I don't own End Of Me by Apocalyptica. Enjoy the story.

Take away your broken misery

I can't always erase your memory

This love, this love

Is gonna be the end of me

...

"Who is this boy?"

Sakura looked back at her mother and frowned; her good mood instantly going sour in a matter of two seconds. "His name is Sai. He's a good friend of mine." She said blankly, then she went back to reading her book. Her mother looked at the picture more closely. "You two look more than friends."

Sakura slammed her book down on her lap and sighed with irritation. "Mother, he is a friend. Nothing more. Friends can take pictures together." Her eyes drifted toward the picture and she inwardly smiled. Last weekend her and Sai went to the park, along with Naruto and Hinata. Sakura didn't realize what she was doing before she already had taken a picture of her and Sai. There were smiles on their faces, while their cheeks were squished closely together. They all ended up having a very good time.

Her mother tapped her foot impatiently. "Why haven't I met this boy?"

"Because you're never around when he comes over!" Sakura's eyes widened slightly, while her heart stopped in her chest. Her mother was going to be very angry with her. "Does this mean I need to spend more time at home?" She asked, softly. Sakura shook her head no, and then that was the end of the conversation. Her mother left the room in silence.

A knock on her window made her turn her head to the right, seeing Sai standing there with a smile on his face. She placed her book on her desk and opened the window. "What are you doing here, Sai?" Sakura asked quietly, looking back at the door to make sure it was closed.

"I wanted to see if you would like to go out." He gave her a small smile and held out his hand. "Would you like to?" Sakura took his hand in hers and climbed out the window, quietly shutting it behind her.

Sakura noticed that he did not let go of her hand once she jumped outside, but something inside of her didn't really mind. "Where are we going?" She whispered, knowing her parents were still up. Sakura didn't want to be caught sneaking out at 11 p.m.

Sai let go of her now, and began walking to the sidewalk. "I thought we could go to my home and watch movies. My parents are out of town." Sakura blushed and nodded, falling into step beside him. Her mind was screaming at her that this was a bad idea and she should just go back home.

Once they reached his house, Sai went inside, with Sakura following behind him. He quiet shut the door behind them and walked into the living room. She felt her heart slamming against her rib cage, as she sat down beside him on the couch. If it wasn't so dark, she was sure he would be able to see her blush.

Sakura pulled out her cell phone and texted Ino.

If my mom calls, I went to spend the night with you. She pissed me off anyway.

She placed it in her lap and watched as Sai put a movie in. "What are we watching?" Sakura asked, curiously. "Dead Silence." Her eyes widened slightly and she swallowed a huge lump in her throat. "Why does it have to be a scary movie?"

"Because I like scary movies."

Just when she was about to reply, her cell phone vibrated, and she looked at the response Ino had given her. Ur covered, I just called her. Are U at a boy's house?;)

NO.

Sakura placed her phone back on the coffee table and watched as the movie started.

As the movie progressed, Sai was halfway asleep and he jumped whenever Sakura's head slumped in his lap. He looked down at her and could only smile. She looked beautiful like that, well she looked beautiful anywhere, but that's beside the point.

Sai ran a hand through her hair. "Just a few weeks ago we weren't friends. Are you surprised that we're already this close?" He whispered softly. She stirred. "I'm glad we met though. You're... very kind." Sai smiled again and leaned his head back so he could fall asleep.

Sakura startled herself awake. She was having a dream that Sasuke tried to rape her. RAPE HER. Her lip was trembling as she shook a little in fear. What if this was a sign?

"Sakura, are you alright?"

His voice made her jump again. "It's just me, Sakura. Calm down." Sakura couldn't really see in the dark, but she knew it was Sai. She remembered sneaking out and then going to his house to watch a movie. And then what?

"I had- I had a bad dream."

"Of what, if you don't mind me asking."

Sakura exhaled slowly. "Sasuke raped me..." Sai frowned and clenched his fists tightly. He didn't understand why, but the thought of him touching her... ripped him apart. "I will not let him do that. Even if it is just a dream."

She smiled now, and felt a little more at ease. "Thank you so much, Sai." He smiled back at her and even though she couldn't see it, she knew it was there.

After she had fallen asleep again, Sai threw a blanket on top of her and paced around his living room. He couldn't sleep once she told him about her dream. Something about Sasuke kissing and... no. NO. I do not want that in my head.

He sighed and ran a hand through his silky black hair, wondering just exactly what was going on with him lately. He was being protective of Sakura like an older brother, but that's not how he felt about her. "Maybe you like her. You seem very fond of her." Naruto's words popped into his mind and he shook his head. That couldn't be it.

Sai looked at the sleeping girl on the couch and tilted his head to the side, a little confused. What was this feeling in his heart?

He was going to have to go to the library and look this up. Hopefully Sakura won't be around. How would he be able to explain this to her?

No, he would go alone and research. That's what he always did.

I will figure this out and when I do...

He couldn't even finish his thought.