-Sakura-
"Tay, what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry, I don't know who else to turn to..." She whispered in reply, her eyes are red and swollen. Has she been... crying? No, that has to be wrong. Even when she was lying on the dock she didn't shed a single tear. What could of possibly happened to make her cry?
I stood, turning to face her. What do I do? She looks as unsure as I do, I've never seen her this hesitant before, this distressed.
"Tayuya?" I prompted again, watching her for a reaction. She's looking past me, at Anko. "Say something you're freaking me out. What's wrong? Did the doctors say something after I left? I thought the break was clean?"
She shook her head, wiping a trailing tear away with the back of her hand.
"It was, I mean it is." She paused, cursing and batting away an emerging tear. "Can we just, c-can we leave... please"
"Yes, of course. Did you want me to take you home?" Tayuya flinched, recoiling at the question. Maybe she doesn't want to go home, she mentioned before that she doesn't get along with her family. She probably just wants to be alone until she can figure everything out. I'm still not sure how to feel, it's like my mind is in shock. I feel.. numb. It all feels like a dream, I was so close to dying... if Tayuya hadn't...
"Do you regret killing him?" I asked quietly, searching until her eyes found mine. The police found his body about an hour ago, they had phoned to let me know. They said he died soon after the impact, before he had time to drown.
"No! Of course not!" Came the instant reply, she appeared annoyed momentarily before pulling back. The fight she normally has is absent, like it was drained out of her.
"Tay... you don't have to try and be brave. Even if he was a terrible man; I can't imagine how you must be feeling right now..."
"I'm not fucking trying to be brave alright! You don't have to worry about me! I just don't want to be here anymore, it's depressing!"
"Tay..."
"No!" She growled, her facial features contorting in confusion and rage. "I don't regret it, he was trying to KILL you Sakura! Don't you get it? I would've done anything to stop him! I just..." She faultured, shaking her head and slamming her fist against the door frame.
"Don't you get it? Are you really this BLIND! I would sooner take the bullet myself then let him hurt you!" Her shoulders started to shake, tears brimming as she squeezed her eyes shut; trying to force them to stay captive.
"Tay... it's alright." I stepped closer, moving to pull her into a hug. Moving to try and comfort her in anyway I can. She looks so broken, so... raw. I don't know what to do, she's always been there for me; and now that she needs me... I'm useless.
"You are such an idiot." she whispered as I stepped closer. I stopped, frozen as her bleary eyes looked into mine once more, searching for something. Tentatively, her hand inched up brushing away a stray strand of hair; tucking it safely behind my ear. Her open palm rested against my cheek.
I watched her eyes roam my face, a gulp slowly working it's way down. Her body is almost against mine, I can hear her heart racing... or is that mine? I blinked, she smirked looking away and down. Tayuya sighed heavily, her fingers running over my skin as they fell down to my neck.
She looks so confused, like there is something she needs to answer to but she doesn't know how to ask it. Maybe she doesn't trust me to ask it?
"Tay-"
"Fuck it!" she interrupted
"Tay-?" Her hand slid to the back of my neck, pulling me roughly forward as our lips met. I mewled in surprise, stiff as she pressed me back against the door frame.
Head tilting, as she asked for entrance; tongue running over my bottom lip. Waves of pleasure erupted from her touch, her fingers igniting my skin as if it was being lit on fire. Without realizing it I complied, grinding my hips against hers I parted my lips, allowing her to fully dominate me.
Tayuya moaned, sending a shiver down my spine as her tongue accepted passage. She flicked at mine teasingly, inviting it to dance with her. My hands slid up and over her shoulders, wrapping around her neck.
Her free hand slid down to my hip, moving back to slide under my shirt, whispering over sensitive skin before travelling back and squeezing my ass.
Moaning, my back arched under her touch. Her lips left mine, allowing my head to roll back. As her lips kissed my neck, tongue leaving a wet warmth; a throat was cleared beside us.
Tayuya jumped back, the sudden disappearance of her heat leaving me cold and aching. My eyes snapped open, suddenly coming back down to earth. Remembering where in fact we are; what we were doing.
The throat cleared again, Tayuya slowly became transparent a blank look draining the life out of her eyes. Wait... Tay...
"Tay!" I reached out, my fingers ran through her form leaving fog in its wake; instantly I was engulfed. Spinning around I tried to figure out where I am, the door frame is gone. Anko is gone, Tayuya is gone... but where?
"Tayuya!" I called out, sweat drenching my skin. My breathing became halted, wheezing I fought to stay conscious. "T...tay..." I gasped, dropping to my knees Danzo appeared before me. The small pistol I will never forget appeared is his boney grasp, he smiled and pressed it to my forehead.
Defiance roared through me, I tried desperately to hit him; to yell, to protest against the insane situation I was in. My arms are suddenly chained, my lips sewn shut. No, not again! Tayuya!
I squeezed my eyes shut, tears beading out of the corners of my eyes, I opened them. Waiting for judgement
Ino smiled down at me, her fingers reached forward tracing my jaw line. Oh Ino thank goodness, but where did Danzo go? She leaned forward, lips barely inches from mine.
Her face contorted in pain, lurching back she looked behind her at Tayuya, then down to the sword piercing her chest.
I screamed into my muzzle, why! Why did you kill her! She wasn't going to do anything, she saved me from Danzo! Tayuya shook her head slowly, a slight smile as she looked at me full of adoration.
"I will always protect you Sakura, you don't have to fight anymore."
No! Ino didn't need to die! She wasn't going to hurt me, what is wrong with you! Tayuya! Tears streamed down my cheek as she took a step closer to me, wrenching her sword free from Ino's corpse.
"Sakura..."
No, don't come any closer! Stay away from me...
"Sakura!"
"No!" I screamed, thrashing my hand connected solidly with an unseen object and suddenly I snapped back to reality.
"Oi! What the fuck was that for!" Tayuya asked, sitting on the floor beside my bed, rubbing a swelling cheek.
"Tayuya...?" I breathed, sweat clinging to my body. Shaking, I reached up to feel my face, trying to make sure this was indeed real. It was a dream?
"Yes! Who the fuck did you think it was! You've been screaming for nearly five minutes now and wouldn't wake up! What the fuck, pinkie!"
"I... I'm sorry"
"Geez, I save your life and you deck me, some thanks that is..." she grumbled, rubbing her sore cheek. What does she mean by that? Panicking, I started to hyper ventilate.
"Oi, Sakura! Calm down!" Tayuya barked at me, watching as I clung to my chest; mind racing. No, it was a dream. It had to of been a dream, there's no possible way. But then why would she say that? Ino is fine, you just need to think rationally.
"Sakura! Calm the fuck down!" Tayuya shook my shoulders roughly, trying to snap me back to reality.
No... this isn't real, this is just another dream. If I close my eyes everything will go back to normal. I will wake up, everyone will be fine.
Squeezing my eyes shut I started to count backwards, my breath hitching in my throat. Please let this work.
"Sakura! Fine, you asked for it."
My head snapped to the side, eyes flying open. Ow... she just, she just slapped me... with her cast?
I worked my jaw slowly, trying to make sure it wasn't broken. That really fucking hurt!
"Was it really necessary to hit me with your cast?" Wait, her cast! Her arm is broken, that's right! In the dream it... definitely wasn't. I blushed, keeping my eyes downcast.
"Um, doh? You were like, dying or... something, what the fuck is wrong?"
"Bad dream." I muttered, working my jaw. That really did hurt, and I was doing so well avoiding damage to my face.
"Right well..." She cleared her throat, turning a deep scarlet, "did you, uh... want to y'know... talk about it?" What's she getting embarrassed about? I looked at her curiously, what's your game? Did I say something?
"Youdon'thaveto!" She spat out in a blur of words, waving her cast back and forth in front of her. What is up with her today? Since when is she as skittish as a teenage boy getting caught watching porn.
"It's just, erm. God fuck this cast" she snapped after hitting herself with the extra baggage she recently acquired while trying to scratch the back of her head.
"You were screaming my fucking name alright? So now I'm fucking curious, so spill it before I smack you with this again!"
I was what? Oh god... during which part. Well let's try to separate reality and dream first of all. Let's see... Tayuya did visit me in Anko's room at the hospital. We did talk, she told me...
"I'm sorry, I don't know who else to turn to..."
"Tayuya? Say something you're freaking me out. What's wrong? Did the doctors say something after I left? I thought the break was clean?"
"It was, I mean it is. Can we just, c-can we leave... please"
"Yes, of course. Did you want me to take you home?"
"Do you regret killing him?"
"No! Of course not!"
"Tay... you don't have to try and be brave. Even if he was a terrible man; I can't imagine how you must be feeling right now..."
"I'm not fucking trying to be brave alright! You don't have to worry about me! I just don't want to be here anymore, it's depressing!"
"Tay..."
"No! I don't regret it, he was trying to KILL you Sakura! Don't you get it? I would've done anything to stop him! I just...
"Don't you get it? Are you really this BLIND! I would sooner take the bullet myself then let him hurt you!"
"Tay... it's alright"
"You are such an idiot"
This is where my dream and reality separate, I don't know why I would dream of that conversation turning into more. There really weren't any indicators from her were there? There's no way I could possibly miss something that huge, it just isn't possible.
"Why am I an idiot?" I asked, insulted. "I just want to know why you're upset!"
She laughed lightly, shaking her head before her trademark smirk appeared on her face. Looking much more herself she replied
"It's nothing, if you don't mind though I kinda need a place to stay..." Her voice trailed off, leaving her question as a suggestion rather then asking outright. Must be a pride thing.
"Well, I was dreading going back home alone. I would love to have some company..."
"Right, well good." She cleared her throat, turning to leave before she could damage her pride more.
"Tayuya-" I said, capturing her attention, "if you need to talk, I'll always be here for you"
She paused, opening her mouth to reply before shutting it and shaking her head. A large smirk tilting up the corner of her lips, eyes sad as she replied.
"Don't be such a fucking sap pinkie, I'm just going to get my shit"
We left shortly after that, neither of us really feeling like school once again we had a quiet dinner then fell asleep. She still hasn't given me any details about what she and Ino were up to, or what happened with her mom. I'm sure she will tell me when and if she wants to. I don't like being pressured to talk when I'd rather not; she probably wouldn't appreciate it either.
"Hellooooooooooooo! I'm still waiting!" Tayuya rolled her eyes and gestured towards her cast, yes I get it – and no I don't wish to be clubbed again. I don't think the doctors gave that to you to be used as a weapon, but then they are also probably too scared of you to deny you anything either.
"Sorry, what was the question? I spaced out." Tayuya grumbled, spitting out the words so I had to strain to hear them.
"...why were you screaming my name?" Oh, right... crap. I was wondering at which part I was erm, 'screaming' her name.
"Uh, I-I... don't remember." I fibbed, dreading that the scream might of been closer to a moan.
"Bullshit you don't! I just fucking had to ask you twice! Now spill it before I clobber you!" She raised her cast so it loomed over me threateningly, she really is enjoying her new toy. She smiled darkly, thoroughly amused with my terror stricken glances.
I shifted my weight uncomfortably.
"I don't know, I was dreaming of yesterday..."
"Oh..." She instantly deflated, looking away; ashamed she traced the mesh patterns. "Are you sure you're OK?"
"Yeah, I'm sure. You should really worry about yourself."
"Pssh, I already told you I'm fuckin' a ninja." she plopped down on the mattress beside me, blowing a strand of hair off of her face.
"Oh, so you remember that?"
"Um, yea? Why wouldn't I?"
"I don't know, because the paramedic was pumping you full of drugs?" Leave it to her to belittle everything that has happened. It only makes it that much more shocking how broken up she was... but now it's like a complete one eighty.
"Oh right..." she paused, a devious smile taking control, "y'know, she had an amazing rack"
"W-what! How could you even be paying attention to that! You had a smashed arm, a wrecked bike and veins full of pain killers... and you were staring at her chest?"
"Oh common! I saw you fucking look to!"
"I did not!" What kind of person would I be to look at a time like that! I still couldn't hold down a blush from creeping onto my cheeks.
"Pssh, yeah okay. Well I did, she was leaning forward a lot – she totally wanted me to.I musta looked really fucking heroic, y'know? I bet I coulda made any girl fall for me at that point" she taunted, boasting with praise.
"Right, so you go after the paramedic then?" Laughing nervously, I looked at my hands, trying to get the image of Tayuya and I out of my head. It's like I can almost feel her lips against mine, her hands on my skin... the heat of her body.
"Don't look so depressed! Y'know you're my number one pinkie." She smiled, "I would totally seduce you if Ino didn't already have her claws into you." I gaped at her for a moment, did I just hear that right?
"Er... I'm kidding, don't look at me like that!" Recomposing myself, I retaliated – determined not to let her win, well for once.
"Right, you wouldn't be able to even if you did try. I'm not that easy!"
"Is that a challenge?" Um... crap, no... stay away from me. Why does this feel like de ja vu, that was really stupid of me. Great, taunt her, yeah REALLY smart move. Idiot.
Tayuya turned so her chest brushed against my shoulder, I shifted away and she smiled. Eyes growing devious; she pressed forward again. I gulped, frozen as I watched her inch closer, eyes flickering between my lips and my eyes. She watched me for any sign of protest, I didn't move. I can't move... I'm not even sure I want to anymore. It's all just so confusing...
Tayuya laughed suddenly patting my cheek with her open palm, I blinked and watched as she got up and walked to the door.
"Told ya I could seduce you if I fucking wanted to!" She fingers ran over the door frame as she stepped through, pausing and calling back "oh, by the way; Ino called and she sounded pissed."
"Shit!" I cursed, scrambling for my phone on the end table. Wait, I'm pretty sure she won again... god dammit!
-Ino-
"No, I'm pretty sure if you required Choji to model naked for an arts class - that you are suddenly teaching - would be against the rules... No Dei, even principles have rules." I rolled my eyes, flopping back against the sheets on my bed. My fingers trailed through my bangs, gently working out any accumulated knots as Deidara continued to fap over my old friend.
"What do you mean... NO! Posting yourself as a body guard inside the guys locker room to 'break up fights' would also... no, god you're retarded!" I swear he comes up with twenty new plans every time I call, it's not like I can hang up either. He's paying my phone bill.
I'm still not to sure how my phone ended up in the fridge with teeth marks and a trail of ketchup on it, but I'm going with my usual excuse of 'it's Tayuya's fault'. She probably broke into my apartment and put it in there after gnawing on it. Harpie's like to chew on phones right?
"Saku? Oh... she's fine. No I haven't screwed her yet! Are you- Dei! No!" He laughed, obviously sensing my growing discomfort. Why does he always have to talk about sex as if it's the most casual thing in the world. Well, to him it probably is.
"Well, I mean... we kinda kissed? Yes there is such thing as a kinda kiss! ... well I'll tell you how! I uh, um... I'm not to sure if I kissed her... w-well she could of kissed me! Yes I realize it would be difficult not to notice something like that..."
As Deidara was in the middle of laughing hysterically in my ear, my phone beeped alerting me to an incoming call. I pulled the phone away for a moment to save my ear drums from further damage and to check my call display.
Saku? Oh my god! Saku! In my excitement I dropped my phone, resulting in a loud crash before I spat out a quick good bye to Deidara. I had ended his call before he could say good bye, fumbling I answered the second call.
"Hello! Saku! Are you okay? Are you hurt? What happened with Tayuya? I swear I'm going to kill her! I-!" My dam broke instantly, assaulting her with a string of questions.
"Ino, calm down." Came her quiet reply, I can almost picture the small smile. She's probably completely calm and laughing at my stupidity; here I am practically having a panic attack. "I'm fine, Tayuya is fine"
Well, I wasn't really worried about her, much to my disappointment she's like a bad cold. She won't go away no matter how obvious I make it she isn't wanted or needed.
"What happened?" I asked, trying to keep the pitch in my voice at a level below ear splitting.
"It's kind of a long story..." I smiled, closing my eyes to picture her sitting on her bed. Probably fiddling with her fingers and shifting her weight back and forth. I'm just so happy she isn't hurt, the hospital wouldn't let me see them. Eventually I was kicked out of the lobby, they said visitation hours were done.
"Well," it's worth a try "you still owe me a date, how about we go out for a while? Then you will have enough time to tell me everything... if you want to." The line remained silent. Oh crap... maybe I pushed too much again.
"You don't have to! If you just want to talk it doesn't have to be a date... you know I'm here for you either way." squeezing my eyes shut, I held my breath waiting for her to say something.
"Yeah... that, that would be nice. I uh-" she paused again, my breath hitched; I never thought anything could make me this nervous. "Can you meet me outside my apartment building, in around an hour?"
"Yes, of course! I'll be there!" I let out a tiny squeal, unable to keep the bursting joy fully contained.
"Right... see you then!" With that a click sounded in my ear, letting me know she had hung up her phone.
Finally! Wait... what am I going to wear?
-Tayuya-
"Right... see you then." Sakura replied to who I'm sure is that blonde bitch. I sighed heavily, my hands sitting in the soapy water in the sink. Well, what did you expect to happen idiot? You say NOTHING, you do NOTHING. Then to make matters worse, you go and tell her Ino called, when she didn't. Whose bright fucking idea was that? Oh right, yours.
I watched Sakura walk into the bathroom, a small smile brightening up her tired visage. Well, at least she's happy... that's all I really want. Even if... it's not because of me, again.
All I can really do right now is try to cheer her up, even if that means handing her over to the barbie. She better not end up on a dock with a gun to her head, again. This time I don't have a fucking motorcycle to run the prick over with.
I wonder if he really is dead, I know they said he is... but I can't help but worry. There are some things in this world that even I'm smart enough to fear. My hands started to shake, much to my annoyance, as Danzo flashed into my mind. He pointed the barrel of the gun at me, and the shots sounded; my ear drums burst as they collided with steel right in front of me. Sending sparks flying that left the air warm around me, curling back the hairs on my arm.
My fingers slid over the steel side of the sink, eyes closing I pictured the look of pure terror on Sakura's face. I saw her hit Danzo, take a hit herself and roll back over the edge of the dock. Her hands sliding over the wood, scrambling to get a hold of something.
The water in the bathroom turned on, I heard the crash of the waves underneath me as I lay against the dock. Body in shock as I stared at the blood from cuts and scrapes, trying to convince myself that it wasn't enough to mean I was hit.
"Tayuya..." I can hear Sakura calling me, I want to reply but it feels like a bubble has been placed into my mouth. It's hard to take in air, to breathe.
"Tayuya!" Panic rising, I can hear the wood creak as she works to pull herself up. Good... she's alright, now I can sleep. I can forget.
"Tayuya? Hey, wake up your hands are going to get pruney! Remember what you told me? You can't grope a girl with pruney ass hands" I blinked, coming out of my trance. Sakura is standing beside me with a bemused look on her face, only a towel wrapped around her wet form. Crap.
"Put some fucking clothes on!" I snapped, pulling my now soggy cast out of the sud covered water. I waited as she went from amused, to shocked, to annoyed... oh Sakura, you are so predictable. Seriously though, clothes would be great right now.
"I was going to! But then-"
"Then what?" I cut her off, "then you thought that Ino is just going to rape you anyways, might as well save the part where she has to take your clothes off?"
"What is your problem! I've told you before, Ino wouldn't do that! If you're saying that as a joke, it isn't funny!" She growled back, her cheeks turning red.
"Right, I'm sure she just has your best interests at heart." rolling my eyes, I continued "kinda like when she licked your ear in front of an entire boys gym class. Or how about when she announced to everyone that you two are 'engaged' or how about-"
"I get it! She doesn't always do the brightest things, that's still no reason for you to be such a, a bitch!"
"Well maybe I wouldn't be if you weren't-" crap, now what do I say? I can't tell her the truth, I'm not even fully sure why I'm so pissed off. I just, I am!
"Weren't what? What am I doing that has upset you this much?" She demanded, I ground my teeth together in frustration. Maybe if you weren't so fucking dense, none of this would be an issue!
"Nothing! Forget it! I'm going out, have fun on your fucking date!" I screamed back, slamming my hand on the counter before turning and storming out the door. Leaving Sakura looking stunned as she watched me leave.
-Sakura-
Um, what the hell was that? I stood with my mouth unhinged, staring at the back of a closed door, trying to figure out exactly what it is I did. I don't remember doing anything insulting... maybe I forgot something I should of remembered? Let's think... she's a December baby, so I didn't forget her birthday.
I shut my bedroom door, rooting through my doors for new clothes. Anniversary of when we became friends? No, she isn't that cheesy. So... what is it I did then?
I pulled a tight fitting t-shirt over my head, tugging at it until it was where I wanted it before rooting around for clean jeans. Well, okay so it's not her birthday, or anything else. So we can rule out events I guess.
Oh! Maybe she just wanted someone around? Tay can put on a tough act but I'm sure she's at least a little shaken up. Plus I still don't know what happened with her mother... maybe she doesn't want to be alone. I can understand that feeling, it would explain why she is so upset that I would just leave. She must of heard my conversation with Ino.
I could ask Ino if she minds having Tay come as well, she did say it didn't have to be a date. That could make things worse though, I mean... they kinda hate each other. Tay really isn't happy with her right now.
I sighed, walking into the washroom fully clothed. I plucked my toothbrush out of its holder, lathering a thick strip of toothpaste on the bristles. As I started to brush my teeth in the monotonous motion, I tried to figure out what to do.
I can't just ditch Ino... again. I also can't just leave Tay upset, while leaving her all alone... that would be a betrayal. Especially since now I know why she's upset. So what do I do?
I spat the foam into the sink, turning the tap on.
Well, I'll spend a few hours with Ino so my promise is fulfilled; as well as give Tay some time to cool off. I'm sure she didn't mean anything she said. Then I'll do something with her as soon as I get home and apologize, I think that's the best I can work out. Why can't there just be two of me, that would solve everything. (1)
Exactly on time, Ino walked through the front doors of my apartment complex. A large smile lit up her cheery expression as soon as she spotted me, waving ecstatically; she practically jogged over.
"You look nice." Ino greeted, I blushed as she looked me up and down, appraising.
"Thanks, you too. So, where to?"
Ino grinned deviously, grabbing my hand and dragging me through the doors.
After a short walk, to a quaint cafe a few blocks away; Ino sat across from me, stirring in the sugar she had added to her caramel latte. You may think I'm kidding, but no. She actually needed to add three sugar packets to her caramel latte. I have to wonder how her teeth are still in tact.
"What did you and Tayuya get up to the other night?" I asked, blowing the steam off of my coffee. Black, the way caffeine should be drunk; without a pound of sugar or cream. She smiled, fishing some of the whip cream off the top of her drink with her finger; making sure to lick it off while mulling over her answer.
I'm swear she does that just to see if she can get a reaction. Dumb blonde my ass.
"I went to a fundraiser with her, she needed a date."
"Why did she ask you? Don't you two... y'know, (2) dislike each other?" That may be putting it lightly.
"Well sorta, she was going to ask you... but she didn't want to wake you up. She was worried about you." She replied, casually dipping her finger back into the whipped cream. My eyebrow twitched as I watched her, transfixed as her pink tongue cleaned off her digit.
"Why would she ask me? I'm sure there are others she would much rather go on a date with" like that paramedic, I thought sourly. I don't know why that bothers me this much.
"Well for one, because she likes you." I blinked
"I know, it's you she can't stand." Ino burst out laughing at my reply. As she started to quiet down, she glanced at my confused face and started to laugh again. Did I say something funny? I thought my statement was fairly accurate. It must just be funny that they hate each other?
"And they tell me I'm the natural blonde" she giggled, taking a sip from her sugar drink.
"Huh?" I must of missed something, it feels like this happens a lot... "What did I miss?"
"Nothing, don't worry about it. It's not really my business anyways."
"Okay..." Well that was weird. Staring out the window, I took a sip from my cup; revelling in the simple bitterness that washed over my tongue. Simple, the way things should be. I wonder how Tay is, and where she is. I feel really bad about just leaving things the way they were. She's probably angry enough to kill me by now.
"You haven't heard from her have you? She didn't call or anything?" It's a long shot, but it's worth asking.
"No? Why would I? It's not like she voluntarily talks to me." Ino smirked, sitting back against the back rest.
"I was just wondering, we kinda got into a fight this morning before meeting up with you."
"That's odd, I thought you two were the couple that never fought." She teased, crinkling her nose at me.
"Har har, more like the couple that never stops fighting! But today she just seemed really... mad. I think it might be because I decided to go out with you."
"Oh? Why's that?" She asked, curious.
"I mean like... oh you know what I mean! But I think she's just scared and doesn't want to be left alone. I can understand that, I wouldn't want to be either... I guess I was just insensitive when I agreed to your suggestion."
"Oh..." She trailed off, biting on her bottom lip. "Can I ask what happened last night... I heard a lot of rumours around school today. Is what they are saying true?"
"What exactly did you hear?" I asked cautiously, I can't believe that rumours would already be sprouting around school. How could anyone even know what happened? It happened last night...
"That Tayuya and you got into some sort of gang fight down by the docks, and that Tayuya is a legit ninja." she added, trying to insert some humour.
I paused, mulling over what exactly I should tell her. I guess I could just tell her everything, it's not like it will harm anything. She was there when I talked to the police. Plus it would be better then her trying to piece it together herself.
I glanced up from the steaming liquid in my cup, she looks worried. Why is it everyone looks so worried lately. Well, besides me almost getting shot; I haven't had someone worry about me in... well since Iruka. Maybe I'm just not used to it.
"Well, they were right partially; Tayuya claims she is a legit ninja." I forced a smile, sighing and taking my spoon. Starting to stir my coffee, I continued "I ended up talking to Tsunade last night. She told me... some things, that..." that I didn't want to hear, or rather I wasn't prepared to.
"I ended up leaving rather upset... and I ran to the docks, I'm not sure why. I haven't been there in years, and I don't have any significant memories there." Ino watched me, unblinking and ignoring her sugary treat.
"Danzo found me, he tried to offer me the same deal he had offered my mother."
"What deal?"
"Work for him, or..." I left my answer unfinished, uncomfortable with stating it so simply after everything that had happened. Ino blanched.
"What did you say?"
"I said no, of course." I took a deep breath, looking out the window to watch the cars drive by. Feeling the need for something with a semblance of normality. "I'm still not sure how Tayuya found me, I didn't tell her where I was... but if she hadn't..." I'd be dead.
"Saku, I'm so sorry... I should of been there. I shouldn't of gone out, I thought you would be alright by yourself."
"It's not your fault" I whispered, it was mine. If I had been able to just use common sense for once Tay never would of been hurt. Why do the people around me keep getting hurt, all because of me? Why am I so useless that I can't fight my own battles!
If I had realized that Iruka had to be at that meeting, if I had been more mature he never would of been on that plane. If I had simply done more for Anko she never would of resorted to working with Danzo. If I had called the police with what I knew, or simply stayed calm Tay never would of been hurt, or worse... she could of been killed. Why am I so fucking useless!
"Saku?" Ino called "Sakura! You're shaking..." I blinked, snapping out of my self mutilating train of thought to look into her blue eyes. Glancing down I realized my hands were still shaking. Embarrassed, I tucked them under the table to rest on my knees.
"Sorry..." I muttered, reached for my cup.
"Are you alright? We can leave if you want..."
"I'm fine." I replied curtly, annoyed. Stop worrying about me! Everyone needs to stop fucking worrying about me and take care of themselves.
"Are you s-"
"I'm fine!" I snapped, a little more forcibly than intended. She recoiled instantly, withdrawing. "You should be worrying about Tayuya! She's the one who broke her arm in three places, almost got shot, got kicked out of her house AND lost her bike! Why the hell are you worried about me? Do I look hurt? No! Because I am never the one to get hurt, everyone else does instead!"
Angry and frustrated, I fished a bill out of my pocket and tossed it on the table without even checking the dollar amount. I stormed out of the cafe, ignoring the curious glances I was receiving.
I need to find Tay, to apologize; then I need to go visit Anko and fix all the stupid mistakes I've made.
I checked my phone for the hundredth time, dragging my feet as I slowly walked towards the hospital. The toe of my shoe connected with the tiny pebble I've been abusing for half a block, hands stuffed deep into my pockets for warmth. I guess I never noticed how cold its been getting. Almost a month of school has already passed, and I've been for half of it. Homecoming should be coming up soon, the student council probably hates me for not helping.
I snorted, right... because worrying about organizing a high school dance should be the top of my priority list right now. Normality is what I need the most right now, and it's also what I'm the most deprived of. What normally happens at a homecoming dance? I have never attended one before... still not sure why I was elected president. Oh, I remember! Because it was actually an election for the most hated student in school. What did I get again? Eighty percent of the votes? Yeah, I remember Kakashi saying it was some kind of record.
I sighed, sending the pebble through a storm grate. I wonder how angry Ino is at me, she really didn't deserve to be snapped at like that. I'm just so stressed lately, it's like my body is an elastic band that has been pulled to its limits; just waiting to snap at anything that moves. Poor Ino just asked the wrong question.
I wonder where Tayuya went... I hope she's alright; I don't know if her phone is even still working after the state I last saw it in. It was kind of... mangled. Maybe that's why she isn't answering me... even though it is probably because she's too pissed off right now.
I guess I need to learn to stop storming off.
-Tayuya-
"Hello, mother." I greeted through clenched teeth, I was really fucking hoping anyone else would be home. Or rather, that the bitch wouldn't move the spare key when I've been gone for less then twenty four hours. I could of just snuck in, gotten the clothes and shit I needed and left; but no. The stupid whore just had to cut off my only way in, and take a day off work. Which she hasn't done in years! How much more of a bitch can you possibly be!
"Oh, Tayuya. You look horrible, but I suppose sleeping on the streets will do that to you. Are you here to beg, and apologize?" She smirked, thinking herself triumphant.
"Actually, I was just coming for my school books and clothes. I've already found somewhere to stay." I replied, stealing her triumphant smirk and placing it on my face.
"Oh, didn't take you long to find someone to leech off of did it?"
"I'm paying rent." I growled. Well I'm not right now, but I will be. I refuse to leech off of Sakura, if she even will let me back in her apartment.
"Oh, well since you don't have any money... I guess your using a different method of payment then?"
"Believe it or not, you are the only one in this family who uses sex to get where they want. I am going to find a real job and fucking pay them with money. New concept I know, I'll give you a minute to take it all in." I retorted, pushing past her and jogging up the stairs. The quicker I can get out of here, the better.
She followed me, leaning against the door as I found my backpack thrown under my bed. Leaning against the door frame, my mother watched in silence as I stuffed the bag to bursting before diving into my closet in search of my duffel bag. During the entire process of packing not a single snotty remark was made. She watched as I poured the contents of my dresser into the bag, grabbed my tooth brush from the bathroom and my guitar with it's stand.
I shouldered my back pack and hefted my duffel before making for the door.
"Well, bye." I muttered, fumbling with the lock. Pushing past me, my mother held it open; making my passage easier. Gee, thanks... the one time you help me it's to kick me out of your house. Damn, I'll miss you!
"This is yours." She snapped an envelope against my chest, looking away with a strained demeanor pursing her lips.
"What is it?" I asked, tentatively taking the yellow paper between my fingers and looking at it suspiciously.
"It's the money I was able to make selling some of your belongings. Your brother insisted that I give it to you." I snorted at her obviously displeased expression. Well, at least I have Gaara looking out for me.
Without replying I tucked the envelope into my back pocket, and started my long, slow journey back to Sakura's apartment. At least she gave me a key.
-Ino-
Um... I think, I think I pushed a button. But... I'm not really sure which one? It's like walking on a mine field with a broken metal detector... all of a sudden, boom? I wonder if what she said is true... did Tayuya really risk her life to save her? Maybe she isn't a complete bitch, either that or she likes Sakura a lot more than I originally thought.
I glanced around the cafe, causing a few sympathetic glances to retreat. I have no idea what set her off... all I did was ask her if she was alright. Maybe she's feeling guilty? If that's the case then the only person who can talk to her is Tayuya. The more I try to do anything is only going to make it worse.
I cringed, once again I'm not going to be able to do a damn thing. So I guess, I just wait... and let her know I'm here if she needs me. I could try to contact Tayuya, but I'd prefer to simply avoid her and let her figure it out. Stupid harpy, why do I constantly lose to that bitch? To make matters worse she even got to fulfil the hero role, how am I suppose to top that?
I frowned, looking into the brown liquid of my drink. I swirled the sugary drink around the bottom of the glass, I should be happy she's okay. Not sitting here thinking about how to out do Tayuya, what's wrong with me?
I quickly finished off the rest of my drink, revelling in the simple sweetness that was almost potent enough to kill a cat. The way drinks should be, the way Sakura and I should be: simple.
Well, I guess I can head home and finish my and Saku's homework; since I've managed once again to somehow fully screw up. I've managed to keep up with the workload, although I'll admit barely. The amount of work that girl signed up for is retarded. It easily doubles my own work load.
I wonder if she realizes there are classes like art, gym and music available. Either that or she's a workaholic. Figures. I'm amazed that none of the teachers have questioned her turning in her homework via email. I'm also surprised how easy it was to hack her email, really Sakura... the name of your first pet? Though, no one but her and I would know the answer to that one. Baby is kinda... generic.
Either way, one little white lie about her being unable to leave the hospital. Followed by my offer to drop off her laptop and paperwork; hacking her email and then memorizing her writing style. The entire process was a bit to easy, maybe I should go into espionage. I think I'd be good at that, I could have some cool name like the seductress. Or... something less slutty, which I will think of another time!
I hope she doesn't mind only getting ninety-five percent on a couple assignments though... I did really try; but calc and bio are two classes I've never taken before! I didn't even want to do calc myself! Not to mention I had to purposely screw up some of my own answered so that Asuma wouldn't wonder why we handed in the exact same everything.
I also hope she doesn't mind that I've more or less figured out every password she has, but how could she! I did it so she wouldn't get behind on her schoolwork, I know how hard she's worked to keep her grades up.
Ahh well, no point worrying now I guess. What's done is done, and no amount of whining and pining will change anything. I just need to trust Sakura to calm down and deal with her problems by herself.
Oh! I can check out that new dance studio that I found! I haven't been there yet and now I feel like I have a ton of energy to work off. (3)
-Tayuya-
I dropped my bag inside of Sakura's room, unable to think of a better place to put it. The kitchen is still a war zone, the living room still needs to be... de-Anko'd. I don't know if I should do it myself, it might be something Sakura wants to do. She might also want help, or she might prefer if I do it. Until I know for sure though, I'm not going to touch it.
I glanced around her bedroom, everything is so clean and organized. It reminds me of her locker, completely in control. Even the fucking books are organized!
I rolled my shoulder, dropping the duffel bag onto the ground and working the kinks out of my muscles. The light brown envelope fell out of it's holding place and slowly drifted down onto her bed. I glared at it; I wonder how much, and what she sold of mine. I was gone for less then twenty-four hours and already she has managed to start completely working me out of her life.
I wonder how Sakura's and Ino's date went, it's almost dark out and she's still not home. That must mean it's going well, or really fucking bad depending on who you ask.
The front doors lock clinked, I jumped; started out of my train of thought. Peeking around the corner, I watched the door knob turn and Sakura step through; locking the door behind her without seeing me. She turned and looked up, meeting my eyes. Crap. Now what the fuck do I say?
"Um... hi." You are so fucking lame Tayuya, soooo fucking lame.
"Hi." she replied, rubbing her forearm and looking around nervously.
"I got my clothes." I took a step around the corner so I was easily in site. What is it with her? Why do I care so fucking much? I'm turning into such a fucking sap!
"That's good... I ditched Ino and visited Anko." she smiled weakly. I smirked, pleased.
"Ha! That's good too! What the fuck did she do this time?" Sakura paused, chewing on her bottom lip. "Awww comon pinkie, you can't dangle a cookie like that in front of me and then take it back!" I coaxed, grinning broadly, trying to get her to open up.
It worked, she smiled genuinely sending my heart aflutter. Fuck her for being able to do that.
"It was just something she said, I shouldn't of snapped; I need to apologize... but I needed to see you first. To apologize."
"For what? You didn't do anything?" What is she going on about, I was the one who tweaked randomly this morning not her. She has nothing to apologize for, I'm the one who should be.
"I should have been more considerate of you before agreeing to go out with Ino today." What does she mean by that, maybe my tyrant this morning was too obvious.
"Saku-" I tried to intercede, she shook her head taking a step closer to me and I froze.
"I'm sorry, you are always there when I need you... even if I don't understand how you knew I needed you at the time. You've always been considerate of how I've been feeling... and the one time you needed me, the one time I needed to be there; I left. I'm sorry." Oh... she, that's what she thinks? How is it possible for someone to get everything so wrong every fucking time!
"Uh, yeah... it's alright?" Er, what do I say to this? It's so far off the mark it's almost like some big joke. "Uh, I was gonna clean... cause you know, this place is a mess. But I was wondering if you wanted to clean the living room yourself, or if... you wanted help."
Sakura looked at me curiously before looking to the living room, silently working through her inner turmoil.
"Yeah, help would be nice."
We spent the rest of the night cleaning the kitchen and the living room. I scrubbed the counters, dishes and floor; cleaned out the fridge while tossing questionable food into the trash. When I opened the cupboards and found half clean dishes I pulled everything out and re-scrubbed those as well. I dusted out the cupboards and quietly threw out hidden liquor bottles from beneath the sink.
Sakura sorted through the living room, stopping to read old, crinkled papers. We worked in silence as she picked up the dirty clothing off the floor, putting them into a bag. She travelled down stairs briefly and returned with a carpet cleaner.
It took nearly twenty minutes of fumbling with that stupid machine until we finally got it to work. We finished by dragging the sofa down the stairs, which took fucking forever and left more then one bruise on more then one spot. It didn't help having a broken arm.
After one last sorrow filled look from Sakura, we returned to a newly clean and fresh apartment.
"Well, it's done." she breathed, flopping down onto her bed. A soft rustle of paper sounded from under her legs, she frowned; reaching underneath and grabbed my envelope looking it over.
"Is this yours?" She asked, checking for an address. I took it from between her fingers and sat down beside her.
"Yeah, it's from my mom." I guess I should open it. I ran my fingers over the paper, trying to feel what is inside.
"Are you going to open it?" She asked, looking over my shoulder as my finger hooked under the top flap.
Without replying, I tore it open; fishing my hand inside to grab the contents. My fingertips ran over cold metal, I latched onto it and pulled it out.
Keys?
"Keys? What are they to?" Sakura asked, reaching for the envelope to check for a note.
"I don't know..." I whispered, lifting them in front of my eyes as they spun on the slim silver chain.
1, I don't think she realizes how accurate that statement is
2, Anyone else pick up that she's starting to use a few of Tayuya's common sayings?
3, Could be the pound and a half of sugar you just ingested
End chapter! Alright, I have a challenge for you all... muwhahahaha! Can anyone tell me what the two keys are for? If you get the easy one, good for you :P Or am I really that predictable? * waggles eyebrows * If you can get both, or close enough then, if you want, you can pick something to happen (so long as it's within reason) and I will try to add it. Excluding changing main pairings, or them all suddenly becoming banana craving aliens of course...
Anywho, hope you all enjoyed it! Sorry it was 90% talking and no running over bad guys with motorcycles this time. Thanx again to my wonderful beta! Read and review! Chapter ten is already three quarters done... give me motivation to finish :P
-Kiravu