I decided to redo this because I reread the originial and I just thought, "wow, this is really dumb. Let's do something more... Realistic?" So, here we go. I hope this is a lot better than the originial. I only changed the ending of this chapter.
I really hope I can keep continuing this story. I have such great ideas, but then I keep asking myself, how do I go about it? I'm also really busy and never in a writing mood when I'm not doing stuff.
Anyway! Enjoy the new-ish chapter.
Outside of Karin's house
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 10:52pm
"Karin's so going to be pissed!" Nova chuckled as she tossed a full roll of toilet paper at a tree near Karin's bedroom window. It unrolled in mid-air, the end stuck to a high branch, the rest of the roll fell to the ground.
"M-Maybe we should stop?" Hinata stopped Nova from throwing another one. "She'll be home any... any minute."
Naruto tossed the last roll high in the air. "Hinata's right, it's getting late." He turned to face the others. "Ready to go back to my house?"
They agreed, following Naruto down the darkened street.
Naruto tried multiple times to get close to Sakura. When she had enough, she punched him in the face, sending him flying backwards into Kiba and Gaara. Sasuke smirked while Nova laughed. Naruto groaned and whinned.
A car pulling up the street silenced them. It's head lights flashed across their bodies briefly. It pulled into Karin's parent's driveway. Karin, Matsuri, and Kin stumbled out of the car.
"Damn..." Sasuke muttered.
Karin screeched.
The group ran, afraid that Karin would call the police. They cut through people's yards and jumped fences until they reached Naruto's home, which was a nice little house with two bedrooms and a tiny pool in the back and a wrap-around fence.
"That... Was... Hilarious!" Nova wheezed. She took in slow, deep breaths before laughing. "Man! I wish Ino and Tenten were here!"
Sakura laughed with her. "Totally! That was great! Kiba, your plan was brilliant."
He grinned, shrugging his shoulders. "Yeah, I know."
"Don't be so modest." Nova said sarcastically as she punched him in the arm.
"So, swimming?" Naruto grinned. "You all did bring your swim suits, right?"
"Duh. Like we'll go naked." Sakura rolled her green eyes.
After they had left the mall, they each went to their houses and packed for a sleepover/swim party at Naruto's.
They went inside to change. Jiraiya, Naruto's old perverted guardian, was passed out on the couch, saliva trailing down his chin. The girls let out a sigh. They hated when the old geezer would hit on them whenever they were over. It was very disturbing.
They quickly dressed in separate rooms.
"Let's do this!" Naruto grabbed a small, battery stereo from his room and led them outside, quietly tip toe-ing past Jiraiya.
Sakura and Kiba jumped in the cold water as Naruto set the stereo on a nearby round table. He clicked it on, obnoxious techno music filled the silent night.
"What's wrong, Nova?" Sasuke smirked, sitting down next to the tiny teen on the pool's edge. They dipped their feet in the water, sending goosebumps up their bare legs.
Nova sighed. "Your brother's a douche."
"Yeah, I was wondering about that. What happened?" Sasuke gently splashed water at her with his feet.
Nova had no problem confiding in Sasuke since he was like a brother to her. "Tonight was supposed to be special. A romantic evening. But then his stupid friends decided to stay the night and I'd feel bad if I told him to make them leave."
"Yeah, my brother is an ass." Sasuke said. Nova gave him a small, sad smile. "But if his friends are so important, more important than you, then he's not worth it."
"You're right. I think I'll call him and break it off." Nova slowly slipped in the pool. Her heart racing. "But first, wanna teach me to swim?"
Sasuke chuckled. "I can't believe you still can't swim." He stood. "I can't help, though. I have to go save Hinata from those two."
Nova watched as Naruto and Kiba argued over whose team Hinata was going to be on. Hinata blushed, her white eyes flicking back and forth between the two. It almost seemed like she was going to faint... Again.
"I can teach you."
Nova glanced up. Gaara stared down at her, his face emotionless. Nova glared at the water, her hands clutching to the pool's edge. "Fine." She grumbled. I wish Lee was here...
Gaara sled in. This end was only five feet deep. The tip of the water touched his shoulders. But with Nova, it reached her chin, which scared her even more. Gaara tried not to smile. He could sense her fear. To him, it was silly to be afraid of water. He jumped a little as Nova's cold hands grasped his shoulders. She was just as surprised as he was.
Nova went back to glaring at the water, but refused to let go of Gaara.
"First, I want you to float." Gaara said, gently removing Nova's hands from him so he could stand at her side.
"How?" Nova gasped at the sudden movement.
"Just lean back." Gaara reached down to grab the back of her legs. He helped her on her back. "Good. Now, arch your back just a bit. There you go." He slowly let her go.
"Ha! Ha!" Nova's lips stretched into a wide grin. "I'm doing it!"
"Good. Now gently move your arms over your head and flap them back down." He demonstrated for Nova, swimming on his back next to her.
Nova tried to do the same, but sank. She freaked and splashed around, gasping for air.
Gaara tried not to laugh. He helped Nova to stand up straight. "Not too bad. Just try not to freak out so much."
Nova glared at him. "It's not easy. You don't know how terrified I am now."
"I'm sorry, Nova." Gaara frowned.
"It's okay. Thank you." Nova flopped out of the water awkwardly, grabbing a towel and checking her phone. Forty-eight missed calls from Itachi. My God... Her heart beat rapidly, a warm happiness spreading through her chest. He does care! She quickly called him back. Itachi answered on the first ring.
"Nova?! Where are you?! Are you okay?! I've been calling you for hours!"
"I'm fine, Itachi." Nova sighed, a smile on her face.
"Jesus, Nova! You scared me to death! Where are you?"
"At Naruto's."
"Why?" She could hear the anger in his voice.
"Because he was trying to make me feel better."
"... Feel better?"
"Yeah..." Nova glanced at her friends. They were playing beach volley ball in the water. She walked to a quieter spot. "You really hurt me, Itachi..."
He sighed. "I'm sorry... I wasn't thinking. Come over, Nova. Have some fun with me and the guys."
"But I'm having fun here." She smiled as Naruto knocked into Hinata, pulling her under the water.
"Please, honey?"
Nova grinned. She always thought it was cute when Itachi would beg. "Okay. I'll be there soon." She hung up and carefully walked to Naruto and the others. "I'm going to Itachi's."
"What? Why?" Naruto frowned.
"He called me about fifty times. I feel bad."
"Don't go, Nova." Sakura pouted.
"I'm sorry." She gave her a sympathetic smile. "He really wants me to come by. I'll see you all this weekend?"
"Of course."
"Okay. Bye." She glanced at Gaara before leaving. He had a hurtful expression on his face. She looked away, erasing it from her memory.
Ino's car
Date: September 9 (Thursday) Time: 11:36pm
Ino caught something from the corner of her eye. A girl walking on the sidewalk holding a stack of books. She recognized the girl and pulled over towards the curb. "Nami?" Ino called.
Nami looked up, her glasses glinting in the moonlight. She hesitated before answering. "Hey Ino."
"Why are you walking alone in the dark? Do you know what time it is?" Ino jogged up to her. "Here, let me help you." She took the heavy textbooks from Nami.
"Thanks." She smiled.
"Come on. I'll give you a ride home." Ino led the girl to her car. They jumped inside and head back on to the road. "So where'd you come from?"
"Karin's. Take a left up there." She pointed at a stop sign.
Ino obeyed. "Karin's huh?" Nami shyly shrugged. "Nami, you'd be so much better off without her. Trust me."
"Why should I trust you?"
"Because I was a part of her group. And so was Sakura."
"Really?" Nami's eyes grew wide.
"Really. The twins, Umi and Tsuni, replaced me and you replaced Sakura. Want to know why?" Nami nodded. "Because Hinata, Nova, and Tenten saved us. We thought they had liked Sasuke since they were always hanging around him. We had cornered them in a bathroom at school and cut off Nova's hair. We then found out Nova was dating Sasuke's older brother, Itachi. But not 'til after Nova and Tenten beat the shit out of Matsuri and Karin. It was so funny! And you may think Hinata's shy, but she is very, very wise. She had lectured us about letting silly crushes going too far, far enough to ruin a girl's life. We realized she was right, so Sakura and I left Karin's group. Realized the Crush Haters club was stupid." Ino parked in front of Nami's house. "So... Why did you join?"
Nami shrugged. "She said she could help me get my crush to notice me, but she only wanted me to do her homework. She threatened me to stay in the club."
Ino sighed, shaking her head. "Don't believe her. She's not serious." A smile formed on her lips. "I can help. Chouji use to be my best friend. And besides, I'm sure he likes you."
Nami blushed. "You-You know about my crush on Chouji?"
"Duh. I'm Ino. Nothing gets by me!" They laughed. "So what do you say?"
Nami nodded, tears in her eyes. "Anything to get away from Karin."
The Uzumaki Household, Naruto's room
Date: September 10 (Friday) Time: 12:31am
The teens were exhausted from swimming so much. Sakura and Hinata had sprawled on Naruto's bed while the boys had collapsed on the carpeted floor.
"Ugh! This is so boring, Naruto! Why did you have to invite me?" Sakura groaned.
"We can watch a movie?" Naruto sat up. He searched through a messy pile of DVDs.
"So boring." Sakura said again while rolling her eyes.
"I'm going home." Sasuke grabbed his bag. "Anyone want to come with?"
"Sure." The five teens said.
The Uchiha Househould, livingroom
Date: September 10 (Friday) Time: 1:09am
"Don't be such a pussy!" Deidara grinned at Nova. He held a shot glass filled with vodka in front of Nova's pale face.
"I've alweadie have tooooo much." Nova slurred, a silly smile on her face.
"No way! Come on. You didn't have that much." Deidara shoved the glass up to Nova's lips. "Come on, just open up and swallow."
A pink flush rose on Nova's cheeks. "Heey. That's wat Itachi told me earlier to-"
"Ooookay!" Itachi took the shot from Deidara and drank it in one swift move. "I think Nova had enough to drink." He leaned back, bringing Nova with him.
"You're no fun, Itachi." Hidan snapped open a beer, sucking it down.
"I rather not have her puking everywhere." Itachi said.
"She'll be fine. She finished off two glasses of so-coh and four shots of vodka. Girl's on fire!" Hidan and Deidara high-fived each other.
"I shouldn't have let her drink in the first place." Itachi rubbed his temple with his finger tips. "Does anyone have a cigarette?"
"Here." Sasori held a camel 99 out for Itachi.
He took it gratefully, putting it to his lips and lighting it up. Nova watched, fascinated. She reached a hand up to touch the cherry, but Itachi stopped her by grabbing her wrist. He glanced down and smiled. "No, babe. It'll burn you."
"Mm..." Nova rubbed up against him. "Itachiii... Let's go in your room..."
"Not now, babe."
"But Itachiiii..."
"I'll gladly take you in Itachi's room." Deidara winked. He stood up and held out a hand to Nova.
As Nova reached for it, Itachi pulled her close. "I don't think so, Deidara."
"You're so not fun, Itachi." Deidara slumped back on his chair.
The front door opened and smoke floated out into the night air. Everyone turned to see Sasuke, Naruto, Kiba, Gaara, Sakura, and Hinata walk in, each with a stunned face.
"Dammit Itachi! I thought you weren't going to do this here anymore." Sasuke growled. He slammed the front door shut. "Nova?"
"Sasukeeee!" Nova jumped up, almost falling backwards on the coffee table. "Oh my god! And the... those guys!" Nova excitedly gestured to her friends. "How was your night?" Nova grinned, leaning over the back of the couch.
Sakura crinkled her nose. "Have you been drinking?"
"Yeah she has!" Deidara laughed. "She's our little champion drinker!"
"She's sixteen!" Sakura yelled. The guys laughed out loud. "What the hell Itachi?!" Sakura stomped over to stand in front of him. His cold, onyx eyes stared straight ahead as he took a hit of his cigarette. "Hello?! What the fuck's wrong with you?!"
"I'm fine, but you however..." Itachi smirked.
"Oh, Sakura. I love your hair!" Nova ran her fingers through Sakura's soft pink locks. "It's so gorgeous! And Hinata! I so envy your beauty! Why can't I look like you? You should totally ask Naruto out. He'd so say yes. Right, Naruto?" Nova giggled at their blushing faces. "And Gaara, you fucking jackass." Before anyone could stop her, Nova jumped over the couch clumsily and made her way to the shocked red head. "We dated for what? Two years? And then you just broke my heart!" She made an impression of breaking a stick. "I loved you. But thank you! Because if you hadn't ripped out my heart and stomped on it, I wouldn't be with Itachi now." She stumbled back over to her boyfriend, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "And I wouldn't be totally wasted!" She laughed.
Itachi's friends burst out laughing again.
"Hey, Gaara. Haven't seen you in a while." Sasori said.
Gaara didn't even acknowledge him. He grabbed Nova and led her towards the kitchen. "Come on. Let's sober you up."
Sakura waited 'til they were out of sight before she yanked Itachi to her by his collar. "You are so lucky that I don't kill you right now. And even more lucky that Ino's not here." She tossed him back. Itachi just smiled. "Let's get Nova out of here once she's sober." Sakura grumbled as she stomped into the kitchen.
"How could you guys not invite me to this party?" Kiba complained. Hinata shook her head and dragged him to join the others.
Naruto and Sasuke stayed to face Itachi. "What were you thinking, Itachi?" Naruto wanted to badly punch Sasuke's brother in the face.
"I wasn't." Itachi grinned.
"You could've put Nova in danger. What if she got alcohol poisoning?" Sasuke rubbed the back of his neck. "Or if one of these guys did something to her?"
"Like I'd ever let that happen." Itachi muttered.
"You even said yourself that you weren't thinking! You could've passed out! You're lucky that we came by!"
"Why are you here anyway?"
"We got bored at Naruto's." Sasuke sighed. "That's not the point. I don't ever want these guys over here again, got it?"
"Yeah, yeah."
6th hour: Gym, Room Auditorium - Might Guy, Konoha High
Date: December 15th (Tuesday) Time: 1:38pm
"He is so totally cute!" Ino fanned her face with her hand. Her blue orbs were glued on a new boy with long hair and slightly girly features.
"Who is he?" Sakura, too, was fascinated by his beauty.
"Haku. He just moved here. His foster dad is chief of police!" Ino squealed when Haku glanced over at them. He shyly waved a hand in the air. "Time to show off the goods." She notted her shirt up so that it was tight and showed off her flat stomach. Her belly piercing glistened in the light. "Nobody can resist my gorgeous frame."
"Barf." Sakura giggled.
"Hey look, it's Nova." Hinata whispered, pointing to the doorway.
"Why's she so late?" Tenten asked.
"Don't know." Sakura and the girls watched as she handed a pink slip to Guy and slowly made her way over to the girls.
"Hey..." She said quietly.
"You okay?" Ino frowned.
"I'll live." Nova mumbled.
"Alright! Come on! Let's start the next round of dodgeball!" Guy shouted, making Nova cringe.
Ino picked up a ball and threw it hard at Karin. "What's wrong, Nova?"
"Nothing..." Nova watched the balls fly.
"Were you drinking again?" Tenten asked quietly. Nova didn't reply.
"Dammit Nova!" Ino angrily threw a ball at the other team. "Do you have a hangover?" Nova shrugged. "God, Nova!"
"Are you sure you're not an alcoholic?" Sakura grumbled.
"I'm not." Nova said firmly.
"Well, you're sure acting like one." Ino snapped.
A ball slammed into Nova's head. She cried out in pain. Naruto ran up to her. "I'm so sorry, Nova! Are you okay?!"
Tears stung Nova's eyes. "I'm okay..." She held her head in her hands, trying not to cry from the horrible pain in her head. "Guy-sensei, can I go to the nurse's office?"
Might Guy frowned, his fluffy eyebrows coming together. "You just got here, Nova. If you were not feeling well, you should've stayed home."
"I'm sorry." Nova whimpered. She ran out of the gym, ignoring everyone's eyes on her.
Ino glared at Nova as she ran. She shook her head slightly, not believing that her friend, one of the three people who had saved her not too long ago, has turned into a rebel teen. Ino wanted to cry, but not just because of Nova, but also because of Shikamaru. She had been flirting with him non-stop for about three months now and he still hasn't asked her out. He doesn't even show any sort of interest in Ino.
"Ino, you okay?" Sakura bumped her elbow against Ino's arm. "You look upset."
"I am upset. How could Nova turn into something like this? I just can't believe her." Ino sighed. She gracefully dodged a ball that was thrown at her. "I wish she would listen to me, but that dumb Itachi has her under his control. It's so frustrating!" She angrily threw a ball, hitting Karin square in the chest and sent her flying backwards.
"Nice." Sakura grinned, as did Hinata and Tenten.
"Thanks." Ino smiled.
The Uchiha Household, living room
Date: December 15th (Tuesday) Time: 2:02pm
"You shouldn't stay home every time I don't have to work." Itachi stared at his brother from the corner of his eye.
Sasuke glared at him. "I wish I didn't have to, but I can't seem to trust you. Every time I come home from school when you don't have to work, the place is trashed. And Nova is nowhere to be seen at school. I can't believe you sneaked her in here last night! What is wrong with you, Itachi? You've turn into a drunk and a pot-head! You're also turning Nova into one as well! Do you like it when she feels as terrible as you do? Do you like hearing her puke her guts out in the morning? Or going brain dead from all that weed!?" Sasuke yelled at his older brother.
Itachi chewed the inside of his cheek. He glared at the blank t.v. in front of him, trying not to think about what he just heard. Of course he knew his little brother was right, but he didn't want to admit that. He sighed. "I want you to go to school next time, Sasuke. I promise not to have a party here again."
"And why should I trust you?" Sasuke spat.
"Because you're right." He looked Sasuke in the eye. They stared at each other for a few moments 'til finally Sasuke nodded and went to the front door.
"I'm going to school. I have a French test this hour." Sasuke mumbled as he opened the door. His eyes slightly grew wide, Nova stood in the doorway, breathing heavily and holding her stomach. "Nova?"
"Hey, Sasuke." She said weakly. "Can I come in?"
He nodded, shutting the door as she entered. He helped her over to the coach where she sat beside Itachi. Her whole body was shaking so hard that even Itachi's body shook. Itachi wrapped his arms around her. He looked up at Sasuke, a worried expression on his face. "Get her a blanket and get her some aspirin. Hurry."
Sasuke ran off without hesitation. Itachi hugged Nova tightly to his chest. "Nova, are you okay? What hurts?"
Nova took in a shaky, deep breath. "My chest and my head and my stomach." Her voice sounded like a child's.
Itachi bit his bottom lip. Sasuke ran back into the living, jumping over the coffee table while holding a small bottle in one hand and water in the other. The blanket was thrown over his shoulder. "Here." He shoved the bottle in Itachi's hand.
"Can you take aspirin, honey?" Itachi asked quietly. Nova nodded weakly. She opened her mouth slightly and Itachi popped the pills in her mouth. He placed the cup of water to her lips and Nova gulped it all down. "Blanket?" He held out his hands for the comforter. Sasuke handed it to him and Itachi tucked it around Nova. "Just lie down here, okay?" He helped Nova stretch her body onto the couch. He stared at the empty bottle of aspirin in his hands and sighed.
The front door burst open as Itachi's friends barged inside. All laughing and shouting ridiculous things. Sasuke glared at his brother, who was shaking his head.
"Yo! I heard this is where the party is!" Deidara grinned, holding a twenty-four pack of beer high in the air.
"No party today, guys." Itachi said.
Deidara whined, "Awwww, why not?" His blue eyes flickered towards Sasuke. He sneered at him. "Ah, I see why. The party pooper's here."
"Deidara..." Itachi said firmly. "Sasuke, go to school, now. You have that test, remember?"
Sasuke hesitated, staring at Nova's pale face. "But-"
"She will be fine." Itachi gave him a small smile. "Now go."
Sasuke nodded, leaving out the front door with his backpack. Itachi tossed the empty bottle of medicine in the trash bin. "I need to go to the store to get some more aspirin." He stared at his friends, glaring at Deidara and Hidan. "Do not touch her. I am putting Pein in charge." He placed a hand on his quiet friend's shoulder. They gave each other a curt nod before Itachi left.
Deidara stood next to Nova, staring down at her weakened body which was covered up by the comforter. "Hmm... This couch doesn't look too comfy. I'll put her in Itachi's room."
"You heard Itachi." Kisame said, plopping down onto a nearby recliner. "Don't touch her."
"And who's going to stop me?" Deidara grinned.
Nobody answered. Not because they were scared of him, 'cause they weren't. But because nobody wanted to argue with this annoying man. Deidara reached down to pick up the sleeping girl. But a hand grasped his upper arm. "Don't." Deidara looked up into the face of Pein's, who stared at him with half-closed eyes.
"I promise not to do anything." Deidara's smile faltered a bit when Pein glared at him.
"She is fine where she is now." Pein said coldly.
"Hell, I'll fucking do it!" Hidan shouted. He pushed past both men and reached for the girl, but Pein stopped him as well.
"I said she is fine where she is." Pein repeated.
"Look at her, she's fucking uncomfortable!" Hidan gestured towards Nova.
"Uuuugh... Shut up, all of you." Nova mumbled. She turned so she was facing the back of the couch. "I'm fine here, you idiots."
"See?" Pein said. He sat himself by Nova's feet and closed his eyes.
Near Konoha High's Tennis Court
Date: December 15 (Tuesday) Time: 5:14pm
"Damn that girl." Ino muttered as she slapped her phone shut. She had called Nova several times before practice and several more times after. But still no answer or no return call.
Sakura sighed, checking her phone as well. "I haven't heard from her either. Maybe Sasuke will know?"
"Please." Ino rolled her eyes and smirked at her best friend. "You just want an excuse to talk to him."
"Do not!"
"Do to!"
"Do not!"
"Do TO!"
"DO NOT!"
"Girls, girls." Naruto strode up to them, a silly grin on his face. "Please, stop fighting over me, the most handsomest guy on the planet."
"And what planet is that?" Sakura scoffed.
"Have you seen Nova, Naruto?" Hinata asked quietly.
"Oh, Sasuke said she's at his house." Naruto shrugged his shoulders.
"How come? Was she feeling okay?" Tenten bit her bottom lip.
"I don't know." Naruto frowned. "I'm going to go over there now with Sasuke. I feel bad for hitting her in the head like that today."
"Yeah. Okay. We will too." Ino said.
Ino, Sakura, Hinata, Tenten, and Naruto waited for Sasuke. After 15 minutes of waiting, Sasuke joined them from gym. He glanced at Naruto. "Sorry, I thought you were still changing, dobe." Naruto stuck his tongue out at him. "What are you all doing here?"
"We want to go see Nova." Ino said.
Sasuke sighed. "Okay. Let's go."
They walked towards Sasuke's house, which was only a couple of blocks away. Sasuke told them what was wrong with Nova on the way. She had a major hangover and should be fine now. The girls were very angry and were planning to give Nova a long lecture when they got there.
They finally reached the small home of the Uchiha's. Sasuke entered his house key and went inside, the others followed. But Itachi and Nova were nowhere to be seen. Only Pein, one of Itachi's friends, was pacing around in the living room. "Pein?" Sasuke slowly looked him over. Konan was there too, sitting on the edge of the couch with a worried expression on her face. "What's wrong? Where's my brother and Nova?" Sasuke searched around the living room.
Itachi walked into the room from the hallway. He had his face into his hands, shaking his head slightly. "I can't believe it..." He mumbled.
"What is it?" Sakura pushed her way in front. "What happened? Where's Nova?"
"She's in the bathroom." Itachi plopped onto the couch.
Sakura rushed into the bathroom, followed by her friends. They found Nova sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall. Her legs were spread out on either side of the toilet. She held something in her hand. A stick? As Sakura creeped closer, she could see that it was a pregnancy test reading positive. Sakura gasped. "Oh Nova..."
Better ending, am I right? I hope so.
More coming soon! (Hopefully!) Stay tuned for the next chapter.
Song of the day: Love Song Requiem - Trading Yesterday