Dangerous

by: BelleDayNight

Chapter Four:

Naruto clutched the armrests tightly as the plane took off. He had a thirteen hour flight to look forward to and was glad he'd chosen an aisle seat where he could stretch out his legs. He only recognized (in spite of so many passengers wearing face masks to prevent catching viruses) two others on the flight and considered them both to be friendly. Hinata sat to his left at the window seat and while she was a good study partner she wasn't exactly bursting at the seams in conversation. However, Ino, whom he hadn't seen in a long time was sitting to his right at the aisle seat from the middle section. She didn't have any trouble holding her end of the conversation while she absently flipped through a People magazine.

"I'm really surprised to see you, Naruto. I mean, it's just been so long and you and Sakura aren't even friends anymore. I'm surprised she wanted to include you on such an important event." Ino snapped shut her magazine and angled her body to look at him directly.

He could admit that he felt both embarrassed and ashamed that he and Sakura hadn't kept in touch, but that didn't mean they weren't friends. They just, kind of had to be silent friends, that couldn't hang out. For Sasuke's sake they had to make that sacrifice. "We never stopped being friends. I just needed to be there for Sasuke-you know he went through some terrible stuff."

Ino's eyes clouded in anger and it was obvious she was about to whale into him and make him feel about three inches tall, but Hinata saved him the discomfort.

"I-Ino, please. Sakura and I haven't known each other very long, and I m-may have only known Naruto for this past year, but s-she doesn't hate him. You knnn-ow good and well that she has a picture of the t-two of them sitting on her desk." Hinata smiled shyly at Naruto. "T-that's how I knew of y-you, b-before we met."

"Really? Sakura-chan has a picture of me on her desk?" Naruto looked from Hinata to Ino. "You're her roommate, Ino, is that true?"

Ino opened her magazine back up, imminent fight fizzled out. "I had hoped you'd take the bait. It would have made the trip more interesting. Sakura always spoke highly of you. It's the picture from when you two were thirteen and you had received the trophy for Most Improved and she'd received the trophy for Best Performance at the annual competition at your Taekwondo school. She's just sentimental. It's not like she talked about you."

Naruto smiled wide. "It's obvious she missed me, she did call me herself to invite me along." His smile wavered. "To be honest, I missed her a lot too. I'm really proud of her."

"She knew you would be," Hinata said. He jumped slightly when her hand lightly patted the back of his hand. He eased his grip on the armrests a fraction. "Is t-this your f-first flight, Naruto?"

Was it silly to appreciate the fact that while Hinata had a stuttering problem she never fumbled his name? Naruto smiled at her again, a grin was never too far from the surface with him. Life could be cruel, but he chose to be happy whenever the opportunity arose. "Nah, I went to the U.K. when I graduated high school. My parents took Sasuke and me. Though, I didn't have a chance to be nervous on the flight. My mom and dad are great distractors. They had me cracking up the entire nine and half hours."

"Must have been hard with that wet rag tagging along," Ino opinionated. "I remember you two were recruited to the football team. How is that going? I didn't see you playing last fall."

"We were recruited as "Athletes", meaning we didn't have a position when the coach recruited us and we were benched the first year. It happens a lot. And often times you might get recruited to the football team, but end up playing a completely different position on the field than what you played in high school."

"Redshirt freshman?" Hinata asked.

"Yeah, you follow football?"

She shook her head slightly. "Not really." Naruto thought that was odd that she would know the term, but not follow football. "B-but, I intend to watch it this year."

"Good! Because Sasuke and I will be starters this year and I'll need you in the stands yelling for us." Naruto's grip on the arm chairs relaxed entirely and he pumped his fist in the air. "Believe it!"

"Is it okay that y-you're missing football p-practice for this trip?" Hinata inquired.

"The coach was more than happy to let me come. I just had to promise to run five miles a day while I'm here. Can you imagine a more awesome place to run those five miles though? We're going to be in Tokyo!"

"It might be hard with the crowds," Ino surmised.

"I'm sure there is a gym in the hotel in that case, but I'll figure it out. I always keep my promises."

Silence passed between them. Ino had put on her headphones and then flipped on the television on the back of the seat in front of her and Hinata took out her Kindle and started reading.

"Hey, Hinata, do you think we should wear some of those face masks? I don't want to get sick from the plane trip," Naruto asked glancing at the other passengers.

"If they are all w-wearing masks then we really j-just need to worry about each other," she answered. "It's b-because of the b-bird flu a few y-years ago."

"Ah. Do you think Sakura will be okay seeing me, for real? I'm really nervous. We haven't seen each other in a long time and the reason we stopped seeing each other was an unique and awkward situation," Naruto confessed. He was no longer worried about the flight, but the landing reception.

"She w-was excited by the idea of having you here, Naruto. The important p-people in our lives stay important, even when we don't see them for a long p-period." Hinata gave him a reassuring smile and her light blue eyes crinkled good-naturedly. "My c-cousin though, won't take k-kindly if you distract her."

"Is there something going on between those two? I saw an interview online while we were at the airport by their coach that kind of implied there was something."

Hinata shrugged and turned back to her book. "Neji d-doesn't talk much, but when he does, it's usually about S-Sakura. M-maybe."

Naruto closed his eyes, thinking it might be wise to try and sleep for a few of the hours on the flight. He was looking forward to seeing Sakura again and her parents. He missed his old friend. And he sure was proud at what she'd done! He still didn't know exactly what happened between the two of them-Sakura and Sasuke. While Sasuke lived with him and his parents his last year of high school the boy had been tight-lipped. Naruto figured they'd broken up, but when he'd gone to the Harunos' house to talk to her and make sure she was okay her parents had intercepted him. Sakura would not be attending the second semester, she opted to graduate early and had moved off to college.

Naruto wanted to know where so that he could visit her, but her mother-a fiercely protective mom much like his own- asked that he wouldn't. And that he not tell anything to Sasuke. "It was just a breakup, they'll end up back together," he'd argued. Her father had shaken his head sadly. "You saw the bruises around Sakura's throat. That boy will be the death of her."

OoO

Master Kakashi had surprised them that morning. The night before he had allowed them a night on the town exploring Tokyo with her parents-a trip up Tokyo tower, wandering the streets of Shibuya and enjoying a Starbucks coffee at the busiest intersection she'd ever visited, and a quick ride on the JR (Japan Rail) to visit the Ninja Museum which was opened for special late hours for Olympic athletes. However, that morning, he'd showed up during breakfast with passes to the USA Volleyball games for both men and women. Women that day and a Men's game later that evening.

"You two need to enjoy the Olympic Games experience too," Kakashi said with a grin. He was wearing a bandana with the American flag designed on it across the lower half of his face. He claimed he had a cold and didn't want to risk exposing his students.

"You hear me complaining?" Sakura asked. She had a small American flag that she was waving around absently as she waited for the women's team to start their game against Russia.

"Careful with that thing," Neji warned flicking the flag away from him.

"It's not blocking your view or anything," Sakura said with a frown. "Cheer up. We're here to cheer for our team!" The American volleyball team entered the court and Sakura stood and shouted with the crowd. "USA! USA!" She looked down to either side of her seat to see both Kakashi and Neji sitting there silently watching. She took hold of both of their elbows and forced them to their feet.

Kakashi smiled meekly before joining her "USA!" chant. Neji only glowered at the court, but he stood. She shoved her American flag into his hand and after an exacerbated sigh he absently waved a short while they sat back in their seats to watch the game in silence, but with occasional cheers after impressive plays and scores. It was great to be an enthusiastic cheering section, but it would defeat the purpose of supporting one's team if you were too much of a distraction.

"And I have one more treat for the two of you waiting back at our suites," Kakashi said after they left the game.

"Dinner not full of bean sprouts, soy, and carrots?" Neji ventured a guess.

"I feed you salmon and grilled chicken too," Kakashi protested. "But, no, that's not what's waiting for you. Your guests have arrived!"

It was great having her parents visiting and of course Neji was a very good friend, but Sakura was incredibly excited to see her other friends. Ino would definitely be an encouragement and Naruto would be good luck-no doubt! And Neji would be in a better mood when his cousin and his roommate arrived. She was only a little nervous when Kakashi opened the door to their suite. Seeing Naruto would be bittersweet, because it was strange to think of him and not think about Sasuke.

However, as soon as their door opened an orange blur rushed towards her and she felt herself wrapped up in the strong arms of her blonde friend. "Sakura-chan! I'm so glad to see you!" Naruto spun her around and with her face buried against his shoulder all she could smell was his minty aftershave.

She returned his hug and he finally set her back down on her feet. "Naruto, thank you for coming," she said with a genuinely happy smile.

"Wouldn't miss it!" Naruto declared. He took her arm and led her into the center of the room where her parents were sitting on the couch with Ino. Hinata and Neji were having their own reunion in the kitchen-or rather Hinata was hugging Neji who's arms were stiffly held against his sides.

"Tenten and Lee should be here soon. They went to pick up dinner," Ino said rising from the couch and walking toward Sakura. She opened her arms and the two roommates embraced in a hug. "Your Aunt Tsunade wasn't able to come with us, but she's going to be here for your actual competition in two days."

Naruto scratched the back of his blond head with a confused expression on his face. "It's just, Sakura-chan, I didn't have any idea we both went to Konoha University. And no idea you were in the Olympics!"

"Don't fret about it, Naruto," Sakura said with a big smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She didn't want to talk about why they'd not spoken in a year and half-it would only bring back feelings of sadness, desperation, and hopelessness.

"So after we eat, you're going to show us around the Olympic Village, right?" Naruto asked.

"Of course!"

"Good because I've got to find a place where I can run five miles every day."

"I've got the perfect jogging trail. We'll run it together this evening," Sakura agreed.

"Count me out," Ino said flicking her long hair over her shoulder.

OoO

Three years ago...

Sasuke gripped the toned legs of his girlfriend as they played chicken with Naruto and Ino in the pool. So far, their team had knocked the blondes down three times without Sakura being knocked off his shoulders once.

"I don't want to play this game anymore," Ino complained brushing her long, wet blond hair out of her eyes. "Come on, Sakura, let's go lay out beside the pool. Or rather, I'll lay out and let's get another layer of sunblock on you. Your nose is starting to look a bit pinkish."

Sakura slipped down his back, her arms still wrapped loosely around his shoulders. He could feel the press of her breasts against his back as she slid down. He wasn't about to complain. He caught a glance of her shoulders and could see they were turning pink, so as much as he regretted having his bikini-clad girlfriend not draped all over him he thought it would be a good idea for a second coat of sunscreen. "Don't want to turn into a lobster," he murmured at her over his shoulder.

Sakura stole a quick kiss—a peck of the lips really—but it was a bold move on her part and Sasuke smirked before turning around so they were facing front to front. He moved his arms to wrap around her back and under her knees. "But first, it's only fair if we get a little wet."

"Sasuke-kun! No!" Sakura shrieked before she was dunked under water in her boyfriend's arms. They both emerged from under the surface laughing.

"Cannon ball!" Naruto shouted before running and jumping into the center of the pool with a giant splash that soaked them all again.

Sakura climbed out of the pool and toweled off alongside Ino and they took up the lounge chairs. Sakura scooted the large umbrella over her area while Ino laid out in the sun's direct rays. His little girlfriend dutifully started to apply a fresh layer of sunblock.

Sasuke climbed out of the pool himself and stood dripping over her. "Did you really think I'd let you apply your own sunblock?" He took the bottle from her and began to generously apply it over all the visible, pale flesh of his girlfriend and he really enjoyed rubbing it in.

"Would you like me to help you with your sunblock, Ino?" Naruto called out as he floated lazily on his back.

"No, you idiot! You just keep your splashing away from me!" She had started reading a popular teen magazine and was flipping through the pages absently.

Sakura laughed and Sasuke snorted in amusement—it was the closest he came to laughing. And these days were the happiest he'd been in a long time.

"Are you ready to start football practice?" Sakura asked. Her eyes are closed and she was obviously enjoying the lotion being applied to her shoulders and back.

Their first practice started on Monday, but on the previous Friday the coach met with all the players to have them sign waivers and give a heads up on some of his plans for the season. "I don't know. This new coach likes to try things. I've been a quarterback since I was in pee-wee and he said he wanted me to give a shot at wide receiver. He said anyone can throw a ball, but you have to have someone that can catch it and if I want to play college ball I need to consider some other positions."

"A quarterback does more than just throw a ball. He's the team-leader," Sakura said frowning. "And you're a great quarterback."

"Apparently, I'm not much of a team player though. There's a freshman coming up this year. He's really good and he was quarterback for the junior high school. I think the coach wants to try him and is just trying to get me to agree to change positions without too much drama."

"You? Drama?" Sakura said, her eyes opened wide and amusement danced through her jade irises. "He obviously doesn't know you. And besides, you're a great leader. You used to lead us in Taekwondo all the time."

"Hn," Sasuke said distractedly. His father didn't know about the change in position on the football team. Frankly, he didn't know how Fugaku Uchiha would react. His dad was a hard-nosed detective in the Konoha Police Department. The golden boy, Itachi Uchiha, played quarterback all through college on a full scholarship. "How is Taekwondo going? I hate that Naruto and I had to quit, but this new coach doesn't believe in outside extracurricular activities."

Sakura shrugged. "It's okay. It's not quite the same, but Master Sarutobi is encouraging me to try for some of the tournaments. And I've been helping to teach some of the younger students. I'm going to stick with it until I earn my Second Dan at least."

Sasuke slid his hands from her shoulders to the firm biceps and triceps of her upper arm. He felt satisfied when he could feel Sakura's flesh burst into goosebumps in the scorching heat of their summer day. He was a little bit surprised that she had decided to continue with martial arts after he and Naruto had to quit the class. Part of him suspected that she'd stuck with the class so long to be closer to him, but maybe she more reasons than that. He'd always had fangirls, thanks to being a star football player for their school, but he didn't really have many friends.

Sakura squirmed out of his grasp and took the bottle of sunblock and squeezed a small amount onto her pointer finger before drawing a white line of lotion across the bridge of his nose and bursting into giggles. She took off running and Sasuke took off after her, caught her in his arms, spun her around and then jumped back into the pool—soaking them both again.

"Hey! I'm reading here!" Ino shouted holding up her drenched magazine.

Naruto was cracking up, holding his belly laughing. "And you were complaining about my cannon ball!"

A/N:I appreciate those that have reviewed!