Catch Me

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. I just wish I did. And I don't own Yuuna from Gundam Seed Destiny. I need a creepy guy for this, and he's as good as any. Besides, I suck at making up names. I also do not own any songs or films featured in Catch Me.

Summary: They were childhood friends. Both incredible in the looks department, yet failures in terms of trusting others. She left for one year, and now she's back in Konoha. He's no different, but as they face their sophomore year of high school, everything else seems to be.

Chapter 7

I need your help.

Her words rang in his mind. Sasuke dropped the letter and raced down the stairs, jumping the last five and landing with a resounding bang. Sixteen girls between the ages of 13 and 16 appeared from the den.

"Sasuke! What's wrong?"

Jesse was the oldest girl at sixteen-and-a-half. The youngest was Allie, at thirteen. Everyone else was either fifteen or sixteen. Sasuke liked it that way. It was easier for him to respect those of his age, who understood him more than adult servants could. And these girls all had one thing in common: they weren't in love with him.

Alexis was watching her boss intently. Sasuke didn't pause his mad race to the garage.

"It's Sakura."

The blonde was in front of him in an instant. "What's going on?" She, of all the maids, had the strongest connection with Sasuke's best friend. The boy stopped, only for a split-second. "I don't know. Garage, now."

He dashed off again, the girls following and whispering. Sasuke ran past his BMW and Mercedes. Now was a time for a good old-fashioned bicycle. Not that a brand-new BMX was old-fashioned. He stopped before it, glaring at the lock around his prized bike. Sometimes he really hated himself for being so paranoid.

"Keys."

Christy, who was closest to the little nook from which hung every set of keys, tossed the right ones to him. Sasuke opened the lock, throwing the keys back hap-hazardously over his shoulder. Marissa, who had the best eye, caught them deftly. They were still warm. Jesse, with good common sense, pushed the automatic garage door opener. It was dark outside. All the girls watched as their teenage boss tore down the driveway and onto the street, without so much as a backwards glance.

Marissa whistled. "I don't think I've ever seen him move so fast."

Allie piped up, "Except for the time you set his pants on fire."

Sasuke's heart was hammering against his ribcage as he sped down the street. But not from fatigue, it was more worry, or even actual fear. The boy had never heard Sakura sound so small and unsure, except for that one phone call announcing the death of her beloved grandfather.

The ten minutes of travel separating their homes was cut down to five by Sasuke, who nearly ran down three people in his haste. Hang on, Saki, he willed silently. Wait for me.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he spotted her familiar pink hair, illuminated by the bright moonlight. As Sasuke came to a screeching halt before the Haruno's front walk,

A piece of paper blew at him. Catching it expertly, he read, his expression becoming fiercer and fiercer after each word.

Nita…what have you done?

SasuSaku

She only looked up when he crouched down to lock eyes with her. For a boy who rarely showed anything, emotion was swirling in his eyes at an alarming rate. Relief, apprehension, anxiety, and was that sympathy? He looked so worried, Sakura suddenly felt guilty for dragging him into her problems, once again. But she knew he'd find out, sooner or later. That was how it was with them. They couldn't leave hunches about each other alone. Either it was true, or it wasn't.

But this…this was true, and the truth stung more than the strongest football tackle.

Then, in the most intimate of moves, Sasuke reached out and traced her jaw line with his fingers. They were still warm from him gripping the handlebars so tight.

"Sakura…"

There. He'd done it, passed the line. He'd used her full name. Things were bad when he used her first name. Sakura's lower lip trembled, and hr eyes welled up with tears. And with that simple motion and a heap of unanswered questions, Sakura's shaky composure shattered. She buried her face in her hands and cried for about a minute. As the noise stopped, Sasuke, who'd been rubbing her back, stepped down wordlessly.

"Need a vent?"

And vent she did.

All the things she'd been dying to say just came spilling out, words tripping over one another, eager to escape the dark confines of her mind. Sakura hated her father for all he'd ever said to her, and for what he'd finally done. She despised Nita for destroying her family. She was annoyed at Kiba for being so insecure after all the bravo he'd put on. Sakura shouted several curses, some Sasuke recognized, some he didn't. A few were in French. One, he thought, was commonly used in the Sand, where Sakura had once spent several days with her grandfather.

At last, after almost twenty minutes, the screams softened, and became sobs. The well of rage dried up, and filled instead with tears of sorrow. That burning sensation at the back of her throat suddenly itched as Sakura fought to breath, and hiccupped. Tears fell hard and fast as Sakura collapsed in the grass. Sasuke caught her just before she hit the ground. And there they sat. Five minutes passed. The convulsions of her body ceased, and he pulled her even closer. Ten minutes passed.

"What's going to happen now?"

The question was muffled in the fabric of Sasuke's shirt. Sakura looked up, her eyes red. He brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "You're staying with me."

Her eyes widened, and she pulled back to get a better look at the sole Uchiha. "A-Are you serious? Sasuke, I can't. I-I can't ask you to do that."

Sasuke shook his head. "You're not asking. I'm offering. You have a room, Saki. You practically live at the Manor. My mom would disown me if she knew I let you go anywhere else. You're part of me, remember?"

Sakura's head snapped up. It had been a long time since he'd said that. Eight years, in fact. The girl drew a deep breath, and forced her eyes into Sasuke's. "Okay."

"Excuse me, sir?"

Sakura's neighbor opened the door to Sasuke Uchiha and the girl from next door. The man nearly tripped over himself.

"U-Uchiha-sama! What can I do for you?"

Sasuke jerked his thumb towards Sakura's front lawn. "My bike's sitting on the lawn. We're moving some things down to the Manor, and we can't bring it along. Would you mind keeping an eye on it for a couple hours?"

After nodding profusely and running to tell his wife, the man closed the door. Sasuke turned to Sakura. "Are all your neighbors like that?"

The girl shrugged. "No idea."

Behind them, every employee of the Uchiha Manor was currently loading all of Sakura's belongings into the enormous stretch limo that had brought them there. The green-eyed teen turned once again to her best friend.

"Are you sure this is okay?"

Sasuke nodded curtly. Alexis waved at the pair, indicating they were finished. The boy jerked his head in the direction of the limo. "C'mon. Let's go."

The girls and Madeline were already filing into the car. Sakura stopped, hesitating.

"Can you give me a sec? I just want to say…good bye."

Sasuke nodded again. "Take your time."

While she headed back up the beaten path, Sasuke stuck his head into the limo. 17 pairs of eyes turned to look at him.

"I probably don't have to say this, but I'm going to anyway. It'll make me feel better."

SasuSaku

Sakura walked slowly up the porch steps and stared at her front door. This was it. She was leaving her home. The place she'd grown up, lost her first tooth in, where she' taken her first step. Then she headed into the backyard. Thankfully, it wasn't locked.

The girl breathed in the clean night air. The grass of her backyard was well kept. Sakura's eyes traveled from the small garden to her left, to the cherry blossom tree deep in the corner. Hung from its' strongest branch was a rickety wooden swing. She ran her hands down the thick cord. Then she sat.

Just one more time.

SasuSaku

"Sakura is going to be staying with us for a while, as you've probably all figured out. For how long, we don't know."

Everyone was itching to ask why, but no one dared to interrupt.

"Once again, you probably know this. But you will treat Sakura as you treat me. She will be given every respect and courtesy that I receive. You will treat her as if her last name were Uchiha."

SasuSaku

Her slender legs pumped her higher and higher into the air. Sakura was crying again. She went as high as she dared, and jumped. Sakura sailed through the air, and hit the ground with a solid thump. She winced. It always managed to hurt. The girl brushed away the last of her tears, catching the swing in her hands and setting it down.

It felt like she was saying goodbye to an old friend.

I guess I'll be seeing you.

With one final glance, Sakura stepped through the gate.

SasuSaku

"Am I understood?"

"Yes sir!" chirped 16 different voices. Madeline nodded. Sasuke smirked, trying to look annoyed at the same time. "Don't call me sir."

Sakura tapped him on the shoulder as she arrived. "Okay. I'm ready."

Graciously, Sasuke let her enter first, and squeezed in behind her. There was a moment of silence as James started to drive away. Deciding she wanted to break it, Sakura took a breath and turned to Jesse.

"So…how's that boyfriend of yours?"

All the girls launched into accounts and accusations, Jesse automatically defending her significant other. Sakura laughed and gasped at all the stories, and Sasuke smiled. Things were going to be okay after all'

"Sasuke-kun?"

Said boy looked up as the adjoining door opened a fraction, and Sakura stuck her head in. It was almost midnight, and it looked like she hadn't slept a wink. Sasuke sat up in his bed.

"What's up?"

That quiet timid ness was back again. "Do you mind if I sleep in here?"

He shook his head, swinging his legs off the bed and standing. Sakura stepped fully into the room. Sasuke pointed to the bed. "It's all yours."

The girl backed up hastily. "Oh, Sasuke, you don't have to…I can sleep in the chair—"

"Sakura." Sasuke cut in gently. He pointed to the bed again. "You need sleep. It's okay."

She hung her head, defeated, and crawled under Sasuke's covers. He took a comforter from the closet in the hall and arranged himself on the huge armchair that sat in his room. It was his thinking chair. Sasuke watched as she finally closed her eyes and drifted off.

After he was absolutely certain Sakura wouldn't wake, Sasuke crept out of the room, cell phone in hand.

It was explanation time.

"Hello? I need a line to the United States."

0o0o0o0o0o

Fifteen minutes later, Sasuke was waiting for a Satsumi Haruno to pick up the phone. He had to drop his family name several times, something Mikoto disapproved of greatly.

Sorry, Mom. This is for Sakura.

"Who the hell is this, and why the hell are you calling me at two a.m?"

Sasuke cleared his throat. "Mrs. Haruno, this is Sasuke Uchiha. I understand that your brother and sister-in-law are presently staying with you."

The woman "hmphed". "Yes? What of it?"

Keep calm… "And are you aware that Mishawka kicked Sakura out of her home before leaving for the States?"

There was silence on the other end. Finally, "So this is the Sasuke Uchiha I've heard so much about. I must say my niece speaks quite highly of you. Not many would go to such lengths to help her."

The boy shrugged, then remembered he was on the phone. "Sakura's done a lot more for me."

Satsumi exhaled loudly. "No, Sasuke, I was not aware. When I saw that Sakura had not accompanied her mother and father, I had a feeling something was up. And the only reason I am not presently ripping Mishawka's head off, is that Shizanu was already in shambles. She wouldn't say a word, and now I understand why. My brother'll get an earful in the morning."

Sasuke figured he should at least reassure Sakura's mother. "Please tell Mrs. Haruno that Sakura is staying with me, and will continue to until she and her husband return. If she'd like the number to the Manor…"

He rattled it off, and the call came to a close. But Satsumi wasn't finished.

"Sasuke, can I ask you something?"

Nod. Mentally kicking himself, Sasuke said quickly, "Of course."

"You really love her, don't you?"

He had to make a conscious effort not to drop his phone. Sakura's aunt had never met him, and still, here she was, bluntly asking him about the one topic he was wary to think about. But did he?

Sasuke sighed. "More than anything."

He heard her chuckle. "I see. Well, Sasuke Uchiha, thanks for calling. If I have my way, Sakura's parents will be on their way home by noon tomorrow. But I doubt it, so tell Sakura that her mother and I miss her dearly."

Click. Sasuke was left with only his thoughts as he repositioned himself on the armchair. Casting his eyes onto his bed, he pondered on the girl sleeping there. He loved her, had since that moment where he watched her walk away from him, that day just a year ago. But Sakura was never to know. Not now, al least. She had a boyfriend. Still, how long would that last?

The Uchiha teen sat in the dark, until his brain finally shut down, allowing him to escape to the freedom of his dreams.

Sakura woke up extremely early the next morning, at 5:30. Sasuke was already gone. He was master at operating on no-sleep.

For several minutes, Sakura lay in bed, wide awake, and stared at the ceiling.

"So it wasn't a dream…" she whispered to the darkness.

It was quiet when Sakura trooped into the kitchen. Sasuke was sitting alone at the breakfast bar, a few final Lucky Charm marshmallows swirling around in his milk. She sat down next to him and reached for the Honey Nut Cheerios.

"Are you okay?"

Sasuke was looking sideways at her. The marshmallows were still in the bowl. Sakura paused in mid-reach for the milk.

"I…I don't know."

The boy said nothing, but just continued to look at her. Then, finally, he smiled, reached around, and poured the milk for Sakura's cereal.

"Thanks."

He smirked. "No problem."

There was something to be said about silence. Many were awkward, but there were just a few that were simply nice. Nothing needed to be said, although Sakura had nothing to say anyway. Right now, all she wanted was to sit in the silence with Sasuke.

"What am I gonna tell everyone?"

They were walking to school, that companionable silence still lingering. Sasuke shrugged. "Whatever you want to tell them. You can say your dad blew a casket and left you here, or you can tell them we eloped and are now living together."

Sakura creased her brow. "Why would I tell them that?"

The boy smirked. "I just want to see their reactions."

She rolled her eyes at him. "Might as well hand them each a heart attack, all wrapped up."

0o0o0o0o0o

"I have to tell you guys something."

Sakura had never been more nervous as she stood before her friends under the Hang Out tree. Everyone sensed the seriousness in her voice.

"What is it?" asked Neji. The girl swallowed. "W-Well, remember that day when you all came over and found Sasuke and I…"

No one needed her to finish that particular sentence.

"I know you guys took photos. I'm not mad; I-it just that Nita took the one off Ino's blog and s-showed it to my dad, and my dad doesn't really like me and Sasuke, you know, as friends and all, so he…he and my mom…"

Sakura stopped and swallowed again. Sasuke stayed ever close as she forced herself to continue. "M-My dad kicked me out, they left for the States. Um, I don't know how long they'll be gone. So, uh I'll be staying at Sasuke's until they come back to Japan. I just thought you guys might want to know."

Complete and utter silence reigned as the core eight processed. Ino was distraught. "Oh my god, Sakura, I am so sorry. If I had known…."

Sakura shook her head. "It's not your fault."

It was getting hard to breathe. The boys were silent. Ino stepped forward, followed by Tenten, and then finally Hinata, and they all engulfed Sakura in a hug.

Don't cry...don't cry…

When they broke apart, Sakura felt a little less alone. The bell went. As the friends walked into homeroom, Kakashi caught the somber mood. "Something wrong?"

Sakura opened her mouth to respond, but found her voice caught in an oncoming flood of tears. She closed her mouth, and turned to Sasuke. The boy spoke for her.

"Sakura's father saw a photo of us, asleep, together, and left her here. She's staying at the Manor."

Their sensei nodded. "I see. I'm sorry to hear that, Sakura. If there's anything I can do, please let me know." The girl smiled weakly in response.

First period went on, Sakura faking cheerfulness in front of Kiba. Why? She had no idea. Sakura knew she'd have to tell him sooner or later. Her tears dissolved in her determination not to cry. Deep breaths. In, out, in, out. It was working, for now. Nita was nowhere to be seen. Sakura was glad, She didn't want to deal with Nita on top of everything else. During gym class, Sakura forced herself to focus only on the fitness testing. She doubled all her previous results.

Then, as Sasuke and Sakura wrote down every answer they already knew on the Health assignment, Nita Hamilton walked into the classroom.

A question died on Sakura's lips as she saw the other girl. Sasuke didn't have to turn around to know who it was. He placed his hand on Sakura's. She gripped hard.

"Don't say a word Nita," he growled. The girl giggled. "Sure thing, Sasuke."

Sakura gripped so hard her knuckles turned white. Breathe. In, out.

Nita went to join Kiba at his desk. Sakura released her vise-like hold. Sasuke studied her for a moment. "You okay?"

She nodded, although not entirely sure. The boy stood. "I'm gonna go to the bathroom. Be back in a minute."

Sakura watched as he left. Neji, Tenten, Shikamaru, Ino, Naruto and Hinata all looked up. They would all sit at attention until Sasuke returned. No one else had remote control over their pink-haired friend.

"What's wrong with Sakura?"

Sakura couldn't help but eavesdrop on Kiba and Nita. The raven-haired girl shrugged. "Dunno. Probably mad 'cuz Sasuke wouldn't take her."

That was it. Now Sakura was just plain pissed. All her friends noticed. Tenten whispered urgently to Neji.

"Go get him. Now!"

Sakura stood and marched over to Nita. The girl looked up, a smug smile plastered on her face. Sakura wasted no time in slapping her smartly across the face. While it was true that punches drew blood, Sakura knew there was almost nothing that hurt more than an open palm slap. She watched in satisfaction as a five-fingered red mark blossomed on Nita's face.

"What the hell was that for?"

Nita glared at her. Standing, the girl moved to retaliate. Kakashi watched, and waited silently. No need to jump in just yet, he reasoned. Let's see what Sakura can do without Sasuke to restrain her.

Sakura dodged the attack. "What was that for? That was for destroying my family!"

Nita was smirking. "Not my fault your father hates you."

She wanted to curse the worst swear she knew. But Sakura knew things would get ugly if she did.

"And it's not my fault Sasuke hates you!"

Nita stopped. "That's not true."

Sakura almost laughed. "Not true? Don't you dare tell me what's true! How dare you go to my father, stick your stupid nose into my family, just because you didn't get what you want! The world doesn't revolve around you, Nita."

The girl screamed in rage and lunged at Sakura. "You bitch! Why do you get the hottest guy in school? I'm prettier than you!"

She was aiming for the master key. Sakura moved out of the way, fast, and moved to smack Nita again. Then, in a blur of navy, Sasuke appeared. He hugged Sakura from behind, simultaneously pinning her arms at her sides.

"Saki, stop."

The pink-haired girl struggled uselessly against him. "Let me go! It's her fault! It's her fault they're gone! It's her fault my parents left me! If she hadn't…they'd still be here! My mom would still be here!"

Sakura was sobbing, gulping in air. It hurt so much. Sasuke pulled her close. "Hey. Shh. It's okay, Saki."

She shook her head defiantly. "No it's not! If it were okay, it wouldn't feel like someone ripped out part of me! It wouldn't feel like everything's crashing down on my head! I wouldn't be alone!"

Sasuke spun her around to face him, and grabbed her hands. His eyes bore into hers. "Listen to me. You are not alone. You have Tenten, and Hinata, and dobe, and all our friends."

It was hard to look at him. Sasuke cupped her chin in his hand and tilted her face towards his. "You have me. Sakura, you will always have me. You know that, don't you?"

Sakura nodded her head and allowed Sasuke to wrap his arms around her. Tears leaked into his collar and fell down his neck. "Shh. Everything's gonna be okay."

It felt like he was talking to a six-year old. But, in those moments where the other had no one, Sasuke and Sakura had come to depend on each other for support. Sakura's breathing was hitched.

"I-I miss them, Sasuke-kun! It hurts to think of what they're doing without me. If they're happier without me."

Sasuke tightened his grip. "I know. I know you do."

Tenten, Ino, and Hinata were all crying. It was just too painful to watch. Neji, Naruto, and Shikamaru each gave them a hug. One thing they were all sure of: it was never dull when Sakura and Sasuke were around.

Sakura forced herself to stop crying. God, how many times had she done that in the last few days? Too many to count. Sasuke smiled down at her.

"Chin up, huh?"

Nod. He held out his pinky. "Friends?"

Her hand was shaking, but she managed to loop hers in his.

"Always."

Kakashi coughed quietly.

"Sorry to ruin the moment, but I just got a call from Principal Tsunade. We're to report to the auditorium immediately."

"For what?" demanded Naruto.

"To pay our respects to the new KazeKage of the Sand."

Author's Note: Bet you all know who'll make an appearance in the next chappie. Yup, Gaara. Temari too. I think I'm going to have some Temari/Shikamaru thing. Lots of people seem to like that. It'll be cool. You'll all see the connection between Sakura and Gaara. It's pretty sweet, if i do say so myself. As for the third member of their 3-man cell, I have no idea who he is, so not including him. Sorry. And yes, I know Sakura cries too much. I will do my best to do something about it. As for Kiba, we'll have some Kiba/Sasuke rivalry thing next time as well.

Please review!

Annie