Missing Puzzle Pieces

by Kiravu

Little things in my past that I really thought were over and done with were still elements of the puzzle that weren't pieced together, and so she helped me do that. - Marie Osmond. -InoxSakura, SakuraxTayuya- Rated M for mature content/ language/lemons.

20. Chapter 19 Part 1 and 2

A few notes before we start: First, thank you everyone for the kind words about the last chapter and playing muse to my pouting. Next, I considered everything everyone said in regards to adding a fourth POV and decided against it. While there were good points on both sides, I agree more with the points against adding one. So there will not be a new POV for Temari or Emi, however I might add a ten minutes of fame -aka a mini one time- POV from both of the girls in upcoming chapters.

Finally, this chapter -again- ended up being longer than originally intended. I seem to have this problem a lot, don't I? But, since you all gave me your two cents on my offered question, I am posting a two part chapter all at once. So this chapter will be closer to 23k words rather than 10-12k, which also puts MPP over the 200k mark. Thank you to all of you! You are my motivation to keep pressing on and updating at a timely rate(Usually). And a special thank you to Kajskk, LemonRind, Renee and Kevin, you are the foot that kicks me in the ass when I would prefer to sleep!

So without further ado: Part One of Missing Puzzle Pieces, Chapter Nineteen.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

-Sakura-

I let my fingers grip the back of her neck, pressing my forehead against hers as I took in my loves scent one last time.

"Tayuya, don't dawdle, we have to go." Her mother called for the third time, tapping the steering wheel of her expensive car. I expected to see her brother and father as well, but it was only her mother who came to pick her up.

"I love you," the practised words slipped past my tongue with little coaxing. Tay smirked, turning the comment with predictable sarcasm.

"I know you do, I'm just so fucking lovable." I let her go after one last, quick, kiss. She picked up her bag that was leaning against her leg, shouldering it quickly. Soft brown eyes were sad as they looked at the car, towards the passenger seat door that was opened for their owner, and then back to me one last time.

"It's only for a couple days." I assured her as much as myself, she took a few steps towards the car before shouting over her shoulder.

"I love you too, stupid little fuck." Rolling my eyes, I gave her an exasperated sigh that was purely show, watching her shut the door of the car and drive off.

It's only for three days, I can handle three days. I know we haven't been apart even one night for... almost six months now but I can handle three days, everything will be alright.

I looked up at the already dark sky, feeling the winter window blow through my clothes as I stood outside the front of my home. Under the waking stars I shivered involuntarily that had nothing to do with the chill.

~o~

It didn't take long before the taxi Tay had called pulled up in front of the apartment building and I was on my way, silently hoping Temari would keep her cryptic promise.

The cab driver was nice enough, chatting the entire way with very few prompts from me. The lights outside flickered to life, lighting up the streets and buildings that seemed to loom as we passed. Ino's white boxes stayed where I put them on the seat beside me during the trip.

While resting my head against the chilly window, I closed my eyes in an attempt to release some of the stress from current and future events.

Before I knew it, the cab rolled to a stop and I was handing the fare to the driver, thanking him as he drove off. Leaving me in front of a well lit building, music streaming out whenever the front door would swing open.

I noticed Temari's car sitting in the parking lot, nestled happily amongst the rest of it's kind.

A pair of arms found their way around my neck for the second time today, "Saku!" Ino purred, nuzzling against my neck and almost sending the boxes flying. I turned to greet her, well turned as much I could with the hold she has me in, and noticed Temari standing beside her, a sour look on her face.

"Where's Tayuya?" She asked almost immediately, Ino blinked and looked up from her spot against my cheek, seeming to realize the absence of the redhead for the first time.

"She left for the weekend, to visit her Grandpa for Christmas." Neither of the blondes said anything, so I quickly added, "but she said to tell you Happy Birthday, and to give you her half of your present."

Temari snorted as a group of classmates seemed to spot Ino and make way for us. The hold around my neck was released as she skipped over to greet them, already showing every bit of the social butterfly that she is.

"Well, she doesn't seem all that surprised about the party..." I hinted, fixing a 'I'm very disappointed in you' look on Temari.

"She beat it out of me." Temari replied, reaching for one of the boxes. "We can put these in my car, so she can open them later." I looked back over at Ino, and seeing her immersed in her trade, reluctantly agreed.

"Can we call a truce, for tonight at least?" I asked, when she shut the backseat doors and locked them. "For Ino?" I prompted when she didn't answer.

"Fine, truce for tonight." Temari agreed, pushing past me, veering to head inside without another word to our Birthday girl who has her fingers to her lips, stifling a giggle.

While debating on where I should go, Ino spotted my indecision and trotted over, taking my hand and tugging me back to the group. Besides a few scowls in my direction, I was basically ignored as Ino continued to chat away about all of the current happenings in school.

Did you know Berny what's-his-face totally got a hand-job from one of the cheerleaders under the bleachers during the last football game of the season? I didn't before five minutes ago, and somehow I still don't care.

Emi arrived shortly after Ino and Temari, happily joining the crowd of gossiping hens.

"Hey!" She greeted, glancing at Ino's fingers still locked around mine. It took two or three glances before I finally caught on to what she was trying to say without drawing attention from the others. "Where's Tayuya? Did you two get into another fight?" Another fight? We've been in like, one maybe two, why is she making it sound like a common occurrence?

"She's visiting family," I replied, adding, "and she isn't nearly as mean as you seem to think. Have you ever even tried talking to her, while y'know, not pressing her buttons on purpose?"

"I've never done that!" Emi laughed nervously, looking around to make sure her image wasn't ruined with the gossip crowd so close by.

"Right, she just blew up for no apparent reason what so ever," lying snake. I rolled my eyes and looked to Ino, "I'm going to head inside, it's really cold out here," and I'm not talking about the weather.

"Okay, I'll go with you." Ino smiled and quickly excused herself, tugging me towards the door that already has a small line up.

"You could have finished talking, it is your Birthday after all, today all your wishes shall be granted." I teased, Ino gave me a sceptic look, pushing down a comment as we stepped into line and I realized Emi had followed us with the flock of hens.

"So, did you get anything good for your Birthday, yet?" I asked in an attempt to make small talk, sweat already starting to form on my palm. I need a way to let go without hurting her feelings, but for the life of me I can't think of any, I've never had any issues with people wanting to touch me before. On the other hand, all she's doing is holding my hand, that doesn't mean anything right?

I'm sure it doesn't, this is Ino we're talking about, she wouldn't do anything on purpose that would cause a problem. She's the one who pushed me when I was hesitating after all, she wanted me to get together with Tay. I'm sure she is just being friendly and is in a really good mood.

"Something like that," she replied cryptically. "I'll tell you later, I promise. What did you get me anyways?"

"It's kind of stupid..." I blushed, looking towards the wall and suddenly finding it fascinating, oh look a cluster of ancient looking gum. "Do you remember when we were kids, back in Suna, and you were staring in the window of one of the bakeries in the nicer district?"

"I think so..." Ino tilted her head, nodding as the memory came back to her. "I do! I wanted to try everything in the store, but they wouldn't even let us inside. So you promised one day you would buy me one of everything sweet and we'd eat them together."

"Because you have an incurable sweet tooth that doesn't seem to have a limit." I added, happy she remembered. My present would be incredibly lame otherwise not that it wasn't already, I suck at presents. "Well, I'm a few years late, but... Happy Birthday?" I asked, still uncertain it would be received well.

"You are such an adorable dork," Ino laughed, fixing me with a happy smile. "I love it, well... I'll love it when I get it, but thank you. You are going to eat them with me, aren't you?"

"Of course, that was the deal, wasn't it?"

We were let in a few moments later, the club already packed with students from our high school. Either Emi went around and told everyone personally, rumours really do spread at a freaky rate, or everyone just really likes Ino.

"Hey, Ino!" Called yet another teen, the music pulsed, making the floor vibrate under out feet. The walls are black, or appear black, with lights littering the ceiling at steady intervals; turned to dim with florescent changing the colour of the room. The song transitioned in the next room and the beat changed, running up my legs and hips straight into my core.

"Naruto, I wasn't expecting to see you here." Ino smiled, a lock of hair coming loose and touching down against her cheek.

"Sakura invited me!" The energetic blonde beamed, scratching the back of his head with the same goofy grin from earlier. Both of their voices raised to be heard over the dull roar of the music. Ino glanced at me and I shrugged, leaving the two to catch up. I journeyed to the far side of the club, heading for the door that music was pulsing through, passing the bar that was stocked with non-alcoholic drinks for the younger crowd.

Somewhere they must be selling glow-sticks and necklaces as well, the colours swirled around as people laughed and sang along, dragging rainbows through the darkness.

Shouldering around a couple that were making out right in front of the doorway, I looked around, already missing Tay and her never ending presence. I guess I hadn't realized it, but she has always been around. I haven't had to deal with being alone for a long time.

I spotted Temari in the crowd, her fingers tucked under the waist band of a shorter brunette's jeans. The brunette seems in a trance, fixated as Temari slid her hands around to pull her closer and grip her ass at the same time.

As they started to grind, Temari pressed her lips to the girls, ignoring the push and pull of the wave that surrounded them, moving to their own beat.

How can she just... do that? Just go and find someone, and allow herself to be that physical after what she told me? I just don't understand, shouldn't she be repulsed by the idea? Did she lie to me?

"Saku!" My hand was taken hold of once more as I was dragged onto the dance floor, "dance with me." Ino cooed, already spinning in front of me. I groaned, but the soft sound was lost in the heavy pounding of the music.

-Ino-

I forced a smile, feeling a seething hatred for Temari and forcing myself to focus on the girl in front of me. Saku barely moved, giving in to the slight pull I put on her arm as we moved out into the crowd. I dropped her hand, swinging my hips as I went, losing myself in the flow and beat.

I hate her.

Saku looked at me, and around us, as if searching for some sort of instruction. I smiled and took her hands, linking my fingers above both palms as I let her feel the flow of movement as it ran through me into her. Reluctantly at first, she started to move, feeling the pulse as it surged around and through us.

Why do I hate her?

A trickle of sweat ran down the back of my neck, sending a shock wave sensation down my spine. I ran my hands up the back of my neck, pinching the ponytail that was holding my white-blonde locks in place and ripped it loose. Saku looked past me, to someone else, like she is trying to forget who she is dancing with, and tonight that will simply not do.

Why does it feel like I've been slapped?

Without hesitation, I placed my hand on Saku's hips and pulled her closer.

"Relax," I whispered, trying to catch her eyes as she nodded, awkwardly holding her hands away from me. Letting my fingers linger against her thigh, she seemed to move away before I pulled her back, insisting on the touch. Saku's movements became more controlled, subtle, carefully calculated so she didn't touch me anymore than she had to; her eyes carefully trained away from mine.

I let out a soft growl of frustration, brushing my hand up to her waist as the song shifted to a faster beat and I changed pace accordingly.

She seemed to flinch, mumbling something that was lost in the mind numbing volume, right before I felt a pair of hands on my hips. In the second I looked back to see who had grabbed me, Saku disappeared, piercing the crowd and vanishing from site.

The heat in the room is stifling, a layer of sweat already forming on my arms and chest, dripping down from my chin to pierce the crevice between my breasts. I was about to push the hands away and chase after Saku when I heard the rasp of breathing by my ear, and felt the sudden wave of heat from my new partner; cooler than the air in the room, on my neck.

"You were trying to seduce her, weren't you?" Temari asked, her hands dipping under my shirt, once I stopped trying to get away, to press sweaty palms against my skin. The contact sent a shiver of electricity as it crawled over my skin and my up body.

I want desperately to push her away, but I find myself letting her pull me in, letting her grind against me. Revelling in the feeling of her breasts pressing against my back, and my ass rubbing against her hips and thighs as she moves.

'Don't let her drag you in,' Tayuya's advice seemed to force it's way into the forefront of my thoughts. Why are you always interfering in my life, you aren't even here!

"Leave me alone," I replied, turning so my cheek pressed against her nose, eyes fluttering to a close. The music seemed to roll over the pair of us, following Temari's directions instead of the other way around. Every time the floor and air pulsed, Temari's hips seemed to roll against mine, lighting my core on fire, my body throbbing and yearning for her touch.

My shirt started to stick against my skin and my jeans became almost too tight to bare.

In response to my demand, Temari grazed her lips against my skin, letting her teeth leave me with tingles. "Why?" She asked, hands sliding lower, rubbing just under my belt-line before thinking better of it; changing direction to rub down my jeans instead, still holding my body firmly against hers. "If you want her, I can show you how to win her over, just like I'm doing to you now," Temari seemed to purr, chest vibrating and her hand dipped into the inside of my thighs.

I gasped, opening my jaw on reflex, feeling the smile without having to see it on her. I clenched my eyes shut, feeling my grip on the lifeline of protest I was clutching to so desperately, begin to slip away. The oil Temari was spreading onto my palms slowly working my grip loose as I lost myself in an angry sea that swirled and roared.

"Just like the girl from a few minutes ago?" I asked, placing my hands on her forearms. She ran her second hand up the front of my shirt, the fabric hitching and wrinkling under her rough treatment. With a surge of movement, the music pulsed, and her hand gripped my breast; squeezing so I let out a moan that was lost in the thrum.

"You are nothing like her," Temari cut of her words with a sharp edge, teeth nipping at the rim of my ear. My core flared to greater heights as her hand dipped between my legs, rubbing through my jeans. My mind froze and I let her take over, running my arms up so they went behind my head and around her neck, arching my back into her touch so she had to work to stay pressed against me.

"Turn around," she commanded and I obeyed, lost in the trance she had on me. Feeling the pain of a craving and seeing the source of my addiction at my fingertips, the only catch was playing along. Sweat glistened on Temari's skin as she watched me under half-lidded, blue eyes.

Her hands ran around my body as I turned, gripping my hips in very much the same way I had seen the brunette being handled from earlier. The swirl of the glow-stick necklaces seemed to dance in the air behind her, sending flashes of colour in the corner of my field of vision. Temari tilted her chin up, her lips slightly parted as we moved together, letting herself linger a hair's breath from mine. I could feel the pull of her, like the gravitational pull of the moon to the earth. She moved and I followed, caught in the dreamlike state she held me in, yearning for the feel of her lips on mine. Craving it more than anything else in the world.

"Kiss me," she commanded. I had a moment where I resisted her, refused with every fibre of my being before I gave in to the desire.

Like a fever, the second my lips connected with hers, I lost control and it seemed to spread all throughout my body. Her nails dug into my back, leaving scratch marks, my hands gripping her cheek and neck, pulling her against me as much she was I.

Her teeth grated against mine as her tongue battered mine for dominance, a string of saliva dripping down to run over my chin. She pressed in with a widemouthed kiss, engulfing me fully before I was suddenly pulled away.

Letting out a moan of despair, I almost lunged back towards her when I realized that there was someone between Temari and I. Emi grabbed my arm while I was still in a daze, fixed on Temari's look of annoyance and pain. The sandy blonde turned her back, re-immersing herself with the crowd as easily as she had left it.

I watched her go with a yearning to push Emi off and chase after her, to finish what we had started, the pull stronger than anything I had ever felt before. I want her, I want the whispering aftermath of her hands to become the real thing once more, the sting as her nails raked my skin. I want the heat back, the pulse of her heart and the beat of her body.

"Ino!" Emi snapped, and I glared at her, feeling a cold breeze against my back. I realized Emi had dragged me out of the room filled with music, to it's sister that hummed with a dull pounding. "What the f-u-c-k do you think you are doing? That was Temari!" She spat out the last word, disgusted that it would even have a presence on her tongue.

Saku appeared in the corner of my vision, chatting with Tenten against the bar with a less than enthused barkeep behind them.

"Ino!" Emi insisted again, working to keep my attention on her.

"I know who it was!" The volume of my voice rose so the pair beside us looked over, a look on their faces that said who is that crazy blonde?

"I know you haven't been here long, so I won't fault you for not knowing who she is." Emi crossed her arms, smiling and waving a hello to another pair of students from our school, before returning to her stern disposition. "But Temari is not someone you want to become chummy with! She's really mean, and a...a whore!" Emi lowered her voice to a whisper and I had to strain to hear her.

"She is not a whore!" On reflex I jumped to Temari's defence, subconsciously berating myself for letting Emi and her rumour mill have any merit on my thoughts again. Haven't I learned by now not to listen to her? Everything that has come out of her mouth has been poison, she almost indirectly ruined Kiba and Hinata. She hurt Saku and Tay, and so many other people.

"Really? So she knew the brunette she was all over before practically raping you? Or how about the person she is probably with right now?" I flinched as Emi continued along with her tirade. "And I'm guessing you know she has slept with-"

"Enough, Emi! I get it, you don't like her! You don't like anyone! It doesn't matter who it is, you always find fault in them!" Emi's mouth dropped open, shocked. "Since I've known you, I can't think of a single time we've talked, that you haven't trashed or picked out one detail that was negative about someone!

"Like right now! You have picked out every possible detail you can think of that is bad about Temari, but don't have a clue about who she really is!" Emi floundered like a fish out of water, opening and closing her mouth as the music picked up tempo, causing the hairs on my arms to stand up.

"And you do? Ino, you've only known her for like what, a week?"

"Time has nothing to do with how well you know someone!" I shot right back, shocked by the reality of my own words.

"I just don't want to see you hurt, Ino." Emi seemed to deflate, playing the kicked puppy role. "I'm sorry, here, this is for you." She fished out a card and a small wrapped box from a pocket. "Happy Birthday." With a small smile, Emi left to immerse herself back into the circle she was previously inhabiting.

I looked at the handmade card and the box curiously, using my index finger to open the folds of paper.

'To my best friend, Happy Birthday! From, Emi.' I can't really be her best friend, can I? Guilt flooded in faster than I could patch up the holes to stop the flow. Running my fingers over the wax that the crayons had left on the paper, drawn into flowers and a pair of smiley-faces, I opened the box.

Inside was a small silver chain bracelet with a dancing ballerina charm attached. I studied it in the dim light, the glow from the surrounding colours danced off the metal chain, making it dance through the rainbow.

I'm going to have to apologize, aren't I?

Attaching the bracelet to my wrist, and double checking it was locked in place, I ventured back out onto the dance floor to dance alone to the music.

-Sakura-

I stepped out of the town car that had been waiting for me outside of the club, thanking the driver and making a mental note to thank Tay as well. Not only had she known I wouldn't want to walk home at night, she had asked the driver to take me by the hospital to see Anko. The driver had waited outside, without even setting a time limit then had taken me home.

After quickly scaling the stairs, I unlocked the door and double checked to make sure it was locked behind me. I sighed, shrugging off my jacket and shoes, dropping my pants and shirt in the hallway during my journey to my bedroom. Falling back against the sheets, I checked my messages, praying I would hear from Tay soon.

It didn't occur to me until a few hours ago that she was travelling by plane, I know it's an irrational fear because of the odds of her getting into a plane crash are next to none. But if I lost her, like I did Iruka, I don't know what I would do.

I shivered in the cold of my apartment, distinctly aware of how alone I was. My fingers ran over the spot where Tay normally lies, her hair hanging down over her face or dipping into her mouth without a care in the world. Arms curled up protectively in front of her chest and legs linked together. I traced the rise and fall of the fabric, feeling the chill of absence and let out another sigh, rubbing my hands over my face.

Suddenly my phone buzzed and desperately I flipped it open to see if it was from my rowdy redhead. I frowned when it was from Ino, skimming over the contents of the message before quickly replying and slamming my phone shut.

I didn't sleep that night, staring at the ceiling as I waited for word of my loves safety.

-Ino-

I woke up the next morning and stared at the ceiling, looking over the folds of my light purple sheets as they wrapped around my body. My wrist hung limp over the edge of my bed, Emi's bracelet still attached. A pile of gifts and cards loomed at me from their dumped on perch of my dresser.

"Okay, I can't put it off any longer." I took in a deep breath before releasing it through my nose and clapping my hands together above my chest. Curling up, I rolled off the edge of my bed and swung my legs over.

After stretching in the living room and taking twice as long in the shower than I usually do, I prepped an easy breakfast and left my apartment.

My destination was easy enough to find and soon enough I was kicking the snow off my boots as I stomped into a local coffee shop. I looked around, searching for my target and grinning when I located him.

"Deidara!" I chimed, throwing my arms open for a hug as he rose from his booth.

He wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me off my feet, crushing me in a bear hug that surprised me for the string bean. "Ino! You look good." He released me and pushed me back to arms length, looking my appearance over from head to toe.

"You do too! Have you been working out?" I teased, already knowing the answer.

"Well, I did do half a sit up when I was trying to get out of bed yesterday." I laughed and sat down across from him, turning my attention briefly to the waitress to order a cup of sugary-goodness when she came to greet me.

"I'm sorry I couldn't get here any sooner, I had to stay late Friday and didn't end up getting on a flight until dark. Did you have a good Birthday? How is our little Sakura? School? Oh, and you have to tell me all about your meeting with that handsome lawyer of yours!" Deidara took a small sip of his steaming beverage, waiting for me to start spilling my guts as was my habit whenever talking to my old friend. Dei has long been my confidant, and oldest friend besides Saku, I guess I never realized how much I'd miss not having him a hop and a skip away.

"It's alright, my Birthday was good. Saku and the Harpie planned a surprise party of sorts. They invited the entire school to go dancing at a local teens club." I explained, thanking the waitress when she promptly returned with my cappuccino, lathered in whipped cream.

Deidara frowned in his worried parent way, "so I take it they are still together?"

"Saku and Tayuya?" I asked without really needing to, "were you really expecting different?" I shook my head at his pitying look, "I'm pretty sure Tayuya had her at Captain Crunch." Deidara chuckled, recalling the story I had told him.

"I must try that sometime," he paused before swiftly changing subjects. "How has school been? Are you keeping your grades up?"

"Ever the teacher..." I smiled and stuck out my tongue at him before lapping off the top part of the whipped cream. Deidara watched with a perverted grin.

"Now if only you were a handsome young man like our friend Choji doing that in front of me right now." I choked on my drink and coughed, swallowing and wiping my lips on the napkin to my right.

"How is Choji?" I asked, feeling guilty for not calling him as much as I probably should.

"Why do you assume I would know?" Deidara asked in his mock innocence.

"Because you practically stalk him?"

Deidara considered rebutting my accusation but decided it was futile, "he is doing well, working out a lot and letting his grades slip a little, but that is the price we pay for beauty. But back to the topic on hand! You didn't answer my questions!"

"School is fine... it's just school and the meeting went well yesterday, I think so anyways."

"What do you mean you think so?" The taller male sitting across from me asked, happily stirring his coffee until it cooled, absently adding a few sugar cubes. I never understood the purpose of ordering bitter coffee then adding more sugar to it than what is in my drink. At least I'm honest about my preference.

"Well, the other lawyer kinda of stuck her finger in every negative thing about me she could find. Including your claim for guardianship... but the judge seemed to pick points from both sides." I replied, taking a drink from the delightfully sweet drink that warmed my hands through the porcelain exterior.

"You have an annoying way of beating around the bush." Deidara pointed out, leaning back against the cushiony booth seats.

I sighed and tried to clarify, still feeling awkward about the entire situation. It feels surreal, like if I look too closely at it, it will all shatter and leave me with a broken mirror and bad luck. "I was granted a portion of my inheritance, or access to it as well as a mandatory meeting with the board members of my fathers company to discuss what to do with my shares."

"Congratulations!" Deidara smiled genuinely, "I was worried that old bitch would give you a hard time but I guess Sarutobi was able to keep her at bay. I am sorry I wasn't able to be there for it, it's not something you should have had to do alone." He pouted and stopped stirring, sucking his spoon clean and setting it down on his napkin.

"I wasn't alone," I replied reluctantly, a blush creeping onto my cheeks. Deidara raised a blonde brow, studying my expression as he sipped at his coffee.

"Did young Haruno accompany you?" He concluded from my bashful expression.

"No... I actually haven't told her yet. I'm suppose to meet up with her later at some point, she's really lonely because Tayuya is out of town. I swear she woke me up a dozen times last night with text messages whining about being alone." I turned off my phone after the fourth time, leaving Saku to deal with it herself. Mean or not I do not want to hear about how much she misses Tayuya at four in the morning, you should be asleep and it shouldn't matter that she isn't there for one night.

"So let me get this straight, your mistress of temptation was alone, and telling you how lonely she was on the one night of the year you get a Birthday wish, and you didn't take advantage of it? Not to mention your only cock block was out of town."

"Dei!" I hissed, looking at the elderly couple sitting behind me in the neighbouring booth and silently praying that hadn't heard any of that. "I would never do that, don't be ridiculous." He studied me briefly, seeming to think of something.

"Is there someone else that has captured the heart of our young maiden, Ino, perhaps?" He asked, a coy grin turning up the corners of his thin lips.

"N-no, why in the world would you think that?" I blushed and shook my head, banishing the thoughts of Temari that sprung up. I'm still mad at her, even though I don't know why I'm mad at her, or if I even have the right to be mad at her. On second thought, who cares if I have the right! I huffed and glared at the table.

"There is someone, and judging by your grip on that cup you aren't too pleased with that someone right now." He took the unused napkin sitting under the one his spoon was still resting on, shaking it open as his fingers began to work.

"So what did she do? Forget your Birthday? Flirt with someone? Sleep with someone? Suggest a threesome after an inappropriately short amount of time of seeing each other?" Deidara rambled off, my mouth opened and closed, at a loss as I tried to sort through thoughts that refused to stay in any semblance of an order.

"What?" I asked dumbly.

"Well, apparently if you suggest a threesome as a possible option after only a couple dates, some people take it the wrong way. I don't see why, I never said we had to, it was just a suggestion." Deidara replied, folding down a wing before setting down an origami swan in the centre of the table, reaching for another napkin from the pile at the far end of the table.

"That's not what I was asking! And by the way, way too much info about how your date with Itachi went." Deidara shrugged, chuckling to himself as he shook the next napkin open, glancing up at the waitress who stopped by to see if he needed a refill which he accepted politely.

"Then what were you asking, Ino, dear?" I blinked, what was I asking again? "I was simply stating the fact that you became bashful and blushed like a virgin bride on her wedding night when the topic of your company came up. And then became pissy like women do when they think about someone they currently have a vendetta against, all without me," he set down the completed giraffe beside the swan. "Saying a single word to coax any reaction from you."

"I did not become pissy." I quoted him, reluctantly using the distasteful word.

"Honey, if that cup were a mans penis and you squeezed it that hard, it would either blow or pop clean in two."

"Thank you so much for the imagery." I took a long drink from my now cool beverage, trying to remove the picture he had painted in my mind.

"You're welcome, now why don't you tell Dei all about what that dirty skank did to upset you?" He frowned, shaking loose a failed origami creature to add to his growing zoo before starting over.

I scratched my nails against the scrubbed tabletop, frustration building, as the cork struggled to stay in place before I would burst.

"She isn't a skank," or a whore. Deidara smiled and looked up from his current project, an 'I knew it, and I win' twinkle in his eyes. "Shut up."

"So we've established you have a thing for this girl, and that you will defend her while being mad at her. So may I ask why I haven't heard of this one before?" He asked.

"Because I don't have a thing for her! There's nothing going on, we're just friends with a common goal and we hang out sometimes." I managed to keep most of the snippetty edge out of my voice, but failed in screening it fully.

"I don't know why you must insist on pretending you don't have a massive hard-on for this girl, but I will play along, for now." He set down a dog beside the giraffe and signalled the waitress, politely asking for more napkins and feigning ignorance on where his seemed to have disappeared to.

She giggled, flipping brown locks and rushed off to get him more, complimenting his displayed artwork.

"So, why are you mad at her?"

"I liked it better when I could hang up on you." I grumbled, taking a deep gulp of my cappuccino. Deidara smiled, turning to the waitress who had returned with his napkins, setting down a generous stack. I looked out the front window, leaning against the palm of my open hand, elbow resting on the scrubbed wooden top. Deidara remained silent as I watched the passerby's, following the journey of a toddler as he clutched at his mothers gloved hand. He pointed at a store across the road, mute to my ears, but amiably to those near him.

Curly brown locks stuck out from under his hat, pouting silently when his mother shook her head no.

"What do you think would have happened if your petition to adopt me had gone through?" I asked, trying to change subject.

"Well," he set down a lion and leaned back to study his work, scratching at the non-existent stubble on his chin. "If I were your father, I'd be locking you in your room with this girl you won't talk about until you got laid. Seriously Ino, stop changing the subject, dear. It will be so much less painful if you just tell me."

"Worst parent ever," I muttered, earning a cheeky grin.

"Well, it's not like you could get pregnant, and I'd supply everything you would need, like whipped cream. So it's all in good fun."

My face turned ten shades of red, and I was thankful when the elderly couple behind me paid their bill and left. Letting out a deep sigh, I gave in reluctantly, "I love Saku." The statement seemed less solid than I had a week ago, leaving a hollow ring to it that puzzled me. Deidara set down the critter he was working on, giving me his full attention. My eyes ran over the wood of the table, following the grain. "I've always loved Saku."

I sighed, staying silent for a long time, chewing on my lip. "I don't know what to think about Temari. I mean, I hate her," I scowled thinking of the brunette and her last night. Temari's hands wandering her body as they made out in the middle of the dance floor. "But, I... I don't know."

"You know there's a thin line between love and hate, that's why angry sex is so amazing." My male counterpart grinned, satisfied with my reaction.

"Dei!" I hissed, "you are not helping!"

He sighed, "the day you lose your virginity and stop being such a prude will be the happiest day of my life. Until then, I'm going to continue to fill your mind with the images of you ravaging this girl until you can't stand it any longer and call her."

"Well, that's never going to happen." I scowled and finished my drink, a thick chocolate sludge sliding out of the bottom of the cup.

"Never say never, dear. I thought Itachi would never play any dress up games with me but-"

"Dei!" I looked at the couple that walked past us, trying to ignore the curious looks we were receiving from all the nearby tables.

"Oh for goodness sake, fine! Why will it never happen? Are you planning on becoming a nun now?" He pouted, crossing his arms and sitting back with a put out expression on his pearl white skin. "You would make a good nun, be the nun that all other nuns model themselves after!"

I am not that bad! I felt my eyebrow twitch, looking up at the waitress suddenly when she reappeared and ordered another sugary drink. She complimented Deidara's zoo and adopted the giraffe, before leaving to fill my order.

"It will never happen because she is in love with Tayuya-" I began to explain when Deidara cut me off to confirm his suspicions.

"Sakura's, Tayuya?"

"Yes, that Tayuya." Deidara smiled and rubbed his non-existent stubble once more.

"I would like to meet her, sounds like she knows her way around the ladies. Maybe you should take lessons or something." I twitched again, I swear one day I'm going to snap and kill that stupid Harpie.

"Anyways," I said louder than originally intended as the waitress returned with my caramel frapuccino. "Temari is love with Tayuya."

"And Temari is the girl that made you go hulk on your cup, correct?" He interrupted again.

"Yes." I waited to see if he was going to say anything more, resisting the urge to hit him when he made a 'get on with it' motion with his hand. "Anyways, she isn't interested in me... like that.

"We've fooled around, a couple of times." My skin started to burn and Deidara gave me a 'you dirty dog' look, the pride practically oozing out of him. "But we never really went... far? She stopped it. Which apparently is unusual for her, according to Tayuya anyways." Or if you are some random girl on the dance floor.

"So, you like this girl, you've... seen her naked?" He enquired.

"Dei!" I hissed, desperately trying to keep my mind away from last night, or the night of the snowstorm.

"Fine, you haven't seen her naked?" I glowered at his need to still leave that as a question. "But you have kissed her?" He watched me again for a reaction and decided he had confirmation. "And now you don't know how you feel about this girl? And because she is in love with Tayuya and didn't push any further you are thinking she doesn't think anything of you?"

"That and her... rules to live by for life." Deidara raised a curious eyebrow and set down another odd looking bird on the table. "She's uh, friendly."

"So she gets around?" He asked, censoring the word he would otherwise likely use. I nodded solemnly. "Let me guess, she was getting friendly with someone last night, which is why you are mad at her."

"You are way too good at this." I replied, taking my first drink of my new beverage. The onslaught of sweet made my toes curl and the hairs on my arms stand up, wow they loaded that up.

"Hun, I am the principal of a high school, my life is a non-stop drama." I smiled, it's so good to have Deidara back. "So, what are you going to do? Whether you like it or not, or will admit it or not, you like this girl. So, you can either do nothing, and break a cup every time she 'dances' with someone else." He grinned, leaning over the table so he was whispering.

"Or, you can pin her to a bed and make her yours."

-Tayuya-

"Oh," my mother jumped, pulling her robe closed tighter around her chest as she walked through the suite like hotel room we were staying at. She looked at the clock on the wall, double checking the time. "You do know it's before noon, right?" I clenched and unclenched my fist, flexing the taut muscles in my arms.

Glowering darkly at the table top, I turned my glare to my mother, dark bags under my eyes giving my face a deathly look.

"I'm aware." I replied with an even edge to the words, slowly turning back to the table.

With a darting look, she quickly strode past me to the coffee that was already prepared by the sink. She poured a cup and pulled out a seat beside me, the sound of the chair running over the tiled floor grating in my ears. I felt my eye twitch as I turned an annoyed look in her direction.

Silently, she sipped away, pushing a strand of red hair behind her ear as she skimmed the paperwork in her hands.

"Don't slouch dear, you will form a hunchback." I let my face hit the tabletop, this is going to be a long weekend.

-Ino-

I giggled when Deidara slid out of the dressing room in leather pants and a flamboyant shirt, "how do I look?" He asked, pulling off the top hat he had selected to top off the get up.

"Absolutely ridiculous." I replied truthfully, clapping my hands together from my spot on the bench in front of the changing rooms. Deidara grinned, taking a bow as he ducked back behind the curtain to change back.

We left the store after Deidara purchased the leather pants, insisting they looked better on him than what I was saying. Afterwards, we stopped by an the food court and picked out giant pretzels and continued our shopping trip. Going by a few more clothes stores, shoe stores, random gadgets stores and so on, I picked out Saku's and Tayuya's Christmas present.

I debated on a few items at an art store for Temari, but decided against it for now and picked out something for Emi. It's odd to not have to worry about having enough for food for the week, or being able to afford all of the small things I need. The few times I flipped over a price tag and looked disdainfully at them, Deidara laughed finding the entire situation all too amusing.

With arms full of bags, we passed by a pet store and Deidara grabbed my hand tugging me inside. I almost dropped the bags I was holding and swung my hips around a cage full of puppies that he almost ran me into.

"You know, I've always wanted a parrot." He said, marvelling at the colourful display of birds. I smiled when he seemed to take a liking to the bright green one that shook it's head and stretched it's wings out. "Smart animals."

We spent a while more with the parrots before moving on to the smaller birds, browsing the back wall that was lined entirely with fish tanks. The store seemed to carry everything imaginable, snakes, puppies, fish, turtles, spiders, geckos, lizards, frogs, rabbits and so on.

On our way out, we passed a clutter of cages full of kittens and I jumped suddenly when a claw latched itself into my pant leg. I looked down and saw a small white kitten swatting at my leg which was now out of reach, flopping down onto his side in an attempt to fit his shoulder through the bars as well.

"You little brat," I laughed as a store attendant jogged over, already apologizing, wearing a black t-shirt with 'Pet's First' written in bold red.

"I'm so sorry, he didn't get you, did he?" She bent down to gently rub the kittens paw who latched onto her finger, now thrusting his second arm through the bars as well, tiny tail erect and wagging in the air. "This one is more trouble than he's worth, aren't you?" She cooed affectionately, ignoring the tiny pin point claws that were attempting to drag her finger back to his mouth.

"I think he's cute," I smiled, kneeling down to rub his nose through the bars when he snapped his jaws shut over my digit. "Hey! Be nice!" He started to gnaw on my finger, before changing tactics and running his sand-papery tongue over it instead. "There you go."

"I think he likes you," the sales woman said, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear, her long locks running down her back with two ties holding it in place. "Would you like to hold him?"

"I don't know..." I eyed him suspiciously as he turned his little ears towards me, as if he knew what we were talking about.

"He's a real cuddler, here take a step back." Before I knew it, she was unlocking the lid on the cage and reaching inside to grab the infant feline, earning a mew. His tiny paws flexed and his legs went out straight, searching for something to latch onto. "Just mind his claws." She said, handing him to me before I could say anything more.

I stiffened, and gingerly accepted the tiny creature, afraid to crush him. His claws gripped at my shirt, pulling himself up until I felt the softest fur imaginable brush under my jaw followed by a happy purr.

"You look terrified," Deidara laughed, watching the entire exchange with a bit too much amusement. I spat out my tongue at him and ran my fingers over the kitten, petting him and eliciting another purr.

"I've never held a cat before." I admitted, sheepishly. The sales clerk raised a plucked eyebrow at me, smiling with glossy lips.

"I never would have guessed, he seems to really like you." Beaming, I pulled the kitten away from my neck and held him in front of me, earning a playing swat at my nose. The snow white kitten with a tiny grey spot squished onto his nose mewed, legs dangling down with my thumbs under his front legs.

I smiled at him and he swatted for my nose, missing miserably and getting my mouth.

"Ino?" Deidara asked, I tore my eyes reluctantly away from the ball of fluff to look at him.

"Yes?" I asked, missing what had been said.

"Will you be paying for your new friend with cash or credit?" Deidara grinned and I looked back at the tiny kitten as he kicked at me and let out a plaintive mew, feeling my heart melt.

"I don't know the first thing about owning a cat, Dei." I argued, setting the kitten back against my chest where he seemed all too happy, rubbing against my forearm while balancing on the other.

"Well, if you like, I could help you." The pet store clerk offered, her fingers linked behind her back. "I am actually trying to become an animal trainer, and I wouldn't mind helping you kitten proof your home and set up everything he would need." She smiled, soft grey brown eyes twinkling and I sighed.

"Credit."

~o~

An hour later I sat in a cab with a mewing box in my arms, a bag of cat food, a new litter box and litter, as well as a half dozen kitten toys, topping off my cargo with random Christmas presents on my way home.

-Sakura-

I snapped my pencil and pounded on the apartment walls, yelling through the wall for my neighbours to kindly shut the fuck up. The container from my freezer dinner teetered precariously at the end of my desk, random papers and textbooks strewn lazily about the room. My chin is starting to lose feeling as I stare at my bedroom wall, fingers stuck in my hair.

I am so bored without Tay, I can't seem to make anything that even looks or tastes like food. During my brief bout of confidence, I burnt an entire loaf of bread and still didn't manage in making one edible piece of toast. I even failed at making a T.V dinner that Tay left simplified directions too, that microwave she bought is a lot more complicated than I originally thought.

In the brief span of a few months, I've become so dependant on the presence of my cocky redhead that I can't seem to make it through one day. I groaned and slammed my forehead down onto the desk, wishing I could fall asleep.

Every time I closed my eyes I'd wake up again with a start, heart pounding a mile a minute.

"Come home, Tay."

-Tayuya-

I sneezed, the action catching me by surprise.

"Someone must be talking about you," Gaara smiled and I punched him in the arm. He frowned and rubbed the spot. What a wimp, I didn't even hit him that fuckin' hard, I need to toughen him up.

"Ahh, y'know probably just someone talkin' about what a goddess I am in bed." I grinned triumphantly when my little brother blushed ten shades of red. Even if he is some sort of genius or whatever, there are still a few fields I can kick his ass in. Namely boobs and what to do with your tongue when given the opportunity to use it for something awesome. I also have a plus five to badassery that he has yet to earn.

"More likely what an ape you are." Gaara straightened his tie, a simple black one, hanging over his dark purple dress shirt and black suit pants. I scowled, why do boys always get to wear pants and girls have to wear dresses? That is so not fucking fair! I mean, I can appreciate other girls wearing 'em but why do I have to? Old times people are perverts, I bet the only reason girls have to wear dresses is because you don't have to waste time taking one off before fun time.

I smoothed out the tight black dress my mother had presented me with, running my fingers through my hair to get rid of a few last tangles. I forgot to pack a hair brush, well Sakura forgot to pack a hair brush. She did insist on taking over after about ten seconds of watching me attempt to pack, so it's her fault.

Why am I wearing a dress like this to visit my Grandpa for Christmas anyways? Isn't this a bit... much? If I weren't related to the old guy, I'm pretty sure he would have a heart attack. But then again, it is my mother, maybe she's hoping for that so she can get more money from him. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest.

"Is that my granddaughter or a supermodel walking up my driveway?" My grandfather greeted, pushing open the front door, completely ignoring his frenzied live in nurse.

"Hey, Gramps!" I smirked when he ruffled Gaara's hair, fighting back tears when the repeat of Easter did not happen. "Let me look at you," he stepped back, motioning for me to spin around. I played muse to his wishes, turning around.

"You look more and more like your mother every time I see you." He wrapped his arms around me in a bear hug, releasing me to give the same treatment to Gaara.

He stood tall in his tailored suit, snow white hair combed and thick with a trimmed white beard clinging to his jawline. His skin is darker than last time I saw him, deep set bags under his eyes with smile lines littering his face. I've always wondered how this jolly old man could breed such a bitter hag for a daughter.

Turning to my mother, my grandfather opened his arms to her and received a reserved kiss on the cheek. Holding his hand out for my father who had taken a separate car with Gaara.

"I'm so happy you could all make it, come in, come in!" Limping slightly on his bad knee, he led us inside his home, insisting on holding the door as we stepped through.

Dinner went smoothly, considering, and desert followed suit. Quiet, polite conversation with who is doing what, and my mother lathering on compliments for all of Gaara's accomplishments. She went on for the majority of the meal about his courses and all of the good things his teachers were saying about him. Throughout the entire meal my father and I stayed mostly silent, like the two misplaced toys that no one really had any interest in.

It wasn't until afterwards, when my mother and father insisted on doing the dishes and shooed my Gramps to the living room, that I got a chance to talk to him.

I took a seat on the large, old couch beside him. Gaara curled up a couple seats away with a book he had selected from the library my Grandfather kept as his hobby in retirement.

"So tell me dear, what are you doing now? You were awfully quiet during dinner." He asked, leaning forward with an intentness that he rarely showed anymore. A few years ago it was the thing I loved most about him, the intensity with which he would listen to you. It didn't matter what it was, so long as it mattered to you, he would give his utmost to list to you. I remember having a three hour conversation with him about sesame street, telling him about all of the characters and at the end of it, he was able to repeat back everything I had told him.

"Well, I moved out." I began.

"Oh? Well that must be exciting! Just remember to keep up with all of your schoolwork, and don't bring too many boys home with you." I laughed nervously, no... not too many, that's for sure. He winked and relaxed back against the couch.

"Do you still play the piano?"

"Sometimes, not as much as I used to." I replied truthfully.

"Do you think you could amuse your old Grandfather and play a piece for me?" He asked, motioning to the old piano that I used to play on when I was first learning. The old instrument is decades old, older than I am easily. I smiled and nodded to him.

"Of course," I stood up and walked over to sit on the bench, folding the cover open as I set my fingers down on the keys and felt the cool, smooth surfaces vibrate happily under my touch. I pressed down the first key, feeling the thrum as it vibrated throughout the wooden frame. One by one the keys fell into place, stringing together in a line of notes that carried the music around the room.

I started playing a simple piece before moving on to one of my favourites, linking the two songs easily. As the notes began to run out I moved onto my Grandmothers favourite that she taught me before she died, and finished the concert for my audience off with a haunting note.

When I turned on the bench there were tears in my Grandpa's eyes and he beamed with pride.

"Oh, Cheryl. I'll never understand why you gave up your music." He whispered and I felt my heart break, realizing he was looking back into his memories instead of the present. Instead of seeing his Granddaughter, my Gramps was seeing my mother as a teenager.

I smiled, looking for something to say that wouldn't confuse him anymore than he already was.

"It just isn't for me, that's all." I whispered, trying to play the part as I looked away from him and the confusion behind his eyes shone.

"But you always do this, you give up what you love so easily! You love music, so why must you give it up? It is your gift, your passion. I do not understand!" He's wrong, my mother hates music, she resents my music. I frowned, trying to piece something together.

"I can't make a living off my music, there is no future for it." I mimicked my mothers words, the same ones she has told me time and time again when I insisted on playing my guitar. Before me, my Grandfather became visibly frustrated as he slammed a closed fist down onto his knee.

"That is because you give up too easily! Everything you do must have some sort of profit or you do not have the time for it!" Well, that's true enough, I guess she has always been a gold digger then, even as a teenager.

"Just promise me one thing, if you feel you must give up on your music to correct the mistake you think you have made, then at least give John a chance! Give love a chance! I know you are young, and you feel as if everything has fallen apart but we can get through his dear. I'm begging you, do not go through with what you intend to do!" Who? Maybe he's an old boyfriend of my mothers.

"Huh?" I let the question out before I could stop myself, silently berating myself for being so stupid. It's none of my business!

"At least tell him the child is his!" He continued on, "do not be a fool, Cheryl!" My mind froze and I stared at the intent old man when his nurse came in, taking his hand and fighting against his protests.

"It's time for your medicine, Sir." She tried to soothe him, but I was already lost in the puzzle that was slowly piecing itself together in my mind. I unfolded the fingers on my hand one at a time, doing the math in my mind. How old is my mother, how old are Gaara and I?

You have got to be fucking kidding me.

-Ino-

Deidara sat down on the only couch in my apartment, looking around curiously. Still afraid I will somehow crush the tiny creature that's scratching at the inside of the cardboard box, I opened the top flaps. Miniature paws pushed out at the first sign of light.

"Hello there again little prince," he mewed in response and tried to pull himself out, back feet running against the wall of the box trying to get a grip. I picked him up and his entire frame froze, ears swivelling and eyes trying to figure out where he was. His nose twitched followed by a soft sneeze.

"Before I forget, or you forget I'm even here anymore," Deidara reached into his coat pocket hanging over the arm rest on the couch. "Happy Birthday."

I took the envelope he was pushing towards me, opening the unsealed top as my new found friend squirmed against my hold. I set him down absently, barely registering as he started to play with the carpet.

"You didn't have to get me anymore, you already flew out here, that was enough." I smiled at him and he swatted away my comments.

"Poppycock, just open it. It's sort of a joint Birthday slash Christmas gift anyways." Letting curiosity take over my better judgement, I finished opening the envelope and fished my fingers inside.

"Tickets?" I questioned, opening them up to read what they were for when Deidara only smiled, unwilling to give anything more away. "These are tickets to my recital, but that's not until next week?"

"That's why I said it's a joint present dear, I left Kisame in charge, I'm going to stay here until after Christmas." Gaping at him was all I could manage, looking down at the tickets in my hand and back up at my smiling friend. "You're still missing a couple important details though."

"I am?" What am I missing? I looked back into the envelope, empty. Changing tactics I looked back at the contents in my hand and realized that there were three tickets. "Why are there three tickets?" He knows Saku and everyone else have the school dance that night, which is why I haven't told them.

"Choji is flying down to visit for a few days and see your show as well." Deidara answered, opening his mouth to say something more before I threw my arms around his neck. He laughed, continuing on, "the second detail was that your cat just wandered into the bathroom and I don't think you'd like him to drown before your date gets here to kitten proof your apartment."

~o~

That afternoon I left for the appointment that was set up with the board members which ended up being my sitting in a room with Sarutobi and talking to them over a conference call. Long story short, it was a lot of listening to old men yell and very little of anything productive. The meeting ended with another scheduled date to further negotiations and Sarutobi dropping me off at my apartment once more.

Deidara had been asked to stay out of the meeting and was happily laughing at some sort of comedy on T.V when I got home. My kitten curled up on his lap, obviously exhausted.

"Welcome back dear, are you almost ready for your date?" He asked as I shrugged off my jacket. I rolled my eyes at him and accidentally kicked the food bowl that had been nudged out of the kitchen and into the hallway.

"It's not a date," I insisted for the fifth or sixth time. Deidara laughed and pet the rising and falling ball of fluff on his lap, turning off the T.V as I turned the corner into the kitchen.

"I'm sorry, what would you call it when a pretty young lady invites herself into your home at night, when it will just be just the two of you and she was flirting with you in the pet store? She practically tattooed her number onto your arm for fear of your losing it." He insisted, scratching tenderly behind the kitten's ear as I grabbed an orange and returned to flop down on the couch beside him.

"She was just offering to help me with him since I said I didn't know anything about cats. Why does everything have to have an alterior motive?" I asked, taking the sleepy kitty off his lap and setting him down on mine; scratching under his chin as he let out a wide mouthed yawn and blinked awake, suddenly interested in the orange.

"You didn't see her checking out your ass every time you turned your back," he shrugged and the doorbell rang. "That must be her now, don't worry I will make myself scarce, just remember to hang something on the doorknob of your room if she decides to stay the night. Or even on the outside door of your apartment, I'd hate to limit you two to one room."

"Dei!" I laughed, slightly disturbed that I was getting used to his jokes. He winked in reply and stood to grab his jacket and slip on his shoes, opening the door with a surprised look on his face.

"Who are you?" That sounds exactly like... I leaned forward in my attempt to see past Deidara but only succeeded and earning a surprised squeak from my kitty still attempting to keep his spot on my lap.

"I am young Ino's secret lover, who are you?" He asked, sounding completely serious.

"Her fuck buddy, is she home? I wanted to give her, her Birthday present." Well at least they are having a grand time at my expense, I could hear the smile in her voice and the instant approval in Deidara's expression.

"So you must be Temari, yes she's home and I was just on my way out. Remember Ino, sock." He pointed to the doorknob and with a last wave good bye, with a wink for good luck, he disappeared from site. A moment later Temari stepped inside after hesitating on the throng of my apartment, holding Saku's white box.

Acting very out of character, she glanced at me but didn't seem to have the ability to meet my greeting and even seemed to have trouble decided whether or not to take off her shoes. I set the sleeping kitten onto the cushion beside me and he rolled onto his back with a small smile. I wonder if that's normal for a kitten, I hope I didn't kill it already.

"Hey," I greeted taking the box when she offered it to me and set it down inside the kitchen. "Sorry I didn't get that from you last night, I couldn't find you after..." A furious blush took over my cheeks and I cleared my throat.

"Right, look I made you something. It's nothing special but I've been doing a lot of thinking and it helped me sort out some stuff and I was just hoping..." Temari started to stammer and I blinked, is she nervous? I don't think I've ever seen Temari nervous before, it's actually kind of adorable. Rubbing her forefinger and thumb together, she retracted her hand into the sleeve of her jacket and scrunched up her nose.

"I was just hoping..."

"Yes?" I prompted, feeling my heart start to pound a little faster. Her eyes flickered from my face back away, as she reached into her pocket and I strained to see something white in her fingers.

We both jumped when someone started to knock on the door right behind her and she dropped whatever it was she was pulling out of her pocket. I mumbled an apology, cursing my bad luck, and stepped around her to answer the door, hiding a blush and trying to calm down when my nerves were suddenly on end.

"Hey! Long time no see! Where's the little trouble maker!" Kin, the girl from the pet store earlier greeted, holding a brown paper bag in front of her with a smile and energy that seemed to radiate off her her.

"He's on the couch..." I replied, smiling back and cursing at the horrible timing. She smiled and walked past me when I stepped aside, pausing to greet Temari when she noticed her behind me.

"Hey, my name's Kin! You must be a friend of Ino's, it's nice to meet you." Temari scowled at her with enough intensity to start the 'if looks could kill' saying. Unperturbed, Kin retracted her offered hand without missing a beat and carefully took off her shoes before jogging up to the kitten who was rolling and stretching on his claimed spot. Long brown hair, carefully tied back, swayed behind her dancing along her back.

"Hey, trouble!"

"I'm just going to go," Temari muttered, already walking out the open door. I retracted my hand when it shot out to stop her, berating myself, I can't do that. I shook my head and checked quickly on Kin who was absorbed in the ball of fluff in her arms before shutting the door and stepping into the hallway.

"Temari, wait!" To my surprise she headed my request and waited with a sour look on her face. "Uh..." Think, Ino! "Weren't you going to give me my present? You can't skimp out after dangling it in front of me like that, you did promise after all. Don't think I forgot!"

She smirked, reaching into the opposite pocket from before and pulled out a white joint. She quickly stepped towards me and pressed it into my hand, "Happy Birthday. Enjoy your night with the energizer bunny."

Desperate for her not to leave angry, I spat out the first thing that came to mind. "You made this, for me?" I questioned, trying not to look at the pocket she had originally pulled my present from.

"I make all of my own, why? Don't you believe me?"

"Well, no it's not that..." I gnawed on my lip and searched the floor for answers.

"If it's not good enough for Miss Richie Rich anymore, you can give it back." She huffed, growing more annoyed by the second.

"No! I mean... thank you, for the gift. I uh, I'll be able to use it since you sort of taught me how. Maybe... I'll see you by the pool? Again?" I asked awkwardly and she shook her head, the shadow of a smile disappearing like it was never there.

"I don't think so, have a good night, Ino." She started to walk away, punching in buttons on the elevator as she waited for it to arrive. I looked at the door behind me and heard a giggle before looking back down the hall to the agitated, angry blonde I couldn't seem to reach no matter how hard I tried.

"She's just helping me kitten proof my apartment!" I yelled down the hall, Temari spared me one last look, smiling as she stepping into the elevator.

"None of my business," one word followed the declaration, so quiet I had to strain to hear it and even then I couldn't be sure, "...Kitten."

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

Part 2:

-Ino-

As it turns out, it was a date of sorts. After going through my apartment and finding every tiny object that could be considered food, followed by my little prince who helped along her demonstrations by finding a few bits we missed. Kin proceeded to the bathroom to hide everything he could get his paws on in cupboards or under the sink, followed by a showing of why I will need to remember to keep the toilet seat down.

We left the bathroom with an unhappy kitty who had just experienced his first surprise bath and went through the kitchen and the living room. Kin double checked the lock on the sliding door to the balcony and managed to keep a string of conversation going the entire time. I couldn't help but find her charming and pleasant, laughing until my sides hurt. It was a nice change of pace.

The sky turned dark early, and I invited Kin to stay for dinner after I received a text from Deidara saying he wouldn't be coming back tonight, instead just calling it an early night in his hotel room. Even taking the time to wish me luck in my endeavours. My plans were also cancelled by Saku who said she was too tired to make it tonight, but promised to come over Sunday instead and to eat the pastries before they went stale.

"So," Kin started, laughing lightly and wiping a smidge of whipped cream off the corner of her mouth. "Why again, did you say you had all these left over sweets that needed to be eaten?" I pushed a piece of cake onto my fork and put my white feline back onto the floor for the umpteenth time. He is going to have to learn to stay off the table... well, the little table in the living room when there's food on it anyways.

"It was a Birthday present from my friend, Saku." I replied, watching my kitty attempt to climb up onto the couch where Kin is sitting. She reached down and picked him up, setting him on the cushion beside her.

"I take it you have a little bit of a sweet tooth," she teased, licking her spoon clean while still looking at me. I blushed and looked down at my vanishing cake before replying,

"A little I suppose, it was actually to keep a promise she made to me years ago." I set down my fork and looked in the box to see if there were anymore of the small round pastry I had eaten before. It had a cherry filling with a glaze on top that was beyond delicious.

"What, were you two planning on owning a bakery or something?" Kin asked, half serious as she tossed one of the cat toys she had brought with her in a brown paper bag. Instantly the toy was followed by a streak of white, tail flying through the air as he descended on the bell-ball.

"No, nothing like that." I told Kin about the promise, detailing some of Saku and my adventures to her as she listened. Commenting rarely but attentive to what I was telling her, I enjoyed her company and found myself laughing at some of the stories she told me. There were even a few about my little prince mixed in the batch.

It was late when I finally stood in front of the door of my apartment, saying my good-byes as Kin shrugged on her jacket.

"Thank you for a great time, and probably the best dinner I've ever had." Kin smiled, kneeling down to address my new pet that was sitting beside my legs. "Good luck, Prince. I know you will be spoiled rotten here." I was about to correct her, that, that wasn't his name, just a nickname I had been using until I thought of one.

"Prince?" I questioned, saying it out loud. "I like it, and I think it suits him." Kin stood back up, a slight blush on her cheeks.

"Oh, I'm sorry I thought you had already named him. I heard you call him your little prince earlier and just assumed..." I raised a hand to quiet her apologies.

"No, no it's alright. I actually like it and hadn't realized I forgot to name him." Some pet owner I am, I almost drown him twice in a day and forget to name him. Oh well, it can only get better I suppose and he's a lot more durable than he looks.

In response he mewed to get some of the attention back and Kin giggled, taking an awkward step closer to me. "I'm sorry I upset your girlfriend, earlier."

"Oh, no, she's not, we're just friends." I insisted, resisting the strong urge to take a step away and pushing down the guilt that was welling up in my chest. We're not even doing anything! I'm just saying good night! And why does that even matter? Kin smiled, pleased by my answer.

"I really did have a great time tonight, Ino. If you ever need help with your little trouble maker, feel free to call me. Or even if... you don't." Her cheeks flared and I clued in at that moment that Deidara had been right. In my rush to remedy the situation I started to stammer.

"Y-yeah, I'll do that. Well-" Kin kissed my cheek and opened the door.

"You really are adorable, I'll see you soon!" She left without another word and I stared dumbly at the back of the door.

"...bye?" Prince let out a plaintive meow, annoyed at being ignored for so long and I bent over to pick him up. "Alright, brat, time for bed!" I carried the purring kitten into my bedroom, leaving the dishes to be done in the morning, along with unsorted thoughts.

-Tayuya-

Slamming the door to my room, I turned the lock and ignored the knock on the door that followed quick taps of a pair of heels.

"Fuck off!" I yelled at my mother who predictably would be standing on the other side. Frustrated, pissed off and overall in a horrible mood my muscles seemed to be pulled to their limits. A sense of being compressed into a space that's too small, while wanting to burst, pressed at every button I possessed. Suddenly I could sympathize with the feelings a kettle must have once it starts to boil, letting out a scream in hopes you will turn off the fire that's lit beneath it.

"Tayuya, open this door!" The lying whore who's my mother yelled right back. Glowering at the back of the door, I clenched and unclenched my fists in a steady rhythm to try and release the pent up fury.

"No!" I bellowed back childishly, she sighed from the other side of the door. "Why the fuck didn't you tell me!" I demanded, my voice vibrating off the walls.

"There's nothing to tell!" She insisted, repeating the same argument from the drive home. "Tayuya, please just let me explain!" My mother begged, I could swear I almost heard her beginning to cry. That can't be right though, you need a heart to be able to cry.

"If there's nothing to tell, then why do you need to explain?" I asked expecting an angry reply as once again she reached the end of her patience with me. I waited, straining against the silence, hearing the steady beat of my heart in my ears. Why isn't she yelling back? I don't understand, did she just walk away? That bitch! Who the fuck does she think she is, she can't just lie to me for eighteen years and then walk the fuck away!

Shoving the door open, I heard it slam against the wall and barked, looking down both ways. "Oi! I'm not don-" I cut off my rampage so suddenly I risked biting off the end of my tongue. "Mom?" I whispered, frozen to my spot. As if in a dream or watching a play it didn't feel right, standing in front of my temporary room, looking at the woman who had fought with me and long since been the bane of my existence break down and cry. One of the first things she had taught me was not to cry, not to show any emotion until you were alone and no one could hear you. It is disgraceful, to cry in front of someone, no matter who they were.

"Leave! Tayuya!" My mother snapped, turning cheek so I couldn't see her face as she shook. Ignoring her commands – there's no need for everything to change – I instead moved to sit beside her, running my back down the wall. Crossing my legs out of habit, I scratched my head, ruffling up my pampered hair that had been done earlier once my mother realized my lack of brush.

"Oh for goodness sake, uncross your legs and sit like a lady." My mother barked, wiping drying tear trails with her handkerchief. Scowling, I did as she asked, crossing them at the ankles instead. "Why do you insist on being so difficult?" Forgetting her embarrassment, she tilted her chin up and started correcting the mess I had made of my hair and even went as far as wiping something off my cheek.

"Because I'm a stubborn bitch, I got it from my mother." I replied curtly and she held my look for a moment, before shaking her head and resting back against the wall to finish ridding herself of any proof of her short breakdown.

"Don't cuss, it's unbecoming." The scolds kept coming as I expected, but they lacked the command and conviction they normally carried. Instead they were soft spoken, almost like she was saying them simply out of habit and reflex than really believing them. Her frail fingers wrung out her handkerchief, running over, twisting and abusing the fabric that stretched at the stitching.

"I'm sorry, Tayuya," she whispered, tucking a strand of hair back into place as she stared at the comfort in her hands, as if to talk to it instead of me.

"You're gonna have to be more specific, there are a lot of things you should be fucking apologizing for." Growling like a dog who had his favourite toy taken away, I refused to forgive her yet, mental break down or not.

To my absolute shock she smiled, a genuine smile followed by a light laugh. "I know, dear god I know." She hummed resting her head back against the wall, her eyes closing. Sitting there, with her hair cascading down her shoulders, in her dress and shawl, face paint smeared and that peaceful smile. It almost looked like she was asking for forgiveness from a higher source. She seemed to relax at the confession, unwilling to fight anymore.

"I should have told you, but how do you tell a toddler that the man she calls 'Daddy' isn't her real Father?" My mother asked, letting out a deep sigh. I held my breath, for fear something would break this image of my mother that didn't seem real. "Then I guess, over the years it didn't seem to matter anymore, or rather I didn't want to admit it to anyone. It was easier, to simply pretend it never happened and Kevin was more than happy to call you his. He loves you so much." She paused, opening her eyes.

"Kevin was furious when I told him you had left, 'how could I let my own daughter live on the streets?' He'd said. 'Was I really so heartless that even family was no longer sacred to me?'" Tears welled up in the corner of her eyes and I felt the compulsion to do... something. I don't know, I've never been good with fucking crying.

"It's Sakura, isn't it?" The clone of my Mother asked suddenly after dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief. "The blonde from the party?"

"Uh, yeah it's Sakura, but the girl at the party was Ino." I blushed, I don't want to talk about my love life with my Mother, saint-mode activated or not. It's only a matter of time until she runs out of mana or charges and returns to her usual destroyer-stance.

My mother's smile seemed to waver slightly, resting her hands on her lap, eliciting a sigh of relief from her handkerchief. "You will have to forgive me, but I have been keeping tabs on you. I know we had a deal, and at first it was simply to make sure you were keeping your end.

"But the more I looked, the more I found out. It was like I was learning everything there was to know about a complete stranger, did you know you have an average of seventy-nine in your math course?" She asked like it should be new news to me. Wearing an expression between horror, confusion and overall just unable to comprehend what was going on, I gaped at my mother.

"Yes...?" She's lost it, there's no other possible explanation. Any second now her head is going to pop the fuck off and I'm going to be bathed in the oil that works as blood in her veins.

"Or that you've only been suspended once this past semester, and you haven't taken a sick day? You're passing all of your courses and haven't been in detention in months!" She actually appears to be proud while listing off the stats of my daily life.

"And you are playing for the Christmas dance. All your teachers have been telling me that you seem so much happier, and you actually pay attention sometimes in class. You might actually have a chance at a decent school after you graduate! And you, you are actually going to graduate! I wasn't sure before, it was looking shaky but now, you will graduate with decent grades!" Dumbfounded, I think that's the perfect word to express my state of mind at the moment.

"Err... yay me?" I questioned, ready to leap away should the worse happen.

"Sakura must be a miracle worker," she nodded as if to affirm her statement. I rolled my eyes but couldn't dispute her claim, Pinkie is amazing. We sat in silence, something that hasn't happened between us unless during a bout of our mutual silent treatment. A relaxed silence that didn't leave me ready to snap at any moment.

"Tell me about him," I said suddenly after beating the shit out of the half of me that was begging me not to break the peace. Understanding shone in her brown eyes, the same eyes that I have, as she looked at me sadly. Wetting her lips, she considered the demand before responding.

"He was my high school sweetheart. You are very much like he was, so many years ago. The same carefree attitude and indomitable stubbornness to do what you wanted to do when you wanted to do it. You couldn't convince him to do anything before he was willing, no matter what you tried. It was like trying to motivate a mule, but I loved him so very much.

"We were in a band together," she paused when I suddenly interrupted.

"You were in a band?" What an orchestra that has some idiot waving a stick around? Look at me I can wave a pretend wand around and somehow pretend I am controlling all the puppets before me. Dance puppets, dance!

"Yes, I played the guitar, one very similar to yours actually." My mother started as if to continue when I interrupted again.

"No fucking way!" She glowered at me, as if to scold me but resisting the temptation in our shaky truce. "My bad..." I muttered.

"We were called the Greasy Monkeys, and we believed that we would make it, we would beat the odds and become famous. Travelling the world in our beat up old van.

"I remember the day I found out I was pregnant, James quit school to pursue his music career, deciding to cut out he few years we were going to wait until we graduated before going fulltime. He promised he would make it, and provide for the baby and I... and I believed him. A month later he died from a drug overdose and I was left alone, with an unborn daughter.

"I was determined to have an abortion, and wipe away everything from the past. Cursing the music that had taken away the love of my life. Your Grandfather convinced me against the abortion, offering a trade. He would pay for my way through college if I gave him his Granddaughter.

"I never thanked him for forcing me to make the best decision of my life." She smiled weakly at me, placing her hand on mine and squeezing gently. "Even if you are the worst daughter in the world."

"Oi! Fuck you too!" I growled, affronted as I sniffed and looked away, hiding the tears that were threatening to spill. I couldn't hide the smile that her good-natured joke had provoked, it was a joke, I'm pretty sure anyways.

"You are only furthering my case, dear." My Mother pointed out, and I waved her off with my spare hand.

"Yeah, yeah."

"I know I haven't said it enough, but I do love you, Tayuya, and I am so very proud of you."

-Sakura-

It was just starting to turn dark out when my phone started to ring. Absently, too exhausted to move anymore than absolutely necessary, I picked it up and set it to speaker. "Hello?" A crash sounded that would have made me pull the phone away from my ear, had I been holding it, followed by an all too familiar string of curses that made me smile.

"Hello there, Love."

"I forgot I had plugged the stupid phone in, tripped on the fucking cord, sorry." Tay's voice growled out of the receiver, sounding a little less agitated than I would expect after a full day with her mother, but also a fair bit more exhausted.

"How's your Grandpa?" I asked, letting my eyes drift close and a yawn force it's way out. Unbelievable, I haven't been able to sleep or even consider it since she left and now all of a sudden I'm having issues keeping my eyes open.

Half an hour later, Tay finished telling me about the plane ride, her day, dinner and finished with her confrontation with her mother. At the end of it all I was floundering on what to say, for a way to comfort her in her state of anger, relief, grief, confusion and overall indecision of her own feelings.

"Wow, so what are you going to do?" I heard her sigh through the speaker and what sounded like the ruffling of sheets.

"I don't know," Tay laughed and I could see her in my mind, the slight smirk with the soft puppy eyes she wears when she doesn't have the answer. "Fuck, can you imagine my mom in a band?" She asked.

"From what you've told me, it does seem to be a bit of a stretch. This does prove you two have more in common than you thought though." I reasoned, stifling a yawn with the back of my hand.

"If I ever turn out to be a gold digging whore, shoot me." I laughed and the line was silent for a moment, with the soft sound of her breath barely audible. "I wish you were here," Tay whispered.

"I wish I was too," we were silent and I attempted to lighten the subject. "You were right by the way, I am completely useless in the kitchen."

"I fucking told you! Please tell me you didn't break anything," she teased. I spat out my tongue at the phone, half expecting to have it bitten playfully, realizing I had to speak for her to know my answer.

"No," at least I'm almost positive the microwave still works or is at least fixable.

"How was Barbie's party? Was she disappointed I wasn't there?" Tay chuckled at her own implied joke, already knowing the answer. I don't understand why they can't just get along.

"Well..."

I told Tay everything that had happened, from the ride there – which I remembered to thank her for – to the gossip storm. Into my short talk with Temari, even my dance with Ino, albeit I toned down Ino's... friendliness a bit. I'm sure I was just reading it wrong either way, there's no need to upset Tay over nothing, she can be protective.

"How is she?" Tay asked in a quiet voice when I told her about visiting Anko after leaving the club, in the town car Tay had apparently blackmailed her mother into sending to get me. I'll never admit it, but I was absolutely dreading going home alone.

I let out a deep sigh, "the same. The night staff said there hasn't been any change."

"I'm sorry, Babe." I scrunched my eyebrows together at the new title, Babe?

"Babe? What happened to Pinkie or Sakura or stupid little fuck or one of your other nicknames." I asked.

"Pinkie is more of a noogie name, I didn't think you'd appreciate that much at the moment. Sakura is your name, not a nickname and stupid little fuck, well it also didn't seem appropriate. Why, didn't you like it?"

"No, it's just new." I yawned during the last word, stretching it out and letting my head fall a little deeper into my pillow. "That's all."

"You sound fuckin' exhausted."

"I couldn't sleep last night," I admitted a little bashfully.

"Yeah, me neither. Hey I got an idea, try and fall asleep." That shouldn't be a problem, I'm already mostly asleep as it is.

"Right now?" I asked, receiving an annoyed grunt in reply.

"Yes, you stupid little fuck; right now, go to sleep."

"It's not really something you can just command you know," smiling I tried to follow her directions anyways. "I won't be able to hang up if I fall asleep."

"Don't worry about it, just go to sleep." I yawned again and curled up closer to my pillow, feet tucked under my blankets. As I started to drift away I could hear the faintest trace of Tay's breathing and knew she was still there, even if not physically she was still watching over me in a sense. That knowledge helped me relax, my muscles slowly unwinding from the tense posture they had held since she'd left.

"I love you," I heard her whisper right before falling asleep.

-Tayuya-

I jolted awake, jumping away from the screaming device that was half tucked under my pillow. Letting out a yelp I tumbled over the side of the luxurious bed when the racket suddenly ended and I clawed my way back up.

"Are you fucking kidding me? You set your fucking alarm for five-fucking-thirty AM on a Sunday?" I glowered at my cellphone with my thumb hovering over the off button when I heard Sakura finally find hers.

"I'm so sorry," I rolled my eyes and flopped back down, re-immersing myself into the fluffy sheets. "Good morning?" She laughed nervously and I smirked.

"Good morning, Babe."

~o~

The rest of the weekend went by in a blur and I boarded the plane for the midnight flight back home. I spent Sunday with my Grandfather, who - thankfully – had no recollection of the previous day as far as the piano was concerned.

My mother slept the entire way home, leaving the peaceful silence that had ensued through the remainder of the weekend intact. My father and Gaara said goodbye before lift off, taking a separate flight back to Gaara's campus.

"Where would you like me to drop you off?" Yawning, I smiled knowing exactly where I wanted to go.

"School." After a moment of silence it occurred to me that the car hadn't started yet, "what?" I asked, aware of her disbelieving look.

"Tayuya, it's six in the morning." I rolled my eyes, saying it slower doesn't make things make more sense. It just pisses off the person you are speaking slowly to because you are indirectly calling them stupid, or crazy or some other sort of fucking insult.

"I know that!" I growled, looking out the window before muttering my explanation. "Sakura will be at school already." My mother chuckled, bemused by my decision.

"You are so whipped by this girl, Dear." The car revved to life and we rolled out of our parking spot.

"Fuck you! I am not whipped!" I humphed, my mother laughed, apparently finding some sort of joke just all too funny. Yes, laugh it up, I found myself smiling as well and settled back into the seat for the drive to school.

"You're whipped, Dear. But I never said it was a bad thing." Chancing a studying glance at my mother as she paid the toll and we rolled onto the highway, I realized she might have a point. If the only bad thing about having Sakura is a never ending tug to be around her, to make her happy, then maybe I'm the lucky one.

~o~

"I'd like to meet her," I paused with my hand on the door, sitting in the school parking lot. I know we just like, had this big mother daughter revelation but am I ready to let her at Sakura? She sensed my hesitation and sighed, "I'll be nice, Dear. But I think I have the right to meant the girl you are sleeping with on a regular basis."

"Every night." I boasted, purposefully trying to make her uncomfortable.

"Don't brag, Dear. It's unbecoming, so I will pick you two up for dinner?" She asked, still leaving it as an option. I'm never going to get used to partially tame mom.

"I don't know if tonight will work..." I began slowly.

"You can take a break from sex for an hour to have dinner with your mother." Purposed Mother snapped, pursing her lips and suddenly appearing much more mother-like.

"That's not what I fucking meant, Sakura is super stressed about the dance and exams. I just thought it would be better if we waited until after exams so we didn't stress her out more."

"Fine, I will see you for Christmas dinner then." She reasoned, reaching across me to finish opening the door with one hand firmly pressing against my back.

"What? Wait-" I stumbled out of the car to stand on the light layer of snow in front of the school. "But-"

"Pull up your pants, Dear." With her motherly advice out, she drove off, leaving me in the middle of the parking lot with a dinner date I didn't even have a voice in.

-Sakura-

I walked over to the edge of the pool, noticing Ino had selected a spot on the far side, finger running over the words on the page and lips moving subtly as she read the text. Behind me, the large metal door squeaked as it was pressed open and I jumped, who would-?

Everything seemed to move in slow motion as I turned my head and saw a blur of red moments before crashing over the edge of the pool and into the water. Bubbles ran over my skin, rolling over my back and against my sides before making a break for the surface. Opening my eyes underwater, I saw Tay's arms wrapped around my waist and her eyes squinted shut. Before she blinked and shook her head, cursing as the chlorine as it burned.

Underwater it came out as muffled noises with bubbles escaping her lips, but the message was still clear enough. My feet touched the bottom and I pushed up, grabbing hold of her arm as she kicked with me.

We came up sputtering, Tay barely able to stay at the surface with the weight of her clothes pulling her down. Ino paced at the edge, biting her lip with enough force to draw blood and looking terrified.

"You idiot," I coughed once Tay had a hold on the side. "Why do you insist on jumping into-" My halfhearted scolding was cut short as her lips met mine in a rough embrace. The water buffeted us as Tay clung to the edge with one hand, the other holding my jaw. Breaking away she nuzzled her forehead against mine and I opened my eyes slowly to see dark red hair clinging to her cheeks and neck.

"I missed you," she whispered causing my cheeks to flush.

"You're still an idiot," I spat out my tongue, and predictably she nipped the end playfully. The routine was so simple, and something I had missed so much I could feel tears threatening to spill over.

"At least I'm not a stupid little fuck." She teased back, wearing her trademark smirk.

"So you're both okay?" Ino squeaked, looking terribly confused.

"Yes, Ino," I laughed, noting the slight scowl Tay suddenly donned but kept strictly away from the blonde's direction. "We're both fine, you really should learn to swim, the water really isn't as mean a mistress as you seem to think."

"I'm never going back in that pool," Ino replied with a slight frown before returning to her spot against the far wall with her books.

"Does she really think I'd do something that could hurt you on purpose? Or is she just being a jealous bitch? Why is she here this early with you anyways?" Tay growled, her voice lowered so I was the only one who could hear her over the lap of the pool.

"She wanted extra help with English, Julius Ceasar is giving her a really hard time." I'm confused, is she angry with me? Tay knows I've been helping Ino study. "Are you okay?" I asked, searching for some sort of clue.

"Just tired, sorry."

"Well... you're going to be sick too if you stay in here in your clothes. I'm guessing you don't even have something else to wear? It's freezing out, Tay!" My cheeks flushed again when I noticed she was mimicking me, using her hand as a pretend Sakura so she could show her boredom in it's full detail with her own features.

"I do, Mother Hen. You seriously need to chill the fuck out." Tay smirked, pressing down on the side of the pool so she could raise herself out. It took more effort than usual, seeing as her waterlogged clothes kept pulling her back down and I watched, satisfied karma was kicking her ass. At my smile she shook the water out of her pants leg at me and laughed when I shied away.

"You're in a fucking pool! Why are you hiding from a little more water!"

"Shut up," I grouched, just about to push myself back into the centre so I could finish my laps when Tay reached down to help me out as well. "I'm not done yet."

"Yes, you are," she hinted, looking towards the locker room. My cheeks flushed and I accepted her offered hand, making up some lame excuse for Ino that I'm pretty sure wasn't even English. Either way, it seems I'll be getting my exercise.

~o~

Once Tay was home, and my life went back to normal, meaning non-burnt food and entirely too much inappropriate... everything; the week seemed to fly by. Ino surprised me on Wednesday by announcing she had been asked out on a date, scheduled for Saturday night, the day after the dance. I was half expecting it to be with Temari, I know it sounds crazy, but it's just a feeling.

It's like watching a kitten and a puppy play together, they don't fit but no one has told them they don't belong together. So until someone tells them they are suppose to be enemies, they are happy together, playing tag and hide and go seek.

Maybe that's why Temari has suddenly disappeared. It shouldn't seem odd, not having her poke her head into everything every few minutes, or following Ino down the hallway with a hidden smile. Even Emi has been asking where she's disappeared to, but Ino just shrugs and says she doesn't know before returning to sulking.

Studying seems to take up every waking second of my existence, much to Tay's annoyance. If she's going to stare at a wall and complain about us not doing anything, then why doesn't she just pick up a text book and study?

Friday finally rolled around, the event the entire school has been waiting for, for months. It's the most talked about event after Frosh and Prom. For the younger grades, it's the most popular event of the entire year. No pressure, right?

I arrived Friday morning at six-thirty, later than normal, but for once, the school is not empty. Already there is a portion of the dance comity littering the hallways, running around – literally running, I had to stifle the urge to tell them it's against the rules to run in the hallways. Tay is following me, fingers barely holding the strength to cling to mine and unable to leave zombie mode.

"Tenten!" I called, spotting the brunette talking to her group that were put in charge of tickets and admission. With a slight tug, receiving a yawn-grunt in reply, I jogged down the hallway.

"What's up, boss?" She asked, turning to yell at a student.

"Rickie! Are you serious, man? The gym is the other way, where the hell are you going with that table?" Tenten shook her head, buns bobbing before she looked back at Tay and I and scrunched up her nose. I gave her an apologetic smile and a shrug, there's nothing I can do if Tay decides to fall asleep against me, standing up in the middle of the hallway. At least she didn't face-plant?

"I was just wondering how you were doing with everything?"

"Fine, busy I-" She caught sight of something else and snarled, "no! The other way!" She yelled at a blonde boy who waved at her, oblivious to her temper flare. "Freaking idiots, I'd rather have Naruto on my team. Look, I'm going to go help them before they get lost, call me if you need me." With that she took off and I watched her go, well at least she seems to have it under control.

We journeyed to the gym and ended up helping with the decorations when the first bell rang and half of our helpers had to leave for class. Madara had agreed to giving community hours to those who helped set up the dance again, but limited it to missing two classes, finding a full day off was more motivation than the previously stated incentive.

By lunch we had half of the decorations done, having spent an hour trying to locate a ladder so we could reach up higher. After a short break it was back to work, Tay had the afternoon off and spent it yelling at the 'idiots who don't know a fucking god damn thing about setting up stereos.' At one point she threw the mic stand at a startled classmate and was almost suspended.

Ino was a god send, she wove through the crowd settling disputes and working out ways to finish tasks easier, with less time. Everyone seemed to turn to her for answers and seemed mutual in the consent that what Ino said, went. Emi was surprisingly, equally as helpful. Filling in perfectly as Ino's second, although I must admit her new, find one thing to compliment, thing is starting to get annoying.

This morning she complimented me on wearing an outfit that somewhat matched, that sounds more like an insult than anything if you ask me.

"Hey... Saku?" I whipped a strand of hair out of my face and ripped open the top to the cardboard box, dipping inside for the packages of plastic plates, cups and utensils.

"Yeah? What's up, Ino?" I asked, slightly out of breath. Oh shoot, please tell me they remembered the plastic forks and spoons, no-no-no this can't be happening! Where are the fuc- er, where are the forks? Dammit Tay! "Aha! There they are!" I exclaimed, ignoring the alarmed look from Hinata just down the table. "Ino?" I asked again, pausing my search to see if she was still there.

"Um, I just... I won't be able to make the dance tonight. I'm sorry! I know it's last minute, but something came up and I'm so sorry, I'll make it up to you!" She apologized repeatably, looking absolutely miserable.

"It's alright, if something came up then it can't be helped. You've already been a lifesaver, I couldn't ask you to do anything more." I replied, trying to sound as genuine as possible. I must admit, I am a little disappointed. With Tay playing in her band all night, I was planning on hiding behind Ino's social genius.

"Are you sure?" She asked, a bit more sheepishly than was usual for her, but Ino always has been one to kick herself for things she can't control.

"Yeah, it's fine really." I have you now little forks, I pulled out the large plastic bag and set my captives roughly down onto the table top before fishing back inside the box for the cups. I guess the plates are in a different box? Were we suppose to get more than one? Mid thought something occurred to me, "is everything okay? I mean, nothing serious happened I hope?"

"No, no! Nothing like that, just something I promised I'd go to before I knew it fell on the same date as the dance, that's all." She explained, "I should get back to work."

"Alright..." There is another box! I grinned, prowling over to the unsuspecting parcel before snatching it up onto the table, ripping it open with a grim satisfaction. There's no plates in this one either! Dammit, where'd-

"Tay, stop that!" I growled, spotting my crimson thief with her hand quiet literally in the cookie jaw.

~o~

Somehow, we made it. The doors opened at precisely seven-thirty and students were already lined up ready to go. For the first time with me as the student council president I was proud of what I had accomplished. A black drape is hanging from the ceiling, about ten feet up giving the entire gym a much cozier feeling. Ball lamps are hanging from wires that were rigged into the rafters, with tissue paper lining the outside so they glow red and green.

The walls are completely covered with the same black fabric hanging above our heads with Christmas tree lights taped up along the outside in patterns. There's a reindeer, a couple bells, a Santa and so many more. Compliments of the senior art class, Sai and Temari who came down for a few hours. Fake snow wass sprayed all over the bottom of the walls, with white stuffing taped around the outer edges as well.

The tables are lit up with fake candles, red punch, Christmas cookies and cake. The stage also looks amazing, the drapes have more Christmas lights on them. A plastic Santa is glowing off to the side with wire reindeer on the outer edges to frame the band. Silver snowflakes are hanging down to dance playfully in front of the stage.

I smoothed down a wrinkle in the front of my silver dress, walking through the thickening crowd. The student manning the music in between sets is someone I don't know personally, but was recommended by the music professor.

I nodded to a few students who paid a quick compliment as they walked onto the dance floor, thanking them and heading backstage.

Pressing open the old wooden door, I looked up the small flight of stairs and spotted Tay and crew ready to go. A small action caught my attention and I noticed Tay was clicking her fingers, the same action she repeats before a test or whenever she's nervous.

"Psst, Tay." I hissed, albeit it had to be loud enough to be heard of the music so the purpose of being subtle was lost. She heard me and walked over with a quick word to Jirobo and Naruto.

"What?" Tay asked, "we're about to go on, y'know?"

"I know, I just wanted to tell you, you'll be amazing, there's no reason to be nervous." She glowered at me, turning an affronted cheek.

"I'm not nervous," she lied and I pecked her cheek.

"I know, because you will be fine." I assured her, playing along. I turned to leave and heard a quiet thank you but didn't acknowledge I'd heard it. That would also be admitting I knew she was nervous.

I managed to squeeze back through the door just in time for the trio to get into position. From her spot on the stage, in the red dress she had kept from the charity ball she had gone to with Ino, plus the Santa hat Madara had given her. It was like watching a tapestry of crimson shine in mid stage as she took the mic; crimson with ivory legs and arms.

"Alright, who is ready to fucking rock!" I felt my entire body twitch, and looked apologetically at Asuma who had agreed to chaperon, he shrugged and left to get another glass of punch.

The crowd let out a resounding roar of approval and the band took up their first song of Jingle Bell Rock. As soon as the music started, and her fingers were running over her guitar, it was like nothing else mattered and all of the nervousness from before was gone.

Everyone seemed to approve of the band and the song, joining in and returning to dancing as easily as they had been distracted during the brief bout of near silence. I spotted Hinata and Kiba in the crowd, doing some form of the twist I didn't recognize, that Hinata was trying to instruct the football player in. All of my classmates seemed to be present, Tenten is entertaining Lee. Sasuke is talking quietly to the Rickie guy from earlier, the twins from the Halloween party are lounging by the snacks table. Shikamaru is arguing with Asuma, which really isn't much of a surprise, even if it is a party.

After looking a little longer, I noticed Emi just barely visible at the far end of the gym. Even more surprising – that she wasn't out dancing with the group of cheerleaders who are partaking in some sort of circle dance – was her company. Emi is scared of Tay and Temari... along with a handful of other students, so why would she be choosing to talk to Temari right now?

While watching them I noticed Temari seemed to become angrier and angrier with the brunette before looking surprised and taking her leave, storming out of the gym. I wonder what that was about? Shrugging, I returned to admiring the star of the show, quickly deciding nothing else mattered right now.

-Ino-

"Places, oh for heavens sake! Will someone who is not blind fix Samantha's hair?" My director called, weaving through the crowd of dancers and giving each an appreciative look. I looked out at the spectators, scanning the packed seats in my attempt to spot Deidara and Choji, noting the seat beside them was still empty. I wonder if he had bought a third ticket for Saku and decided not to give it to her once I told him what was going on.

"Ino! Ino, stop day dreaming, come here!" Spinning on spot, I waited as he fussed over my hair and outfit, before drifting away as quickly as he had come. Letting out a sigh, I again turned to the curtains and looked through them, noticing now that Deidara was missing. That's odd, the show's about to start, where could he have gone?

Right on cue, the lights dimmed in the auditorium, and were redirected onto the stage. The burgundy fabric lit up, and looked almost pink through the back. A silence ran over the crowd, awaiting the beginning of the show.

"Ino, Ralph! Go!" The director hissed as a hushed quiet fell over all of the dancers. Taking a deep steadying breath, I walked into centre stage, taking my position beside Ralph and waiting for the curtains to open.

The band started to play and blinding lights flooded past the retreated fabric to fall onto myself and my partner. Letting out one last steady breath my cue came, and I started to dance.

We preformed 'City Lights', it's the story of a young city tramp who falls in love with a wealthy blind girl. The tramp has an ongoing relation a wealthy man within the city, after he saves his life, and is able to walk in her world unchallenged.

The tramp finds out there is an operation that could possibly restore the blind girl's site, and while trying to court her he begins to work so he can earn the money to pose as her beneficiary. Throughout the play the blind girl remains oblivious her beneficiary could be the same young, wealthy boy who is beginning to capture her heart.

In the end, the boy is sent to jail for resorting to unlawful means to obtain the last of the money needed for the surgery. The girl, receiving the money from her beneficiary, has the surgery and her site is restored.

Overjoyed, she insists on meeting the man who is her beneficiary and finds out he is the young boy, who is actually a street tramp.

As the music reached it's peak and died, I stood with my fingertips touching my partners through the stand up bar prop, meant to symbolize the jail wall between us. I looked at him, equally exhausted with his ruffled black hair, as my chest heaved. A slight smile on my lips when I realized it was over, and we had been near perfect. Sweat glistened on my skin, and across from me Ralph's chest heaved, adorned in his jailor costume.

The curtains came to a close and I would have collapsed if not for the instant crowd that overtook the stage offering hugs and compliments all around. The bars were rolled away as we got into position for our final goodbyes and bows. As the support dancers came out to take their bow, I readied myself to do the same.

Walking back into centre stage I looked towards where Deidara and Choji were seated and noticed someone in the previously empty seat?

"Temari...?" I whispered, jolting back to what I was suppose to doing, almost missing the final rounds of bows and applause.

After the round of bows and applause, we all ventured backstage for our after party, the tables cover with punch and snacks were already set up and waiting for us when we walked off stage. The side doors opened and parents started to file in, everyone was allowed to invite two to three family backstage for the meet and greet.

After talking to the director he had agreed Deidara and Choji could join us, I just hope Choji doesn't eat his way out of my directors hospitality. He looks a fair bit different than he did six months ago, I will admit that.

His previously short shaggy hair has grow out a bit, and his previously soft exterior has hardened with muscle. In the time I've been gone, he has apparently been hard at work going after the wrestling scholarship he was drooling over.

The only question now, is will I have a third greeting me backstage? Why is she even here, she's been avoiding me all week, ever since she saw Kin and got the wrong impression. The only reason I agreed to go on the date is because Temari has made it clear she wants nothing more than sporadic friendship from me. All accepting Kin's date has done is made her act as though she was never even around to begin with.

We've gone from never talking, to always being around, to fleeting hellos and now back to never talking. If she wants nothing from me, why is she being such a brat about everything? Why did she show up to begin with?

The door opened once more and Deidara walked through, wearing a dress shirt and suit. His hands tucked into his pants pocket as he allowed Choji to hold the door for him, appearing all too happy with himself. His frame seemed to fit the suit perfectly, leaving the slight outline of muscles under the fabric but still soft enough not to show off. His hair is slicked back as well, leaving my previously stated ex-principle looking very handsome.

Choji is dressed similar, only missing the jacket to match Deidara, sporting a grey tie instead or Dei's red.

After the two men I was expecting spotted me, Choji stepped aside to hold the door for one last person before hurriedly letting go, attempting to get completely out of the way instead. Temari stepped past a bewildered looking Choji, who charged over to encompass me in a bear hug, Temari hovering at the door momentarily.

Her cold blue eyes looked over the crowd, but uncharacteristically she didn't pause to look up and down any of the dancers; instead she seemed focused on her goal. Choji let me go and I realized I could breathe again, barely conscious of his flowing compliments.

Finally spotting me, the sandy-haired goddess fixated her cold blue against mine and seemed to fight with herself before following Dei and Choji. A dark, navy blue dress clung to every curve her body had to offer; accenting her hips, legs, waist and breasts under the shimmering fabric.

Dei said something and took Choji away, toward the punch table before I realized what he was doing.

"That's not fair, Dei." I hissed at his retreating back, but he was already engrossed in ensnaring his illegal date. Poor Choji doesn't know being my closest friend at my old school isn't the main reason Dei invited him.

"Hello," Temari greeted, amused by my display of desperation.

"What are you doing here? How did you even know?" I snapped back, passing over a returned greeting, instead crossing my arms over my chest. The old lacy shirt that draped down my shoulders bunched up under the hold, pulling tight across my back.

"Well that's kinda cold of you, Kitten." To my complete surprise she blushed ever so slightly and averted her gaze. While Tayuya has no qualms talking while looking at your chest, Temari tends to look you in the eye when she speaks. Why am I even comparing the two? "Why didn't you tell me about being the lead in the dance studio's Christmas recital?" She asked softly and I was forced to stop pouting long enough to glance at her.

"We've been friends, or whatever we are, for less than a month, I didn't think you'd care. How did you know I was here anyways?" Flinching a little but quickly masking any sign of discomfort, Temari laughed lightly as if the answer were incredibly simple.

"It's pretty simple, you passed up an opportunity to be alone with Sakura all night at the school dance while Tayuya was playing onstage. So I figured it was something rather important, and leaving Emi as your secret holder isn't the best strategy." With a coy, triumphant grin she narrowed her eyes as if to say your move.

"Fine, then why are you here? You've made it clear that you don't even consider me a real friend. Just someone you bug when you're bored without another option." Cutting off the words with a sharp bite, I refused to give in to her charming smile that seemed to accent her lips so perfectly.

Temari opened her mouth and her entire posture seemed to tense then freeze, closing her stagnated jaw and growling. She looked around and scowled, taking in the close proximity of the rest of the dancers and their company. "Is there somewhere else we could talk?"

I nodded and looked at Dei and Choji who were pretending not to pay attention to Temari and I; turning, we quickly pierced the crowd back towards my dressing room.

Pressing the door shut behind my companion and I, I turned to ask her what it was she wanted to talk about. I was cut off when her lips instantly found mine, I didn't even have time to let out a surprised squeak as her tongue roughly ran over my lips, hand running down my side to my thigh. Everything in my body screamed to let her in, to give in to the unjustified burning that surged up through my being.

Manicured nails clawed at the fabric of my costume, grazing over the sensitive skin of my waist and I shivered, running my tongue slowly against hers. Temari moaned and let go of me, panting heavily as she took a shaky step away, bunching up her fists so it almost looked painful.

Her sudden departure surprised me, and I watched her curiously, resisting the urge to interrupt while I tried to figure out if I should be angry or not.

"I need you," she whispered, turning to look at me, "and that scares me."

"Then why have you been avoiding me all week?" I demanded, trying to regulate the laboured breathing that was causing my chest to rise and fall at a quickened pace.

"I don't fucking know, after your birthday... meeting all those lawyers. You're someone, Ino. You're important, and wealthy... and loved. I'm nothing, no one... how could I expect you to still want to be around me, after all of that?" Temari's voice cracked at the end and she hit her thigh in pure frustration.

"And then I heard you had accepted a date with some random girl," Temari spat in disgust, cold blue turning angry, like the darkness of the sky during a storm.

"So? Have you forgotten what happened on my birthday, with that brunette? At least I know Kin's name!" I shot back, trembling with my back still pressed against the door. My hand shot up and I swatted the swelling tears away from the corners of my eyes.

"She was nothing! Just some random-" Temari argued and I snorted, cutting her off with the ugly noise.

"And that makes it better? That she was just some random whore?" I asked, silently demanding an answer.

"I wasn't thinking... I was just hurting and..." She appeared weak when she talked, weaker and more exposed than I remember her ever appearing, and for some reason, that enraged me.

"And whoring around is your cure all, I know. You used me for the same purpose, remember?" My voice rumbled with a growl, ignoring the instant hurt that took over Temari's visage, evident enough she couldn't hide it and tuck it away. "What do you want from me?" I asked, already prepared to leave and let her find her own way out.

"I don't know, Ino. I've never... I mean, I don't know what to do, alright?" Temari took an aggressive step forward and my heart rate picked up, my gaze flicked down to her lips and back up to her agonized eyes. "I don't want you to date anyone else."

"Anyone else?" I whispered, responding to the heat resonating from her body and the rhythm of her breathing.

"You know what I mean." Her reply was curt, "I'm sorry I hurt you. It wasn't my intention..." Fingers ran up to tickle my cheek on their way to brace herself against the door, her palm bunched up to a closed fist. "I just, I freaked. I don't know what to do." I tilted my my head slightly out of habit, emotions still too frayed to organize my thoughts, running completely on the feeling of lust and enthralment she had me trapped in.

The shock of her lips brushing mine in a gentle caress snapped me out of my trance long enough to turn away from her ever so slightly.

"I still don't know, what are we?" I asked, considering the lengthy pause as Temari came up with an answer.

"I don't want you to be with anyone else," my queen of hearts raised her free hand to run her thumb over my bottom lip, gently turning me so I had to face her again. My heart jumped, threatening to burst out of my chest, Saku briefly piercing my thoughts before disappearing completely.

"It would have to go both ways," I reminded her softly, when Temari didn't protest the proposed terms I continued. "Are we...?"

"I don't do the girlfriend thing, Ino, you know that." I ignored the disappointment that flared and pushed on, pushing aside my better judgement.

"Then what do you do?"

"Friends with benefits," she smirked and laughed at my instant scowl. "Committed, friends with benefits."

"How is that different from dating?" I asked, trying to work through the two similarities while trying to pick out the differences.

"It just is, Kitten." Her voice took back the previous husky edge and I felt her entire being press against mine, slowly moving to caress my neck, already lost and having set a key on our debate.

"Everyone will think we are dating," I objected feebly, Temari jerked back slightly when my lips moved to talk, already moving closer again.

"Let them think what they want." Temari smiled and her lips gently met mine, a soft brush that was so raw it took my breath away.

-Sakura-

"This one goes out to my girl in the audience." Tayuya grinned against her mic, winking at me so everyone could locate me that much easier. I flushed with embarrassment, writing down another reason to be mad at her for later, the list has already gone onto the second mental page just from tonight. I should have learned after the mega-phone incident, but for some reason giving her a mic seemed like a grand idea at the time.

She nodded to Naruto and Jirobo who let out a belly laugh, turning back to her mic as she began the song.

"I love myself, I want you to love me, when I feel down, I want you above me." My cheeks flushed at the devilish look she gained, the sexual innuendo fully intended. "I search myself, I want you to find me, I forget myself I want you to remind me." Tay took in a deep breath before heading into the chorus, belting it out for the entire school to hear and stir up a few giggles as I remembered the rest of the song.

"I don't want, anybody else, when I think about you, I touch myself!" (1) Sending one last glower at Tay, I couldn't help but smile. As mortified as I am, what more can the student body do to me that they haven't already? If she wants to scream out those lyrics then... well, I will have to be okay with it.

Shaking my head, I noticed Tsunade at the door arguing with the ticket takers. Why is she here?

Checking one last time with Tay, I walked over to the door to see what my temporary guardian wanted. I told her Tay and I would be out late tonight, at least I'm ninety percent sure I remembered to tell her.

"Sakura!" Tsunade called out, looking twenty years older than she had this morning. Frowning I hurried over to her where she finally broke past the barricade of students to grip my forearms.

"What's wrong, Tsunade?" I asked.

"It's Anko, she's awake."

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

1- I Touch Myself by the Divinyls, one of my favourite songs of all time :3 I may or may not sing this to my friend Sarah every time we go out . and she may or may not burst into embarrassed flames every time. But again, this may or may not happen.

Alright, that's the end of my two parter chapter nineteen of Missing Puzzle Pieces! I hope you all found it enjoyable, and that some of the questions are starting to be answered. I told you I hadn't forgotten about Anko, I was just waiting for a certain point that kept getting pushed back further and further because I failed at getting all the content I needed into chapters :3.

Anywho that puts MPP officially over the 200k mark, I just wanted to thank everyone who has been following this story and putting in reviews. I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

On a side note, I am going on vacation next week, after which I should be posting four or five chapters of TP at once. The story has been put on hold while I worked past a certain point for MPP, sorry for the delay for anyone who is also following my other fic.

Until next time, Kiravu out.