WARNING:

RATED M FOR

DRUGS.
MATURE THEMES.
AND
LANGUAGE.

Chapter One

… First Meeting …

He lit the cigarette and sighed contently when the nicotine went deep inside of his throat. Exhaling a long puff of smoke, he tapped the cigarette so that some of the ashes could be removed. At moments like this, he could forget what was happening in his life; whether it be good or bad. Smoking was a bad habit and his sister would always cuss him out for doing it, but most of the time he ignored her. After all, she wasn't too far off from being like he was. Alcohol was her poison, though.

With a sigh, he took another long, much needed drag, and threw the cigarette on the cement; just before stepping on it. School would start in ten minutes and he hated being late to first period. Not because he liked it, but because his teacher was like a Devil.

She would always send him off to the principal for just being two minutes late. Why would she do such a thing if she hadn't even started to teach yet? Some would think that she'd just tell him not to do it ever again, but no, she was definitely not like that. Ms. Mitarashi was just as bad as Mr. Hatake, only slightly worse.

Stepping away from the smoking pit, Gaara made his way towards the front doors of Konoha High; pushing them open to see students filing through the hallways. His classroom was 2-B, which was all the way at the other end. It would possibly take him a while, since so many of his classmates liked to lollygag in the hall, which annoyed him greatly, but he wouldn't say anything to them.

Gaara placed his hands inside of his pockets and proceeded through the hallway, liking the fact that most of the kids moved out of his way. He wasn't someone to be messed with, that much was true, though there were idiots who tried to challenge him. Sasuke Uchiha threatened him once, but then he stopped after the red head punched him in the face. Served him right for trying to start a fight that everyone knew he wouldn't win.

Sighing, he avoided the stares of those around him, knowing that they were watching; judging. He honestly didn't care what others thought of him. He's had worse, especially when he was a child. Most wouldn't even come near him when he was younger.

So distracted by his thoughts, Gaara didn't notice the blond that was coming from the opposite direction; obviously blabbing away about nothing. That's when he slammed into her shoulder, causing her to fall backwards. He stumbled slightly, but stood his ground for the most part.

"Ah!" She yelped, while rubbing her shoulder slightly in pain. Once she looked up, a glare came across her eyes when she saw who ran into her. "YOU! Why don't you watch where you're going!?"

Gaara gave her a blank stare. "I wasn't the only one distracted." He said, his tone calm and collected. He knew how this girl worked and if she was angry, he shouldn't bother with arguing, because she always thought she was right. Even when she is wrong.

Ino stood up and straightened her blouse, while her bright blue hues narrowed upon him. "You jerk! Must you always be this way?! Why can't you just apologize and move on?"

The red haired male rolled his eyes, noticing that there were on-lookers now, obviously thrilled with seeing a fight just before school would start. He wouldn't give them the satisfaction, however, so he just shrugged and brushed past Ino and her posse.

For some strange reason, the faint smell of vanilla entered his nose, causing him to stop and look back. Her pink haired friend was standing next to her, obviously displeased with Gaara's actions. Why was it that he hasn't noticed her before?

Ino stomped her foot down, snapping him out his thoughts once more. "Don't you dare turn your back on me."

"I have no time for you. I have to get to class. How about we argue another day, even though I still won't care what you have to say?"

That set her off again, but he just ignored her and continued to walk toward Anko's class. Gaara held some truth to his words, he really did not have time for her and her bullshit today.

Females. He thought to himself as he took a seat near the window. Always trying to act like they're the victim. Even though he couldn't help but wonder about the pink haired girl that was next to her. Was she new or something? Or was he really that dense? The only way for a girl to enter Ino's group was if they knew her really well.

Oh well, not like it mattered. She would always be on the other side of the fence. Popular, with pretty much every guy swooning over her. He really hated girls like that, but he didn't know her, so he guessed he shouldn't judge her, even though she probably judged him when he ran into Ino.

"HEY MAN!" A loud, obnoxious voice said to his right, causing him to frown. "I saw that whole situation in the hallway. You think Ino would be a little nicer, but no, apparently we're like the plague."

Gaara looked towards his friend Naruto and sighed, wishing that this knucklehead would leave him alone today. "Naruto. I have absolutely no patience today."

Naruto shook his head. "Geez, what crawled up your butt?" Then he couldn't help but laugh when his best friend gave him a death glare and punched him on the arm.

Sakura took notice of him immediately. Was it his red hair? His jade-green eyes? Or the love symbol on top of his forehead? She couldn't put her finger on it, but when she first laid eyes on him, she couldn't help the awe she felt.

Did she even know him? Not really, but she wanted to get to know him. There was only one problem; Ino Yamanaka was her best friend and she absolutely hated him. Sakura had no idea why she did, but she didn't really feel like hearing that back story, especially if it involved Sasuke or whatever.

"I can't believe he didn't apologize." Ino said, once he was out of earshot. "Now I'm going to have to burn these clothes!"

"What's wrong with him?" Sakura asked, as she looked at the blond who was rubbing her shoulder. Was he truly that disgusting?

Ino looked at her like she grew two heads. "Sakura. You can't be serious! You've never heard of Sabaku No Gaara?"

Even those around them gasped a little bit. Why did Sakura suddenly feel like she didn't belong with this group anymore? "I have no idea who he is, Ino."

"He used to go to Suna, until they expelled him. No one knows why, but they assumed it was because he assaulted a teacher. You've never noticed that he is usually in the principal's office? You work there sometimes!"

When Sakura didn't comment, Ino continued. "Anyway, like I was saying… he's been on probation three time since he's been here. Sasuke-kun told me that he was caught doing something illegal. He couldn't share the information, but I bet he was doing drugs."

Sakura shook her head. Did she honestly want to hear this story? Why did Ino insist on knowing everything about him if he was such a bad guy?

Ino snorted once they sat down in their class. "One time he was at Shikamaru's party, since they're buddies and all, but that's not the point. I saw him smoking outside with this cute guy, so I decided to go talk to him. Before I could even say a word, Gaara interrupted me and said that he wasn't interested and that he would never be interested. Who says that kind of stuff to a girl?!"

The pinkette was curious as to why Ino decided to approach him in the first place. If she was so afraid of him, why would she bother? Maybe she was just trying to get a good lay? Ino was always trying to get with someone, but Sakura didn't tell her how slutty she seemed at times.

Before Ino could say anything else, their teacher walked in and began teaching the class. Sakura zoned out and began doodling in her notebook; thinking about the red haired male who her best friend apparently hated to the core. Maybe if she heard his story…

No. Don't think like that. She thought to herself. She knew what would happen if she began to get into the wrong crowd, so for now, her curiosity was going to stay underground. She didn't need to sacrifice everything she has worked so hard to achieve.

"Oh by the way, Shikamaru is having another party this weekend. Wanna go?"

Sakura thought for a second. "Sure." Maybe he would be there. Maybe not. But she wanted to that chance and speak to him before getting her opinion.

Now she was actually excited to go home.