A/N: Did you know that you can't fold a paper more than 7 times? Like if you fold it in half and keep doing it. Lol, sorry, I just felt like letting you know. I figured that out in class, then fell asleep, woke up, remembered that, went to my next class and lather, rinse, repeat the whole thing. Yep. ANYWAYS, this story has taken a depressing turn, so in this chapter, I first planned more drama, but I want happy stuff now, so I kinda changed it. Hope it's good, please let me know, 'cause I have no idea.

Chapter 11-- Maybe I Should

"Okay, she's been working her ass off lately." Naruto stated.

"Who? Ino?" Sasuke was already confused.

"Noo!! Sakura-chan! You see, teme, she's trying to get her mind off you and stuff, so she works. She's not good at lying, either. All she does is work, sleep for a few hours, then works again! She practically lives in the hospital!"

"..."

"What? You don't care?"

"...I do, but.. She wants nothing to do with me, remember?"

"Well, that's too bad! I have a plan, and you have to help!"

"Tell me what it is, then."

"Okay, but keep quiet."

"Right, like I'm gonna go shout your perfect and top secret plan to the world."

"Shut up! People will hear you!!!"

Sasuke couldn't help but roll his eyes at this.

"Listen. Here's what we do: Kidnap Sakura, take her to your place, lock her up, and convince her to believe us!"

"Perfect plan, Naruto, I'm impressed."

"Really?"

"Hell no. That's retarded! Kidnap? Are you insane?"

"It's not like you have any better ideas."

"Fine, but we have to do this immediately."

"Okay, you go make your home female friendly, and I'll bring her. Prepare for the worst.

"-sigh- I will."

In seconds, they took off in opposite directions, each ready to complete their ''mission''.


Sasuke became a blur of black in the crowd, racing to his mansion.

'Okay, so first.. I'll clean up my clothes. Damn, I knew I should've done the laundry. Then... I guess I'll check for any videos that I never want her to see.'

At the last thought, he blushed a thousand shades of red, thinking about how some of the other nins in Oto got him into them.

Flashback

"Hey, Sasuke-sama! Check this out! Girl on girl! Pretty hot shit if you ask me! OH YEAH!!" shouted an aroused follower of Orochimaru

"I'll pass." Sasuke started to walk out of the room with the giant screen and the large group of men, happily staring with lust.

"Oh, come on! It'll be good for you! Every guy has to watch some porn at least once!" All the others started mumbling in agreement.

"Fine, just never bother me again about this."

Flashback over

Ever since that day, he'd occasionally buy a tape and go at it. He's a guy. What do you expect? Still, he was supposed to be above that sort of thing, and it would kill him if someone, especially Sakura, were to find them.

As soon as he got inside, he scooped up all the boxers and pants, shirts.. everything that blanketed the floor. At one point, he found an old tomato at the bottom. Once that was all in the wash or snuck away in his room, he tore out his collection of videos. But where would he hide them?

'She'll never find them here.'


"Hey Naruto. What are you doing here?" asked a very busy Sakura.

"Uhm, I was around and got hungry. You have anything to eat?" He lied.

Her eyes dulled for a second, as she remembered the night when Sasuke threw rocks at her window to come in and eat. He had said almost the exact same thing...

"No.. Sorry. There's no food here."

"Then come with me for lunch!" He tried to lure her out of the building. If he chased her in there, she probably knew the place like the back of her hand and would have a clear advantage. Outside was better.

"Weeellll.. I really need to keep working."

"Sakura-chaaaaannn!!! Pleeeeaaaseee!!!! I'll even pay!"

"Okay, but it has to be quick."

"Deal!" he chirped happily.

But as soon as he turned away from her and towards the door, an evil toothy grin appeared.

"So where did you want to eat?" he asked.

"Uhmmmm.. How about- MFMFMMREWMRRR!!!"

Naruto had pounced behind her and muffled her mouth with his hand. Immediately, he locked her in his arms and took off towards Sasuke's mansion.

"Ouch!!! Sakura-chan, please don't bite!"

"Then put me down!!! What the hell are you doing!?"

"I'm saving you!"

"From what!? Dirt on the sidewalk!?!? Where are we going!!??"

Naruto didn't reply. He just kept quiet and tried his best to hold her in his grasp.


"There. All done. Now, the dobe should be here in a few-"

BAM!!!

The door slammed open and Naruto tossed Sakura to Sasuke, who caught her quickly.

"Teme! Tie her up! Quick!!!"

"What!?" he knew if he did that, she'd kill him, no doubt.

The blonde hastily shut the door.

"Are all the exits closed?"

"Yeah. No getting out now."

"What are you doing!? Holding me hostage or something!!?? Let me go!"

Sasuke didn't resist and did as she said, which was to let her go.

"Sakura-chan, this is for your own good. We need to talk. All of us."

"No! Open the door! Now! Let me out!!" She was fuming and on the verge of tears. Sasuke couldn't watch her like this. He turned away.

"Please, Sakura-chan! Just listen and then we'll let you go!" Naruto tried to reason, and suprisingly, it was working.

"Well hurry up. I have to get back to work."

"No you don't! That's just it! You are killing yourself working overtime, then you sleep there, and not enough!"

"..."

Sakura knew Naruto was right, but had no clue what to do now.

"Sit, we'll talk it out. It'll be like the old days! Team 7 reunited! Come on, guys. We're best friends, right?"

Sakura and Sasuke both stared at the floor with uncertainty. Tension was building up, so they all sat on the floor in a triangle.

"Okay, Sakura-chan. For starters, Sasuke-teme didn't burn your house." She glanced at Sasuke, who was staring down at his feet, pain filling his eyes.

"Did you burn her house, Sasuke?"

"No." he said flatly, not looking up.

"Moving on, it was actually a riot. And, well, there was one person in it and, uhm.."

"What, Naruto? Who?"

"Ino was involved.."

"No! She would never!!"

"It's true, Sakura. She did it and blamed me.. just to have you back with them, not with me.."

He looked into her eyes. He almost looked like he would cry soon, his eyes were getting glossy and weren't lying.

"..." She sat, trying to figure out everything. Who could she trust? Who was telling the truth? She didn't know anymore. Her ability to believe and trust was wearing thin..

"Sakura, you have to believe me. I mean it. You know I would never try to hurt you. I.. I really love you." He was still looking at her, trying to hold back tears. Naruto just kept looking back and forth at them, waiting for someone to say something else.

"Did you say the same thing to Chiro?" she said, venom dripping in her words.

"You know, Sasuke, he still loves you! And you left him! Just like you did to me when you left! And you say you love me!? I.. I.."

Suddenly, she fainted and fell back. Both of them raced to her side, checking to see if she was breathing.

"She passed out. I doubt she's been eating much."

"Hn." Sasuke combed her hair, missing it between his fingers.

"You have a room for her? I don't think she'd really be too happy to sleep with you.."

Sasuke sighed and slapped his forehead.

"Teme, you forgot!?"

"It slipped my mind, I was taking care of other things.."

"Now what?"

"I'll just put her in my room for now. While she's sleeping, I can fix up a guest room for her. You go in the kitchen and make her some food. No Ramen."

"Tch! Fine. Hmph!" Naruto acted all immature and stomped off into the kitchen to find something to make.

Sasuke lifted Sakura slowly and tiptoed to his room, with her bridal-style in his arms. He carefully placed her on top of the thick covers and draped a soft blanket over her. He smiled weakly at her and rubbed her cheek before leaving the room and shutting the door.

"Naruto, did you find something to make?"

"Yeah! Plenty! I'm making a chicken salad and rice! Delicious! Hinata-chan showed me how. You'll like it a lot."

"Good. I'm going to get her room ready."

"Hey teme?"

"What?"

"It'll get better."

"Thanks."


'Ugh.. So hungry.. Huh? Where..Where am I? Oh, that's right. I passed out.. This must be Sasuke's room. Mhmm.. Smells just like him..' She swung her legs out of the bed and quietly snuck out and towards the kitchen. Something was cooking, and she wanted it.

"Oh, hi Sakura-chan! I told you sleeping at work was no good! You passed out! Poor Sasuke almost had a heart attack!"

"Good." she muttered bitterly.

Naruto frowned but pretended not to hear her and finished making the three dishes for them.

"Teme!! Food's ready and Sakura-chan's up!" He yelled out into the hallway.

"I'm here." Sasuke grumbled and sat a few seats across and away from Sakura. She needed her space.

"Eat up! It won't kill you, I promise!" Naruto laughed, then sat down as well to eat.

"..."

"..."

"You know, you two remind me of little kids who ignore each other and pout when they're mad."

The two said "little kids" glared equally at the blabbing idiot.

"See!?" he whined.

They ate in silence, everyone occasionally stealing glances at each other.


After they all ate, Sakura had more color in her skin and was looking less dead, but still pissed off.

"Your room is over down the hall. Fifth door on the left." Sasuke instructed

She didn't say anything, just started to walk to her temporary room. She was starting to cry, and did a good job hiding it. Sasuke was just too aware of everything to not notice. He snatched her arm and turned her around. He snapped his neck to the side to make sure Naruto wasn't looking, just cleaning dishes.

"Stop it. Just stop crying, please. Hate me all you want, go ahead. Just please don't cry.. I don't like seeing you like this." He whispered.

She looked at him wide-eyed.

"If it really makes you suffer, maybe you'll understand how you've made me feel all these years, Sasuke." her voice was shaky.

"I understand.. Look, I know you've been hurt. I get it. I'm suffering, alright? If you stop crying, I'll.. I'll stop eating tomatoes. Okay?"

She furrowed her brows and searched his face for some sort of hint that he wasn't serious. But no luck. He was dead serious.

"Please, Sakura. I will stop eating them. I promise." he really was desperate. Her crying tore him apart. This was worth it.

"Okay." They even shook on it.

She spun around on her heel and headed to her room again. Once she locked herself in, Naruto spoke up from the kitchen.

"What was that all about? You couldn't last 2 days without a tomato!"

"That's what Kruu told me when I let them all know I was going to quit the drugs. I did it for her."

Naruto smiled at him, happy to hear how much he really was willing to give up for her.

'If only Sakura could hear him saying this now..'

But she was sleeping in the queen-sized bed suited for royalty. She was still tired from not sleeping enough in a long time.


Naruto had left soon after and went home. Sasuke was just wandering through the hallways, casting shadows along the walls and doors. He couldn't stand not knowing what she was doing and decided to peak inside her room.

Of course she had locked the door, but he had the keys to the house. All guest rooms, all 37 of them, had the same lock. He had the key.

Cautiously, he slipped the door open and peered inside. There she was, or so he guessed. There were so many thick sheets and covers piled up that you could barely tell if there was someone there. He looked harder and saw a bit of pink sticking out some. She was there. But just to make sure..

he crept into the room and hovered over the bed and softly touched the hair with his fingers. Silky to the touch, it had to be her. She was there. Taking a deep breath, he walked out, not making a sound as he closed and locked the door.


Morning poked through the night awaking the girl slumbering in her mountain of sheets. Still half-asleep, she took a scolding hot shower. By the time she was clean, she realized she had no clothes.

'Just like the last time I was here.. I'm in no way going to wear his clothes again!'

The olive green towel clung to her body as she made her way out of the bathroom. Her clothes were smelling pretty funky from wearing them a few days already. So, her only option was to get him to get her something to wear...

He was already awake and sitting on the couch munching on some cereal and watching t.v. She stood in the hall, dripping a little. He didn't notice her since he was paying attention to the news. She cleared her throat and he looked her way in suprise.

"I need clothes."

"I see that." He looked her over and fought down the urge to rip off the towel and shag her.

"Sooo.. Can you get me some?" She said it slowly since he wasn't exactly catching on.

"Oh, yeah. But.." he felt his cheeks heat up.

"What?"

"You need underwear and a bra, too. Right?" His face was burning now.

"I.. Yeah.." Her cheeks began to match her hair.

"I don't think I have that sort of thing..."

"I would hope not. I'll call Hinata."

"The phone's here." Right next to him on the coffee table was a black phone. He grabbed it and held it up for her to come get it. Lazy ass..

She scurried to him, careful not to drop the towel. They were a few inches apart and the water in her hair dripped on his leg, sending chills through his body. He was only in his boxers and a fitted grey shirt. Don't worry, she was fully aware of his outfit.

As soon as she grabbed the phone, she backed up a few feet and got Hinata on the phone. She already knew what was going on rushed over with some clothes she picked up. Then she asked a dreadful question...

"Sakura-chan, I'm in the store. What bra size are you?"

The phone speaker was loud enough for Sasuke to catch the words. He snorted.

She glared at him and burst into another blush. The 2nd annual blushathon was up and running now..

"Uhm.. Well, I.."

"Please hurry, Sakura-chan. I really need to get moving."

"Eh.. I'm, -sigh- 38C.."

Sasuke tried his best to hold back a blush. He just took witness in something a girl rarely tells a guy. Her bra size.

She quickly hung up the phone and dashed back into the bathroom, embarressment written all over her face.

'That's too small...' She complained in her mind. She knew she was a size or two bigger, but for some reason just blurted that out.


Fortunately, Hinata knew this.

'Sakura couldn't possibly be that size. I'll just get a few sizes bigger.'

By the time she reached the Uchiha mansion, Sasuke was still in just boxers and his shirt.

"Just like Naruto.. Not a care for who sees you in your underwear." He smirked at her as she walked in.

"They're boxers." he corrected her.

"Whatever. Where is she?" The large bag of clothing held enough for a week. Only, Sakura thought she'd be out in an hour or so.

Sasuke pointed to the bathroom and Hinata went in with the bag and greeted her.

"Ah! Thank goodness you're here! Hey, why do you have such a large bag?"

"Oh, this? Well, you're gonna be here a while, so I figured-"

"Wait, stop. What!? I was going to leave after I changed."

"Then what, Sakura? You have no place to live! We can't let you go. We all know you'll just go back to work and ruin your life.."

"..."

"Just stay here for now. Sasuke will take care of you. Naruto-kun and I will check in often to see if you're okay. I have to go back to work at the restaurant. Naruto-kun talked it over with Sasuke and agreed to come to dinner tonight. So be ready by 7. See you!"

Before Sakura could protest, Hinata ran out the door and left the mansion.

"Ugggghh!!"

Sasuke heard her fuming and chuckled. Seeing her cry bothered him. Seeing her pissed off? Hilarious.


Sakura crept around the mansion, figuring that since she'd be staying there awhile, she might as well explore it all.

Left around the corner, straight through 2 hallways, up 1 staircase, right around the 3rd corner, straight up 2 more floors of stairs, left one, right 2, wait...

"Where am I!?"

She swiveled around the hallway, looking for anything that would help her out. She ran through a couple rooms, looking for a staircase, but soon became tired and entered what seemed to be a study.

Her hands slid along the packed book shelves and she stooped down to see a loose floor board. She lifted the plank to see a brown paper bag that seemed to have books or something in it. Curious, she lifted up the bag and peaked inside. All she saw were hot pink rectangles.

After a few seconds of staring, she pulled one out to see it was a video tape box. Her face paled when she read the title of the movie... Icha Icha Midnight Fun...


"Sakura? You ready? It's almost 7 and-"

He looked in her room, but she wasn't there. He stalked through all the rooms and never found her.

"Crap! What are the odds of her finding her way up there!?"

He ranted curses and flew up to his secret study. Sure enough, there on the floor, was Sakura, laughing her ass off and holding the dreaded videos..

"Pfft, what's with the videos? Ha, whhoo!! I can barely breathe!"

He snatched the videos and the bag and threw them across the room frantically.

"Heh, your little secret's safe. I really don't care. Hinata's probably waiting so-"

"I have another deal for you."

"What?"

"First I promised to not eat tomatoes if you promised not to cry. Now, I have another offer."

"Uhm, okay?"

"-sigh- Well, are you really mad at me?"

"I don't know.. I just don't feel too comfortable with you right now.. Like, it's weird. I don't blame you, but I really have to figure out what I want.. So, I'm not really mad at you, I just want to start over. I'm still shocked that Ino had something to do with my house fire.."

"Forget about the new deal, then.."

"Tell me, I want to know."

"I was thinking.. never mind. Come on, let's go."

He left the room as fast as he could. He needed to talk to Naruto.


"Sakura-chan! Sasuke-teme! Here! We got a table, come sit!" Naruto called across from the outdoor restaurant.

"Naruto, this is really cool. It's nice and breezy, too." Sakura looked around, enjoying the open space acquired from sitting outside.

Hinata came right behind them.

"Ah, sorry I'm late!" She bowed in apology.

"No problem, Hinata-chan! Oh! Sit next to me!" Naruto gestured to the chair next to him and tried to look seductive by moving his eyebrows up and down. She blushed and sat next to him and pecked him on the lips.

Sakura smiled at the couple, happy at how in love they were.

"You guys are so cute!" She almost squealed.

Sasuke smirked at Naruto across the table, indicating he too, was happy with his choice.

Their waiter came around and brought their drinks and took their orders for food. Sasuke ordered shrimp pasta, Hinata ordered a basket of chicken wings for her to share with Naruto. She was trying to get him to eat things other than ramen. Sakura ordered a bowl of black bean soup.

Sasuke secretly signaled to Naruto that he needed to talk. Both of them excused themselves casually and headed to the side of the building.

"What, teme? I'm hungry!" Naruto whined.

"I'm gonna change."

"Change what? Your pants?"

"No. Me. Think about it for a minute. The only reason the others were practically attacking me was because I was all goth. If I just change that, I can be with Sakura and everyone in this damn village will just leave us alone."

"Sasuke, you know just as well as I do it won't be that easy. That means losing your piercings, clothes, friends.."

"I think my friends will be okay with it. They liked Sakura and she's the complete opposite of me."

"I guess you're stuck on this idea.. So, I don't know. Give it a try, but be careful, man."

"I will. Hey, why do you have that look on your face? Stop it! What!?"

"Sasuke's really in love!"

"Shut up!"

"Plus, it's gonna be funny to see all those holes everywhere! I'm gonna take pictures!"


Meanwhile with the girls..

"Hinata, do you think Sasuke really cares about me? Or is he just trying to get some action?"

"I was actually talking with Naruto-kun about that. We think he really cares for you."

Sakura placed her hand on her stomach, feeling the bird on the chain.

"Yeah, still.."

"You don't like him anymore?"

"I'm not sure.. I mean, this has nothing to do with my house, but I feel weird about Chiro. I just don't want to end up like him. When Sasuke kissed me, I was so happy! I thought it was like heaven. He didn't rush me or force me into anything. We even went to his place and were making out on the sofa."

"Lord, you guys didn't.. you know.."

"No! That's the best part! When he started kissing me, he was being playful and just trying to make me laugh. I never saw him act like that before.. so affectionate. And, at first, I was scared he'd try to get me in bed. But something told me he wouldn't. Like he knew I wasn't ready yet. It was great."

"That sounds like Naruto-kun. Except, I don't think he's ready, either. He is very kind and kisses me a lot, but never tries to move it up a level. I'm grateful, because I'm not too ready to do it, either."

They both smiled at each other until Sakura spoke again.

"But, my problem is, I just don't know if I'm ready to pull my barrier down. I met with Chiro once, and he was talking about Sasuke.. It's just scary to think that could happen to me."

"Don't worry, time will take care of things. So, maybe you should at least let him in as a friend. Find out for yourself if he really cares. I have a hunch he does."

Just then, the two guys made their way back to the as the waiter placed their food down.

"Yummy! This chicken rocks!" Naruto cheered, his mouth crammed full of the bird wings.

"So is this soup!" Hinata nodded her head at her, encouraging Sakura to ask 'someone' a question.

"Sasuke, would you like to try some?" Naruto stopped half chew to freeze and look at Sasuke.

"Hn." He shrugged a shoulder.

"Here, open up!" She brought her spoon close to his mouth as he opened up a little.

"Is it good?" She asked him

"Yeah, it is." He continued to eat his food, then dared to ask her the same. He wrapped the pasta onto is fork with a shrimp and brought it to her face. After a second of staring it down, she understood what he was offering, and she opened her mouth to accept the seafood noodles.

"Thanks, it's really tasty." He grinned at her, glanced at the couple in front of him who were smiling, then continued to munch on his pasta again.


A/N: Soooo... this is just too funny to me. I first planned to have only 5 chapters, then 10, now I'm aiming at 15!!! I'm crazy, but that's better than boring, no? Please review!! I'll probably post the next chapter tomorrow. Thanks if u reviewed! if u don't, shame on u!!!

--frumpyrox