Hello, hello again! Chapter 9 is here!

It has been a week and I am really working this out as fast as I can…sorry for the delay and here it is!

Wait!

I need to thank to all who REVIEWED the previous chapter for me and it was great! Thank you. I didn't have the time to reply individually and you might think I am long winded. Haha! :D

Thank you so much for the reviews and hope to see you reviewing again. :D

Let's sit back and read!


Sweet Seventy

Nine…Sweet Seventy!

"Yaaaaaaawwwnnnn….zzzzz…."

"Sasuke! Snap out of it! Run!"

"Wha—?!" Oops! The Uchiha raven had totally forgotten that he is still on the race track whereas the other racers were already ahead of him. Quickly he grabbed the baton and made a dash for it.

As expected by everyone of his famous sportsmanship, he had no problems overtaking the rest of the racers with his speed and jumping over fences with agility before winning the whole race without breaking a sweat.

People cheers for him without a doubt out of adoration for his amazing talent and girls; they squeal over his good looks.

"Sigh…Sasuke-kun's still my number one; I can't seem to find anyone better than him. He's cool and handsome. Sigh…"

"Forget it, he's got that little kid taken…"

"That girl's rich. It is impossible that Sasuke-kun would like that weirdo if she hadn't offered him. Such waste…"

Girls and boys alike; they don't care if they were heard gossiping.

"Hey, people! Why don't you save that breath helping out than waste time chatting over someone else's business!" Ino didn't care if she were to be glared at; it isn't her style to hold back her tongue. Indeed she earned daggers from the gossip group as they later went away. "So noisy!"

Sports day is around the corner; it is going to be another big fest for Konoha High before the exams and next it's on to the big winter break. But first, let's check out this exciting event where the best sportsman shine!

"What? You're giving up on Sasuke-kun already?" Karin teased while her hands worked on pompons with Ino. Sports day is also about cheerleading too isn't it; girls get to show off a bit how sexy and cute they can get while waving fluffy fur balls.

"I never said that," the other blonde female snort. "I thought…I felt sorry for the little girl…" shrugging as she weaved pompons.

"Talk about humanity. Yeah, though I dislike her but I don't hate her and I can't help saying that Sasuke-kun's choice IS weird..."

If these girls weren't fighting all the time over the Uchiha heartthrob, they do make a good pair of girlfriends. They are classmates, schoolmates all the way from elementary which started off their rivalry over Sasuke and coincidentally, neighbors of the next door.

How friendly can they get?

"Hey, I am out of ribbons. Accompany me," Karin bluntly ordered, got up and dusted her skirt.

"It's Ino not 'hey'. Go get it yourself, I'm busy…" Ino didn't bother to look at the scarlet female who insisted and threatened by pulling her hair, making her budge reluctantly. "Sheesh! Why must I tag along, ugly four-eyes?!"

The goldilocks mumbled complaints as she dragged herself accompanying Karin as they strolled along quiet corridors; it is the sports festival after all where students enjoy their participation in a variety of sport events and mini games. It's normal for the school to get quieter when most of them crowd at back fields or courts.

"Because it's damn creepy when there are so few in school when everyone's out!" Karin scolded when her ears hurt listening to the blonde's consistent mumbling. "Just shut up and—"

"Ouff! Hoi!" Ino bumped right into the scarlet female in front of her who suddenly stopped. "Why did you—!"

"Shh! Listen…" the blonde paused at Karin's wary behavior.

There was silence initially before they began to hear light and small sounds coming from a far; at the end of the corridor perhaps?

Tap Tap. Tap Tap. Tap Tap Tap.

"You hear that?" Karin whispered.

"Yeah, so what? It's just footsteps don't tell me that actually scared you?" Ino rolled her eyes as she began taking lead instead but got her sweater yanked by the timid female.

"Of course I know what it is. Don't you know about those stories?" the scarlet got the message that Ino doesn't give a care to whatever she is saying. "One of the school's mystery wonders! Right here in this corridor of this old block: The Hall of Angels…" she whispered.

"Ohhh…so that's what it is for forcing me to accompany you. Were you a naughty brat not eating your carrots leaving them on your plate every time? So you're scared you'd get punished, eh?" Ino laughed with a smug on her face.

"S-Shut up! You know I hate those ugly orangey thingy! And it is not my fault that we have to cross this old block to get those stupid ribbons in the sewing room!" Karin gritted her teeth, snarling back at Yamanaka.

"And! Angels don't walk. They fly or float with glitters and holy lights!"

CLACK!

STACK!

The girls froze on their feet upon hearing the loud sounds coming from the same direction of the corridor's end. What now? Is it…

For real…?

Ino zipped when she realized she must have said too much to make the 'may exist' holy being that might lurk in this exceptionally quiet corridor. Be reminded it is The Old Block…any stories of old MAY be true.

"You and your loose mouth, you must have angered the angel!" Karin peeped from the blonde's behind.

"Hmph! It's probably the wind or something, like I let myself be scared by some stories!" Ino acted brave. "Come on! I'll show you there's no such a thing and we'll get those ribbons!" she began stomping forward.

"W-Wait for me!"

Yamanaka Ino; a brave young female, a long haired blonde tied in the typical ponytail, daughter of a florist who runs a small flower shop in the neighborhood and a girl with an attitude that sticks to her own motto. Moreover, she doesn't believe in superstitions!

Karin; an average scarlet teenage with comparable attitude as her childhood friend, Ino and could be real pushy sometimes. Love her nails more than anything (and Sasuke). She and Ino could have that sisterly bond when they agree with each other or a total cat fight when they don't (especially when it terms down to Sasuke, again). A very timid person when it comes to the dark and those of the 'other side' and often clung onto Ino…

Like how it is currently. The red head had no means to let go of Ino's sweater and the way she is grabbing onto now with her nails digging into them, she might actually rip it off. The blonde always complained about this irritable habit and tries to shove her away but failed to do so. In fact, Karin just gets stickier every time…

"Stop pulling! You're messing my uniform!" Ino snarled.

"Then don't walk so fast!"

"Do you want ribbons or not?!" Karin nodded vehemently. "Then stop dragging and get it and get out of here if you're so scared!"

"B-But aren't you going i-inside with me, Ino…?" Oh, so now she calls properly by the name. Ino rolled her eyes at the scaredy-cat.

Tap Tap. Clack!

The girls froze again as they stood in front of the door. So the sound DID come from the sewing room! Karin trembled as she quickly hid behind the blonde again. This is irritating! So what if there is one of those mystical beings in there?

As if Ino would chicken off when it is so not like her to go against her own policy. She'll get down to this mystery right here, right now!

Without second thoughts, she carefully slid open the door and peeping right into the room. As expected, there was no soul in there except sewing machines neatly aligned on tables for economics class not to mention there were dress forms and mannequins at a corner. Rather creepy, she admits with the lights out and there were no other besides the littlest seeping through the curtains.

A small chill ran down Yamanaka's spine before she could fully gather the rest of her bravery to open the door completely and there it is; she heard a variety of sounds.

Rattle. Rattle.

Scruch. Scruch.

Fumph!

They weren't loud; they were muffle-like to be exact and it came from the other end of the room where the ribbons are too! Ish! What coincidence!

What to do? Go ahead or give up?

Knowingly that they can't give in when they need ribbons for decorations and sewing for their cheerleading outfit, it is the matter of getting them sooner or later! Grr! This is so frustrating and Karin is definitely going to make a hole in that sweater with her long nails.

Stop it Karin!

It is do or die! Ino moved forward, quietly her feet takes her just in case if she had to awaken some unwanted 'being' that the rumors may seriously be true. She inched and inched in the narrow aisle between tables. She stopped when her feet came to something gentle.

A roll of ribbon.

But it wasn't the only one she saw on the floor in this dimness; there were rolls and rolls of them messily laid unwind.

What is this?!

The girls could not help but to turn curious and shocked at the sight of them. This is bad! Is it really what it is?! Even Ino couldn't think straight not to mention Karin who began trembling. Moreover, it became exceptionally quiet now and the minute Ino lift her gaze from the ground she saw IT.

In this eerie dimness, she saw those BIG GREEN EYES staring right into hers as it peeps out from the table's edge at the other end of the room.

"GIIIIIIYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

"AAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

"KARIN WHY THE HECK DID YOU SCREAMED IN MY EAR?!"

"Because you started screaming so I did too!"

"But you need not pitch it so high! Darn! I can't hear properly now!"

"Ugh, could both of you bxxxxxs stop it? It's irritating!" A voice! And familiar!

The two got startled a bit when a small silhouette made its way towards the curtains to draw in some sunshine to clear up the room so does the misunderstanding that the girls were being silly of.

Yeah some angel it was who's BIG GREEN EYES that could shimmer under the bright light with so much vigor and cheekiness and so human-like!

"Y-You!" Ino pointed her index finger angrily. "What's the big idea trying to scare someone like that?!"

"Yeah!" Karin came out of hiding.

They watched the petite female shrugged her shoulders as if she cared and not that it was her fault when they were actually scaring themselves through unnecessary rumors.

Sakura didn't pay them much attention as she returned to her rummaging business that she was so busy of till she couldn't hear the girls entering the room earlier. Quite the princess when it comes down to finding something, she makes a mess out of everything expecting that her keepers would undo it later.

"Hey, stop messing around! Are you listening?" Ino blared angrily at the pinkette who bluntly replied a stare.

"What?" shortly. "It's not my fault when you get scared at the tiniest," then it was back to rummaging business for Sakura.

"Tch! Stop it! You're making a mess out of this place! What are you trying to find anyway?!" the blonde forcefully confiscated the box Sakura was working on with.

"Needles! And thread!" Why this little brat! Who does she think she is in that ordering tone?! "If you want me to stop it, get them. Now!"

"Grr! Have you got no manners?! If you want something you'd ask properly because I am no servant of yours who'd clean up whatever shit you left off with, princess!" Yamanaka knew that words wouldn't easily affect this little obstinate child.

The Haruno girl only made a face and pretended as if she heard nothing. What a hard-dealing child and Karin have no heart to give for such attitude and since there isn't anyone else besides her; she might as well take the opportunity to bully a bit by pulling the pinkette's hair.

"I'll show you the proper way to behave in front of those who're superior to you, pinky!"

"Stop it, Karin. You're no better than the rest if you keep that up. Let her go…" right, they wouldn't be any different from the rest of those people who had it bad about the Haruno girl that they encountered earlier.

The scarlet female had no choice but to obey. Sakura glared a bit and she did it in a very childish way and with that messed up hair, as if she is about to cry; that it made the blonde laughed a while.

"Haha. Sorry…You're pretty cute I'd say now that I look carefully…" Ino smiled. 'I guess that charmed Sasuke-kun, huh…' she thought to herself.

Sakura no longer frowned and blinked confusingly at her.

"Anyway, what were you trying to do?" Ino subsequently asked. Little Sakura was reluctant a bit before answering honestly behind her mutters.

"It's the sports festival…" she had hints of being shy and that shown by her avoiding direct gazes as she spoke. "I want to make a headband...the ones they usually wear during races…"

Ino could see her fiddle her fingers while speaking; this girl is definitely in love and without a doubt for her beloved Uchiha. It's a none-to-guess answer. But for her, a princess who wants to do something trivial such as sewing a headband for her lover?

How sweet…

Before she could say another word, the pink haired female stuck out a demanding hand,

"Needles and thread. Now."

Argh, just when Ino thinks that the little female was cute and wasn't as bad as what the others say; she changed her mind, this puny brat is just rude and a demanding princess!

As Karin said earlier, she didn't hate the girl but dislike. It wasn't too bad after all.

The blonde snorted a bit before handing over a set that the little girl demanded for and expected the little princess to be rude but as she agreed earlier; she disliked the girl not hate.

Sakura smiled saying her thanks before she hastily whisked off to; probably to get down to serious handmade-with-love business. That girl…

And Ino bet Miss Princess doesn't know how!

"Both of you! What on earth is this mess?!" perfect timing, the teacher in charge suddenly made unwanted appearance when the girls had completely forgotten about the mess made by the little pink head.

Great…now they are really going to clean the princess's mess like her servant indeed.

"Grr! I really, really hate that princess!" Ino gritted.


Rustle…

Rustle…

Rustle…

Listen to the trees as the leaves danced in teasing winds that has become regular as the days passed more into the autumn and little by little would this land be covered in copper.

This season, this scenery, has it always been so pretty?

It is fall; nothing special, nothing exciting. That was before but now, it became the sweetest season of the year and hopefully the next too and more.

Sakura gazed out at the window where she could see part of the world outside, it is alright to be this inferior when she could somehow imagine the rest of it whereas previously she hardly paid any attention or spared time thinking about it. It is different now; with her heart tingling in her chest caused by that fluttery feeling and the sense that she knew she is in love.

Yes, she is and it made her world light and colourful; very colourful indeed. Call her weird but the smile on her lips was authentic born from the depths of happiness in her heart. It was only days since their relationship began and she guarantees herself happy with that exotic black haired raven who'd shine so brightly; a star among people and a star in her dull life.

FWEET!

The whistle blows and there he is on the track; her eyes darted along with the movements of his animal speed and within the shortest period he broke another record. As expected out of the boy star where the rest of those who witnessed his performance praised and cheered him on. Over and over again they fall in love with their hero; Uchiha Sasuke.

And he is her hero indeed.

The boy who gave her new love, new things and new days every day; he is her whole new world to begin life differently apart from those many years wasting it dull and sickening in the Haruno mansion.

He thought her school; although it was her who decided to attend one. Still it was for him she decided to be in school.

He thought her value; even if it was for a piece of sweet bun bought at its cheapest, it could make her happy.

He thought her family; the moments where she spent her free time after school at Brown's Panya she was able to share a taste of togetherness and the love Uncle Brown showered over an adopted boy and how grateful the boy is to him.

He thought her love; something that it was for her one-sided towards a man she waited at home and coldly unrequited… If it wasn't for Sasuke who tells her that love is undying and hopeful, she might have given up…

Sakura stood at an angle where she could witness the world embracing that loving boy and where the world isolates her…like it has always been; she couldn't help but to bring upon a smile to herself. She felt weird for doing so compared to the times where she would just walk away whenever there is a commotion or a crowd but when that boy is particularly involved, she couldn't just take her eyes off him…

She could never and it hasn't changed since the day she set her eyes on him when they were children in Elementary school. He is as timid as she saw him get easily bullied. He is as kind as she watched him help others. He is as dumb in his studies. He is as cool as he is whenever he played or run, getting himself drenched in his own sweat…

He is how he is ever since…

Sakura smiled as she stood in isolation not that she wanted to interfere and it was too crowded for her to join in and get stomped. She is just too little for that kind of thing and it made her sad…

If she were a little taller…

If she were a little bigger…

Would things be different? Better?

Before she knew it, she was biting her lower lip where the pain came when she realized but not as bad as it hurt of what lies deep in her chest. It was disappointment; it hurt bad that it turned sour and then she began to feel lonely…

How cruel.

If she hadn't fell for that boy, she might just be peaceful with her stoned heart and continue living dull for the rest of her life. But no, this joyful boy of an Uchiha just had to crush her tranquility and imposed on her with amounts of deviated emotions!

"Sakura-chan!"

Her head perked up to see that boy running his all over to her, calling her name and demolish her isolated state as he brought the world's attention towards her too. People began staring and next, gossiping about her appearance when they had forgotten about her a second ago.

"Sakura-chan!" in his sunshine grin, Sasuke panted. "Did…pant…Did you…pant…see me run…?"

Like how it was when he asked her from the start of her school days, when he made efforts to be friendly and get close to her months ago. He asked her simple and unexpected questions…

"Um! You're so cool, Sasuke-kun…" giggling like she does always and bringing a blush upon the shy boy.

With him around, it would probably be hard to get lonely…

"Woooohoooo! Whistle! Whistle!"

"Sasuke! Show off!"

From afar, some of the boys teased causing another commotion. Of course, of those who include Naruto and company so do the boys from the basketball club! They had lots of fun making the Uchiha embarrassed to the extent he could not hide his bashfulness.

"S-S-Stop it g-guys!" he screams like a woman which earned him worse.

"Alright! Alright! Don't let your youth go to waste, back to training everybody!" it is Gai-sensei's reign when it comes down to sports and where most of the female students began fleeing from training. "You there little one!" he called referring to Sakura the only one he sees without a training attire.

Oh no…here he comes at dashing speed!

"Why do you not wear your training suit?" Gai-sensei questions; he must have totally forgotten about the exception that Sakura was given since the beginning.

"S-Sensei, Sakura-chan is—"

"I'll go change right away, sensei!" Sakura cut the raven short surprisingly and before he could stop her.

Sasuke speechlessly stared at her little figure, watching her dash into the school building once again to get changed. How rare or so to say that it was his first time to see his little girlfriend being hyper and obedient; recalling that she would never participate during PE. He is happy for her and so he is very happy when he could see her again later…

Is it him or does Sakura look extremely cute in whatever she wears?

Her girl's red track suit that was a little too big for her petite being although it was the smallest size and her pink hair that matches along with her similar red ribbon boosts her cute points!

Moreover! She had her fringe CLIPPED!

How cute is that!

Sasuke couldn't concentrate as he kept stealing glances over to his beloved female who agreed to watch him run his hundred meter sprint. She is his biggest distraction and he could hardly hear the whistle and stood there at the starting point, losing the whole race.

"Sasuke-kun! Why? Why must you be so cruel to me? Do you not see me fit as your…sob…rival…sob…sniff!" Lee exaggerated at the fact he won by default. Sasuke got shocked and embarrassed.

"S-Sorry Lee, I dazed off a bit…" scratching his head sheepishly, blushing as he got teased more from the rest of his friends who watched his obvious behavior from the sidelines. Sakura giggled at him too.

Grrraaahhh! It isn't his fault when his girlfriend is being so cute and he could not resist taking another glance or two!

"Uchiha Sasuke!" Great, oh, great. Here comes Gai-sensei. He is so going to nag his ears off. "Being in love is a youthful thing for you youthful youths but I still want to see your youthful performance! Now, once more youthful people! Blah. Blah. Blah!"

This is so embarrassing; getting nagged in front of the rest of the students. Sasuke felt nothing happier than this although he is redder than any tomato, he is like this thrilling feeling and it made him want to do the stupidest.

"S-Sakura-chan!" he shouted from a distance as got her attention. "You look too cute in PE attire, I can't focus!" instantly his cheeks and ears burned along in shy heat.

Again, the guys cheered, teased and whistled admiringly at him; finally, their well-known shy boy Uchiha is becoming a courageous man before his lady! They were all happy for him and Sakura was no less feeling lucky; she giggled while covering her rosy blushing.

Things are getting swell between the young lovers and it was all happy. Youthful love!

Of course, that isn't the case for everyone; out of jealousy, disagreement or other reasons they find, some among the students just don't like the sight of their happy commotion. They just couldn't shake off the idea how weird the new couple may be.

"Ch!" among the students, Morie snorted in dislike.

"How disgusting. Look at that ugly girl, pink hair? What special does it give her? I say she's weird. You're nowhere comparable to her Morie!" one of the girls beside Morie spoke.

"The Uchiha's blind. Isn't it laughable that he chose a child for a girlfriend, right girls?" another said where the rest replied snickering. Morie spoke nothing.

"Why don't we teach that bxxxx a lesson? It is that bxxxx's fault for Sasuke-kun to raise his voice at you Morie."

"Hmm…I think…I'd prefer something more interesting…" Morie began smirking. "I want to make them regret to the extent that they wish they'd never started dating."

"Ho? That's pretty bad of you but I like it."

"Now that is interesting. How should we do it?"

"It is pretty simple. Watch and learn…" Morie subsequently got up from her seat and gracefully strolled her way towards Gai-sensei. From afar, she was seen whispering a few words to the teacher and returned with a victorious smirk on her face.

"What did you say Morie?"

"Yeah, I don't get it. What's simple as you said? You went up to sensei instead of the brat."

Morie regrouped with her questioning friends and sat maintaining that satisfied smirk upon her lips,

"Look, the pinky is going to embarrass herself. And for sure she's going to feel pathetic for embarrassing Sasuke as his girlfriend."

True enough, they closely watched as Gai-sensei quickly rushed up to the little pink haired female. This is going to be a show…

"Haruno Sakura. You will participate in the women's race, now quickly, off to training on the track!"

Surprised, Sasuke couldn't be more disturbed by the idea. Without hesitation he stepped in in hopes to stop this before anything bad happens; he don't want to remember what happened if Sakura were to strain herself.

He knows it well what might happen.

"Sensei, Sakura-chan—"

"Now, now lover boy, you can't always be so over protective. Lovers should have faith for each other and having the sense of adoration for one another! You're all youthful and you should do youthful things!"

"I'll do it," with solid tones Sakura surprisingly agreed.

"S-Sakura-chan?!" Does she know what she is getting into?! "Saku—"

"It's okay," she assured.

"B-But—"

"Aww, come on Sasuke. Don't you wanna see your cute girlfriend run? I think it'll be charming!" his friends clung onto him teasingly.

These people, they just don't know what will happen if Sakura were to…he doesn't dare try remembering how it was when she collapsed. But Sakura, why didn't she reject the teacher? He didn't like the idea about this when the feeling he got is bad.

And it was too late for him to stop her when she stubbornly decided over something and was already on the race tracks. He began to worry; seeing her being serious over the slightest.

What is she thinking?!

His clenched his fist as it trembled worriedly.

FWEET!

The whistle blew causing his heart to skip in fear as he watch his beloved pinkette began the race by sprinting but accidentally slipped an fall onto the rough surfaces of the track, hurting herself.

"Ah!" Sasuke perked worriedly and people had the heart to silently laugh and snickered at the pinkette's falling scene.

What are they? Why did they laugh? Sasuke couldn't understand but for sure he disliked it and he didn't care if he were to interrupt the race by tending to his precious pink haired female not when a friendly arm clung over to prevent him from doing so.

"Easy lover boy, she's alright. Look at Sakura-chan, isn't she amazing?" Naruto; giving him an 'it's all okay' smile and was the blonde right.

The Uchiha's heart skipped when he came to look at the little female's determination; Sakura may be a princess but whenever she puts her mind into something, she doesn't hold back going all out for it. He knew the parts where she got grazed were hurting but she didn't stop to sulk and instead got back up onto to her feet running.

Like Naruto said,

It was amazing; the view he stood here from the sidelines as he watched the race was amazing in the sense that he could feel how it was to be in Sakura's shoes. She must have felt these big emotions build while watching him on the track and the sensation of overwhelming excitement is unbelievable when watching someone with admiration, adoration.

It is the same; he thinks Sakura is cool on the track. And little did he understand why she was persistent in taking part now when previously she stubbornly refused;

For his sake, Sakura is trying her best. She didn't want to be left behind as he moved forward. She wanted to stand par with him as they proceed further into the days.

She is trying to grow up.

How amazing can this be…? Sakura oh Sakura…

How he wanted to shed tears of happiness…but not now when the race stirred when the small pink figure was fast and caught up with the rest of the racers. It became a breath-held scene and in a split moment everything ended.

It was amazing; for Sakura's first attempt she got a third! How amazing could that be!

Sasuke got a little stunned as he rooted on the spot with parted lips; he grew speechless when he got bested by his own overwhelming emotions. He is happy, he is astounded by her surprising performance and he is proud!

"Sa...pant…Sasu…ke…pant…kun! I got a third…pant…pant…pant!" filled with joy, Sakura loudly said from the other end. She is really happy, smiling and announcing with delight. Sasuke knows and he is too for her but not when it struck him bad at her paling face. "Pant. Pant. I got a third! Pant. Pant. Pant. I got…"

And as he feared of…

"SAKURA-CHAN?!"

In a flash Sasuke dashed to the fallen maiden. It frightens him when the touch of her skin was cold. There is no time to be afraid, hurriedly, he scooped her into his arms, dashing for the infirmary.

It is his fault, he should have insisted in stopping her! Why did he ever let her?!

And what he detested most was he heard snickers. Those people had the heart to snicker at her when she is at her critical. They really have no means to be human; what crime had Sakura committed to deserve such harsh treatment?

He began to question if it was Sakura who isolated herself from having friends or it was those people out of their own reasons to avoid her in the first place!

He begin to hate those detestable people!

"S…Sa…suke…kun…" he heard her weak mutters.

"It's okay, Sakura-chan. You're going to be okay. You'll definitely be okay…!" he yelled to the top of his lungs while his feet hasted out of immensurate fear and tears that began to trickle his cheeks.

He is afraid. He didn't know what he would do if…if something were to happen to Sakura this time for sure when the previous had dealt him dread. He wouldn't know how to face Sasori or forgive himself if anything were to happen!

"S-Silly…man…" she rested her head on Sasuke's chest; it was warm and assuring. She smiled. Nothing matters to her because with Sasuke close to her, she isn't afraid…even if death were to seek her. "Sasuke…kun…don't tell…Sasori…"


White. White. And white.

This is the infirmary Sakura strongly believes; the low cheap ceiling tells compared to the private hospital she is usually admitted to which were higher and classier. And this place reek thick medicine. The bed is harder, smaller and thank goodness, there was no Sasori but a sleepy head Uchiha.

His charcoal black hair messily splayed on the white sheets where his head laid, he was beside her and believed he had never left her side all this while and as for her hand, he held it tight. The obvious traces of tears and that frown etched on his face while he slept must have been the fault of worry; Sakura felt guilty while happiness drew along.

She is genuinely loved by this young man.

And also she sentenced herself to another guilt when it was her too who wore him out since their last date; she learned another fact about Uchiha Sasuke that he couldn't handle horror movies very well when she insisted on watching it instead of the romantic film he bought.

Poor Sasuke-kun.

It was sleepless nights for him ever since.

Sakura giggled quietly when it was cute looking at the Uchiha male's sleeping face and right beside her, fastened his large hand around hers. He is such a charming boy; probably earth's one and last.

Gently, she reached out to caress those tempting dark strands; they were thick as always but shorter compared to the last time she did during the fireworks festival by memory.

He got it cut? She likes it. No matter what about him, she liked it all.

"Mm…Hnnmm…? Ah! S-Sakura-chan!" the raven boy immediately perked wide awake upon seeing his beloved pink; she looks healthier compared to hours ago and that diffused some worry in him. "Thank goodness you're alright…Thank…sob God…you're…sob…okay…sniff…sob…snivel…" he could no longer hold back his tears.

Sakura felt the boy trembled as his grip around her hand tightened a bit; he must have been scared. She smiled while she lovingly touched his damp cheeks.

"Hey…don't cry silly. I am not dead yet…" there she goes again; those hateable words.

"I told you not to say such irresponsible words, Sakura-chan. You're not alone now. Please think about how I feel when you say them…" Sasuke sniffed like a child. "Do you know how afraid I was? Do you know how much I hate myself for letting you get hurt? You're so cruel to me, Sakura-chan…!" he held her hand tightly as he sobbed.

"I'm sorry…" Sakura uttered apologetically as she rested her head onto his; begging for forgiveness. "I'm sorry Sasuke-kun…Forgive me?"

"Sniff…Sniff…Y-Yeah…" the Uchiha smiled with his eyes reddened from bawling; he's so childishly cute. "And. Please don't ever do such reckless things that are beyond you ever again, Sakura-chan…"

"We'll see…" cheekily.

"Sakura-chan…!"

The petite Haruno nodded cutely with her smiling face; things are alright again. Her cheeks had regained its rosy colour and she is once more energetic. It is a relief to have her back and nothing bad happened. Sasuke is really thankful.

"Praise me…," her order; spewed between their momentary silence as she stared at the raven boy persistently with demanding air. "Praise me, Sasuke-kun…" she repeated.

He understood her without bothering to ask what it meant. Like how it was previously; the desperation to seek acknowledgement that she had fared well.

A third.

It was good enough.

Sasuke smiled wholeheartedly at her before planting a kiss onto her forehead; he didn't realize she had quite a large one behind her cute fringe and he liked it very much. He made it long and deep; so lovingly that Sakura received it with her eyes closed as she wanted to fully feel it.

It was…amazing.

To love a person and be loved is something hard to come by and when it does, it makes one wonder if it was all only a dream to wake up on. Yet, it wasn't.

"You were very cool, Sakura-chan…" Sasuke complimented to the pinkette's favor. She giggled at him; ah, the music…"Even if you didn't need to prove a thing, to me, Sakura-chan you are always cool. So…please, love yourself more and don't give me anymore heart attacks…? I can't really take it…" he pouted playfully at her.

"Um!"

Sasuke bumped foreheads with the giggling girl, she is quite a handful to be honest and he bet she has more to give him in the future.

"You know what Sasuke-kun…"

"Yes?"

"Let's go on a date, a NORMAL date another day. Like the other couples do. I want to make up for the previous one…" her offer was the most delightful thing that the Uchiha teenager has ever heard. He could rocket through the ceiling this very moment!

"Y-Yes…Yes! Yes! I definitely want to, Sakura-chan!" he blushed very hard. Ah, what bliss!

"And Sasuke-kun…" Sakura began blushing too while she hesitated on her next phrase. "I love you…" uttered in sheepish manner.

The raven's mouth gasped widely; like a goldfish out of water. This is crazy, he is going crazy, insane!

"I love you, Sakura-chan. I love you very very very very very very very very very VERY much, Sakura-chan!"

And the two giggled happily.


"MY. LADY! WHAT. HAPPENED?!"

It is so like Sasori for him to freak out when his Miss returned home with grazed palms and happy blushes across her cheeks. The red haired caretaker couldn't suppress himself from over reacting since he was forced to be busy taking care of other businesses than watching over his Miss.

"Nothing happened. I fell that's all," she is getting good at lying, Sasori sees.

"Quickly, bring me the aid kit and hot water!" he ordered; he is as meticulous as ever even if it is only a scratch. "And please be more concerned of the time you return, Sakura-sama. It has passed tea—Sakura-sama? What are you doing Sakura-sama…?"

He peeked over to the female who suddenly turned quiet as she sat on an armchair with working hands over something; needles and thread and ribbons? He didn't have a clue to what she is trying to do but definitely he got the shivers when he sees his Miss is doing something trivial such as sewing?!

She never, NEVER, N-E-V-E-R sewed before!

Even her clothes were specially picked by him or her personal designers; she'd never lift a finger to petty matters talk about sewing!

My, oh, my…Sasori felt his head spinning worriedly. His little princess is growing too fast for him to cope. At this rate, he bet she would leave him for sure with another man!

Sniff! Sob! Snivel! This is so sad…! Tell him this isn't true…

"Sewing," and it is; pitched light and happily excited too! "I want to make a headband for Sasuke-kun for sports day. He's taking part in the race!"

Sasori felt his heart crushed. Curse Uchiha Sasuke for stealing his most precious princess off his life!

Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!

BARGE! BANG!

Okay, this ain't no earthquake or a raid and this is absolutely NORMAL when the Hyuuga's most fearsome and fearless woman arrived. It's also very NORMAL for someone like her to enter the Haruno mansion uninvited and without permission at all.

Hinata is sexy as ever; does she have no other clothing besides those that shows off her curvatures and did she get a new pierce? And her heels, it gets higher and higher every single time she shows up. Not that Philia could beat.

"Good evening, Miss Hinata," Sasori bowed politely acknowledging the Hyuuga's presence. Hinata gave a short curt nod in reply before removing her shades and swept her silky long hair aside; a total model's figure.

"Where's that puny pinky?!" she asks rudely not that the little pinkette's figure could be easily noticed behind an oversized armchair. Hinata was too rather shocked to see her petite friend doing something else besides reading. "Pfft! What the… Are you doing something ridiculous such as sewing?!"

Sakura didn't answer or nod or budge; not even the slightest reaction came when she was too busy concentrating in trying to thread a needle.

Attempt 1; aim…push…miss…

Attempt 2; aim…push…miss…

Attempt 3; aim…push…miss…

Attempt 4; aim…push…miss…

Attempt 5; aim…push…miss…

Attempt etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera and into the infinity…

"Aaarrgghhh! Stop it Haruno! Give me that!" the Hyuuga female snatched both thread and needle from the pinkette's hands.

Attempt 1; aim…push…pull…

TADA! Thread a needle; success!

"Wow! Big Booby you're amazing for once!" Sakura's eyes shimmered in awe to her friend who wore a smug.

"Duh! This is way too easy! I always help grandmamma with this," Hinata fanned herself wearing superior air; she threw herself onto a nearby seat, crossed her legs and sipped tea the moment she was served.

She carefully eyed the little Haruno who returned being quiet again as she struggled on her new adventures of needlework with an unconscious smile so cute.

"Look at your stupid face. I can't believe that the great Haruno prodigy would do something this petty than to seek greater knowledge or challenge. That fall must have hit your head hard!" the Hyuuga spat.

Sasori almost spilled tea the minute his ears caught such devastating news,

"You fell down Sakura-sama?! Was that the cause of the graze?! Where did you fell?! When?! How?! Why?! Someone pushed you?! Why no one prevented it?!" one the good of the reasons Sakura prefer to lie; he is too noisy that he freaks out and about the slightest.

"According to my fiancé; she fell on her own during a race she tried to show off on and passed out in the end," Hinata sipped her tea after kindly reporting it to the panicking caretaker. Sakura glared pouting at her when Sasori began freaking out more.

"Why didn't you tell me Sakura-sama?!" here he goes again; he'll nag. " ? -sama?"

See!

Stubborn little Sakura isn't listening; she shrugged her shoulders without bothering to look at him. Hinata snickered at the scene of a frustrated parent with an obstinate child.

"Sigh…This won't do, I think I need more training. I need to be a better caretaker! Now, please excuse me a while I need to recuperate a while. No, perhaps I need another intensive training. No, maybe I should…mumble…mumble…" disappointedly, Sasori dragged himself to the depths of the mansion. He is so exaggerating sometimes…

"Hmph, finally some peace and quiet; your butler is noisy when it comes to you…but I think I do agree with him one thing…" Hinata smirked when she gained a tiny reaction from the busy pinkette that she is listening. "Seriously are you losing your touch that you pick a lowly man like that bakery boy…?"

She got gazed at immediately; those emeralds staring without the sense of being angry as if it was expected before turning away and back into needlework's business.

"I like Sasuke-kun…" was the pink haired Haruno's simplest and unexpected answer; without any other emotions than being happy at the fact she came to make that silly decision.

To Hinata, Sasori and probably to the rest of the Haruno family, it is stupid. For Sakura to be calm and composed like this is as if she foresaw the future.

"It's not funny, Haruno Sakura. Do you know what you're getting into? Even if we are rivals, I don't want you to regret…" Hinata flicked her hair aside. "Are you listening to me?"

"Are you telling me that Sasuke-kun and I are from different worlds?" blunt, Sakura muttered without any glance to spare struggling in her work. "That we don't suit each other. This relationship is just on a whim and it is weird that everyone would laugh at?"

Hinata paused when she got to meet with a pair of emotionless jades which stared piercingly for an answer from her,

"Yeah."

The Hyuuga didn't care if it would hurt the little female because it is the truth; so if the Haruno knew about it why would she want to do something silly that she have no gain and get hurt at the end of the day?

"I know…I know how the kids in school spoke about us, snickered and laughed at us…" Sakura's shoulders slumped sadly. "But I can't help being selfish. He is the first who noticed me alive; he is gentle, shy and emotional. I couldn't help being selfish and keep him…"

"He's going to dump you one day when he can't keep you with you and—"

"And he couldn't accept who I really am. The public will laugh and he'll have second thoughts about us," Sakura sighed.

"If you understand that, why are you being stupid? Why not pick Sasori instead, you knew about his feelings and he accepts you after so long…"

"Then why didn't you pick Neji instead of Naruto?" Hinata hated it when that cheeky pink head threw questions back at her.

Hyuuga Neji; Hinata's cousin, a member of a branch of the Hyuuga family, an average boy and another Konoha High's prodigies. Although cousins, he didn't seem to be well known and wealthy like Hinata does from the main family who inherits the Hyuuga businesses in confectionery.

"Hmph! He's got nothing and it is not like I that Uzumaki boy anything in particular. It's all business! I want to be the Queen of Sweets!" there she goes again; she is realistic and materialistic.

Hinata may be cold and bossy but she truly cares for a certain pink haired friend as Sakura is her first and only true friend besides acquaintances whom she thinks are bad people. She treats little Sakura like a sister; frequents her visits at the Haruno mansion and bugs Sakura. She sworn rivalry over the pinkette in whatever they do that grows long and never ending.

"You're the worst, Big Booby," Sakura giggled. "You'll understand when you fall in love."

"Hah! As if I need you as my teacher. I fare good. Why not worry about yourself first," Hinata snacked on shortbread and meringues served on the coffee table.

The sweet stuff laden on the table was very remindful of a certain black haired boy who makes them for a living and is passionate about his work. In that small, old shop with Uncle Brown where everyone flocks to for fresh bread and where this weird love all began; Sakura smiled to herself when she popped in a sweet piece to melt on her tongue.

Ah, there she goes…falling in love by the thought of Sasuke then said,

"It doesn't matter if it is only for short, let our little game be just for a while…I am happy. It doesn't matter if we don't last, at least I have tasted sweetness that will last for a long time…" Sakura began sewing again and accidentally pricked her finger.

Hinata sighed at her.

"You're hopeless. Bring it here," the lavender eyed female took the sewing off Sakura's hands. "I'll show what real stitching is!"


Stitch. Poke.

Stitch. Poke.

Stitch. Stitch. Poke. Poke!

Grumpily the pink haired female sucked her index finger, a small frown found its way to her brows again; at this rate her poor finger is going to be filled with holes. Lucky it doesn't bleed much this time.

This time.

Yeah, it has been over who-knows-how-many-times she had her set of fingers severed by that pointy implement and yet she is still going active with it. Wielding that tiny sewing instrument she clumsily dive it deep into the fabric.

Prick!

There, she did it again.

She sighed and rested the fabric on her lap. She gazed out of the window where she could see autumn's day and the cool breeze that swept in was soothing.

Alone and quiet in the school's sewing room, she kept herself secluded from the rest. She would love to watch Sasuke undergo his training but it is best she showed up less among those people who she expected to gossip about her amusing performance yesterday;

Saying how incompetent she is and was a total princess to collapse at the end of a short run. How embarrassing it was.

And the worse of all; they see her unfit to be with the amazing Sasuke-kun who could do anything.

Yes, she admits; she couldn't even make a simple headband. Besides studying, she's never good at the rest.

Sakura knew; they don't have to say it…

SLIDE!

Sakura got startled when the door suddenly opened without a knock; not that she expect one since she sneaked in without permission. Someone is coming in and quickly with the advantage of her petite figure, she hid.

It was never her nature to be this timid and hiding isn't her game since she was little; she just didn't feel like interacting with anyone else besides Sasuke and she bet she'll get talked at again.

"Hey! Stop scaring people and come out. I know you're there, you little brat!" Ah, she recognized that voice; peeping out from her hiding she came to see an angry Karin.

"Karin, be nice!" Ino nudge the red head.

The girls; what business do they have here, intruding her personal privacy. Sakura had no choice but to admit her hiding presence and regained her personal space by the window with an ignorant attitude.

"Hmmmmmm? Miss Princess is sewing," Karin smirked as she leaned forward teasingly staring at the poor handiwork of the little pink. "Awww and Miss Princess must have hurt her Princess fingers often…" she teased and smirked triumphantly when she got an angry reaction from the petite female.

"Stop it, Karin. She's trying," Ino scolded a bit while she busied herself rummaging the cupboards.

Karin snorted and zipped while watching the little princess work her way through; it certainly is frustrating to watch someone who is clumsy and hesitant. Karin couldn't turn a blind eye when she gets over irritated at Sakura.

"Argh! You're doing it the wrong way!" she raised her voice. Sakura got startled when Karin held her hands, gently guiding her and advising the right way to do it. "You'll push it this way not blindly stabbing it through the fabric that it gets your fingers! See, the stitching is better if you don't pull it so hard!"

Wow, Karin is right. The thread nicely sits on top of the fabric and it has a nice feel to it compared to the rest of her ugly stitching. So much for Hinata's way of doing it; another princess…

"If you're going to stitch patterns you've gotta make a rough outline with chalk," Sakura blinked speechlessly at Karin. "Ino, pass the chalk!"

Thrown from afar, Karin caught it with ease and set herself down beside the little female, giving her a hand. Sakura could not help but stare at the red head; it is surprising for these two who used to be Sasuke's fangirls would be kind enough to help her without the need to ask.

Were they nice people from the beginning? Or are they like the rest of them who wouldn't do something for free?

Sakura felt confused but definitely the feeling these girls set in her was warm and kind. If they could be friends, wouldn't that be nice?

"Oi, stop staring and pay attention," Karin said loudly. "If you are serious in making this for Sasuke-kun, you've got to give it your all, understand?"

Surprised again; are they encouraging her instead of throwing unfavorable slanders at her like the rest? Have they accepted her…as someone? A feeling that was beyond Sakura's imagination welled in her chest; it was certainly a good one with the mix of being sweet and sour.

"Is…Is it okay…?" she uttered hesitantly; her voice in this silence captured the girls' attention. "Is it okay for you to teach me…?"

Karin and Ino glanced over to each other before a reply,

"What nonsense are you spouting? Of course it is. There is no crime in teaching someone else some basics," said Karin.

This feeling; it is warm and beautiful…even if these girls were only teaching her on a whim but still it was the first time that she was ever been thought by someone of her age and possibly if they could be friends.

She must be very greedy to ask for more.

Sakura smiled; her rosy coloured cheeks rose by the formation of a genuine smile.

"Thank you…"

Ino and Karin were surprised by it of how cute the little girl they think of a rival could be. They blush a bit by the gratitude they received and became sheepish when they knew there is a possibility they could be friends after all.

"Ah, come on. Stop with this mushy stuff. I can't take it!" Karin covered her face. Ino laughed. Sakura giggled.

The trio filled their space with happy voices; it is new and refreshing and it never felt so alive for so long. They exchanged conversations; simple ones, common ones that allows them to break through that barrier that they once held between them and sooner they made it as if they knew each other for a long time.

Karin couldn't hold back being grumpy when she sees Sakura's terrible needlework. Ino sat oppositely from the girls, watching the pink and red battled their tongues a bit.

"You're one sharp tongued brat aren't you?" Karin growled.

"And you're a bossy four eyes," Sakura retorted.

"Bossy? Look who's talking."

"Girls. Girls. Now let's not start a fight when we could get along well now," Ino teased, smiling.

"Who'd say we would get along," Karin refused to admit. Sakura shrugged her shoulders and continued sewing without another word.

Ino could see Sakura is working very hard for it when she noticed those perfectly cared fingers had prick marks on them. She smiled to herself thinking that is was rather surprising that a rich daughter is such of a sweet heart and to think she was only a bossy, useless girl.

A person who tries isn't useless, huh…

She began to like this little princess.

"Hey, Sakura-chan…" Ino called for the first time and it startled the pinkette quite a bit though she hid her expressions in ladylike manner. "You like Sasuke-kun very much don't you…"

Sakura nodded hesitantly when she needed time to recover from her surprised condition. Ino gave a sincere smile; by heart, she understood the reason to Sasuke's feelings for this little girl he chose.

"Keep it up. Karin and I will be rooting for you," were Ino's touching words and it startled the little pink haired girl again.

Sakura could not believe her ears as if she is listening to foreign languages and it was amazing how that sudden gush of a feeling that ran though her veins making her skin creep. It was simultaneously cold and warm; the feeling of having friends.

She made new friends.

She felt so happy that it brought tears to her;

"T-Thanks…" she smiled fighting back her overwhelming emotions.

"But if you hurt Sasuke-kun, I'll definitely take him away from you!" Karin uttered jokingly.

"We'll see," Sakura giggled at the end. Her head perked when she noticed how much time has passed and it was time for her additional classes with private tutors. "I need to go, my lecturers are waiting."

Stuffing her sewing into her pocket, she climbed down from her stool and hasted for the door. She stopped looking back at her new friends who watched her leave.

"N-Next time…" she paused hesitantly. "Can I join you two?" she had to ask.

"You better do! I won't forgive you if you mess up your sewing!" Karin replied in a very Karin way.

Sakura giggled then left.


It is nice. Having friends; something that the Haruno girl had neglected is beyond nice. Sakura softly giggled to herself as she hastily traveled to her classroom; she felt her feet float from the new joy she had.

Throb…throb…throb…

Sakura stopped in her tracks; it was irregular pain that hit her lower part of her stomach recently but thankfully was only slightly and so does her back that grows tired wearing her out easily.

Throb…throb…throb…

She felt sickly all of a sudden; don't tell her…it is going to happen again?!

Oh, please don't…the days when she got to be happy. She doesn't want to return into that long slumber again! She wanted to live on! Every day she wanted to see day with Sasuke and she wanted to do all sorts of silly things like what couples do.

It's too early to die!

Quickly she charged into a nearby restroom to cool her head. She is panicking, she is afraid but she cannot tell Sasuke. She didn't want to make him worry at an important time like this neither she planned to tell Sasori about it. She didn't want to be a bother to anyone with her own problems.

Slowly, she set her own breathing pace. If she panics, the pain would only turn worse against her. Slowly she calmed herself; inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale and repeated…

Throb…throb…throb…

Throb…throb…

Throb…

Throb…

Okay…the pain has died out on its own. That's good. That's good…

Her heart sighed in relief when she felt normal again. No pain. No nothing. Good. That's good…

But then it wasn't the end of her worries when she heard voices at the entrance and soon few girls entered the washroom, Sakura stiffened a little when she recognized that beauty female who happens to be Hatanaka Morie.

Crap. What pure coincidence!

Sakura kept her composure with an ignorant attitude; knowing that both she and Morie exchanged glances the moment of their encounter. The girl group is rather noisy no matter where they went and very certain, Sakura knew Morie is the head of their little pack.

What suffocating meeting this is; Sakura decided to leave quickly after she washed her hands…if she could wash them when the sink was too far from reach in height. This problem had never crossed her mind when it was Sasori who always prepared something for her to. Since he isn't present today…

Ch!

"Ho? Why? Can't reach?" Morie wore a smug as she teased mercilessly.

The little Haruno didn't answer and she knows it is best she'd leave quickly before things gets messy with the Hatanaka girl being remindful of their dispute.

Speechlessly frustrated, since she couldn't reach for the sink there is always an alternative. Sakura dug out a packet of tissue paper and carelessly dropping her sewing along with her rough actions. It surely managed to catch Morie's attention and interest.

Oh no…Sakura had a malicious feeling coming from Morie, without hesitating she tried to retrieve it but Hatanaka outstripped her speed and agility when her throbbing revisited her at a bad timing.

Darn it! She gritted her teeth behind her lips as she stared frowning at the superior female who carefully examined her needlework with scornful expressions. It isn't something that Sakura could take lightly about when she had bad intuitions about what that vicious girl would do.

"What is this shitty piece of handiwork? Even a junior could do better than this!" Morie said in contempt while her girl group laughed. "You call this a headband? It looks more like a leash to me."

"Ch!" Sakura frowned deeply with clenched fists by her side.

How is she going to fight these girls when she is practically outnumbered, moreover, over-powered by them? She hates this.

"Hn! Look at her, I bet she hates us for teasing her like this and that she is useless because she's too small to do anything. Haha!" the rest of them followed laughing as one teased.

"Aww, pity her. She's going to cry if you go too far and she might expel you from school when her caretaker finds out," another teased.

"Like I am afraid!" the other replied with an annoyed snort before turning to Sakura with threatening stares. "You think you're so great because you've richer? So what if you own the world?! Look in the mirror, you're nothing but a pathetic little girl. If you're so rich, why didn't it save you from your current self, hmm?!"

"…" Sakura gritted silently; it would be a lie if those words didn't bit her.

It's painful.

Far more painful than the throbbing that is getting worse in her back. She couldn't fight back when she hate to admit it was partly the truth and it would cause far more trouble if she were to go against them alone.

"Do you get it now, Haruno Sakura? You're different. Do you think Sasuke-kun would like you and be with you for the rest of his life? I don't think so…"

Sakura stared at Morie for her words and fiddling over her headband and she is anticipating that the conversation with Morie isn't going to be good either.

"He may be naïve and stick to that fantasy of being with you for now but he's going to grow up one day and realizes what he really needs. Like every normal person would; he would want a family. A normal one. Can you give him that?"

No matter how hateful she is Hatanaka emphasized nothing but the truth and sadly to admit, Sakura knew. She knew it right from the beginning Sasuke confessed.

Sasuke. Her.

They are from different worlds. She knew that and these people who saw her as an eyesore repeated and reminded her time after time. It is painful. It is getting painful; her eyes that withheld those tears, the silent heart and the stinging pain in her back.

Morie is right.

As long as Haruno Sakura is never-growing; she will not be accepted but…but!

"I like Sasuke-kun…" with eyes that sheered stubbornness and determination, Sakura gazed directly into Morie's with words that disgust the opposite female.

Like the conversation she had with Hinata that evening; she is being selfish. For once in her life she is going to be very selfish. Love is of selfish nature.

And it pisses off Hatanaka and the rest of the girls who listened. They may think of her as a far greater enemy, a stubborn weirdo and irrational selfish person; Sakura decided to not let go.

SLAP!

"You don't get it? You don't get it do you?!" Morie's anger gradually increased. "Do you know how disgusting you are?! Do you know how you look when you stand beside Sasuke-kun?! You look utterly pathetic! Disgusting! You're like a sister to him! A little girl! Everyone thinks so! And you're only a burden to Sasuke-kun! He has so many opportunities and yet it was you who dragged him on a leash!"

Words of anger, shame, disgust, agony, agitation, disappointment and detest…like blades they sound so sharp they could cut.

But it doesn't matter; to Sakura they were mere words that sting temporarily, she could handle them fine. After all, it wasn't something out of the ordinary when she was scornfully hated and spoken of since she was younger by the people of the higher society, the public and among the Haruno family itself.

The pain on her cheek was nothing!

This all is nothing!

Nothing…! As long as she can stay by Sasuke's side for as long as the days could count, this is nothing!

She is going to die anyway…it is only the matter of time and the pain in her back reminds her constantly.

"…?!" Sakura perked when Morie rushed into one of the toilets and threw her headband in. "N-No. No! Stop! Aagh! Unhand me!" she yelled as she was restrained by the rest of the girls.

Morie smirked pleasurably upon seeing the little girl struggled in desperation. It fills the Hatanaka with certain joy to see the little princess beg;

"Stop! Don't! Stop! ...Please don't…" Sakura's brows arched sadly; she cannot cry and it hurts more when the girls were forcing their weight against her back restraining her badly.

"Hmph! Keep begging but I'll still show you how it means to feel hurt! And it is a piece of trash anyway, you won't lose much…"

Don't!

Before her eyes, Sakura watched Morie pulled the trigger and down it goes; all her hours and days of effort were spent to waste into nothing. Freeing herself from restraint, Sakura rushed up to the toilet bowl where 'that' thing no longer existed, it is gone.

She had never felt so helpless. So angry. So sad.

TWHACK!

Sakura threw her shoe at Morie; how'd she wish she had her book, hard enough to hit that witch till she cries!

"Are you crazy?! Ahh!" Morie screamed when Sakura threw her other shoe at her again.

"What is all this commotion?!" and what perfect timing; the discipline mistress enters the scene. An ominous presence!

"Shizune-sensei! Shizune-sensei!" Immediately Morie rushed towards her side holding her reddened cheek. "She's crazy sensei! She threw her shoes at me!" accusing with pointy fingers.

"Haruno Sakura, come to my office immediately!" with a glare, the discipline mistress ordered.

Not good; speechless, Sakura didn't dare say a word. For Shizune-sensei to walk in and getting accused, it was something she had never anticipated about and it is obvious that Shizune-sensei prefers to believe the star student Hatanaka Morie.


Sakura maintained her composure, be expressionless when it requires her to and Sasori who was brought to the principal's office on immediate notice stood by her side.

In absence of principal Tsunade, Shizune allowed herself to take strict actions. It was obvious that she had one-sided favour towards Hatanaka and Sakura wouldn't stand a chance to object.

"On behalf of the principal, Haruno Sakura, you are subject to a week's detention due to unacceptable behavior and actions against other students. You are to return to school after that period!" Shizune-sensei gave strict order.

"Shizune-sensei…" Sasori couldn't turn a blind eye to this unfairness that brought upon his Miss.

"Please Sasori-san," Shizune eyed the caretaker she sees as troublesome. "Please understand these are school rules!"

School rules she say? This isn't the time for that!

"I believe my Lady is innocent!" Sasori is stubborn to not seek proper justice for his beloved Miss.

It is unfair!

He knew it what it is without Sakura telling him; Shizune has disliked the Harunos way past history. It was an inevitable dispute. It was a misunderstanding! Moreover, it wasn't Sakura's fault when it was the Harunos! To expand their business, they had stirred trouble and hate across the land.

Sakura is only a mere coincidence that she carried the Haruno name and is innocent!

"And I believe my students are innocent as well!" Shizune slammed her palm on the table demanding no further arguments to the case. It couldn't be helped, this one-sided unfairness! "Starting tomorrow Haruno Sakura is dismissed!"

By final order, Sakura expressionlessly turned around and left for the exit where beyond the door there were people waiting for her; the boys Naruto and Kiba, her new friends Ino and Karin and most importantly, Sasuke.

"Sakura-chan!" the raven boy hurried to her and with those obsidians he looked at her worriedly. "Sakura-chan…" it worries him more when those emerald gems replied coldly at him; and then it pains him, gently he caressed her cheek where it was red and swollen.

Sasori rudely slapped his hand away.

Something bad has happened…his eyes saddened.

"Please Uchiha-san, Sakura-sama needs her rest," the red headed caretaker coldly uttered; the way he addressed the raven formally hinted he is dissatisfied. And without further consideration, he scooped his Miss into his arms.

Like how it was, Sakura willingly allowed him and the embrace of that caretaker is what she needed most. Sasuke couldn't understand; isn't he supposed to do that instead? He wouldn't dare ask or he had the chance to.

All he understood was that Sakura was called to the office and detention befell her and all he did was rushed over with the others; he knew nothing else and was unfairly left dumbfound when Sasori began taking his beloved little pinkette away.

He watched them leave, further and further into the distance Sasori stole Sakura away returning home. Everyone else who waited was left clueless as well, speechless and questioning.

It was a bad afternoon…


And that same afternoon, returning to the Haruno mansion it was all tranquil again,

"Sigh…I am so lazy…" the Hyuuga girl rested her chin on a graceful hand as she gazed out of the window of the study. Watching the leaves rain and the birds played in the wind outside.

There is so much of freedom beyond this glass and yet that little pink haired girl had no care to step out from the mansion all day. Lavenders eyed annoyed at Sakura who was silent, not entertaining as that little girl used to when she is too busy with a new piece of work.

The Hyuuga female frowned lightly then sighed helplessly; she instinctively read those hints given by the Haruno's empty silence, the air of frustration and that swollen cheek.

It was obvious that the little girl got bullied.

"Hey," Hinata called bluntly.

Sakura didn't reply, maintaining that frown she struggled at her hands. Sewing is just not easy for princess to learn and yet Sakura wouldn't give in too soon.

Prick!

Blood began trickle down from the wound done by a careless needle and surprisingly, Sakura stared at it.

"Hey, are you crazy?" Hinata quickly went to her aid while she sat emotionlessly staring blankly at the situation.

"Hina…" she muttered inaudibly. "I am a burden am I…?"

"I appreciate it if you don't give me trouble. If Sasori hears you, I'm going get it!" the lavender eyed carefully tended to that bleeding wound then gazed up to Sakura who wore a sullen face.

Hinata sighed.

"Stupid girl…" she hugged the broken female, caressing her back gently to soothe her. "If you are, I won't be hanging around…"

"What…What about Sasuke-kun…? I am slowing him down…am I? I look ugly beside him…am I? I know…I know…he will leave me one day…I know…but I am sad, Hina… I am scared about it… Hina…Hina…" Hinata snuggled the little female closer; listening to that cracking voice that was holding back from crying.

That little girl…

Hinata peeled them off their embrace and stared strictly at the soon-to-cry girl, saying,

"Listen. Don't ask me when I don't know the answer, okay? Ask him! If you want to love him, go ahead! If you want to break up with him, do it quick! It's not like the Haruno Sakura I knew to be so indecisive! I hate this pathetic Sakura!"

It wasn't stern or cruel words but caring and soothing. Hinata is a friend of her childhood besides Sasori despite her thorny character she still cares for a friend. Sakura weakly smiled.

"Um…!"

Knock. Knock. Knock!

"Sakura-sama…" a maid waited at the door.

"Yes?" the maid entered with permission and whispered softly to her Miss. "Really?!"

After the news, Sakura was seen livelier as she attempted to make haste.

"What's the matter?" Hinata couldn't contain that curiosity.

"Sasuke-kun is at the gate!"


"No means no! I had enough and I've changed my mind! Ever since Sakura-sama is with you my heart was never at ease!" Sasori thundered angrily behind the gates of the Haruno mansion where he fences Sasuke off. "Please leave!"

Why must princesses be protected by rude and irrational caretakers such as this red headed one? And this irritable tall gate!

"W-Wait, Sasori-san!" Sasuke tried begging.

"Please! Leave!"

"I said wait you red headed jerk! Can't you listen to me for once?! Are you being unfair to me when I didn't even know what happened to Sakura-chan?!" like the raven care if he is going to get snapped at for pulling Sasori's tailcoat. It is the only way to get that stubborn red head to listen.

Sasori slapped his hand away; irritating!

"Are you blind?! Can't you see that obvious red cheek?! No one! I say no one has ever laid a hand on Sakura-sama! If it wasn't for you, those girls wouldn't have done it! And Sakura-sama wouldn't have to do something so lowly such as sewing!"

Sasuke blinked confusingly at the exaggerating caretaker who yelled angrily.

"S-Sewing…?" he found it surprising himself too.

"Her precious fingers were covered by prick wounds! Just because she wanted to make something for you without any help! And those girls had to ruin it and now it is back to the start!" Sasori grabbed Sasuke by the jacket. "Do you know how heartbreaking it is every time Sakura-sama got pricked and did she not complain or give up?! I despise you Uchiha Sasuke!"

Sasori; he is like a whining father. So noisy.

Sasuke began laughing at himself which irritates the butler much.

"Stop laughing, it is never funny!" angrily.

"Haha! Sorry. I was just laughing at the fact I did something right for the first time. Haha!" Sasuke wiped tears off him.

"Explain!" Sasori demanded.

"I slapped Morie-chan," said the Uchiha with a smile as if he was really pleased with his doing.

"Excuse me?"

"After you left with Sakura-chan, I saw Morie-chan exiting the principal's room. It was out of intuition and without thinking I hit her right in the face because I think it must have been her who made Sakura-chan unhappy…" Sasuke sheepishly scratched the nape of his neck.

"I wasn't sure if I did the right thing but I was glad that I dug out some guts to hit her," Sasuke paused smiling as he gazed to his opened palm. "Although I still couldn't fully get hold of the picture what had happened; I was glad I made a reckless move. Getting a week of detention with Sakura-chan isn't regretful at all. Haha!"

Sasori surprisingly paused; staring at the sheepish raven chuckle happily. For the sake of his Miss he… Sasori smiled; he give up, this Uchiha boy, isn't someone who he can easily copy. Despite being timid and shy, Sasuke is someone certain to make his Miss happier compared to him.

He felt ashamed for not being able to act for the sake of his Miss yet without considering about the consequences, that boy did; Uchiha Sasuke did.

Sasori sighed in defeat.

"Sasuke-kun! Sa-chan!"

From afar, the males watched Sakura hasted over to them with Hinata accompanying her.

"Sakura-sama!"

"Sakura-chan!"

The both spoke in chorus.

"Sakura-sama! What are you doing here? You'll catch a cold without your coat!" Sasori quickly surrendered his to place over the little female's.

"It is okay…" Sakura kindly assured him before glancing over to the raven boy who waited patiently in silence. He smiled at her when their eyes met.

"Sakura-chan, I—"

"Let's go on a date, Sasuke-kun," she demanded. "Let's go now."

"Saku—" Hinata rested a hand onto Sasori's shoulder telling him best that he allowed it. Seeing Sasori sigh without another word, Sasuke agreed.


A normal date it is.

In the cool winds of autumn, Sasuke strode along the sidewalk with Sakura by his side. Like a normal couple; it is a wish come true.

They took their date to the city where they rode there by bus; it was Sakura who wanted to try for the first time and to her, it was fun as they sat at the back of the bus where it was bumpiest. Her returning smiles and giggles were something Sasuke missed so much but it pains him to see that reddened cheek.

Sakura was rather quiet after their ride and there wasn't much happening between them when Sasuke wasn't really prepared for today's impulsive date and didn't know much to do.

Their silence grew quite a bit except they smiled to each other when their eyes met then it is back to being silent. He didn't need to ask that the little female is acting out of her character, her being shows too much.

Still he is clueless what he had to say and tried hard to make out a conversation between them and when he did, it didn't last too long. Like he understood, Sakura is disturbed.

They strolled with the pavement as their guide. It is a date and why does it felt as if it was not a date…?

"Sasuke-kun," Sakura called to him out of the blue after all this endless silence. Finally. "Let's hold hands…" she suggested and he would happily take up the offer.

Who wouldn't want to walk hand in hand with his lover?

He thought of it earlier but she didn't respond to his hints when he tried to. Sasuke felt happier, at least he could do something with her.

And when he did, she stopped to look at their reflection shown against the shop's mirroring window glass. She stared at them, unmoving she stared carefully at them and expressionlessly she did.

What is she staring at? He questions in mind before she revealed her thoughts;

"Sasuke-kun…" she chuckled sarcastically. "Don't I look more like a little sister to you…?"

Oh…so that was what it is; something that didn't crossed his mind, not even once.

Sasuke sighed at heart; he understood her wails in her heart and watched her face saddened when she noticed people were practically watching how different they were or perhaps how loving of a sibling they seem to be.

If it wasn't for Sakura who hinted him; he would never have noticed how the people were staring at them…in the way they look more brother and sisterly kind of relationship.

But why did she ever think of it?

"If I said you're my brother, nobody is going to laugh at us. We don't need to be afraid of shame or gossips. We don't need to reserve private places to date. We can walk freely like this in the streets. Isn't that better, Sasuke-kun…?" Sakura; she is out of her mind and it is so not like her to say words that lack confidence she usually portray.

Sasuke crouched to her level; gently caressed her cold cheek with his thumbs.

"Say, Sakura-chan… Let's have some fun today, it's our date after all…" smiling, he decided to not answer her question and lead her in his hand.

This hand, so small and fragile, he held them firmly and he tightened his grip time after time being afraid that he might lose it. He is afraid that he might lose sight of her. He is afraid of losing the Haruno Sakura he knew and loved.

The world is cruel to this little girl and why would not she be given a chance to be happy? If that is so, he'll go against it!

"Sakura-chan!" in jolly manner he called to the quiet female. "I…I always w-wanted to take pictures in those sticker booths, y-you know the c-cute ones…" he shyly asked.

Sakura glanced over to one which he directionally pointed at, she giggled and agreed.

SNAP!

SNAP!

SNAP!

Print. Print. Print.

"Wow, look Sasuke-kun! It's cute!" Sakura excitedly said holding those stickers. "You're so funny in this one, Sasuke-kun!" she endlessly giggled at them.

Sasuke smiled along; he hoped, he really hope that she could be this happy always. So it is his duty to make that happen?

Yeah…

"Sakura-chan, let's stick one here along with the other couples did," without her consent, he carefully peeled one out and stuck it where he suggested. He had it glued at the most obvious place where people might see it.

"Why did you do that?" Sakura asked bewilderedly.

"Er…because every couple did? So why not, we are a couple, no?" Sasuke blushed making sure of their status as 'couple'.

Not brother and sister.

But a couple.

He corrected her clearly.

Sakura giggled again, she is really happy he did and she get it that he is trying to cheer her up. She is quite the fool she realized; it was given that Sasuke didn't mind 'them', it was the all in her head… why should she listen to those girls who were jealous from the beginning.

"Sasuke-kun…"

"Ne, Sakura-chan…if don't mind, may I know how tall are you…?" Sasuke lowered himself to her and smilingly asked.

Why did he ask anyway?

"I…don't know either…" Sakura avoided his gaze while she answered, embarrassed.

"Let's find out shall we?" he happily said next and as she guessed it;

He took her to a game center where it was all noisy and there were lots of game machines stationed under one roof! Sakura stared amazed at the place she had never been before and there were many people spending time around in these sorts of entertainment especially teenagers.

"Okay, I'm done. Now let's see how tall I am…" Sasuke happily waited for the print after getting himself scaled.

Sakura was amazed again by the machinery which could read measurements of height and weight at the same time in a flash. Wow, she felt outdated but it was fun and thanks to Sasuke who willingly brought her.

Still she couldn't understand why he eager wanted to know her height; the figures were embarrassing to show him. She rarely got herself measured because it was something pathetic to do when she remained the same as always so what is the point.

"Aha! Here it is, let's see…" Sasuke read his results from a small printed slip then gasped. "Eh?! I'm taller again?!"

How insensitive of him to say it out loud and in front of someone who couldn't!

Sakura pouted quietly.

"Sakura-chan, let me see yours again," the raven boy took it off her hands without her agreeing and made faces while he counted.

Is he…counting the differences between their height?!

"It's seventy," Sakura kindly answered for the poor boy whose suck at mathematics. Sasuke blushed sheepishly for being a math-moron.

"Yeah, seventy it is!" he said laughing.

Why is he being so happy?

What's it got to do with their huge gap?

Isn't that something saddening instead of being glad or happy about it?

"Seventy, huh…" he repeated, smiling to himself as he stared at the two slips at hand before gazing at the confused female. He knelt to greet Sakura at eyelevel and bumped foreheads with her. "Don't you think it's amazing? How our differences could be this vast yet we could be this close? Don't you think it's a sweet seventy?"

Sakura said nothing; no words could escape her but tears. It was tears!

Something that she held back for a long time and she still attempt to as she bit her lower lip; Sasuke landed gentle peck on her lips as she cried, tasting the bitterness of those droplets. He decided to let them flow, he will not stop her from it and he will hold her dear.

Telling her how much he loved her no matter. Even if she couldn't do a single thing in the world, he will do it for her. Because he knew she isn't the normal girl he met from the beginning and he accepted her 'ugliness' like everyone said she is.

It is given that they are too different but what can they do?

It's love's fault, blame that.

So what's there to regret?

"I am short, ugly, clumsy and weird! I couldn't even run a simple race nor do something properly. I am useless and I will be a burden to you Sasuke-kun…" Sakura sniffed as she wept in Sasuke's embrace; finally she said it. He was glad she did.

"I know, I know…" he huskily muttered in her ear then tore their close contact apart to wipe away those tears and telling her it is now enough. "That is why I have to work harder. It doesn't matter if you are the most useless princess in the world, I still want you, Sakura-chan…"

"Sniff…sob…sniff…and I am bossy too…" she murmured.

"Yeah…haha…I know…" Sasuke held her pair of tiny hands lovingly as he smiled to her. "So I look forward to that something you're making for me?"

Sakura was rather surprised he knew; she nodded.

"B-But…try to be more careful…I hate to see you get hurt…okay?" he worried and kisses each and every finger deeply and passionately. It is proof how he cared and loved her.

"I can't guarantee that because I am clumsy…" she cheekily replied. What a relief; to see her old character and a smile.

She is so angelic when she smiles.

"The day is still young! Let's go somewhere else shall we?"

"Um!"

Sakura nodded, giggling.


Alright chapter 9 and next is a 10! Woohoo!

I can say that we are going to move into a NEW ARC of this story!

There is more to come; troubles and love between our all-time favourite pair SasuSaku!

Update ASAP!

Hope you are okay with the parts and enjoyed it!

REVIEWS! REVIEWS pls! :D