I can't resist

I am sorta kinda back – I'm moving back to the states so I'm cramming now for the SATs

I should be studying but I can't resist – if I pop in a few SAT words I'm 'studying'….

This fanfic is inspired by the song 'The art teacher' by Rufus Wainwright

The cold wind bristled against the group vehemently as they waited for their teacher outside. Most of the group sat on the stairs that led to the building of the metropolitan art gallery, while a few stood. Many individuals grumbled as to why their art teacher had suddenly convoked them last week before their finals and suggested a 'little excursion'. The class obliged as this venture to the art gallery would act as their final assessment. They'd have the whole day to peruse the gallery and then they'd have to select a painting and write an analysis on the painting. It was either that or having to sit through an excruciating three and half hour exam for the class.

The only thing stopping them from entering the gallery was the abominable receptionist, 'I cannot allow you in the gallery until your teacher is here to supervise you.'

'Seriously we're seniors, most of us full-fledged adults, I think we can handle ourselves.' Sakura spoke to the receptionist.

At that same moment there was a loud crash from behind, Sakura could only cringe. She turned around to see Naruto sheepishly scratching at his head surrounded by numerous brochures and catalogues.

'Out now' the receptionist gritted

The group trudged outside of the warm lobby only to be embraced by the chilly winds outside.

'Nice one moron' Sasuke smacked Naruto upside the head.

Sakura could only roll her eyes at their sophomoric display.

And here they are now, waiting for their teacher outside. Many students nursing a Starbucks coffee and or being antisocial (AKA being on their phones)

Sakura sat between Ino and Shikamaru. The two were complete polar opposites but bickered like an old married couple. Sakura could only roll her eyes as Ino started a verbose argument with Shikamaru who looked like he could careless as he took long drags from a cigarette.

'Smoking is bad for you' she spoke shrilly

'Would you let a man live a little' he grumbled turning his body slightly away so he could lean his head back onto one of the steps and boldly show he could care less.

Sakura had to commend Ino for being so persistent, because she simply stood up and moved to where he lay and simply picked up where she left. Sakura ignored the two as the argument began to escalate, concentrating on a novel on her lap.

She was happy the argument dispelled, with Shikamaru 'retreating' to sit with some of the other guys in the class, 'troublesome woman' he groaned

Ino harrumphed and sat stiffly next to Sakura with her arms cross, 'I hope he dies one night in his bed trying a damn cigarette and instead lights up his house.'

Sakura could only roll her eyes, 'You might die too then'

Ino blushed, 'He-hey were not like that ok.'

Sakura looked at Ino dubiously, 'Even Naruto who's romantically retarded knows you two are going out.'

Ino gaped and then closed her mouth, 'I don't even know why I love that lazy ass.' She kneaded her temples rigorously and at that moment there was silence between them. Sakura turned back to her book, but knew well enough the silence would be short lived. And to her credit Ino let out an angry groan within moments, throwing her hands up in the air in annoyance, 'When the hell is this teacher going to be here. I'm freaking freezing!'

That seemed to be the same thought that passed through everyone's minds. Sakura looked at her watch; their art teacher was over an hour late. Their teacher was never late if not early. Sakura looked up to a group of guys coming towards her and Ino; she stiffened slightly but then relaxed upon realising they were all familiar faces.

'Hey bunch of us are just gonna bail on this jig.' Kiba said a matter-of-factly.

Ino only sighed, 'I guess it can't be helped.' She stood up wiping away at the non-existent debris on her pants.

'You coming forehead?' Ino spoke.

'The next train isn't for another hour. Might as well stay here and wait.' Sakura said monotonously, not looking up from her book.

Naruto tried to change Sakura's mind, but Ino grabbed his arm, 'Don't even bother. When she's like this you're already fighting a losing battle.'

Naruto gave Sakura a sad smile, which she did not see as she was occupied by the book.

He placed his hand on her head, 'Just give me a call if you come around. Itachi's coming to pick us up in half an hour so just call me or Sasuke if you want us to pick you up'

She looked up at him and gave a soft smile and he pinched her cheek before being towed away by Ino and Kiba.

It was then at that moment she saw the majority of her class had adapted the same state of mind as many started to leave and make their way into the city. The amount of students loitering around the art gallery lingered.

After flipping through five pages of her book, Shikamaru came by, 'I'll see you around Haruno.' She simply nodded. She saw a few of his company eyes linger on her as if beckoning her to leave with them.

Hinata piped up, 'See you tomorrow Sakura'

'I'll see you guys tomorrow.' Sakura supplied them

Before her the group began to make their descent down the stairs in the same direction Naruto and his entourage had gone not too long ago.

Shikamaru sighed. As he walked away with the group, 'I really worry about her sometimes' Hinata quipped.

Ten Ten looked at Hinata, 'She'll be fine. She always pulls through. It's just one of those days.' She reassured.

Shikamaru looked both ways before crossing the road, 'Yeah but 'some days' have become really frequent for the past few weeks.'

'I'm sure it's the weather. I read an article that said that a person tends to be more psychologically imbalanced during the winter.' Sai spoke

Everyone eyed him sparingly and looked ahead; 'I could really kill for some barbeque now' Choji chimed as if trying to change the atmosphere.

Shikamaru gave him a lazy smirk, 'Only you could think of having barbeque this early on in the day.'

Sakura sat sneezing, and sniffing slightly as she felt the temperature drop. She was alone now she realised as she excavated a tissue out of her bag. It was now she felt guilty for refusing Naruto's offer, the teacher was obviously a no show. She'd probably start heading down to the train station and grab something warm on the way to relieve her from the cold. It was then as she closed her book and placed in her bag did she acknowledge another's presence.

The person she realised was a man; he simply stuck his hand up, 'Yo'

She gave him a confused look. He scratched at his head sheepishly, 'Seems like I'm a bit late aren't?' he sighed, 'I'm Miss Taka's sub today. She couldn't make it due to some complications with family.'

She looked at him sparingly and sighed as she stood up, 'Better late than never' she mumbled

He chuckled, sticking his hand out, 'My names Kakashi Hatake. Please don't call me Mr. Hatake it makes me feel old.'

She looked at his hand and took it in hers, 'Sakura. Sakura Haruno.'

His hands were warm and hers were cold, sending a shock through both of their systems. 'Jesus kid how long have you been outside?' Ushering her quickly towards the entrance of the gallery.

'Miss Taka said to meet here at 7.30.' She spoke, leaving Kakashi to look at his watch and cringe it was nearly ten o'clock.

'Speaking of which I suppose everyone left then. Sorry about that.'

Sakura simply nodded.

The receptionist eyed Sakura upon entry, 'I said don't come back in here until your teacher is here.'

'I'm her teacher. Well actually sub. But you get the picture.' Kakashi spoke warmly.

'If you think I'm an idiot or that I was born yesterday you're mistaken. Do you think I'm fooled by your ploy. You're obviously her classmate.'

It was then Sakura looked up at Kakashi properly and that he indeed looked young. He looked embarrassed slightly and pulled out an ID recognising him as licensed teacher.

'I just graduated from university last year, but I assure you that-' Kakashi reasoned

The receptionist reddened with embarrassment and released a resigned sigh, 'Just go on through'

Kakashi pocketed his ID and gave the woman a good natured smile as the passed through the lobby into the gallery. All the time Sakura stayed silent.

Kakashi looked down at Sakura, realising her unsociable heir. Ah, teenagers. Was he really this way not so long ago? Kakashi wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. She was probably just annoyed with him being late, something that he was accustomed to on his many ventures.

As they entered the gallery they came across a group which was listening in on their guide, 'This painting here is part of Picasso's blue period. It was painted in 1903 and is called 'The Old Guitarist''

Kakashi and Sakura seemed to gravitate with the group throughout the gallery being 'enriched' by art. Kakashi just stood still hands in his pocket.

They reached the final painting in the collection. Sakura could only smile to herself it was one of her favourite works, 'The Great Waves of Kanagawa.' She was pleased to find this piece part of the collection because she could write her analysis on the work.

Kakashi looked down and her smiling to himself, 'Hokusai fan are you?'

For the first time since their entrance in the gallery she looked up at him, blushing slightly, 'Is it that obvious?' she offered

'He's a favourite of mine too. I generally like the whole of the Ukiyo-e art period.'

What he spoke earned her genuine smile. The group lead by the guide dispersed leaving the two alone. Sakura looked away from him and looked back at the painting, 'It's a shame that this is just a reproduction of the work.'

'Would you believe me if I said I saw it in person.'

'You've been to Japan?' Looked up in awe.

Kakashi nodded in response, 'I spent a semester there during my junior year in college. The country itself is a work of art.'

Another awkward silence settled between them.

Sakura looked up at him, 'There's another art gallery on the other side of the city.'

She looked at her watch and he did the same, it was only five minutes shy of twelve. Without another word they both walked out of the gallery muttering a 'thank you' to the receptionist.

As they walked down the road they stopped at a pedestrian crossing waiting for the light to indicate they could cross. They sky was pregnant with gloomy grey clouds beckoning to crumble away as snow.

Looking for a way to make conversation as the light turned green for the crossing, Kakashi spoke, 'so have you decided on a major?'

Sakura looked up suddenly, 'Sorry what did you say'

Kakashi didn't miss a beat, 'Have you decided on a major?'

'Medicine.'

Kakashi whistled, 'We've got a smart cookie here.'

Sakura looked up at him, 'What did you major in?'

'Majored in Statistics. I got a minor in Anthropology.'

'Why'd you become a teacher?' She spoke as they rounded a corner on the road.

'I'm self-employed. I only substitute as a side job.'

Sakura looked up and nodded as if content with the answer.

Kakashi continued to look ahead on their trek to the other art gallery, 'But I'll let you in on a little secret though'

Sakura's attention was peaked, Kakashi could only chuckle at her antics, she was just as curious as the next person. 'I'm subbing Miss Taka's class for the rest of the year.'

Sakura physically stopped and turned to him, 'I thought you said she just had a family issue.'

He rolled his eyes, 'I don't lie. It is an issue and it does concern her family.'

'So you're being cryptic, which is just as bad.' Added in a light tone

'Depends on the person really obviously you're not the one for words.'

Sakura stood quietly, 'You have problems with getting to places on time and I'm socially retarded none of those sound any better than the other.'

They began to walk again, 'I've never met someone who says mean things about themselves like it was nothing.'

'Well you're going to have to get used to that if you're going to sub my class. It's one of my specialties.'

He ignored the slightly sharp tone, 'Please tell me the rest of your class isn't this way. I think I'd call it quits'

She eyed his white hair, 'That is if you get to our class on time, old man.'

'Alright that's it detention.'

Sakura didn't seem fazed as they kept walking, 'Geez alright I'll let you off on a warning. And I'm not old thank you very much; I'm only about five years older than you.'

'You say that like it something to be proud about.' They were at the entrance of the second art gallery and then she turned around and eyed him, 'Trust me I wouldn't go around saying that in our class, you'll have yourself a harem of women. Older men it seems are 'where it's at''

'Do you vouch for that?' He gave a lopsided grin as Sakura puffed her cheeks and entered the gallery leaving him outside.

He let a heavy breath scratching at his head and chuckled as he entered the gallery, Sakura obviously ignoring him.

This was going to be an interesting semester.

The ending was so cliché – I KNOW

Yay or nay :/

It's a little something I thought of as a one shot but as I typed I decided to make it a multi chap.

Anyway we'll see how it goes

Wishing anyone taking the SATs this weekend all the best :-)

If you follow my other stories I'll be active again after this week, I just did this just for kicks

Until next time

OXZA