Please remember this story is rated M, enjoy the chapter :3 - Kiravu
~o~
-Sakura-
"I hate you." Tay grouched for the fifth time since we had entered the school. "Before I met you, I slept in everyday. Now, I'm fucking up at the crack of dawn, and at school long before anyone fucking should be. This is stupid, why don't you just swim after school?"
"You're just mad because I reset the alarm last night after you set it for eight AM." I taunted, carefully taking out each textbook from my bag and setting it in it's designated spot. At least my locker doesn't look and smell like a toxic waste dump.
"Well, yeah. It's also your fault I was up so late." She smirked, watching my cheeks light up. "I mean, who the fuck stays up till one in the morning studying?"
"Someone who needs a scholarship if she plans on going to university." Grabbing my gym bag, I tossed it over my shoulder and started for the pool. "You should just get a bathing suit, if you are going to come with me every morning. You might as well swim, and I don't think swimming in your clothes everyday would be a good idea." Tay linked her fingers with mine, giving my hand a slight squeeze.
I am not used to affectionate Tay, not yet anyways. My face is on fire, my palms are sweating, and she is finding this all too terribly amusing. I'm used to teasing Tay, well... not used to. But at least I have some experience in that area.
"I don't like to swim, I just like watching you."
"I hate you."
~o~
"Pinkie, can you please take your nose out of those stupid books." Tay groaned, resting her chin on the cafeteria table. Ino smiled, taking a bite out of her sandwich.
"She's right," she said, swallowing her mouthful, "you can pause for lunch." I glared across the pages at Ino, Tay pressed her knee against my thigh trying to draw my attention.
"You don't get it, I have so much I need to get done! I have to plan an entire dance in less than two weeks! I have to finish two of my final projects, and study for four exams and-" I exploded on the two of them, letting the pressure loose in one lung-full.
"So ask for help." Ino tried to reason, "what can we do?"
"I don't see how you can help..." Scepticism apparent, Ino paused to think. I felt Tay's knee rub against my thigh again and I tried to ignore the contact. She's just trying to get a rise, I need to ignore her. It's like the little kid throwing a tantrum in the grocery store, if you ignore them they stop... sometimes.
"Well, you need to start selling tickets right? And you said you needed a live band?" Ino asked, already knowing the answer. Tay's fingers spider climbed from the bench seat, up the side of my leg. I could feel my face lighting up, as subtly as possible, decided to rest my cheek in my palm at that moment. Not to hide the blush from her, but because I'm tired.
Ino cleared her throat. Oh right, I was suppose to answer.
"Y-" Tays fingers slid over the top of my thigh. "Yeah." My throat hitched as I forced myself to concentrate. "Madara... er, , said we usually have a live band. But, I just don't see how we can afford to pay enough for s-someone-" Her fingers slid over the top of my thigh, working their way down towards the sensitive inner.
Swallowing the thick lump forming in my throat, I tried to finish my sentence. Ino is looking at me as if I just swallowed a bug, brilliant.
"For someone who is a professional." Tay smirked beside me, biting into a carrot stick. Her fingers retreated slightly, only to work tiny circles on the fabric of my jeans.
"Well, why don't you just advertise the dance around town and see if you can get a local band? I'm sure you would get a few bites, upcoming bands are always looking for a way to get their name out there. Plus, you wouldn't have to pay them much, especially if they only played a few songs every hour." Tay ran her nails over my jeans, catching on the fabric as she slowly crawled up my leg sending shocks up my spine. I am going to kill her as soon as we get home.
"That sounds good..." Tays forearm brushed against my hip, hand moving dangerously high. "Yeah, right... er good, so uh..." I fumbled over my tongue, dammit Tay! We are in the freaking cafeteria!
"We could also advertise tickets at the same time, I mean printing off a few more posters and tacking them up wouldn't take much more effort." Tay let her hand slide down my inner thigh again and I felt the depths between my legs burn.
"Right, thank you, Ino." I snatched Tay's hand and quickly gathered my books with my second. The textbooks slid around in my awkward hold as I struggled to quickly organize them and leave. "I'll leave you to that, I need to uh-" Tays grin took on a whole new level of coy as she got up without being asked. "I need to finish something, that I forgot about... I'll see you after, or later, or – you know what I mean!"
My god, my face must look like someone splashed red paint on me! How could she do that in the cafeteria? While I was talking to Ino! And at school! Not that I go to any cafeteria's outside of school! But still...
My fingers tightened around Tays wrist as I stormed out of the sea of students. I need to pull myself together, she was only teasing me, trying to get a rise. What a surprise! It worked – per usual. I need to focus on the dance, and my projects and exams... I don't have time to be doing... what am I doing? Where are we going?
I stopped mid-stride, Tay stumbled into my back and angry protests spouted all around me from students that were also walking through the hallways.
"Uh..." Well, I'm close to my locker so I could grab my chemistry text and go over my notes from yesterday. Right, a goal... that doesn't involve Tay, and her fingers. I shook my head plunging back into the ongoing traffic of our hallway.
"So, where are we going?" Tay asked as I tried for the fifth time to correctly input the numbers to unlock my locker. Damn her! Is she completely immune to everything? Or is she just freakishly good at hiding it? Meanwhile, I'm sitting here with visions of sugar drops dancing in my head, or however that stupid Christmas story goes.
"We are not going anywhere." I snapped, yanking on my lock and letting out an audible growl as it refused to open. "I am getting ready for Chemistry." Tay took the lock out of my hands and let her lithe fingers roll the dial until my locker snapped open. I mumbled a thank you and started to shove the books I didn't need, away into their proper spot.
"Then why did you drag me behind you?" She asked.
"I don't know... because, because I wasn't thinking, I guess. Look, you can't-" I paused, making sure I formed the words right before I got myself into more trouble. "Do... what you were doing, while we are at school. It's just..."
"So I did get you riled." She smiled, pushing off the locker she was leaning against to take a step closer. "I was wondering, you know... with the trouble you were having forming sentences, I wasn't sure." No, no, no. You stay away from me, I just said, not at school... but that look. It's so... intoxicating.
"Tay..." I squeaked, frozen to my spot, frozen in her lips as they continued to smirk, certain that her triumph was eminent. She reached forward, and then past me, grabbing a snack left over from my lunch that she favours.
"What?" She asked, ripping open the wrapper. "You said not at school." Indulging in her stolen, sugary treat she walked away as the bell rang and I was left with a pounding heart and a red face.
-Ino-
"Hey, there you are!" Emi beamed, trotting up to me with a big grin on her face. Well she's in a great mood, I guess she made up with her mom, whatever that was about. "Today is Hinata and Kiba's turn to act out a play right?"
"I think so..." Wait! Who knows the rumour mill of this school better than Emi? She would be great for advertising the dance, and she might know about some local bands too. "Any chance you would be interested in helping me with the school dance, would you?" I asked. Emi frowned, running her fingers through her hair and turning to Sasori momentarily.
When Emi turned back, he had finished his rant and she was licking her bottom lip.
"I thought you weren't on the student council? And aren't you swamped for your recital?"
"Well... I'm not, but I promised Saku I would help her. She really doesn't want this one to be a disaster, Halloween didn't go so well." I reasoned, ignoring Emi's disapproving look as Kiba and Hinata took the stage and our voices lowered to a hushed whisper. "So, what's the harm if I hand out a few posters?"
"Well, for one you haven't told her you are even in a Christmas recital yet. Or that you won't be there." Emi retorted, running her fingers through her hair and gently picking out any knots she encountered. On the stage, Kiba blushed and started to read his script, stumbling over the words and their awkward phrasing. I wonder who wrote the future-galatic Tarzan play, whoever it was probably just wanted to see Kiba in a butt-flap.
Poor Hinata looks ready to pass out, at least Temari didn't show up to class... which is pretty much a trend by now. I wonder what is going on with her, some days she seems okay and then other days she seems in a blind rage. She doesn't show up to class half of the time, but she doesn't go home... I always see her smoking outside school everyday.
"It would only upset her and cause her more stress, nothing good would come out of telling her. She already has her mom in the hospital... and she is dealing with the biggest dance of the school year, and exams. Her course load isn't exactly light."
"And she is in a new relationship..." Emi prodded, pouring salt on a wound she knew was still open. I don't get her, most of the time she's as pleasant as can be then out of nowhere she says something for no other reason than to hurt someone.
Lips pursed, I kept my next comment silent, and instead tried to redirect the conversation back on track. "So are you going to help me or not?"
"Alright, alright. What do you need me to do?"
-Tayuya-
"Group projects are sooo stupid!" Stupid Temi-bitch whined, letting her head roll back until she was staring up at the ceiling. More like assigned fucking groups is sooooo stupid. The one class I have the misfortune of being stuck with her, is also the class where my final project has assigned groups.
I don't understand any of this, how does a letter equal a number and then have roots on top of that? It doesn't make any fucking sense, a number is a number, and letters belong in the alphabet. I'd ask Sakura for help, she says she doesn't mind but I can't take her time when she is already so fucking stressed.
"Just shut up and do your half." Temari smiled at my response, flipping herself back upright so she could stare me down across the desk. She expertly placed her arms so her chest was pushed forward and together, her usual pout accenting her lips when she is trying to be coy. "Don't do that." I hissed, mashing my eraser against the already worn lined paper.
"Do what?" She asked, bemused. She let her hand brush against the back of mine before I quickly swatted it away.
"You know what the fuck I'm talking about, fuck off." Anger rose in me like a kicked hornets nest, nothing has changed over the past year and a half. She still makes my blood boil, fuck I hate her!
"Ooo, feisty... you do know I've always loved that. If we have to spend so much time together for this project, we might as well have some fun. I doubt little Sakura can make you purr as much as I used to." She taunted, drawing me directly into the trap even with a warning label on the bait letting me know I was being lured.
"Leave her out of this!" Our teacher glared across his desk and over the rim of his glasses. A couple classmates began to whisper before he clapped his hands and told everyone to get back to work.
"You aren't still sore, are you? I had wondered why you picked her out of all people, but it sort of makes sense." She drawled, I ignored her as best I could, the lead in my pencil threatening to tear the page in half. "That you would pick the one person you know I hate the most, it's sad really. You just can't let go, can you?"
"Not everything is about you." I spat, doing my best to keep my voice down. "I love her, and it doesn't matter how you twist the vile that comes out of your mouth, nothing will change that." Temari laughed, that cruel cocky laugh before narrowing her eyes with that signature smirk.
"You love her, do you? That's a laugh, I happen to recall you saying that to me as well... right after 'please don't leave me'." The skin on my knuckles turned white, clenching the pencil until it started to bend under the stress. She leaned closer so she was now hanging more than half way over the desk, whispering to make sure only I could hear her. "You could end this farce of a relationship with her if you wanted, we could be together. Nothing would hurt her more than you and I together, again..."
I snapped, slamming my fist into her jaw before she had time to react. The entire class went silent as her chair tipped over and slid back, accompanying it's patron at the same time as I stood up. Before our teacher could react, Temi-bitch's face turned cold as she got to her feet.
"Girls! Tayuya! To the principles office now!" He stood with his palms against his desk, looking between the two of us as Temari wiped her lip.
"Fine." I replied, walking towards the door. Temari didn't let me get far, striking back as soon as my back was turned. Taking the hit to my cheek, I stumbled back and felt my back press against a neighbouring desk. It's current owner squeaked and retreated to a safer spot just as I pushed off and the real fight started.
~o~
"Tay!" Pinkie yelled, pushing the heavy office door open. "What the hell happened?" She fretted, gently moving the ice-pack from my cheek to inspect the damage. Temari can hit hard, I'll give her that.
When they finally peeled her off of me, I still refuse to think of it as a loss; just at that point in time she happened to have the advantage, starting with a cheap fucking shot didn't help either. They sent us to separate rooms and called our parents. Naturally, my mother didn't even care enough to answer the call and let her secretary take a message. Temari left a while ago, and they pulled Sakura out of her last class.
I wish they hadn't, she's stressing enough without missing class time. Apparently if they can't get a hold of a parent, they turn to guardians... then I guess room mates. Just someone who can take you home or to the hospital.
Hissing as the cold left my skin, feeling as if a layer was being peeled off with the plastic wrap, Sakura sighed letting me replace my small comfort.
"Sakura! There you are, I'm so happy to have a visit from my favourite student twice in a single week!" Madara sang, coming out of his office. I swear that guy gives me the creeps, what is it with him? He acts as if Sakura is a treasured pet, maybe it's her grades. They could give him some sort of bonus if he has a student with her stats or something like that.
Sakura tensed between her shoulder blades, it's subtle but if you watch you can tell when someone truly irritates her, if I were him I'd be turning and leaving.
"I was called to take Tayuya home." She replied, trying her best to keep it short and formal. For what seemed like the first time, he looked over and realized I was there.
"Oh heavens! What happened?" He exclaimed, extending every movement to enhance the dramatic effect. I've only met him a few times, but I can see why Sakura either doesn't like to talk about him, or when she does it comes out as complaints. Sakura shifted her emerald eyes from him to me, realizing I wasn't about to speak, she sighed.
"I'm not exactly sure, but I know she got into a fight with Temari." And you are going to want to know why I got into a fight... I don't want to lie anymore, but Temi-bitch had a point. How could someone not see it as... a convenient that I attached myself to you. What am I suppose to say so you won't jump to the same conclusion?
"Temari? Well that doesn't surprise me, she's just mean! She visits here so often, I really should start charging her rent." He smiled at his own intended joke, turning to his secretary. "So what is going to happen to little Tayuya?" My eyebrow twitched at being called 'little'. I am not that fucking short!
"She was suspended for three days, Sir." Shizune replied looking thoroughly bored.
"Well that doesn't seem fair," he pouted, Sakura let out another sigh and shot Shizune a look that clearly read 'please help me'. "Who will keep my Sakura company at school? Oh! I know, why don't I suspend her as well?" What the fuck kind of logic is that? No, you can't do that you fucking idiot, then she would definitely kill me.
"You can't do that, sir. You have no reason to..." Shizune replied, acting the voice of reason.
"Well, I suppose not. Oh well, I tried didn't I?" He shook his head, turning to retreat back into his office. You 'tried?' You are like the guy in some games who says you are better off shot in the foot because then you won't run into danger. The type you usually stay far the fuck away from.
"Stay safe, you two should head home." With a fluttering wave as he closed the door, Sakura held out her hand to help me up and off we went to my certain doom.
~o~
"So, what do you want for dinner?" I asked, tossing the keys across the counter. My lip protested movement, the soft scab that had started to crust over broke open once more. Dammit Temi-bitch!
Sakura gave me a puzzled look, "dinner? It's only two in the afternoon. I'd rather if you told me what happened this afternoon, you've never mentioned having a problem with Temari before. I know she can be a bitch and all, but it isn't like you to just blow up for no reason." Before I met you, I never got riled enough to just flat out hit someone. But, before I met you there were a lot of things I didn't do, like get up at five am. Or play nice with cheerleaders and barbie dolls, run people off docks with motorcycles. Or have water fights with the shower head in bathrooms, I smirked at that.
"Well, I got assigned to her group in math because our teacher decided to do assigned groups instead of letting us pick our own fucking partners," I began, watching Sakura drop off her bag in the bedroom before wandering back into the kitchen.
"I thought you said you didn't have a partner?" She asked, taking the icepack from my cheek and searching through the freezer for another that resembled something filled with ice more-so than water.
Resisting the urge to chew on my lip out of habit, I paused before replying. "Well... I just didn't want you to know my partner was Temari." Sakura closed the door to the freezer and patted the counter. Rolling my eyes, I complied, jumping up so I could sit on the counter and raise myself to eye level. 'Little' my ass, why is everyone treating me like a midget.
Pinkie grabbed a cloth from the sink and ran it under cold water before gently dabbing my lip and cheek. I whined but otherwise protested as little as I could, resisting the urge to flinch and move away from the contact more-so out of pride than being unwilling to let Sakura see me hurt.
"So, you lied?" She confirmed, working on my cheekbone. "Why would you lie about something like that? It's not like you had a choice... you were assigned partners right?"
"Right, but I know you two are like-" I took in a sharp inhale of air as she brushed over a particularly sensitive spot, "mortal combat enemies or some shit like that."
"Sorry," she set down the cloth and started to dry the skin with a towel before replacing the icepack. "Mortal combat enemies huh? That's a game right?" I rolled my eyes at her lack of knowledge, well at least she was in the right ballpark this time. "I'm not childish enough to be mad about an assigned partner, and I still don't see why that would be a reason to lie... or to get into a losing fight."
"Oi! I did not lose!" Pouting, I took the icepack from her and held it against my skin, ignoring the bemused smile she was watching me with.
"If you say so." With that, she kissed the tip of my nose and left the kitchen. "But winners aren't usually so banged up."
"Come back here!" I called after her, dropping down from the counter and following her into the bedroom. Sakura didn't look up from sorting out a pile of books and checking off her to-do list in her planner. "Look, I'm sorry I lied, alright? It's just..." Sakura marked her spot then looked at me, waiting for me to finish.
"Can we talk? Please."
"Sure," plopping herself down on the bed she continued on an afterthought. "I'm not mad, I can understand why you wouldn't want to tell me your partner was Temari. I still don't think you should have lied about it, not if we are going to trust each other." She's being really cavalier about this, maybe I should leave well enough alone.
"It was just a small white lie, right? But I would like to know how you got into a fight with her." Sitting down beside her, I took the icepack off my face and set it on one of her end tables, ignoring the disapproving look that followed.
"It was just something she said, I snapped I guess. It was really stupid, I should have kept my temper in check." I half-laughed, that sounds so fake... if she didn't know something was up before, now she definitely will. "I know we haven't really... talked about either of our lives before we met." It's been something we've avoided, she didn't want to talk about her life in Suna or her pops... and I didn't want to talk about, well anything to do with my family or the last few years.
Sakura tensed beside me, I watched her fingers dig into the sheets and instantly regretted it. This was a stupid idea, she obviously doesn't want to talk about it.
"Sometimes I envy Ino, y'know? Because she knows everything about you, I almost feel like a complete stranger when you two start to talk." Especially when Barbie makes a reference to something in the past, something that is obviously a happy memory for you. And I have no idea what she's talking about.
"I love you, even if sometimes you can be a stupid little fuck." I smiled, hoping to lighten the mood a little bit. Sakura blushed, rewarding my effort with a bashful smile. "But, I'd like to talk about... before I met you. I want to know everything there is about you, and I want you to be the one I can share everything with." A true partnership, that's what I want. Not just the physical attraction I had with Temari.
"Alright," she replied after staying quiet long enough to digest what I was saying. I don't blame her, I know I'm asking for a lot.
"Okay then, uh..." Brilliant, now where do I start? "Well, you haven't met my family, have you?" She shook her head 'no'. That was just Ino that met my brother and mother. The only time Sakura was over the house was thankfully empty. "Well, I have a younger brother, I've talked about him a few times."
"Gaara, right?" She asked, shifting so her back was against the headboard, I felt her hands gently pull me back and I complied. Letting myself lie back against her chest as she wrapped her arms around my waist. This is where I want to stay, if she will let me after I'm finished saying what I have to say.
"Right, well I also told you he's like a fucking genius. Idiot's already in University on a full ride and he's two years younger than me." Sakura nuzzled against my forehead gently as I sunk further into her warmth. "While we were growing up, I was really jealous of him. He was always the centre of my parents world, being showcased to all their high-end friends." Fuck, I sound like a whiny bitch right now. I wonder what she is thinking.
"Anyways, that's why I started to play instruments. Because with music, I could drown out the world and just live in my own rhythm. With music, it didn't matter where someone was in the house they would be listening to me. My mom hated my drums, because they were the loudest."
"I don't remember seeing any drums in your room." Sakura moved a strand out hair out of my face, letting her fingers tuck it behind my ear before working all the way down my neck. I shivered, trying to work out the tingles vibrating down my body.
"She sold them, because they were the loudest. I still have my guitar though, so it isn't all bad. My mom paid for piano lessons, hoping if I was going to 'be interested in something as useless as music'," I mimicked, "then at least it would be something classical. As it turns out, I was really good at it too." Sakuras fingers started to move against my stomach, small repetitive movements that were moving my shirt against my skin.
"You never mentioned you could play the piano." Sakuras voice is starting to get a husky edge to it. Fuck, what is she thinking about? I bit my lip trying to stifle my reaction as her fingers slipped under my shirt and started to work directly on my skin.
"I haven't for over two or three years now, the last time I played was at some sort of fundraiser my mom was hosting. At the end, I got a big round of applause and for once, I remember feeling like she might be proud of me." Sakura stopped what she was doing, tightening her hold around my waist instead.
"I found her 'fund-raising' in her own way, by showing one of her male contributors just how much she appreciated his support." Sakura didn't say anything, remaining silent as she waited. "Anyways," I blinked away tears, refusing to let her know how much this story hurt to tell. "That's why we don't get along, she paid me off to keep my mouth shut. That's how I got my first bike, the one that..." There's no reason to bring it up, instead of finishing I made myself more comfortable against her, nestling into her so I was enveloped in her heat and scent.
"I'm pretty sure that's why she got me the new one as well, so she still has leverage even though the other one was totalled. Gaara probably picked out the model, but I'd put money down that's why." Nothing like letting everyone know just how much of a whore she is, that would ruin the reputation she's trying to build for herself. As well as any chance to advance in her law firm.
"Does your father know?" She asked, I can almost imagine the face she has right now. Probably the same expression as when she has a math equation that is giving her difficulty. A mixture between concentration and puzzlement, like she can't figure out how there is a problem she can't solve.
"He either does, and doesn't care. Or he does, but is denying it and refuses to believe or confront it. I don't see how he could be blind enough not to. You probably think I'm horrible, hiding something like that for a toy."
"I don't think you're horrible," shifting against the headboard, she slid down a bit and I was able to nuzzle into her neck. "I don't know what I would have done, if I was fifteen-" figures she would work that out in her head. "And caught my mom doing something like that. You wouldn't want to be responsible for breaking up their marriage.
"I guess, what you should ask yourself is: would you have told him even if she hadn't bought you the bike?" If she hadn't paid me off? I've never thought of it that way before.
"I don't know, I doubt I would have unless she did something to really piss me off and he was there." She rarely let her malicious side show when he was around, but then he wasn't around much. It doesn't matter, it's in the past and I'm getting really off-track.
"I went to a private elementary school, with the uniforms and regulation hair cuts and all that shit." I fucking hated that. You had to swear that stupid fucking uniform and couldn't have your hair past your shoulders.
"You? I can't imagine, I'm guessing they didn't allow hats there?" Sakura teased, easily taking the transition to a less depressing topic. "Whatever did you do without your cargo's and baseball hat?"
"It get's even worse, I had to wear a skirt and a dress shirt." Ugly ass brown too.
"Tay in a skirt... hmm..."
"Don't even think about it! There is no way you are getting me in a skirt!" Sakura laughed. "So you can imagine how happy my mom was when I said I wanted to go to a normal high-school. Abso-fuckin'-lutely ecstatic. But what really took the cake-" it's now or never, might as well spit it out. "-Was the first time I brought a girl home with me." Sakura tensed but otherwise didn't say anything, I could feel the beat of her heart pick up through her skin. What I wouldn't do to be able to read her thoughts.
"It was Temari, wasn't it?" Sakura asked, or rather confirmed. "That's why you didn't want to tell me she was your partner, not because she and I don't get along."
"Yeah."
-Sakura-
Tay... and Temari? I don't remember hearing anything around school about the two of them, but that shouldn't be a surprise. Tay shifted against me, trying to figure out what to say from my facial expression. I nuzzled into her hair more to hide than to reassure.
I'm not sure how I feel about this, or how I should feel. But she's opening up to me, I can't overreact for no reason.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Tay stiffened.
"I don't know, I guess... it never felt like the right time. Or, it never came up... and I just didn't... push it." I moved to rest my chin on the top of her head, shifting as my back became uncomfortable against the wooden backboard.
I can't... wrap my head around this. I know Temari, and I... I don't know what I know anymore. Anko was living a life outside of the one I saw, everything I knew wasn't real. Ino was the same way, I'm just starting to get to know her again.
But, sometimes... it seems like Emi knows her better than I do. With Tay, I thought I knew her and maybe I still do. I don't know, there's so much we never talked about because it was uncomfortable, or because it was easier to avoid. Is that a stable basis to build a relationship on? I want to be able to share everything with her, to feel like I can trust her with anything. And I thought I did, but if that were the case, why is there so much I don't know? Why did she lie to me?
"Sakura...?" Tay asked, trying to turn again to see my face. To try and figure out what I was feeling, thinking. I tightened my arms around her waist and buried myself in her hair. It's not a big deal, or unexpected for her to have dated someone before me. Her life didn't start when I met her, so why doesn't that make me feel any better?
"What did you get into a fight over today?" It's not the question I want to ask, but it will have to suffice.
"You." Me? What could they possibly fight about me over?
"Does she want you back?" I asked, feeling a rise of panic as I could see the dots connecting and forming a picture that was hidden before. I can't compete with Temari... she's one of the prettiest girls I've seen, she could rival Ino in her own way. Plus she has experience, what do I have? I'm plain and a stumbling idiot.
No, no... if Tay got into a fight with her about it, then she can't want that. Right?
"She just wants to hurt you." What does that mean? She will go after Tay in order to hurt me? I thought she was after Tenten, and that's why she was hurting Hinata. None of this make any sense, who is she after?
"I don't know why, well not fully why; but she really hates you. I mean she really fuckin' hates you. And..." I felt Tay slide her hand down my arm so it fit over mine like a glove, gently working her fingers to link with mine. "I'm sorry."
"You're... sorry?"
"I haven't been completely honest with you." Tay chewed on her lip, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. "Do you remember, when you asked me why it was I didn't like you?" When I asked why you didn't like me... that would have been...
The morning we talked in the cafeteria for the first time. I remember, it was the first time I had told anyone about Anko. Not that it was really by choice, you did let yourself practically into my apartment. "Yes?"
"The truth is, I was trying to find a way to hurt you." What? Tayuya stumbled over her tongue as she rushed to get the rest out. "I was trying to win Temari back, and I figured... maybe if I found something on you...
"But, it all changed, I swear!" She pushed back so she could turn to face me, awkwardly leaning back against my leg. "I just took what she said for fact, I relied on her. She was my world. But, she was wrong, she is wrong.
"She's so stuck on the past, I don't think she will ever be able to let it go. I never intended to try and talk to you, but when you just showed up after school. You looked so hurt, and then listening to you talk about Anko, and seeing what you live with... I don't know, something changed." Searching for my eyes, she let a shy smile break free. "I fell in love."
"So, you took pity on me?" Poor defenceless, Sakura. She always needs someone to protect her. Ino always had to protect me from the bullies at the orphanage, she got beat up worse than I did in the end. But she always protected me.
Anko protected me, she gave up her job and probably her life to protect me. Same as Tsunade.
And now, Tayuya. Protecting me from the big bad wolf because she couldn't bring herself to hurt the poor defenceless lamb. I've been so absorbed in taking care of everything myself, when did I become the damsel in distress?
"No! No, please! It wasn't like that, I just..." I felt her grab hold of my arm, leaning closer as she reached for my cheek. I knocked her hand away, turning to look anywhere but at her. Tayuya's nails dug into my skin as her grip on my arm tightened and she started to beg. "Please, I'm sorry! I don't know what I was thinking, I was desperate and I just... I didn't want to be alone anymore."
"So then I'm a band-aid? An easy fix until you can win back the one you really want?" I snarled, the anger in my own voice surprised me. Without realizing the movement, I had shrugged off her hand and turned to meet her gaze.
Her usually mischievous soft brown eyes are glistened with fear, her bottom lip trembled and she mouthed another silent plea. "N-no, please, Sakura... you aren't. Please... I never meant for-"
Dammit! I should have known! Why did I think- after all these years. That someone would want to be my friend, to be more than that? For no other reason than they liked me.
I shook my head, trying to clear my vision and push past Tayuya all in one motion. "I am such an idiot."
"No!" Tayuya protested, stopping me as I tried to get around her. Again and again I managed to shake off her hold, but again and again she clung harder. Her lip split open again, undoing any of the small amount of healing at had started. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she fought with me to stay where I was.
"Tayuya! Let me go!" I screamed, trying to unwrap her grip on my shirt. Her back shook silently as her arms slid around my body, holding onto me as she sobbed into my chest. Tears threatened to spill out as they burned at my eyes, I can't let myself cry.
She coughed while taking deep, uneven breaths. "Not until you promise to come the fuck back..." Her response was muffled as she moved her face into my neck. Her cheek was wet as it brushed against my collar, cold in a stark contrast to the small drops that hit my skin in a slow rhythm that still burned with the heat of recently being released. "I'm sorry..." The tension in my body slowly started to release, as she sobbed against my neck. The distress in her voice made my heart ache, god dammit this hurts so much.
The waterworks behind my eyes finally brimmed over, adding to my already soaked shirt.
"I'm so sorry, Sakura. I-I never meant-" She sniffled and stopped to catch her breath. "I never meant to hurt you. P-please, I love you so much..." I tried to hold onto the anger that was seeping out of me, every time I seemed to get a hold of it, it slid between my fingers and dissipated. I couldn't hold my attention of the pain inside of me when Tay was so obviously hurting herself. I hate to see her this raw, this openly baring how upset she is.
Gradually, I let my arms wrap around her. Tay was silent as I ran my hands over her back, trying to soothe her as she hiccoughed against my neck. Her fingers found their way into the neck of my shirt, face still buried. Taking hold of the silent reassurance that I was not leaving yet.
I don't know how long we stayed like that, the sun sank across the room. Changing the lighting from mid-afternoon to a soft glow. All I could think about was every moment I had spent with the girl in my arms, from the time she snapped my pencil in the library, to the time she lay crying against me. We've been through so much together, I wouldn't be here if she hadn't saved me, physically and spiritually.
I thought of Iruka, and how one moment he was here and the next, he wasn't. I didn't even get to say good-bye, because I was too angry to realize just how much I loved him. And how much he loved me.
The hours ticked by, Tay was lax against me; asleep and peaceful. I don't know know what Temari did, what she said or what they meant to each other. But, that was in the past and I will just have to trust Tay that it will stay that way. I need to start standing up for myself, for everything I care about. I've let Temari push me around for three and a half years, she's taken my pride, my confidence... she's stuffed me in lockers and pushed everyone away from me.
But she will not take Tay. Not without a fight that I will not lose.
I looked down at the love of my life, gently removing the strands of hair that were caked to her tear stained face. It doesn't matter how we got here, in the end all that matters is that I love her; and she loves me, my heart can't bare to lose her.
My fingers lingered against her cheek and she yawned, blinking slowly as she looked around the room. The welt on her cheek has shrunk somewhat, turning a dark purple in the soft lighting. Her lip finally has a scab that will hold, and doesn't appear as sore as earlier.
"What time is it?" She mumbled, her eyes are still slightly swollen from crying so much. "It better not be time for fuckin' school already." I laughed, looking at her dishevelled hair and caked eyes, cheeks covered in the aftermath of a downpour and the small pool of drool on my collar. There was only one thing I could say:
"Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?" Tay blushed, a small colour change in her cheeks, she almost appeared shy as she tried to hide it. I let my fingers brush the bottom of her jaw, all the way up to her chin. She looked up at me without having to be prompted. "Or, how madly in love I am with you?"
Tays eyes softened, and she threatened to cry again. "I love you, too." I let the warmth in my chest settle and swell, gently brushing my fingers over the bruise on her cheek. Her eyes watched me, soft brown swollen. Tay flinched as I found a particularly sensitive spot, I let my hand drop fall back to push her hair behind her ear.
I looked for the damage Temari had dealt, running my thumb over the dark circle under her eye. Letting my gaze travel down and over her neck, she shivered as my fingers barely touched her skin; sliding down to her collar.
I kissed her forehead, letting my lips linger; her breath caught and I turned to watched as my hands ran over her shoulders and down her arms. I could feel her eyes on me as I touched her waist, gently lifting her shirt.
Tay pushed herself up as I pulled the garment over her head, gently releasing her raised arms from the sleeves before dropping it over the edge of our bed.
I took in everything about her as my eyes washed over her body; the curve of her hips, the dip of her stomach up to the red fabric of her bra. Her breasts held my gaze and I felt the lust I held from earlier grow again.
Forcing my attention back into what I was looking for, my eyes lingered on the bruise on her ribs, a slight greenish purple that travelled to her back.
Tomorrow, I will deal with Temari.
Carefully, I placed my hand on her ribs, covering the bruise so it was hidden from site. Tay watched as I marvelled, running my hand down her side. Her skin is incredibly soft, and smooth... I can feel goosebumps forming under my touch.
Legs crossed, she lent forward, tilting her head as she approached. We lingered, right before the contact enthralled in the suspense. I can smell her body wash, the shampoo she uses. I can feel the warmth of her body, her gentle touch of the side of my neck, tickling the bottom of my ear. Waiting for my approval, she's still uncertain from our fight. Just more damage Temari has wrought.
Closing the gap, I instantly felt the need Tay was protruding as much as I was. Tay surged forward, pressing her being against mine and even through the fabric of my shirt, her heat lit me on fire. I moaned into our wide mouthed kiss, sparring with her tongue as she wrapped her arms around my neck. She paid no heed to the bruises on her cheek and chin, putting everything into the kiss without want for the pain she mist be feeling.
Heart pounding in my chest, I took a deep breath in through my nose as Tay bit my bottom lip playfully. The hand on her hip drifted, taking in every curve, dip and the contour of her body. I ran my hand down her thigh and she unfolded her crossed legs to straddle my waist.
Disentangling her hold on my neck, Tay slid her hand down my front as I felt her thigh wrap around my hips. Tay paused her descent, cupping and squeezing my breast, teasing me through the fabric. I moaned into her lips once more as she plunged her tongue into my mouth; quickly fishing her hand under my shirt.
I let my hand wander her thigh, rubbing down the side and back up the top. Tay continued her aggressive assault in my mouth, whilst working my shirt off at the same time. Experimentally, I roamed to the inside of her thigh. Her reaction was immediate as she arched under my touch, rubbing our bodies together; she nodded, still holding the kiss before breaking our lock to finally relieve me of my shirt.
"Fuck. I want you so bad." Tay growled, voice husky with arousal. The desire dripping off her words made the fire burning in my core flare, tying my tongue in a knot as she pushed me down against the sheets.
I ran my hand further up her thigh, moving to rub between her legs. The loose fabric of her cargo pants gave way under my touch, and I dipped further. Tay let out a whimper that surprised me, leaning her forehead against my collar, she panted against my skin, small whimpers echoing from deep within the caverns of her chest.
A smile crept onto my lips, and I moved my fingers in a circle, searching for the spot that would elicit the most reaction. Tay let out a throaty moan and I felt her teeth graze my skin. I kissed her cheek as my fingers worked, running my free hand over her stomach to her back. I found the clasp on her bra, and quickly worked it open.
Tay pushed herself up onto her elbows, finding my lips with a sloppy kiss as she worked her arms out of the straps still hanging around her shoulders.
Thrusting her hips against my hand, Tay let out another cry of pleasure as we worked in unison. I took advantage as she arched her back, skimming my touch over her smooth skin; running my fingers so they barely made contact over her back around to her breasts.
Nudging her cheek I kissed her jaw line, fully enthralled in every small noise she made, every move of her body; knowing they were all caused by me. I revelled in everything about her, the way her eyes fluttered and clenched shut as she moaned. Her fingers as they dug into the sheets and my arms, her hair as it clung to her and ran around her neck to tickle my skin.
"Sakura..." Tays voice hitched as she burrowed into my neck, biting my skin. A shiver coursed throughout my body as she worked her tongue under my jaw, nipping and biting as she explored. Her usual sure and definitively placed marks were off, showing how much I was effecting her.
I rolled my head back as she moved down to bite my shoulder, catching my bra strap with her teeth and tugging before gently releasing so it didn't snap against my skin. She moved to kiss my collar, down my chest, letting her lips whisper over my skin all the way down between my breasts.
My hand rolled up to caress her back as she moved down, pausing my tease as she started to take control back. Her chestnut brown eyes looked up at me with her usual mischievous glint, a hint of lust as she kissed my ribs and gently planted kisses on every inch of my stomach. Her lips ran over my belly-button, down to bite at my hips and I felt the fire between my legs grow again.
Tays hand slid up my slide and worked under my back, unclasping my bra in one flick of her fingers. She kissed my pants line, hovering before leaving butterflies kisses and slowly travelling back up.
"You're a tease." I blushed as Tay rubbed her nose against mine, something that was uncharacteristically and intentionally cute for her but also showed she meant to take care of me. As I had taken care of her earlier when I kissed her nose. It was a gesture of affection and thanks so subtle I wonder if she meant it as such.
"Stupid Lil'fuck," she laughed pressing her lips against mine, "you started it." Right, I started this. I paused to think for a moment, and Tay caught my blank look as if she could see the wheels turning in my head. Did I start this?
Stealing my train of thought with something that could not be ignored, Tay rubbed her knee up the inside of my thigh as her fingers danced up the underside of my breast; pushing my loose bra out of the way.
Her lips found my neck again, followed by a not-so-gentle nip with her teeth. No sooner had her tongue left my neck, had it washed over my nipple, I left out a surprised moan at the soft warmth, arching my back into her lips. Her fingers found their way onto my other breast, gently squeezing and playing as she rolled her tongue around.
My arousal burst to a new height as my mind found it hard to focus.
"Tay-" She moved quickly, running her hand down from my breast along my side; fumbling with the button on my jeans as her teeth gently grabbed and tugged on my nipple. Just hard enough to send the sensation down my spine, but gentle enough not to hurt. Her lips found mine and silenced my uncontrolled whimpers, roughly forcing my tongue to dance as she worked her fingers under my pantie line.
My hand shook as I unclenched it from the bedsheets to stroke her side, gingerly moving up to play with her breast. Tay pressed into my touch, reassuring me without having to be told as her tongue flicked against mine and I felt her fingers inch lower.
She's being slow and gentle every step of the way, being careful and giving me every chance to stop her. To her, this is about me... I don't know how I could have doubted she loves me, when she shows it without asking for acknowledgement. I don't know how I could have doubted her.
She broke our kiss, pressing her cheek to mine before kissing my shoulder as her digits found my clit. My hips lurched at the new sensation, her fingers starting to rub in a slow circle as they went deeper to tease my outer lips as best she could in her tight confines.
"Tay..." I whimpered, breathless as she slipped a finger deeper to tease my opening. Her tongue washed over my nipple, and I felt pleasure wash over my body. Pressing her lips against mine in a fevered kiss, Tay's hand left the fire between my legs.
I watched her slowly draw her fingers up to her lips, eyes locked on me as her pink tongue poked out to lick my juices off her digits. My cheeks flared as her tongue flicked and rolled around, my heart pound in my ears, the intended reference wasn't lost on me. Hasn't she teased me enough yet?
Her eyes stayed on me, watching as I followed her every movement. Her thigh brushed against my hip, and her lips once again found mine. I found my own flavour on her tongue this time, and moaned with yearning.
Tay broke away, hooking under the waist of my jeans as she roughly started to tug them down. Fighting against the clinging fabric as she kissed my stomach, hair tickling my sides as it ran down like a veil around her face. She let out a playful growl, biting my skin and working my stubborn garment from around my ankles.
Tay dropped my pants onto the floor as I pushed myself up, sliding down so I was sitting in front of her as she stood at the end of our bed. Slowly, I unhooked her belt and let her cargo's fall to the floor, putting up none of the resistance my jeans had. Tay ran her fingers through my hair, her nails tickling my scalp as she waited.
My gaze travelled over her stomach, to her hips and down her legs; my lust grew as I roamed back up and settled on her breasts. Dear god she's beautiful, how did I ever find myself worth of her?
Gripping her hips, I coaxed her panties to follow her cargo's to the floor and pulled her body into mine so she was once again straddling my hips. My lips closed over her breast as I let my tongue flick against her hard nub, her stomach ground against my chest and the heat from her body rolled against my skin.
I let my hands roam her thighs, exploring the silky surface as my tongue played and I could hear her breathing quicken.
"Sakura," I kissed her chest, tilting my head back as she kissed me again. She increased the pressure of her body against mine and we fell back against the sheets, her teeth grazed my earlobe. "I've had enough teasing."
Sparks sprang to life on my skin as her fingers hooked under the waist of my underwear, working it off and kissing the inside of my thigh. Gently she worked my legs open, pausing as I watched her bite the sensitive skin on the inside of my leg one last time.
In a moment of utopia Tay dipped her tongue into my womanhood, my hips bucked and her nails dug into my skin. My back arched and her tongue explored, lips parted I let out a silent cry of pleasure as Tay worked.
Her tongue flicked and a shiver ran up my spine, I lost myself in the pleasure washing over my body; bewitched in the spell Tay was casting. Her fingers moved to tease my clit, working in unison with her tongue as she slowly ran over lips to my entrance. The arousal that had been worked up for so long screamed for release and Tay attacked it relentlessly.
"Tay..." my voice shook, and my eyes were forced shut; "Tay, I'm going to..." She pressed harder, working with every sensitive spot that elicited pleasure she could find, driven by the small whimpers emanating from my chest.
A moan filled my lungs as I felt the pleasure that was building burst, Tay rode the thralls of my climax working every last second of utopia she could out of me. Her grip on my hips lessened as she backed away panting and kissing up my stomach. My chest heaved and I felt a drip of sweat roll over my forehead, beading down my cheek to lose itself in the tangles of my hair. Collapsing against my chest, I heard Tay sigh as she nuzzled into my neck and waited for me to catch my breath.
"I love you." She whispered, "more than anything." I looked down at the sincerity in her eyes and knew without a doubt I would never question that again.
"I love you too."
~o~
"Hey, Pinkie?" Tay yawned, curling in a little tighter against my body.
"Yeah?" I blinked, realizing it was twilight out. We must have dozed off.
Whipping out her best Darth Vader impression, she responded, "I have you now." I let out a hefty sigh, planting a kiss on her forehead.
"You are such a nerd." I chided, smiling despite myself.
"At least I didn't say, 'Luke, I am your father'." Tay smirked, and I crinkled up my nose. She would put that image into my head right now. My stomach growled and I realized we skipped dinner. Tay laughed at the noise, "are you still hungry by chance?" I blushed at the double meaning, it's going to be a long night.
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Hey all! Sorry this was so long in coming, I ended up contracting mono for the first time in my life. Those are three weeks I never wish to relive again. Along with a few other things, I've had a busy time trying to get this out.
That being said, thank you to everyone following the story, or who had just joined us. I love everyone's reviews! I am not sure who all got the notice about the last chapter, when I posted it there was site maintenance or something and it took two days for the chapter to show up on the site. I apologize for an inconvenience this may have caused.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter, until next time! -Kiravu
PS – I've been updating my music list lately and I've become curious, what is everyone's favourite song? My all time is Slip Away – Dry Cell, current is Frozen – Celldweller, well that or Chica Bomb – Dan Balan (if you look up the music videos – highly suggested – look up the females only version. The dood is just annoying.), what's yours?