10 years ago.

Sai Nagasawa, a transfer student from Spain. His great grandfather was the famous cherry blossom painter in Japan. Kashi Oto Nagasawa. Seeing him there and real I'm instantly in tears and running towards him, Sasuke all but forgotten. Feeling the familiar warmth that is Sai, I inhale much needed air and breathe out. When I feel his hands run through my hair, I think back at my childhood where everything was simple. No high school, no bully and no foster parent. He slowly pulls me away and tugs my face forward. It's intense happiness that I'm feeling in that moment. And just for a bit I'm relieved to be alive.

"I see your still ugly, Ugly!"

Hearing the familiar term brings nothing but tears and gushing warmth to be facing someone I know and love. I pull him forward for another hug and hold tightly. Trying to consume his warmth and familiar scent in me. His arms tighten around my shaking form. Feeling the rocking motion of body I'm tempted to fall asleep.

"I've missed you Sai, don't leave me again. Please"

As hard as I hold back my tears they continue to fall, I'm a never ending river that seems to have endless tears just wanting come out. I struggle to maintain my breathing. So I fall on my knees and pull Sai down. With everything at home, and the constant bullying in high school plus the never ending harassment from Sasuke. I feel this stupid need to bawl my eyes like some retarded banshee, I want to scream and dig myself a grave. Even with everything falling apart I've never felt the need to run from it all. Mother always taught me to face my issues head on. But seeing Sais familiar face and black orbs brings back all those memories of mud cake in the evening. Waiting for my father to finish work. Christmas parties and other burnt and buried memories of my stolen childhood.

"Please, don't leave me"

"I'll come with you, wh..ere. where ever you go"

"Just don't leave me"

I'm in hysteria and crushing Sai. It's stupid and immature but seeing Sai brings back all my hopes and dreams. I feel him move under me, looping his arm under my knees and the small of my back, effortlessly he lifts me bridal style and carries me out the exit of the school. Not caring about being carried, I only wrap my arms around his neck and inhale his familiar scent.

Ink and burnt oil.

"Sakura, you know why I left. I promise I'm here until you graduate"

"I'm never leaving you"

"Never leaving you"

I ask him to repeat his promise several times until we get to his black Mercedes. Slowly putting me down on the ground i gently let my hold on his neck loose and stare up at him. I smile a genuine smile and lean towards his chest once more before stepping back.

"Good, keep that promise. Break it and I'll break you and your paint brushes and canvas and all those paintings. Got it?"

Letting out a snort he only pokes my cheeks and opens the passenger door. Before I slide inside the car. A sleek form around the corner of the gym catches my attention. My breath hitches when I meet dark angry orbs. I'm instantly hit with nausea and fear at seeing Sasuke glaring holes at me. My hand instantly flies to my throat and I clutch it for dear life. Feeling as if I'm being choked by him, I shake in fear.

I forgot about him, I forgot about him

I feel the shaking motion close, realising Sai is holding my shoulders tightly and saying something. I don't hear him, nor do I feel his arms around me. It's like being sucked into a different dimension where it's only me and Sasuke that exist. The familiar numbness that consumes most of my nights crawl back at me biting at my pathetic self. Shaking my head to rid of the thoughts I glance up at Sai and almost bulk at the crease of his brow and his narrowed eyes.

"What the fuck Sakura?. What was that?"

Feeling cornered and guilty I hesitantly smile and try to shake his hands off. This only makes him tighten his hold and pulls me close until my face is against his chest. I let out a muffled apology and try to soothe his worries. He's not convinced and only holds me tighter.

"Your sleeping over tonight, and for the rest of your life"

I quietly laugh and nod my head. It's not like my foster parents would care, just an unwanted mouth they gotta feed.

I don't know how, but goosebumps start to form all over me. Feeling the intensity of being watched I hesitantly pull my head on sais shoulder and look over it. I regret this, when Sasuke who is now standing only a few Metres away from us stares darkly at me. Or me in Sais embrace. I'm too stunned to move. Being forced around his unwanted presence I'm all but familiar with his actions. The clenching of his jaw and the way his muscles seem to spasm with every intake he takes. Alerts me at the dangerous situation Sai is in. He doesn't avert his eyes from me but with the ticking of his right brow I know that hes not far from murder or beating someone up. I cringe at this thought and try to snap myself out. There's red goo dripping from his hand and realise he's bleeding from clenching his fist to hard. I close my eyes and breathe. Opening them once again he takes a step forward. It's when he opens his mouth that manages to motivate me to move. Shoving Sai away from me I quickly get into the car and lock the door, sai looking confuse walks to the drivers side and gets in. Sasuke is still standing there. But there's a promise of retribution in his eyes. A deep hatred. Knowing that getting in the car with Sai was a bad move I silently pray and let out tears at my stupidity.

Move.

It's all he needs to utter for me to feel helpless and useless. Again I wonder if coming to school is worth the scholarship. But looking back at my review mirror and seeing Sasuke standing there. I only nod to myself and mentally slap myself.

He's the reason to study more and get the scholarship. A few more months to endure than your free.

I say this in comfort and promise. Because soon enough Sasuke Uchiha will be nothing but a high school story of my past. Soon enough Konoha High will be nothing but a memory but most of all Sakura Haruno is finally free from this hell hole.

Jumping in instinct at seeing a hand on my thigh, I stupidly laugh and intertwine my fingers with Sai.

"So you gonna tell me about your anxiety attacks? Thought they were gone?"

Feeling rather calm I look at Sai and contemplate my answer.

"I just want to go home Sai, I just want to go home"

He looks my way briefly and let's out a heart stopping smile. He tugs our hands towards his lips and kisses it.

"Let's go home than"