1Summary: Sixteen-year-old Ayame Toshi wants to go to a school where she can avoid distractions. What better school than Konoha's All Girl's Academy? There's only one problem…she goes to the wrong school! Now with a new look and new friends Ayame has to attend an all boy school that includes, horny boys making out in every corner, crazy fan-boys, a snakelike pedophile after the job that should've been his, one PERVERTED principal, and oh yeah, let's not forget that her two roommates have a crush on each other and are too afraid to admit it! Oy and I thought my school had drama. AU and OOC-ness.

Pairings: SasuNaru, NejiGaara, and OCx?

Warnings: Rated T+ for slight sexual content, debut yaoi/shounen ai-ness and OOC-ness.

The setting: This is for those confused as to which month this takes place in, it takes place from mid-January to the day before winter break in February.

Disclaimer: same as previous chapters.

Chapter 7: Should I Stay or Should I go? Pt. 1

Ayame's POV

"A ski trip?"

I asked looking across the table at a grinning Naruto and a smirking Sasuke. We were in the cafeteria with the others eating breakfast, Chouji eating a massive pile of pancakes, Shikamaru having a bowl of cereal, Shino having toast, Kiba having an egg sandwich with some bacon, Lee having something he made himself (it didn't really look appetizing, but he seemed to like it). Neji was also having scrambled eggs while also force-feeding Gaara, chiding him on how skinny he was and Gaara wasn't putting up that much of a fight, as usual. Me, I was having a toasted bagel with butter, plain and simple.

"Yeah," Naruto answered grinning, "Sasuke and his family own a ski lodge up in the mountains and he's invited all of us to stay over there for the entire vacation!"

"So?" I asked cluelessly.

"So by 'all of us' I meant you too."

"Oh," was my nervous answer. Honestly the invitation seemed harmless enough. Being in a personally owned ski lodge owned by Sasuke Uchiha (who I recently learned was filthy rich) for nine days straight with nine of your good friends up in the mountains that are probably covered in blankets of snow. There was just one slight flaw…

"This is probably not a good time to tell you guys," I began beating around the bush, "but I can't ski."

"That's okay," Kiba said wrapping a reassuring arm around my shoulders, "We'll teach you." At any other given moment, the friendly gesture would've probably helped, but right now one of my greatest fears might come true.

"No seriously, I can't even ice-skate without falling every five seconds. Forget even thinking about skiing," I tried to convince them weakly.

"There's not just skiing," Sasuke said counting the activities on his fingers, "There's also tubing, sledding, snow boarding…"

"Did you hear what I was saying? If I can't ski what makes you people think I'm coordinated enough to do that stuff?"

"We'll help you," Naruto answered cheerfully.

"That's right, Ayame-san," Lee added with his usual 'Good Guy' pose, "You won't fall with me on the job!"

"Thanks Lee," I answered smiling against my will. With goofs like Lee around, you can't help but smile. He must've felt that he'd finally convinced me 'because he puffed out his chest and smiled victoriously. That and he was blushing again!

"But I'm still not going," I added crossing my arms.

"Come on Ayame-chan," nine male voices begged.

"No."

"There's not just sports activities ya know," Shikamaru decided to come in with a sly a grin, "There's also a Jacuzzi."

Jacuzzi?

"And lots of good food," Chouji added, "Including hot chocolate."

Hot...chocolate?

"With marshmallows and whipped cream," he added, knowing he had reeled me in.

Marshmallows? Whipped cream?

Truth be told, I was mentally drooling at the image of me in a nice warm Jacuzzi surrounded by fancy food that would make any middle-class citizen's mouth water, along with a mug of nice creamy hot cocoa in my hand. Damn, these people know too many of my weaknesses! As if Kiba using his adorable Aka-chan as a secret weapon was hard enough, now these guys are trying to bribe me! Well, I'm not falling for it. Nope not me!

"W-what are you guys going on about?" I said waving my hand with an uneasy smile, "You people think that just because I might like that stuff, you can actually bribe me into doing it? Ch, fat chance!"

"We know we can bribe you," Sasuke countered with a smirk, "Most of these items are luxuries you can't afford correct? I mean you can't even pay tuition to come to this school. Besides I already told my mom you'd come."

Crap, he's got me there. Not only was I broke as broke can be, but I didn't want to be rude enough to deny an invitation when his family is already prepared for my arrival. Sasuke may act like a bastard but sometimes kindness can poke through his cold exterior, especially with his friends (or maybe it's just Naruto?), so I should be grateful. (Damn my shoujo girl selflessness.)

"Alright I'll go," I said finally giving in, "But I'm not skiing!"

"Aw," Neji moaned, "Why not? I had an outfit already made for you"

"Definitely not," I stated firmly. Not only did Neji have an eye for fashion, but it seems to be he also likes designing outfits as well.

"What? You don't trust us?" Naruto asked looking hurt.

Seeing his look made me feel guilty. "It's not that I don't trust you guys..." My voice trailed off as I tried to come up with something to convince them but a little tiny voice in my head spoke inside my head:

What are you saying girl? These are the guys who have been driving you to drink since day one! Of course you don't trust them! Run Ayame run!

"Ayame Tori or whatever," Jiraiya the hentai principal called over the speaker phone, "You are wanted at the office. So chop-chop!"

Whew, saved by the principal! (Wow, never thought I'd say that).

"That's Toshi!" I yelled knowing that he'd hear me. Don't ask me why, but somehow he does. Maybe he has some hidden cameras everywhere? Hmm, I wonder if this should concern me... (A/N: Well, yeah! If I had a pervert for a principal who kept cameras everywhere and was watching my every move then yes I would worry. But Ayame is slow like that and that's what makes her lovable or just plain easy to mess with)

"Whatever," Jiraiya exclaimed over the microphone, "Just come down to the office!"

With that I got up from the table, telling the guys that I'd see them later and headed for the exit of the cafeteria.

"Later Ayame-chan!" Naruto waved with that lovable little grin of his.

"And remember Ayame," Sasuke added smirking sadistically, "You will ski."

I looked to the others to see that they were all of them were sporting the same exact smile, even Lee! (Even though his was smaller than the rest).

I gave them a nervous smile, along with a small wave, but in my head I was groaning with agony.

As I walked out I began to think about my time spent at Konoha's All Boy's Academy, while disguised as a boy. Originally I wanted to go to the all girls' school to get away from boys as distractions. Well actually boys haven't really been a distraction for me, but I never really thought that much about them. Most of the time I thought they were useless and there's always that annoying pressure you get from your girlfriends, ya know about getting a boyfriend and whatnot. Not that I'm against having a boyfriend but from all I heard from the girls in my old high school, there's always too much drama. It's always "she cheats on him" or "he cheats on her" and with everything you hear, how can one not want to be in a relationship? I don't want to risk getting hurt by someone if they're not faithful, not to mention how uncomfortable I am around boys I hardly know. Besides the only males I trust completely are those in my family.

But...I think something's changed. I'm not scared to be around guys anymore or otherwise uncomfortable around them. That probably comes from being with a group of guys who are each one of a kind.

Naruto Uzumaki. The first boy I talked to when that dumb bus dropped me off here and the first one who approached me to be his friend. He's basically a walking, blond ball of energy with immense loyalty to his friends, especially Sasuke. For some reason or another he considers himself my 'mother figure'. Did I mention his unnatural obsession with ramen, of all things?

Sasuke Uchiha. When I first saw him I thought of him as one of those vampire prince guys you read about in some romance novels. He's cold and dark and always seems to not like anyone, but for some reason or another Naruto always seems to bring out the side that he always hides. The side that truly cares about his friends and would show a true sincere smile. While Naruto is my 'mom' Sasuke plays my father figure (even though in my opinion he wouldn't do a good job-giggles-).

Gaara Sabaku. He's in the same homeroom, Art class and English class as I am. He's also a little odd and sometimes I think he's a little homicidal. But he can be an all right guy, once he considers you as trustworthy and probably smiles at you. He's got a brother named Kankuro, who's a grade ahead of him and an older sister in the all girls' school. I've met Kankuro on some occasions, in the hallway and sometimes when I visit Gaara in his dorm. He's got a bunch of puppets that he makes himself! And he lets me play with them if I ask permission. From what I hear he's already made another one.

Neji Hyuga. He's a year older than us, in Kankuro's grade. His hair is so long, it makes even me envious (that could be because I practically have no hair left TT). His eyes are naturally pale, making one think he's blind but in reality he can see very well. I swear, sometimes it's like he has eyes on the back of his head. Anyway although he has that serious face when you first meet him, Neji is really one of the most immature guys you'll ever meet. Not to mention his unnatural fetish with his looks and fashion. He also seems to have a close friendship with Gaara, kind of like Sasuke and Naruto only more...open, I guess you can say.

Shikamaru Nara. Not much to say about him, except that he's as lazy as a sloth. In the History class we share, he always falls asleep when Iruka-sensei has his lectures. You wanna know the wild thing? He's got an I.Q. of over 200! It's true: when I studied with him for a big History test, it turns out he knew everything and he spent his time sleeping during that chapter. Still, as lazy as Shikamaru is he's still a nice guy and will stand up for you no matter how 'troublesome' it might be.

Chouji Akimichi. I think we're the only two people in the group who can hold a steady conversation about sweets or any food we think is good. He eats a lot, but he's a very valuable member of our group in culinary class. We that is me, Shikamaru and Chouji, always team up for culinary class and have made a very good team. With me doing the actual cooking on the stove or oven, Shikamaru reading the recipes and Chouji being our taste tester. Some people would think that wasn't an important job, but when you've got someone as strict as Asuma-sensei you've got to have everything perfect.

Kiba Inuzuka. He and Akamaru are probably living proof that there truly is no bond stronger than the one between a boy and his dog. Seriously. Sometimes I catch him actually talk to his dog and it actually understands him. It's actually cute, yet slightly creepy at the same time. Anyway, Kiba can be loud and a little obnoxious, but he's really okay, but when he and Naruto team up to play a prank the poor prankee should keep a close watch behind their backs. Oh and let's not forget the two of them using Akamaru on me when doing whatever they want. Damn puppy eyes.

Shino Aburame. If you think Sasuke is king of silence then you haven't ever met Shino. It's strange, sometimes he could be so unfeeling and silent, but when coaxed he can actually smile and even though his eyes are hidden behind those dark shades of his, if you look real closely you can see the emotions in his eyes. Of course, for some odd reason he won't show his eyes at all. I don't see why, he's got really nice eyes. I don't think he thinks so, 'cause when I told him he suddenly got quiet again and went red for some reason.

Then there's Rock Lee. Huh, what can I say about him? Well, when I first met him I thought he was a psycho with bushy eyebrows. He looks too much like Gai-sensei our gym teacher. I mean either the two of them are related or Lee takes idolization to a whole other level. Still, Lee has his moments. He's loyal, kind and definitely not the kind of guy who let's people's insults bring him down and is unnaturally athletic. I think the only thing he can't do is cook, which often makes me worry if he's truly healthy. I just wish he'd be more comfortable around me. Sometimes I feel like he doesn't like me, I mean he doesn't really look me in the eye unless I truly need to talk with him. But then there are other moments he's protective of me, for example: when I went on that 'date' with Sai.

The weird thing is, with all the weirdos and crazies in this group, I seemed to fit right in. I've never been surrounded by a bunch of people who cared about me, unless you count my family and Ashurii and Akuma are the only true friends I've got. I didn't think that when I'd come to this school by accident and disguised as a boy that I would be this deep.

Flashes of my new friends go through my head. I was way too deep here, what will happen if I'll have to leave? Would the guys keep in touch or will they forget me and go on with their lives?

My thoughts take a pause when I realize that I'm in front of the principal's office. For some reason I feel strange, like something bad is about to happen. Shaking it off I opened the door, not really bothering to knock.

"Okay, Jiraiya why are-" my voice stops when I recognize two other people in the room with him. There was a middle-aged man with thinning black hair with green eyes sitting next to a plumper woman with bushy brown hair and eyes.

"Mom? Dad?"

Some guy once said, "All good things must come to an end."

End POV

–

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--

"Mom? Dad?" Ayame said looking at her parents, "W-what are you guys doing here?"

"Ayame?" Her mom asked, her eyes watering suddenly at her daughter's appearance. Ayame's father was staring at her with his steely gaze. It was the look he often gave when he was about to interrogate any suspects in an investigation.

"Oh my baby girl! What happened to your hair?" Ayame's mom gushed hugging her daughter tightly.

"Mom, it's fine. My friends cut it so no one would figure out I'm a girl," Ayame gasped as her mother grasped her around her torso.

"Friends?" Mr. Toshi said raising an eyebrow. "What kind of friends would those be, Ayame?"

"Uh, well–"

"Do you want me to call them up?" Jiraiya offered, with a slight smirk.

"Yes," both Mr. and Mrs. Toshi replied. Ayame was behind them waving her hands and shaking her head, but it went unnoticed by Jiraiya. Either he didn't get the message, or he chose to ignore her. Either way, Jiraiya had already started calling the boys.

"Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and all you other guys," Jiraiya announced into the microphone. "Please come to the office this minute."

Ayame slapped her hand on her forehead and did her best to hide her face from her parents. A few minutes after the announcement, the four people heard a shout from the other side of the door.

"WHAT DID I DO NOW, ERO-SENNIN?" shouted Naruto, with his friends behind him, before opening the door. When he did, the boys saw Jiraiya standing next to an unfamiliar man and woman, who were standing next to an embarrassed Ayame. Sasuke's eyebrows scrunched together at the sight of the man and woman, but Naruto paid no heed to them as he waved to Ayame.

"Hey Ayame-chan!" Naruto smiled widely. Ayame smiled back nervously and waved back. It was then he noticed the man and woman standing next to her.

"Who are you two?" he asked, addressing them. The boys stood behind him, also curious about the newcomers.

Mr. Toshi opened his mouth to answer, but Ayame beat him to it.

"Naruto, guys, these are my parents," she began nervously gesturing to the adults. "Mom, Dad, these are my friends."

The boys eyes widened when they saw the parents. Lee felt his stomach lurch. Why did he have the weird feeling this would be the last time he saw Ayame?

"So, these are your friends," her father smiled coldly.

"Then maybe you all can answer this question," her mother said eyes narrowing. "WHICH ONE OF YOU CUT MY DAUGHTER'S HAIR?!"

Lee and the others cringed at the scream and pointed to Sasuke and Naruto.

Naruto scowled. Wasn't he lucky to have such loyal friends?

"You two?" Mrs. Toshi asked raising a brow.

Sasuke nodded fearlessly, while Naruto shook his head.

"How did you do it?" she asked, abandoning her anger and replacing it with bemusement. "When Ayame-chan was little, she'd be kicking and screaming if we went within three feet of the hair salon! And of course, let's not forget that horrible haircut from that woman. How is it that you boys were able to do it with no trouble?"

The males sweat dropped at Mrs. Toshi's sudden mood swings. Ayame, being used to them, just had her mouth open in embarrassment when her mother had revealed what she was like as a girl.

"Mom!" Ayame exclaimed, but was ignored.

"It wasn't easy that's for sure," Sasuke commented rubbing his face in memory.

"Yeah, but it sure helped when we tied her to the chair," Naruto mused with a chuckle, unintentionally slipping out the last part.

"YOU WHAT?!" Mr. and Mrs. Toshi yelled, flames in their eyes, along with the boys who hadn't known and Jiraiya. The seven boys stared at their two friends, as if they saw them in a new light, while Jiraiya had taken out a notebook from his pocket and started writing something down. Sasuke had pinched the bridge of his nose, while Ayame stood confused at everyone's reaction.

"Oops," Naruto gulped, realizing his mistake.

"You dobe," Sasuke muttered.

Ayame, still confused, felt herself suddenly being held by her mother and looked up to see the woman had anime tears streaming down her face.

"My poor baby, she's too young to be exposed to bondage!"

"Bondage?" Naruto sputtered.

"No! Hells no! We are not like that," Sasuke protested heatedly.

"Yeah we care for Ayame as if she was our daughter," Naruto joined, accidentally saying the wrong thing again.

Ayame gulped, while Sasuke muttered "dobe". The others just backed away from Ayame's mom, who looked like she was going to explode.

"HOW DARE YOU?!" Mrs. Toshi yelled, while towering over Naruto until his back was bent comically. "HOW DARE YOU THINK YOURSELF AS AYAME-CHAN'S PARENTS! WE ARE HER PARENTS, GOT THAT?"

"Y-yes ma'am," Naruto whimpered, ignoring the pain in his back.

"Uh, Mom could you please not yell at my friend?" Ayame said gently. "Besides the doctor said to watch your blood pressure."

"SCREW MY BLOOD PRESSURE!"

"That settles it then," Mr. Toshi said facing Ayame and her friends. He looked as if he'd come to a final decision.

"Ayame, we're taking you home."

Ayame gasped softly at those words, as did the boys behind her. A pregnant silence passed between the people in the room. Ayame looked back at the boys she had grown so used to seeing and they looked back at her, most with the same/similar expression. Neither wasn't sure if they wanted her to leave yet. It seemed too soon.

Despite her not answering, Mr. Toshi continued to speak. "Go to your room and get your bags."

"Yes sweetie," her mom said smiling. "We'll go home and you can forget any of this happened."

Ayame glanced back at her father and mother briefly before moving to the door reluctantly. It was almost like she was a robot and her parents were her creators and masters, and no matter what they asked her to do she had to obey. Her mother's words rang in her head.

"...forget any of this happened"? Ayame snorted mentally. How am I supposed to forget nine crazy boys who have done nothing but drive me crazy with their shopping sprees, ramen spending, eating contests, bribing, puppy using and of course, let's not forget the once-in-a-while the added two-sense of Sai? (Where is he anyway?) How can I forget these guys, when they've made my life suddenly louder than it really was...in just a month?!

More importantly...how can I forget them and just go on with my life just like that? She berated herself at this thought. Since when did she worry about bonds between her and acquaintances?

"Wait a minute!" Rock Lee's voice rang out.

Ayame and everyone else turned to look at the bushy browed teen. He was looking defiantly back at them.

"Ayame-san can't leave yet!" Lee protested blushing slightly. "S-she already promised she'd come to the ski trip with us!"

"Ski trip?" Mr. and Mrs. Toshi asked both with raised eyebrows.

Lee looks to the guys, his bug eyes desperately asking to go along. Since most were still stunned at the prospect of Ayame leaving, only Kiba and Naruto reacted right away.

"Yeah, the ski trip!" Kiba said smiling optimistically.

"She promised us," Naruto added softly, almost sadly. His eyes glistened with moisture, half for real and the other half for dramatic effect.

"But she can't ski," Mrs. Toshi replied before Ayame said anything.

"We'll teach her then. Right guys?" Neji said forcing a smile and looking back at the others, who nodded solemnly.

Mr. Toshi squinted his eyes trying to figure out where he'd seen the white eyed boy and looked back at them with suspicion.

"Where is it going to be?"

"Up in the mountains, in my family's winter home," Sasuke answered in a slightly cold voice.

"And, if you don't mind me asking, who are you exactly?" Ayame's dad asked suspiciously.

"Sasuke Uchiha of the Uchiha clan," Sasuke answered after a dramatic silence.

Mr. Toshi hummed. The Uchiha family is known to be one of the wealthiest families in the country and the business world. But some of its members were also corrupt and had been in trouble with the police over the past few years. One of which was a Fugaku Uchiha, to whom the Uchiha boy seemed to resemble uncannily. If he hadn't just met the boy he'd assume that this was the youngest of Fugaku's two sons. Ergo, this Sasuke Uchiha probably wasn't to be trusted, especially with his daughter.

"Who would drive you guys up there?" Ayame's mother asked.

"I could!" Neji volunteered happily. Gaara put a hand on his shoulder and looked at him sternly.

"With your driving skills, no way in hell. I'll be driving."

"Gaara, you have a driver's license?" Ayame rose an eyebrow in shock.

Gaara reached into his pocket and took out a card that had his picture and information on it. On the bottom there were little words saying 'This license is viable to work in all countries...except Florida. (God save us! TT)'.

Ayame and her parents stared at the last part, all with synchronized raised eyebrows.

"Why does it say–?" Ayame started before Gaara cut her off.

"You don't want to know."

"But–"

"Trust me, you don't want to know," Gaara said with a shadow on his eyes.

"I don't think so," Ayame's father said stunning the boys and Ayame. "Ayame get your bags."

"But Dad–"

"Do I need to tell you twice?"

There was suddenly tension between the father and daughter. One where Ayame was trying to think of a way to go on the ski trip and have at least a little more time spent with her friends. Her father was staring at her expectantly, as if waiting for the answer to his question. Jiraiya noticed the tension and cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention.

"May I make a suggestion?" he asked, addressing the parents.

"How about you two go along on the trip with Ayame?" Jiraiya suggested with a reassuring wink towards Ayame. "That way, you can still keep an eye on Ayame-chan while she has fun with her friends."

Ayame glanced at her parents to see that they were both contemplating it.

"If you're gonna look for an inn to stay in, there'll be one near Sasuke's home," Naruto suggested. "It's pretty cheap."

"Well, okay," Mrs. Toshi said after looking at her husband. "But if any of you get out of line we're sending Ayame straight home."

As she said this the woman gave the boys such a glare that they all shivered against their will. She turned back to Ayame and smiled, "Come on sweetie. You'll be staying with us tonight."

"Okay," Ayame said reluctantly. She looked back at the boys and gave a small smile and a wave. Then she followed her mother out the door.

Her father stood in the room for a while longer and looked at each boy with eyes that would make a grown man confess a crime.

"If I hear that any of you have done anything to my daughter I will kill you."

Only Gaara was the one who stared back at him blankly. The rest either cowered behind each other or sweat dropped. As the man left the room Gaara stared after him with a straight face.

"He wasn't that bad, he and I might get along," he said with a shrug. The eight other boys and Jiraiya stared back at Gaara with strange looks.

--

--

--

"OK, this meeting is ready to call to order," Rock Lee announced like a judge. "Now is the time to discuss our plan; Operation: Get Ayame to Stay!"

He glanced around at his friends in his and Neji's dorm. They were all sitting on the floor in a circle. It was now after school and many hours after Ayame left with her parents, only to arrive the next morning for the ski trip and the boys were now trying to figure out a way to get Ayame to stay at their school. Despite all the crazy stuff that's happened the last few weeks, what with Ayame's squeaky voice, the awkward moments she unintentionally caused, and of course the "Sai incident", the boys had gotten used to having Ayame around. In a way, she'd excited their lives (unintentionally of course) and made it interesting. If there was a chance, they'd do anything to prevent Ayame to leave.

"So, do any of you have suggestions?" Lee asked.

"There's no way her parents will let her stay," Sasuke recalling the father's look. "They are too overprotective and obviously don't trust us."

"But that choice resides with Ayame," Shino added, speaking for the first time that day. "In the end, she'll have to decide where she wants to go."

"You say it as if that will be easy for her," Shikamaru droned. "Did you see how she acted around her parents? Ayame obviously has some issues with making her own decisions when it comes to her parents."

"That's strange. Ayame seems fine making her decisions with us," Chouji said.

"Because we aren't her parents," Neji said softly. "It's different when your parents order you around. When your parents are protective like Ayame's were, then you'll have no choice but to obey. It's like their word is law, no matter what your own personal feelings are."

"Well maybe this will be different," Kiba suggested with a smile. "Maybe Ayame will have so much fun with us that she'll want to stay." He looked to Naruto, who hadn't spoken a word since the meeting started. "What do you think, Naruto?"

Naruto was sitting on the floor with his legs crossed, with his head down as if he found some interest in the blue shag carpet. Behind his blond hair his usual vibrant blue eyes were dull.

"How 'bout we just let her leave," Naruto suggested getting up from the floor and walking towards the door (A/N: Rhyme! Oh...sorry). "It'll save us a lot of trouble."

The boys looked at him shocked. It wasn't like Naruto to give up on his friends and now he was willing to let Ayame leave.

"Naruto!" Lee exclaimed angry.

"Oh come on Lee," Naruto countered bitterly. "It's not like we didn't expect this to happen. We knew that Ayame-chan would leave either if she got transferred to that all-girl school or if someone came here to pick her up. It's best that we spent our limited time with her during the winter vacation and then give her a nice 'goodbye' when she leaves."

Naruto didn't wait to hear the others reaction to his speech. Instead he walked swiftly out of the room leaving the door opened ajar. On the way down the hall he brushed passed Sai, who looked into the room.

"What's with dickless? When I passed him, he just walked passed me" Sai said as he let himself inside the room. He smiled hollowly at its occupants, while they all just glared at him. "Wow, is this a party? Why wasn't I invited?"

Sai looked around the room for his new "girlfriend". "Where's A-cup?"

"She's not here," Shino answered emotionlessly.

"Aw too bad," Sai pouted. "I was hoping to ask her out on another date."

Lee glared at him with fire in his eyes. "Get. Out!" he growled ferally.

Sai blinked and shrugged. Without another word he walked out the door, secretly hoping to find Ayame somewhere around.

Lee sighed and sat down on the floor. "So, who's going to talk to Naruto?"

"I'll do it," Sasuke said getting up, but was stopped by Gaara.

"I'll go," Gaara said getting up ignoring the Uchiha's glare and walking where he was sure Naruto had gone to.

Meanwhile Naruto was sitting on the rooftop of the school building looking up at the sky. He had his knees hugged to his chest due to the cold and his eyes had slight sheen. Naruto turned his head when he heard the roof door being closed.

"Hey Gaara," he greeted softly.

Gaara nodded his head curtly before leaning on the door. "Ok, Naruto we both know why I'm up here."

"To finally murder me for my loudness?"

"Naruto..."

"Ok, Ok I get it," Naruto sighed.

Gaara went over and sat next to him. "So what's the problem?"

"Problem? What problem? I don't have a problem," Naruto asked with mock innocence.

Naruto sweat dropped when he saw Gaara's famous "I'm gonna kill you" glare. Not wanting to fight, Naruto sighed submissively.

"Ok, so I do have a slight problem," he admitted. "I didn't mean what I said before, it's just that I didn't want to sound as sad as I feel. You know how I can be when I've made a new friend; I just find it hard to say goodbye, that's all. There's no telling what Ayame was thinking when her parents came. For all we know, she could be celebrating at home, happy that she'll never see us nuts again. And don't deny it Gaara, we have been driving Ayame crazy to get some laughs."

Gaara nodded admittedly. It was always fun to get Ayame worked up. He let Naruto continue.

"The worst part is that when I saw her walk out that door," Naruto paused to bite his lip. "I was reminded of my mom."

"Don't worry Naruto-kun, I'll only be gone for a few minutes." (A/N: Another brief flashback)

Gaara hummed finally understanding. "I would've thought you'd gotten over this already."

"Yeah, well no one can be like you Gaara. Not everyone can just forget an event like that ever happened."

"Too true."

The two friends sat in silence staring up at the crescent moon. They silently listened to the sounds of the wind as it blew against them. The silence went on for twenty minutes before Gaara put an end to it.

"You know she's not like her right?"

"...I know," Naruto sighed. "It's just that I keep thinking Ayame will go on without remembering us."

"I doubt that," Gaara smirked. "Those mall visits will stay with her forever."

"Yeah."

With that being said, Naruto followed Gaara back inside. For some odd reason, he now had more hope in getting Ayame to stay.

Kitty: Ok, I won't lie this chapter sucked. It sounded too mushy and gushy and there wasn't that much humor. Those who want to flame, srry but you have to stick to constructive criticism instead. At least I updated right?

Couples

Sai x Ayame: 3

Lee x Ayame: 2 (I messed up in the last chapter; it was one vote)

Shino x Ayame: 1

So far, Sai is in the lead. The voting is probably going to end somewhere between November and December, so vote, vote vote! Also, you can suggest what other guy you want Ayame to be paired with.