No ownership of orignal characters! Okay... So that totally wasn't chapter 13. It was 15. Anyways, I have decided to post this early! Oh you excited some of you are. :] The playlist: Who Knew - P!ink, Heels Over Head - BoysLikeGirls, and Painting Flowers - All Time Low. Plus, whatever I quote in this chapter. Sooo yeah. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CREAM OF RABID CREAM PUFFS. :D And thank you to all of you who read, review, and alert/favorite.

-Miss Moon

Four phone calls, hree hours, two rented trucks, and a nevrous breakdown later, everything was running smoothly. A crate of books, two duffel bags, and a ginormous purse sat beside my door. The siblings were on a phone confrence in my room, discussing the situation with Baki. Kane was attempting to comfor a depressed Mori while Akio sat at the kitchen table without speaking.

I hoped the plan Miana and I formed could get me out of this stupid-ass situation. Kankuro and I were not looking forward to an arranged marriage watched more than MTV.

Gaara hadn't looked me in the eyes once since he'd returned. He seemed sad.

Your arms like towers,
Tower over me
Yeah--
'Cause we are broken
What must we do to restart?

damn. I was doing that OCD-like thing again. Honestly, Akio would have to stop giving me his habits. Unknowingly changing your ringtone is kind of weird. Especially if you're having a really great day, then go into Hot Topic to buy a Linkin Park tee - and your phone starts ringing loudly. And its playing Kids of America covered by Cascada. That's more than a bit awkward...

"Hello?"

"Aya! What's going on?" Sakura's voice was loud and wondering in my ear.

"It's a long story. Let me call you after I reach my hotel, okay?"

"As long as you give me every detail?"

I forced a chuckle. "Of course. Later Sakura."

I snapped my phone shut, only to have it ring again. Because I didn't actually plan on calling Sakura back - great friend, better gossip columnist - I answered it.

"Yes?"

"Aya?"

"What the hell do you want?"

"That is not how you were brought up, Miako! Speak as you were taught."

"Oh? You want me to speak lies, to show I was brought up on nothing but untruthful truths and false statements? Hopeless dreams on being whatever I want because you had already signed away my future? I prefer how I am now. Besides, I could say much worse than hell if this conversation continues, Nana."

"The deal I made was long ago-"

"And you didn't expect them to remember? Or it to turn out this way? And you would change it all if you could? The deal was supposed to be fogotten, and it wasn't supposed to fuck up my life? What excuse would you like to purchase at this time, ma'am?"

My grandmother sighed. The sound was slow and tired - as if she dealt with this every day and had to keep repeating herself. It made me even more angry at the woman. "I don't have an exceptable excuse. I didn't plan to give you one. Would that help?"

"Like admitting you slashed the Hokage's tires while running for a position in the ANBU Opps."

"Aya. Will you please listen to me?"

"If you drop this damed marriage, I'll consider it."

"You should know - I can't."

Then I can't have this conversation without my lawyer present, Mrs. Hishiro. Good day to you."

"Miako! If you hang up on me, I'll-"

"What? Ruin my life? Make me marry someone I love as a brother? Never allow me happiness? All of the-fucking-above?"

Silence errupted over the line.

"Now, I'm hanging up. Even when you're life is ruined, you have to eat something."

I clicked my phone shut. Then, I wen tot the fridge and angrily proceeded to pull out cheese, bacon bits, butter, and ranch dressing. After setting them on the kitchen table next to my cutting board, I jerked a knife from its place and rudely snatched a potato from its sack. "Kio-sama? Can I borrow your MP3 Player?"

I watched as my elder sister left the house, not saying a word. A cab suspended in the drive, whisking her away to wherever she wanted.

"Are you holding food?" he called back.

I sat the potato on the counter. "No..."

"It's in my jacket pocket!"

I went over to the kitchen table, picking up the jacket from one of my chairs. The little blue device was easily found. I unwrapped the earbuds from the blue MP3, and stuffed the device itself into my pocket. Using the little buttons, I flipped to my folder of music. The first song began as I placed my cutting board and three more poataos on the table.

I wanted you to know
I love the way you laugh
I wanna hold you high and
Steal your pain, away~

The first potatos were sliced and lay on the cookie sheet when the song came to an end. My eyes watered whenever Mori stepped into the kitchen, sliently taking the sheet to the stove. She put a bowl in its place before grabbing the foil. My best friend always remembered when I forgot. We worked well that way. As the second song began, I watched her begin to wrap the cookie sheet.

Strange maze, what is this place?
I hear voices over my shoulders.
Nothing's makin' sense at all~.

I sliced the second potato, watching the slices fall into the orange plastic bowl. Mori walked back to the table and sat next to me. She placed the pieces on the tray, still silent. This was a familiar process - we did this many times with many recipes. As All Time Low began the chorus, my friend finished covering the pieces in shredded cheddar cheese and I began another potato.

When I wake up
The dream is done!
I wanna see your face and know I made it home.
If nothing is true,
What more can I do?
I am still painting flowers for you.

We repeated this until two trays were covered in the potato bites. Mori and I sat there silently, waiting for them to bake. I sipped at a Mountain Dew and refused to cry as the beautiful song played on.

I am still painting flowers for you,
I am still painting flowers for you,
I am still painting flowers for you.

As I lay my hand on Mori's to comfort both of us, The Plain White T's sang me their infamous tribute to Delilah.

Hey there Delilah, what's it like in New York City...

Once their song of longing and reassurance was finished, the potato bites were close to being done. I was halfway through Toybox's Best Friend when Mori turned off the oven. I switched off the device and folded the wires around it once again. We covered both sheets in bacon bits, but only one with three cheese ranch dressing. After loading a plate to share with the ranch covered ones, my best friend and I kicked my brother off the loveseat. "You said you weren't holding food!" he accused.

I shrugged and sat down, pulling the coffee table towards us. "It was on the counter, Kio-sama."

He glared at me but sat next to Kankuro and Kane silently.

Really, I don't knwo why he nags me about this. The baked potato bites, cinnamin and sugar tortila triangles, biscut pizzas, and endless others. All of them came from my brother's only love. Her name was Misa Tenshi. She had the prettiest hair I'd ever seen. It was a deep, rich, chesnut-and-honey that curled mercilessly. Her eyes were a deep emerald. Matched with pale, freckled skin, Akio had no chance from first sight. He was heels-over-head in a heartbeat, and I loved her too. She was the big sister I never had.

Then her father's best friend - something like Pin or Pain or whatever - got into some legal trouble and she was hurridly moved to Amegakure. Last time I heard, she was living somewhere near here. Maybe I should look her up...

"Aya? Are you listening to me?" Kane looked puzzled, glancing at me and then my brother.

"Sorry, Candy. I got distracted." I popped a potato bite into my mouth and washed it down with a drink of my favorite soda. "Whatcha need?"

"Mori and I - plus the rest of our extended family - were wondering if you would care to help us pick a movie. Since, ya know, you decided that's what we're doing."

"Right, right." I sighed inwardly at his soft voice. I wasn't breaking before his eyes or anything...

My fire-truck-red-headed best friend cocked an eyebrow at me, asking the same without speaking. I nodded at her. We needed something to cry to. And the perfect movie sat right on top of my DVD collection drug from a closet.

Roughly two hours later, we were sniffling and clasping hands. The Lake House was a horribly sad movie, with a great ending. As soon as the credits began to roll, Akio was apologizing and unplugging the DVD player. Kane put the movies next to the rest of my 'luggage.' We'd be watching more later. Even if I had to hook my DVD player up at the hotel. Movies were just as comforting as music to me.

And then, my phone rang again.

Your finger tips across my skin
Palm trees swayin' in the wind
Images...
You sang me Spanish lullabies
The sweetest sadness in your eyes
Clever trick...

I rummaged around, plucking my phone from inbetween cushions. "City mourge - you kill 'em, we chill 'em!"

"Aya... It's just me."

"Oh, hey Aunt Aiko. What's poppin'?"

"Nothing, good, Aya-chan."

"Oh no, what is it this time?"

"Just tell me how many plane tickets you need, love. Your parents are having a meeting with the owners of Sabuka Inc. in Amekagure. All of you are supposed to come. There is a fill floor of suits booked at a lovely hotel and the tickets will be paid for. First class, and your kitten can come along."

Oh, the kittens were still locked in the bathroom due to Temari's presence. I'd need to let them out and give Temari her girft. I sighed into the speaker. If I was going, Mori was going. "We'll need seven tickets, Aunt Aiko. When does the plane leave?"

"I'll call you back, okay?"

I shut the phone. "Mori! We're leaving, so you better go pack those close you in keep in my closet. Kio and Kane, you too. Temari can handle her block party after I speak with her."

The blonde cocked her head sideways, but followed me to the bathroom without question. "I can't wait to give you your present for various reasons. But we all need a little bit of comfort in our life besides geekish Candy." I winked at her before picking up the sand-colored kitten. "So here. Her name is Ami."

She did not attack me with a hug, as Mori would have done. Instead, she looked at me with grateful eyes. Temari gave me a rare, sweet smile, and giggled as the kit pawed at her nose. I grinned in response.

"I love it, Aya."

"Yeahhh, that was kinda the point." I giggled at her, watching as Temari cudled the kitling and let it lick her hand.

"I guess I have to give your brothers their gifts sometime soon too, ne?"

"Probably." Her grin was ungaurded and full. I liked this side of Temari.

+Five Hours Later+

"Mori... I'm afraid of planes... Just sayin'."

"Aya, you just got off of a plane."

I rolled my eyes at her. "They're scary to see, not ride in. Haven't you learned anything after being my friend for a number of years?"

"Yeah - you're an idiot. But I love you."

"I know... So I guess that's okay. Just sayin'." I smiled at the guy loading our bags into the back of a limo. He winked at me, but looked scare a moment later. "Gaara's behind me, isn't he?"

Mori leaned in to whisper her reply. "And glaring at that poor boy like there's no point in smiling."

I swatted behind me, hitting his chest. "I apologize for his manners. He gets annoyed when someone smiles. Just sayin'." The boy laughed nervously and left. "See? You scare people. He was just being nice, Gaara-kun. It's not like I planned to elope with him 'cause he winked at me. Just sayin'."

"Hn."

I laughed, hugging him. "He's so caring, ne?"

Mori laughed too, letting the other red head slip into the long car after I'd let him go. "I easily pegged him as the jealous type. His brother has the same problem. Even if he was a total flirt, now he's so protective and jealous. Very sweet, sometimes annoying."

We rode in silence, listening to 3oh!3's 'I'm Not Your Boyfriend Baby', 'Paper Walls' by YellowCard, and ATL's cover of Umbrella. Gaara and his siblings seperated from us at the hotel. Kio and Kane immediately ran into the hotel. That left Mori and I to thank the driver and stand awkwardly for a few minutes. I looked up at the giant building, taking in the glorified stone exterior. Its sleek, dark body loomed in the falling twilight with the white lining glowing. Two sliding glass doors lead us into the lobby, which was just as modern and sleek as the outside of the beautiful building. Keeping the dark aura was a large front desk made of black marble.

Contrasting to the dark place, a very happy-looking girl sat behind the desk. Her light brown hair was short, and it framed her open face easily. The girl's eyes were much darker than her hair. With a smile, she asked if we had reservations.

I stared at her blankly. And then I remembered the text Aunt Aikohad sent me. "Yes! The reservatiosns hould be under...what was it? Oh! Kazekage. Two boys should have already been through here... You should just ignore them..."

The girl - Matsuri, as the identification thingy said - began looking through books. The famed siblings took this to enter. Temari called out to us, and all three of us looked up at her. Gaara and Kankuro followed her suit, besides the loud demeanor. I grinned. Kankuro, trying to act cool, and my silent boy. How I loved my friends.

"Hey, Gaara-kun. You guys checking in too?"

He inclined his head, and let Temari do the talking. She was good at that in such a good mood.

While another employee dug out four keys, Matsuri turned back to us. Er...turned to Gaara, really. I quirked an eyebrow at Mori, who just looked bemused. "Is there anything else you need? I mean, I get off in a little while, but if you need anything..."

Kankuro coughed loudly, breaking up the silence. "Bless you," I said dismissively. "And thanks, but we won't need anything." I took Gaara's hand and led my extended family to the elevator. "Ugh, stupid flirting employees who don't know when they become overly friendly," I mumbled. Mori and Temari laughed, apparently having heard my small rant. I blushed and jabbed the button.

We rode in more silence, Temari and I carrying the cat cases that had been left at the front desk for us. Mori and I immediately picked out our rooms, which were next to eachother. Gaara took the one on the far left conrer, diagonal to mine. Temari's room was next to his, with my brother and Kane sharing the last room on that side of the hall. Kankuro took the room beside Mori. My brother and his best friend were no where to be found.

The siblings were needed for another conference (in person this time), so Mori and I decided to check out the place. And maybe find my idiot 'brothers.'

My best friend and I entered the elevator engaged in an intense conversation about the movie Lo. I pushed a button without really looking at it, telling her the importance of Lo's attitude.

"Without his jerkness, the whole movie falls apart. Sure, Justin was desperately in love and would do anything to get back 'April' - but so would romeo, Jacob, Edward, Tristen... And countless others. So the movie cannot be good without an asshole like Lo. Just sayin'."

"Love is what makes the whole movie. Without it, Lo would not have been there in the first place. You have to think it through."

"I would not have watched it if it was just about a mopey guy crying over a weird girl. I'd tell the fictional character to get a job and turn the channel. Lo's sarcastic remarks makes the whole thing worthwhile. I know what I'm talking about Mori."

The doors opened with a ding. They revealed two people in a heavy make-out session trying to open a door. I averted my eyes. "Mori... Are we on the right floor?"

"Uhhh..."

"Dammit. Just sayin'."

"Let's head back to the lobby for a bit."

"Sure why not?"

"I hope the others are there."

"They're not. I know it. Just sayin'."

"I bet they are."

We rode down the floors slowly. I wished we had better music. Like Flyleaf, or maybe Hellogoodbye. Ooooh. I could really go for some Paramore and Cascada. Sugarland was good - even if country wasn't exactly my thing. "When I'm older, I'm going to go to college. You will own a hotel. I will own the pastry shop in said hotel. AND WE WILL PLAY GOOD MUSIC IN THE DAMNED ELEVATORS! Just sayin'."

"What they hell is your problem?"

I waited, listening for the second ding. I answered her seriously. "It's true. Just sayin'."

"STOP SAYING THAT."

"I WAS RIGHT, THEY'RE NOT HERE!"

She huffed.

"Just sayin'."

My red headed friend gave me a dirty look.

"I was just sayin'."

"That is the last fucking time you watch Fired Up! on the plane."

'Cause you can't jump the track
We're like cars on the cable.
And life's like an hour glass
Glued to the table.
"Ooh my phone's ringing. It's Gaara."

Silence settled between us as I dug my phone out of my jacket pocket.

"Just sayin'."

She glared openly at me while I flipped open my phone. Gaara's name flashed on the screen with a smiley face grinning from the pixles. That always made me laugh. "Phone tag, you're it!"

"Aya?"

"Yessss?"

"What did they feed you on that plane?"

"Well... I had water, then some apple sauce. While I was watching Fired Up! they brought around a dessert tray. So I grabbed a couple of these things called Pockys. They're soooo gre-"

"I know what a Pocky is. It was chocolate right?"

"Maybe."

"No more today."

"You're not my boss."

"Hn."

"Did you call for any reason? Unless you just missed me. Because if you called just because you missed me, Kane will call you whipped. And we're not even- Oh, anyways. Why'd ya call, Gaara-kun?"

"I saw your mother. She wants you to call her before you retire. And you have a meeting with your parents at ten tommorrow morning."

"Fine," I sighed. "I'll see you later Gaara!" I closed the phone, turning to Mori. She was speaking with some girl. The girl was about my age, if not a bit older. Her hair seemed dark red, but flashed different shades in the light as she moved. Amber eyes flecked with green scanned over their surroundings, taking everything in. A dark black trench coat with random studs and spikes covered her person, splitting at both legs to allow movement. Then, I saw them. They were just a half shade darker than her hair, and sat obediantly on her head. Without thinking, I flung myself at her and pinned her on the ground. My eyes were wide and my hair fell into both of our faces as I looked at her incrediously.

"Are those real? Like in Loveless and InuYasha, and all those amazing fictional things that I love?" I asked desperately. Not waiting, I poked one of her ears. It drooped, the plastic shining in the light. Moodily, I got off the random chick and grumbled to myself about lying strangers. Mori looked horrified.

The girl's hair - which had been half put up in a bun and half loose - now hung limply around her crumpled and creased trench coat, stopping a little lower than her waist. Her rare eyes did not flash with anger and she didn't yell. Instead, she burst out laughing. I joined. This was kind of amusing after, all.

"We shall be great friends! Just sayin'."

"Is there a reason you are loitering in the lobby of the esteemed Akatsuki Inn, miss?"

"It depends. Can you make more of those flowers? Because I've always wanted to learn how to do that, buuuut I couldn't. It's so amazing, though! Just sayin'."

"SHUT THE HELL UP!" Mori yelled.

This was not edited. My wrists hurt and I don't have my laptop... But enjoy and review anyways, loves!

-Miss Moon