(Sadly, I don't own any of the characters in this story--)

(Sadly, I don't own any of the characters in this story--)

The Beginning

I felt him watching me. Watching my every move. His deep breathing echoed right behind my back. We were back to "that" place. Where it all happened. About 100km east of the Sand village, the empty desert with no direction. I look over at Ino. She's shaking. I have never seen her so scared. And surely this is the first time I have seen her cry. Then, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I froze. If I dropped dead now it would be so much easier. I slowly turned my head hoping it's an angel instead. But it's him. With those eyes.

"Sakuraaa!!" I woke up in a sweat, gasping for air. Ugh, I overslept. "Sakura, what are you still doing in bed? There are two young men here to see you." My mom says in seemingly one breath.

"Heh! I totally spaced it!" I panicked

"Calm down! Spaced what? School doesn't start for another 2 hours."

"I know, I know, Mom. But I'm supposed to go out for ramen with Naruto and Sasuke." I jumped out of bed and scrambled around my room to get ready.

"Umm..Ramen for breakfast?" My mom asked puzzled.

"Yeah..It was uhh..Naruto's pick." I said while remembering losing in rock-paper-scissors.

"Haha, of course. Well, Naruto and Sasuke seem to have become quite handsome. You better get ready well. Keeping two men waiting only makes you trouble!" She giggles.

"Oh, well thanks for reminding me!" I say sarcastically while she leaves my room. I hear her telling them that I'll be down soon.

"Well, finally!" Naruto shouts.

Who does he think he is? And in front of Sasuke? NO way. I ran downstairs as fast as I could.

"Ready!" I smile. I look around. "Wh-Where's Naruto?"

"Ahh, hiding behind the door, he heard you running downstairs fast." Sasuke answered.

"Hey, Sasuke…I just..you know…wanted to..surprise her! Haha..surprise.." Naruto peaks out.

"Right. I see nothing has really changed with you two. Let's go." Sasuke says while starting to walk off.

Why does Naruto always have to ruin everything! Sasuke still thinks that I'm that 12-year-old girl, doesn't he? Ohh, this sucks!

"Itadakimasu!" Naruto burries his face in the ramen. Sasuke and I watch, worrying if any of it is digestible.

"Umm.. Sasuke! Who do you have for Strategy class?" I learn in closer to start conversation.

"Asuma."

"Ah! So do I! It looks like we'll be-" but guess who interrupts me…

"Sasuke! It's been such a long time! I have Asuma as well! It looks like we'll be in the same class." Ino smiles. A charming, but wicked smile. I glared at her as she stood there hugging Sasuke from behind and sticking her disgusting tongue out at me, like usual.

"Hi Ino! Woah, you haven't grown at all!" Naruto greets her.

There was a sudden silence. But, I was so happy inside! She let go of Sasuke and grabs Naruto by the collar, shaking him.

"Wh-What was that, NARUTO?" She was flaming.

"Heheh.. I-I meant your height, Ino, I swear!" Ino backs up and lets him go.

"Oh! You pervert!" She turned red, so embarrassed. "I better get to school now…Bye Sasuke! I'll see you in Strategy class!" She winks at him and struts off.

"Well…that was awkward." I said.

"How about we leave now? I don't want to be late." Sasuke says as he stands up.

"Sasuke NOT wanting to be late? This is news for me! Seems like you've been away for too long from Kakashi." I say jokingly.

"Hah! I have been away from everyone for too long." Sasuke says while walking off.

I wanted to say something but I was speechless. I just sat there…Wondering if Sasuke maybe missed me while he was away…

"Hey..uhh…Sakura..Do you have any money by chance?" Naruto says while preparing to flinch.

"WHY?" I couldn't have been any more irritated.

"I'm sorry!! I guess I spaced it." He tries to laugh while scratching the back of his head.

"WERE YOU EXPECTING US TO PAY FOR YOU?" I stand up furiously.

"No no no! I just-" He waves his hands trying to put out my fire.

"Okay…But, you are definitely paying me back." I gave in.

"Oh..one more thing..I had…uhh..6 bowls.."

There was a short pause.

"NNNNARUTOOOO!!"

END OF CHAPTER

Key:

Itadakimasu: A Japanese phrase said before eating in admiration of the food. Naruto uses this term always right before he eats a bowl of ramen.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the first chapter, there will be many more chapters to come. This is our first fanfic so please give us constructive advice to improve our style of writing. Also, PLEASE no flaming By the way, not all of the chapters will be held in Sakura's narration. It will most likely alternate between multiple characters per chapter. Thank you for reading!