Without Warning

A/N: Here is the other chapter, hope you enjoy.

Chapter Five


“I’m not playing,” Tenten repeated her request once more knowing that Ino wasn’t paying any attention to what was being said. Sitting in the passenger side made it hard to finish fixing her hair with Ino driving like they were racing towards a free purse from Sears. “Do you have to take the corners so sharp?”


“Sorry, wait until we get in the parking lot to put on the eyeliner. They said eight o’clock and it’s already twenty after.” Ino slowed down for the red light but seeing nothing coming she took the right towards the bowling alley. There was no way she was missing this opportunity to spend time with Sasuke.


“We wouldn’t be late if you would have chosen something sooner. You’re throwing a heavy ass ball down a narrow strip of wood, what’s to decide?” Tenten applied a small amount of lipstick, keeping it a light pink. There was no way she was wearing the shade of red the blonde was. “You do realize that every time you go to toss the ball we are going to catch a glimpse of your gut.”


“That was the whole point. You know you don’t have room to talk, did you have to spray paint those paints on?” Ino had to get a jibe in at the girl’s expense. The pants were rather clingy and were hip huggers to boot. “At least I got on normal jeans and not jeans that scream look at my ass.”


“They do not, they are meant to stretch to the shape.” Tenten was wearing them because regular jeans were uncomfortable and these fit nicely. Not like anyone was going to be staring at her rear anyways. She had on a simple teal top that flowed around the wrists and had a long string tie in front. She’d left only a few of the holes undone, but not enough where she’d be flashing everyone with cleavage she clearly didn’t have. They both had their hair completely down and styled with an iron. Her medium locks were curled at the ends along with her bangs. Ino’s had many making the blonde tresses frame her face.


“Right girl, I’m sure you are hoping Neji is going to be here. With the others being here he might be as well, I know Hinata said she was going to come. I hope I’m on her team.” Ino loved to bowl because she usually sucked at it. It was fun to laugh at just how sad she could get. Add Tenten’s abilities into the mix and she’d be likely to piss her pants with mirth. “Let’s just hope his trollop doesn’t come as well. I think I dislike her more than Sakura. I’ll admit that my rival at least has a coherent thought in her head. Neji must like them to be completely void of any brains.”


“Maybe he just likes someone that isn’t smart enough to realize just how dumb she is.” Tenten rubbed the corner of her mouth seeing a small smear. They both agreed that the freckled freak could grate anyone’s nerves. There was only so much cackling laughter even a hyena could endure. “I’m not joining the game. I refuse to make an ass out of myself while I’m here. I’ll watch and laugh at you guys.”


“Bitch you’ll play if I tell you to. I’ll just tell Neji to ask you to,” Ino knew how to get her goat. All it would take was for the Hyuuga to open his mouth and Tenten would be all over them balls. “If he asks you could always agree as long as he lets you play with his balls.”


“That is so wrong in so many ways,” she had to giggle imagining if she were to ask something so bold. Nah, that wasn’t the way she wanted to get his attention. He’d ask her what she’d been drinking. With how raw her nerves were she could use a stiff drink or a big bulky figure to seriously maim. ‘No, I won’t think about that asshole.’ The current bane of her existence needed to be forgotten. It had been hell on her nerves all week to ignore the icy and threatening glares penetrating her soul all week in class. No words had been spoken between her and Kankuro but that was how she wanted it. If he had so much as tried to converse she might have started beating him over the head with a rather thick textbook.


“Oh, Naruto said he got most of our notes written down and he just needs to get it in essay form, which means tomorrow you have to practice with me.” Ino pulled the car into the packed parking lot. It was a good thing they already had their lanes booked for the night. “I got to admit I almost melted when I saw our costumes. We are going to look sweet, not to mention leave them swooning. My parents are talking about recording it.”


“Tell them to keep the camera off of me,” she didn’t want someone trying to show her it later on. It’d be hard enough to perform in front of all those people but knowing that someone was recording it if she fucked up, the very idea gave her stage fright. “By the way, did you notice Hinata acting funny this week? I caught her blushing beet red in class. It’s kind of suspicious when I saw that she was reading a very small note under the desk. I wonder if she finally gave up on her and Naruto patching things up.”


“Probably and I think you are right.” Ino put the car in park. She had to admit that was another couple that had stumped her. Hinata was so shy and quiet it was hard to imagine the girl doing anything with a guy. Ironic that everyone knew that Hinata and Naruto had been intimate when it was the shy girl but Ino had the bad reputation and had yet to get completely naked with a guy yet. The furthest she’d gone was with Kankuro and that had been a little foreplay. “I need to get laid already. You know we are the only virgins left in our friends. Even Hinata has lost hers and here I am about to graduate and I haven’t gotten past third base.”


“Boo-hoo!” Tenten wasn’t about to discuss experiences. Hers was laughable in comparison. She really needed to get a boyfriend but the one she wanted was taken. “I think I’d just be happy with getting a boyfriend. I’m really tired of seeing everyone else dating while I’m left out.”


“You’re right, have you even kissed anyone?” Ino couldn’t recall Tenten ever messing around with a guy. As long as she recall the girl had liked Neji and hadn’t bothered to accept any offers.


“No, don’t rub it in.” She was pathetic and it was time to change that. There was a chance that even if she couldn’t win Neji that there was someone out there for her. That was also an option she had to consider. Why narrow her sight on someone unattainable?


“I’m not but we both need to break this dry spell, it’s sad.” Ino dabbed on a little lipstick before opening her car door. She just had to get Sasuke’s attention because she refused to end up as a dried out old hag living with six cats. The music could be heard blaring over the highway traffic nearby. It was going to be one of those nights.


“Ready to make an entrance?” Tenten left her purse and phone in the car but shoved her cash into the almost invisible pockets. Maybe she shouldn’t have worn these jeans after all. There was no going back home to change.


“Damn straight, let’s give them a show.” With a hearty toss of blonde curls Ino made sure she fell in step beside her friend. The sound of their shoes clicked along the pavement signaling their arrival. Giggling she reached out and grabbed the smaller hand. Always one to warrant the most attention she knew what drew stares. They both looked hot and two females holding hands always got the male mind thinking. The point was proven as they reached the double doors; the two men coming out stopped to hold the doors open for them and watched long after they were inside of the building.


“I can’t hear myself think,” Tenten was betting on a migraine before an hour was up. Whoever was on duty must not believe the occupants wanted to speak to each other. There was no point in trying to ask her friend which lane they were expected to meet the others. Instead she was more than happy to trail behind like a good puppy and take in just how busy the place was. Off to the right near the pool tables she spotted a familiar red head. Just as she lifted her free hand up to wave Gaara glanced up and spotted her.


“Great,” Ino doubted the mocking exclamation had been heard over the music. She wasn’t that shocked that Tenten was greeting someone they knew but almost doubled over when the social failure actually gave a weak smile and nodded in acknowledgement. When had Gaara decided that Tenten was worthy of acknowledging? Was something going on? “Since when does Gaara act like he knows you?”


“Oh, I ran into him the other day, he’s not that bad.” Tenten had to lean forward and speak loudly before she was heard. Ino nodded before pointing towards a lane on the far end. A spiky blonde head was the first thing she spotted, then the long brunette that had her pausing. “He’s here.”


“Of course,” the blonde waved merrily at the other. Naruto was the first one to spot them. She was going to make the most of tonight and have some fun. The next two weekends would be completely booked for them both. “Let’s go have some fun.”


“HEY! CAN MY FRIEND AND I GET A THREESOME?”


“Ignore them,” Tenten didn’t want to risk starting a fight in the place. It had occurred on one other occasion and Ino had only laughed at the brawl she’d caused. It was nothing more than a bunch of drunken asses trying to be cute.


“Sorry, I already got dibs.” Naruto rushed forward and placed an arm around their shoulders. This he could get used too. As much as he adored Sakura what man didn’t want the company of two hot chicks? The five beers he’d already consumed already had him feeling damn good. “Hey hotness.”


Ino almost jerked away when the soft but warm pressure of lips landed on her cheek, almost grazing the corner of her mouth. What the hell was he doing? “Hey yourself, you come to escort us?”


“Of course, I was starting to worry that you wouldn’t make it. It just wouldn’t be the same without you.” Naruto frowned feeling the brunette gently trying to remove his arm. Oh well, Ino didn’t seem to be complaining.


“Has a game started yet?” Tenten didn’t want to be rude but having Naruto trying to give her a bear hug wasn’t what she’d come for. However she noticed that Ino didn’t protest when the blonde male moved in closer. Maybe she just wasn’t comfortable with someone she didn’t like hugging her but that hadn’t felt right.


“Yep, we guys were doing a warm up game while waiting on you two. Lee is over there making me look stupid; I think he’s been practicing.” Naruto wasn’t that bad at the game and usually had Eyebrows crying but not tonight. Might have something to do with the beers he’d drunk though.


“I didn’t know someone had to practice to do that.” Ino slammed an elbow hard into a thick side after feeling what felt like teeth scrape across an ear shell. Had he just nipped her? She’d have to chastise someone for letting him drink so much so soon. She might require his help tonight and he’d be worthless if he was smashed. From their spot she could make out Neji and Sasuke talking to each other. If she didn’t know any better they appeared to be in a heated discussion. Slight disappointment flared to life seeing Sakura sitting in a chair gazing in their direction.


“Can we go sit down please?” Tenten started moving towards the group and didn’t really give a damn if they followed. She wasn’t going to stand in the crowded area so they could flirt. Too much ass in one spot couldn’t be healthy. Now she was thinking shorts might have been a good idea despite the temperature outside. Another hour or two and all this body heat would have her panting.


A nasty brown stain that had to be recent had to be hopped over. There was no way she was stepping into it. Her luck it would be soft drink and the bottom of her shoes would be sticky for days to come. Tenten maneuvered her way to the opening that led to the station the others were sitting. Taking a quick glance around the others she inspected their reaction to her joining them. Lee and Sasuke smiled and greeted her politely. Sakura and Hinata waved and asked how she was doing. The troglodyte now standing behind Neji holding onto his arm looked at her like she was something that needed to be run over. Seeing as his girlfriend was taking to her company in a menacing manner she turned to the most likely cause and wished she hadn’t. Silver eyes were trained on her filled with anger and animosity.


“Dammit, you guys started without us.” Ino shoved her way in the middle of the gathering. She didn’t fail to notice the nasty look the whore was sending her friend. Smiling sweetly she returned one of her own, “Got a problem with your eyes Sweety?”


“I’m glad you two could make it,” Lee stepped forward knowing that his best friend’s date wasn’t smart enough to know to keep her mouth shut. The night would be ruined if Ino used the girl’s head as a bowling ball. That was if Tenten didn’t snap first and do worse. “I was just telling Sasuke that when you got here we should do teams. It’s not much fun now that I can beat Naruto.”


“Hey, the only reason I got that gutter ball was because I was busy checking out that chick over there.” Naruto was sure that sounded solid. On a normal day Lee couldn’t win against him. He just had a lot on his mind and wasn’t at the top of his game. “How about we play a game of girls against guys?”


“You’re on,” Ino saw the look Tenten gave her. Okay, since Tenten didn’t play it’ll be even. It meant being on the side with Sakura but what the hell, this could be fun. She was spending the evening in Sasuke’s company and who knew what could happen. “Ladies first.”


“If us girls win then you guys have to treat us later on tonight.” Sakura smiled at Sasuke knowing where she’d want to go. Thankfully things were going better between them. A night with everyone might turn out to be splendid. They had both agreed that one of their problems was that they spent all of their free time together. Being with their friends more often would help.


“Yes,” Hinata nodded vigorously at the terms. She had missed dinner and was regretting it. It kind of unnerved her that Naruto was checking out other chicks but not enough to spoil her evening. It might have something to do that she was used to it or that a certain red head was slowly making sure she moved on but it was still weird to see him ogling someone else when Sakura was at hand. She didn’t think Ino was aware of how the blonde was slowly looking her up and down. Was Naruto moving on also?


“Fine a female first but it’s better to alternate after. Who’s up first?” Sasuke finished typing in the names and grinned as Sakura jumped up to go. This was something he’d never get tired of watching. His eyes focused on the narrow hips that strolled up to the lane. His team groaned as she took aim and the ball went right down the middle. “Strike.”


“Damn Forehead you’re good.” Ino wondered where they’d end up after the games. She knew Hinata was good also so they had a fair chance of winning. If she didn’t get a strike, she’d always manage to hit something.


“Thank you,” Sakura ran a hand along her boyfriend’s shoulder as he got up to take his turn. It turned out to be a split and Taya got up in a huff to go next. She didn’t bother watching as the idiot tossed two gutter balls in a row. The other girl wasn’t even trying and she was sure she knew why. If they won then they’d all be going out together and everyone here knew that Taya hadn’t wanted to come to begin with. Spending even more time with all of them would piss the girl off even more. Sasuke had asked her to come and informed her that he’d invited Ino and Tenten. That had started another argument and she’d finally admitted that he was right. There was no reason for them to go on hating each other. Tenten was also a sweet girl and she had always liked her, so letting them hang out was a good idea. Naruto was their friend and was also friends with Ino.


Tenten almost felt guilty as she watched Neji take his shot. Without the ugly shoes he looked rather fetching. She was just glad that the attendants weren’t walking around checking the lanes. Ino might have slipped on those raunchy shoes but she refused to. She had no plans on playing and she wasn’t risking getting some type of fungus. Besides the boots did match her shirt and had a solid heel. There wasn’t much risk of her breaking an ass bone when she was sitting on it.


“Good job Love!” Disgusting bouncing and a quick flop had the brunette stumbling backwards.


“He only hit eight,” Ino snapped and wondered if poor Neji was now suffering from permanent back damage. The guy had to love thick females. Half of those tits had to be from eating out too much. Was it necessary for the bimbo to pounce on him every minute?


“Shhh, don’t be rude.” Naruto leaned over to get closer to the glaring blonde. Damn, she smelled good. Not to mention he was getting a good view of some cleavage. The skin looked soft and extremely pale. “We all know she can’t count.”


“Naruto!” Hinata gasped and yelled at him. The girl in question just clamped her mouth in agitation. She could understand Ino since Taya had kind of started it by being rude when the girls arrived but Naruto had no cause for it.


“Sorry, who are we talking about?” It wasn’t his fault that the girl was a moron and no one liked her but Neji. Even Lee had trouble dealing with the girl’s antics. “I think it’s your turn Innie.”


“Bite me, Foxface.” Ino wanted to hug him for taking her side of things. She hated when someone was rude to one of her friends. What had been the bitch’s problem? They hadn’t done anything and had gotten a death glare first thing.


“Later,” he leaned back against the cold plastic and winked at a frowning Tenten. They had nothing to worry about. Even if they didn’t hang regularly everyone knew who had started it. Curious as to if Ino was as bad as he was he turned to watch her approach the lane. Nice form, nice approach, and was that skin showing? “Nice.”


“She hasn’t even thrown the ball yet.” Sakura wondered if he’d started drinking before arriving. It was rather nice to see the ball roll down the center leaving only two pins standing. “You can do it Ino-pig, just imagine it’s my face.”


That got Ino to stop while waiting for her ball to return. Imagine it was Forehead’s face; that might work but…. “thanks for the offer but I think I’ll pretend it has freckles.”


“Okay, I’m going to get something to drink.” Tenten wasn’t going to stay for the ho-down. Only someone really ignorant would risk Ino’s temper. As much as she’d like to see her friend rearrange a pouting face she was thirsty. She had faith that Naruto and Lee would stop a fight before it could get too bad. Sitting around wasn’t going to accomplish anything. That one look had spoken volumes and she didn’t need it spelled out for her.
Avoiding the sticky stain for a second time, she headed towards the refreshment stand. If they didn’t have bottled water she’d be highly upset. A soft drink would do in a jam but a beer was out of the question. Ino would probably end up drinking tonight and she was the designated driver. A short line had already formed, people ordering pitchers of beer.


“Tenten,” Gaara waved towards the girl getting at the back of the line. Only two people were ahead of him. He had a few things to ask her and had been wondering how to do so with her surrounded by her friends.


“Hey, there you are. Sorry the bathroom was packed.” Tenten joined him in line. She’d owe him for this one. Cutting in beat standing around hoping someone didn’t bump into her. “Thanks, it’s so hot in here.”


“Right, what do you want?” Gaara was only grabbing something for himself since Temari hadn’t long purchased two pitchers for her, Kankuro and Kito. Temari thought it humorous to watch her brother and fiancé pair off at a game of pool. The only reason he’d joined them was he hadn’t wanted to stay at home.


“Oh, I’ll take water if they still got it.” She looked around the place and wondered if he’d come alone. Being sociable to him was doable but if that annoying brother showed up she might have to flee. It’d be hard to go the evening without a fight if that one started in on her. She’d be sociable to him as soon as he apologized for that uncouth remark. “Did you come with a date?”


He grabbed both bottles before answering. “No, I came with a few others. They are playing pool, I don’t like to play.”


“Why? I wish we’d come to play that instead of bowling. The last time I tried my finger got stuck in the damn hole and I thought for damn sure it had broken off inside the fucker. Sorry, I really hate to bowl but they love it. Which leaves me with nothing to do but watch.” She took a sip and almost cried out as it soaked her parched throat. “Thank you for the drink.”


“No problem but I’ve wanted to ask you something ever since the other day.” He had almost came out and asked Hinata but thought of how rude it might sound at the last second. “Do you know if Hinata still likes her ex?”


“Huh?” She had to think about it for a minute. “Oh, you mean Naruto? Well, I’m not sure if she does or not. They’ve been separated for a while now and I know they are still friends. Are you asking if I know it for fact or do you want my opinion?”


“Either.”


“Okay, I don’t know for sure since I don’t make it a habit to get into someone else’s business but if you asked me, I’d have to say she’s no longer hung up on him. She’s been acting kind of weird lately,” she paused. “Why do you ask?”


“No reason,” he wasn’t going to admit interest, not yet. Most would tell him that someone like Hinata would never look twice at him. She had a lot going for her and he didn’t.


“Oh, I see.” Tenten smiled at the hard look and found it odd that she wasn’t bothered by it. “It’s okay; I know what it’s like to have feelings for someone and being worried if it is returned. She’s a sweet girl, you got good taste.”


“You don’t,” he felt angry at how easy she’d guessed his feelings. “You’d do better to look elsewhere. He isn’t capable of being serious about another and you’ll end up disappointed long before you can think of being happy.”


“Wait, who said anything about your brother?” The water was about to go in his face. There was no way in hell she liked that inconsiderate jerk. Even if Neji wasn’t in the picture, she’d have to be out of her mind to consider wanting anything with a pompous, arrogant, womanizing asshole.


“I didn’t but you did.” Gaara suppressed the smile as the girl stuttered and looked ready to rage at him. Had he hit a sensitive nerve? He was very curious about the reaction she just had. Not to mention him and his sister had a bet. Temari thought it was Ino that was causing their brother’s recent mood but he had a different guess.


“What the hell are you doing?” Temari yelled at the back of the tousled red hair. Really, how long did it take to get something to drink? She was about to ask him just that when she spotted the cute girl standing close to him. “Oh, sorry I didn’t know you were talking to someone.”


“Obviously or you would have been ruder.” Gaara wondered what she wanted. He squared off and looked his sibling right in the eye. When he’d informed her what his guess was she’d laughed at his suggestion. She had said there was no way their brother would go for Ino’s best friend not when he was still smitten with the blonde. Time to prove his sister wrong, “You remember Tenten right?”


“Yes, how are you?” Temari inspected the girl and had to admit that the short girl was very cute. But to suggest that Kankuro liked the girl and was in denial was almost hilarious. She knew both of her brothers. While Gaara would take any relationship he ever got in serious, Kankuro was the exact opposite. The guy wanted a girl for one thing and that’s why looks were so important to him. It was time to prove Gaara wrong.


“I’m doing alright. It’s good to see you again. Gaara told me that you are engaged, congratulations.” Tenten had always liked the boisterous girl. It took a lot to stand up to the male siblings and look confident while doing it.


“Thanks,” Temari secretly gave herself a pat on the back. “Hey, if you aren’t too busy can you do me a favor? Kito and Kankuro are being asses and will only let me play if we do partners. Gaara here doesn’t like to play and honestly he sucks so why don’t you be my partner? Can you play?”


“Yes, I’m no expert but I can hold my own.” Tenten almost blurted the excuse that a speeding bus had her name on the bumper but then she had to think about it. If she partnered with Temari then she could possibly win against HIM! Victory would be sweet and then she could go back to the others. She doubted they’d come looking for her anytime soon.


“Wonderful,” giving Gaara a devious grin she yanked the brunette towards their table. Temari couldn’t help being a genius. As earlier stated she knew her brother well and would know by the way he acted whether or not if he was interested. Her fiancé was the first to look up and see her coming. “Look Babe, one of Gaara’s friends has agreed to play with us. Tenten and I will be partners, so count me in.”


“Sure thing, but you’re still going to lose.” Kito could swear he could see something malicious brewing in his woman’s eyes. What the hell was she up to? How did Gaara become a chick and, “Ouch! Fuck man that was my finger you just smashed.”


“Careful, don’t maim him.” Temari frowned as Kito rubbed the abused finger. Her brother had managed to slam the nine ball down on it while glaring in Gaara’s general direction. Or was that Tenten’s?


“It’d be no more than you deserve,” he was going to choke his brother first. Kankuro had wondered what was taking the little shit so long. Of all the people for his brother to take an interest in, why did it have to be that one? Why couldn’t Gaara like some other chick, someone he didn’t li….. hate?


“Fuck you,” Temari observed how her sibling was starting to act. Tensing shoulders – check, major attitude – check, and wandering eyes – double check. Is this what Gaara had seen? Maybe she should have gotten around to questioning the reasons behind the assumption. Either their brother really hated this girl or there was something he was trying to deny. “Besides, you said I could play if I had a partner. I found one so stop being such a bitch.”


‘Wow!’ Tenten made a mental note to ask Temari how she managed that tone. It was marvelous it instantly caused Kankuro to silence his insistent whining. “Sweet, I didn’t think that was possible. Temari you’re better than a muzzle.”


“Shit,” Kito dropped his stick and tried to stop the laugh that was bubbling in his chest. Not only would Kankuro want to kick him but he didn’t want to add fuel to the fire. Later, he’d get the inside scoop on who this girl was.


“You think so? It’s taken a lot of practice to get the trick down but if you want I could teach it to you.” Temari liked this one. Ino hadn’t been too bad either but she’d known that wasn’t going to last. She knew what it was like to be in love and anyone could see that Ino hadn’t held the emotion.


“That’d be great. Most of the time he won’t shut the hell up when I tell him to.” Tenten knew it would never happen but it was okay to dream.


“You know what both of you can bite my ass. Wait, Sis you can kiss my ass. I’d tell the dyke to suck my dick but it wouldn’t do any good.” Kankuro placed the cue ball on the table with more force than necessary. They were both going to suffer serious injuries now. His brother should have known he wouldn’t want the girl here but they had to make his life hell.


“The dyke would if she thought it wouldn’t remind her of sucking on a clit.” Tenten accepted the stick Gaara was offering her, she assumed it was his. Wait, if he sucked so bad at it then why have a personal one? It wasn’t the average plain brown the alley supplied.


“Funny, I didn’t think it possible to choke while eating pussy.” Kankuro was suddenly very tired of that damn rumor. He should go swat Ino in the head for starting it. If Tenten so much as commented on it again he’d fucking cram it down her throat just to shut her up.


“Only if it smells like your girlfriend.” Oh yeah, who was wittier. Tenten almost gagged on the giggle hearing her partner burst out laughing, not caring that the insulted was getting very pissed. Well, it served him right for being mean to her for no reason.


“Okay, okay, I think we should just play.” Kito slapped his foolish fiancé on the ass to stop the howling. Really did Temari think all the cackling was helping? Even Gaara was sitting on a stool wearing a grin. He’d never seen a female react to his soon to be brother-in-law this way before. Usually they tried to get his attention and if they had it they did their hardest to keep it.


“Yeah, before I piss my pants.” Temari shooed the seething brunette over to break. She managed to sink the one ball and called solids. With luck she’d convince Tenten to play a few games. This was getting interesting, not to mention she was enjoying herself greatly.


Tenten decided to ignore her nemesis and inspected this fiancé. He was over six feet, slim, had shaggy raven hair and startling green eyes. What got to her was the way he walked up to the other girl and placed a steamy kiss on Temari’s lips. What should have been chaste turned into several minutes of swapping spit and Kankuro bitching for his sister to continue.


“You learn to ignore them,” Gaara pulled his stool over to the one Tenten had taken residence in. At first he’d been disgusted at the display but his sister was happy.


“I think it’s sweet.” Tenten envied the blonde greatly. It’d be nice to have someone show that kind of affection and attention. It made her long for someone even more. Seeing as how Neji didn’t even want her within ten yards of his person she was losing hope that he’d fill that spot. Did she even want him to now? Could she even bring herself to try after he looked at her like that?


“Don’t stare too hard. He’ll kick your ass if you try to steal my sister.” Kankuro moved to where the ball had stopped which put him on the side the couple was sitting. Did Gaara think he’d sat close enough? Maybe he should warn his little brother that the girl was bad news.


“What’s the matter? Does it piss you off that a girl might actually prefer your sister over you?” Tenten was getting fed up with the lesbian comments. She’d already admitted to him that she liked a guy so why the insistence that she was homosexual? “Does it make you feel better? Does it bruise that over-inflated ego that there is someone with a vagina that doesn’t want to climb in bed with you so you got to tell yourself that the only explanation is that she’s a lesbian? News flash Shithead, you aren’t the only one with a pecker. As a matter of fact there is plenty out there bigger and better with a cuter persona to go along with it. So why don’t you do us all a favor and get over yourself.”


“Get over myself?” Kankuro slapped the hand clenching at his elbow. Fuck remaining calm, she had it coming. “My bruised ego? Do you really think the opinion of a stuck-up, hypocritical virgin bothers me one bit? I don’t expect every woman to want me but it sure the hell pisses me off when someone that has never experienced a damn thing has the nerve to sit there and inform me that there is better. I doubt you’ve ever had a boyfriend because no one is that desperate. It’s fucking splendid when someone that doesn’t know shit acts like they know it all. You can have the liberty of insulting my dick when you’ve actually seen one. And I don’t mean by peeping in on your best friend because you have no hope in hell of getting laid yourself. I don’t think it’s my lesbian comments that bother you. I think it hurts your pride that someone like me wouldn’t even touch you. So why don’t you do me a favor and get your ugly ass out of my sight.”


“Oh, that was harsh!” Temari hissed as the pool stick was tossed onto the table moving the balls in the process. This was bad, someone was about to get slapped she just knew it. She took a step back away from her stupid brother as the other girl jumped from the stool.


Tenten felt so many emotions her brain was too confused on how to handle the situation. The strongest urge was to release the stinging tears that were already beginning to form against her will. Anger was the next but giving into that meant allowing the first to take place. It hurt, dammit, nothing he said should matter. Wet heat trickled down her cheek, she had to leave. Her name was called and was dismissed with a wave of her hand. There was no way she was staying here. It was the second time tonight she was told in undeniable terms that she wasn’t wanted.


She couldn’t stop the pain from curling in her chest. The raw nerves in her throat constricted as she tried to suppress a sob. Why was she letting something he said get to her? He didn’t know her, he knew nothing about her. Who was he to make judgments? Thankfully Ino was standing in the line with two others but she couldn’t make them out through the blurs. Another was blonde so she assumed it was Naruto. Great, more to see her break down.


“Tenten, there you are. Where did you go?” Ino knew her friend would get bored so she assumed the girl had found something to do. Why Tenten would pass up a chance to hang with Neji was beyond her but they didn’t think alike. She was about to scold the brunette until she noticed something was off. “What’s wrong?”


“Can I have the keys please?” Fuck, even her voice was betraying her. There was no way she could deny how upset she was now. The last thing she was going to do was ruined everyone’s evening by making a scene. “Please, I want to get my things and go home.”


“Okay, but will you at least tell me what happened?” Ino reached out to put a comforting hand on the trembling shoulder. She’d seen Tenten cry one other time but not like this. Something must have happened and it had to been horrible. “Are you okay?”


“I’m fine and I don’t want to talk about it.” Tenten snatched the keys feeling little guilt. She just wanted to get the hell out of here. What had she been thinking coming in the first place? This was a waste of time. She was nothing short of a moron for allowing Ino to convince her to fight for Neji. He wasn’t worth it and neither was that stupid ass that had the nerve to remind her of the truth.


It took her too long to shove through the throng of idiots standing around smoking and bullshitting. Long enough that the tears were in full stream by the time she exited into the cold night air. Why did it hurt so much? She’d known the truth before the insults had been trading. It would be hard to fool herself into thinking she was experienced or well-versed in sex. Her knowledge was pathetic and that’s what bothered her. Every girl she knew had at least one boyfriend and she had nothing. He had to be right, she wasn’t something most would look at unless desperate. Was it so obvious that she was still a virgin? How could he have known that she’d never had a boyfriend before? Even some unattractive girls still found a boyfriend.


She took a deep breath and leaned against the cold surface of the car. The fresh but freezing air made her cheeks hate her for crying like a baby. Trying to rub the moisture off proved pointless as more fresh tears took their place. Being alone was helping calm her nerves because she no longer wanted to kill someone.


How could she fault him for speaking the truth? If she should be angry at anyone then it was herself. Why was she allowing something Kankuro said hurt her so much? It hadn’t even hurt nowhere near as bad when Neji was denying her existence, shouldn’t that have made her cry? It didn’t make any sense. His opinion didn’t matter, he didn’t matter.


“Tenten.”

Next Chapter: A slap and a suggestion... Please review.