The week flew by as I spent time with Fumiko and everyone else as much as possible. And finally Kakashi drove me to get my casts off. Tsunade smiled happily after she inspected me from head to toe and finally sawed off my casts, "Looking good. Your still black and blue but your healing fine."

I grinned happily and Kakashi smiled back from where he was watching against the wall. Tsunade patted my shoulder when she was done and said, "Done, now git."

Leaping up with a cheer I grabbed her in a quick hug and grabbed Kakashi's arm, "RUN!"

He laughed as I drug him out of the hospital and to his car. Letting him go when we got to the car, I reached up to the sky and sighed happily, "I'm free! Sadly I can't go to work today. Mind dropping me off at home?"

Kakashi nodded and said, "Sure, Iruka wanted to make you dinner in celebration."

I practically drooled, "Oh yeah, Iruka's cooking rocks!"

Kakashi smiled lecherously, "Oh yes, he rocks... Hard."

Wrinkling my nose I smacked his shoulder lightly as he pulled up at the apartments, "Too much info. See you tonight!"

He waved and I waved back as I watched him leave. About to go up to the apartment I turned as I heard the roars of motorcycles. Frowning slightly I grinned when I saw Scrap and Kim driving up. Waving I said happily as they parked in front of me, "Hey guys! What brings you here?"

Kim waved to the bike she had been riding, "Surprise!"

My jaw dropped at the blood red Harley and Scrap slapped me on the shoulder, "I know you wanted something like your old one, but this screamed your name. What do you think?"

Squealing happily I grabbed them in a group hug, "I love it! Thank you!"

They laughed and I grinned like a maniac as Kim handed me the keys, "Take it for a spin."

Cheering I practically pounced on the bike and roared out of there. It rode like a dream! And was as smooth as silk with a nice roar to it. Going back home relunctically I once more hugged Scrap and Kim, "You guys are the best!"

Scrap picked us both up in a bear hug and said, "It's in thanks to you helping me get my shop. No payment needed."

When he set me down I was about to argue but when I saw their faces I switched gears, "OK, but if you ever need me.."

Kim finished, "We'll call. Now we have to go, take care hun."

They got on Scraps bike and I waved happily after them until they were out of sight. Then I drug my side car from the side where it was set after the accident and grinned happily when it attached perfectly to my bike. I frowned slightly though when a vision flashed through my mind, it showed a green blur and then Sasuke and Naruto tied to something.

The vision disappeared as soon as it came and I shook my head. Not understanding it and decided to check if Naruto and Sasuke were home. I was relieved when I got to my apartment and heard footsteps behind me.

I smiled and waved as Sasuke and Naruto came up the stairs, whispering. Sasuke's face was blank and I knew Naruto's face was forced. But they waved back and I decided they just had a bad day and I let them go to Sasuke's apartment without questioning. I shrugged and went to mine, sitting on my couch with a cup of cocoa and some work. I froze mid sip when another vision came to me.

I saw the blurred image of a man in green standing in front of Sasuke and Naruto, who were chained to a pole. I frowned at it and heard someone laugh, "You were no match for The Beasts! Now give me the money you owe!"

The vision stopped and I scowled in confusion. Shaking my head I heard a knock and Naruto and Sasuke came in. I waved and Naruto held up his homework, "Do you mind checking our homework?"

I smiled and nodded, "Sure."

They sat at the table and I looked over Sasuke's then Naruto's, marking their mistakes. There was a knock on the door and I handed Naruto back his homework to correct and answered it. I heard a scream and a body slammed into me, "ARIANA!"

The momentum spun us around and when I stopped the person let go to show black pixy like hair, vibrant green eyes and a smile that covered her face. I laughed happily, "FUMIKO!"

We hugged laughing and I spun the slightly smaller girl around for good measure. When I set her down I asked, "What are you doing?"

She shrugged and said happily, "Bugging you!" She turned and waved at the boys, "Hi guys!"

They said hello and Naruto checked the time and said, "Oh I have to go see someone. I'll see you at dinner."

I watched him curiously as Sasuke got up with him and followed him out, a slight look of worry on his face. After they left I got Fumiko and I a soda. As we sat on the couch she turned to me and said, "I saw Gai!"

I blinked and remembered that Gai had disappeared right after college and I hadn't heard from him since. Deciding to tease Fumiko, since she had a crush on him, I flexed my arm, "The Green Beast Gai?"

She rolled her eyes at me and nodded, looking worried, "I think he's in trouble!"

I raised an eyebrow and asked, "Did he get stuck in a tutu again?"

She grabbed my shirt and shook me, "No! No! He's in a gang! I mean, he has his own gang! The Beasts or something."

I stopped her from shaking me and said, "Wait, did you say the Beasts?"

She nodded ad I quickly stood, my visions making sense, "Stay here, I'll be right back. If anyone asks I went to the store."

She nodded, knowing I would take care of things. I grabbed my jacket and my new bat and hurried out. I jumped onto my new bike and hit the gas. I zoomed out of there and headed for the old warehouses. Now that I understood everything I wasn't too happy! I growled under my breath, "Oh I'm going to give it to them."

I pulled up to one and heard loud laughter that sounded very familiar coming from it. I got off my bike and walked up to the door and kicked it as hard as I could. Because it was rusted it fell completely off. I walked in, bat on my shoulder and saw Naruto and Sasuke chained to a thick steel pipe and surrounded by punks. One was wearing all green with a bowl cut and thick eyebrows. He yelled, "Who are you?"

I stepped closer and said to the guy in green, "Let them go, and I won't pummel any of you."

Naruto said worried, "Ariana! Get out of here! You can't beat all of them!"

A loud voice from above yelled, "That's right! No one can beat the Green Beast!"

A figure in front of me on the second floor jumped down and landed in front of me. Like the other guy, he wore all green, a bowl cut and had thick eyebrows. He grinned widely and gave a thumbs up, "So bring it on challenger!"

He then had a good look of me and gasped, "No way! Ariana?"

I tapped my bat against my shoulder, grinning wildly at him, "Long time no see Gai. Now I only have one, simple little question for you."

He smiled weakly, seeing the furious look on my face, "Yes?"

I slammed my bat into his cheek, sending him flying, "WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?"

He crashed into a stack of boxes and everyone looked in horror and shock. I walked after him and yelled, "Are you that idiotic? And what do you think your doing to my friends? And where the hell have you been?"

I stood in front of him as he slowly stood and held up his hands, "Wait! Won't you at least hear me out?"

I growled and someone yelled behind me, "You can't treat the boss like that?"

I heard running feet behind me and spun, slamming my bat into the gut of one, and elbowing another. Gai quickly said, "Wait, don't attack her!"

The punks stopped, staring at him in confusion. I looked at him and said sternly, "Now tell me why I shouldn't pummel these brats, or you?"

A smell caught my nose and I looked around for the source. Gai looked at me in worry, "Ariana?"

Realization hit me as a vision of the place blowing up did and I barked, "Get out! Everyone out!"

The back of the place blew first, and people started running. I pushed through the crowd of punks and yanked on Sasuke's and Naruto chains. I barked, "GAI!"

He was right behind me and his fist slammed into the chains, breaking them and we each grabbed a boy and raced outside. Just as we got clear of the building, the whole place blew. We hit the dirt and held our arms over our heads as debree flew and hit around us. I slowly sat up and saw the punks all around us and someone running away.

Jumping top my feet I yelled, "HEY!"

Throwing my bat like a boomerang it hit the guy's legs out from under him and Gai yelled, "Get him Lee!"

Gai's twin tackled the guy and had him pinned. I stood and helped Sasuke and Naruto stand before growling, "And what were you two thinking?"

Naruto looked down in shame and said, "I just wanted to pay off the debt so they wouldn't come after us anymore." Gai said softly in defense, "They still have a thousand left to pay back."

My glare turned to him and I said, "I already paid off your goon."

He blinked and Lee came up dragging the man, the goon himself. I pointed at him, "Him actually."

Lee said, "I told you Master Gai."

Gai glared at the goon, who flinched away. I said, "The cops will see the fire and we'll give him up to them. He'll have fun in jail."

I turned to Gai, "And as for you. Fumiko came to me and told me you were in trouble. And I find you running a gang! Do you want a beating?"

I saw the faint blush on his cheek from Fumiko's name and he shrugged, looking away, "I don't see how it's any of you or Fumiko's business."

My bat connected with his head again. He fell back with a groan and I told the punks to get out of there before the cops come and they disappeared as a cop car flew up and stopped next to us. Two policeman came out and I grabbed the man from Lee and said, "This man tried to blow us up along with the factory."

They took him into custody and one man glared at Gai and Lee, "Are you the Beasts?"

I snorted and said, "No, these are my friends, Gai and Lee. I asked them out here to try out my new motorcycle." I motioned to it behind us and they looked satisfied. After they left, Gai regained consciousness and I growled at him, "You need to quit this gang business. I won't cover for you again."

He sat up and slumped, "What else can I do? I didn't get a job as a martial arts teacher like I wanted, and no one will hire me."

I thought about it and said, "Become a policeman."

He looked at me in surprise and I motioned to Lee, "I'm sure you've been teaching him how to fight and he tackled the guy without difficulty. So you and Lee have the makings of becoming great policeman."

They looked at each other and Gai said, "That's not such a bad idea."

I nodded and said, "Now, your both coming over for dinner and are going to apologize for worrying Fumiko."

He groaned and I raised my bat threateningly. He flinched and said, "Sounds good."

I grinned and turned on Sasuke and Naruto, "Now that everything's settled."

I went up to them and they tensed, ready for a beating. I grabbed them in a hug and they blinked in surprise. I said sternly, "if you ever do something like this again, I'll beat you."

They smiled in relief and I let them go and asked Gai, "Do you have a vehicle?"

He nodded and I turned to Lee, "By the way, my name is Ariana McKing."

He held out his hand and we shook, "I'm Rock Lee. It's nice to meet you."

I nodded and I got on my bike while Gai pulled out a truck. Sasuke and Naruto got on with me and Lee went with Gai. I sent Iruka a quick text saying we'd have two more people over for dinner and grinned evilly as I lead the way home.

I pulled up in front of the apartments and Gai pulled in next to me. I got off my bike and said, "Maybe we should keep what happened a secret. No use worrying people over nothing."

They agreed and I waved for them to follow and spotted Itachi as we came up to my apartment, "Itachi, I'd like you to meet an old college mate of mine and his young friend. Gai this is my boss Itachi."

Itachi blinked when he recognized the name but politely said hello and I asked innocently, "Everyone over at my place?"

He nodded, enlightenment striking him and his grin matched mine. Sasuke and Naruto looked at us warily and I chirped, "No need to let the food get cold."

I opened my door and we walked in. Fumiko dropped the pan she had been holding in shock when she spotted Gai and his eyes widened before they both turned into a tomato Then Fumiko gave a happy shout, bound around the counter and with a leap glomped him, "It's so good to see you!"

Gai caught her, looking startled that he was getting this kind of welcome and I motioned Iruka not to say who was here just yet. I knew Kakashi was in the guest room changing out of his work clothes. Gai looked at me and I smiled softly, "Told you, you worried us sick."

His face fell and he hugged Fumiko back tightly, "I'm sorry."

Fumiko pulled away, still held up easily by Gai and glared at him, wiping the tears away, "You better be sorry!"

He gave a weak smile and Fumiko said firmly, "As punishment for this worry, you have to take me on a date."

His face turned scarlet and when he glanced at me I nodded. So he nodded as well and Fumiko smiled, "Good."

He smiled slightly and set her down. Then she spotted Lee and squealed, glomping the poor kid, "It's a mini you!"

Lee looking bewildered to say the least and I quickly grabbed Fumiko with a laugh, "This is Rock Lee, Fumiko."

He smiled shyly as I introduced everyone and I grinned widely as I hard a familiar voice across the room say, "Smells good Iruka."

Kakashi walked out of the guest room and froze when Gai and Kakashi locked eyes. Both men were statues and my grin got wider. Gai threw up his arms and cheered, "Rival!"

Kakashi stared as Gai strode up and asked, almost not believing, "Gai?"

For his worth he didn't bolt, he actually grinned and took Gai's hand to shake, "Well it's been a while! How are you?"

Gai nodded, shaking his hand vigorously, "Good, I've decided being a martial arts teacher is not for me. I'm becoming a policeman!"

Kakashi slapped him on the back, "Go for it!"

Gai grinned and I sighed in disappointment, "Aww I was hoping Kakashi would squeal like a little girl and bolt."

Kakashi glared as the others laughed and I looked innocent. Gai wagged a finger at me, "You should know Kakashi is too brave for such a girlie act."

I rolled my eyes and yelped as Iruka flicked a wet noodle and it stuck on my cheek. He scolded gently, "Be nice Ariana."

I saluted, grimacing as I pulled off the noodle and then with an evil look slipped it down the back of Naruko's shirt. She screamed, doing a funny dance to try and get it out. She finally did and turned with murderous eyes on me, as I tried to stop rolling in laughter. She lunged and I squeaked before bolting.

I cried out as I leaped over chairs and couched, "I'm sorry!"

She caught me finally near my room and tackled me to the floor. I cried out as she started tickling me and screamed as Fumiko joined her. Finally I cried uncle and they stood with victorious smirks. I glared at them and said weakly, "You've been spending too much time together."

they laughed and helped me up and I clapped Gai on the back as we girls helped Iruka with the food. I glanced up to see Sasuke and Naruto greeting Lee and talking like they were old friends. Smiling softly I glanced over as Gai came to help with the dishes and whispered something into Fumiko's ear. She blushed, smiling like a dork and nodded. Then Gai's smiled matched hers and I grinned wider. Catching Itachi's eye he came over as I stirred things on the stove and joined me.

He leaned back against the counter next to the stove and raised a silent eyebrow. I said softly, "Everything worked out fine. Now everyone is happy."

He blinked, cocking his head to the side cutely and asked quietly, "Really?"

Gathering my nerve I leaned close and smiled as I nearly came nose to nose with him, "Really. Fumiko and Gai are back together, Sasuke and Naruto have found a new friend in Lee. As has Naruko in Fumiko. Kakashi has his friend and rival back, as does Gai. Which will make Iruka happy that Kakashi is happy. And this makes me happy that my friends are happy."

He smiled back and leaned in a little closer, "And what about me?"

Cocking my head to the side I said, "You have me."

His eyes widened and I blushed slightly. He leaned in a little bit closer and I started to close my eyes. This perfect moment was ruined when Gai grabbed me from behind, "Thank you Ariana!"

I choked down a scream as he twirled in a whirlwind right in the middle of the kitchen, "I have my life back and it's all thanks to you!"

Shoving the irritation of him interrupting me into the back of my mind and laughed happiy, "I'm glad Gai! Now put me down!"

He slowed and set me down, winked and went over to help Fumiko with some extra chairs. My head spun and I grabbed the nearest thing, Itachi's sleeve. Shaking my head I said, "Whoo, that's a ride I don't wish to repeat."

Glancing up I saw Itachi glaring at Gai's back and nudged him, "Come boss man, help me with the food and relax."

He looked at me curiously and I said teasingly as I handed him a bowl, "Be merry, all is well."

He smiled slightly and nodded. Grinning happily we took things to the dining room and I gazed happily at my friends. My family.

0o0

Itachi glanced over at Ariana, sitting next to him, laughing as she teased Fumiko and Gai, only to be teased by Kakashi and Iruka. Then he looked around and realized Ariana was right. All was well. His mind then came to a conclusion. Looking over at Ariana he smiled. Time to make his move. To find his true happiness.