Like Water, Like Love

Chapter 1: Lost Love

Summary: nejixten, sasuxsaku She pushed him away, he drew her in. She wanted an embrace, he wanted to embrace her. She loved someone childishly, he loved her passionately. Their relationship was like water, like love.

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Notes: I had this idea and I really had to get it out XD I was considering just SasuTen, but then my SasuSaku instincts told me, NO! So it'll be NejiTenSasuSaku (A love SQUARE!) On a side note, when I was researching for the characters of the story (I can't remember every detail about them), I was shocked beyond my mind at Neji's new appearance. I must have been blind or something, because I don't remember that he changed THAT much after the timeskip… Oh well, I'm just clueless.

At first, I named this story "I Think I" after the song in the Korean drama, Full House. But then I saw Archee-chan's amazing story called "I think I," (you must read it X3) so I decided not to ruin the glory of the name. –hides in corner- Anyway, enjoy :D

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I'm so tired of always having to pretend
Every time I think about you baby, I feel so young
If I could just tell you I miss you
It's so hard to say I'm sorry

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Tenten

The rain water soaked through my thin, pale pink kimono decorated with delicate white swirls as I sloshed through the empty streets of Konoha. My small, wet feet nearly tripped as they splashed through a shallow puddle, spraying rainwater on my drenched attire. However, my face was lit with a bright smile as I trekked on relentlessly, determined to reach my destination. I sidled against the slippery, cold wall of an apartment complex, determined to be quiet and surprise the one I loved. In my right hand, I anxiously clutched a batch of freshly picked white wild flowers as a childish grin spread across my face. My heart rate ascended insanely, the fastest it had been in my fourteen years of life, as the adrenaline built up. I had to get this right.

Making sure that he was already there, I peaked around the grey, stone corner of the building. I still wore the same insane smile on my face, but only because I was paralyzed with shock. The innocent flowers I had spent hours before meticulously selecting fell sharply to the ground with a cold splash. My fingers dangled limply by my side as I sucked in the scene before me.

He was holding her waist with two hands, and her hands were intertwined around his strong neck. As the rain cascaded down her supple curves, his lips met hers in a rhythmic, passionate contact. She drew him in closer, their bodies touching and fitting together just perfectly.

Hastily, I drew back around the cursed corner and sunk down, cradling myself with my arms. I lowered my head to the sanctuary of my knees, clamping my small hands over my ears as their quiet sounds reached me. Warm, salty tears spilled silently from my clouded hazel eyes as my heart clenched in desire.

What did I do wrong?

Hugging my knees, rocking back and forth, I remained in the same position for half an hour, drenched in the pain of a one-sided love.

How could you do this to me, Sasuke?

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The cold, refreshing surface of the desk meets my tender cheek as I rest my head. With my right index finger, I trace imaginary circles on the wooden writing surface. The summer breeze crawling through the nearby window, uncertain of whether or not it was safe to enter, cautiously tousles my hair.

I close my eyes lightly, allowing the pleasing sunlight to filter in through my eyelids, leaving me peacefully drowsy. My circles slow to just a flinch as I slowly drift to a state of light sleep. In the silent, tranquil abyss of sleep, a distant scene from three years ago flickers in my mind…

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"Tenten, see me after class," Iruka-sensei instructs me quietly. The entire class is silent, diligently working on the final written exam for the year. The pencil twirling around in my fingers stops abruptly at sensei's words. What did I do wrong? However, sensei doesn't explain in the least and continues monitoring the rest of the class, intent on finding any cheaters.

I cast a glance across the classroom to the only other person finished with the exam.

Uchiha Sasuke.

His ebony bangs swish lightly at the sides of his face, forcing him to push them back slightly. I suck in my breath as I take in his perfectly featured, untainted face. Mesmerized, I study his hard, stony eyes, illuminated only by the slanted rays of the sun. His hands are folded before himself on the perfectly clean, smooth desk, trained by the touch of a weapon. He shifts slightly, sending a small ripple through his indigo, loose shirt. My eyes trail down to his clean white shorts, his toned lower legs, and his sandaled feet.

However, the lone survivor of the Uchiha clan is completely oblivious of my obsessive stare. Instead, his stoic gaze falls straight ahead, to nowhere particular except the empty expanse of the blackboard at the front of the large classroom.

Shifting slightly in my seat, I take a look around the classroom. Some people are frantically writing, calculating in their heads as their eyes race across the page. Some have given up and lain down on their desk covered with eraser-shavings, content in slacking off.

And then, my eyes come to a rest upon a vibrantly pink-haired student.

Haruno Sakura.

She's neither working nor sleeping. Instead, for the past half hour, she has been staring intently at her paper, checking each one of the answers for an infinite number of times. Her brow is relaxed, eyes patient as they travel steadily down the paper for the hundredth time, hand ever so occasionally rising to perfect the already round circle around her answer choice.

Looking down at my own answer document, I feel ashamed at how childish and scribbled it looked. I never try to be perfect, but knowledge and memory always come to me naturally.

During intense study sessions, while everyone else is bent over their books and notes, intently studying for the upcoming test, I sit with a lazy expression on my face, matched only by the two other naturals at books, Sasuke and Sakura.

Of course, Naruto never studies either, but he is constantly jumping around everyone else in a frenzied state, trying to break the tension in the air.

Sometimes, as my eyelids begin to droop during one of those study sessions, Naruto will bound over to me, filled with his limitless supply of energy and slam his palm on my back.

"Tenten, Tenten! Do you want to get ramen later? I ran out of my instant ramen at home, so I have to go out to eat today!"

The corners of my mouth will turn up slightly, fiddling with a smile. I will always reply with the same words, "No, Naruto. I have something to do this afternoon."

"That's okay, Tenten-chan! I'll just go ask Sakura-chan! We can go together next time!" With that, the blonde-haired ball of energy will race down to Sakura's seat.

Sighing slightly, a small smile plays on my lips as I imagine Naruto's immature voice asking me to join him for a ramen fest.

My mind drifts slightly, the summer breeze fingering my hair as I wait for the rest of the students to finish the exam. After a while, my thoughts wander to Sasuke. To love.

"Tonight. Beside the main apartment complex."

Sasuke's words replay over and over in my mind. I tingle at the thought of being alone in a deserted street with the only man who has captured my attention. We have been together as a couple for a year, but I didn't think he would ever take the initiative in our relationship until he curtly commanded me to meet him before class today.

Unable to stand against the increasing impulse to sleep, I close my eyes lightly and lay my head down on the desk for a short snooze.

Roughly, I am awakened from my deepened sleep by a swift nudge. Drowsily, I open my eyes, greeted only by the sight of the retreating back of Sasuke and Iruka-sensei sorting through the exam papers.

Straightening my back and stretching my arms, I look down and realize my test is still on my desk. Embarrassed, I quickly gather my belongings and jog down to sensei's desk. He looks up from his papers and smiles at me.

"Why didn't you wake me up, sensei?" I ask curiously under a stubborn mask of sleepiness.

"Because I know you always finish your test in the first hour," he laughs. "Anyway, Tenten, I wanted to talk to you about something." His face hardens.

Actually, I have forgotten his quiet request to see me after class during my slumber.

"Oh yes…" I answer lamely, afraid that his next words will lead to trouble.

However, Iruka-sensei simply gives me a reassuring smile and asks, "Would you like to skip a grade in the Academy?"

My eyes widen at his question. "What?" I blurt out.

"Well, you surpassed all of the standards for the next grade already. I don't see why you would need to repeat the material you already know."

"So I would be a year ahead of everyone else?"

He thinks for a moment. "Yes, you can say it that way."

"Haruno… Uchiha…" I stammer. Sure, I can modestly say that I am among the top in my class, but so are they.

"The rule is that you must have parent consent to skip a grade. I know both of their situations, but it is unspeakable to break the rules."

"Oh…" Sakura and Sasuke's parents were both killed when they were children.

"Well, ask your parents and tell me your answer tomorrow." Iruka-sensei returns to his filing of papers.

Stiffly, I exit the room. I know my parents would be proud of me, and can finally say that their daughter is worth something, but I can't leave Sasuke behind. I can't. I squeeze my eyes shut.

I'll just talk to him about it today.

My first destination is the gentle hills not too far from Konoha. A beautiful field of delicate white flowers lines one of the hills, almost as if it were heaven. Smiling happily, I run up the gentle slope to the array of innocence, taking in the scent of fresh blooming.

Carefully, I pick out each blossom with utmost care, making sure that they are healthy and will last for another few hours.

Finally, after two hours of painstaking searching for the perfect flowers, I return home and race to my room, searching for the perfect kimono for the night.

I pull out outfit after outfit from my dresser, searching for the one that matches best with my eyes, complexion, and hair. Finally, in the dark recesses of my closet, I find the perfect kimono. It is cherry blossom pink with intricate, spellbinding swirls decorating the sleeves and bottom. The underlying first layer is a relaxed white, coordinating pleasantly with the pink.

I cross the left side over the right, careful to avoid wrinkles and evening out both layers so that the collar is perfectly aligned. Wrapping the silky cloth tightly around my body, I make the traditional Japanese attire hug my body. Satisfied with my image, I pick up the rosy red obi, tying it securely around my waist.

The long, flowing sleeves sweep the floor as I dance in a circle before the mirror, admiring my work. A giggle escapes my mouth as I imagine Sasuke's reaction. Would he be surprised? Pleased?

Impassive?

I shake my head. I must flatter him.

Removing my hair from my regular two buns, I carefully comb my chocolate brown hair, running my fingers through it as I put the comb down to make sure it is free of tangles. Using my hands, I loosely arrange my locks into various styles, trying to find one that frames my face, but won't make me look bizarre.

Finally, I settle for a relatively simple, single bun, pinning it to the upper part of the back of my head, turning my head side to side, making certain that it is absolutely perfect.

Then, I strategically pull some tresses to the sides of my face, portraiting and accenting my facial features.

For a final twist, I carefully insert a long, stick-like ornament into my tight bun. Three strands of faint pink jewels drift off of the end, jingling as I move around, readjusting my kimono once more.

I have to look perfect. I have to.

Picking up the bouquet of innocent white flowers I had picked just a few hours before, I stand on my tip-toes, reaching for a thick ribbon atop my dresser. Feeling the material at my fingertips, I stretch just a little more, managing to claim the slippery material in my hands. Carefully, I tie the sash around the blossoms in a large bow, readjusting some of the flowers.

The men are supposed to bring flowers, but I guess I have to complete the romance of the scene by bringing my own. Oh well. I have to keep up our strained relationship.

I bite my lip as the fact that Sasuke probably doesn't love me sinks in.

I only need to revive my clan, Tenten.

His dark glare bores into my falsely warm one.

I shake my head once more, ridding myself of my pessimistic thoughts. No, of course he loves me.

Pasting my unwavering smile onto my face, I walk out the front door. The darkening sky is sprinkling water down to the earth, but it is only a light sheet of wetness, so I ignore it. My hard-earned appearance draws stares and whistles from the passing men.

"Tenten-chan!" A voice calls me from a close ramen stall.

Turning around slowly in my geta, I face the loud blonde with a warm smile. As usual, he is sitting with Sakura and consuming his fifth bowl of ramen.

I walk over slowly to the small restaurant, careful not to trip over anything on the ground. I run my fingers through my brown bangs slightly, straightening them nervously.

"You're so pretty today, Tenten-chan!" Naruto compliments me happily between slurps of ramen.

"You are," Sakura confirms, giving me a stiff smile. She knows I am with Sasuke, and she wants it too.

"You too, Sakura-san," I return, giving her a small bow.

"Ah! Done!" Naruto declares as he sets down his bowl of noodles and chopsticks. "Come on, Sakura-chan! I want to show you something at my house!" he insists, tugging her out of the stall.

Down the street, I can hear them bickering, Sakura trying to release herself from Naruto.

Smiling slightly, I make my way down the street. I raise my eyes to the sky, realizing that the sun is still sinking. Deciding that it was still too early to meet Sasuke, I dwindle in a few shops, but don't buy anything. I am only biding my time.

Finally, the night sky tells me that the moment is just right. My small smile turns insanely happy as I quicken my pace to reach the apartments. The rain begins to come down harder, but I don't have an umbrella, so I simply run faster. I knew I am soaked, but I hope Sasuke won't notice.

In my mind, I imagine a scene where Sasuke is waiting at the wall, casually leaning against it, staring up at the silent night sky. Then, I run in as he turns his head slowly to meet my gaze. Seeing me, he removes his hands from his pockets and straightens, holding me in an intimate embrace as I dramatically toss the flowers down to the ground, scattering petals around us…

My heartbeat quickens at the thought of Sasuke's loving touch as the looming, grey building comes into sight. I want to surprise him, so I turn my head around the corner to take in the situation. Is he even there?

He is, and my foolish gaze seems glued on as I absorb in the dream-shattering scene playing before my eyes. He, with his rebellious hair drenched by the rain, is holding a girl in such a loving way that I don't think it is even possible. Their lips meet knowingly, as if it were a normal practice. The water pelts down on their heads, but they are oblivious, lost among themselves. And as I crane my neck farther around the corner, I see a flash of pink…

Haruno Sakura.

The innocent, white flowers fall from my loose grip, landing in the puddles at my feet. Hastily, I turn back around, and lower myself slowly to the ground. Dumbstruck, I sit there and weep for an eternity.

"Would you like to skip a grade in the Academy?"

There is nothing holding me back now.

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I awake with a start, the pain of a lost love constricting in my chest.

Running my fingers over my lips full of desire, I think of Sasuke. He didn't speak to me ever again since that day three years ago, and we slowly saw less and less of each other.

And as the distance increased,

So did my love.

I sigh as the wind plays in through the window. Slowly, I reach out to close it, but stop abruptly as a blur passes into my room, lifting my curtains with the sudden rush of air. I turn and smile at the regular visitor.

"Is it time to train already, Neji-kun?"

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Notes: If you're really confused about ages…

Past -

Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, Tenten – Fourteen

Neji - Fifteen

Present (three years later)–

Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, Tenten – Seventeen

Neji, Lee - Eighteen

Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura graduate from the Academy when they are sixteen, and Tenten graduates when she is fifteen. Neji graduates at the same time as Tenten, but was always in the upper class (he didn't skip), so he is sixteen when he graduates.

No, this is not an AU story, even though it can pass as one right now.

Hope you enjoyed the first chapter :D (I wrote it all in one sitting :O)