cut Ino off, her growling stomach outweighing any interest in what was going on. She paused, waiting momentarily for me to catch up after disentangling myself from Ino, who refused to let me fully go, grabbing onto my hand as I went after Tayuya.
~o~
Walking through the halls people stared. I mean they really stared. Why was the school loser hanging out with a new blonde hottie (yes, I consider Ino a hottie – shut up - so does everyone else) and a school 'bad ass'?
It was like watching a cat, a dog and a mouse hang out together. In high school it was like some natural disaster had just hit and took out all of china, or worse cell phones no longer existed. Well maybe not that big, but close enough.
I spotted Temari at one point, and a few others who usually harass me at this time, but they made no move to confront me. Maybe having Tayuya around will be a good thing. As for Ino, well it seems like she's bent on being around, even if I don't want her to be. For the first time in my high school career, I'm not alone and I don't have any say in it.
I smiled, let them stare. I don't care. Let them talk, have at it. I don't care anymore. Ino must of seen the insane look on my face because she asked.
"Saku? What are you thinking about?" We ended sitting on the grass behind the main building, and I took a spot leaning against the trunk of a thick oak. Why does she call me that? I can only remember being called that when I was little and only for a brief time.
"Nothing," I replied, it's better to leave the subject alone than give more ammo to the duo who have recently decided to stick around for a while. My eyes drifted closed again as my head tilted back to rest against the rough bark of the tree. I have long since finished the salad I had ordered for lunch.
Tayuya had yelled at me for being a goody-good. Ino had ordered fries and a banana, eating them together and Tayuya... well, ice cream. I have to wonder how she was still sitting on a size six, must have a massive metabolism. Lucky bitch, I exercise daily and eat healthy and I barely keep my non-existent figure.
It feels good to listen to them banter at each other. Currently, they are discussing Ino's thoughts behind licking my ear, I'm not sure I want to know what she was thinking. God forbid it makes sense to me after she explains it. So I tuned it out, I really do not want to remember yesterday.
I want to forget yesterday happened and focus on today, on sitting in the shade, with friends. Not having to worry about getting jumped if I don't keep watch, well I don't know that Tayuya would stop them but I think Ino would. How has my life changed so completely in one day?
"Oi, Sakura," I could almost hear the grin in her voice, but for some reason that wasn't panicking me as much as it probably should.
"Mpft." I grunted back.
"Are you seriously engaged to blondie?" I nearly swallowed by tongue at the bluntness of her question, well, good feeling gone. (2)
"What?" I laughed nervously hoping I could somehow redirect the subject to a less... precarious posistion.
"Tell her, Saku! You remember right?" Ino pouted, her eyes big and looking at me like a kicked puppy.
"No? What the hell, Ino. I already told you." Tayuya burst out laughing as Ino gave me a tear filled look, slamming her fists down on the grass. Is she throwing a tantrum? She looks like a five year old.
"How could you forget? We promised to start a family together!" Start a family together? She does realize we are both girls, right? Unless she has some sort of secret that should be put into the open before too long.
"Uh, okay?" What was I suppose to say? Oh of course I remember promising to marry you in that twisted world inside your head? Right of course, lets just run off together and start a family! To my horror Ino glared at me, tears glistening in the corners of her eyes.
"Sakura Haruno!" The infuriated blonde exclaimed.
"What?" I am getting angry, I need to try to keep my temper in check, but this is absolutely ridiculous! "I do not remember saying I would marry you! I do not remember even knowing you before yesterday! Are you crazy or just missing out on a lot of attention?" Tayuya watched the entire exchange, looking between us and waiting for a cat fight to break out.
"Uh..." She tried, feebly trying to either diffuse or encourage the incoming mud wrestle.
"Shut up!" Ino snapped.
"Right." Tayuya went back to finishing her lunch, turning silent. Thanks for all that effort you usually put in. I rolled my eyes at her and she shrugged back, well I guess it isn't her battle to fight.
"And you!" She turned back to me, her face a deep red and blue eyes fierce. My inner gulped, great I'm dead. "Arg!" She threw up her arms in frustration. Tentatively, I tried again.
"Uh, Ino."
"What?" She asked, transitioning into full pout mode, arms crossed and bottom lip fully extended. Instantly, I could feel the effects of her evil ploy, guilt swelling up and pulling at my heart like a kid at his mother's sleeve. Damn her for making me feel guilty, why should I? It's her demented imagination that's making this all up. Right?
"Look I'm sorry, I really don't remember... could you, uh. I dunno, remind me?" In the blink of an eye she changed completely. Bi-polar, manipulative bitch; her pout disappeared and was replaced by a wide smile. Sad eyes turned triumphant, and her crossed arms unfolded to clap her hands together. She reached out and took my hands with her, appearing in every way about to burst with joy.
"Oh, Saku I knew you would come around!" Tayuya burst out laughing again, raising a finger to point at my horrified expression. I returned her finger with a look that said 'bite me'. My attempt at scowling darkly, only seemed to make her laugh harder. It's not that funny!
"Maybe you two should get married, you're both fucking crazy, you can raise crazy fucking kids and just live in Blondie's happy bubble world." Tayuya chortled hysterically, and I looked nervously over at Ino. The look on her face caused my jaw to unhinge, she's positively thrilled. No, no, no we need to back up until I'm aware of what is going on.
'Wait, not so fast... married means we get to...' My inner chimed in, fully agreeing with Ino. Shut the fuck up, right now! I screamed back, silencing her except an unrelenting snicker.
"Back in Suna, when we were younger?" Ino prodded when I didn't say anything, studying my face closely for a reaction. The sun sprinkled down through the leaves above us, leaving spots of shadow and light on Ino's cheeks and chin.
If by younger she means when we were seven or eight. "You don't remember? The first day I came to the orphanage you were sitting on your bed crying. You were so cute! We promised to be each others family since neither of us had one." She continued, her expression changing completely to a soft, affectionate smile.
"Then I'll be your friend and we can be a family! A real family!"
Realization dawned on me slowly. She was the little girl with purple hair, she was that Ino? But she can't possibly be holding me to a promise we made when we were eight? Can she?
"We were best friends, we promised each other we wouldn't get adopted. That we would make people not want us! So we could be together forever, so we could be a family. Then when we were older you promised to marry me."
No way, I do remember. She isn't crazy, well that depends, I guess. That was just something kids dream about though, to make the days at the orphanage not so bad. We all dreamed about happier days, and made promises to each other.
She had always dyed her hair purple with her allowance, which I found odd, no other kids at the orphanage received an allowance. I had never actually seen her natural colour, I think she only kept doing it so the other kids wouldn't tease me so much about mine being pink.
"Remember? A few times I had families interested but I kept coming back for you, Saku. Then Anko and Iruka wanted to adopt you, and I told you to go. They loved you so much, and you deserved them. I promised I'd find you again and I did!" There's no way, I tried to work out what she was saying, to make sense of it. But, my mind refused to cooperate, a unshakable numbness clinging to my thought process that dragged it down.
"There's no way..." My voice is barely audible. It's too much, all at once.
Behind us the bell rang but none of us made a move for the door. Tayuya was silent, listening to what Ino had to say.
"That's fucking crazy." She mumbled. "Well," she concluded like I had just been told I was given the wrong lunch order at a restaurant. "Time to get to class, you two can talk later, right?" Gee thanks for the support, pal. I shook my head and realized maybe she's right, I need to step away and take time to think about this.
"Right," I pulled my hands out of Ino's, avoiding her eyes as she waited for an answer of some sort. Slowly we gathered up our garbage and tossed it into the trash bin outside the door.
We parted ways and I ended up walking through the hallways alone, feeling very much like a ghost, like everything was surreal and I was floating through the crowd without being able to touch it. How could that little girl be this Ino? How could I not remember her? No wonder everyone thinks I'm a bitch, I defiantly fit the title.
~o~
"Hey, Saku?" Ino whispered, I blinked waking up from my light sleep. She had started to call me that about a week ago. I liked the nickname, it made me feel special.
"What's wrong, Ino?" I asked, looking at the tear trails running down her cheeks.
"I had a bad dream, can I stay with you?" Her voice sounds weak, her blue eyes are puffy and swollen.
"Of course." I answered instantly, moving over to there was room for both of us. Ino climbed in beside me, curling up against my side. I hugged her, wondering what could have scared her so much. I have never seen Ino cry before. I'm happy she came to me though.
"Thanks, Saku" She sniffled.
"Don't worry Ino, we are family that's what I'm here for."
It took me three tries before I could focus and successfully open my locker. Grabbing my book bag I made my way to class.
"Run, Saku!" Ino yelled over her shoulder at me. Her tiny hand is clasped around mine as we dashed down the street. Clouds or dust and dirt kicked up into the dry air by our bare feet.
"Hey you kids, come back here!" Yelled an infuriated store owner, holding a shot gun in his hand and waving it around like a sword. Ino giggled as we turned onto a side street, breathing heavily.
"That was fun!" Ino giggled and reached into her short pockets, pulling out two candy sticks. Handing one to me and keeping the other for herself. "Your favourite is blueberry, right?" I beamed at her and nodded.
I opened the door to my English room. Walking over and plunking myself down into my seat without a word. I didn't notice the odd look the boy beside me was giving.
"Stop it!" I sobbed trying to protect my head with my hands.
"You're such a baby, Sakura!"One of the boys taunted, sending his heel into my ribs.
"Yeah, such a baby!" I cried harder, squeezing my eyes shut trying to drown out the two boys. I felt one of them put their hands on my shoulders, pushing me down into the dirt. Clumsily I tried to get up and move away, only to be pushed down again.
"Uff." I looked up when they suddenly moved away, Ino appeared, standing beside me. One of the boys had started clutching his cheek.
"Who the hell are you?" Ino glared at them before turning her attention to me, smiling sweetly.
"Are you okay, Saku?" Nodding slowly, I took her outstretched hand and let her pull me to my feet.
"Don't ignore me," the first boy said, small fists bunching up at his sides.
"Oh, I I haven't forgotten you, you hurt my Saku." Ino snapped before leaping at the boys. All three went down into a ball of fists, biting and scratching in the inexperienced brawl.
"Could our new pretty lady read Act 2, Scene 2 for us, please?" My English professor grinned sweetly. Behind me I heard a chair slide back, and a throat being cleared.
"Of course," I stiffened, she can't be here as well can she? Slowly I turned and looked up, Ino was looking down at the text on her desk as she began to speak. The words seemed to flow from her lips as if speaking this way were second nature to her.
"But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief,
That thou her maid art far more fair than she:
Be not her maid, since she is envious;
Her vestal livery is but sick and green
And none but fools do wear it; cast it off.
It is my lady, O, it is my love!
O, that she knew she were!
She speaks yet she says nothing: what of that?
Her eye discourses; I will answer it.
I am too bold, 'tis not to me she speaks:
Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
Having some business, do entreat her eyes
To twinkle in their spheres till they return.
What if her eyes were there, they in her head?
The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,
As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven
Would through the airy region stream so bright
That birds would sing and think it were not night.
See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand!
O, that I were a glove upon that hand,
That I might touch that cheek." (3)
My cheeks burned furiously, as Ino finished reading the passage, she looked down at me and smiled sweetly, the same smile I had seen in my memories just a moment before.
"Thank you, Miss." The old English teacher said, long white locks running down his back. "Can anyone tell me what Romeo is trying to say?" He looked around at the bored and confused faces.
"I think, I can." Ino replied, our teacher raised his eyebrows in surprise but quickly motioned for her to continue, overjoyed she was participating so much. While looking down, her sky blue eyes grabbed a hold of mine, and refused to let go.
"I think Romeo is trying to express how beautiful he thinks Juliet is. He's trying to tell the world how much he loves her, and yet feels like he can't have her. He's worried about being too bold and possibly scaring her away, but at the same time all he wants is to touch her skin, and hold her close. All he really wants is for his feelings to be taken seriously, instead of being thought of as a rash, love-struck pup."
"Very good, um what's your name again?" I stared back into Ino's blue eyes. They had grown soft, sad even. "Miss?" Our teacher tried again, raising his voice a little to catch Ino's attention. Shaking her head she apologized, "I'm sorry I guess I zoned out, it's Ino, Sir."
"Dyke," someone coughed in the back corner of the room, my head snapped back and I looked into Temari's taunting eyes.
"Well, Ino, that was very well said. You may call me Jiraiya. If you ever need help finding something around here, Babe; you know where to find me, mmk?" He grinned his coy grin, his perverted reference completely obvious to the entire class who seemed to balk in unison.
"Pervert." I muttered under my breath, turning back to face the front of the feels as if someone took a match and lit my skin on fire, and it's refusing to go out. What was Ino thinking? Why doesn't she just make it completely obvious to the entire class? Oh wait, she did.
Brown eyes bore into my side, but I was so lost in my own world, I didn't notice.
"Sakura!" Tayuya called before placing her hand on my shoulder and leaning heavily. "So, what's up?" I looked at her curiously, what could of possibly happened between now and lunch, it's only one period later? And for that matter, why does she suddenly feel the need to always be around?
"I just saw you at lunch?" I answered quizzically, answering her question with another question.
"I know, but all I hear around school is how you're with Blondie. Apparently she confessed or something in front of your English class? Talk about bold, this is her first day!" Really? There's only fifteen minutes between classes, how the hell did word spread so fast. Never mind, I know how, it's high school. Shit.
"She uh, read a passage from Romeo and Juliet. That's all." Teenagers really do feed off rumors don't they? If we were some sort of monster, we would derive all of our evil powers from rumours.
"Sounds like a confession to me." Tayuya flashed a superior grin, "you really do keep my life interesting." As Tayuya shoved my shoulder I had to focus on not slamming into the hallway wall. Scowling at her back as she left, I turned down the next hall and went into my chemistry class.
"More like I've kept one day interesting..." I muttered when she was out of earshot.
No sooner had I sat down, was my desk occupied by a energetic blonde. Surprisingly not the one I was used to, and it was literally occupied, he crouched on top of it, with an uncanny sense of balance.
"So are the rumors true? Are you really with that new hottie?" Naruto asked, the rip in his jeans stretching over his folded knee
"Er..." I floundered when my tongue refused to co-operate with me, brilliant.
"Ino, the new transfer student. Please tell me she's not a lesbo." He begged, wait, he was at the pool yesterday. For what felt like the hundredth time today I could feel my skin warming up. He didn't move, still waiting for an answer.
Naruto leaned closer I could smell his breath. Urg gross, what is that? Fish flavoured ramen, he really needs some mouth wash.
"We are not together, just friends." Ino is going to kill me. "She's just, uh... affectionate?" What a lame excuse, she licked my ear right in front of this idiot.
"Oh good, so she's single." Out of the corner of my eye I noticed most of the other males in the class room were also listening in. Well I guess it's not really a surprise, hormone driven bastards.
"I guess?"
'You're jealous' my inner teased.No I'm not? It would be crazy to be jealous. I mean sure we were friends ten or more years ago, but I've only known this Ino for two days.
Satisfied, Naruto jumped off my desk and sat down in his own seat, grinning from ear to ear.
"Alright class, take out your books and turn to page three hundred and ninety-four." (4) Our professor announcing, the words slippery as they slid off his tongue. His name is straitened and silky smooth. Stark black against his pale white skin.
"Hey Ino what do you think that one is?" I asked, gazing up at the fluffy white clouds littering the soft blue sky. The sky resembles Ino's eyes so much, and not just the colour. To me it's like she envelopes and watches over me, it's like she's always all around me, protecting and watching out for me. "I think it's a puppy." Soft grass prickled at our skin, tickling the underside of my arm from where we lay on one of the few patches of grass. It's dried, brown and scratchy, but it's still a lot better than the hard dirt.
"Hmm, kinda looks like broccoli," I scrunched up my nose, broccoli? Well I guess if I tilt my head this way and squinted... a little. A giggle escaped my lips.
"Ino you're so silly, what about that one?" I pointed skywards at another cloud that was drifting over top of us.
"Let's see, that one looks kind of like a beautiful flower, don't you think?" This time I could see it without having to really try.
"Yeah you're right, I can see it. Hey Ino?" I agreed, bobbing my head in a small nod before turning to look at her.
"Yeah?" She replied absently, searching for her next victim to name in the clear sky.
"We'll be together forever, right? You won't leave me, right?" I asked softly, unable to quench the uncertainty. No one ever stays for long, and I don't know if I could bare losing her as well.
"Of course," Ino smiled, turning to face me. Her assurance made me fee a little better, but I was still worried, what if someone came and took her away from me? "Saku don't worry, I don't plan on going anywhere." I just nodded solemnly, turning my gaze back to the sky as we looked on in silence.
"Hey, Saku?" Ino suddenly asked.
"Yeah?" I replied quietly, listening to the sound of my stomach growl.
"Will you marry me someday? When we're older? Then we really could be a family and be together forever." My face exploded into a smile that seemed to take over.
"Yeah!" It just seemed right that we would be together, I didn't think about the meaning behind the promise I was making at the age of eight. All I knew is I wanted to be with Ino forever and ever.
The last bell resounded throughout the class room, and I nearly lost my seat I was so startled. Looking around I saw everyone else already packed in anticipation for the end of the day. I quickly stuffed my books into my bag, embarrassed and unable to force myself to care that they were not going in, in the proper order.
I can't believe I forgot about Ino. Well, I wouldn't say I forgot her, I just didn't recognize her... it's been ten years. It seems like a life time ago, lying on the grass and looking at the clouds.
It's been years since I've thought about living in the orphanage, I had given up on ever seeing her again and now, all of a sudden, she's back.
I stuffed my bag into my locker, grabbing my gym bag, I have volleyball practice tonight. The last thing I want to do right now was try to concentrate on practice, but it's not like I have a choice. When you make a commitment to something you have to stick with it. Brilliant, now I'm lecturing myself on multiple fields of my life without realizing.
I'll probably just zone out again and get pinged in the head, which wouldn't be fair to Tsunade. I did promise her to try to not get hit in the head today. Most of the teammates try to do that on purpose as is. Sighing, I pressed my forehead against the cool metal of my locker door, forcing myself to organize my thoughts into an order. One by one I felt my muscles start to relax, and my head start to clear.
~o~
"Saku!" I didn't bother to look up, I know who it is. I would call her a stalker, or obsessed, but it's been ten years. I kinda can't blame her if she's a little clingy at first, it can't last forever, right? ...Right?
"Mpft." I grunted for the second time today, clinging to my new-found relaxation that was quickly fading.
"You look really tired, are you okay?" I glanced at her from the corner of my eye. "I had forgotten how incredibly green your eyes are, you know?" I smiled at the irony.
"That's odd, all I remembered of you were your eyes." I admitted a little sheepishly, pushing off of my locker to look at her more directly.
"Really? Blue isn't really all that rare though." Skeptically, she seemed caught between a frown and a pout. I'm not sure what to call it but it is rather adorable.
"One's that are the same as the sky are." The words rolled off my tongue before I could stop myself. Shit. "I need to get to volleyball practice," I mumbled, trying to walk past her as quickly as I could manage, thoroughly embarrassed.
"Oh, you're on the volleyball team?" Ino asked, unwilling to let me escape that easily.
"Yeah, I'm kinda the team captain." Sort of, I was made the captain but they don't really treat me like such.
"Well, are you doing anything after?" She asked, a slight edge of hope in her voice.
"Nothing that I know of, why?" If I could hit myself in the forehead without making it completely obvious why I was, I would. Unfortunately, I cannot bite back the words after they escape.
"Well, I just wanted to talk and...stuff, if you want." I thought about her proposistion for a moment. For some reason when Ino leaves things up in the air like 'stuff' or 'I'll do something' it leaves me feeling unsettled. Like I should make her clarify if I know what's good for me.
"Uh sure, practice won't get out for at least an hour and a half though." I agreed, unable to deny her anything while she has her puppy eyes fixated on me.
"I can't wait!" She beamed, a slight blush on her cheeks that seemed to copy the one on mine. "I wouldn't mind watching you practice anyways." I nodded, having lost all trust in the tongue that had betrayed me, motioning with my free hand towards the gym.
I left Ino on the bleachers, she sat at the top, leaning her back against the painted gym wall. As I pushed open the green locker room door, the banter behind it stopped. I can feel my teammate's eyes trained on me, scrutinizing and nervous as I walked past them and found my usual peg. Rumors really do travel fast, I wonder if they traveled this fast during the stone age when texting didn't exist.
Ignoring them I peeled off my shirt and tossed it into my bag, rummaging around for my white t-shirt I usually wear to practice. The silence stretched on, the burning eyes fixated on my turned back. I let out a deep breath, waiting for someone, anyone to say something or to continue the conversation that had been going on not moments before. That's it.
"Is there a problem?" The words shot out, and I glared around the room, looking to each of my teammates one at a time, challenging anyone to speak up.
"Well, do you really think its right for you to change with us if you're a lesbian? I mean I don't really want to be checked out and stuff while I'm changing. It's kinda like changing with one of the guys." One of the girls said, my eyes narrowed singling her out. She has chestnut brown hair, tied back into two tight buns.
Tenten, she's the best striker we have. Pinpoint accuracy. I could simply deny the rumors, and try to put them to rest, or comment on some random boy to dissuade whatever they've heard. However in my experience these things don't die easily.
Plus, the look of disgust on her face is pissing me off. Lewdly, I looked her up and down, starting at her calves, running my eyes up her thighs, waist, breasts and finally back up to her uncomfortable eyes. She shifted her weight and raised her chin, unwilling to look away from a simple staring contest.
"Trust me, I wouldn't waste my time ogling you. Quite the ego you have, isn't it?" Turning back to face the wall I continued to change. I can't believe I just did that.
She looked positively furious, and it felt great. Let them think what they want, they are going to no matter what I say. No one else said anything to me, obviously not wanting to receive the same 'punishment' as Tenten, returning to changing for practice as quickly as they could.
I was right about practice, I had a hard time keeping my mind on the game and Ino cheering from the side lines didn't help. Her cheering was also infuriating my teammates, who aimed for me every chance they got. Tenten managed to nail me three or four times with a spike over the net, I told you, girls got pinpoint accuracy.
Ino started screaming profanities at her and at one point almost charged the brunette. I couldn't help but smile, I guess her offer to fight my battles was true, albeit this is one battle I can handle myself.
In the end our coach and Ino got into a screaming match, it reminded me of two wolves fighting for the spot of alpha. Grudgingly they agreed Ino could stay if she didn't try to assault the players. I wonder how long that will last?
~o~
"So your team doesn't seem to like you much." How observant of her, I wonder what tipped her off? I rubbed the welt forming on my cheek, right on the bruise too, as we walked back towards my locker after practice. I really did try to keep my promise to Tsunade, really I did.
"Just the janitor likes me around these parts, Mamn." Trying my luck at a cowboy impression and failing miserably, Ino giggled. "I kinda deserved it today, though." I grinned like a fox caught in the hen house.
"What did you do?" Ino asked, happily half walk-skipping beside me with her fingers linked behind her back.
"I checked out the girls in the locker room." I admitted, pride swelling up in my chest that made me want to walk like a muscle bound guy showing off his pecs.
"Saku! You perv! You're engaged too, how bad can you get!" Ino chided, a slight laugh in her voice that told me she was happily teasing and subliminally approved.
"Well, she kind of asked me to." I laughed at Ino's expression and told her about the entire locker room fiasco.
"That beach." Ino surprised me with the anger in her voice, as well as her substitutes for swearing. "She had no right!"
"It's fine, really, I'm used to it." I assured her, happy I had successfully handled the problem myself without having to resort to a fight.
"I'm going to beat the stuffing out of her!" I had to set my heels so I could stop in time to stop Ino, who had turned mid-stride to head back to the gym.
"Wait, Ino don't." My hand reached out to grab hers, my fingers lacing between hers before I could stop myself, or even realize what I had done on reflex.
'You could have just grabbed her wrist,' my inner pointed out.
My eyes found my sneakers as Ino stopped mid-rampage and looked at me curiously. "I mean, if you do the coach will ban you from the gym right?" I stuttered, trying to form an explanation.
"You're so cute." Ino smiled and took a step towards me, I gulped on reflex, she's so close. Her fingers grazed over the sore skin on my cheek, taking care not to further irritate the welt. "I hate that anyone would hurt you, they don't even know how sweet you are."
My breath caught as Ino leaned closer, her eyes still fixated on my cheek as her fingers continued to run over the sore skin. I felt her nails graze my cheek and shivered. What do I do? Do I even want this? My entire body froze, overloading and unable to figure out the correct response for her affection.
"There you are, bitch, I was worried you had managed to somehow get away from me." Ino's head snapped around, the look in her eyes spitting death. I feel really bad for whoever it is that has just stepped on her toes.
My hand dropped from hers, feeling incredibly embarrassed. Temari starting walking down the hallway, hands in the back pockets of her skin tight jeans. "It's been far too long, Sakura." She smiled, face tilted down so her hangs shadowed her eyes..
"Temari, right?" Ino took a defensive step between me and the encroaching lioness.
"Ino, it's alright." I assured her, unable to raise my gaze but also desperate to diffuse the situation before they started to fight.
"Don't worry, Saku." Ino replied, ignoring my plea.
"Right, and who are you? Her dyke body guard?" I cringed, this will not end well. The muscles in Ino's neck and shoulders tightened at the word choice Temari used.
"I'm her fiance, actually." She corrected, proud of the declaration. Obviously she doesn't care if the entire school knows. Great, well tomorrow will be very interesting, as much as I appreciate everything she is trying to do for me. All she's doing it making everything that much worse.
I have a feeling Naruto is going to try and hang me. Along with almost every other male in the school. Well maybe not Sasuke everyone knows he's gay.
Temari's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.
"You're her what?" The laugh in her voice caused her words to shake a little. "You have got to be kidding, this is your first day here. You don't waste time, do you? Well fine, I'll play along. Your 'fiance' and I have a date at one of the local lockers, you see we're far overdue." Temari took a step towards me and Ino slapped her, full palm bitch-slap style. Temari stopped, head snapped to the side. The sound of my heart pounding in my ears suddenly became deafening. Thud, thud, thud. Shit.
"You bitch!" Temari shrieked, taking a swing at Ino. Catching her fist Ino raised her knee into the other blondes gut. Taking a step back she watched the sandy blonde regain her composure, eyes shooting daggers.
"Leave." Ino commanded, the words rang out in finality. It was an order. "I don't want to hurt you anymore than I have, but I will not let you hurt my Saku."
"Fuck you." Temari spat, lunging at her again. Ino danced around the enraged blonde, her feet moving with practiced steps. It almost looks like she's dancing to the beat of a song only she can hear. Legs and arms flow with her body perfectly as the tempo picked up, a smile curled up her lips.
It's been years since I've seen Ino's dance, growing up in Suna though we both got a lot of practice in fighting, and she was always better then me. She taught me how to catch, dodge and deflect blows. She taught me how to predict where your opponent would strike and how to wear out your opponent while using the least amount of energy possible. We survived on those streets because of Ino, Temari doesn't stand a chance.
Temari's swings became wilder, more enraged. Her temper had snapped and throwing punch after punch without landing a hit was driving her insane. I'm sure the smile on Ino's face isn't helping either. I watched Temari fill the position that so many others had filled so many times. As I watched I could almost see myself behind her, fighting one of the other street kids to defend what was ours, together.
In that instant, Temari lost her balance and Ino stepped out of the way, snapping her hand down on her back. Sending her opponent sprawling on the floor. It was a strike meant to do little to not damage other than send them into the floor, she had hit her in a cushioned spot with reserved strength.
I smiled despite myself, unable to call what I was watching a fight. Ino's gotten better, a lot better since the last time I watched her fight. But I guess ten years will do that.
"See, Saku, I told you she's nothing." The venom in Ino's voice pulled a scream out of Temari as she pushed off the ground, taking a swing at me. It was a cheap shot and I was so startled my body didn't react.
I blinked and I missed it, blood dripped down from the corner of Ino's mouth. Temari stood in front of Ino, breathing heavily. Blood smeared on her knuckles. I blinked and tried to put the pictures of events into the correct order. What happened?
"Your fight is with me, not her." Ino growled, pressing her cheek against the knuckles that were still connected with her skin.
"Why the fuck did you get in the way, what the fuck does it matter to you? She's just a loser, a bitch! She's nothing! You've been here for a day, you can't possibly know her! Why protect her!" Ino had protected me from that hit? My eyes lingered on the blood dripping down from her split lip. Hey we are starting to match, bad joke, I have a sick sense of humor.
"Actually, I've known her for ten years. She's my best friend, my family and my love. Saku is everything to me." Ino spoke gently, like she was explaining something to an upset child. All the anger gone from her voice. She didn't even make a move to hurry Temari's retreating fist, or to wipe the blood from her lip.
Temari spat at her feet, unable to retaliate from her statement and walked away muttering curses as she went, rubbing her cheek.
"Are you alright?" I blinked and gawked at her, you can't be serious? I don't have a scratch on me, you made sure of that.
"Yeah, but your lip." I blushed and motioned to my face to indicate where the damage was on hers.
"I'll be fine, we should leave though." She smiled as if nothing were wrong.
"Right." Feeling uncomfortable, like I should say or do something more. Like I should hug her, or something? I don't know I've never been an affectionate person, I've never needed to be. I started to chew on my lip as we went to deposit my gym bag into my locker, exchanging it for my book bag.
"So are we still going to talk?" Ino asked, seeming worried. What does she expect me to say? No! You just stopped the big bad wolf from stuffing me into a locker for her own pleasure, I never want to talk to you again! End dramatization. Rolling my eyes, I replied.
"Yeah where would you like to go?"
"Well, what about your place? I would love to see Anko and Iruka again." I froze. That's right, she doesn't know, how could she?
"Uh, I think they are having company over tonight. They wouldn't like it if I brought a friend home..." It wasn't the best excuse but considering it was made up on the spot, it will have to do.
"Oh." Ino trailed off, looking disappointed, but thankfully didn't press the issue. "Well, we could go back to my apartment, it's nothing fancy or anything like that. Just somewhere to sleep."
"That's fine." I just hope being alone with her in her apartment isn't an incredibly bad idea. Ino won't do anything if I don't want her to though, right?
My shoulder pressed against the cool surface of the side entrance, opening the gateway to our freedom. Ino stepped through first and I followed beside her quietly. Headed in the opposite direction of my home.
"Do you need to call home or anything?" Ino asked.Even if I did no one would pick up the phone, I doubt Anko would even notice if I didn't come home at alltonight.
"No, it's alright, as long as I'm home before curfew, they don't care." People my age usually have curfews right? From the look on Ino's face, maybe something I said is off, sounds believable to me though.
~o~
A few minutes later we entered an older apartment building, taking the elevator up to the third floor. Even though hers is older their elevator is working I noted with some disdain.
"Well here it is, home sweet home" I looked around and took in a deep, steadying breath. Well, time to figure out if it was a mistake to willingly walk into the lion's den.
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
I'll let you figure that out if you don't get it.. hehe.
Finding Nemo, in the dark when they are searching for the "mask" and see the massive toothy fish. Yea.. I had to, I love that movie.
Romeo and Juliet, Act 2 Scene 2 – amazing play, loved working on this during high school. It really annoyed me that very few students really realized just how amazing Shakespeares writing is. Preferring to sit there and make stupid ass comments :(
Lol Snape from harry potter first book – ps any ideas for a chem teacher? o.o..
Okay, so I apologize Ino appears crazy, I promise it will make sense hopefully after the next chapter. Well it makes sense in my head but that doesn't guarantee it will to anyone else :P Read + review – Thanx to everyone who has so far 3.
Updated, reworked - 01/08/11