Keep your friends close and your enemies hell and gone away from your love life

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Chapter 10

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Enjoy, My Lovelies

Sakura at CherryBlossom777- サクラ:

Most traumatic speed dating experience EVER. #SpeedDating #IDontWantToTalkABoutIt

35 minutes ago

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Ino and I walked out of the speed dating venue in awkward silence. I could practically hear the questions she wanted to ask bouncing around in that pretty blonde head of hers.

She didn't broach the subject until we were a safe distance from the venue, "so, you want to tell me what the hell really is going on between you and Itachi?"

A lump formed in my throat at the thought of going into the long story. Damn this all to hell.

I guess I took too long to respond because she snapped, mildly irritated, " how long has this really been going on? And how serious is this?"

I sighed. "Since the night you made me go to the club after the breakup with Sasuke." I replied, biting my lip absentmindedly and rubbing my arms for warmth in the crisp night air.

It took me a moment to realize she was no longer walking beside me. I turned around to look at her stalk-still figure questioningly.

"That long? That freakin' long?! Why didn't you tell me the whole story, Forehead?" She wailed, flapping her arms up and down, agitated. "I thought this happened after Sasuke's graduation party!"

She frowned, and then began her tirade again, "and you know I tried to grill him for more answers."

"And? What did he say?" I asked, fidgety to hear the answer.

"He said, and I quote, 'I assure you Ms. Yamanaka that Sakura is in good hands.' And then he smirked at me. Smirked! Like this was all some big joke!" Ino screeched. "Didn't say a single word after that except to do that annoying grunt thing that Sasuke does!"

My frown deepened.

"How serious is this, Sakura?" Ino asked in a strained whisper.

"I don't know. I- I honestly didn't think it would get this convoluted. Kami, Ino, what the hell am I supposed to do? Did you hear what he said about the whole student-teacher thing?" I asked, turning to glance at her.

She bit her lip. "Yeah, I heard." There was a beat of silence before Ino began again. "So, what are you going to do? Do you want to date this guy, or not?"

"I dunno Ino! He's hot, persistent, and hell of a good kisser… I've never met a man like him before, but I'm scared I'm going to get burned." I said as we finally reached the car.

"Normally I would be all over you getting a hot piece of man-meat, but guys like that don't tend to stick around once they've gotten the girl. They'll talk a good game and then bolt once the chase is over." Ino said in a tone that spoke heavily of experience. She started the car and backed out of the parking lot.

A sinking feeling settled into the pit of my stomach. I stared, unseeing, out the window for the entire ride home.

That's what I'm afraid of.

The rest of that night had passed in awkward silence and an early time to bed for the both of us. I knew Ino didn't have much else to say to me, and honestly, I didn't have much to say back. This is my problem; I'll have to deal with it. What's the old saying? I've made my bed, now I'll have to lie in it.

I'm the one that's flirted with this god-damn devil. And shit just got real. It's time for me to man up and put my foot down instead of all this wishy-washy crap I've been feeling up to now! I've been lying to myself and showing fake convictions, but when push comes to shove, never actually followed through. I just got swept away with Itachi's pretty words…

…and pretty eyes, pretty face, hot body.

I groaned and rolled my eyes humorlessly at inner-Sakura. Seriously, that's got to stop. Like hell am I gonna get anywhere if I'm still thinking like that!

I think…I think I've got to let him go.

Hell no! You cannot let that perfectly sexy man go. Especially seeing as he is very obviously into us! Chya! I narrowed my eyes.

He's annoyed the shit out of me ever since I met him. But of course, as any self-respecting, hot-blooded female, his confidence and persistence were a major turn-on. But now…

Now I'm not sure I really want to get into something like this. Or do I?

I chewed on my lip as I lay in bed, staring up at the dark ceiling, listening to Ino's soft, even breathing.

Maybe, just maybe I'll give him a chance to prove himself.

Hell yeah! Jump his sexy-ass bones!

Tch. Shut up you inner-slut. Small steps Sakura, small steps.

With that decision made, I fell into a restless sleep. Tossing and turning at the thought of another hour stuck in a classroom with him and telling him my decision.

I could just imagine the smug look on his face when I told him 'yes' and I had to really fight the impulse to do exactly opposite of what he wanted, just to spite him. But of course, that would only make my life more miserable and complicated; and right now, complicated is what I'm trying desperately to avoid.

When I finally did fall asleep, I dreamt of crowded clubs, passionate kisses, and shadowed faces wearing devious smirks.

I woke up with a swarm of butterflies vying for attention in my stomach.

Today was the day. D-Day. No, no, no.

This was going to be a good thing right? Kami I hope so. This could go in so many shades of wrong today. I chewed my bottom lip as I rifled through my closet for something appropriate to wear.

"..kura…SAKURA! Oh my god, are you deaf right now?" Ino huffed, jutting her hip to the side and planting her hand there in irritation.

I threw her a startled glance, "sorry, I didn't hear you Ino."

Ino rolled her eyes, "yeah well, that much was obvious. What's on your mind…" her demeanor sobered for a moment, "are you…thinking about last night?"

I frowned, staring absently into my closet, "A little. I think- Ino I think I'm going to give Itachi a chance. A small one. Don't worry! I'll be careful!" I rushed to assure her when I saw the troubled look on her face.

Ino continued to give me a calculated stare for a moment before she broke out into a wicked grin, "well, if nothing else, you can have some hot, hot-"

"INO!" I screeched at the blonde, throwing my pillow at her head. She deftly dodged the pillow, cackling her way into the bathroom.

I shook my head at her antics but couldn't keep the small smile from crawling upward.

Sakura at CherryBlossom777- サクラ:

Play the Funeral March for me, will you? Thanks… #BadIdea #WhatAmIDoing

3 minutes ago

I walked as slowly as I possibly could without being late for class. Thankfully I have Calculus right after my lab, so I'll have an excuse to leave. Quickly. This afternoon, however.. uhg, we'll see.

As usual, I made it to the Science building far too soon. That's how it always seems; the more I drag my feet and try to avoid something, the faster it rushes up to greet me. Seriously. What the hell.

I stood, fidgeting outside the door to the classroom and tentatively glanced at my phone, checking the time again for what felt like the hundredth time. It was 8:53, a safe enough time to go in, right? Other people should be in there, so I won't be alone. Thank god.

Taking a deep breath and trying very, very hard not to groan, I walked into the classroom. I shot a quick glance to the front of the classroom and let out a relieved sigh to find the area vacant of smolderingly hot men/teachers/possible boyfriends. Oh. My. God. That sounds horrible.

It sounds HOT, is what it sounds like.

I rolled my eyes and turned to find the spot I had claimed as my own for the semester. What I found there stopped me in my tracks.

"Karin." I said in shock that, one, Karin was in this class and, two, she was sitting in my seat.

The redhead swept her haughty gaze toward me, "Oh, Sakura, you're in this class too?" She said, feigning interest.

"Isn't that what I'm supposed to say? What are you doing here anyway? I'm surprised you aren't taking Physics with Sasuke." I asked with raised eyebrows. Karin was the type to take any and all classes that Sasuke took, unless that means Sasuke is taking this class too….

I darted a quick glance around the classroom and breathed a sigh of relief when I didn't see him anywhere.

She narrowed her eyes at me. Then taking on an air of smug boredom she said, "I want to go into nursing and this class is required." She finished, sounding rather put out about the whole ordeal and having to take this class.

I could feel my eye twitch. God, its people like Karin that make me want to punch them into next week! Acting like her schooling and job choice are nothing to them. Does this girl really only care about her looks and boys? Grow up!

I snorted derisively, "right, well, good luck with that." I bit out and then found a spot across the room from the annoying redhead.

Uhg, why oh why does life hate me so much right now? Seriously, hello, in one class I not only have to deal with a very persistent hottie, but also the bane of my existence; the woman that Sasuke replaced me with. Right, sure, that seems fair.

Tch. No, not really.

I was derailed from my fuming and irately yanking my books and supplies from my bag when I heard the door open and a calm and sexy voice say, "good morning class, I hope you're ready, because we'll be starting right into our first project today." I took a deep breath and steeled myself for an hour of hell.

I was pleasantly surprised with Itachi's—

Er, Mr. Uchiha's, fluid teaching style and obvious wealth of knowledge. He taught at a steady pace and didn't dumb things down. Pushing us. Expecting us as honor students to rise to his level. But at the same time, answering questions patiently and in ways we would understand better.

I liked it. It invigorated me, made me excited about going into medicine.

It also helped reaffirm my decision about him.

I chewed on my lip as I finished the last few lines of my notes, highlighting pertinent information for later studying. As I placed the last period, I realized that the classroom was deathly quiet. I glanced up to see that class had ended a little early and everyone had already rushed out of the room towards freedom. Itachi leaned casually against the desk chair in front of mine, observing me from his perch.

I inhaled quickly, swallowing a gasp at his close proximity. Again I am reminded at how unfair it is that he makes me feel all fluttery, flustered, and speechless while he stands there the perfect picture of calm, collected, and hella-hot.

Not cool, man. Not. Cool.

But oh-so very, very sexy. Rawr, bring me some of that spicy teacher/student action.

Oh holy hell, my brain is seriously malfunctioning right now.

I cleared my throat and looked down at my notes, pretending to be adding a few more lines of important information, "I enjoyed your lecture more than I expected, Mr. Uchiha." I said, glancing up at him through my lashes.

I watched his body stiffen in surprise at the impromptu praise. He shouldn't be though, when it comes to academics, anyone who does something impressive, even someone who irritates me, deserves their fair share of praise. A slow smirk spread over his face, "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Ms. Haruno," he said, with obvious amusement that I was paying him a compliment.

I looked up into Itachi's eyes, giving him my full attention. Here goes, before I chicken out. "I- I was also wondering…" here my throat went dry and the words stuck thick in my throat. How the hell was I supposed to do this? Oh my god. Am I seriously hyperventilating over asking a guy out on a date? Really, Sakura? Really?

Itachi quirked an eyebrow, crossing his arms and leaning down towards me, "yes, Sa-ku-ra?" he purred.

"Uh..." I articulated brilliantly, staring at him for a moment before realizing I probably looked like a moron right now and I snapped my mouth shut and cleared my throat; looking down to hide my blushing face.

"Iwaswonderingifyouwantedtograbsomecoffeelater… with me…" I rushed out, still keeping my eyes downcast.

There was a beat of silence then I heard Itachi let out a small huff of laughter and felt his fingers gently coax my chin upward, forcing my eyes to meet his.

"For months I've been trying to get you to go on a date with me, Sakura, and finally you're asking me out like a blushing schoolgirl confessing to her crush."

Embarrassment and indignation shot through me, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. I wouldn't go so far as to call you my crush.. just yet." I quickly backpedaled and jerked my chin out of his grasp.

Itachi snorted in amusement, "really?" he drawled. "Then what would you call this?" He asked, looking highly amused.

Just- uhg, will you get coffee with me, dammit?! I have things I wish to discuss with you." I asked, feeling flustered and slightly irritated.

"Does this mean you are giving in to my advances, Sakura?" Itachi asked with dark, hooded eyes.

I frowned and squared my shoulders, taking his stare head on, "Don't get any ideas, Itachi. This is me giving you a chance, a small one. But understand, if we're going to do this, we're going at my pace and with my rules."

Itachi cocked his head, appraising me before saying, "fair enough, Sakura. You can call the shots." His tone sounded ominous, but for now I was marginally comforted by his acquiescence.

I gathered my things, ready to head to my next class. Itachi placed his hands in his pockets and cocked his head to the side, "I will be outside your dorm to pick you up at 2:30," he stated confidently.

I raised my eyebrows at his abrupt and straightforward manner. No wasting time, are we? "Okay. That sounds good. Er, see you then," I mumbled, desperately trying to hold onto my façade of calm and control. Sheesh, every time I try asserting myself, he goes and upends all my plans and resolve. Kami save me now.

As I began turning around toward the exit, Itachi lightly grabbed my arm, spinning me around and bringing me flush against him, but this time he did so in a tender manner. Seeming to take care not to manhandle me, like he seemed to enjoy doing so much in the past. Tch, so the bastard can be gentle. Imagine that.

Leaning down he whispered smoothly into my ear, "I am very pleased you have finally come to me, Sa-ku-ra," he finished; gently tucking my hair behind my ear and placing a light kiss to my forehead. Then before I knew it, he stepped back, giving me my space again.

Who is this nice guy and what has he done with our hot-as-hell devil?!

Huh. Well, this is certainly new. Not knowing what else to say, I nodded and rushed toward the exit. I chewed my lip in contemplation as I mad my way out of the classroom. I wasn't paying much attention until I heard a light cough echo through the hall. I looked up to see Karin casually leaning against the wall outside our class.

What the hell is she doing still hanging around the classroom?

Unless…

Unless she was spying on Itachi and I. Oh holy hell.

I stopped and gave her an assessing look, "What's up, Karin? Forget something in the classroom?" I asked in mock interest.

"Heh, You certainly do move quickly, Haruno. Like your Uchiha men, don't you? Not that I can blame you, Itachi is majorly sexy," she said, breaking away from the wall and moving in my direction.

"Not sure what you mean, Karin," I said, feigning nonchalant ignorance.

She snorted, "Oh come on Sakura. We both know you have the hots for teacher, and that he can't keep his hands off of you. I haven't forgotten Sasuke's graduation party." I narrowed my eyes. Warning bells were blaring in my head.

"I just wonder how a student/teacher relationship would look to the Dean." She continued on with slow, deliberate venom.

Does this girl want to destroy all of my relationships? The bitch! Just be happy you got Sasuke, and leave me the hell alone, dammit!

"Thanks for the needless advice, but I think I can handle myself just fine. And whatever there is or isn't between Mr. Uchiha and I is none of your concern. But thanks anyway." I said with a saccharine smile and brushed past her.

Sheesh. Maybe saying yes to Itachi was going to be more complicated than I expected. Great. Thanks life. You're so helpful.

A/N: Hi! I came back and with a brand spankin' new chapter! I know progress has been slow, but I've been trying to fix all the plot holes and inconsistencies that I created in previous chapters, haha. So it's taking me some time. BUT, I do have part of chapter 11 done, and an outline for the rest of it.

How is everyone? Hope all is well.

Leave me some feedback, comments, critiques, or just babbles! I love it all.

Much love.