The rest of my day passed without incident, well... until I got into my last class. As soon as I turned into the room I was tackled from behind and pinned to the floor. My face was pressed onto the dirty tiled floor, furious I tried to push the person who was now sitting on my back, off.
"What the hell do you think you're doing!" I screamed into the floor, sputtering as specks of 'things' stuck to my tongue and lips. I think I'll be better off not trying to figure out what that is.
"Sakuraaaaaaaa!" The voice whined from my back, so it's a boy huh? Well he's getting a kick in the nuts for sure. My inner raged silently inside of me, swearing to making a voodoo doll and stick my assailant with a hundred heated needles. "You said Ino was single." The voice continued to pout, oblivious to what he was doing to my spine.
My hands waved wildly trying to smack him off my back, leaving my face unprotected and pressed against the ground.
"WILL YOU GET THE FUCK OFF!" I bellowed into the floor.
"Oh right." I felt the weight lift off my back and I instantly pushed myself up and turned to face my attacker, still sitting on the ground. Naruto grinned at me, he doesn't seem to realize that red faced, huffing, swearing and screaming means I'm not happy with him. Stupid blondes.
"Sakura!" He pouted again, I glared back into his soft blue eyes.
"What!" I snarled in reply, the thought of slamming my heel into his groin tempting me more and more by the second.
"Why would you say Ino is single if you and her are together?" Great... Temari didn't waste any time did she? Suddenly I could feel sets of eyes trained on me from all around the room. A gulp forced its way slowly down my throat.
"Where did you hear that from?" I asked tentatively, scoping out an escape route if one of the angry males in the room decided to complete the task of killing me that Naruto started.
"Naruto are you serious? That fucking blows man, I totally wanted a chance at that chick." Another boy came up behind the disappointed blonde. Shaggy brown hair stuck out awkwardly from his scalp. A tight black muscle shirt clung to his chiseled chest, obviously this one gets a lot of female attention. He has a strong jaw and red football paint striped down his cheeks. Long canines sticking down from his upper row of teeth as he sneered at his friend.
"Yeah, apparently Temari caught them in the hallway making out and Ino said they were engaged or somethin'." Naruto confirmed.
"Well shit, if they have to be together I could of at least been the one to walk in on a lesbian make out fest." The brunette pouted, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his loose jeans.
"Yeah, me to Kiba."
"WAIT A MINUTE!" I yelled, trying to stop the conversation – still in shock. Naruto and Kiba stopped and looked at me surprised, I pushed myself up from the floor and brushed from of the dirt off. "Now listen to me, we did NOT make out in the hall. We are NOT together. Temari is trying to make up a rumor to make my life hell and she figured this is the easiest way! She stuffs me in a locker every day for fuck sakes!" My face glowed red as I continued to scream for the entire school to hear. "Ino is just some crazy chick who thinks we're together, she is nothing to me do you understand? I AM NOT A LESBIAN!" The syllables rang out leaving the classroom in complete silence. Naruto's eyes flickered over my shoulder and his face paled, what now?
I turned to look over my shoulder, chest heaving. Oh shit.
"I just, our attendance sheets got mixed up... so I..." Ino stood in the doorway, positively stricken as the clipboard slipped out of her fingers and clanged onto the floor. Her lips trembled as she tried to spit the words out. "So I..." Tears made her eyes water. "Sorry." She whispered, turning and running out the door.
"Ino..." I whispered, too shocked to move.
Naruto and Kiba looked at me as I just stared at where Ino had been, unsure of what I should do.
"Alright classssss... ssssit down, I have someone I want to introduce you to." Our chemistry teacher cooed as he entered the room. Stark black hair sliding down his back, perfectly straight and in contrast to his ivory white skin. His thin lips part as he motioned for the young man behind him to step forward. "I would like you to meet Kabuto, he isss a sstudent teacher and will be with usss for the remainder of the term. I'm sssure you will all give him your undivided attention." Silently I got up and dragged myself to my desk, plunking down heavily. My head feels heavy, I stared blankly at my desk top not even bothering to take out my books.
Class seemed to drudge on, the seconds ticked by. At one moment I was convinced that clock was broken because the hands seemed to barely move.
The bell rang and I didn't move, why should I? What would I say if I found Ino? I'm so confused I doubt I'd be able to say anything at all. My classmates filtered out around me, whispering quietly, trying not to be heard.
"Did you see that new girl crying?"
"Yeah what was that about?"
"What was up with Haruno just losing it, I swear she's psycho!"
"Wait, so does that mean that new hottie is a lesbian or not?"
I scowled as they walked by and out the door, what does it even matter to them. They don't know me, they don't know Ino. It's sickening that people would get this obsessed over stupid gossip.
I cringed, Ino is the only person in this school who has treated me like a human since day one and I blew up and said she means nothing to me.
I know what I have to do. I grabbed my book bag still packed beside my desk and ran out of the classroom, shoving past startled classmates as I raced towards Ino's locker.
She wasn't there.
Spinning around and pushing between a couple holding hands I ran toward my locker.
She wasn't there either.
My chest heaved as I ran out the side door, scanning the parking lot and the path Ino and I had walked yesterday. Where is she?
"Oi Sakura! Wait up!" Behind me the door burst open and Tayuya stumbled out, holding her hat to her head and breathing heavily. "Why are you acting like a bat out of hell? Chill dude."
"Have you seen Ino?" I snapped, looking around.
"No... why? What happened now?"
"I said something really stupid in chemistry and she heard me, I need to find her." I stammered, moving towards the trail leading to Ino's. Tayuya grabbed my wrist and dug in her heels as I pulled against her grip.
"Waiiiiittttt." she protested, gritting her teeth as I struggled.
"Let me go!"
"Pfft," she scoffed, "not till you calm down!" She's stupidly strong for being so close to being classified as a midget.
"Tayuya!" I growled.
"What? You gonna take a swing at me if I don't let go? I've been waiting for round two, Pinky." She taunted. I swung furiously at her, missing horribly before collapsing onto the ground, scraping my knees and bleeding onto the tarmac.
"I'm an idiot." I sobbed, Tayuya let go off my wrist – letting it fall to my side as I shook silently with sobs.
"Well, yeah." Thanks for the comforting there bud. Tayuya sat down with her back against the school wall and watched me silently. "I heard it all y'know" great. She's two hallways over to. "That's why I was hunting you down as soon as class got out. But you're right, you're a 'tard – although I'm surprised it took you this long to snap. I mean, fuck! I would'a snapped a long time ago." That's because you have rage issues.
I stared longingly down the pathway hoping against hope that Ino would appear, even though I know logically that she won't.
It's not a wonder I've been alone for this long, I keep pushing anyone who tries to get close away and if they refuse I verbally – or physically - beat them with a bat.
Tayuya sighed and looked at me thoughtfully for a moment before getting up and stretching out her back. "I know what you need, common let's go."
"Where are we going?"
"I'm not telling now get up, you little fuck, or I'm going to pick you up by your pink hair and kick your ass the entire way there." I opened my mouth to protest and Tayuya grabbed her baseball cap and smacked the top of my head before replacing it. "You and Ino need a break from each other, you can talk to her tomorrow." Looks like I have no choice.
Tayuya dragged me to her house where we left our school bags before she led me in another direction. I was silent the whole way as Tayuya ranted on to herself about some sort of first person shooter game and some idiot she shot in the head repeatably. She didn't seem to mind or notice my lack of interest or well... talking.
"Here we are." Tayuya beamed, stuffing a piece of plastic into my hand.
"Huh?" I mumbled trying to come out of my fog, looking down at my hand before my other was tugged and I jolted forward to follow the redhead. "Wait Tay-"
"Well if it isn't my favourite redhead and, oh who is your hot friend there Tye?" Hot friend? I looked over my shoulder instinctively to see if we had been followed. A strong male voice laughed before I was elbowed in the ribs.
"He means you idiot." Tayuya growled out of the corner of her mouth.
"Oh." I muttered, thoroughly embarrassed. Glancing up bright neon lights flared in front of my eyes, showing off the silhouette of a naked women. My eyes widened as I looked at Tayuya alarmed. Oh hell no, she would not take me to a strip club or something because I'm confused about Ino. How the hell could that possibly help!
"Alright ladies well I'll just need to see some ID." Tayuya snatched the forgotten piece of plastic from my sweaty hand and handed it to the large bouncer, towering over us. He looked at it quickly before opening the door and stepping inside. "Try not to beat up any of the other customers tonight, OK Tye?"
"No guarantees." Tayuya grinned pulling me after her through the black entrance way.
"Tayu-" I growled at her before her hand flashed and covered my mouth.
"Tye." She corrected, smiling while my eyes spat daggers at her. "And for tonight you are Kayla." What? I don't even look like a Kayla and when did she get me a fake ID? Did she plan on kidnapping me to a strip club?
"Oi, barkeep!" Tayuya yelled past me, waving at the bar. "Two shots!"
"I hope those are both for you." I hissed when she took her hand away.
"Uh no? Don't be a prude you can have a drink or two. You'll feel a lot fucking better, trust me on this."
"Tayu- er.. Tye." The names don't even sound that different. Does she really think fake names will help? If someone knows us in here they will know our faces as well. "Look, I don't really like the idea of drinking... seeing Anko everyday and all." I muttered uncomfortable.
"OH COMON! Loosen up! Fuck!" Tayuya shoved a shot glass in front of me and instantly tilted her head back downing her's. "Wait for it..." She paused before letting out a loud belch, bringing a cheer from a few of the patrons sitting at the bar. Great, she's a usual here.
I sighed and looked skeptically at the small vial of the clear, liquid poison. Well, bottoms up?
The liquid raced down my throat and I coughed violently. That shit BURNS! Tayuya laughed hysterically beside me, pounding her fist against my back – almost sending me face first into the bar table.
"What the hell was that?"
"Tequila shots." She beamed, motioning for two more. Instantly she downed her second and pushed the second to me. Really? More? I glared at the liquid and picked it up, hesitating before downing my second glass. This time it didn't burn as much, and I managed to keep most of it down. "There ya go! See that ain't so bad, and now if you just look behind you."
My head is spinning, it feels like.. I'm off balance? Is that right? Sluggishly I looked where Tayuya was motioning. Right at... pole dancers. Instantly I turned back staring at the wood bar top instead. It's safer.
"What. The. Fuck." I growled as Tayuya motioned for two more shots. Stop already.
"What?" She asked, downing her third and pushing mine over. A broad grin was plastered on her face as she motioned to the barkeep and whispered something to him. "Isn't the problem you dunno if you like chicks? Well what better way to find out!" Your logic disgusts me.
"This won't solve anything!" I growled quietly, feeling my inner struggling to turn my gaze back to where it had been a moment ago.
"What? Why not?" Tayuya asked, taking a long 'sip' from a pink drink in a large figure eight glass. Because you're an idiot.
"Tayuya are you gay?" Maybe explaining it this way will help.
"I dunno." Maybe not.
"What do you mean?" My head is starting to swim, I glanced at my third shot still full and in my hand.
"Well, I just sorta like what I like y'know – never thought about it t'much." She paused to take another long 'sip' from her drink. "I just sorta go like, damn they're hot and think I'd like some o'that y'know?" Tayuya grinned and watched as one of the dancers preformed a rather difficult stunt, wolf whistling shamelessly.
I sighed, well there isn't much point in trying to talk to her right now I suppose.
"Look, all this shit ish on me tonight, 'kay? So bottoms up pinky!" Tayuya smiled and motioned for the barkeeper again. I looked at the glass in my hand one last time before downing it.
A half an hour later Tayuya dragged me from my bar stool and we moved to sit on one of the couches at the base of the stages. I tripped over my feet, laughing as if it were the funniest thing to ever happen to me.
An hour after I was lying on the top of the bar, my shirt hiked up as Tayuya licked lime and salt out of my belly button.
An unknown time later we were dancing to the music, swaying and moving however seemed right to for the beat and the alcohol in our systems.
As the sky was lightening we stumbled up the last stairs in my apartment building, clumsily unlocking the door and tripping inside. Tayuya laughed hysterically.
"Shhh!" I motioned, trying to press my finger to my lips but missing my face entirely. "You'll -hic – you i'll wake shomene up." I giggled, tugging on her arm, trying to help her to her feet, but falling down beside her instead.
"Uff wh're you doin' you OAF!" Tayuya attempted to slug me in the shoulder but missed and hit my breast instead. She laughed "Sh'opps!"
I blinked and laughed with her, lying on our backs in my doorway with the door wide open.
"Sakura?" A voice whispered from above me, I tried to focus but my head swam around me.
"Huh? Who'sh there?" I slurred, trying to look up and focus over the pounding in my head.
"Sakura, are you drunk?"
"Pssshhh nooooooo." A giggle escaped my lips as I glanced at Tayuya who was studying a strand of my hair.
"Oi K' look'it thish, if I tangle 'r hair we both have pink and red!"
"Whoa..." I rolled over to watch as she wove our hair together.
"Sakura!" The voice yelled. Urg why do they have to be so loud.
"Wut!" I snarled "Don't need ta be sho loud y'know." Roughly a hand grabbed my arms and pulled me up, dragging me to my room and shoving me down onto my bed. "Hey!" I protested before Tayuya thudded down beside me.
"How did you even get alcohol?" The voice demanded, I tried to focus my eyes again and saw soft brown looking back at me with silver trails shimmering down from them.
"Why ish ur'fache shooooo shiny?" My fingers reached out to touch the source of the shine before they were swatted away. Quickly the shimmering trails were wiped away.
"Where did you get the alcohol Sakura?"
"M'Kayla." I slurred in reply.
"N' I'm Tye!" Tayuya completed falling back against the sheets and pointing at something on the ceiling.
"Sakura, why are you drunk?"
"I'dunno – life shucks y'know? N' Anko drinks, it helpsh her right?" I replied, falling back beside Tayuya to try and see what she was pointing at. The voice was silent as I yawned and Tayuya's head leaned against my shoulder and we fell asleep. My eyes fluttered as I looked into shimmering trails again, wider this time.
"Oh, Sakura..." The voice whispered as my eyes closed leaving me in darkness. "I'm so sorry."
The next morning my eyes opened slowly, my head pounded furiously. Light streamed into my vision, leaving a stinging pain all throughout my body.
"Ow." I mumbled rolling over. Bad idea. Instantly bile rose to the back of my throat and I ran to the bathroom, heaving into the toilet.
"Here, this will help." A soft voice said behind me, I looked up – wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. My head throbbed as Anko came into focus. Wait, she knows I have a hang over? And she's... sober? This has to be another dream – so why does it hurt this much?
Anko set the coffee mug on the counter and grabbed a wash cloth, wetting it before kneeling down to wipe my mouth.
"I'm so sorry, Sakura." She whispered, her hand stopping. Tears glistened in the corners of her eyes as she looked at me with more pain on her face then I've seen since... well Iruka. "I'm so sorry." She sobbed, crushing me against her. Shocked, I was like cardboard in her arms.
"Need the crapper." was the only warning I received before Tayuya shoved past me to heave her stomach into the toilet. Still too shocked to react, my sluggish mind tried to process what was going on.
"Mom." I mouthed before I crumpled against her, unable to hold back a sob as she held me like I've wanted for so long.
"I don't want you to think you need to turn to drinking because life is too hard, Sakura; don't make the same mistake I did. Look - I'll sober up I promise, and we can start over – this time I won't let you down." I've waited so long for this, everything seems surreal.
"You gonna drink that?" Tayuya mumbled behind me. Silently I flipped her off hoping to give her a hint. "Right, mommy daughter moment – got it. Leaving." I could hear the smile in her voice as she snatched the cup off the counter and walked back to my room.
Anko pushed away from me and wiped the tears from my cheeks, searching my face for a clue as to what to say next. Smiling sheepishly she said
"You have an interesting friend." I laughed
"Yeah, she's 'interesting'."
"I'll get you both some tylenol, I'm sure you both have massive headaches. Don't worry about school I called you both in sick." Anko smiled faintly again, sadness still tilting down the corners of her eyes. Does she blame herself for what happened last night? Did I say something? I don't remember much past the third drink.
Frowning, I watched as she left the bathroom and turned down the hallway. I listened in silence as cupboard doors were opened and closed. Without thinking I flushed the toilet and went back to my room, glancing at Tayuya who was once again asleep on my bed. Beside her - miraculously - the coffee cup was empty, apparently it wasn't enough to keep her up.
"Wake up." I muttered jabbing her in the ribs with my finger, plopping down on the bed.
"Fuck off." She muttered back, flipping so her back was to me. Good morning to you too. Without thinking I snatched the pillow from under her head and smacked her with it. "Oi!" Tayuya yelled, grabbing for the fabric that was assaulting her.
"Um girls," Anko said knocking on the door frame, "we are out of tylenol so I'm going to go to the store."
"You don't have to do that." I replied, this feels awkward and surreal, like some sort of weird dream. Except, Tayuya is her usual bitchy self. That and my head is killing me, you don't feel pain if it isn't real right?
"I do, I'll be back in a little bit." She waved good bye and we listened as the front door was opened and then shut behind her.
Tayuya took the distraction and snatched the pillow from my hands.
"Hey!" Was the only protest I could get out before she started to exact her revenge, smashing me repeatably with the pillow. I was driven back until I was lying on my back trying to defend the attack from above with my hands and feet. "Stop, mercy!"
"Victory is mine!" Tayuya cheered, flexing her arms as if to show off her superior, mini person might. "And now for my winnings." She winked and leaned down close to me, her face barely inches from mine. My eyes grew wide, not listening as I tried to remain calm. What the hell is she doing.
"Er, Tayuya what are you doing?" The redhead didn't reply, she only moved to place an arm above my shoulder to block my escape route. My heart pounded in my chest, what is going on? Did something happen while we were drunk?
"Why do you look like you're about to piss yourself, Pinkie?" Tayuya whispered, a slight smirk tilting up the corners of her lips as she moved to straddle my hips. Red hair draped down on either side of her face, framing her coy grin as she leaned closer. "Do you not remember anything from last night?" Um no?
Feebly I shook my head back and forth, a blush reddening my cheeks and creeping its way across my body. Maybe this is a dream, I can be the first to have a pounding headache while dreaming right?
"Nothing at all?" Her grin grew, obviously amused as I tried to shrink further and further away from her.
"Should I?"
"I could remind you." She purred, brushing her lips against mine. I gulped, someone pounded at the door. Thank God.
Tayuya jumped back in surprise and I mumbled something about having to get that, quickly dashing out the door, pointedly looking away from the figure sitting on my bed.
Pulling the door open I was surprised by the trio standing in front of me. Hinata was holding a stack of papers and standing in front. Her jaw seemed to unhinge as she looked me over, paling with a blush darkening her cheeks. Do I really look that bad? But then why would she be blushing?
Tenten stood to her left her eyes fixed on my... chest? Didn't she just chew me out the other day when she thought I was looking at hers? What the fuck is going on?
Finally Ino was standing almost directly behind Hinata trying not to be seen, apparently uncomfortable and nervous. I'm surprised she's here at all. Her eyes are trained on the floor, determined not to look at me. I cringed and opened my mouth to say something before Hinata cleared her throat and tried to smile politely.
"Um, we have your school work for the weekend.. could we come in for a moment?"
"Why do your boobs have to be so fucking small? I can't find any bra's that fit and mine is dirty." Tayuya whined behind me, not even checking to see who was at the door until it was to late. Really? Why are you trying on my bra's to begin with – of course they are to small, have you looked in the mirror lately? Besides that, didn't I just leave you alone for like ten seconds? How is that even physically possible that you found and tried on all my bras!
A thud sounded from the doorway and I turned back just in time to see Tenten miss as she tried to catch Hinata who had fainted. Angrily, I glared at Tayuya who threw up her hands as if to say 'wasn't me' and turned to walk back into my room.
"Hinata wake up, oh geez."
"Er, you want help carrying her inside?" I asked. Tenten shook her head and sighed,
"No, I'm used to this by now." Expertly she gathered her friend up in her arms and I showed her to my room, I would offer the couch but I'm not sure how bad it smells. Seeing as that is where Anko resided 24/7.
Ino paused at the door way, seeming to debate between bolting or following. I smiled at her apologetically as I could, trying to express how sorry I am. Please don't hate me, I didn't mean it.
Silently she pressed past me, glancing around the small apartment as she followed Tenten.
So now I'm in a room with a multi-personality Tayuya, who has gone from comedian, to war hero to seductress and then back to oblivious idiot.
Ino who is pissed off and antisocial and has gone from clingy, to not even wanting to be in the same room as me. Not that I can blame her.
Tenten, the homophobe who I don't know that well, other than she is really nasty with a volleyball.
Finally Hinata, who is passed out currently and sleeping on my bed. Best part is she's the fucking PEACE KEEPER. Could this get any worst? Anko – hurry, I really do need that tylenol.
"So... you were um, 'sick' today huh?" Tenten started the conversation, sitting on my desk chair. Sarcasm dripped off her words like venom, what does she think I was doing then?
"Yeah." Hangovers count right? I was sitting with my back against the wall between my dresser and the desk. Tayuya was rummaging through my clothes in one of the drawers. I should probably stop her but I don't have the energy to ask what she's doing, or to try to get her to stop. She takes more energy to control then a five year old group of triplets who went down the candy isle. I could get a shock collar for her like a dog and then just zap her whenever she does something. That could work, I wonder how long it would take till she figures it out.
Ino keeps glancing at me, or rather something on me every few seconds. If shes trying to be subtle it's not working. Between her and Tenten, I wish someone would grow some balls and just ask whatever it is they are thinking.
"Do I have something on my face?" I finally snapped. Tenten blushed furiously and Ino looked extremely uncomfortable.
"Not your face." Tayuya snickered beside me, picking up a pair of jeans before tossing them on the floor.
"Then where?" I growled, short on patience. Enough of this tip toeing. My head chose then to remind me of how much pain it was it, leaving a sharp stab of pain behind my eyes. How come Tayuya doesn't seem to be affected? She drank at least double what I did. Yet another reason on my list to hate her. 'Theres a thin line between love and hate' my inner chose to chime in 'what the fuck is that suppose to mean?' I replied, annoyed. 'Remember what Tayuya said earlier?' '...yes.' My inner smirked, 'Well, I do remember last night.' 'HOW DOES THAT EVEN MAKE SENSE? TELL ME!' I screamed back, ignoring the protests of my throbbing head. 'Nope.' Was the only replied I received along with a evil laugh and the sense that this so called conversation was done. 'I hate you' I muttered inwardly.
"You okay, Sakura?" Tayuya asked, looking at me like I was about to turn into the hulk.
"What? Yeah, I'm fine." Yep fine, just sitting here arguing with a being that has been made up by my imagination. A being who apparently can remember everything while I'm drunk, even if I can't. Silently I got up and went over to stand in front of the mirror hanging from the back of my door, I could see Tenten looking at me in the mirror, and Ino from the corner of my eye.
Okay now lets see, well.. lets start with only one sock... that's not so bad. Next, scabbed over and bloody knees – oh right the parking lot. Thanks again Tayuya, I cringed thinking about how I had scraped my knees and risked a glance at Ino.
Wait, what is in my pocket? Slowly I grabbed at pink fabric sticking out from my shorts pocket, pulling out a thong. You have got to be kidding – who do these belong to? My eyes grew wide, behind me Tayuya was laughing hysterically.
"They belong to the number on your arm." She chortled. My arm? On my right forearm, written in red lipstick was a phone number with a call me written in front of it.
"And who is call me?" I asked nervously.
"The owner of the thong, doh!" I glared at Tayuya, either she really is retarded or really good at pissing me off.
"Yeah, I got that – but who are they?"
"I'm not telling you, you're gonna have to call her." Figures, why did I think she would help me out for once. She probably doesn't know either and just doesn't want to admit the alcohol got to her. Yeah... I'll go with that.
"Fine." Turning back to the mirror I continued my inspection, so they were staring at the fabric in my pocket? That can't be that bad though right?
"Lift up your shirt pinkie." Tayuya grinned coyly.
"What? Why?" I don't want to do that with three people watching. Even if that is ridiculous considering two of them have seen me in a bathing suit... which is less.
"Just do it." Grumbling, I slowly started to lift up my shirt until I saw red skin and yanked it up far enough to expose a bright red rash around my belly button.
"What the hell is this, Tayuya what the fuck did you do!" I snarled, gaping at the red puffy skin on my stomach. Slowly I poked the sensitive area and found it felt like pin needles pushing into my skin. Ow.
"It wasn't my fault, you didn't tell me that you're allergic to limes or sea salt." Limes or sea salt? Why would she put a lime or sea salt on my belly button? Ino's expression blanched as she seemed to figure something out. Slowly she worked her jaw as her attention turned to Tayuya. First shock, and then confusion? Err.. and now she looks like she wants to kill her, great. Apparently there's another secret joke going on that no one wants to tell me. This is getting old fast.
"And I would need to tell you I was allergic to limes and sea salt because...?" I didn't even know I was allergic to either of those.
"Because you wanted to try body shots?" Tayuya shook her head as if it was incredibly obvious. What are body shots? Do I want to ask Tayuya to define what it is... or would I be better off pretending I know and looking it up later. Ino's expression hardened as she continued to glare at Tayuya, fingers gripping the sheets painfully. "Hellloooo, Sakura?"
"Uh yeah..." why are Tenten and Ino both looking at me like I just grew wings and a pair of fangs? Is it really that bad? Urg why is it the only part of me that can remember last night refuses to tell me anything!
"You do body shots, Sakura?" Ino asked in disbelief, turning her attention back to Tayuya. Her image of me was suddenly shattered.
"Maybe...?" Tayuya laughed at my reply.
"Yeah, and she fuckin' loved it!" Tayuya grinned and grabbed a shirt out of the bottom drawer, putting it up experimentally to see how it looked on her. I glared spitefully, how can she be so blind as to not see everyone's horror?
Ino suddenly got up and stormed out of the bedroom, shoving past me and slamming the door in my face. The blood drained from my face as a repeat of yesterday happened in front of me, without thinking I flung the door open and ran after her, barely catching a glimpse as she ran to the stairs leading downstairs.
I have to talk to her, I can't leave it like this. She made the effort to even show up today right? Then I went and made it worse, how I still haven't figured out – but I did. I'm such an idiot!
"Ino wait!" I called as she disappeared down the flight of stairs. Cursing I ran after her, taking the steps two or three at a time, gripping the railing to keep from falling as I chased after her. "Ino!" Slowly I was able to gain ground on her, maybe years of these stairs was starting to pay off.
Reaching out I grabbed her wrist as she hit the foyer.
"Wait." I huffed, refusing to let go as she fell limp in my grasp. "Please." The words cracked as I pleaded with her.
"Why Sakura? Why should I wait while you go out and fool around with Tayuya!" She spun and glowered furiously at me. Tears streamed down her cheeks, pain glistening in her soft blue eyes.
"I didn't-"
"Didn't what? Didn't say that I mean NOTHING to you? You were just embarrassed to even call me a friend!" Ino spat the words like venom, arm trembling in my grasp.
"No Ino-"
"Didn't mean it when you said you weren't a lesbian? Because apparently its okay as long as its with Tayuya right?"
"What! No, why would you-"
"Oh please, body shots Sakura, really? With her? I suppose the two hickies on your neck and chest are from her as well?" Hickies? Reflexively my hand went up to my neck, as if to see if I could feel them on my skin. Is that what they were looking at? Is that what Tayuya was hinting at?
"I don't, I mean I can't remember what happened." The words came out as a whisper, Ino was trembling badly. Shaking her head she looked to the floor, trying to stem the flow coursing down her cheeks.
"I don't mean to interrupt but would you two like to go somewhere more private? You can use my room if you like." Tsunade asked quizzically, looking between the two of us to try and figure out what was going on. Ino and I jumped in unison, both surprised by her sudden appearance.
"No, I was just leaving." Ino replied, forcing the words through clenched teeth as she yanked her arm free.
Out of reflex I grabbed her wrist again, Ino's free hand shot up and slapped against my cheek. Leaving a resounded crack and a red spot of skin. Why does this seem like dejavu, didn't this happen the morning that I met her? Before that morning my life was... normal, like it had been for so long. There was nothing new, it was the same pattern that never changed. After this school year was done I'd be on my own, by myself and at university.
But I'd be alone. If it weren't for Ino I wouldn't have Tayuya. I wouldn't know Hinata or Tenten (not that the latter would be a bad thing). I wouldn't have made up with Anko. Most of all though... I wouldn't be... happy, or as close to it as I have been in well... ten years.
"Go on a date with me." The words came out with my even thinking, as more of a statement then a question. I didn't want to leave it as a question, a question can have the answer 'no'. It just felt right, right to tell her. Ino's eyes widened and her jaw seemed to unhinge as she sputtered for a reply. I looked up into those blues eyes and I smiled shyly. Tsunade watched the exchange silently before throwing up her arms in defeat and heading back to her spot behind the front desk without a word.
"What did you say?" Ino asked, disbelieving.
"Go on a date... with me." I repeated, suddenly feeling extremely foolish.
"W-what? Are you KIDDING me. You go out and fool around with someone else after you just told me all you want is a friend. That you aren't GAY. Then, you ask me out?" She stammered, glowing a bright red. It's ironic if you think about it; hell this entire situation is messed up. All I could do is give her a lopsided smile and try to look as sincere as I could.
"But I didn't...urg!" this is so frustrating! "I can't remember what happened Ino!"
"You think that's an excuse?"
"Oi, scraping cats, break it up will ya – fuck you run fast." Tayuya panted heavily, stepping down off the final stairs. Ino opened her mouth to yell at her but Tayuya held up a finger for her to wait. Bending over to try and catch her breath, hands resting on her knees. "Sakura –huff– didn't –huff– do anything, - huff- she's -huff- a prude."
"What!" Ino and I both stammered in unison. Tayuya glared at us, annoyed she would have to explain more after we made her run down the stairs.
"Those aren't hickies, I pegged her with a pool cue a few times while we were at the bar." You what? Oh gee thanks for waiting until NOW to speak up. I'm going to fucking kill you! "The body shots weren't her idea. I had to practically hold her down to even get the lime and sea salt on her, and she was WASTED. I mean, Sakura, you were fucking smashed, you're such a lightweight." My mouth worked like a fish trying to breath.
"And the thong?" Ino asked, not ready to forgive me yet. Tsunade perked up a little and leaned over her desk, making sure not to miss any of the soap opera going on in front of her.
"I planted it after one of the strippers put the number on her arm, hoping to freak her out today." Oh great, now you tell her there were strippers present. You just fixed three minor problems and then introduced a bigger one. I'm dead aren't I, might as well go hide in the corner waving a white flag.
"Strippers?" Ino's voice when up two octaves as I looked at her miserably and shrugged.
"Yeah, I dragged her to a strip bar so she could get over this whole inner debate she has going on about whether shes a lesbian or not." Tayuya stated like this should all be obvious, I mean how could we possibly not see her logic? I rolled my eyes and looked at Tsunade for help. The older blonde just gave me a smile that I knew meant I was done for.
"You what!" Impossibly Ino's voice got higher. My head feels like its about to explode, please stop screaming in my ear. Let's all pretend to be mice – by that I mean lets all be QUIET.
"It's cool though Blondie, I mean she wouldn't even fucking look at them. She avoided them like the plague. That's why the one girl put her number on her arm, in case she felt like loosening up sometime. Fucking lucky if you ask me. Even when I dragged her down to the stages she stared at the floor!" Oh thank you God, even while drunk I have some common sense.
Ino seemed to deflate as she thought the story over, I hope she knows that Tayuya isn't smart enough to come up with this all by herself on the spot. So it has to be true... right? Please let it be true.
"It is a funny story about why she only has one sock though." Tayuya grinned and started to continue before I cut her off.
"Shut the fuck up right now." I snarled. I don't even care what happened to that sock, whatever she has to say can't be good.
"Geez, fine; next time I won't run down those fucking stairs to save your sorry ass." Throwing up her arms Tayuya flashed me a wink and waved at Tsunade, who looked thoroughly amused. Unhappily she started to climb the stairs, cursing with every step she took.
"Alright then," Ino blushed, and glanced at the door, "I mean uh... sorry." Relief flooded through my body "I'll see you uh tomorrow? That is... if you still want to?" Yes... I do. Thank you whatever god has made everything work out today. I'm so happy you didn't decide to set those rabid cats on me.
"Yeah." My grip slipped from around her wrist as she slowly turned and walked towards the door. Pausing before she left, motioning towards her cheek.
"Sorry about uh..."
"Don't worry about it." I assured awkwardly as she stumbled out the door and it swung shut behind her. Okay, now what – back up to face Tenten and Tayuya... hopefully Hinata will be conscious by now. I let out an audible sigh, talk about cutting it close. If it weren't for Tayuya well... lets not think about that.
"Do I want to know?" Tsunade inquired from her usual spot, lifting her eyes to look over her reading glasses at me.
"Probably not." My cheeks burned as I glanced back at the stairs.
"Uh huh, well you will have to explain some other time then."
"Right..." I replied, moving for the stairs.
"Have fun on your date." she smirked, obviously gloating that she was 'right' about her earlier assumption.
"So, did you catch up with her?" Tenten asked as I shut my bedroom door as I entered.
"Yes." here it comes. Hinata was awake and looking even more pale then usual.
"And...?"
"And we're going on a date... tomorrow." Tayuya cheered triumphantly, she still needs to answer for this morning now that I think of it.
"Okay well, uh I should get Hinata home" Tenten muttered, moving to leave as quickly as possible while holding Hinata upright. Obviously the news of my impending date has set off her homophobe survival instincts and she isn't as happy as Tayuya is. Hinata smiled at me as they passed and left the apartment.
"So where were we?" Tayuya smirked as the pair closed the front door behind them. Wait WHAT!
Yay cliffhangers. Ok well first sorry if this has a lot of mistakes. I've worked for the past 8 days putting in 40 odd hours and I'm taking college classes to. On top of that I think I may of fractured my wrist, so overall I haven't had a lot of time. I still need to finish up my next chapter for my other story. Anywho, thank you for all the reviews I received on the previous chapter, love you all! Please let me know what you think. I love reading and replying to comments.
Read + review. Enjoy!