13 Chapter Twelve

Aiko's Pov

Have you ever experienced that feeling what you planned didn't seem to go as expected? Well, that's what's happening now. What I've been imagining were pillow fights with the boy, playing video games together, you know, the fun stuff. Eventually, all the boys were playing video games and all the girls were just grouped together at the corner, watching them entertain themselves.

Earlier, after I accompanied Naruto, I gave Sasuke a quick text about the sleepover. Since then, my heart would beat against my chest hard every five minutes, anxiously waiting for his reply. You know that feeling when you send a text to your crush and you're suddenly feeling so edgy, uneasy, distressed or something like that? But a couple of hours passed and there was still no reply, much to my disappointment. Also I gave Itachi an invitation, saying that he could also invite some of his friends as over if he wants. No one would mind anyway, since Itachi's gang used to be so close to us until they had to go to college. We could barely even keep ourselves in touch with them because of our tight schedule, however, we do do catch up during summer breaks.

Itachi gave me a reply not long after the text I sent him. He said he'd be over when his friends would make up their minds. Fortunately, their midterms ended last week so they're having another break. Lucky bastards.

Ino groanrd with a pout, "Hmph! It's like we're not even here!" she exclaimed, folding her arms. Tenten chuckled and scratched her head, her eye twitching when Lee roared something about beating Naruto. Temari leaned back on the wall, hands behind her head and leg crossed over the other as she relaxed, closing her eyes, not minding her surroundings while wearing a smirk.

"Well, not everything goes as planned." I say, my fingers playing with Hinata's hair as I braid them. The female Hyuga giggled lightly, covering her mouth with her hand. I swear, this girl is just too elegant and graceful to be true. Sometimes, I wish I was like her, but I am who I am. Smiling, I finished doing Hinata's hair and laid on my back.

Lips tugging upward as if to think about what to do next. Seriously, it seems like it's only the boys who're having fun at all! "I just wanna slash water all over them." I heard the high pitched voice of Tenten say. Water. That's it!

I sat up almost immediately upon the idea that came up in my mind, taking everyone's attention. Grinning mischievously, I gestured them to come huddle up with me, peering at me. I gave them a sly smile and began to whisper everything my dirty and playful mind came up with. Once I was done explaining and answering their questions, everyone silently stood up and went outside to gather everything we needed without getting caught. Not like that was really a problem, the boys had all their eyes glued to the screen and the clamors were loud enough to c OK Neal the slightest noise of the door opening and closing.

It took us over twenty minutes to get a everything ready and we were all hyped up. "Alright! Everyone ready?" I asked, placing a hand on my hip as I held the little toy with my other hand, receiving a bunch of excited affirmative responses. Quickly, I briskly went up on the tree and hid myself, using my old binoculars to take a peep through the window. The girls went to their places to hide as well.

As planned, Hinata opened the door and went inside to the boys with a haunted impression. Everyone in the room dropped their activities, their loud chants finally coming to an end while they look at the female Hyuga in curiosity and worry. Neji spoke something I couldn't catch to her first but I assume he was asking if everything was alright.

Hinata then yelled so loudly, I bet her voice could be heard three houses ahead, "Aiko fell off the tree a- and...and...she's...she's-!" she trailed off and I mentally gave her a round of applause for her surprisingly amazing performance she out. Who knew she could act so well?

In an instant, everyone stood up from their seats and rushed to the backdoor with Neji lead in no them. Awwwwn, how cute. They actually really care about me. Look at their faces filled with worry and panic. I giggled softly as their feet finally reached to step on step on the dewy, green grass. All their expressions changed into confusion, seeing that my body wasn't in sight and there was nobody present as well.

When Neji went to look back to face Hinata, she was no longer there. The boys looked at each other, exchanging scared and confused glances. Naruto gulped and quivered in fear, bracing himself, "D-did we just talk to a g-ghost?!"

I inwardly face palmed and reminded myself to give him a good smack on his head later. Kiba stared at him like he was a mad man. "Baka! Tell me, have you ever gone to Hinata's funeral?" The blond shook his head, frightened by the Inuzuka's question. "No!"

"Then what made you think we talked to Hinata's ghost?"

"Because she was there for a moment and then just like that, she was gone!" Naruto answered, his hands flying up in the air. The male Hyuga, however, snubbed them, keeping himself calm and collected as he walked further to study the environment he's in. Suddenly, Shino let out a gasp, "Could this be-?"

Before he could finish, the girls jumped out of their places and began to throw water balloons and use their water guns at them. The boys began to spit out profanities, shielding their faces with their palms. "It's a prank!" Lee yelled out, no longer being able to take cover, stumbling on the ground.

"Yeah, no shit!" Kiba snarled at Tenten who held a hose, aiming at the dog lover while laughing her heart out. "Hinata! Where's Aiko?!" Neji interrogated, successfully rebounding the balloons that were targeting him. I pouted, hmm, he's no fun! He's barely even wet! "There she is!" I heard Naruto say.

I was about to climb down the tree when a stray of that rubber ball filled with water hit my head, making me stagger backwards. I closed my eyes tightly, bracing myself for what I expect to happen next. It's ironic but it feels so much like déjà vu. Upon my fall, even I know it would hurt, a smile etched my lips nevertheless.

ITACHI'S POV

The night was peaceful and I continued to enjoy it as I relaxed on the couch with my hands resting behind my head. I let out a heavy sigh, lips tugged upwards for nothing. It's already late but Sasuke's still not home which concerned me a bit, but when the thought of how he's not a little boy anymore erased those worries off my mind. It bothers me a bit hoe practically wicked it is to have a younger brother who'll remind you that you're growing old. I remember carrying him in my arms and even giving him back rides after stumbles from clumsiness like it just happened yesterday.

And now he's all grown up, walking on his own, standing up by himself when he falls. But no matter what, hell always be my little brother.

Chuckles slipped out of my lips as random memories flashed in my head, then they were cut short when I heard a loud slam from the end of the hallway. I immediately sat up, startled as I waited for the person I'm expecting. No other than my brother, of course. I heard low grumbles of curses coming out of his mouth. Even a stranger could tell that he had a bad day. "Tch." was the first thing he heard from me, his eyes averting from the floor to my own pair.

"What do you want, Itachi?" He snapped. Without even flinching, I approached him cheekily, placing a hand on my hip. "Welcome home." I greeted, nonetheless. I got used to his attitude that I don't even feel the need to argue with him. "Hn. I'm home." He mumbled looking away eyes filled with shame, disgust and anger. But there was also one thing....no doubt it was jealousy.

"So, how was your day with Sakura?" I asked, filing my arms this time as I glanced at the window only to discover that Aiko's house seemed to be packed with familiar faces. Raising my eyebrow, I went back to meeting my eyes with my brother's, his face wearing a scowl. Fists clenched, the house filling an aura with an intent to kill. Just then, I heard his phone beep and not too long, mine as well, though I decided to let it be.

Sasuke, however, checked his phone and whatever it was, made him gasp as he was taken aback but he immediately went back to his irritated expression. He huffed and went past through me, bumping my shoulder in process. The gesture made me upset, my lips instantly turning into a frown. Before he could go anywhere further, I grabbed his arm and pulled him back rides where he was before. He growled at me but his cabins were put to an end when I flicked him forehead. "Will you please leave me alone?" He pleaded demanded.

"Tell me what's wrong"

For the first time in my whole life, I finally hesitate over my demand. Usually, he'd turn around and leave, ignore me as well but it surprised me how he's reluctant now. This something must be really troublesome for him. And my first bet is this have something to do with Aiko.

Ever since last week, he's been acting really weird. Instead of spending time with Naruto and Aiko, he's been wasting his time with Sakura and I knew how much she interest...lets say a negative of every number there is. It's dubious. Sasuke absolutely has no interest in Sakura and just so suddenly, he's sticking next to her like a magnet. If you put it in science, it's like Sasuke, Aiko and Naruto suddenly became positive energies and Sakura is a negative charge except it's only Sasuke and Sakura being attracted to each other.

I should shut up.

Okay, let's out it this way... Sasuke's spending too much time with Sakura and less time with his best friends.

Yeah, that's sounds better...and shorter....and easy to comprehend.

"I can't." There he goes again. Being so protective of his pride. I rolled my eyes at him and flicked his forehead again, making him wince. "Stop that!"

"Assume, I'm not letting this slide. Just tell me what's wrong." I bluntly said, grabbing his shoulders to push him on the couch to take a seat. I sat on the seat in front of him. Healer out a defeated sigh as he opened his mouth to speak. Yet before he could start, I held up a hand and took out my phone, surprisingly only to find out that the text I got earlier was from Aiko.

I opened the message and smiled when I finished reading. I bet Sasuke got the same invitation as well.  So that's what it was... I gave her a reply saying that I'll come as soon as I'm done with my business. And she told me I could also invite some friends which I found grateful. After i sent the same invite to my gang, Sasuke cleared his throat. "Will you let me start now?"

I smirked at him and gestured for him to start.  "Okay so, it's been awhile since I've been feeling this towards-"

"Aiko?" I cut him off. Every single piece was already placed perfectly and I finally understood everything from the way he's been acting up until now. My smirk only evidently showed, when his eyes went wide at me in surprise.

"How-?"

"It's pretty obvious, Sasuke." Silence surrounded the place for several minutes before he grunted in frustration, rubbing his face with his hand frantically, tugging his hair as well. He asked out, "Since when?"

"Well, it was beginning to start pretty obvious when we were at the park the day after Halloween. The way you looked at her? I don't know Sasuke, I bet Naruto could even tell." The poor boy gulped with worry written ask over his face. I laughed at him and crossed my legs, "Why stop?"

Sasuke looked down at his feet. He looked vulnerable at the moment, I've never seen him this way before, it seems surreal. He sighed and rested his bag, averting his eyes up to the ceiling. It took him some time to respond. The silence was deadly, the ticking of the wall clock could be heard. I would be lying if I'd say I didn't see his eyes water. I could even tell that it was getting harder for him to breathe, "You know what...just forget it." He says, using a throw pillow to cover his face.

Aiko if only you knew....

"No, we've gone this day. Tell me Sasuke." I pushed, "Itachi please."

"Oi, Itachi! Come out, will you?! I'm about to show you this really cool art I made! It's got some better bang to it!" A voice butted in as the door was suddenly opened once again revealing no other than Deidara. Behind him were Nagato, Yahiko, Konan, Sasori, Hidan and the rest. Sasuke looked at me, enraged mixed with confusion.

I mentally prayed to the Lord that they won't say anything further but it seems that my prayers weren't heard at. Everyone went in with their bags, fists raised up in the air which made Sasuke look at me, if possible, more puzzled than before. Sasori held a decorative puppet in his hand which had a ribbon on it as well. "I can finally see my little sister again. I can't wait to see her. Do you think she'll like this present?" he asked, raising his gift.

"Sister?" Sasuke questioned.

"You've changed a lot, Sasori," I remarked and he looked at me unadorned before saying. "Well, let's go

Everyone turned on their backs and I followed them shortly. Packing my stuff could be done later, besides I just live next door anyway. Clothes won't be a problem. And I need to come back here anyway. I shrugged at myself and heard Deidara whined, "Pfft, whoever said she's your sister, Sasori no drama?"

"Well, she's like a little sister to me." He responded proudly. Everyone started to chatter, Nagato, Konan and Yahiko talking about Naruto and thinking about how he's doing and the others about Aiko's other friends as well.  Long story short, we were a childhood best friends. The first time we a met was in a formal party Aiko's parents held long ago. Our families were invited to celebrate everyone's successful companies each ran.

"I wonder how Aiko looks like now...." Konan smiled to herself, "I bet she looks so hot right now." Hidan answered coyly, making me roll my eyes. Some people never really change.

But before we could open the door to leave the house. A cold voice halted us, "What's with Aiko all of the sudden? Where the heck are you guys going, Itachi?!" Sasuke growled, clenching his fists.  

I was about to answer his question when Tobi jumped in excitedly, yelling, "To Aiko's sleepover!!"