"Hey, did you hear that?" Ino asked, I stopped to look at her. I didn't hear anything, but I was distracted. I could have easily missed something.
"No? What did you hear?" Ino set down her handle for her snow tube, looking down over the expanse of forest behind us. There is a fence set up to outline where you are, and are not allowed to travel. If someone really wanted to though, the fence is made of that orange, plastic roll out fencing I'm sure would be easy to break or move enough to get under.
"I thought I heard someone from that direction." Ino pointed out into the forest. I frowned, following her look.
"Did you see anyone?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes! I heard someone Saku!" She insisted, walking towards the fence.
"Hey! Wait! What are you doing?" I called, looking back at Tayuya who was still trying to untangle with Emi at the bottom of the hill. When I looked back to Ino she already had her first leg over part of the fence that was sagging down. "Ino! Wait!" I yelled, torn between following her and going for help. "Dammit all!" I cursed, taking off after her as she touched down on the other side of the fence.
"Ino?" I called, untangling my foot from its plastic prison. "Ino?" I tried again, barely catching site of her as she disappeared behind a pair of trees a hundred paces in front of me. This isn't a good idea...
"Where are you going? Ino!" This is ridiculous, where does she think she's going. We're going to get lost... if she heard someone then we should tell someone. Not run off into the forest, alone, without anyone knowing where we went!
I stumbled over the truck of a tree, kicking up snow. Growling, I pulled myself up blowing a strand of hair out of my face. I'm already starting to sweat, I really shouldn't have cut down on my work outs. I blame Tayuya for changing my alarm settings.
"Ino? Where did you go?" I called again, looking around for some sign of my bubbly, blonde friend.
"I-!" I stumbled, tripping over a tree trunk; a sharp pain pinpointed on my forehead. Knocking me unconscious before I could have a second thought.
"Oh good, you're awake." I groaned, rubbing my eyes; a chuckle sounded in reply. Reaching up, I felt a cold, soft clothe on my forehead.
"Saku!" Ino instantly wrapped her arms around my neck, crushing me in her frenzied grip.
"Ow." I groaned, looking around at the dark wooden walls that now encased myself and Ino. A tall bearded man smiled, slowly rising from the chair he was sitting on. "Where are we?" I asked, removing the clothe and rubbing the bump under my fingers.
"I am the ranger for these parts miss, and you and your friend here are a bit off track aren't ya?" He smiled, walking over to tower over Ino and I. He smiled, obviously amused by my obviously terror stricken face. Crap, how far did we wander?
"Don't worry miss, Ino here told me everything." He shared a wink with my alleged accomplish, earning a blush and awkward shuffle.
"But... what about...?"
"Ahh don't worry none about that, I'm sure your friend can explain everything to you. I already contacted your teachers, they were mighty worried about ye' both. I'm ta' take you both back as soon as you're feelin' up ta' it. I'll just step outside for a minute or two, fresh air and all that. Let me know when yer' ready then." He brushed his moustache, heavy boots stomping over the wooden floor as he shut the door behind himself.
"What was that all about?" I asked, sitting up. Other then a slight headache I don't think anything else is hurt.
"I'm really sorry Saku." Ino whispered, I turned to see her blush and look away. What is she going on about? Well, it is kind of her fault we're out here, but it's only because she heard someone right?
"No worries, my skull is thicker then you'd think. Besides, it's not like you stuck out your leg to trip me in hopes of dragging me out here." I smirked, trying my best to get her to smile. I hate when people are upset, it's like I feel the need to see them smile.
It worked, she giggled lightly and turned to look at me instead of hiding.
"No, I will admit I did not. I did think that someone as fit as you are wouldn't be such a clutz though. Tripping over a tree trunk." She rolled her eyes in mock exasperation.
"Did you miss how deep the snow is? How could I see a tree trunk under that!" Shifting, I swung my legs over the side of the bed I found myself lying on. I apparently still have my boots on...
I glanced at the end of the bed to find a puddle of water and mud on the sheets. Figures I would find a way to muck things up even while unconscious. I smiled at my own corny joke, Tayuya really is rubbing off on me. I'll have to be more careful.
"So what happened?" I asked, my hands gripping the side of the mattress as I leaned over, hunching my back.
"Well... you followed me, and you tripped..."
"Right, I got that. You know, the whole forehead having a bump on it so big it could be counted as a second head?"
"Yeah... it really is big isn't it? Kind of purple, well more blue I suppose." Well that's odd, she's avoiding answering my question.
"What about the person you heard?"
"Well, I may have made that up..." She visibly braced for the verbal assault, cautiously looking at me when I didn't start to yell.
"Oh." Why would she make something like that up? I turned to stare at my feet, now making a puddle on the floor. Was it some sort of practical joke gone wrong?
"I really am sorry, if I had known you were going to get hurt I never would have. I just wanted a few minutes to talk to you alone... since you put in that stupid buddy system rule. I figured we wouldn't go far, then I'd surprise you and possibly scare you or something. Was supposed to just be a silly prank, a funny story for the future." She explained in a rush, turning a deep shade of red as a knock on the door sounded.
"Feelin' any better yet miss?" The ranger asked as he peeked inside. Glancing sidelong at Ino, I put on my best pained look before replying.
"I could use another minute or two if that's alright." He nodded, shutting the door once more. "So how much did you tell him?"
"Uh well, you know how I get when I'm upset... verbal diarrhea."
"So, more or less everything." I confirmed. Well, that's embarrassing. I guess I should be happy he's an understanding ranger? I'm not sure if that's a rarity or not. I let out a deep sigh, rubbing the bridge of my nose; that seems to be a habit I've picked up lately. I can't let myself be mad at her because something happened she didn't, and couldn't foresee. Even if simply asking to talk would have been much simpler, but then Ino has always been... extravagant.
But, seeing as she's gone through all this trouble just to talk; it would be smart to let her talk. Otherwise I might end up in the middle of another Ino scheme. I love her, but she really needs to understand the meaning of simple can be better.
"Seeing as we have a few minutes, what is it you wanted to talk about?" I asked, trying my best to sound as calm and un-annoyed as possible.
"Well... I didn't really have a plan..." She admitted, I couldn't help it. I started to laugh at the sheer absurdity of the situation. Here we are sitting in a cabin, god knows where. With some man who claims he's a ranger, but we have no real proof. Well, I don't; Ino might. All of this is because Ino wanted to talk to me so desperately she devised a plan to lure me out into the forest; and after all of this. She doesn't even have know what she wants to talk about.
"Oh Ino." I giggled, wiping away a tear when I was finally able to subside my chortles. "What ever will I do with you?" I smiled and nudged her shoulder, coaxing her into an embarrassed pout with a smile just under the surface.
"I'm sorry for yelling at you." She started.
"You yelled at me while I was unconscious? That doesn't seem very productive." Ino rolled her light blue eyes, giving me an unimpressed look that said 'you know what I'm talking about'. She's right, I do. I'm just not sure if I want to go there when I still don't have an answer.
"It wasn't right of me to try and force you to choose. What I said... I meant it. These last few months have been miserable for me Saku, but mostly because I'm so uncertain." She paused, waiting to see if I was going to interrupt her. I waited, silent.
"I don't know how to act anymore Saku, I..." She gnawed on her bottom lip, looking for the right words. "I don't want to step over the line again, and push you away. Or cause any fights, or make you uncomfortable. Mostly though, I just don't want to lose you."
"Ino-" She shook her head, stopping me before I could say more.
"No, it's alright. I just need to stop being such a wimp and go back to saying what I want to say, with some restrictions..." She added, noticing my worried look. I don't need another public confession of some decade long engagement.
"So, I'm going to try and be a bit more normal. No more walking on egg shells for me!" She announced, "I know I'm losing the battle Saku." I blushed instantly, trying to spurt out a protest but finding my tongue to be suddenly swollen.
"You talk like her sometimes, you know that? That cheesy joke earlier, all Tayuya..." Shit! She noticed that too, damn you Tay!
"I'm jealous you know that, I wish we had started with a blank slate too. Maybe then I wouldn't have been such a fool when I found you again. Don't give me that look, I know I acted like some crazy person when we first met again.
"I scared you, pushed you away. Then when you needed a friend most of all, Tayuya was there. Because you weren't scared of her."
"I wouldn't say I was scared of you..." More like terrified. Ino sat back down, sliding her feet over the wooden floor.
"Pressured then?"
"I suppose that's more accurate."
"Either way, she was able to be there for you when I wasn't. You felt safe relying on her, and worried about... me because of what I was asking from you so suddenly." I nodded, that sounds about right. Except for the feeling safe relying on Tay part. More like trapped without another option?
"I want to start over with you, as if we've never met before. I want to pretend you're a complete stranger, whom I will slowly learn everything about. What do you think?"
"I think that's a great idea." Ino smiled broadly, extending her hand to me. I took it, amused by how giddy she was acting. Shaking my hand she introduced herself.
"My name is Ino Yamanaka, pleased to meet you."
"Sakura Haruno, like wise."
An hour later I sat in the cramped front seat of the Rangers pick up truck. His name, as it turns out is Micheal, and he is a certified ranger. I made sure before getting into the truck with him, or letting Ino get in. He pulled into the parking lot in front of the ski lounge. Shutting off the engine and putting the old vehicle into park.
"Alright ladies, this is yer stop. I suspect yer teachers are mighty worried about ye'. Just, make sure ye' don't get reamed too hard, I explained what happened. You getting lost on one of the poorly marked trails and all." He smiled, winking again at Ino before making a shooing motion with his hands. "Well, get!"
"Thank you Micheal." Ino smiled, slipping out of the truck behind me. I waved good bye, barely missing his departing words. I didn't miss the blush it caused.
"There you are!" Madara exclaimed, rushing through the slush in his expensive boots to look us both over. "I was worried sick! I was about to send out the hounds when Ranger Micheal called, such a nice man. Poor grammar though..."
"We're fine Mr. Uchiha." I assured, pushing away his inspecting hands from my forehead.
"I'm going to have to ban all other students from the trails, if I had known they were so poorly marked and monitored, I never would have approved it in the first place." Ironically, he hadn't approved the trails to students in the first place for those exact reasons. But, I wasn't about to tell him that.
"I'm sure one of the markers just got knocked over in the last snow fall or something..."
"Nope! Banned! I will hear no more of this, Sakura, inside now!" I sighed, giving Ino a weak smile before following our fretting principle. Maybe being his favourite is turning out to be a not so awful thing, he didn't even question the possibility of my breaking the rules.
"Oi! Little fuck!" I turned, looking directly into Tayuya's glowering face. Crap. "What the fuck Sakura?" She demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Um..." I started, trying to come up with an answer that would satisfy her without tipping off our principle.
"It was my fault Tayuya." Ino interjected, rescuing me from the angry bear of a friend. Tay huffed, grudgingly accepting the answer.
"Fine. Tell me later."
We had missed the group skiing and snowboarding lessons that were scheduled. Somehow, I'm not to heartbroken over that fact. After grabbing a quick dinner, we walked over to the campfire in relative silence. Ino had left after Madara made sure we were, in truth, unhurt. She went to find Emi in the nurses care, sporting a twisted ankle.
It doesn't surprise me after being taken out by Tayuya.
"I hope you apologized." I said aloud suddenly, letting the words escape my thought process.
"Hmm?" Tayuya seemed to barely register my comment, lost in her own world as well. The sun sets early here, it's just after dinner and already it's black out. The campfire sites are about a five to ten minute walk from the cabins, which is a five minute walk from the dining hall. The temperature is well below zero, making this the coldest weather I've ever had to endure.
In Suna it was warm, all the time. Well, not warm; it was blazing hot, all the time. Back home it's pretty neutral the entire year. Summer doesn't get too unbearably hot, and winter doesn't get too unbearably cold. Honestly, I prefer the constant neutrality over one extreme or the other.
"To Emi." I stuffed my hands further into my coat pockets, I wish I had brought warmer gloves. These ones suck.
"Oh, yeah yeah, I did." She waved me off which only irritated me and confirmed my suspicions. She hasn't apologized.
"Somehow, I don't believe you." Tay grinned, doing her best puppy eyes impression. Honestly it looks like a predator who is trying to convince you she won't eat you. Like those deep sea fish who hang the light off their head, you go to see it thinking it couldn't possibly harm you. Then bam! You're caught in their massive maw.
"But Saku," brilliant she's imitating Ino. "How could you ever accuse me of something like that! I'm so hurt!"
"I'm sure you are..." By which I mean I'm being sarcastic.
"So what really happened?" She asked, I caught the first shimmer of fire light as we turned a corner.
"I'll tell you later."
"Fine, but don't forget." Trust me, last time someone wanted to talk to me I got stuck in a strange cabin in the woods with a sore head. I won't be forgetting a promise to talk for a long time.
"And then the ghost rose up out of the grave... and he said 'BOOOOO!'" Madara stood with his arms raising, looking around the campfire as if expecting us to all look terrified rather than half asleep. "Ahah! Lee, I knew you would appreciate my story!" I turned to look at Lee, half expecting a possible look of slight fright maybe? Or peeked interest? Nope, he was crying. Balling his eyes out in front of the entire senior class.
"That story was amazing sir! I cannot help but feel saddened for the ghost! They were right, you're story telling skills are indeed legendary!" He piped, earning a few whispers and chuckles. He can't be serious, that story was the worst I've ever heard.
"Alright, alright. Now settle down, you all know the deal. I tell you the story that is a hushed rumour around the school, and you all keep it a secret for the younger students. Now, off to bed with you!" Who in their right mind would have paid enough attention to that story to retell it anyways? Besides Lee, but he loved it so much he will probably treat it like a treasure. Refusing to share it with the world so as not to waste the joy of the future, or something like that.
Yawning, I navigated the mass of whispering students. Tayuya trailing behind me as we headed back to our safe haven. Ino waved good night as we passed by, lending her arm to a hobbling Emi. I'm pretty sure she's putting on an act for the attention, the nurse didn't even see fit to wrap her ankle in clothe. It can't be that bad, it isn't even swollen. I would assume so at least, because those boots she's wearing look really tight. It would be impossible to get her foot in one of those if it was swollen.
"Spill it, Pinkie." Tayuya said, shutting the cabin door and successfully blocking my only exit. Shit, that's right, I promised to talk.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." I smiled, deciding to play coy. 'That's called flirting' my inner decided to add, seeming very pleased. I don't think I've ever pleased my inner before... that can't be a good sign.
Would flirting be such a bad thing though...?
"Fuck, yes you do!" She growled, taking the bait. I opened my mouth to give in, but reconsidered.
"Honestly, not a clue." I stripped off my coat, dropping it onto the floor before ripping off my gloves and kicking off my boots. I swear, a tank top and shorts is so much comfier then all these layers. I would hate to live somewhere permanently cold.
As I pulled off my hat, hair clinging to the fabric with static, Tayuya's eyes fixated on my forehead as she sighed.
"I swear, if there's a way to get hurt, or get in trouble; you will find it. You have a fucking knack for it Pinkie. Stay there." She grabbed sock and went back outside. Where am I going to go? The only window is way too high for me to climb out of. For that matter, what the hell is she doing?
The door opened a moment later, Tay stepped back inside kicking off her boots and shrugging off her jacket. I eyed the sock in her hand that seemed to suddenly have filled out.
"Hold still." She commanded, sitting down beside me.
"Ew, no! You are not using a sock as an ice pack!"
"It's washed Sakura, don't be such a wimp. Do you want the swelling to go down or not?"
"Not if it means holding a sock to my face..." I grouched, "besides, it's not exactly the best thing to use as an ice pack. What happens when it starts to melt?"
"God forbid I get you wet!" Tayuya snapped, pressing the cold sock against my forehead before I could protest again. I froze, what did she just say? "Er, I mean..." She dropped the ice pack so it tumbled down onto my lap. "You can hold it to your own damn head, you know what I mean!" Thoroughly flustered, Tay glared at me as I smiled.
It's not often I get to win. In an attempt to lessen the blow to Tay's ego by her verbal muck up, and her unrelenting blush; I took the sock and feebly pressed it to the bump on my forehead. Trying desperately not to think about what the sock may have, or may not have, stepped on. Washed or not, socks belong on your feet not your face.
"Thanks." I turned up the corner of my lips, in what I was hoping was a semi believable smile. The look she gave me let me know she wasn't buying it for a second, but was amused at my attempt. "You wanted to know about today right?" I asked, hoping to draw her attention away from the sock.
"Leave that on your forehead Sakura!" Dammit, I scowled; defeated as I resumed holding my ice pack. "And yes, what happened today?" I wonder how much I should tell her, I just got back on good terms with Ino. I'd rather not screw everything up because I can't keep my mouth shut.
"Ino just wanted to play a practical joke on me, but I tripped and kinda messed up her plans. The ranger found us, and brought us back." I shrugged, trying not to appear uncomfortable under her unbelieving gaze. She knows I'm lying.
"Right, well. Good job screwing it up. What about Emi? Ino seemed pretty adamant that you two talked."
"I knew that was set up!" Ha! I was right!
Tayuya snorted, shaking her head "Ino didn't exactly do a good job making it not obvious." Why does she have to ruin my fun? Out of defiance, I removed the sock and set it on the nightstand. Ha! That will teach her to point out the obvious!
"Sakura, am I going to have to pin you down and hold that thing to your fucking head?"
"It's melting..." So much for the solid defiance you have going on there. What did it take, five seconds for you to wuss out?
"Fine. But, you sound like a two year old who doesn't want to take his medicine because it tastes bad." Tayuya folded her legs underneath herself, sitting at the end of my bed with an amused smirk. What about this is amusing to her? "Are you pouting Sakura?" She asked, glancing sidelong at me. Dammit! I pulled in my bottom lip, which was, in fact sticking out without my permission.
"I was not pouting!"
"Ooo, touchy today are we?" Her smirk turned into a full blown smile, eyes twinkling in her signature way that tells anyone who knows her she's thinking up mischief.
"No, I'll show you touchy!" I snatched my old, stale pillow and swung at her with full force. Which, when sitting down and having the pivoting motion you can make being limited, isn't very hard.
"Oi!" She laughed, one arm covering her face with her closest eye shut protectively. The other arm was snapping out trying to grab the fluffy attacker. I swung again, this time and overhead swing that broke through her defences and left her hair standing up with static. "Uff, are you done now?" Continuing to laugh, she got a hold of the pillow as I tried for a left to right swipe. "Now, you really are done!"
Ripping the pillow out of my grasp, she tossed it onto the floor; moving to get ready to strike. Leaping across the bed, she missed as I desperately rolled out of the way.
Standing in the middle of the room, I felt very much like a rabbit who had poked the tiger one too many times.
"You missed." I taunted, fully expecting another charge. To my surprise, she relaxed, sitting back. I eyed her suspiciously, there has to be more to it then that. If I turn my back she is probably going to get me, but if I retreat she will take that as a sign she won. So I sat down, on edge and ready to run like hell if she made a move.
Now what?
"Um, so..."
"Gotcha!" So much for running like hell. Now I'm pinned on my back, my arms locked above my head; Tay straddling my hips with a victory grin on her face. Why do I always end up losing? Right, you made so much effort not to be pinned. Shut up!
"So? Do I win?" She cooed, leaning down so her face was only inches from mine. Smiling broadly as I squirmed in her grasp but couldn't break free. I steeled myself, I will not admit defeat. She can sit there all night for all I care, I could fall asleep like this. I turned my cheek to her, silently showing my resolve not to admit anything.
"You're gonna' be stubborn, aren't you, Pinkie?" Damn right I am! Not wanting to be caught unaware, not because I was nervous, I glanced at her to see if she was going to try something. I caught her chocolate brown eyes, looking at me as if she could smell fear and instantly looked away again. "Fine, I'll have to coax defeat out of you." I felt her breathe on my ear and shivered, when did she get that close?
Her lips grazed the skin on my neck, sending a tingle down my spine.
"Surrender?" She whispered, voice thick with lust.
"No..." I croaked out, holding onto my last shred of resolve. She pressed her lips to my skin, I could feel the smile as her tongue poked out and flicked the side of my neck. An involuntary moan forced it's way free, and I could feel my skin heating up. What are we even fighting about anymore?
"I think, that's a yes." She teased, letting go of my wrists. I was free, free to resist if I wanted to. The new question is, do I want to? Or rather, the question all along has been, do I want her?
Gradually, I lowered my arms; I turned my head to feel my cheek brush against hers. Taking a deep breathe, I recognized her shampoo. She made a big stink over it when she first moved in, refusing to use the brand I preferred.
It was so simple, an argument over something that didn't really matter. I remember her smile, the day she came home with the shopping bag and made a show over putting it 'where it fucking belongs'. She has always known how to make me smile, just like our friendship... this seems to simple, so...
"What am I doing, Sakura?" She whispered against my skin, my breathe hitched. Her voice is strained, and... miserable. What she should be asking, is what am I doing? Two of the people I care about most, love me, and I; I am hurting them, without any resolve to change it. All because I don't want to make a hard choice.
Without waiting for an answer, Tay untangled herself and shut off the light. Going to bed without another word, her back turned to me the entire time. I'm going to lose them both if I don't choose, but if I do... I might still lose one of them. I don't know what to do.
What am I doing?
-Tayuya-
Stupid, stupid, stupid! What the fuck was I thinking! Idiot, stupid, urg! This is so fucking frustrating! I glared at myself in the bus window, resisting the urge to punch the sour look that was being reflected back at me. Yes, that's right, you fucked everything up! Are you proud of yourself? Why couldn't you just leave well enough alone? You had a whole list of questions you wanted to talk about, which you never even got to!
Then, when a little game breaks out what do you do? You push it to far! You know how confused she is... it's not fair to push her to choose.
She spent the entire day helping keep everything organized. Which left me with Ino and Emi, not exactly a pair I wanted to be stuck with all fucking day. Not that the night was any better, I didn't have the nerve to try and apologize.
Why didn't she tell me to stop? Why didn't she push me away? She hasn't shown any interest in me, besides as a friend. She hasn't really done much of anything at all, she seems set on hopefully waiting both Ino and I out. I can understand not wanting to confront a difficult decision, well not really. I'd rather just go at it head on, but I can understand it for her. All I really want is an answer, yes, no or maybe... even just a maybe.
I stepped off the bus, and started to rummage through the mountain of luggage for my bag. Where's Sakura? I had secluded myself at the back of the bus, earplugs in and deaf to the world around me. Having the role of class president means she was beckoned to sit beside her most adoring fan, our principle. I don't know what the fuck she did, but that dude friggin' loves her.
Oh, there she is, back up with that stupid megaphone, trying to keep control of the herd. She looks tired and flustered, it's obvious no one is listening, again. Naruto and Kiba look like they are about to get into a fight, again. I should probably go and help her, plus that prude teacher that got me in trouble last time is gone. I swear to fucking god, I said a word. It may not be a word you like, but it's still a word. No point in getting huffy and puffy over it, if you blow a blood vessel, it is not my fault.
As I shouldered past two students fighting over whose bag a certain blue one was; Ino's voice washed over the crowd just in time for me to notice she had beat me to the role of saviour. Again.
"Could everyone please get into three lines and-" I guess I will just wait by the parking lot exit for her. It seems she doesn't need my help, and I refuse to sit here pouting and waiting. I knew what I was getting into when I confessed to her.
I trudged across the parking lot, looking at all my class mates as they were swept up by their parents or guardians. Naruto grinned broadly as his father ruffled his hair, they definitely look like father and son. They share the same hair and goofy grin.
Scowling, I tried to forget about my mother. At least I don't have to deal with her anymore, no matter how depressing my prospects with Sakura are; it's still no where as gruesome as living at home had been. I do miss her blueberry pancakes though... I wonder if I could figure out how to make them.
I know she adds something extra, but I've never been able to figure what exactly it is. For a while I thought it was cinnamon, but that was proved wrong one faithful morning. I still need to apologize to Gaara for that.
Leaning against the cement post, Kiba and his sister drove past me. His golden lab puppy I remember from the party has his head stuck out the window. Delighted beyond all comprehension. I wonder how much longer Sakura will be? Almost everyone has left by now. We really need to talk, and I need to apologize.
"Oh Tay, there you are." I turned to face none other then Emi. Why the fuck would she be looking for me of all people? My eyes narrowed on reflex, something about her just doesn't sit well with me.
"Here I am, did you need something?" I asked, truly curious about what she could possibly want. She smiled sweetly, combing her chocolate brown hair with her fingers.
"I just thought you should know Sakura left with Ino a while ago, I figure you must be waiting for her. Awfully rude of her not to say anything to you though..." She frowned, brow knitting together as she thought about the unheard question. "I thought you two were good friends?" Batting her eyelashes, she left her statement as a question that was already answered.
"I'm not waiting for her." I lied. My jaw set in a tense jut. Why the fuck would I be waiting for her? Obviously she was planning on ditching me for Barbie, I might as well go out and do whatever the fuck I want. Who cares that we haven't talked since I made an idiot out of myself, let's just go running to the blonde bimbo and tell her all about it. See if I fucking care!
"Oh, my mistake. Who are you waiting on then?"
"That's not really any of your business, now is it?" Fucking nosy bitch! Who does she think she is, wandering over here to make all these assumptions and accusations! So what if Sakura left with Ino and didn't tell me... that doesn't mean anything.
"I guess not, just thought you looked awfully lonely and depressed but I'm probably wrong about that too."
"I do not-"
"Have a good day, Tay."
"It's Tayuya." I growled, only Sakura get's to call me Tay and get away with it. Not Barbie, and not Chocolate Cavity. "I don't appreciate people who make assumptions while they pretend to act friendly. If you have something to say, then just fucking say it. Stop being such a pussy!"
"Well aren't you just the pot calling the kettle black." She smirked, her voice going down in tempo so only I could hear her. What's she fucking afraid of? Us being overheard? And she's calling ME a pussy?
"Are you fucking kidding me?"
"Well they do say you are what you eat." She frowned, pressing her index finger to her lips. "Oh! Is that why Sakura has started to roll over and show her belly to everyone? I knew it was your fault, somehow, that she has been getting the crap kicked out of her."
"Excuse me? Where the fuck do you get off? What the fuck is your fixation with Sakura anyways?" I snapped, flustered and trying to regain my footing.
"She hasn't told you? I'm not surprised, she doesn't seem to tell you much. Maybe you aren't as much of a threat as I thought." Emi grinned, a cocky grin that showed she thought she had won. "I heard what you tried to do to her... no wonder you accuse Ino of trying to rape her so much; you're fixated on the idea." As the words came out of her painted lips, my fist connected solidly; kissing her venom spitting crimsons with as much ferocity as I could muster.
Emi went down sprawling, clutching her mouth as blood seeped between her fingers. Roughly, I grabbed the front of her shirt; slamming her against the far post. Squirming and sputtering, she met my eyes as they blazed with hatred.
"I don't know what the fuck you heard." I spat, causing her to flinch. I revelled in that simple, small movement that showed me she was finally seeing the mistake she had made. "But I would never hurt her."
"Tay, what are you doing?" Sakura called, her hand firm as it tugged at my shoulder. I released Emi so she fell to the ground, wiping away the blood pouring from his split lip. What is Sakura doing here? Emi said she left...
Oh shit, I was baited.
"You lying bitch!" This was all some elaborate scheme to get me to step over the line! What the fuck is this chick playing at.
"I don't k-know what she's talking about." Emi snivelled, tears globing down her cheeks as she blubbered away. Putting on a show for Sakura, as well as Ino who pushed past me to check on her friend.
"Tay!" Sakura turned heel to face me, obviously angry. "What happened?" Not, what did you do? She doesn't buy Emi at face value, or maybe she trusts me a bit more then I think? "Tay!" She demanded when I gaped at her silently.
"S-she just suddenly attacked me, I just made a joke and she blew up." Emi broke down into another fit of tears and sobs as Ino tried to soothe her, gently wiping her lip and chin clean.
"I did not!" I protested, looking at Sakura and pleading with her silently. Please, you have to know I would never do that!
"Tay?" She asked, frowning while standing between me and the lying bitch.
"Sakura, please you have to believe me." I whispered, reaching for her hand out of reflex. "I wouldn't do that." Sakura looked down, studying the ground for a long moment; listening to Emi's sobs and Ino's soft words of comfort.
"Then why is her mouth messed up? Why were you holding her against the post?" Sakura finally asked. She doesn't believe me. She's choosing to believe that stupid, lying bitch instead of me... I've lost.
Alright, first of all here is part two to chapter eleven! I hope it was worth the wait (even if it is shorter then my usual chapters, it is only supposed to be a half remember!) :) Thank you again to everyone who sent a review, every time I see one in my mailbox I squeal. Don't tell my brother I said that, he would never let me live it down.
Second, I was planning on keeping this a secret but... since I've had so many reviews requesting one. I've been working on a separate fic based around just Tayuya and Sakura. The first chapter will be posted around the same time as chapter twelve. I hope you will all check it out and let me know what you think!
Yours, Kiravu