The Life and Times of the Kazekage's Assistant

Disclaimer:I don't own Naruto. This story is inspired by a novel by Lauren Weisberger. I do own Tsubasa Imamura, any other OCs in the story, the designer labels and names of the magazines/newspapers, and the plot.

Author's Note:I'm not sure what's taking place here, but I've become very determined to finish this story (as well as my other incomplete works). Italic print signifies song lyrics so be on the lookout for We Are Young by Fun.

Chapter Twenty: Tales of Spring Break: Part Three

Tale Five:

We Are Young

Now I know that I'm not
All that you've got
I guess that I—I just thought
Maybe we could find ways to fall apart
But our friends are back
So let's raise a toast
'Cause I found someone to carry me home
Tonight
We are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

Konoha is beautiful in the spring. Dare I say it's actually much nicer than Suna in the spring. Suna is a jungle of skyscrapers, flashing lights and billboards. It's the pinnacle of fashion and embodies the nightlife of youth. It's fast paced and dangerous, giving you a sense of exhilaration every time you step out of your house. The stars above are like spotlights surrounding the beautiful desert village that looks more city-like than village. Suna wasn't always that way. After Gaara's gruesome run-in with the Akatsuki and the extraction of his tailed beast, Suna had gotten destroyed from all the explosives of his legendary battle with Deidara. When Suna was being rebuilt, skyscrapers went up and fashion took over the shinobi world thanks to Temari's new interest in it. Sunagakure is part sand dune-esque homes and partly a forest of skyscrapers. The old part of Suna is referred to as Old Town and the newer par t of Suna is called New Town. There's quite a difference between the two, but I've become accustomed to its changes and renovations. During the rebuilding, Suna lost some of its history and natural beauty due to the changes in the landscape from Deidara's explosive "art".

The Hidden Leaf had something Sand did not. It had a natural tranquility to it and was an ideal place for settling down. Children bustled around energetically through lush patches of grass, vendors here were kind and generous not devious and clever when it came to tricking you on what you thought may be a bargain, and the nice breeze that circulated through the village was fresh. The air had a particular scent to it here. It was a mixture of Ramen, sweet sakura blossoms and hope. Konoha isn't nearly as industrious as Suna, but it provided something greater than hustle and bustle. It promised warmth and love. Those were two things I wasn't very familiar with.

I smiled fondly as a group of kids who couldn't be older than twelve rushed past me, eager to round the corner so that they could attend the annual Leaf Village Fair. They were so carefree, without a trouble in the world. I was once like that a very, very long time ago. It was before my parents died. I had been a happy-go-lucky kind of girl, so eager to just be who I was, which was happy. After the death of my parents, everything changed. I was hurried into adulthood at too young an age to ever be considered an adult. I had to learn to be independent and do everything on my own. Worst of all, I was alone.

At this moment, I'm not really complaining though. Sure, I do have much to complain about and I'm almost always stressed about work, so much that I couldn't even go on missions. I felt bad because that made my teammates have to go on missions with other chunin from my village. They had to get used to going on missions with team members they weren't used to working with. I feel like I'm to blame for that, but I don't feel guilty really right now as I usually do. Konoha always seemed to give me peace of mind. It made me a little nostalgic from when I used to date Kiba.

I rounded the corner, passing Ichiraku ramen where I could see Naruto and Sakura sitting down for lunch together. I'll admit that I quickened my pace slightly to avoid speaking to the Orange Firecracker of a shinobi even though I knew that next to nothing would tear him away from a bowl of ramen. I spotted Gaara waiting for me at the entrance of a convenient store. He had a popsicle in hand, which is a kind of funny sight in my opinion. Gaara is like a child, new to the world and marveling at every wonder. He was almost awkward in his manner when it came to doing "normal" things like buying a bright orange popsicle at a convenient store. The color reminded me of Naruto a little, and though the little freak irritates me to no end most of the time, I smiled.

"Good morning, Kazekage-sama." I gave a short wave of the hand and approached him a little nervously. Something about him always forced me into a painfully shy disposition. I tried fervently to remind myself that this was my chance to make him feel shy or to at least turn up my charms a bit. As a pretend girlfriend, I was in good position to take advantage of such.

"Good morning, Tsubasa-san." His smile was enough to send warm fuzzy tickles throughout my entire body. It made me dizzy and a little giddy. He broke off the popsicle into two halves and extended the orange delicacy out towards me. "Would you like half?"

How could I refuse? I don't think anyone could refuse such an offer, not from Gaara. I tried to maintain my cool as heat flushed my cheeks. They were probably almost the same hue as the popsicle. "Thank you," I managed to muster in a small voice as I received the popsicle from him. "So what's on the agenda for the morning?" I cocked my head to the side as I snuck a few small licks with my popsicle.

"I was thinking we could shop together. You can pick whatever you like from the stores. I don't mind purchasing whatever it is." He looked so gorgeous as he took a small bite from his popsicle. I couldn't help but feel jealous of that iced orange liquid.

"Really?" I beamed, nearly slashing through the air with my popsicle. I willed myself to calm down, but the giddiness only increased as my excitement did. Shopping with Gaara, and I could buy whatever I wanted! This was way too good to be true. I didn't want to impose on him and demand every expensive item I coveted, but the thought of him buying me something made me feel delightfully spoiled and almost doted on. It may have been just for show, but this was something I could definitely take advantage of.

He nodded. "Within reason of course. I'm not sure I can afford Konoha's entire warehouses, but I'd like to buy you some things that catch your eye."

I got brave. Don't ask me how because I don't have an answer for that. I slipped my free hand into Gaara's and said, "That's so sweet of you. Let's get going!" I tossed him a wink and led him down the streets of Konoha. We walked hand in hand down Konoha's most popular shopping district. Some Leaf shinobi marveled at the Kazekage as he held my hand. I'm sure it was very surprising to see him with someone after many years of solitude.

First order of business was window shopping. Window shopping can be painful to do. It can truly be excruciating to look at the most beautiful must-have dress or accessory and not be able to afford it or even risk trying it on for fear of breaking the bank. Today window shopping would be like being in a candy store. I could have whatever it was I wanted, within of reason of course.

I tossed my licked-clean popsicle stick into a trashcan and guided Gaara into a hat store. He had no choice to but to comply as I threw a wide-brimmed beach hat on his head and one on my own. I grinned, stepping back and pretending to take a picture of him with a make-believe camera. He seemed awkward at first, but it didn't take him too long to get into the little dress up game I had created. I was caught by surprise when I felt a hat go on my head. I turned around to see Gaara now wearing an old-fashioned fedora. I glanced in the mirror to see that mine was a cheetah printed fedora.

"You've got good taste," I commented as I admired myself in the mirror.

"Would you like it?" he asked, already handing another of the same kind to an employee to take to the register.

I felt myself blushing. "If you insist," I stammered shyly. "I don't want to impose."

He shook his head. "You don't have to worry about that. This was my idea, remember?"

Before I knew it, Gaara was carrying a few shopping bags in his free hand and holding my hand in the other. I felt beyond giddy and beyond enamored over this. It was like a real day out with a real boyfriend. Gaara had gotten me the cute cheetah print fedora, a couple of spring dresses, an exquisite evening gown, some lovely scarves and a new pair of shoes. I felt extremely spoiled (and thankful that this wasn't coming out of my pay check). He had commented that he had been meaning to give me a raise anyhow so he didn't mind the spending. I couldn't argue with him there. I deserved many, many raises after all the hard work I had put in as his assistant (And Temari's. And Kankuro's. And Matsuri's. And Kanoka's. And everyone else who decided to order me around).

I felt my heart flutter as I side glanced at a beautiful necklace in the window display of Satsuki. Satsuki is a well-known jewelry store that uses flawless crystals in their work. This necklace was a delicate looking pink heart with shining crystals embedded in its front. It came in a set with matching earrings, a bracelet and ring. The crystals shined so brightly that I had to squint a little. I looked away quickly after realizing that I probably looked like I was drooling. Clothes are totally different from jewelry. There was no way that I was going to even try asking for that. It was too expensive for one, and two, it was just inappropriate to ask the Kazekage to buy me jewelry no matter how pretend girlfriend/boyfriend we were being. Now, that would be taking advantage.

"See something you like?" he asked me, craning his neck to try and see what I was looking at.

"No," I almost shouted, squeezing his hand and dragging him away from the store. I couldn't help but sneak a longing glance behind me to see the lovely set again. I wonder how many paychecks it would take to buy it all. On my salary, probably the last three months worth. That's something I couldn't afford, especially not after wrecking Hoshiro's prized special edition Itcha Itcha Paradise novel set on accident a few weeks ago. I had accidentally toppled a large watering canteen onto them, which wasn't completely my fault because Sorachi was the one who put the canteen there in the first place. I had taken the blame though because I didn't want him upset with her. I was still hoping the two would finally become a big time Suna power couple. The books had commentary from the author, bonus material, etc. They were even signed by the now departed Jiraiya-sama. The books were even more expensive following his death. They had definitely cost an arm and a leg to replace.

Chewing on my lower lip, I could see Kankuro approaching us ahead. "Hey guys," he called, grinning wickedly through his war paint. "You two seem to be having a good time together. Holding hands, I see?"

I released Gaara's hand immediately out of reflex and total embarrassment. Trying to maintain my composure, I coolly said, "Uhm, you know… Couples usually do that sort of thing. Can't look distant or something. Gotta make it look real 'ttebayo." Wow. 'ttebayo? Really? Dattebayo? Had I really just ended my sentence with that? A flurry of curses ran through my mind as a blush spread over my cheeks. How could I have just used Naruto Uzumaki's annoying verbal tic just now? Where the hell did that even come from? I wasn't used to stammering. I was always a good speaker, enunciating every word properly and correctly, speaking clearly and effectively… and yet I had just said dattebayo in a sentence.

Kankuro seemed extremely amused by this. "Uzumaki's rubbing off on you, huh?"

"Uhhhhh," was all I got out, further adding to my embarrassment.

"Take your time with that one." Kankuro gave a chuckle and then turned to Gaara. "Gaara, it's almost three. Did you forget that Tsunade-sama requested to see you at this time? I wouldn't be late. She's a scary woman."

"I must have lost track of time," Gaara murmured, staring off into the distance towards the Hokage's office. He looked back to me. "It seems I've got to get going. I hope you can forgive me." He sounded reluctant.

"Of course," I told him. "You're the Kazekage. You have responsibilities."

He handed Kankuro my shopping bags and said, "Would you mind taking these back to my room at the hotel?"

"Alright, but just this once." He gave a wink to us both. "If there's lingerie in here I'm going to laugh."

Leave it to Kankuro to say something completely and utterly awkward, thus creating total dead silence.

"It wasn't that kind of shopping trip," I murmured. I could feel myself emitting blue waves of awkwardness as my limbs went jelly.

Gaara, who was usually unaffected by Kankuro's jabs, even seemed perturbed. "Kankuro, mind your business and refrain from making future inappropriate comments."

Kankuro chuckled, uncaring if he had made things completely mortifying and humiliating for the both of us. "For sure. Anyway, I'll see you later." He slung a free arm around Gaara's shoulders. "Oh, look we're going the same way." I shook my head to try and shake off the embarrassment. It helped a little, but I knew that the feelings of shame and discomfiture wouldn't go away anytime soon.

Gorging myself on delicious fair food and a few rides on the merry-go-round helped me get over my mortification. I felt a little silly going to the fair by myself, but I was having fun on my own. I wasn't one of those people that absolutely needed to have someone there with me in order to have a good time. I could enjoy myself on my own. I was self-efficient in that way.

I stuffed a handful of caramelized popcorn into my mouth, bit into a juicy pickle and made my way to the line for the Ferris wheel. Night was beginning to fall. I hadn't realized that two hours had gone by. It was almost five-thirty now, and I can't say that I was ready to leave just yet. I had only been on a few rides, mostly over and over again, and there was so much more of the fair to enjoy. My only regret was not being able to enjoy it with Gaara. I'd very much like to see him knock over milk bottles and be awarded a stuffed animal prize. It would have been a priceless moment.

"Oh well," I said to myself through another stuffing of popcorn into my mouth. You may think my manners were a tad uncouth in this situation, but you must understand that I have to constantly be on my best behavior when on the clock as the Kazekage's assistant. In my free time, I enjoy sitting however I like, speaking however I like, and gorging my pie hole and food. It felt natural and primitive. The point was that I could control my own actions and be free to do whatever I wanted in my down time. I couldn't always be this lax around work. Needless to say, I was very much enjoying myself. Well, I was enjoying myself until I felt a tapping at my shoulder which caused me to whirl around. I came face to face with none other than my ex-boyfriend Kiba.

"Hey, Tsubs." He was grinning wildly. Akamaru, full-grown and gigantic, barked cheerfully at his feet.

"What do you want?" I said through my mouthful of popcorn. I tossed the bag into a nearby trashcan and gulped down some of my soda while discreetly petting Akamaru on his head, though I'm sure Kiba noticed. Just because I disliked Kiba didn't mean that I had to be mean to his cute companion.

"Nothing," he said nonchalantly. However, he couldn't hide that wolfish grin of his no matter how hard he tried, which led me to believe he was undoubtedly up to something. "Just saw you and figured it would be rude not to say hey."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?" I didn't have a better response to him than that, but figured I could remain sassy by using sarcasm and facial expressions.

"Are you here alone?" he asked me.

Normally, I'd make up some huge fabricated lie that I was actually there with a big group of friends, holding our place in line or that Gaara and his siblings were in tow, but I knew he'd see right through it. I could never really lie to Kiba. He knew me to well, unfortunately. I decided to be stuck up about my one-is-the-loneliest-number status. "Mhm," I replied. "I'm having a great time just being on my own. Fantastic time, really."

I heard Akamaru whine softly. I snuck a glance down at him and tried my best not to make a goofy and playful facial expression for him and talk to him like he was a baby like I always used to do. I made my eyes meet Kiba's, giving him my best "just try me" glare that I could muster at the moment.

"Hm, what a coincidence. I'm here alone too." I didn't like the way he said that. Not one bit. As if he was insinuating that perhaps we should buddy up in some sort of strange couple-esque manner and hang out at the fair like old times. "Hey, is that the necklace I gave you?" He reached out toward the small chain around my neck, fondling the dainty leaf village charm that hung upon it. I blushed, felt myself pull away, or thought I had pulled away at least. I hadn't moved though.

"Well, er—I found it in my stuff. Didn't think much of it when I put it on. I mean I barely remembered you gave it to me. I just wore it because I'm here in Konoha. I never wear it back home in Suna 'ttebayo." Curses! Again with the 'ttebayo. If I could move, I'd have smacked myself silly right then and there. Today was a day of verbal blunders, one after the other. I'm not sure which was worse, my word vomit with Gaara and Kankuro this morning or with Kiba now! They were probably both horrifically equal. I felt a knot develop in my stomach, twisting and coiling like a disgusting snake. "I forgot you'd given it to me." That came out more smoothly, thank Kami.

I know you're probably upset with me for still having something given to me by Kiba. In all honesty, I'm upset with myself about this one. It's just something I had clung onto as a fond memory, to remind me of the good times I had. Sorachi usually gives me a stern look every time she's seen me wear that damn necklace. I just could never bring myself to get rid of it.

"I still have the scarf you knitted for me," Kiba said quietly. "And the matching one for Akamaru as well." He shuffled nervously. I felt Akamaru's wet nose nudge against my leg. I couldn't help but feel a sharp twinge in my heart. I didn't know what to say. I only nodded.

"Are you two going on or what?" asked a moody worker, motioning towards the Ferris wheel. "Decide otherwise you'll hold up the line."

I didn't really have time to sit there and think things through or react. I just moved. I unhinged the little door of the Ferris wheel and held it open for Kiba.

"What a gentleman," he remarked, grinning. Akamaru climbed aboard the Ferris wheel after him.

"Well, that makes one of us," I retorted, climbing in after the two. It wasn't my fault that I had grown so accustomed to opening doors for everyone and letting them in first. That's just a small duty of mine as an assistant to the Kazekage and his siblings. It had become muscle memory to do so.

"The dog can't go on," the worker said until I shot him a glare. Akamaru went everywhere with Kiba. It wasn't the same without him. There couldn't be one without the other. They were a pair, and I wasn't about to let this grumpy carnie kick him off the ride. It couldn't harm anyone. "Never mind. Go ahead." He was grumbling as he locked the door to our cart and went back to his station to start the ride.

Kiba, Akamaru and I were slowly being lifted higher and higher into the sky. We could see all of Konoha from the Ferris wheel. It was breathtaking and remarkable from this height. I was astonished with its beauty, marveling at every little detail. My favorite was the faces of the Hokages. I hated to admit it, but I knew that one day that crazy Naruto Uzumaki would be up there and would probably go down as the best Hokage in history. As much as I think he's an insane retard at times, I really believe in the guy. He's the type of person you just want to bet on no matter what the odds are.

"So what brings you to Leaf?" Kiba asked, careful not to startle me.

"I'm here on business with Lord Kazekage and his siblings," I replied, coolly. I wanted him to know just how powerful my job was and that it's exactly what I wanted.

"Business, huh?" Kiba echoed. "I saw you two this morning in the shopping district. Cute couple."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks. He was so sarcastic about it, snarky bastard. Keep it cool, I told myself as I gave an indifferent shrug. "Did you?"

"How'd he recruit you into being his girlfriend? Council putting pressure on him?" Kiba asked. My heart lurched inside my stomach. I tried not to make a face, but I'm sure he could see that my expression was a terrified one. I couldn't believe he knew the truth. How could he possibly know? "You look surprised."

Should I play it off that I actually was Gaara's girlfriend? Would he see through the lie? He probably would. He knew me too well. He'd know it if I tried to lie my way out of this, but I couldn't willingly give in and give up the truth. That wouldn't be right either. This was like being on a mission. "He didn't recruit me. He asked me like a gentleman on Hearts Grow. We had been dating for a while before then, you see." You see was better than saying you know or 'ttebayo again. I'd take it.

"You may be fooling everyone else, but you don't fool me." His face had grown serious. It was strange to see Kiba like this. He was typically in good humor and though he could be serious when he needed to, he wasn't one to become so somber that any hint of playfulness evaporated from him. He was close to me, looking me dead in the eyes. I knew that if I kept lying, he'd know.

"I'm not trying to fool anyone." Except myself. This pretend relationship business was like being stuck in a genjutsu that I wasn't sure I wanted to release myself from. And why did Kiba care? Didn't he have someone else, someone from Leaf that he was interested in? I know he loved Hinata like a little sister, but never to date. I had suspicions of him being interested in Sakura and even Ino, but that was because I was being a jealous ex-girlfriend. I knew that for Sakura, there was only Konoha's missing nin Sasuke Uchiha and Ino was a big flirt, but there was no way she'd be interested in Kiba. Then there was Tenten, the girl Kiba had left me for. They hadn't lasted probably because she was in love with her teammate, the Hyuga prodigy Neji. Certainly, there were other girls in the village for Kiba though. He didn't have to date someone from the rookie 9 of Leaf.

The Ferris wheel had stopped, with our cart at the highest point. I turned away from Kiba to stare out to the Hidden Leaf. Somewhere out there, Gaara was probably wondering where I was, or at least I would like to hope he was. I was wondering where he was, wondering if he'd come save me from this awkward predicament I was in with my ex-boyfriend.

All hopes for some magic rescue were dashed as I felt an arm go around me. The heat seeped from his limb and into my body. It had been a little chilly at the altitude we were at, but there were no remnants of cold with Kiba's arm draped around my shoulders. He squeezed my arm affectionately. "Tsubs, I know you're probably into Gaara, but this pretending thing isn't healthy. It's a big lie."

Nothing gets past Kiba. I'm not sure if it was his heightened sense of smell which clued him in on my attempts at lying all the time. If he could smell the dishonesty in perspiration or if he just could see it in my eyes because he knew me so well. Either way, there was no hiding from him. I had no choice but to confess now, but I'd defend Gaara and the motives behind our fake relationship as best I could.

"Look," I said, growing stern. "My personal feelings are of no consequence in this matter. It's my job as the assistant of the Kazekage to do whatever it is that is needed of me. The council was putting pressure on Gaara-sama to date because they want to see his line continued in hopes of an heir to the Kazekage position. You have to understand that this is a big deal. Gaara-sama has worked very hard to earn respect and admiration from the village and especially from the council. The villagers love him after he saved us all from Deidara's explosion, but the higher ups have resented him for so long. Things are looking up for him. I can't ruin that for him. I have no right. It's the least I can do for him, not just as his assistant but as a citizen of Suna."

"I respect your patriotism," Kiba replied, "but I don't think it's right for him to demand this sort of thing from you. How do you get to live your life? You're a puppet, Tsubs. Any one of the Sand Siblings pull your strings and you move for them and do whatever they want you to do. That's not right either."

"I don't really expect you to understand loyalty," I shot back as I shrugged off his arm. I could hear Akamaru whining at our feet, but I didn't look at him. The Ferris wheel had been moving, thankfully. We were almost back to ground level now. I could finally get off this ride.

"I deserved that," Kiba said, softly and sorrowfully as he held open the door to my freedom.

I stepped out towards the open, putting as much distance as I could between myself and Kiba. Naturally, he followed. I felt a hand tug at my wrist, whirling me around.

"I'm sorry," he breathed. "I didn't mean to upset you. I think it's great that you're living your dream. You're so close to being on the council one day. It's just that I want you to be happy."

"I am—"

"No you're not," he cut me off. "It's all over your face. You've got bags under your eyes. You look exhausted. You're voice is strained like you've been overworked and you're dehydrated. When was the last time you looked out for you, did something for you?"

I twisted out of his hold, head hanging with shame. "I've got to go, Kiba-kun. Please keep what you know a secret. It's very important." I could feel tears streaming down my face, hot tears, sticking to my skin as they poured down. I didn't bother to wipe them.

"I won't say anything! I promise!" I could hear him calling out after me as Akamaru howled into the night, but my legs were moving quickly. They easily lifted me up into a graceful leap. I was on the rooftops now, running with no clear sense of a destination. I'd just let them wherever my feet could take me, hopefully that was someplace no one could find me because right now all I wanted was to be invisible.

-Let's Set The World On Fire-

I didn't speak of my run-in with Kiba to anyone. It's not something I could openly tell Gaara. I couldn't ask Kankuro for advice or for him to translate Kiba's strange guy behavior. And I certainly couldn't giggle or gossip about it with Temari. I could possibly send a carrier pigeon over to Suna with a letter for Sorachi or for Tazuna, but what would be the point? I may as well just wait until I return. Even when I did return home, would it be something worth mentioning? I felt embarrassed of the incident. It was something I wanted to push to the back of my mind, not share, elaborate on or discuss. And with that…

Puuuushhhh. Gone!

Tonight, I am young and I'm going to set the world on fire. I can burn brighter than the sun.

When I made my entrance to the Hyuga Gala, I hadn't thought it would be as dramatic as it was. I knew I was bound to make an impression. More like, Gaara was making a statement by attending with me as his date. We were going public with our relationship (our fake relationship, anyway). Hinata, looking lovely in a lavender gown, smiled at me and gave a short wave of the hand. A blush spread across her face after I winked at her. Naruto was standing next to her. Sakura had apparently set them up as dates for the evening. I was surprised Hinata hadn't passed out yet.

Tonight was our last night in Konoha, so I was going to make it count. Dancing the night away with Gaara was my way of doing just that. My arms around his shoulders and his around my waist. It was almost perfect until I spotted Kiba's face. He wasn't mad or angry. He didn't look like he was going to explode and go on a rampage like a jealous ex. No, Kiba looked utterly heartbroken as he watched us dance, and for some reason that really just killed me inside.

I had completely forgotten that he'd be at the Hyuga's. That was a grave mistake on my part. Of course he would be there alongside Hinata. She was his teammate after all. It's not like she'd not invite him to an event this huge. Most the shinobi and prominent village people were here. It made sense for Kiba to be here as well. His mother and sister were likely in the vicinity as well.

That's when I excused myself from dancing with Gaara. "I'm going to catch my breath for a bit. All the dancing's made me lightheaded," I said, untangling my arms from around his neck. He slowly stripped his arms from around me. My body felt cold the moment he was no longer touching me.

"Are you feeling alright?" he asked. There was so much concern in his eyes. He seemed to think of me as fragile.

"I am." I nodded. "Just a small breather, and I'll be back for more dancing if you're still interested in dancing that is."

"With you, always." He smiled. I could feel my legs going jelly beneath me. He had a way of melting me down like that.

I gave him one last look before taking my leave. I pushed my way through most of the party guests, searching desperately for a more secluded area, somewhere I could be alone. I could feel my hands shaking at my sides as my heart raced through my chest. Not a good sign. It felt like I was going to have a panic attack. This really shouldn't have been stressing me out so much. I needed to get away from everyone. That should do the trick.

The Hyuga's had a quaint and secluded courtyard, begging me to keep it company. I obliged and took a seat at the edge of a babbling fountain. I slipped my hand underneath the surface of frothy water and allowed it to sift through my fingertips like a sieve. My hand was still shaking as I did so, but the trembling finally eased and so did my heart as it settled into a soft drum beat. The bubbling fountain was soothing my frazzled nerves and I let my stress drip into it. A nearby nightingale began to sing me a sweet tune as I sighed into the night, closing my eyes to enhance my relaxation further. Much better.

"Tsubasa-san."

Startled, my eyes fluttered open. Kiba, as I had suspected, judging by his gruff voice. I felt my nerves begin to tense and my body went rigid. He as beginning to make himself something of a pest these days, but I suppose there was no escaping now, not without making some big scene that would surely draw the attention of everyone at the party. "Is there a reason you've been hounding me?" Pun intended.

He sat down next to me. I could see that Akamaru was waiting patiently at the edge of the courtyard, likely under Kiba's command. This was cause for alarm. Kiba wasn't one to make Akamaru keep his distance in situations like this. It made me worry; made me believe that there was something more serious to this chat than a hope you're enjoying the party.

"Now, I know that I'm not all that you've got. I guess that I just thought that maybe we could pick up where we left off." This wasn't real. And I wasn't hearing this. This person sitting at the fountain with Kiba, she couldn't have been me. Surely, someone from the Yamanaka Clan had used a mind transfer jutsu on me because that girl that was sitting there getting butterflies could not have been me.

"I have someone… sort of."

Kiba leaned forward as he gently lifted my fingertips that had been dipped into the cool fountain and laced his own fingertips. "Do you love him?" he asked me in a melancholy voice. His usual husky tone was filled with such misery and distress.

My eyes fell downcast, staring to my hand that was intertwined with Kiba's. "Well, you see… I… I don't know what to say." My mouth formed a straight line, permitting no more words to pass through my lips.

I wasn't aware that Kiba's lips were already looming towards mine, wasn't aware that the girl that wasn't me, the impostor, was in his arms with no intentions of leaving them. Then, the girl who wasn't me allowed herself to be pulled closer. "Don't say anything," Kiba murmured as he pressed his lips firmly against the lips of the girl in denial that was undoubtedly me.

I could feel the flames of passion behind the kiss, burning thoroughly through me. Could feel the desire in the way he clutched at me fiercely as if afraid to let go because if he did, I'd be lost to him forever. I felt myself kiss back, wondering what the hell I was getting myself into at that moment. What was I doing? What was I thinking? I didn't love Kiba. I loved Gaara. Didn't I? Or was it Kiba I'd really been pining after this entire time? Did I just set Gaara as an impossible goal so that I could try my best to achieve it just to forget about Kiba? Was Gaara just a replacement or some substitute for Kiba?

I didn't have answers to those questions in that moment and so I shut my eyes. I deepened the kiss. Flashbacks seized my mind. Memories of Kiba and me before our dreadful break-up. We had been so happy once, despite a few silly arguments about the distance. We had fought over it a lot, but we had definitely been content with one another. I could see Kiba's wolfish smile when he told me he loved me for the first time. I could feel the same sensations of adoration, relief, captivation and love that I had felt when he'd spoken those three words. I felt the rapture and the bliss. Then my mind switched to other flashbacks. Ones of Gaara and the special moments we'd shared. The magical evening which only occurred a few nights ago when he had been so intimate with me. His words to me: Thank you for caring for me.

And then I snapped out of it. My eyes flew open. My hands were at Kiba's chest pushing him away. "I can't. No, this isn't right," I breathed in disbelief over my impulsive actions. "You can't ever kiss me again."

His grip around me tightened, letting me know that he wasn't planning on giving up on me quite just yet. He bore a sour expression on his face, but I could see the hurt deep within his eyes. "Why? Because Gaara will have to find some other girl to pretend to be his girlfriend?" His voice rose with every syllable, growing angrier and louder. "Your strange relationship with him has gone on for too long. Be real with yourself. Like he actually cares for you, Tsubasa! Stop kidding yourself. Any guy that cares for you wouldn't treat you like that!"

"And you care?" I shot back. I'd finally managed to wriggle myself out of his grasp. I'd almost landed myself in the fountain in doing so, but I did break free. "Kiba, like you know how to treat me! You cheated on me. You left me for another woman. And that's supposed to be you caring for me and treating me right?"

"Tsubs, about that… I've been meaning to clarify a few things with you."

"No." My voice was stiff and stern. I was totally determined not to let him get the best of me on this one. "I don't want to hear it. But you need to hear something. Gaara is one of the best men that I know and he would never intentionally hurt me. He cares for me deeply. And this strange relationship, as you call it, is more real than the one I had with you. Don't bother me again." I stood up resolutely, firm in my decision to storm off and leave him there alone. I couldn't believe I had let things escalate as much as I did, but I had come to my senses now.

I donned a tranquil composure upon re-entering the main area, smiling softly to mask my guilt. I joined the Temari, Kankuro and Gaara. Gaara was engrossed in a conversation with Naruto. He did, however, glance over at me to offer a smile at my return. He seemed more at ease now that I'd come back. Kankuro had been speaking with Rock Lee, showing off his puppet Karasu. I cringed at the thought of that puppet's nasty inner-workings. Nothing but booby traps and poison senbons. Rock Lee seemed to be spouting different things about the power of youth and that he was impressed with Karasu's design, saying that the power of the youth flourished within Kankuro or some weird mumbo jumbo like that. Temari was speaking with Shikamaru. She gave me a suspicious look and then asked Shikamaru if he'd get her some water to drink.

"What a drag. You're always so thirsty. It's really troublesome." His stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked up at the sky. He seemed disappointed that there were stars instead of clouds.

"Stop complaining and get it," Temari growled. Shikamaru shrugged and obliged finally. He wasn't going to argue with a woman he considered much scarier than his mother. I felt the she-devil come up behind me. She was fast. I had blinked once and she was already closer to me than I'd really have liked her to be. Personal space clearly meant nothing to her.

"Temari," I grunted, keeping my face straight.

"Tsubasa," she whispered into my ear and it wasn't in a nice way. "Your lipstick is smudged a little. Might want to freshen up." I felt her snatch my arm up in her scratchy claws. "Be back boys. Gonna go powder up." I had no choice but to comply. It wasn't long before we'd reached the ladies room when Temari's grip tightened around my arm, squeezing its life. I wasn't looking to become an amputee.

"You're squeezing me really hard," I complained, wrenching myself out of her grip.

"I'm sorry," Temari said with fake sincerity. "Did I hurt you?" She released me finally, tossing my arm out of her hand like it was trash, like I was trash. "I wonder how much I'll hurt you if you ever pull a stunt like you just did again. Tsubasa, if I had a good side this is not a way to get on it."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I lied.

"The hell you don't." Her teeth were clenched and her eyes were seriously frightening. I could almost feel my skin crawling, like the flesh was going to peel off of me and run for cover. "I'm not an idiot and neither are the paparazzi. I know about your little ex-boyfriend and your so-called summer romance with him. It's not hard to figure things out and little cute details like that are easy to dig up when you're looking for dirt, which is the paparazzi's specialty. You need to understand something about being under the public eye. You make one wrong move and you're screwed. They're going to scrutinize you and milk it until there's nothing left to milk. You may not be my brother's real girlfriend, but you better start acting like it. This is a mission, Tsubasa. One that you cannot fail. If you mess things up, you're going to answer to me. Don't ever forget that."

She was gone in a flash, leaving my head reeling. I felt like passing out after that one. Temari did have a right to be angry with me though. She had every right. I needed to get my act together. What the hell did I think I was doing fooling around with Kiba, anyway? Things were over between us. There was nothing there anymore, nothing left for us. Even if I had maybe enjoyed the kiss the slightest bit…

No, Tsubasa. No.

I gazed down to my arm. There were still red marks and punctures in the place Temari had dug her nasty claws into. Definitely going to bruise within the next few minutes. I'd lie and say I ran into the bathroom door or something clumsy sounding like that. I took several deep breaths, looked myself in the eye through the bathroom mirror and said, "Tsubasa, you're a big idiot. You messed up big time and almost risked the Kazekage's reputation which would have been a career ending move. You may as well kiss the council goodbye every time you even think about kissing Kiba. Now get your head out of your ass, and focus on your mission. Your ninja way is to try until you succeed. Now let's see you do it."

The pep talk had only been half effective. It made me feel better about my mission (mission: pretend girlfriend, that is) and more confident in my abilities to accomplish it. It made me feel unbearably guilty as well though. I had really let my emotions get the best of me, had let Kiba get the best of me. That was something had I had sworn to never let him do again since we'd broken up. I guess the truth was that no matter which I looked at it and thought about it, I wasn't completely over Kiba. That being said, I had no claim over Gaara. I had been completely selfish in my actions. If he had even known what I'd done, I could only imagine the terrible hurt and strife it would have caused him. Not because he had feelings for me like that and I'd betrayed him, but because I had let him down in my mission to continue on, parading around as his significant other. I didn't feel so significant other at the moment. I had almost nearly blown it and ruined everything single-handedly.

Ashamed, I returned to the party. But all I wanted was for someone to come and carry me home tonight.

Author's Note: Thank you for all the reviews. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter and continue to review.

I know that Tsubasa was a very bad girl in this recent update, but I wanted to show her flaws.

Have you ever gone back to an ex? Have you been on the fence about whether to choose one person or another? That internal struggle can be harsh as you can see. Let me know your stories and your thoughts in a review! :)