What Brings Us Together

Chapter 6

I groaned at the equipment before us. Gai-sensei was gonna give us a real good work out. The guys were shouting and shoving their way out of the locker room, but were silenced when they saw the equipment. Gai-sensei popped out of nowhere.

"Welcome my youthful beauties! Today we'll be starting our gymnastics unit that we started last year. You guys had reached a good level, and I've decided that you will start using the equipment that I assign you and your partner. Alright, I'll announce your teams now." He pulled out a clipboard and began to read off of it. Hinata and Sakura were a team, followed by Sasuke and Naruto. The others were paired off, till it was Gaara and I left.

"And finally, Sabaku no Gaara and Uchiha Noriko. You guys will be doing high bars. Ok let's get started! The springtime of youth is NOW!" he clapped and posed. I sweat dropped and walked to the high bars. At least we didn't get stuck with the rings. Gaara stood next to me, looking at the bars with interest. He then looked at me.

"Ladies first." He smirked.

"Easy for you to say. You got super human strength. I got nothing." I teased, wrapping my hands in the protective tape before dunking my hands in the dusty white powder. I stood in front of the lower bar, closing my eyes trying to remember the stuff about high bars from last year. I then opened my eyes and stepped back a few good strides. After taking a deep breath, I ran at full power to the bar. I jumped and grabbed it, using the momentum to lift myself up. I brought my legs up and swung them forward, flipping me over the bar. I swung around three more times before stopping at the top, my legs straight out in a handstand. I reversed directions, spinning 2 times before reversing again. As I came up, I let go, swinging out to the higher bar. I used the same method to gain momentum, spinning and reversing directions. My arms were getting tired, so I dismounted, somersaulting at least 3 times before landing on my feet. But, I lost my balance and fell backward. I never touched the ground though. I looked up to see Gaara staring down at me. His arms were wrapped around my waist, preventing the collision of my butt hitting the blue mats.

"Arigato Gaara-kun." I blushed slightly as he helped me up.

"Brilliant save Gaara! You would've lost points for that Nori, but nice routine. Keep up the good work!" Gai-sensei called out from his spot by the pommel horse. I sweat dropped again and turned to Gaara. I blushed more when I met his gaze. He was just so… intense. His pale jade eyes swept over me before he smirked and grabbed the protective tape. He wrapped his hands and dipped them into to powder before jumping onto the lower bar. He used his strength to his advantage as he swung on the bar. He switched bars with ease and reversed his direction fluidly. He was perfection I continued to watch his show of grace and strength, till he dismounted flipping and twisting till he landed on the mats. He didn't even wobble when he stood up straight. You could hear Gai-sensei crying tears of joy at the performance. We both sweat dropped as sensei cried his anime tears.

He called the groups back together and lectured us about grace and youth before dismissing us to the showers. The girls were giggling relentlessly and being their typical annoying selves. I didn't shower long, and was already dressing when the bell rang. I slipped my shoes on and put my hair in a low ponytail again before grabbing my bag and walking out. Sakura and Hinata rushed after me. I was surprised to see Gaara standing in front of my locker.

"You gonna need a ride again?" he asked, stepping out of the way to allow me access to the locker. I spun the combination and opened it. I pulled out the helmet and looked at him, smirking.

"Guess that's a yes." He chuckled as I slammed it shut. Sakura was going to give Sasuke, Hinata and Naruto a ride home, so the car would be packed. We pushed our way through the halls to the parking lot. Half the student body had already left, leaving the lot clear of traffic. Gaara was putting on his helmet when my phone rang I immediately knew it was Sakura by the ringtone. She had insisted on her ringer id being Nemo by Nightwish.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey I talked Sasuke into having us all over at the Manor tonight. We could all stay there for the night since it's an in service day tomorrow." She answered quickly. She only did this when she was excited.

"Who else is going?" I asked.

"Well I'm going, so is Hinata, Naruto, Tenten, Kiba, Deidara, Sasori, Konan, and of course Sasuke and Itachi will be there. Could you ask Gaara too?" I looked at Gaara.

"You wanna go to the Uchiha manor tonight? Sakura talked my cousin into letting everyone go over." He just nodded.

"He'll come. I guess I will too. I just got to go grab some stuff at the apartment. Want me to get your stuff?"

"Please Nori-chan?" she asked politely.

"Ok. See you later then."

"Sayonara Nori!" I hung up and stuffed my phone into my bag before putting it on my back and shoving my helmet on. I swung my leg over as he started the engine. After grabbing onto him, he sped off to my apartment. When we arrived, I invited him in so he wouldn't have to stay out in the cold. Good thing the apartment was clean.

"I'll be right back. I'm just gonna grab some stuff." He nodded and I walked to my room. I grabbed some pajamas, socks, panties, bra, and an outfit for tomorrow as well as my black and blue converse. I threw them in a bag along with my toothbrush and hairbrush. I grabbed the bag and walked into Sakura's room across the hall. Pajamas, an outfit, undergarments, socks, her pink converse, toothbrush, and hairbrush flew in to bag. I threw it onto my back and grabbed my purse and phone charger before walking to the living room. Gaara was standing in the same spot where I left him.

"Is it ok if I leave my bike here?" he asked. I was confused.

"Yeah, but how are we going to go anywhere?" my confused expression must've have been funny because he laughed.

"You'll see." Was his response before he walked to the door. I followed him, locking it behind me as we went downstairs. The complex was empty. Not a single person was in sight. He walked to a spot behind one of the buildings. I just followed and stood next to him, still confused. He grabbed me suddenly and held me tight as sand began to swirl around us. I closed my eyes and buried my face in his chest. When he released me, I looked around to see us in a lavish penthouse apartment. The entire wall facing south was made of glass, giving the best view of the city ever. The furniture was black leather, and there were scarlet walls and black curtains. A plasma TV mounted the wall opposite the couch, with a stereo system hooked up to speakers taller than me! The black carpeting was nice and soft under my feet. A slight breeze from behind me caught my attention, causing me to turn. Gaara stood behind me; only he was carrying a black and gray duffel bag. Vampires had it soooo easy when it came to speed and strength.

"Ready?" he asked. I nodded and he grabbed me again, sand swirling up around us again. I closed my eyes and buried my face in his chest, his arms holding onto me tightly as the sand whirled violently. When I opened my eyes, we were standing in front of the Uchiha manor. The white building was a second home to me.

I went to walk to the door, but found Gaara's arms still wrapped around me. I looked up into his black-rimmed eyes, meeting his gaze full on. His face inched closer to mine until his lips were a mere handful of centimeters away. His cool breath fanned against my lips provocatively, until the icy gossamer of his lips gently touched mine. It was an innocent butterfly kiss, gentle and caring. Then the door opened and we sprung apart, my face heating up. Naruto stood in the doorway, grinning wickedly.

"Heya guys! Was I interrupting something?" he waggled his eyebrows at his statement. I just shoved my way past him into the entrance hall. The grand room still held its splendor, with the giant black marble staircase in between two black double doors that led to the dining hall. I walked up the staircase, still fuming about Naruto's "brilliant" timing as I followed the sound of "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfeld through the long corridor with cherry wood doors on either side.

I finally opened one, finding Sakura braiding Hinata's purple-black hair, and TenTen singing along into a kunai. The room was the traditional dark blue color theme. The midnight blue curtains blocked the fading sunlight, and the dark walls gave it a calm vibe. The Olympic pool sized four-post bed was covered with silk sheets and pillowcases that matched the curtains. A white changing screen with sapphire blue peacocks adorning the woven screen was in the corner, blocking an ornate three-way mirror. TenTen's stereo was propped up on the black dresser set next to the silver vanity. The dark blue chiffon curtains on the canopy bed were drawn, making the bed seem more welcoming despite its enormous size. "Hi Nori!" They called out in unison.

"Hey guys!" I greeted back before I sat on the bed. The navy carpet wasn't as soft as the carpet in Gaara's apartment, but still nice under my feet. I tossed the bag with mine and Sakura's stuff onto the bed, rumpling the silk.

"So what's the plan?" I asked as I pulled out my hairbrush. Tenten jumped onto the bed, rolling onto her stomach as she faced me.

"The guys are gonna go and rent some scary movies and get the popcorn and drinks for a movie night in the Den." She stated matter-of-factly. Sakura snapped a hair tie onto the end of Hinata's braid before turning to face me and TenTen. Hinata crawled onto the bed next to Sakura.

"But before that, we're gonna play truth or dare, or 7 minutes in heaven, or something to that affect." Sakura's eyes glinted with a devious nature. Leave it to Sakura to play games like that.

"When are the guys gonna leave?" I asked as I ran the brush through my hair.

"Th-they're just w-waiting for D-D-Deidara, S-Sasori, and Konan." Hinata stuttered.

"So what's the deal with you and Kiba?" Sakura turned to TenTen, who just grinned like an idiot.

"He's a sexy BEAST. Don't know what it is. We're not a couple, but we decided to see each other every now and then. If we really like each other that much, we'll start a relationship." She twirled the kunai around her finger as she spoke.

"Ah, I see. Oh tell Nori the good news Hinata." Sakura winked, and Hinata closed her eyes. She did this when she was concentrating on NOT stuttering.

"Naruto-kun asked me out!" she squealed as pulled her knees up to her face.

"Good to see you're action wasn't interrupted…" I muttered. "Huh?" Tenten tilted her head to the side.

"Stupid Naruto interrupted me and Gaara just as he was kissing me." I whined, crossing my arms and pouting.

"Well, Naruto's timing is impeccable when it comes to situations like that." Sakura shrugged before diving to the duffel bag. She passed me my pajamas before pulling hers out. TenTen and Hinata went to their bags and did the same. We took turns changing behind the screen. When it was my turn, there was a knock. I peeked outside the screen, only to see Hinata opening the door and revealing Akatsuki's keyboardist. Konan smiled gently before Hinata let her in.

"I believe we've never been formally introduced. I'm Konan." She bowed respectfully, her blue hair covering her face as she went forward.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Sakura, the brown haired one is Tenten" Tenten waved her kunai-free hand.

"And the one who opened the door is Hinata. I think you already know Noriko." Konan looked in my direction and smiled. Gosh, all she did was smile.

"Yo." I nodded before ducking behind the screen. Sakura created some small talk while I changed. I just did not trust Konan. I don't know why, but something tells me she's got some ulterior motives. I walked out, putting my best smile on. Konan then took her turn behind the screen. I silently made a gagging motion, and Sakura covered mouth to muffle her giggling. Hinata sat on the edge of the bed with me in front of her as she brushed and braided my hip-length torrent of blue-black hair. When Konan came out, we observed each other's pajamas.

Konan wore a blue t-shirt with tight white Capri pants and socks. The flower she wore in her hair was replaced with a small barrette. Sakura wore the pink shirt that had a passed out Happy Bunny saying "Wake Me When The Boring Stops" and the matching pink pants with the same passed out bunny all over them with her pink fluffy bunny slippers. Hinata wore a silk lavender spaghetti top with the matching Capri pants and lavender ballet flats. TenTen wore her camouflage shirt with her dark green shorts that said "Screw You!" on her butt and black socks. I wore a tight navy tank top with the Uchiha fan on the back and white girl-boxers with my favorite pair of fluffy dark blue slippers.

"Um, Nori? I have absolutely no clue where the Den is. None of us do actually. Can you point us in the right direction?" TenTen asked. I led them to the entrance hall, down the stairs, through the double doors into the dining area. The huge table was neglected, but kept clean nonetheless. They marveled at the sight as I led them to a door on the left wall. Inside was a grand room with wooden floors and white walls covered in expensive paintings with old gas lamps mounted on either side of said paintings. A huge flat screen TV was mounted on the wall, connected to speakers that hid in the corners of the ceiling. A black leather couch, a matching recliner on either side of the couch, and a black beanbag were in front of the TV. There goes Konan with the constant smile again. TenTen's maniacal cackle betrayed her devious thoughts.

"What are you thinking you perv?" I teased.

"Nothing THAT bad! Sheesh. I was just thinking about what game we should play when the boys get here." Sakura proceeded to lift an eyebrow.

"How about Hide and Seek?" I smirked while the others grinned away. My mind sparked as an idea hit me. "Listen to this girls."

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"C'mon Gaara! Give me details!" Naruto waved his arms like an idiot at me. I just continued to scan the DVD's in the horror section of the Hastings we were in. Freddy vs. Jason caught my eye, and I proceeded to grab it, scanning the back of it.

"You interrupted Fox Boy. That's all there is to It." I replied.

"You're worst than Sasuke." He grumbled as he plucked 13 Ghosts off the shelf. I mentally rolled my eyes and saw Kiba and Sasuke arguing over who was scarier, Michael Myers or Leatherface.

"Dude, Leatherface had a freaking CHAINSAW!!! Getting your limbs sawed off is WAY scarier then getting stabbed by a kitchen knife." Kiba pointed to his copy of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Sasuke rolled his eyes before shoving Halloween into Kiba's face.

"Michael Myers had no sense of right and wrong, and would do ANYTHING just to kill you! With a guy who doesn't react to any pain and no fear, that's gotta just scare the shit out of people." I then butted in.

"Let's just get both and let the girls decide since they're actually human." They looked at me, and then back at the movies they held. They then sighed and nodded. Naruto walked up with a box of popcorn in one hand, and the Ghost movie in the other.

"Let's go! The lines are getting longer!" Sasori, Deidara, and Itachi held a place in line with boxes of canned soda. Sasuke paid, and we headed behind the building.

"Ready?" Itachi turned to Sasori and Deidara. They nodded.

"Naruto, you take Deidara, I'll take Sasori." We just nodded and started focusing on the magic given to us by our heritage. Naruto and Deidara were wrapped in a blanket of red flames before disappearing. Ravens swarmed Itachi and Sasori as they vanished, followed by Sasuke as lightning engulfed him, leaving Kiba and me.

"Hold your breath. This won't be pleasant." Kiba plugged his nose and closed his eyes as sand began to whirl around us. We appeared in front of the manor, joining the others. Deidara looked a little shaken, but no casualties. We walked in, but there were no giggling girls on the staircase. A single note was on the 4th step. Itachi picked it up, analyzing it.

"What's it say?" Kiba asked, sniffing the air for the girls' scent.

" Hey boys! If you're reading this, you've noticed we are missing. You will decide who will find Hinata, Sakura, TenTen, Konan, and me. We have hidden in different places of the manor. When you find us, you get a reward! No cheating by using Kiba's sense of smell, or else."

Itachi read the note with confusion on his face. Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Bet you that it was Noriko." He sighed and went up the stairs.

"I'm gonna look for Sakura. I don't know about the rest of you, but you better hurry before they get impatient." He disappeared into the hall on the left, leaving the rest of us.

"Itachi, Deidara, and me will look for Konan." Sasori stated smoothly, heading towards the doors on either side of the stairs. Itachi and Deidara followed him.

"I'm gonna look for Hinata!" Naruto zoomed up the stairs and to the right.

"I can already smell the metal on TenTen, so I'll look for her." He followed his nose to the same hall Naruto went. I just shrugged and went into the dining room. Deidara was under the table, while Sasori checked a food trolley. Itachi just stood their, laughing when Deidara banged his head on a chair. I turned right and headed towards the kitchen. No food was stored there, so it would be easy to track her scent in there. I smelled the air, catching that impossible scent of rain that followed her everywhere. She had been here, but she wasn't hiding in here. The closest heartbeat was Deidara's. (AN: He's a vamp, so he can hear heartbeats. Lol and can tell which one belongs to whom. XD) I ported to the Den. Damn. The scent was faint… she must've started here and gone into the kitchen, then left to somewhere else. I ported back to the entrance hall, only to find TenTen slung over Kiba's shoulder.

"Still no sign of Nori?" he grinned cockily, holding TenTen in place firmly as she squirmed.

"Obviously not." I replied coldly. Vampires just don't mix well with werewolves.

"Her scent was strongest when I was upstairs." He continued with the cocky grin. I let out a low snarl as I turned to walk up the stairs. I heard some giggling coming from the hall, only seeing Sasuke carrying Sakura bridal style, smirking away like the cocky bastard he was. I heard a small squeal, and saw Naruto carrying Hinata on his back. "Hina-chan passed out again." He sighed as he carried her downstairs. I just smirked, but a familiar scent filled the air after Naruto passed me. HER scent. I bolted to the hall and opened a door. This was where the girls were staying. The navy colored room was grand; the bed was a little intimidating with its size.

A small giggle and fluttering heartbeat caught my attention. It came from behind the changing screen with the peacocks on it. I made my way over to it, my feet never making a sound as I stood in front of the screen. She stilled, and her heartbeat got faster. I smirked, and ghosted over the sheet, appearing in front of her. She gasped and her heartbeat almost stopped. I looked over her form, taking everything in. From the tight spaghetti strap top that hugged her slender torso, and the white shorts that showed her long, porcelain legs. I couldn't hold back any longer. I grabbed her wrists and pulled her to me forcefully, but not tight or hard enough to hurt her. She gasped as she careened into my chest. I then released her wrists and wrapped an arm around her delicate waist. She placed her dainty hands on my chest, trying to push herself away. I used my free hand to cup her chin, and gently lifted her face to look at me. Her moon white face was flushed a rather cute shade of pink, and her onyx eyes were glimmering slightly in embarrassment. I just smirked, and pressed my lips against hers.

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My eyes widened in shock. Gaara's icy lips were against mine, his cool hand gently moved from my chin to my neck, gently pushing my lips harder against his. I closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of cold lips on my own. I felt his tongue gently lick my lower lip, seeking my permission to enter. I eagerly granted it, and his tongue roamed my mouth, exploring every inch of it. I let my hands wander up from his chest and knot themselves in his crimson hair. I gently ran my tongue over his fangs, and a low rumble emitted from the back of his throat. I did it again, and the growl was emanated again. Sensitive spot found. I pulled back for air, panting slightly. I looked into his eyes, and he captured my lips in his again. He pressed me flush against him before pulling away. I whimpered slightly, but he merely kissed my cheek. He then trailed a path of open-mouthed kisses down my jaw, to my neck. He stopped at the junction of my shoulder met my neck. He then kissed that spot again, before gently sucking on it, his tongue licking at my skin. I leaned my head to the side, giving him better access. I felt his fangs gently graze the skin there, and I froze. I felt him smile against my skin. "You've nothing to fear, my little goddess. I'd never harm you." His voice was like velvet, smooth and rich. I nodded, and he pressed a small kiss on the spot he had just occupied. He then proceeded to trail some more rather HOT open-mouthed kisses across my collarbone till he reached the same juncture on the other side of my neck. He sucked it gently, doing the same routine. He then gently bit my skin, his fangs never causing pain or discomfort. A small moan escaped my lips at the feeling of it. I smiled as his lips left my neck and found my own. I molded them against his as our tongues twisted together. He growled and pulled away.

"They can't find Konan." The sentence was almost a snarl as he rested his head in the crook of my neck. He never brought his head up as he breathed in my scent. I just giggled.

"I know where she is. She's in the bathroom of Itachi's bedroom." He then brought his head up and gave me a quick kiss on the forehead before slinging me over his shoulder. He then ported to the Den, where everyone waited.

"Konan is in your bathroom, Itachi." Gaara stated blandly, gently placing me on floor. Ravens flapped as Itachi ported out of the room.

"Once they get back, let's put on a movie!" Sakura bounced from her spot on the couch. Her legs were draped over Sasuke's lap. He absentmindedly stroked her thigh.

"Me and Kiba will make the popcorn!" TenTen called from Kiba's lap. They proceeded to the kitchen with the popcorn. Naruto opened the soda boxes, passing them around. I grabbed a Sprite while I sat on tone of the recliners. I let out a small "eep" of surprise when Gaara lifted me up bridal style and sat down with me in his lap. He opened the recliner, and then settled me between his legs. I took advantage and leaned back into his chest. I felt his cool breath on my ear as he whispered gently into my ear.

"Be mine?" I just smirked and looped my arm up and around his neck. I turned and craned my neck to kiss the tattoo over his left eye.

"Definitely." I whispered back as I rested against his chest. I left my arm around his neck, playing with his messy locks of red hair. Itachi then appeared, ravens flying away from him as he ported in, Konan standing next to him.

"Finally, hmm? Makes us wonder what you two were up to." Deidara inquired from his spot on the beanbag, Sasori between his legs on the floor. (AN: Yes, these two are together in this fic. This is the ONLY yaoi pairing!) Itachi shot him a glare, his eyes now the ruby colored Sharingan. Konan looked a little frustrated as she sat by Sasori and Deidara, her back leaning against the side of the beanbag. A few minutes later, Kiba and TenTen came in, passing a bucket to each couple. Itachi waved it off, so Konan got her own bucket.

"Ok, we have Freddy vs. Jason, Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and 13 Ghosts." He looked at all of us, scanning our faces.

"Ok who votes for Halloween?" Sasuke raised a hand.

"Looks like that one's out." He tossed onto the stereo. "Who's for 13 Ghosts?" Itachi raised his own hand, along with Naruto and Hinata.

"Texas Chainsaw Massacre?" Kiba raised his hand. "That one's out too." He tossed onto the stereo.

"Looks like the rest of you are for Freddy vs. Jason. In it goes." Itachi placed it in the player and sat on the other recliner, while Kiba pulled TenTen back into his lap after he sat on the other end of the couch. Gaara wrapped his arms around my waist, hugging me close as the movie started. That one was gorier than hell. We watched 13 Ghosts afterwards, followed by Halloween and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Hinata and Naruto were passed out on the middle of the couch, her head resting on him with his arm over her shoulder. TenTen was snoring gently against Kiba, who yawned. Itachi was still awake, but the other 3 Akatsuki members were out cold. Sasuke and Sakura were still awake, and so were me and Gaara. Kiba carried TenTen to her room (at least I think so) while Itachi woke Naruto, who ported Hinata out into her room, before porting back and grabbing the left over popcorn and porting to his room. Itachi ported Konan, Sasori and Deidara to their rooms before porting to his own. Sasuke and Sakura were already gone. Gaara released his hold on me as I got up.

I stretched, and giggled when I felt Gaara's hands on my hips. Sand began to swirl around us, and we were in my room; the same one we had changed in earlier. I yawned sleepily before crawling into the huge bed. Gaara was about to leave when I stopped him.

"Please stay?" I asked quietly. He just chuckled.

"You know I don't sleep right?" he asked, pointing to his raccoon eyes.

"Yeah, but… Oh, I guess you're right." I was about to crawl under the covers when a gentle breeze ruffled my hair. Gaara lifted me with one arm and pulled the covers back before crawling into bed, still holding me. He pulled them over us and pulled me close. I snuggled into his chest, and his arms wrapped around me protectively. I drifted off into sleep. I don't know how long I had been asleep, but I was waked by an ear-piercing scream of terror. I shot up, Gaara already at the door. I knew that voice… "No… NO!!!" I shrieked as I bolted to the door.