A/N: Weeeee! Hi everyone! Here's chapter four, minna-san! And I'm sorry for the delayed review! My excuse (which is very believable) is in the last chapter's A/Ns. Omg, thank you ALL for the woooooonderful reviews!! I'm so happy :does happy dance:
Disclaimer: Seriously, if I owned Naruto, Sasuke would have glued his sorry little Uchiha ASS in Konoha and kept it there until he DIED HIS MISERABLE DEATH. But did he do that?? NO AND if I owned Naruto, Itachi would confess his undying love to me and ME alone. But did he? Will he ever?? NO!! So, to conclude everything, I don't own Naruto.
Chapter Four: You met WHO?!
I sighed deeply and entered my apartment complex, the door swinging for a bit behind me before it slammed close. I looked up at the familiar layout of the lobby. It was just a few arm chairs and a coffee table and a security desk in the middle. There were two paths from the main entrance, leading to either side of the building.
The security guard, who had his feet up on the table and was watching the cameras idly, looked up when he heard the door slam. "Ah, ohayo, Sakura-san," he greeted, quickly hiding his feet back under the table.
I giggled. "Ohayo, Idate-san," I said with a small wave. Then I put my hands on my hips and looked at him with a semi-stern look. "Slacking off on the job?"
He grinned lopsidedly. "Sorry, sorry…" he said, putting his hands up in surrender.
Tatsuke Idate. I've known him since I moved into this apartment complex. He was actually the one who helped me start high school, since he's three years older than me. He said that he had dropped out of high school in his junior year, and worked here since then. That same year I moved in, and we became good friends.
"Where were you last night?" he asked with a slight worried look on his face and his grin disappearing. "I didn't see you come home."
He works from late evening to morning, so I see him when I leave for school and come back. Usually I'd sit here and keep him company for a while until I went upstairs, so we're pretty close.
"O-Oh," I stammered, looking away from his dark brown eyes, "I-I…stayed at a friends house," I quickly lied.
"Hinata-san has a limo?" he asked with a raised eyebrow and a knowing smile.
I blushed and tried to talk, but ended up stammering. DOES THIS GUY SEE EVERYTHING?! Inner-Me yelled.
(Hinata-chan had come to my apartment many times, and Idate has become used to seeing her around. Sometimes, Naruto would tag along, and I would have to kick him out. But other than that, no one else really came by.)
"A-Anou…her family is pretty wealthy…" I said, blurting out anything, "S-So, there's no reason for her to not have a limo." That sounds believable…I think…
Idate took one good look at me, which promptly made me blush. He wasn't bad looking, actually. He was about a head taller than me and had coal black hair. His eyes were a chocolate brown and he had a lean figure. So, basically, in Inner-Sakura's words, HE'S ANOTHER HOTTIE!!
Idate shrugged, not meeting my eye. "Whatever you say, Sakura," he said.
I crossed my arms under my chest and stuck my tongue out at him. "Yes, whatever I say."
He grinned and stuck his tongue out as well. "Get upstairs, baka," he said, gesturing towards the elevator.
"Hai, otou-sama," I said mockingly, bowing as if I were really talking to my 'father.' Idate scowled. "What did you call me?" he said, getting up out of his seat.
"Nothing!" I piped quickly, making my way towards the elevator, "I'll tell you everything later! Ja, ne!" I rushed down the hall, waving childishly. I approached the elevator and pressed the arrow that pointed up.
"H-Hey! Sakura, I have to ask you something!" I heard him say just before the elevator doors opened. I giggled and glanced back at Idate. I could barely see his face, but I knew he was serious. "Later, Idate-san," I called back, "I have to get washed up!"
Later my ass! Inner-Sakura pouted, crossing her arms under her chest, I wanna sleep, and I'm not letting him ruin it.
I heard Idate emit an annoyed groan as I stepped into the elevator.
God, what a headache… I replied to my alter-ego, holding my head a bit as the doors closed behind me.
Kami, that Sasuke guy is hot… Inner-Me said dreamily as the image of the Uchiha popped into my head.
Gah! I don't want to see that! I argued, frowning.
Well, deal with it! Don't tell me you don't think he's hot!
Of course I think he's hot! I just…don't want to talk about that right now…
Why the hell not?!
Weren't you tired a few seconds ago??
That shut her up as a ding! sounded and the elevator doors opened. I walked down the hall, ignoring my alter-ego's rampage about how hot Uchiha Sasuke was and how much I was in denial and how she wasn't tired anymore.
Fumbling to find my keys in my bag, I stopped in front of my door, apartment number 323. I unlocked the door with my cheaply copied keys and swing the door open, revealing my nearly vacant apartment
It wasn't small, and it wasn't big. It was a perfect size for an average 16-year-old high school like me. Cheaa right…
There was a small living room consisting of a small armchair and a long couch, as well as a plasma screen TV (which Hinata-chan insisted on buying when she first came over) and a small wooden coffee table. On the other side of the apartment there was a small dining room, which was just a round table with four chairs around it. There was a relatively small kitchen opposite the dining room and adjacent to that was my room as well as the bathroom.
When I moved in, the orphanage I used to live in paid for most of the things that were in here, like the couches and beds; the things that I will most definitely need. They said that I could pay them back when I was able too, and now, two years later, I still didn't have enough money.
I sighed and dumped my bag on the chair and slumped over to the kitchen, turning on the small coffee machine that resided on the counter (Hinata-chan also paid for this, as well as several other appliances and accessories that I have now). I took out a coffee bag from the cupboard and turned the machine on, putting the bag inside.
After it started to brew, I sighed again and trotted into my room, kicking off my shoes. I collapsed onto my bed, belly first and looked up at one out of two windows that were in the room. I could see the park that was across the street from the complex and the high way a few miles back. There were kids running across the playground, laughing and playing together in the afternoon sun.
I smiled softly as I listened to their muffled screams of joy and observed them for a while. My thoughts, however, were cut short when there was a familiar ringing coming from the bed side table. I looked up and saw that my cell phone (which was also paid by Hinata-chan, as well as half the bill. I've tried to tell her that I didn't need it, but she insisted constantly, so I had to give in.)
I hurriedly shifted over and picked it up. "Hello?" I said to the receiver.
"Sakura-chan! Finally!" It was Hinata-chan, and boy, did she sound worried, though her voice was in a semi-whisper. "I've been trying to call you ever since last night!! Are you alright? What happened? Where are you? Where were you last night? Are you hurt?"
I chuckled. Geez, it's not like we were raped or anything… Inner-Me groaned.
Almost. Almost raped. I reminded her.
"Sakura-chan? Hello?"
"Hai, Hinata-chan! I'm here!" I replied into the receiver. "I'm fine, I'm at home, and no, I'm not hurt," I answered most of her questions.
"Where were you last night?" she asked in an urgent tone.
"I can't tell you over the phone, Hinata-chan," I said, frowning at the memory. "After school."
"You're not coming to school??" she asked.
"I'm too tired, and besides, it's a little too late," I said, glancing at the digital clock, which read 1:39 P.M. "Where are you calling from?" I asked, recalling the 'No Cell Phones During School Hours' rule.
"I'm in the girls bathroom," she answered. "I've been trying to call you since last night! Even Uzumaki-kun kept on bothering me to call, since I didn't give him your number."
"Naruto?" My voice squeaked an octave. "You've talked to him?"
"H-Hai," she said, and I could tell that she was blushing. I heard a bit of rustling in the background and a small gasp. "Hinata-chan?" I asked, a bit worried.
"I've got to go. Uzumaki-kun and I are going to stop by after school!" And with that, the connection was cut. I sighed and put the phone down, looking back outside.
Eep! Naruto actually talked to her!! Inner-Sakura squealed, as happy as I was.
I smiled softly. I just hope the baka knows how she feels about him already…
Are you kidding me? That idiot wouldn't know a million dollars if it was right in front of him!
I chuckled. Good point…
I laid back down on my bed and stared up at my bland ceiling, thinking of the previous night's events. I didn't know I was so vulnerable… I thought.
Hey, it's not our fault we're beautiful… she said shrugging.
That's not the point, thought. If we weren't so weak, then¾
Who says we're weak? We were just freaked out, stunned. It's only normal.
But not for Sasuke.
He's a man, what do you expect?
I chuckled again. Another good point…
She smiled and put her hands on her hips. Hell yeah!
I looked around my room for a moment, before I got up. "Kami, I need a shower…" I mumbled, shuffling to the bathroom.
-o.o-
"Saaaaakuraa-chaaaaaaaan!! Are you there??" I heard a familiar obnoxious voice coming from the front door as someone pounded on it.
"N-N-Ne, U-Uzumaki-kun," came another voice, "Sh-Shouldn't you be a bit quieter, for the neighbors…?"
I looked up from my cereal (which was my lunch) upon hearing the voices and towards the abused door.
"She might be hurt!! I don't care about these other people!!" Then the pounding continued. "Saaaaaaaaaaaaakuraaaa-chaaaaaaaa…"
I groaned in annoyance and ran my fingers through my damp hair, getting up from my seat. "…aaaaaaaaaaaaa--"
With a blood vessel threatening to pop out of my forehead, I thrust the door open and angrily punched Naruto in the head, yelling, "URUSAI, NARUTO-BAKA!!"
Naruto groaned in pain and crouched down, holding the developing bump on his head. "M-Mou, Sakura-chan," he said, fright evident in his tone, "G-Glad to see you're healthy…"
Idate is a dead man for letting this jack ass to come upstairs… Inner-Me growled, pulling up her sleeve and cracking a fist.
Eh, let it be. He was worried…
Who, Idate or Naruto?
…both?
"Sakura-chan! Thank goodness!" Hinata-chan exclaimed, throwing her arms around me in a hug. "I was so worried! We thought something happened!"
I smiled and returned the brief hug. "I'm fine, Hinata-chan," I reassured her. Physically, we are… Inner-Me muttered.
Shut up…
I quickly ushered her in the apartment, dragging Naruto behind me, and closed the door. "You guys want anything to drink?" I asked, walking to the kitchen and getting out two coffee mugs. "Hai, arigato, Sakura-chan," Hinata piped from the living room.
"Ne, Sakura-chan," Naruto called, "Do you have any ra--"
"No ramen," I cut him off angrily, not really in the mood to make anything fried at the moment.
I poured coffee into the mugs and brought them over to the living room, where Naruto and Hinata were sitting on the couch.
I slouched onto the arm chair and sighed. "I suppose you want to know what happened, ne?" I said, watching the sip their coffee.
"Hell yeah!" Naruto said, after gulping a mouth full of the steamy liquid.
I looked at Hinata-chan, who was looking at me with a stern expression. Her eyes, like Neji's and her father's, were a creamy opalescent, and you could get lost in them in seconds.
She nodded, agreeing with Naruto as she took a sip of her coffee.
I sighed again and braced my self for retelling last nights events. "Ok," I said, sitting on the edge of my seat. "Here's what happened…"
--About 20 minutes later--
I took a deep breath and fell back on my chair, observing the looks that my two friends had on their faces. I had explained everything, from detention with Kakashi-sensei to the bus ride to every spitting detail of Sasuke's mansion. Do you think we went a bit…overboard with the details…? Inner-Me asked with some uncertainty. I cocked my head slightly. What do you mean? I asked.
What do I mean? Look at them!
Naruto's mouth was agape and his coffee mug was threatening to fall out of his hand.
Hinata-chan and an equally surprised look on her face. But was more…composed.
…Oh…
Suddenly, Naruto jumped out of his seat, coffee mug flying. "U-Uchiha Sasuke?" he yelled. "As in, the Uchiha family??"
The coffee mug fell onto the hardwood floor with an shattering crash! Hinata-chan flinched back and I shot up out of my seat, screaming, "NARUTO, YOU JACKASS!!" and placed yet another well deserved smack on his head.
A few minutes later, Naruto was on the ground with a rag and dust pan, cleaning up the mess he had made. "Ne, Sakura-chan," Hinata-chan said as I sat down beside her in a huff. "You actually met the son of Uchiha Industries?"
I sighed and looked at her. "It was hard to believe, but yes," I answered. I turned to her fully, tucking my leg under me and smiled. "And you won't believe how hot he is!" I squealed.
Hinata-chan gasped and blushed, giggling. "Really??" she squealed. I nodded and giggled, getting ready to tell her every intimate detail about Uchiha Sasuke.
But before I could say anything, I heard a snort from the ground. I looked over Hinata-chan's shoulder and saw Naruto with a pout on his face. "Women…" he mumbled.
I growled and cracked a fist, showing my anger. "Got a problem, Naruto-baka?" I grumbled, blood vessel yet again threatening to pop.
Naruto cowered over in a corner, tears of fear welling in his eyes. (A/N: cue adorable scared Naruto-chibi!) "I-I-I-I-Iie, S-S-Sakura-c-chan…" he mumbled.
"That's what I thought…" I muttered, sitting back down. Naruto got up, and brushed off the dirt from his uniform, which was already out of place.
I expected him to say something else, but was answered with more silence. I looked at him again and saw that he had a sad look on his face. "Nande, Naruto?" I asked, noticing his expression.
"It's all my fault," he mumbled. I cocked my head in confusion. "What is?" I asked.
"If I hadn't gotten you into trouble, Kakashi-sensei wouldn't have given you detention and you would have gotten home earlier, and those bastards¾," his hands clenched into fists at the mention of the pervs, "¾wouldn't have done that to you…"
I looked at Naruto, then at Hinata-chan. Her eyes were downcast and she also had a sad look on her face.
"Ne, ne, minna," I said, chuckling a bit, "It's not like I got hurt or anything…"
"But you could have!" Hinata-chan suddenly said, tears welling in her eyes.
"But I didn't!" NOT PHYSICALLY! Inner-Me butt in.
Ignoring her, I continued. "You don't have to worry about me so much. Really, I can take care of my self…sort of."
"Sakura-chan…" Hinata-chan mumbled, hesitating. I chuckled again. "Really, guys, I'm fine. Now, tell me what the homework was and go home. It's getting late."
Hinata-chan and Naruto looked at each other, then back at me. She sighed. "Fine," she said, getting out her bag. I smiled, triumphal, and watched Hinata-chan search through her bag.
I thought that no one would notice that I was gone for a while. I thought that no one would be worried for me. But apparently, I was wrong. And frankly, I'm glad.
A/N: Gah! This chapter sucks! It was a bit pointless, but I promise you, the next chapter will be long, action packed, and GREAT! (I hope) and in Sasuke's point of view again! My next update might be next Saturday or Sunday (which is April 21st or 22nd), or hopefully earlier! But I highly doubt that. Damned school work...But I'm already working on chapters five and six, so…yeah! (Ugh, I sound like Deidara…) Anyways,
Chapter Preview!:
Chapter Five: What's with the limo?
"Is that…is that Haruno Sakura? In a limo? With Uchiha Sasuke??" - Students of Konoha City High.
REVIEW AND SOME RANDOM GUY (who will not be a pervert, and I shall make sure of it) WILL COME TO YOUR DOORSTEP AND SELL YOU A BRAND NEW CAR!! LOADED WITH…uh…STUFF THAT'S NOT USELESS JUNK!
(notice the words, SELL YOU, I never said GIVE you!)
BUT EVEN IF! PLEASE REVIEW!!
(Edited: August 26, 2008)