-Tayuya-
"Are you sure you're well enough to ride your motorcycle, ma'am?" The stuffy key holder asked me for the fifth time. I haven't had more then one small drink; Ino may be more or less plowed, but I'm alright. The question you should be asking, you mustache snorting fucktard, is: will Ino be able to keep the common sense to not let go of me while on said motorcycle.
"For the last fucking time, I'M FINE. Now give me my keys and tell the car person to go get my bike, and bring it around with both of my helmets!"
Sighing in defeat, the short, stiff man looked through his tags until he found my keyring, tossing them to me and radioing for my baby to be brought around.
"Ino let's go, we're getting your fucking ice cream."
"Oh goodie, ice cream!" Ino clapped, beaming. I swear she loses another year of maturity every time she opens her mouth. This chick was not designed for drinking.
Ino stumbled down the steps, laughing every time her heel would catch awkwardly on the declining steps. To put the cherry on top of my annoyance, she grabbed my arm once again in order to not fall on her face. Why am I helping the girl that is the reason for most of my stress right now? Oh right, because she decided to offer her assistance and then got fucking plowed.
I wish Sakura was able to go, I spent all week trying to work up the nerve to ask her too. I guess it's not her fault - she didn't ask for anything to happen to Anko. Plus I doubt she would legitly wish her mother dead - although I can't say the same.
I probably should make sure she gets home alive though, I doubt falling off a motorcycle would help that cause. Plus I don't really want to go to jail over killing barbie, she hasn't pissed me off quite that much yet.
"Oi barbie, are you going to be able to stay on the bike all the way home?"
"We're not getting ice cream?" She whined. Seriously, do you ever stop?
"Yes, I just want to change first. Now - can you stay on the bike or not?"
"Mmmmmm, I don't know." I sighed, well... if I leave my baby here and call a cab... my mom might try and get rid of it; blaming it on someone else and getting them fired. However, I don't want to try my luck with barbie on the bike.
"I'll make you a deal, are you listening?"
"Mmmm'yeah." Somehow I don't believe you, could be the fact that you are more interested in the stars and are about to fall over - but hey, that's just me.
"I'm going to go to the store and buy you some ice cream, I need you to get in the cab when it gets here and take it home. I'll meet you there shortly, alright?"
"How do I know you aren't going to just ditch me and I won't get ice cream?" Are you serious? Can you not fucking see that if you were to get on my bike right now, you would be a fucking smear on the pavement in a matter of minutes? I am trying to not to kill you, and you are making it difficult!
"You just need to trust me, I want to see Sakura anyways." that should be believable enough for her.
"Because you looooove her." Ino giggled. "Y'know - I do to."
"I do not!" I denied, cursing the blush creeping onto my cheeks. Fuck you, go away! I'm not losing an argument to drunken, Bimbo Barbie!
"Oh please, the only one to dense to see it is Sakura herself."
"What? Fuck no; I said I didn't!"
"OK, whatever Miss 'stays for a week at the hospital and doesn't think anyone can comfort her as much as you can'." That little bitch...
"It's not my fucking fault she didn't want me to fucking call you! I asked her!"
"Ahuh, I'm sooooo sure you reallllllly tried to get her to call me. Was It before or after you fell asleep curled up with her?" She smirked, swaying on her feet.
"That's ridiculous, we do not curl up!"
"Pssh k." She giggled again, leaning in close so the reek of alcohol from her breath bathed my face "What is it about you? What is it about you that she likes so much more then me?" My breath caught as her bleary eyes searched mine. She... likes? Me? But, that's... that can't be tr-
"You loooove her, Tayuya loves Sakura." She laughed suddenly, pulling back and twirling around. Oh that's it, I've had enough mind fucks tonight!
"F-fine, no ice cream!" I snapped, embarrassed and flustered. I grabbed a helmet , (-and ) swinging my leg over the bike.
"What? You promised me!"
"Shouldn't of pissed me off then, bitch!" I'm done, I can't take anymore of this tonight! I just want to go home and pass the fuck out; I don't care what happens to her she can find her own god damn ride home!
With that I revved the engine, pushing off the ground and roaring out of the parking lot. Fuck em all. Even if I do, WHICH IS NOT ANYONES BUSINESS THEN MINE; and I am not saying I do! She's only flaunting that she can actually do something about... fucking, urg... Fuck! I don't know – fuck this!
Two blocks later I pulled over and grabbed my cell phone, punching in the taxi cabs number; fingers pounding in the buttons.
"Stupid fucking bitch, I swear to fucking god, if you getting raped and killed wouldn't hurt Sakura, I would leave you there. Stupid fucking - what? Hello, yeah I got a drunken blonde that looks like barbie. She needs a cab, yeah - alright. It's at 566 Essax, yeah that thing going on tonight. Look she doesn't have any money so just put it on my tab... Yeah, it's Tayuya. 'K thanks bye." I snapped the phone shut and chucked it against the pavement.
"Stupid bitch." I needed a new phone anyways. Somehow, Ino has that number.
-Sakura-
"Tell me." I spoke the words for the second time, watching Tsunade as the usually collected women seemed to squirm under the words. Shizune quietly excused herself and went into the backroom briefly - returning with her purse and coat, leaving out the front door.
Tsunade watched her go, the only reason she had for not openly discussing whatever it is that she is hiding from me.
"Please..." I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper.
"If I tell you, it could possibly put both our lives in danger. The people your mother and I did business with are not nice people – she wasn't shot randomly." The last words rolled off her tongue at a tone barely above audible, she smiled sadly; pausing twice before looking me in the eyes. "If you want to leave now I wouldn't blame you, no one would."
I nodded, determined. I need to know, even if I'm scared and would rather remain blissfully ignorant; I'm sick of living in the dark and letting everyone else control my life, it's time I grew a backbone. Scholarship be damned.
"Alright, have it your way - none of what I'm about to say leaves this room. Am I understood? You cannot tell the cops anything - they can't protect, or help, you. I am telling you what I know, simply so you will know what happened. Let me deal with it; do not get involved."
"I will try not to..." It's hard to even promise that much. Tsunade should be able to see how hard all of this is on me. Tsunade sighed, her visage becoming sad. She shook her head before continuing.
"Your mother was counting cards, that much you got right. Anko was worried about how she would support you after she lost her job at the bank. You probably also know, she was fired because she was caught drinking while at work." So they were right, I can't believe she would do something like that. It's just so...
"Anko tried applying for other jobs, but it's hard when everyone knows who you are... were and why you are no longer in that position of power. It only made her more depressed and desperate, her drinking only became worse." I nodded, yes I know about most of that. I didn't know she tried to find another job, I assumed she simply gave up.
"What you might not know is, Anko was my childhood friend, we grew up on the same block. I am a little older than her-" define little "I was originally her babysitter; we ended up just having a lot of fun when we got older. Two pea's in a pod I guess." Please don't define fun. "So when she got into trouble I offered her an apartment here, until she got back on her feet."
"One night she came downstairs looking for me, she was on the edge of a nervous breakdown. I remembered that working with numbers always helped to calm her down -she always said managing a bank was like playing the odds - so I challenged her to a game of black jack... I've always had an affinity for gambling."
"Anko was a natural, she figured out how to count cards with very little practice, and no help from me. It was amazing watching how her mind worked everything out. I remember she won a lot of money gambling in college, I guess I never put two and two together. When I pointed out what she was doing, she got the idea of trying to win some money at the casino. I tried to discourage her from counting cards anywhere besides my apartment, she was desperate and adamant though. Nothing I said would deter her, so I agreed to go with her. To try to keep her safe and watch her back.
"The casino didn't seem to catch on, they questioned her once but deemed her style and lack of coherence as enough evidence against their case. Unfortunately, I wish they did have a case. Jail would of been safer.
"I don't know if you've heard of Danzo, he's the head boss of the largest gang in this city. He preys mainly on the casinos and the horse tracks, keeping most of his activity transparently 'legal.'
"He figured out what your mother was doing, and offered her a deal. Immunity from the casino officials who are too afraid to confront him, in exchange for a cut of her winnings. There was also the added bonus of keeping a bullet out of her and my head, which is what would happen if she didn't agree.
"The morning your mother was shot, she came to me and told me what she was going to do. She told me she was done, and she was going to Danzo to tell him herself. She said 'I'm tired Tsunade, I want to be a mother to my little girl again, I want to be proud of myself – and give my daughter a reason to be proud of me as well'
"I told her she was going to get herself killed, I tried to warn her - I really did. I followed her there but I didn't have the courage to follow her inside.
"As soon as I heard the shots I ran to the door, the barrel of a gun was placed against my forehead; the end was still hot after the first shot. Danzo looked at me and said 'make sure I never see either of you ever again, get rid of her.' I don't know why he let me live.
"I carried her to a nearby alley and called 911, I claimed it was a random attack and I was out grocery shopping with her. It was the only way, Danzo never would of let me call for help inside the casino. That would be a direct lead to him, how the cops figured out where the shooting actually happened I don't know. Danzo probably suspects me of leaking the information already." Tsunade's eyes seem hollow – the entire tale taking a great tax from her. Sweat rolled down my skin, my heart pounding in my chest. The entire story and scene seem surreal... and implausible.
"I knew I had to find you as the ambulance doors shut, I'm surprised you didn't question how I knew about it as soon as it happened."
"That's everything." She finished, looking sullenly at her hands.
Tsunade looks dead, much older - worry lines deep set in her forehead. I can make out the faintest trace of a perfect circle burned there. She's telling me the truth.
"Sakura, you should know, your mother never liked what she did... No, in fact: she hated it. All she wanted was to be able to be a mother to you. Losing Iruka nearly broke her, but she loved you more then anything. You are her reason to fight.
"And Sakura... I am so sorry."
-Tayuya-
I dropped the bag full of ice cream and cones in front of Ino's apartment. Grabbing a scrunched piece of paper out of my jeans pocket I dropped it inside the bag as well. I don't even fucking know why I still got barbie ice cream. Guess I just can't fucking stand owing people.
There, fuck her - I did everything I promised and then some. I never promised to be nice or get her ice cream. I didn't even promise to drive her home!
Now finally I can blow off some steam, I kicked my bike back to life. Revelling in the roar of the engine. Now that's what I'm talking about. This is the part where people normally ask, 'where to?' I find that takes most of the fun out of it, I simply drive and where ever I end up, is where I end up.
-Ino-
I can't believe she left me here! She just took off, without leaving me any way home! I was just joking; you would think with the amount she teases me I could get one in. Besides it's not like I was saying anything offensive – liking Sakura isn't an insult! I mean how could anyone take that as an insult – I don't blame her for it – I'm jealous!
What a baby! Urg, I've never drank this much before. I'm having issues walking straight much less finding my way home, I don't think I've ever even been to this end of town.
"Excuse me miss, you wouldn't happen to be a friend of Tayuya's would you?" I blinked. Where is that voice coming from? Oh.. when did a cab get here?
"Shorta..."
"She sent me to pick you up and take you home." She did? Ha! I knew she wouldn't have the guts to simply leave me here. Glad I was right, getting home might have been a pain. Yeah, gambling with Tayuya is rather... interesting.
I tried for the fifth time to shove my key into the locked door, Sakura must sleep like a rock if she can't hear me fumbling around out here. Maybe I should just sleep on the door step.
My foot crunched onto a paper bag. Startled I jumped back and looked around.
"What's this?" I mumbled, reaching down to grab the crinkled piece of paper sitting on top.
Here's your fucking ice cream, don't ever say I don't keep promises you stupid blonde...
Well I can just skip that.
Ps don't rape Sakura,
Tayuya
Hmm oh goodie, she got me banana and bubble gum, that sounds good. I didn't know she knew my tastes in ice cream, maybe Sakura told her. How very considerate of both of them. Ahh well.. I hope Sakura wasn't to worried, I was gone a lot longer than I thought I would be.
Finally with more then a little luck I got my key into the pesky keyhole which I swear has learned how to move.
"Saakkkkuuuuuuuu..." I called, stumbling in the doorway. Hmmm that's odd. "Oh Sakkkkkuuuu, are you hiding from me, my gorgeous temptation." Well she's not in the living room or kitchen, maybe she's in the bathroom? No... the lights off and peeing in the dark might be hard. Well then the bedroom?
Shoving open the door and throwing my arms into the air I exclaimed "Saku! I'm home! … huh?" She's not here either. Oh great another note, I have a cell phone you cavemen, send me a text. Oh wait – my phone... where is it? Ahh well it doesn't matter right now. Also I'm pretty sure Tayuya still has my clothes, hmm clothes... I should put on some of those.
Ino,
I've gone out for a walk, needed to clear my head. Possibly going to stop by and talk to Tsunade. I'll send you a text or something if I'm not going to be back tonight. I hope whatever you did with Tayuya went well.
Sakura
A walk huh? Oh well good for her! Time to sleep for me, I'll find my phone later. I'm sure she will be fine.
-Sakura-
I burst out of the apartment building, tears streaming from my eyes. I need to see Anko, to tell her I'm sorry. I should have seen the signs, she should have been able to trust me. We could of gotten though this without her getting shot, there must have been another way. If I wasn't so focused on being the biggest bitch I possibly could be to everyone, this never would've happened.
My feet pounded on the pavement, streetlights blaring down on me one after another in a never ending line. Tears blurred my vision, the moon seeming like a fuzzy far off target. I'm so stupid!
I ran and ran, breathing labored and legs screaming for respite. The passing buildings became older and older, paint peeling and stone chipped. Garbage littered the alley ways all around me. The air shifted, becoming cooler and damp, a ice cold breeze freezing the sweat pouring out of my skin. Pink hair turning red where it was pasted against my neck and cheeks.
Up ahead the road cut off, wooden planks continuing on my path, buildings halted all together. Waves crashed against the shore and old rotting wood as I ran across the dieing dock. Creaks and cries of pain emanated from the old planks under my feet, threatening to break under my weight.
Slowly I came to a halt, chest heaving I glared at the moon as it watched my entire tirade unfold. With a strangled yell I roared back at it, challenging it to tell me why this was all happening. I've had enough already. Haven't I had my share of pain? Why is everything only getting worse for me instead of better, this isn't how a regular highschool life is suppose to be. I'm suppose to be worrying about pimples, what boys think of me and getting good grade! Not standing on a dock in a district I don't know crying! This isn't how it was suppose to go.
Shaking, I pulled my phone out from my pocket scanning my contacts until I found Tayuya's number. I tried to regulate my breathing, attempting to take control of myself. She will take me to the hospital if I asked her, I don't know where I am; I wonder if she can even find me. My thumb brushed the button, a tiny phone started to shake on the screen as it started to dial.
She's not picking up...
"Hey sweetheart, what's a pretty girl like you doing way out here at this time of night?"
-Tayuya-
Without thinking I started back towards the gala, telling myself I wasn't going to make sure Ino had in fact gotten into the car; not passed out on the front steps. I slammed on the breaks nearly throwing myself over the handle bars, my eyes opened wide as I looked at the small flashing device on the pavement.
"What the fuck" I mouthed. My phone is ringing, but I just smashed that thing on the pavement. How the hell? I turned off the engine, putting the kickstand down before snatching my phone off the pavement. Little fuck shone back at me as I looked at the screen in wonder. Sakura? Gently, careful not to break the precariously working phone, I pressed answer call.
"Hey sweetheart, what's a pretty girl like you doing way out here at this time of night?"
Excuse me?
"Saku-"
-Sakura-
"Who are you?" I asked, taking a step back. My heel passed over the end of the dock, reminding me of the invisible wall behind my back. Fuck I'm trapped. My arm swung down, phone barely held in the loosening grip of my fingers. Fear folded my body as I looked over the tall, muscled male and a shorter, battered, old man beside him.
The older man smiled sweetly, one hand on a shining black cane, the other in the pocket of an expensive looking suit jacket. He wore a black velvet patch over one eye, scruffy black hair sticking out from beneath his rimmed hat.
The younger male to his right rolled his neck, cracking it loudly. A toothy smile followed as he watched my discomfort. A crowbar is hanging from his hand, muscled arms slack at his sides.
"I uh.. I just wanted to see the water." I lied, wishing they would leave. Panic threatening to overrun my senses. Run my inner sounded.
"It really is beautiful at night isn't it?" The man in the suit said, taking a step towards me. "Tell me, how is your mother?" Anko... but how could he possibly know who my mother is. I have never met him before. His grin curling up with amusement, eyes crinkled with age.
"Fine." I said simply, best not to give him anything. Maybe I can avoid any trouble by lying.
"Oh? That is a surprise, considering she was shot three times if I remember correctly." he continued, looking at me with devilish eyes. His lackey smirked, rolling his shoulders back. Oh God... nothing has been said on the news yet, which means only the people who were there would know that. Which was only Anko, Tsunade and...
"Danzo..." I whispered, paling. My phone made a hollow clunk as it hit the dock. My knees threatened to give out from under me, my lips trembled. My stomach rolled up into a knot, threatening to expel its contents. My entire body began to shake badly.
"Ahh... so you do know about me, I had wondered. It is so nice to meet you finally Sakura. Anko has told me so much about you. Well, not really; she tends to be a bit antisocial at work, so I've had to do my own... research. All part of being a good boss."
Run my inner commanded again, more forceful this time. Slowly Danzo reached into his jacket, searching his pockets.
"Now, let's try this again. Don't lie to me Sakura, it isn't becoming of a young lady such as yourself. Straight A's, president of your high school. Your future is looking rather bright wouldn't you say? Don't get yourself killed because you decided to lie to me, stupid girl! I will ask you again, how is your mother?"
Swallowing slowly, my tongue dry; I hesitated. I can't tell him she's alive, he will kill her, this time for sure.
"S-she, she's dead" I replied, my voice cracking.
"Tcch tcch, I told you not to lie to me. You disappoint me, I would think you would be smarter than that" he sighed, pulling a small handgun out of his jacket. Slowly his leathered hands ran over the barrel with affection. "Well I guess you are like in your mother in that respect. You see Sakura I warned her not to disappoint me. All I wanted was to help her, she was one of my favourites you know. It really is to bad, but I suppose it is a blessing she is only in a coma. Maybe once she wakes up, she won't be stupid enough to make the same mistake twice."
"She will never work for you again." I snarled, shaking hands clenching into fists.
"Ahh there's another thing you two share: that fire – that defiance! Oh how I love it! ...and hate it." Danzo frowned, a sour look on his lips as he inserted a bullet into the barrel. My heart pounded in my ears, legs turning into jelly as my heel slipped over the edge. I barely regained my balance looking down over the sheer drop off.
"Anko was my best counter, she was never wrong. But I guess like all good things, they must come to an end at some point. So, Imagine my delight when I found out about you! Her daughter who is just as smart, with amazing potential! It will be a new and improved generation. So I will offer you the same deal I offered your mother, work for me. Or die."
He looked up at me, the moonlight glistening against the wet of his pupil. Danzo took another step forward, his cane seeming to thunder each time he set it down against the old, rotting wood. Another step, my vision narrowed as if I was looking down the barrel of the gun itself.
Another.. the glint of metal shimmering as he raised the tiny weapon. I swallowed again, I will not give into him.
"Never." I would rather die then go through what she went though, I would rather.. and I will.
A small cold circle was pressed against my forehead. Soft hands pushing my bangs away from my face to clear its target. Good bye, I'm sorry I've been so stupid.
-Tayuya-
There she is, I was right about the dock. I pushed my baby to move faster, faster! I'm almost there. I watched in horror as the two male figures came into view, the smaller of the two starting to walk forward. The shine of metal in his hand. Oh god, please no.
The faint sound of police sirens sounded behind me, weaving through the maze like downtown streets. They won't get here in time. He's so close now. Fuck it, I'm taking that son of a bitch out.
Slamming down on the accelerator my baby lurched forward, ripping up the pavement and leaving rubber burns in her wake. Engine screaming, the wheels lurched as they came into contact with the dock. Rotten wood chips sprayed out from under the tires, the old dock breaking and bending under the weight.
Leaning forward I tried to press on faster, I can make it! I have to!
-Sakura-
Suddenly the cold steel left my skin, a scream sounded in front of me, the sound of breaking wood and a roaring engine becoming gradually louder. Danzo turned, a stunned look taking over his face as he took in the encroaching bike. Snarling, he turned the gun toward the bike, I lunged grabbing his arm, redirecting the shot into the wood by his feet. Cursing he shook me off, I rolled hitting the wood hard and slipping over the edge.
I clawed at the wood with my fingers, barely catching a crack in the dock. My arms burned as I tried to hold on. I looked up just in time to see Danzo fire his second shot, it burrowed into the front of the bike at the same time green, roaring metal collided with his chest. Danzo's lackey gaped stupidly from ground, having thrown himself out of the way.
The bike swerved, the driver lost control as it flipped. Throwing the rider off and then paces back. The bike slid over the edge, falling thirty feet before crashing into the water; Danzo pinned against the front with an astonished and pained look marring his features. Tearing my eyes away from the ripping waves I looked around frantically at the dock, red hair flayed across the dock's surface. An old baseball cap inches from my finger tips.
Tayuya.
"Tayuya!" no... no, no! Please tell me she's alive! Desperate – I tore at the wood trying to pull myself up. I groaned, fingers tearing up the old wood as I struggled.
"Tayuya!" I tried again, she stirred slightly. She's alive! With a rush I finally found hold and pulled myself up. Panting, I scrambled towards her, to tired to get to my feet. Police sirens flooded my ears, bright lights flashing as blue jacketed men slowly made their way down the torn up dock, guns pointed at the bewildered lackey.
"Tayuya!" I tried again, roughly shaking her shoulder – tears streaming out of my already puffy eyes. "Wake up! Tayuya!"
"Oi! That hurts you little fuck." Tayuya coughed, pushing me away.
"Tayuya!" I cried, folding down on top of her as I laughed. Tears soaked her neck and cheek, she smirked.
"Nice to see you too, I leave you with Ino for one day! And she lets you wander around downtown at night! I think I will need a long fucking talk with her." she joked, swearing and crumpling back against the dock after she attempted to push herself up.
"What's wrong?" I demanded, concerned. I scanned her for blood but only found a few tiny scrapes and splinters. It doesn't look like she was hit.
"I think you broke my fucking arm, pinkie." she growled.
"I broke your arm! You're the idiot who decided to run into someone on a motorcycle while destroying a dock!" I retorted; a sigh of relief whooshing out of my lips. At least it's not something that won't heal.
"Well excuse me for saving your fucking life. AGAIN. This makes three doesn't it? You are such a fucking idiot, why are you down here anyways you stupid little fuck. Do you think I wanted to break my arm? Fuck no, and it was my right fucking arm to! Do you have any idea how hard it is to get off with my left arm? Oh don't look at me like that you fucking prude." Tayuya continued to ramble as an officer came up behind her, I laughed wiping the tears away from my eyes with swollen and bleeding fingers.
"Are you OK miss?" He asked, kneeling down to get a better look.
"Fuck no! Do I look OK? My fucking arm is broken! My bike is smashed and my lo- er friend almost got shot. Fuck 'are you OK miss' " She mimicked. I smiled apologetically at the officer, relief still pumping through me like a happy pill.
"AND IT'S FUCKING TAYUYA – FUCK ME! DON'T YOU HAVE PAIN KILLERS" She yelled. The officer cleared his throat and looked back down the dock to the ambulance that was just arriving.
"Unfortunately your um, bike made this dock rather unstable. So we won't be able to get a stretcher out here. I will have to carry you..."
"I'll walk." Tayuya grimaced, trying to get up again. She grabbed onto my shoulder, I complied helping her stand. Gritting her teeth she started to limp to the end of the end, leaning heavily against me and smirking at the officers bewildered looks. "Bet they don't see this shit everyday." she muttered.
I sat in the ambulance beside Tayuya as the paramedic cursed and fumbled. Tayuya swore right back, pressing against the restraints that they had used to hold her down.
"You should really hold still." I told her, trying not to leave a smile plastered on my face. Even with my hands torn up, and my face bruised, Tayuya's broken arm and battered body... we are both alive; my mother' s shooter is dead.
"Stupid little fuck." She smirked, pulling against her brace to look at me.
"This might sting" The paramedic said, quickly inserting a needle into Tayuya's arm. Giving her a dose of pain killers with an exasperated and slightly triumphant look on her face.
"That uh, wow that shit works fast." Tayuya replied, blinking and trying to shake her head. The paramedic smiled at me, turning to jot down some notes. I looked over her arm, swollen and braced until she is able to get a cast on it, gently I reached out and touched the skin. Tayuya flinched at the contact, grimacing but silent.
"How did you know where I was?" I asked quietly, glancing nervously at the attendant. My fingers stayed on her forearm a second longer before I dropped my hand. Tayuya weakly hooked my trailing fingers with her forefinger, trying to hide the pain the movement caused with a slight smile.
"You called me for help didn't you? So I showed up." her eyes are starting to glaze over, the drugs seem to be taking effect quickly.
"Yeah but.. I never said anything or told you where I was."
"I heard you, and I heard... him." She paused, they hadn't found Danzo when we left – I doubt they will. "I heard the water, and I guessed..."
"Why did you come, you could have been shot."
"Oi please, I'm a fucking ninja didn't anyone ever tell you that?"
"Tayuya, this is serious – you seriously could have been hurt!"
"So could you, and besides I'm a ninja... one that throws shit at shit and stuff." She smiled and closed her eyes, breathing slowly and deeply.
"Tayuya, you don't really think you're a ninja do you?" I might as well play along, it seems like she's to far out of it for me to really talk to her anyways.
"You know, Tayuya is kinda a mouthful. Why don't you call me Tay, or Tye? I mean Ino get's a short pet name, and so do you – it's not fair to leave me out!"
"Your bar name? And Ino isn't a pet name, that's her real name. Saku isn't a pet name either... she couldn't say Sakura when we were younger... so I shortened it." I blushed, looking and the tiny scrapes and cuts on her arms and cheek.
"Pssh it's a pet name, and I want one to – Tay or Tye, you can choose."
"Fine, but you have to promise not to run down people holding guns anymore!"
"As long as they aren't threatening to kill you I could care less which little fuck they are shooting at." she grinned wolfishly, leaving her eyes shut. I still can't believe everything that has happened. It's like some crazy dream. If it weren't for Tayuya I would have died, I was so stupid. What was I thinking running into downtown alone in the middle of the night?
I wasn't thinking, and it nearly cost me someone dear to me. I'm so stupid!
"Eh, no frowning. I'm the one with a crushed arm and a sunk bike! You better cheer the fuck up."
"Sorry, I was just thinking that I almost lost you." Tayuya blinked and opened her mouth to say something, "Besides," I cut her off "you've had happy drugs being pumped into your blood stream by the gallon."
Tayuya snorted and studied the white walls of the ambulance, listening to the sounds outside as we sat in silence, my fingers still being held gently by hers.
"You know, I didn't even have to think about it." She muttered so quiet I could barely hear her. "Guess you trained me good."
"You're awfully disobedient to say you're trained very well at all."
"Yeah yea, fuck you too."
I walked down the familiar hospital halls, Tayuya had kicked me out shortly after we arrived at the hospital, saying she was fine and I should say hello to Anko; let her know what's happened.
Taking a steadying breath I walked into the white walled room, sitting down beside my mother's bed.
"Hi." I whispered, taking her hand with mine. "How are you? I... I have a lot to tell you."
-Ino-
Urg, I should not have drank that much on a school night. No, I shouldn't of drank that much period – stupid Tayuya, I don't remember much but I'm sure she made me. Come to think of it Sakura never came back and she didn't call. Well, she could have. I wouldn't know since I apparently lost my cell phone at some point, which I also don't remember.
I'm sure she'll show up to class at least, she hasn't been to school in almost a week. Tayuya should be here as well, which means I can make her fess up to everything.
Pushing open the front doors of the building, I scanned the halls quickly before plunging into the flowing river of students. No sooner had my feet taken their first steps did something feel off. The tide around me seemed to slow, then halt. Eyes and whispers trained of my position, as if locked on target.
Well this is odd... did I miss something? Do I have something on my face? No, I'm almost positive I don't. Then why is everyone staring at me?
"Hinata!" I called, chasing after the shy girl. Squeaking, she jumped in surprise before turning to face me.
"H-hello Ino." her feet shifted weight back and forth, fingers tugging at the end of her long sleeves.
"Do you know what everyone is whispering about?"
"Well... I have only heard a few rumors." she whispered, blushing fervidly and staring at the floor.
"Which would be...?"
Without warning the first bell rang, Hinata muttered and apology and ran off to her first class. Darnit, that really hurts with a hangover! Rubbing my temples I tried to ignore the whispers and glances, walking quickly to my first class.
I'm not really sure why I took calc., I guess it was originally because I was trying to get in every class with Saku. This was one of two that actually had room though. I really don't understand pretty much anything that's going on, without Saku here to look over her shoulder; I'm more or less undeniably – lost.
"Good morning, Ino" Lee greeted, teeming with energy. I swear there's something wrong with that kid. No boy should ever wear spandex, ever. It's just...
"Hello, Lee." I tried to smile back, focusing on the wall behind him. It's the only way to not look horrified at what he's wearing.
"Do you happen to know where Sakura is? She appears to be missing once again." Same question every day. I sighed, flipping open my text book as our teacher once again is trying to wake up that Nara kid, just give up already.
"I'm not sure, Lee."
"Odd, maybe the rumors are true then!"
"What rumors?" I asked, a little too curious.
"Ahh, you do not know? I would think you would be the first one Sakura would tell." He frowned, appearing confused. "Maybe they are not true then."
"What rumors Lee?" My eyebrow twitched with annoyance.
"The ones about Sakura and Tayuya getting into a street brawl last night and defeating ten full grown men with guns!"
"What? That's ridiculous, they aren't friggin' ninja Lee!" Oh crap the entire class is looking at me, perhaps I shouldn't of yelled... or jumped to my feet... or slammed my hands on the desk. Perhaps not.
Embarrassed, I sat back down muttering an apology. When everyone looked back to the front I whispered to Lee
"Where did you hear this from?"
"It is all over school! There is another that says Tayuya took a bullet for Sakura and they are both in the hospital. Someone saw all the police cars at the dock last night, and swears they saw Tayuya and Sakura get into an ambulance. They also swear they saw at least a dozen thugs hulled into the back of police cars!"
"How much merit can you put into these rumors Lee?" Maybe there is a reason she isn't here today. I haven't seen Tayuya yet but that's normal, we tend to avoid each other at all costs.
"I do not know, I heard it from a friend of a friend. Wouldn't it be a true tribute to youth though if it were true!" ...and he's gone. With that stupid starstruck look in his eyes once again, I swear this kid has ADD or something.
First period passed by slowly, second didn't seem to pass at all. Once lunch finally rolled around, I was scanning the halls desperate for a sign of the harpie. I tried calling Sakura's cell from the office, no answer. Where could they be, that ridiculous rumor going around school can't be right it's too... well, ridiculous.
The end of lunch rang out and still I couldn't find or get a hold of either of the mysterious duo. Throughout the entirety of my third period I gnawed at the inside of my bottom lip.
The dismissal bell rang and I was already out of my seat, half way to the door. I don't know where either of them are but I will find them. First I'm going to go by my apartment and hope she simply slept through a ringing phone. Then I'm going to check with Tsunade, see if Sakura ever went to talk to her like the note says. Then I'll check Tayuya's house... if they aren't there. I guess I'll check the hospital. I refuse to believe those rumors.
-Tayuya-
"So did you come to sign my cast? I hate to be the one to tell you, but I don't have a pen so..."
"Oh just shut up!" My mother shrieked, pacing back and forth in front of the bed I was sitting on. Stupid doctors refused to discharge me until a guardian signed the release forms. Complete bullshit if you ask me, it's not like she cares I was almost shot.
"I swear! I can't leave you alone for two minutes without you doing something stupid!"
"Gee, I didn't know you cared." I rolled my eyes, picking at the cast that encased my arm from the base of my fingers to almost reaching my shoulder. They said my arm was broken in three places, but they were clean, so it should be relatively easy to heal.
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Let me think, yeah I think I do, but why don't you give me your take on what I did. I'm guessing its a lot fucking different. "You know your father is running for office! How do you think it looks that his daughter got involved with some silly street brawl! You ran an old man off the end of a dock with your bike! I told you to get rid of that thing!"
"Oi, old man? He was pointing a gun at my friend, and then tried to fucking shoot me! Don't give me that old man shit!" She snorted, what a delightful sound mother.
"Friend? Let me guess it's the same one from before? So now you kill for her is that it? I should let them haul you off to jail and throw away the key!"
"They said there won't be charges since it was clearly self defense you bitch!" God she's infuriating!
"And who did you have to sleep with to get them to say that?"
"No one! It's the truth! I'm not the whore in this family!" Her hand flashed, slapping my cheek with an open palm. I glared right back, ignoring the sting.
"Tayuya! Watch your tongue! I am not a whore!" She whispered. Oh, so she doesn't want this conversation heard.
"I guess we have different definitions then. Mine is when you fuck multiple people who aren't your husband! What's yours mother?"
"I have never!"
"Oh really? So I'm guessing that new 'best and brightest' last night was because that idiot was actually a good lawyer? Please, I'm not stupid."
"You are this close missy." She spat, pressing her thumb and forefinger together.
"Close to what? What could you possibly do? Hit me? You've already done that! Let's see, insult me for seventeen years? No wait, that's done too! Let's see, that leaves... oh insult your daughter when she was almost killed instead of being an actual parent? No I think..."
"Enough!" Her lips trembled as she took a deep breath, "enough. Do you think I don't care you were almost shot?" Ha! What gave that away? "I do, whether you believe it or not. However, you're alive and now I have to mop up the mess you've made, again. Why couldn't you just leave well enough alone? It wasn't your fight to get into. Whatever that girl did she probably deserved what was coming for her."
"E-excuse me?" Did I hear that right? There's no way anyone can be that heartless!
"Oh please, don't look at me like that – you know I'm right. Now, hurry up and get your stuff. We're leaving, I'll see if I can't do some damage control before this gets out of hand." She shouldered her purse quickly, stepping for the door.
I didn't move, grinding my teeth in an attempt to get under control. I swear I'm going to kill her!
"Tayuya, let's go already your wasting time!" She sighed, walking back towards me and grabbing my arm. I swatted her off, standing to look into her bewildered eyes.
"No."
"This isn't a debate! We're leaving!" She reached for my arm again, again I swatted her away.
"I'm done with you! You can go and fuck whoever you want! I am not coming with you, I'm done!"
"Oh, don't be so dramatic dear, what are you going to do? Live on your own? Please, don't make me laugh. Let's go before you make a bigger fool of yourself."
"I said no, I'm done! I'll live on the fucking streets if I have to, but I am NOT going to take your shit anymore!" Trembling badly, I held my ground. This is it, I can't take anymore I will live on the streets before I go back with her. Enough is enough.
"Stop being such an attention hog! You wouldn't survive one day on your own." She pursed he lips, raising her nose in disdain.
"I'm not fucking kidding! Don't you get it? I want nothing to do with you! Just leave and you will never have to deal with being embarrassed about having me for a daughter, I'm sure you can make it seem like I never existed."
"Fine, have it your way. I'll leave and you can see how hard life really is when you don't have someone paying for everything. I won't be helping you at all, enjoy your stay on the streets, I'll see you in a few days." she sighed, as if this were nothing more then an annoyance that would soon correct itself. Like hell I'll be back, I will find a way on my own... somehow.
She left, instantly my resistance broke and I crumpled onto the floor exhausted. Damn her, I won't cry; I won't let her win.
-Sakura-
"Tayuya?" I asked, curious. She looks like she's been crying, but what could possibly make her do that? I thought the doctors gave her pain killers? Listlessly she dragged her feet over to me, eyes glued to the floor. I stood, trying to look her in the eyes; concern growing with each passing second.
"Tay what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry, I don't know who else to turn to." She whispered.
Alright, time for after chapter comments! First of all I want to thank my new beta – again – for helping me with this chapter and previous ones. If you look back up to chapter two or three so far, they have all been updated. So thank you Fayth85 :)
Second, thank you for all the comments and reviews last chapter! I had a fair bit of fun writing this one. I hope you all enjoy it!
I think this pushes me to the 80k mark to doesn't it? Well, this story has certainly gotten out of control I blame Tayuya!
Till next time, Kiravu out!
Happy holidays if I don't hear from some of you before that!