Mannequin

Chapter 10

"My child... there is a possibility that it is not Chouji's," Ino shook her head fiercely. My eyes widened in shock.

"Then, who else could be the father Ino?," attempting to comfort her, I took a step forward but she stood up from the couch and stepped away from me. I felt a little confused in why she is getting a little belligerent towards me. "Ino, come on you know that you can trust me, let's get this over with, just tell me, it's been a while since we've seen each other and we have to catch up-"

"-Sasuke. Sasuke could be the father, Sakura."

Everything was dead silent after hearing the sound of glass violently shattering against the ground.

"H-how could you?," I couldn't fight back the tears in my eyes. My knees got wobbly and I felt a lump in my parched throat.

This couldn't be true. Ino is like a sister to me. I trusted her with all of my heart. Why would she do this? No.. this can't be true. They couldn't have...

"I'm sorry Sakura," Ino was almost crawling below me. She reached for me but I slapped her palms away. The back of my hand turned into a shade of dark pink and stung like a billion needles, but it was nothing compared to how I felt inside.

"I've always been jealous of you Sakura." I turned my head away to avoid looking at the tears rolling down her pathetic face.

"I was insecure," she sniffed.

Insecure? I frowned in disbelief.

"How could you be insecure of somebody like me, Ino? You were the cheer captain, you can have any guy you want, you were so popular. Everybody talked to you and you didn't even try. God, I wished so many times that I was you! I was never the center of attention and I've always been second place to you in everything!," I shook my head in disbelief. " Our competition over Sasuke was merely a childish crush."

"I tried so hard to be the best that I think I could, because I wanted to beat you in everything. I was so stupid back then. So foolish! Sakura, when Sasuke ended up hanging out with you more often, I took it as the biggest loss I've ever had against you. I wanted him, you knew that! But he liked you instead! I was confused! When I had everything, why would he pick you?," seeing Ino bawling in tears in front of me made me feel really bad. But I took my stand and held on to pride.

I clutched my tightening chest and trembled, trying my best not to choke on my own words. "I trusted you as a best friend, and... you did this to me? "

"It happened when you and Sasuke broke up after the disagreement of his family," she sat straight and cleared her throat. "I thought you and him were done for good."

Disagreement of his family?

Sasuke and I only broke up once . His parents told him that I wasn't suitable to be included to his family. They disapproved of our relationship and told him to leave me. He refused their orders, but I could tell that he had a difficult time dealing with it. Ever since then, he changed. He would always feel guilty when he would spend time with me, and seemed like there was always something in his mind. I told him that I wouldn't want to be with someone who wouldn't stand up for me and left. He said that he was tired of me anyways and didn't want to feel crappy with being with me anymore.

We didn't talk for a month, but I said sorry and we kind of got back together. But despite that, things were never the same.

As a matter of fact, it was a fight that was never resolved.

"It was one of his parents parties, they invited my family and after the party I found Sasuke drinking alone in his car. I went inside without his permission and he said he didn't want me there. I seduced him but it didn't seem to work. He didn't lay a finger at me, and I just angered him. He was laying on the drivers seat when I climbed on top of him in a sexual position and took a picture. I said, if he didn't do ...what I wanted him to do, I would send the picture to you."

"Sakura I was desperate, I wanted him so much. I wanted to win against you so badly, I wanted to fulfill my goal. But now I totally don't know why I did that at all. All that you were to me was a loyal friend. Through everything, even if I was such a bitch to you, you still supported me in everything. I'm really sorry, Sakura."

My mind turned blank and all that I could do was stare. I felt nothing but overwhelming disbelief. How can the two most important people in my life do this to me? What in the hell did I do to deserve this?

"Get out." My tone was cold and firm as I pointed towards the door. Ino shook her head and started mumbling.

"Sakura, please, I'm so sorry. Believe me I really am sorry."

"Get out!"

She nodded her head and said sorry for the last time before silently walking out and shutting the door.

Silence enveloped the desolate apartment leaving me even more miserable. I slowly fell on my knees, hurting them in the process when I saw shards of glass pricking and cutting my skin. Tears fell on my blood and as sick as it sounds, the sight of it comforted me somehow...

Sasuke always protected me,

Even though he's no longer my boyfriend right now,

what I remember is the reliable Sasuke-kun,

the kindhearted Sasuke-kun,

Sasuke-kun that didn't let anything hurt me,

How did everything turn out this way?

It couldn't be possible.

But no matter what is happening,

the Sasuke-kun within me

hasn't changed.

...

Right?

As much as I wanted it to, life wouldn't slow down on its tracks and I had to keep on moving forward, and although I was crestfallen and alone, I've still been doing my job. I tried my best to focus on runway events, tried hard to look and sound as normal as possible so that nobody would notice and bother me. But despite all of the trying...

It's like I'm seeing the world through a mirror. I couldn't feel anything but cold, emptiness.

Nor happiness, sadness, nothing...

I couldn't put real ambition towards anything I do.

Otogakure.

Somehow being here gave me such a bad feeling.

It makes me want to be extra careful not to trip on the catwalk. Everybody around me were so busy. It was way too hectic for me to be selfishly worrying about myself.

Tsunade, obviously hung over, was walking back and forth, checking on the models while Shizune was instructing about twenty other MUA's and assistants on what to do. The models were starting to prepare for the show to start, forming a line behind the stage curtain. As for me, the finale, had to be prepped a little more with my dress. It felt really heavy, not to mention the amount of makeup and gems that were on my face, but I tried my best to let them work as smoothly as possible.

But I really couldn't ignore that heavy feeling in my chest.

Could it be just because I was slightly hungover? Or that I haven't been eating right? Or could it be that New Year is coming and...

"Sakura!"

I looked at Tsunade who was obviously annoyed. She was tapping her foot and massaging her temples. "Come over here so I can take a look at you!"

I quickly nodded and made my way to her. She placed her hands on my shoulders and turned me to the left, then turned me to the right. With a skeptic look she adjusted some of the accessories on my huge black gown. "Any problems with the outfit?"

"Umm... I feel like the crown is going to fall. And the corset is a little loose," I confirmed. She nodded and immediately tended to the problems. I looked at the fingerless lace gloves that I had on. They were really pretty, and showed off the long, fake nails that were glued to my real ones. I ran my fingers through the long hair extensions that they sewed onto the roots of my hair, wondering how they were able to get a shade exactly like my hair color, and that it will probably be hard to discard them so I might have hair down to my belly for a while.

"Five minutes, ma'am," Shizune announced from the walkie. "Copy," Tsunade replied and took my hand.

"Now Sakura, all you gotta do is walk down there and take your time. You're the finale, you don't have to worry. And please," she elaborated the last word, "keep your eyes straight and walk carefully. Do not trip."

Now feeling more pressured, I nodded and tried to get myself together. The curtains opened and bright lights flashed but I kept moving forward, slowly walking alone with confidence. At the middle of the long platform I thought, I got this, and a small smile formed in my lips. So many people called my name, and talked about me, and took pictures of me. Like always, my eyes fell down to the crowd and I took a quick glance of the people that were watching me.

A lump formed on my throat as I froze in place.

Sasuke is here.

Sasuke, that's him, looking at me.

He is, sitting with a girl.

She was leaning on him.

After letting the thought sink in, I quickly snapped out of it. I turned around and walked back, did my last pose and went into the curtains.

"When I said take your time I didn't mean overstay for over a minute!," Tsunade growled.

I looked down and trembled. "I-I'm so sorry," tears formed in my eyes. Tsunade gasped and her eyes widened.

"Hey! Don't cry, was I too harsh?," she uncomfortably asked. I shook my head sideways and tried to stop crying.

"We gotta go, all of the models are outside, just pretend that your happy and clap your hands okay," she said a little less roughly and I nodded.

All I could think about was Sasuke, and that girl. Who was she... was she the reason why he left me?

I took the big gown off as fast as I could, wore anything that was laying there and ran to the exits with the hope of finding him. I ran and searched everybody's face. Some people stared at me but I didn't care, my heart was longing for answers, for him.

And finally, I found him.

"Sasuke!," I was panting by the time I got to where he was standing. The red headed girl was clinging on to him and curiously looking at me.

No words were spoken on his behalf, he just stared at me with blank eyes.

"Juugo," he called. A gigantic man with bright orange hair approached him. "Accompany Karin to the car." The tall man nodded and they walked away.

"Sakura, what do you want?," he said in the most unconcerned tone ever.

"Did you have sex with Ino?," I tried to say calmly but horribly failed, not sure if he understood what I just said. From the sudden change of his expression I assumed that he did. However, he still didn't say a thing.

"Please tell me that's a lie, Sasuke," my chest felt like it was being crumpled and torn into little pieces the longer he took to answer. Inside my head I was screaming, pleading that he would stop my suffering already.

He tilted his torso to the side and rested a hand on his hip. "What does it matter anymore, Sakura."

No matter how many times you betray me, I cant get myself to hate you.

That is why.

"So it's true," I just said.

I thought about telling him that Ino's child might be his, but that was for only Ino to say. And I know that Sasuke wasn't stupid and probably already knew that possibility. I was crestfallen and empty, but there was something in me that held on weakly.

"But even after all that, I can't forget you, I miss you. Even after you and my best friend betrayed me, I forgive you. Please come back... to me, you're the only thing that could complete me... Please."

There was a short pause before he spoke. "Sakura, just move on. Stop bothering me. Don't get in my way."

"I don't get it! Why are you here, why did you turn your back to the life that we had in Konoha?," I wiped my tears with the back of my hand, not caring about the amount of makeup that will smudge all over my face. "Is it because of the girl you are with?"

He smirked. "You don't have to be concerned with my affairs," turning his back on me he said, "...but I guess you can say that." And just like that he walked away.

That's it.

Inside my heart there was longing.

Longing for so many things.

"Bye, Sakura-chan," Shizune said as she waved goodbye. "Thank you for the early Christmas gift!"

"You're welcome, I hope you like it," I replied softly before packing up my things.

The snow was falling heavily as I roamed around Mori street. I decided to walk down a few blocks from Tsunade's penthouse. There I saw Cafe de Paris, where Sasori said he worked. I half-smiled.

Sasori.

I miss going home to him.

I miss... him.

I didn't notice where I was going until I almost bumped into a pole. I shook my head in disappointment as I slapped myself on the face. Wake up!

"Sakura-chan! Is that you?," A familiar voice said from afar. I looked towards the direction of the source.

"Deidara, hello."

"What are you doing here alone in the cold?," he voiced with concern. "Do you want a ride?"

"Oh, I came home from a runway event and was dropped off at my boss' house but there weren't any cabs by her street. What are you doing here?"

"Oh, I came to bring something for Sasori, he works right across the street," he said while tilting his head towards the cafe's direction. He continued with a smirk. "He's working right now"

What does that supposed to mean?

I pouted and smiled awkwardly. "Um, so, is the offer for a ride still claim-able?"

Deidara chuckled making his visible eye squinty. "Of course! Let's go!"

We pulled up in front of my apartment when he grabbed my arm and stopped me from opening the passenger door. "Hey Sakura," he said before I could say anything.

"Are you doing anything tomorrow?"

Tomorrow is Christmas right? Normally I'd spend it with my mom, but now...

"No, I don't think I have any plans," I shook my head and looked at him. He smiled a crooked smile.

"Come spend it with us?," he said in a cheerful tone. "Akatsuki spends Christmas together every year!"

"Sure. I'll call you," I said and bowed. We waved goodbye and I saw him off. After losing sight of Deidara's car I made my way into my apartment.

Leaning on the wooden door, I sighed. "Looks like I'll have some shopping to do."

Tsunade gave me a break from runway events until the next year. She gave me a big bonus for a successful fashion show, which I was very grateful for because I really needed it for paying rent.

Merry Christmas!

I met Akatsuki at Sasori and Deidara's apartment. There was a small pine tree in the corner of their living room and some presents were placed under it. There were no cooked meals or anything fancy on the table, just some chips, ham, alcohol and mixers. I looked around and noticed that everybody was there except for Sasori, Konan and Pein. Hiruko ran insanely fast to greet me and I pat his furry head. I missed him.

"Pein and Konan must be doing their own thing this year," Kisame said to Itachi, who just stared into space. I approached the two men and gave my salutations. They greeted me as well.

"They probably are, they are a couple after all," I butt in.

"No. Akatsuki was formed by vagabonds and prodigal sons!," Kisame chuckled. "We are castaways who met each others' paths and got along. We're like our own little foster family and they are our parents!"

"They wouldn't ditch us, would they? They always show up, even last year," Deidara whined and joined our little circle.

Hidan stepped in and rested a hand on my shoulder. "They're probably just having a get-it-on-athon, isn't that what couples do on Christmas? It's winter, meaning it's fucking season!"

I felt uneasy being held by Hidan but I didn't want to make the situation awkward if I shoved his arm away. Instead, I just tried to bear with it and look at something on the floor, hoping he would let go of me soon.

"Hidan."

My head shot up from hearing the familiar voice. It was Sasori. Although he sounded irritated, the sound of his voice soothed me. "Your hand is too heavy for her."

And just like that, he lifted the weight off my shoulder and walked away. Now it was just me and Sasori. I stood in place as he stepped closer, but not close enough, how I was hoping he'd be.

"You okay?" he asked in a manner colder than usual, which made me not even want to answer.

I just nodded and looked at his shoes. "Yeah."

Right after my answer he quickly walked past me like I was nothing.

The door swung open and revealed the awaited couple, carrying trays of food and presents enough for everybody. I rushed to give them a hand and so did everyone else.

"Sorry we're late," Pein muttered to Sasori and Deidara.

"Sweet!" Hidan exclaimed. "Konan got us some food niggas!"

Everyone grubbed and drank all through the night. Some members of the band told me how they've missed me and that I should live there again. Sasori kept his distance and didn't want to come near me all through the night... which made me feel a little sad.

Sasori, are we not friends anymore?

The clock struck twelve, time to open presents. I handed the simple presents that I picked for everyone. For Konan and Pein, I got a decorative music box. For Kisame, a gift card for a weapon shop, guessing that he liked weapons... just because I had a feeling that he did. For Itachi, a pair of Ray Bans... I thought it would look good on him. For Deidara, some fireworks and ceramic art supplies. I got Hidan some mouthwash, which everybody thought was pretty hilarious. He didn't get mad or anything when he saw it. Then for Sasori...

"Merry Christmas," I uttered a little louder than a whisper. He just looked at me with innocent eyes as he took the box from my hands and undid the wrapper.

A small smile surfaced on his face for less than a second the he stood still after seeing what was inside. This gesture made me nervous and my curious inner self wouldn't play it cool at all!

"Um, I ...I made them myself," I stuttered and sighed. "I hope that you like red velvet cookies."

Sasori didn't utter a single word. He walked towards his bedroom and told me to follow him and I did. I don't know why my cheeks got warm and my heart beat faster when he shut the door gently, leaning over me. I was enveloped by the silence of the room.

"Thank you, little girl," he finally said while smiling that genuine smile. I felt gratified knowing that he was smiling because of me. "I thought of going in here, because I most certainly do not want anybody to see your present for me."

What? Why? Is it that embarrassing?

I pouted at this and tilted my head to the side. "Why?"

His smile turned into a sexy smirk, that almost made my knees weak. If it wasn't for the door I was leaning on, I probably would have lost my balance. I wonder how much I am blushing now...

"Because I will not share."

He leaned closer to me, so close that I could take in his breath that smelled like red wine and chocolate. Unconsciously, I shut my eyes and puckered my lips to be ready for a kiss, but to my surprise, nothing happened. I suddenly felt him pull away and step backwards like I was the plague.

My eyebrows slanted upwards in confusion and I took a step forward. But he just kept on moving away.

I got the point that he didn't want me, so I just stopped in my tracks and pondered.

Why are you avoiding me Sasori? And... why am I doing this? Why am I okay with this? What is wrong with me? Why does it feel like this is not wrong at all?

I was woke out of my trance by his now emotionless voice. "Sorry."

We can't be playing games like this...

Speechless, I pursed my lips and frowned.

He shouldn't be saying sorry, should he? Because I wanted it to happen...

"No, it's- it's fine," I mumbled anxiously. Shit. I just hate this. The moment is ruined.

"Anyways," he slipped his hand in to look for something his pocket. He pulled out a tiny red box with a green ribbon tied at the center. "I got this for you." I caught the box in my hands when he tossed it towards my direction. He brushed past me and walked out of the room. I sighed.

How I wish we would stop acting so weird.

Both my eyes and mouth widened when I flipped the box open. "It's beautiful!"

It was a shiny silver necklace with a pendant shaped precisely like a guitar pick. A symbol that looked like an "8" tilted sideways was engraved on the center of the pick.

The sign of infinity.

I couldn't help but smile. It seemed like he put so much thought into this. But then again he is such a brilliant guy that I wouldn't be so surprised if he didn't. This gift is definitely something I will remember him with.

Deidara took me home since I was too drunk to function after the party and it was the safest thing to do since Hidan was going to be there and I wouldn't have anywhere to sleep.

I have a lot of packing to do.

Akatsuki invited me to come along to Iwagakure for their New Year's Tour. Deidara said that if I didn't come, they would hold a grudge towards me for the rest of their lives, leaving me with no other choice.

I don't think it would be so bad anyways. They said that Tsuchi no Kuni was a pretty hot country and I think I could use some time away from the snow. Not to mention that I feel like I have been turning pastier that a vampire would look vibrant compared to me.

Somehow thinking about white skin made my mind travel back to Sasuke. I smiled to myself like an idiot.

That idiot.

I miss him so much.

Thinking about him made my head hurt, like it was being split into two.

One side was thinking that he is worth fighting for, I can't give up on trying to be there for him no matter what, because if I love someone, I will fight for it, and that I should forgive him for what he's done.

The other side was saying that I should forget, because reminiscing about it will do nothing but hurt me, thinking of Sasuke when he's screwed me over countless times will not do me any good, and that I should think about the other people that care about me.

When these two sides of my brain worked at the same time, accompanied by a hangover, then it just meant one thing- comfort food.

I don't give two shits about how I will look in a bikini on New Year's.

"Hello Fridge-san."