Yes, this is a high school fic, simply because I'm tired of reading shitty ones. Don't get me wrong, I'm not claiming mine will be amazing, I'm sure it will be far from it. I just wanted something different. This is actually very much based off my personal high school experiences and the kind of town I've grown up in. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
And this will be rated M for a reason. You've been warned.
Konoha was one of the many small, wealthy towns in the Fire Country, and it's residents were anything but average. Everyone had a perfectly green lawn with a sprinkler system and vibrant flowers that were striking, but not over-powering. Gardeners were seen outside regularly to tend to the flowers or to trim the bushes into intricate patterns. The homes were painted once a year and the asphalt driveways were repaved as necessary. Because white picket fences were so out, iron fences were seen surrounding some of the yards of people with young children or pets. Attractive wreaths and decorations adorned the homes during the appropriate times of the season, though many people dismissed this idea due to the tackiness of such objects.
The town was filled with doctors, CEOs, and lawyers who had come from all over the world because they had heard of the raving reviews Konoha got. The small-town feel was accompanied by the big city, hot shot families that soon began to change the atmosphere that was once very rural and farm-like. But, family-owned businesses were common and a fresh farmer's market was seen on a side street every Wednesday. Big city meets small town soon created a huge appeal to anyone outside the town's walls, and now there was practically a waiting list for a home. The mayor, Tsunade, was completely unwilling to expand the town, because she believed Konoha would then lose the recognition it had worked so hard to gain.
All the children attended a private school from the time they were in preschool to when they reached eighth grade. By the time they hit high school, anyone from within Fire Country was eligible to attend the boarding school, but only by going through a rigorous admission process. Just like the rest of Konoha, the boarding school appeared to have everything. It offered mathematics classes from pre-algebra to the most advanced statistics, and the same went for English, history, and science. Besides providing outstanding education, the school also had a variety of elective courses. French, Spanish, and German were offered for all students, as well as twenty different art classes. All students were encouraged to take the difficult AP classes; mainly to keep up the school's fantastic reputation. Though it was not required, most all students participated in some sort of sport, ranging from cross country to ultimate Frisbee.
Kids were expected to go with their parents to parties, to mingle with their friends as their parents talked about the business they were somehow all involved in. One was always expected to maintain stunning looks and exceptional grades, and embarrassing oneself in public was absolutely not acceptable. Drugs and alcohol, though in no way encouraged, were mainly ignored unless the user managed to shame themselves and their family. Konoha was all about looks and prestige, anyone who was brave enough to defy either of those things was either extremely stupid or extremely brave.
Sakura Haruno was the adopted child of the mayor. Her parents had chosen to leave Fire Country in pursuit of new challenges, allowing to stay back with their family friend, Tsunade. The two got along very well, living happily within Tsunade's large home with their Russian Blue kitty, Veronika. If being the mayor's "daughter" didn't set her apart enough, her looks certainly did. Her shocking, naturally pink hair contrasted nicely against her pale, creamy skin and beryl green eyes. She was already very skinny, and running cross country for the school only added to her lean body. Despite being thin, she sported muscular legs and arms, as well as enough abdominal muscle to be noticed during swimsuit season. Her breasts were fairly large for her small body, though if she was at the proper weight they wouldn't look nearly as big. Her clothes would be classified as easy to move in and comfortable, though they never once lacked style. She was often seen wearing brands like American Apparel and Urban Outfitters, but she specially ordered her accessories online because of the lack of store variety Konoha offered. Sakura currently attending the boarding school in her sophomore year, at age fifteen, and her life was about to take a turn she never thought possible.
"First period, English with Asuma Sarutobi. Second, AP Fire Country history with Shibi Aburame. Third, drawing two with Hana Inuzaka. Fourth, honors biology with Guy. Fifth, lunch. Sixth, honors pre-calculus with Yamato. Seventh, painting one with Kakashi. Eighth, photography with Kakashi again. Ninth, French three with Kurenai," Sakura Haruno listed off her schedule to her best friend, Ino Yamanaka, as they walked through the sophomore parking lot of Konoha Boarding school.
"Shoot Sakura! You have three art classes, two honors ones, and an AP history?! How'd you even manage the last one?" Ino asked, her bright turquoise eyes wide.
Ino had been Sakura's best friend since the two both ran cross country in seventh grade. They hadn't been friends from the start; they actually at first had had a huge rivalry to who was the better runner and who could win the heart of the most sought after boy, Sasuke Uchiha. Once the two had realized how ridiculous they had been acting, they were inseperable. Since then Sasuke had left Konoha [or gotten kicked out, some say] and Ino and Sakura were constantly switching places as four and five on the varsity cross country team. Needless to say, the two had worked out their differences.
"They just started last year offering AP Fire Country History to sophomores; I thought it would be smart to take advantage of it. And as far as honors and art classes, you know I can handle those Ino," Sakura replied with a smile. She knew her schedule was packed, and her grades would be hard to maintained along with the stress of cross country, but she could do it. She always had and she'd be damned if she ruin her GPA.
"Just don't overload yourself too much, girl, AP classes are scary shit. With all those seniors and juniors? That's way intimidating," Ino said, her face skeptical, "I'm pretty sure Shikamaru is taking that class too though. I bet you guys'll be in the same class!" Shikamaru Nara was Ino's long-time boyfriend. He was super lazy, but practically a genius. It was no surprise to Sakura that he was taking the class as well.
"I hope he is! It'd be great to have a friend in something so stressful, especially when it comes to group or partner projects," Sakura said, grinning at her friend.
The two girls continued to walk and talk until they reached the school, asking about the courses the other was taking. They opened up the large doors of the building, and walked to the locker rooms. After locking up their duffel bags filled with running gear, sharing a locker of course, they made their way to the mirrors close to the stalls to critique each other.
"How do I look?"
Sakura looked at Ino. She was so lucky. She could easily pull of any look, preppy, punk, even nerdy, and look amazing. She had fair skin, bright blue eyes, and naturally light blond hair that hit her mid-back. She was built like Sakura, but was at a normal weight and had bigger breasts. Her style was directly taken from Teen Vogue, frilly, but still classic and beautiful. Ino's outfit today consisted of a Nicole Miller black t-shirt dress that, right around her hips, went out into a multi-tiered lacy skirt that showed off her shapely legs. She wore an array of gold chains, some with small animal pendants, because she always had a fix for little creatures. Her black, faux-suede slouchy ankle boots topped the outfit off, making her look stunning, as usual. Her blond hair cascaded straight down her shoulders like a waterfall and a small gold bobby pin held her bangs off of her face. Her blue eyes were expertly lined with charcoal eyeshadow and very black mascara, enhancing their color. Her lips were left without the lip gloss that was commonly used among their peers, and instead moisturized with a red-tinted chapstick. She twirled and smiled with her straight, white teeth.
"I love it! The little gold dragon ring you're wearing is my absolute favorite!" Sakura exclaimed, smiling when she saw Ino beam.
"Thank you! I wanted to look extra nice for the first day, obviously. But I gotta give it to you Sak, you look amazing!" Ino replied, applying another layer of her cherry chapstick.
Sakura wore a deep, emerald green American Apparel v-neck that offset her own light green eyes, and had a pair of black and white houndstooth cycle shorts underneath, since the shirt went about six inches about her knees. She wore a pair of simple quilted black flats, of course having insoles in them so her feet wouldn't hurt during the evening running practice. She wore only one necklace, a belly-length silver owl with large black eyes. Her pale skin was perfectly moisturized, and had a light sheen under the fluorescent bulbs of the locker room. Her rose colored hair was in a high side-pony, the shorter layers falling out and framing her heart-shaped face. Beryl eyes were lined with black, and had mascara to match. She wore nothing on her lips and her nails were self-painted black.
"Thanks Ino," she smiled, "I'm pretty much obsessed with v-necks right now."
Ino laughed, "you certainly pull them off! It's just the right amount of cleavage. Not too conservative, not too skanky."
"Well what can I say, that's what I was going for," Sakura joked, her pale cheeks slightly flushed. The girls chuckled and left the locker rooms just as the first bell rang, signaling them to their first classes.
"Where are you headed again?" Sakura asked, already have completely forgotten her best friend's schedule, much to her dismay.
"Spanish two, see you at lunch Sakura!" Ino called over her shoulder as she walked to the math wing of the school.
Konoha Boarding School was made up of six different main hallways: mathematics, science, social studies, language arts [English], visual arts, and foreign language and performing arts. The building was three stories high, two wings on each floor. Luckily, the students were given ten minutes between their forty-five minute classes, which was ample time to get from one floor to the other. The first floor was for math and science, the second for social studies and English, and the third was for visual arts and foreign languages/performing arts. The theater was large enough to hold four hundred people, and the cafeteria held two hundred students comfortably. There were two gymnasiums, used only for indoor sports and the freshmen gym classes. The main office, located at the front of the school, branched off into eight different, smaller offices. The front was for attendance and to make appointments with one of the four guidance counselors. The other four offices were for the principle, vice principle, the nurse, and the dean of students, who was in charge of the punishment for those who had acted out.
As Sakura made her way upstairs to the English wing, she saw him. Him as in, Itachi Uchiha. She felt her face flush once again and her heartbeat increased tenfold. God, why did he do this to her? Itachi was Sasuke's handsome older brother, who was a senior this year. He had long black hair, always pulled back into a low ponytail, with shorter pieces around his face. His eyes were the darkest of navy blue, and he had a smooth, blemish-free, beige complexion. He dressed in simple black skinny jeans, a white [probably Hanes] v-neck, a black zippered hoodie, and a pair of checkered slip-ons. For someone who's parents were the wealthiest in Konoha, he certainly didn't dress the part. The Uchihas had uncovered a plethora of oil in some far off region during the oil crisis years ago, and since then had made millions. They had enrolled both their sons in the excellent schooling program that Konoha offered, and expected great things from both of them. Sasuke, who was Sakura's age, had been found by some quack named Orochimaru, who claimed to have an educational course outside the Fire Country that gave great opportunities for scholarships when it came to college applications. Sasuke had somehow managed to string his parents along with the plan, and had left with Orochimaru in eighth grade. Sakura hadn't seen, or heard, of him since. She figured the reason he had gone in the first place was to finally beat Itachi, since he had apparently never lived up to his older brother's own accomplishments. It had to be rough being in his shadow all the time.
Regardless, Sasuke was gone and Itachi was here and, oh God, Sakura was having trouble breathing. Itachi had been in both of her art one and drawing one classes last year, and she knew he was extremely talented. Being as shy and guy-inexperienced as she was, she had never actually talked to him, but was captivated by his good looks, smooth voice, and amazing artistic skills. Last year, after she told Ino about her massive crush on him, she found some things out. Ino relayed to her some deep, dark secrets the guy had, how she had even found out she had no idea, but apparently Itachi had both a drinking, partying, and drug-using problem. The news spooked Sakura. He never looked hungover or under the influence, but maybe she was just not looking hard enough. But even after finding out, she observed him and kept willing him to talk to her, which, naturally, didn't happen.
But now, as she stood here looking at him, she was even more dumbfounded by his beauty. How could he possibly have gotten better looking? His hair was shiny, but not greasy, and the smirk adorning his face was just so damn adorable. Her breath hitched when she saw him look at her, and she quickly looked away, speeding to where she knew her English class was. Sakura was sure her face was as red as a tomato, and she went to the restroom in hopes for her heart to slow down.
Sure enough, her face was red, something that was very unattractive with her rosy hair. She let out a few breaths, and felt the blush recede and her pulse slow. She walked out, her confidence back up, and made her way to English with Asuma. It was only the first day. Now was not the time to be freaking out. Not yet.
Sakura's first six classes had all been a breeze. As predicted, Shikamaru was in her AP history class, as well as her honors biology and pre-calculus. Ino, Shikamaru, Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzaka, and Naruto Uzumaki had all gotten lucky with lunch together, sitting happily at their usual round table by the large-paned windows. It was comforting to Sakura to be with her group, since she had difficulties finding familiar faces in her other classes. As she made her way up to the third floor for painting, she vaguely wondered who would be in her painting class. Sakura loved art of all kinds, but didn't think painting was a strength of hers, and was nervous for the semester course. She delicately stepped up the stairs, wishing she had broken in her shoes before wearing them to school. Cross country tonight was definitely going to be painful.
She finally made it to the painting room, smiling brightly when she saw Kakashi sitting as his desk lazily. Kakashi Hatake was only in his thirties, but had a wild mane of gray hair. He kept a black scarf over his mouth, pulled up to his nose, but, surprisingly, it didn't impair his speaking anyway. Always wore a simple black headband to keep his crazy hair back, part of it covering his left eye. He had on a pair of black skinny jeans, that were slightly baggy, and a simple white button down, only half tucked in, and a pair or scuffed black slip-ons. No one ever question his clothing choices; he always asked his class on the first day not to. It was lucky that the school's administrators didn't care about the staff's apparel.
His viweable eye crinkled when he saw her, a sign that he was smiling underneath his scarf.
"Good afternoon Sakura, has your first day been well? Any teachers I need to beat up for you?" he lightly joked, ruffling her hair after she walked up to him at his desk. Kakashi had always loved her as a student, and he had automatically become her favorite teacher. Anyone who loved art as much as her was definitely awesome.
"Of course it's been good Kakashi! And I'm actually pretty happy with all my teachers, but if I have any trouble I'll let you know," she replied, winking at him to let him know she was joking. She took her seat in the front of the room, wondering who the other three peers of hers would end up sitting with her.
As the class began to fill up, she became nervous. She didn't recognize very many people, and no one had decided to sit with her yet. By the time the bell rang for class to begin, still no one was sitting with her, and the class was full up. Sakura furrowed her nicely plucked eyebrows, she didn't think she had loser status at all. But as she looked around, everyone there was with someone who was in their clique, so it sort of did make sense. Nobody from her clique was taking painting, so of course she would have nobody to sit with and talk to. As she looked on the bright side, at least that meant she could focus more on putting out the best work she could. Sakura was thrown from her thoughts as she heard Kakashi begin speaking.
"Alright class! You probably had me for art one last year, but it's a requirement that I tell you about myself and what this class is-"
"Excuse me for being late, but I have an admit slip, Kakashi," Sakura heard a velvety voice say. Oh God. Her heart skipped a beat. There he was. Itachi Uchiha was in her painting class, leaning against the doorframe, white slip in hand, his face blank. His eyes never left Kakashi's as he walked up and handed his his slip. The teacher glanced at it, before nodding and tossing it in the trashcan behind him.
"Ah, Itachi, nice of you to join us," Kakashi said, smiling at the senior. Sakura narrowed her eyes; it looked like Itachi was the other favorite of the gray-haired teacher.
"Where would you like me to sit, sir?" Itachi asked coolly, his eyes scanning the room, resting only momentarily on Sakura.
"Hmmm," Kakashi thought out loud, "Why don't you take a seat to Miss Haruno? I'm sure she would appreciate your company," he said, gesturing to her. Itachi took his seat directly across from her.
As Kakashi took attendance and went through the first day spiel, Sakura looked out the window, unwilling to glance at the beautiful being sitting only a mere three feet away from her. Now what was she going to do? There was absolutely no way that she would be able to focus with him sitting so close to her! She was silently cursing Kakashi for assigning Itachi's seat for him, when she found a hand thrown in her face.
"It's nice to see you again, Haruno," Itachi said, his intense gaze pouring into her. She suppressed a shiver; it was like he was staring into her soul. Her already big green eyes got impossibly larger as she stared at the hand in front of her, shocked that he would want to shake her hand. She lifted her hand carefully, placing it into his, giving it a firm shake like she had been taught. A strong handshake meant confidence. She was confident. Itachi Uchiha didn't scare her shitless. No way.
"It's nice to see you as well, Itachi," she said, smiling shyly, as she looked at his midnight eyes, "I'm looking forward to this class."
"I am as well. It shall be very interesting," he replied, a small smirk forming. Sakura marveled at his ability to speak so eloquently and not sound like a try-hard. Anyone else who spoke that way would automatically be labeled as a freak. She frowned. He certainly didn't talk like someone who had a multitude of problems. Kakashi had managed to take a whole forty minutes to introduce himself and the class itself, and Sakura could tell that everyone was getting bored. As everyone awaited the shrill sound of the bell, Kakashi finally said something that actually mattered.
"Before I forget! Your first project will be with of a partner; someone who sits at your table. Sakura, Itachi, since you two are the only ones at your table, you will be partners. The rest of you may pick your partners. This project is simply to see your painting ability and where you're at. You have two and a half weeks to complete the piece. You may do a close up portrait, or full body; I'll leave that to your creative brains. Two and a half weeks, don't forget! You may use the remaining five minutes to find your partner and work out times to work, and remember, have fun with it, but it is still a grade!" Kakashi said, smiling. He went back to his desk, leaving the students to their own work.
Sakura inwardly groaned. Seriously? She would have to paint a picture of Itachi Uchiha. She had no problem with drawing, and painting a face wasn't too bad, but of him? She couldn't even look at him without shaking, how was she supposed to paint a masterpiece? She glanced over at him, watching as he wrote something she couldn't see in a small notebook. He looked up and she once again found herself unable to break his stare.
"I'm free on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, as long as it's after five. And I can work any time on the weekends. When's good for you?" he asked bluntly, beginning to put away his notebook and pencil.
"Uhm," she cursed herself for not saying something more intelligent, "I have cross country everyday until four, so five on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays is good for me. And I can do anytime on the weekends as well. Would you liked to maybe start today?" She did her best to not sound hopeful, she did not want him to think she was some desperate girl who begged for his approval.
"Today would work very well for me, actually. I have a small studio at my house that I work in, would you like to come over so we can brainstorm and get started?" he replied, tiliting his head slightly.
"Yeah, that sounds good to me," she said, once again giving a small smile as she felt her cheeks heat up. Itachi suddenly passed a small piece of paper over to her.
"That's my address. I look forward to seeing you tonight, Haruno," he said, just as the bell rang.
Sakura sat there, the paper crumpled in her hand. Itachi was looking forward to seeing her tonight. Her. And she would get to talk to him about art and how he wanted to be painted and how she wanted to be painted and everything. Oh God. She could not wait to tell Ino.
That wasn't too bad right? Read and review please!3 (: