If I could write you a song, and make you fall in love,
I would already have you up under my arm.
"Oh Choji I love this song, come dance with me!" I squealed, tripping over the clutter on my dorm floor. Fingers trailing over the volume dial and blaring the music for all to hear.
"Ino! Gai is going to skin us alive!" Choji protested.
I would already have you up under my arm.
I used to pull all my tricks,
I hope that you like this.
But you probably won't,
you think you're cooler than me.
I smiled evilly, springing to my feet and grabbing my friends hands. Pulling down an imaginary cowboy hat I bowed before flinging it aside in preference for an invisible mic. I know Choji doesn't like to get in trouble but I can't help it – when you get the urge to sing and dance you just need to go with it.
You got designer shades,
just to hide your face and
you wear them around like
you're cooler than me.
"Ino!" Choji screamed over the music. I ignored him, to busy belting out to the song from my new CD. Besides he should know by now that this is going to happen. It is practically a weekly occurrence, he knows how much I love my four am dances.
and you never say hey,
or remember my name.
It's probably cuz,
you think you're cooler than me.
A knock on the door was barely heard, Choji glanced between the myself and the probably furious teacher hidden behind the thin barrier. Gulping he decided to take his luck with the furious teacher, he knows what I'll do to him if he turns off my song of the week. He made that mistake once, just once.
you got your hot crowd,
shoes on your feet,
and you wear them around,
like they ain't shit.
But you don't know
the way that you look,
I started to jump around, deciding the mattress would be the best spot to get the most leverage. Letting my body move however seemed right for the beat that was playing. Choji groaned and braced the door, pressing his shoulder to the wood and locking his knees. Praying he could hold the door shut long enough for the song to finish and the teacher to be pissed off enough that he would ignore Choji entirely.
when your steps
make
that
much
noise.
See I got you,
all figured out,
you need everyone's eyes just to feel seen.
Girl, your so vain,
you probably think this song is about you.
Don't you? Don't you?
"Ino for the last time it's against school policies to play your music that loud at 3 am!" It wasn't Gai. That would not be nearly as bad. At least he would give us some slack for enjoying our youth. Kisame is sure to beat us both within an inch of our lives. Well he would if I wasn't an expert in dealing with him, oh how I love toying with Kisame. I'm almost happier it's him and not Gai – even if Choji isn't.
If I could write you a song,
and make you fall in love,
I would already have you up under my arm.
I used to pull all my tricks,
I hope that you like this.
But you probably won't,
you think you're cooler than me.
"Ino I don't want to die" Choji yelled above the music, stumbling backwards as a hand burst threw the wooden door and began to search for whatever it was that was holding the door closed. I ignored them both, eyes closed and singing my heart out to the music. Well there goes another door to Kisame over reacting, I mean seriously this song is amazing. Everyone will be to busy enjoying it to be angry with me for waking them at four am - again. It's not like anyone has ever complained about it besides him. Choji doesn't count.
You got designer shades,
just to hide your face and
you wear them around like,
you're cooler than me.
Yand you never say hey,
or remember my name.
It's probably cuz,
you think you're cooler than me.
"INO OPEN THIS DOOR RIGHT NOW!" Kisame bellowed, shoving his arm through the wood up to his shoulder, fishing around until he grabbed a hold of Choji's shirt. Or you could wait till after this songs over, it's only a little bit longer.
You got your hot crowd,
switching your walk
and you don't even look when you pass by.
But you don't know,
the way that you look.
When your steps make
that
much
noise.
Choji grabbed a hold of the hand that was entangled in his shirt, trying to out muscle the larger male. Kisame's arm flexed and strained as he tried to pull Choji closer to him, as if somehow he was going to fit the student through the hole punched in the wooden door. Panicking, Choji looked over his shoulder and hoped desperately that the song was near it's end.
And don't you dare act like you don't know,
know what's up,
cuz your nose is up.
I'm approaching up.
Like I can't give you winter in the summer
or summer in the winter
miami in december
trying to look bored in them doir's
she probably is,
was acting shallow 'till she found out
how deep that my pockets is
Mrs pre-madonna, this is your reminder
that I think you're fine, but I'm finer.
Choji made a desperate reach for a hair brush sitting on the dresser beside him, snatching the wooden weapon he started to smash it into the wrist holding his shirt. Kisame grunted as the wooden handle left small strings of pain but continued to pull. Choji neared the door and silently wondered if this song would ever end or if he really was going to be squished through that tiny hole.
'Cause it sure seems
('Cause it sure seems)
you got no doubt
(that you got no doubt)
but we all see
(we all see)
you got your head in the clouds
(clouds)
if I could write you a song,
and make you fall in love,
I would already have you up under my arm.
I used to pull all my tricks,
I hope that you like this.
But you probably won't
you think you're cooler than me.
You got designer shades
just to hide your face and
you wear them around like,
you're cooler than me.
And you never say hey,
or remember my name.
It's probably cuz
you think you're cooler than me.
As the last word was sung I went into the bathroom, and returned with a heated hair straightener. You might be wondering why my hair straightener is already heated miraculously as if for this exact thing to happen. Well to be honest this happens on a weekly occurrence. I would be stupid not to be prepared.
Blowing on the end like blowing the smoke from a gun I pushed past Choji and pressed the heated metal to Kisame's wrist. Just long enough that he would let go – not long enough to actually hurt him. I'm not that cruel.
Instantly Choji was released and sent sprawling to the floor, I flicked the lock open and sat on my bed. Crossing my legs and waiting with an amused grin tilting up the corner of my soft pink lips.
An enraged Kisame slammed the door open instantly, his wrist a light red with the hair either burnt off or curling back. Huffing he stalked over to the amused teenager and tripped over his own tongue as he searched for words to let me know just how much trouble I am in. You would think by now I would obviously already know exactly how much trouble I am in. It would be much simpler with a lot less energy wasted for him to simply get to the end of what we both know will happen, and tack on another month of detention to my sentence.
"GO TO THE PRINCIPLES OFFICE!" He bellowed, face turning a deep red which was a contrast to his usual white gray. I smiled doing my best to look innocent,
"But Kisame it's four am won't he be asleep?"
"YOU SHOULD BE ASLEEP TO!"
"It's hard to sleep while I'm being yelled at" I smiled coyly, Kisame becoming angrier and angrier. Right on cue, there's there vein pulsing out of the side of his neck. Next step is his face turning purple.
Grinding his teeth in annoyance Kisame was oblivious as Choji snuck out of the room behind him, slipping down the hallway as he mouthed 'thank you'. "But you're right, I'm exhausted I think I'll go to sleep now. Good night Kisame"
Kisame snarled and grabbed my wrist, tugging me to my feet.
"I know I'm gorgeous but teacher student relation's are strictly against school rules – I don't think taking me somewhere at this time would be appropriate." I pouted, trying my best to hide the smile that was trying to worm it's way to the surface. Kisame glared icily and released his grip, debating on what to do.
"Detention for a month." He spat, turning to stalk out the door. Oh gee what a surprise, way to be original for once.
"Does that mean my time in detention is only a month now? Or are you adding a month to my time in detention that already extends past the time it would take me to graduate?" I fingered my long blonde hair, rolling a thick strand between my forefinger and thumb. He loves the dumb blonde act, it works every time.
Kisame paused at the door way before grinning,
"Fine then I will just have to let you're guardian know that you are no where close to ready to live on your own."
I cringed as the door was slammed in my face. Guess I shouldn't of poked the already enraged shark.
"Damnit" I cursed, grabbing the pillow off my bed and chucking it at the closed door. How did he find out that I am trying to convince the orphanage to let me live alone? Isn't stuff like that confidential? Oh well Kisame has to make a report before he can tell anything to my 'guardians' which has to go through Deidara – the principle; and lucky for me he happens to find Choji's muscles 'adorable.'
So one picture and I'm off the hook. I smiled and looked at the picture on my dresser that Choji had taken the brush off of. It's a picture of Sakura and I from when she was still here well not 'here' as in the school. 'Here' as in Suna, with me. It was the last time I saw her, her to be adoptive parents had taken us out for ice cream.
It's funny how something as small as an ice cream cone can convince a pair of eight year old's that they were nice people. I hope she's happy – I haven't heard from her and I don't know where she's gone. It can't be anywhere to far away I mean they couldn't of wanted to travel that far looking for a kid right?
I wonder what it will be like to see her again.. it's been what – ten years? I wonder if she even still remembers me.
I shook my head to clear that thought away. Of course she does – there's no way she would ever forget a family member. Besides we promised to be together forever. Neither of us have real families, or had – I guess I'm the only one in that boat anymore. So we agreed to be each others families, to be the one person the other could always count on. The one person that will never betray the other.
My birthday is in two days anyways, and then they won't be able to tell me what to do. They won't be able to keep me away from her anymore. I'll be eighteen and I'll be legally an adult. I can enroll myself in whatever school I want and go anywhere I want. In two day's I'm leaving this hellhole and I will find her – and for the first time in ten years no one can stop me.
This time the police won't hunt me down under the status of run away, this time they will have to watch silently as I leave.
So now that I'm done with being vindictive the real question is how the hell am I suppose to find her? I have been trying for years to find any clues but the documents at the orphanage are 'private' or something. They didn't tell me where she was going, all I know is she isn't here anymore. I'm no good with computers, well it is kind of hard to be good with something you've been to poor to afford your entire life. I could bribe someone, but who do I know would have the skills to find something like that? I don't even know if she changed her last name. So basically where I stand is having to track down every Sakura on the planet and hoping eventually I will find the right one.
Well no one said it would be easy, besides I made a promise.
Flopping back onto my mattress I stared at the white ceiling, looking at the dents and random colour splashes from thrown pencils, markers, paint brushes, fruit, hair dye – well you get the idea. At one point Kisame was in the room above me and it would annoy him to no end.
I don't really know why I enjoy torturing him in particular, maybe it's because he gets so riled so easily. Well it could also be the fact that he still thinks I get in trouble for most of the stuff I do – what he doesn't realize is that I befriended the principle years ago.
Deidara was another kid who was at the same orphanage as Sakura and I. He was about six years our senior though. We would pull off so many pranks with his help that we normally wouldn't be able to do. Not to mention he looks so much like me we could be related, its rather creepy honestly. Someday I need to get a DNA test done on him just to be sure.
Wait – Deidara! My feet hit the floor as I flung the door open, running down the hallway of my dorm. A smile lighting up my face as I took the stairs two at a time.
How could I be so STUPID. Who better to search the school records and student files than a principle, I mean it's been right in front of me the whole time. All I need to do is bribe Deidara and bam, instant Sakura.
I'm sorry Choji but I'm going to need bribing material.
Sliding to a stop I turned down a familiar hallway, fishing in my jean pocket for a copied room key. Yeah yeah copied room keys are against the rules blah blah blah – so is everything else here. Besides, Choji didn't technically let me do it. I might of borrowed it without his knowing briefly so I could get bribing material whenever I get in trouble.
I don't know why it's Choji exactly, but on the first day of school when Deidara came to greet me he saw Choji. It was instant squealing afterwords, however after I pointed out that Choji is a student he was depressed for days. Until the first time I got in trouble and he offered me a trade. A clean record for a few glimpses at his 'stud.' Apparently Deidara being the stick figure that he is has a thing for large muscles and thick waists. Although I must admit since coming here Choji has become rather fit.
Originally I became his friend so I could get bribing material easier – sneaking around is a lot of effort for someone who everyone is watching.
You know.. in case I do something 'against school policies again.'
I inserted the key and turned the lock silently, pressing the door open and slipping inside. OK that was the easy part, now to not wake up his roommate. Choji is a heavy sleeper and short of punching him in the gut or waving food around the room he won't wake up.
First you might be wondering why I don't have a roommate – lets just say I'm better suited for a single room. Second his roommate is a light sleeper, sadly the flash of a camera wakes him up. The first time it woke him up he was close to a heart attack, apparently I scream closet pervert. When I explained what I was doing he was slightly creeped out and thus has a slight fear of the principles office.
Luckily for me his roommate tends to get bullied since he's one of the smallest kids in school, so we trade revenge for pictures. Which is a good system, since I need more pictures to get out of trouble for the fights. Therefore more revenge and so on, lets just say were running out of bullies.
I slipped my hand over his roommates mouth and nudged his shoulder. He let out a mew of a scream – per usual – and panicked before he realized who it was.
"I'm guessing this is about a little bit earlier?" He whispered as I let go of him. I smiled coyly and nodded. Sighing in return he shrugged and rolled over, "I'll get a hold of you tomorrow, you've already kept me up to much tonight to make a deal."
"Thanks Meer" I whispered, fishing the camera out of my pocket. He flicked his wrist at me, falling back to sleep quickly.
I snapped a few quick pictures and left silently, Deidara is such a creep. Sakura is worth it though, at least I've become rather good at sneaking around the school in the middle of the night. Yet another skill I've learned at school that I will use for the rest of my life. No wonder I scream closet perv.
I snuck out of the school dorms and jogged across campus, quickly making my way to Deidara's building.
My knuckles rapped against his bedroom window, quietly at first. Then annoyed when he didn't answer, louder and louder. Until finally the window was flung open, barely missing smashing into my face.
"What do you want" Deidara yawned, slumping down instantly against the window sill. He was wearing a skin tight white tank and snowman PJ pants. The remnants of a skin mask still clinging to his face.
Silently I waved the camera in front of his nose and he followed it like a blood hound on a scent. Smiling he stepped aside so I could climb in through the window. Greedily he snatched the camera from my grasp and went over to his computer, already fishing around for the USB cable.
"So what did you do this time" he asked only half interested. Probably less since all of his attention seems to be elsewhere.
"Y'know you look like a massive fruit with that mask on right?" I flopped down on the large bean bag beside his desk.
"Look at you calling the kettle black" he smirked.
"Yeah yeah, least I like someone my age"
"In three months and thirteen days he will be eighteen." Deidara replied without a thought, waiting as his computer booted up.
"You are such a creep" my nose crinkled, he better be able to find her.
"So back to my original question, what did you do this time" no beating around the bush this time huh?
"Well I pissed off Kisame again"
"To be expected, he is so easily riled. Another four am dance?"
"Yep."
"If you're going to get in trouble you could at least do something original, don't worry about it though. It's gone – never happened as far as I'm concerned." I smirked, glancing at the screen as the pictures started to load. Right on cue Deidara's eyes opened wide and he looked over at me with accusation.
"What did you really do?"
"That's all I did I swear" he glared at me, obviously not buying it.
"So double your usual payment is simply because you got shutter happy?"
"Well actually I was hoping you could do something for me." Deidara sighed and turned to face me, tearing his eyes off the screen seemed to take a great effort on his part.
"And that would be?"
"I want you to help me find Sakura, with some voodoo student tracking thing principles must have" he pursed his lips, amused. Well he doesn't seem surprised, maybe he thought of this a long time ago. If that's the case I'm now mad at him for not telling me.
"Actually I have known where she's been since I became a principle here, I assumed you would want that info at sometime. After you stopped being blonde long enough to figure out the obvious." I smirked, you're blonde to dumb ass. Didn't you just chide me on calling the kettle black?
"And you have never bothered to tell me where she is when you know how hard I've worked because?"
"Because you are my responsibility and I would be a horrible mentor if I told you where to run off to." I raised an eyebrow at that, that can't be the only reason. It's complete bull considering he just bought pictures of a sleeping student as payment for giving the schools leading vandal a clean record. "And, I wanted to make sure you were actually old enough before you go. I had planned it as your eighteenth birthday present." A squeal escaped my lips as my arms wrapped around his neck. Crushing him in my hold.
Deidara gagged and I recoiled, opps.
"There's one condition." Oh great, he better not want Choji for real, I'll never get to see Sakura. "Well two, first I want you're last day here to be.. memorable. You're pranks have always made my days better, and I want a final going away big bang. Plus if I tell people I expelled you it will have to seem very likely. Of course, none of this will ever show on your record." I smiled evilly, oh I know exactly what I'm going to do. I have been planning something anyways, this just gives me the perfect excuse.
"Second, I want to go with you. I will help enroll you in her high school and I will act as your guardian so it's all easier and we can keep in touch. Of course I will need to return here once you get situated. So you will have to promise to call and let me in on all the juicy lovey donveyness"
"I love you, you fucking rule Deidara" I grinned, my mind already planning what I would do for my big bang. Swimming around meeting Sakura again and realizing that in less than a week I would be with her again. Everything is coming together, finally.
"Yeah yeah, good job ruining you're birthday present. Make sure you act surprised."
"Oh I will, thank you so much" feeling absolutely giddy with joy I hugged him quickly one more time before jumping back out of his bedroom window.
I didn't end up sleeping that night, I spent the remainder of the time before classes planning my big bang. Putting plans together and trying to figure out the best places to put certain things.
I met up with Meer before first period, he looks even more exhausted then I do. Even if I do feel like I'm high, my fingers are twitching and a smile permanently pinning up my lips. I could barely hold still first period, glaring at the clock – trying to coerce it into skipping a few minutes, or hours.
My homeroom teacher kept glancing at me nervously, jumping at every little sound. Convinced I had another surprise for him. Poor guy, I've only done something like that about three of four times. This time it isn't about you.
The rest of the day passed quickly, I was able to repay Meer during lunch. One debt down, one to go. That night I ended up falling asleep with my face on my desk, unable to stay awake any longer. I awoke with the papers glued to my cheek with dried drool. It took an hour of scrubbing to get the blue pen ink off my skin.
I could barely contain myself throughout the day, bolting for the dorms and pushing past other students as soon as the bell rang.
The night was a frenzy of preparations, it's a miracle I wasn't caught sneaking around the school grounds all night. Often lugging things to heavy for me to carry without dragging them across the floor.
As midnight struck I was half done and I sung myself a quiet happy birthday as my fingers worked to tie the knots on a certain booby trap.
I slept in one of the back hallways, waiting until dawn with a grin still permanently on my visage.
As the first cars pulled into the parking lot, I sat behind a veil of paper by the front entrance. Every other door was locked tight, two baby pens were hidden in a nook on either side of the papered entrance way. I sat in the dark, waiting for the cue I knew would come.
I can hear the murmurs of confused students as they all read over the note on the other side of the paper. The hallway is almost completely black, I even unscrewed all the hallway lights, as well as papering all the windows.
It's almost show time, just another minute or two.
"What are you all doing out here, class is going to start soon!" A yell sounded in front of me. Excellent, right on time – there's Kisame.
"But Kisame, the sign says not to enter the school until you get here." A nervous girl replied. Kisame pushed through the crowd and stopped in front of the papered doorway, pausing the read the written note.
"Attention all students, today is Ino's birthday, because of this I, Kisame have planned a special present for my favourite student. Please do not enter the school until I arrive, anyone who fails to follow this rule will be expelled from school immediately. I hope you all enjoy it." Kisame finished reading and seemed to stutter over his own tongue, I wonder if its because of the papered doorway, or someone has claimed I'm his favourite student.
Rising from my spot on the floor, I tiptoed to my hiding spot in a veiled dark corner. I waited in silence listening to the sound of tearing paper. My fingers found the switch on the wall I needed, the two pull strings and the remote control. All is set and ready to go. My fingers flicked on the small display screen and I watched the front entrance way from my hiding spot.
Slowly students started to file into the school, looking around at the walls and lockers covered in black sheets. Just a few more minutes.
Kisame stormed forward, looking around seeming to sense my presence nearby. More students filed in, some started to laugh as they spotted the desks and chairs piled up in front of the class rooms, blocking the entrances. Kisame felt around the walls until he felt a light switch and flicked it up, growling in annoyance when he realized that the lights weren't working. I smirked from my hiding spot, zooming in on his enraged face and taking a quick snapshot for something to remember this by.
Within minutes it seemed like every student in the school were looking around the hallway, talking amongst themselves and trying to figure out what was going on. Just a few more seconds, I need Kisame to take a few more steps.
Falling right into my trap Kisame stamped his feet as he walked up to the first blocked class room, shoving students out of the way to look down the only unblocked hallway. I pulled the first string and grabbed the remote controller as the front doors slammed shut.
There were a few startled screams and Kisame shuffled around, scanning the blackness blindly.
'It's show time' I smirked, flicking the switch beside me. Three lights came on, all dimmed enough that it was still dark – but bright enough so they could somewhat see. As well each light was painted a different colour – Kisame always has hated the eccentric.
"INO WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU I'M GOING TO KILL YOU" he bellowed standing right beside me and not knowing. Perfect, my fingers pressed the control sticks forward and the small electric cars bolted forward, carrying hand held cameras and releasing the gates.
A loud squeal echoed off the walls as four greased pigs broke free of the baby pens and started to herd the startled students like sheep. As the pigs pressed forward students ran and pushed forward and then down the one unblocked hallway. Kisame tried desperately to get control back in the situation before getting swept up in the stampede. I followed the herd with the remote control car, watching the entire scene play out from the camera taped to its back.
Waiting till the last possible second I pulled the second string, pulling down the air vent covers and releasing bucket fulls of crickets onto the screaming students. Hundreds of the small bugs rained down from the ceiling, legs singing as they sprang around the panicked mob. The pigs stopped their charge, unsettled by the sudden shrieking and slapping – they turned and ran back to where they had started off.
Kisame slapped at the bugs, plucking them off and squishing them all the while shouting and searching for the one student that continued to elude him.
As expected the student body went down the only hallway left to them that wasn't blocked or holding living creatures.
I darted from my cover and quickly hurtled the desks, knowing where to step to leap over the blockade with little to no difficulty. My feet thundered up the stairs to the second floor, sliding around and heading back to the other end of the school where the excitement would be directly below me. My eyes still locked to the display screen.
As the student mass reached the bottom of the stairs I kicked down the plank of wood that was sitting along its edge precariously above cups of water. Like a dominoes effect the cups were pushed over row by row as the water from the step above splashed down on them. Creating a growing wave that rushed down on the students that were eying the bottom steps.
As the water crashed down on them some began to realize that the air was beginning to smell putrid. The smell of horribly rotten eggs came down as a cloud encasing the students.
Left to only one resort they pushed into the gym as I ran back down the stairs and cleared the desks once more. Taking a back hallway meant for the janitors (1) so I could quickly cover the ground between myself and the gym.
My fingers slid over the door knob leading up the back way of the stage, the sound of coughing and gagging students resounding off the walls in the large open gym. Quickly I hit the switch for the over head projector to roll down, sliding over to the waiting computer.
The projector flickered on as the screen clicked into place.
"Well this is it" I whispered, hitting the enter key on the keyboard before stepping out in front of the projector. A wave of laughter emitted from the student body as the screen was covered in the edited image I had captured on one of my nightly escapades.
Kisame lit up the screen, curled up with a stuffed finding nemo plushy. He was smiling in his sleep, wearing a night cap and pj's, a caption in bright, bold white letters streamed across the top. 'FISH ARE FRIENDS, NOT FOOD' (2)
Rage practically rolled off Kisame as he caught site of me, storming up to the stage pushing through the students in his way. I waited, smiling broadly when right on cue music started to play. Right before Kisame reached me I yelled for all to hear.
"Enjoy the dance party for me! This will be my last one!" A resounding cheer thundered throughout the gym as Kisame's hand shot out to grab hold of my arm. His grip tightening to the point where my arm began to throb from loss of blood circulation.
"You will never step foot in this academy again" he spat through clenched teeth, dragging me behind him, determined to drag me to the principle right then and there.
I smirked at the irony, I would of gone without the prodding. That's the one place I really want to be right now.
"I don't intend to" I muttered, just loud enough so he could barely catch it. The vein sticking up in his neck pulsed once before we made our way to Deidara's residence.
To Deidaras credit he managed to keep most of the fact that he found my escapade hilarious (and he was watching from another monitor) and tried his best to act like a principle. He listened with mock horror as Kisame recanted my antics to him - with some exaggeration. Once his speech was over Deidara announced he was going to expel me from the academy and that he needed some time to 'talk to me about how horrible a student I am.'
As soon as Kisame stormed off, glowing with triumph; not even angry that he had to clean up the massive mess I had made of the school. Deidara closed the door and burst into laughter.
"I do hope you have a copy of that picture of Kisame, I would love one!" I smirked in reply and fished a folded picture out of my back pocket, handing it to him. "Oh you are to good to me my lovely Ino."
"Yeah I know, did you see his face when the crickets fell?"
"I never would of thought of him to be afraid of bugs, where did you find so many anyways?" Deidara asked, slumping back into a large arm chair.
"The pet store, apparently they sell them in the hundreds to feed to snakes? Or something?" Actually those were a last minute addition. Something I came up with when I heard how much of a fuss some girls made about a spider in the locker room. Even if I hate spiders, I still wouldn't shriek THAT loud.
Silence stretched on for a few minutes before Deidara sighed and looked at me with a pout pulling down his bottom lip.
"I really am going to miss you, who is going to amuse me?"
"I'm sure you can train another delinquent" I joked, flashing him a sly smile.
"Ahh but you see, I didn't train you – you're just naturally gifted for mischief. I actually kind of feel bad for Sakura, I am sort of setting you on her aren't I?"
"You make it sound like I'm going to torture her to death." Deidara raised an eyebrow as if there was something that I missed.
"Oh!" He clapped his hands together, springing to his feet. "I nearly forgot, I have a few presents for you."
"But I thought -" my inquiry was unheard as he skipped into his kitchen. Oh well, you really can't stop him once he gets his mind set on something.
"Alright, these are for you" he practically sang, dropping three poorly wrapped gifts onto my lap. Tentatively balancing a cake on his other hand, setting it on the living room table. "Well don't look at me like that open them!"
"Alright, alright" I looked over the three parcels on my lap, one medium sized one and two small ones. Well might as well get the biggest out of the way first? My fingers slid under the paper, pulling the tape loose. Gently I started to pry open the white box that was now exposed on my lap, trying not to rip it apart.
As the lid lifted free my fingers sifted through white cloth until I felt something smooth and cold. Taking care not to break it I lifted a sculpted clay dove out of the wrapping. It sat on my hand, completely white except for painted green eyes. The exact same colour as Sakuras. It's wings were fluffed slightly, as if just after a bath or while trying to keep warm. It's tiny head and neck pulled back into its body and its feet tucked into the warm downy feathers lining its belly.
The clay had been baked and then finished, leaving it smooth and shining brilliantly.
"Oh Dei, it's gorgeous – thank you so much."
"I figured you would like it. The dove is suppose to symbolize love and peace, I figured Sakura's green eyes in it would suit you well." Tears threatened the corners of my eyes and I tried desperately to hold them back, blinking furiously. "You better open the rest before you start balling and soak them." I tried to glare at my amused friend but any threat was destroyed by the smile and happiness emanating.
Carefully I set the dove down and grabbed the second package, ripping it open and finding another small, thin rectangular box inside. Inside this box was an envelope, I've always hated envelopes there's no clean way to open them. Pushing that thought aside I slid my finger under the seal and tore it open, pulling out a package of tickets.
"They're plane tickets to Konoha, that's where Sakura lives. Originally I was just going to get bus tickets or drive, but did you know it's a fifteen hour drive? There was no way I would sit on a bus for that long. It could do permanent damage to my perfectly shaped ass." So you paid almost four hundred dollars for the sake of you're butt. I rolled my eyes, fingering the tickets.
"I can't accept these, they are way to much" I have no way to pay you back. Deidara smiled in reply, holding up a finger to silence me.
"They are non-refundable, and I plan to see Sakura with or without you. If you decide not to get on the plane that's you're choice."
"I'm paying you back" I will someday, I'll pay you back for everything you've done for me. What did I do to deserve a friend who would let me run rampant in his school for three years and look out for me when no one else was there. Once again tears were threatening to break free as I ran my fingers over the fluffed wings on the dove.
"Oh not that again, and you call me a softy – seriously open the last one and then go get yourself a kleenex. Actually hide in the bathroom so I don't have to watch you cry."
Taking a deep breath I tore open the last gift, the twin to the small box from the previous sat under the paper. I lifted the lid off and picked up a second envelope, tearing it open.
Inside was a single sheet of paper and a key.
"The key is to an apartment just off school campus, and yes it's already paid for" he held up the same finger as before, wagging it back and forth to cut off my forth coming protests. "Also non-refundable. Read the paper."
Quickly my eyes scanned over the text printed neatly on the white sheet, it had Sakura's address and school name on it. Her school ID picture beside her name.
"She's changed so much.." I whispered, touching the paper almost as if to make sure it was real. Her hair is only shoulder length now, she had it much longer last time I saw her. But then I guess she would have a different hair style then when she and I were eight. Her eyes are the same, although they seem a lot colder. It's probably just for the school pictures though.
Her face has elongated a little, losing its childish pudge. She's beautiful, I've always known she would be.
Deidara watched my reaction as my fingers traced the paper, trying to gauge if I was going to burst into tears or not.
"Alright then, gimme a hug" he opened his arms to me and I hugged him fiercely, finally breaking down to tears.
Deidara successfully enrolled me in Kakushi Ha Highschool, posing as my guardian from the orphanage. We ended up using my sir-name as his alias, probably not the best idea. Luckily for us however either the principle didn't care, didn't check or simply trusted us without reason to.
So now I sit, waiting what seemed like painfully forever in the principles office, Deidara was flirting with the principle, Or ''. Either way again he seemed either oblivious to Deidara's less then subtle tactics or he simply again doesn't care.
"Sakura Haruno, report to the head office immediately!" The speakers boomed out, thundering throughout the school. They could of done that without making her think she's going to be in trouble. I still can't believe Deidara managed to convince them to let her be the one to show me around.
My heart pounded in my ears, sweat forming on my palms. Absently I checked my hair, making sure I looked alright. Last thing I need is for my first appearance in ten years to be marred by looking like a hobo. What am I going to do? What am I going to say? Should I hug her? Shake her hand? No that would be awfully lame. What if she takes offense?
I'm not ready! I need more time to think. Oh god -
The door to the office lobby smashed open, obviously someone is in a hurry. "Yes?" A voice sounded, completely exasperated. "Thanks.." was muttered in reply to some silent unseen reply.
Clumsily I rose to my feet just as the door to the office banged open. Deidara and turned to face a rather tired looking pink headed teen. My breath hitched in my throat as I took her in, I want so desperately to reach out and touch her. To say something, anything but my tongue feels like lead in my mouth, as if my body is shocked into silence.
"Oh Sakura, so glad you could join us" the words seemed to echo through the room, I paid them no heed. My eyes were locked on the girl in front of me, I can't believe this is happening. What do I say? I need to think of something to say. Her gaze drifted over me for a moment as she replied to the principle. I clasped my mouth shut as she looked away almost as quickly as it had shifted to me.
"... this is Ino and her gaurdian Mr. Yamanaka" Sakura turned to the principle, looking thoroughly annoyed. Does she not recognize me? I don't look that different do I?
What happened to her, she has so many bruises and cuts. That's odd, from what I remember Sakura is an even better fist fighter then I am. I can't imagine there being people who could easily take her in a public school.
I'm going to kill them.
"... well then girls, that's all. You can go while Mr. Yamanaka and I finish the paper work needed." Deidara smiled broadly and flashed me a wink. So much for coming to see Sakura, all he has on his mind now is trying to get in the principles pants. He better not get me expelled before I even start.
"Let's go" Sakura muttered, her eyes suspicious at the look on my face. I followed her silently as she turned her back and left the office, I waved good bye to Deidara who wasn't even paying attention.
I worked my jaw slowly, trying to get control back over my speech, finally I worked up the courage to speak. Praying my voice doesn't crack.
"I'm Ino" I smiled, trying not to make it to obvious that her staring at my eyes was noted. There seems to be some recognition there, maybe with a little prodding?
"Sakura" she replied. I bit my tongue to stop myself from rambling on like some stupid blonde teenage girl – never mind. Stupid stereotypes, I mean there's no point in me reminding her I already know her name. Telling her in the first five minutes that I've thought her name daily for the past decade would probably be creepy on a dozen levels.
She seems so.. broken. The usual life and energy that flows off of her like waves is gone, and those bruises are still a concern. I stifled the urge to spill out my thoughts to her, to confide like we used to when something was bothering us. It just feels wrong to not be able to say whatever is on my mind around her.
Sakura's face turned sour, her eyes seemed distant as she stared forward down the hall. Maybe she's just having a bad day?
"So.. where are we going?" I asked, looking at the lockers and silently counting the numbers. Trying to keep from blushing as her bright green eyes looked at me again, trying to figure out what it was that drew her to mine.
"I'm dropping off my book bag, it's heavy" she mumbled in reply, stuffing her hands into her jean pockets and once again appearing annoyed. Like there was something obvious sitting in front of her she just couldn't figure out. I should just tell her, it would save me from having a stroke and her from trying to figure it out. I can't believe she would forget though. I mean.. I promised I would come back. How popular of a name is Ino? I can't look that different either. Sure my hair colour isn't as obvious as bright pink but still.
"Oh" urg I'm retarded. Is that really all I can say? Why don't you offer to carry something?
"Yep" and there's that same sour lemon look on her face. Maybe she does remember me but she just hates me now since I made her wait a decade.
I glanced sidelong at her once more, once more noting the bruises on her chin and cheek.
"So what's up with your face?" The words stumbled out and I instantly wished I had kept my mouth shut. Oh shit now she looks even more pissed off, fix this Ino - "I mean the bruises, and your cut lip – get into a fight or something?"
"Oh" Sakura replied quietly, her fingers gently brushing over her cheek. "I had forgotten" I wonder why the cut on her lip and her chin doesn't seem to be a concern. It's almost like the only mark on her cheek matters. "I fell asleep at my desk last night and fell off the chair when my alarm went off this morning. Ended up hitting my chin on the desk on my way to the floor." She flashed a weak grin, as if to deter any more questions. That still doesn't explain the mark on her cheek though.
"Then what happened to your cheek?" I asked, letting my curiosity get the best of me. Instantly the grin vanished and was replaced by an icy glare. Her lips pursed and she directed her gaze back at the hall, silently arguing with herself.
So it's taken all of five minutes for me to thoroughly piss her off, perfect. I need to learn to keep my mouth shut about things that aren't my business. I should just apologize.
"There was something hard on the ground and I fell on it" she muttered finally, still looking pointedly away from me. That is the worst excuse I've ever heard.
"Oh" but what can I say? I don't want to make her even more upset with me. I should just butt out. If she wants to tell me later she can, for now I need to lay off. I need to ignore the itch that wants me to just explain everything right here and now. Tell her how hard I've worked, how sorry I am – how desperately I've missed her.
Who's that?
Slowly a fierce looking sandy blonde strutted up to Sakura before slamming her hand down on the locker in front of her. Sakura doesn't look to happy to see her.
"Hello Temari" Sakura entire body seemed to sigh. I wonder if I should do anything, it really isn't my place to interfere.
"Hello forehead," she did NOT just – I could feel my blood start to boil – how dare she use that name. Sakura HATES that, there's no way she will take that lying down. "I missed you yesterday. Apparently someone else got you into a locker before I could. I was SO disappointed." I swear if she doesn't deck this chick I'm going to.
Sakura shrugged Temari off and moved to step past her before she was trapped between the sandy blondes two outstretched arms planted on the lockers on either side.
"Was there something else?" Sakura asked surprisingly calm, guess this Temari is the school bitch.
"Oh comon Haruno," she purred, my skin crawled. "Whatever happened to the girl I used to have so much fun with?" Excuse me? That's it – fun over. Sakura hasn't done anything – I probably shouldn't get in the way but I am not just going to sit here and watch this.
Making sure it was loud enough to get her attention I clear my throat. Temari instantly changed her attention to me.
"What" she snarled.
"Well you see, Sakura is suppose to be showing me around school." She reminds me a lot of Kisame, the innocent act is sure to piss her off. I smiled as sweetly as I could before allowing some viciousness into the expression. "You're in the way."
"Excuse me?" Temari stammered in reply.
"You're excused" I replied, my fingers sliding over her forearm before I pried her off of Sakura and pushed past her. Silently reveling in the absolute shock and outrage pasted on Temari's face as I dragged Sakura after me. I hope I didn't overstep my boundaries but she was asking for that and so much more. I think I did well to only do that much.
"You know, I don't need anyone to protect me" Sakura grumbled after a few moments. Seeming to slip back into her depressive state. Determined not to let me in or allow any form of a connection to form. It's like she's bent on hating me already. I frowned at the thought but shook it off before trying a different approach.
"So since you are suppose to be showing me around, where now?" I asked. Sakura sighed beside me, and roughly shook her hand loose from mine. I don't even remember taking hers, I wonder when that happened. I blushed and looked away, damnit stupid Ino – STUPID. We wandered to her locker as I silently berated myself for being so thoughtless.
Suddenly the sound of Sakura's rumbling stomach caught my attention, snapping out of my self abusing thoughts. Well I guess I did interrupt her lunch. Holy shit will you look at her locker, what the hell does she do? Organize this thing? Its alphabetically ordered with colour codes. Talk about being an obsessive neat freak, and I thought her old habits at the orphanage were bad.
"I didn't get a chance to eat lunch" she muttered, snatching a paper bag from the second shelf in her locker, avoiding my looks I was giving her locker. Slamming the door she slid down the down to sit with her back against the cold metal. Sighing heavily as her teeth crunched into an apple.
Nervously I started to twirl my hair around my forefinger and comb the small knots loose. I need to try and get on her good side, it's like everything I say or do is only annoying her more.
"So... what was up with that.." oh crap, I know this. What was that bitches name.
"Temari" Sakura answered between bites.
"Right," I could feel a blush reddening my cheeks. Luckily for me I have a fairly dark tan from living in Suna so it's not really visible. "What's up with that Temari chick. She seemed to really HATE YOU." I regretted the question as soon as I said it. Bringing up a sore subject is not a way to make her like you. Idiot.
Sakura shrugged, not really seeming to think much of it. Thankfully.
"We used to be friends, we aren't anymore" I cringed at her reply. Somehow that sounds a bit to similar at the moment for my liking.
"She doesn't actually stuff you in lockers does she?" I tried to show concern but I imagine I look ridiculous. I can't keep my thoughts straight – it's just all overwhelming. By the look on her face I think I just pissed her off more.
"On a regular basis" Sakura replied evenly. As if it was something so obvious that it was a stupid thing for me to be asking. I couldn't help it – I started to laugh. I can't believe that my Sakura would honestly get trashed by that.. that I don't even know what to call her. I mean come ON, the Sakura I remember should be able to make Temari her bitch. Not the other way around. What kind of alter ego and I dealing with? Some depressive, anti social, pansy Sakura? It's like the exact opposite of who I remember.
"Oh comon, HER? You could take her"
"Probably"
"Then why do you let" yes let, I still won't believe that it's involuntary "her do that to you? Or are you just a pansy?"
"I am not a pansy" Sakura snapped. Good, I've pushed a button – that's more like the girl I remember. Show me the fight.
"Well then why?" I prodded. Sakura seemed to deflate with the question. Lowering the apple in her hands to stare sadly at the floor. She sighed heavily again before finally answering.
"Because university's don't hand out scholarships to students with records of fighting." This is about a scholarship? But.. from what I remember Iruka and Anko both had high paying jobs. Why would Sakura be this worried about a scholarship? Did they lose their jobs or did something worse happen? Is that why she is so reclusive?
"Well then I'll fight for you" I concluded. I mean its the obvious solution – when a family member is in trouble you do anything you can to help them. If Sakura can't raise her fists here then I will. It's not like I need to worry about money for scholarships.
Sakura choked mid bite and started to pound her fist against her chest.
"What?" Why does she seemed so surprised, its the obvious solution. I mean I did just disarm Temari's claws without even throwing a punch.
"Well I don't need any scholarships or anything, and besides I've decided I like you" well, technically I decided I liked you about thirteen years ago, or was it fourteen?
"You WHAT?" Sakura screamed. I blinked, well that was an unexpected response, it's like I just told her I'm going to have her child. Is it really that much of a shock for someone to like you?
"Oh comon, don't you know what a 'friend' is Sakura?" Sakura recoiled instantly again. Does she still not even have a clue who I am? "Earth to Sakura?"
"Well I'm kind of friends with the Janitor" she muttered, a blush creeping up her neck and flushing her cheeks. Wow, she looks.. adorable. Oh wait crap, I'm staring.
I shook my head trying to focus.
"The janitor...?" Is that some type of slang I'm not familiar with? I don't think so. "You're kidding"
Sakura shook her head and the blush deepened. She squirmed beside me looking absolutely adorable. This isn't helping my focus, please stop being so god damn cute.
"Well then consider me you first friend that's uh.. your age." First and apparently still only. Oh Sakura what happened to you over the past ten years. I never should of left you. Sakura silently bit into her apple again, still lost in her thoughts.
I watched a thin trail of juice from the apple start to slide down from the corner of her mouth. Without thinking I wiped her chin clean with my thumb, licking my digit clean without a second thought.
Sakura became rigid as she gaped at me. What? That's not weird is it?
"What?" I asked, the word was distorted with my finger still in my mouth. Did I do something wrong again?
"Nothing" she stuttered, turning away from me once more and continuing to eat her lunch. Although albeit a lot more carefully now. I wonder if I did do something really inappropriate.
"How long have you been in Konoha Sakura?"
"I moved here when I was seven with my adoptive parents" so she moved here directly from Suna.
"From where?" I asked, I already know but I might as well pretend I don't.
"A small town named Suna" she replied slowly, suspicious of me. I smirked back, fine let her be suspicious, maybe she will catch on or figure it out.
"Whats that red bag have in it?" I asked, looking once again in wonder at the contents in her locker as she stuffed her lunch bag away.
"My swimsuit and a towel, shampoo.. stuff like that"
"This place has a pool?" Holy hell it's not even that big. I mean isn't a public school a bit fancy to have a swimming pool in it! I've never even seen one. I mean I imagine there are some in Suna but it's kinda a poor city. That and it's also practically a desert, water is rare enough as is. You don't waste it in a massive pool.
"Yes, a rather big one at that" Sakura replied, her eyes wide at my sudden excitement.
"You have to show me that!" I squealed, snatching the red bag and her hand – I've got to stop doing that – and dragging her after me down the hallway. Oh crap, now what – I don't know where to go, I really should of thought this through. Sakura shouted at my back before I came to a sudden halt.
"Urg" she groaned, slamming into my back. Opps. "It's this way" she muttered, once again back in her foul mood. Well I was making some progress, oh well I can fix it later.
Sakura paused at a massive red door, running her finger over a piece of paper tacked up on the outside before sighing and pushing it open. Stepping aside as I took in my surroundings. Oh. My. God.
The floors are smooth white tile, the walls and ceiling are also white, perfectly highlighting the shimmering pool taking up the majority of the room.
"So this is the pool..." she told me, bored. "Uh Ino"
"There's no lakes in Suna, its really dry. There was never a pool at any of the orphanages – I've never seen a pool that wasn't in a movie or on a television." The words seemed to just come out by themselves. I couldn't stop it. I barely noticed when Sakura stopped and stared at me eyes wide, small connections seeming to be created as she took in what I said.
"Wait you're from Suna? The orphanages? Ino you're.." I walked over to the water and reached down to dip my fingers into the liquid. Pretending not to catch what she was saying, as if it didn't matter.
"Ino be careful." Careful why? I turned slightly to look at her when my feet slipped on the smooth tiles and I fell into the pool. The cold water overtook my entire being, crashing against my senses.
My clothes became soaked instantly, pulling me down under the water. In a panic I started to claw at the fading surface which seemed to disappear rapidly. Kicking furiously my shoes felt like wet cement, making it hard to move and pulling me down deeper.
Guess I should have been more careful. Sakura always was the cautious one that didn't make stupid mistakes like this. My lungs burned as my last bit of oxygen left my lips, bubbling to the surface before I saw a swirl of colours above me.
I felt an arm wrap around my waist, suddenly I was being pulled up. My legs stopped moving as we pushed up through the water. Air filled my lungs as we broke the surface, the air suddenly freezing against my skin. Terrified of the blue liquid surrounding me I threw my arms around my saviors neck, holding on tightly. Please don't let me go.
"Ino, your feet should be able to touch the bottom now you can let go" Sakura choked, her chest heaving for air. I buried my face into her neck, clutching her closer trying to fight back tears. My body shook badly, I wasn't able to control it. All I want to do is hold her close.
"Ino, let go" Sakura tried again, her hands moving to press between us. I let go of her quickly, desperate to make sure she wouldn't see the tears in my eyes when she splashed back into the water. Er, I didn't push her did I? Great, well if she didn't hate me before she will now – she just jumped into this death trap to save my life and I – oh my god her shirt is see through.
Look away, look away. No not stare more you idiot. Look somewhere else anywhere else – shit.
"Ino what are you looking at?" Sakura asked, confused as she wiped the hair out of her eyes while breaking the surface once more. Her gaze followed mine to the tall older male standing by the door, a dark blue jumpsuit with a name tag covering his figure in a very unflattering way.
"Kakashi you pervert!" She shrieked, did I miss something? What did he do?
"I heard a splash and a scream, I simply came to see that everything was OK. I didn't realize you were entertaining a girl in here Ms. Haruno. Shouldn't you be in class?" Entertaining a girl? What does he think we were doing? He smirked, his eyes closing with an amused grin. White-blue hair hanging down shaggy over one side of his face.
"Shouldn't you be working?" She retorted instantly. So.. she has some fight with this one, or did he just really piss her off? Is he the janitor – oh maybe I should try to make a good impression on her friends, er.. friend. "Get out you pervert!"
Kakashi chuckled and pulled out a book from his back pocket, waving a good bye as he left the pool area.
Sakura seemed to huff a bit before finally glancing at me, snapping her gaze away. Blushing she muttered "we need to get out of the pool." Well isn't that interesting. Sakura pulled herself out of the pool and extended her hand to help me, still refusing to look at me. Well if she's not going to look at me then I guess she won't notice my stares. I wonder if she realizes how amazing her legs are, they are incredibly toned. I wonder how much she works out. Silently she handed a towel to me.
"Thanks" I replied, starting to dry off my hair when I realized Sakura had her shirt lifted all the way up, trying to wring the water out of it. Er.. well she isn't shy, this isn't helping me any though.
I can almost see her – crap she is looking at me. I lowered the towel to cover my face momentarily.
"I was right" Sakura grinned.
"About what?" Did I see a smile?
"You can't swim" I don't remember ever claiming I could. How did she know I couldn't swim? Sakura seemed to gape for a moment, before quickly turning away. How cute – shes so bashful.. and obvious. Well she never was good at being subtle, and her thinking I'm hot is to my advantage. She's practically drooling.
"What do you mean?" I asked in my most innocent voice. Practicing on Kisame for so many years might actually come in handy.
"Er" she flushed deeper, god she is so cute. Just admit you think I'm hot and I'll let you do anything you want to me. I wonder what she would do if I said that. "Right before you fell in I was thinking to myself that you probably can't swim. Since you said you've never seen a pool.. and Suna doesn't have any lakes or anything." Oh.. so that's how she figured it out. Leave it to Sakura to use logic, I was really hoping she was somewhat remembering to.
"Oh right" I smiled, making it obvious I could see where her eyes were. She glared in return and looked away.
Sakura sat down and waited as I continued to dry off, making sure to be as slow as possible just to try and catch a few more glances. What? A girl does like her ego stroked, among other things. Oh great, now my mind is in the gutter. Not that it doesn't have a permanent residence card.
Beside me Sakura grabbed her hair and began scratching furiously at her scalp, surprised I asked
"You going mental on me?"
"Have we met before?" She blurted. My breath hitched, so she does remember. Or at least some nagging thought in her head does. Sakura looked over at me again and was instantly red again, her eyes roamed up my legs and across my stomach to my chest, swallowing slowly before looking away.
"You really don't remember me do you? Saku I'm hurt" maybe she will remember her old nickname I called her by. I pouted to try and exploit my hold over her, making my bottom lip prominent.
"Saku? No one calls me that" a slight flicker of recognition seemed to spark behind her eyes, but it was shrouded with confusion.
"I do, well I did – a long time ago now." Frustration building, I chewed on my bottom lip, trying to see if I was getting through to her at all. "You REALLY don't remember?"
"No for fuck sakes, I don't remember you! Should I?" Frustration and irritation darkened Sakura's features. At least she kept her short temper, I was beginning to think she was completely different.
"Probably, you did promise to marry me" now she has to remember that. It was the foundation of our friendship that we would become a family. Back then we promised to marry each other because it was the only way we knew how to become a family. You had to have a mommy and a daddy. So to our innocent minds it was the obvious solution. Even if now it seems absurd.
"Wait, WHAT?" Sakura's eyes seemed ready to pop out of her skull. Oh god she took me seriously, she really doesn't remember.
The bell rang suddenly resounding off the walls, leaving my water logged ears ringing. Geez that hurts.
"Shit we need to go" Sakura cursed, jumping to her feet and looking at the door nervously.
"Huh?" Why? Is it against the rules to swim? Then why have a pool, and I wasn't done talking yet! She was just starting to remember to.
"Let's go Ino" Sakura snapped, grabbing her bag from the floor and taking my hand. "There's a class coming in" Oh! So she doesn't want to get caught by a bunch of boys while we're soaking wet. Or maybe she's worried about me and is possibly jealous? Alright lets not get to carried away but a girl can hope right?
Click... "I know you just want to see me in my speedo Kiba"
"Urg gross, not a chance in hell Naruto"
"Shut up you're both annoying"
"Aww comon Sasuke, don't be like that...WHAT. THE. FUCK."
"Alright! I didn't know there was a wet t-shirt contest going on today!"
"What are you boys talking about?" I watched with amusement at the reactions on the three teenage boys faces as they looked like they had walked in on Christmas. Behind them a raggedy looking teacher pushed past them to see what was going on. Sakura seemed ready to faint, all the colour from her face drained.
Did the teacher just pass out? Oh he did, I wonder if that happens a lot. Those boys still need to be dealt with though, I really don't like the way they are looking at my Saku.
Without warning I wrapped my arms around Sakura's neck, pressing up against her back. I could feel her stiffen instantly, heat rushing to her skin. My breath hitched as I slowly ran my tongue over the back of her ear, relishing in the shiver I was rewarded with. So she is enjoying this, good. She always did like to mess with people as much as I do.
I wonder if she is as amused at the looks were getting, I'm pretty sure two of them have hard-on's. Although the third looks more bored then anything. He must be gay, I'll have to remember that for future reference.
Suddenly Sakura shoved me off roughly, running past the three startled boys and slamming the door behind her. Wait.. I mean, I didn't think. Is she mad? I thought...
I stared dumbly at the door, wondering how much the girl I thought I knew better then myself has changed.
-Tayuya-
I yawned and pulled a strand of hair out of my mouth, glaring at the strand and silently threatening it with doom should it even enter my mouth again. Blinking I looked up at the sleeping pinkette whose shoulder I have been using as a pillow for the past fucking forever. I would kill for an actual pillow right now, but unfortunately all doctors here are fucking pussy's and run as soon as I look at them. So asking for a pillow or expecting them to have some form of common sense is clearly out of the question.
I mean would it really be that much of a fucking problem to throw your patients daughter and cling to a pillow? Fuck, now I'm mad.
Sakura looks content though, I'm sure as soon as she wakes up the water works will start again. Well that's not true, I kinda wish she would fucking cry. Or do SOMETHING, instead of acting like a zombie who doesn't even have an interest in eating brains. Yeah she's that lost.
I don't know what to do, I hate seeing her hurt – it feels like I'm fucking useless. Story of my life blah blah blah cry me a river poor me. Whatever, I still need to get her to cheer up. Sitting here like this is not going to help anything, I know from experience.
Her ma will wake up when she wakes up, but sitting here slowly withering away into puddy isn't going to fucking help anything. What do I do? She doesn't want to leave, she doesn't want to eat. I have to practically spoon feed the stupid bitch.
I hate to admit it but I may not know her well enough to do anything. So what do I do? Hand her over to Tsunade? I doubt she will know what to do either.. but the only other person who knows her is Ino.
Is that really a good idea though? Ino will probably just try and fucking rape her while she's barely conscious.
I scowled, wrinkling up my nose. Careful not to wake Sakura I worked her cell phone out of her side pocket, glancing at her repeatably for any sign of her waking up. Success! I am so fucking lucky she sleeps like a brick, but as soon as it hits five am she is up instantly. I fucking HATE that, why did I have to fall for the one chick in the entire fucking school who doesn't sleep like a normal teen.
Whatever, she needs Ino right now. I can't do anything for her.
Silently I attempted to tip toe out of the room, cringing as my footfalls sounded like an elephant stamping around the silent building.
I slid the door shut and scanned through Sakura's contacts, the suddenly bright light burning my eyes.
"Fucking stupid, urg I'm gonna break this fucking phone. Where the hell is the light off switch. Oh great now I can't see." I flicked the light back on irritably. "Fuck! Now it stings more, urg you're worse then her alarm. Why do all her fucking toys want to kill me."
There it is, Ino's cell phone. Glancing up and down the hall and taking a deep breath I pressed dial. Determined to try and be civil. It doesn't matter how much I hate her, this is about Sakura not me.
It rang once, twice.. five times.. FUCKING PICK UP, I'M HANDING YOU SAKURA ON A SILVER PLATTER.
"Sakura? Where are you!" Ino yawned into my ear, a loud crash sounded followed by a yelp. "Ow, Sakura – are you there? Saku?" Stupid blonde, I rolled my eyes debating on just hanging up. But then Ino would ask Sakura about it.. and then she would know I called. Grimacing I replied to the frantic blonde.
"It's me, not Sakura"
"Tayuya? Why are you on Saku's phone – what happened? What did you do now! I swear if you made her do something stupid again I'll -" Ino snarled into my ear, the malice in her voice was easily recognizable and once again I debated on hanging up. What does it matter, she is such a bitch. How could she possibly make Saku feel better – I mean why were these two even friends to begin with? Sakura spends more time with me, she seems happier. So why is it HER. Why does Sakura look at her like that? Why is she so worried about what Ino thinks, why does the very thought of Ino being pissed make her cry.
I fucking hate her.
"Tayuya!"
"Fuck off, if you don't shut the fuck up I'll hang the fuck up got it?" I snapped in return. Smirking when the other end was silent, I can feel the rage emanating from her. "Look Sakura is in the hospital-"
"WHAT,"
"What did I fucking say?" Ino growled but otherwise kept quiet. "Good girl. Now listen because I'm only saying this fucking once, got it!" Ino was silent on the other end, good she catches on somewhat quickly. I really wanted her to reply and give me a reason to hang up to.
"Anko was – er -" how much should I tell her, fuck it Sakura will just have to deal with it. "Anko was shot, she's alive though – she's in a coma. Sakura doesn't want to leave the hospital, she's worried about Anko waking up and her not being there or something. She's a fucking mess Ino, I'm getting her out of here tomorrow, whether she wants to leave or not." Ino made a sound of protest, but cut herself off before she said anything. She doesn't agree with my methods, oh well I don't fucking care. I'm going to do what I think is best, not what blondie thinks is best.
I ground my teeth together, hating the next words that would come out of my mouth but knowing they needed to be said.
"Look she," I swallowed painfully, closing my eyes and silently reminding myself why this is necessary. "She needs you, I can't do anything more for her. Just.. fuck, look – I'll get her to you but I need you to cheer her up. Alright? Don't fuck up!"
My thumb mashed the hang up button, glaring angrily at the phone and swatting the tear away from my cheeks. This shouldn't be this hard, it's what needs to be done.
"You stupid little fuck."
So.. what happened to my idea about a short mini chapter from Ino's POV? I'll tell you what happened, I don't know D: This just sorta happened, the idea to add a short Tayuya POV from present time just sorta appeared. I hope you all like it :) Hopefully this will give some insight to Ino's actions / personality. Not sure how I feel about this chapter to be honest, feels.. I don't know just off. Not my favourite but hey they can't all be.
Thank you so much for all the comments. PS I'm a review whore so.. the more reviews and feedback the more I will update.
Sorry this one was so long in coming, working in a superstore during thanksgiving week = war zone world war three. I was debating on just bringing a full suit of armor to work to hide in a few days. Sadly I missed both of my thanksgiving dinners because of working eight hours on both days.
That's alright though, I was brought home some turkey left overs which I made soup out of, yum.. soup. To any other Canadians out there, happy thanksgiving!
Alright – end blurb. REVIEW -twiddles voodoo fingers-
1 -Anyone else ever had one of those in their high school? We had a few, back thin hallways that were just wide enough for two of the carts to pass through. Usually the doors at both ends were locked though.
2- Finding Nemo, quote from the sharks :P I thought it was appropriate