Trying something new, I looked at my posted chapters and realized my double dash's I used to separate and show time differences don't show up...
Which would be why people have been asking for something, to show time difference. So, if this works let me know and I will try to go back and change old chapters. Anywho, on with the show!
~o~
Tay's hand trailed up the skin on my back, rolling over so her fingertips tickled up to my side before grazing my ribs. Shivering involuntarily, I snuggled deeper into the warmth my body was wrapped around.
Lips whispered against my forehead and cheek, leaving the feeling of butterfly wings against my skin.
"Are you ever going to wake up?" I heard Tay muse, "or just sleep all fucking day?" She doesn't have to be so mean about it. So what if I want to sleep in one day, wasn't she the one that wanted to go to sleep early last night?
"Mmpft." I replied, nuzzling against the warmth, she's so soft..
"Alright then, there's no way I can beat such a solid argument." She laughed and I felt her hand move to tilt my chin up so her lips could find mine. Taking a deep breath through my nose, I delighted in the feel of her lips. A soft sweetness that moved with a gentle tenderness, leaving me warm and speechless.
Tays nails grazed the skin of my neck, running up to the base of my skull to intertwine with my hair. I felt her tongue wash over my bottom lip, teeth closing over and nipping gently.
"Are you awake now?" She asked, voice husky and light.
"If I say yes, are you going to stop?" I'd really rather if you didn't.
"No, but I will feel like less of a pervert if you are awake when I kiss you again." I felt her roll onto her side, rubbing my thigh with her knee. Yawning, my arm that was curled over her stomach moved to rest against her side. I opened my eyes to see her smirk at me, planting a quick kiss on the tip of my nose.
"Are you hungry?"
"A little." My stomach growled, obviously objecting to the word little instead of starving.
"I'll make breakfast, don't fall back asleep." As she started to crawl over me, on her way to the door; I stopped her mid-straddle more out of a spontaneous reflex then having any real plan. "Did you forget something?" Tay cooed, smirking and settling down where she was. I felt her groin rub against my hips and instantly my face lit up.
"Uhh..." Think, think, think! My eyes drifted from up her waist, stopping as they reached her chest; sitting half lent forward as she is, was giving me an ample view. Tay laughed, breaking the spell and earning an embarrassed glare.
"Is that all?" Playing the seductress, she kissed me; taking my hand and moving it to touch her thigh. "You don't have to be shy..." Tay whispered, biting my earlobe.
Letting out a hitched breath, I let my fingers travel over the skin of her leg as her tongue worked it's magic on my ear. Tay shifted against my hips as her tongue rolled over the back and I barely registered my shirt being lifted as her hand slid up my stomach.
"Oh god..." As the moan escaped my lips, Tay seemed to be only driven more. Her fingers ran over bottom of my breast, rushing forward in a single motion so her palm washed over my nipple. My back arched, pressing my chest against her touch.
Tayuya kissed me again, taking advantage of the slight part she had caused in my lips. I returned the kiss with earnest, my hand stretched out over her thigh; rubbing her skin as our tongues began to flirt.
I felt her fingers drag back down my breast, rolling my nipple between two fingers before squeezing gently. Moaning into her lips, she released me and removed her hand, I felt her lips curl into a smirk as she placed a soft kiss on my neck.
"Would now be a good time to tell you we're going to be late for school?"
~o~
"So... I take it last night went well?" Ino smirked, adding another flower to our doodle page. She added it's name, wrapping the letters around the curves of the petals; before nudging me with the end of her pen to let me know she was finished.
Glancing down at the drawing, I peered over the palm my chin was resting on and turned a couple stalks of grass into machine guns. I really have been watching Tay play far too many video games.
At the front of the class Shikamaru was arguing with Asuma that his formula for finding an answer to a series of questions was, in fact, better then what Asuma was teaching. Most of his argument led back to the fact that it took half the paper work to complete the question. I guess today will be another amuse yourself, but do it quietly so we don't interrupt and are possibly given work to do.
"Well?" She whispered, scowling at the addition I had added to her flower garden mural. Tapping the pen against her lip, you could practically see the light bulb appear above her head before she started to scratch at the paper.
"You could say that..." My already present blush grew to engulf my ears and neck, I'm just thankful she didn't leave a hickie... or something else.
"Ta-da!" Ino clapped her hands together, revealing the Eiffel tower with machine guns for legs. Well, at least she's creative. "Quit being so vague, Saku. Either it went well, or you were late for school for what, the second time in your life? Clinging to Tayuya-"
"She insisted we ride her motorcycle!" I hissed between closed teeth, trying to keep my voice down. "I hate that thing! Said it was the only way we would make it on time!" Ino waved off my argument, continuing unperturbed.
"I rather like it, personally. But anyways, she looks ridiculously happy with herself. So, either she pulled a prank on you, and you fell for it. Again." I glowered at her smile. I fell for that once! "Or, a new 'epic' game came out, which I know her next one she's drooling over doesn't come out for two weeks."
"How do you know that?" I only know because she has it circled on the calender at home.
"Because, Saku unlike you, I pay attention to my social interactions." She smiled, leaning back in her old plastic school chair as she finished the daffodil on top of the Eiffel tower.
"More like every social interaction in the entire bloody school..." I griped, I might as well accept defeat. She probably has some sort of ninja squad that scouts everyone's houses when they are away from school that report back to her.
"So," she turned her curious blue eyes on me, leaning in closer like an interrogator would lean across the table to intimidate his suspect. "Why was Tayuya so happy this morning, Saku?"
As I opened my mouth to say... something, probably not very intelligent; the overhead speakers crackled to life.
"Would Sakura Haruno please report to the principles office. Sakura Haruno to the principles office, please." With a sigh of relief, I scrambled to shove my books into my bag, more than happy to get away from Ino for the time being.
~o~
"Sakura!" Mr. Uchiha exclaimed, coming out of his office to engulf me in a hug as soon as I walked through the door. "And how is my favourite student doing?" He asked, pushing me out to arms length so he could do his usual one over. A young boy behind me was sitting with a package of hotdogs pressed up to a welt on his cheek, obviously horror stricken at the unbelievable events unfolding in front of him. (1)
"I don't think this type of interaction is appropriate for a student and teacher, Mr. Uchiha..."
"Oh nonsense, and it's Madara. I don't know why you insist on all this Mr. nonsense." He smiled broadly, turning to open his office door so we could proceed inside.
"Hi, Shizune." I waved hello as she smirked from behind the receptionist desk, I wonder how Tsunade and her are getting along. It's been a while since I've talked to either of them, guess I've been caught up in my own drama.
"So, how are you? You look thinner." Madara tut-tutted from behind his desk as I shut the door.
"I take it I'm not in trouble then?" I asked, rolling my eyes. How did I ever get to be in such a weird relationship with my principle? This certainly can't be normal.
"Oh, no! Heavens no. Even if someone were to tell me you did something positively heinous, I doubt I would believe them. Oh certainly not, I would tell them to stop spouting lies about my angelic Sakura and wash their mouth out with soap, I would!"
"Right... so you called me because?" Now he tells me, after I've gone out of my way for three years to not get in trouble. He tells me I could have been a royal horror and it wouldn't have mattered. Irony, how you love to kick me in the ass.
"You really do look thinner..." He pouted, organizing some papers on his desk. Sighing, I sat back into the padded office chair. I might as well amuse him.
"I guess I could be, I haven't really noticed."
"You aren't on a diet, are you?"
"No." If anything I eat more junk food than before, I never used to buy chips, or specifically cheesies. I swear Tay is addicted. Always leaves a bag somewhere around the bean bag in the living room.
"You're smiling." Madara stated, leaning forward with anticipation.
"So?" I drawled, trying to act like it didn't mean anything while failing miserably. Why do I have to blush so easily?
"So the rumours are true, you have a girlfriend." I balked, this is definitely not an appropriate conversation for me to be having with my principles. Furthermore-
"Is that why you called me down here? Because I don't think-"
"Just tell me, is it Ino or Tayuya? Deidara and I have a bet."
"You have a bet." I could feel my eyebrow twitch with irritation, rubbing my forehead I decided I might as well give in. "It's Tayuya." I let my head roll back against the headrest so I could stare at the ceiling instead of watching whatever -predictably- dance like response he would have. He should have left me in calc with Ino.
"So, do you have any other reason for calling me down here?" And the embarrassed to the point of death award goes to...
"Oh, I also was wondering how the planning for the Christmas dance in two weeks is going, who were you planning on having for the band this year?"
"Two weeks?" Shoot me, put the revolver in my mouth and pull the trigger.
~o~
"Two weeks, Ino!" I held up two fingers to accent my point. "Two! How am I, the worst school president in existence, suppose to organize the Christmas dance in two weeks?" Ino flashed a 'reassuring' smile. More like one that says 'I have no idea, but I don't want to say that, so instead I'll smile and nod' smile.
"They did talk about it at the last meeting..." She replied, stuffing her english text book into the bottom of her locker, on top of the mound that was slowly, but surely, building.
"Which you know how...? Last I checked, you weren't on the student council." Why am I even asking this, she probably got it from her network of spies.
"Hinata told me." Of course, leave it to Ino to remember things from a meeting she didn't even go to. Whilst I, the president from said meeting, remember nothing. I blame Tay, no idea how it's her fault, but that's what I'm going with. "Oh don't look so sour, I'll help you."
"You know how to organize a school dance?" I asked, pushing off the locker I was leaning on with my shoulder.
"Do you?" She teased. "It can't be that hard, besides two heads are better than one, right?"
"I guess..." What's the worst that can happen? A repeat of Halloween? Now that was a disaster... I need to remember to keep Naruto away from the punch this time, and limit what can be requested for songs. I should also do something about the ticket sales... where the hell am I doing to get a band?
"This is going to be a disaster." I moaned.
"It won't be that bad. Com'on, chin up! You still haven't answered me about Tayuya by the way." Speaking of which, where is she?
-Tayuya-
"Hello, Tayuya." Emi beamed, pushing a chestnut lock behind her ear. I latched the last lock on my guitar case and placed it inside the music rooms storage.
"Cavity. To what do I owe this great displeasure?" She continued to stare and smile, fingers locked behind her back. "That means fuck off, if you didn't catch it." Emi giggled, raising one hand to cover her lips. There is something seriously wrong with this one.
"You and Sakura are the talk of the school today. That little kiss on the cheek has the entire school whispering, although most don't think it was a kiss on the cheek anymore."
"And?" Shutting the storage door, I made sure it was locked before pushing past her to leave. Sure enough, the stupid bitch is following. It's like she can't take a hint, I'm surprised she even came up to me alone again after our last talk.
"Thank you, for finally doing something useful."
"Huh? What the fuck is that suppose to mean?" That doesn't make any sense, did she want Sakura and I together? But then getting us into a fight and making me look like a bitch doesn't fit. Or trying to make Sakura jealous over Ino during the Halloween party. What the fuck is this chick going on about?
Giggling in reply, Emi flicked her wrist in a good bye and disappeared into the crowd of students filtering down the hallway.
"Oi!" This better not be a case of curiosity killed the cat, but how can I let her just walk away after saying something like that? Following her out into the hall, I tried to figure out which way she went. It's impossible to tell in this sea of students. God dammit, where did she go?
~o~
"Hey, where have you been?" Pinkie asked as I plunked down on the cafeteria table bench beside her.
"In Wonderland." I muttered, resting my chin on my palm. Ino looks ready to burst, knowing Barbie she probably wants the scoop on everything that is none of her business. And, knowing Sakura, she hasn't directly told her anything because she would start to squirm and look for a way out of telling her the second it was mentioned.
How these two ever communicate anything useful is beyond me.
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked, turning a deep red while trying to avoid Ino's smirk. Oh for fucks sake.
"Yes Ino, I stole young Sakura's innocence and we are set to wed in a week." Now to watch the fireworks, it's a wonder I never get in shit.
"Saku! How could you not tell me about this!" Barbie pouted, a slight smile in her act giving away that she knew what I was actually trying to say.
"No, no, no! We didn't, I mean we aren't! ...uh." Oh Sakura, you can be so dense sometimes, and I love you so fuckin' much.
-Ino-
"Back thine vile beast! Back I say!" Swinging the plastic sword out, I projected my voice across the drama room. Emi let out a fake snarl and pretended to brandish her claws at me, taking an uneasy step back in mock trepidation.
Sasori, the drama teacher, clapped his hands to get our attention.
"Well done girls, Ino you need to show more anger! Keeping half a smile on your face the whole time will not convince anyone of how enraged you are at the beast! And Emi, you need to let yourself fall into your character!" He kept the same bored look on his face, as he looked around the class.
"That's the end of today's class, now scatter before I think of homework to give you." He dismissed us, walking away as the circle of classmates that was surrounding Emi and I started to stand up and leave.
"That was sooooo much fun!" Emi practically vibrated with energy, taking off the mask she was wearing and tossing it into the prop bucket. I tossed in the sword, waving good bye as Kiba and Hinata left the class. "I mean, I wasn't really sure when Sasori gave me the role of the monster. But seriously, I think I was born for this!"
"You did play a very convincing... what were you again?" Sasori has had us acting out screenplays that everyone has written. Some of them are really interesting, but Shakespear meets Godzilla is... well, to be nice, creative.
"To be honest, I'm not really sure." She giggled, following me as I walked to my locker. "Isn't Kiba so creative? I wonder what he see's in Hinata."
"What do you mean?" Hinata is one of the nicest people there is. The question is, what does she see in him?
"Well, he's the quarterback, and one of the sexiest guys in the school. Hinata is so... bland, and quiet. I mean, I can see how some guys like that sort of thing. But after a while, it has to be boring." Emi checked her nails as I started to work with my lock.
"Just because she's quiet doesn't mean she doesn't have anything interesting to say. She's one of the sweetest people you will ever meet."
"Oh, I'm sure she is, don't get me wrong. But guys like Kiba are more looking for a fun time, then someone who can carry an interesting conversation... if you know what I mean." I fished my day planner off the top shelf and flipped through the pages to find my homework list. What is Emi going on about, Kiba isn't like that... he isn't just with Hinata for sex, right? No, of course not. I know Kiba and I don't talk, but I've never heard anything to suggest he would be like that. Shaking my head, I shut the my locker.
"Kiba isn't like that." Emi rolled her eyes and started towards the other end of school.
"I don't know Ino, he has been spending a lot of time around Temari recently. Now, she seems more his speed."
"Well, that's probably because Temari and Tenten spend a lot of time together, and Tenten is Hinata's best friend." I reasoned.
"It sounds like you're trying to make excuses for him, and lately Tenten and Temari haven't been talking. You know what that means right? Temari is back on the prowl." Emi smirked, winking in my direction while working on getting her locker open. I've heard a bit about Temari from Saku. She doesn't seem to be overly friendly, but I wouldn't call her a home wrecker. Just seems like a lost puppy to me, needs some love and she'll be alright.
"So are you coming over after dance practise?" Emi asked, snapping me out of my train of thought.
"Yeah, I'll be there. Are you sure your mom doesn't mind me staying for dinner?" Or are you sure she will let me leave afterwards. She seems to have it in her head that I can't live on my own.
"Of course not, I'll see you around six." Of course not... she doesn't mind? Or of course she won't let me leave? Shouldering her bag, she waved good bye and started her half walk, half skip to the front door. Must be a cheerleader thing.
"Yeah, see'ya." Saku has volleyball practise tonight, the Harpie will probably wait for her since they were late and rode her bike this morning. But on the other hand Tenten is on Saku's team, which means Hinata will also probably be watching since they walk together.
I don't have to be to the dance studio until four, and if I walk fast I can get to Emi's from there in twenty minutes. It's only two-thirty now... It's decided! Off to watch the girls volleyball practise and check in with Hinata!
~o~
"Hey, Barbie what are you doing here?" Tayuya asked, looking up from her spot on the bleachers. Hinata leaned back so she could see past her current company.
"O-oh, h-hello Ino." Hinata greeted.
"I thought I'd find you here!" Tayuya frowned, stupid Harpie is probably confused trying to figure out who I was looking for. One of the girls on Saku's team let out a scream, slamming the ball down over the net and scoring a point for her side. I would really hate to get in the way of one of those shots.
"What do you need, Barbie?" Oh shoot, I got off topic again. I need to focus!
"I was hoping to talk to Hinata. It's just, I've heard some rumours... and I wanted to make sure she was alright." That sounds really bad doesn't it? Way to be tactful, Ino! Now you're going to send Hinata into a spiral of worry, and set Harpie on the scent like a blood hound. This was a stupid, stupid idea. Saku always said I was impulsive, guess I should have listened.
Right on que, Hinata's eyes went wide and she looks ready to pass out.
"Rumours about Hinata? Ha! What do they say? That she beat someone up again? Or perhaps she mouthed off? Whatever people are saying it doesn't matter, we all know she would never do anything to harm anyone. Right?" Tayuya smirked mirthlessly, turning back to the practise just as Saku dove to knock the ball back up before it hit the floor.
"Ya! Go, Babe go!" The Harpie screamed, catching Tenten's attention long enough to let the ball hit the floor on the other side. She really is shameless, isn't she? Hinata studied her fingers as her thumbs rolled over and over, completely zoned out of what was happening around her.
"The rumour you heard, it's about Kiba, right?" Hinata whispered, still focused on her twiddling thumbs. Tayuya snapped out of her cheer trance and seemed to register Hinata was talking.
"Eh? Kiba?" You truly are brilliant, Tayuya... the pinocle of human intelligence. Yes, just keep looking clueless while it's obvious Hinata is hurting. "I thought you him the jock were cool?"
"W-we are... I think." Oh shoot, public event was not a good place to pick to talk to her about this. Stupid, stupid impulsiveness! Please don't start to cry.
Saku's coach blew her whistle, calling the end of practise and sending the team into the locker room.
"What's going on, Hinata?" I asked, waiting patiently as she remained silent and continued to stare at her hands.
"Hey guys, did you see that spike that sent Megs on her face?" Tenten beamed, trotting over once the team was dismissed. "What's wrong, Hinata? And don't feed me the 'it's nothing' line." Well, at least she's observant, unlike Saku and the Harpie... two peas in the same pod. Although, Tayuya isn't nearly as bad.
"I-it is p-probably nothing." She started, looking up at three curious faces. Poor girl, I really shouldn't have stuck my nose into it. I always do this, stick my nose where it doesn't belong. "It's just t-that K-kiba has been spending a-a lot of t-time with Temari... and she did say if she couldn't h-have you then s-she'd f-find s-someone... else." Hinata explained, looking exceedingly sullen. "A-and I won't d-do things I k-know he'd like me to..."
"That's horseshit, Hinata." Tenten snapped, her jaw visibly grinding and working. "She is just trying to get back at me, I'm going to kill that bitch! This is Temari's fault, not yours. If anything, it's more my fault than yours." Slamming her fist onto her thigh in frustration, Tenten visibly calmed, almost looking more depressed about the news then upset.
"Look, I'll take care of this... but talk to Kiba, make sure nothing did happen. Temari... has her ways." Shaking her head, she trudged over to the locker room.
Hinata looked back down at her hands before standing up and forcing a smile.
"S-she's right, I-I should talk to K-kiba. He s-should be finishing his w-workout soon." Hinata gathered her bag and waved good bye, stepping down the bleachers quickly and heading for the door. Figures Kiba would have a workout schedule even when football season is over, there is a reason he is one of the beefiest guys in the school.
"Well, that was interesting. Fuckin' drama, eh? But, Tenten had a point. Temari does have a way of getting who she wants." Tayuya giggled to herself, scratching the back of her head. That smile gives me an idea, those two still haven't told me what happened; and at the very least this should get a rise out of her.
"So, you've been ridiculously joyful today." I started, glancing at the locker room door to make sure that it wasn't Saku who had left. She's... smiling? Shouldn't that entitle usual Harpie behaviour of snapping at me, or at least frowning? Odd, I'll have to write a new page in my Harpie observations book.
"Yep, I guess I have." She replied very uncharacteristically, urg! This is driving me insane! I can understand Saku turning the entire collection of red, and then squirm when I ask her directly. But Tayuya? Shouldn't you be bragging? I handed her to you on a silver platter you stupid... bitch!
Sighing, I decided to try something else.
"So, I take it you and her are together now?" When tact fails, try being blunt. Tayuya paused, seeming to think of something for the first time.
"I think so, I don't know for sure." You... aren't sure? My eyebrow twitched in agitation. How can you not be sure?
"How can you not be sure?" Oh, brilliant. Just what I needed, now she's fidgety and nervous! I swear to god and all that is holy, these two are both indecisive idiots who can't simply say what it is they are thinking. If I have to coddle them through the entire thing, I'm going to go mad.
"Well... I was being a bit of a whiner, then she sorta blew the fuck up at me and then I think she accidentally said she loves me." Tayuya paused, to see if I was going to react at all. I already know that you idiot, I was the one who coached her. I motioned with my hand for her to continue.
"Well, then we sorta fooled around, but nothin' was said as far as if we are together, or not." They are both hopeless. Completely, and indescribably hopeless. I have to wonder how they even keep that apartment in order, I know Saku is a neat freak but still.
"I'm happy for you two." That's not a lie, well half of it isn't. I'm happy Saku is happy. That will have to be enough. "So you better get the balls to ask her!"
-Sakura-
I hate that locker room, even since I challenged Tenten everyone is such a prude! Oh my gawd! Was she looking at me? I think she was, eww everyone squeal and run around with their heads cut off. Yes, I was staring at your breasts which are half the size of my girlfriends, and now I just want to ravish you. Idiots, do you find every man you see attractive? I'd certainly hope not. So why in the world would I be a drooling idiot over every girl?
'You called Tay your girlfriend.' My Inner mused, cutting off my witch hunt rant. So? She is, isn't she?
As I walked out of the locker room, I felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind and tried not to gag.
"What the-"
"Hello to you too." Tay smirked, not letting go of the awkward hold.
"Er, hello. Are you going to release me now?" No probably not, you are probably going to suggest something ridiculous like...
"Nope, so I guess that means you are going to have to give me a piggyback ride. Giddy up!" It's like she's five.
"My hair is soaking wet, I couldn't stand my teammates long enough to dry it." Not much of a deterrent for her. "And why do I have to carry you? I just finished volleyball practise." I griped, handing her my gym bag so I could catch her legs when she jumped onto my back. "This is incredibly inappropriate... and I'm putting you down when we get to my locker!" Tay laughed, resting her chin on my shoulder and letting her arms drape down in front of my chest.
"Because I'm half your size. And I had to sit through that entire practise, you guys are realllllly boring. No one got into a shirt ripping fight, no mud wrestle, no nothin'!" She replied, swinging my gym bag on it's rope shoulder strap so it started to drum against my stomach in time with my steps.
"You have been coming to almost every practise since we met. Has either of those ever happened?" Now all we need is for Kakashi, or better yet, a teacher to spot us. By now Mr. Uchiha has probably posted it on the news bulletin in the staff room that we are together. Sometimes I wonder how he ever became principle, or better yet, how he ever got a teaching license.
"No, and I think it's well overdue!" She replied, turning so her cheek was on my shoulder and I could feel her breath on my neck. Because that's what I need right now, a reminder of this morning. Can't we at least get out of the school first? "So apparently Temari bitch has decided to ruin Stutter-Fluffs and Jock-Straps relationship in order to get back at Homophobe."
"What? Why in the world would she do that?"
"Well, Tenten did more or less reject her completely. So, I guess she's hurt and wants revenge. Attacking Hinata isn't a very good way to do it though." Tenten rejected Temari? I really have been out of the loop for a long time. Even if I did predict she would, Ino isn't always right after all. I guess it isn't too surprising that Temari would take it out on Hinata, I doubt Tenten would react to anything directed at her. Plus, Temari has always been one to get even.
"Why are you smiling?" Tay asked, stepping down from my back so I could get into my locker.
"I was just thinking it's nice to be right for a change." Tay frowned, confused. "You know, at the Halloween dance? I said there's no way Tenten and Temari will work out, and Ino said they would..."
"Oh, that. Well, I wouldn't say it's over yet. Temari always tends to get what she wants, somehow." Tay replied, with a slight hesitance. That's odd, I wonder if she is friends with Temari, or was.
"Is something wrong?" I asked, shutting the door and clicking the lock shut.
"No, not a thing."
"Alright then, we should get home. I have so much work to get done for the dance and exam prep."
-Ino-
"Very good, Ino. I think we should end today's practise here, I will see you tomorrow. We have much to complete before the Christmas dance recital." My instructor slowly withdrew his hand from my waist while making sure I wouldn't fall. Nodding my agreement I trotted off quickly to the showers, unable to speak as I tried to catch my breath.
I really don't like to shower in a public building, but with how late I was at school, and I'm suppose to be at Emi's in less then an hour; I really don't have much of a choice. Unless I want to show up to dinner with my hair caked to my face and neck with sweat, and a film of the salt gooeyness plastered against my skin.
I smell like the boys locker room, but it's worth it. I still can't believe I landed the lead role for our dance recital, the only downside is I'm going to miss the Christmas dance. I wonder if Saku will be able to manage without me for once. But honestly, the bigger issue is I really wanted someone there. It wouldn't be fair to ask Deidara to fly all the way here for one show, and Saku is so flooded already I can't ask her.
Hinata is on the student council, and Tenten goes where she goes, so they will both be at the dance. I guess I could ask Emi, but she mentioned that her uncle seems to have something big planned. So, I guess she will be with her family.
Tayuya goes without saying, not that I'd want the stupid Harpie here anyways.
Stripping off sweat-soaked clothes, I stepped into the shower after making sure I was alone. Well, maybe someone I know will show up because they see the posters. That would be nice, but most of the girls and guys in the show just have their family and friends showing up. Actually, I think that's the majority of our audience. Ironic the lead would be the only one without a cheering section.
Ahh well, I need to get to Emi's before I'm late.
~o~
"Ino, dear! I'm glad you could make it!" Emi's mother, Margret, greeted while sweeping me into a massive hug. "Emi's in the living room, why don't you go keep her company. Dinner is almost done."
"Sure, thank you again for having me."I replied politely, heading for the living room as she scurried back to the kitchen, wiping her hands on the apron wrapped tightly around her waist.
"You made it!" Emi smiled, setting down the magazine she was reading.
"I said I'd be here, didn't I?" I laughed, Emi looked at my hair, which admittedly is still damp. I was in a rush after all!
"What did you do?" She asked, looking at the quick ponytail I had tied it back with.
"I was late to practise, then it went longer then I had expected." I explained, combing my fingers though the wet, tangled mess. "So when practise ended I didn't have much time to shower before running over here."
"Well, I guess it doesn't really matter," she replied, sounding very unconvincing. "Why were you late to practise? I thought you said you had lots of time to get there."
"Girls, dinner is ready! Emi can you help set the table, please?" Emi's mom called from the kitchen, ever heard of saved by the bell? That's how I feel right now. Emi called back, excusing herself to go and help her mother.
What would I have told her? If I told her the truth, about Hinata and the whole situation it would end up on the gossip mill in no time. Sweet as she can be, the girl can't keep her mouth shut. I'm pretty sure the whole school finding out about Saku and the Harpie was mostly her doing as well.
I don't really want to lie either, so here's hoping she forgets to ask me about it again.
~o~
"That was delicious, Margret." I smiled, setting down my fork and knife on top of my plate.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it dear, so Emi tells me you dance? That must be a rigorous hobby! But that would explain your figure, all the boys at school must go crazy over you." She smiled, cupping her coffee mug. Emi rolled her eyes, giving her mother a look. "I'm not prying dear! It was just an observation, it's the same as you and your cheer-leading!"
"It's alright, I don't mind." I quickly interjected, trying to placate both sides. "I've been dancing as long as I can remember. I guess I started because of Saku, she always had her sports that she would play. She'd always be on some sort of team, and I wanted to do something as well. I-" Crap, I chewed my lip while trying to figure out how to word the next part. I can't tell her they were a group of street dancers, can I? All of Saku's sports teams were just a bunch of random kids of all ages that got together and played as well.
"I met a group of people who loved to dance, and they taught me." There, simple and sweet without a word of a lie.
"Ask and you shall receive." Margret smiled, moving her hand to touch the cross at her neck. Emi pushed a piece of pie crust around her plate, keeping silent throughout the exchange. At least I managed to dodge the topic of boys, I wonder how I would have answered that one.
"Who is this 'Saku'? If you don't mind my asking. She comes up a lot in your stories."
"Mother!" Emi protested, sending a pointed glare.
"What dear? I'm only curious, is it so bad for me to ask who she is?" Margret defended, sighing exasperatedly.
"I don't mind answering," Emi just sighed and continued to push around her pie crust. It's not like her to snap at her mother this much, I wonder if they had a fight. "Saku, er... Sakura is a friend of mine that I grew up with. In many ways she's the only family I have left."
"Just not in the way that matters." Emi muttered, where the hell did that come from?
"Emi, you are being very rude." Margret scolded.
"I'm not the one prying into every detail of her life." She retorted, picking up her plate and storming into the kitchen.
"Maybe I should go." I offered, Margret just nodded, silently picking up my plate and stacking it with the rest of the dishes. "I'm sorry for all this, dinner was delicious; thank you for having me." I riddled off.
"You are welcome here anytime dear, I hope Emi will settle down. She hasn't been very happy with me for a while now." She stopped, catching the look on my face. "Nothing you need to worry about, you should head home before it gets dark."
-Sakura-
"You know, staying up all fuckin' night then going to school exhausted isn't going to help anything." Tay griped for the fifth time, strumming another chord on her guitar. Mimicking her simply out of annoyance with the material, and spite; I turned back to my text book and continued to read.
Her fingers slid over the guitar, stopping to drum on the base. Picking a few strings, she started to play a song. Wait, I think I know this song. (2) Her fingers continued to play, picking up a rhythm before she started to sing.
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine... you make my happy, when skies are gray. -or better known as rainy day sex.-" She injected into the usual lyrics, if she thinks she's being funny... well, she's not. I could hear the smile on her lips as she continued the next part of the chorus.
"You'll never know dear, just how much I love you. Oh please don't let those textbooks take, my sunshine away." I smiled, okay she is a little bit funny. If it means stopping her, I guess I could call it a night and put the books away.
"The other night dear, when I lay sleeping. I dreamt I held you in my arms... When I awoke dear, I was mistaken so I hung... my head... and cried." I folded the textbook closed and set it aside, flicking off the light on my desk.
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray... You'll never know, dear. Just how much I love you, oh please don't take my sunshine away..." Tay continued to play, leaving out the words to the rest of the song in place for instrumentals, humming along happily as her fingers continued to make the instrument sing for her.
"Fine, I'm defeated." I laughed, walking over to sit on the edge of the bed. Tay just smiled, licking her lips as she continued to sing.
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray... You'll never know, dear. Just how much I love you, oh please don't take my sunshine away... Please don't let those textbooks take my sunshine away... Oh, please no, don't take my sunshine away..."
Her fingers ran over the strings in one final note, before setting the guitar down beside the bed.
"You really are corny." I replied, unable to hide the smile that was big enough for the world to see.
"I still got the girl." She retorted, spitting out her tongue. Remembering something suddenly, she bit down on her tongue and cursed. Stupid goof... "Don't look at me like I'm a fucking puppy who just did something cute!" She growled, blushing.
"Sorry." I soothed, crawling up the bed so I could kiss her where she sat leaning against the headrest. Her fingers brushed the skin on my collarbone, gently sweeping up to brush against my cheek as we parted.
Resting her forehead against mine, she sighed; opening her eyes to look directly into mine.
"You are my girl, right?"
"Forever and always."
~o~
1 – I had to use frozen hotdogs on my ankle when I fractured the bone at school once. They were out of ice packs so the lunch lady was like 'here, she can just defrost today's lunch!' And they wonder why I don't eat at the cafeteria...
2 - .com/watch?v=rc2jsjnt-HY With a few alterations from Tay. :)
Alright, chapter done... finally. I really struggled with this one, I hate connecting chapters lol. Sorry this took god awful long, I hope it was worth waiting for. I was stuck for inspiration for weeks, nothing I wrote felt right. Anyone else ever get that feeling?
Anywho, the song I posted above is actually what ended up being my inspiration for three quarters of the chapter :)
Now to finish and post chapter six on TP so I can get chapter fourteen of MPP on the way! Till next time, toodles!
-Kiravu