A Place We Call Home
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto; only the ramen.
Chapter Eleven: All of a Sudden
Sakura sighed as she flipped her textbook to the next page. The final exams were schedule for the other week but she had a habit of studying in advance a bit too much—well, not that Sakura herself wanted to, but rather her mom always nagged her to read and study whenever she saw her daughter relaxing just a bit. Of course, Sakura, being the ever-obedient daughter, would simply nod her head and drag herself up to her room while she threw a longing glance through her window towards the cerulean sky, her emerald orbs shining with the saline waters of unhappiness.
She blinked and became aware that tears threatened to spill from her eyes down to her pale cheeks. Handkerchief in hand, she hastily daubed her eyes with it to prevent the liquid from cascading down. She felt bad enough with what's there that she no longer needed another reason to feel dispirited and pathetic once somebody saw her at her current state.
Unbeknownst to her, a certain raven-haired lad was witness to everything. He stared at her with a fixed calmness in his dark orbs which never seemed to stray from the borders of apathy. The lad lazily ran his hand through his dark hair and cleared his throat not loudly, but enough for the girl below to hear. He smirked as he watched her look left and right for a sigh of another person. Obviously, she missed him for he was neither at her left nor her right. Sasuke snorted before he slid down from the tree branch he sat on and landed on his feet with ease, which startled Sakura.
"You look so annoying, crying like that." He said. His body rested against the tree trunk lazily. Sasuke bent his head down and looked at the girl who sat on the grass under the tree. Onyx met emerald. He held his gaze at her for a moment and spoke. "Exams aren't due 'till next week." She closed her mouth while she pondered on what to reply when the lad beat her to it. "You're sitting on my spot."
"Eh?" mumble a confused Sakura as she looked up at his dark orbs. Damn him for being a head taller than her and damn her for sitting on the grass, which made her look so tiny. She blinked and gathered her things that were littered around her while she spoke. "I'm sorry. I didn't know it was your usual spot—"
Sakura was not able to finish her sentence. "You can stay." Sasuke said as he plopped himself on the ground about a foot away from her and rested his back against the tree trunk. Sakura felt his shoulder touch hers and felt her muscles stiffen as thought electricity ran through her body. Sakura did not move, except that she tilted her head so just she could see the sky. "The sky." She said to no one in particular. "is so vast."
"Hn." Mumbled the raven-haired lad. He had no idea on what she said, but something compelled him to say something at the very least. "The more you exert effort to reach and hold the sky, the more difficult it gets. But when you stay put and not bother about it, it becomes simple." He did not know what his words meant, but he felt like saying them.
Sakura looked at him from her right with her eyes tainted in confusion. "What do you mean?"
The Uchiha tilted his head so he, too, faced the sky before he spoke. "What I meant is that the more you frustrate yourself over something that isn't there, the more impossible it would be. But if you just take it off your mind, the more likely will it come to you, in the most unexpected way."
Sakura softly narrowed her eyes. "And the same thing applies to the sky?" she had never seen Uchiha Sasuke in such a pensive state before that she felt like it was not the Uchiha Sasuke she and the entire school population knew she was talking to.
The lad closed his eyes for a moment and opened them again. "Hn. Just look at those astronomers. They are spending their lives on trying to build something that could go to space to be at the sky and other planets, but what they reach is just the physical aspect of it. They never see it as a whole." He glanced at his left and saw Sakura with her eyes full of interest. She nodded at him which urged him to go on. "But if you look at the sky from here." His gaze was back to the heavens. "you could see the entire sky, the sun even. And if you just reach your hand up" he lifted up his hand and let hi finger trace the edges of the sun. "you could touch the sky—not in a physical way but in a whole new one where it becomes your own."
Sakura stared in wonder at the lad and up to his hand which still traced the sun. she contemplated on what he just said. "You… may be right." She whispered quietly, but enough for him to hear and reached up her hand and traced the sun with him. "it may seem too simple-minded; a fool's reason" she said. "But you were right." Sasuke brought his hand down and looked at her as she looked at him. She then gently let her head rest on his shoulder. He froze, but he did not move. He did not pushed her, nor he flinched like he usually would—he just her. The same feeling of warmth once again lit up from the pit of his stomach.
The almost blissful feeling left Sasuke when he felt Sakura lift her head from his shoulder. He threw her a glance and saw her gathering her things. "I'm going to get some coffee." Sakura said after she stood up. "Would you like to come too?"
The lad stared at her while his fist curled into a tight ball as he contemplated whether to accept her offer or not. "Perhaps you would want to be by yourself." Sakura said and broke the silence which she took as a no. she was about to turn when she heard Sasuke stand up from the ground. She then looked at him over her shoulder and watched him dust his pants. He walked and stopped, next to her.
"Let's go." He murmured.
She gave him a warm smile.
Sakura sat comfortably in the coffee shop a short distance away from the motorcycle shop. She simply wanted to get some coffee from the school cafeteria, since they were at school, but Sasuke reminded her of what could happen.
"You'll get castigated by the Yamanaka if she sees you around me." He told her. Of course, Sakura had to agree with that for the lad had a point; but it did not stopped her from smiling at the thought that Sasuke thought about her welfare even just a little bit.
The pink-haired girl stared at Sasuke who was seated across the coffee table. She watched him as he tried to melt his coffee cup with his stare. His nose and mouth were concealed behind his hands which he held in his usual stance; crossed before his face.
Sasuke must've noticed Sakura's gaze that he shifted his eyes from his cup to her face. Meanwhile, Sakura embarrassedly looked down to her lap to avoid his eyes. Sasuke smirked from behind his hands while he stared at her with utmost interest; he eyed her unusually pink locks which fell a little above her shoulders. Obviously, she wasn't part of his "fan club" for all of them sported long hair. Whoever started the rumor that he likes long hair should be ripped to shreds and fed to the fishes right now. From her hair, his eyes fell on her forehead.
"You have a large forehead." The Uchiha commented. Sakura's hand automatically shot up from her lap to her forehead, her rosy lips curved into a small frown. She had been teased about it since she was little, that she already became accustomed to it. But still, she could not help but feel a little bad about herself whenever someone mentions it.
"I know." Sakura said. "It's hideous." She gave him a small apologetic smile as if her rather large forehead was of her own doing.
Sasuke looked at her just the same. He watched her took a last sip on her coffee. "Done?" he asked and Sakura nodded as she rummaged through her bag for her wallet, but Sasuke was quick to get his own and paid for the both of them. He exited the shop, Sakura at his tail.
As soon as they got outside, Sakura trotted to catch up with him. She lightly placed a hand on his arm and he looked at her. "Thanks." She said with a warm smile. He nodded slightly, accompanied by an "Aa." Once again, he started to walk, this time much slower, Sakura a little behind him. He then turned around to face her and poke her forehead with his index and middle finger, which caused her head to bounce back. "It's not hideous." He said and gently brought his hand from her forehead down to her cheek and cupped it. Sakura stared at him in utter bewilderment, her emerald orbs giving him a questioning look.
Sasuke noticed the look Sakura gave him, but paid no heed to it. He held her check and carefully tucked some stray strands of her pink hair behind her ear. He stared at her for another second before he turned his back at her. Sakura touched her cheek, still warm from the lad's touch. She wondered why he did it as she tried to ignore the feeling of butterflies in her stomach. Somehow, she felt that his touch was unusually warm.
"I'm going to Kazuhiko's place." Sasuke said from over his shoulder, the usual stoic calmness once again glazed his eyes as he looked at her. Sakura wondered if what just happened was real or was it just a figment of her imagination that perhaps her brain crashed from too much studying… or perhaps her coffee was drugged with hallucinogens. Nevertheless, Sakura nodded and followed the Uchiha to Kazuhiko's in hope that perhaps she could at least find some explanation there.
"I never thought I'd be seeing you again, Sakura!" sang Kazuhiko as he shook both her hands giddily. He then quickly ran into his garage and carried with him a stool as he emerged and offered it to Sakura. On the other hand, Sasuke went to his motorcycle which was parked outside, looking like it was brand new again.
"Oye, Sasuke!" called Kazuhiko form behind his shop counter. "Make sure you'll win the next race or else I'll sell you and your motorcycle to a gay club!" Kazuhiko laughed at his own joke, which caused Sakura to chuckle. Sasuke smirked at Kazuhiko. The guy had always seemed so happy running his shop although he doesn't get customers often, except for Sasuke and Neji. Maybe it's because racing and motorcycles have always been his hobby that he doesn't really care whether he earns a lot or not.
The shop owner dumped his tools in his toolbox. "You take that with you now. If Neji sees that you got that again for free, I'm pretty sure he'll stare me down into a puddle." He said. "He's been exceptionally in a bad mood since his race the other night. He barely won you know." He added.
Sasuke raised his eyebrows. "He doesn't get pissed with things like that."
"I doubt that." Said Kazuhiko. "You too would be pissed if you were almost beaten by a girl."
Sasuke and Sakura's eyes widened at the mention of the word girl. Sasuke snorted, an effort to force back a laugh that threatened to escape from his lips. Neji almost beaten by a girl… he just have to see that and take the liberty of seeing the Hyuuga's feathers ruffled even for once.
"But isn't it dangerous?" interrupted Sakura. "especially for a female" she couldn't imagine a female donning a helmet to go head-on on a racetrack, especially a male-dominated one.
Kazuhiko looked at her. "It's dangerous. But if you just saw the race… it was unbelievable." His hands flailed in the air in huge circles in vigorous enthusiasm. Somehow, the carefree demeanor of Kazuhiko managed to reassure Sakura about racing. But still, her furrowed brows stayed the same.
Sasuke took notice of the expression on Sakura's face. He took his helmet which hung from the motorcycle's handlebars and held it between his hands. "Kazuhiko, we're going. I'll pay for this when I win. Tomorrow." He motioned to his motorcycle. Kazuhiko pocketed his hands and shrugged, but nodded nevertheless before he went inside his storehouse. Sasuke looked at Sakura and motioned her that they must leave. The girl then stood up and approached him and was quite surprised when he put the helmet on her head and rode the motorcycle.
Sakura stood the, dumbfounded on what to do. She only moved from her spot when Sasuke shot her a glance which looked like a "what-are-you-standing-there-for" look and carefully, she sat herself behind Sasuke, her hands clutched the fabric of his shirt in fear that she might fall. She heard Sasuke give out an impatient grunt and gave her an annoyed look over his shoulder before he took her hands and looped it around his waist. "You'll fall if you don't hold on well." He simply said and started the engine.
"Sasuke-kun." Sakura called from behind Sasuke whose gaze was fixed on the road, his raven hair dancing with the wind. Her arms were wrapped tightly around Sasuke's waist and her head rested on his upper back as he drove the vehicle. The awkwardness she felt when Sasuke pulled her arms around him was gone as quick as it came. In some such way, she felt safe around the lad. The more she spent time with him, the more she feels his loneliness that she knows that he keeps behind his emotionless mask. Somehow, this made her want to save him from whatever turmoil he battles inside.
"What?" she heard Sasuke reply as he slowed down and came to a complete stop near Sakura's house. He set his foot down and looked at her descend from the vehicle.
"Do you have a race tomorrow?" she asked bluntly as she pulled the helmet off her head and handed it to Sasuke which the latter took.
"Yes."
Sakura's eyes widened. "But, you're not even fully recovered yet!" she blurted. He took off the neck brace when he was still supposed to be in it, and now he plans to race! Sakura could not believe it nor will she let him.
The lad heaved an impatient sigh. "Do not tell me on what I should do." He said flatly. "Don't try and muddle into what I do. Go home now. Not a word or anything. Or else."
But Sakura was stubborn. "But Sasuke-kun—" she was cut off when a strong hand found its way at the back of her head and pulled her towards the lad before her, his lips crushed into her, drawing her into a sudden kiss.
Sakura's eyes widened in shock when she came into her senses a second later. The lad's lips were still against hers. The pink-haired girl tried to pry the lad off her but she felt her strength leave her as though her entire body was slowly turning into noodles. Then, she felt Sasuke's other hand graze her back and pulled her closer. Sakura then closed her eyes and gave in to the kiss, her hands now rested against Sasuke's chest.
Sasuke opened his mouth and let this tongue trace Sakura's pink lips, as though asking for permission to enter. Sakura then parted her lips slightly and granted entry to the welcome visitor, her own tongue danced with his. A burning feeling blazed inside the two people as both deepened the kiss. However, Sakura broke up the kiss for air, her forehead rested against Sasuke's forehead. She breathed and could also feel Sasuke's breathing against her face.
Sasuke brought his hand to her cheek and caused her to look at his eyes. "Or else I'll do that." He whispered. His voice sounded raspy, sensuality overflowing from every syllable he spoke. He closed his eyes and gave her forehead a gentle kiss. "You trust me, don't you?" he asked the girl in front of him, her eyes still glazed in dreaminess of the just ended kiss.
She looked at him. "I do." She whispered, still trying to find her voice. She had never seen Sasuke's orbs look so gentle.
"Good." The Uchiha said. "You don't have to worry. I'll be okay tomorrow." He murmured and placed a feather-light kiss on his lips before he put on his helmet and went on. Sakura watched him zoom off into the distance until he disappeared from her view, still too stunned to move from her spot. She brought a hand to her lips which he kissed just a while ago. A passionate kiss. A sudden kiss. A first kiss.
Meanwhile, Sasuke focused his gaze on the road while trying to remember how Sakura's lips felt against his and how her body seemed to fit his in his embrace. It was perfect.
"Or else." He said to himself.
Or else I'll kiss you.
Or else I'll fall in love with you.
Which, unintentionally, I already did.
Tsuzuku…
A/n: Hi guys! Whee! So here it is, the eleventh chapter! It is longer, since you requested it! I hoped you all liked it! Finally a kiss scene. I wanted the kiss to still be in character, but I think I failed. I got carried away! Personally, I think Sasuke was a little bit (about 5) OOC here. I'm sorry! I want some mush! Feel free to bite me! My favorite part in this chap was the last three lines in italics. Haha! Love them!
So, what do you think about this chap? Do you think that Sasuke-kun's a bit OOC or everyone's definitely in character? Tell me about it and click the cute little button down there and review! Thanks! Next chap's coming soon!
Of course, review responses!
emeraldoni: Thanks so much! I was about to wallow in self-pity. Hope you like this chap!
heartless soul: Hope you like this one too!
m e h – m e h: Wow, nice. Ako dahil probinsyana ako lagi akong nabibigyan ng questioning looks pag nag-slip ako sa aking regular vernacular. Malalalim na Tagalog ahahay!
Ur2tRoUbLeSoMe90: Aww… Thanks for that. Hope you like this chap too like those two!
aNiMElUver234: Tanks for the review! Lot of reviews told that, so I did a longer one! Hope you like it!
TriGemini: Thank you for the review! Your review are always informative, love them! Hope you like this chap as well.
complexity66: Oh my God! I now love you! Hope you find this chap good as well! hugs complexity66
EvilFaerie17: No prob! Hehe, I thought the same when I reread the last chap! Poor Neji, almost beaten by a girl, but there'll be good stuff in store for him! Whee!
pinkLaLa-o3: Waw astig! Pareho na tayo! Tama, torture ang tema ng Dili! Hehe! Nakakapag-ehersisyo ng ako ng di oras dahil sa haba ng nilalakad! Workout ito! Mas mahaba na ang chap ngayon, dami nagsasabi ang ikli daw. Hope you like this chap!
Mi-to-chan: Hehe! It's okay. Yay for Tenten! Hope you like this chap!
And so this ends our review responses part! Hope everyone enjoyed this chap. Review and stay tuned for the next one!
