Could It Be

Ch.I Chemicals React by Ally & AJ

It was just another day in Konoha for the majority of citizens. But for five boys and five girls, this day would start them on a road to a new life. The five girls were out having one of those girl's day out things. 17-year-olds Sakura Haruno, Ino Yamanaka, Hinata Hyuga, Temari, and Tenten were out doing… "girl stuff"…I guess…yeah. So, they were just walking from their favorite café when suddenly, Sakura stopped short. Noticing she had halted, the others turned to look at her.

"What's up with you?" Ino asked.

"Look," Sakura replied pointing at a big blue sign posted on a telephone pole.

The girls huddled around the sign and Tenten read what it said out loud:

"Got someone on your mind? Does that someone have no idea you exist? Tonight is your perfect chance to express how you feel towards your crush or figure out if they have feelings for you. Come to the "DreamDateDance" at the Hokage's ballroom, July 15, 7-12 p.m."

"Guys! That's our chance!" Sakura beamed.

"You mean your chance," Temari muttered.

"Not just my chance!! All of us. We've all got our crushes. Hinata! This is your perfect chance to be with Naruto! And Tenten! You could get Neji all to yourself!"

"All the other girls going to this would just fall over him," Tenten replied.

"No way! All the girls would totally fall over Sasuke first," Ino retorted.

"Sasuke wouldn't even go to a dance!" Tenten argued.

"If I asked him he would!"

"And what makes you so special Billboard Brow!?"

So Sakura, Ino, and Tenten got into an argument over Sasuke as usual and Hinata and Temari stuck to the sidelines.

"So…Temari? If you did go to that dance…who would you try 'hooking up with?'"

"Hmmm. Never really thought about it. Sasuke's really cute but I don't think he's for me."

"I think you two'd be pretty good with each other. Your personality and skills are pretty similar."

"Yeah but still. You guys should probably go. You'd have fun."

"Why won't you come?"

"Cuz' I don't do fun."

"Maybe you should give it a try. It's a dance after all. And you love to dance…"

"Mmm, when you put it that way…"

Sakura, Ino, and Tenten screamed, "Sasuke's so mine!" at each other, huffed, and stormed away from each other.

"Will I see you there then?" Hinata asked Temari.

"Maybe. We'll see."

Temari waved and walked off.

You make me feel out of my element

Like I'm walking on broken glass

Like my world's spinning in slow motion

And you're moving too fast

So the girls went off to work on getting a "dream date." Of course it was Sasuke who had the biggest problem. Various other girls had seen the sign and of course went hunting for Sasuke. After being bombarded by forty-two fangirls so far that afternoon, Sasuke started running and hiding instead of rejecting everyone.

Whose wise idea was this "DreamDate" thing? Sasuke thought to himself, hiding in a tree. Tsunade. God, she really does hate me. Witch.

Normally, he wouldn't be so afraid of his fangirls but today they were relentless.

If I can get home, I should be safe. But home's still so far away.

He could spy his small, rundown apartment building far away on the other side of the village.

If I'm quiet, stealthy, and incognito, I might just make it without losing my hair.

"Okay. Here goes nothing."

The second Sasuke landed at the foot of the tree, Tenten appeared upside down in front of him.

"Oh crap."

"Hey Sasuke!" Tenten beamed flipping over onto the ground in front of him. "Um, you've probably been asked millions of times already but I'd figure I'd ask anyway. You know there's this 'DreamDate' thing going on tomorrow night and I was hoping that if you didn't already have a date or plans then maybe you could come with me at around sevenish?"

Sasuke stared at the unfamiliar girl with lots of breath and fast sentences. Getting homesick he decided to reject and walk away. Plus…

"I've never seen you before in my life."

Tenten's face dropped and Sasuke walked past her.

Were you right? Was I wrong? Were you weak? Was I strong?

Yeah both of us broken caught in the moment

We lived and we loved; we hurt and we joked

The planets all aligned when you looked into my eyes

And just like that the chemicals react

Sasuke almost ran home but decided to play it cool and walk. Someone'd think he was running from Orochimaru. About 3,265 feet from his home, Sasuke ran into Sakura.

Ugh. Will this day never end?

"Hey Sasuke. Out for a walk on a beautiful day I presume?"

"I was. Now I'm walking for my life."

"Huh? Walking for your life? Is someone after you? Orochimaru? Kabuto? Itachi?"

"Fangirls."

"Oh."

"I don't know half the girls that have walked up to me today asking me to go to that ridiculous 'DreamDate' thing."

"Oh. Yeah. That," Sakura replied, trying to act like she wasn't one of his fangirls.

"Its just so annoying," Sasuke continued, pacing around angrily in front of the kuinoichi. "'Hey Sasuke! Want to go out?' 'Hey handsome! Want to take me to 'DreamDate?' 'What's up Sexy Sasuke? Make-out with me?' Sexy Sasuke! The Amazing Sasuke! The 'Hated By Guys Sasuke Because He Hogs All The Girls!' 'Sasuke the Guy Who Has No Friends!'"

Sakura looked up at the Uchiha. He was getting off topic. His voice was cracking. He was getting upset. There was something else on the boy's mind.

"Um, Sasuke?"

"I'm going home."

Sasuke started past Sakura towards his apartment building.

Poor Sasuke. He must think nobody likes him for him. The girls only think he's handsome and all the guys are jealous of him. Well, if he wasn't so dark…no. It's hard for him to let his feelings out. He's lost a lot. I should try and make him feel better. Maybe I won't even ask him about the "DreamDateDance." I don't need a date. I can probably go with Temari. She won't bother asking anyone.

Taking a gulp of courage, Sakura turned around and ran after Sasuke.

"Sasuke! Wait up!"
Sasuke stopped and took in a big gulp of air. She was going to ask too. He almost felt like screaming. Sakura ran around in front of him. Before he screamed at her, she said, "You're really upset about something, aren't you Sasuke-kun?"

It took Sasuke a moment to make sure he heard right. Had she not asked about the "DreamDateDance?"

"Let me walk you home."

Mind whizzing, Sasuke felt Sakura take his hand and before he knew it she was leading him home.

You make me feel out of my element

Like I'm drifting out to the sea

Like the tide's pulling me in deeper

Making it harder to breathe

"It's always Sasuke!" Naruto bellowed.

Like all the other Sakura stalkers in Konoha, he had wanted to ask her to the "DreamDateDance" tomorrow and had been spying on her. He was sitting on a building top watching Sakura take Sasuke home.

What's Sasuke's deal anyway? He's got plenty of friends. Jerk.

"Ugh! I've got to stop them. I can't not show up to the biggest dance ever but I also can't go unless I have a date! What kind of idiot would do something stupid like that?"

"Um, hi Naruto."

"Aaaugh!" Naruto screamed, almost falling off the building.

Sure enough, Hinata was standing behind Naruto, twiddling her fingers.

"Oh! Hinata!" Naruto laughed. "You snuck up on me! Nice stealth skills!"

"Um, sorry I startled you but uh…"

Hesitant as usual. I'm bored.

Naruto stole a glance back at Sasuke and Sakura while Hinata struggled to find words to say.

What to do. What to do. I know. Just walk up to them and normally and coolly turn Sakura in my house's direction and ask her out! The casual steal!

Naruto was about to put his plan into action but stopped. Though they were far away, Naruto could see their faces enough to think it wrong to steal Sakura away from Sasuke. Sasuke really did look upset about something serious and Sakura looked awfully concerned. He should have guessed that there was more than physical attraction between Sasuke and Sakura since after the Haku scare.

Since I love Sakura, I should want her to be happy. And clearly Sasuke makes her happy. Oh well. Oh yeah Hinata!

Just when Naruto remembered Hinata, the shy girl managed to say what she wanted too.

"D-Do you want to come to the 'DreamDateDance' with me?"

There was a long awkward pause and Naruto stared at Hinata dumbfounded.

Me plus Hinata plus "DreamDate" equals…

"Um, Naruto?"

Naruto glanced back at the vanishing form of Sakura and back at Hinata.

Hm. Well, I need someone to go with. Sakura's kind of taken and…Hinata's really nice so what harm is there? Maybe I can sneak a dance with Sakura while I'm there.

"Hey, thanks for thinking about me Hinata. Sure, I'd love to go to the dance with you."

"Uh really!?"

"Sure. When's it start again? Seven?"

"Oh! Uh huh…"

"Sweet. So I'll pick you up around 6:30 tomorrow night. See you then. Believe it!"

Naruto jumped off the roof top, leaving behind a paralyzed, deep red Hinata.

Naruto…he…said…yes…

We cannot deny how we fit inside…we cannot deny

Were you right? Was I wrong? Were you weak? Was I strong?

Yeah both of us broken caught in the moment

We lived and we loved; we hurt and we joked

The planets all aligned when you looked into my eyes

And just like that the chemicals react

Yeah right. Me and Sasuke? What was I thinking? No one knows I exist, Tenten thought glumly sitting in a tree.

"Temari's got the right idea. Dances are for dancing. That's why they're called dances duh. She's right. Boys are too difficult."

"Boys are difficult?"
Tenten squeaked when she saw Neji standing under the tree.

"Oh! Neji! How long have you been there?"

"Since Sasuke rejected you."

"Oh. You saw that huh?"

Neji nodded and Tenten jumped out of the tree.

"You know I exist right Neji?"

Sometimes I wish I didn't.

"Why wouldn't I? he said instead.

"Um, are you going to that dance Neji?"

"I was but I got rejected."

There was a pause.

"You? Neji Hyuga? You got rejected?"

"Not something I'm proud of."

"Who's the crazy old witch?"

"Temari."
"Ooooh. Don't tell her I said that. Why'd you even ask her? No offense buy you're kind of exactly like Sasuke."

"That's what everyone thinks."

"Temari's a tough hide to beat. Don't take it personally Neji."

"I haven't."

Maybe I should take Sakura's advice. I do like Neji…a lot. Go on Tenten. Make yourself noticeable. No more not existing.

"Um N-Neji?"

"Mmhm?"

"If you've got no one to go with, um, I'll go with you to that dance."

Another pause like any other friends trying to get a date with each other.

"Tenten…"

The brown-eyed girl looked up at her teammate.

"…Have-have you always wanted that?"

"Um, I think so."

"Then…I guess I'll see you at your house at seven tomorrow."

"Really Neji!?"

"Really. Just don't mention it to Lee or Guy, okay?"

"Definitely! I'll see you tomorrow then!"

Neji waved and walked away.

Yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes.

…………………

"Are you feeling less stressed now Sasuke?"

"I…guess…"

"That's good."

The day was coming to an end and Sasuke and Sakura had spent most of the day walking through the village. Though she'd shown no signs of it, Sakura was a nervous wreck. If it wasn't for her inner self, cheering her on, Sakura would have screwed up a long time ago. She was also very surprised Sasuke had stayed near her all day. Sasuke himself was still dazed by the fact that Sakura hadn't asked him out to the "DreamDateDance" yet.

It'll happen. Don't worry. You're not in heaven yet. She'll ask like everyone else. Sakura hasn't changed at all.

Sasuke realized they were in front of his apartment building now.

"Well, this is your stop," Sakura said sweetly.

"Yeah," Sasuke replied deftly.

"I'm glad you feel better and I hope you'll sleep well."

"Yeah, me too."

"Well, maybe I'll see you tomorrow sometime?"
"Yeah. Sure."

"Okay. Bye."

Don't ask. Don't ask.

ASK!! ASK!!

No! I'm not asking!

What are you? Blonde!?

Shut up! I'm just going to dance!

Blonde.

Not all blonde's are dumb and I'm not blonde!

Reluctantly, Sakura let go of Sasuke's hand and went tin the direction of her house.

As long as Sasuke feels better…that's all that matters. Taking care of the team is my job.

Am I dead? Sasuke asked himself. Did Sakura not mention that dance? No! Its not heaven. Looks too much like Earth. I should be overjoyed she didn't mention it…but I'm not.

Did he want her to ask? Something deep inside of him made Sasuke turn around to watch Sakura walk away.

I'm really going to regret this later but its driving me insane.

"Hey! Sakura!"

OMG!! Stop walking Blonde!

Sakura stopped and turned back to Sasuke.

"Yes Sasuke-kun?"

"That…'DreamDate' thing's tomorrow."

"Uh, yeah…"

Don't get your hope's up. He'd never ask you…

Scratching the back of his head, Sasuke forced the rest of his words out.

"Do you have a date?"

Sakura's breath caught in her chest.

Don't choke up now!

"N-N-No. I don't"

Sasuke felt his face turn a little red. He hated when he couldn't keep his feelings under control.

"Do you want to go?"

"Um, I'd like too."

No more prolonging Sasuke. Get it off your chest.

"I'm not doing anything tomorrow night. Do you want me to take you?"

CHACHACHACHA!!!

Don't squeal. Act cool Sakura.

"I'd love to Sasuke. But only if you really want to go."

"I think I do."

"That's good enough. Do you want me to meet you here?"

"I'll pick you up at your house."

"Great. I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"Yeah. Definitely."

"Okay. Good night."

"Good night…Sakura."

They waved good-bye and went their separate ways. Sasuke put a hand to his head.

"I'll definitely need some aspirin and a good night's sleep after that," he mumbled so Sakura wouldn't hear.

She wouldn't hear anyway because her inner self's cheers were deafening.

Kaleidoscope of colors turning hopes on fire

Sun is burning shining down on both of us

Don't let us lose it (Don't let us lose it)

"That Billboard Brow got a date with the hottest guy in Konoha? How could this happen? And Neji said yes to Tenten? And half the cool, popular guys I asked rejected me? Now I don't have a date and I figured out everyone thinks I'm annoying! This is the worst day ever!"

Ino had been spying on most of her friends and a lot of guys all day and hadn't gotten on 'DreamDate.' It was sunset now and the blonde girl sat with her head in her knees beside a small pond in a forest within Konoha. She sighed.

"How come Temari's so smart? She's right about everything. From now on I'm listening to everything she says."

"Huh. Ino? What are you doing here?"

Startled, Ino looked up. To her surprise, Kiba, the last person she expected to see, was standing behind her.

"Kiba!? What are you doing!?"

"You first," he replied, sitting down next to her.

"I don't know. Thinking of one person I can ask to the 'DreamDateDance' without getting rejected."

"You want to go too?"

"Duh. Whay?"

"I was going to ask Hinata but she's going with Naruto."

"I never knew you liked Hinata."

"Yeah well…"

"Huh. Hey. Where's Akamaru?"

"Home training."

"Shouldn't you be with him?"

"Dog training."

"Right."

There was a pause.

"So…who were you first going to ask to the dance?" Kiba asked.

"Sasuke of course! Who else?"

"I still don't get why you girls keep falling over a guy that completely ignores you. He rejected you didn't he?"

"FYI, he didn't reject me. He asked Sakura to go with him."

"Whoa Whoa Whoa! Rewind. Sasuke asked Sakura on a date to a dance?"

"Yeah."

"The world's gone crazy."

"Tell me about it."

They were quiet for another moment.

"Hey. Um Ino? I know there's no chemistry between us but, do you want me to be your date?"

Stunned by the question, Ino was quiet.

Well, maybe just to look like not everyone hates me because I'm annoying.

"I guess so…"

"Just to look normal, you know…"

"Yeah. Sure. No problem."

"Okay."

"Yeah."
They stood up at the same time, stammering.

"I'll see you then," said Kiba.

"Yeah. Thanks."

"Sure."

They turned away from each other and Ino couldn't help but smile.

Were you right? Was I wrong? Were you weak? Was I strong?

Yeah both of us broken caught in the moment

We lived and we loved; we hurt and we joked

The five girls gathered around the telephone pole boasting the ad for the "DreamDateDance." Four of them squealed excitedly about getting a date. Temari just came to figure out who the unlucky girls were stuck with.

"Sasuke asked me out!" Sakura shrieked first.

The other girls squealed and clapped for her.

"I asked Neji to go!"

"What'd he say?" Sakura asked.

"Yes!"

Another round of noises.

"Hinata? Naruto said yes?" Tenten asked.

To excited to speak, Hinata nodded and Temari hugged her.

"Ino?" Sakura persisted.

"Kiba asked me."

"Awww my god. Sweet," Tenten replied.

"I can't wait," Sakura exclaimed.

"God me neither," Ino agreed.

"See you tomorrow," they all squealed and left for home.

We lived, we love, we hurt, we joked

We're right, we're wrong, we're weak, we're strong

We lived to love

The planets all aligned when you looked into my eyes

And just like that the chemicals react

And just like the chemicals react

The chemicals react

A/N: Sorry about the freakish fangirl squealing thing at the end and sorry to inoshika fans and blondes. Blondes were not meant to be insulted as Sakura said not all blondes are dumb. XP