What if things were different?

Chapter 9.

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"My mother, and Karin's mother were childhood friends. When I was little, I spent most of my time with Karin. We pretty much grew up together," He sighed, whilst running a hand through his hair, "Then, when we were fifteen Karin confessed to me. I said yes of course. We'd known eahtoher for years and even if at the time I wouldn't say I loved her, I swore to myself that I would one day." He stopped then, looked at the floor, deciding it was clean enough to sit down he brought his long legs up and folded his arms over his knees. I did the same.

"Then, my parents were murdered,"

I knew his parents died, but he never said how, and I didn't feel I could ask him why at the time, non the less a lump grew in my throat.

"At the time, there was some tension between mine and Karin's mother, they had had some sort of fight, and hadn't spoken for a few days, I don't know the details but anyway, Karin and I became even closer. She was there when I needed her, and yet I still couldn't bring myself to tell her I loved her. I just didn't feel it. Although I did love her as a friend and I definitely didn't want to lose her, I knew she wanted more from me, but I just couldn't give it to her.

"So, two years later, we're still sort of together, my brother gets a new job here in Konoha. When I told Karin she totally freaked. She accused me of heartless, and how she thought I didn't care about her. Although it wasn't true, lately she'd become sort of wierd, more protective, and bitchy when ever I talked to another girl. And I can honestly say I didn't like it at all, I'd become fed up of her constant mood swings, but also sad to have lost the Karin I knew before."

I couldn't say anything, I wanted him to finish. I tightened my arms around my knees.

"In the end, as you know I came to Konoha. I broke up with Karin. I was still sad but I was happy to get a new start, I hadn't had many friends so when some blonde girl saw me by myself in a park, she handed me a piece of paper with her address telling me she was having a party and that she knew someone that would be interested in me,"

Ino.

"I got excited, thinking I could get to know some people before I started school, and straight away looked up directions to the girls house. When I got to the party it was already full with people. I started conversations with a few guys, kind of moved on from group to group. Every time I did so, someone would say, "Oh my god! You'll never believe who I just saw! Sakura!" and by the end of the hour I found out a lot about you. And I don't know, I just felt this need to meet you and find out if it were true, and when I did Sakura," He looked at me and smiled, "I was so happy.

"That weekend, I went looking for a job, I didn't really need one, but the house my brother had bought was big and felt so empty I needed a place to get away from it. The Tigress was perfect. The night after the party I went to work, it was great, I loved it. Then, when I went to leave, Karin was waiting for me outside. Her eyes were red and she looked like she hadn't eaten for days. I hated seeing her like that. She begged me to take her back, she said she was sorry and that she had phoned my brother asking for where I lived and he has also told her that I was currently working at a restaurant. She has an aunt who lives in Konoha and is currently staying with her, and as you noticed she too got a job at the Tigress."

He stopped then, burying his head in his arms. I felt a sudden urge to wrap my arms around him, but resisted.

"Sasuke. I'm sorry about Karin. So that's why you ignored me? Because you got back with Karin?"

He nodded.

"But, you said that she was your girlfriend. Was she? or is she?" I asked sadly.

"Was. Not is. She cheated on me." His voice was low and quiet, I had to strain myself to hear him properly.

My eyes widened.

"Because Karin is two years older than me, she couldn't know what was going on whilst I was at school and her at college. So one night, we'd arranged to meet up at her house. When I did, she was in bed with someone I didn't know. She apologised a few days later, as I refused to speak to her, and had confessed it was to make me jealous. I didn't accept her apology, I threw it back in her face. I'd had enough of her. All this constant jealousy and suspicions. Through out our relationship after the party you were on my mind a lot. I felt horrible. I was such a coward I made sure you wouldn't see me at school, hiding or taking different hall ways. I'm sorry." His voice broke.

I sighed then. Relieved somehow.

"It's okay. Karin is still in love with you. That was probably why she told me you were her boyfriend earlier, it made me upset because...well, from that first night we met, I thought you were special. But I understand what you did now. And I'm also sorry for getting mad at you."

This time, I didn't hesitate do put my arms around him.

"Thanks." He croaked.

I closed my eyes. Finally, this could work.

"There you two are!" Tenten said angrily, "Sakura you're not quitting and there are about twenty people over there that need orders taken. And you Sasuke, concince Karin to quitnow that you're with Sakura."

We stood up, me hiding my hot cheeks, and I noticed Sasuke eyes were dry but red.

"Why me?" He laughed, despite all that happened.

"Because!", She moaned, "Everyone hates Karin!"

I saw him wince a little, but he laughed anyway.

"Come on then," He said putting an arm round mine and Tenten's shoulders, "Let's get back to work."

Karin wasn't there when we got back. She had left saying she felt ill. I understood so much better now. And somehow I can't hate Karin. She's obviously head over heels in love with Sasuke, she must have been so scared of losing him that she became how she is. I'll always feel this horrible hole in the back of my heart for her.

The night kind of blured on after that, lots of smiles between Sasuke and me, jokes with Tenten and just genral happiness. When it was time to leave, Naruto wasn't there yet so we all waited outside the restaurant continuing our laughter and having a good time.

"The time Lee's crush came into the restaurant and he was red all night, and when I say red I mean like beetroot red." Tenten laughed.

"I was not red!"

"Looks like your rides here Sakura." Sasuke said.

I looked in his direction and sure enough Naruto was just parking in the restaurants parking lot. He got out, put his hands in his pockets, forced a smile and walked up to us.

"Hey peoples!" He said cheerfully.

"Naruto!" I smiled.

His shoulders were tense and it looked like his hands were balled into fists inside his jean pockets.

"Sorry I'm late Sakura. Ready to go?" I could feel he really didn't want to be here right now.

"Yes." I said, turning to say goodbye to Tenten and Lee.

Naruto turned and headed for his car where he waited, I noticed he didn't say goodbye to the others.

"See you tomorrow Sakura!" Tenten waved.

I smiled at her.

A few minutes later, Sasuke, who had been quiet for the past ten minutes put his hands on my shoulders and looked straight into my eyes.

"Sakura. Can I," He hesitated, "Can I kiss you?"

My heart accelerated, and my cheeks grew hot but I didn't let my eyes fall away from his. All I could manage was a small nod.

Slowly he bent down and softly brushed his lips against mine. He stopped then put his arms around me.

"Sorry." He whispered into my ear.

"I forgive you." I whispered back.