Friday

Day: 63

Remaining Day: 47

Sakura POV

Chemistry Class

"3,2,1…"

"Fifteen millilitres."

He scribed down notes.

"3,2,1…"

"Fifteen point six millilitres."

He then again scribed it down.

"3,2,1…"

"Sixteen point 2 millilitres."

I sighed.

"This laboratory is so tiring."

He grunted an –what I assumed to be –approval.

"3,2,1…"

"Sixteen point 8 millimetres."

"Great," he mumbled while scribing down the last result. "I think we have a percentage of relative error under zero point five percent."

I grinned. "That's awesome!" I lifted up my hand at which he threw a puzzled look.

"It's a high five…" I whispered.

I should have known better. I hung down my head low and in my total and utter embarrassment my hand was still in the air.

Clap.

I looked up surprised as I saw Sasuke's half smile. His hand was still glued to mine from the recent –and might I add surprising –high-five he gave.

I didn't care to suppress my grin as I replaced the oversized plastic goggles on my nose. HE HIGHVED BACK! YATTA!

Ouh, calm down Sakura. I pressed my hands on my chest. Silly, silly teens' crush.

Though, could I still call it crush? I thought about that while washing the glassware tools we used.

No, I smiled a little to myself. I definitely fell in love with Uchiha Sasuke.

"UCHIHA-SAMA!"

Like the rest of the female body of our school.

I gave an amused look at the squealing girls asking Sasuke questions about the lab.

He gave me an apologetic look and I waved it with a smile while rinsing the last beaker. I gathered my things and left to classroom, I'd rather do the laboratory report by myself.

I walked down the hallway and noticed Itachi arguing with Deidara about something that seemed trivial. That's so unlike Itachi, but give it to Deidara to push one to its limits. But the weirdest element in the scene was Sasori, who was nonchalantly leaning on the lockers next to them. I furrowed my brows not missing the strange bond they shared. They know each other since a long time which is weird because we never heard of them in Suna, and people knew everything about Sasori's life back in Suna, for he was our little star. I'm not a fool and though I'm no Shikamaru, I can quickly catch on when strange things happen around me. My scrutinising look wasn't left unnoticed by Sasori. He returned it to me with his habitual gleam. Only, the one he gave me was a hard, unforgiving one. He was clearly telling me to not interfere again, or else… My jaw clenched. If he thought I would let him intimidate me. I'm no fool. I watched the three of them closely since the party where I learned that Deidara was the same drunk guy as the one I talked to when Sasori nearly abused Tenten. At that party, I promised myself I would understand the suspiciously dangerous situation Tenten trapped herself in.

The more I understand the more I think there's something bigger than just Tenten in this plot and I'll find the truth. During these past few weeks I began to understand their wicked scheme. I just needed some more information to confirm my theory and then protect Tenten from whatever plans they held for her.

Ino POV

I sighed in contempt, iced cappuccino never tasted this good. I sat on a nearby bench in a park and let my head fall back and took in the relaxing scenery of vibrant blue sky and warm spring sun. Truth is; I didn't feel at peace since a long time now. It's been two weeks and I'm still thinking about what I should tell Tenten. Should I tell her that Neji found her identity? Even though people think of me as a gossip queen, I never interfered in other people's lives. Yes, I do hear a lot of things and know a lot of embarrassing things about a lot of people but… I never used it to intrude anyone personal life. My own problems are enough to keep me busy. Only now, this way of thinking is way too egoistic. This is about Tenten's own wellbeing. So that's why I think I should tell her. I was about to do it last week when I saw them. It was Friday and I was walking down the hallway and I saw them together. The intimacy they shared seemed invisible for them, like it was as natural as the air surrounding them. But other people could clearly remark the easiness with which they invaded each other intimacy, the playfulness that guided their body language. Everything between them seemed to be done in a total natural way, without being scared of what the other would think: they could be themselves and open to the other without any fear of being hurt back. It made me think of how Shika and I used to be. At that thought I had a lump in my throat recalling the last time I spoke to him and my previous conversation with Temari.

When I saw them, that's what made me change my mind about telling Tenten. I don't know what Neji's up to, but I could clearly see he stopped toying her. Maybe he was going to tell her himself and just waited for the right moment. So I decided to say nothing, to respect their privacy and let their story unfold in its own independent way. Although I value this way of thinking I am also very fond on friendship values so I couldn't just do as if I knew nothing so I went to see Neji and we had a talk. It pained me to do so because I knew the moment his pearl eyes darkened that he was even more confused and hurt by this than he let it show. I understood he cared deeply for Tenten and that telling her he knew about her and all would scare her and push her to avoid Neji as much as possible, and that was the better case. The worst case would be that she would feel betrayed by his silence and would think of it as another game of his. And even though I hold some respect for Neji, his long history of heartbreaker won't be of any help.

No, I understood his silence and I'm sure that after some time Tenten will too, it's just that there's isn't that much time left. Knowing Tenten and with what she's been through, she would take at least months to begin to trust him like she's doing now. And if I saw one thing in his evasive eyes, that would be the distressing gleam that they held. He didn't know what Tenten meant to him but he surely didn't want to lose it.

I closed my eyes and let the warm sunrays' caress ease my doubts. I did what I judged best for Tenten, Neji and me by the way. Whatever reactions Tenten's going to have I shall not regret a choice I did after thoughtful moments of consideration, contemplation, concentration and other con-words.

I let a frustrated sigh escape my lips. I hate being depressed, it's not good for my facials muscles: it will surely leads to wrinkles and a shorter life span. Usually, I would solve this matter by working out in the gym. But those issues cannot just be solved by sweating on a treadmill. Even if endorphin is a miracle worker for sour mood; this won't do this time since I'm already working my butt off in cheerleading. We have our competition this Friday, there's no time to lose.

I am so, so sorry Shika… We haven't talked since that Friday. I know I should have said something. He freaking told me he… he loved me. And I just closed my eyes. What kind of friend those that? That's the problem. We're not friends anymore. We are two souls attached to each other with no real statute. What was he to me? Clearly, I was more than a friend to him and it took the guidance of Temari to realise it. I know I love Shika with all my heart and something stirred inside of me when I heard him say those words, but what kind of emotions it created I couldn't put my finger on it. Not because I didn't know what they were, but because I didn't want to know what they were. I don't exactly understand of what I'm afraid but it's enough to keep me away from Shika. And this last week, he clearly make me understood that he was thinking the same way too. He's been hanging around a lot with Temari lately. I saw them a lot laughing, having insides, sharing and talking. Doing all these little things we used to do when things weren't complicated. I think it's been a year, since I started dating Kiba, that we began to drift apart. I miss him and I hate myself for thinking that. I decided to end things like that. I have been the one who pushed him to tell me. I should just move on and let him be. Stop staring at him, feeling jealous of Temari. I should be freaking happy, that's the least I could do after all I've put him through. Messing with his mind, his heart while voluntarily veiling myself in oblivion. I should be like Temari, and be ready to give up everything for his happiness. Even if I have to be the one to organize their freaking wedding ceremony, or to walk her down the aisle, I'll freaking do it. That's how I'll repay him for these years of silent pain where he was trapped in my world, trying to make me happy, caring about my feelings, doing things that I like for the sake of not losing me. I now understand why he tried to enter the football team. He saw me get close to Neji and he thought he might have a chance with me if he's footballer.

I hid my face in my hands. Ashamed of the bitch I was. How couldn't I notice? I'm so self centered. I fucking swear Shika, from now on, it's going to be only you and your wellbeing that matters. But before that, I'll have to gain his trust back, to gain our friendship back. Easier said than done. I must think of some way to apologize, set our friendship back on the track, forget about the stupid butterflies that took over my inside when he told me he loved me… maybe ask for Temari's help. Help them get together.. I can see he likes her. He'll forget about me. He'll have me as a friend and with Temari;s love, my friendship will be enough for him. Temari will be able to take care of him million times better than I. I'll do my best though.

But I have to find a way to say I'm sorry. To find the right words …

"Excuse me." Someone's voice interrupted my musing.

I looked up and my eyes weren't deceived from what I saw. Normally, I would have instantly been in a flirting mode for this guy was GOR-GEOUS. Fair skin, perfectly combed hair, maybe too much gel but it suited him. But now, I've just broke a one year relationship with my boyfriend and a whole life relationship with my best friend. So I just smiled back.

"Yes?" He surely wants to know some directions or something since he doesn't look like a Konoha civilian.

"I'm new here and I wanted to know the directions…"

Ha knew it!

"… to your room."

Bastard.

I scolded and proceeded to ignore him and walk away. How low class. I was about to go but he retained me with a hand sizing my elbow.

"Ok, ok. I'm sorry." I turned around to see his sheepish face. Oddly it made me think of the first time I met Kiba, only he was clearly more… manly than Kiba. He looked like a total grown up.

I looked at him doubtfully. What does he want? Don't he see I'm busy trying to make Shika un-hate me!?

"I know this was lame." He continued. "Really lame. It's just that you looked really beautiful, bathing like that under the sunlight."

And god dammnit! It feels good to hear something nice about me after all the (well-deserved) self-loathing I put myself through.

He laughed a little and it helped me share a small smile. But I still think he's a douche.

Normal POV

"But really, I'm new here." He said. She liked his accent, it was like a British one. Really cute and endearing.

"Please can we talk a little? I feel lonely."

He pulled a puppy face that made her laugh.

"Yeah, why not." She said while sitting back.

Anyway there was nothing to risk. It was a clear afternoon; there were many parents and children. This guy seemed as dangerous as a puppy and she desperately needed something to change her mind.

So they talked. He told her he was from England, explaining her he was here for a student exchange program. He's the son of a wealthy advocate in England. She told him a little about herself. How she didn't always live here but she always considered Konoha as her home. He told her he loved singing and even sang her a little part of Elvis' I can't help falling in love with you. She laughed and clapped happily in her hands. He really sang it beautifully. She told him about her cheerleading and how she would like to become a doctor even though she wasn't the brightest of the box, she compensated with her hard work and devotion.

"You should absolutely become a doctor!" He exclaimed a laugh in his naturally music filled voice.

"You really think so?" She brightened.

She nearly melted at the way he said "doctor" in his intense British accent.

"Of course! Just seeing your sunny face and I would heal completely!"

She laughed, he never misses an opportunity to be the Mr charming.

"Oh stop it you..!" She replied, trying to imitate his accent.

"Oh no, you don't got it at all!"

He laughed again.

"By the way, what's your name?"

"Oh, Ino." She put a strand of her behind her ear. "And you?"

"Give me your number and you'll know."

"Oh, are you blackmailing me?" She teased.

"Kind of. If you won't give it to me, I'll surely die of desperation… I'm sure that as a future doctor you wouldn't like that to happen to me." He smiled pulling out his cellphone.

She shook her head smiling and decided it would be nice to keep in touch with him.

"Well, ok." She said taking his phone and registering her number and her name on it.

He grinned, took his cellphone back and texted her. Soon after she received the text he send her.

"So, what name shall I write down?" She asked him.

"There, I'll write it for you." He pulled out his charming smile.

She smiled back while he entered his name.

"There. I'll have to go. I was already late to see some friends I have here but when I saw you, I couldn't help but take the time to know such a lovely lady." He bent down and took her hand, deposing a sweet velvety kiss on the back of her hand before running away.

Out of her dazing state, Ino stood up and bide him goodbye. "It was nice meeting you too.." She looked down at her phone.

"… Hidan!"

Tuesday

Tenten POV

"I'll call you tonight!" he said putting his phone back in his pocket.

I waved goodbye, and sighed in contempt as I watched Neji's form blends in the crowded hallway. I think I've just avoided the worst. Things with Neji have been so easy lately. I think he just forgot about the "mysterious brunette".

I even gave him my number a few minutes ago. I had to change my phone, so I changed the number to be sure there are no confusion and now… I'm all free to forget about that unpleasant feeling of hiding and running away from some eventual harm. I wonder what he did with that ancient phone that Leiko stole me as she tried to seduce him pretending to be me. He knew Leiko was the brunette, but he said the phone gave him no clue, so he would drop the case. He said sometimes fate doesn't want to bring two people together, and there's nothing to do about it.

"What's meant to happen, happens." He smirked and stared at my eyes intensely. I shuddered, and I still do as I'm watching his back fade away in the crowded hallway.

"Sooooo…" Ino came from behind me and linked her arm with mine. "Talking to that prince charming of yours, weren't you?" She asked smiling brightly.

"No.."

She wriggled her eyebrows. "Yeah, take me for a fool!"

I sighed. You can't hide those things from Ino. I tried my best to supress the blush that started on my cheeks, but she poked them and gave me a wink, as if to say it was useless to try to hide it.

"Where's pinkie anyway?" She asked looking around. "Practice begins in five minutes."

"She said she had something to do and that she'd be late of half an hour." I explained while looking at the text Neji just sent me.

"What's the matter with her anyway? Since that party at the Hyuuga's, she's been kind of.. out of it."

I rised an eyebrow in contemplation of Sakura's new behaviour. "I … I don't know"

I was puzzeled. Normally, I could tell everything about Sakura, she's not my sister for nothing. If she ever went missing I could describe her in every detail, even the color of her nail polish or the number of the Clinique lip balm she uses. I can read in every contraction of her muscles and understand every silence. I could write her diary instead of her. But lately, I have been so caught in my little world with Neji, I barely noticed what Ino was talking about. But now she said it, it's true she's been acting weird.

Like if she was reading into my mind she teased me with her sing-song voice.

"You haven't noticed because you have spent too much time with that Mc steamy of yours ~ "

I gave her a playful nudge. "That's not it…"

I was lost in thoughts about Sakura. She's been asking me lots of question about what happened in Suna when I got drunk at that party and was almost raped. I think she's trying to figure out things. I stopped her many times from doing so in the past, but I think that discovering that Deidara was at that party where I got drunk gave her more than enough reasons to go to the bottom of the story.

I always knew something was strange with Sasori. Even though everyone in Suna High liked him and thought he was the perfect kid, there was more to his story. He had a dark past. And if what I think is true, that Deidara, Itachi and him are long-time friends, then Deidara and Itachi must have a pretty messed up past too.

I have to talk to Sakura about it. When Sasori and I were friends I knew he was tangled up in some fishy affairs that I never dared to question. His eyes would darken when he received calls from certain people. Back in Suna, there were rumors about a group of shady persons, not really a gang, but they did things. Things one wouldn't like to get involved with. I never knew if this was true, but something told me that if it was, Sasori had something to do with it.

After the almost rape incident, I understood there was more to it than just unconscious boys trying to have fun. The way they got away with it was too strange. I never understood why the school said nothing and let the others bully me because they thought it was a lie I made up. Or how the cops wouldn't give a damn and avoided me when I tried to tell them what happened. In the eyes of everyone, I was a slut. I threw myself at some guy and I didn't assume the consequences of my action. That's where I understood that I lived in a society that accuses the victim, and where the woman is held responsible for the disgusting acts men did.

I have to tell Sakura to stop digging in that story, or it's her own grave she's going to dig.

"Tenten?" Ino interrupted my reverie.

I blinked and looked at her. She must have been talking while I was deep in thought.

"Yeah?"

"You weren't listening were you?" She scolded. "I was telling you about this cute guy I met at the park."

I winced. "Ino…"

"I know what you're going to say, but really, I'm over Kiba. I think our loved died months ago I just didn't want to realise it. Now it's done, I feel more free than sad. And maybe angry at my stupidity."

I bit my lower lip, hesitating to continue. "I'm not specially about Kiba."

She stopped in her track right before the gym door where we were supposed to practice. She looked at me, seriousness covering her normally playful features. "Do you have news of him?" She said in a small voice tinted with longing, remorse and mostly, care.

I shook my head. She knew I had none, I don't even know Shikamaru. She told me what happened last week with Shikamaru. It was the Friday she broke up with Kiba, when he told her he loved her. She closed her eyes not knowing what to say and when she opened them, it was too late, he was already gone.

I didn't know what to say. I could see she liked Shikamaru more than she admitted. I think she's making a mistake. I threw her a glance to see if she was alright. She was frowning a bit looking at the floor before suddenly cheering up trying to cover up her sadness.

"Where's Sakura anyway?" She blurted out.

Sasuke POV

"Sasuke!" A voice called me.

I turned around and saw Sakura running toward me, a shy smile tugging on her lips.

I smirked back. "Haruno."

Haruno is a strange girl. She's a fangirl but not really. I smirked remembering the first time I talked to her in the cafeteria. I saw her look at me. And I must say I was impressed by her prettiness. She had soft pink lips matching with a milky complexion, shiny emerald eyes and silky cherry blossom colored hairs. It was like a beautiful and breathtaking landscape for the eyes. I saw her look at me and I had to talk to her. I walked up to her and I listened to her rant about how she couldn't come talk to me. Her brown haired sister saw me and tried to stop her, but it was too late. I smirked at that clumsy girl who had caught my attention. When I talked to her, she was so nervous that she said her name was Sasuke. I didn't know I could have so much power over a girl.

Well, false. I did know.

And you must know that too. But there's something you don't know about me. Actually, catching my attention isn't hard. Pretty long legged girls tend to do it easily. But keeping my interest more than one night? I never saw it happen before. Never has it happened before Sakura.

I recall when I asked her to be my lab partner. I teased her and she couldn't stop stuttering. She intrigued me so much I had to know her more. I know she has feelings for me, not love though. Not yet. I know exactly what she feels. She's attracted. I like her though. Not in a romantic way. Not yet. I love the way she understands me, the way my favourite books are hers too. The way she completes my ideas or tells me about subject I'm interested in; like sciences subject or the crisis in Myanmar. The way she's there without invading my space. Or the way she laughs at my lamest jokes.

I looked at her. She was eying me cautiously.

"If it's about the lab report we can work on it tonight at my house." I smirked.

She frowned.

"That's not about it." She looked dead serious. I was nearly taken back by the sharpness in her voice. She wasn't talking to the guy she had a crush on. She wasn't hesitating or anything, it looked like a matter of life or death.

My stare hardened. She looked directly at me without flinching. "I need to ask you questions and I need answers." She took a paper and unfolded it. It was from an old newspaper. She unfolded it in half so I could see the picture.

"Do you recognise that house?"

I looked at her incredulous. What is going on here? I glared. What does she want to know about that house? None of her business.

As if reading my thoughts, she glared.

"Answer me" came her harsh reply.

I didn't like the way it was turning. I didn't like being ordered around but it looked more than important to her so I cooperated. Well, it's mostly because I want it to finish as soon as possible too. I have to meet green-eyed, 34D Jenny.

I looked at the picture again and told her what she wanted to know.

"Yeah," I sighed. "That's the Uchiha's lake house, why?"

She took the information in. I rolled my eyes. I don't understand what's the big deal. Our lake house is very luxurious: got it. It had happened before to see it in a few magazines about decoration or rich people lifestyle: got that too. But really, is it that beautiful that it's troubling her? Nonsense, she's not materialist like that.

"Did you ever throw party there?" she asked.

"No, I never did." I sighed. I hate being nowhere in the woods. I prefer the lights of the city.

"Your brother?" She grew impatient.

"Maybe why?" I frowned

"Yes or no?" she urged.

That's getting on my nerve, I was angrily tapping the floor with my foot waiting for the pointless conversation to end. I don't like where this is going at all but still, I tried to recall anything about this lake house and a party.

"Yeah," I squeezed my eyes like trying to see back in time. "I remember last summer, Itachi did a party there."

"Who was invited?"

I snorted. "Half of Konoha High was there."

She gasped.

I raised my eyebrows at her. Geez, calm down. Is she that worried that I went to a party? I mean that's no big news. I know Itachi's party are kind of trash, but it's not like you could risk your life while going to one. Well, as far as I know."

She looked still petrified.

"Calm down. I didn't go. Itachi forbade me to go. It was strange but I didn't care since Neji and I had other plans." Plans named Olga and Frieda, the names don't do justice to their hotness. North European woman got it all. I smirked at the memory.

She rolled her eyes. I think she sensed what kind of plans I'm talking about. "What do you know about Itachi, Deidara and Sasori?"

"Nothing much, they were friends since a long time ago. Something happened during their freshman year and they parted."

"What happened? And with who?"

" I don't know what happened ok?" I passed a hand through my hair. "I just know that my brother, Deidara, Sasori, a guy named Hidan and another one named Nagato would always hang out together. Then one night something happened. It was big, enough for my father to have to take care of it."

"Why did you father got involved? He's a lawyer."

She then narrowed her eyes in understanding. "Oh." She breathed before frowning. I'm guessing I brought new questions to her.

"Look," I said before she bombards me with other questions. "They were young, rich and careless. They felt they were above anyone and anything. They messed up big time at one of their parties. They always held parties, real hardcore. And there was this game."

"Game?"

"Yeah," I continued. "A kind of hunting game. No one knew the rules except them. All we knew is that it took place in a party they threw, it involved girls and hard drugs. Four years ago, something went really wrong."

"What happened?" She asked frowning.

I sighed. Itachi doesn't know I know all of this. I heard my father and him talking when they thought I wasn't at home. I never knew the whole story because then the phone rang and they didn't continue the conversation. If one of them knows I knew, or said anything for that matter, I'd be dead.

"That's all I know. I don't know what happened, but I know it involved a girl and that they messed so bad that leaving her dead would have done less damages."

There was terror painted all over her face.

"You have to promise, you won't tell a soul about it." I growled.

Fear stroke her eyes but was rapidly replaced by determination. "I swear I won't."

I raised an eyebrow. I don't understand why she asked so many questions about Itachi. "Do you have a crush on my big brother?" I asked her dubitatively. Her silence made me doubt even more and I admit this is making me more angry than I should. My jaw clenched as I grabbed her arm and brought her closer to me. It was like a reflex: to protect what's yours, bring it closer to you. I released her when I saw her wince but I kept the proximity by taking her hand.

"No, I don't have any interest in Itachi. Well not the kind you're thinking about." That didn't reassure me. I glared at her.

She freed herself from me and sighed. Her softness replacing the hard features she had when she was questioning me. She took the piece of paper again and unfolded it fully again. I was an article that was from last summer, a newspaper from Suna where you could read:

VICTIM FAILS TO PROVE HER ACCUSATION OF FAILED PREMEDITATED RAPE

I looked at her puzzeled. Understanding but not sure of what it implied.

"You think my brother has something to do with this?" I asked her.

She frowned. "I don't know. I think he may know something but I highly doubt he did anything to her."

My own frown deepened. "Her? Do you know the victim?"

She looked down bitting her lower lip.

My blood boiled. I pushed her against a nearby wall. "Sakura," I growled as I took her chin in my hand, forcing her to look at me. "Has anyone ever done something bad to you?"

She shook her head as to say no but she had tears in her eyes.

"I-I never faced such things." She admitted.

I took a step back, inhaling air again to calm myself. I passed a hand over my face in an exhausted way. She scared the shit out of me with this. I looked at her again, her back was facing me.

"But," She began while her head only turned to face me so I could see one teary emerald eye. She hesitated before finally saying "Tenten did."

"So h-help," she gulped as her voice broke. "Help me find the truth." She said more confidently but still with a small voice.

I turned her around and wrapped my arms over her frail body. I hushed her down. She was sobbing against my chest. I stroked her back to calm her trembling body.

"Don't worry," I put my chin on the top of her head. "I'll help you."

I hesitated before saying what I never said to any other girl before. "Don't worry, I'm here."

Maybe I was wrong. I may like her in a more romantic way than I imagined I could.

Ino POV

Today's training went good. I think we're going to be ready. I smiled as I wiped the sweat off my forehead. There's nothing than a hard training to help you see things clearer. I decided I had to talk to Shika before things went too far. I didn't want to lose him and if continued to ignore each other that's what will happen. I need to make him understand that, even if I don't return his feelings, I'll be there for him and that I still like him like the best friend he always was for me. I want him to understand that whatever feelings he has for me aren't true. I mean, you can't suddenly fall for your best friend. If we ever had a romance thing going on it would have appeared way sooner. No, the thing is that Shika… Well I don't know what has gotten into his head but there must be a rational explanation.

"Your team improved." Came a voice behind me.

I turned around and smiled at Temari. Is she here because of Shika? Did something happen to him?

"Yes, it did." I looked at her glancing at the gym with nostalgia. "You were captain of Suna's cheerleading team, right?" I eyed her curiously.

"Yes, I was." She smiled. "I had to leave to come here tough." She threw a smile at the gym. That's when I understood that she wasn't here to see me, but the team.

"You miss cheerleading right?" I questioned already knowing the answer. She smirked.

"I remember you, you know." She looked right in my eyes. "Long before I met Shika. Last year, around early may for our final competition, I remember seeing you. Where, might I add, we kicked your butts."

I rolled my eyes, but it was true. Suna was like invincible. They won five championships in a row; they were legends for every cheerleader.

"I remember, I thought you were a really good and caring captain."

I chuckled at the memory. "I wasn't captain back then, Tayuya was."

"Really?" Her eyebrows rose in surprise, then after some time, her smirk was back. "True, how could I forget. But she was shit at the job. I remember her now. She was always obnoxious and… so, so creepy." She nearly shivered.

I chuckled "Yes, she was… Sometimes you would think she was bipolar or had a personality psychic problem. Like she would say something and then respond to herself… in two complete different voices…" I whispered the last part.

She smiled. "I know." She whispered back. "I used to work with her at summer camp."

"Oh! The one where you met Shika?" I said excitedly but it seemed to have created an awkward mood so I laughed nervously. Maybe the subject of their relationship was still touchy.

"You're way better than her and it shows in the way your team has improved."

I slightly narrowed my eyes at the compliment. I felt like I didn't deserve it, mostly not from her.

"Thanks." I whispered flustered. "You know, you should join the team." I blurted out.

Her eyes narrowed in shock. Then she snorted. "That's high treason for cheerleaders! Cheering for your number one enemy?" She smirked.

I rolled her eyes. "Come on, I'm pretty sure you hate half of the bitches that are in your team. I knew them at cheerleading camp. They didn't share the cheerleading values, they only care about being popular and wearing short skirts. They are skanks who steal each other's boyfriends, bully every girl they don't consider pretty enough and … and… and put shaving cream in my shampoo bottle!" Really, I hate them.

She laughed. "That looks like them, right!"

I smiled at her. "I'm serious, there's a place for you in our team if you want to." I said.

She shook her head. "No thanks, and besides I'm here to talk about something else."

I nodded. She surely wants to have the green light with Shika.

"Look Temari, I know you're really close to Shikamaru. And just so we're clear I don't mind it at all. In fact…"

I stopped because she snorted. "What is it?" I asked.

"You don't learn do you?" She raised a brow. "I confessed to you but you're trying to hook him up with me?"

I do admit it's insensitive, but I didn't mean it like that.

She shook her head again as if to say "unbelievable". She started walking away but then suddenly turned around and looked straight at me.

"I'll tell you what your problem is Yamanaka. You like him. Oh yeah, you madly do but you're just so damn afraid. It's easy to commit with Kiba or any other guys that just throw themselves at you, because if it doesn't work or that they realise they actually don't like you: it won't be a big loss for you. But what about someone as precious as Shika? What if he realise you're not that awesome? Is it what you think Yamanaka? That you're not worth it? Well I don't think either, but the thing is that Shika thinks it. So you better start acting like you deserve him because that "he's my brother thing" shitty act doesn't work with me."

My hands were trembling by now and I bit my inner cheeks to keep tears from falling. Why were her words so damn harsh?

She walked back to the doors but turned sharply on heels to face me again.

"I'm giving you an advice here. Go find him before it's too late, before he turns your back on you. And don't go see him before you got your shit together."

This time when she walked away she didn't turn back. Her loud steps echoed in the gymnasium. She before she exited she stuch a piece of paper on the door.

I walked numbly to pick it up and looked confused a the paper.

What?

A chess competition? Is Shika going to participate.

I didn't have time to question it when my phone rang.

Hey sexy, what are you doing tonight?

It was Hidan, the only good thing that happened all week.