Chapter Six

Aiko's Pov

Three days and two nights of planning for the party and what to wear passed. It was already Halloween. As of now, Hinata, Tenten and I are in my room, dressing up. I decided to go as Alice in wonderland with just a similar dress, a black headband that had a ribbon and a pair of white converse. It was simple, but I liked it.  Hinata dressed up as a fairy and Tenten wore a black cat outfit. I have to say, Hinata looked so cute in her outfit, and Tenten looked so hot.

"I bet Naruto would flip when he sees you." I cooed, teasingly, poking the Hyuga's flushed cheeks. She closed her eyes shut and shook her head frantically, squealing then hiding her face behind her hands.

Tenten shook her head in amazement, giggling, "Shall we?"

Both Hinata and I nodded before we walked out of the house. The weather was a bit chilly, laughter echoing all over from children who were carrying their pumpkin baskets filled with candy. I smiled, feeling a bit nostalgic. I remember when Sasuke, Naruto, Hinata, Sakura, Neji, Kiba, Shikamaru and I would be running around, playing hide and seek in the dark, leaving candy wrappers on the streets. When we were around the age of nine, ten, eleven, we would always play together to our hearts content. I guess things really change when time passes.

Loud music boomed from the other side. I turned my head to the direction of Naruto's house, teens were already flooding the place. Some were familiar, some weren't. A loud aspirated sigh came out of Tenten's lips, "The house is packed and it's not even close to 8 yet."

I gave a faint smile, "Naruto will be here."

Hinata's lips curved upwards as well when I mentioned the blond's name. So, we stood there, waiting for the Uzumaki and Uchiha to arrive. Not too long though, they came. Naruto was panting in his black pirate costume, one eye covered with a patch. Sasuke, who was beside him huffed. Surprisingly, he actually wore a costume. It was a simple vampire costume. He didn't need to make up since he was pale enough, just a black blazer with a red undershirt that had two buttons left opened. He looked ready for the party, only.

I grinned at the two of them, nodding. "You look great Hinata." The blond stated, placing a hand on Hinata's head. A deep crimson color crept on the shy girl's cheeks, "T-thank you, Naruto-kun." She says sheepishly as he beamed at her.

"You don't look bad, Sasuke." I say, nudging him with a smug look on my face. He growled, rolling his eyes. "You look like crap." He muttered, pushing my elbow away. Sullenly yet playfully. I pouted at him, but ignored him afterwards.

"Geez, you never learn do you Sasuke!" A deep voice joined in from behind, causing us to all look at who it was. To my surprise, it was Itachi, wearing a costume that was similar to Sasuke's.

I smiled broadly, piping, "Itachi! You're here!"

He opened his arms at me and I threw myself in, embracing him tighter as the second passed, inhaling the sweet smell of his scent, "I wouldn't miss this. Beside it's called making a memory, is it not?" he returned the smile as i released him, looking at his attractive, dark eyes.

"Tch." I knew where that sputter came from. Sasuke glowered at me, but looked away after a few seconds. The thick tension became thicker the moment he went on ahead, taking Naruto and Hinata's lead. Tenten looked at us worriedly and I shook my head. She then went ahead along with the Hyuga.

I heaved out a deep breath, "Itachi.." I called out softly, looking at the ground as we walked. He hummed, telling me that I got his attention, "Does Sasuke have something against me?" I asked, my voice cracking at the end while i looked at him.

He gazed from the sky then to me, "If anything, I think he has something against me." he sighed in defeat but covered his frown with a smile, quickly. Packing a hand on top of my head, patting it."Yeah right what could you ever do to make him not like you? You're like the best brother anyone would ever wish for." I say sincerely. He halted with a slight gasp, but shook his head receiving a bunch of chuckles from him.

Itachi lifted up his head, taking a glance of the twinkling stars, "I guess so." But somehow, his voice was like saying that there was something behind those words. Is he hiding something?

"Did something happen between you too?" I questioned suspiciously, raising an eyebrow at him. The Uchiha averted his eyes to the ground, starting off for a while. When he opened his mouth to say something back, he was interrupted, "Oi! Aiko! Itachi! Hurry up!" Naruto called, waving his hand up in the air. I hadn't notice that we were quiet far from them until then. They stood up in front of the house which looked oddly familiar.

Then it hit me, "What are we doing here in Shikamaru's house?" I asked Naruto as we got nearer. He snickered, placing both of his hands at the back of his head.

"Oh, we won't be here to take candies." He replied, taking a bunch of toilet paper rolls of his his pillow case which he used as a container for the sweets.

I gaped at him, "No." Incredulously, I say, taking a step back.

The blond mischievously smile, "Yes

"Naruto! We'll be dead when he catches us!" I nearly yelled. He gave me a dubious look, "That's not like you Aiko."

I rolled my eyes at him. Geez, Naruto, thanks. "This is Shikamaru for crying out loud! He'll beat your ass if he knows-"

He cut me off, placing a finger before my lips, "That is if, he catches us." He grinned, "Besides, he's at home with Neji and Kiba. He'll probably think other peeps did this."

I huffed in defeat, crossing my arms and looked back, walking away. Naruto began to do his job, the others scolding him for doing so but being the prankster he is, ignore them. My feet eventually led me from house to house, gathering the sweets I could get. No one really seemed to be bothered about how old I am though, which is a good thing.

When the hour passed, I stopped by a nearby forest which I'm familiar with. I used to come here most of the time when I'm alone, especially when my parents are off again after visiting me. I couldn't help but feel depressed about it, but that was before I knew Naruto and Sasuke was living in my neighborhood. Since our parents get together for business trips most of the time, then I guess they thought it was best for their children to live close to each other. Besides, we're to be the next heir of our companies. What other way is better than to strengthen the bond now.

I threw the wrapper of the chocolate bar beside me as I sat under the tree. It was silent and dark, the only source of light was the moon. I smiled to myself, this is the atmosphere that I like. Sighing, I laid my back on the grass, my feet resting up on the trunk of the tree as I looked up the stars and the moon.

"So this is were you've been." A deep, menacing familiar voice startled me, making me sit up almost immediately. I didn't need to look at the figure to know who that person is. With just that deep voice, I sense that it was none other than Sasuke himself.

Slowly, he walked out of the shadows with a conceited look on his face. His moonlit face greeted my sight, his attractive features were being emphasized. I found myself starting then at him. He had his arms crossed leaning his shoulder on the tree that I rested my feet on. He looked back at me, smugly still. "Black, huh?" He blurted out with titter.

Confused, I raised my eyebrow at him. He rolled his eyes, saying how naive I am and pointed down. I glanced over to where the direction of his finger pointed and instantly turned red, closing my legs and sitting up straight properly this time, "BAKA! I-I'M, UH THOSE ARE CYCLING SHORTS!" I stammered feeling myself getting hotter and hotter.

The Uchiha laughed at me, "Really? Can cycling shorts really be that short that is actually before recognizable as panties?" He got me there. I sweat drop and hid my face with my hair as i looked down.

"Pfft, I've grown out of them." I say, trying to protect my pride, but was still blushing. Thankfully, it was dark so he could barely see it, yet I couldn't tell he can sense me flustered.

"Yeah, right. Anyway, we have to go. They're all waiting for us at Naruto's." He says, but his voice was once again cold and distant. His back then turned against me, leaving me behind shortly. Was there something I did? Was there something I did? What the heck did I do.

For a second, he's being all playful and cocky and then the next thing I know is that he's being icy. For some reason, for once in years, I felt reluctant to approach him. But nonetheless, I went after him, keeping a distance. The whole walk back to Naruto's was silent, he didn't speak nor take a glance back. It was bothering me. Sure he's like this but has he not gotten used to our friendship?

Defeated, I heaved a sigh. And by then, we've already arrived to the blond's house. But before I knew it, Sasuke was no longer in my sight. The house was filled with more people than it had been earlier. I was surprised to see how much people actually came. Assuming that Sasuke went in, I shrugged and pushed my way through the crowd, searching for someone I know, maybe Hinata, or Shikamaru or maybe even Neji.

And as luck would have it, I did spot a certain Hyuga who sat beside a sleeping Nara. I grinned at them, seeing Neji in a white fit top over a black leather jacket. He had his eyes closed, "I'm surprised Shikamaru can sleep over this loud music." I said loudly in his ear, taking a seat next to him.

His eyes shot open and he smirked, "No matter how much I think about it, I can't seem to find out how he managed to do so." Neji chuckled, looking back at Shikamaru who had his head leaning on his shoulder. "Oh yeah, if you're looking for Sasuke by the way, I saw him getting dragged by a red haired girl."

Karin. I thought. With that description alone, I could tell, it was Karin. Of course, no one could be too thick faced to drag him just like that, that's just bold man.

I gave Neji a smile and excused myself, trying to look for a certain redhead and a certain jet black haired boy.

I went to the kitchen, front yard, back yard, guest room but they weren't there. There were no signs of them at all. Not even in the tree house that Sasuke, Naruto and I shared in the blond's backyard. I sighed, letting my legs hang from the edge of the floor. I can't believe this tree house is still alive, and it seems Naruto's been visiting this place. It doesn't look abandoned, if anything, it looked so clean. Probably cleaner than Naruto's room.

Then it hit me.

I still haven't checked Naruto's room! With all the excitement rushing inside me, I forgot to use the ladder and fell on my face instead, earning weird looks from everyone. "Aiko! Are you okay?" Someone called out, then a hand helped me up.  I took a glance to see Ino look at me with a concerned look. Said followed behind her, "You're a real klutzy." He commented wryly.

I ignored him, but rolled my eyes after, "I'm fine. Thanks, but I have to go!" I say, giving them a pat on their shoulders before I ran off directly to Naruto's room.

Without hesitation or whatsoever, I opened the door, only then I grimaced at the sight. Just when I finally saw them. Karin was in a most skin exposing outfit ever, I couldn't tell if that was her costume. Sasuke however was below her, judging by their position, despite the two of them look at me in shock. I could tell he's been struggling to get out of her grasp.

I smirked, then putting a hand on my hip, "That's cheap Karin." I say.

She growled at me, "You're just jealous because I'm with him."

I raised my eyebrow at her playfully, "As if. I'm even so unlucky I get to be stuck with him since forever, and will be til death." I shot back. Sasuke glowered at me and barked, "Like you don't enjoy my company."

I shrugged at him calmly, "Aiko! Help me!" He demanded, trying to push the obsessed freak that was on top of him. I grinned and wiggled my brows, "Do you need Micky Mouse to remind you what the magic word is? Or should I call Elmo? Hmm, which one?" I playfully cooed, placing a finger on my chin, looking up the ceiling.

"Seriously, Aiko!"

"Well, I don't hear it guess I got to go then."

"Aiko!"

"Why don't you do it?"

"I can't hit a lady!"

I pouted, so he can hit me whenever he wants but won't hit Karin? That's low. "Given the situation, you have no other choice but to do it...Unless of course, you l-"

"PLEEASE!" He pleaded, still trying to take Karim off him. Really Karin? I'm already standing in front of you, yet you still shamelessly do what you're doing now?

A sinister grin replaced my smirking lips while cracking the joints of my fingers. "Oh damn. I've been waiting for you to say that." I grumbled rather proudly, taking the opportunity to make a contact with Karin's face and my fist. She flew back easily and Sasuke sat up immediately and stood beside me. His bare chest was almost exposed, buttons were unbuttoned till the last two. I growled, "You have some nerve to do this to my best friend, in Naruto's room even." I hissed, disgusted by her actions.

I was about to pounce at her once more but a cold hand rested on my shoulder. "It's okay. Just let her be." Sasuke said softly. I huffed but did not oblige, right when I was letting myself at her, a voice interjected, "Eh? Sasuke, that's gay. You even needed Aiko to help you. Shouldn't it have been the other way around?" It was Naruto. He looked bored, disappointed.

Sasuke shrugged, "I was so close to being raped, man. I couldn't hit her."

"So you would let yourself be?" I huffed at him, turning my back on Karin, "If I weren't here, who knows-"  The next thing I knew, I was engulfed in a tight hug. His familiar scent made me weak on knees but I didn't give in. I pushed him away but he didn't even shift. "That's why I'd like to thank you." He murmured against my hair. I stood there frozen, by his sudden action.

He released me from his arms and began to button up again. "Pft, that wasn't exciting Sasuke. Here I was thinking it would be Aiko in your place. You're so gay." Naruto commented again, ignoring Karin's whimpering figure.

From my shocked state, I pouted again. "Moreover, he'd rather not hit Karin but he'd hit me anytime he likes. Isn't it that just unfair?"

"Eh? He said that?" Naruto asked glumly. I nodded, lips still pushed out.

The blond looked at his best friend, "You are really gay." He announced, sighing as we walked out of the room.

"Aiko's different." Sasuke stated with a smile. Turning to look at me, he poked his tongue out. "she's still a girl. A naive one even. But at least I knows she likes to wear black." He says, waving with a conceited, smug look before adding, "Hmm, interesting. It's almost like she wants to be a lady.".

Naruto looked at us confused. He glanced at me, scanning me from head to toe, "Huh? She's wearing all blue." then he smirked, giving Sasuke a nudge.

"It's Aiko's ribbon! Yeah, I think it makes her look-"

He was stopped when Sasuke smacked the back of his head, his body thrusting forward only to be slammed by the wall. "Baka!" Naruto whined. "What is it then?"

"It's her pan-"

"SHUT UP SASUKE!"