Disclaimer: yeah, so like... I was all... I own Naruto! and the world was like STFU. KISHIMOTO DOES. And I was like ….. |sobs| You're right. You're so right.

The house was smaller than expected, it was painted a bright yellow color that should have been glaring but it was pleasing to the eye. The front door was a red oak with a separated three window and a welcome sign with happy picture of little pigs being chased by wolves shouting 'Barge First. Knock later.' on the front. Sasuke smirked. "I should have expected that." He'd ask himself why he was standing outside Ino Yamanaka's door but he knew the answer. Everyday this week Naruto and Hidan had tried getting him to do activities with them but he rejected every last one, tonight they were at the carnival and he realized there was nothing to do at home. It was clean, including his room and the few books he owned had been read down to the very last one. Sakura would have been another option but there was no way to get a hold of her, Itachi was gone and Sasuke didn't have many other friends. Infact he could count them on one hand. Without another moment's hesitation he raised his fist to the door and knocked a little too hard. Inside footsteps could be heard and the door swung open to reveal a man with hair not only as long as Ino's but just as light. He raised his eyebrow at the young man standing before him and spoke. "Can I help you?"

Sasuke maintained eye contact, reconsidering this sudden intrusion. "Is Ino here?"

The man suddenly smiled. "Are you her boyfriend?"

Sasuke rejected making a face at him and shook his head. "No, sir. I'm a friend."

"Oh, here I was hoping there'd be a nice young man for me to interrogate. Too bad," he said turning his head back from the door. "Ino, you've got company!"

Two seconds later she rushed out from the darkened hallway that Sasuke could see. "Who is it?" She said muffled.

"I don't know, he didn't give a name."

"It's probably naru-," Ino stopped mid sentence and looked straight at him. Toothbrush hanging out her mouth, and foam coming out the sides, wearing a bathrobe. "...Oh Kami... DAD!" Ino rushed straight back from where she came and disappeared.

Sasuke blinked, narrowing his eyes. What's her problem?

Ino's father chuckled. "Girls. Don't you just love em? She'll be back."

Sasuke just stood there awkwardly, he was beginning to think this was a mistake and going back home would find him a nice deep seated sleep.

Her father raised an eyebrow and nodded his head inward. "Why don't you come in?"

Sasuke idly stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked inside. "Thanks."

"How long have you known Ino?," Mr. Yamanaka asked conversationally, walking into the kitchen.

Looking around casually, he answered. "We work together."

Mr. Yamanaka turned to look at him with a dinner plate in his hand, gauging him in a way Sasuke didn't care for. "You're not Naruto. I hear he's hyperactive and talkative. You're not Hidan because I hear he and Ino don't get along. You're Sasuke, aren't you?"

Sasuke purposely looked away. "Yeah." Why did he have a feeling this was …

Mr. Yamanaka laughed. "Ino! This is the famous Sasuke Uchiha!"

Sasuke heard a distinct groan from somewhere in the back.

"Dad. Don't you even...!," His daughter yelled.

Mr. Yamanaka laughed even harder, putting his plate on the counter. "Well, I'll be. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Uchiha." He held out his hand, friendliness was definitely his forte.

Sasuke rudely looked at the hand, allowing his own to be shaken then quickly as possible let the grip go. "You too... Mr. Yamanaka." Inwardly he sighed. "I should go. There are things to do at home."

Mr. Yamanaka looked at him in confusion. "I'm sure you wouldn't be here if it wasn't something important."

"It's nothing important," Sasuke explained, heading for the door but before he could open it Ino came out of the back dressed in regular clothes.

"Uh... Sasuke. Where are you going?," Ino asked hopefully.

Sasuke gave a small sigh. "I was about to leave."

Ino and Mr. Yamanaka looked at one another then back at him. "Oh. I guess I'll see you later then." The disappointment in her voice irritated him.

"Can we talk outside?," Sasuke questioned, not wanting to look at her father. The last thing he wanted was some awkward confrontation which might lead to the wrong idea.

"Sure thing." She followed him out, making sure the door was shut behind them. "Was there something you wanted to talk to me about?"

"Let's get one thing straight. What I'm about to ask you is not, do I make myself clear, is not a date," Sasuke said rigidly, catching Mr. Yamanaka peeking out a window.

Ino's smile suddenly widened, and he hated it. "Yeaaaaah?"

Sasuke turned away. "I was wondering if you'd come to the carnival wit-"

"Yes!," Ino nearly yelled, launching herself at him.

Sasuke blinked, stumbling back and quickly held her out at arms length. "You didn't let me finish."

Ino stepped back, looking sheepish but smiling. "Go on."

"With me, to meet with Naruto and Hidan," Sasuke finished, taking a subconscious step back.

Ino continued to smile. "I think that's a great idea. I'll come."

Sasuke's left eye twitched. "I repeat. It's not a date."

Ino's smile widened. "I heard you. Let me grab my coat and we'll go."

I'm going to regret this later... he thought. When she disappeared inside the house, he heard a very distinct squeal and flinched.

xxx

The bright lights of the carnival had glared from a distance, the happy noises of people enjoying themselves coupled with the magnificent rides that hovered like giants had made it easy to get there. Nightfall had come and the city lights blocked out the stars to a dull mute that you could barely see more than a few. Sasuke walked alongside Ino, they had been searching for their two companions with no avail, it should be easy to spot a head of radiant blond and Hidan's frame no matter the crowd they had taken place here. Speaking of the crowds he was already beginning to regret ever suggesting to come here, it wouldn't have really bothered him if they weren't almost bumping into people every few seconds and some kid hadn't spilled his drink down the front of his shirt. He had been mean to the kid telling him to get lost and Ino had promptly told him to be a bit nicer because it was always crowded on the first night. He only grunted, never acknowledging the scold verbally. What surprised him though was Ino hadn't once tried to link arms or force him into a ride yet. He had at least been expecting that and he wasn't sure why he cared that she didn't. "How hard is it to find them? I mean really, Naruto isn't even hard to spot. We should hear some gloating at the Balloon stand."

Sasuke shrugged. "Maybe they didn't come."

Ino crossed her arms. "It would be kinda non-fun if they didn't. Naruto sure would go on these rides with me." She hinted looking everywhere but him.

Sasuke got the hint and made sure not to catch eye contact. "Then we'll just have to search harder."

Ino sighed. "Okay, we'll search harder."

Ten minutes later they still hadn't found them, and Sasuke was starting to really get the hint that she wanted to go on something. "... What do you want to go on?," Sasuke asked grudgingly.

Ino's face perked right up into a bright smile. "The Ferris wheel."

Sasuke almost frowned. "No zipper? That looks like my kinda fun."

Ino pursed her lips, turning to look at the mini orange roller coaster. "How about after?"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. There was only one reason... "I said this isn't a date."

Ino frowned. "Can't two friends go on a ride that overlooks the whole place? We'd probably find them much easier that way."

Though Sasuke realized this was a ploy to get him on the ride of her choice, he also realized she had a good point. "Fine. We'll go on yours first." Ino instantly grabbed him by the arm, dragging him in line. It didn't take long for them to get on because many people weren't lined up for it.

As soon as it was up in the air both were looking down searching for them every which way, and yet still no avail. "So, this isn't like you, Sasuke. Wanting to come to a place like this..."

Sasuke continued looking down into the masses. "I had nothing better to do."

Ino nodded, hanging out over the side even though the operator was waving her hands for her to stop it. "It probably gets really boring without your brother home. I understand."

Sasuke looked over at her, then shook his head. "There was just nothing to do."

"Okay. Guess what?," Ino brought herself back in, relaxing.

Sasuke leaned back. "What?"

"I got another job."

Sasuke quirked a brow, glancing at her from the side. "Why?"

"I needed something to do but you will never guess with who." Ino explained, sitting up.

"I'm not playing this game," Sasuke said, closing his eyes.

"Come on. Humor me," Ino smiled, winking at him.

Sasuke looked upward, evidently bored. "Fine. Let's see... Might Guy?"

Ino shook her head. "Guess again."

"You're working for your old Sensai. Asuma."

Ino smiled. "Nope, even though that would be nice. Haven't seen him in awhile."

Sasuke looked down. "I can't guess all day."

Ino punched him on the shoulder playfully, and he didn't flinch. "Just one more try. I said you'll never guess."

Sasuke looked over at her slowly. "The only person I know needs someone working for him right now is Madara and I don't think you're that stupid. So, Tsunade."

"It's nice to know you don't think I'm very stupid but... that's exactly who," Ino grinned.

Sasuke blinked. "I retract my statement. You are that stupid. Why would you even consider it?"

"Boredom! Sakura hasn't been around and there hasn't been much to do after missions plus I'm saving up for something," Ino informed, casually leaning toward him.

"That's not a good reason to work for that guy. I wouldn't trust him babysitting a litter of kittens," Sasuke said, furrowing his brow.

"TenTen was worried too but it'll be okay. I know how to handle myself,and it's not like I can't take the jabs of a moody tyrant," Ino said, shrugging.

Sasuke twitched. "I'm not worried. I just don't think it's a good idea."

Ino grinned, poking him in the cheek. "You are worried. Admit it."

"Whatever you'd like to believe," Sasuke said, leaning away from her touch.

Ino rolled her eyes. "Definitely worried. Who would have thought? Sasuke. Worried about me?"

Sasuke ignored her, looking over the ride again. He blinked when he felt her leaning into his side, laying her head on his shoulder.

"It's okay. I worry about you too," Ino admitted, sliding her arm with his.

Sasuke thought to budge but shrugged in mind, let her humor herself. "Worrying about me shouldn't be a priority for you."

Ino blinked, looking up at the side of his face. "Don't get me wrong... I really like you but believe it or not. You're not on my mind twenty four seven. I've got a job, well, now two. My dad and friends, including you to worry about if you want to look at it that way."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes in her direction. "Then why the hell are you constantly doing this?" He nodded his head toward her invasion of his personal space.

Ino smiled, laughing. "I just told you. It's because I like you."

"I already knew that," Sasuke refrained from pushing her away.

"I know," Ino said. "Did you think about what I said?"

"About?," Sasuke asked, leaning toward the other side.

"Your brother and you trusting him to eventually trust you?," She inquired.

Sasuke shrugged. "Yeah, and I guess you're right." he hated to admit it but he had been thinking about that, and while he still felt some impatience at becoming a Tricell leader. At least it wasn't as urgent as it had been before.

Ino nodded against his arm and the ride went up again, causing him to shift closer. "Good... this is the last time it's going up."

Sasuke didn't care eitherway, he managed to peer down again and this time he did see that spiky head of blonde hair and not to mention gray. "I see them."

Ino smiled. "About time! I thought maybe they went bar hopping or something."

"I was beginning to wonder the same...," Sasuke explained as the ride started going back down.

"Where's it look like they're going?," Ino asked, sitting up a little.

"Toward the fun house... and they're running," Sasuke assessed, frowning a little.

Ino furrowed her brows. "Out of fun... or...?"

"There's someone chasing them down," He noted, turning to look at her.

"I wonder what kinda trouble they got themselves into," Ino muttered, shaking her head just as the ride stopped.

"I don't know but come on, if we don't hurry we'll lose them," He said disentangling himself from her.

"Just one more thing!," She said as he turned to face her.

Sasuke leaned back, staring as she quickly kissed him on the cheek and exited the Ferris Wheel. He frowned, staring at where she had been sitting. "... I swear. I'm never asking her anywhere again." he reached up touching the cheek where it still felt a little warm, his mouth twitching at the corners. "Never again."

xxx

Sasuke chased after Ino who kept getting lost in the crowd, the only reason he was having difficulty keeping up with her was because of the head start she had gotten on him. She was much easier to spot with her blonde ponytail flowing in the wind like a cape. "Ino. Wait up!" he called after her as she dodged into the fun house after the ones they had found. Sasuke inwardly sighed coming upon the operator who looked ready to go in there and grab them by the scruff of their necks. Reaching in his coat pocket, he pulled out whatever was there and shoved it in the man's willing hands. "Here. That's for me and the girl."

"What about the other ones?," The man said in anger.

"I don't know them," Sasuke semi-lied, he didn't know who the person was that was chasing them but he wasn't about to pay for whatever his dobe friends got themselves into. Sasuke pushed past the eager man, looking to swindle more money out of him and rushed into the fun house coming across a maze. Just what I need right now... this was supposed to be fun but the only thing his mind was set on was catching up with them.

"Shit! Naruto you take that end. I'll take the other," He heard Hidan's voice.

"Got it! I'll keep him on my tail," Naruto called back, the sound of thudding steps distancing from each other.

"You're not getting away that easy. Kakuzu wants your heart if you can't pay him in cash," Another voice echoed.

"Where are you guys at?" Ino called after them.

Sasuke ran through the short maze coming out on the other end, following the direction of the light footsteps he figured to be Ino's. "Ino? Naruto? Hidan?" He yelled out passing the fun house mirrors quickly, heading into what could only be known as the haunted area. It was the same last time I went to one of these things... forgettable but less confusing than when I was a kid. he thought idly, becoming more aware when he saw a man with short cropped blonde hair carrying a gun as he snuck through the house silently. Sasuke ducked behind a metal table set up as a horror exhibit, silently moving to the left as the man talked to himself.

"He's eventually going to track you down."

Sasuke smirked, closing his eyes as he tilted his head downward. Of course the idiot still hasn't paid off that stupid debt of his... I warned him not to do it the first place. Well, he was glad he hadn't paid his way then but Naruto on the other hand... Sasuke checked his surroundings, there was hospital bed, two mannequins dressed in bloody nurses outfits and and an I.V stand. Sasuke weighed his options... let Hidan deal with it himself or be a good friend and get him out of this situation. He rolled his eyes toward the ceiling. The former was looking good, he could evade Ino and go home at this point but... Sasuke moved toward the hospital bed that was in close range of the culprit. Settling his hands on the metal rods beneath the main frame, he watched the man carefully trekking down the hallway.

"You're not very sneaaaaky," Ino's voice sing-songed from above somewhere, Sasuke almost face palmed, looking up quickly to see if she was above him but in reality she was no where to be seen.

"Who said that?," The man questioned, just as Ino came from the rafters above kicking the man dead center in the face. The man's gun flew out of his hands, hitting the floor as it slid across and hit a hay dirty hay stack. He went back holding his nose as blood gushed out and Ino landed on her feet.

"The girl who just kicked you in the face. Who's asking?," She said cheekily, watching as the man fell back into the haystack.

"You little bitch!," the man groaned, talking through a mouth full of blood.

"Ha! I've been called way worse," Ino replied smartly, picking up the gun off the floor but didn't point it at him. "Now where'd your friend run off to?"

"Hidan owes Kakuzu! He's gotta pay his dues," the man said determined, looking at her.

"I heard you the first three times, and as much as I'm going to hate myself for this. I still have to stick up for him," Ino admitted. Sasuke took that as his note to come out of hiding and walked up beside her, taking the gun from her hands.

"I don't trust you with this," he told her, putting on the safety and placing it in the waist of his jeans. At least he knew how to use it, Ino on the other hand he couldn't be sure.

Ino looked up at him, rolling her eyes. "I just smashed this guy and you don't trust me with a gun? Give me a little credit."

Sasuke did give her credit, but it didn't change the fact. "Do you know how to use it?"

"... No," Ino confirmed grudgingly.

Thought so... He thought turning to the man. "Like she said. Where's your friend?"

The man continued to hold his face in his hands, speaking muffled. "I don't know. He went after that blonde kid."

"You wanna go?," Ino asked Sasuke, keeping her eye on the guy.

"Yeah, Naruto might be good at fighting but he can't dodge bullets," Sasuke said, mildly bemused at the situation. "Make sure this guy doesn't go anywhere until I come back, and kick his ass if he tries anything."

Ino smirked at him. "You heard the man, make a move and it'll be round and round buddy."

Sasuke ran off down the hallway coming near what looked like a dark watery area, light reflecting off the bottom giving the illusion of a horrific lagoon. This was entirely new from than he expected, keeping his guard, he wasn't all that surprised when a human machine designed to jump out of the water and scare children senseless popped up. He gave it a single look and went in the opposite direction. Another set of footsteps splashed through the shallow waters in the distance, then another it sounded like a set of four. There were gunshots. He wanted to call out but figured a low profile was better. Sasuke continued in the direction of the footsteps until he stepped on a smooth marble floor, in front of him stood a different kind of maze, intricate and he knew this one would be hard to get out of. Sasuke saw a shadow run past him, making out spiky blond hair he followed through the maze and spotted Naruto no more than ten feet from him. "Psst!"

Naruto turned around, looking ready to fight but Sasuke held up a quick finger. Shaking his head.

Naruto looked at him quizzically, obviously surprised to see him there.

Sasuke shook his head again, motioning with a finger to his lips and mouthed 'I'll explain later.'

Naruto finally nodded, pointing toward the exit. 'Hidan.'

Sasuke cast his eyes toward the exit, and nodded. Light foot taps came through and he saw anothers shadow coming from underneath. Sasuke pointed at Naruto then used his hand to demonstrate getting down low to the floor, then pointing at himself he pointed at the maze wall that had a wide opening at the top. Naruto looked ready to object, and Sasuke could see what he was thinking. He rolled his eyes, shaking his head and pointed to the gun in his waist. It was starting to frustrate him a little considering the fact they didn't have much time. They either took this guy out now or he found them or Hidan. Neither which looked like a good prospect.

Naruto made a face at him and got down to the floor quietly, he had a feeling he'd hear his mouth after this. Sasuke made a quick jump to the somewhat sturdy wall, ensuring he didn't make too much sound. The footsteps suddenly stopped, making their way back. Very very quietly he moved up a bit more to look down at the dark haired man walking through the corridor. Sasuke got to his knees, kneeling, when the man was about five feet past him he made a lunge off the wall and landed on his feet, pulling out his knife from the other side of his waist and held it against his throat. "You'll stop this now."

"I'm aware that you have the upper hand, but it doesn't change the fact that Hidan still owes Kakuzu," the man said very calmly holding up his arms with a nervous energy about him.

"You won't be collecting whatever debts he owes him today," Sasuke informed him, staring ahead."You and your buddy should get out of here before my friends and I finish you off."

The man shook his head. "He's only prolonging the inevitable."

Sasuke shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me what he does after tonight." His only intention was making sure both dobes were safe but he wouldn't bail out Hidan again.

"Then he'll be paying off his debts?," The man questioned, chancing a look back.

"How … the hell... should I know? Last chance," Sasuke said dropping the blade from his throat as he kept it at his back. "I've also got your friend's gun."

"I see. Then there's no way to persuade you in giving up your friend?"

Sasuke resisted the urge to knock him out. He had made it pretty clear that he was protecting said friend. "Naruto, you can come over now," Sasuke called over, within seconds Naruto jumped over the threshold.

"How come you get all the fun?," he complained. "I could have taken this guy without anything. That was the plan!"

Sasuke blinked. "Unless you can stop bullets with your hands, I don't think you would have lasted long, idiot."

"He wouldn't have got a hit on me, asshole" Naruto boasted.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "I'll let you believe that. Start moving." He said to the other guy.

Five minutes later they were back in the haunted house area where Ino was trying to explain to a family of three why they couldn't pass through. Soon as they saw Naruto with the guy's gun, and Sasuke leading him forward. They nodded furiously and left. Guess the bleeding man on the floor didn't tip them off ... Sasuke thought, pushing the man toward his partner. "You're free to go."

"What about our guns?," The other guy said with blood crusted around his mouth.

"Do I look like I trust you?," Sasuke said giving him a dubious look.

The man grumbled, fixing his collar. "Whatever."

"And don't forget to pay that guy. He was really really angry when he came in here," Ino called, squinting an eye at the men as they left out the front.

"So, what do we do about these?," Naruto asked, holding up the gun he carried.

"Throw them in the ocean on the way out," Sasuke said, never really caring for the weapon but he never knew when someone might use it against him.

"We should look for Hidan," Ino suggested, walking toward the exit, looking as though she realized he wasn't there.

Sasuke shrugged walking back toward the end maze after Ino. "You can. I think I've done enough in his defense."

"Don't be so harsh, man... he's uh been having trouble paying it off," Naruto defended Hidan further.

Ino scoffed. "What's he need all that money for anyway? Skirt chasing?"

Naruto half chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Not exactly...it's for a good cause though."

Sasuke smirked. "It's for skirt chasing."

Naruto looked deflated. "It's really not. I promise."

"Then tell us what it's for," Ino demanded, looking back at him suspiciously.

Naruto looked sheepish. "Ha... I promised I wouldn't tell. And you know me, I don't go back on those."

"Then it's pointless that Ino or I defend him any further until he tells us what it is," Sasuke said nonchalantly, exiting.

"Speak for yours-," Ino began then shook her head. "Nope. I agree, but I still think we should find him. I mean, it must be crazy amounts of money if he's got death threats coming his way."

"And that's exactly why we should keep helping him," Naruto sighed, clasping his hands behind his head as he followed the two out.

Sasuke furrowed his brow. "Let Hidan take care of himself. I'm going home."

Ino stared at him a long moment, hands behind her back as she looked down smiling. "It was nice being with you tonight." She didn't want him to walk her home? She had turned it into a partial date afterall, and somehow he expected her to swindle that out of him too. It's your fault for bringing her here in the first place...

Sasuke tossed the gun in the ocean, making it far out in the deep. He paused for a second then nodded his head. "You too... but it still wasn't a date."

Ino slowly smiled. "I know."

Naruto looked between the two, mouth gaped. "You guys were on a date?"

Sasuke tuned out their conversation as he headed back up the hill.

xxx

Author's note: Chase in the fun house. I couldn't resist.