:D

Cheerleaders
Chapter ten

_=_=_

No.

No.

No.

No.

Nooooo.

I let out a huge sigh as I stepped out of my room into my new – and necessary, apparently – attire. "Mom, it's October." I whined.

She just ogled at me before nearly doubling over and fainting on the floor. "Oh my god!" She gasped.

I looked down at the dark denim miniskirt I wore, along with a close-fitting, half sleeved black hoodie and pink t-shirt. The deep V made me blush. "Mom!" I protested.

She held her hands to her cheeks. "Oh, honey, you look adorable – and you have mommy's legs!" She gushed.

I nearly glared at her. "Can I please put my jeans on now?" I asked her.

She waved me off with a hand, approaching me and putting her hands on my shoulders firmly. "Okay, it's a little cold outside, so," She walked into my room and pulled open my drawer, "put these on," She passed me my black leggings, "and…"

I just stared at the ankle-long leggings in my hand. "I'm going to freeze." I stated before getting another two things in my face. I kissed my teeth as I pulled them off. "Legwarmers?" I mumbled to myself.

I slid my feet lazily across the mall floor, my mom nearly dragging me now. We'd just gotten out of another store and where heading for the exit. At first, I'd felt elated. Seconds later, I noticed the hot dog stand. "Erm. Just ketchup." I told the grinning man, who smothered my hot dog with said red substance. I took the huge hot dog from him with a smile, my mother depositing a bill.

"Keep the change." She said, smiling as well. I sighed as we headed back inside. She looked around a bit before spotting a free bench. "There," She signaled me. We walked towards it and immediately sat down.

I let out a sigh of relief. My feet were killing me.

"Sakura-chan?" I suddenly heard. I turned only slightly and spotted Karin and Hana staring at me.

"E-Eh?" was all I managed to say.

"Hi," My mother greeted them, "You must be Sakura's friends, right?" She asked them.

Shit. Shit. Shit. She doesn't know about cheerleading.

Karin looked at me in amusement – probably because she'd just figured out that I was shopping with my mother. I gulped. "Yeah, we're in the same squ-"

"Class!" I interrupted with a shout. Karin blinked at me. "W-We're in the same class. Yeah. Same class." I stuttered.

My mother raised her eyebrows at me, but showed no suspicion. "Well," She said after taking in the silence, "You're not going to forget to introduce me again, are you?" She asked with a kind smile.

"Ah…" I drawled stupidly before shaking my head and looking pointedly at Karin. "This is Karin-chan," I turned to Hana, "And this is Hana-chan." I said.

My mother smiled at the both of them, but stared curiously at Karin. "I like your hair." She said.

Karin's eyes widened for a second, and then her lips stretched into a sort-of-kinda smug grin. "Thanks." She said.

Hana had been staring at me, so finally I met her gaze. Her eyes were a little swollen – from crying? – and she had the faintest darkness under her eyes. She took in a deep breath before speaking. "Nice look." She said, smiling a little.

It took me a moment to realize she was talking about my clothes. I blushed a bit. "Thanks," I murmured.

Karin was staring at me too now. "Yeah… I'm really getting tired of wearing uniforms." She added.

I laughed nervously.

Hana glanced at Karin with what looked like exhaustion. "Well," She said, suddenly turning to me again, "We were just leaving."

Karin glanced at her, hiding her surprise just barely. "Oh. Right. I'll…" She paused, something flashing in her eyes, "I'll see you at the party." She said, and the next thing I knew she was running to catch up to Hana.

I could only gape at their retreating figures.

"… You invited some friends to the party?" My mother asked me quietly.

I kept staring.

"Well, it's fine, either way. I mean, the parties are usually boring anyway." She said, quickly shrugging it off, "But really, you have the prettiest friends!" She said, a sigh escaping her.

I turned to raise my eyebrows at her. "You just called Sasuke-kun pretty." I told her.

She smiled. "Oh please, you know he is." She giggled.

I rolled my eyes and took a big bite of my hotdog. Five minutes later, my mom had eaten most of her hotdog, and I was wiping my hands. "I'm going to the bathroom," I told her, "I'll be right back, okay?"

She nodded her head; her mouth nearly spewing half-chewed hotdog. I shuddered as I walked off, my hand in the pockets of my open hoodie. I sighed and turned around the corner and saw the sign for the restroom right ahead. I was watching the fountain when suddenly, I rammed into someone. I gasped and stumbled backwards, thankfully keeping my balance.

"Sor-"

"Hello, Sakura-chan." The dark haired boy in front of me said. My eye twitched a bit. One chance encounter per outing would normally be enough for me, but I was relieved to see Sai looking down at me.

I knew I was blushing now. "H-Hey." I said, thinking 'hi' would be too childish. Wait… WHAT? Why exactly was I concerned about this? Right. New school, first impressions are important and uh… Do I have a crush on Sai? Really…?

A hand was waving in front of my face.

"Sakura-chan? Are you okay?" Sai asked.

I jerked my head upwards. "Oh, uh…" I mumbled. "I-I…"

He smiled. "You…?"

"Not you- no! I mean 'I'… no 'me'! Um-uh- well, you. Yes, you." I rambled.

"Me?"

"Yes, 'me'- NO! 'You'!!" I smacked my forehead, "Well –uh- are you coming to the um… the um…" I blanked out.

"The…?"

"The game! I'm going to do the routine and-and everything… yeah. Are you?" I asked.

His eyes widened slightly. "You're going to do the routine? You'll cheerlead?" He asked.

I gulped. "Um. Yeah… yeah." I answered.

"Oh." He said, his face falling, "Well… I don't know. Maybe." He mumbled.

I felt my stomach contract before collapsing pitifully. "Oh… oh… okay." I whispered.

He frowned slightly. "I'm sorry. I'm really… busy at home." He told me.

I nodded my head slowly, and suddenly my hands were shaking. "Well, see ya." I quickly said, turning on my heel and running. I disappeared in a crowd of scurrying people, ducking my head of pink hair as I ran through them.

My body felt heavy. My heart was beating really fast. Why was I shaking?

I stopped when I remembered that I was supposed to be going to the bathroom. I wanted to go, but then what if I saw him as I went back? I was about to turn around when I heard someone call me. "Sakura, honey! Are you done already?" She asked loudly from the bench she was sitting on.

I was too confused to feel embarrassed by her yelling. I slowly walked towards her, stuffing my shaking hands into my pockets, and finding it hard to keep a straight face. My eyes stung.

"Sakura, are you okay?"

Crap.

"Y-Yeah, I'm f-fine…" I said, my voice shaky and light.

I took in a deep breath. Don't cry. Don't cry.

Why was I going to cry in the first place?

"Sakura?" She said again.

I looked away to wipe my eyes. I asked, "Can we go home now?"

I swung my feet back and forth as I sat on my chair, my arms crossed and my body leaning backwards as I faced the desk, my eyes fixed on the computer screen. The flat screen was black, and the hard drive silent. I pursed my lips and turned around, now facing the smallest wall of my room, which was completely covered in mirror. I stood up, and pulled down the dress as it rode up my thigh. My face was red.

"Honey, are you ready?" My mother called from downstairs.

I sighed and grabbed my jacket and purse, sliding my feet into heels before pushing open the door. I sighed as my mother eyed my walk down the large spiraling staircase, stopping at the bottom and pulling up the top of my dress uncomfortably. She kept staring at me.

"I can't wear this, see? It's too tight and it looks-"

"Great! You might even pick up a nice boy at the party." My mom teased, a grinned appearing.

I nearly fell over. "Mom!" I hissed. She only hooked her arm with mine and led me out the door.

I sighed as I sat at the bar of the club my father had reserved for the night. Usually, we held them at home, but I guessed that Dad had chosen the place because it could fit the company better. My face was beginning to hurt from the constant smiling. Most of the night, I was confirming my identity as 'Mr. Haruno's daughter' to whomever co-worker came along and asked. Afterwards, they'd say I had his eyes and leave.

A lot of the co-workers were middle-aged, but most where younger than mid-thirties. It was weird, seeing these people dancing around. The stage, regularly used for karaoke, was deserted, and people were either dancing, sitting at the bar, or being wallflowers and talking to those next to them. I took a sip of my sweet drink, which I hoped wasn't alcoholic, and sighed. I tried to ignore the fact that it was my fifth one.

I was so not club person.

I looked down to my clothing and my face went red for the umpteenth time. The horrid tube dress my mom had forced on me had gotten some unwanted attention a few more times than acceptable from one of the youngest in the club. At one point he'd been staring at me, and I smiled as I flipped him the bird. I spun the glass in my hand, the red drink swirling casually.

"Sakura-chan!" I heard a yell behind me, loosing my balance on the bar stool and completely falling over (insert yelp here). My drink spilled all over the ground, and quickly I stumbled back up, my hand against my butt, making sure the dress wasn't going to inappropriate places. I turned around as I pulled down the dress as far as I could.

"You look hot!" A female voice said. I realized it was Tenten as she emerged from the crowd.

I stiffened as I watched unnecessary company approaching. I suddenly felt ill, putting my hand to my forehead. "Oh my god," I gasped, wide eyes identifying each face.

Tenten was at my side, looking me up and down. "It was Ino wasn't it? She's got a talent for these things." She said, nodding her head as gave my two thumbs up.

"Oh my god," I said again. I couldn't help but noticed the boys stopping to stare too, and I was suddenly fond of the colorful flashing lights. There was Naruto, Sasuke, Ino, Hinata, Tenten, Kiba, Neji and Shikamaru there.

"Sakura-chan... you look…" Naruto mumbled.

Kiba was the first to get to me, wrapping an arm around my small waist and pulling my just slightly in his direction. "Perfect," He purred in my ear. I turned to gape at him, grabbing absently at his arm. He didn't resist and let go of me, sliding onto a bar stool.

"Close your mouth, it's unattractive." Ino advised as she passed by me as well, winking as she grinned victoriously.

I gulped and slid back on my seat, my hands getting sweaty. I had to figure out where my mother was. I couldn't let her see them. I put my face in my hands as I breathed, laughing slightly into my palms.

"Don't worry, Sakura-chan," I heard Hinata whisper as she passed, heading to the bar with everyone else.

"Oh… my god." I gulped, again.

"Hey," I heard beside me.

I didn't have to look to know who it was. "… Sasuke-kun?" I mumbled, removing my hands from my face to put my arms on the bar.

He copied me and beckoned the bartender. He then turned back to me. "Nice dress." He chuckled.

I glared at the wall, pouting as he teased me. I ran a hand through my hair before looking at him. "Thanks," I said sarcastically.

He smirked, and I looked away to hide my blush.

"How'd you find out about the party, anyway?" I asked, glancing cautiously back at him.

He passed me a drink and I barely caught the sliding class. I ogled at the familiar red drink. "I told her that you spilled it." He said.

I blushed, but kept his gaze this time. "Thanks." I said. There was a short pause. "Oh, wait… Did you pay for that for me?"

He looked away, looking at a similar drink in his hands. "Yeah, but it doesn't matter, I got one too. What is this anyway?" He suddenly asked me, staring hesitantly at the drink.

"I don't know, some guy who was staring at me a while ago bought it for me." I shrugged, sipping at it.

He stared at me. He blinked. Again. And again. "So you drank it? Seriously?" He asked me.

I paused. "Okay, so maybe that was a bad idea." I said slowly.

He raised his eyebrows as if to say sarcastically, "oh, really?".

I rubbed my eyes and pushed the drink away. "My mom nearly had a panic-attack when she realized they sold alcoholic drinks at the bar, but my dad said I could handle it." I said, shaking my head as I remembered.

"Wow," was all he could say, and he shook his head with me.

I tapped the glass with my painted nail and turned my head. I saw Ino and Temari flirting with an older, maybe in his twenties, guy at the back of the room. Hinata was sitting in a corner with Tenten and Neji. Just a few steps away from there stood Naruto and Kiba, laughing loudly about some joke Kiba had shared. Neji and Tenten shook their heads at them while Hinata sighed and smiled.

When I turned back around, Sasuke was sliding off his seat. "It's kind of noisy in here." He commented, having to yell to be heard over the song that had just begun.

I nodded.

"Let's go outside." He suggested. I jumped off my chair and followed him to the door. We were outside, standing on the sidewalk, in a matter of seconds. We found a bench and sat down.

I sighed and leaned back in my chair. I rubbed my arms, "It's freezing out here…" I said slowly.

Sasuke also leaned back, and crossed his arms.

I turned to him. "Can I have your jacket…?" I asked.

He smirked and shook his head, but unzipped his black sweater and quickly pulled off the long sleeves. I marveled at his well toned arms, and had to force myself to look away when I saw that chest of wax – though covered by a T-shirt. I accepted the sweater, trying to remember that night at the beach. It had been too dark to really see anything.

I slipped into the sweater and crossed my bare legs. It wasn't like he was going to give me his pants. I blushed at the warmth of his clothes, but, then again, I'd been blushing all evening.

"I think that drink was alcoholic." I said, feeling a little strange. He shrugged. For a long moment we were silent. I turned to him, seeing the Goosebumps forming on his arms.

"You're stupid." I said slowly.

He looked up at me and smiled. "Says the girl who went shopping with Ino." He said, raising one eyebrow.

I frowned. "How did you know about that?" I asked, surprised.

He looked up to the darkening sky. "Ino's taste is… well…" He glanced at my dress.

I gasped in mock-anger and punched him lightly on the arm. It was cold.

He frowned, and looked at me. "I think that drink really was alcoholic."

I rolled my eyes and leaned back forward. Suddenly, the door burst open, and we both jumped. It was my mom that came out, sighing and putting a hand to her forehead. She held what looked like wine as she smiled at the moon. She turned her head and spotted us, freezing on the spot.

"Oh, Sakura, honey," She said, and began walking slowly towards us. She frowned at the sweater I had over my dress before she noticed Sasuke, sitting sloppily beside me. There was a glint in her eyes that I did not like.

"Mom, wait-" I began, but a girlish squeal erupting from her lips and her knees buckled as she glanced between the two of us.

"Oh, Sakura! He's your boyfriend, isn't he? Oh, gosh. I knew it!" She gushed, walking quickly to the side of the bench. I moved over, and she sat down. "You two are so adorable." She sighed, and then took a sip of wine.

I put my palm to my forehead. "No, mom… He's not my boyfriend. He's just a really nice friend. Okay?" I said firmly.

She shrugged. "Well, okay…" She said.

I knew she wasn't convinced.

Just... Just don't eat me.

You see, I do have a life. And though I have mastered the art of procrastination, I knew I had to finish this. I'm practically done chapter 11. I'll just add in a few more bits for you people, to make you... uh... happy-er? Yeah. So.. um... don't throw me into a boiling pot of... poison.

Yeah.
Thanks.

:D