Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters affiliated therewith. Neither do I own "I Want It That Way" or any material related to the Backstreet Boys in any way.


Dedicated to Jessica C., who loves this pairing and is a great friend.


"Go Sasuke!" Sakura shouted, waving to her raven-haired teammate as he walked up the stage. Team Seven was at a karaoke party that Iruka was throwing for all his friends, sempai and student alike. Everyone at the party was wondering what song the Uchiha was going to sing, or even if he could sing that well at all. At least the guy was trying.

"First of all, I think we should all thank Iruka-sensei for inviting us," the Uchiha said in a slightly happier tone than his normal one. All those present looked at Iruka and shouted, clapping. He waved it off and smiled, shushing everyone so Sasuke could speak again.

"I'm going to sing the song 'I Want It That Way'. It reminds me of someone… I care a lot about." Sakura and Ino perked up, both hoping he was talking about them. They glared at each other but turned their attention back to their dream boy as the track began to play. Both nearly fainted with delight when they heard the Uchiha's beautiful, haunting voice:

You are my fire
The one desire
Believe when I say
I want it that way

But we are two worlds apart
Can't reach to your heart
When you say
That I want it that way

Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way

Sasuke remembered the first time he had met her. She had seemed so obnoxious, the way her eyes went wide as he passed her. And yet, at the same time, he felt pleased with the attention he received…

Am I your fire
Your one desire
Yes I know it's too late
But I want it that way

Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way

Now I can see that we're falling apart
From the way that it used to be, yeah
No matter the distance
I want you to know
That deep down inside of me...

He saw her again when he joined the Ninja Academy. He remembered the way his heart beat faster and a smile appeared on his lips. The way she had looked at him in the classroom, the way he stole glances at her when they were practicing chakra control. Yes, it was all coming back to him now…

You are my fire
The one desire
You are
You are, you are, you are

Don't wanna hear you say
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Ain't nothin' but a mistake
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way

Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Tell me why
Ain't nothin but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way
I want it that way…

"Sakura-chan…" Everyone heard the raven-haired boy whisper the kunoichi's name into the microphone in his hand. Sasuke didn't realize it until he heard nothing but silence. He opened his eyes and the first person he saw was the pink-haired girl he secretly loved. His cheeks went pink as he went and sat down beside Naruto. Suddenly, the whole audience erupted in applause. Sakura was still looking at Sasuke's back, and he could feel it. Hesitantly, he glanced back at her and she smiled at him. His eyes softened and he smiled back.

"Great job, Sasuke," Iruka said. "Up next, we have Haruno Sakura!" The kunoichi gave a start as she heard her name. Shyly, she stood up and walked to the stage.