Your Heart in My Hand

A/N:This is so late. I'm sorry! So, what happened was that the data from my hard drive got deleted and I have been grieving over my lost data. This chapter was halfway written as well! Sob! Here it is, rewritten but not in the way I originally wanted it to be. But anyway, we're in double digits! Yay!

Note: I gave Sasori's the surname Akasuna for convenience sake. It literally means red sand.

A little warning: This fic is an AU so characters will definitely be OOC.

Note: Flashbacks in italics.

Without further ado, enjoy the tenth chapter of Your Heart in My Hand.

Inspired by Fujiwara Kiyo's Wild Ones.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Chapter 10: His Feelings

Sakura did not like this at all. She was trying really hard to hold down the bile rising up her throat. She felt an uncomfortable feeling in her stomach and she hated it. She looked over her shoulder a little and stared at the door of the private room. She sighed softly in relief, as she knew that he was there. She knew that even though he could never comfort her the way she wanted him to, his presence soothed her.

"Sakura-san?"

Huh? Sakura snapped back to reality.

"Mrs Akasuna was asking you a question, Sakura," Hashirama said, eyeing her knowingly.

"Ah, I'm sorry. Could you repeat your question?" Sakura's cheeks reddened, embarrassed.

"I was just asking if you were enjoying school? Your grandfather mentioned that you have only recently started attending public school?"

"Ah, yes. I do like school. I've made some new friends and I'm enjoying myself so far," Sakura replied, smiling.

Mrs Akasuna smiled.

"That's great! I'm very happy to hear so. I hear that you're also in the Art Club?"

Sakura nodded.

"Yes I am. I really love art," Sakura said, blushing.

Sasori chuckled.

"She's really talented as well. Her art is beautiful," Sasori said, staring at Sakura.

Sakura's cheeks reddened even more and she was suddenly aware that Sasori had snaked his arm around the back of her chair. She sat slightly forward.

Mr Akasuna nodded, impressed.

"You must be a very impressive artist. Sasori rarely ever compliments anyone."

Sakura's face turned to mild shock and she turned to look at Sasori whose face was expressionless.

Mrs Akasuna giggled.

"Oh, this is so cute! Both of you are so good for each other!"

"Ka-san, please," Sasori mumbled, embarrassed.

"Oh look, my little Sasori is shy! This is perfect!" Mrs Akasuna pointed out, ignoring Sasori's stare.

Mr Akasuna shook his head.

"Please excuse my wife. She can be a little too excited at times," Mr Akasuna said.

Hashirama chuckled.

"I understand her excitement. I can see that these two kids are quite suitable for each other."

Sakura whipped her head to stare at her ji-chan. She couldn't believe him. She knew exactly what he was doing. She knew he wasn't trying to upset her on purpose. She knew he just wanted the best for her but she couldn't help but feel annoyed. She had a feeling that he had tried to do the same to her mother.

Sakura couldn't wait for this nightmare to end.

When they got back into the car, Hashirama spoke turned to Sakura.

"Thank you for going to the miai, Sakura. It means a lot to me. I know it's not something you're considering now but think about it for the long run. I would love to know that you will be in a good man's capable hands once I'm gone," Hashirama said, touching Sakura's head.

Sakura smiled, though it did not reach her eyes. Her gaze reached the rear view mirror and she found his eyes staring back at hers. She almost gasped. His look said it all. Tonight. She clutched her heart in anticipation.

Sakura laid on her futon, anticipation in her bones. She glanced at the clock and it was 10 minutes past midnight. She could feel her heart thumping, threatening to burst out of her chest. When she heard that single knock on her door, she jumped off the futon immediately.

She was gently pushed back in the moment she opened the door and Sasuke quickly closed the door. When she saw him, she almost jumped into his arms.

"Hey," Sasuke said, softly, sitting down on the floor, opposite Sakura.

"Hey," Sakura echoed.

"So," Sasuke ran a hand through his hair. "How was the miai?"

Sakura stared at her lap.

"It was okay. I didn't like it. I didn't want it in the first place anyway."

Sasuke exhaled in relief.

"I'm glad."

Sakura winced.

"So, why did you come here?" She asked.

Sasuke averted her gaze.

"I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Sakura said nothing. She didn't know what to say. She didn't know what to feel. A part of her was happy that he cared. A part of her was sick to the bones of him giving her false hope.

"Will you be seeing him again?" Sasuke asked.

Sakura closed her eyes.

"I think you should go," She said quietly.

Sasuke looked up in shock.

"Why? Did I say something wrong?"

Sakura laughed in exasperation.

"What did you say wrong? Please, not this again! Are you doing this on purpose? Because it's not funny."

Sasuke furrowed his eyebrows.

"I'm not. Of course I'm not. Why would I… I care about you, Sakura-sama."

Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Yes, I know. You care. You care about me as a bodyguard I get it. Now please, leave me alone!"

Sasuke frowned.

"I can't. Not when I know you're upset."

Sakura glared at him.

"Fine. I'll scream and you'll never…"

He pressed his lips on hers and she felt her breath hitch. Sakura gasped and fell back in shock.

"Don't scream, please," He whispered.

Sakura nodded, slowly. Sasuke ran his hand over his hair and sighed.

"Look, I… I'm not good with words. I don't know how to say it right so I'll just say it. I… I care for you. As a bodyguard yes but also because… I love you. I've loved you ever since I saw you. Please don't think that I don't care because I do. I love you," Sasuke said, his voice barely audible.

Sakura's eyes widened and she couldn't control the tears that came.

"Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you say anything when I… I was so heartbroken…"

Sasuke stared into her eyes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't want to lose you. Hashirama-sama will lose his shit if he ever found out and I would never get to see you again. I would rather be able to see you smile, laugh and maybe, be happy with someone else if it means I can still see you."

Sakura wiped her tear-streaked face and held her hand over her heart.

"I don't know what to say…"

"Then don't say anything," Sasuke said as he inched closer.

Their lips touched and suddenly a spark ignited. Sasuke gently pushed Sakura onto the futon and she only had a second to catch her breath before he captured her lips again. Sakura's whole body trembled. Not in fear but the happiness she was feeling. She couldn't stop. She didn't want to stop.

A moan escaped her lips and Sasuke growled, deepening the kiss. She grabbed his hair and gently pulled it, eliciting a groan from Sasuke.

When she felt Sasuke's tongue swirl around hers, Sakura took it greedily. She had suppressed her feelings for so long. Her hands moved down to Sasuke's waist and she tugged his yukata loose. Sasuke pulled back, abruptly, surprising Sakura. They both panted, out of breath.

"What? Why…" Sakura was hurt.

Realisation hit Sasuke and he shook his head.

"No! That's not it. Just… Not now. Not here."

Sakura averted her gaze, embarrssed.

"I thought you would have wanted me, too."

Sasuke lay next to her and propped himself up with his elbow.

"I want you. I've never wanted you more. Just please, not here, not now." He said.

Sakura nodded and smiled in relief.

They lay together for a while, hands intertwined and Sakura never felt happier.

"I think I should go now," Sasuke said, sitting up. He didn't let go of her hand.

Sakura pouted and Sasuke chuckled.

"You should sleep. You'll need your energy for tomorrow."

Sakura cocked her head and realisation hit her.

"Oh, right. Tomorrow's the open house for the dojo."

Sasuke smirked and gave her a long peck on the lips.

"No, I meant for this," He grinned cheekily and quickly left the room.

Sakura fell back onto her futon and she swore she could have melted a hole in the ground.

The walk to school couldn't be more awkward. She kept trying to keep a neutral expression but whenever she thought about what happened, she would blush and smile to herself. She didn't even notice when Suigetsu suddenly slid next to her.

"So, you've been smiling to yourself this whole time. Something happened? Sasuke was gone from our room for a pretty long time last night." Suigetsu smirked.

Sakura stopped walking and her cheeks immediately reddened.

"Wha... What do you mean?" Sakura stammered.

Suigetsu's eyes narrowed cheekily.

"You know exactly what I mean."

Sakura averted her eyes, not saying a word.

"Maybe I can pop into your room tonight and you can tell me," Suigetsu whispered into her ear.

Sakura jumped and Suigetsu chuckled. She smacked his bicep and he was shocked momentarily. He wasn't expecting her to be comfortable enough with him to do that. Recovering from his shock, he just grinned.

"I'm kidding, of course."

"What's the hold up?" Naruto called from a distance away.

Suigetsu laughed.

"Oh, Sakura-sama was just telling me how well her night went yesterday."

Sai and Neji glanced at each other and Naruto arched an eyebrow. Sasuke was glaring at Suigetsu.

"Were you doing something last night, Sakura-sama?" Naruto asked.

Suigetsu smirked.

"More like doing someon-"

Sakura slapped his mouth shut before he could continue, blushing furiously.

"It's nothing really," She said, unable to hide the happiness in her voice.

She looked up at the boys once more and caught Sasuke's eyes. She swore he was staring straight into her soul.

When Sasuke sat down in his seat, the boys surrounded him immediately.

"Where were you last night?" Neji narrowed his eyes.

Ignoring him, Sasuke took out his textbook.

Grabbing his shoulders, Naruto forced Sasuke to look at him.

"What?" Sasuke hissed.

Flinching, Naruto continued nonetheless.

"So, everything's okay between you and Sakura-sama then?"

Closing his eyes, Sasuke nodded his head very slightly and his lips trembled from him suppressing his need to smile. Catching that, Sai grinned.

"Well, we're happy. Right, guys?"

When the bell for recess ended, Sakura immediately jolted up from her seat. She couldn't wait to see Sasuke again. When she stepped out the door, her eyes lit up at the sight of him. He was leaning beside the door and when he saw her, he mirrored her smile.

"You look happy," He commented.

"I am," She said, with a giggle.

"I figured it would be nice if we could eat in your classroom today, just us two," Sasuke said, looking away shyly.

Sakura's eyes lit up with understanding and she nodded, smiling.

Ignoring the stares of her classmates, Sasuke took the seat in front of Sakura and turned the chair around to face her.

"I hope this is okay," Placing the food on the table.

"It's fine. Looks good!" Sakura said.

"I'm glad," Sasuke smiled.

As they dug into their food, a question popped into Sakura's mind. She suddenly put her utensils down and stared intently at Sasuke.

Arching his eyebrow, Sasuke asked her what was wrong.

"I… You… Have you…" She didn't want to ask. She didn't have the courage to.

"Tell me," He insisted, setting aside his food to give her his full attention.

"It was my first time kissing anyone yesterday… You…"

Sasuke smirked. He knew what Sakura wanted to know.

"It was my first too," He admitted and Sakura exhaled in relief.

"Although," He continued. "Not exactly."

Sakura's eyes widened and her mouth gaped.

Sasuke laughed.

"Well, I've always imagined myself kissing you so I guess yesterday wasn't exactly my first time with you, was it?" He teased.

Sakura's cheeks reddened and she almost fell back in shock.

"Sasuke-kun!" She whined, hitting him.

A voice interrupted them and all laughter died.

"Sakura, there you are. I-"

Sasuke stared daggers at Sasori.

"You. Fuck off. Now."

Sakura touched Sasuke's hand and chided him softly. Sasori narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Sakura, could I speak to you privately please?" Sasori asked.

Sakura stood up but Sasuke only tightened his grip on her hand.

"Sasuke-kun, please."

Sasuke growled.

"No. Anything he wants to say, he can say it here. With me."

Sakura smiled apologetically at Sasori and he shrugged.

"Well, Sasuke-kun," Sasori baited. "I just wanted to ask Sakura if she wanted to go to a play with me this weekend. You don't have to come."

Sasuke stood up suddenly, scaring Sakura and she quickly placed herself between the two boys. She could sense the tension and she didn't like it.

"I'm sorry, senpai but I can't."

Sasori chuckled.

"Would your answer have anything to do with your bodyguard here?"

Sakura blushed. To be honest, she didn't know what her relationship with Sasuke was at the moment. Sure, they'd already professed their love for each other but Sasuke had yet to ask her to be his officially. Sakura furrowed her eyes slightly, when reality hit her.

"It's none of your business, you piece of shit. Now fuck off," Sasuke snarled.

Sasori arched an eyebrow and smiled.

"Well, I was hoping you would say yes, Sakura. I'd hate to disappoint your grandfather. He was the one who suggested the idea to me. He said you might like this play. It centres around the relationship between Nigini no Mikoto and Konohana-Sakuya."

Sakura was speechless.

"I guess I could tell him I tried but that you prefer spending time with your bodyguard. I wonder what he would say about that."

Sasuke glared at Sasori.

"I know what you're doing."

Sasori feigned innocence.

"What am I doing? I just want the best for Sakura."

Sasuke stepped forward and Sakura pushed him back.

"Wait, Sasuke-kun," Placing her hand on his chest. Sighing, she turned to Sasori.

"What time's the play?" She asked, defeated.

Sasori's face lit up with happiness.

"8pm. I'll pick you at 7pm. Thank you, Sakura. I hope you can give us a chance."

Sakura said nothing and Sasori left.

Sasuke turned to Sakura, anger in his eyes.

"Why did you agree?"

Sakura inhaled deeply.

"I had to. He was about to tell ji-chan about the both of us. I… I don't want to lose you. I would rather spend 2 hours suffering then lose you forever," She whispered.

Sasuke's anger dissipated and he cupped her cheeks.

"I'm sorry. I just hate knowing that the bastard will definitely try something and I won't be there to protect you."

Sakura smiled weakly and she leaned into his hands. She was not looking forward to this. She had trusted her ji-chan to lay off but she knew he liked Sasori and Sakura couldn't blame him. Sasori was good on paper- he was smart, rich and had all the qualities of a man that her ji-chan wanted as her future husband. She pondered, whether or not her ji-chan knew that Sasori was in the Akatsuki. Sakura sighed and looked into Sasuke's eyes.

"I love you," She breathed.

Sasuke was taken aback for a moment and he could feel his cheeks burning.

"I love you," He whispered, taking her lips.

A/N: Actually, I'm not sure if anyone reads these author notes lol. I've recently started a full-time job so I'm definitely going to take a bit longer with updates. Please don't give up on me. I'll see everyone in the next chapter!