A/N: HELLO! Ok, ok! I know my update is super duper late, but I TOLD YOU, I HAVE VERY GOOD EXCUSES! :ahem: ONE!: My grandfather was in the hospital. TWO!: It was my birthday!! AND THREE!: I got a new lap top so I had to rewrite almost EVERYTHING and the internet wasn't working for the first few days!! So hah! You can't kill me! (…yet) On another note, my grandfather is feeling better, thank God. That man is the strongest person I know. He survived, like, three heart attacks, and is in a rehab center to get him up and moving again, so I'm pretty happy. And to make up for my late review, I bring you a new and fully loaded chapter! Yayz! Anyways, Thanks a bazillion for the reviews! I was like "WHOAWTFZOMFGROFLMFAO!!"

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto!!111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111ONEONEONEONEONEONEONEONEONEONEONEONEONEONE


Chapter Twelve - KPA Spring Dance

How does she do that…?

I don't know, and I don't want do know…

My Inner-Self and I were gaping silently at Ami who currently was on the Gym floor with her right heal behind her neck, and her left leg directly horizontal from her hip. There was only one word I could think of when I saw this:

Ouch.

I shuddered and went over to Kumiko, who was sitting on the ground with her feet before her. She looked up at me and smiled brightly. "Konichiwa, Sakura-chan!" she said cheerfully. I smiled softly. "Konichiwa," I replied, sitting next to her in the same position. Cheerleading practice was relatively boring, well, for me it was. What was the big deal of just jumping up and down, doing a few gymnastic moves, and yelling out chants that don't even do anything?

Why did we join again?

Give me a P! Give me an O! Give me another P! Give me a U! Give me a--

JUST GET TO IT!!

Popularity!! Woo hooo!! Go team!

I sweat dropped as I saw my Inner-Self dance pathetically around my head with her cheerleading outfit and pom-poms…pom-poming…

"Ne, Sakura-chan," Kumiko said as I was mentally bashing my alter-ego. "Hm?" I answered, reaching out to touch my toes. "Who are you going to the dance with?"

I looked up. "What dance?"

She rolled her eyes, "The KPA Spring Dance, silly!" she said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "The cheerleading squad and the basketball team get to go for free, but the rest of the students who want to go have to pay."

"Why do they have to pay?" I asked, Idate sneaking into my thoughts suddenly.

"Because we're special, that's why!" Kumiko exclaimed proudly. I giggled as I stretched out, leaning back until I was braced on my hands. (A/N: That bridge position I can never do with the backbone I have…)

"Did anyone ask you yet?" she said, her grey eyes beginning to get anticipated. I smiled and nodded my head yes. She squealed happily. "Who?! Is it someone from the school? Is he hot?"

"He's nineteen," I answered, "He dropped out of school when he was sixteen, and yes Kumiko-chan, he's very hot." Kumiko giggled as she stood up from leg rolling. "What's his name? Where'd you meet him? Do you know him well? Does his voice sound hot, too??"

I laughed. "What is this, 20 questions?" I said, amused by everything she was asking me. "Come on, Sakura-chan!" she said, "Just answer them! I wanna know!!"

I sighed, and decided that she would stop if I just answered them. "His name is Tatsuke Idate. He's a security guard at my apartment building, and I've known him since I moved in there, which has been two or three years, so I do know him well. And his voice…" Now that I think about it, Idate's voice does sound hot…very hot… "…his voice is drop-dead hot." Well, maybe not as hot as Sasuke's…but it's still hot…

"Does he have any brothers? What's his hair color like? Is he a gentleman? Does he have a lot of perks?"

I sweat dropped. "Kumiko…"

She giggled. "Oh, you know I'm only kidding! But seriously…does he?"

Come on! I know you want to know… She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

no I don't…

No, I seriously know you want to. I'm in your MIND. I know what you think. A-DUH!

Yeah, that's what I thought.

Kumiko giggled. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding," she said. "So, does he have any brothers?"

I laughed. "No, he doesn't," I said, straightening my back. Kumiko crossed her arms and pouted a bit. "Aww, I need a date…"

"No one asked you yet?" I asked, shocked. Usually, Kumiko and Ami are the first ones to get dates on any dance or special events the school has. I've heard that they've dated almost every guy in our grade, but I highly doubt that (because Naruto, Neji, Shikamaru, Kiba, Chouji, and Lee didn't go out with either of them).

"Yeah, but they're all…ugly," she said, spitting out the word as if it were dirty. I rolled my eyes. "Ugly, as in, whom?" I asked.

"As in, guys from the football team…and some other nerds who work at those Ramen stalls." She shuddered.

"The guys from the football team aren't that ugly," I said, recalling when I talked to some of them at lunch. (Most of them asked me out as well, but I kindly turned them down.)

Kumiko sighed dreamily and clasped her hands together, her eyes dazing off into space as if she had just seen a God, "Ooh, I wish that Uchiha Sasuke-kun would ask me out! He's sooo hot!"

I stifled back a laughed, and coughed to cover it up. "But too bad Ami gets to dance with him…"

This made my head snap up. "What?" I snapped.

"Didn't you know?" she said looking up at me, "The captain of our cheerleading squad has to dance with their basketball captain to show good relations between schools. I think it's stupid, but it's been like that for a while…"

NOOOOOOO!! Why does Ami-bitch get to dance with the hot guy?!

Idate's hot, too, I pointed out.

BUT NOT AS HOT AS SASUKE!!

Just then, Ami's loud voice interrupted out conversations. "Alright, girls, let's get started!" she said cheerfully. Gah, I hate cheerleading… Inner-Me said dully. (Obtaining a massive mood swing,)

Why? I asked.

These people are too…cheery! I mean, look at them! They're all…happy!

And that's a bad thing?

THEY'RE TOO HAPPY!! IT'S SOOOOO SCARY!!

I snorted out loud and joined the rest of the squad. "For today," Ami was saying to them, "We're going to try that routine that we tried last time we met, 'kay?"

That routine? Last time we tried that one, half of the girls had to go home early with sprained wrists and ankles, and a few of them still weren't here today. As if to read my thoughts, Miu, another girl on the team, said, "Demo, Ami-chan. What about--"

"I know, I know, those 'others'," she used air quotes, "won't be able to do this routine, but we will!" I looked at Kumiko, who looked back at me and shrugged.

"I don't think we should try it again," I spoke up, addressing the whole squad, "I don't think we can risk another accident with the Dance coming up."

Ami smirked and put her hands on her hips, giving me a mocking look. "Aww, is wittle Sakuwa-chan afawaid to do the itty bitty routine?" she said, as if I were a baby. That got my blood boiling. And when I say boiling, I mean, 'ready-to-burst-out-of-my-veins-and-beat-the-living-hell-out-of-that-good-for-nothing-bitch' boiling.

"You've seem to have forgotten, Ami-chan," I said, smirking to myself, "It was Kumiko-chan and I who were able to actually pull off those stunts that you couldn't even do."

"Oooh," a few of the girls whispered, probably surprised that I actually had the guts to say that to her.

Ami furrowed her brow. "What is that supposed to mean?" she said lowly.

I shrugged, still smirking. "Nothing," I said. WOO HOO!! TAKE THAT, BITCH!! Inner-Me yelled, punching the air enthusiastically.

"Are you saying that I can't do a routine that I made up myself?" Ami persisted, half yelling. "I didn't say that," I said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"That's what you're trying to say!"

"How would you know the meaning of my words?"

"I just know what you're trying to say!"

"So what am I trying to say now??"

"That I'm not good enough for my own routine!!"

"Well, you said it, not me…"

Ami fumed (literally…) and clenched her pom-poms so hard that they shattered in her hands. The other girls squeaked in fright and they all rushed behind me, peaking out to glimpse at their enraged captain.

"You…" Ami growled, "…you are just asking for trouble."

That's a first… I thought.

Too bad for the 'innocent' us…

"It's not my fault you can't do the moves I can," I said, crossing my arms.

"Is that what you think?" she said with an almost maniacal laugh. She shifted her weight from one leg to the other out of impatience and anger, "Well, we'll see about that!" I raised an eyebrow as she dropped her destroyed pom-poms and took a few steps back to the gymnastic mats.

She raised her hands and jumped forwards, landing in a hand-stand. She walked on her hands for a few moments before swinging her feet over, forming the bridge position, and standing straight again.

A few of the girls who were loyal to her (and her only) clapped and whooped. I rolled my eyes as Ami approached me, a triumphed smile on her face. "Top that," she said, shoving me with her shoulder.

I growled a bit and made my way to the mat. Now…which one of our awesome beyond awesome tricks should we show off now? Inner-Me asked, obtaining glasses and a book full on gymnastic moves and flipping through the pages. I smirked and raised my hands over my head. Let's just do something we know she can't do… I thought.

I ran forward and did a flip on the mat before jumping up in the air, spinning twice, and landing on my hands. I winced a bit when I felt a sharp pain in my wrist, but ignored it and angled my back and threw myself back up again, arms in the air with a perfect stance.

The girls (except Ami) clapped and cheered as I stepped down from the mat. "That was amazing, Sakura-chan!" Kumiko said happily as I approached her. I smiled at her in thanks, and turned to Ami, my smile turning into a smirk. "Care to try it, Ami?" I said, challenging her.

Ami scowled. "Gladly," she said, shoving past the other girls surrounding her to the mat. I smirked again and crossed my arms under my chest. There is no way this bitch can do that move… Inner-Me said proudly.

Damn straight… I agreed.

Ami took her stance at the edge of the mat, taking a deep breath in. Then, she ran and did a flip on the mat before jumping in the air.

Just by looking at her foot work, I could tell something was going to go wrong.

She spun once, and was about to try a second time, when gravity turned its back on her, hurling her back down to the mat.

For me, it seemed to go in slow motion. Her right leg was at a different angle than her left leg, and when she fell, most of her weight was put on her right leg, but at a horrible angle that made the side of her foot take the impact, and hit the mat at a sickening degree. I winced as she gave a yelp of pain, and the rest of the girls who were behind me gasped and ran to her aid.

Crap, I thought, hesitantly looking over the girl's shoulders. Do you think she sprained her ankle or something?

She probably broke her leg… Inner-Sakura said, crossing her arms, Well, I hope she broke her leg.

I joined the girls who were crowded around Ami, and knelled down next to her. "Where does it hurt?" I asked monotonously. She looked at me as if I were crazy. "I don't need your help!" she spat, attempting to shuffle away from me, but only to yelp in pain again.

I rolled my eyes. "Fine, I won't help you," I said, feeling like I was imitating Sasuke and his impassiveness, "But let me just check your leg, alright?"

She looked at e for a moment before nodding and putting her guard down. I made my way though some girls and to her right leg. Ouch… I thought, looking at the black and blue (and yellow-ish) spot on her calf, right above her foot. I softly put two fingers on the spot, but Ami squeaked and shot her leg back, squeaking again in pain.

Shit, she broke it, I thought, drawing my hand back. HOORAY!! Inner-Me yelled, jumping up in excitement. I rolled my eyes again and turned to Ami.

"I think it's broken," I said. She gasped (melodramatically, if you ask me) as I continued, "But you should go to the nurse or something to check."

I got up, and made my way towards my stuff. There was no point of me staying here when she didn't even want my help, so I might as well go home. "Wait!" she called after me. I looked over my shoulder. "What? I thought you said you didn't need my help," I said, an invisible smirk on my face.

"Y-Yeah, but…" she tried to say, but Kumiko stood and smiled at me. "You can go, Sakura-chan," she said, "I'll call you if we need anything."

I smiled back. "Arigato, Kumiko-chan," I said, and turned back to my duffle bag. It was raining outside, and I only had on a pair of sweat pants and a tank top. I threw a sweat shirt over my tank and shifted my bag on my shoulder. "I'll see you guys later, then," I called, waving to the rest of the team.

A chorus of "Sayonara, Sakura-chan," was heard except Ami, of course) as I smiled to myself and headed towards the main exit. We didn't bring an umbrella, did we? Inner-Me asked.

Nah, we won't need it, I said, It's only drizzling.

With that said, I opened the front doors of the school…and sweat dropped.

Yeah, it's only drizzling… Inner-Me said sarcastically.

It was a wild guess! I thought, looking at the thunder storm before me. The water was pouring from the sky rapidly, and harshly. I sighed and slouched my shoulders. How are we supposed to get home now? I thought, Hinata-chan left with already since Naruto and Neji don't have practice today!

Uh, it's called a 'cell phone'. And we have one!

"Oh…right," I said out loud, reaching into my bag and retrieving my cell phone and flipping it open. I looked at the screen, and then groaned in annoyance. No service! I yelled (mentally). Stupid rain… Inner-Me pouted.

How are we supposed to get home now? Wait for the bus in the rain?

Let's wait…maybe one of the girls could give us a lift.

I think most of them are going to stay with Ami…

Why'd you have to challenge her??

ME?! You were the one who was like, "Oh, which one of our awesome beyond awesome tricks should we show off now?"!!

But you were the one who opened your mouth and was like, "Oh, Kumiko and I are the only ones who could actually do the routine" or something like that!"

But it was Ami who provoked me!!

And it was you who fell into her provoking!

UGH! This is getting nowhere!

wanna walk home?

I sighed and slouched onto the stairs, not caring that I was in the process of getting drenched. We're gonna get sick if we stay out here too long…

Thanks for implying that.

You're welcome!

I was being sarcastic.

I know.

I rolled my eyes and put my face in my hands. My skin was frigid to the touch already. Each rain drop felt like an ice shard piercing into my flesh, and I shivered. I closed my eyes and absentmindedly, I thought aloud, "Where's Sasuke when you need him…"

"I don't know, probably right in front of you."

Upon hearing that vaguely familiar voice, I looked up in shock, and saw the handsome (FREAKING SEXY!) face of the said Uchiha Sasuke. I stood up impulsively, and I felt my heart beat grow with each passing second I started at his face. The rain drenched his raven hair and his clothes, making him look more appealing than ever before. I watched a single drop of rain fall from his scalp, down the bridge of his nose, over his lips…

"Wha-What are you doing here?" I managed to get out, despite my near frost bite and the blush that refused to grow on my cheeks.

"I was just passing by," he said as I noticed that our bodies were mere inches away from each other, "And I just happened to see a certain somebody out side of her school without an umbrella and getting drenched in the rain."

"But you live on the other side of the city," I noted.

"So?" he said with a little twitch of the shoulder, "There was traffic, so I took a detour."

"And that just happened to be near KCH."

"It's not my fault, is it?"

I rolled my eyes again, and was about to open my mouth to say something, when I went into a frenzy of sneezing instead. My nose felt like it was on fire as I stopped after twenty or so sneezes, sniffing and rubbing the tip of my nose with my finger. Though I didn't look at him, I could tell Sasuke was frowning.

"Let's go," he said, grabbing my arm lightly, "I'll take you home." I felt too weak to argue, and just nodded my head as I let him lead me to his car. His hand on my arm, even though I had a sweat shirt on, felt warm on my skin, and I almost sighed out loud.

"Won't this ruin your seats?" I asked, referring to us being soaking wet and remembering that his Benz had leather seats. He shrugged and said, "I can get them fixed."

"Are you sure?" I persisted.

He froze in his steps and turned around to face me, his grip on my arm tightening. "Do you want to stay in the rain and walk home, or do you want me to drop you off?" he snapped.

"Fine, fine," I said, holding my hands up in surrender, "But the least you could do is let go of your death lock on my arm."

He growled a bit before letting go of my arm, almost throwing it down roughly. I scowled and followed him. Talk about mood swings… Inner-Me snickered. Ignoring her, (but silently agreeing with her), I opened the passenger side door and quickly got in the car. "Ah crap…" I mumbled, looking at my clothes sticking to my skin like a lifeline.

I heard Sasuke snort a bit at my language, but proceeded to look at my over drenched self and the soon-to-be-over drenched seats. He started the car and pumped the heater on high. Unlike the other times I've been in his car, the radio wasn't on, so the only sound between us was the silent humming of the engine, the air blasting from the vents, and the rain pouring down on us with the windshield wipers swishing back and forth.

I pulled down the mirror and looked at myself. "Ugh, I look like a bum…" I mumbled to myself, observing my wet and disheveled hair and sticky clothes. A small chuckle was heard from Sasuke, but I ignored him.

I flipped back the mirror and slouched back into the seat, looking out the window at the dull and wet scene outside. There was a weird silence between us for a few minutes until he stopped in front of a stop light, which I recognized as a few blocks away from my apartment.

"Ne, Sasuke," I said, breaking the eerie peace. He grunted in response, and I continued, refusing to look at him despite the fact that he was barely a foot away from me, "Why'd you save me that night?"

I felt his eyes on me for a millisecond before they returned to the road before us. "Why not?" he answered after a few moments.

"I mean, you didn't have to," I said, speculating, "You could have left me there to be ripped of my virginity or with whatever horror those bas--, uh, freaks, were going to do with me," I was going to say bastards, but I decided I should keep the language to myself. "You didn't have to."

I saw his grip on the steering wheel tighten as he snapped, "So you wanted to get raped?"

"It's just a question!" I defended, our eyes still not meeting as the stop light turned green and he sped off.

The question was left hanging until he stopped in front of the apartment complex. It was already past five, which was the time I usually got home. I bet Idate was getting worried, knowing him. I almost smiled at the thought of him, when Sasuke finally spoke up.

"I don't know that drove me to do it, I just…did," he said hesitantly, "Seeing stuff like that, or anything that targets peoples weakness, gets me really pissed off."

I was surprised by his response, and finally, our eyes met for an electrifying moment. His features seemed so sincere when he said that, and his eyes were digging deeply into mine, as if he could read my each thought like a book. Our faces were inches away from each other, and I could almost feel the heat that his body was radiating.

Suddenly, a flash of lightning and a boom of thunder snapped us out of our little daze. Well, I nearly jumped out of my seat with an impulsive squeak. Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Are you going to go in or not?" he said, returning to his impassive jerky self.

I hesitated for a moment and dared to look back up at him. "Do you…wanna come in?" I asked tentatively.

He looked at me for a moment as if I were a ninja, and then considered the offer. You sounded like a whore! Inner-Me yelled, Say something else!!

"Uh…I mean, it's raining badly, and…traffic is really bad, so, um, you can wait until it calms down a bit," I added.

Sasuke looked at me for another moment, before nodding curtly, "Okay," he said, "Let me find parking."

I nodded (hiding my fan girl-ish scream) grabbed by bag, and got out of the car, not sparing him a second glance. It was when I reached the front doors when I realized that I wasn't single anymore…and my 'boyfriend' sat at the security desk drumming his fingers on the mahogany, and probably waiting for me.

Holy shit we forgot all about Idate! Inner-Me yelled frantically. I thought for a second, and smirked to myself with a plan before opening the door.

Idate looked up at me, and his eyes widened. "You took the bus?!" he asked, coming from behind the desk to take me into his arms. I forced back the strong blush that was forming on my face and patted his back. "Actually, I didn't," I said, hoping I was saying the right things.

I felt his form stiffen as he pulled back to look me in the eye. "Then how'd you come?" he asked.

As if on cue, the front door opened, revealing an over-soaked Uchiha Sasuke. His eyes darted to Idate, then to me still in his arms, and raised an eyebrow. I smiled a cheeky smile, and caught a glance of Idate's confused (yet meaningful) glare sent at him.

"Idate-kun," I said, grasping his arm and ignoring his surprised look at his name suffix, "This is Uchiha Sasuke; the one I was just talking about."

"And, Sasuke-san," I said, gesturing to him, "This is my boyfriend, Tatsuke Idate."

At the word boyfriend, I saw Sasuke's eyes widen for a brief millisecond, then returning to his normal composure, he grunted in response and greeting. Inner-Me was laughing at Sasuke's reaction, but I painfully ignored her.

"We've met," Idate said to me, a small smile now on his face, then to Sasuke, "How are your parents? They're in town, right?"

"Hn," Sasuke said, stuffing his hand in his pockets. "They're alright."

"That's good, that's good," Idate said, suddenly looking uncomfortable, and turning to me, "I've got to go. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

I nodded, utterly confused, as he pecked my cheek quickly and speed walked towards the back exit. I looked after him, an eyebrow raised. Aww…it didn't work! Inner-Me sulked. I shrugged and turned back to Sasuke, who was trying to shake the rain water out of his shoes. I giggled at this, and he glared at me. "So are you going to come up or not?" I asked, shifting my bag on my shoulder.

"You're the one who offered me," he said with a small smirk.

"Oh…" I said with a blush, "Uh, right." Without saying anything else, I walked towards the elevator with Sasuke behind me. I pressed the 'up' button, and in a few seconds, a 'ding!' was heard and we entered the doors. No one was there except us, I noticed, and I pressed 'LV3'.

Sasuke was as quiet as I was, and I was sure that he felt as awkward as I was feeling as well, until I brought up something that bothered me down stairs. "How do you know Idate?"

"Oh, what, it's not Idate-kun anymore?" he snapped bitterly.

I smirked at this, "Aww, is Sasuke-kuuuuun jealous?" I mocked as the elevator came to a stop and I walked out. I heard him emit a growl from the back of this throat, but he followed anyways. I took out my keys and unlocked the door of room 323, swinging it open. "Take your shoes off," I told Sasuke without turning back to him and dropping my bag on a chair near the tiny dining table. I flicked on the lights and made my way towards the kitchen. I heard his school shoes clank on the hard wood floor as I faced him again from the kitchen.

"Do you want another shirt?" I asked, "I have a few oversized ones you can borrow."

"Hn," he replied, still at the door, "Arigato."

"Don't just stand there Sasuke," I said with a small smile on my face, "Sit down; make yourself at home. Grab the remote and watch TV or something."

Another "hn" was sounded from him as I heard him collapse on the couch. I feel like we're being too kind to him… Inner-Me said, crossing her arms under her chest.

What do you want me to do, just make him stand there, dripping wet and shivering? I asked, stripping of my sweatshirt and hanging it on the chair where my bag was. I only had a tank top on, which was also wet, but it wasn't that bad. Hesitating for a moment, I added, You know what…don't answer that.

I was about to… Inner-Me said with a chuckle.

"Do you want some coffee or something?" I asked from the kitchen, turning on the coffee maker and grabbing two mugs from the cabinet. "Aa," I heard his usual one-word reply, and set the coffee to make.

You know what I just realized? This is the first time we're having another guy except Naruto in our apartment! Inner-Me said excitingly. I rolled my eyes and went to my room to get one of my night shirts for Sasuke and to change my own clothes. Don't get any ideas; I'm not going to do anything, I replied, taking off my sweats and tank top and hanging them on the base board of my bed.

I grabbed another pair of sweatpants and a plain white half-sleeved shirt I wore last night and threw them on. Rummaging through one of my draws, I pulled out an oversized shirt Naruto had left here when he was stranded in a snow storm a few months ago. (I never bothered to return it to him because I was afraid he might come back again). I ran a brush through my still damp hair lightly and brought the shirt to Sasuke.

To my surprise, he was on the long couch with his eyes fixed on the TV and switching the channels idly. I smirked a bit and stood between the TV and him, holding the shirt in front of me. He looked up at me and scowled. His hair was still a bit damp from the rain and his school shirt was sticking to his chest. (Hmm…nice view…) "Here," I said, shoving the shirt in his face, which he grabbed from me, "You can change in the bathroom. It's the first door on the left down the hall. There are towels there, too."

He nodded and got up. For a second, our bodies brushed against each other, making me shiver. I could have sworn I felt him shiver as well, but he almost jerked away from me and quickly made his way towards the bathroom.

I sighed and collapsed where Sasuke was, picking up the remote control and surfing the channels. I didn't have that many channels to begin with, since I can't afford to pay for cable, so I only have the local channels. I switched to the news and slouched back into the cushions. "Mother Nature brings no mercy," the weather man said with a slight chuckle, pointing to a blue screen showing our area from satellite, "All of Konoha City is experiencing massive rainfall, and will probably calm down by this evening; around eight o'clock or so…"

A flash of lightning caught my eye from the windows behind me and the loud clap of thunder almost made me jump out of the couch. I heard a small 'beep!' from the kitchen and wentto check on the coffee. I poured the steaming hot liquid into both mugs and brought them to the table in front of the TV with sugar and milk.

I shivered a bit (it was March, and the heating wasn't programmed to come on), and hugged myself, rubbing my hands over my bear skin. I tucked my feet under me to keep them warm as well. Just then, I heard the bathroom door close and I looked up to see Sasuke come out of the bathroom with Naruto's shirt on and his hair looking less damp then before. He had his own damp shirt in his hands and he threw it over one of the dining table chairs.

I smiled softly gestured towards the coffee on the table as he took a seat on the other side of the long couch. For a moment, the only sound between us was the complaints on the news and the soft sipping of our coffee.

"You never answered my question," I said, breaking the silence. I felt his eyes on me, but didn't turn my head. "What question?" he asked. "How do you know Idate?"

His eyes immediately left me and he looked back at the small television in front of us. "He's one of my brother's… friends," he said as his grip on the coffee mug became visibly tighter, "Most of them are close to the family because of my parents, so I've seen him here and there."

I raised an eyebrow, "And this bothers you…why?" I asked.

"It doesn't bother me," he said between gritted teeth.

"Yeah, and Itachi's a fluffy bunny…" I mumbled under my breath. Inner-Me rolled her eyes.

Just then, the TV turned off, as well as the lights in the apartment. "Oh crap," I muttered as another flash of lightning accompanied with a clap of thunder was heard and saw from outside. It was dark outside from the clouds blocking the sunset, so it was practically pitch dark with me and Sasuke.

"Hold on," I said, putting my coffee mug on the table and getting up. I felt my way to the kitchen, where the electricity box was located. I clicked it open and felt for that switch that Idate told me to turn on just in case something like this ever happened.

But as I ran my fingers over the switches, I felt an electric shock, and drew my hand back with a small squeak.

"Are you okay?" I heard Sasuke call from the living room. Nursing the small burn on my finger, I called back, "Can I get your cell phone, Sasuke?"

"Yeah, why?" I could tell that he was on his way to where I was.

"I need some light," I said. I saw a small light source come from beside me as Sasuke slid open his cell phone. "Thanks," I mumbled as he directed it towards the electricity box.

Careful not to touch any of the other switches, I searched for the one Idate had told me about. "Maybe you should let me do it," Sasuke said, his breath on my shoulder. The kitchen was only meant for one person, and the counter top and the fridge were barely two feet apart from each other; so Sasuke and I were practically on top of each other.

"Thanks, but I got it," I said, suddenly forgetting what button Idate had told me to use.

"Are you sure?" he pressed on.

"I'm sure," I said, rolling my eyes.

"It doesn't look like you know what you're doing."

"I know what I'm doing, Sasuke."

Barely after a few moments, he said, "It's the switch right below your left hand."

I groaned in annoyance and dropped my hands. "If you're so sure of yourself, then why don't you do it!"

"Fine, I will," he said, and he reached over to flip the switch he was talking about.

Then, everything happened in a blur.

As his hand reached out to flick the switch, his arm brushed my breast, which made me jerk back, which made him trip on our feet, which overall resulted in me being squished against the kitchen counter with Uchiha Sasuke suspended barely centimeters above me. His cell phone fell to the floor and snapped shut, leaving the both of us in the dark…alone…pressed up against each other. HAH! AND YOU SAID THAT YOU WEREN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING! Inner-Me yelled, assuming she was victorious in whatever fight we were in.

I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING, IT JUST…HAPPENED!I retorted.

I gasped, and I was sure I heard him do the same. Our lower bodies were pressed against each other, and I could feel him against me, every inch of him was on me, making it hard to breathe. His dark onyx eyes were peircing through me, even though it was dark, and I felt naked in front of him.

The lightning struck and the thunder sounded, giving us barely a moment to see each other clearly.

He could have pulled back, but he didn't.

I could have slipped away from underneath him, but I didn't.

Instead of retreating, I felt our bodies proceeding towards each other. His breath mingled in with mine and I felt our noses brush. I saw his eyes closing, and suddenly, my eyes did the same. Then, in one exploding moment, our lips joined.

My first kiss…stolen by Uchiha Sasuke. Well, that's not necessarily a bad thing; because, hell is this guy a good kisser. His lips fondled with mine smoothly, moving as if it were recited. His lips felt soft and warm on mine; his sweet murky smell filled my nostrils, and I felt as if I were melting in his arms. His hand traveled to the base of my neck, deepening the kiss. He licked my lower lip swiftly, and I hesitantly opened my mouth. Our tongues met and I nearly moaned out loud again as he caressed mine with his.

I would have never thought this would happen…me and Sasuke, making out in my own kitchen… but no one was complaining about it. I found myself wrapping my arms around his neck and sighing more into the kiss. I felt his arms go around my waist and lift me from the counter to press our bodies closer to each other. The kiss, after mere seconds, turned hungry and he deepened it fervently, as if the world would end the next day, as if he needed me to survive. And this being my first ever kiss, moaned into it, falling in more and more…

Then, suddenly and simultaneously, our eyes snapped open. I looked at him and he looked at me, and we both drew back, pressing against the opposite counters as if we were burnt. I was out of breath from the explosive kiss, and I was sure he was as well. We stared at each other in the darkness, but didn't make any sound, except the panting from the shortage of breath.

"I…uh…." We both tried to say, but blushed even more (well, I blushed…I'm not sure he's the kind of person who would blush outwardly).

"I…I'd better go," Sasuke said and he quickly brushed pass me towards the door.

"Wait!" I called after him, "What about the rain?"

"I'll manage," he said as I heard him shove his shoes on. Through the dark, I felt his eyes on me once more, and I stared right back. Then, without any further word, he turned around and was out the door, slamming it shut behind him.

My heart was still beating like crazy under my skin as I clutched my hand over it, trying to calm it down. I stared at the door, almost expecting him to come back and say something else, or kiss me again…

"Whoa, whoa, whoa…" I said out loud, half chuckling, "I did not just think that…"

Uh, yeah, you did… Inner-Me said pointedly.

I groaned out loud and fell down on the couch, holding my head. What…what was that anyways?

I'm pretty sure it's called a 'kiss'. Inner-Me was being a smart ass.

I know that, but…after, I thought, He just left.

What, do you expect him to suddenly confess that he's deeply and madly in love with us and he wants to spend the rest of this life with us and have three kids??

Well…no, but--

Yeah, so don't go complaining. I mean, what would you have done if it was at his house?

I dunno…probably the same thing.

Exactly, so shut up.

I groaned again and sat up. My hand suddenly went to my lips; I could still feel the warmth of his lips on mine…his soft hands on my waist…his sweet murky smell…

"Mou! I'm getting brainwashed!!" I cried out loud again, and fell back on the couch.

-o.o- The Next Afternoon; KCH Campus; Last Period -o.o-

"Sakura-chan! Ne, Sakura-chan!" I groggily looked up at the over perky person in front of my desk. I snapped out of my daze and looked up at the person looking down at me. "Huh?"

Naruto stood in front of me, a stern look on his face. "You've been spacing out a lot lately," he said, crossing his arms over his chest, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah…I'm fine," I lied, rubbing my dry eyes. Last night still haunted me, and I kept on dazing off in thought about this. It was so annoying, though. I kept on wondering how he felt; if the kiss actually affected him as much as it affected me. I wonder if Sasuke was in the same spaced out mood as I were…

Hinata-chan, who was beside me, touched my arm lightly, stopping me from dazing off again. "Are you sure?" she asked, obviously worried. I managed a smile. "You guys worry too much," I said, waving a hand to dismiss their thoughts. I saw Hinata-chan glance at Naruto, who shrugged.

"Anyways," I said, turning to Hinata-chan, "Are we going to go dress shopping today?"

"D-D-Dress sh-shopping?" she stammered, surprised by the sudden topic, "F-For w-what?"

"What do you mean 'for what'? The KPA Spring Dance, silly!" I almost sounded like Kumiko when I said that, but I needed some kind of distraction, and the dance was tomorrow night, and neither of us had dresses.

"O-Oh," she said, a small blush on her face. Naruto chuckled silently beside me.

"So, are we going or not?" I asked, looking back at her.

"Sure," Naruto answered for her, "As long as Neji and I approve of—"

"You and Neji will be approving of jack shit," I snapped angrily, punching him in the head not so lightly, "This is a girl's night out thing, and boyfriends and relatives are not welcome. Besides, Neji already said that he was going to drop us off."

Just then, the last bell of the day rang, and I grabbed my things and Hinata-chan, dragging her out of the classroom." Gomen, Naruto-kun!" she called over her shoulder to her boyfriend, "I'll call you later, ne?" A muffled response of "Yeah…sure," came him as he was still nursing the bump on his head.

"Nii-san really said he's going to drop us off?" Hinata-chan asked as we left the building.

"I asked him in Bio," I said, "But he said that he won't pick us up."

"Why not?" she asked as we spotted their BMX LX4 waiting for us with Neji inside. "Because I asked him," I said with a sheepish smile. Hinata-chan giggled as she opened the front passenger seat and I sat in the back. "I'm not your chauffeur, you know," Neji said as we pulled out of the school parking lot.

I smiled. "Yeah, but you know how to drive," I said.

He glared at me briefly though the rear view mirror and I smiled cheekily. Hinata-chan giggled at this as Neji zoomed to the mall. By the time we reached there, Neji and I were in a heated argument about other forms of transportation and a fancy little thing called a 'taxi'.

"But taxis and buses cost money," I said as he drove into the parking lot.

"But you waste gas," Neji noted for the billionth time.

"All cars and buses use gas, genius," I said as he came to a stop.

"Some buses use electricity."

"So you're supporting my theory, or yours?"

He rolled his eyes and unlocked the doors. "Just get out," he said.

"Since we don't wanna waste gas, can we get some money for a taxi?" Hinata-chan joked, holding out her hand. Neji scowled at her and I laughed. "Ha ha, very funny," he mocked as he rolled down the window to talk to us from outside, "Call me then when you're ready."

"But we thought you didn't want to waste gas," I said innocently. Hinata-chan giggled and he rolled his eyes at me. "See you later," he said as he rolled the window back up and zoomed off.

Hinata-chan and I spent the next hour and a half looking for the perfect dresses for the dance, along with shoes and a few accessories. She got a silky lavender skinny-strapped dress that went all the way down past her ankles. She had white pearl earrings and a matching necklace at home, so we got a small matching clutch bag and three-inched strapped heals.

I got a strapless dress that reached right above my knees. It was a dark shade of green, with an abstract pink design grazing the bottom. It was silk as well, and had a small slit on my waist, showing some more skin than necessary. But Hinata-chan persisted me to get it anyway. "Don't you think it's a bit too…revealing?" I had asked her, inspecting myself in the three-way mirror. Most of my legs were showing, but the dress fell on me perfectly.

"You look beautiful, Sakura-chan," she had told me happily, "I'm sure Idate-san will be all over you tomorrow night."

"But that's what I'm trying to avoid!" I'd say, my shoulders slouched.

I told her (and Naruto, who butted in) everything that happened between me and Sasuke as soon as I saw her this morning, and she was excited that I had two guys, maybe three on my tail (Lee had hit on me several times today, but either Naruto or Neji had knocked him.) Naruto, being a guy, just pouted and listened to my story.

We bought a matching clutch that was the same style as hers, but the same shade as my dress, as well as three-inch strappy heals that had straps that went up my calf.

Doesn't it look a bit…sluttish? Inner-Me noted as I held the dress in front of me.

That's what I was afraid of… I thought with a sigh.

When Neji arrived, he was utterly surprised to see three shopping bags in each of our hands. We smiled sweetly at him as he helped us load the trunk. "H-Hinata-sama," he said, getting into the driver's seat, "Did you use debit or credit?"

"Some credit, some debit…" she said with a small giggle, and I smiled. "Otou-sama gave me some cash as well this morning, so that was used for Sakura-chan."

"But that doesn't mean that I'm not paying you guys back," I noted, crossing my arms tightly to seal my point.

"Demo, Sakura-chan!" Hinata-chan said, looking at me from the front seat, "I thought we discussed this already! You don't have to pay us back."

"And you should know by now, Hinata-chan, that I never listen to you when you tell me that," I said.

"You know, you should listen to her," Neji told me, glancing at me in the rear view mirror as we went on the high way, "I'm going to start paying a fee when I drive you guy's places."

"Well then, I'll just take the bus," I said, a grin growing on my face, "It saves gas, doesn't it?"

Hinata-chan laughed as I smiled proudly. Neji smirked and averted his eyes back on the road.

-o.o- The Next Afternoon; Afterschool -o.o-

"I'll see you guys later, ne!" I called, waving to her and Neji. She waved back through the car window as Neji turned the corner and left. I smiled to myself and proceeded into the complex. It seemed like everyone at school was anticipated about the dance tonight. There were rumors that there would be a light show outside, but most of us highly doubted that.

Just before I started to walk into the building, my phone rang. I fished it out of my bag and pulled it out. "Hello?" I said, flipping it open.

"S-Sakura-chan?" came a teary voice.

"Kumiko-chan?" I asked, "Are you alright? Why are you crying?"

"A-A-Ami-chan…she isn't feeling well…" She hiccupped and sniffed.

"What do you mean Ami's not feeling well?" I asked, not liking where this is going.

"H-Her leg…it's gotten worse," Kumiko explained tearfully, "Sh-She can't even get out of her bed anymore!"

HOORAY!! Inner-Me started to celebrate. I wanted to join her, but to be modest I asked Kumiko, "She's that bad?" Now that I thought about it, I didn't see Kumiko today at all, and we didn't have practice after school.

"H-Hai…"

"So…why'd you call me, then?"

"Anou…the girls and I were wondering…if you could take her place at the dance tonight…"

"Me?" My voice squeaked an octave, "Why me? Why not you?"

"Well, the girls and I decided that you were the best on the team, even better than Ami-chan, so we want you to take her place."

"Uh, sure. But it's just for—"

"Hontoni! Arigato gozaimasou, Sakura-chan!" Kumiko yelled excitingly before I could say anything else, "I'll see you tonight, then!" And with that, I heard a 'click' and the line was disconnected.

I grinned and mouthed a 'yes!' under my breath and rushed towards the entrance.

As soon as I entered the building, I knew something was up, and for three reasons. First of all: Idate wasn't at his desk. Second of all: Itachi was in the waiting area. And Third of all: Sasuke was with him.

OH. MY. GOD. Was the only thing Inner-Sakura and I could actually say. (Well, I thought it.) It took a lot of my willpower to keep my jaw from dropping down to the floor.

They were both dressed up; Itachi with a dark blue suit and Sasuke with a black suit. Anyone could tell they were related, and anyone would fall hard (rock solid hard) for a guy like them.

"Um…" I approached the two Uchihas, whose eyes were locked on me, "Wh-What are you guys doing here?"

Itachi raised an eyebrow at me. "Idate didn't tell you?" he said, lounging comfortably on the arm chair.

"Tell me…what?" I asked. I felt Sasuke's eyes on me still, and I had to use most of my willpower to suppress the blush that was forcing its way to my face.

"Sakura!" a voice came from behind me. I turned around and saw Idate jogging towards me. But he wasn't in his normal security guard uniform. He was as dressed up as Itachi and Sasuke, tie and all.

"You didn't tell her, Idate?" Itachi's voice came from behind us.

"You didn't tell me, Idate," I said, crossing my arms and looking up at him sternly, "What didn't you tell me?"

He scratched the back of his head nervously and smiled. "Anou…it was supposed to be a surprise," he explained, "There's a small dinner with a few of my friends before the dance…"

My jaw dropped open. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER IF HE HAD TOLD US THIS BEFORE WE BOUGHT THE REVELING DRESS!! Inner-Me yelled furiously.

"I-I-I was going to tell you yesterday," he said, waving his hands in front of him to defend his self when he saw my reaction, "B-B-But you and Hinata-san rushed up stairs when you came back, so I didn't have the time to tell you anything!"

"O-Oh…" I said, then smiled, "That's fine. But, you know it'll take me, like, forty-five minutes to get ready, right?"

"That's fine," Itachi cut in, "The reservations are for five-thirty, anyways." I looked up at the clock above the security desk. I was 4:00 already, so I had enough time. The dance starts at seven, so the pre-party shouldn't last that long… (I hope.)

"You guys don't mind waiting?" I asked, directing my question mostly towards Itachi and Idate.

"Not really." This time, it was Sasuke who spoke, but I didn't even spare him a glance, and kept my eyes on the clock as I nodded (Even though I knew he was still staring).

"Ok then," I said turning to Idate, "I'll be back, ne?"

He nodded as I patted his arm lightly and rushed towards the elevator. Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap… I kept on thinking, falling into a state of panic as I stepped in.

Idate AND Sasuke?! Hinata was right about the guys on our tail!

YOU'RE NOT HELPING!!

The elevator stopped and I rushed out, fumbling for my keys and opening the door. I slammed the door behind me and kicked off my shoes, rushing to the bathroom to take a shower. My dress hung neatly in my room with a pink-stoned necklace that Hinata-chan had given me last year for my birthday and matching earrings. As soon as I stepped out of the shower, I dried myself and lathered my skin in my trademark scent.

I put on a strapless bra and slipped on my dress. Since the zipper was on the side (Thank Kami-sama), I zipped it up and strapped my shoes on. I looked in my mirror and put some lip gloss (with extra gloss) on with a bit of blush, mascara and eye shadow. I didn't want to put too much make up on, or else I'd look more like a cheerleader. I poured some gel in my hands and ran it through my hair, ruffling it a bit to create small waves.

I stuffed my cell phone, my keys, and emergency lip gloss in my clutch and looked at myself in the full length mirror on the back of my door. Damn, we're hot… Inner-Me commented.

I rolled my eyes and looked at the partially dead alarm clock.

4:45…4:46

"Wow, they're going to kill me; I'm a minute late…" I mumbled sarcastically as I took one last look at myself. I sighed and headed out the door, slamming and locking the door behind me.

My palms were sweaty by the time I was downstairs. I took a deep, cleansing breath, let it out, and proceeded to the entrance.

But when I got to the desk, Idate and Itachi weren't there. There, sitting on one of the couches tensely was Sasuke.

Sasuke.

"Where's the other two?" I asked him as he looked up at me. He stood up almost recklessly and stared at me. I saw his eyes widen at my whole look, and felt them crawl up and down my body. I shivered at this. Then, he finally looked me in the eye. "In the limo," he answered, getting up.

"'Limo'?" I repeated, "You brought the limo?"

"Um, yeah," he said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

We stared at each other for a moment before he ripped his eyes from my whole being and walked pass me. His arm brushed my shoulder momentarily as he said, "Come on. You're boyfriend is waiting for you." His emphasis on the word 'boyfriend' was more than obvious.

I looked after him, and mentally groaned with annoyance and followed him out the doors and to the stretch limo outside waiting for the both of us.

Ugh…this is going to be one hell of a night…I thought.

Damn straight it is.


A/N: OWARI! (Well, the chapter, not the story…) MUWAHAHAHAA! I TOLD YOU THERE WOULD BE MAJOR SASUSAKU ACTION!! WOO HOO!! I HAD SO MUCH FUN WRITING THIS CHAPTER!! This has got to be the longest chapter I've written so far! I'm gonna make longer chapters, like this one, more often, because I don't wanna divide everything, because I've set a personal limit… :sticks out tongue: I mentioned this before, but I'm gonna say it again: I'm dedicating the next three or four chapters to the dance! There will be mucho, mucho SasuSaku-ness! Yay! I decided not to put that much ShikaIno, or ShikaTem, because I barely mention them in the story and it'll be just really….awkward. So the main couples are just going to be SasuSaku, NaruHina, and NejiTen (probably some KakashiXAnko or ItachiXOC as well, but I'm not sure yet…) A lot of people were asking for more SasuSaku, so I'm going to put a whole shitload more! Yes, you should love me. 8PChapter Preview!:

Chapter Thirteen: Jealous?
"Well then, if it's a fight she wants, then it's a fight she'll get…" - Uchiha Sasuke. (0-0)

REVIEW OR ELSE I'LL MAKE OROCHIMARU TORTURE YOU WITH GAY PORNO VIDEOS!! REVIEW!!

(Edited September 20, 2008)