Thanks for all the reviews and to everyone who faved or followed it.

And my dear guest as much as the idea of Gaara being gay intrigues me, it would rotten the mood. You will have your fair share of ss moments soon.

/

ALL IN GOOD TIME

This weekend has been hell for Sakura. Although it started off quite well with her becoming Tsunade's student on Friday but then everything went downhill. She went to a stupid club, got drunk out of her mind then behaved in the most pathetic way possible. She also have to lie to many people about where she was the whole Saturday night. Kakashi still thought that she was with Ino while she told her friends that Kakashi have come to pick up when it was getting late. She was glad that others were hammered just as bad as her so the night was forgotten. Things got most awkward when she have to face Gaara in the lecture hall on Monday. She was greatly ashamed of her reckless behavior, and it didn't help the matter that he was her crush.

The confrontation has been really hard for her as she didn't know what to say at first. But then she blamed it on liquor and swore to never touch it again and she have babbled on and on about it before Gaara have told that it was fine and given his swoon worthy smile to her. That always shut her up. All things aside, she has finally started training under Tsunade from this week and she couldn't be more happy. Tsunade have asked Sakura to tag along on their intern classes as well to do the group work and she reluctantly agreed, which is where she currently was.

Sakura have partnered with Gaara for the practical study of leishmaniasis. It was one of their core topics and Tsunade have taken on herself to perform a surgical test on it before indicating the others to do the same. Their intern classes were scheduled for two hours every alternate days. Besides these, Sakura got a privilege for an hour extra tutorial under her every day. The schedule was more hectic than usual but Sakura wasn't the one to back off from any challenge.

"So, should we grab something to eat?"

She asked Gaara once their classes were over as he just shrugged.

"After you."

She smiled as the two of them walked to the cafeteria together before grabbing their usual cheese burgers and coke. Sakura noticed that the duo always gained the attention of other students whenever they were together. Rumors were even circulating about the brewing romance between two of the most brilliant students of the medical field. Sakura however never paid them any attention as Ino have already told her that gossips were a trademark of TU. It was about time she became a hot subject among their peers.

"Sakura."

"Hmm."

"What are you doing this Sunday."

She gave a puzzled look to Gaara as she went through her Sunday schedule mentally. Besides, five hour shift at café and two hours special training session from Tsunade, she was free. Oh, and an hour of her judo training too.

"I am free after five in the evening."

"That's good. I hope you won't mind spending your free time with me."

Gaara resisted the urge to chuckle as he noticed her blank face. She sure was dense in some selective matters.

"I want to get to know you better."

Sakura felt realization struck her like lightning as his words finally registered in her mind. Did she really decode it correct? Only one way to know.

"Umm, Are you asking me out on a date?"

"Well, that's what normal people call it."

He nodded his head with a small smile as she bit her tongue with excitement and couldn't help but feel the butterflies in the pit of her stomach. IT WAS REALLY HAPPENING. GAARA WAS ASKING HER OUT. HE MIGHT BE INTRESTED IN HER TOO. OH MY GOD!

She was dancing and screaming with joy inside her head but kept a cool composure in front. She didn't want to scare him away for life.

Sakura adjusted her throat and rubbed her hands together before laughing a little.

"That's…wow! I mean, yeah sure. I will like that.."

A huge smile spread across his face too as he stretched his hand and placed over her palm in a comforting manner, before pulling away.

"I will pick you up at 6. Do send me your address."

"Yeah."

/

"How about this one?"

"Too baggy.."

"This?"

"Very bright.."

"Uhh..this."

"Really plain.."

This time Sakura groaned out as she laid down on the floor in utter defeat. Her clothes were all scattered over the floor. Ino pressed her lips as she regarded her best friend before bending down to her level.

"You need a wardrobe change Sakura."

The said girl glared at her blonde friend who ignored her and rummaged through her jeans and shirts along with other things.

"I am not kidding. Gaara will be your boyfriend soon then you can't just wear boring outfits on your date. And don't even think about bringing the money in it. You have a very poor taste in these things. From now on, I am your official stylist Miss Sakura Haruno."

Ino twirled with the hairbrush in her hand as Sakura giggled at her antics before getting up.

"Alright fine. But I really need to find something to wear tomorrow."

Ino glanced around before she spotted just the perfect thing to experiment on and let a victorious smirk spread over her unblemished face.

"Don't worry. Just leave everything to me."

Next day Sakura found herself standing in front of the full length mirror as she couldn't believe her eyes. Ino have done some altering in her old black gown and converted it into a sexy cocktail dress. She has added some silver lace around her waist area to act as a belt and it was tight fitting from her hips to knees. She has also made the sleeves short and her toned arms were fully on display. Her hairs were done in a messy bun and she had a pink shade lipstick and light eyeliner on to complete the look. She looked perfect for an evening date.

"Gaara is so gonna drool over you forehead, I swear."

Ino said as she admired her handiwork while Sakura turned her head to face her properly.

"I can't thank you enough Ino."

"Oh shut up. You just go there and make that man yours. Do you hear me? That will be your gratitude."

Sakura chuckled as she hugged the blonde girl tightly who patted her back. There was a mild voice of the honking of car as they jumped away from each other and rushed to stare out of the window. A black Mercedes was parked out as the door opened and Gaara stepped out. He was dressed in blue jacket and white shirt with black pants.

"Oh my god, Ino I am nervous!"

Sakura exclaimed as she felt sweat dripping from her forehead. But can you blame her? This was her first date ever.

"Don't worry. Just stay calm. Everything is going to be fine. Here.."

She took out some flavored gums before placing it in her hands.

"Keep this in your purse for minty breathe. You don't want to kiss him with foul breathe."

"I do not smell bad."

"Yeah. But still.."

Sakura pouted as she kept it in her purse and slid on her sandals before walking downstairs with Ino in tow. They saw Kakashi talking with him as Sakura inhaled deeply and walked out. Both Kakashi and Gaara turned their head and she blushed when she saw the awestruck look on her date's face.

"Wow Sakura. I never knew you could look like a girl too.'

"Gee, thanks Kakashi."

She told dryly before Gaara walked and stood in front of her. She smiled shyly as she took his extended hands before he guided her towards his car.

"Have fun Sakura, but not too much."

"You are welcome to spend the night out, but don't forget to use protection."

Sakura prayed that the ground would open and swallow her up as she sank deeper into the passenger's seat with embarrassment. It was her first date for crying out loud. She would be more than satisfied to end it with a kiss. She wasn't planning to go to third base anytime near in the future. Gaara was also amused by her friend and keeper's antic as he chuckled softly before driving away from there.

/

Sakura hummed a soft melody as she hopped happily from the bookstore in the city mall. She has just gotten the latest edition of her alchemist special for preparation of her final terms. Most people would find it odd that a girl would go gaga over some heavy medical book containing complicated terminologies but Sakura was a nerd and she took pride in that. Things have been sailing smoothly for her, and not just in the University. She and Gaara has been officially in a relationship for past two months and she was really content with what they have. At first she has been awfully skeptical to come in a relationship with someone as she only wanted to focus on her career but Gaara wasn't like the usual guys. He never disturbed her with late night calls or urgent 'I want to meet you' messages. He was very understanding plus they both got to hang out as well as study together due to being in same streams. Sakura felt that she was in a mature relationship that could have a future so she decided to give it a try. One of the best things about her boyfriend was that he never forced her to do something against her will. Even in the physical aspect, they have just shared few kisses here and there and the occasional hugs as Sakura wasn't ready to go all out and engage in a full blown makeout session or sex. She liked to take it slow and Gaara was also content with it.

Sakura pressed the button and waited for the lift to show up as she tapped impatiently on the floor. Even though it was Saturday but she wasn't free as she have to attend Tsunade's class. After a ding, the lift finally opened as she sighed before her eyes widened on seeing the person in it.

Sasuke was standing in it casually with his hands shoved in his tattered jeans. He seemed to be just as surprised as her before she entered inside and pressed the ground floor. Speaking of raven haired man, she didn't see much of him nowadays. He visited her coffeehouse only once or maybe twice a week and she didn't get any chance to interact with him and even he didn't seem much interested in teasing her. Sakura felt a little awkward as they were the only ones inside and Sasuke hasn't even bothered to say a word to her.

'So unlike him.'

Swallowing her pride, she decided to break the uncomfortable silence as she looked at him with a small smile.

"So, what are you doing here?"

"None of your business."

'Ouch, harsh!'

She scowled as she folded her hands and looked in front.

"Fine. As if I care."

She was taken aback by his rude reply as she just waited to reach the ground floor and be out of his sight. Maybe he was having his own personal problems and she didn't want to pry in his private life.

Suddenly the lift jerked sharply as the lights blinked before it came to a halt. Both of the occupants were frozen on the spot as neither said a word. Sakura held her breath as her emerald eyes widened frantically. She looked at Sasuke who walked towards the buttons and pressed them to get it working. They were currently on the seventh floor. Sasuke narrowed his eyes as none of the button seemed to work.

"What's wrong!"

Sakura clutched her hand towards her chest as Sasuke finally looked at her after a moment.

"Well this junk stopped obviously."

Her said as a matter of fact as Sakura just gasped, she could feel her heartbeat increasing as she walked towards him and pushed all the buttons. She heard a snort from the onyx eyed man but refused to look at him as she almost broke them with her harsh blows.

"This can't be happening."

She murmured as Sasuke ignored her and inspected the confined metal room.

"There's gotta be an emergency button."

She snapped her head towards him as she too rummaged around before she spotted a red circular button right on top.

"Ah! I found it."

She exclaimed with joy as she tried reaching it but realized that her height wasn't enough.

"Step aside thumblina. Let me see it."

"How many times do I have to tell you I am not small!"

"Whatever half pint."

She puffed her cheeks with anger and walked away and stood by the corner as Sasuke smirked at her reaction. He missed getting her mad.

Sasuke managed to reach it by standing on his heels but nothing happened as they both frowned.

"And they say technology makes our life easier."

Sakura groaned out as she opened her purse and searched for her mobile phone. But to her great dismay, there wasn't any signal in it.

"Oh My God! THE NETWORK IS DEAD! WE CAN'T EVEN CALL SOMEONE FOR HELP! WE ARE GONNA DIE HERE SASUKE!"

Sasuke just ignored her ranting as it was one of the largest malls of the city with security cameras everywhere, which includes one in the lift too. It would only be a matter of time before they both were rescued from there. As if on cue, the speaker inside the lift jarred with a shrill sound before they heard a woman's voice.

"This is Pheona Toriyama speaking from the operating room. We are aware of your condition and apologize for it. Apparently one of the strings is struck and our technicians are already looking after it. The word is that it will take atleast an hour or two to fix it properly. Please stay calm for the while and we will keep a tab on you."

With a loud beep the voice disconnected and a slow music played instead, the elevator music of course. Both of them seemed to have calmed down by now as Sakura slumped down on the floor.

"Just my luck."

Sasuke also tried to relax as he sat down on the adjacent wall. He peeked at his i-phone to check the time before closing it and keeping it back in the pocket. It was then he glanced at the pink haired girl who was eating some kind of..candie perhaps as she noticed him staring and cocked an eyebrow.

"Want some?"

"I don't eat sweets."

"I knew you were abnormal."

He chose to ignore her remark as he closed his eyes instead. Everything was silent for few moments before he heard the familiar annoying voice again.

"So….Since, we have nothing better to do, let's talk. I mean..I can't stay mute like you for hours when I have company. Besides, we don't know anything about each other.."

He just stared at her strangely before he shrugged, prompting her to continue. He has wished to know her better a while back and he wasn't going to miss the opportunity now.

"Umm..ok. I will start off by telling you about my hometown and parents. So, I am from Masome and have lived there my entire life. My father runs a small bakery and my mother is…"

Half hour later

"And then Shizuka and Miya both will be out of town so I have to work till late night. Can you believe it? I can't celebrate my Christmas with my friends. This is so frustrating.."

Sasuke just kept quiet as he wondered how she have reached from the green landscape of her native town to complaining about her cruel boss. Girls..

He couldn't believe she can talk this much. He learned that she was indeed a big geek which was quite given actually. The only thing which bothered him was that she was now in a stable relationship with that Gaara guy. Sasuke himself couldn't figure out why he disliked the notion of her dating someone. He has heard a lot about this transfer student from his idiot best friend and Naruto have spoken highly of him. Tch…he was the kind of goody goody shoes which girls like to settle down with. Knowing Sakura, she was never interested in fling so of course she has taken a liking to him. He won't be surprised if the girl has already planned her future with him too. She was that simple minded.

"Enough about me Sasuke, now tell me something about yourself. You seem a lot distant lately. Is everything okay? I mean..it's ok if you don't want to but since I have practically told almost everything about me, it wouldn't hurt to know something about you too.."

He could feel her eyes on her as he stared at the empty space in front. He rubbed his hand as he brought up his onyx eyes to meet her curious jade ones.

"I won't bother with the family crap because Naruto would have filled in that already. I am pretty much the same as you know me. Just as unlikeable as ever. As for the reason why I don't show up at your café, I am a lot busy. "

There was a pause before he spoke again.

"I am supposed to run company after graduation so I am busy attending training sessions by my Father, so I could be the perfect CEO. "

"That's interesting."

"No. It's bullshit. I will be joining MIT after my bachelors so he decided to arrange the classes for me right now as he can't give me those lessons when I am abroad. I fucking hate it. I have no time to practice my music as his old bald assistant lounges at my apartment practically all day."

Sakura winced as she could see his suffering. She have seen his passion for singing and man oh man she could only imagine how he must feel to be forced to do something which he hates. She remembered how her father have insisted that she should just join a local college and do major in a subject and become teacher like her mother or even worse, run the bakery with him. It always gave her chills.

Sasuke was living other's life, not his. Who said that a life of a multibillionaire heir was easy?

Sasuke scoffed when he saw the look in her eyes and got up.

"Look. I didn't tell you so you could pity me. Just..don't. Forget I said anything."

Sakura gave him a gentle smile as she walked towards him before stopping just a few inches away from his body. He felt something smooth against his palm as he noticed that she have grabbed his hands in hers.

"No Sasuke. That is the last thing in my mind right now. I just don't want you to give up on music. Ever. Who knows what future hold for us? Infact, I have a brilliant idea in my mind."

"What?"

He was disappointed when she let go off his hand as a mischievous smile spread over her face.

"There is an institute nearby my area which gives business classes. I am on good terms with the mentor. You should tag along with me in the evenings and tell your father that you are taking classes from a well known teacher. I will get him to cover up for you if your father tries to check up on you. And you could easily continue your music lessons too."

She finished with a sparkle in her eye as Sasuke mirrored her smirk and nodded. The plan sure sounded promising. He just has to prompt his father to get rid of that old fool.

"You are on Thumblina."

"FOR THE LAST TIME DON'T CALL ME THAT STALKER!"

"I will, if you stop with the stalker thing."

"Uhh..Alright fine. "

They both stopped the bickering just as there was jerk yet once again and Sakura almost fell down before Sasuke caught her arms and supported her with his body. The lights on the panel started glowing again as the lift started descending. Finally.

Sakura separated herself from him as she bit her lip and looked at Sasuke.

"Hey, I always wonder one thing Sasuke."

He just gave her his usual expressionless look as she rolled her eyes before continuing.

"How come we always stumble onto each other?. I mean, today. That day in club. That night. Your coming to my café, although it can be classified as your stalkerish attitude.."

"Is that even a word?"

"That's not important. The point is..why us? I never believed in that fate and destiny crap. But after our weird encounters, I think….we are meant to be something..'

"Romeo and Juliet!"

She shot him an aggravated look as he suggested sarcastically just as the doors slid open on the ground floor and they both got out.

"I don't know what it is. But I would like to figure this out before graduation."

With that she stormed away from him as he was left staring at her retreating back. He smiled as he realized that he wasn't the only one who was curious about their strange relationship. Maybe they will figure things out soon.

/

I know I know not an interesting chapter. And I am pretty sure most of you might be mad at the Gaara Sakura thing. And the elevator thing also played a lot differently than I thought before. At first I was just going to let them bicker and throw insults or something but then I realized it won't make any progress in their relation so I let them have deep talk this time.

Also for all the sasusaku shippers, next chapter have a big sasusaku moment. Your wait will be worth it so look out for the next one peers.

Do give your reviews on this one. And don't forget to add it to your fav and alert list..

~Sora