Chapter Thirteen:

"Well, there are two good things," Ino says, holding up two fingers. She points to the first digit. "One, he didn't cancel on you for tonight. And two…" She points to the second finger. "At least you didn't throw up on him this time."

I sluggishly bring myself over to the fridge. I knew this would happen. I have an awful headache and I ended up skipping my first class, and it looked like I was skipping the second one, too. It was almost nine-thirty and there was no word from Sasuke about our dinner.

"One," I say, mimicking Ino, "He still has plenty of time to cancel on me, don't you worry. And two… I still threw up when I got home, so it doesn't really seem like such a win for me."

"Then why don't you text him or something? Ask him when he's coming to get you."

"I'd rather not. I think I want to wait and see if he texts me first. If not, I'll just take the hint…"

"You're so strange, Sakura. He kissed you. You asked him out to dinner. You meet him at some club at the edge of town, and he kissed you again. And yet after everything good that's happened, you somehow manage to find something wrong with it all."

"Yea, well… why was he at a club anyway? I don't want to be hanging around with a guy that likes to party at a place like that."

"Clubs can be fun as long as you know what you're doing. And no offense, billboard-brow, but you clearly had no idea what you were doing."

"This is why I don't like telling you things," I mumble, regretting giving her every single detail of last night. She always wants to know everything and I'm a sucker for giving up the goods.

"But when I know, I can help. If that's the kind of place he likes to go to, maybe you should offer to go somewhere like that on your date."

"That's an awful idea. I'm not going clubbing with my boss."

I can tell from her expression that she's getting annoyed with me. Angry, even…

"Why are you so pessimistic all the damn time? Can't you at least try to see the bright side of things? Especially things that you've got going for you. I mean, you're close to Sasuke Friggin' Uchiha. You end up marrying him and you're set for life. You'll never have to work and you'll be able to have anything you want. You just have to play the game."

How can she think like that? Does she think that way about Naruto? Is she with him for his money? Does she really care about him or is she only in love with the idea of her future with him on one arm and money on the other? I never thought of Ino as superficial before… but maybe she is…

"I'm not you, Ino. I didn't even know I was playing a game. I just… wanted to get to know him a little better. I thought… I thought he was different. But I guess money went to his head and he probably drinks all the time and has twenty girlfriends and smokes every five minutes and sleeps around and spends his money on everything and anything… and I bet I'm not even that important to him in his big, fancy world."

"I know I tell you all the time, but I think you're a little lacking in the confidence department."

"And I think you should learn how to be a bit more sensitive. Sure, you're great with guys and sex and all that, but maybe if you took a lesson in people skills you'd have more friends than exes and more exes than one-night stands. You know you're a slut, right? That's how everyone sees you, anyway."

Ino huffs in shock and I turn away as her jaw drops.

"I'm just trying to help and you throw it in my face. Maybe you're learning how to not care about people from your new fucked-up boyfriend."

"I don't even want to go to this dinner anymore."

"Then don't go." She shrugs. "Stay single for the rest of your life because you're fucking scared. I don't care."

"I wasn't asking if you cared."

She rolls her eyes and pulls out her phone. "I'm going to see Naruto. I'll be back when I feel like it. I'd tell you to go hang out with your other friends, but, you know… you don't have any."

And then she walks out the door, leaving me standing in the kitchen, feeling like total garbage. She didn't even slam it. She just closed it and I heard the click.

You were kind of mean…

Yea, well, so was she. It's not just my fault… Whatever. She'll be back later anyway. When she feels like making it up to me, she'll let me know. Until then, she'll just go fuck around with her boyfriend. Maybe he'll even get tired of her. Maybe Naruto will see her for the bitch that she is and dump her sorry ass, too. Maybe then she'll learn her lesson. She'll come crying back to me on all fours.

I realize that I'm crying and I get angry at myself. I hate this. I don't want to do this. I storm into the bedroom and unpack my backpack. I'm not going to class today. Fuck that. And I certainly don't want to go to dinner with Sasuke Fucking Uchiha.

I reach for my phone and send him a text.

"Can't make it tonight. Feel sick. Sorry"

I put it back down on the nightstand and leave it there. Then I go out into the living area and plop down on the couch. I turn on the television and avoid any channels that have Sasuke Uchiha on them and slowly fall asleep to the sound of cartoons and sobbing.

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I wake up and reach for my phone on the coffee table, but it's not there.

Ugh. What time is it? It feels like I slept through an entire day.

My headache isn't much better, either. I get up and find some aspirin and toss it down with some tap water. Then I head for the bedroom and grab my phone. I'm expecting a reply, so I'm not surprised when I have several messages from Sasuke. The first is:

"Feel better"

The second, which was about ten minutes later: "Are you sure?"

The third, about a half hour after that one: "Let me know"

And then there's a voicemail dated about an hour after the last text. He's been trying to get in touch with me… I listen to it.

"Sakura, of course you feel sick. You were drunk last night. Call me back when you get this. I would still like to talk to you, even if it's not over dinner."

I consider calling him back, but then I decide not to. I already told him I can't go, so I shouldn't have to tell him again over the phone. I put it back on the nightstand and head for the door. I'm just going to watch television all day and be a bum.

As if he heard my thoughts, my phone starts ringing and I walk over. He's calling me again… I hit ignore and take it with me to the couch. When the screen goes black, I unlock it. He didn't leave a message, but then a text pops up.

"Be at your dorm in 45 mins"

I sigh. What a pushy man. I get it. He's a super-rich, super-famous guy with lots of money, lots of girls, and plenty of things that of which I am not required. Maybe he just finds me interesting because I'm strange. I don't party, despite the fact that I've been drunk twice around him now. I don't do relationships, even though I've never had the opportunity to begin with. I have no money, and I'll have lots of loans to pay off once I graduate. I have no idea what I'm doing with my life. I'm probably some kind of irregularity in life that he's only heard about in scary stories when he was a child—poor people with no direction and an uncertain future ahead of them. I doubt he could ever understand me, even if he wanted to.

But I know what to do. I wait about a half hour, and then I grab my things and head out. Who knows? Maybe I'll even go to class just to avoid him. If not, I'll go get some food or something.

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"Where are you?"

"Are you all right?"

"I know you're not in class"

"Sakura, answer me"

And there are plenty more coming, I assume.

And how the fuck does he know I'm not in class?

I'm sitting in a small coffee shop not far from the dorms. I ordered a hot chocolate, and it's been a half hour, so I assume it's safe to drink my cocoa without the fear of burning my tongue. No doubt Sasuke got to the room and noticed that I was avoiding him. Maybe he was around town, looking for me. I wouldn't be surprised.

Why am I doing this? I don't even know what I'm doing. If he's looking for me, doesn't that mean he cares? Then why am I hiding from him? I want to see him. I can't deny that…

I sigh and take my cocoa with me as I head home. It's only a couple blocks. The best places to hide are places nearby. He would never suspect I was hiding right next to the dorm building.

I walk through the parking lot and up the stairs, through the double doors, up more stairs, and then walk down the hallway and unlock the door. I step inside and close it behind me. I go to the bedroom and drop my purse on the floor. I throw my keys on top, not feeling like putting them back inside. My phone vibrates and I pull it out of my pocket.

"Will you be at work tomorrow?"

I decide I need to answer that one, so I reply with "yes" and toss my phone onto the bed. But as soon as it hits the sheets, it rings. I pick it up and stare at his name. Sasuke Uchiha. I say it out loud a couple times and then frown. I let it go to voicemail and then throw it back onto the bed. It vibrates again and I roll my eyes. I can't help but look.

"I'm sorry"

Great. Now he feels bad.

And responding is too tempting, so I lay down on my bed and text him back.

"For what?"

"For whatever I did"

"That's vague"

"Can I have a hint?"

"Somewhere between grabbing my arm and calling a cab to take me home"

I don't know what I'm doing. I'm not even mad about those things, much less mad at him for anything. I'm just making trouble. And I know part of it is that I'm just looking for an excuse to text him a little longer. Maybe I regret not being here when he came over. Maybe I still want to go to that dinner. What the fuck is wrong with me?

Ino…

I know my mood has probably everything to do with her, but I don't want to think about her at all. This is about me making up for being an asshole to Sasuke… I think. I shove all thoughts of Ino aside and focus on what's happening right now.

"Are you back at your dorm?"

"Yes"

"May I come get you?"

"No" What am I doing?

"What aren't you at class?"

"Feel sick"

I check the time when he doesn't respond right away and I see that it's almost two. Maybe I am just being too self-conscious about everything. And maybe Ino was right… about some things. Maybe I should stop being such a downer and just… try. I pick up my phone again.

"I'm sorry. I was a brat. I'm better now"

"Dinner?"

"Give me an hour"

That was easier than I thought… I take a nice, long, steaming hot shower and then dedicate a few minutes to drying it. I throw on some basic mascara and a light blush and then brush my teeth. I hope I still don't smell like vodka and whatever else Lee had me drinking. I put on deodorant and spray a little perfume from Ino's "Sex and the City" collection. I'm technically still mad at her, so I use that as an excuse to use her things without permission.

And then I hear a knock on the door. I'm wearing my best jeans, my only sneakers, and a simple, dark blue V-neck, long sleeve shirt. I throw in some simple crystal studs before walking to the door. I swing it open and force a small smile.

"Sorry." It's the first thing I can come up with. And then I look him up and down, quickly, hoping he doesn't notice. He's in black slacks and a dark blue shirt as well. Inner Sakura gets giddy when she realizes that we match.

"Do you feel better?" he asks. His expression is stoic.

"Not really." I can't help but be honest. "Where are we going?" And then I cut myself off. "Shouldn't you be working now? It's Monday."

He raises an eyebrow at me.

"I called off my meetings for the day. It was easier than trying to find people and setting up payments and positions for only one day. You'll take care of the rescheduled appointments tomorrow morning."

"Sounds like fun." I roll my eyes and it hurts my head even more. "Where are we going?" I ask again.

"Any place you'd like to go?" I shake my head. "I can take you to my apartment. It's one town over from the city. They have an excellent…" He trails off when he looks at what I'm wearing and I frown.

"We're not doing Subway again. You looked so confused."

He looks at me for a moment with an almost-annoyed expression, but then he smirks. "Good. I have food at my place."

Yes, yes, yes! I want to go to Sasuke's apartment! Let's goooooooooo!

Inner Sakura jumps in with flare and starts dancing on top of tables. I can't help but feel her excitement at the offer. I quickly nod to Sasuke and he nods once in reply.

He holds open the door for me and closes it when I step out into the hallway. He lets me lead until we get to the parking lot, and he places his hand on my back, just like last night. My body instantly remembers the kiss in the alleyway and Inner Sakura's dance turns into something a little more sensual… something with a little more hip movement. He opens the passenger door to his familiar black Explorer and I get in. He slowly closes it behind me and walks around. I silently wonder if the car ride will be awkward or normal… quiet or lively… And when I can't picture the lively scene in my head, I start to get nervous. I try and think of things to say, but everything I can come up with on the spot seems like a bit much for car-talk.

Yea, like why the fuck was he at a club last night? Does he always go to clubs? Was he trying to get some action… not that he would have to really try, but you know. Did he do anything there with any girls… other than me? In addition to me? Was he really like that? Did he like having girls all over him? Did he want that?

I stop myself. If I don't, I might start crying. If this is going to go anywhere—me and him—then I'll learn everything I need to know in time. I just hope it doesn't go too far and then…

And then you learn he's been cheating on you or he doesn't really like you or he only likes you because you're innocent and once he uses you he'll throw you away.

I frown at my inner voice and hope that the silence in the car doesn't last too long.

When Sasuke pulls out onto the road and neither of us has said anything, I can't help but say whatever comes to mind, just to break the silence anyway. I can't stand the only voice being the one in my head…

"So, do you like to go to clubs?"

Inner Sakura curses at me and my face turns beat red. Out of all the things I could say…

"I was there last night on business. I had a meeting."

Maybe there's a good explanation for everything after all…

"In a place like that?"

What the hell? That's like a place to do business to pick up prostitutes and buy drugs… Maybe even buying organs on the black market or something. No doubt he could afford something like that but… I hope that's not what he means…

"You'd be surprised how many requests I get to meet in 'places like that'."

"And you never stop to think that maybe they're… I don't know, trying to lure you into a trap?"

Like maybe a group of girls want to jump you in the middle of the dance floor… I wouldn't doubt it…

"That's why I don't tell them that I own it."

I pause. "Wait, what?"

"The building. The guards. I own them, and I have people rent out the first floor to have parties and such. Then when I have a client who wants to meet somewhere like that, I mildly suggest my buildings as a meeting place."

"That's why the guards stopped trying to throw me out when you told them to…"

"Mhm."

After another long pause, I realize that it would probably be best if I stop asking him questions. I don't want to put him on edge or anything. I do have plenty of other questions, but my mind's drawing a blank now.

"May I ask what happened this morning?"

I jump, not expecting him to try and start another conversation.

"My roommate and I got into a fight… She left. I… don't know where she is."

"She's with Naruto. I heard from him as well. We had plans this morning and he cancelled on me. He said she showed up at his place and she was upset, so I figured…"

"Yea, sorry."

"What did you fight about?"

You.

"Nothing."

"You don't want to talk about it?"

"I don't need to. I'm fine now."

Another long pause drifts by and I consider trying to talk to him. After all, wasn't that Ino's advice? If I'm going to at least try and make this work, I have to talk to Sasuke. I don't have to divulge all my secrets to him, but maybe I can start by trying to be a little personal, right?

Same goes for him, though…

"I told her about last night…" I say as we come to a red stop light. He looks over at me for a second to let me know he's listening, and then goes back to watching the road. "I thought… I thought you were mad at me and I was depressed, and she was trying to help me out of it, I guess. She started saying some weird stuff, though. She was talking about what she would do if she was in my shoes and I was trying to tell her that I can't do the things she does because… well, I said it was because our views are different, but she said it was because I was a coward, in so many words… I don't know. I got mad. I insulted her. She got offended and insulted me back. You know how it goes. Then she left to go see Naruto, I guess."

It's quiet for a bit before he responds.

"What did she tell you to do that you didn't like?"

"I think she just thinks that everyone can be like her."

"Meaning?"

"Confident and friendly and personable… I don't know. I think she doesn't get that she can accomplish all those things because she's so pretty, and everyone else… they can't because they would never get the same reaction without having blonde hair and blue eyes to back themselves up." I wait, but he doesn't reply to that. So I keep talking. "I just think our views are different, not just because of that, but in general, too. Like, she was saying how I really need to focus on getting along with you so that I can "secure my future" and all that." I have to stop to laugh at the idea. "I started to wonder if she was really that shallow… and I kind of put it into words and it made her upset. But she was the one who said it, so… I don't know… she just gets me so mad when she starts talking about how relationships are just games and playing hard-to-get and telling me to wear more makeup and use her clothes. I swear, sometimes she's just trying to turn me into another Ino. And I just want to be me…"

"Why didn't you tell her that?"

"She wouldn't understand. She thinks her ways are the only ways."

"You don't think she's just trying to help and the only way she knows how is by telling you what she would do?"

"Maybe… I just wish she could put herself in my shoes for once instead of expecting me to walk in hers to solve all my problems. It doesn't work like that."

"Hn."

I can't think of anything else to add on top of that. At least, nothing that I would want to say to Sasuke. So I'm not surprised when another period of silence follows. I'm not quite ready for it, yet, though, so I try a different topic.

"How far away is your place?"

"It's just an apartment. And shouldn't be more than twenty minutes from here. Have you been to Niteport?"

"Port? Is it on the shore?"

"No, it's just the name. I don't know the history of it."

"How long have you lived there?"

"I've rented the room for about five years now, but I only stay there when I need to. I have a house in Westborough. That's about a ten minute ride from where we were last night."

He said ride…

I slap Inner Sakura for being a whore and focus again.

"Why do you have the apartment if the house isn't even an hour away?"

"It's a luxury I can afford." Oh, right, I forgot you're fucking loaded… "It's actually closer to the office building, so I stay there if I don't feel like going all the way home after work."

"Do you… have a lot of houses?" I'm afraid to start talking about his life. What if he gets offended or thinks I'm only interested in his money?

"I spend most of my time in Westborough. I have another by the shore on the east coast and a condo further upstate. Whenever I need to travel, either out-of-country or somewhere else, I usually just get a hotel."

"Why can't we go to your house in Westborough?"

I can suddenly feel an awkward moment approaching and I notice his hands grip the steering wheel a little tighter. What did I say?

"I mean… not that I was asking to… I'm just saying that… if it's your house…" I trail off. Oh, god, I've done something wrong.

"Maybe another time," he says, and then I can tell the topic isn't up for discussion anymore. And I get the impression that he wanted to tell me that I probably won't get to see his house… ever.

We sit in the car for a whopping eighteen minutes and forty-two seconds without even a glimpse of small-talk between us before he pulls into a crowded parking lot. Crowded meaning lots of cars, not people. And other than the cars, I can't see anyone else around, not even walking on the sidewalks.

The area is suburban, but more urban than rural if you ask me. The buildings aren't on top of each other, but there isn't a lot of space between them, either. At east there are trees and fauna around instead of rock-lawns and fake potted trees along the sidewalks like the college campus.

I step out of the Explorer and look up. The apartment building isn't large and it doesn't stand out. The landscaping is nicely done and it looks like they keep up with it, but the white walls are a little stained and there isn't anything about it that would make me think someone like Sasuke Uchiha lives here.

Which is probably why he chose it. Duh.

He starts walking and I follow him. We go into a lobby after he swipes some kind of ID card or something and he heads for the elevator. There's a large counter in the small lobby, but no one seems to be working right now. I check my phone. It's almost four on a Monday. Why's no one working here?

"You coming?" Sasuke asks and I turn to find him holding the elevator door open, waiting. Sasuke's on my right, so I step inside and focus on staring at the wall to my left. When the door closes, my mind can't help but think about the times he's kissed me. I want him to do it again. Will he do it when we get to his room? Will I get a chance to look in his bedroom? To maybe… lay on his bed when he's not looking…

The door opens and I quickly step out, knowing that he's going to wait for me if I don't go first. Then he passes me anyway so he can lead me down the hall. I notice that on the entire floor, there are only two doors. One on each side of the hallway. They must be really big rooms…

He pulls out a key from his front pocket and unlocks the door. He opens it and stands in the hall, holding it for me. I step into the room and prepare to make some small talk about how lovely it is or how clean he's kept it.

"I need to make some phone calls. Wait in here."

And then he closes the door and leaves me inside. I blink a few times when I hear his footsteps get farther and farther away as he leaves me here.

What an ass… Leaving a girl all alone in his room and just walking away like that… without a word…

I perk up when I know what Inner Sakura is going to say before she says it.

Where's his bedroom?!